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. |
| XI. | BOOK XI. |
| XII. |
 | Alfred |  |
369
BOOK XI.
The ARGUMENT.
Alfred takes Leave of the Court of Navarre. Enters the Country beyond the Pyrenæan Hills, in his Way to Tolose, thence he journeys on to Burgundy. The Towns, Rivers and the Countries describ'd, where he pass'd. He arrives at Diona or Dijon the Capital of Burgundy. Is made known to Rod'rick the King. An Account of that Prince's unparallell'd Avarice, and the Violence and Oppression us'd by him to amass Riches, and extort vast Sums from his Subjects.
Alfred having view'd what was remarkable in this City, and being ready to take his Journey from thence to the Court of France, receives an Embassy from Fortunio, to inform him, that the discarded Ministers and their Party had taken up Arms against him, and joyn'd their Troops with those of the Moorish King of Toledo; upon which he earnestly requests the Prince to come back to Navarre, and assist him with his Arms and Advice. Alfred hastens to Pampelune, which breaks his Design of going to Paris; and being plac'd at the Head of Fortunio's Army, advances towards Toledo, near which Place the Enemy was posted. The Prince attacks their Troops, and puts them to Flight, and so closely pursues them with his Forces that they enter Pell-Mell with the Foe into the City; by which Means the Town is taken, and the Enemies throwing down their Arms, submit to the Mercy of Alfred. He gives them their Lives, and orders that the Rebell Subjects af Fortunio should be confin'd, till their Sovereign had declar'd his Pleasure concerning them.
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Britannia
's Prince now gain'd Segovia crown'd
With proud aspiring Turrets, and renow'd,
For woolly Wealth, above Apulia's Fleece,
That in Sicilia spun, or that in Greece,
Whence Garments made of fine unrivall'd Thread
The British Heroe's Admiration bred:
Which to excell scarce Persia's Silks presume,
Venetia's Labour, or Liguria's Loom;
By this the People gainful Trade uphold,
While Art and Nature they exchange for Gold.
With proud aspiring Turrets, and renow'd,
For woolly Wealth, above Apulia's Fleece,
That in Sicilia spun, or that in Greece,
Whence Garments made of fine unrivall'd Thread
The British Heroe's Admiration bred:
371
Venetia's Labour, or Liguria's Loom;
By this the People gainful Trade uphold,
While Art and Nature they exchange for Gold.
Next to the splendid City Alfred came
That owes to Cæsar her imperial Name,
Which on the Flood of fam'd Iberus stands
O'erlooking num'rous Towns and distant Lands,
And sways the Province by her high Commands:
From fertile Glebe her Tow'rs in Ether rise,
The Air salubrious and serene the Skies:
Here Sons of Science own a peaceful Seat,
And at their Founder's Cost luxurious eat;
Where pamper'd Monks of Ignorance profound
Pass lazy Life, in Ease and Riot drown'd:
For in this stupid Age averse to know,
The ebbing Streams of Learning ran so low,
That Albion's Heroe in the Schools could find
Volumes alone of legendary Kind,
Or Grecian Fathers ill to Latin turn'd,
Whence he the Springs of Erudition mourn'd.
That owes to Cæsar her imperial Name,
Which on the Flood of fam'd Iberus stands
O'erlooking num'rous Towns and distant Lands,
And sways the Province by her high Commands:
From fertile Glebe her Tow'rs in Ether rise,
The Air salubrious and serene the Skies:
Here Sons of Science own a peaceful Seat,
And at their Founder's Cost luxurious eat;
Where pamper'd Monks of Ignorance profound
Pass lazy Life, in Ease and Riot drown'd:
For in this stupid Age averse to know,
The ebbing Streams of Learning ran so low,
That Albion's Heroe in the Schools could find
Volumes alone of legendary Kind,
Or Grecian Fathers ill to Latin turn'd,
Whence he the Springs of Erudition mourn'd.
The British Prince the Region round admir'd,
That with prolifick solar Heat inspir'd,
Impregnated with chearing Brooks and Rills,
Streaming Eruptions from the neighb'ring Hills,
And oft refresh'd with tepid, genial Show'rs,
Unnumber'd Blessings from her Bosom pours;
While fruitful Groves, Limes, and Pomgranates grace
With mingled Beauty's Nature's blooming Face.
That with prolifick solar Heat inspir'd,
372
Streaming Eruptions from the neighb'ring Hills,
And oft refresh'd with tepid, genial Show'rs,
Unnumber'd Blessings from her Bosom pours;
While fruitful Groves, Limes, and Pomgranates grace
With mingled Beauty's Nature's blooming Face.
Bowels of Marble streak'd with curious Stains,
And Porph'ry mark'd with winding bloody Veins,
In Heights above, and Rocks beneath the Ground,
Are by the searching Miner plenteous found;
Where Walls and Pillars for the Dome are sought,
And Busts and Figures for the Palace wrought.
The Delver here, besides metallick Oars,
Oft Alabaster meets, and Chrystal Stores,
As if the pure coagulating Snow,
By Petrefaction grown unapt to flow,
Had left its floating Station in the Sky,
And chose in subterranean Beds to lye.
And Porph'ry mark'd with winding bloody Veins,
In Heights above, and Rocks beneath the Ground,
Are by the searching Miner plenteous found;
Where Walls and Pillars for the Dome are sought,
And Busts and Figures for the Palace wrought.
The Delver here, besides metallick Oars,
Oft Alabaster meets, and Chrystal Stores,
As if the pure coagulating Snow,
By Petrefaction grown unapt to flow,
Had left its floating Station in the Sky,
And chose in subterranean Beds to lye.
The British Heroe these new Objects view'd
With great Delight, and then his Way pursu'd.
He pass'd the fertile Vales and happy Lands
Where Cinga flows and fair Ilerda stands,
Where Sicoris revives the smiling Plain
While golden Sands enrich his silver Train,
And (Fame so publish'd) where its Current flows
On the green Banks its yellow Treasure throws;
Hither, their rural Labour left, the Swains
Repair to gather up the splendid Grains
Richer than those they reap upon the Plains.
With great Delight, and then his Way pursu'd.
He pass'd the fertile Vales and happy Lands
Where Cinga flows and fair Ilerda stands,
Where Sicoris revives the smiling Plain
While golden Sands enrich his silver Train,
373
On the green Banks its yellow Treasure throws;
Hither, their rural Labour left, the Swains
Repair to gather up the splendid Grains
Richer than those they reap upon the Plains.
He view'd the Meads once by the Ligyan mow'd,
The Fields by Castellanian Farmers sow'd,
And those on Julian Colonies bestow'd:
Next saw the Town by the old Rhodians rear'd,
Who hither from their Isle for Traffick steer'd;
Then gain'd by toilsome Steps the hilly Land
That strong Perpignan's Castles now Command,
Where ancient Roscinonia's Turrets rose
To which the Realm its Appellation owes.
The Fields by Castellanian Farmers sow'd,
And those on Julian Colonies bestow'd:
Next saw the Town by the old Rhodians rear'd,
Who hither from their Isle for Traffick steer'd;
Then gain'd by toilsome Steps the hilly Land
That strong Perpignan's Castles now Command,
Where ancient Roscinonia's Turrets rose
To which the Realm its Appellation owes.
With much Fatigue Britannia's Prince at last
Thro' Ways abrupt the steepy Mountain past;
Then to Narbona's lofty Gates they came,
Whence the fair Region once deriv'd its Name
That from the Pyrenean Hills extends
To the high Alps, where modern Gallia ends:
Here Helvian Pow'rs and Allobrogian Lords,
Felauni, Salvians nam'd in old Records,
Volscæ, Rutunians, who for Empire warr'd,
Canton'd by settled Bounds the Country shar'd:
In these sweet Skies high Rome her Natives plac'd,
And with aspiring Piles the City grac'd,
A Capitol adorn'd at vast Expence,
Artful Canals, the Works of Toil immense,
And Theatres august, whose Pomp and Pride
With potent Rome when in her Glory vy'd.
Here, while a Time for due Repose they staid,
Th' attentive Prince the wond'rous Scenes survey'd.
Thro' Ways abrupt the steepy Mountain past;
Then to Narbona's lofty Gates they came,
Whence the fair Region once deriv'd its Name
That from the Pyrenean Hills extends
To the high Alps, where modern Gallia ends:
Here Helvian Pow'rs and Allobrogian Lords,
Felauni, Salvians nam'd in old Records,
Volscæ, Rutunians, who for Empire warr'd,
Canton'd by settled Bounds the Country shar'd:
374
And with aspiring Piles the City grac'd,
A Capitol adorn'd at vast Expence,
Artful Canals, the Works of Toil immense,
And Theatres august, whose Pomp and Pride
With potent Rome when in her Glory vy'd.
Here, while a Time for due Repose they staid,
Th' attentive Prince the wond'rous Scenes survey'd.
He then advancing o'er delightful Plains
By easy Journeys high Tolosa gains,
Of all the beauteous Towns the awful Head
Thro' Occitania's spacious Province spread.
He much admir'd her proud Magnificence,
The Domes for Pray'r, and Castles for Defence;
The gilded Turrets, and the Walls sublime,
That scarce perceiv'd the wasting Force of Time,
And stately Buildings, that on either Side
The ample Streets, express unrivall'd Pride.
