Alfred An Epick Poem. In Twelve Books. By Sir Richard Blackmore |
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| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. | BOOK X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
 | Alfred |  |
335
BOOK X.
The ARGUMENT.
Alfred takes Leave of the King of Agmat and his Court. Embarks and sails for Spain. Arrives at the Mouth of the Bætis or Guadalquivir, which he enters, and then goes to Hispalis, now Seville. A short Description of that City and the Country thereabout. Here the Prince learns, from British Merchants, the News of the Death of King Atulpho, and that Ethelbal his Brother succeeded his Father in the Throne. Alfred retires and spends some Time to vent his Grief. Then returns to his Ships and sails to Olysippo, now Lisbon. The Town described with the Nature of the Soil in that Part of Lusitania.
Again he goes on Board, and coasts along the Country of Spain, till he arrives at Amanum, now Fontarabia in the Bay of Biscay, and having visited Sobrarbe, takes his Way to Pampelune the Capital City of Navarre. Here he was received with great Respect by Fortunio the new King. A great Plague happens among the Cattle, and Blasts of unwholsome Air destroy the Herbs and Fruits. Fortunio advises with Alfred about the most proper Measures to be taken in this Conjuncture. The Prince, having declared his Opinion that some national Crime had occasioned this extraordinary Judgement, perswades him to recall Silva from Numidia, who was once his Preceptor, and sometime a favoured Minister in his Father's Reign, and to consult him as the fittest Person to give Directions in this Posture of Affairs. Silva is sent for, and when arrived acquaints the King, that Heaven being displeased with Navarre, because the notorious Treaty-Breakers and Violaters of the publick Faith in the late Reign had been uncensured, he advises him to bring those Offenders to condign Punishment, assuring him that this Atonement being made, the Plague would be removed. Fortunio follows this Advice, and the Land was restored to Health and Plenty.
336
Th' appointed Time for publick Joy expir'd,
The British Prince, as his wise Scheme requir'd,
Bade Agmat's Monarch and his Lords adieu,
Intent his first great Purpose to pursue.
With all the Marks of high Esteem caress'd,
By Words unfeign'd and gen'rous Deeds express'd,
He left th' imperial Town, and to the Port,
Attended by the Chiefs of Golan's Court
And shouting vulgar Crouds, he took his Way,
Where three tall Ships, the King so order'd, lay
For Alfred's Use; here he embark'd and soon
Stood off to Sea, now did the Vessel spoon
Away thro' foamy Waves before the Wind,
And left the Towns and Sun-burnt Shores behind.
But his bright Virtues and divine Discourse
Had on the Libyans wrought with so much Force,
That most inclin'd, won by prevailing Lights,
To change for Christian Faith their Pagan Rites,
Where some reveal'd Religion had embrac'd,
Which from the Nubian Church to Agmat pass'd.
The British Prince, as his wise Scheme requir'd,
Bade Agmat's Monarch and his Lords adieu,
Intent his first great Purpose to pursue.
337
By Words unfeign'd and gen'rous Deeds express'd,
He left th' imperial Town, and to the Port,
Attended by the Chiefs of Golan's Court
And shouting vulgar Crouds, he took his Way,
Where three tall Ships, the King so order'd, lay
For Alfred's Use; here he embark'd and soon
Stood off to Sea, now did the Vessel spoon
Away thro' foamy Waves before the Wind,
And left the Towns and Sun-burnt Shores behind.
But his bright Virtues and divine Discourse
Had on the Libyans wrought with so much Force,
That most inclin'd, won by prevailing Lights,
To change for Christian Faith their Pagan Rites,
Where some reveal'd Religion had embrac'd,
Which from the Nubian Church to Agmat pass'd.
Four Times th' illustrious Father of the Day
Had to each adverse World dispens'd his Ray,
When on the swelling Ocean Alfred's Men
Clinging to Masts sublime attentive ken
The Land, the Temples, and aspiring Tow'rs,
That own'd the Empire of Hispania's Pow'rs.
They soon the working Estuary gain,
Where Bætis with her pure unbrackish Train
Dilutes the season'd Waters of the Main.
And now advancing on the River's Tide
They view'd Delights and Wealth on either Side,
Where Nature all her fruitful Pow'r employs,
Wantons and triumphs 'midst ten thousand Joys;
While every Vale and each exalted Hill,
Improv'd by Labour and adorn'd by Skill,
Like Eden's Walks the ravish'd Sight surprize,
So fertile were the Fields, so soft the Skies.
Here lovely Gardens rich in gen'rous Roots,
Delicious blooming Bow'rs, and golden Fruits,
That far in Beauty, Taste, and fragrant Smell
Hesperia's Arbours and sweet Groves excell,
Glow'd with the solar intercepted Light,
And to the Eye disclos'd a charming Sight.
Had to each adverse World dispens'd his Ray,
When on the swelling Ocean Alfred's Men
Clinging to Masts sublime attentive ken
The Land, the Temples, and aspiring Tow'rs,
That own'd the Empire of Hispania's Pow'rs.
They soon the working Estuary gain,
Where Bætis with her pure unbrackish Train
Dilutes the season'd Waters of the Main.
338
They view'd Delights and Wealth on either Side,
Where Nature all her fruitful Pow'r employs,
Wantons and triumphs 'midst ten thousand Joys;
While every Vale and each exalted Hill,
Improv'd by Labour and adorn'd by Skill,
Like Eden's Walks the ravish'd Sight surprize,
So fertile were the Fields, so soft the Skies.
Here lovely Gardens rich in gen'rous Roots,
Delicious blooming Bow'rs, and golden Fruits,
That far in Beauty, Taste, and fragrant Smell
Hesperia's Arbours and sweet Groves excell,
Glow'd with the solar intercepted Light,
And to the Eye disclos'd a charming Sight.
At Length they came to Hispalis, the Pride
Of Spain, that all her fairest Towns outvy'd
In Amplitude, superb Magnificence,
In publick Buildings rear'd at vast Expence,
High Temples, Tow'rs, and Ornaments of State,
Wonders and proud Remains of ancient Date;
In Aquæducts, that Streams from far convey
The Cistern fill, and make the Conduit play;
In her fair Burse, rich Markets, beauteous Squares,
And Piles erected for the Merchant's Wares.
Nor did the loud expanded Mouths of Fame
Th' Emporium's Honour with less Zeal proclaim,
Whose coasting Fleets to every Nation run,
Where Winds can Breath expend, or Light the Sun,
And freighted from unnumber'd Shores abroad
Pleasures and various Wealth at Home unload:
Thus She of Trade a central Seat became,
To Europe's richest Marts a rival Name.
Of Spain, that all her fairest Towns outvy'd
In Amplitude, superb Magnificence,
In publick Buildings rear'd at vast Expence,
High Temples, Tow'rs, and Ornaments of State,
Wonders and proud Remains of ancient Date;
In Aquæducts, that Streams from far convey
The Cistern fill, and make the Conduit play;
In her fair Burse, rich Markets, beauteous Squares,
And Piles erected for the Merchant's Wares.
339
Th' Emporium's Honour with less Zeal proclaim,
Whose coasting Fleets to every Nation run,
Where Winds can Breath expend, or Light the Sun,
And freighted from unnumber'd Shores abroad
Pleasures and various Wealth at Home unload:
Thus She of Trade a central Seat became,
To Europe's richest Marts a rival Name.
Here Alfred first from British Merchants heard,
Who bent on gainful Commerce hither steer'd,
That Albion's King weak and exhausted grown
Had for a heav'nly chang'd his earthly Throne;
That Ethelbal, by Incest after stain'd,
Now in Atulpho's Stead o'er Britain reign'd.
When Alfred knew these Tidings, from his Eyes
Tears plenteous gush'd, and from his Bosom Sighs,
That from a filial strong Affection spring
To a wise Father and a gracious King.
Some Weeks to silent Solitude confin'd
He to express becoming Grief assign'd,
Close in his Palace he his Minutes spent,
Or gave in lonely Walks his Trouble vent;
While sad Reflexions all his Mind engross,
Now on his own, and now on Britain's Loss.
Who bent on gainful Commerce hither steer'd,
That Albion's King weak and exhausted grown
Had for a heav'nly chang'd his earthly Throne;
That Ethelbal, by Incest after stain'd,
Now in Atulpho's Stead o'er Britain reign'd.
When Alfred knew these Tidings, from his Eyes
Tears plenteous gush'd, and from his Bosom Sighs,
That from a filial strong Affection spring
To a wise Father and a gracious King.
