First Spirit. <br />Hear, Alfred, father of the state, <br />Thy genius Heaven's high will declare! <br />What proves the hero truly great, <br />Is never, never to despair: <br />Is never to despair. <br /> <br />Second Spirit. <br />Thy hope awake, thy heart expand, <br />With all its vigour, all its fires. <br />Arise! and save a sinking land! <br />Thy country calls, and heaven inspires. <br /> <br />Both Spirits. <br />Earth calls, and Heaven inspires.<br /><br />James Thomson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/songs-in-the-masque-of-alfred-to-alfred/