By easy Journeys high Tolosa gains,
Of all the beauteous Towns the awful Head
Thro' Occitania's spacious Province spread.
He much admir'd her proud Magnificence,
The Domes for Pray'r, and Castles for Defence;
The gilded Turrets, and the Walls sublime,
That scarce perceiv'd the wasting Force of Time,
And stately Buildings, that on either Side
The ample Streets, express unrivall'd Pride.
The Heroe now the neighb'ring Region views,
Where Nature fond her Riches to diffuse
Indulgent scatters with a lavish Hand
Her Gifts, and crowns with Luxury the Land,
While Hills and Vales abundant Stores produce
For Pleasure these, and those for needful Use.
Where Nature fond her Riches to diffuse
Indulgent scatters with a lavish Hand
Her Gifts, and crowns with Luxury the Land,
While Hills and Vales abundant Stores produce
For Pleasure these, and those for needful Use.
375
The Prince observ'd in all this chearful Race
No Saturnine, no sow'r or joyless Face;
No Loss foreseen, or unexpected Stroke
Of adverse Fate, their steady Temper broke,
Who always pleas'd and still in Humour gay
To Cares by Turns apply'd, by Turns to play.
Oft Alfred said, sweet Country, lovely Skies
Whence constant Joy and Mirth unceasing Rise!
Yet right he judg'd that oft their Strains of Mirth
Deriv'd from native Levity their Birth,
And unreflecting Indolence that here
In every Rank did prevalent appear.
No Saturnine, no sow'r or joyless Face;
No Loss foreseen, or unexpected Stroke
Of adverse Fate, their steady Temper broke,
Who always pleas'd and still in Humour gay
To Cares by Turns apply'd, by Turns to play.
Oft Alfred said, sweet Country, lovely Skies
Whence constant Joy and Mirth unceasing Rise!
Yet right he judg'd that oft their Strains of Mirth
Deriv'd from native Levity their Birth,
And unreflecting Indolence that here
In every Rank did prevalent appear.
Now he departed to renew his Toil,
And much the City prais'd and much the Soil.
Leaving Tolosa's Tow'rs their Way they sped
To reach Divona fair Burgundia's Head:
When Guithun thus to Albion's Prince applies;
This charming Country to my wond'ring Eyes
A Theatre appears, which Nature's Skill
Does with unrivall'd Decorations fill:
How rich a Land! what balmy Breezes blow!
And thro' the Valleys what sweet Rivers flow!
What Odours, what pure Draughts of Air inspire
The breathing Pow'rs and fan the vital Fire!
Hark, how around the Birds melodious sing
Pearch'd in the Grove or wasted on the Wing!
How Nature triumphs, and in every Place
How the glad Plains display a smiling Face!
O happy, happy Natives, if they find
That these soft Regions don't dissolve the Mind,
And indispose them by voluptuous Charms
For Letters, Labour, and the Warriour's Arms!
And much the City prais'd and much the Soil.
Leaving Tolosa's Tow'rs their Way they sped
To reach Divona fair Burgundia's Head:
When Guithun thus to Albion's Prince applies;
This charming Country to my wond'ring Eyes
A Theatre appears, which Nature's Skill
Does with unrivall'd Decorations fill:
How rich a Land! what balmy Breezes blow!
And thro' the Valleys what sweet Rivers flow!
What Odours, what pure Draughts of Air inspire
The breathing Pow'rs and fan the vital Fire!
376
Pearch'd in the Grove or wasted on the Wing!
How Nature triumphs, and in every Place
How the glad Plains display a smiling Face!
O happy, happy Natives, if they find
That these soft Regions don't dissolve the Mind,
And indispose them by voluptuous Charms
For Letters, Labour, and the Warriour's Arms!
He said—And now they fam'd Nemausus gain'd
Where Marks of Rome's imperial Pow'r remain'd,
Whose Lords once rul'd this Land by Arms subdu'd:
The stately Amphitheatre they view'd,
Which more entire, is only overcome
In Amplitude by the proud Pile at Rome.
Here Gladiators oft engag'd in Fight
With fierce wild Beasts for wilder Mens Delight.
The Aquæduct, that o'er a River pass'd
On Arches, wondrous Sight! on Arches plac'd,
And for their naval Fights by Land supply'd
Th' extended Basin with a plenteous Tide,
They saw; and next they reach'd Avignion's Tow'rs,
Since rul'd by papal delegated Pow'rs;
They prais'd the Town, tho' not of vast Extent,
Yet beautiful, and clean, and opulent;
And from the Walls view'd the wide Fields around
With smiling Joys and various Riches crown'd.
Here golden Groves, that fruitful Heads display
Drink the bright Sun and qualify his Ray,
Diffuse the temper'd Lustre thro' the Sky,
And with their Beauty captivate the Eye.
There far extended lovely Almond Rows,
Voluptuous Scene! their flow'ry Pride disclose.
Here balmy Jes'mine, there the Myrtle Bow'r
On the soft Air sweet-scented Vapours pour.
The artful Worms that on the Mulb'rry feast,
In whose rich Labour high-born Lords are drest,
There spin their Webb with self-destructive Care,
And for the Loom their precious Spoils prepare.
Unnumber'd Births rise from the teaming Soil,
Pure Grain and Saffron, gen'rous Wine and Oyl,
Pomgranates, Figs delicious white and blue,
Sweet Pears and Apples of a lovely Hue;
A long successive Harvest of Delights
The Lord enriches and the Swain requites.
Where Marks of Rome's imperial Pow'r remain'd,
Whose Lords once rul'd this Land by Arms subdu'd:
The stately Amphitheatre they view'd,
Which more entire, is only overcome
In Amplitude by the proud Pile at Rome.
Here Gladiators oft engag'd in Fight
With fierce wild Beasts for wilder Mens Delight.
The Aquæduct, that o'er a River pass'd
On Arches, wondrous Sight! on Arches plac'd,
And for their naval Fights by Land supply'd
Th' extended Basin with a plenteous Tide,
They saw; and next they reach'd Avignion's Tow'rs,
Since rul'd by papal delegated Pow'rs;
They prais'd the Town, tho' not of vast Extent,
Yet beautiful, and clean, and opulent;
377
With smiling Joys and various Riches crown'd.
Here golden Groves, that fruitful Heads display
Drink the bright Sun and qualify his Ray,
Diffuse the temper'd Lustre thro' the Sky,
And with their Beauty captivate the Eye.
There far extended lovely Almond Rows,
Voluptuous Scene! their flow'ry Pride disclose.
Here balmy Jes'mine, there the Myrtle Bow'r
On the soft Air sweet-scented Vapours pour.
The artful Worms that on the Mulb'rry feast,
In whose rich Labour high-born Lords are drest,
There spin their Webb with self-destructive Care,
And for the Loom their precious Spoils prepare.
Unnumber'd Births rise from the teaming Soil,
Pure Grain and Saffron, gen'rous Wine and Oyl,
Pomgranates, Figs delicious white and blue,
Sweet Pears and Apples of a lovely Hue;
A long successive Harvest of Delights
The Lord enriches and the Swain requites.
Leaving these Seats they pass'd the fruitful Plain
Wash'd by the rapid Rhone's interfluent Train,
And reach'd Valencia, near whose lofty Walls
Down the flat Land the winding River falls:
On the South Side they saw a Mountain rise
Which, bless'd with fertile Glebe and mod'rate Skies,
Boasts a delicious Wine of spreading Fame
That from a Hermite's Cott derives its Name;
To this submit Florentia's Purple Spoils,
The Growth of Spain, and of the happy Isles.
Wash'd by the rapid Rhone's interfluent Train,
And reach'd Valencia, near whose lofty Walls
Down the flat Land the winding River falls:
378
Which, bless'd with fertile Glebe and mod'rate Skies,
Boasts a delicious Wine of spreading Fame
That from a Hermite's Cott derives its Name;
To this submit Florentia's Purple Spoils,
The Growth of Spain, and of the happy Isles.
Hence they advancing to Lugdunum came,
To the august Lutetia next in Fame,
Where Rhodanus and fair Saona's Tide
Meet and embrace and mingling Currents glide.
And here a while the curious Briton staid,
And the rich City with Delight survey'd;
Admir'd her Beauty and Magnificence,
And publick Buildings rais'd at vast Expence:
He learn'd, that Merchants oft with Toil and Sweat
Arrive at this fair Town, this central Seat
And Mart of Commerce, from Germania's Land,
And from the Hills Helvetian Lords command,
To fetch rich Silks and fine-spun Linnen Home,
The proud Production of Lugdunum's Loom.
To the august Lutetia next in Fame,
Where Rhodanus and fair Saona's Tide
Meet and embrace and mingling Currents glide.
And here a while the curious Briton staid,
And the rich City with Delight survey'd;
Admir'd her Beauty and Magnificence,
And publick Buildings rais'd at vast Expence:
He learn'd, that Merchants oft with Toil and Sweat
Arrive at this fair Town, this central Seat
And Mart of Commerce, from Germania's Land,
And from the Hills Helvetian Lords command,
To fetch rich Silks and fine-spun Linnen Home,
The proud Production of Lugdunum's Loom.
Then from the Tow'rs with Pleasure he survey'd
The verdant Valley's flow'ry Wealth display'd,
Which the sweet Streams of Rhodanus divide
That this and that Way spreads his wanton Tide,
And thro' the Pastures draws his silver Train,
Delightful Prospect! to enrich the Main.