Some Weeks to silent Solitude confin'd
He to express becoming Grief assign'd,
Close in his Palace he his Minutes spent,
Or gave in lonely Walks his Trouble vent;
While sad Reflexions all his Mind engross,
Now on his own, and now on Britain's Loss.
340
The Time expir'd to decent Sorrow due,
Alfred the Wonders did attentive View
That Nature here or curious Art could shew.
That done, their Vessels with Provisions stor'd,
Leaving the splendid Town they went aboard.
Steering along the Gaditanian Main
They turn'd the sacred Western Cape of Spain,
Then thro' th' Atlantick Ocean pass'd the Sands
Where old Turdulians till'd the neighb'ring Lands.
They swept the Coast of Lusitania's Realm,
Nor long had work'd the Ship and ply'd the Helm,
Ere to the River's Mouth they made their Way
Where Olysippo's Walls the Soil survey,
And to the Deep look o'er th' encircled Bay.
Whose gilded Domes and Spires that glitt'ring rise
With double Glory reimburse the Skies.
Here num'rous Fleets unload their wealthy Stores,
From Africk's Regions and Europa's Shores,
From snowy Climates near the Arctick Pole,
And where the British Seas or German roll.
For Lusitania's Youth from thirst of Gain
The various Pleasures of the Land disdain,
And hardy face the Terrours of the Main;
While no Advent'rers distant Realms explore
With bolder Sails, nor spread their Commerce more,
Till grown by Traffick opulent, the Town
Takes Place among the Ports of first Renown.
Alfred the Wonders did attentive View
That Nature here or curious Art could shew.
That done, their Vessels with Provisions stor'd,
Leaving the splendid Town they went aboard.
Steering along the Gaditanian Main
They turn'd the sacred Western Cape of Spain,
Then thro' th' Atlantick Ocean pass'd the Sands
Where old Turdulians till'd the neighb'ring Lands.
They swept the Coast of Lusitania's Realm,
Nor long had work'd the Ship and ply'd the Helm,
Ere to the River's Mouth they made their Way
Where Olysippo's Walls the Soil survey,
And to the Deep look o'er th' encircled Bay.
Whose gilded Domes and Spires that glitt'ring rise
With double Glory reimburse the Skies.
Here num'rous Fleets unload their wealthy Stores,
From Africk's Regions and Europa's Shores,
From snowy Climates near the Arctick Pole,
And where the British Seas or German roll.
For Lusitania's Youth from thirst of Gain
The various Pleasures of the Land disdain,
And hardy face the Terrours of the Main;
While no Advent'rers distant Realms explore
With bolder Sails, nor spread their Commerce more,
341
Takes Place among the Ports of first Renown.
The Briton pleas'd observ'd the noble Tide
Of wealthy Tagus, Lusitania's Pride,
Whose precious Streams, so ancient Poets told,
Roll to the Ocean glitt'ring Seeds of Gold.
Attentive he survey'd the Soil around
With rich Productions and sweet Pleasures crown'd;
Pomgranates, Almonds, Olive-Yards and Vines,
Whence flow the purest Oyl and richest Wines;
Where the fair Orange, that in Part repell'd,
In Part th' admitted solar Rays withheld,
Vies with the Fruits of Andalusia's Fields,
Nor to the golden Groves of Asia yields.
Of wealthy Tagus, Lusitania's Pride,
Whose precious Streams, so ancient Poets told,
Roll to the Ocean glitt'ring Seeds of Gold.
Attentive he survey'd the Soil around
With rich Productions and sweet Pleasures crown'd;
Pomgranates, Almonds, Olive-Yards and Vines,
Whence flow the purest Oyl and richest Wines;
Where the fair Orange, that in Part repell'd,
In Part th' admitted solar Rays withheld,
Vies with the Fruits of Andalusia's Fields,
Nor to the golden Groves of Asia yields.
Now, all Things seen by curious Thirst requir'd,
Britannia's Heroe to his Ships retir'd;
These soon unmoor'd, and all their Anchors weigh'd,
Their Canvass Wings before the Gale display'd;
Then plough'd the watry Gulphs, on Surges danc'd,
And o'er the Ocean's furrow'd Face advanc'd;
Cutting the Western Seas they pass'd the Coast,
Where Durius, that Pisurga's Flood engrost
Arbinco, Arva's and Estolla's Tides,
Flows to the Deep and in its Bosom hides;
And where Lavara stood, an ancient Town,
Once rich by Trade, and still of great Renown.
Britannia's Heroe to his Ships retir'd;
These soon unmoor'd, and all their Anchors weigh'd,
Their Canvass Wings before the Gale display'd;
Then plough'd the watry Gulphs, on Surges danc'd,
And o'er the Ocean's furrow'd Face advanc'd;
Cutting the Western Seas they pass'd the Coast,
Where Durius, that Pisurga's Flood engrost
Arbinco, Arva's and Estolla's Tides,
Flows to the Deep and in its Bosom hides;
342
Once rich by Trade, and still of great Renown.
And now the Celtick Promontory's Head
They weather'd, where the Nerian Goatherds fed
Their brouzing Troops o'er shrubby Mountains spread.
And next they swept the Shores, which with its Waves,
The turbulent Cantabrian Ocean laves.
They weather'd, where the Nerian Goatherds fed
Their brouzing Troops o'er shrubby Mountains spread.
And next they swept the Shores, which with its Waves,
The turbulent Cantabrian Ocean laves.
Along the rocky Frontier now they steer'd,
Where the fair Town of Bilbilis appear'd,
To whose wide Haven of superiour Fame
Unnumber'd Fleets from distant Nations came.
The Hills around afford a gen'rous Wine,
And, hence transported, celebrated Swine
Of Taste delicious grace Britannia's Feasts,
And more than Belgia's Boar regale the Guests.
Here unexhausted precious Mines produce
Unrivall'd Oar for Arms of various Use,
Some fit for martial, some for rural Toil,
Those to defend, and these to till the Soil.
Where the fair Town of Bilbilis appear'd,
To whose wide Haven of superiour Fame
Unnumber'd Fleets from distant Nations came.
The Hills around afford a gen'rous Wine,
And, hence transported, celebrated Swine
Of Taste delicious grace Britannia's Feasts,
And more than Belgia's Boar regale the Guests.
Here unexhausted precious Mines produce
Unrivall'd Oar for Arms of various Use,
Some fit for martial, some for rural Toil,
Those to defend, and these to till the Soil.
As he advanc'd he coasted near the Land
That Tramontane Asturian Lords Command,
The Soil by old Pesician Clans possess'd,
And where Salenian Youth the Vintage press'd.
That Tramontane Asturian Lords Command,
The Soil by old Pesician Clans possess'd,
And where Salenian Youth the Vintage press'd.
343
He reach'd the Region where in ancient Time
Amanum's Tow'rs rose in the Skies sublime,
Whose Ruins Birth to Fontarabia gave,
Where lofty Works drive back th' insulting Wave.
This Haven gain'd, the Prince debark'd, and soon
Departing hence advanc'd to Pampelune.
Amanum's Tow'rs rose in the Skies sublime,
Whose Ruins Birth to Fontarabia gave,
Where lofty Works drive back th' insulting Wave.
This Haven gain'd, the Prince debark'd, and soon
Departing hence advanc'd to Pampelune.
But first he careful view'd Sobrarbe's Town
Amidst the Mountains, once of chief Renown,
While the first Kings, not yet in Empire great,
Fixt in th' aspiring Hills their royal Seat,
From the encroaching Moor a safe Retreat.
And much it pleas'd the Briton's curious Taste
To see amidst the Rocks this City plac't,
Its Site and Walls did none superiour know,
And scornful of his Arms defy'd the Foe.
Amidst the Mountains, once of chief Renown,
While the first Kings, not yet in Empire great,
Fixt in th' aspiring Hills their royal Seat,
From the encroaching Moor a safe Retreat.
And much it pleas'd the Briton's curious Taste
To see amidst the Rocks this City plac't,
Its Site and Walls did none superiour know,
And scornful of his Arms defy'd the Foe.
The Pyrenean Heaps sublime surprize
And entertain the Heroe's wond'ring Eyes,
High frontier Lines thrown up by Nature's Art,
The rival Empires, Spain and France, to part:
Their Peaks survey the Meteor-Fields below,
And white in sultry Heav'ns wear unrelenting Snow.
