1823
But God shook his sceptre, and thunder’d appalling,
While winds swept the branches with turbulent sigh;
Then trembled the host, but they heeded his calling,
And bore the sweet maiden, yet praying, on high.
“Ah, we had a sister on earthly dominions!”
All sung, as thro’ heaven they joyously trod,
And bore, with flush’d faces, and fluttering pinions,
The yet-praying maid to the throne of her God.
1835
Then frown’d the dread father; his thunders appalling
To rattle began, and his whirlwinds to roar;
Then trembled the host, but they heeded his calling,
And Chloe up-snatching, to heaven they soar.
O we had a sister on earthly dominions!
They sang as through heaven triumphant they stray’d,
And bore with flush’d faces and fluttering pinions
To God’s throne of brightness the yet praying maid.
P. 437.
Sea-Song. [King Christian stood beside the mast]
In 1826 and 1835 the title was changed to National Song.
Borrow published no less than four versions of this National Song:
1. In The Monthly Magazine, 1823, p. 437,
2. In Romantic Ballads, 1826, pp. 146–148,