Classic Poem

Full often the barbarian host,
May Israel urge with truth,
Arose in arms against our coast,
To this my stablish'd reign from early youth.

Yea, many a time from youth till now
They have our coast assail'd;
But through our valour and our vow
They have not yet with all their force prevail'd.

With ploughs to mark their camp they came
As on our fields they throng'd,
And harrow'd up my vital frame
While their insulting furrows they prolong'd.

But God from fear his own exempts
Whatever foe invade,
To quell both violent attempts,
And foil the schemes of secret ambuscade.

Let their embattl'd lines be broke
And turn'd to flight with shame,
Whoe'er their idols aid invoke
Against fair Zion's fortitude and fame.

Make all the snares which they have plann'd,
Like grass upon the wall,
Which fades without the gath'rer's hand,
Of none effect, or benefit at all.

From whence the garner has no gain,
Nor damsel garland weaves,
Nor can there any thing remain
For him that whets the scythes or binds the sheaves.

So that the passenger beholds
No heaps to make him bless;
The Lord increase your lands and folds,
We wish you for the sake of Christ success.