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 | The Works of Thomas Love Peacock |  |
208
OCCASIONAL PROLOGUE TO THE COMEDY OF WILD OATS,
FOR THE INTENDED PERFORMANCE OF THAT COMEDY BY THE OFFICERS OF H.M.S. VENERABLE
O'er wintry wastes while blasts ungenial freeze,And clouds and darkness veil the raging seas,
What magic pow'r can Nature's gloom controul,
And charm the hours that linger as they roll?
Mirth, social Mirth, that sportive trips along,
With cheerful jest and care-consuming song:
Her playful arts the frowns of Fortune chace,
With pleasure deck stern Winter's wrinkled face,
Wake the light laugh, the mutual smile inspire,
And gild with joy John Bull's domestic fire.
At her command again our stage we rear,
To greet the friends we oft have welcomed here;
And now Wild Oats on this fair field we sow,
Where Duncan bade immortal laurels grow.
Kind friends! brave countrymen! who guard in fight
Britannia's glory and her sov'reign's right!
Oh may you still, as o'er the deep you ride,
Conquest your crown, and Liberty your guide,
Mid wars and storms that noblest harvest raise,
Your grateful country's everlasting praise.
| The Works of Thomas Love Peacock | |