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 |  |
While on our victories we dwell,
T'is our's impartially to tell,
That fifty-five as gallant ships
As ever took commercial trips,
Happ'ning by sad mischance to meet
The Gallico-Iberian fleet,
Became, oh, sorrow and surprize!
Captive to England's enemies.
War with the Dutch adds to our troubles,
And trade's embarrassment redoubles.
If I mistake, 'tis your's to judge it,
But only overhaul the Budget
Which, for the service of the year,
Will millions, twenty-three appear;
Thousands, seven hundred fifty-six,
And hundreds, (as accountants fix,)
Some one or two;—a sum so great
Had ne'er before disturb'd the state;
But “damned custom” hath, as now one sees,
“Made it” to us “a property of ease.”
The French take Jersey, 'ere the dawn of light,
Only to quit it with returning night.
Ne'er shall the genuine, grateful tear,
Cease to embalm brave Pierson's bier;
Who found among the patriots brave,
A soldier's honor'd, glorious, grave.
T'is our's impartially to tell,
That fifty-five as gallant ships
As ever took commercial trips,
Happ'ning by sad mischance to meet
The Gallico-Iberian fleet,
243
Captive to England's enemies.
War with the Dutch adds to our troubles,
And trade's embarrassment redoubles.
If I mistake, 'tis your's to judge it,
But only overhaul the Budget
Which, for the service of the year,
Will millions, twenty-three appear;
Thousands, seven hundred fifty-six,
And hundreds, (as accountants fix,)
Some one or two;—a sum so great
Had ne'er before disturb'd the state;
But “damned custom” hath, as now one sees,
“Made it” to us “a property of ease.”
The French take Jersey, 'ere the dawn of light,
Only to quit it with returning night.
Ne'er shall the genuine, grateful tear,
Cease to embalm brave Pierson's bier;
244
A soldier's honor'd, glorious, grave.
| A Metrical History of England | |