 | Alfred |  |
71
Soldiers descend the mountain by two different paths: at the bottom they lay down the spoils with which they are loaded; and then, advancing, two of them sing the following ballad.
First Man.
We have fought; we have conquer'd: and England once more
Shall flourish in fame, as she flourish'd before.
Our fears are all fled, with our enemies slain:
Could they rise up anew—
Second.
We would slay them again.
His monarch to serve, or to do himself right,
No Englishman yet ever flinch'd from the fight.
For why, neighbours all, we are free as the king:
'Tis this makes us brave—
First.
And 'tis this makes us sing.
Our prince too, for this, will be thankful to fate—
It is, in our freedom, he finds himself great!
No force can be wanting, nor meaner court-arts:
He is master of all—
Second.
Who will reign in our hearts!
Should rebels within, or should foes from without,
Bring the crown on his head, or his honor, in doubt;
72
First.
Still ready—and boldly foretell,
That conquest shall ever with liberty dwell!
Second.
But now, bring us forth, as the crown of our labor,
Much ruine and good chear—
First.
With the pipe and the tabor.
Let our nymphs all be kind, and our shepherds be gay:
For England, Old England, is happy to day.
Chorus.
Let our nymphs all be kind, and our shepherds be gay:
For England, Old England, is happy to day!
They all mix in a dance, to the pipe and tabor.
| Alfred | |