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.
Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part I. - Vi - Persecution
William Wordsworth
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Poem topics: faith, friend, god, heart, home, nature, shield, forsake, field, rise, busy, instinct, ethereal, sword, weapon, Print This Poem , Rhyme Scheme
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