ODE VI.
[_]
[Spoken in the Public Examination Room (called the Chapel) at Merchant-Taylors' School, erected on the site of The Manor of the Rose, a House belonging to the Duke of Buckingham in the time of Henry VIII.]
I. 1.
'Tis near three ages, since on England's Throne
Her Henry, born a suffering Land to save,
Himself a Royal Merchant-Taylor shone,
And shar'd the charter'd Name, which first he gave;
Took honour from the honours he decreed,
And rank'd a Freeman, with the Men he freed.
I. 2.
Then, on this spot, in Gothic Grandeur proud,
Her tower'd battlements a Pile could boast,
Where festive pomp receiv'd a Noble crowd,
And princely Buckingham was lord and host.
High rose the vaulted aisles, with banners gay;
Loud echo'd thro' the halls the minstrel's lay.
I. 3.
From many a window's arched height,
Transparent blazon gleam'd it's light;
Where counsel sage, and bold emprize
Inspir'd the valiant and the wise;
Or pageant masque, and revel frank,
Brought courtly dames in choral rank,
A glow of beauty to disclose,
Worthy th' illustrious roof, the Manor of the Rose.
II. 1.
Those triumphs past, another period here,
Of varied praise, but equal fame begun;
In Learning's cause a Civic Train appear:
From breast to breast the generous feelings run:
While Time a new record of glory reads;
And Classic Palm to Splendor's Plume succeeds.
II. 2.
To softer notes their lyres the Muses strung;
Right glad their suffrage, and their part to bear;
And where at Power's command of old they sung,
At Bounty's call indulged a gentler care;
Intent with truth to arm, with arts to grace,
With virtues to exalt, the rising race.
II. 3.
Soon conscious of expanding hope,
Munificence took larger scope;
Soon Isis on her verdant side,
Beheld with honourable pride,
An added group, rich culture share,
And in long series flourish fair;
Transplanted to her sweet repose,
From this scholastic spot, this Manor of the Rose.
III. 1.
'Tis Fate's peculiar charge, 'tis hallow'd ground,
Where'er Philanthropy delights to dwell:
Hence owners, like your Sires, the Mansion found;
Hence to such guardians as Yourselves, it fell.
They gave mankind what they devolv'd to You;
Your emulous zeal gives their desert it's due.
III. 2.
O! happiest omen of increasing weal!
O! firmest basis of eternal date!
When the same Dome can to the world appeal,
As salutary now, as once 'twas great:
Then, Residence august of state supreme!
Now, Public Expectation's favourite theme!
III. 3.
Still, Commerce, thy domain extend!
Reign studious Emulation's friend!—
Still, studious Emulation, twine
Some votive wreath, for friends like thine;
And when, from age to age, Renown
Transmits each bloom of Genius down,
Let her announce, that There it grows,
Where her first chaplets deck'd the Manor of the Rose!
