The new one on the lecturn lies,

Its leaves the turning hand await;

Those fresh unopen’d leaves comprise

Th’ unread, but written words of Fate.

O God! what are they? if they be

The bloody words of ruffian war,

Grant us success!—but rather far

Avert the scourge of victory!

Too dear the price! Ah! human forms

Of guardian husbands, cherish’d sons