The Prince admir'd to see these Mountains rise
On the South Side, in hot intemp'rate Skies,
Adorn'd with Fruits and cloath'd in verdant Pride,
While on the North, whence Gallia is descry'd,
(So was he told) blest with indulgent Air
They Russet look'd and as the Desart bare.
Pleas'd he remark'd how Rivulets and Rills
From weeping Rocks and perforated Hills
Gush forth, and flowing down their channell'd Sides
Embrace below, and form unvulgar Tides.
Here Sicoris to Streams collected owes
Its precious Flood, and hence fair Cinga flows,
And, while swift confluent Brooks its Current raise,
To fam'd Ibero's Arms her Tide conveys.
And entertain the Heroe's wond'ring Eyes,
High frontier Lines thrown up by Nature's Art,
The rival Empires, Spain and France, to part:
Their Peaks survey the Meteor-Fields below,
And white in sultry Heav'ns wear unrelenting Snow.
The Prince admir'd to see these Mountains rise
On the South Side, in hot intemp'rate Skies,
344
While on the North, whence Gallia is descry'd,
(So was he told) blest with indulgent Air
They Russet look'd and as the Desart bare.
Pleas'd he remark'd how Rivulets and Rills
From weeping Rocks and perforated Hills
Gush forth, and flowing down their channell'd Sides
Embrace below, and form unvulgar Tides.
Here Sicoris to Streams collected owes
Its precious Flood, and hence fair Cinga flows,
And, while swift confluent Brooks its Current raise,
To fam'd Ibero's Arms her Tide conveys.
Leaving these Lands with Scenes surprizing fill'd
He pass'd the Fields the old Selenians till'd,
Where Oregonians rural Arms employ,
And where Caristian Farmers Wealth enjoy,
That stretch'd along Menlasco's verdant Bank,
And where the thirsty Swain Magrada drank.
He pass'd the Fields the old Selenians till'd,
Where Oregonians rural Arms employ,
And where Caristian Farmers Wealth enjoy,
That stretch'd along Menlasco's verdant Bank,
And where the thirsty Swain Magrada drank.
To Pampeluna now the Briton came,
A beauteous City and of spreading Fame;
She, when Navarra's Monarchs flourish'd, great
In Pow'r and Wealth, became th' imperial Seat:
Where lately Garcia by ill Councils sway'd
With conquer'd Rivals Peace inglorious made;
And then by wasting Grief of Life bereft
His great Dominions to Fortunio left.
He Arragonia's Cities now commands,
Asturia, Biscay, and Gallicia's Lands,
Acquir'd by Nuptials or successful War,
Besides his ancient Kingdom, fair Navarre,
And proud Castile, whose Pow'r has since engrost
All Spain, but then no regal Stile could boast.
He rul'd the Soil till'd by Valdurian Swains
And the Cantabrians near the sandy Plains,
Where the wild Deep, to which this Region gave
Its Name, impetuous breaks its foaming Wave;
Besides Vasconia's Tow'rs on either Side
The Heaps sublime that Spain and France divide.
Fortunio thus with Peace and Empire bless'd,
And of such potent Provinces possess'd,
Reign'd, as their Head, rever'd by Christian Pow'rs,
That unsubdu'd withstood th' encroaching Moors.
A beauteous City and of spreading Fame;
She, when Navarra's Monarchs flourish'd, great
In Pow'r and Wealth, became th' imperial Seat:
Where lately Garcia by ill Councils sway'd
With conquer'd Rivals Peace inglorious made;
345
His great Dominions to Fortunio left.
He Arragonia's Cities now commands,
Asturia, Biscay, and Gallicia's Lands,
Acquir'd by Nuptials or successful War,
Besides his ancient Kingdom, fair Navarre,
And proud Castile, whose Pow'r has since engrost
All Spain, but then no regal Stile could boast.
He rul'd the Soil till'd by Valdurian Swains
And the Cantabrians near the sandy Plains,
Where the wild Deep, to which this Region gave
Its Name, impetuous breaks its foaming Wave;
Besides Vasconia's Tow'rs on either Side
The Heaps sublime that Spain and France divide.
Fortunio thus with Peace and Empire bless'd,
And of such potent Provinces possess'd,
Reign'd, as their Head, rever'd by Christian Pow'rs,
That unsubdu'd withstood th' encroaching Moors.
Alfred, with Ease refresh'd, without Delay
Now to Fortunio's Court directs his Way;
But first he made his Name and Nation known,
His Birth and claim successive to the Throne.
The King with due Respect the Prince embrac'd,
And on the royal Guest great Honours plac'd;
But as he more the Heroe's Merit knew,
He prais'd him more, and more indulgent grew.
Now to Fortunio's Court directs his Way;
But first he made his Name and Nation known,
His Birth and claim successive to the Throne.
The King with due Respect the Prince embrac'd,
And on the royal Guest great Honours plac'd;
346
He prais'd him more, and more indulgent grew.
In Dances, Feasts, and various Court Delights
They oft enjoy the Days, and spend the Nights:
Now by feign'd Kings see War theatrick wag'd;
Now Youth in ancient manly Games engag'd.
They sometimes hunt the Boar in High-lands bred,
And with the Fruits of the rich Valley fed:
Sometimes th' unharbour'd Stag they ardent Chace,
To which the fleetest Tempest yields the Race,
Till for Escape deny'd the shelt'ring Wood
The Forrest's Lord submits to swim the Flood,
And while the opening Hounds and eager Train
Of Huntsmen fill with mingled Noise the Plain,
From Hill to Hill recoiling Clamours fly,
And Rocks rehallowing propagate the Cry:
With so much Friendship at his royal Seat,
Navarra's Monarch did the Briton treat.
They oft enjoy the Days, and spend the Nights:
Now by feign'd Kings see War theatrick wag'd;
Now Youth in ancient manly Games engag'd.
They sometimes hunt the Boar in High-lands bred,
And with the Fruits of the rich Valley fed:
Sometimes th' unharbour'd Stag they ardent Chace,
To which the fleetest Tempest yields the Race,
Till for Escape deny'd the shelt'ring Wood
The Forrest's Lord submits to swim the Flood,
And while the opening Hounds and eager Train
Of Huntsmen fill with mingled Noise the Plain,
From Hill to Hill recoiling Clamours fly,
And Rocks rehallowing propagate the Cry:
With so much Friendship at his royal Seat,
Navarra's Monarch did the Briton treat.
Mean Time the Angel of Iberia's Land,
Gamel vindictive by supreme Command,
Sprung with immortal Vigour from the Height
Of Heav'n, and soon with unobstructed Flight
Down the deep Gulphs of Ether wing'd his Way,
More swift and brighter than the active Ray,
The smiling Introductor of the Day.
Now did the high celestial Viceroy gain
The lower Skies, and saw extended Spain:
With pois'd expanded Wings in Air a while
He hung, and hov'red o'er Navarra's Soil.
Gamel vindictive by supreme Command,
Sprung with immortal Vigour from the Height
Of Heav'n, and soon with unobstructed Flight
347
More swift and brighter than the active Ray,
The smiling Introductor of the Day.
Now did the high celestial Viceroy gain
The lower Skies, and saw extended Spain:
With pois'd expanded Wings in Air a while
He hung, and hov'red o'er Navarra's Soil.
He held a dreadful Phiol, that contains
Strong Lees of Wrath, fierce Plagues, & wasting Pains,
By ripening Age with full Perfection crown'd,
Then pour'd the dire Contagion all around;
Whence fatal Stores for Brutes and Plants design'd
Abroad were scatter'd, while the breezy Wind
Fann'd to and fro the blue malignant Breaths,
Destructive Reeks and undulating Deaths.
Strong Lees of Wrath, fierce Plagues, & wasting Pains,
By ripening Age with full Perfection crown'd,
Then pour'd the dire Contagion all around;
Whence fatal Stores for Brutes and Plants design'd
Abroad were scatter'd, while the breezy Wind
Fann'd to and fro the blue malignant Breaths,
Destructive Reeks and undulating Deaths.
Red pestilential Vapours, noxious Dews,
Such as their Labour's Bane griev'd Swains accuse,
With Honey-Meteors, and wide wasting Blights,
That arm'd with Vengeance take clandestine Flights,
Pernicious Blasts and sultry Gleams annoy
The blooming Garden, and the Field destroy.
The beateous Flow'rs and Fruits and springing Corn,
That bless the Valley, or the Hill adorn,
Ruin'd their sudden Desolation mourn,
And Meads their verdant Face to Russet turn;
While Groves their sindg'd and shrivell'd Heads bewail,
Wond'ring that Winter should so soon prevail.
