And, from the bosom of the wilderness,

There leapt a spirit and a power to cast

The weight of bondage down—and bright and fast,

As the clear waters, joyously and free,

Burst from the desert rock, it rush’d at last,

Through the far valleys; till the patriot three

Thus with their brethren stood, beside the Forest-Sea.[235]

XXIV.

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

In the dread presence of attesting Heaven,