The Meads & Groves & Gardens from th' Embrace
Of the prolifick River in his Race
Wear flow'ry Honours and a blooming Face.
On either Margin of the fruitful Stream
Promiscuous Trees, that from the sult'ry Gleam
Shelter the Grazlers and adorn the Flood,
The fertile Soil's spontaneous Offspring stood.
Here 'midst the trembling Leaves the feather'd Quire
To sooth the Skies and charm the Swain conspire;
Challenge each other by their daring Notes,
And strain for Conquest their melodious Throats,
Till some o'ermatch'd by Rivals bold and strong
Fall in the Strife and perish by their Song,
The verdant Valley's flow'ry Wealth display'd,
Which the sweet Streams of Rhodanus divide
That this and that Way spreads his wanton Tide,
379
Delightful Prospect! to enrich the Main.
The Meads & Groves & Gardens from th' Embrace
Of the prolifick River in his Race
Wear flow'ry Honours and a blooming Face.
On either Margin of the fruitful Stream
Promiscuous Trees, that from the sult'ry Gleam
Shelter the Grazlers and adorn the Flood,
The fertile Soil's spontaneous Offspring stood.
Here 'midst the trembling Leaves the feather'd Quire
To sooth the Skies and charm the Swain conspire;
Challenge each other by their daring Notes,
And strain for Conquest their melodious Throats,
Till some o'ermatch'd by Rivals bold and strong
Fall in the Strife and perish by their Song,
As Alfred these chief Towns with Pleasure view'd,
His great Design attentive he pursu'd,
While eager to indulge his curious Taste
In different Realms he different Customs trac'd.
His great Design attentive he pursu'd,
While eager to indulge his curious Taste
In different Realms he different Customs trac'd.
Now after various Joys and various Toil
At length they enter'd fair Burgundia's Soil,
Where while the British Heroe journey'd on,
He prais'd the Region that the fruitful Soan
Laves with its Current, and the Hills surveys
Where the fam'd Vine its Purple Pride displays
Which an unrivall'd gen'rous Juice affords
Fit for the Banquets of assembled Lords,
Sparkling as Diamonds and as Rubies bright,
While mantling Stars adorn its Head, the Sight
And ravish'd Taste it does at once Delight.
At length they enter'd fair Burgundia's Soil,
Where while the British Heroe journey'd on,
He prais'd the Region that the fruitful Soan
380
Where the fam'd Vine its Purple Pride displays
Which an unrivall'd gen'rous Juice affords
Fit for the Banquets of assembled Lords,
Sparkling as Diamonds and as Rubies bright,
While mantling Stars adorn its Head, the Sight
And ravish'd Taste it does at once Delight.
Then Guithun thus began,—We justly prize
These Fields and Gardens and indulgent Skies.
The Mountains here are cloath'd with gameful Woods,
There murm'ring Fountains and lascivious Floods
Refresh the thirsty Meadows, and their Face
With verdant Joys and flow'ry Beauties grace:
Here lowing Herds the springing Pastures fill,
There waving Crops of Corn enrich the Hill,
While lovely Prospects, that just Bounds restrain,
With greater Pleasure Trav'lers entertain,
Than where no rising Lands confine the Eye
Lost in transparent Gulphs of endless Sky.
These Fields and Gardens and indulgent Skies.
The Mountains here are cloath'd with gameful Woods,
There murm'ring Fountains and lascivious Floods
Refresh the thirsty Meadows, and their Face
With verdant Joys and flow'ry Beauties grace:
Here lowing Herds the springing Pastures fill,
There waving Crops of Corn enrich the Hill,
While lovely Prospects, that just Bounds restrain,
With greater Pleasure Trav'lers entertain,
Than where no rising Lands confine the Eye
Lost in transparent Gulphs of endless Sky.
See, while the Swain improves the fertile Soil,
The Hills rejoyce and the sweet Valleys smile;
Not so the People; They their Fate deplore,
Grip'd by Oppression and in Plenty poor.
They plant and sow the Fields with Sweat and Care,
But Spoilers from the Land the Harvest bear;
Thus they th' industrious Farmer's Hopes destroy,
And all his Labour cruelly enjoy;
Sad Marks of Trust abus'd and lawless Might;
That robs the People and usurps their Right!
The Hills rejoyce and the sweet Valleys smile;
Not so the People; They their Fate deplore,
Grip'd by Oppression and in Plenty poor.
381
But Spoilers from the Land the Harvest bear;
Thus they th' industrious Farmer's Hopes destroy,
And all his Labour cruelly enjoy;
Sad Marks of Trust abus'd and lawless Might;
That robs the People and usurps their Right!
The Britons now to fair Divona came
Of present Greatness proud, and ancient Fame.
The Temples much, that high in Air aspire,
And much the stately Buildings they admire;
But griev'd to see the People's Looks express
Such Signs of anxious Care and deep Distress,
Who gaul'd by lawless Pow'rs that rul'd the State
Groan'd in Despair and mourn'd their hapless Fate.
Of present Greatness proud, and ancient Fame.
The Temples much, that high in Air aspire,
And much the stately Buildings they admire;
But griev'd to see the People's Looks express
Such Signs of anxious Care and deep Distress,
Who gaul'd by lawless Pow'rs that rul'd the State
Groan'd in Despair and mourn'd their hapless Fate.
And now conducted to Burgundia's Court,
Which to the Strangers seem'd more like a Fort,
That Ditches wide extended and profound
And double Walls for sure Defence surround,
Than an imperial Seat; for Rodrick, who
Burgundia's Sceptre sway'd and had in view
No End but Heaps of Treasure to collect,
That he unmeasur'd Riches might protect
And dreaded Insults and wild Rage repell
Had turn'd his Palace to a Citadel.
No panting Swain in Libya's sultry Sands
With greater Thirst the cooling Stream demands,
Nor hungry Lion at the Fall of Day
Forsakes his Haunt more eager of his Prey,
Than avaricious Rodrick Wealth pursu'd,
And still in Want encreasing Treasure view'd.
Midas, Pigmalion, Crœsus, Kings of old
Fam'd for their Lust exorbitant of Gold,
With this Burgundian Potentate compar'd
Would be but frugal Managers declar'd:
New Acquisitions still Desire inflame,
Nor could th' exhausted World his Passion tame.
Which to the Strangers seem'd more like a Fort,
That Ditches wide extended and profound
And double Walls for sure Defence surround,
Than an imperial Seat; for Rodrick, who
Burgundia's Sceptre sway'd and had in view
No End but Heaps of Treasure to collect,
That he unmeasur'd Riches might protect
And dreaded Insults and wild Rage repell
Had turn'd his Palace to a Citadel.
382
With greater Thirst the cooling Stream demands,
Nor hungry Lion at the Fall of Day
Forsakes his Haunt more eager of his Prey,
Than avaricious Rodrick Wealth pursu'd,
And still in Want encreasing Treasure view'd.
Midas, Pigmalion, Crœsus, Kings of old
Fam'd for their Lust exorbitant of Gold,
With this Burgundian Potentate compar'd
Would be but frugal Managers declar'd:
New Acquisitions still Desire inflame,
Nor could th' exhausted World his Passion tame.
To drain the Nation and augment his Hoards,
He to his Chiefs and ministerial Lords,
Prefects of Cities and provincial Lands,
Issu'd unjust, and oft renew'd Commands
To make the Subject Sums enormous pay,
And on the Realm oppressive Burdens lay.
As these State-Leeches suck'd the People's Blood,
And from their Veins transfus'd the vital Flood
Into their own, so when their Hoards were swell'd,
Rodrick the griping Governours compell'd
By Force to vomit up their plunder'd Store,
And thus encreas'd his Wealth immense before.
He to his Chiefs and ministerial Lords,
Prefects of Cities and provincial Lands,
Issu'd unjust, and oft renew'd Commands
To make the Subject Sums enormous pay,
And on the Realm oppressive Burdens lay.
As these State-Leeches suck'd the People's Blood,
And from their Veins transfus'd the vital Flood
Into their own, so when their Hoards were swell'd,
Rodrick the griping Governours compell'd
By Force to vomit up their plunder'd Store,
And thus encreas'd his Wealth immense before.
383
Mean Time the murm'ring Nation to restrain,
Whose Towns of raging Cruelty complain,
He thro' the Kingdom Towers and Castles built,
And paid vast Armies to defend his Guilt;
Nor on their Deeds licentious would be frown,
To keep the Cohorts steady to the Crown.
Burgundia's Treasure Rodrick thus engrost,
And fill'd his Coffers at the People's Cost,
Coffers between high secret Walls immur'd,
Or in deep Vaults and guarded Forts secur'd,
Which he forgot long buried under Ground,
And left by future Princes to be found.
On avaricious Parcimony bent
The King to save Expence inglorious went
From Chief to Chief, from Lord to Lord to eat,
And they in Turn th' ungen'rous Monarch treat.
Rare was he known, so much his Coin he spar'd,
The Labours of the Heroe or the Bard,
Or active Patriot's Merit to reward.
And when he gave, his Gold did from him part
Like Life-Blood issuing from his aking Heart,
And then the scanty and unprincely Dole,
Declar'd the abject Meanness of his Soul.
Whose Towns of raging Cruelty complain,
He thro' the Kingdom Towers and Castles built,
And paid vast Armies to defend his Guilt;
Nor on their Deeds licentious would be frown,
To keep the Cohorts steady to the Crown.
