 | Alfred |  |
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BOOK VIII.
The ARGUMENT.
Alfred sails from Sicily, and steers his Course for Spain. The Coast of Italy by which he passed described, excepting the Part before mentioned between Ostia and Naples. Passing the Streights into the Atlantick Ocean, be stood for the Mouth of the Bætis, or Quadalquivir, the River on which Hispalis, or Seville is built. Satan raises another Tempest, that forced the Prince back, and compelled him to land in the Evening on the Coast of Africa; where he and Guithun shelter'd themselves in a neighbouring Grove till the next Morning. While Alfred slept, to encourage him for future Labours and hazardous Adventures,
Amel descending from above, mounts with him in a Vision to Heaven, and shews him that blissful Place. Then carries him down, and gives him a Prospect of Tophet or Gehenna, the Prison of condemned Criminals. While they ascend from these Seats, the Angel takes Occasion on the Way to let Alfred know what Revolutions and various Changes of the royal Lines shall happen in Albion till the present Times: That done Amel places him as he thought again in the Grove, and then withdraws. Alfred awakens from the Vision, which leaves deep Impression on his Mind.
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In Air serene swift o'er the peaceful Main
Push'd by propitious Winds they steer'd for Spain:
While high Messina's Turrets backward flew,
And smoaking Ætna's sinking Peaks withdrew,
They spoon'd away, and, with wide Sails display'd
To catch the breathing Force, their Passage made,
And with sharp Keels and Streamers waving high
Wounded at once the Deep and swept the Sky.
Advancing o'er the Billows soon they lost
The Towns and Tow'rs on soft Hesperia's Coast,
Which with Delight the Britons view'd before,
Coasting to Naples from fair Ostia's Shore.
Push'd by propitious Winds they steer'd for Spain:
While high Messina's Turrets backward flew,
And smoaking Ætna's sinking Peaks withdrew,
They spoon'd away, and, with wide Sails display'd
To catch the breathing Force, their Passage made,
And with sharp Keels and Streamers waving high
Wounded at once the Deep and swept the Sky.
Advancing o'er the Billows soon they lost
The Towns and Tow'rs on soft Hesperia's Coast,
Which with Delight the Britons view'd before,
Coasting to Naples from fair Ostia's Shore.
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Now on the Tyrrhene foaming Sea they stood
Steady their destin'd Course, and plough'd the Flood
Fam'd from the Prince that for Lavinia's Charms
Flew o'er its Waves from slighted Dido's Arms,
To found a Pow'r that should from Pole to Pole,
From Sun to Sun the Subject World controul.
Then with auspicious Gales they pass'd the Land,
Where Pisa's Domes and lofty Castles stand,
A City, whilst with civil Freedom crown'd,
Frequent of People and for Wealth renown'd,
Potent by Land and Sea; but since the Yoke
Of Servitude her Strength and Spirit broke,
She languishes, she hangs her weeping Head,
And mourns her Riches and her Children fled:
Now Trav'llers Moss in stately Buildings meet,
And tread on springing Grass in every Street.
Steady their destin'd Course, and plough'd the Flood
Fam'd from the Prince that for Lavinia's Charms
Flew o'er its Waves from slighted Dido's Arms,
To found a Pow'r that should from Pole to Pole,
From Sun to Sun the Subject World controul.
Then with auspicious Gales they pass'd the Land,
Where Pisa's Domes and lofty Castles stand,
A City, whilst with civil Freedom crown'd,
Frequent of People and for Wealth renown'd,
Potent by Land and Sea; but since the Yoke
Of Servitude her Strength and Spirit broke,
She languishes, she hangs her weeping Head,
And mourns her Riches and her Children fled:
Now Trav'llers Moss in stately Buildings meet,
And tread on springing Grass in every Street.
Next thro' the wide Ligustick Sea they steer'd,
Where Genua's Tow'rs sublime in Air appear'd
Dusky and in blue Distance almost lost,
Extended on Hesperia's crooked Coast.
Such are the Wealth and Beauties of the Town,
It vies with Cities of the first Renown,
Tho' hewn from solid Rocks by Toil and Art,
While the proud Walls and Buildings seem to start
From Marble Hills, whose Peaks transfigur'd rise
In glitt'ring Spires and Turret's midst the Skies.
Where Genua's Tow'rs sublime in Air appear'd
Dusky and in blue Distance almost lost,
Extended on Hesperia's crooked Coast.
Such are the Wealth and Beauties of the Town,
It vies with Cities of the first Renown,
Tho' hewn from solid Rocks by Toil and Art,
While the proud Walls and Buildings seem to start
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In glitt'ring Spires and Turret's midst the Skies.
Then thro' the Gallick Seas they made their Way,
Where, Rhodanus, thy Streams their Tribute pay
To the wide Deep, which their moist Treasures owe
To Alpine Mountains and to weeping Snow.
So the sad Nymph, as said by ancient Fame,
Dissolv'd in Tears a running Flood became;
And where Massilia, with Abundance blest
Fetch'd from the Shores of Egypt and the East,
Its tow'ry Pride on winding Land displays,
And with its Arms the peaceful Waves embays.
Where, Rhodanus, thy Streams their Tribute pay
To the wide Deep, which their moist Treasures owe
To Alpine Mountains and to weeping Snow.
So the sad Nymph, as said by ancient Fame,
Dissolv'd in Tears a running Flood became;
And where Massilia, with Abundance blest
Fetch'd from the Shores of Egypt and the East,
Its tow'ry Pride on winding Land displays,
And with its Arms the peaceful Waves embays.
Next near the Coast the Voyagers were born
Which fam'd Monspelia's Palaces adorn,
Whose skilful Sons and salutary Air
Raise vital Flame, and broken Health repair;
Delicious Seat! where all the neighb'ring Soil
Smells sweet with Flow'rs, and flows with Wine & Oyl.
Which fam'd Monspelia's Palaces adorn,
Whose skilful Sons and salutary Air
Raise vital Flame, and broken Health repair;
Delicious Seat! where all the neighb'ring Soil
Smells sweet with Flow'rs, and flows with Wine & Oyl.
Then sailing thro' the Balearick Deep
With great Delight Iberia's Coast they sweep,
Where Barcelona's Turrets rise sublime,
O'erlook the Shore, and Heights etherial climb;
Of Catalonia's Kings th' imperial Seat,
Who great in Arms did Victors long defeat
Invading Pow'rs, and reign'd in Wealth and Ease
Potent by Land, and Sov'reigns of the Seas.
With great Delight Iberia's Coast they sweep,
Where Barcelona's Turrets rise sublime,
O'erlook the Shore, and Heights etherial climb;
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Who great in Arms did Victors long defeat
Invading Pow'rs, and reign'd in Wealth and Ease
Potent by Land, and Sov'reigns of the Seas.
And now they pass'd the narrow rushing Tide,
Whose Waves th' Iberian from the Moor divide,
And left behind the celebrated Land,
Where the Herculean fabled Pillars stand,
Confining on th' extended Western Main,
And on the North oppos'd to spacious Spain;
Which elder Ages as the Bounds regard
Of the known World, that further Progress barr'd.
Then to the River's Mouth they steer'd away,
Where, Hispalis, thy Tow'rs their Pride display,
Double the Sun-beam and reflect the Day.
Whose Waves th' Iberian from the Moor divide,
And left behind the celebrated Land,
Where the Herculean fabled Pillars stand,
Confining on th' extended Western Main,
And on the North oppos'd to spacious Spain;
Which elder Ages as the Bounds regard
Of the known World, that further Progress barr'd.
Then to the River's Mouth they steer'd away,
Where, Hispalis, thy Tow'rs their Pride display,
Double the Sun-beam and reflect the Day.
Now while, with Thought intent and anxious Care,
The Prince that rules the Empire of the Air
Patrolling travers'd swift the vacant Space,
Rang'd Azure Gulphs, and flew from Place to Place
His Provinces and Frontiers to review,
And learn if Demons to his Orders true
Perform'd their Tasks, in Anguish he descry'd
The Briton's Ship advancing on the Tide.
As gath'ring gloomy Storms that heavy rise
Loure with a threat'ning Aspect in the Skies,
So frown'd th' Apostate, dreadful to behold,
And his fierce Eyes in stern Defiance roll'd.
Then to himself he said—Does Alfred still
My Rage vindictive and infernal Skill
Escape, and tho' with watchful Zeal pursu'd
Defeat my Pow'r, and well-laid Plots elude?
Can't all the Force and Stratagems of Hell,
Nor all our Fiends this hateful Briton quell?
Are we exhausted? is our Vengeance drain'd?
No; since my Empire here is unrestrain'd,
Room yet is left to check th' ambitious Boy,
The Pleasure to afflict I'll still enjoy.
And then he call'd the Demons of the Air,
To whom he said—A Tempest swift prepare,
And drive the Briton from Iberia's Shore
To the parch'd Regions of the tawny Moor.
The Prince that rules the Empire of the Air
Patrolling travers'd swift the vacant Space,
Rang'd Azure Gulphs, and flew from Place to Place
His Provinces and Frontiers to review,
And learn if Demons to his Orders true
Perform'd their Tasks, in Anguish he descry'd
The Briton's Ship advancing on the Tide.
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Loure with a threat'ning Aspect in the Skies,
So frown'd th' Apostate, dreadful to behold,
And his fierce Eyes in stern Defiance roll'd.
Then to himself he said—Does Alfred still
My Rage vindictive and infernal Skill
Escape, and tho' with watchful Zeal pursu'd
Defeat my Pow'r, and well-laid Plots elude?
Can't all the Force and Stratagems of Hell,
Nor all our Fiends this hateful Briton quell?
Are we exhausted? is our Vengeance drain'd?
No; since my Empire here is unrestrain'd,
Room yet is left to check th' ambitious Boy,
The Pleasure to afflict I'll still enjoy.
And then he call'd the Demons of the Air,
To whom he said—A Tempest swift prepare,
And drive the Briton from Iberia's Shore
To the parch'd Regions of the tawny Moor.
Th' obsequious Fiends their Monarch's will obey'd,
And active Meteor's midst the Heav'ns convey'd,
Which, there assembled, might a Tempest grow,
And pour their Rage on Hell's immortal Foe;
Force back his Vessel from Iberia's Soil,
Distress the Heroe, and renew his Toil.
And active Meteor's midst the Heav'ns convey'd,
Which, there assembled, might a Tempest grow,
And pour their Rage on Hell's immortal Foe;
Force back his Vessel from Iberia's Soil,
Distress the Heroe, and renew his Toil.
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Collected Vapours now the Skies deform,
And hollow whistling Gusts denounce the Storm,
Which furious from the North ascending drew
Its sable Train o'er Heav'n's extinguish'd Blue:
While must'ring Clouds, such as pale Sailers dread,
With awful Gloom the wide Horizon spread,
Whose dusky Fleeces drown the solar Light,
Suppress the Day and cause untimely Night;
Incumbent Gales hard on the Ocean bear,
Weigh up the Deep, and drive it thro' the Air.
