“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.