Burgundia's Treasure Rodrick thus engrost,
And fill'd his Coffers at the People's Cost,
Coffers between high secret Walls immur'd,
Or in deep Vaults and guarded Forts secur'd,
Which he forgot long buried under Ground,
And left by future Princes to be found.
On avaricious Parcimony bent
The King to save Expence inglorious went
From Chief to Chief, from Lord to Lord to eat,
And they in Turn th' ungen'rous Monarch treat.
Rare was he known, so much his Coin he spar'd,
The Labours of the Heroe or the Bard,
Or active Patriot's Merit to reward.
And when he gave, his Gold did from him part
Like Life-Blood issuing from his aking Heart,
And then the scanty and unprincely Dole,
Declar'd the abject Meanness of his Soul.
Soon as this private Court the Briton view'd,
Which not the awful Face of Empire shew'd,
Guithun the pious Heroe thus address'd;
How ill are Pow'r and Majesty express'd
By such illib'ral mean and sordid Ways,
That must Contempt, not Veneration raise?
Splendor and Pomp that vulgar Eyes engage,
Magnificence and noble Equipage,
And the proud Ensigns of imperial State,
Will Rev'rence, Wonder, and Esteem create:
Else Monarchs would not, as they ought, appear
The Objects of Regard nor useful Fear:
For still we find Plebeian Minds are sway'd
By strong Impressions on the Senses made.
Assign to Men in Pow'r a mean Abode,
Dismount the Prætor from his Steed, disrobe
The Judge, and strip them of their num'rous Train,
And would they long their Dignity maintain?
Besides as Kings by Lust of Gold create
Contempt, they bring great Mischiefs on the State;
For while the publick Treasures hoarded sleep
Unrefluent in the Monarch's stagnant Deep,
The sad exhausted Provinces bewail
Their Fate, while all Recruits obstructed fail.
Did not the Streams, that with their silver Train
Sweep thro' the Meads and seek the spreading Main,
In secret Channels or in Rain return,
How would the Land its Desolation mourn!
Nor did th' exhaling Vapours, which supply
The Atmosphere, and stock with Clouds the Sky,
Come back to Earth in mild refreshing Dews,
And genial Show'rs on thirsty Fields diffuse,
Would not the Lands the cruel Heav'ns arraign,
And of the Rapine of the Sun complain,
That seiz'd their Moisture by his active Ray,
Nor did the Furrows nor the Meads repay?
Thus while their Wealth is in the Coffers pent
Of griping Kings, sad Realms their Wants lament,
And, unrefresh'd by Streams that us'd to flow
Reciprocal, despond and lifeless grow.
Which not the awful Face of Empire shew'd,
384
How ill are Pow'r and Majesty express'd
By such illib'ral mean and sordid Ways,
That must Contempt, not Veneration raise?
Splendor and Pomp that vulgar Eyes engage,
Magnificence and noble Equipage,
And the proud Ensigns of imperial State,
Will Rev'rence, Wonder, and Esteem create:
Else Monarchs would not, as they ought, appear
The Objects of Regard nor useful Fear:
For still we find Plebeian Minds are sway'd
By strong Impressions on the Senses made.
Assign to Men in Pow'r a mean Abode,
Dismount the Prætor from his Steed, disrobe
The Judge, and strip them of their num'rous Train,
And would they long their Dignity maintain?
Besides as Kings by Lust of Gold create
Contempt, they bring great Mischiefs on the State;
For while the publick Treasures hoarded sleep
Unrefluent in the Monarch's stagnant Deep,
The sad exhausted Provinces bewail
Their Fate, while all Recruits obstructed fail.
Did not the Streams, that with their silver Train
Sweep thro' the Meads and seek the spreading Main,
In secret Channels or in Rain return,
How would the Land its Desolation mourn!
385
The Atmosphere, and stock with Clouds the Sky,
Come back to Earth in mild refreshing Dews,
And genial Show'rs on thirsty Fields diffuse,
Would not the Lands the cruel Heav'ns arraign,
And of the Rapine of the Sun complain,
That seiz'd their Moisture by his active Ray,
Nor did the Furrows nor the Meads repay?
Thus while their Wealth is in the Coffers pent
Of griping Kings, sad Realms their Wants lament,
And, unrefresh'd by Streams that us'd to flow
Reciprocal, despond and lifeless grow.
Burgundia's King to Lust of Wealth a Slave
Now to the British Heroe Audience gave,
And, as he decent State and Splendor scorn'd,
Receiv'd him in a Chamber unadorn'd
By Arras, Busts, and Pictures, with an Air
Of Care and Sadness bord'ring on Despair,
That all observ'd did on the Sov'reign grow,
Lest in Abundance he should Famine know.
Now to the British Heroe Audience gave,
And, as he decent State and Splendor scorn'd,
Receiv'd him in a Chamber unadorn'd
By Arras, Busts, and Pictures, with an Air
Of Care and Sadness bord'ring on Despair,
That all observ'd did on the Sov'reign grow,
Lest in Abundance he should Famine know.
Alfred, the cold Reception past, retir'd,
And much the royal Miser's Fate admir'd:
Then went to view the Prisons near the Court
Where Lictors verst in Cruelty extort
From all, suspected Riches to conceal,
By Whips and Wheels Confessions, to reveal
The dark Recesses where they hid their Gold,
And their strong Casks that buried Jewels hold.
Some to the Rack, tho' indigent were brought,
To purge the Guilt of being wealthy thought;
While others, who discover'd all their Store,
Were still tormented to discover more.
Thus did th' Iberians, who in after Times
Became the Lords of Western India's Climes,
A cruel, fierce, and unrelenting Race,
The fairest Realms and richest Towns deface
By dreadful Rapine, and with endless Loads
Of plunder'd Treasure fill'd their own Abodes.
And much the royal Miser's Fate admir'd:
Then went to view the Prisons near the Court
Where Lictors verst in Cruelty extort
386
By Whips and Wheels Confessions, to reveal
The dark Recesses where they hid their Gold,
And their strong Casks that buried Jewels hold.
Some to the Rack, tho' indigent were brought,
To purge the Guilt of being wealthy thought;
While others, who discover'd all their Store,
Were still tormented to discover more.
Thus did th' Iberians, who in after Times
Became the Lords of Western India's Climes,
A cruel, fierce, and unrelenting Race,
The fairest Realms and richest Towns deface
By dreadful Rapine, and with endless Loads
Of plunder'd Treasure fill'd their own Abodes.
Now to compleat his Scheme the Prince decreed
To gain sublime Lutetia's Gates with Speed,
Conscious he there a splendid Court should find,
A People faithful and a Monarch kind:
When brave Fuentes well to Alfred known,
And Sancho, Courtiers near Fortunio's Throne,
By his Command the British Prince attend
In fair Divona; he their generous Friend
Kindly Navarre's Ambassadours caress'd,
When just Fuentes Alfred thus address'd.
To gain sublime Lutetia's Gates with Speed,
Conscious he there a splendid Court should find,
A People faithful and a Monarch kind:
When brave Fuentes well to Alfred known,
And Sancho, Courtiers near Fortunio's Throne,
By his Command the British Prince attend
In fair Divona; he their generous Friend
Kindly Navarre's Ambassadours caress'd,
When just Fuentes Alfred thus address'd.
387
On you, great Briton, we commission'd wait,
Whose wise Advice preserv'd Navarra's State,
To bring the King's Request and Silva's Pray'r,
That Alfred would to Pampelune repair.
The haughty Faction who before engrost
All Trusts and Pow'r, their high Employments lost,
Distracted and impatient of their Fate
Revil'd their Monarch and express'd their Hate
Of Alfred and just Silva, who, they thought,
Combin'd this Change and Revolution wrought.
Whose wise Advice preserv'd Navarra's State,
To bring the King's Request and Silva's Pray'r,
That Alfred would to Pampelune repair.
The haughty Faction who before engrost
All Trusts and Pow'r, their high Employments lost,
Distracted and impatient of their Fate
Revil'd their Monarch and express'd their Hate
Of Alfred and just Silva, who, they thought,
Combin'd this Change and Revolution wrought.
The furious Traytors soon in Arms engage,
And meditate Revenge to sooth their Rage:
Too much the poison'd Provinces support
Disloyal Leaders, and arraign the Court.
Sedition's growing Flames great Force acquire,
Break furious out and civil Heats inspire.
And now their Leaders to Moavi sent,
Toledo's King, fit Envoys with Intent
To gain from that fierce Monarch pow'rful Aid,
To whom before their Friends Navarre betray'd.
The Moor, his Pow'r ambitious to extend,
Ready engag'd the Faction to befriend,
And with their Forces to unite his own,
To move Fortunio from the regal Throne;
That done, he knew his Cohorts might with Ease
As his Reward Navarre's Dominions seize;
Which vastly would his Empire stretch, and lay
A stable Base for universal Sway.
Thus they sollicit Succours from the Moor,
Help from th' Impostor Mahomet implore,
And would Arabian Infidels employ
Their Christian King and Country to destroy:
Black Guilt! but Pride, Revenge, and Lust of Gain
Grasp at all Means to ease their raging Pain.
To you, illustrious Briton, we address
To lend your Aid this Tempest to suppress:
Thus you'll our happy Government defend,
Support our Prince, and guard your mitred Friend:
The Realm from Libyan Potentates assure,
And Christian Faith from raging Arms secure.
