University of Virginia Library

The Fifth Ode of the Fourth Book of Horace: Imitated, and Humbly Inscrib'd To the KING. Printed in the Year 1714.

Too long, Illustrious PRINCE, does Britain moan
Her absent Monarch and her Widow'd Throne;
From our expecting Shores no longer stay,
But to thy People come with promis'd Speed away.
On Albion rise with thine auspicious Light,
And with Thy Presence bless our longing Sight:
Thy Presence, like the sweet Approach of Spring,
New Life and Joy will to thy Subjects bring.
When Thou art here the jocund Hours will run
On smoother Feet, and brighter shine the Sun.
With such Impatience, and such strong Desires,
Britain her Royal Hanover requires,
As the fond Mother on the winding Shores
Th' Arrival of her Darling Son explores,
Whom adverse Winds, in some far distant Clime,
Detain from her Embrace beyond th' appointed Time.
Protected by Thy Tutelary Care,
Virtue and Plenty shall their Heads uprear:
Each useful Art beneath Thy Guardian Hand
Shall flourish, and adorn our happy Land.
The chearful Swain shall till his fertile Farm,
And tend his Flocks, secure from Martial Harm.
The Merchant o'er the peaceful Seas shall roam,
And bring the Wealth of distant India home.
Returning Faith and Truth again shall smile,
(Virtues late banish'd from our wretched Isle,)
Whilst Civil Discord, Strife and Party-Hate,
No longer shall distract the jarring State;
But, urg'd by Thee, shall wing their hasty Flight,
And seek the Shelter of their Native Night.
GEORGE on the Throne Establish'd, who will fear
Th' Iberian Sword, or dread the Gallic Spear?
Th' Iberian, and the suppliant Gaul unite
To court his Friendship, and confess his Right.
Where fragrant Jes'min, or the spreading Vine,
Their tender Boughs in verdant Arches twine;
Each faithful Briton shall securely sit,
And GEORGE's Praise with grateful Tongue repeat,
Whilst Bowls of flowing Wine move nimbly round,
With fervent Vows for GEORGE's Welfare crown'd.
Each o'er the chearful Glass his Name shall blend
With his Lov'd Mistress, or his Bosom Friend,
Whilst thus he prays, “Long, Long, may Britain know
“The Blessings which from GEORGE's Sceptre flow:
“Her vain Attempts may busie Faction cease,
“Nor offer to molest our Sov'reign's Sacred Peace.