GENERAL VIEW OF THE TROUBLES OF THE REFORMATION

Aid, glorious Martyrs, from your fields of light,

Our mortal ken! Inspire a perfect trust

( While we look round ) that Heaven's decrees are just:

Which few can hold committed to a fight

That shows, ev'n on its better side, the might

Of proud Self-will, Rapacity, and Lust,

‘ Mid clouds enveloped of polemic dust,

Which showers of blood seem rather to incite

Than to allay. Anathemas are hurled

From both sides; veteran thunders ( the brute test

Of truth ) are met by fulminations new —

Tartarean flags are caught at, and unfurled —

Friends strike at friends — the flying shall pursue —

And Victory sickens, ignorant where to rest!