Classic Poem

God's trying fury kindles bright,
Ev'n of its own accord;
'Gainst me, whose heart and cause is right,
He waves his glitt'ring sword.

Fierce troops and regimented woes
In battle-rank, I see,
Do by his order me enclose,
And fiercely rush on me.

Brethern and kindred knit their brows,
And treat me as unknown;
Break nature's bonds, renounce their vows,
And their own blood disown.

Familiar friends and kins-folk too,
Who kindly me embrac'd,
Have fail'd me, and forget me now,
And all their friendship past.

Disdainful striplings me despise,
Who honour'd me before;
Yea, those I once did chiefly prize
Now chiefly me abhor.

Just Lord, from their reproaches please
To vindicate my name,
And mercifully cover these
Perfidious friends with shame.