And meditate Revenge to sooth their Rage:
Too much the poison'd Provinces support
Disloyal Leaders, and arraign the Court.
Sedition's growing Flames great Force acquire,
Break furious out and civil Heats inspire.
And now their Leaders to Moavi sent,
Toledo's King, fit Envoys with Intent
To gain from that fierce Monarch pow'rful Aid,
To whom before their Friends Navarre betray'd.
The Moor, his Pow'r ambitious to extend,
Ready engag'd the Faction to befriend,
And with their Forces to unite his own,
To move Fortunio from the regal Throne;
388
As his Reward Navarre's Dominions seize;
Which vastly would his Empire stretch, and lay
A stable Base for universal Sway.
Thus they sollicit Succours from the Moor,
Help from th' Impostor Mahomet implore,
And would Arabian Infidels employ
Their Christian King and Country to destroy:
Black Guilt! but Pride, Revenge, and Lust of Gain
Grasp at all Means to ease their raging Pain.
To you, illustrious Briton, we address
To lend your Aid this Tempest to suppress:
Thus you'll our happy Government defend,
Support our Prince, and guard your mitred Friend:
The Realm from Libyan Potentates assure,
And Christian Faith from raging Arms secure.
The Envoy ceas'd—And, gracious thus reply'd
The British Heroe—What can be deny'd
That Silva that Fortunio shall demand?
Can Alfred such Sollicitors withstand?
With Speed I'll Pampeluna's Tow'rs regain,
And aid his Arms th' Assailants to sustain,
Drive back the Spoilers from Navarra's Coast,
And save Religion from a barb'rous Host.
The British Heroe—What can be deny'd
That Silva that Fortunio shall demand?
Can Alfred such Sollicitors withstand?
With Speed I'll Pampeluna's Tow'rs regain,
And aid his Arms th' Assailants to sustain,
Drive back the Spoilers from Navarra's Coast,
And save Religion from a barb'rous Host.
389
Now Morning Rays of heav'nly liquid Gold
Exhale the Dews and the gay Heads unfold
Of sleeping Flow'rs clos'd by nocturnal Cold:
The Briton then Burgundia's Land forsook
And to Hispania's Soil his Journey took;
Where wing'd with Zeal the Heroe soon arriv'd,
Whose Presence much Fortunio's Court reviv'd.
Ardent the Monarch Albion's Prince carest,
And all the Chiefs uncommon Joy exprest,
But Silva Transport shew'd above the rest.
For all presag'd the Rebels in the Field
Would to his Courage and wise Conduct yield.
To lead his Host the King did Alfred ask,
Who undertook the military Task;
With a gilt Trunchion then he grac'd his Hand,
Proud martial Emblem of supream Command,
In strong Belief his Sword would quell his Foes,
Chastise their Pride and civil Strife compose.
Th' intrepid Chief advancing at the Head
Of his brave Troops warm Hopes of Conquest fed
In all their Breasts, who eager to engage
By threat'ning Looks express'd a loyal Rage,
Denounc'd Defiance, earnest ask'd the Fight,
And pre-enjoy'd the Triumph's great Delight.
Exhale the Dews and the gay Heads unfold
Of sleeping Flow'rs clos'd by nocturnal Cold:
The Briton then Burgundia's Land forsook
And to Hispania's Soil his Journey took;
Where wing'd with Zeal the Heroe soon arriv'd,
Whose Presence much Fortunio's Court reviv'd.
Ardent the Monarch Albion's Prince carest,
And all the Chiefs uncommon Joy exprest,
But Silva Transport shew'd above the rest.
For all presag'd the Rebels in the Field
Would to his Courage and wise Conduct yield.
To lead his Host the King did Alfred ask,
Who undertook the military Task;
With a gilt Trunchion then he grac'd his Hand,
Proud martial Emblem of supream Command,
In strong Belief his Sword would quell his Foes,
Chastise their Pride and civil Strife compose.
Th' intrepid Chief advancing at the Head
Of his brave Troops warm Hopes of Conquest fed
In all their Breasts, who eager to engage
By threat'ning Looks express'd a loyal Rage,
Denounc'd Defiance, earnest ask'd the Fight,
And pre-enjoy'd the Triumph's great Delight.
390
Moavi's Army by Almansor led,
And the fierce Rebels, Velez at their Head,
Advance in long Array on Blood intent,
And daring Combate to the Foe present.
As when renown'd Sabrina from the Main
Regurgitates, and draws her refluent Train,
The foamy Billows of the rushing Tide,
That press and croud and o'er each other ride,
Stretching their Front a furious Aspect wear,
And from the Sands th' affrighted Farmer scare;
The Moor's Brigade their March so forward bend,
And on the Plains the growing War extend.
The Squadrons shone in polish'd Armour bright,
While the refulgent Sun his glancing Light
From Shield to Shield from Helm to Helm convey'd,
And keen Reflection on Reflection play'd.
And the fierce Rebels, Velez at their Head,
Advance in long Array on Blood intent,
And daring Combate to the Foe present.
As when renown'd Sabrina from the Main
Regurgitates, and draws her refluent Train,
The foamy Billows of the rushing Tide,
That press and croud and o'er each other ride,
Stretching their Front a furious Aspect wear,
And from the Sands th' affrighted Farmer scare;
The Moor's Brigade their March so forward bend,
And on the Plains the growing War extend.
The Squadrons shone in polish'd Armour bright,
While the refulgent Sun his glancing Light
From Shield to Shield from Helm to Helm convey'd,
And keen Reflection on Reflection play'd.
Fortunio's Warriours reach'd Titulcia's Vale,
Whence Seas of Blood must soon to Heav'n exhale:
The threatning Armies met, but doubtful Light
Restrain'd their Fury, and defer'd the Fight.
Now did the Sun gild Heav'ns Cerulean Plain,
And spreading o'er the Earth his splendid Train,
Call'd to his Song the Lark, & to his Toil the Swain.
Alfred repose for martial Labour chang'd,
And his brave Troops for glorious Combate rang'd.
Strong tawny Grooms his generous Courser led
In the high Mountains of Gallicia bred,
Of the fleet Race, which, so great Poets sung,
From the prolifick Force of Zephyrs sprung,
Rapid of Foot outstrip their parent Wind,
And leave their swiftest Kindred Gales behind.
Pricking his Ears he in the Leader's Hand
Bounded, and whiten'd with his foam the Sand.
The Heroe mounted with a martial Grace,
Delight and Terrour mingled in his Face;
Whence Seas of Blood must soon to Heav'n exhale:
The threatning Armies met, but doubtful Light
Restrain'd their Fury, and defer'd the Fight.
Now did the Sun gild Heav'ns Cerulean Plain,
And spreading o'er the Earth his splendid Train,
Call'd to his Song the Lark, & to his Toil the Swain.
Alfred repose for martial Labour chang'd,
And his brave Troops for glorious Combate rang'd.
391
In the high Mountains of Gallicia bred,
Of the fleet Race, which, so great Poets sung,
From the prolifick Force of Zephyrs sprung,
Rapid of Foot outstrip their parent Wind,
And leave their swiftest Kindred Gales behind.
Pricking his Ears he in the Leader's Hand
Bounded, and whiten'd with his foam the Sand.
The Heroe mounted with a martial Grace,
Delight and Terrour mingled in his Face;
And now the Armies stood in long Array
Determin'd to decide th' important Day:
Rage on their Brows and fierce Defiance sate,
And echoing Shouts denounc'd destructive Fate.
While thus the Field with warlike Clamours rung,
To charge the Foe the Prince intrepid sprung.
So when a fearless Lion has descry'd,
From some exalted Libyan Mountain's Side,
A mighty Bull Lord of the lowing Herd,
Or a vast Boar thro' all the Forrest fear'd,
Safe, as they think, from all invading Harms,
One by his Horns, one by his Iv'ry Arms,
Eager of Fight he flies to make the Foe
Superiour Strength and nobler Courage know.
Determin'd to decide th' important Day:
Rage on their Brows and fierce Defiance sate,
And echoing Shouts denounc'd destructive Fate.
While thus the Field with warlike Clamours rung,
To charge the Foe the Prince intrepid sprung.
So when a fearless Lion has descry'd,
From some exalted Libyan Mountain's Side,
A mighty Bull Lord of the lowing Herd,
Or a vast Boar thro' all the Forrest fear'd,
Safe, as they think, from all invading Harms,
One by his Horns, one by his Iv'ry Arms,
Eager of Fight he flies to make the Foe
Superiour Strength and nobler Courage know.
392
Thus to the War the valiant Briton flew,
And the first glitt'ring Jav'lin which he threw
A great Arabian Champion Omir slew:
The Weapon thro' his Shield and Armour went,
And in his wheezing Lungs its Fury spent:
A while the wounded Warriour on the Field,
With Blood oppress'd and suffocated, reel'd,
Then fell and groan'd and agonizing lay,
His Eyes no longer conscious of the Day.
Aleb a Warriour, near in Blood ally'd
To their great Prophet on the Mother's Side,
Broke thro' the Cohorts with intrepid Rage,
In Fight the British Heroe to engage.
