[Pg 16]

When thrice seven rolling years matured his age,

And call'd him forth to life's eventful stage.

'Twas now the time, when all the northern land

Was sinking under Christiern's ruthless hand;

When patriotism from Sweden's hills sublime

With tearful eyes o'erlook'd the subject clime,

And saw where Stenon and a matchless few,

To her bright race unalterably true,

Regardless of the thunders launch'd by Rome,

Self-titled arbitress of future doom,

O'er a waste realm her shatter'd flag unfurl'd,

Conspicuous to the whole applauding world.

Ernestus' sire in Sweden's state before

High eminence and ample influence bore;

And public hope call'd forth the willing youth

To join the cause of liberty and truth;

Yet here his wary diffidence look'd round

For due support—but no support was found,

[Pg 17]

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