The servitude of guilt I will disclaim;

And, if eternal mercy deign to spare

The forfeit life she rescued from despair,

'Tis mine to watch my country's hapless cause,

And with fix'd soul defend her injured laws.

Hear, Stenon, hear! from heaven's bright arch bend down

The sapphire glories of thy radiant crown,

Accept th' atonement with propitious brow,

And thro' the courts of heaven proclaim my vow!"

Thus spoke Ernestus, and in silence sought

The council hall, involved in careful thought.

These occupied a more distinguished seat;

A chosen train the monarch's list complete.

There unsubmitting Brask's proud genius shone,

There Bernheim's might, in many a contest known;

[Pg 22]

There Theodore: a bold ungovern'd soul,

Rapacious, fell, and fearless of control:

A harlot's favour rais'd him from the dust,

To rise the pander of tyrannic lust:

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