1864
THE CAPTIVE LOOSED
by William Cullen Bryant
Electronically Enhanced Text (c) Copyright 1996, World Library(R)
THE CAPTIVE LOOSED
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When, doomed to death, the Apostle lay,
At night, in Herod's dungeon-cell,
A light shone round him like the day,
And from his limbs the fetters fell.
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A messenger from God was there,
To loose his chain and bid him rise,
And lo, the Saint, as free as air,
Walked forth beneath the open skies.
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Chains yet more strong and cruel bind
The victims of that deadly thirst
Which drowns the soul, and from the mind
Blots the bright image stamped at first.
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Oh, God of Love and Mercy, deign
To look on those, with pitying eye,
Who struggle with that fatal chain,
And send them succor from on high.
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Send down, in its resistless might,
Thy gracious Spirit, we implore,
And lead the captive forth to light,
A rescued soul, a slave no more.
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THE END
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