Now diff'rent Winds in Hurricanes maintain
Outragious Combate, and alternate reign;
Extream Distress afflicted Nature shows,
Her Center shaking with tempestuous Throws,
While by impulsive Force emerging Waves
Regurgitate from trembling rocky Caves,
Whence fighting Tides and dreadful Whirlpools rise,
And Floods uplifted climb the steepy Skies.
Wild Horrour, Mis-rule, Noise, and Strife confound
The Air, the Ocean, and the Heav'ns around,
Howl in the Woods and from the Hills rebound.
Now while the raging Seas resistless Shocks
And furious Frets of Wind too near the Rocks
The Vessel Force, and now while adverse Gales,
That blowing from the Shore fill'd out the Sails,
Impell'd it back, the Crew uncertain stand,
Whether the Ship disdainful of Command
Would founder in the Deep, or perish on the Strand.
And hollow whistling Gusts denounce the Storm,
Which furious from the North ascending drew
Its sable Train o'er Heav'n's extinguish'd Blue:
While must'ring Clouds, such as pale Sailers dread,
With awful Gloom the wide Horizon spread,
Whose dusky Fleeces drown the solar Light,
Suppress the Day and cause untimely Night;
Incumbent Gales hard on the Ocean bear,
Weigh up the Deep, and drive it thro' the Air.
Now diff'rent Winds in Hurricanes maintain
Outragious Combate, and alternate reign;
Extream Distress afflicted Nature shows,
Her Center shaking with tempestuous Throws,
While by impulsive Force emerging Waves
Regurgitate from trembling rocky Caves,
Whence fighting Tides and dreadful Whirlpools rise,
And Floods uplifted climb the steepy Skies.
Wild Horrour, Mis-rule, Noise, and Strife confound
The Air, the Ocean, and the Heav'ns around,
Howl in the Woods and from the Hills rebound.
Now while the raging Seas resistless Shocks
And furious Frets of Wind too near the Rocks
The Vessel Force, and now while adverse Gales,
That blowing from the Shore fill'd out the Sails,
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Whether the Ship disdainful of Command
Would founder in the Deep, or perish on the Strand.
Then Amel swift descending from above,
As order'd, thro' the Skies inferiour drove
The Demons that with Clouds efface the Day,
Sport in loud Thunder, and in Tempests play.
Aw'd by the Serapah's Frown they took their Flight,
Bore off the Storm, and eas'd the Sailer's Fright.
And now succeeds a soft Favonian Breeze,
That curl'd the Floods, and gently shook the Trees.
The Heav'ns, the wild seditious Uproar sooth'd,
Serenely smil'd, and the calm Ocean smooth'd
His furrow'd Face—Then did the Men descry
A Creek where Vessels might at Anchor lye.
To this safe Bay their leaky Ship they thrust
And plac'd on Pow'r divine religious Trust:
Then prais'd kind Heav'n, and leaping on the Shore
With Pray'r devout they future Aid implore.
As order'd, thro' the Skies inferiour drove
The Demons that with Clouds efface the Day,
Sport in loud Thunder, and in Tempests play.
Aw'd by the Serapah's Frown they took their Flight,
Bore off the Storm, and eas'd the Sailer's Fright.
And now succeeds a soft Favonian Breeze,
That curl'd the Floods, and gently shook the Trees.
The Heav'ns, the wild seditious Uproar sooth'd,
Serenely smil'd, and the calm Ocean smooth'd
His furrow'd Face—Then did the Men descry
A Creek where Vessels might at Anchor lye.
To this safe Bay their leaky Ship they thrust
And plac'd on Pow'r divine religious Trust:
Then prais'd kind Heav'n, and leaping on the Shore
With Pray'r devout they future Aid implore.
The solar Orb withdrawn, by doubtful Light
They spy'd a neighb'ring Grove, to pass the Night
Beneath the shelt'ring Trees they took their Way,
And there decreed to wait th' Approach of Day.
Their Strength in Part with Meats and Wine restor'd,
Refreshments from Messina sent Aboard,
On Leopards spotted Skins in Libya drest
Drousy they stretch'd their weary Limbs to Rest.
They spy'd a neighb'ring Grove, to pass the Night
Beneath the shelt'ring Trees they took their Way,
And there decreed to wait th' Approach of Day.
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Refreshments from Messina sent Aboard,
On Leopards spotted Skins in Libya drest
Drousy they stretch'd their weary Limbs to Rest.
His Angel swifter than the Morning Ray,
So Alfred dreamt while slumb'ring sweet he lay,
With radiant Wings shot down the yielding Skies
Bliss and celestial Gladness in his Eyes,
Godlike his Mien, ineffable his Grace,
And rosy Youth possest his beaming Face:
Approaching Alfred with divine Address,
He gracious smil'd, and did these Words express.
Alfred, that you fresh Courage may acquire,
Improve your Vigour and heroick Fire,
Whence you in adverse Fate may firm abide
New Toils and Tryals which your Foes provide,
The Pow'r supream, whose Breast is still inclin'd
To guard the Righteous to his Will resign'd,
Has me his Angel from his Throne of Light
Sent to display before your wond'ring Sight
The peaceful Seats of endless Joy and Bliss,
And the low Regions of the dark Abyss;
Whence you will learn your Zeal is well employ'd
To gain the first, the latter to avoid.
So Alfred dreamt while slumb'ring sweet he lay,
With radiant Wings shot down the yielding Skies
Bliss and celestial Gladness in his Eyes,
Godlike his Mien, ineffable his Grace,
And rosy Youth possest his beaming Face:
Approaching Alfred with divine Address,
He gracious smil'd, and did these Words express.
Alfred, that you fresh Courage may acquire,
Improve your Vigour and heroick Fire,
Whence you in adverse Fate may firm abide
New Toils and Tryals which your Foes provide,
The Pow'r supream, whose Breast is still inclin'd
To guard the Righteous to his Will resign'd,
Has me his Angel from his Throne of Light
Sent to display before your wond'ring Sight
The peaceful Seats of endless Joy and Bliss,
And the low Regions of the dark Abyss;
Whence you will learn your Zeal is well employ'd
To gain the first, the latter to avoid.
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He said—And then the Angel gently caught
The Briton up, and, so the Heroe thought,
On his immortal Pinions Alfred bore,
And with his Charge did high in Ether soar.
The Eagle never mounts so swift and strong,
That with a Leveret truss'd to feed her Young,
To her safe Nest in some wild Mountain's Height
Or Rock entrusted, wings her airy Flight.
They pass'd the Globes immense, that run their Course
By Aid divine and delegated Force,
And thro' th' expanded Districts of the Skies,
And o'er blue Hills and Fields of Chrystal rise
Till they had gain'd the bless'd Abodes above,
The Regions of Delight and Seats of Love:
Where Alfred ravish'd saw dispers'd around
The happy Saints, with all their Wishes crown'd;
Transports of Pleasure fill'd each swelling Breast,
Which heav'd and labour'd with th' unequal Guest.
Rich Splendor, that from Bliss internal came,
Strove thro' their fair and undecaying Frame;
These bright Eruptions from within convey'd
A Heav'n of Glory round each Saint display'd.
The Briton up, and, so the Heroe thought,
On his immortal Pinions Alfred bore,
And with his Charge did high in Ether soar.
The Eagle never mounts so swift and strong,
That with a Leveret truss'd to feed her Young,
To her safe Nest in some wild Mountain's Height
Or Rock entrusted, wings her airy Flight.
They pass'd the Globes immense, that run their Course
By Aid divine and delegated Force,
And thro' th' expanded Districts of the Skies,
And o'er blue Hills and Fields of Chrystal rise
Till they had gain'd the bless'd Abodes above,
The Regions of Delight and Seats of Love:
Where Alfred ravish'd saw dispers'd around
The happy Saints, with all their Wishes crown'd;
Transports of Pleasure fill'd each swelling Breast,
Which heav'd and labour'd with th' unequal Guest.
Rich Splendor, that from Bliss internal came,
Strove thro' their fair and undecaying Frame;
These bright Eruptions from within convey'd
A Heav'n of Glory round each Saint display'd.
Then said the Angel—These bless'd Men regard,
What Joys what Triumphs now their Toil reward!
What Words expressive can their Beauty tell!
On every Face what Charms, what Graces dwell!
What lovely Looks with Dignity combin'd!
What blooming Cheeks with Strength immortal join'd!
How great their Port! How graceful do they move!
How pleas'd they seem! How full of Joy and Love!
How rich their Robes, how ravishing to Sight,
Form'd of pure Skies and interwoven Light!
See, as along th' Etherial Fields they go,
Behind what sweeping Trains of Splendour flow!
What Raptures of Delight fill every Breast
With Life divine and Youth unfading blest!
What Palms triumphant do the Victors bear;
Majestick Pomp! What radiant Crowns they wear!
How blissful are their Eyes! How Godlike is their Air!
What Joys what Triumphs now their Toil reward!
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On every Face what Charms, what Graces dwell!
What lovely Looks with Dignity combin'd!
What blooming Cheeks with Strength immortal join'd!
How great their Port! How graceful do they move!
How pleas'd they seem! How full of Joy and Love!
How rich their Robes, how ravishing to Sight,
Form'd of pure Skies and interwoven Light!
See, as along th' Etherial Fields they go,
Behind what sweeping Trains of Splendour flow!
What Raptures of Delight fill every Breast
With Life divine and Youth unfading blest!
What Palms triumphant do the Victors bear;
Majestick Pomp! What radiant Crowns they wear!
How blissful are their Eyes! How Godlike is their Air!
The Guide continu'd—This bright Quire behold,
See in their Hands melodious Harps of Gold:
What Hymns, what Praises they for ever sing,
What Hallelujahs to th' eternal King!
How their extatick Strains in Consort rise,
And fill with loud Devotion distant Skies!
See, of their Glory they their Heads uncrown,
And at th' Almighty's Feet fall prostrate down,
Where they entranc'd in Adoration lye
O'erwhelm'd with Bliss ineffable, and cry
To him, who sits on high enthron'd in Light,
Salvation, Honour, Pow'r, Dominion, Might,
Thanksgiving, Blessing be for ever giv'n,
And to the Lamb that dy'd, and purchas'd Heav'n
For his Elect, while he propitious paid
Their Ransom, and for Guilt Atonement made.
With the Fruition of th' Almighty blest,
Transports of Pleasure not to be exprest,
And ardent Passions swell each striving Breast:
And while his beatifick Favours move
The strongest Efforts of exalted Love,
Inflame their Soul, and rapt'rous Wonder raise,
They drink in endless Joy, and send forth endless Praise.
See in their Hands melodious Harps of Gold:
What Hymns, what Praises they for ever sing,
What Hallelujahs to th' eternal King!
How their extatick Strains in Consort rise,
And fill with loud Devotion distant Skies!
