DANISH CONQUESTS

Woe to the Crown that doth the Cowl obey!

Dissension, checkingarms that would restrain

The incessant Rovers of the northern main,

Helps to restore and spread a Pagan sway:

But Gospel-truth is potent to allay

Fierceness and rage; and soon the cruel Dane

Feels, through the influence of her gentle reign,

His native superstitions melt away.

Thus, often, when thick gloom the east o'ershrouds,

The full-orbed Moon, slow-climbing, doth appear

Silently to consume the heavy clouds;

How no one can resolve; but every eye

Around her sees, while air is hushed, a clear

And widening circuit of ethereal sky.