Alfred An Epick Poem. In Twelve Books. By Sir Richard Blackmore |
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| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. | BOOK IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
 | Alfred |  |
105
BOOK IV.
The ARGUMENT.
Guithun, as requested by King Halla, begins the Narration of Alfred's Adventures. He relates how the Prince, to qualify himself for the Government and Protection of his Country, (should he ever succeed to the Crown,) sailed from Britain to visit foreign Nations, where he might observe the best Models, and collect the wisest Maxims of Civil Societies. He tells how they crost the Seas to Antwerp, and then pass'd to Agrippina or Collogne. The Character of Raman the cruel and tyrannical Prince of that Country, and his unhappy Fate. Hence Alfred passes thro' Germany to Italy. The Description of the Alps, and the
various Appearances of Nature in those Hills. The Prince arrives at Rome, is received with great Kindness by Pope Leo. The City described. The Pope from an uncommon Esteem, resolves to crown Alfred King of Britain in due Succession to his Father Atulpho. The Coronation described. The Prelate Labot's Harangue upon that solemn Occasion. The Pope and Alfred, when the Ceremonies were ended, return from the Church to the Palace, where a magnificent Supper was prepared for them. After the Time for publick Rejoycings was expired, Prince Alfred, to pursue his Design of visiting various Countries, takes his Leave of the Pope, who gives him his Benediction, with Marks of tender Affection; and advises him how to behave himself while Abroad, and how to govern when he returned Home. Alfred departs from Rome, and embarks at Ostia for Naples. Ostia and the Italian Coast described, as far as the Circæan Hills, where, the Tempest rose, that cast them Shipwreckt on the Shore of Numidia. Here an Anchorite admonished by a Vision, met, received, and refreshed the Britons, and directed them to King Halla's Court.
106
Long
Scandinavia's military Swarms
Insulted Albion's Realm with barb'rous Arms,
And on her Coasts with Troops recruited pour'd
Fresh Force and Fury, and the Land devour'd:
While vers'd in Hardship, and in Pillage bold,
They pass'd thro' fenceless Cities uncontroul'd.
Britain, her Blood and Treasure spilt, no more
Could drive the lawless Robbers from her Shore,
Nor to her harrass'd Natives Peace restore.
Insulted Albion's Realm with barb'rous Arms,
And on her Coasts with Troops recruited pour'd
Fresh Force and Fury, and the Land devour'd:
While vers'd in Hardship, and in Pillage bold,
They pass'd thro' fenceless Cities uncontroul'd.
107
Could drive the lawless Robbers from her Shore,
Nor to her harrass'd Natives Peace restore.
Alfred with num'rous princely Virtues bright,
The People's Darling and the Court's Delight,
With mournful Eyes oft view'd Britannia's State,
Pity'd her Suff'rings, and bewail'd her Fate:
Nor did he silent and unactive grieve,
But form'd wise Schemes her Honour to retrieve,
And strove by various Efforts to inspire
A gen'rous Zeal, and set her Sons on Fire
Celestial Virtue to pursue, and aim
At Albion's Greatness, and Heroick Fame.
But the prevailing Dane was not suppress'd,
Nor Britain's painful Grievances redress'd,
Till Alfred, who had ne'er before encas'd
His Limbs in Steel nor martial Danger fac'd,
Forsook the gameful Wood, and took the Field,
Renounc'd the Huntsman's Silvan Arms, to wield
The batt'ling Warriour's; and, by Wonders shown
Of Conduct, Strength, and Courage yet unknown,
The Heroe three unrivall'd Conquests gain'd,
Broke the proud Foe, and barb'rous Rage restrain'd.
The People's Darling and the Court's Delight,
With mournful Eyes oft view'd Britannia's State,
Pity'd her Suff'rings, and bewail'd her Fate:
Nor did he silent and unactive grieve,
But form'd wise Schemes her Honour to retrieve,
And strove by various Efforts to inspire
A gen'rous Zeal, and set her Sons on Fire
Celestial Virtue to pursue, and aim
At Albion's Greatness, and Heroick Fame.
But the prevailing Dane was not suppress'd,
Nor Britain's painful Grievances redress'd,
Till Alfred, who had ne'er before encas'd
His Limbs in Steel nor martial Danger fac'd,
Forsook the gameful Wood, and took the Field,
Renounc'd the Huntsman's Silvan Arms, to wield
The batt'ling Warriour's; and, by Wonders shown
Of Conduct, Strength, and Courage yet unknown,
The Heroe three unrivall'd Conquests gain'd,
Broke the proud Foe, and barb'rous Rage restrain'd.
108
Thus the brave Briton triumph'd o'er the Dane,
And by his Sword remov'd Britannia's Bane,
Forcing the vanquish'd Spoilers to retreat
From the glad Isle, and seek their Northern Seat.
Now, the freed Land refresh'd with Peace and Ease,
The Pious Prince decreed to pass the Seas,
That he in Foreign Realms the Arts might know
Customs and Laws whence Wealth and Empire grow,
And that new Science might adorn his Mind
To heav'nly Truth and glorious Deeds inclin'd.
Blest by the King, he, fair Britannia's Pride,
Augusta left, and sailing down the Tide
Of spreading Thames, soon the wide Ocean crost,
Borne by auspicious Gales to Belgia's Coast.
We soon sublime Andverpia's Haven gain'd,
And there for due Repose some Days remain'd:
Alfred the Domes and Palaces admir'd,
Whose gilded Turrets high to Heav'n aspir'd,
Which to the Sun his borrow'd Light repay,
Diffusing thro' the Skies redoubled Day.
When he the Port and Vessels had survey'd,
And Magazines where naval Stores were laid,
Had learn'd their Strength, their Manners, & their Laws,
And what their Pain and Pleasure chiefly cause,
Their Courts of Justice, and their Burse had view'd,
And all Things curious; Alfred thence pursu'd
His Way direct to Agrippina's Gates,
The beauteous Head of the rich Vbian States.
Her Tow'rs, that wide Germania's Piles outshine,
Adorn the Margin of the spreading Rhine.
The Roman Empress, who imperious sway'd
The stupid Monarch whom the World obey'd,
That gave to Nero Birth, a fiery Brand,
And rais'd the Monster to Supreme Command,
Fond of her native Soil to such Renown,
At vast Expence, advanc'd this favour'd Town;
Where Raman held his Court, a potent Lord
For Pride despis'd, and for black Crimes abhorr'd.
His cruel Hand a Rod, of Iron made,
And not a Ruler's gracious Scepter, sway'd.
By various Deaths the Guiltless he destroy'd,
And, pleas'd with Slaughter, Cruelty enjoy'd.
He reap'd the Harvest, seiz'd the Parmer's Grain,
The Artist's Labour, and the Merchant's Gain:
Deaf to their earnest Cries, and humble Pray'r,
He mock'd with savage Mirth their sad Despair:
Told them that, wanton with Abundance grown,
They press'd for Grants exorbitant the Throne:
Bade them return and till the fertile Field,
Which would enough for peaceful Subjects yield;
That Idleness, not Misery and Pain,
And Pride and Fulness made them still complain.
And by his Sword remov'd Britannia's Bane,
Forcing the vanquish'd Spoilers to retreat
From the glad Isle, and seek their Northern Seat.
Now, the freed Land refresh'd with Peace and Ease,
The Pious Prince decreed to pass the Seas,
That he in Foreign Realms the Arts might know
Customs and Laws whence Wealth and Empire grow,
And that new Science might adorn his Mind
To heav'nly Truth and glorious Deeds inclin'd.
Blest by the King, he, fair Britannia's Pride,
Augusta left, and sailing down the Tide
Of spreading Thames, soon the wide Ocean crost,
Borne by auspicious Gales to Belgia's Coast.
We soon sublime Andverpia's Haven gain'd,
And there for due Repose some Days remain'd:
Alfred the Domes and Palaces admir'd,
Whose gilded Turrets high to Heav'n aspir'd,
Which to the Sun his borrow'd Light repay,
Diffusing thro' the Skies redoubled Day.
When he the Port and Vessels had survey'd,
And Magazines where naval Stores were laid,
Had learn'd their Strength, their Manners, & their Laws,
And what their Pain and Pleasure chiefly cause,
Their Courts of Justice, and their Burse had view'd,
And all Things curious; Alfred thence pursu'd
109
The beauteous Head of the rich Vbian States.
Her Tow'rs, that wide Germania's Piles outshine,
Adorn the Margin of the spreading Rhine.
The Roman Empress, who imperious sway'd
The stupid Monarch whom the World obey'd,
That gave to Nero Birth, a fiery Brand,
And rais'd the Monster to Supreme Command,
Fond of her native Soil to such Renown,
At vast Expence, advanc'd this favour'd Town;
Where Raman held his Court, a potent Lord
For Pride despis'd, and for black Crimes abhorr'd.
His cruel Hand a Rod, of Iron made,
And not a Ruler's gracious Scepter, sway'd.
By various Deaths the Guiltless he destroy'd,
And, pleas'd with Slaughter, Cruelty enjoy'd.
He reap'd the Harvest, seiz'd the Parmer's Grain,
The Artist's Labour, and the Merchant's Gain:
Deaf to their earnest Cries, and humble Pray'r,
He mock'd with savage Mirth their sad Despair:
Told them that, wanton with Abundance grown,
They press'd for Grants exorbitant the Throne:
Bade them return and till the fertile Field,
Which would enough for peaceful Subjects yield;
That Idleness, not Misery and Pain,
And Pride and Fulness made them still complain.