See, of their Glory they their Heads uncrown,
And at th' Almighty's Feet fall prostrate down,
Where they entranc'd in Adoration lye
O'erwhelm'd with Bliss ineffable, and cry
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Salvation, Honour, Pow'r, Dominion, Might,
Thanksgiving, Blessing be for ever giv'n,
And to the Lamb that dy'd, and purchas'd Heav'n
For his Elect, while he propitious paid
Their Ransom, and for Guilt Atonement made.
With the Fruition of th' Almighty blest,
Transports of Pleasure not to be exprest,
And ardent Passions swell each striving Breast:
And while his beatifick Favours move
The strongest Efforts of exalted Love,
Inflame their Soul, and rapt'rous Wonder raise,
They drink in endless Joy, and send forth endless Praise.
There the bright Army of the Martyrs see
That clad in Arms divine, Hope, Charity,
Belief, and Patience, fought a glorious Fight,
Subdu'd the World and put Hell's Prince to Flight;
In what Abodes of Glory now they dwell,
Celestial Scenes of Joy ineffable!
These Worthies now unpersecuted rest,
Who once endur'd Affliction's fiery Test:
Pagans by killing some their Fury cloy'd,
Some by worse Christian Tyrants were destroy'd;
Some were by Racks and cruel Scourges try'd,
And some by ling'ring manag'd Torment dy'd.
These 'midst consuming Flames confess'd their Lord,
Those by the Cross, these perish'd by the Sword.
Hark! from beneath the Altar Night and Day
These Souls devoutly thus th' Almighty pray,
How long, how long, Lord righteous, faithful, good,
Will it yet be ere Thou avenge our Blood?
Ere thou indignant in thy Wrath resolve
Our Murd'rers in Destruction to involve,
Perform thy Word, make Justice spotless shine,
And vindicate thy Government divine?
That clad in Arms divine, Hope, Charity,
Belief, and Patience, fought a glorious Fight,
Subdu'd the World and put Hell's Prince to Flight;
In what Abodes of Glory now they dwell,
Celestial Scenes of Joy ineffable!
These Worthies now unpersecuted rest,
Who once endur'd Affliction's fiery Test:
Pagans by killing some their Fury cloy'd,
Some by worse Christian Tyrants were destroy'd;
Some were by Racks and cruel Scourges try'd,
And some by ling'ring manag'd Torment dy'd.
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Those by the Cross, these perish'd by the Sword.
Hark! from beneath the Altar Night and Day
These Souls devoutly thus th' Almighty pray,
How long, how long, Lord righteous, faithful, good,
Will it yet be ere Thou avenge our Blood?
Ere thou indignant in thy Wrath resolve
Our Murd'rers in Destruction to involve,
Perform thy Word, make Justice spotless shine,
And vindicate thy Government divine?
The next to These in Dignity regard
That order There; what Joys their Deeds reward!
View their high Thrones, behold their Diadems
Form'd of blest Gold and bright Etherial Gems,
A Weight of Glory inexpressible,
Their sparkling Eyes their inward Rapture tell.
These are good Kings, in whose auspicious Reign
None did of Wrong by Fraud or Force complain;
They strove the People's Riches to encrease;
And wag'd no War for Triumph but for Peace;
They ne'er believ'd Religion Courts disgrac'd,
Nor that to act like God a Prince debas'd:
But frown'd on Vice, asserted Virtue's Cause,
And by their own enforc'd celestial Laws.
These knew that Crowns no Pow'r peculiar bring
From Christian Precepts to exempt a King,
Who levell'd with the Croud promiscuous stands
At Heav'ns high Bar when Heav'n Account demands,
His Dignity no more rever'd, for here
Distinctions all but moral disappear.
That order There; what Joys their Deeds reward!
View their high Thrones, behold their Diadems
Form'd of blest Gold and bright Etherial Gems,
A Weight of Glory inexpressible,
Their sparkling Eyes their inward Rapture tell.
These are good Kings, in whose auspicious Reign
None did of Wrong by Fraud or Force complain;
They strove the People's Riches to encrease;
And wag'd no War for Triumph but for Peace;
They ne'er believ'd Religion Courts disgrac'd,
Nor that to act like God a Prince debas'd:
But frown'd on Vice, asserted Virtue's Cause,
And by their own enforc'd celestial Laws.
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From Christian Precepts to exempt a King,
Who levell'd with the Croud promiscuous stands
At Heav'ns high Bar when Heav'n Account demands,
His Dignity no more rever'd, for here
Distinctions all but moral disappear.
To the next Order, Alfred, turn your Sight,
Clad in long Vests of beatifick Light,
How fresh a Bloom their Cheeks immortal dies!
What Extasies of Joy possess their Eyes!
What circling Radiance darts from every Head,
And from their Bow'rs what blissful Odours spread!
These Christian Chiefs o'er Churches did preside,
And with Applause their sacred Province guide;
Who by their Lives, as well as Precepts, taught
Rules that just Deeds and pure Belief promote;
With ardent Zeal to serve their Lord inspir'd
They fed the Flock and not the Fleece desir'd;
They strove the Heart by Reason to incline,
By gracious Speech and Evidence divine,
And us'd no Arms Church-Conquests to acquire,
But Faith's bright Sword, and Love's celestial Fire;
Now their rich Crowns and happy Seats regard,
What endless Raptures transient Pain reward!
Clad in long Vests of beatifick Light,
How fresh a Bloom their Cheeks immortal dies!
What Extasies of Joy possess their Eyes!
What circling Radiance darts from every Head,
And from their Bow'rs what blissful Odours spread!
These Christian Chiefs o'er Churches did preside,
And with Applause their sacred Province guide;
Who by their Lives, as well as Precepts, taught
Rules that just Deeds and pure Belief promote;
With ardent Zeal to serve their Lord inspir'd
They fed the Flock and not the Fleece desir'd;
They strove the Heart by Reason to incline,
By gracious Speech and Evidence divine,
And us'd no Arms Church-Conquests to acquire,
But Faith's bright Sword, and Love's celestial Fire;
Now their rich Crowns and happy Seats regard,
What endless Raptures transient Pain reward!
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See there on high august Tribunals plac'd
Judges with milk-white Robes of Honour grac'd;
These, what impartial Justice bade, decreed,
Condemn'd the Guilty and the Guiltless freed;
With Minds unbiass'd and with Hands unstain'd,
Fearless of Threats, they ancient Law maintain'd;
Guarded the Orphan, screen'd the Widow's Right,
And sav'd the Friendless from oppressive Might.
Judges with milk-white Robes of Honour grac'd;
These, what impartial Justice bade, decreed,
Condemn'd the Guilty and the Guiltless freed;
With Minds unbiass'd and with Hands unstain'd,
Fearless of Threats, they ancient Law maintain'd;
Guarded the Orphan, screen'd the Widow's Right,
And sav'd the Friendless from oppressive Might.
And now that small but glorious Band behold
Of faithful Statesmen, who their Monarch told
Truth undisguis'd, and, to their Province just,
Discharg'd with high Applause their weighty Trust.
These unasham'd own'd and ador'd a God,
In the bright Steps of Christian Heroes trod,
Contemn'd the impious with a worthy Pride,
And scorn'd the Scoffers who the Just deride:
They open Truth and artless Virtue prais'd,
And ne'er the sweet-tongu'd worthless Flatt'rer rais'd;
Never deceiv'd, nor play'd a double Part,
But, when they vow'd, express'd sincere their Heart;
Firm to their Word their inward Notions spoke,
And promis'd wary, but no Promise broke.
Of faithful Statesmen, who their Monarch told
Truth undisguis'd, and, to their Province just,
Discharg'd with high Applause their weighty Trust.
These unasham'd own'd and ador'd a God,
In the bright Steps of Christian Heroes trod,
Contemn'd the impious with a worthy Pride,
And scorn'd the Scoffers who the Just deride:
They open Truth and artless Virtue prais'd,
And ne'er the sweet-tongu'd worthless Flatt'rer rais'd;
Never deceiv'd, nor play'd a double Part,
But, when they vow'd, express'd sincere their Heart;
Firm to their Word their inward Notions spoke,
And promis'd wary, but no Promise broke.
See the brave Patriots there in blissful Bow'rs;
These from a publick Spirit Sov'reign Pow'rs,
And Law and Right with equal Zeal upheld,
And from their Breasts all private Aims expell'd.
These from a publick Spirit Sov'reign Pow'rs,
266
And from their Breasts all private Aims expell'd.
Remark that Order, who illustrious shine
In Linnen wrought above, and Vests divine,
What mild Complacence, what a lovely Grace,
And heav'nly Sweetness, dwell in every Face!
These by celestial Goodness were inclin'd
And ardent Love to succour humane Kind;
In threat'ning Danger eas'd their Neighbour's Fears,
And from the Mourner's Face wip'd off the Tears:
They to their Home the weary Trav'ller led,
And cloath'd the Naked, and the Hungry fed;
Charm'd wild Despair, to Anguish gave Relief,
And with soft Accents sooth'd reluctant Grief:
Pour'd kindly healing Balm on wounded Veins,
Ransom'd the Captive from his servile Chains,
And oft were mov'd by Pity to bestow
Various Supplies on various Sons of Woe;
But most to Men their Charity apply'd
In Aims divine and pious Faith ally'd;
They Persecution's Frowns could dauntless face,
And boldly side with Virtue in Disgrace.
In Linnen wrought above, and Vests divine,
What mild Complacence, what a lovely Grace,
And heav'nly Sweetness, dwell in every Face!
These by celestial Goodness were inclin'd
And ardent Love to succour humane Kind;
In threat'ning Danger eas'd their Neighbour's Fears,
And from the Mourner's Face wip'd off the Tears:
They to their Home the weary Trav'ller led,
And cloath'd the Naked, and the Hungry fed;
Charm'd wild Despair, to Anguish gave Relief,
And with soft Accents sooth'd reluctant Grief:
Pour'd kindly healing Balm on wounded Veins,
Ransom'd the Captive from his servile Chains,
And oft were mov'd by Pity to bestow
Various Supplies on various Sons of Woe;
But most to Men their Charity apply'd
In Aims divine and pious Faith ally'd;
They Persecution's Frowns could dauntless face,
And boldly side with Virtue in Disgrace.
Now, while the Just review the dreadful Roads
That led the Trav'llers to these bless'd Abodes,
Dangers that once caus'd Terrour and affright,
And Suff'rings past, grow Objects of Delight.
So when a Swain, who seeks Hesperia's Soil,
Shudd'ring with Fear, and faint with Sweat and Toil,
Thro' craggy Rocks, steep Heights, and Snows, at last
Secure the tow'ring Alpine Hills has past;
He stands, looks back and views the Wildnerness,
Then triumphs and enjoys his late Distress.
That led the Trav'llers to these bless'd Abodes,
267
And Suff'rings past, grow Objects of Delight.
So when a Swain, who seeks Hesperia's Soil,
Shudd'ring with Fear, and faint with Sweat and Toil,
Thro' craggy Rocks, steep Heights, and Snows, at last
Secure the tow'ring Alpine Hills has past;
He stands, looks back and views the Wildnerness,
Then triumphs and enjoys his late Distress.