Such as their Labour's Bane griev'd Swains accuse,
With Honey-Meteors, and wide wasting Blights,
That arm'd with Vengeance take clandestine Flights,
Pernicious Blasts and sultry Gleams annoy
The blooming Garden, and the Field destroy.
The beateous Flow'rs and Fruits and springing Corn,
That bless the Valley, or the Hill adorn,
348
And Meads their verdant Face to Russet turn;
While Groves their sindg'd and shrivell'd Heads bewail,
Wond'ring that Winter should so soon prevail.
Insects engender'd by prolifick Beams
From black unwholsome Vapours, putrid Steams,
And crude corrupted Exhalations fly
In animated Clouds along the Sky;
Whence to the Earth they fall a rav'ning Show'r,
And each young Bud and tender Plant devour.
From black unwholsome Vapours, putrid Steams,
And crude corrupted Exhalations fly
In animated Clouds along the Sky;
Whence to the Earth they fall a rav'ning Show'r,
And each young Bud and tender Plant devour.
Unnumber'd Swarms of Flies, a dreadful Host
Like that which once assail'd proud Egypt's Coast,
In blasted Leaves and with'ring Branches bred
On all remaining Greens voracious fed;
Till they the Kingdom's Glory had defac't,
And turn'd Navarra to a joyless Waste.
Like that which once assail'd proud Egypt's Coast,
In blasted Leaves and with'ring Branches bred
On all remaining Greens voracious fed;
Till they the Kingdom's Glory had defac't,
And turn'd Navarra to a joyless Waste.
See, Murrains now Brute Animals invade,
And of the Flocks and Herds vast Havock made:
Faint on the Grass, their usual Food, they lye,
And, for the Guilt of Men their Masters, die;
Whose Bodies cover every Hill and Plain
Thicker, than after bloody Fights, the Slain.
And of the Flocks and Herds vast Havock made:
Faint on the Grass, their usual Food, they lye,
And, for the Guilt of Men their Masters, die;
Whose Bodies cover every Hill and Plain
Thicker, than after bloody Fights, the Slain.
349
Nor did the Classes of the feather'd Kind,
Unprecedented Fate! Exemption find
From the Contagion's Force, but wild and tame,
The Swain's Revenue, and the Sportsman's Game,
In the sore Plague involv'd no longer eat,
But pine and perish in Disdain of Meat.
So far'd the Fish, some gasping seek the Strand,
And to escape the Water swim to Land;
While others kill'd, that sought in vain the Shore,
Poison the Flood that poison'd them before.
Unprecedented Fate! Exemption find
From the Contagion's Force, but wild and tame,
The Swain's Revenue, and the Sportsman's Game,
In the sore Plague involv'd no longer eat,
But pine and perish in Disdain of Meat.
So far'd the Fish, some gasping seek the Strand,
And to escape the Water swim to Land;
While others kill'd, that sought in vain the Shore,
Poison the Flood that poison'd them before.
The Plenty gone this Region once could boast,
The Vintage ruin'd and the Harvest lost,
The troubled Monarch and the Court believ'd
Navarra's Suff'rings ne'er could be retriev'd;
They fear'd the Flocks and Herds, yet unconsum'd
By the fierce Plague, were to Destruction doom'd.
The Vintage ruin'd and the Harvest lost,
The troubled Monarch and the Court believ'd
Navarra's Suff'rings ne'er could be retriev'd;
They fear'd the Flocks and Herds, yet unconsum'd
By the fierce Plague, were to Destruction doom'd.
And now Navarra's thoughtful King, oppress'd
With Sorrow, thus Britannia's Prince address'd;
You, Alfred, just and as an Angel wise,
Can in their Streights desponding Minds advise,
Kind Remedies apply to sooth their Grief,
And to uncommon Care dispense Relief:
Behold, what Plagues against our Land combine
O'erwhelm'd with Woe, and drench'd with Wrath divine.
What can support us in our vast Distress?
What can our sore Calamities redress,
And Fears of more vindictive Rage suppress?
With Sorrow, thus Britannia's Prince address'd;
You, Alfred, just and as an Angel wise,
Can in their Streights desponding Minds advise,
Kind Remedies apply to sooth their Grief,
And to uncommon Care dispense Relief:
Behold, what Plagues against our Land combine
O'erwhelm'd with Woe, and drench'd with Wrath divine.
350
What can our sore Calamities redress,
And Fears of more vindictive Rage suppress?
The Prince reply'd—Some unaton'd Offence,
It's clear, must Heav'ns Almighty Lord incense;
For publick Crimes will with resistless Cries
Call down due Vengeance from th' unwilling Skies;
This with Contrition own'd, Heav'n will restore
The Peace and Plenty you enjoy'd before.
I to the King this Counsel give, intent
Navarra's total Ruin to prevent.
It's clear, must Heav'ns Almighty Lord incense;
For publick Crimes will with resistless Cries
Call down due Vengeance from th' unwilling Skies;
This with Contrition own'd, Heav'n will restore
The Peace and Plenty you enjoy'd before.
I to the King this Counsel give, intent
Navarra's total Ruin to prevent.
In Sun-burnt Libya near Numidia's Strand,
Where not remote Tunisia's Castles stand,
Silva, a pious, venerable Sage,
Unhurt in Body and in Mind by Age,
An Anchorite does solitary dwell,
And by Devotion in his lonely Cell
He fore-enjoys his bless'd celestial Home,
And prepossesses endless Life to come,
Your native Subject, once renown'd in Spain,
And dear to all the just in Garcia's Reign.
He, while he sacred Commerce keeps above
By pure Desires and Strains of ardent Love,
From publick Cares and busy Life retir'd,
Is with prophetick Energy inspir'd.
Let Messengers be soon dispatch'd to bring
This godlike Prelate to Navarra's King.
He'll tell what Breaches of th' Almighty's Laws
Are of his Anger and your Woes the Cause;
And to the King will the right Means display
Heav'n to atone, and turn fierce Wrath away
From this afflicted Realm, then she shall rear
Her drooping Head and more august appear.
Where not remote Tunisia's Castles stand,
Silva, a pious, venerable Sage,
Unhurt in Body and in Mind by Age,
An Anchorite does solitary dwell,
And by Devotion in his lonely Cell
He fore-enjoys his bless'd celestial Home,
And prepossesses endless Life to come,
Your native Subject, once renown'd in Spain,
And dear to all the just in Garcia's Reign.
He, while he sacred Commerce keeps above
By pure Desires and Strains of ardent Love,
351
Is with prophetick Energy inspir'd.
Let Messengers be soon dispatch'd to bring
This godlike Prelate to Navarra's King.
He'll tell what Breaches of th' Almighty's Laws
Are of his Anger and your Woes the Cause;
And to the King will the right Means display
Heav'n to atone, and turn fierce Wrath away
From this afflicted Realm, then she shall rear
Her drooping Head and more august appear.
He ceas'd—The King express'd his great Surprize
By mingled Joy and Wonder in his Eyes;
Alfred, said he, your Words my Soul revive,
Is then my sage Preceptor still alive?
Is Silva safe? Did Heav'n defeat his Foes,
And lead him thro' his Labyrinth of Woes?
I long to see his venerable Face,
And in my Arms with Ardour to embrace
The just Instructor of my youthful Age,
These Tidings to Navarre great Good Presage.
Does Silva live? Then universal Fame
That told his Death no more can Credit claim.
Unrivall'd Silva to Fortunio dear,
How much are thy wise Counsels wanted here?
Forthwith I'll Envoys to Numidia send,
That may the Prelate to the Court attend,
Where as a Guardian Angel he'll appear
To save Navarra and remove her Fear.
By mingled Joy and Wonder in his Eyes;
Alfred, said he, your Words my Soul revive,
Is then my sage Preceptor still alive?
Is Silva safe? Did Heav'n defeat his Foes,
And lead him thro' his Labyrinth of Woes?
I long to see his venerable Face,
And in my Arms with Ardour to embrace
The just Instructor of my youthful Age,
These Tidings to Navarre great Good Presage.
Does Silva live? Then universal Fame
That told his Death no more can Credit claim.
Unrivall'd Silva to Fortunio dear,
How much are thy wise Counsels wanted here?
352
That may the Prelate to the Court attend,
Where as a Guardian Angel he'll appear
To save Navarra and remove her Fear.