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These rigid Ways, and violent Abuse
Of regal Pow'r, seditious Heats produce,
Clandestine Plots and open Murmurs form,
Murmurs the Prelude to a publick Storm.
The States impatient of th' oppressive Yoke
The yielding Fetters of Allegiance broke,
And grown at length by Desperation bold
Revolted, (so swift Fame soon after told,
And has perhaps these Tidings publish'd here,)
And fierce in Arms against their Prince appear.
Him they depos'd, and to his Brother's Head
Transferr'd the Crown; for Refuge Raman fled
To Gallia's Court, of sov'reign Power bereft,
Curst by the Tribes, and by his Creatures left.
Alfred, when first he heard th' Oppressour's Fate.
Reflecting wisely on th' unhappy State
Of Kingdoms subject to a cruel Lord
Who breaks thro' Laws and governs by the Sword,
These Words exprest; What Care should Princes use
Lest they, by Pride and Passion sway'd, abuse
Their Pow'r, by Deeds despotick shake the Throne,
And by their People's Ruin, cause their own?
Of regal Pow'r, seditious Heats produce,
Clandestine Plots and open Murmurs form,
Murmurs the Prelude to a publick Storm.
The States impatient of th' oppressive Yoke
The yielding Fetters of Allegiance broke,
And grown at length by Desperation bold
Revolted, (so swift Fame soon after told,
And has perhaps these Tidings publish'd here,)
And fierce in Arms against their Prince appear.
Him they depos'd, and to his Brother's Head
Transferr'd the Crown; for Refuge Raman fled
To Gallia's Court, of sov'reign Power bereft,
Curst by the Tribes, and by his Creatures left.
Alfred, when first he heard th' Oppressour's Fate.
Reflecting wisely on th' unhappy State
Of Kingdoms subject to a cruel Lord
Who breaks thro' Laws and governs by the Sword,
These Words exprest; What Care should Princes use
Lest they, by Pride and Passion sway'd, abuse
Their Pow'r, by Deeds despotick shake the Throne,
And by their People's Ruin, cause their own?
When Alfred this delightful Town had view'd,
Our destin'd Journey ardent we pursu'd
To rich Italia's Land, and swiftly past
Germania's States that intervene; at last
We reach'd the Hills which Snows eternal hide,
Hesperia's Frontier on the Northern Side.
With cheerful Labour we began to climb
The steep Ascent and craggy Rocks sublime;
These horrid Seats, this howling lonesome Place,
This Desart wild, and desolate of Face,
As we advanc'd, to our admiring Sight
Open'd new Scenes of Terrour and Delight.
Pleasing Amazement seiz'd our Minds to see
Nature so rude, and such Variety
Of Wonder and Affright, while every Way
These Regions some surprising View display.
The Mountains Peaks, with flaky Fleeces White,
So high ascended that the solar Light
Reflected could not climb so great a Height!
And hence the Skies remain so cold, they know
No Exhalations, no moist Stores, but Snow.
Soft Zephyrs, tepid Show'rs, and gentle Dews,
That on the Meads their genial Stock diffuse,
To Seats inferiour their Production owe,
Hover in Clouds and hang in Foggs below.
The misty Convex of the Atmosphere
Did at a Distance spread below appear,
While we, in Air serene, beheld from far
Conflicting Meteors and Aerial War,
And looking down, saw Mists extended lye,
And Rafts of floating Clouds beneath us fly.
Our destin'd Journey ardent we pursu'd
111
Germania's States that intervene; at last
We reach'd the Hills which Snows eternal hide,
Hesperia's Frontier on the Northern Side.
With cheerful Labour we began to climb
The steep Ascent and craggy Rocks sublime;
These horrid Seats, this howling lonesome Place,
This Desart wild, and desolate of Face,
As we advanc'd, to our admiring Sight
Open'd new Scenes of Terrour and Delight.
Pleasing Amazement seiz'd our Minds to see
Nature so rude, and such Variety
Of Wonder and Affright, while every Way
These Regions some surprising View display.
The Mountains Peaks, with flaky Fleeces White,
So high ascended that the solar Light
Reflected could not climb so great a Height!
And hence the Skies remain so cold, they know
No Exhalations, no moist Stores, but Snow.
Soft Zephyrs, tepid Show'rs, and gentle Dews,
That on the Meads their genial Stock diffuse,
To Seats inferiour their Production owe,
Hover in Clouds and hang in Foggs below.
The misty Convex of the Atmosphere
Did at a Distance spread below appear,
112
Conflicting Meteors and Aerial War,
And looking down, saw Mists extended lye,
And Rafts of floating Clouds beneath us fly.
Here Pyramids of Snow immense, that climb
Etherial Heights and pierce the Clouds sublime,
Mix their white Heads with Heav'n's blue Hills, and rise
Hoary with Winter's Force in Summer's Skies.
There Gulphs, profound and gloomy as the Night,
With solemn Horrour prejudice the Sight.
There unctious Pines on barren Ridges stand,
Disdainful of the Vale's prolifick Land,
And, like the Firs along Norwegia's Shore,
From frozen Hills derive their fiery Store.
Etherial Heights and pierce the Clouds sublime,
Mix their white Heads with Heav'n's blue Hills, and rise
Hoary with Winter's Force in Summer's Skies.
There Gulphs, profound and gloomy as the Night,
With solemn Horrour prejudice the Sight.
There unctious Pines on barren Ridges stand,
Disdainful of the Vale's prolifick Land,
And, like the Firs along Norwegia's Shore,
From frozen Hills derive their fiery Store.
There broken Cliffs, that fell with dreadful Sound
And shook the Woods and snowy Peaks around,
With craggy Heaps deform the wounded Land,
As active Demons at their Lord's Command,
Or fabled Giants had in sportive Toil
With rocky Ruins spread the lonesome Soil.
Great Waters here from cavern'd Mountains gush,
And spreading Torrents unsupported rush
Down in Cascades immense, to find below
More equal Grounds and Channels where to flow.
These Falls out-roar the Monsters that possess
The howling Empire of the Wilderness,
While the continu'd Noise of dashing Waves
Rebounds from echoing Hills and repercussive Caves.
And shook the Woods and snowy Peaks around,
With craggy Heaps deform the wounded Land,
As active Demons at their Lord's Command,
Or fabled Giants had in sportive Toil
With rocky Ruins spread the lonesome Soil.
Great Waters here from cavern'd Mountains gush,
And spreading Torrents unsupported rush
Down in Cascades immense, to find below
More equal Grounds and Channels where to flow.
113
The howling Empire of the Wilderness,
While the continu'd Noise of dashing Waves
Rebounds from echoing Hills and repercussive Caves.
Surpriz'd and pleas'd we now beheld the Source
Whence celebrated Rivers take their Course:
As Egypt's Natives for their Nile depend
On the relenting Treasures that descend
Swift from the Moon's exalted Mountains, so
The rapid Rhone, the Rhine, and Danube flow
From unexhausted Heaps of Alpine Snow:
For while that plenteous Stock in gentle Rills,
Or ample Streams, falls from the channell'd Hills,
Those Floods their Current from the Confluence gain,
And thence supply'd their vast Expence sustain.
Pleas'd with these various Works of Nature's Art
Alfred disclos'd the Passions of his Heart,
Praising in rapt'rous Speech the wise Design
And wond'rous Scheme of Providence Divine.
Thus he exalted Sentiments express'd,
Then in these Words fam'd Hannibal address'd,
Great Leader, what heroick Heat inspir'd
Thy Veins, and thee with brave Ambition fir'd
To mount these lofty Lines and Mounds of Snow,
That reach the Clouds, to seek the distant Foe?
Thy Tempest, gath'ring in th' aspiring Hills,
With War unknown the Alpine Desart fills,
Pours Carthaginian Thunder from the Skies,
While rushing Floods of Wrath the Vale surprize.
Brave enterprizing Chief, thus far renown'd!
What Fame, what Triumphs, had thy Progress crown'd,
Had not the soft Delights of Capua more
Obstructive prov'd than the hard Rocks before.
Whence celebrated Rivers take their Course:
As Egypt's Natives for their Nile depend
On the relenting Treasures that descend
Swift from the Moon's exalted Mountains, so
The rapid Rhone, the Rhine, and Danube flow
From unexhausted Heaps of Alpine Snow:
For while that plenteous Stock in gentle Rills,
Or ample Streams, falls from the channell'd Hills,
Those Floods their Current from the Confluence gain,
And thence supply'd their vast Expence sustain.
Pleas'd with these various Works of Nature's Art
Alfred disclos'd the Passions of his Heart,
Praising in rapt'rous Speech the wise Design
And wond'rous Scheme of Providence Divine.
Thus he exalted Sentiments express'd,
Then in these Words fam'd Hannibal address'd,
Great Leader, what heroick Heat inspir'd
Thy Veins, and thee with brave Ambition fir'd
To mount these lofty Lines and Mounds of Snow,
That reach the Clouds, to seek the distant Foe?
114
With War unknown the Alpine Desart fills,
Pours Carthaginian Thunder from the Skies,
While rushing Floods of Wrath the Vale surprize.
Brave enterprizing Chief, thus far renown'd!
What Fame, what Triumphs, had thy Progress crown'd,
Had not the soft Delights of Capua more
Obstructive prov'd than the hard Rocks before.
These Heights surmounted with Delight and Pain,
We enter'd fair Hesperia's flow'ry Plain,
And passing thro' rich Towns that crouding stand,
And with their Tow'rs the Soil around command,
We safe arriv'd at Rome's illustrious Tow'rs,
The sacred Empress of the Christian Pow'rs;
Where the great Pontiff, with distinguish'd Grace
And Marks of Honour, did the Prince embrace.
