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 |
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| II. |
 | A Metrical History of England |  |
The Commons well their rights defended
Against the Upper House, they scout
All money bills by Lords amended,
And, practically, kick 'em out.
Our roy l parent's mother finds that bourne
From whence, 'tis truly said, there's no return;
Augustus, to our list of Princes adding,
Sets all our loyal lads and lasses madding.
America again essays to gain
Her freedom, nor, at length, essays in vain;
Congress assembles first, we're bid remember
Upon the fifth (of all days,) in November,
Adolphus Fred'rick to the royal tree
Adds a new branch; Furneaux, in happy time,
Returns from compassing the world by sea,
And brings Omiah from his native clime.
Much of debate, hot rancour, and ill will,
Precedes a war from which there's no retreating;
America maintains the contest still,
With various issues:—but at Bunker's Hill,
From British bands Columbia gets a beating.
Now Washington, true patriot! arose,
Shield of his country, terror of his foes;
Second Cincinnatus, yet greater far,
The first with savage nations urg'd the war.
But Washington, a rude untutor'd host
Against the chosen sons of Britain led;
Against a band, their country's pride and boast,
With names like Howe and Clinton at their head.
No farther here the struggle let us trace,
Enough to say, by Washington defended,
Columbia gain'd her point, and with good grace
We own'd her free, and thus the contest ended.
'Twas then the patriot warrior began
Prove how the hero rose above the man;
No regal recompence, no iron crown,
No wrested rule bedecks his brow or hand,
Proud to resign as to assume command;
Chief of the Free, with freedom he lays down
A sacred trust confided by the land.
This is true greatness!! In his hall of state
What conqueror, tho' lord of half the earth
Inspires that awe, to which the cottage gate
Of Washington for ages must give birth?
Oh, Guerdon rich! what royalty above,
The glorious empire of a People's Love!!
What else cou'd George's sceptre have sustain'd,
Through times, as “out of joint,” as Hist'ry knows?
Yet midst this “age of reason,” George has gain'd,
Respect, not e'en witheld him from his foes.
Against the Upper House, they scout
All money bills by Lords amended,
And, practically, kick 'em out.
Our roy l parent's mother finds that bourne
From whence, 'tis truly said, there's no return;
Augustus, to our list of Princes adding,
Sets all our loyal lads and lasses madding.
America again essays to gain
Her freedom, nor, at length, essays in vain;
Congress assembles first, we're bid remember
Upon the fifth (of all days,) in November,
Adolphus Fred'rick to the royal tree
Adds a new branch; Furneaux, in happy time,
237
And brings Omiah from his native clime.
Much of debate, hot rancour, and ill will,
Precedes a war from which there's no retreating;
America maintains the contest still,
With various issues:—but at Bunker's Hill,
From British bands Columbia gets a beating.
Now Washington, true patriot! arose,
Shield of his country, terror of his foes;
Second Cincinnatus, yet greater far,
The first with savage nations urg'd the war.
But Washington, a rude untutor'd host
Against the chosen sons of Britain led;
Against a band, their country's pride and boast,
With names like Howe and Clinton at their head.
No farther here the struggle let us trace,
Enough to say, by Washington defended,
Columbia gain'd her point, and with good grace
We own'd her free, and thus the contest ended.
'Twas then the patriot warrior began
Prove how the hero rose above the man;
238
No wrested rule bedecks his brow or hand,
Proud to resign as to assume command;
Chief of the Free, with freedom he lays down
A sacred trust confided by the land.
This is true greatness!! In his hall of state
What conqueror, tho' lord of half the earth
Inspires that awe, to which the cottage gate
Of Washington for ages must give birth?
Oh, Guerdon rich! what royalty above,
The glorious empire of a People's Love!!
What else cou'd George's sceptre have sustain'd,
Through times, as “out of joint,” as Hist'ry knows?
Yet midst this “age of reason,” George has gain'd,
Respect, not e'en witheld him from his foes.
| A Metrical History of England | |