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1795–1846

SONG FOR THE FOURTH BOOK OF GUSTAVUS VASA:

William Sidney Walker

Circling ages swept away Sweden's kings of ancient sway, And hid their race from sight: Circling ages bring again

To that race the long-lost reign, And Time revokes his flight. Their star shall rise with brighter beam From slumbering in the ocean-stream.

Dalecarlia, grasp the spear! Hail thy great Deliverer near, To alter Sweden's doom! Born to raise her darken'd name,

Heir of all her former fame, And source of all to come, Past and future glories shine Centred in the youth divine.

Sweden, rise! I bid thee brave, Unappall'd, War's dubious wave, ‘ Till the doom'd period close! War in vain shall spend his rage,

Prelude to a peaceful age That shall redress his woes. Sweden! rouse thy martial band; ‘ Tis thy Guardian Power's command!

When the slow-emerging sun First dispels the shadows dun, And his whole circle rears: When the north-wind's stormy breath

Shakes the mountain, sweeps the heath, The clouded ether clears: Own the signal of the sky! Hail the great Deliverer nigh!

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