and mo
mentous cause, in which the happiness of millions is involved. Pardon me, my lords, if I presume to say that in the decision of this great cause you are to be envied as well as venerated. You possess the highest distinction of the human character; for when you render your ultimate voice on this cause, illustrating the dignity of the ancestors from whom you spring, justifying the solemn asseveration which you make, vindicating the people of whom you are a part, and manifesting the intelligence of the times in which you live—you will do such an act of mercy and blessing to man, as no men but yourselves are able to grant. My lords I have done."
0 Time ! who know'st a lenient hand to lay, Softest on sorrow's wound, and slowly thence, (Lulling to sad repose the weary sense)
The faint pang stealest unperceived away;
On thee I rest my only hope at last,
And think when thou hast dried the bitter tear, That flows in vain o'er all my soul held dear,
1 may look back on every sorrow past,
And meet life's peaceful evening with a smile. As some lone bird, at day's departing hour, Sings in the sunbeam of the transient show'r, Forgetful, tho' its wings are wet the while : Yet ah ! how much must that poor heart endure, Which hopes from thee, and thee alone a cure !
