Rich in the gems of India's gaudy zone, And plunder pil'd from kingdoms not their own, The heart-born anguish of a thousand cries; Could lock, with impious hands, their teeming store, 565 Could mock the groans of fellow-men, and bear Could stamp disgrace on man's polluted name, And barter, with their gold, eternal shame! But hark! as bow'd to earth the Bramin kneels, From heav'nly climes propitious thunder peals! Of India's fate her guardian spirits tell, Prophetic murmurs breathing on the shell, 570 And solemn sounds, that awe the list ning mind, Roll on the azure paths of ev'ry wind. "Foes of mankind! (her guardian spirits say) Revolving ages bring the bitter day, When Heav'n's unerring arm shall fall on you, And blood for blood these Indian plains bedew ; Nine times hath suffering Mercy spar'd in vain- 575 580 585 Heaven's fiery horse, beneath his warrior form, Paws the light clouds, and gallops on the storm! 590 Wide waves his flickering sword, his bright arms glow Like summer suns, and light the world below! Earth, and her trembling isles in Ocean's bed Are shook, and Nature rocks beneath his tread ! To pour redress on India's injur'd realm, The oppressor to dethrone, the proud to whelm ; And Camdeo bright, and Ganesa sublime, Shall bless with joy their own propitious clime 595 600 |