A Metrical History of England :: :: University of Virginia Library

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

Dibdin, Thomas (1771-1841)

II.

RICHARD III. surnamed CROOKBACK.

10.

11.

12.

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“Dulce & decorum, est pro patria mori.”
Horace.

ETHERED, or ETHELRED.

Wou'd that past records happier tales could tell
Of Ethered than truth has handed down!
Few years he reign'd, by Alfred's side he fell,
Defending England's honor and his crown.
A taint of Superstition dimm'd, alas!
A mind by nature meant to shine more bright;
Tho' brave, he fear'd to leave unfinish'd mass,
Till Danes near won the day at Aston fight.
This folly almost cost a brother's life;
But Alfred's arm upheld the doubtful strife.
So in our days Iberia's chief, they say,
Lost Spain, and Britain join'd, a glorious day!
And let the Gallic Victor run away.

The following inscription was placed over King Ethered's tomb: “In hoc loco quiescet corpus Sancti Ethelredi, Regis West “Saxonum Martyris, qui A. D. 872, 23 die Aprilis, per manum “ducorum paganorum occubuit.”

Vide Dispatches from Spain in the London Gazette, when Marshal Victor was permitted to escape from a most disadvantageous position, through the Spanish General's horror of fighting on a holy day.