Three Lords deputed, Sancho at their Head,
By Silva lov'd and by his Counsel led,
Forthwith obedient to the King's Command
Advanc'd with Speed to parch'd Numidia's Strand,
Where soon arriv'd they enter'd on the Road
By Alfred mark'd to Silva's mean Abode.
They found the Prelate in his Hermite's Cell,
Where heav'nly Joys and peaceful Pleasures dwell.
Now the King's Message they at large unfold,
And sad Navarra's sore Affliction told:
Then said—Fortunio, whose hard Fate requires
Consummate Wisdom, at his Court desires
Just Silva's Presence, you'll the Way explain,
How his griev'd Realm Heav'ns Favour may regain.
By Silva lov'd and by his Counsel led,
Forthwith obedient to the King's Command
Advanc'd with Speed to parch'd Numidia's Strand,
Where soon arriv'd they enter'd on the Road
By Alfred mark'd to Silva's mean Abode.
They found the Prelate in his Hermite's Cell,
Where heav'nly Joys and peaceful Pleasures dwell.
Now the King's Message they at large unfold,
And sad Navarra's sore Affliction told:
Then said—Fortunio, whose hard Fate requires
Consummate Wisdom, at his Court desires
Just Silva's Presence, you'll the Way explain,
How his griev'd Realm Heav'ns Favour may regain.
The Sage, tho' all the Splendor of the Great
Could ne'er have drawn him from his lonely Seat,
So much he lov'd sweet Solitude, obey'd
Fortunio's Pleasure, by the Prospect sway'd
Of shewing Means to cure Navarra's State,
Remove her Suff'rings, and reverse her Fate.
And now the joyful Lords the Sage convey'd
To the safe Port where their tall Vessel staid:
They reach'd the sandy Margin of the Main,
Embark'd, put off to Sea, and stood for Spain.
While o'er the Deep, shov'd by auspicious Gales,
The Vessel flew with wide expanded Sails,
The venerable Man these Words addrest
To Sancho—Courteous Lord, at my Request,
Tell what important Incidents of late
Have happen'd, that affect Navarra's State.
Could ne'er have drawn him from his lonely Seat,
So much he lov'd sweet Solitude, obey'd
Fortunio's Pleasure, by the Prospect sway'd
Of shewing Means to cure Navarra's State,
Remove her Suff'rings, and reverse her Fate.
353
To the safe Port where their tall Vessel staid:
They reach'd the sandy Margin of the Main,
Embark'd, put off to Sea, and stood for Spain.
While o'er the Deep, shov'd by auspicious Gales,
The Vessel flew with wide expanded Sails,
The venerable Man these Words addrest
To Sancho—Courteous Lord, at my Request,
Tell what important Incidents of late
Have happen'd, that affect Navarra's State.
Then Sancho thus began—Since Libya's Shore
An Exile you approach'd, the haughty Moor,
That Pow'r and Fame with ardent Thirst pursu'd
And Southern Spain already had subdu'd,
Advanc'd his Arms, and with collected Pow'rs
Assail'd and conquer'd high Toledo's Tow'rs:
Then spoil'd the Country, num'rous Captives made,
Castles surpriz'd and Towns in Ashes laid.
Garcia, this hostile Progress to prevent
And drive the Moor, a valiant Army sent
By Raymir led, a Chief in Battle try'd,
The Moor's great Terrour and Navarra's Pride.
They met and by heroick Impulse warm
Commenc'd on either Side the martial Storm.
Contested was the Field and bloody, while
The Foes for Vict'ry strove with doubtful Toil:
At length the Moors dishearten'd left the Plain
Deform'd with Rout and Slaughter, and to gain
Their shelt'ring Forts precipitate their Flight,
Sav'd by their Speed and cover'd by the Night.
An Exile you approach'd, the haughty Moor,
That Pow'r and Fame with ardent Thirst pursu'd
And Southern Spain already had subdu'd,
Advanc'd his Arms, and with collected Pow'rs
Assail'd and conquer'd high Toledo's Tow'rs:
Then spoil'd the Country, num'rous Captives made,
Castles surpriz'd and Towns in Ashes laid.
Garcia, this hostile Progress to prevent
And drive the Moor, a valiant Army sent
By Raymir led, a Chief in Battle try'd,
The Moor's great Terrour and Navarra's Pride.
They met and by heroick Impulse warm
Commenc'd on either Side the martial Storm.
354
The Foes for Vict'ry strove with doubtful Toil:
At length the Moors dishearten'd left the Plain
Deform'd with Rout and Slaughter, and to gain
Their shelt'ring Forts precipitate their Flight,
Sav'd by their Speed and cover'd by the Night.
Judging this Blow would much the Moor enrage
And make him war with double Vigour wage,
With anxious Care his Thoughts the Monarch bent
By new Brigades his Army to augment;
Resolv'd the Moors swift Progress to restrain
And guard the Northern Provinces of Spain:
Then he engag'd the Christian Potentates,
And chiefly Roscinonia's warlike States,
Against the common Foe to draw their Swords,
And join his Host to quell unchristian Lords.
And make him war with double Vigour wage,
With anxious Care his Thoughts the Monarch bent
By new Brigades his Army to augment;
Resolv'd the Moors swift Progress to restrain
And guard the Northern Provinces of Spain:
Then he engag'd the Christian Potentates,
And chiefly Roscinonia's warlike States,
Against the common Foe to draw their Swords,
And join his Host to quell unchristian Lords.
At the first Opening of expected Spring
Navarra's Chief, obedient to the King,
Led forth his Army and his brave Allies
The fierce and treach'rous Libyan to surprize.
The Foe awaken'd at our loud Alarms
Gather'd a mighty Host, and bold in Arms
Pitch'd on Toledo's Frontiers to oppose
Th' advancing Cohorts of united Foes.
The Armies join'd, a furious Fight ensu'd
And dubious hung, at length the Moors subdu'd
To Raymir's conqu'ring Troops reluctant yield,
And to the Victor-Christian left the Field.
Navarra's Chief, obedient to the King,
Led forth his Army and his brave Allies
The fierce and treach'rous Libyan to surprize.
The Foe awaken'd at our loud Alarms
Gather'd a mighty Host, and bold in Arms
Pitch'd on Toledo's Frontiers to oppose
Th' advancing Cohorts of united Foes.
355
And dubious hung, at length the Moors subdu'd
To Raymir's conqu'ring Troops reluctant yield,
And to the Victor-Christian left the Field.
Two signal Battles more the Libyan King,
In Autumn one, one early in the Spring,
To Raymir lost; and now, where-e'er he came,
Repeated Triumphs rais'd to Heav'n his Fame;
Still new Atchievements Lawrels new afford,
Till from the Terror of the Heroe's Sword,
As he advanc'd, the Foe before him flew,
And into Towns of Strength his Cohorts threw.
Wide Tracts of Land, strong Forts, and Tow'rs he took,
Till the proud Moor's enfeebled Empire shook,
And soon had fall'n by mighty Raymir's Force,
Had not ill Counsels stopt his Glory's Course:
For now the vanquish'd Moor, exhausted left
Of Treasure, and of Vet'ran Troops berest,
Resolv'd to purchase Friendship with Navarre,
And win by Treaty what they lost by War.
Some Lords in Power, who envy'd Raymir's Fame
And made the highest Dignities their Aim,
Gain'd by the Moor to favour his Design
And their great Prince to Amity incline,
Garcia by subtle treach'rous Arts addrest,
And fir'd with various Jealousies his Breast,
Till he resolv'd to sheath his conqu'ring Sword,
And treat for Friendship with Toledo's Lord.
In Autumn one, one early in the Spring,
To Raymir lost; and now, where-e'er he came,
Repeated Triumphs rais'd to Heav'n his Fame;
Still new Atchievements Lawrels new afford,
Till from the Terror of the Heroe's Sword,
As he advanc'd, the Foe before him flew,
And into Towns of Strength his Cohorts threw.
Wide Tracts of Land, strong Forts, and Tow'rs he took,
Till the proud Moor's enfeebled Empire shook,
And soon had fall'n by mighty Raymir's Force,
Had not ill Counsels stopt his Glory's Course:
For now the vanquish'd Moor, exhausted left
Of Treasure, and of Vet'ran Troops berest,
Resolv'd to purchase Friendship with Navarre,
And win by Treaty what they lost by War.
Some Lords in Power, who envy'd Raymir's Fame
And made the highest Dignities their Aim,
Gain'd by the Moor to favour his Design
And their great Prince to Amity incline,
356
And fir'd with various Jealousies his Breast,
Till he resolv'd to sheath his conqu'ring Sword,
And treat for Friendship with Toledo's Lord.