He curst the Christian Founder and defy'd
His faithful Armies with enormous Pride:
Now he the fam'd Impostor earnest pray'd
To guard his Person, and his Weapon aid,
Then threw his Jav'lin with prodigious Might;
The Christian Squadrons trembled at the Sight;
From Alfred's Shield the Point unhurtful glanc'd,
Who all enrag'd to the proud Foe advanc'd,
And by his Faulchion's horizontal Sway
Made thro' his boastful Throat a bloody Way.
He fell, and rattling with his ghastly Wound
Indignant star'd, and quiv'ring beat the Ground.
And the first glitt'ring Jav'lin which he threw
A great Arabian Champion Omir slew:
The Weapon thro' his Shield and Armour went,
And in his wheezing Lungs its Fury spent:
A while the wounded Warriour on the Field,
With Blood oppress'd and suffocated, reel'd,
Then fell and groan'd and agonizing lay,
His Eyes no longer conscious of the Day.
Aleb a Warriour, near in Blood ally'd
To their great Prophet on the Mother's Side,
Broke thro' the Cohorts with intrepid Rage,
In Fight the British Heroe to engage.
He curst the Christian Founder and defy'd
His faithful Armies with enormous Pride:
Now he the fam'd Impostor earnest pray'd
To guard his Person, and his Weapon aid,
Then threw his Jav'lin with prodigious Might;
The Christian Squadrons trembled at the Sight;
From Alfred's Shield the Point unhurtful glanc'd,
Who all enrag'd to the proud Foe advanc'd,
And by his Faulchion's horizontal Sway
Made thro' his boastful Throat a bloody Way.
He fell, and rattling with his ghastly Wound
Indignant star'd, and quiv'ring beat the Ground.
393
Then Salar in a rich brocaded Vest
And a bright Scarf Aurora-colour'd drest,
Beauteous Bethana's Gift, (which first he wore
When, at a Bull-Feast held the Year before,
He fam'd for Valour and in Combate skill'd
Numbers of bellowing grisly Terrours kill'd;)
Rush'd forward to oppose the Briton's Course,
And ready to exert his martial Force
He cry'd, Bethana, Idol of my Love,
Fair as the Houræ in blest Seats above,
Now to thy Eyes, that Salar's Soul enthrall,
This Chief a Victim shall devoted fall.
The Warriour then his Spear long, bright, and vast
Straining his Nerves with Force unvulgar cast:
The Weapon, like a flying Serpent hiss'd
Along the wounded Air, but Alfred miss'd;
Who heard unmov'd and ignorant of Dread
The disappointed Death sing o'er his Head.
The Briton strode with Vigour o'er the Sand,
His ample Faulchion flaming in his Hand,
Then on the hardy Moor indignant flew
And by repeated Wounds the Champion slew.
And a bright Scarf Aurora-colour'd drest,
Beauteous Bethana's Gift, (which first he wore
When, at a Bull-Feast held the Year before,
He fam'd for Valour and in Combate skill'd
Numbers of bellowing grisly Terrours kill'd;)
Rush'd forward to oppose the Briton's Course,
And ready to exert his martial Force
He cry'd, Bethana, Idol of my Love,
Fair as the Houræ in blest Seats above,
Now to thy Eyes, that Salar's Soul enthrall,
This Chief a Victim shall devoted fall.
The Warriour then his Spear long, bright, and vast
Straining his Nerves with Force unvulgar cast:
The Weapon, like a flying Serpent hiss'd
Along the wounded Air, but Alfred miss'd;
Who heard unmov'd and ignorant of Dread
The disappointed Death sing o'er his Head.
The Briton strode with Vigour o'er the Sand,
His ample Faulchion flaming in his Hand,
Then on the hardy Moor indignant flew
And by repeated Wounds the Champion slew.
Now valiant Zobar, of a noble Line
Whose martial Deeds in Moorish Annals shine,
That brave in Arms to signalize his Name
From Carpitanian ancient Menta came
Not then a City of Superiour Fame;
Tho' now, grown great and wealthy at the Cost
Of potent Kings, her Tow'rs of Empire boast;
Boldly advanc'd and undertook the Fight,
That Akem shun'd by ignominious Flight;
On Alfred's Crest he dealt a noble Stroke,
Which did the Heroe's Fury so provoke
That he his Spear with mighty Vigour sent,
Which thro' the Bowels of the Warriour went:
The Moors around rush'd in, and to the Rear
Bore off the wounded Champion on a Bier.
He soon in deep-fetch'd Groans and tort'ring Pain
Expir'd, and call'd on Mahomet in vain.
Whose martial Deeds in Moorish Annals shine,
394
From Carpitanian ancient Menta came
Not then a City of Superiour Fame;
Tho' now, grown great and wealthy at the Cost
Of potent Kings, her Tow'rs of Empire boast;
Boldly advanc'd and undertook the Fight,
That Akem shun'd by ignominious Flight;
On Alfred's Crest he dealt a noble Stroke,
Which did the Heroe's Fury so provoke
That he his Spear with mighty Vigour sent,
Which thro' the Bowels of the Warriour went:
The Moors around rush'd in, and to the Rear
Bore off the wounded Champion on a Bier.
He soon in deep-fetch'd Groans and tort'ring Pain
Expir'd, and call'd on Mahomet in vain.
Then thro the Ranks the conqu'ring Briton past,
And laid on either Side the Cohorts waste.
As when in Harvest Time the lab'ring Swain
Bends to the Hook and cuts the ripen'd Grain,
The yellow Offsprings of the Furrow feel
The Edge destructive of the rural Steel,
While to reward th' industrious Reaper's Toil,
Thick Rows of Sheaves oppress the parent Soil.
So by the Heroe's Arms the Field was spread
With Spoils of War, wide Rout and Heaps of Dead.
And laid on either Side the Cohorts waste.
As when in Harvest Time the lab'ring Swain
Bends to the Hook and cuts the ripen'd Grain,
The yellow Offsprings of the Furrow feel
The Edge destructive of the rural Steel,
While to reward th' industrious Reaper's Toil,
Thick Rows of Sheaves oppress the parent Soil.
So by the Heroe's Arms the Field was spread
With Spoils of War, wide Rout and Heaps of Dead.
395
Mean Time at distance great Almansor rag'd
Amidst the Troops; and Nunez, who engag'd
The mighty Chief and in his Breast receiv'd
The Foe's bright Weapon, fell of Breath bereav'd.
Lifeless he stretch'd along the Field, and all
The Christian Cohorts much bewail'd his Fall.
Brave Perez from the Banks of Cinga came
To guard his Country and advance his Fame,
But, in full Strength and blooming youthful Pride,
By the great Moor's destructive Faulchion dy'd.
Amidst the Troops; and Nunez, who engag'd
The mighty Chief and in his Breast receiv'd
The Foe's bright Weapon, fell of Breath bereav'd.
Lifeless he stretch'd along the Field, and all
The Christian Cohorts much bewail'd his Fall.
Brave Perez from the Banks of Cinga came
To guard his Country and advance his Fame,
But, in full Strength and blooming youthful Pride,
By the great Moor's destructive Faulchion dy'd.
Alphonso, who from Saragossa's Plain
Joyn'd the King's Cohorts with a num'rous Train,
Beheld in Rage the African advance,
And flew to charge him with his pond'rous Lance:
A doubtful Fight ensu'd, the Christian cast
His pointed Ash, the Death impetuous past
Thro' half the Thickness of his Rival's Shield,
And there stuck fast; then did Almansor wield
His flaming Sword on high, (a noble Blade
By skillful Varon in Toledo made,)
And for a dreadful Stroke his Arm prepar'd:
And while he strain'd his Joints and furious star'd,
With such prodigious Strength he struck the Foe
Full on his Crest, that with the vig'rous Blow
The dizzy Christian stagger'd to and fro;
But soon restor'd his ample Faulchion drew,
And to the Moor with Rage redoubled flew.
His lifted Blade came down with such a Sway
As made the Plate that arm'd the Side obey,
And to the Veins unguarded forc'd its Way;
Whence trickling Streams of Purple Life distain
His reeking Steel, and mark the red'ning Plain:
But brave Alphonso slipping on the Sand
Fell on his Knees, and lean'd upon his Hand.
The Moor th' Advantage saw, and with his Sword
Cut deep the Shoulder of the Christian Lord,
And quickly had destroy'd his valiant Foe,
Had not Mendoza took the second Blow,
By which he fell, then dy'd with scarce a Groan,
And lost, to save his Brother's Life, his own,
Alphonso's Friends flew in, and on a Shield
Plac'd the great Chief and bore him from the Field.
And now th' elated Victor midst the Files
Vast Havock made, and spread the Ground with Spoils.
Joyn'd the King's Cohorts with a num'rous Train,
Beheld in Rage the African advance,
And flew to charge him with his pond'rous Lance:
A doubtful Fight ensu'd, the Christian cast
His pointed Ash, the Death impetuous past
Thro' half the Thickness of his Rival's Shield,
And there stuck fast; then did Almansor wield
His flaming Sword on high, (a noble Blade
By skillful Varon in Toledo made,)
And for a dreadful Stroke his Arm prepar'd:
And while he strain'd his Joints and furious star'd,
396
Full on his Crest, that with the vig'rous Blow
The dizzy Christian stagger'd to and fro;
But soon restor'd his ample Faulchion drew,
And to the Moor with Rage redoubled flew.
