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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 | A Metrical History of England |  |
This strife of brothers caused the war again
To rage between Britannia, France, and Spain;
With joy we next announce, the theme to vary,
The Birth propitious of our Princess Mary;
And tho' our verse may ill the task assume,
Yet History must weep the death of Hume.
The record next to infamy we turn,
Behold where Britain's naval treasures burn;
Portsmouth! the billows which thy harbours lave
Reflect fell fires in ev'ry curling wave.
Aitken, like him who fired th' Ephesian fane,
In felon reputation will remain;
Nay! the Muse fears of treason you'll attaint her,
That rogue for only naming—John the Painter.
To rage between Britannia, France, and Spain;
With joy we next announce, the theme to vary,
The Birth propitious of our Princess Mary;
And tho' our verse may ill the task assume,
Yet History must weep the death of Hume.
239
Behold where Britain's naval treasures burn;
Portsmouth! the billows which thy harbours lave
Reflect fell fires in ev'ry curling wave.
Aitken, like him who fired th' Ephesian fane,
In felon reputation will remain;
Nay! the Muse fears of treason you'll attaint her,
That rogue for only naming—John the Painter.
| A Metrical History of England | |