The Works of John Hookham Frere In Verse and Prose Now First Collected with a Prefatory Memoir by his Nephews W. E. and Sir Bartle Frere |
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 | The Works of John Hookham Frere In Verse and Prose |  |
371
LXXI.
Kurnus! since here we meet friends and allies,
We must consult in common, to devise
A speedy remedy with brief debate,
To meet the new disorders of the state.
More practice is requir'd, and deeper skill,
To cure a patient than to make him ill.
The wise in easy times will gladly rest;
When things are at the worst a change is best.
We must consult in common, to devise
A speedy remedy with brief debate,
To meet the new disorders of the state.
More practice is requir'd, and deeper skill,
To cure a patient than to make him ill.
The wise in easy times will gladly rest;
When things are at the worst a change is best.
Kurnus! in power and honour, heretofore,
Your former fortunes you discreetly bore.
Fortune has alter'd! bear it calmly still,
Endeavouring, with a firm and steady will,
With other changes, our affairs to mend,
With a bold effort, and with heaven to friend.
Your former fortunes you discreetly bore.
Fortune has alter'd! bear it calmly still,
Endeavouring, with a firm and steady will,
With other changes, our affairs to mend,
With a bold effort, and with heaven to friend.
If, Kurnus, our support has been displaced,
Our main defence dismantled and defaced,
Must we, like cowards, of all hope forsaken,
Lament and howl, as if the town were taken?
Though now reduced, no more a numerous host,
Courage, and sense, and honour are our boast.
Our main defence dismantled and defaced,
Must we, like cowards, of all hope forsaken,
Lament and howl, as if the town were taken?
Though now reduced, no more a numerous host,
Courage, and sense, and honour are our boast.
372
Danger and hope are over-ruling powers
Of equal influence, and both are ours!
Where counsel and deliberation fail,
Action and strenuous effort may prevail.
Of equal influence, and both are ours!
Where counsel and deliberation fail,
Action and strenuous effort may prevail.
My spirit they shall never bend nor check,
Though mountain-heaps were loaded on my neck:
Let feeble coward souls crouch with affright,
The brave are ever firm—firm and upright.
Though mountain-heaps were loaded on my neck:
Let feeble coward souls crouch with affright,
The brave are ever firm—firm and upright.
Then let the brazen fiery vault of heaven
Crush me with instant ruin, rent and riven!
(The fear and horror of a former age)
If, from the friends and comrades that engage
In common enterprize, I shrink or spare
Myself or any soul! If I forbear
Full vengeance and requital on my foes!
All our antagonists! all that oppose!
Crush me with instant ruin, rent and riven!
(The fear and horror of a former age)
If, from the friends and comrades that engage
In common enterprize, I shrink or spare
Myself or any soul! If I forbear
Full vengeance and requital on my foes!
All our antagonists! all that oppose!
| The Works of John Hookham Frere In Verse and Prose | |