A sep'rate Peace ensu'd—Navarra's Shame,
And Blot immortal on that Monarch's Name!
For we, unheard of Conduct! now restore
All that our Arms had wrested from the Moor,
And gave the Vanquish'd more fair Towns and Land
Than they, had they been Victors, could demand.
Mock'd and deserted by unjust Navarre,
Th' Allies, unable to sustain the War,
Were forc'd such Terms of Friendship to receive
As the imperious Moor was pleas'd to give.
Raymir, who still at publick Welfare aim'd
Indignant saw Navarra's Guilt proclaim'd,
And soon with Age and heavy Grief oppress'd
Resign'd his Life, by each good Subject bless'd.
And Blot immortal on that Monarch's Name!
For we, unheard of Conduct! now restore
All that our Arms had wrested from the Moor,
And gave the Vanquish'd more fair Towns and Land
Than they, had they been Victors, could demand.
Mock'd and deserted by unjust Navarre,
Th' Allies, unable to sustain the War,
Were forc'd such Terms of Friendship to receive
As the imperious Moor was pleas'd to give.
Raymir, who still at publick Welfare aim'd
Indignant saw Navarra's Guilt proclaim'd,
And soon with Age and heavy Grief oppress'd
Resign'd his Life, by each good Subject bless'd.
He ceas'd—And rev'rend Silva grateful paid
Thanks for the free Discourse by Sancho made:
Then anxious in his Mind revolv'd the State
Of sad Navarre, and much bewail'd her Fate.
Thanks for the free Discourse by Sancho made:
Then anxious in his Mind revolv'd the State
Of sad Navarre, and much bewail'd her Fate.
357
Now, with a prosp'rous Wind the Ocean crost,
The joyful Lords regain'd the adverse Coast,
And came to Land—Then kneeling on the Shore
Silva with outspread Arms did Heav'n adore,
And prais'd the Care that, from the Sun-burnt Strand
Of Libya, brought them to Iberia's Land.
The joyful Lords regain'd the adverse Coast,
And came to Land—Then kneeling on the Shore
Silva with outspread Arms did Heav'n adore,
And prais'd the Care that, from the Sun-burnt Strand
Of Libya, brought them to Iberia's Land.
And then to reach his Native Soil intent
He first his Steps to fam'd Valentia bent,
Th' Abode of one of Spain's first mitred Pow'rs,
Proud of illustrious Domes and lofty Tow'rs.
They rested here, and at the Dawn of Day
To Pampelune with Speed pursu'd their Way;
And when the Prelate enter'd first the Lands
Obedient to Fortunio's high Commands,
He sigh'd and wept to see the Woods defac't,
The Gardens wither'd and the Fields laid waste;
The running Streams with putrid Fish defil'd,
And Plains, of Verdure, Flocks, and Herds, despoil'd;
Then said—How sad a Fate is this! and mourn'd
O'er fair Navarra to a Desart turn'd.
He first his Steps to fam'd Valentia bent,
Th' Abode of one of Spain's first mitred Pow'rs,
Proud of illustrious Domes and lofty Tow'rs.
They rested here, and at the Dawn of Day
To Pampelune with Speed pursu'd their Way;
And when the Prelate enter'd first the Lands
Obedient to Fortunio's high Commands,
He sigh'd and wept to see the Woods defac't,
The Gardens wither'd and the Fields laid waste;
The running Streams with putrid Fish defil'd,
And Plains, of Verdure, Flocks, and Herds, despoil'd;
Then said—How sad a Fate is this! and mourn'd
O'er fair Navarra to a Desart turn'd.
Now pious Silva at the late Retreat
Of solar Light approach'd th' Imperial Seat,
And there arriv'd the Prelate soon retir'd
To seek the Rest his weary Limbs requir'd:
But prost'rate on the Ground he first the Lord
Of Heav'n and Earth with ardent Zeal implor'd
His Minister of Vengeance to recall,
Lest this great Nation should entirely fall
By the destroying Angel's secret Sword;
And that, the Plagues remov'd, might be restor'd
Mild genial Show'rs and salutary Air
Which suff'ring Nature's Ruins might repair.
Nor fruitless were his Cries—Th' eternal Mind
To pity more than Punishment inclin'd,
Mov'd by the pious Prelate's fervent Pray'r,
Decreed the Land, if penitent, to spare.
Of solar Light approach'd th' Imperial Seat,
And there arriv'd the Prelate soon retir'd
To seek the Rest his weary Limbs requir'd:
358
Of Heav'n and Earth with ardent Zeal implor'd
His Minister of Vengeance to recall,
Lest this great Nation should entirely fall
By the destroying Angel's secret Sword;
And that, the Plagues remov'd, might be restor'd
Mild genial Show'rs and salutary Air
Which suff'ring Nature's Ruins might repair.
Nor fruitless were his Cries—Th' eternal Mind
To pity more than Punishment inclin'd,
Mov'd by the pious Prelate's fervent Pray'r,
Decreed the Land, if penitent, to spare.
Then the great Seraph President of Spain
Descended, gracious Heav'n did so ordain,
With rapid Flight thro' all th' Etherial Space,
Youth in his Eyes and Gladness in his Face,
And with a mild celestial Air addrest
Just Silva risen from refreshing Rest,
And thus bespoke him—By supreme Command
I come an Envoy to Navarra's Land
From Seats of Bliss, that all her Sons may know
To your Devotion what these Kingdoms owe.
Descended, gracious Heav'n did so ordain,
With rapid Flight thro' all th' Etherial Space,
Youth in his Eyes and Gladness in his Face,
And with a mild celestial Air addrest
Just Silva risen from refreshing Rest,
And thus bespoke him—By supreme Command
I come an Envoy to Navarra's Land
From Seats of Bliss, that all her Sons may know
To your Devotion what these Kingdoms owe.
359
Then tell your Monarch that the black Offence
Which caus'd th' Almighty's hot Displeasure, whence
Inflicted by Command Navarra's Woes
Destructive Plagues and Desolation rose,
Is this, That Garcia's Counsellours remain
From Justice screen'd in this indulgent Reign,
Who, impious and in Adulation skill'd,
With Passions vile and faithless Maxims fill'd
Their Monarch, he inspir'd by them betray'd
His Faith, and broke the solemn Leagues he made
With neighbouring Powers, and did at length forsake
Faithful and firm confed'rate States, and make
Inglorious Friendship with the sinking Moor,
And thus renounc'd the sacred Oaths he swore.
Which caus'd th' Almighty's hot Displeasure, whence
Inflicted by Command Navarra's Woes
Destructive Plagues and Desolation rose,
Is this, That Garcia's Counsellours remain
From Justice screen'd in this indulgent Reign,
Who, impious and in Adulation skill'd,
With Passions vile and faithless Maxims fill'd
Their Monarch, he inspir'd by them betray'd
His Faith, and broke the solemn Leagues he made
With neighbouring Powers, and did at length forsake
Faithful and firm confed'rate States, and make
Inglorious Friendship with the sinking Moor,
And thus renounc'd the sacred Oaths he swore.
Then would Fortunio wrathful Heav'n atone,
Succour his People and secure his Throne;
Would he restore the Kingdom's Joy, and see
From vengeful Plagues his blasted Country free;
At his Tribunal let them be arraign'd
Who Treaty-breaking Principles maintain'd,
By whose Advice the King his Promise broke,
And mock'd the Pow'r supreme, whom perjur'd Crowns provoke:
This to Navarra Heav'n will reconcile;
Then verdant Riches thro' the Fields shall smile,
And plenteous Harvests bless the teaming Soil.
He said—and sprung with swift angelick Flight
From these low Gulphs to the high Seats of Light.
Succour his People and secure his Throne;
Would he restore the Kingdom's Joy, and see
From vengeful Plagues his blasted Country free;
At his Tribunal let them be arraign'd
Who Treaty-breaking Principles maintain'd,
By whose Advice the King his Promise broke,
And mock'd the Pow'r supreme, whom perjur'd Crowns provoke:
360
Then verdant Riches thro' the Fields shall smile,
And plenteous Harvests bless the teaming Soil.
He said—and sprung with swift angelick Flight
From these low Gulphs to the high Seats of Light.
The solar Orb had now brought back the Day
When Silva to the Court directs his Way,
Where all receiv'd the welcome reverend Guest
With Love and Joy in strongest Marks exprest.
Then thus the King the pious Sage addrest.
