Alfred An Epick Poem. In Twelve Books. By Sir Richard Blackmore |
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| I. | BOOK I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
 | Alfred |  |
BOOK I.
The ARGUMENT.
The Proposition. The Invocation. Prince Alfred with the Consent of his Father King Atulpho, accompanied by Guithun, once his Preceptor, and still his Friend and Adviser, sails from Britain to visit Foreign Nations, intending chiefly to improve his Mind by the Observations he should make on various Forms of Government, Laws, Customs, and Ceremonies in different Kingdoms, by which he might be better qualified for his High Station, should he succeed to his Father's Crown. While He is steering from Rome to Naples, Lucifer having descry'd his Ship from the Circæan
Hills, expresses his Rage against him, summons together the Dæmons of the Air, and commands them to cause a Storm, and drive the Britons from the Italian to the Africk Coast. The Dæmons obey, and raise a North-West Wind, that occasions a Tempest, in which the Britons were shipwreckt, and cast on the Coast of Numidia. Advancing thro' this barren Country, they grew extream thirsty and faint with Heat and Toil. At length they found a Rivulet, where they refresh'd themselves, and standing on the Bank saw a Panther making to them. The Beast assaults Alfred, who leaps into the River with him in his Arms and drowns him. Afterward they are met by a Hermite, who admonish'd by a divine Vision, came to seek them: He leads them to his Cell; where reviv'd with Meat and Rest, they held Discourses concerning the Advantages of a private Life, and the prudent Forms of Civil Government.
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I sing the Man, who left fair Albion's Shore,
Mov'd by a generous Instinct to explore
In various Realms the Customs, Arts, and Laws,
Which Pow'r extend, and Peace and Plenty cause.
Mov'd by a generous Instinct to explore
In various Realms the Customs, Arts, and Laws,
Which Pow'r extend, and Peace and Plenty cause.
Do Thou inspire my Breast, Celestial Muse,
Kindle one Rapture more, again infuse
Poetick Force, that I in lofty Verse
The British Heroe's Labours may rehearse:
Extatick Bards by thy strong Impulse wing
Their Way sublime, and Themes superiour sing.
Thou, Thou alone can'st feed their flowing Vein,
Supply new Ardour, and their Flight sustain.
Kindle one Rapture more, again infuse
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The British Heroe's Labours may rehearse:
Extatick Bards by thy strong Impulse wing
Their Way sublime, and Themes superiour sing.
Thou, Thou alone can'st feed their flowing Vein,
Supply new Ardour, and their Flight sustain.
Now did Prince Alfred, steering thro' the Deep
To fair Parthenope, the Region sweep
Near the Circæan Mountains, which divide
With their protruded Wedge the Ocean's Tide.
Th' Apostate Angel, who commands the Air,
And rules th' inferior Dæmons that prepare
Malignant Meteors, and in Storms preside,
Fire Seeds of Lightning, and in Whirlwind ride;
Here anxious sate, on dire Destruction bent,
His Brows contracted, and his Looks intent,
Contriving Vengeance from infernal Hate
To sink the Pow'rs that guard the Christian State.
Casting his Eyes from this high Mountain's Head,
To view the spacious Main around him spread,
Th' Apostate with a quick seraphick Glance
Saw Alfred's Ship thro' foaming Waves advance:
Rage uncontroul'd his livid Veins possest,
And Spleen immortal swell'd his aking Breast;
While sharper Fires did in his Bosom glow,
Than those in hot Gehenna's Caves below.
Then with stern Aspect and indignant Air,
Such as, the Battle lost, great Warriour's wear,
Thus to himself he said—Perdition, Shame!
Curs'd be Atulpho's, curs'd be Alfred's Name;
Against my Throne shall this proud Youth rebell,
Elude my Schemes, and mock the Force of Hell?
Should he in unmolested Peace pursue
The vain ambitious Ends he has in view;
Improv'd in Arts and Arms, at length defeat
The Dane, and drive him to his northern Seat
From Albion's Isle, and with the loud Applause
Of Christian Pow'rs advance the Christian Cause;
Will not infernal Potentates complain,
That I, their Prince, neglected to sustain
Hell's Empire; that, inglorious and supine
I let their Honour, Fame, and Strength decline?
How will the impious Nations, who have broke
My sacred Altars, and renounc'd my Yoke,
Deride my disappointed Plots, blaspheme
My Wisdom, make my awful Pow'r the Theme
Of Mirth sarcastick, and their Strength ascribe
To the proud Founder of their hateful Tribe?
