ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS
VII. PERSECUTION OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANTERS
ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS
WHEN Alpine Vales threw forth a suppliant cry, The Majesty of England interposed And the sword stopped; the bleeding wounds were closed; And Faith preserved her ancient purity. How little boots that precedent of good, Scorned or forgotten, Thou canst testify, For England’s shame, O Sister Realm! from wood, Mountain, and moor, and crowded street, where lie The headless martyrs of the Covenant, Slain by Compatriot-protestants that draw 10 From councils senseless as intolerant Their warrant. Bodies fall by wild sword-law; But who would force the Soul, tilts with a straw Against a Champion cased in adamant.