Ye sages, plac'd on judgment's awful seat

Verse 1

Ye sages, plac'd on judgment's awful seat, Say, is your process just, without deceit?

Verse 2

Ah no! your hearts in villain-schemes are strong, And with the shew of equity you wrong,

Verse 3

E'en from your infant-years from truth you stray'd, And the vile dictates of your hearts obey'd.

Verse 4

Beneath your tongues a deadly poison lies, Your ears you stop, when heav'nly wisdom cries, So the fly asp, when music gives th' alarm, Fears, 'tis the magic of some pow'rful charm.

Verse 5

But thou their teeth, O sov'reign ruler, bruize; Thy justice sure the savage race pursues;

Verse 6

They bend the bow, the guiltless to deftroy; O break their shafts, or let them fruitless fly, As 'mid the pebbles flows the stream away, So with a swift destruction vanish they:

Verse 7

Yes; let them melt, as melts the slow-pac'd snail; Let death's grim horrid pow'r their souls assail; Yes; vanish they like an abortive birth, And tread no more with haughty steps the earth.

Verse 8

Nor let their off-spring long enjoy the day; But with thy whirlwinds sweep them quick away; Let them the fury of thine anger bear, Ere crackling thorns evaporate in air.

Verse 9

The righteous shall thy awful vengeance see, And own with joy thy glorious equity; He in their impious blood shall wash his feet, And say, "The justice of our God is great;

Verse 10

"That he our actions not indiff'rent views, "But with strict vengeance wicked man pursues; "That he a life of sanctity regards, "And with his choicest gifts that life rewards."