Still he express'd to Britain's King above
His other Royal Sons Esteem and Love,
Who, by his princely Gifts to Rome endear'd,
A generous Monarch and a Saint appear'd.
The Honours heap'd upon Atulpho's Son
At first we judg'd were to the Father done;
But when the Pontiff saw his Virtues shine,
His Reason, Wit, and Sentiments divine,
His Mien majestick, and polite Address,
That Worth Heroick and high Birth confess,
Uncommon Favours were on Alfred thrown,
Not for Atulpho's Merit, but his own.
Charm'd with his Morals, with his Arts refin'd,
And all the bright Endowments of his Mind,
He felt paternal Pleasure in his Breast,
And fondly, as a Son, the Prince carest.
We enter'd fair Hesperia's flow'ry Plain,
And passing thro' rich Towns that crouding stand,
And with their Tow'rs the Soil around command,
We safe arriv'd at Rome's illustrious Tow'rs,
The sacred Empress of the Christian Pow'rs;
Where the great Pontiff, with distinguish'd Grace
And Marks of Honour, did the Prince embrace.
Still he express'd to Britain's King above
His other Royal Sons Esteem and Love,
Who, by his princely Gifts to Rome endear'd,
A generous Monarch and a Saint appear'd.
The Honours heap'd upon Atulpho's Son
At first we judg'd were to the Father done;
But when the Pontiff saw his Virtues shine,
His Reason, Wit, and Sentiments divine,
115
That Worth Heroick and high Birth confess,
Uncommon Favours were on Alfred thrown,
Not for Atulpho's Merit, but his own.
Charm'd with his Morals, with his Arts refin'd,
And all the bright Endowments of his Mind,
He felt paternal Pleasure in his Breast,
And fondly, as a Son, the Prince carest.
By pompous Shows and Pastimes, splendid Feasts,
And Banquets, worthy of imperial Guests,
Melodious Musick, Interludes, and Plays,
And all Things that Delight and Wonder raise,
The Roman Lords, so Leo gave Command,
Regal'd Prince Alfred with a gen'rous Hand.
He often view'd the Town of wide Extent,
The Tow'rs sublime, and Domes magnificent,
The Palaces with Art consummate rear'd,
Where Strength and perfect Symmetry appear'd;
Proud Statues on the Walls around were plac'd,
And each high Room of State rich Hangings grac'd,
Hangings, that rivall'd Life in Figures bold,
Silk form'd the Shades, the Lights were ductile Gold.
And Banquets, worthy of imperial Guests,
Melodious Musick, Interludes, and Plays,
And all Things that Delight and Wonder raise,
The Roman Lords, so Leo gave Command,
Regal'd Prince Alfred with a gen'rous Hand.
He often view'd the Town of wide Extent,
The Tow'rs sublime, and Domes magnificent,
The Palaces with Art consummate rear'd,
Where Strength and perfect Symmetry appear'd;
Proud Statues on the Walls around were plac'd,
And each high Room of State rich Hangings grac'd,
Hangings, that rivall'd Life in Figures bold,
Silk form'd the Shades, the Lights were ductile Gold.
But tho' Hesperia's Towns in Pow'r and Pride
By Rome's illustrious Head are all outvy'd,
Yet is she sunk from her great State, before
When Pagan Lords the regal Scepter bore.
In her proud Reliques Albion's Prince could trace
The beauteous Features of a ruin'd Face.
Imperial in Destruction she appear'd,
And as a mighty Shade is still rever'd.
Stupendous Fragments and august Remains
Seen in the Town, or scatter'd thro' the Plains,
Tell what this potent Empress was of old,
Whose awful Nod the trembling World controul'd.
So when a Delver has by Fortune found
Vast humane Bones long buried under ground,
He stands with Arms uplifted to the Skies,
And views astonish'd their enormous Size;
Then judges, by their Bulk and wond'rous Length,
They fram'd some Giant of prodigious Strength.
By Rome's illustrious Head are all outvy'd,
116
When Pagan Lords the regal Scepter bore.
In her proud Reliques Albion's Prince could trace
The beauteous Features of a ruin'd Face.
Imperial in Destruction she appear'd,
And as a mighty Shade is still rever'd.
Stupendous Fragments and august Remains
Seen in the Town, or scatter'd thro' the Plains,
Tell what this potent Empress was of old,
Whose awful Nod the trembling World controul'd.
So when a Delver has by Fortune found
Vast humane Bones long buried under ground,
He stands with Arms uplifted to the Skies,
And views astonish'd their enormous Size;
Then judges, by their Bulk and wond'rous Length,
They fram'd some Giant of prodigious Strength.
The sage Instructor, who Prince Alfred led
To Monuments renown'd, thus pointing said;
There mighty Cæsar's lofty Palace stood,
Where Gardens boasted once an Orange Wood,
Fair Citron Groves, and arboring Myrtle's Shade,
Rich Fruits and Flow'rs, that mingled Scents convey'd,
And various Colours mixt with lovely Strife,
Besides fam'd Statues æmulous of Life,
And od'rous Shrubs of everlasting Green,
And Rows of Pines with verdant Walks between.
To Monuments renown'd, thus pointing said;
There mighty Cæsar's lofty Palace stood,
Where Gardens boasted once an Orange Wood,
Fair Citron Groves, and arboring Myrtle's Shade,
Rich Fruits and Flow'rs, that mingled Scents convey'd,
And various Colours mixt with lovely Strife,
Besides fam'd Statues æmulous of Life,
117
And Rows of Pines with verdant Walks between.
There see the ample Cave and Marble Shores
Where slept in Peace collected liquid Stores,
By long and costly Aquæducts convey'd,
That thus an artificial Sea display'd;
Where oft, to please the Sons of Rome, were seen
Embattled Lines of Ships and Fights marine.
Where slept in Peace collected liquid Stores,
By long and costly Aquæducts convey'd,
That thus an artificial Sea display'd;
Where oft, to please the Sons of Rome, were seen
Embattled Lines of Ships and Fights marine.
Now the capacious Theaters they view'd,
And now the stately Structures, that include
Patrician Ashes and th'imperial Urn,
Where Funeral Lamps without expiring burn.
And now the stately Structures, that include
Patrician Ashes and th'imperial Urn,
Where Funeral Lamps without expiring burn.
Here an illustrious Arch of Triumph stands
For Laurell'd Chiefs, who came from conquer'd Lands
Till the wide Globe, by Rome's resistless Sword
Subdu'd, no more proud Sirnames could afford
To her great Sons, while of its Titles drain'd,
As well as Wealth, the vanquish'd World complain'd.
For Laurell'd Chiefs, who came from conquer'd Lands
Till the wide Globe, by Rome's resistless Sword
Subdu'd, no more proud Sirnames could afford
To her great Sons, while of its Titles drain'd,
As well as Wealth, the vanquish'd World complain'd.
There Obelisks and Pyramids arise,
Whose mystick Figures entertain the Wise,
And with Egyptian Learning grace the Skies:
Here ancient Pillars of stupendous Height
And stately Bulk Astonishment excite.
Whose mystick Figures entertain the Wise,
And with Egyptian Learning grace the Skies:
118
And stately Bulk Astonishment excite.
There verdant Walks extended lay betwixt
Fair Ranks of Golden Fruit-Trees intermixt
With Pleasure-Houses, Baths, and glitt'ring Tow'rs,
Unrivall'd Fountains, and sweet Jes'mine Bow'rs.
Fair Ranks of Golden Fruit-Trees intermixt
With Pleasure-Houses, Baths, and glitt'ring Tow'rs,
Unrivall'd Fountains, and sweet Jes'mine Bow'rs.
Here Pagan Temples high in Ether rear'd
Their Heads, by erring Vot'ries once rever'd,
Who from unbreathing Images implor'd
Blessings, and loose immoral Gods ador'd.
Some from wide Roofs, contriv'd with wond'rous Art,
Dazling to Sight Corinthian Glory dart;
Some on proud Pillars rais'd of Size immense,
And beautify'd with Skill and vast Expence,
Enrich'd with various party-colour'd Stains,
And Stones of Azure streak'd with Golden Veins,
From polish'd Marble Walls and Turrets bright
Send splendid Glances and rebounding Light:
But how her Pow'r and Pride are now debas'd!
How lyes her Honour in the Dust effac'd!
Their Heads, by erring Vot'ries once rever'd,
Who from unbreathing Images implor'd
Blessings, and loose immoral Gods ador'd.
Some from wide Roofs, contriv'd with wond'rous Art,
Dazling to Sight Corinthian Glory dart;
Some on proud Pillars rais'd of Size immense,
And beautify'd with Skill and vast Expence,
Enrich'd with various party-colour'd Stains,
And Stones of Azure streak'd with Golden Veins,
From polish'd Marble Walls and Turrets bright
Send splendid Glances and rebounding Light:
But how her Pow'r and Pride are now debas'd!
How lyes her Honour in the Dust effac'd!
Strangers, observe that venerable Soil,
There once aspir'd sublime the awful Pile
Where the august assembled Lords of Rome
Acquitted Princes or pronounc'd their Doom,
Made subject Monarchs, and imperious sway'd
The conquer'd Nations that their Will obey'd:
Here faithful States Rome with her Favour crown'd,
And from their Thrones Kings disobedient frown'd;
Now Shrubs and Moss in Seats Patrician grow,
And Weeds their Birth to stately Ruins owe.
