II.

A soul flamed forth like a titanic brand, Or fiery meteor through the murky sky, Thrilled by electric arrows from on high; And by swift wings of unseen seraphs fanned The baleful clouds dispersed, as though a hand Omnipotent had swept the firmament And from its face the darkening veil had rent. Vague shapes of fear, as by enchanter’s wand, Were changed to forms substantial, and arose The Nation’s foes, implacable and fierce. The canting knave, who chapter gave and verse To justify the trade in human woes, Slunk with his broad phylacteries away, And strong men armed them for the deadly fray.