II

If there be prophets on whose spirits rest

Past things, revealed like future, they can tell

What Powers, presiding o'er the sacred well

Of Christian Faith, this savage Island blessed

With its first bounty. Wandering through the west,

Did holy Paula while in Britain dwell,

And call the Fountain forth by miracle,

And with dread signs the nascent Stream invest?

Or He, whose bonds dropped off, whose prison doors

Flew open, by an Angel's voice unbarred?

Or some of humbler name, to these wild shores

Storm-driven; who, having seen the cup of woe

Pass from their Master, sojourned here to guard

The precious Current they had taught to flow?