On The Norfolk And Norwich Hospital

See where yon spacious structure meets the eye!
When, wing'd with zeal, intent on mortals' good,
Fair Charity, first offspring of the sky,
Left her celestial realms for earth's abode.
Descending, here she fix'd her gracious seat;
When Indigence the shaft of Pain receives,
Her hand conducts him to this blest retreat,
Here soothes his anguish, and each woe relieves.
Here sage Professors of the healing art,
Whose souls divine Benevolence inspires;
Their time employ, their wealth, their skill impart,
Before whose eyes Death, with slow step, retires.
The halpless wretch to dire Disease a prey,
From his untimely fate they kindly save;
With friendly hand each healing balm convey,
And snatch the body from the gaping grave.
With equal care they teach the soul to trace
Those regions for her future life design'd;
Expand the thoughts beyond earth's narrow space,
And raise from dark Despair th' immortal mind.
Hail, sacred fabric! gen'rous mortals hail!
By Charity inspir'd, these walls you fram'd;
Where'er her sway shall o'er the world prevail,
Shall your unfading honours be proclaim'd.