To fair Parthenope, the Region sweep
Near the Circæan Mountains, which divide
With their protruded Wedge the Ocean's Tide.
Th' Apostate Angel, who commands the Air,
And rules th' inferior Dæmons that prepare
Malignant Meteors, and in Storms preside,
Fire Seeds of Lightning, and in Whirlwind ride;
Here anxious sate, on dire Destruction bent,
His Brows contracted, and his Looks intent,
Contriving Vengeance from infernal Hate
To sink the Pow'rs that guard the Christian State.
Casting his Eyes from this high Mountain's Head,
To view the spacious Main around him spread,
Th' Apostate with a quick seraphick Glance
Saw Alfred's Ship thro' foaming Waves advance:
Rage uncontroul'd his livid Veins possest,
And Spleen immortal swell'd his aking Breast;
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Than those in hot Gehenna's Caves below.
Then with stern Aspect and indignant Air,
Such as, the Battle lost, great Warriour's wear,
Thus to himself he said—Perdition, Shame!
Curs'd be Atulpho's, curs'd be Alfred's Name;
Against my Throne shall this proud Youth rebell,
Elude my Schemes, and mock the Force of Hell?
Should he in unmolested Peace pursue
The vain ambitious Ends he has in view;
Improv'd in Arts and Arms, at length defeat
The Dane, and drive him to his northern Seat
From Albion's Isle, and with the loud Applause
Of Christian Pow'rs advance the Christian Cause;
Will not infernal Potentates complain,
That I, their Prince, neglected to sustain
Hell's Empire; that, inglorious and supine
I let their Honour, Fame, and Strength decline?
How will the impious Nations, who have broke
My sacred Altars, and renounc'd my Yoke,
Deride my disappointed Plots, blaspheme
My Wisdom, make my awful Pow'r the Theme
Of Mirth sarcastick, and their Strength ascribe
To the proud Founder of their hateful Tribe?
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Shall this aspiring Briton, the Disgrace
And vast Reproach of mighty Odin's Race;
Odin, whose Arms did potent Kings dethrone,
Confirm my Empire, and enlarge his own;
Shall this degenerate Saxon, who denies
His Father's Gods, and Me their Chief defies,
Pursue his curs'd Design by Sea and Land,
And vanquish all the Powers, that I command?
No—Heav'n has ready granted my Request,
And bids me bring this Heroe to the Test;
But may of that conceded Pow'r repent
Ere all my Schemes are try'd and Vengeance spent.
And vast Reproach of mighty Odin's Race;
Odin, whose Arms did potent Kings dethrone,
Confirm my Empire, and enlarge his own;
Shall this degenerate Saxon, who denies
His Father's Gods, and Me their Chief defies,
Pursue his curs'd Design by Sea and Land,
And vanquish all the Powers, that I command?
No—Heav'n has ready granted my Request,
And bids me bring this Heroe to the Test;
But may of that conceded Pow'r repent
Ere all my Schemes are try'd and Vengeance spent.
He said—And with a Voice, whose mighty Sound
Shook all the Forrests, Hills, and Shores around,
He call'd the dusky Dæmons of the Air,
Who to their Monarch's Seat in Swarms repair:
To whom he said—Aerial Pow'rs, employ
Your Arts, and Alfred Hell's great Foe destroy,
Raise a fierce Tempest, whose outragious Force
May break his Scheme, and end his destin'd Course:
His Head with swelling Surges overwhelm,
Or let him drive without a Mast or Helm,
Till beaten by the Winds impetuous Shocks,
He sinks in yielding Waves, or splits on stable Rocks.
Shook all the Forrests, Hills, and Shores around,
He call'd the dusky Dæmons of the Air,
Who to their Monarch's Seat in Swarms repair:
To whom he said—Aerial Pow'rs, employ
Your Arts, and Alfred Hell's great Foe destroy,
Raise a fierce Tempest, whose outragious Force
May break his Scheme, and end his destin'd Course:
His Head with swelling Surges overwhelm,
Or let him drive without a Mast or Helm,
Till beaten by the Winds impetuous Shocks,
He sinks in yielding Waves, or splits on stable Rocks.
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Th' obedient Dæmons bow'd, and took their Flight
Swift as a Parthian Dart, or Ray of Light,
And did with wonted Diligence perform
The Task appointed, and prepar'd the Storm.
Swift as a Parthian Dart, or Ray of Light,
And did with wonted Diligence perform
The Task appointed, and prepar'd the Storm.