There once aspir'd sublime the awful Pile
119
Acquitted Princes or pronounc'd their Doom,
Made subject Monarchs, and imperious sway'd
The conquer'd Nations that their Will obey'd:
Here faithful States Rome with her Favour crown'd,
And from their Thrones Kings disobedient frown'd;
Now Shrubs and Moss in Seats Patrician grow,
And Weeds their Birth to stately Ruins owe.
In noble Rubbish there the Court behold
Where fix'd Decrees of Justice were enroll'd;
Where Orators for Eloquence renown'd,
Excelling all in boastful Athens sound,
With ardent Zeal maintain'd their Client's Cause,
Defended Freedom, and explain'd the Laws.
Where fix'd Decrees of Justice were enroll'd;
Where Orators for Eloquence renown'd,
Excelling all in boastful Athens sound,
With ardent Zeal maintain'd their Client's Cause,
Defended Freedom, and explain'd the Laws.
Here did the Glory of the Latian Blood,
Great Tully, oft pour forth a plenteous Flood
Of Words divine, and with resistless Art
Touch'd every Spring, and master'd every Heart:
His Charms could raise Emotions and controul,
And from the Breast transport the ravish'd Soul,
While he prevailing Force and Light display'd,
And his own Ardour to their Veins convey'd.
Great venerable Shade! degenerate Rome!
Illustrious Patriot! ah, thy rigid Doom!
How did thy Head, before the Rostrum hurl'd,
Reproach th' ungrateful Victors of the World?
Thy breathless Lips vile Anthony arraign,
On that loose Roman's Name imprint a Stain
Indelible, and wound his Honour more
Than thy invective Stings had done before.
Great Tully, oft pour forth a plenteous Flood
Of Words divine, and with resistless Art
Touch'd every Spring, and master'd every Heart:
His Charms could raise Emotions and controul,
And from the Breast transport the ravish'd Soul,
While he prevailing Force and Light display'd,
And his own Ardour to their Veins convey'd.
Great venerable Shade! degenerate Rome!
Illustrious Patriot! ah, thy rigid Doom!
120
Reproach th' ungrateful Victors of the World?
Thy breathless Lips vile Anthony arraign,
On that loose Roman's Name imprint a Stain
Indelible, and wound his Honour more
Than thy invective Stings had done before.
There see Vespasian's Theater sublime
Defac'd, not ruin'd, by the Pow'r of Time;
Where Gladiators strove in bloody Fight
To give the Roman horrible Delight.
Defac'd, not ruin'd, by the Pow'r of Time;
Where Gladiators strove in bloody Fight
To give the Roman horrible Delight.
View that wide Space that broken Walls surround,
Where Charioteers with envy'd Palms were crown'd,
When their train'd Coursers, fleeter than the Wind,
Victors their panting Rivals left behind:
The Roman Youth here eager of a Name
Flew to the Goal swift as th' alluring Fame
For which they gasp'd; none made more bold Efforts
To gain the Prize at old Olympick Sports,
While their hot Steeds impatient of the Rein
Their active Sinews work, their Eye-balls strain,
And spread the Air with Dust, with Foam the Plain.
Where Charioteers with envy'd Palms were crown'd,
When their train'd Coursers, fleeter than the Wind,
Victors their panting Rivals left behind:
The Roman Youth here eager of a Name
Flew to the Goal swift as th' alluring Fame
For which they gasp'd; none made more bold Efforts
To gain the Prize at old Olympick Sports,
While their hot Steeds impatient of the Rein
Their active Sinews work, their Eye-balls strain,
And spread the Air with Dust, with Foam the Plain.
And now the learned Sage, Prince Alfred led
To the fam'd Field of Mars, and pointing said;
Th' assembled People here advanc'd by Vote
Lords to great Stations, who their Favour sought,
Strangers observe, that once this fertile Field
Did Prætors, Censors, and great Consuls yield,
Advanc'd Patrician Peers to high Commands,
And sent deputed Kings to conquer'd Lands.
Here, in the spreading unpolluted Bloom,
And the maturer State of mighty Rome,
Superiour Worth in every Choice prevail'd,
And Posts of Trust on Merit seem'd entail'd;
At length, the Taste and gen'rous Spirit lost
That once the Sons of Romulus could boast,
The Chiefs, who Honour and Promotion sought,
With Bribes profuse corrupt Electors bought.
These wanted Wisdom to reflect, that They
Who purchase Places make the Nation pay.
Unhappy Tribes, that could not till too late
See that no Means are left to save a State
Where ancient Virtues in Contempt are found,
And Vice applauded is with Empire crown'd.
By Feasts and Games and pompous costly Shows
Now worthless Subjects to Preferment rose,
Till the degen'rate Race, for Plays and Gold,
To proud Ambition Roman Freedom sold.
To the fam'd Field of Mars, and pointing said;
121
Lords to great Stations, who their Favour sought,
Strangers observe, that once this fertile Field
Did Prætors, Censors, and great Consuls yield,
Advanc'd Patrician Peers to high Commands,
And sent deputed Kings to conquer'd Lands.
Here, in the spreading unpolluted Bloom,
And the maturer State of mighty Rome,
Superiour Worth in every Choice prevail'd,
And Posts of Trust on Merit seem'd entail'd;
At length, the Taste and gen'rous Spirit lost
That once the Sons of Romulus could boast,
The Chiefs, who Honour and Promotion sought,
With Bribes profuse corrupt Electors bought.
These wanted Wisdom to reflect, that They
Who purchase Places make the Nation pay.
Unhappy Tribes, that could not till too late
See that no Means are left to save a State
Where ancient Virtues in Contempt are found,
And Vice applauded is with Empire crown'd.
By Feasts and Games and pompous costly Shows
Now worthless Subjects to Preferment rose,
Till the degen'rate Race, for Plays and Gold,
To proud Ambition Roman Freedom sold.
122
Thus Day by Day the Antiquary led
The Prince to some fam'd Monument, and read
On Marks of ruin'd Glory; which supply'd
Great Images of Rome's imperial Pride.
While thus he panted after Knowledge new,
The Briton dearer to the Pontiff grew;
Th' illustrious Heroe he so much admir'd,
That, by an Impulse as from Heav'n inspir'd,
He to anoint and crown him King decreed,
That Alfred might, from Toil and Danger freed,
To Albion's Throne in destin'd Time succeed.
Progressive Time brought on th' auspicious Morn,
When the great Pope determin'd to adorn
Alfred with Marks of Honour, yet to none
Of Rome's great Sons and favour'd Vot'ries shown.
The Prince to some fam'd Monument, and read
On Marks of ruin'd Glory; which supply'd
Great Images of Rome's imperial Pride.
While thus he panted after Knowledge new,
The Briton dearer to the Pontiff grew;
Th' illustrious Heroe he so much admir'd,
That, by an Impulse as from Heav'n inspir'd,
He to anoint and crown him King decreed,
That Alfred might, from Toil and Danger freed,
To Albion's Throne in destin'd Time succeed.
Progressive Time brought on th' auspicious Morn,
When the great Pope determin'd to adorn
Alfred with Marks of Honour, yet to none
Of Rome's great Sons and favour'd Vot'ries shown.
Now the bright Sun, before in Shades conceal'd,
Dispell'd the Darkness and the Skies reveal'd.
Guards, Heralds, Marshalls, and a num'rous Band
Of Houshold Troops, and Chiefs of great Command,
State-Officers and Judges, Magistrates
And Presidents of Leo's subject States,
And Peers distinguish'd by their Diadems,
Array'd in Tissue deck'd with glitt'ring Gems,
In due Succession regular and slow
Mov'd to the Dome, and form'd a splendid Show
And solemn Pomp, like that which Rome of old
Us'd with repeated Rapture to behold,
When her great Warriours of unrivall'd Fame,
From conquer'd Kingdoms, Home in Triumph came.
Dispell'd the Darkness and the Skies reveal'd.
Guards, Heralds, Marshalls, and a num'rous Band
Of Houshold Troops, and Chiefs of great Command,
State-Officers and Judges, Magistrates
And Presidents of Leo's subject States,
And Peers distinguish'd by their Diadems,
Array'd in Tissue deck'd with glitt'ring Gems,
In due Succession regular and slow
Mov'd to the Dome, and form'd a splendid Show
123
Us'd with repeated Rapture to behold,
When her great Warriours of unrivall'd Fame,
From conquer'd Kingdoms, Home in Triumph came.
And now the Prince, Britannia's Hope and Pride,
Advanc'd, while Troops were drawn on either Side;
And clad in Robes Sky-colour'd, stiff and bright
With Gold and Di'monds, glorious to the Sight,
A Belt of broider'd Crimson round his Waste,
With graceful Mien and Steps majestick past.
A Canopy sublime, the inward Part
Was Persia's Work, the outward Genua's Art,
Dazling with Flow'rs of Gold, and high embost
With silver Birds and Beasts at mighty Cost,
By noble Youth above the Briton held
His Head protected and the Sun repell'd.
Superiour Lords in Birth and Lands before
Britannia's Prince, proud of their Office, bore
The Scepter, Globe, and Crown with Jewels bright,
The aweful Ensigns of imperial Might.
Such was the Heroe's Port, and in his Face
Sweetness serene so soften'd princely Grace,
Such was his artless Dignity of Mind
And inbred Fire in proper Bounds confin'd,
He seem'd some Envoy from the Seats above,
That Awe excited and attracted Love.
Advanc'd, while Troops were drawn on either Side;
And clad in Robes Sky-colour'd, stiff and bright
With Gold and Di'monds, glorious to the Sight,
A Belt of broider'd Crimson round his Waste,
With graceful Mien and Steps majestick past.
