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 |  |
Next let our narrative declare
(For give and take, good friends, is fair),
When on Boulogne we made attack,
Our gallant lads were beaten back.
On this theme, therefore, let us cease,
And talk of oh! much wish'd for Peace;
Of short duration though, I fear;
It lasted, let me see, a year,
'Ere France the scarcely-finish'd compact broke,
Unsheath'd the sword, and challeng'd Hearts of Oak;
Swore England's commerce should exist no more,
And menaced freemen upon Freedom's shore!
Then “what ensued?” will future times demand:
Say, did the spoilers reach the threaten'd land?
No! Britons with enthusiastic fire,
In patriotic phalanx rallied round their sire;
All were united in the sacred cause
Of Liberty, Religion, King, and Laws;
All swore for these to conquer or to die!
Vow'd on each other strongly to rely;
All kept the sacred bond, and still their foes defy.
(For give and take, good friends, is fair),
When on Boulogne we made attack,
Our gallant lads were beaten back.
On this theme, therefore, let us cease,
And talk of oh! much wish'd for Peace;
Of short duration though, I fear;
It lasted, let me see, a year,
'Ere France the scarcely-finish'd compact broke,
Unsheath'd the sword, and challeng'd Hearts of Oak;
Swore England's commerce should exist no more,
And menaced freemen upon Freedom's shore!
Then “what ensued?” will future times demand:
Say, did the spoilers reach the threaten'd land?
No! Britons with enthusiastic fire,
In patriotic phalanx rallied round their sire;
All were united in the sacred cause
Of Liberty, Religion, King, and Laws;
276
Vow'd on each other strongly to rely;
All kept the sacred bond, and still their foes defy.
The Treaty of Amiens was signed in March; 1802, scarcely a year had elapsed when the representations of Lord Whitworth, respecting some French and Dutch armaments, were answered by the first Consul with so much personal rudeness and “such a striking neglect of dignity and propriety,” that our ambassador was compelled to return home, and war recommenced in May, 1803.
| A Metrical History of England | |