PERSECUTION

Lament! for Diocletian's fiery sword

Works busy as the lightning; but instinct

With malice ne'er to deadliest weapon linked,

Which God's ethereal store-houses afford:

Against the Followers of the incarnate Lord

It rages;— some are smitten in the field —

Some pierced to the heart through the ineffectual shield

Of sacred home;— with pomp are others gored

And dreadful respite. Thus was Alban tried,

England's first Martyr, whom no threats could shake;

Self-offered victim, for his friend he died,

And for the faith; nor shall his name forsake

That Hill, whose flowery platform seems to rise

By Nature decked for holiest sacrifice.