A Canopy sublime, the inward Part
Was Persia's Work, the outward Genua's Art,
Dazling with Flow'rs of Gold, and high embost
With silver Birds and Beasts at mighty Cost,
By noble Youth above the Briton held
His Head protected and the Sun repell'd.
Superiour Lords in Birth and Lands before
Britannia's Prince, proud of their Office, bore
The Scepter, Globe, and Crown with Jewels bright,
The aweful Ensigns of imperial Might.
Such was the Heroe's Port, and in his Face
Sweetness serene so soften'd princely Grace,
Such was his artless Dignity of Mind
And inbred Fire in proper Bounds confin'd,
124
That Awe excited and attracted Love.
The Tribes in swelling Streams from every Street
Rush to the Show, and in a Deluge meet:
Unnumber'd Crouds, that thick in Clusters clung
To the high Roofs and on the Windows hung,
At once their Voices strain'd and eager Eyes
To see and raise the Heroe to the Skies.
Loud confluent Shouts the Heav'ns wide Concave fill,
Ring thro' each Chrystal Plain, and Azure Hill,
And bounding from the echoing Spheres convey
Back to the Earth its Joy, and Rome repay.
Rush to the Show, and in a Deluge meet:
Unnumber'd Crouds, that thick in Clusters clung
To the high Roofs and on the Windows hung,
At once their Voices strain'd and eager Eyes
To see and raise the Heroe to the Skies.
Loud confluent Shouts the Heav'ns wide Concave fill,
Ring thro' each Chrystal Plain, and Azure Hill,
And bounding from the echoing Spheres convey
Back to the Earth its Joy, and Rome repay.
At Length the Pomp and long Procession came
To the fam'd Dome that bore Saint Peter's Name;
When Alfred ent'ring at the Temple Gate
To the high Altar pass'd in princely State,
Near which enthron'd the aweful Pontiff sate.
Envoys from Monarchs, Princes, wealthy Lords,
Leaders advanc'd to Honour by their Swords,
And Rome's great Peers, who sacred Mitres wear
And scarlet Robes, were pour'd around his Chair.
The solemn Rites and Ceremonies pass'd,
On kneeling Alfred's Head the Pontiff plac'd
The glitt'ring Symbol of supreme Command,
And gave the regal Scepter to his Hand,
Then gracious look'd, and to th' illustrious Ring
Pronounc'd Prince Alfred Albion's future King.
To the fam'd Dome that bore Saint Peter's Name;
When Alfred ent'ring at the Temple Gate
To the high Altar pass'd in princely State,
Near which enthron'd the aweful Pontiff sate.
Envoys from Monarchs, Princes, wealthy Lords,
Leaders advanc'd to Honour by their Swords,
And Rome's great Peers, who sacred Mitres wear
And scarlet Robes, were pour'd around his Chair.
The solemn Rites and Ceremonies pass'd,
On kneeling Alfred's Head the Pontiff plac'd
125
And gave the regal Scepter to his Hand,
Then gracious look'd, and to th' illustrious Ring
Pronounc'd Prince Alfred Albion's future King.
All Leo prais'd, who thus the Briton crown'd
For spotless Deeds and pious Life renown'd;
For as thy Church, O Rome, as well as Court,
Did Virtues more than modern now support,
So Leo, of thy sacred Priests the Guide,
By Lust of Gold unstain'd and free from Pride,
Express'd a Heart to generous Deeds inclin'd,
To Science, Arts, and Love of humane Kind.
For spotless Deeds and pious Life renown'd;
For as thy Church, O Rome, as well as Court,
Did Virtues more than modern now support,
So Leo, of thy sacred Priests the Guide,
By Lust of Gold unstain'd and free from Pride,
Express'd a Heart to generous Deeds inclin'd,
To Science, Arts, and Love of humane Kind.
Labot, a Prelate of Britannick Race,
That could his high Descent and Lineage trace
From Heroe's lov'd at Home and fear'd Abroad
Whose glorious Arms late Ages shall applaud,
Had Wisdom, Learning, and Politeness join'd
To State Endowments, and a noble Mind.
Long since from Albion's Soil to Rome retir'd,
He general Love and Glory here acquir'd,
And now, so Leo bade, he mounts the Chair
With a becoming Mien and solemn Air.
The Rise of Pow'r was his important Theme,
This he evinc'd sprung from the Will supreme
Promulg'd by written Laws or Nature's Light,
And that the branching Streams of ruling Might
Were all deriv'd from that celestial Source,
Which, as it gave, still feeds their binding Force.
That Princes, who in Orbs illustrious shine
Tenants of high Authority divine
And scepter'd Stewards of entrusted Pow'r,
Must all account at the last aweful Hour
At Heav'ns august Tribunal, where uncrown'd
They with the Vulgar stand on equal Ground.
Hence he inferr'd, that Actions once enjoin'd
By the immortal self-existent Mind,
Of Pow'r, as well as Things th' exhaustless Cause,
Can't be suspended by imperial Laws,
Nor lose its first obliging Energy,
By his own Viceroy's opposite Decree.
That could his high Descent and Lineage trace
From Heroe's lov'd at Home and fear'd Abroad
Whose glorious Arms late Ages shall applaud,
Had Wisdom, Learning, and Politeness join'd
To State Endowments, and a noble Mind.
Long since from Albion's Soil to Rome retir'd,
He general Love and Glory here acquir'd,
And now, so Leo bade, he mounts the Chair
With a becoming Mien and solemn Air.
The Rise of Pow'r was his important Theme,
This he evinc'd sprung from the Will supreme
126
And that the branching Streams of ruling Might
Were all deriv'd from that celestial Source,
Which, as it gave, still feeds their binding Force.
That Princes, who in Orbs illustrious shine
Tenants of high Authority divine
And scepter'd Stewards of entrusted Pow'r,
Must all account at the last aweful Hour
At Heav'ns august Tribunal, where uncrown'd
They with the Vulgar stand on equal Ground.
Hence he inferr'd, that Actions once enjoin'd
By the immortal self-existent Mind,
Of Pow'r, as well as Things th' exhaustless Cause,
Can't be suspended by imperial Laws,
Nor lose its first obliging Energy,
By his own Viceroy's opposite Decree.
He did with pious Vehemence display
The sad Effects of arbitrary Sway,
Where lawless Pow'r, and Pleasure unconfin'd,
Defeat the Ends by Government design'd.
Had Kings, said he, Perfection infinite,
Unerring Wisdom to direct them right,
And Goodness equal to unbridled Might,
They should, like Heav'n, despotick Thrones possess,
And Realms Submission boundless should express:
But since destructive Passions frequent reign
O'er Monarchs not controul'd, who oft disdain
Reason's unequal Force, and in Debate
Prefer the Flatt'rer to the Sage of State;
'Tis just that Subjects round the Throne should draw
The sacred Lines of circumscriptive Law
And solemn Compacts, that unbounded Pow'r
May not encroach, and Property devour.
And thus well-guarded Realms will never know
The Plagues and sad Varieties of Woe,
That from licentious Empire constant flow.
As when the swelling Billows of the Main
Insult the Shore and overflow the Plain,
And while they forward rush with lawless Sway
Involve the Herds, and sweep whole Towns away,
The Swains, such future Mischief to prevent
And disappoint th' invading Flood's Descent,
Against the threat'ning Waves raise lofty Mounds,
That now grow patient of their ancient Bounds.
Wise Statutes so, and fundamental Right
Protect the State, and check ambitious Might.
The sad Effects of arbitrary Sway,
Where lawless Pow'r, and Pleasure unconfin'd,
Defeat the Ends by Government design'd.
Had Kings, said he, Perfection infinite,
Unerring Wisdom to direct them right,
And Goodness equal to unbridled Might,
They should, like Heav'n, despotick Thrones possess,
And Realms Submission boundless should express:
127
O'er Monarchs not controul'd, who oft disdain
Reason's unequal Force, and in Debate
Prefer the Flatt'rer to the Sage of State;
'Tis just that Subjects round the Throne should draw
The sacred Lines of circumscriptive Law
And solemn Compacts, that unbounded Pow'r
May not encroach, and Property devour.
And thus well-guarded Realms will never know
The Plagues and sad Varieties of Woe,
That from licentious Empire constant flow.
As when the swelling Billows of the Main
Insult the Shore and overflow the Plain,
And while they forward rush with lawless Sway
Involve the Herds, and sweep whole Towns away,
The Swains, such future Mischief to prevent
And disappoint th' invading Flood's Descent,
Against the threat'ning Waves raise lofty Mounds,
That now grow patient of their ancient Bounds.
Wise Statutes so, and fundamental Right
Protect the State, and check ambitious Might.
Kings then are Great, when freely they dispence
Their cheering Light and genial Influence
On the glad Realms committed to their Trust,
Frown on the Impious, and reward the Just;
These Princes publick Benefactors grow,
Like the first Cause, the Source to which they owe
Of regal Pow'r their delegated Stream,
On Heav'n dependant, tho' on Earth supreme.
Thus various Kings, that Judah's Scepter sway'd,
Their Subjects govern'd, and their God obey'd;
And some great Monarchs of immortal Fame,
That Rome's extended Empire rul'd, became,
By all th' Expressions of a gen'rous Mind,
The Blessing and Delight of humane Kind.
Their cheering Light and genial Influence
On the glad Realms committed to their Trust,
Frown on the Impious, and reward the Just;
128
Like the first Cause, the Source to which they owe
Of regal Pow'r their delegated Stream,
On Heav'n dependant, tho' on Earth supreme.