Now active Boreas rag'd, and with him join'd
Zephyr a humid hollow whistling Wind:
With equal Force they forward rush, and share
Alike the spacious Empire of the Air.
They pass the Mountains, that aspire so high
Their Heads grow blue by mingling with the Sky;
Then sweep the dusty Plains, and in their Course
O'erturn proud Tow'rs & Domes with matchless Force;
They traverse swift th' Aerial Fields, and gain
Hesperia's Regions, and Numidia's Main:
Now with united Wings they beat the Face
Of the wide Deep, and rouse up from their Place
The liquid Treasures, that extended lay
In peaceful Coral Caves remote from Day.
Zephyr a humid hollow whistling Wind:
With equal Force they forward rush, and share
Alike the spacious Empire of the Air.
They pass the Mountains, that aspire so high
Their Heads grow blue by mingling with the Sky;
Then sweep the dusty Plains, and in their Course
O'erturn proud Tow'rs & Domes with matchless Force;
They traverse swift th' Aerial Fields, and gain
Hesperia's Regions, and Numidia's Main:
Now with united Wings they beat the Face
Of the wide Deep, and rouse up from their Place
The liquid Treasures, that extended lay
In peaceful Coral Caves remote from Day.
Successive Horrors with Amazement fill
The Sailer's Breast, and mock the Master's Skill.
Sea-Mountains reer their whit'ning Heads on high,
And with the solid Alpes the Liquid vye.
The Chrystal Heaps soon fall, their Structure lost,
Like Rocks of Ice abrupt on Scythia's Coast.
Now opening Gulphs and Chasms expanded show
The ancient Water's gloomy Beds below;
Whither prodigious Twilight they convey,
Blending with Subterranean Shade the Day.
Flames breaking from the Clouds, and sudden Night,
By Turns extinguish and restore the Light:
Loud Thunder, Light'nings, Hail, and Floods of Rain
Compleat the Tempest, and distract the Main:
The Billows sparkled, and the lower Skies
Seem'd kindled to the pale Spectator's Eyes;
As if the furious Impulse of the Storm,
And their own rapid Motion could transform
Those Elements, and Heat enough inspire
To set the Water, and the Air on Fire.
The Sailer's Breast, and mock the Master's Skill.
Sea-Mountains reer their whit'ning Heads on high,
And with the solid Alpes the Liquid vye.
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Like Rocks of Ice abrupt on Scythia's Coast.
Now opening Gulphs and Chasms expanded show
The ancient Water's gloomy Beds below;
Whither prodigious Twilight they convey,
Blending with Subterranean Shade the Day.
Flames breaking from the Clouds, and sudden Night,
By Turns extinguish and restore the Light:
Loud Thunder, Light'nings, Hail, and Floods of Rain
Compleat the Tempest, and distract the Main:
The Billows sparkled, and the lower Skies
Seem'd kindled to the pale Spectator's Eyes;
As if the furious Impulse of the Storm,
And their own rapid Motion could transform
Those Elements, and Heat enough inspire
To set the Water, and the Air on Fire.
Alfred, who still in Straits did firm appear,
Now felt a just Concern and decent Fear:
Then opening thus his Soul, he Heav'n addrest,
To ease the pious Labour of his Breast;
Great, causeless Pow'r, by whose amazing Art
All Things did ready out of Nothing start,
Thou, whom tempestuous Winds and Waves obey,
This furious Ferment of the Deep allay:
Compose this Strife, and pacify the Air,
Divert the Danger, and thy Servants spare.
Gracious Protector of the Good and Just,
Thou art my Refuge, Thou my Hope and Trust:
On Thee, my Strength, my Anchor, I rely,
Pursu'd by Threatning Storms, to Thee I fly;
And prostrate Thy known Clemency implore;
Living I'll love Thee, and in Death adore.
Defend a Life, which solemn I devote
Justice and pure Religion to promote:
The Dead no Altars to Thy Name can raise,
Nor in Thy Temple celebrate Thy Praise.
Will God to strive with Mortals condescend?
Will He with Man, a Moth, a Worm, contend?
Why should'st Thou draw Thy Terrors in Array,
To break a brittle Piece of worthless Clay,
That moulders of it self so fast away?