Silva, you timely here arrive to tell
What Means the Storms of Vengeance may dispell
That still continue to afflict the Realm,
While Floods of Wrath divine o'er sad Navarra whelm.
When Silva to the Court directs his Way,
Where all receiv'd the welcome reverend Guest
With Love and Joy in strongest Marks exprest.
Then thus the King the pious Sage addrest.
Silva, you timely here arrive to tell
What Means the Storms of Vengeance may dispell
That still continue to afflict the Realm,
While Floods of Wrath divine o'er sad Navarra whelm.
Say what can backward drive the swelling Tide?
He ceas'd—And faithful Silva thus reply'd—
The Lord of Armies has his Envoy sent
From Heav'n, this Realm's Destruction to prevent;
He bade me make distress'd Fortunio know
The only Means that can remove your Woe;
Then the great Message with attentive Ear
And pious Awe, Navarra's Monarch, hear.
He ceas'd—And faithful Silva thus reply'd—
The Lord of Armies has his Envoy sent
From Heav'n, this Realm's Destruction to prevent;
He bade me make distress'd Fortunio know
The only Means that can remove your Woe;
Then the great Message with attentive Ear
And pious Awe, Navarra's Monarch, hear.
361
What makes th' Almighty in Displeasure frown,
And on this Nation pulls such Vengeance down,
Is this—That erring Pity you express,
Mercy unjust, and cruel Tenderness,
While Criminals of State evade the Laws,
Who of the Kingdom's Ruin are the Cause;
Who void of Honour taught their Prince the Way
To slight his Vows and Schemes perfidious lay.
Kings that in Wrath such Officers pursue
And make them Victims, to their Duty true,
Give God, their Country, and Mankind, their due.
Angels and Men with just Delight behold
The Impious suffer, who in Treason bold
By false destructive Lights their Prince misguide,
State-Honour mock, and publick Faith deride.
At your high Bar be then the Lords arraign'd,
Haughty and hard, tho' deep with Guilt distain'd:
And on their Heads the Stroke of Justice deal,
This Wound will that, they gave their Country, heal.
And on this Nation pulls such Vengeance down,
Is this—That erring Pity you express,
Mercy unjust, and cruel Tenderness,
While Criminals of State evade the Laws,
Who of the Kingdom's Ruin are the Cause;
Who void of Honour taught their Prince the Way
To slight his Vows and Schemes perfidious lay.
Kings that in Wrath such Officers pursue
And make them Victims, to their Duty true,
Give God, their Country, and Mankind, their due.
Angels and Men with just Delight behold
The Impious suffer, who in Treason bold
By false destructive Lights their Prince misguide,
State-Honour mock, and publick Faith deride.
At your high Bar be then the Lords arraign'd,
Haughty and hard, tho' deep with Guilt distain'd:
And on their Heads the Stroke of Justice deal,
This Wound will that, they gave their Country, heal.
Heav'ns mighty King, that earthly Kings ordains
And to their Hands commits the sacred Reins
Of Government, 'tis true, will long forbear;
But will he always black Offenders spare?
Heavy and slow his Storms of Vengeance rise,
And hov'ring hang and linger in the Skies;
His ripening Thunder murmurs long, before
It bursts its Prison and begins to roar;
But then the finish'd Bolt, to strike him dead,
Exploded flies against the Rebel's Head;
He, sad Conviction! then will ruin'd know
That patient Justice but deferr'd the Blow.
Should Kings at Guilt enormous still connive,
And to excell eternal Goodness strive?
Vindictive Rigour should they still decline?
And aim at Pity greater than divine?
Whene'er Compassion triumphs at the Cost
Of Justice, Monarchs cannot Virtue boast:
Pity is Weakness, when it breaks a Trust,
And Mercy is a Vice, when 'tis unjust.
Pity and Pow'r unrul'd by Reason bring
A like great Ills to Subjects and their King,
While each to act without Restraint contends,
And each by Turns establish'd Law suspends;
Thus Mercy's self, that no Confinement knows,
As well as boundless Pow'r Oppression grows.
And to their Hands commits the sacred Reins
Of Government, 'tis true, will long forbear;
But will he always black Offenders spare?
Heavy and slow his Storms of Vengeance rise,
And hov'ring hang and linger in the Skies;
362
It bursts its Prison and begins to roar;
But then the finish'd Bolt, to strike him dead,
Exploded flies against the Rebel's Head;
He, sad Conviction! then will ruin'd know
That patient Justice but deferr'd the Blow.
Should Kings at Guilt enormous still connive,
And to excell eternal Goodness strive?
Vindictive Rigour should they still decline?
And aim at Pity greater than divine?
Whene'er Compassion triumphs at the Cost
Of Justice, Monarchs cannot Virtue boast:
Pity is Weakness, when it breaks a Trust,
And Mercy is a Vice, when 'tis unjust.
Pity and Pow'r unrul'd by Reason bring
A like great Ills to Subjects and their King,
While each to act without Restraint contends,
And each by Turns establish'd Law suspends;
Thus Mercy's self, that no Confinement knows,
As well as boundless Pow'r Oppression grows.
Most Kings, 'tis true, that from right Maxims swerve
Despotick Lust and Aims ambitious serve,
And strengthen'd with usurp'd licentious Pow'r
Invade the Subject and the Land devour:
But some, tho' few, of too indulgent Mind
No useful Anger nor Resentment find:
Ill judging they such Clemency affect,
As Reason will not own, nor Law direct:
They spare black Crimes, or if th' Offenders try'd
They rig'rous wrest the Law to Mercy's Side.
Then just Fortunio act a vig'rous Part
And banish false Compassion from your Heart.
As your good Subjects feel your tender Care,
Let Criminals your righteous Vengeance bear,
That to their solemn Oaths and Vows unjust
Betray'd their Prince, and broke their publick Trust;
Lest this audacious Tribe from Terrour free,
And bold by undeserv'd Impunity,
New treach'rous Schemes of Mischief should create,
Disturb the Throne and re-embroil the State:
Thus Heav'n aton'd soon gracious will restore
The Joys and Plenty you possess'd before.
Despotick Lust and Aims ambitious serve,
And strengthen'd with usurp'd licentious Pow'r
Invade the Subject and the Land devour:
363
No useful Anger nor Resentment find:
Ill judging they such Clemency affect,
As Reason will not own, nor Law direct:
They spare black Crimes, or if th' Offenders try'd
They rig'rous wrest the Law to Mercy's Side.
Then just Fortunio act a vig'rous Part
And banish false Compassion from your Heart.
As your good Subjects feel your tender Care,
Let Criminals your righteous Vengeance bear,
That to their solemn Oaths and Vows unjust
Betray'd their Prince, and broke their publick Trust;
Lest this audacious Tribe from Terrour free,
And bold by undeserv'd Impunity,
New treach'rous Schemes of Mischief should create,
Disturb the Throne and re-embroil the State:
Thus Heav'n aton'd soon gracious will restore
The Joys and Plenty you possess'd before.
He said—The King with fix'd Attention heard
The Prelate, who a Minister appear'd
From Seats above by Heav'ns Commission sent
Navarre's entire Destruction to prevent;
And thus reply'd—You, Silva, pious, wise,
And just, I still esteem'd, what you advise
Is Reason—Then, Heav'n's Anger to appease,
He issu'd out his high Command to seize
Lopez, Alonso, Tulga, Chiefs of those
That on their Country brought unnumber'd Woes,
And Victor Garcia sold to vanquish'd Foes.
The Prelate, who a Minister appear'd
From Seats above by Heav'ns Commission sent
Navarre's entire Destruction to prevent;
And thus reply'd—You, Silva, pious, wise,
And just, I still esteem'd, what you advise
364
He issu'd out his high Command to seize
Lopez, Alonso, Tulga, Chiefs of those
That on their Country brought unnumber'd Woes,
And Victor Garcia sold to vanquish'd Foes.
The great Offenders, by the Marshals sought
And to the King's august Tribunal brought,
Now by his Procurator stood accus'd
That they their Monarch's Favour had abus'd,
Their native Land and their high Trust betray'd,
And with the sinking Foe perfidious made
Destructive Peace, and ignominious left
Confed'rate Pow'rs of promis'd Aid bereft,
And by designing Counsels won their Lord
To slight his Oaths and break his sacred Word.
