XXIV.

They link’d their hands, they pledged their stainless faith

In the dread presence of attesting Heaven,

They bound their hearts to suffering and to death,

With the severe and solemn transport given

To bless such vows. How nobly man had striven,

How man might strive, and vainly strive, they knew,

And call’d upon their God, whose arm had riven

The crest of many a tyrant, since He blew

The foaming sea-wave on, and Egypt’s might o’erthrew.