His lifted Blade came down with such a Sway
As made the Plate that arm'd the Side obey,
And to the Veins unguarded forc'd its Way;
Whence trickling Streams of Purple Life distain
His reeking Steel, and mark the red'ning Plain:
But brave Alphonso slipping on the Sand
Fell on his Knees, and lean'd upon his Hand.
The Moor th' Advantage saw, and with his Sword
Cut deep the Shoulder of the Christian Lord,
And quickly had destroy'd his valiant Foe,
Had not Mendoza took the second Blow,
By which he fell, then dy'd with scarce a Groan,
And lost, to save his Brother's Life, his own,
Alphonso's Friends flew in, and on a Shield
Plac'd the great Chief and bore him from the Field.
And now th' elated Victor midst the Files
Vast Havock made, and spread the Ground with Spoils.
While thus the Champion triumph'd in the War,
The British Prince beheld him from afar,
And to the Foe advanc'd without Delay:
The thick Brigades divide to give him Way.
Almansor stopt his Progress at the Sight
To undertake a more important Fight.
The Heroe stood collected in his Strength
With stern Defiance in his Looks, at length
Alfred with hasty Strides advancing near
With wond'rous Force discharg'd his glitt'ring Spear,
Which pierc'd Almansor's Shield and raz'd his Ear.
Swift in Exchange the Foe his Jav'lin threw
That from the Briton's Buckler slanting flew
And Vador, hapless Fate! at Distance slew.
Long to and fro their missive Weapons past
With undecisive Toil and Valour cast,
Till, to determine who excell'd in Might,
The Combatants prepar'd for closer Fight.
A while the Champions traversing the Ground,
And casting fierce and threat'ning Looks around,
Took Breath, and then the Combate they renew'd,
While each with dreadful Strokes his Foe pursu'd.
A vast Concern in either Host appears,
Now rais'd by Hopes and now depress'd by Fears,
For all on this great Action seem'd to lay,
As by Consent, the Fortune of the Day.
So when, in Regions near the rising Sun
Where Indus, Ganges, or Oraxes, run,
Two mighty Elephants in Fight engage,
And spend in equal Strife enormous Rage;
Their vast protended Trunks each other wound,
And with their Iv'ry Arms the Hills resound:
Mean Time, while Vict'ry in a Balance rests,
The gazing Herds, and grisly savage Beasts,
Trembling with Terrour, and expecting stand
Which rival Pow'r the Forrest shall command.
The British Prince beheld him from afar,
397
The thick Brigades divide to give him Way.
Almansor stopt his Progress at the Sight
To undertake a more important Fight.
The Heroe stood collected in his Strength
With stern Defiance in his Looks, at length
Alfred with hasty Strides advancing near
With wond'rous Force discharg'd his glitt'ring Spear,
Which pierc'd Almansor's Shield and raz'd his Ear.
Swift in Exchange the Foe his Jav'lin threw
That from the Briton's Buckler slanting flew
And Vador, hapless Fate! at Distance slew.
Long to and fro their missive Weapons past
With undecisive Toil and Valour cast,
Till, to determine who excell'd in Might,
The Combatants prepar'd for closer Fight.
A while the Champions traversing the Ground,
And casting fierce and threat'ning Looks around,
Took Breath, and then the Combate they renew'd,
While each with dreadful Strokes his Foe pursu'd.
A vast Concern in either Host appears,
Now rais'd by Hopes and now depress'd by Fears,
For all on this great Action seem'd to lay,
As by Consent, the Fortune of the Day.
So when, in Regions near the rising Sun
Where Indus, Ganges, or Oraxes, run,
398
And spend in equal Strife enormous Rage;
Their vast protended Trunks each other wound,
And with their Iv'ry Arms the Hills resound:
Mean Time, while Vict'ry in a Balance rests,
The gazing Herds, and grisly savage Beasts,
Trembling with Terrour, and expecting stand
Which rival Pow'r the Forrest shall command.
And now the Moor determin'd to destroy
His valiant Foe did all his Nerves employ
And all his Skill in one prodigious stroke;
But on the Briton's Shield his Faulchion broke.
Alfred rush'd in, and thrust his Weapon's Point
Deep in the Side between the Armour's Joint:
Almansor fell, and gasping on the Ground
In Search of Light turn'd his dim Eye-Balls round,
And in the Pangs of Death indignant frown'd.
Navarra's Troops the great Event proclaim,
While Shouts of Joy divulge the Victor's Fame.
The Moor's Brigades, their mighty Leader slain
On whose vast Strength their Host rely'd in vain,
Distrest and heartless now began to yield,
And disarray'd forsook th' inglorious Field.
His valiant Foe did all his Nerves employ
And all his Skill in one prodigious stroke;
But on the Briton's Shield his Faulchion broke.
Alfred rush'd in, and thrust his Weapon's Point
Deep in the Side between the Armour's Joint:
Almansor fell, and gasping on the Ground
In Search of Light turn'd his dim Eye-Balls round,
And in the Pangs of Death indignant frown'd.
Navarra's Troops the great Event proclaim,
While Shouts of Joy divulge the Victor's Fame.
The Moor's Brigades, their mighty Leader slain
On whose vast Strength their Host rely'd in vain,
Distrest and heartless now began to yield,
And disarray'd forsook th' inglorious Field.
399
Sancho mean Time the brave Braccarian Head,
Who to the Field his Country's Squadrons led,
His lifted Jav'lin in his Hand, invades
Splendid in Arms the Rebells rang'd Brigades:
His Weapon cast with Vigour wing'd its Way,
And in young Nona's Bosom buried lay.
Nor with less Fury did his second fly
Against applauded Sancher standing by,
And with sure Aim directed reach'd his Head,
Broke thro' the Scalp and struck the Leader dead:
Both grov'ling lay and in one reeking Flood
Mix'd tainted Currents of disloyal Blood.
The Chief projected next his glitt'ring Dart,
That thro' his Cuirass peirc'd Acosta's Heart.
Noman, for Arts and Sciences admir'd
As well as Arms, with dauntless Courage fir'd
Oppos'd the Heroe; he intrepid drew
His mighty Faulchion and the Warriour slew.
Fuentes Arms elsewhere the Foe invade,
And midst the Rebels wide Destruction made,
He peirc'd brave Gomez with his pointed Spear;
And Davila who ignorant of Fear
Advanc'd too late his Brother to sustain,
Transfixt, expiring stretch'd along the Plain.
Lerma and Mendez, near in Blood ally'd,
By the victorious Leader's Weapon dy'd.
Hara, a fiery Youth Vasconia's Head
At factious Feasts by loose Caballs misled,
That from Solorius came, whose Peaks divide
The South Asturia's from the Northern Side,
By luckless Fate stood in the Heroe's Way,
Whose pond'rous Sword, that with a dreadful Sway
Fell on his Helmet, deeply cut his Head,
Dizzy he dropp'd, and thus expiring said;
Curst be the Friends that Hara's Life betray'd,
And to my Veins seditious Heats convey'd.
I now detest the Faction I embrac't,
While bold Rebellion's bitter Fruits I taste.
He said—And now th' encroaching Shades of Night
From his dim Eyes exclude their vital Light.
Who to the Field his Country's Squadrons led,
His lifted Jav'lin in his Hand, invades
Splendid in Arms the Rebells rang'd Brigades:
His Weapon cast with Vigour wing'd its Way,
And in young Nona's Bosom buried lay.
Nor with less Fury did his second fly
Against applauded Sancher standing by,
And with sure Aim directed reach'd his Head,
Broke thro' the Scalp and struck the Leader dead:
Both grov'ling lay and in one reeking Flood
Mix'd tainted Currents of disloyal Blood.
The Chief projected next his glitt'ring Dart,
That thro' his Cuirass peirc'd Acosta's Heart.
Noman, for Arts and Sciences admir'd
As well as Arms, with dauntless Courage fir'd
Oppos'd the Heroe; he intrepid drew
His mighty Faulchion and the Warriour slew.
Fuentes Arms elsewhere the Foe invade,
And midst the Rebels wide Destruction made,
He peirc'd brave Gomez with his pointed Spear;
And Davila who ignorant of Fear
Advanc'd too late his Brother to sustain,
Transfixt, expiring stretch'd along the Plain.
Lerma and Mendez, near in Blood ally'd,
By the victorious Leader's Weapon dy'd.
400
At factious Feasts by loose Caballs misled,
That from Solorius came, whose Peaks divide
The South Asturia's from the Northern Side,
By luckless Fate stood in the Heroe's Way,
Whose pond'rous Sword, that with a dreadful Sway
Fell on his Helmet, deeply cut his Head,
Dizzy he dropp'd, and thus expiring said;
Curst be the Friends that Hara's Life betray'd,
And to my Veins seditious Heats convey'd.
I now detest the Faction I embrac't,
While bold Rebellion's bitter Fruits I taste.
He said—And now th' encroaching Shades of Night
From his dim Eyes exclude their vital Light.
Anco a Lord in Pampeluna bred,
Of Heart couragious but of thoughtless Head,
Who by false Honour urg'd, ambitious Pride,
And Party-Fury took the Rebells Side;
Advanc'd the conqu'ring Leader to oppose,
Whence in the Field a noble Combate rose.
His Jav'lin he with mighty Vigour flung,
But in his Rival's Buckler stopt it hung:
He in Exchange sent his long Spear, that graz'd
On his Foe's Armour and his Shoulder raz'd.