And now the Seraph cry'd—How great, how strange
Above Expression is this happy Change!
What a serene, what a bright Mansion this!
What Scenes are these of Peace and endless Bliss!
What is an earthly Monarch's transient Crown,
His empty Grandour and inept Renown,
The Victor's Trophies in long Triumph born,
Or envy'd Laurels that his Brows adorn!
What all the Pomp of Courts and Purple Pride
By Heav'ns imperial State so much outvy'd!
How short do narrow-sighted Mortals guess
At the Delights the Saints in Heav'n possess!
What faint unequal Images they draw
Of these sweet Regions that they never saw!
They represent the Pleasures of the Blest
By Ease from Torment, and from Labour Rest:
By Robes of Glory which bright Trains display,
And Light out-shining far meridian Day;
By Diadems, or by the Conquerour's Prize,
And Shouts that raise the Heroe to the Skies;
By Palaces sublime, by pompous Feasts,
Where gen'rous Wine and Songs regale the Guests;
By flow'ry Gardens ravishing to Sight,
Fountains of Joy and Rivers of Delight:
But all these weak Idea's, tho' the best
By which celestial Triumphs are exprest,
By measureless Degrees must fall below
Th' immortal Bliss that Heav'ns Possessours know.
Far as the Soul in noble Pow'rs excells
The Tenement of Clay, in which it dwells,
The Joys of Heav'n the Sweets of Sense exceed,
Fear no Decay, and no Accession need.
Above Expression is this happy Change!
What a serene, what a bright Mansion this!
What Scenes are these of Peace and endless Bliss!
What is an earthly Monarch's transient Crown,
His empty Grandour and inept Renown,
The Victor's Trophies in long Triumph born,
Or envy'd Laurels that his Brows adorn!
What all the Pomp of Courts and Purple Pride
By Heav'ns imperial State so much outvy'd!
How short do narrow-sighted Mortals guess
At the Delights the Saints in Heav'n possess!
What faint unequal Images they draw
Of these sweet Regions that they never saw!
They represent the Pleasures of the Blest
By Ease from Torment, and from Labour Rest:
268
And Light out-shining far meridian Day;
By Diadems, or by the Conquerour's Prize,
And Shouts that raise the Heroe to the Skies;
By Palaces sublime, by pompous Feasts,
Where gen'rous Wine and Songs regale the Guests;
By flow'ry Gardens ravishing to Sight,
Fountains of Joy and Rivers of Delight:
But all these weak Idea's, tho' the best
By which celestial Triumphs are exprest,
By measureless Degrees must fall below
Th' immortal Bliss that Heav'ns Possessours know.
Far as the Soul in noble Pow'rs excells
The Tenement of Clay, in which it dwells,
The Joys of Heav'n the Sweets of Sense exceed,
Fear no Decay, and no Accession need.
When Alfred thus had view'd with ravish'd Eyes
These bright Etherial Seats, these happy Skies,
Which on his Soul divine Impressions made,
And high Idea's to his Thought convey'd,
They by Degrees descended thro' the Air
To the sad Realms of Horrour and Despair;
The Walks of Death, and gloomy Gulphs of Hell,
Where howling Pain and perfect Sorrow dwell.
These bright Etherial Seats, these happy Skies,
Which on his Soul divine Impressions made,
And high Idea's to his Thought convey'd,
They by Degrees descended thro' the Air
To the sad Realms of Horrour and Despair;
The Walks of Death, and gloomy Gulphs of Hell,
Where howling Pain and perfect Sorrow dwell.
269
Then thus the Angel spoke—The Wretched see,
Condemn'd by Heav'ns unchangeable Decree
To freeze by cold, or burn in raging Fire,
To strive with dying Pangs, but ne'er expire;
These once elated with enormous Pride
The threat'ning Storms of penal Wrath defy'd,
And bold rebell'd against th' Almighty's Throne,
Nor would Religion's sacred Empire own:
Scornful they mock'd, as unreflecting Fools,
The strict Observers of the Christian Rules:
These impious Beings thoughtless and supine,
Immers'd in Vice and void of Taste divine,
Preferr'd to heav'nly Bliss terrestrial Toys,
And transient Pleasures to unceasing Joys.
With fruitless Cries their Frenzy they lament,
And of their fatal Choice too late repent;
In Groans and mournful Wailings waste their Breath,
And agonize in endless Throws of Death:
Th' Almighty's Arms of pointed Light'ning made
Strike thro' their Bosoms and their Hearts invade;
Amidst the Depths of Woe the Wretches sink,
Repeated Draughts of Wrath immortal drink,
And with the eldest Phiol, that contains
The strongest Vengeance, drench their swelling Veins.
Condemn'd by Heav'ns unchangeable Decree
To freeze by cold, or burn in raging Fire,
To strive with dying Pangs, but ne'er expire;
These once elated with enormous Pride
The threat'ning Storms of penal Wrath defy'd,
And bold rebell'd against th' Almighty's Throne,
Nor would Religion's sacred Empire own:
Scornful they mock'd, as unreflecting Fools,
The strict Observers of the Christian Rules:
These impious Beings thoughtless and supine,
Immers'd in Vice and void of Taste divine,
Preferr'd to heav'nly Bliss terrestrial Toys,
And transient Pleasures to unceasing Joys.
With fruitless Cries their Frenzy they lament,
And of their fatal Choice too late repent;
In Groans and mournful Wailings waste their Breath,
And agonize in endless Throws of Death:
Th' Almighty's Arms of pointed Light'ning made
Strike thro' their Bosoms and their Hearts invade;
Amidst the Depths of Woe the Wretches sink,
Repeated Draughts of Wrath immortal drink,
And with the eldest Phiol, that contains
The strongest Vengeance, drench their swelling Veins.
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See, while in Hell they cast their envious Eyes
Thro' intervening Gulphs to upper Skies,
And view the Triumphs of the Righteous blest
With heav'nly Joys and everlasting Rest,
They rave, and cry, what Bliss did we refuse!
For false Delight what real Pleasure lose!
While those we mock'd have Seats celestial gain'd,
We lye in Torture and in Darkness chain'd;
Ruin'd, undone, and groaning in Despair
Bewail the Fate we must for ever bear,
And curse in vain th' Almighty's vengeful Darts
That pierce our Breasts and fester in our Hearts.
Thro' intervening Gulphs to upper Skies,
And view the Triumphs of the Righteous blest
With heav'nly Joys and everlasting Rest,
They rave, and cry, what Bliss did we refuse!
For false Delight what real Pleasure lose!
While those we mock'd have Seats celestial gain'd,
We lye in Torture and in Darkness chain'd;
Ruin'd, undone, and groaning in Despair
Bewail the Fate we must for ever bear,
And curse in vain th' Almighty's vengeful Darts
That pierce our Breasts and fester in our Hearts.
And now survey, said the seraphick Guide,
Tophet accurs'd, that stretches far and wide
Its gloomy Districts, view the burning Vale
Whence Clouds of Smoke and sulph'rous Steams exhale,
And where thro' num'rous gaping Chasms aspire
Noisome Eruptions and red Flakes of Fire;
While Storms beneath of striving Vapours rage,
And subterranean War imprison'd wage,
Rivers of Brimstone and infernal Oar
Advance above and in their Channels roar:
See, Hurricanes sweep o'er the level Land,
And lift in Heaps the fluctuating Sand;
To rise or fall the restless Fields constrain,
And This and That Way drive the rolling Plain.
Thro' all the troubled Gulph fierce Demons ride
In rapid Whirlwind, and the Tempest guide;
While dreadful Screams and lamentable Cries,
That from th' Abodes of Death incessant rise,
Amazing Thunder, Light'nings, fiery Show'rs,
Like those that fell on impious Sodom's Tow'rs,
Uproar, and Strife, and Yellings of Despair,
A hideous Medly, fill th' infernal Air.
Tophet accurs'd, that stretches far and wide
Its gloomy Districts, view the burning Vale
Whence Clouds of Smoke and sulph'rous Steams exhale,
And where thro' num'rous gaping Chasms aspire
Noisome Eruptions and red Flakes of Fire;
While Storms beneath of striving Vapours rage,
And subterranean War imprison'd wage,
Rivers of Brimstone and infernal Oar
Advance above and in their Channels roar:
See, Hurricanes sweep o'er the level Land,
And lift in Heaps the fluctuating Sand;
271
And This and That Way drive the rolling Plain.
Thro' all the troubled Gulph fierce Demons ride
In rapid Whirlwind, and the Tempest guide;
While dreadful Screams and lamentable Cries,
That from th' Abodes of Death incessant rise,
Amazing Thunder, Light'nings, fiery Show'rs,
Like those that fell on impious Sodom's Tow'rs,
Uproar, and Strife, and Yellings of Despair,
A hideous Medly, fill th' infernal Air.
His Guide then bore the Heroe to a Hill,
Whence issuing Groans and Shrieks the Region fill;
Then waving in the Air his glitt'ring Wand
Of Adamant Etherial in his Hand,
Dispell'd the gloomy Shade that on the Cells
And burning Caves impenetrable dwells,
Thro' the dark Vaults was spread a sudden Day,
Whose shining Beams to Alfred's Eyes display
The chief Abodes of Pain, that Rebels bear
In the low Realms of Guilt and sad Despair.
Whence issuing Groans and Shrieks the Region fill;
Then waving in the Air his glitt'ring Wand
Of Adamant Etherial in his Hand,
Dispell'd the gloomy Shade that on the Cells
And burning Caves impenetrable dwells,
Thro' the dark Vaults was spread a sudden Day,
Whose shining Beams to Alfred's Eyes display
The chief Abodes of Pain, that Rebels bear
In the low Realms of Guilt and sad Despair.
Then said the Guide—How does this Mountain's Smoak
With dismal Flames inwrapt the Region choak!
See, in its Sides and round its Base below
What ruddy Caves, what wide Volcano's glow!
What Furnaces, that far in Heat surpass
Those where the sooty Artist melts his Glass,
Or those which raging in Sicilia's Isle
Pollute the Skies, and shake the cavern'd Soil!
To these dire Vaults, where dwell the Fires intense
That eat in deep and most afflict the Sense,
The sharpest Torments in the Courts of Death,
Blown up by Tempests of Almighty Breath
And fed with strongest Lees of Wrath divine,
Heav'n's just Decrees tyrannick Pow'rs consign,
Who scorning Right the World with Rapine fill'd,
Releas'd at Pleasure and at Pleasure kill'd;
Urg'd by infernal Rage their Arms employ'd,
And Realms with wanton Cruelty destroy'd;
While their own Cities they of People drain'd,
Till like the Forrest Lords with Blood distain'd
They riotted in Spoil and o'er a Desart reign'd.
With dismal Flames inwrapt the Region choak!
See, in its Sides and round its Base below
What ruddy Caves, what wide Volcano's glow!