Thus various Kings, that Judah's Scepter sway'd,
Their Subjects govern'd, and their God obey'd;
And some great Monarchs of immortal Fame,
That Rome's extended Empire rul'd, became,
By all th' Expressions of a gen'rous Mind,
The Blessing and Delight of humane Kind.
When, said the Prelate, slighted Virtue weeps,
And her divine Abode desponding keeps
In some low Cave or unfrequented Waste
Far from the Court, from which she flew disgrac'd,
Good Kings invite her from her dark Recess,
With bright Rewards and friendly Smiles, caress
And place the lovely Stranger near the Throne,
And make the World her Birth and Merit own.
And her divine Abode desponding keeps
In some low Cave or unfrequented Waste
Far from the Court, from which she flew disgrac'd,
Good Kings invite her from her dark Recess,
With bright Rewards and friendly Smiles, caress
And place the lovely Stranger near the Throne,
And make the World her Birth and Merit own.
Then Liberty shines forth with heav'nly Grace,
And shows the Godlike Beauties of her Face:
Sweet-smiling Peace with soft prolifick Wings
Broods on the Land, and unmolested sings:
Divine Religion chearful rears her Head,
And aweful makes the trembling Scoffer dread
Her Frowns and threaten'd Vengeance, but imparts
Transports of Joy to pure and pious Hearts.
Flagitious Men, when Vice the Throne offends
And Goodness Subjects to their Prince commends,
Conceal their Crimes now ignominious grown,
And for Respect claim Virtues not their own:
Nor does the Hydra Vice in Triumph reign,
Erect her Crests and spread her fatal Train;
Her odious Brood lye not on Beds of Down
Roll'd up to Rest, nor lurk about the Crown;
Never their Heads in Tapistry enfold,
Nor twist their pois'nous Spires round Busts of Gold:
Thro' Rooms of State their Volumes never slide,
Intrude in Councils, nor in Purple hide:
None but the Wise, and Men of spotless Fame
Can make to Posts of Pow'r successful Claim.
And shows the Godlike Beauties of her Face:
Sweet-smiling Peace with soft prolifick Wings
Broods on the Land, and unmolested sings:
Divine Religion chearful rears her Head,
And aweful makes the trembling Scoffer dread
129
Transports of Joy to pure and pious Hearts.
Flagitious Men, when Vice the Throne offends
And Goodness Subjects to their Prince commends,
Conceal their Crimes now ignominious grown,
And for Respect claim Virtues not their own:
Nor does the Hydra Vice in Triumph reign,
Erect her Crests and spread her fatal Train;
Her odious Brood lye not on Beds of Down
Roll'd up to Rest, nor lurk about the Crown;
Never their Heads in Tapistry enfold,
Nor twist their pois'nous Spires round Busts of Gold:
Thro' Rooms of State their Volumes never slide,
Intrude in Councils, nor in Purple hide:
None but the Wise, and Men of spotless Fame
Can make to Posts of Pow'r successful Claim.
These rule their Subjects with paternal Care,
Crush proud Oppressours, and the Guiltless spare;
Still studious in the Steerage they preside,
And, tho' in Storms, unfluctuating guide
The agitated State, and steady steer
Mid'st Rocks and Shelves, and all that Pilots fear:
They tender Bowels to their People show,
And vigilant repell th' invading Foe;
With just Compassion soften rig'rous Laws,
And plead the Orphan's and the Widow's Cause,
They sooth their Sorrows and relieve their Pains,
Cloath their cold Limbs, and fill with Food their Veins;
They guard the Merchant, and protect the Swain,
And bid him reap in Peace his ripen'd Grain.
These search with Care to find for Posts of Trust
Men skilful, sober, cirumspect, and just;
But, as suspected, prudently postpone
Those who for Charges rudely press the Throne.
Crush proud Oppressours, and the Guiltless spare;
Still studious in the Steerage they preside,
And, tho' in Storms, unfluctuating guide
The agitated State, and steady steer
Mid'st Rocks and Shelves, and all that Pilots fear:
They tender Bowels to their People show,
And vigilant repell th' invading Foe;
130
And plead the Orphan's and the Widow's Cause,
They sooth their Sorrows and relieve their Pains,
Cloath their cold Limbs, and fill with Food their Veins;
They guard the Merchant, and protect the Swain,
And bid him reap in Peace his ripen'd Grain.
These search with Care to find for Posts of Trust
Men skilful, sober, cirumspect, and just;
But, as suspected, prudently postpone
Those who for Charges rudely press the Throne.
Hail, happy Kings, in heav'nly Wisdom's School
Thus form'd, and thus instructed how to rule:
Happy the Nations, who such Princes gain,
Blest with a Godlike just indulgent Reign.
Thus form'd, and thus instructed how to rule:
Happy the Nations, who such Princes gain,
Blest with a Godlike just indulgent Reign.
But those ambitious Monarchs who aspire
To boundless Pow'r, impell'd by strong Desire
Of Glory misconceiv'd and false Renown,
Vex foreign Kingdoms, and oppress their own;
In vain attempt to purchase worthy Fame,
And win th' applauded Heroe's deathless Name;
In vain unnumber'd Vet'ran Troops enroll,
And martial Terrours spread from Pole to Pole,
Affright the trembling World with fierce Alarms,
And waste the Nations with inglorious Arms.
What are these Chiefs whom haughty Wreaths adorn,
But lawrell'd Robbers high in Triumph born,
Elated by their Mischiefs, proud of Guilt,
And pleas'd with Seas of Blood unjustly spilt?
To boundless Pow'r, impell'd by strong Desire
Of Glory misconceiv'd and false Renown,
Vex foreign Kingdoms, and oppress their own;
In vain attempt to purchase worthy Fame,
And win th' applauded Heroe's deathless Name;
In vain unnumber'd Vet'ran Troops enroll,
And martial Terrours spread from Pole to Pole,
Affright the trembling World with fierce Alarms,
And waste the Nations with inglorious Arms.
131
But lawrell'd Robbers high in Triumph born,
Elated by their Mischiefs, proud of Guilt,
And pleas'd with Seas of Blood unjustly spilt?
He ceas'd—When confluent Murmurs of Applause
From the thick crouded Floor and Scaffolds rose
To the resounding Roof: And now the Quire,
Which all the tuneful Sons of Art admire,
Begin an Anthem of Celestial Praise,
And above Heav'n Jehovah's Greatness raise.
From the thick crouded Floor and Scaffolds rose
To the resounding Roof: And now the Quire,
Which all the tuneful Sons of Art admire,
Begin an Anthem of Celestial Praise,
And above Heav'n Jehovah's Greatness raise.
Now from th' Dome th' illustrious Pair retreat,
And march with solemn Pace to Leo's Seat;
The joyful Throng the moving Pomp pursue,
Repeat Applauses, and loud Shouts renew
That o'er the Hills of Rome promiscuous rise,
Reach distant Clouds, and echoe thro' the Skies.
Rome's crosier'd Prince, and Britain's promis'd Heir
Now gain the high imperial Palace, where
Domesticks, so their Lord his Will exprest,
Had at a vast Expence prepar'd a Feast
Worthy of Leo and his Royal Guest.
All Fish applauded by the skilful Cook,
The Captives of the Net or of the Hook,
That seek the stagnant Pond or streaming Brook,
That oft their Scenes of Pleasure change, and crave
By Turns the sweet, by Turns the brackish Wave:
All Kinds of feather'd Luxury that hide
In shelt'ring Brakes, or wild in Rocks abide,
That chuse the barren Heath, or fenny Moor,
Or sweep with balanc'd Wings the ouzy Shore;
The Beccafigo, Ortolan, and Quail,
Delicious Dishes which in Courts prevail;
The Deer, and Boar, and all the grateful Foods
That range the Mountains or frequent the Woods:
With Pyramids compos'd of golden Fruits,
Greens of rich Verdure, and high-tasted Roots;
Immense Prosusion! spread th' extended Boards,
Refresh'd the Prelates and regal'd the Lords.
And march with solemn Pace to Leo's Seat;
The joyful Throng the moving Pomp pursue,
Repeat Applauses, and loud Shouts renew
That o'er the Hills of Rome promiscuous rise,
Reach distant Clouds, and echoe thro' the Skies.
Rome's crosier'd Prince, and Britain's promis'd Heir
Now gain the high imperial Palace, where
Domesticks, so their Lord his Will exprest,
Had at a vast Expence prepar'd a Feast
Worthy of Leo and his Royal Guest.
All Fish applauded by the skilful Cook,
The Captives of the Net or of the Hook,
That seek the stagnant Pond or streaming Brook,
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By Turns the sweet, by Turns the brackish Wave:
All Kinds of feather'd Luxury that hide
In shelt'ring Brakes, or wild in Rocks abide,
That chuse the barren Heath, or fenny Moor,
Or sweep with balanc'd Wings the ouzy Shore;
The Beccafigo, Ortolan, and Quail,
Delicious Dishes which in Courts prevail;
The Deer, and Boar, and all the grateful Foods
That range the Mountains or frequent the Woods:
With Pyramids compos'd of golden Fruits,
Greens of rich Verdure, and high-tasted Roots;
Immense Prosusion! spread th' extended Boards,
Refresh'd the Prelates and regal'd the Lords.
