WHY rage the heathen? wherefore swell The people with vain thoughts? why meet Their kings in counsel to rebel 'Gainst God and Christ, trampling His sweet But broken bonds under their feet? Alas! the glorious God that hath His throne in heaven, derides the unsound Plots of weak mortals: in His wrath Thus shall He speak: "Myself have crown'd The monarch of my holy ground." I will declare what God hath told: "Thou art My Son; this happy day Did Thy incarnate birth unfold: Ask, and the heathen shall obey, With the remotest earth, Thy sway." Thy rod of iron shall, if kings rise Against Thee, bruise them into dust, Like pots of clay: therefore be wise, Ye Princes, and learn judgments just; Serve God with fear; tremble, yet trust. Kiss and do homage to the Son, Lest His displeasure ruin bring: For if that fire be but begun, Then happy those that themselves fling Under the shelter of His wing. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CINQUAIN: NOVEMBER NIGHT by ADELAIDE CRAPSEY LOVE IN THE VALLEY (VERSION A) by GEORGE MEREDITH THE TENT ON THE BEACH: 8. THE CABLE HYMN by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER THE MORAL FABLES: THE TRIAL OF THE FOX by AESOP BY WAY OF EXPLANATION by VIRGINIA A. ALLIN |