272
Those where the sooty Artist melts his Glass,
Or those which raging in Sicilia's Isle
Pollute the Skies, and shake the cavern'd Soil!
To these dire Vaults, where dwell the Fires intense
That eat in deep and most afflict the Sense,
The sharpest Torments in the Courts of Death,
Blown up by Tempests of Almighty Breath
And fed with strongest Lees of Wrath divine,
Heav'n's just Decrees tyrannick Pow'rs consign,
Who scorning Right the World with Rapine fill'd,
Releas'd at Pleasure and at Pleasure kill'd;
Urg'd by infernal Rage their Arms employ'd,
And Realms with wanton Cruelty destroy'd;
While their own Cities they of People drain'd,
Till like the Forrest Lords with Blood distain'd
They riotted in Spoil and o'er a Desart reign'd.
There groan the Giants that before the Flood,
Abhorr'd for Rapine Violence and Blood,
Affronted Heav'n, and us'd unbridled Might
To tread down sacred Laws, and ravish Right:
Such was their crying Guilt to Heav'n convey'd,
That God repented he Mankind had made:
Whence in his sore Displeasure he consum'd
The godless Race to Death eternal doom'd.
Abhorr'd for Rapine Violence and Blood,
Affronted Heav'n, and us'd unbridled Might
To tread down sacred Laws, and ravish Right:
Such was their crying Guilt to Heav'n convey'd,
That God repented he Mankind had made:
Whence in his sore Displeasure he consum'd
The godless Race to Death eternal doom'd.
273
There rave obdurate Pharaoh and his Host
Of mighty Warriours, in the Ocean lost
While striving from the Billows to retire;
O'erwhelm'd with Water then, and now with Fire.
Of mighty Warriours, in the Ocean lost
While striving from the Billows to retire;
O'erwhelm'd with Water then, and now with Fire.
See, There th' Assyrian high imperial Lords,
Princes, and Captains, whose resistless Swords
Red'ning with Slaughter and with Triumph crown'd
Destroy'd Mankind and aw'd the World around.
They from the Field of Battle with the Slain
Came down, and in th' infernal Depths remain:
Their num'rous Guards and Multitudes immense,
Whom once they kept for Glory and Defence,
Around their Kings accurs'd tormented lye,
While to their Shrieks the echoing Hills reply.
Princes, and Captains, whose resistless Swords
Red'ning with Slaughter and with Triumph crown'd
Destroy'd Mankind and aw'd the World around.
They from the Field of Battle with the Slain
Came down, and in th' infernal Depths remain:
Their num'rous Guards and Multitudes immense,
Whom once they kept for Glory and Defence,
Around their Kings accurs'd tormented lye,
While to their Shrieks the echoing Hills reply.
Behold the Medes and Persian Potentates
Who rul'd with Pride elated Asia's States,
And by unrighteous War, intent on Fame,
Extended wide and far their dreaded Name:
Weak and disarm'd these like the Vulgar Dead,
(No Scepters grace their Hands, nor Crowns their Head,
For no Distinction in these Seats remains,
But that of greater Guilt and fiercer Pains,)
Descended to this execrable Place,
The Prison of the old gygantick Race:
The cruel Servants of their lawless Will
The Caves around the great Oppressours fill.
Who rul'd with Pride elated Asia's States,
And by unrighteous War, intent on Fame,
Extended wide and far their dreaded Name:
Weak and disarm'd these like the Vulgar Dead,
(No Scepters grace their Hands, nor Crowns their Head,
For no Distinction in these Seats remains,
But that of greater Guilt and fiercer Pains,)
274
The Prison of the old gygantick Race:
The cruel Servants of their lawless Will
The Caves around the great Oppressours fill.
See next the Grecian Tyrants who destroy'd
The Eastern Nations and their Spoils enjoy'd:
Illustrious Robbers rich by Rapine grown,
And potent by Possessions not their own,
Once of their vast extended Empire proud,
Came hither mingled with the common Croud.
The Eastern Nations and their Spoils enjoy'd:
Illustrious Robbers rich by Rapine grown,
And potent by Possessions not their own,
Once of their vast extended Empire proud,
Came hither mingled with the common Croud.
There burn the Chiefs that Rome's bright Scepter bore,
Imperial Crowns and awful Purple wore,
Enslav'd the trembling World, Mankind distress'd,
And unprotected Nations sore oppress'd;
They, with the Spoils of ruin'd Kingdoms fed
Pamper'd with Riot and with Slaughter red,
Came with the Slain down to these Caves profound,
Not known from vulgar Shades; and all around
Their Armies lye, their Chiefs and Men of Might,
Who ravag'd Realms and took in Blood Delight.
To this dire Valley of Gehenna, this
Wild Region of Despair, this dark Abyss,
Oppressive Lords of future Times, and all
Who with their Iron Yoke their People gaul,
And while they Wars unwarrantable wage,
Leave bloody Marks of Cruelty and Rage,
Shall cast down headlong from their Thrones repair,
And in this Gulph superiour Torment bear.
Imperial Crowns and awful Purple wore,
Enslav'd the trembling World, Mankind distress'd,
And unprotected Nations sore oppress'd;
They, with the Spoils of ruin'd Kingdoms fed
Pamper'd with Riot and with Slaughter red,
Came with the Slain down to these Caves profound,
Not known from vulgar Shades; and all around
Their Armies lye, their Chiefs and Men of Might,
Who ravag'd Realms and took in Blood Delight.
To this dire Valley of Gehenna, this
Wild Region of Despair, this dark Abyss,
Oppressive Lords of future Times, and all
Who with their Iron Yoke their People gaul,
275
Leave bloody Marks of Cruelty and Rage,
Shall cast down headlong from their Thrones repair,
And in this Gulph superiour Torment bear.
Next see th' Apostate Princes, who inur'd
To right Belief at length their Creed abjur'd,
And, urg'd by Lust of Empire and Applause,
Renounc'd their Saviour and betray'd his Cause.
To right Belief at length their Creed abjur'd,
And, urg'd by Lust of Empire and Applause,
Renounc'd their Saviour and betray'd his Cause.
In the same Mount, Lords their sad Lodging take
Who kill'd their Subjects for Opinion's Sake:
These thought the Scepter should free Reason sway,
And that Belief should Fire and Sword obey,
And trusting not Religion's native Charms,
Planted their Faith in Blood & spread its Pow'r by Arms:
These did the Lands with fierce Instructors fill,
And forc'd Men to believe against their Will:
To honour God his Image they effac't,
Terrestrial Realms, to people Heav'n, laid waste,
And lest their Way erroneous Minds should miss,
Bade cruel Russians guide them safe to Bliss.
Who kill'd their Subjects for Opinion's Sake:
These thought the Scepter should free Reason sway,
And that Belief should Fire and Sword obey,
And trusting not Religion's native Charms,
Planted their Faith in Blood & spread its Pow'r by Arms:
These did the Lands with fierce Instructors fill,
And forc'd Men to believe against their Will:
To honour God his Image they effac't,
Terrestrial Realms, to people Heav'n, laid waste,
And lest their Way erroneous Minds should miss,
Bade cruel Russians guide them safe to Bliss.
In the next Cells, that burn as fierce, behold
Perfidious Statesmen, who in Treason bold,
By deep Revenge or Lust of Riches sway'd,
Their Prince, their Country, and their Trust betray'd.
As not a Soul, that chain'd in Darkness raves
And yells tormented in these burning Caves,
Owns blacker Guilt, or Crimes that more disgrace
Mankind than this accurs'd ungodly Race;
So none are doom'd to more unweildy Chains,
To stronger Vengeance or more raging Pains.
Perfidious Statesmen, who in Treason bold,
276
Their Prince, their Country, and their Trust betray'd.
As not a Soul, that chain'd in Darkness raves
And yells tormented in these burning Caves,
Owns blacker Guilt, or Crimes that more disgrace
Mankind than this accurs'd ungodly Race;
So none are doom'd to more unweildy Chains,
To stronger Vengeance or more raging Pains.
There lye corrupted Judges, who for Gold
Subverted Right and bought Decrees enroll'd,
Or urg'd with Party-Malice wrested Laws,
And shameless judg'd the Person, not the Cause.
Subverted Right and bought Decrees enroll'd,
Or urg'd with Party-Malice wrested Laws,
And shameless judg'd the Person, not the Cause.
Now say, immortal Seraph—Alfred cries,
What is yon Mountwhose Peaks exalted rise
Amidst the Meteors of th' infernal Skies?
They seem encas'd in Chrystal, and aspire
Hoary with Frosts in raging Gulphs of Fire.
What is yon Mountwhose Peaks exalted rise
Amidst the Meteors of th' infernal Skies?
They seem encas'd in Chrystal, and aspire
Hoary with Frosts in raging Gulphs of Fire.
The gracious Angel answer'd—Briton, know
This is a diff'rent Seat of Pain and Woe.
Pris'ners by cruel Spirits, who inspir'd
Their wicked Breasts and with Ambition fir'd
And Thirst of Gain their impious Souls, by Turns
From the high Hill that unextinguish'd burns
To this are carry'd, which exalted stands
O'erlooking all the waste infernal Lands,
Where cold extream and endless Winter reigns,
And undissolv'd perpetual Ice remains:
No polar Wind so keen and piercing blows
O'er Hyperborean Coasts or Russia's Snows,
As Blasts that in these stormy Caves are bred,
And spend their Rage on this bleak Mountain's Head.
Th' accurs'd immur'd in Chrystal freezing lye,
Feel shiv'ring Pangs of Death, but never die:
Millions of Atomes, all fine pointed Darts,
Pierce thro' their Veins and penetrate their Hearts:
They weep and gnash their chatt'ring Teeth, and fill
With Groans and loud Despair the echoing Hill,
While they by Turns from Death to Death retreat,
Now burn by Cold intense, and now by Heat.
When scorch'd in Flame, they frozen Seats desire;
When there, again they ask their Vaults of Fire;
Sad Choice! in either Suff'ring they complain,
The Change enrages, not abates their Pain.
This is a diff'rent Seat of Pain and Woe.
Pris'ners by cruel Spirits, who inspir'd
Their wicked Breasts and with Ambition fir'd
And Thirst of Gain their impious Souls, by Turns
From the high Hill that unextinguish'd burns
277
O'erlooking all the waste infernal Lands,
Where cold extream and endless Winter reigns,
And undissolv'd perpetual Ice remains:
No polar Wind so keen and piercing blows
O'er Hyperborean Coasts or Russia's Snows,
As Blasts that in these stormy Caves are bred,
And spend their Rage on this bleak Mountain's Head.
Th' accurs'd immur'd in Chrystal freezing lye,
Feel shiv'ring Pangs of Death, but never die:
Millions of Atomes, all fine pointed Darts,
Pierce thro' their Veins and penetrate their Hearts:
They weep and gnash their chatt'ring Teeth, and fill
With Groans and loud Despair the echoing Hill,
While they by Turns from Death to Death retreat,
Now burn by Cold intense, and now by Heat.
