Benevolent Charity! angel-born maid!
Whom gods with the cestus of pity array'd;
Behold the assemblage met on this day,
To celebrate Mercy's victorious sway.

CHORUS.

Then Britons in chorus our festival join,
For the cause of Humanity's surely divine.

What merited honour attends on the man
Who first introduced the glorious plan! —
To echo the virtues what numbers have cause,
Of ever-respected benevolent Hawes?

CHORUS.

Then Britons in chorus, &c.

Behold how your skill has the power to save,
And snatch from Eternity, Death, and the Grave;
These mortals restor'd, and made happy indeed;
Since they by your care, from Destruction are freed!

CHORUS.

Then Britons in chorus, &c.

The once wretched suicide, Charity, see
Reclaim'd, and now offering blessings to thee:
View Gratitude's tear that illumines his eyes,
As his pray'rs are impeded by penitent sighs.

chorus.

Then Britons in chorus, &c.

And view the brave tar, who ne'er knew a fear,
Humanity's shrine bedews with a tear;
Tho' fell from his hold, and panting for breathe,
Humanity rescu'd the Briton from death.

CHORUS.

Then Britons in chorus, &c.

The blessings of thousands eternally wait
On those who preserv'd them from merciless Fate;
E'en children with parents in gratitude vies,
And orisons daily extend to the skies.

CHORUS

Then Britons in chorus, &c.

Like the ocean, then Britons, that bears no controul,
Your efforts extend to the farthermost pole;
O'er seas and the earth Humanity spread,
And ill-fated victims snatch from the dead.

CHORUS.

Then Britons in chorus our festival join,
For the cause of Humanity's surely divine.