ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS

IN SERIES, 1821-22.

X. STRUGGLE OF THE BRITONS AGAINST THE BARBARIANS

          RISE!--they 'have' risen: of brave Aneurin ask
          How they have scourged old foes, perfidious friends:
          The Spirit of Caractacus descends
          Upon the Patriots, animates their task;--
          Amazement runs before the towering casque
          Of Arthur, bearing through the stormy field
          The virgin sculptured on his Christian shield:--
          Stretched in the sunny light of victory bask
          The Host that followed Urien as he strode
          O'er heaps of slain;--from Cambrian wood and moss           10
          Druids descend, auxiliars of the Cross;
          Bards, nursed on blue Plinlimmon's still abode,
          Rush on the fight, to harps preferring swords,
          And everlasting deeds to burning words!