Wines rich as fabled Nectar, that appease
Reluctant Cares and settled Sorrows ease,
The noble Growth of sweet Campania's Soil,
And the Reward of Tuscan Farmer's Toil;
The Vintage gather'd by Calabrian Swains,
That crowns Iberia's Hills or Gallia's Plains,
In massy Gold and Silver went around,
With generous Foam and Purple Honours crown'd:
Glasses in tow'ring Rows, the curious Skill
Of high Venetia's Sons, the Side-Boards fill;
While Voices by consummate Art refin'd,
With speaking Strings and sweet-mouth'd Tubes combin'd,
(Melodious Pleasure ravishing to hear!)
By soft Vibration sooth'd the attentive Ear,
Gave Flavour to the Wine, and Rellish to the Chear.
Reluctant Cares and settled Sorrows ease,
The noble Growth of sweet Campania's Soil,
And the Reward of Tuscan Farmer's Toil;
The Vintage gather'd by Calabrian Swains,
That crowns Iberia's Hills or Gallia's Plains,
In massy Gold and Silver went around,
With generous Foam and Purple Honours crown'd:
Glasses in tow'ring Rows, the curious Skill
Of high Venetia's Sons, the Side-Boards fill;
133
With speaking Strings and sweet-mouth'd Tubes combin'd,
(Melodious Pleasure ravishing to hear!)
By soft Vibration sooth'd the attentive Ear,
Gave Flavour to the Wine, and Rellish to the Chear.
Hesperia's spicy Plants, and fragrant Flow'rs
From Gardens Rivals of Arabian Bow'rs,
Persia's sweet Groves, and India's rich Perfumes,
Diffus'd voluptuous Vapours thro' the Rooms.
From Gardens Rivals of Arabian Bow'rs,
Persia's sweet Groves, and India's rich Perfumes,
Diffus'd voluptuous Vapours thro' the Rooms.
Joy'd with the Splendour of the princely Feast,
Magnificent Excess, each chearful Guest
Applauded much the Art and much the Cost
That all Hesperia's Luxury engrost.
Magnificent Excess, each chearful Guest
Applauded much the Art and much the Cost
That all Hesperia's Luxury engrost.
Now to the Field of Mars the Youth resort
To spend in various Games and active Sport
Declining Day, where Strangers might behold
The manly Pastimes us'd in Rome of old.
To spend in various Games and active Sport
Declining Day, where Strangers might behold
The manly Pastimes us'd in Rome of old.
Soon as the Sun retreating from the Skies
Left sick'ning Day defrauded of Supplies,
And the dim Glim'rings of expiring Light
Involv'd in Shade eluded Mortals Sight;
Illuminations all the Dwellings grac'd,
Diffus'd new Splendour and the Day replac'd,
And Fires expressive of uncommon Joy,
Nocturnal Triumph, Rome's glad Sons employ,
While in the Court the chearful Night concludes
With Musick, Dancing, Masks, and Interludes.
Left sick'ning Day defrauded of Supplies,
And the dim Glim'rings of expiring Light
Involv'd in Shade eluded Mortals Sight;
134
Diffus'd new Splendour and the Day replac'd,
And Fires expressive of uncommon Joy,
Nocturnal Triumph, Rome's glad Sons employ,
While in the Court the chearful Night concludes
With Musick, Dancing, Masks, and Interludes.
The Time to Pleasure destin'd thus expir'd,
Which the august Solemnity requir'd,
Britannia's Prince, to his first Purpose true,
Determin'd now his Labours to renew.
To the high Vicar he all Marks exprest
Of filial Rev'rence and a grateful Breast,
For the great Honours granted, and declar'd
That he to leave Hesperia now prepar'd.
Which the august Solemnity requir'd,
Britannia's Prince, to his first Purpose true,
Determin'd now his Labours to renew.
To the high Vicar he all Marks exprest
Of filial Rev'rence and a grateful Breast,
For the great Honours granted, and declar'd
That he to leave Hesperia now prepar'd.
Leo reply'd—Alfred, to Leo dear,
Receive my Blessing, and my Counsel hear.
While you from Realm to Realm, from Isle to Isle,
Studious of Wisdom with Heroick Toil
Patient advance, and undismay'd expose
Your Life to great Varieties of Woes,
To Shelves and Tempests on the Ocean's Tide,
By Land to Deaths and Hazards yet untry'd,
Stedfast on Heav'ns propitious Aid rely,
To this safe Rock in threat'ning Danger fly:
That you divine Protection may assure,
And thro' a thousand Terrours pass secure,
From Virtue's sacred Precepts never stray:
Heav'n only those will guard, that Heav'n obey.
Receive my Blessing, and my Counsel hear.
While you from Realm to Realm, from Isle to Isle,
Studious of Wisdom with Heroick Toil
Patient advance, and undismay'd expose
Your Life to great Varieties of Woes,
To Shelves and Tempests on the Ocean's Tide,
By Land to Deaths and Hazards yet untry'd,
Stedfast on Heav'ns propitious Aid rely,
To this safe Rock in threat'ning Danger fly:
135
And thro' a thousand Terrours pass secure,
From Virtue's sacred Precepts never stray:
Heav'n only those will guard, that Heav'n obey.
In your full Strength and Bloom of Youth beware
Of Beauty's Force and Love's enchanting Snare;
When Pleasure tempts you with expanded Arms,
Due Distance keep, and gaze not on her Charms;
Should you presumptuous face the lovely Foe,
Too late convinc'd you will your Weakness know:
Avoid th' alluring Syren's Voice and Sight,
You stay in Danger, but are safe in Flight.
If on the Verge of Vice you careless play,
The dubious Limits will your Feet betray,
In some ungarded Hour you'll miss your Ground,
And, when you pass the Lines that Virtue bound,
You'll know not where to stop, but cease to mourn
Your Crimes, and prove reluctant to return.
Of Beauty's Force and Love's enchanting Snare;
When Pleasure tempts you with expanded Arms,
Due Distance keep, and gaze not on her Charms;
Should you presumptuous face the lovely Foe,
Too late convinc'd you will your Weakness know:
Avoid th' alluring Syren's Voice and Sight,
You stay in Danger, but are safe in Flight.
If on the Verge of Vice you careless play,
The dubious Limits will your Feet betray,
In some ungarded Hour you'll miss your Ground,
And, when you pass the Lines that Virtue bound,
You'll know not where to stop, but cease to mourn
Your Crimes, and prove reluctant to return.
Besides forbidden Pleasures will unbind
Your manly Sinews and dissolve your Mind:
From Guilt their Fountain Fear and Terrour flow,
Whence Men or timr'ous or remorseless grow:
The Best and vilest Sort are only bold,
And unconcern'd approaching Death behold,
While unreflecting These contemn their Fate,
And Those expect a future blissful State.
The middle Kind in Part with Guilt distain'd,
In Part by Fear of Heav'n from Vice restrain'd,
Against the King of Terrours cannot stand,
But pale and trembling view his lifted Hand:
The Heroes, who in Arms immortal shine
From Heav'ns bright Stores and Arsenals divine,
Fair Innocence, pure Faith, and pious Love,
Firm in Distress and brave in Danger prove.
Mid'st boist'rous Waves, like stable Rocks, they dwell,
And scornful of its Rage the Storm repell:
In vain hoarse Thunder rolls in ambient Skies,
Against their Heads in vain fierce Lightning flies.
Patient in Suff'ring and in Woe resign'd,
They no Regret, no Discomposure find,
Never the Steps of Providence arraign,
Nor of Injustice petulant complain.
Your manly Sinews and dissolve your Mind:
From Guilt their Fountain Fear and Terrour flow,
Whence Men or timr'ous or remorseless grow:
The Best and vilest Sort are only bold,
And unconcern'd approaching Death behold,
136
And Those expect a future blissful State.
The middle Kind in Part with Guilt distain'd,
In Part by Fear of Heav'n from Vice restrain'd,
Against the King of Terrours cannot stand,
But pale and trembling view his lifted Hand:
The Heroes, who in Arms immortal shine
From Heav'ns bright Stores and Arsenals divine,
Fair Innocence, pure Faith, and pious Love,
Firm in Distress and brave in Danger prove.
Mid'st boist'rous Waves, like stable Rocks, they dwell,
And scornful of its Rage the Storm repell:
In vain hoarse Thunder rolls in ambient Skies,
Against their Heads in vain fierce Lightning flies.
Patient in Suff'ring and in Woe resign'd,
They no Regret, no Discomposure find,
Never the Steps of Providence arraign,
Nor of Injustice petulant complain.
When you return to fair Britannia's Isle,
Thus habited to Care and vers'd in Toil,
Your noxious Passions vanquish'd, and your Mind
Form'd for Dominion, and with Arms refin'd,
You'll rule your Subjects with indulgent Laws,
Guard publick Right, and own Religion's Cause.
What a rich Train of Blessings will a King
So fit for Empire to his People bring!
Fame, pleas'd th' illustrious Province to sustain,
Will spread the Glories of your Godlike Reign;
On her bright Pinions will convey your Name,
And your great Deeds from Realm to Realm proclaim.
You, in your Subjects grateful Hearts, will lay
Such strong Foundations of Imperial Sway,
As will in Storms of State remain secure,
And all the Insults of your Foes endure.
You Sycophants will banish from the Throne;
They will not seek your Greatness, but their own;
These a wise Prince to his high Office just
May sometimes manage, but will never trust.
You'll spurn the Avaricious with Disdain,
Who sell their Country, King, and Friends for Gain,
That in immense Possessions curs'd are poor,
And Beggars in Abundance covet more.
In vain the Indies would exhaust their Store
To cure their raging Lust of golden Oar,
Whose Hoards, tho' swelling to a vast Extent,
Sink not th' hydropick Fury, but augment.