When scorch'd in Flame, they frozen Seats desire;
When there, again they ask their Vaults of Fire;
Sad Choice! in either Suff'ring they complain,
The Change enrages, not abates their Pain.
That spreading Lake, now said the Angel, view,
With dismal Flakes of kindled Sulphur blue;
Regard the fluid scalding Stores, behold
The livid Billows this and that way roll'd.
Tempests of Vengeance o'er the Surges sweep,
Blow up the Flames and agitate the Deep;
Which tho' it ever burns is unconsum'd,
As are the Rebels to its Torment doom'd:
Pillars of furious Exhalations rise,
And fill with Fire and Smoke the sultry Skies.
With dismal Flakes of kindled Sulphur blue;
Regard the fluid scalding Stores, behold
The livid Billows this and that way roll'd.
278
Blow up the Flames and agitate the Deep;
Which tho' it ever burns is unconsum'd,
As are the Rebels to its Torment doom'd:
Pillars of furious Exhalations rise,
And fill with Fire and Smoke the sultry Skies.
See there great miter'd Chiefs of impious Mind
And blameful Life to liquid Plagues consign'd.
These as to teach, a Right to ruin claim'd,
And at terrestrial Pomp and Riches aim'd;
I'll pleas'd with Jesus, like the Jews before
Who hop'd he came their Kingdom to restore,
For promising no more than endless Bliss
In the next World, no Pow'r or Wealth in this,
Scornful of his, did their own Scheme pursue,
Nor had they distant Heav'n, but Earth in view;
These made beneath their Yoke the People groan,
And Realms submissive their Dominion own;
And while they held o'er Conscience awful Sway,
Made scepter'd Princes crosier'd Lords obey:
Still with delicious Wines and Banquets chear'd,
The Flock they should have fed, they only shear'd,
Sad Disappointment! how amazing strange
Is this new State, this unexpected Change!
Snatch'd from their painted Rooms and Beds of Ease
They lye extended now on boiling Seas;
Instead of Liquors, which their Thirst requires,
They drink full Draughts of Wrath, & swallow liquid Fires.
And blameful Life to liquid Plagues consign'd.
These as to teach, a Right to ruin claim'd,
And at terrestrial Pomp and Riches aim'd;
I'll pleas'd with Jesus, like the Jews before
Who hop'd he came their Kingdom to restore,
For promising no more than endless Bliss
In the next World, no Pow'r or Wealth in this,
Scornful of his, did their own Scheme pursue,
Nor had they distant Heav'n, but Earth in view;
These made beneath their Yoke the People groan,
And Realms submissive their Dominion own;
And while they held o'er Conscience awful Sway,
Made scepter'd Princes crosier'd Lords obey:
Still with delicious Wines and Banquets chear'd,
The Flock they should have fed, they only shear'd,
Sad Disappointment! how amazing strange
Is this new State, this unexpected Change!
279
They lye extended now on boiling Seas;
Instead of Liquors, which their Thirst requires,
They drink full Draughts of Wrath, & swallow liquid Fires.
The hateful Race that Providence deny'd,
And from the Scoffer's impious Chair defy'd
Almighty Pow'r, despis'd celestial Grace,
And mock'd the Terrours of this dismal Place,
To this hot Lake their sad Conviction owe,
And disciplin'd in Hell Believers grow.
And from the Scoffer's impious Chair defy'd
Almighty Pow'r, despis'd celestial Grace,
And mock'd the Terrours of this dismal Place,
To this hot Lake their sad Conviction owe,
And disciplin'd in Hell Believers grow.
Now in these Waves to flow and now retire,
And rowl involv'd in undulating Fire,
The Fools are sentenc'd who on Earth employ'd
Their transient Hours in soft Delights, enjoy'd
Riot immense, and in Succession pleas'd
Each craving Sense, and every Lust appeas'd.
Bewitching Pleasure's sweet but faithless Tide,
Where they embark'd and did enchanted ride
'Midst all the Joys that Minds degen'rate charm
And oft the Wisest of their Strength disarm,
Smiling the thoughtless Voyager betrays,
And all the soft luxurious Crew conveys
To this dire Gulph, where her perfidious Stream
Is empty'd; now their short delusive Dream
Broke off, amaz'd and undeceiv'd they wake,
And feel the Tortures of the burning Lake.
And rowl involv'd in undulating Fire,
The Fools are sentenc'd who on Earth employ'd
Their transient Hours in soft Delights, enjoy'd
Riot immense, and in Succession pleas'd
Each craving Sense, and every Lust appeas'd.
Bewitching Pleasure's sweet but faithless Tide,
Where they embark'd and did enchanted ride
'Midst all the Joys that Minds degen'rate charm
And oft the Wisest of their Strength disarm,
Smiling the thoughtless Voyager betrays,
And all the soft luxurious Crew conveys
To this dire Gulph, where her perfidious Stream
Is empty'd; now their short delusive Dream
280
And feel the Tortures of the burning Lake.
Know, here th' Adult'rer must for ever groan,
Plung'd in fierce Flames first kindled by his own:
He now reflects amidst distracting Pains
On past Pollutions and his guilty Stains
With Shame and Horrour, and vain Curses spends
On the sweet Poison which in Torment ends.
Plung'd in fierce Flames first kindled by his own:
He now reflects amidst distracting Pains
On past Pollutions and his guilty Stains
With Shame and Horrour, and vain Curses spends
On the sweet Poison which in Torment ends.
The Hypocrite, who blameless Men caress'd,
And more than vulgar Piety express'd,
Yet Virtue in his secret Breast despis'd,
And in a Saint-like Figure liv'd disguis'd,
By artificial Looks and Goodness feign'd
Conceal'd his Fraud, and great Possessions gain'd,
Lays by his useless Mask and double Art,
Condemn'd to act the Suff'rers open Part:
He now involv'd in burning Waves remains
O'erwhelm'd with Wrath unfeign'd, and real Pains.
And more than vulgar Piety express'd,
Yet Virtue in his secret Breast despis'd,
And in a Saint-like Figure liv'd disguis'd,
By artificial Looks and Goodness feign'd
Conceal'd his Fraud, and great Possessions gain'd,
Lays by his useless Mask and double Art,
Condemn'd to act the Suff'rers open Part:
He now involv'd in burning Waves remains
O'erwhelm'd with Wrath unfeign'd, and real Pains.
Here, They that threaten'd Torments did defy,
Imagin'd deep Deceit, and hugg'd a Lye,
Call for a Drop of Water to asswage
Their burning Tongue's unsufferable Rage.
There the Prophane, who Pow'r divine contemn'd,
With Imprecations horrible blasphem'd
Th' Almighty's Throne, and call'd him to attest
Their false or idle Speech, are now opprest
With Wrath immense, and all the Vengeance bear
They once invok'd by execrable Pray'r.
Imagin'd deep Deceit, and hugg'd a Lye,
Call for a Drop of Water to asswage
Their burning Tongue's unsufferable Rage.
281
With Imprecations horrible blasphem'd
Th' Almighty's Throne, and call'd him to attest
Their false or idle Speech, are now opprest
With Wrath immense, and all the Vengeance bear
They once invok'd by execrable Pray'r.
While Britain's Prince Gehenna's Vaults survey'd,
He saw a black impenetrable Shade,
Of Foggs infernal and dark Vapours made
That on the Frontier near the Verge of Day
Pond'rous and gloomy and unactive lay:
Then earnest ask'd the Guardian Seraph why
Those Clouds opacous there collected lye.
He saw a black impenetrable Shade,
Of Foggs infernal and dark Vapours made
That on the Frontier near the Verge of Day
Pond'rous and gloomy and unactive lay:
Then earnest ask'd the Guardian Seraph why
Those Clouds opacous there collected lye.
Who thus reply'd—To Alfred I reveal
What those exalted Mounds of Shade conceal.
Then with a Gleam of swift projected Light
He pierc'd the Meteors and dispell'd the Night:
The parting Mists on either Side withdrew,
And the thick Darkness from its Station flew.
Then said—Behold the horrid Entrance there
Of this Abyss, these Regions of Despair,
The Port of Death, and the black Mouth of Hell,
Where, as you see, tormented Rebels dwell.
Observe, the Angel said, the Fiends that wait
In threat'ning Crouds to guard the gloomy Gate
With Fire-brands arm'd, that none may e'er retreat
By Pow'r or Stealth from this infernal Seat;
While from the Heights of Earth and Realms of Day
Others the Dead to this sad Gulph convey:
These, as the impious Criminals arrive,
Receive them stern, and the chain'd Pris'ners drive
With livid Flames and Whips of ruddy Wire
To Vaults of dry, or Floods of liquid Fire;
Where, since their Crimes are of a various Dye,
In various Torments they despairing lye.
What those exalted Mounds of Shade conceal.
Then with a Gleam of swift projected Light
He pierc'd the Meteors and dispell'd the Night:
The parting Mists on either Side withdrew,
And the thick Darkness from its Station flew.
Then said—Behold the horrid Entrance there
Of this Abyss, these Regions of Despair,
The Port of Death, and the black Mouth of Hell,
Where, as you see, tormented Rebels dwell.
282
In threat'ning Crouds to guard the gloomy Gate
With Fire-brands arm'd, that none may e'er retreat
By Pow'r or Stealth from this infernal Seat;
While from the Heights of Earth and Realms of Day
Others the Dead to this sad Gulph convey:
These, as the impious Criminals arrive,
Receive them stern, and the chain'd Pris'ners drive
With livid Flames and Whips of ruddy Wire
To Vaults of dry, or Floods of liquid Fire;
Where, since their Crimes are of a various Dye,
In various Torments they despairing lye.
Then said the Briton, Gracious Seraph, tell
What is the Croud now rushing into Hell,
The Gates unbarr'd and yawning horrible;
And who's the Man that walks with sullen Grace,
Majestick Port and melancholy Pace,
Fierce Rage and vast Disturbance in his Face.
What is the Croud now rushing into Hell,
The Gates unbarr'd and yawning horrible;
And who's the Man that walks with sullen Grace,
Majestick Port and melancholy Pace,
Fierce Rage and vast Disturbance in his Face.
The Briton ceas'd—The mild celestial Guide
To the enquiring Heroe thus reply'd.
The Swarms you see, who in this destin'd Hour
Thro' the wide Gates to Hell's sad Prisons pour,
By their wild Aspects and vindictive Air
Their ghastly Wounds and bloody Marks declare,
Some martial Rout, and that the num'rous Train
Come from the Field of Battle newly slain.
The Chief that leads them (Solga is his Name,
One lately proud of Empire, Wealth, and Fame,
Lord of the various Realms on either Side,
Where Ganges rolls his celebrated Tide,)
To me is known; for by Supream Command
I long presided Chief o'er India's Land:
He vex'd the States around with proud Alarms,
And ruin'd Kingdoms by his lawless Arms;
Impious his Vows and solemn Treaties broke,
Impos'd on peaceful Realms his heavy Yoke;
And to extend his Conquests wide and far
Destroy'd the Nations by ambitious War:
Scarce one in Hell's intensest Fires exceeds
In Falsehood, Pride, Revenge, and cruel Deeds,
This godless King, none more the World defac't,
Nor spilt more Blood, nor laid more Cities waste.
