February 1816
Oh, for a kindling touch from that pure flame
Which ministered, erewhile, to a sacrifice
Of gratitude, beneath Italian skies,
In words like these: ‘Up, Voice of song! proclaim
‘Thy saintly rapture with celestial aim:
‘For lo! the Imperial City stands released
‘From bondage threatened by the embattled East,
‘And Christendom respires; from guilt and shame
‘Redeemed, from miserable fear set free
‘By one day’s feat, one mighty victory.
‘Chant the Deliverer’s praise in every tongue!
‘The cross shall spread, the crescent hath waxed dim;
‘He conquering, as in joyful Heaven is sung,
‘HE CONQUERING THROUGH GOD, AND GOD BY HIM.’