And to the King's august Tribunal brought,
Now by his Procurator stood accus'd
That they their Monarch's Favour had abus'd,
Their native Land and their high Trust betray'd,
And with the sinking Foe perfidious made
Destructive Peace, and ignominious left
Confed'rate Pow'rs of promis'd Aid bereft,
And by designing Counsels won their Lord
To slight his Oaths and break his sacred Word.
The Crimes objected evident appear
By Proofs conspicuous and as Noon-Day clear,
Nor could convincing Light be wanting here;
For Earth and Heav'n, Sun, Moon, and Stars, and all
Mankind and Angels at th' Accuser's Call
Would Witness bear that the three Lords arraign'd
With the black Deeds alledg'd were deeply stain'd.
By Proofs conspicuous and as Noon-Day clear,
Nor could convincing Light be wanting here;
For Earth and Heav'n, Sun, Moon, and Stars, and all
Mankind and Angels at th' Accuser's Call
Would Witness bear that the three Lords arraign'd
With the black Deeds alledg'd were deeply stain'd.
365
Judg'd Guilty and condemn'd they were convey'd
To the State-Prisons and in Fetters laid:
And when the Morning Ray with early Flight
Had streak'd the azure Skies with Purple Light,
Led by the Guards from the high City Gate,
While shouting Crouds applaud their righteous Fate
They suffer'd painful Death and publick Shame,
The just Attendants that their Guilt became.
Ne'er did Offenders so unpity'd die,
Scarce in the Throng was seen one weeping Eye;
But signal Marks of general Joy exprest
How much Mankind perfidious Arts detest.
To the State-Prisons and in Fetters laid:
And when the Morning Ray with early Flight
Had streak'd the azure Skies with Purple Light,
Led by the Guards from the high City Gate,
While shouting Crouds applaud their righteous Fate
They suffer'd painful Death and publick Shame,
The just Attendants that their Guilt became.
Ne'er did Offenders so unpity'd die,
Scarce in the Throng was seen one weeping Eye;
But signal Marks of general Joy exprest
How much Mankind perfidious Arts detest.
Atonement made, Heav'n spar'd the wasted Land,
And bade the bright Destroyer stop his Hand.
Obedient he his dreadful Plagues withdrew,
And back to Heav'n thro' the wide Vacant flew.
Navarra now no more her Suff'rings mourn'd,
While Nature's fruitful Energy return'd
Which with Abundance soon the Valley bless'd,
And Groves and Gardens in new Verdure dress'd.
Wholsome the Air, the Seasons fruitful grew,
And the sick Herds and Flocks fresh Vigour knew:
Navarre recover'd rais'd her drooping Head,
While Joy and Plenty o'er the Nation spread.
And bade the bright Destroyer stop his Hand.
Obedient he his dreadful Plagues withdrew,
And back to Heav'n thro' the wide Vacant flew.
Navarra now no more her Suff'rings mourn'd,
While Nature's fruitful Energy return'd
Which with Abundance soon the Valley bless'd,
And Groves and Gardens in new Verdure dress'd.
Wholsome the Air, the Seasons fruitful grew,
And the sick Herds and Flocks fresh Vigour knew:
Navarre recover'd rais'd her drooping Head,
While Joy and Plenty o'er the Nation spread.
366
So when King David had by Heav'n's Command,
To stop the Famine raging in the Land,
Given up the Sons of Treaty-breaking Saul
To suffer shameful Death, and Victimes fall
To please the Gibeonite, rich Crops of Corn,
A welcome Blessing, all the Plains adorn;
Verdure the Woods, Fruits every Garden grace,
And beauteous Flowers Bloom gay on Nature's Face;
While meagre Famine with her ghastly Train,
Consuming Sickness, Grief, and howling Pain,
From Judah fled to Southern burning Sands,
Or Northern bleak inhospitable Lands.
To stop the Famine raging in the Land,
Given up the Sons of Treaty-breaking Saul
To suffer shameful Death, and Victimes fall
To please the Gibeonite, rich Crops of Corn,
A welcome Blessing, all the Plains adorn;
Verdure the Woods, Fruits every Garden grace,
And beauteous Flowers Bloom gay on Nature's Face;
While meagre Famine with her ghastly Train,
Consuming Sickness, Grief, and howling Pain,
From Judah fled to Southern burning Sands,
Or Northern bleak inhospitable Lands.
Then Alfred thus Navarra's King addrest;
Joy undissembled rises in my Breast,
That in Numidia's distant Hills you sought,
And back to Pampelune wise Silva brought.
Conducted by his Counsels you'll regain
Heav'n's Favour and in Joy and Plenty reign.
Inspir'd by him (illustrious was the Deed!)
You made three unrelenting Traytors bleed.
Ages to come this Justice will proclaim,
And with Applauses crown Fortunio's Name.
Silva is able, unreproach'd, and just,
Fit to discharge the most important Trust.
He'll teach industrious Rules of Life, and show
How Arts may flourish and the Kingdom flow
In Wealth, and great and formidable grow.
How was I joy'd to hear the King declare
He would no Creatures of the Traytors bear,
Resolv'd the treach'rous Faction to disgrace,
And Silva's Friends in their high Station place,
Patriots for great Capacity renown'd,
And to their Trust still just and faithful found.
This wise this happy Reformation made,
Your Hands a strong Foundation will have laid,
While you possess the Throne, in Peace and War
To bear the Pow'r and Glory of Navarre
Joy undissembled rises in my Breast,
That in Numidia's distant Hills you sought,
And back to Pampelune wise Silva brought.
Conducted by his Counsels you'll regain
Heav'n's Favour and in Joy and Plenty reign.
Inspir'd by him (illustrious was the Deed!)
You made three unrelenting Traytors bleed.
Ages to come this Justice will proclaim,
And with Applauses crown Fortunio's Name.
Silva is able, unreproach'd, and just,
Fit to discharge the most important Trust.
367
How Arts may flourish and the Kingdom flow
In Wealth, and great and formidable grow.
How was I joy'd to hear the King declare
He would no Creatures of the Traytors bear,
Resolv'd the treach'rous Faction to disgrace,
And Silva's Friends in their high Station place,
Patriots for great Capacity renown'd,
And to their Trust still just and faithful found.
This wise this happy Reformation made,
Your Hands a strong Foundation will have laid,
While you possess the Throne, in Peace and War
To bear the Pow'r and Glory of Navarre
He said—And mild Fortunio thus reply'd;
Silva, that form'd my Youth, shall be my Guide
In Things important that regard the State,
Or to the Welfare of the Church relate.
His wise Suggestions will true Lights afford
When to make Peace, and when to draw the Sword;
How to suppress intestine Discontent,
Calm growing Heats, and civil Strife prevent.
Silva, that form'd my Youth, shall be my Guide
In Things important that regard the State,
Or to the Welfare of the Church relate.
His wise Suggestions will true Lights afford
When to make Peace, and when to draw the Sword;
How to suppress intestine Discontent,
Calm growing Heats, and civil Strife prevent.
Then did the King the reverend Sage entrust,
Able in Council and in Action just,
With Pow'r to banish at one brave Effort
The Guilty, and suspected from the Court;
Dismiss the Cohorts that the Lords obey'd
While they their Monarch and Navarre betray'd,
And break their Chiefs; then to give loyal Hands
Try'd in severest Times all great Commands.
This Silva did—And from that happy Hour,
Subtile Contrivance, Int'rest, Gold, and Pow'r
The sinking Faction long employ'd in vain
In a high Post one Traytor to maintain.
Able in Council and in Action just,
368
The Guilty, and suspected from the Court;
Dismiss the Cohorts that the Lords obey'd
While they their Monarch and Navarre betray'd,
And break their Chiefs; then to give loyal Hands
Try'd in severest Times all great Commands.
This Silva did—And from that happy Hour,
Subtile Contrivance, Int'rest, Gold, and Pow'r
The sinking Faction long employ'd in vain
In a high Post one Traytor to maintain.
Now mutual Leave the Prince and Monarch took
With tender Friendship—Alfred then forsook
Fortunio's royal Palace, and decreed
O'er the high Hills for Gallia to proceed,
To view the Tow'rs and Towns of wide Command,
And the chief Joys, that crown the happy Land:
But ere the Briton from the Court withdrew
He Silva kind embrac'd, and bade the Sage adieu.
With tender Friendship—Alfred then forsook
Fortunio's royal Palace, and decreed
O'er the high Hills for Gallia to proceed,
To view the Tow'rs and Towns of wide Command,
And the chief Joys, that crown the happy Land:
But ere the Briton from the Court withdrew
He Silva kind embrac'd, and bade the Sage adieu.
| Alfred | |