Full oft (may Israel say) invet'rate foes

Verse 1

Full oft (may Israel say) invet'rate foes, E'en from our infant-state, have causeless rose;

Verse 2

Full oft our peace, our lives, have they assail'd; But never yet their villain-schemes prevail'd:

Verse 3

Oft heavy burthens on our backs they've laid; And with their barb'rous cruelties dismay'd.

Verse 4

But heav'n is ever just--our bonds he broke, And freed his people from the galling yoke.

Verse 5

May sure confusion and vain hopes await The impious nations that our Sion hate:

Verse 6

Wither like grass on lofty roofs, our foes; Like grass that never to perfection grows;

Verse 7

Which, left the pastime of the wanton wind, The mower scorns, nor will the gleaners bind;

Verse 8

Which views the trav'ller with a careless eye, Nor craves a blessing, as he passes by.