To the enquiring Heroe thus reply'd.
The Swarms you see, who in this destin'd Hour
Thro' the wide Gates to Hell's sad Prisons pour,
By their wild Aspects and vindictive Air
Their ghastly Wounds and bloody Marks declare,
283
Come from the Field of Battle newly slain.
The Chief that leads them (Solga is his Name,
One lately proud of Empire, Wealth, and Fame,
Lord of the various Realms on either Side,
Where Ganges rolls his celebrated Tide,)
To me is known; for by Supream Command
I long presided Chief o'er India's Land:
He vex'd the States around with proud Alarms,
And ruin'd Kingdoms by his lawless Arms;
Impious his Vows and solemn Treaties broke,
Impos'd on peaceful Realms his heavy Yoke;
And to extend his Conquests wide and far
Destroy'd the Nations by ambitious War:
Scarce one in Hell's intensest Fires exceeds
In Falsehood, Pride, Revenge, and cruel Deeds,
This godless King, none more the World defac't,
Nor spilt more Blood, nor laid more Cities waste.
See, while the Fiends to raging Flames convey
Solga, what Numbers meet him on the Way:
These were his Captains, Chiefs, and Potentates,
That rul'd the Monarch's tributary States:
They thus bespeak the King, their Voice I hear,
Perceiv'd by mine, tho' not by Alfred's Ear.
Art Thou, so lately rang'd among the Gods,
At last arriv'd at these accurs'd Abodes?
Thou, who with Triumphs and wide Empire crown'd
Didst awe with mighty Hosts the World around,
Art thou descended to these Seats abhorr'd,
By all the Eastern World so late ador'd,
This Place of Torment, where distracting Pain
Rage and Despair in endless Triumph reign?
Where are thy Purple Robes, thy dazling Crown,
Imperial Ensigns, and august Renown?
Art thou of all thy Pomp and Pow'r bereft?
Like us, unpity'd, poor, and naked left?
Could none of all thy Ministers design
A Scheme to save their Prince from Wrath divine?
Are all thy false and sweet-tongu'd Flatt'rers gone,
That us'd to croud and bow before thy Throne?
Where are thy num'rous Guards and mighty Host,
That made the Nations tremble? are they lost?
Vain Guards and Hosts, that could not Solga save
From pow'rful Fate and this infernal Cave!
Sink, cruel Tyrant, in th' Abyss of Hell
Where fiercest Plagues and Pains immortal dwell.
Go take Possession of these dismal Seats,
Where Death unceasing Agonies repeats.
Curst be the Hour we first thy Will obey'd,
Curst be thy Court that has our Lives betray'd,
Where first we learn'd to mock eternal Might,
To plunge in Vice, and take in Blood Delight:
Go to thy burning Cell; 'tis some Relief,
Sad Consolation! to behold thy Grief.
Solga, what Numbers meet him on the Way:
These were his Captains, Chiefs, and Potentates,
That rul'd the Monarch's tributary States:
They thus bespeak the King, their Voice I hear,
Perceiv'd by mine, tho' not by Alfred's Ear.
284
At last arriv'd at these accurs'd Abodes?
Thou, who with Triumphs and wide Empire crown'd
Didst awe with mighty Hosts the World around,
Art thou descended to these Seats abhorr'd,
By all the Eastern World so late ador'd,
This Place of Torment, where distracting Pain
Rage and Despair in endless Triumph reign?
Where are thy Purple Robes, thy dazling Crown,
Imperial Ensigns, and august Renown?
Art thou of all thy Pomp and Pow'r bereft?
Like us, unpity'd, poor, and naked left?
Could none of all thy Ministers design
A Scheme to save their Prince from Wrath divine?
Are all thy false and sweet-tongu'd Flatt'rers gone,
That us'd to croud and bow before thy Throne?
Where are thy num'rous Guards and mighty Host,
That made the Nations tremble? are they lost?
Vain Guards and Hosts, that could not Solga save
From pow'rful Fate and this infernal Cave!
Sink, cruel Tyrant, in th' Abyss of Hell
Where fiercest Plagues and Pains immortal dwell.
Go take Possession of these dismal Seats,
Where Death unceasing Agonies repeats.
Curst be the Hour we first thy Will obey'd,
Curst be thy Court that has our Lives betray'd,
285
To plunge in Vice, and take in Blood Delight:
Go to thy burning Cell; 'tis some Relief,
Sad Consolation! to behold thy Grief.
To meet him, see, a Band of Women flies,
How menacing their Looks! how fierce their Cries!
What Indignation rages in their Eyes!
The foremost of the Train bespeaks him thus;
Tyrant, art thou become like one of us?
Art thou condemn'd to suffer gloomy Chains,
And howl and groan in everlasting Pains?
Must thou, like us, almighty Fury bear,
And sink amidst the Depths of black Despair?
Thou, Thou of my Destruction art the Cause,
By Thee seduc'd I broke th' Eternal's Laws:
To thee did I my Innocence resign,
And perjur'd left my Consort's Bed for thine;
Thy guilty Flames I yielded to appease,
But, Tyrant, say, who shall extinguish these
Which I endure in these dark Prisons barr'd,
Of Criminal Delights the sad Reward?
Perdition! Fury! Plagues! oh I could wrest
And tear thy hateful Soul from out thy Breast.
Lend me, Despair, thy sharp envenom'd Dart,
That I may stab this Monster to the Heart.
Know, Solga, Tyrant unexampled, know,
I'll still enrage thy Pains and swell thy Woe;
To pierce thy Breast and aggravate thy Hell
I'll hourly haunt thee, in thy Ears I'll yell,
And groan and scream and shriek about thy Cell:
Besides, this Troop by thee betray'd will join
Their Execrations and their Cries with mine.
How menacing their Looks! how fierce their Cries!
What Indignation rages in their Eyes!
The foremost of the Train bespeaks him thus;
Tyrant, art thou become like one of us?
Art thou condemn'd to suffer gloomy Chains,
And howl and groan in everlasting Pains?
Must thou, like us, almighty Fury bear,
And sink amidst the Depths of black Despair?
Thou, Thou of my Destruction art the Cause,
By Thee seduc'd I broke th' Eternal's Laws:
To thee did I my Innocence resign,
And perjur'd left my Consort's Bed for thine;
Thy guilty Flames I yielded to appease,
But, Tyrant, say, who shall extinguish these
Which I endure in these dark Prisons barr'd,
Of Criminal Delights the sad Reward?
Perdition! Fury! Plagues! oh I could wrest
And tear thy hateful Soul from out thy Breast.
Lend me, Despair, thy sharp envenom'd Dart,
That I may stab this Monster to the Heart.
286
I'll still enrage thy Pains and swell thy Woe;
To pierce thy Breast and aggravate thy Hell
I'll hourly haunt thee, in thy Ears I'll yell,
And groan and scream and shriek about thy Cell:
Besides, this Troop by thee betray'd will join
Their Execrations and their Cries with mine.
Solga provok'd his Teeth indignant gnash'd,
And bit the ruddy Flame that round him flash'd:
Furious he beat his Breast, and rais'd his Eyes
In bitter Anguish to the sultry Skies.
Now Demons whip him to his burning Cell,
Where he for ever must in Torments dwell,
Sharper than e'er were by the Lictor's Hand
Inflicted at the Tyrant's fierce Command.
And bit the ruddy Flame that round him flash'd:
Furious he beat his Breast, and rais'd his Eyes
In bitter Anguish to the sultry Skies.
Now Demons whip him to his burning Cell,
Where he for ever must in Torments dwell,
Sharper than e'er were by the Lictor's Hand
Inflicted at the Tyrant's fierce Command.
Now while ascending from the Seats below,
The Courts of Death and Residence of Woe,
The gracious Seraph gently wing'd his Way
Thro' gloomy Night to the bright Coasts of Day,
He to the British Heroe thus addrest;
Tenacious lodge th' Events within your Breast
Which, Alfred, now shall by Prediction see
Wrapt in the Womb of dark Futurity.
After great Dangers, Cares, and various Toil,
Alfred shall reach again his native Soil;
Where he shall soon th' imperial Scepter sway,
And willing Subjects shall his Laws obey:
He'll quell the Dane, and with a potent Hand
Sweep the devouring Locusts from the Land;
Will Peace and Plenty to the Isle restore,
And with his Navy guard Britannia's Shore.
Now shall the Kingdom thus deliver'd smile,
Pow'r shall defend and Plenty crown the Isle:
Letters shall flourish; while with friendly Grace
Soft Equity and rig'rous Law embrace:
Freedom shall Might, and Justice Peace caress,
And with united Charms the Nation bless.
Enroll'd above, yet more great Saxons stand
That shall the confluent Monarchies command.
Thro' many peaceful Reigns fierce Cimbrian Swarms
Shall cease to vex the Realm with Foreign Arms.
(Yet on the Throne at length the Dane shall shine
And interrupt a while the Saxon Line)
The Courts of Death and Residence of Woe,
The gracious Seraph gently wing'd his Way
Thro' gloomy Night to the bright Coasts of Day,
He to the British Heroe thus addrest;
Tenacious lodge th' Events within your Breast
Which, Alfred, now shall by Prediction see
Wrapt in the Womb of dark Futurity.
287
Alfred shall reach again his native Soil;
Where he shall soon th' imperial Scepter sway,
And willing Subjects shall his Laws obey:
He'll quell the Dane, and with a potent Hand
Sweep the devouring Locusts from the Land;
Will Peace and Plenty to the Isle restore,
And with his Navy guard Britannia's Shore.
Now shall the Kingdom thus deliver'd smile,
Pow'r shall defend and Plenty crown the Isle:
Letters shall flourish; while with friendly Grace
Soft Equity and rig'rous Law embrace:
Freedom shall Might, and Justice Peace caress,
And with united Charms the Nation bless.
Enroll'd above, yet more great Saxons stand
That shall the confluent Monarchies command.
Thro' many peaceful Reigns fierce Cimbrian Swarms
Shall cease to vex the Realm with Foreign Arms.
(Yet on the Throne at length the Dane shall shine
And interrupt a while the Saxon Line)
Your potent Race shall by Degrees decay,
And a new Line shall Albion's Scepter sway.
The mighty Norman from Neustrasia's Shore
On Albion's Strand shall valiant Cohorts pour,
And land the floating War; he'll Harold beat,
Then march in Triumph to th' imperial Seat
Sublime Augusta, and the Throne ascend,
From whose high Blood four Monarchs shall descend.
And a new Line shall Albion's Scepter sway.
