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)

VOL. I.

II.

VOL. II.

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104

“As tedious as a King.”
Shakespeare.

“This Boy will turn out a Poltroon and a Coward.”
St. Dunstan's Declaration at the Baptism of this Prince.

“Il paroit Maitre de tout les autres Hommes: Mais il n'est pas Maitre de lui meme.

On Voyoit plusieurs de ces Rois severement punis, non pour les Maux qu'ils avoient faits, mais pour avoir neglige le biens quils auroient du faire.”

Fenelon.

ETHELRED THE UNREADY.

Little recorded in this reign we find
But cowardice and cruelty combined;
Denmark again her warlike fortune tries,
And the “Norweyan banner flouts the skies;”
The fearful King pays tribute to the Dane,
Who partially retires; those who remain
In treacherous massacre are basely slain.
A full revenge th' unkingly act succeeds,
And England in her every province bleeds;
Prelates and Nobles in the ruin share,
Nor sex nor age, the northern ruffians spare:

105

Our seats of learning and its stores they burn,
Nor quit us but to menace swift return.
With Danish Olave came ambitious Sweyn,
Who here obtained a momentary reign;
And fell, as Dunstan's tonsured tribe advance,
By spectred Edmund's visionary lance;
Canute, too, vainly hail'd our Albion's Lord,
Sees Ethelred by Londoners restored;
While gallant Edmund flies to aid his sire,
And wake within his breast a noble fire;
In vain the pious son his King wou'd save,
Untaught by ills, to every vice a slave,
The Monarch sinks to an inglorious grave.

The Monks reported that the spectre of Edmund, King of East Anglia, whose remains Sweyn had disturbed by laying the Abbey of Bury under military execution, fought under Duntan's banner.