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King Arthur

An Heroick Poem. In Twelve Books. By Richard Blackmore. To which is Annexed, An Index, Explaining the Names of Countrys, Citys, and Rivers, &c

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Then Albion's pious Monarch Silence broke
And thus the Prelates and the Peers bespoke.
For Britain's Safety to express my Care
I leave in Gallia an unfinish'd War.
My Arms have met Success, but Zeal for you
Will not permit our Conquests to pursue.
What Feuds some Peers and Prelates ill dispos'd
Have rais'd, Gravellan has before disclos'd,
But what has happen'd since do you relate,
And tell the present Posture of the State.
Suggest some ready and effectual Way
To check Sedition, and its Progress stay.
Britannia might despise all forreign Power,
If from contentious Sons she stood secure.

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Her Strength abroad is formidable grown,
No Arms can shake her Greatness but her own.
Only our Strife can Clotar's Empire Guard,
Obstruct our Triumphs, and our Arms retard.
Only your Feuds can sinking Gallia prop,
Your Feuds their Refuge, and their single hope.