A Metrical History of England :: :: University of Virginia Library

A Metrical History of England

Or, Recollections, in Rhyme, Of some of the most prominent Features in our National Chronology, from the Landing of Julius Caesar to the Commencement of the Regency, in 1812. In Two Volumes ... By Thomas Dibdin

Dibdin, Thomas (1771-1841)

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THE KINGDOM OF KENT.

Garden of Britain! whose white cliffs have named
Our island Albion.—Kent! so justly famed
For bow-men, bishops, monks, and monasteries,
For warriors, watering-places, hops, and cherries.
I name thy monarchs of the Saxon race;
Escus, then Octa, ruled in Hengist's place;
Next Hermenric, and Ethelbert succeed;
The last, renowned for many a valiant deed,
But most renowned, that, to the Pagan's loss,
By Austin taught, he rear'd the sacred cross,

[A. D. 597.]

His ear and heart inclin'd to Christian lore,
And light diffus'd, where darkness reign'd before.
St. Paul's Cathedral, form'd but rudely then, 604
First rose where now the spot is graced by Wren.

Two well-form'd Englishmen were ask'd at Rome,
By Pontiff Gregory, to name their home.
“We're Angli called,” the British spokesman cried.
“Say rather Angeli,” the Pope replied.
“So would ye be, were you of Christian race.”
And Austin's mission, hence, 'tis said, took place.
This Gregory, most pious and most wise,
Made, at that time, three similar replies.
We have thought proper to select but one,
To shew the Ancients not disdain'd a pun;
That even Popes, of Toleration full,
A joke enjoy'd, and patroniz'd a bull.
While this dull age, as duller people name it,
Sees wit, folks tell ye, winking in the socket,
And swears, who makes a pun, howe'er he frame it,

With equal eagerness would pick a pocket.
The son of Ethelbert, unlike his sire,
(To Woden's worship and incestuous fire
Basely devoted) scorn'd religion's ties,
And, in too-late repentance, clos'd his eyes.—
Ercombert, Egbert, Lothaire, Widred, reign'd,
Eadbert and Ethelbert the crown sustain'd;
Next Alric, Egbert, Cuthred, Baldred, sway'd,
'Till one great Egbert all the land obey'd.

Enquiring further the name of their Province, he was answered Deiri; (a district of Northumberland) “Deiri” replied he, “that is good; they are called to the Mercy of God from his Anger; that is, De Ira.” “But how is the King of that Province named?” He was told Ælla, or Alla; “Alleluia!” cried he, “we must endeavor that the praises of God be sung in their Country.” Hume.

Vide Murphy's Grays-Inn Journal.