The mighty Norman from Neustrasia's Shore
On Albion's Strand shall valiant Cohorts pour,
288
Then march in Triumph to th' imperial Seat
Sublime Augusta, and the Throne ascend,
From whose high Blood four Monarchs shall descend.
And now a fam'd Plantagenet shall wear
Th' imperial Crown, and make the Realm his Care,
From this rich Stock shall flow a num'rous Train
That shall, with various Fate, o'er Albion reign;
Weak and inglorious now, now wise and great,
They'll raise by Turns, by Turns depress the State.
While this illustrious House shall rule the Isle
Discord and Heats shall long the Land embroil,
While rich and potent Patriots bold in Arms
Shall trouble Albion's Peace by fierce Alarms,
And jealous of their Freedom draw their Swords
To check th' encroaching Pow'r of Sov'reign Lords.
These long Disputes, whoe'er are Victors found,
Will deeply fair Britannia's Bosom wound.
Nor will she less beneath her Suff'rings groan
From undetermin'd Titles to the Throne,
While Chiefs for Empire strive with equal Might,
Victorious now, and now subdu'd in Fight.
Long the white Rose contending with the Red
With Seas of Blood shall Albion overspread:
Happy Espousals shall at Length unite
The rival Pow'rs, and settle doubtful Right;
Shall fix the wav'ring State, its Wounds cement,
And the fierce Rage of civil Arms prevent.
By Tudor now restor'd the British Line,
Which Foreign Arms victorious Will confine
To the high Hills beyond Sabrina's Tide,
Shall mount the Throne and o'er the Realm preside.
Th' imperial Crown, and make the Realm his Care,
From this rich Stock shall flow a num'rous Train
That shall, with various Fate, o'er Albion reign;
Weak and inglorious now, now wise and great,
They'll raise by Turns, by Turns depress the State.
While this illustrious House shall rule the Isle
Discord and Heats shall long the Land embroil,
While rich and potent Patriots bold in Arms
Shall trouble Albion's Peace by fierce Alarms,
And jealous of their Freedom draw their Swords
To check th' encroaching Pow'r of Sov'reign Lords.
These long Disputes, whoe'er are Victors found,
Will deeply fair Britannia's Bosom wound.
Nor will she less beneath her Suff'rings groan
From undetermin'd Titles to the Throne,
While Chiefs for Empire strive with equal Might,
Victorious now, and now subdu'd in Fight.
Long the white Rose contending with the Red
With Seas of Blood shall Albion overspread:
289
The rival Pow'rs, and settle doubtful Right;
Shall fix the wav'ring State, its Wounds cement,
And the fierce Rage of civil Arms prevent.
By Tudor now restor'd the British Line,
Which Foreign Arms victorious Will confine
To the high Hills beyond Sabrina's Tide,
Shall mount the Throne and o'er the Realm preside.
Now a new Race shall rise to rule the Isle,
From Caledonia's independent Soil,
Whose Kings united Scepters shall command,
This of Britannia, that of Scotia's Land.
Six Sov'reign Pow'rs shall from this Fountain flow,
Who'll diff'rent Fate by diff'rent Conduct know.
Nam'd by the States, and by th' august Nassau,
Who shall the Land defend, proud Rebells awe,
And great in Arms and wise in Council aim
At Glory, and acquire immortal Fame,
See, George on fair Britannia's Shore appears
A second Saviour to dispell her Fears,
Who midst triumphant Shouts of Joy unknown
Shall reach Augusta and ascend the Throne.
From Caledonia's independent Soil,
Whose Kings united Scepters shall command,
This of Britannia, that of Scotia's Land.
Six Sov'reign Pow'rs shall from this Fountain flow,
Who'll diff'rent Fate by diff'rent Conduct know.
Nam'd by the States, and by th' august Nassau,
Who shall the Land defend, proud Rebells awe,
And great in Arms and wise in Council aim
At Glory, and acquire immortal Fame,
See, George on fair Britannia's Shore appears
A second Saviour to dispell her Fears,
Who midst triumphant Shouts of Joy unknown
Shall reach Augusta and ascend the Throne.
From the old Seats, whence Alfred's Fathers came,
Kings of high Merit and Heroick Fame,
Whose conqu'ring Swords acquir'd supream Command,
Wore independent Crowns and shar'd the Land,
This Monarch shall arrive on Albion's Strand.
He shall the Kingdom rule by ancient Laws,
Guard publick Right and aid Religion's Cause,
Prone to forgive ev'n of his Foes the worst,
To Friends indulgent and to all Men just.
When with infernal Faction he contends
Adhering firmly to his constant Friends,
Of steady Mind and stable as a Rock
'Midst boist'rous Waves, he'll Party-Fury mock.
Calm and unchang'd he'll in the Storm preside,
Manage unruly Strife, the Tempest guide,
And stem and drive Sedition's refluent Tide.
Thus he'll the headstrong Multitude restrain
Mad as the Winds, and restless as the Main.
Happy Britannia! If thy Sons could know
To this indulgent Monarch what they'll owe,
Could they the Lust of too great Pow'r appease
Patient of Wealth, and reconcil'd to Ease.
Kings of high Merit and Heroick Fame,
290
Wore independent Crowns and shar'd the Land,
This Monarch shall arrive on Albion's Strand.
He shall the Kingdom rule by ancient Laws,
Guard publick Right and aid Religion's Cause,
Prone to forgive ev'n of his Foes the worst,
To Friends indulgent and to all Men just.
When with infernal Faction he contends
Adhering firmly to his constant Friends,
Of steady Mind and stable as a Rock
'Midst boist'rous Waves, he'll Party-Fury mock.
Calm and unchang'd he'll in the Storm preside,
Manage unruly Strife, the Tempest guide,
And stem and drive Sedition's refluent Tide.
Thus he'll the headstrong Multitude restrain
Mad as the Winds, and restless as the Main.
Happy Britannia! If thy Sons could know
To this indulgent Monarch what they'll owe,
Could they the Lust of too great Pow'r appease
Patient of Wealth, and reconcil'd to Ease.
The Prince, his Offspring, who shall bear his Name,
Thirsty of Glory and Heroick Fame,
Ev'n in the recent Bloom of Youth shall gain
Laurels, the Warriour's Pride, on Belgia's Plain;
Where he'll intrepid 'midst the Squadrons fight
To guard invaded Realms from Gallick Might.
Then in the Field for martial Deeds renown'd,
Laden with Spoils and with Applauses crown'd,
He'll with his Sov'reign pass to Albion's Isle,
And share by Sea and Land his various Toil.
Thirsty of Glory and Heroick Fame,
Ev'n in the recent Bloom of Youth shall gain
Laurels, the Warriour's Pride, on Belgia's Plain;
291
To guard invaded Realms from Gallick Might.
Then in the Field for martial Deeds renown'd,
Laden with Spoils and with Applauses crown'd,
He'll with his Sov'reign pass to Albion's Isle,
And share by Sea and Land his various Toil.
His royal Consort of a noble Race,
Whom all the Charms of finish'd Beauty grace,
Happy in rich Endowments of the Mind,
Dear to her Prince and to the People kind,
Of gracious Mien and elegant Address,
Not too reserv'd, nor of too free Access,
Shall raise the Glory of Britannia's Court,
Religion guard, and Liberty support.
A Virgin she'll to Truth divine postpone
The tempting Pow'r and Splendor of a Throne:
Illustrious Fact! for which immortal Fame
And Praise shall crown, bright Heroine, thy Name.
Whom all the Charms of finish'd Beauty grace,
Happy in rich Endowments of the Mind,
Dear to her Prince and to the People kind,
Of gracious Mien and elegant Address,
Not too reserv'd, nor of too free Access,
Shall raise the Glory of Britannia's Court,
Religion guard, and Liberty support.
A Virgin she'll to Truth divine postpone
The tempting Pow'r and Splendor of a Throne:
Illustrious Fact! for which immortal Fame
And Praise shall crown, bright Heroine, thy Name.
See, from this royal Pair's blest Nuptial Bed,
Fruitful of Princes to supply the Dead,
A Train shall spring; some of this royal Seed
Shall, as I trust in Heav'n it is decreed,
Britannia's Scepter in long Order bear;
And some shall Brides in foreign Kingdoms wear
Imperial Crowns and sov'reign Honours share.
Fruitful of Princes to supply the Dead,
A Train shall spring; some of this royal Seed
Shall, as I trust in Heav'n it is decreed,
292
And some shall Brides in foreign Kingdoms wear
Imperial Crowns and sov'reign Honours share.
In their first Offspring blended shall conspire
The Mother's Sweetness and the Father's Fire,
Whence inward Beauties with exteriour join,
And in a lovely Constellation shine.
This Prince for Empire turn'd and high Command,
The other Hope of fair Britannia's Land,
Shall Fred'rick be, a Genius just and bright,
No less the People's than the Court's Delight.
By Thee, O Alfred, may he form his Mind
To Science, Arts, and Arms, like Thee, inclin'd,
Then the illustrious Bloom the Youth displays
Of princely Virtues, in maturer Days
If such are granted, generous Fruits shall bear,
And a full Head of ripen'd Glory wear.
The Mother's Sweetness and the Father's Fire,
Whence inward Beauties with exteriour join,
And in a lovely Constellation shine.
This Prince for Empire turn'd and high Command,
The other Hope of fair Britannia's Land,
Shall Fred'rick be, a Genius just and bright,
No less the People's than the Court's Delight.
By Thee, O Alfred, may he form his Mind
To Science, Arts, and Arms, like Thee, inclin'd,
Then the illustrious Bloom the Youth displays
Of princely Virtues, in maturer Days
If such are granted, generous Fruits shall bear,
And a full Head of ripen'd Glory wear.
The Seraph ceas'd—And Alfred thus replies;
In destin'd Time let that young Heroe rise,
Who great in Arms Britannia may defend,
Encrease her Virtue and her Pow'r extend;
And may no hard disastrous Fate delay;
In due Succession, that auspicious Day.
In destin'd Time let that young Heroe rise,
Who great in Arms Britannia may defend,
Encrease her Virtue and her Pow'r extend;
And may no hard disastrous Fate delay;
In due Succession, that auspicious Day.
293
Now did the gracious Guide the Briton bear
From the low Regions to superiour Air,
And plac'd him in the Grove, whence, so he thought,
He was on high by the bright Seraph caught.
Then Heav'ns illustrious Minister withdrew,
And thro' the azure Districts mounting flew.
Now was dissolv'd the visionary Scheme;
And Alfred waken'd from th' important Dream,
To Heav'n in pure Devotion rais'd his Thought,
And Aid divine to guide his Steps besought.
From the low Regions to superiour Air,
And plac'd him in the Grove, whence, so he thought,
He was on high by the bright Seraph caught.
Then Heav'ns illustrious Minister withdrew,
And thro' the azure Districts mounting flew.
Now was dissolv'd the visionary Scheme;
And Alfred waken'd from th' important Dream,
To Heav'n in pure Devotion rais'd his Thought,
And Aid divine to guide his Steps besought.
| Alfred | |