Thus you its Father, Patron, Guardian, Friend,
And Benefactor, will your Realm defend:
Those Titles, greater than the awful Stile
Of Monarch, will advance Britannia's Isle.
Thus habited to Care and vers'd in Toil,
Your noxious Passions vanquish'd, and your Mind
Form'd for Dominion, and with Arms refin'd,
You'll rule your Subjects with indulgent Laws,
Guard publick Right, and own Religion's Cause.
137
So fit for Empire to his People bring!
Fame, pleas'd th' illustrious Province to sustain,
Will spread the Glories of your Godlike Reign;
On her bright Pinions will convey your Name,
And your great Deeds from Realm to Realm proclaim.
You, in your Subjects grateful Hearts, will lay
Such strong Foundations of Imperial Sway,
As will in Storms of State remain secure,
And all the Insults of your Foes endure.
You Sycophants will banish from the Throne;
They will not seek your Greatness, but their own;
These a wise Prince to his high Office just
May sometimes manage, but will never trust.
You'll spurn the Avaricious with Disdain,
Who sell their Country, King, and Friends for Gain,
That in immense Possessions curs'd are poor,
And Beggars in Abundance covet more.
In vain the Indies would exhaust their Store
To cure their raging Lust of golden Oar,
Whose Hoards, tho' swelling to a vast Extent,
Sink not th' hydropick Fury, but augment.
Thus you its Father, Patron, Guardian, Friend,
And Benefactor, will your Realm defend:
Those Titles, greater than the awful Stile
Of Monarch, will advance Britannia's Isle.
138
He ceas'd—And now in solemn Manner bless'd
The Briton, and paternal Care express'd.
His gracious Arms his royal Son embrace,
While plenteous Tears fell down his reverend Face.
These tender Passions pious Alfred move,
Who in the Pontiff faw the Father's Love:
His Words abrupt, and discompos'd his Air,
He took his Leave, and did with Speed repair
To Ostia's Port, where a tall Vessel lay
Ready the British Heroe to convey
To high Parthenope: And here the Night
He pass'd, and waited for the dawning Light.
The Briton, and paternal Care express'd.
His gracious Arms his royal Son embrace,
While plenteous Tears fell down his reverend Face.
These tender Passions pious Alfred move,
Who in the Pontiff faw the Father's Love:
His Words abrupt, and discompos'd his Air,
He took his Leave, and did with Speed repair
To Ostia's Port, where a tall Vessel lay
Ready the British Heroe to convey
To high Parthenope: And here the Night
He pass'd, and waited for the dawning Light.
The Morning Beams now thro' the Sky display
A rosy Tincture, and infuse the Day:
Alfred embark'd, and, favour'd by the Wind,
Stood off, and left the flying Shores behind.
The bounding Ship before th' impulsive Gale,
That swell'd the Bosom of th' expanded Sail,
Spoon'd swift away along Hesperia's Coast,
And soon subsiding Ostia's Castles lost:
Ostia, where first the Trojan with his Band
Made his Descent on sweet Italia's Land;
And not remote the first Foundations laid
Of Rome's wide Empire, which the World obey'd.
This City once (by Martius built in part,
Part by succeding Princes) vy'd in Art
Shown in its Haven, Palaces, and Tow'rs,
With the chief Labours of the Roman Pow'rs.
Its Beauty, proud Magnificence, and State,
Its Amplitude, and Wealth, did once create
In gazing Strangers Wonder and Delight,
And Envy in Hesperia's Lords excite.
A rosy Tincture, and infuse the Day:
Alfred embark'd, and, favour'd by the Wind,
Stood off, and left the flying Shores behind.
The bounding Ship before th' impulsive Gale,
That swell'd the Bosom of th' expanded Sail,
Spoon'd swift away along Hesperia's Coast,
And soon subsiding Ostia's Castles lost:
Ostia, where first the Trojan with his Band
Made his Descent on sweet Italia's Land;
And not remote the first Foundations laid
Of Rome's wide Empire, which the World obey'd.
139
Part by succeding Princes) vy'd in Art
Shown in its Haven, Palaces, and Tow'rs,
With the chief Labours of the Roman Pow'rs.
Its Beauty, proud Magnificence, and State,
Its Amplitude, and Wealth, did once create
In gazing Strangers Wonder and Delight,
And Envy in Hesperia's Lords excite.
Advancing, next we pass'd the pleasant Shore
Where Latin Kings of old the Scepter bore,
And here beheld the celebrated Wood,
Near which Laurentum once aspiring stood:
The spacious Lawrel-Groves, that gave the Town
Its Appellation, with rich Verdure crown
The Region, sooth hot Sun-beams, and prepare:
For Health and soft Delight the scented Air.
Where Latin Kings of old the Scepter bore,
And here beheld the celebrated Wood,
Near which Laurentum once aspiring stood:
The spacious Lawrel-Groves, that gave the Town
Its Appellation, with rich Verdure crown
The Region, sooth hot Sun-beams, and prepare:
For Health and soft Delight the scented Air.
Near this the City, that from rising Ground
Survey'd the Seas and hollow Shores around;
Ancient Lavinia, whose recorded Name
From the fair Consort of Æneas came,
Rear'd her proud Head now scarcely known to Fame.
Survey'd the Seas and hollow Shores around;
Ancient Lavinia, whose recorded Name
From the fair Consort of Æneas came,
Rear'd her proud Head now scarcely known to Fame.
Next Antium's Tow'rs their Lustre once display'd,
Then great by Land and flourishing in Trade,
Founded by Circe's and Vlysses Son,
Whence the old Volscian potent Reign begun,
Whose hostile Corsairs seiz'd the Merchant's Gain,
And with pyratick War distress'd the Main;
Since Neighb'ring Pow'rs and adverse Turns of Fate
Destroy'd the Strength and Splendor of the State.
Now scatter'd thro' the Mountains, Woods and Plains
The Trav'ller sees the City's rude Remains,
And wand'ring Farmers on the Ruins tread,
In which the Town conceals her fameless Head.
Then great by Land and flourishing in Trade,
140
Whence the old Volscian potent Reign begun,
Whose hostile Corsairs seiz'd the Merchant's Gain,
And with pyratick War distress'd the Main;
Since Neighb'ring Pow'rs and adverse Turns of Fate
Destroy'd the Strength and Splendor of the State.
Now scatter'd thro' the Mountains, Woods and Plains
The Trav'ller sees the City's rude Remains,
And wand'ring Farmers on the Ruins tread,
In which the Town conceals her fameless Head.
Next the Circæan Hills sublime and steep,
Above the watry Convex of the Deep
Ascending slowly, gain their airy Height,
And open by Degrees a charming Sight;
While issuing from the Land they wedge their Way
Amid'st the Waves, and form the spreading Bay
Where Terracina's Turrets midst the Sky
O'erlook the Billows that beneath her lye,
And view the Streams, and Fields, and Towns around
Crouded with People and with Plenty crown'd.
Above the watry Convex of the Deep
Ascending slowly, gain their airy Height,
And open by Degrees a charming Sight;
While issuing from the Land they wedge their Way
Amid'st the Waves, and form the spreading Bay
Where Terracina's Turrets midst the Sky
O'erlook the Billows that beneath her lye,
And view the Streams, and Fields, and Towns around
Crouded with People and with Plenty crown'd.
Now Boreas in the Shrouds began to roar,
And furious beat us from Hesperia's Shore;
Collected Clouds the Fields of Air o'erspread,
And in their Wombs the growing Tempest bred,
Which soon discharg'd its Rage upon the Main,
Whilst we unguided sail'd thro' Storms of Rain,
Loud Peals of Thunder, and exploded Flame,
Till all our Men and Vessel lost, we came
Shipwrack'd to Shore on fair Numidia's Land,
Bless'd by Subjection to your high Command.
Here a sage Hermite, in a heav'nly Dream
By Night admonish'd from the Pow'r supream,
Met and receiv'd Us kind, till with Repose
And cheap but wholsome Food refresh'd we rose,
Then we, the Hermite's Dictates to obey,
Pursu'd to this delightful Town our Way.
And furious beat us from Hesperia's Shore;
Collected Clouds the Fields of Air o'erspread,
And in their Wombs the growing Tempest bred,
141
Whilst we unguided sail'd thro' Storms of Rain,
Loud Peals of Thunder, and exploded Flame,
Till all our Men and Vessel lost, we came
Shipwrack'd to Shore on fair Numidia's Land,
Bless'd by Subjection to your high Command.
Here a sage Hermite, in a heav'nly Dream
By Night admonish'd from the Pow'r supream,
Met and receiv'd Us kind, till with Repose
And cheap but wholsome Food refresh'd we rose,
Then we, the Hermite's Dictates to obey,
Pursu'd to this delightful Town our Way.
He ceas'd—And all the Briton's Conduct prais'd:
His Suff'rings much, and much his Virtue rais'd
Wise Halla's wond'ring Thoughts, but chief his Mind
Humble in good, and in ill Fate resign'd.
Now did the Night her Noon o'erpast prepare
To quit in Turn the Empire of the Air,
When the pleas'd Audience to their Rest retir'd,
Commended Guithun, and his Prince admir'd.
His Suff'rings much, and much his Virtue rais'd
Wise Halla's wond'ring Thoughts, but chief his Mind
Humble in good, and in ill Fate resign'd.
Now did the Night her Noon o'erpast prepare
To quit in Turn the Empire of the Air,
When the pleas'd Audience to their Rest retir'd,
Commended Guithun, and his Prince admir'd.
| Alfred | |