University of Virginia Library

Long had the Gallic Monarch uncontrol'd
Enlarg'd his Borders, and of Human Force
Opponent slightly thought, in Heart elate,
As erst Sesostris, (proud Ægyptian King,
That Monarchs harness'd to his Chariot yok't,
(Base Servitude!) and his dethron'd Compeers
Lasht furious; they in sullen Majesty
Drew the uneasie Load.) Nor less he aim'd
At Universal Sway: For WILLIAM's Arm
Could naught avail, however fam'd in War;
Nor Armies leagu'd, that diversly assay'd
To curb his Pow'r enormous; like an Oak,
That stands secure, thô all the Winds employ
Their ceaseless Roar, and only sheds its Leaves,
Or Mast, which the revolving Spring restores:
So stood he, and Alone; Alone defy'd
The Europæan Thrones combin'd, and still
Had set at Naught their Machinations vain,
But that Great ANNE, weighing th'Events of War
Momentous, in Her prudent Heart, Thee chose,
Thee, CHURCHILL, to direct in nice Extreams
Her banner'd Legions. Now their pristin Worth
The Britons recollect, and gladly change
Sweet Native Home for unaccustom'd Air,
And other Climes, where diff'rent Food and Soil
Portend Distempers; over dank, and dry,
They journey toilsome, unfatigu'd with Length
Of March, unstruck with Horror at the sight
Of Alpine Ridges bleak, high stretching Hills,
All White with Summer Snows. They go beyond
The Trace of English Steps, where scarce the Sound
Of Henry's Arms arriv'd; such Strength of Heart
Thy Conduct, and Example gives; nor small
Encouragement Godolphin, Wise, and Just,
Equal in Merit, Honour, and Success,
To Burleigh, (fortunate alike to serve
The Best of Queens:) He, of the Royal Store
Splendidly frugal, sits whole Nights devoid
Of sweet Repose, Industrious to procure
The Soldiers Ease; to Regions far remote
His Care extends, and to the British Host
Makes ravag'd Countries plenteous as their own.