It penetrates the dungeon’s massive walls,
And pours in floods of such celestial rays,
That they in chains sing joyous notes of praise;
Makes dismal dens and caverns to resound
With strains melodious; writes most precious words
On all around, to stay the sinking soul
When danger threatens; shuts the lion’s mouth,
Subdues the raging fire, and lends a charm
E’en to the martyr’s fagot and his stake.
A soothing cordial to disease it brings—