The Warriours then prepar'd for closer Fight,
Fuentes grasping with prodigious Might
The Traytor, threw him headlong on the Ground
And cross him stood; but ere the fatal Wound
The Victor gave, he thus the Chief bespoke;
How much thy Crimes th' Almighty's Wrath provoke?
Could'st thou to sooth Revenge, unnat'ral Lord,
In thy own Country's Bowels plunge thy Sword?
Strive thy indulgent Sov'reign to dethrone,
And make his Realm a Foreign Master own?
Call in the Moor Navarra to enjoy,
Impose his Prophet and our Faith destroy?
Infernal Aim!—Then take thy Guilt's Desert.
He said—And struck his Jav'lin thro' his Heart;
From his deep Wound out sprung the crimson Tide,
And to the Faction dear the Rebel dy'd.
Of Heart couragious but of thoughtless Head,
Who by false Honour urg'd, ambitious Pride,
And Party-Fury took the Rebells Side;
Advanc'd the conqu'ring Leader to oppose,
Whence in the Field a noble Combate rose.
His Jav'lin he with mighty Vigour flung,
But in his Rival's Buckler stopt it hung:
He in Exchange sent his long Spear, that graz'd
On his Foe's Armour and his Shoulder raz'd.
401
Fuentes grasping with prodigious Might
The Traytor, threw him headlong on the Ground
And cross him stood; but ere the fatal Wound
The Victor gave, he thus the Chief bespoke;
How much thy Crimes th' Almighty's Wrath provoke?
Could'st thou to sooth Revenge, unnat'ral Lord,
In thy own Country's Bowels plunge thy Sword?
Strive thy indulgent Sov'reign to dethrone,
And make his Realm a Foreign Master own?
Call in the Moor Navarra to enjoy,
Impose his Prophet and our Faith destroy?
Infernal Aim!—Then take thy Guilt's Desert.
He said—And struck his Jav'lin thro' his Heart;
From his deep Wound out sprung the crimson Tide,
And to the Faction dear the Rebel dy'd.
Then noble Martin of Castilian Blood,
And valiant Mancho, who his Arms withstood,
And beauteous Ramer from Segovia's Plain
Were by the loyal Chief in Battle slain,
Who fill'd with Spoils and Rout the reeking Field:
The Rebells stagger'd and prepar'd to yield.
And valiant Mancho, who his Arms withstood,
And beauteous Ramer from Segovia's Plain
Were by the loyal Chief in Battle slain,
Who fill'd with Spoils and Rout the reeking Field:
The Rebells stagger'd and prepar'd to yield.
Then the great Traytor Velez brave in Arms
And fond of martial, as of Female Charms,
Advanc'd intrepid to restore the Fight.
Soon as their Leader of acknowledg'd Might
'Midst his disorder'd Regiments arriv'd,
He rais'd their Courage and their Hopes reviv'd.
So swift, so thick, and with such Force he threw
His missive Deaths, that he whole Cohorts slew.
Cortez and Ronda from Cantabria's Soil
Expert in Arms and vers'd in warlike Toil
Along the Plain lay bleeding by his Spear,
This to the Court, that to the Muses dear.
His Sword depriv'd Pinta's left Eye of Sight,
Th' unhappy Youth before had lost his Right,
Whence without Death he felt eternal Night.
Now was the War with dreadful Strokes renew'd,
And Vict'ry with redoubled Heat pursu'd;
While Beard to Beard the fierce Battalions stood
Close as young Poplars in a thriving Wood.
And fond of martial, as of Female Charms,
402
Soon as their Leader of acknowledg'd Might
'Midst his disorder'd Regiments arriv'd,
He rais'd their Courage and their Hopes reviv'd.
So swift, so thick, and with such Force he threw
His missive Deaths, that he whole Cohorts slew.
Cortez and Ronda from Cantabria's Soil
Expert in Arms and vers'd in warlike Toil
Along the Plain lay bleeding by his Spear,
This to the Court, that to the Muses dear.
His Sword depriv'd Pinta's left Eye of Sight,
Th' unhappy Youth before had lost his Right,
Whence without Death he felt eternal Night.
Now was the War with dreadful Strokes renew'd,
And Vict'ry with redoubled Heat pursu'd;
While Beard to Beard the fierce Battalions stood
Close as young Poplars in a thriving Wood.
Still obstinate in Fight the Rebels stay,
Nor to the faithful Warriours yield the Day,
While now they lose and now recover Ground,
Vanquish'd by Turns, by Turns with Conquest crown'd.
As when two mighty Bulls, a Match in Age
Of equal Vigour and of equal Rage,
Contend in dubious Combate, which shall reign
Lord of the Herd and Master of the Plain;
With goring Arms the furious Rivals rush
To Battle, and by Turns each other push
With like Success, while each disdains to yield,
And loses oft, and wins as oft the Field:
So did Fortunio's and the trait'rous Host
By balanc'd Pow'r alternate Conquest boast,
Till, when the Rebels knew the Moor's Defeat,
Sunk and dismay'd they from the War retreat,
And in Confusion and Confed'rate Fright
With their Allies precipitate their Flight.
Nor to the faithful Warriours yield the Day,
While now they lose and now recover Ground,
Vanquish'd by Turns, by Turns with Conquest crown'd.
As when two mighty Bulls, a Match in Age
Of equal Vigour and of equal Rage,
Contend in dubious Combate, which shall reign
Lord of the Herd and Master of the Plain;
403
To Battle, and by Turns each other push
With like Success, while each disdains to yield,
And loses oft, and wins as oft the Field:
So did Fortunio's and the trait'rous Host
By balanc'd Pow'r alternate Conquest boast,
Till, when the Rebels knew the Moor's Defeat,
Sunk and dismay'd they from the War retreat,
And in Confusion and Confed'rate Fright
With their Allies precipitate their Flight.
Their vanquish'd Army thus from Combate fled,
And left the Field with frequent Rows of Dead,
With scatter'd Arms, and Rout inglorious spread.
Now Part disperse and in the Forrest hide,
Or in the Mountain's secret Caves abide:
Part to their Towns and rural Seats return'd,
And much their Treason disappointed mourn'd:
But the chief Cohorts of th' united Pow'rs
March'd swift to gain sublime Toledo's Tow'rs.
Britannia's Heroe brandishing his Spear
Follow'd, and hung destructive on their Reer,
And mark'd where-e'er he came th' extended Plain
With Tracks of Blood, and Arms, and Warriours slain.
And left the Field with frequent Rows of Dead,
With scatter'd Arms, and Rout inglorious spread.
Now Part disperse and in the Forrest hide,
Or in the Mountain's secret Caves abide:
Part to their Towns and rural Seats return'd,
And much their Treason disappointed mourn'd:
But the chief Cohorts of th' united Pow'rs
March'd swift to gain sublime Toledo's Tow'rs.
Britannia's Heroe brandishing his Spear
Follow'd, and hung destructive on their Reer,
And mark'd where-e'er he came th' extended Plain
With Tracks of Blood, and Arms, and Warriours slain.
404
Toledo conscious of the Battle lost
With open Gates receiv'd the flying Host,
Thro' which in Crouds the conquer'd Cohorts prest
And hop'd their Walls the Victor would arrest,
In vain—So close the Troops by Alfred led
Pursu'd the vanquish'd, who before them fled,
That fir'd with Zeal to gain compleat Renown,
They enter'd mingled with the Foe the Town:
On their Brigades now Sword in Hand they flew
And in vindictive Rage great Numbers slew.
Velez, who first did Flames seditious spread
And to the Field the Rebel Squadrons led,
Inur'd to Arms and of prodigious Might
In a wide Square maintain'd a desp'rate Fight;
Till by Fuentes Spear transfix'd he fell
And in vast Rage and Anguish sunk to Hell.
The bloody Streets now fill'd with Death, at length
The Moors submitted to superiour Strength,
And neither able to resist nor fly
Threw down their Weapons and for Mercy cry.
The gen'rous Prince, who cruel Deeds abhorr'd,
Restrain'd his Troops, and bade them spare the Sword,
But gave Command the Moors should be confin'd,
And that in Chains they should the Rebells bind,
Till their great Monarch should their Fate decree;
Doom them to suffer Death, or set them free.
With open Gates receiv'd the flying Host,
Thro' which in Crouds the conquer'd Cohorts prest
And hop'd their Walls the Victor would arrest,
In vain—So close the Troops by Alfred led
Pursu'd the vanquish'd, who before them fled,
That fir'd with Zeal to gain compleat Renown,
They enter'd mingled with the Foe the Town:
On their Brigades now Sword in Hand they flew
And in vindictive Rage great Numbers slew.
Velez, who first did Flames seditious spread
And to the Field the Rebel Squadrons led,
Inur'd to Arms and of prodigious Might
In a wide Square maintain'd a desp'rate Fight;
Till by Fuentes Spear transfix'd he fell
And in vast Rage and Anguish sunk to Hell.
The bloody Streets now fill'd with Death, at length
The Moors submitted to superiour Strength,
And neither able to resist nor fly
Threw down their Weapons and for Mercy cry.
The gen'rous Prince, who cruel Deeds abhorr'd,
Restrain'd his Troops, and bade them spare the Sword,
But gave Command the Moors should be confin'd,
And that in Chains they should the Rebells bind,
Till their great Monarch should their Fate decree;
Doom them to suffer Death, or set them free.
| Alfred | |