Bold wave the jjlumes, and bright the banners gleam,
As thoui;h they basked in victoi-y's golden beam.
173

Seized, with a panic, see yon trembling crowd,
Aghast with fear, begin to murmur loud;
Ungrateful, they forget the potent rod,
And chide their prophet and reproach their God.
Away, sad doubts ! rebellious discord hence !
Follow your guide, and trust Omnipotence !
Stand still in faith, let every murmnr cease.
The Lord shall fight, and ye shall hold your peace ;
The foes whose sight to-day have galled you sore,
murmuring Hebrews, ye shall see no more.
And now, behold another scene appear.
Whilst Egypt's hosts press close on Israel's rear,
The cloudy pillar veers, as with the wind.
And occupies a station just behind ;
On Israel's footsteps throws a brilliant light,
But wraps the Egyptians in the gloom of night !

Now near the deep the prophet takes his stand,
And stretches forth his rod at God's command,
When, lo ! obedient to heaven's high decree,
" Wave parts from wave, and sea rolls back from sea 1"
An east wind blows, and with its arid sweep
Dries up the bottom of the hoary deep.
And now the crystal waves of ocean stand.
Like solid rock, upreared on either hand ;
Directed by the pillar's lucid ray,
The hosts of Israel tread the sea-cleft way ;
The women, children, bleating flocks and kine,
AU safely pass along the deep ravine.
Unawed by signs, untaught by judgments too,
Pharoah with hardened heart still cries — " Pursue."



174

Fearless, his warriors rush and spurn the shore.