Thy ready Aid in Straits so often try'd,
On which my Soul has ne'er in vain rely'd,
Thy gracious Nature, and Thy promis'd Care
Support me sinking, and forbid Despair:
But if the high Decree has sign'd my Doom,
And some low Cave must be my secret Tomb,
Still will I trust, that from the deep Abyss
I shall emerge to Heav'n and Thee and Bliss.
Now felt a just Concern and decent Fear:
Then opening thus his Soul, he Heav'n addrest,
To ease the pious Labour of his Breast;
Great, causeless Pow'r, by whose amazing Art
All Things did ready out of Nothing start,
Thou, whom tempestuous Winds and Waves obey,
This furious Ferment of the Deep allay:
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Divert the Danger, and thy Servants spare.
Gracious Protector of the Good and Just,
Thou art my Refuge, Thou my Hope and Trust:
On Thee, my Strength, my Anchor, I rely,
Pursu'd by Threatning Storms, to Thee I fly;
And prostrate Thy known Clemency implore;
Living I'll love Thee, and in Death adore.
Defend a Life, which solemn I devote
Justice and pure Religion to promote:
The Dead no Altars to Thy Name can raise,
Nor in Thy Temple celebrate Thy Praise.
Will God to strive with Mortals condescend?
Will He with Man, a Moth, a Worm, contend?
Why should'st Thou draw Thy Terrors in Array,
To break a brittle Piece of worthless Clay,
That moulders of it self so fast away?
Thy ready Aid in Straits so often try'd,
On which my Soul has ne'er in vain rely'd,
Thy gracious Nature, and Thy promis'd Care
Support me sinking, and forbid Despair:
But if the high Decree has sign'd my Doom,
And some low Cave must be my secret Tomb,
Still will I trust, that from the deep Abyss
I shall emerge to Heav'n and Thee and Bliss.
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While Alfred thus th' Almighty's Throne addrest,
Easing the anxious Struggles in his Breast,
The Vessel by the Storm impell'd, at last
Bulg'd on a Rock, and stuck some Moments fast,
Till dash'd and ruin'd by the batt'ring Waves,
It left the Sailers doom'd to liquid Graves.
Alfred and Guithun, Heav'n did so ordain
To save the Britons from the threatning Main,
Laid clasping hold on a long Rib of Oak,
Part of the Ship in ghastly Fragments broke:
While to the Wrack abrupt they fast adher'd,
Now to the Top they rose, now disappear'd:
Sometimes they sunk, and drank the briny Flood,
And sometimes floated on the boyant Wood.
Easing the anxious Struggles in his Breast,
The Vessel by the Storm impell'd, at last
Bulg'd on a Rock, and stuck some Moments fast,
Till dash'd and ruin'd by the batt'ring Waves,
It left the Sailers doom'd to liquid Graves.
Alfred and Guithun, Heav'n did so ordain
To save the Britons from the threatning Main,
Laid clasping hold on a long Rib of Oak,
Part of the Ship in ghastly Fragments broke:
While to the Wrack abrupt they fast adher'd,
Now to the Top they rose, now disappear'd:
Sometimes they sunk, and drank the briny Flood,
And sometimes floated on the boyant Wood.
The Gracious Angel, who by Heaven's Command
As Alfred's Guardian still did near him stand
To ward th' Assassin's secret Blow, or shield
The Heroe battling in the tented Field;
Now to elude the Snares, and now repell
The Force and Fury of the Fiends of Hell,
His watchful Care of Alfred did express,
And flew to succour Virtue in Distress:
Tho' unobserv'd, he did assiduous keep
The Pair from sinking, and elude the Deep.
Careful he push'd them with a gentle Hand,
Guided the Wreck, and shov'd them safe to Land.
Thrown on the lonesome Coast in Pain they climb
A Neighb'ring craggy Rock, that rose sublime
In Air, and overlook'd the spreading Flood;
Joy'd with his Fate here pious Alfred stood,
Whence he review'd the Toil and Danger past,
And scatter'd Ruins, which the Deep defac't:
Yet did with Grief unfeign'd lament his Train
Of British Friends, that perish'd in the Main.
Then thus, his Eyes up-rais'd, he Heav'n addrest,
And his just Sense of Aid Divine exprest.
As Alfred's Guardian still did near him stand
To ward th' Assassin's secret Blow, or shield
The Heroe battling in the tented Field;
Now to elude the Snares, and now repell
The Force and Fury of the Fiends of Hell,
His watchful Care of Alfred did express,
And flew to succour Virtue in Distress:
Tho' unobserv'd, he did assiduous keep
The Pair from sinking, and elude the Deep.
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Guided the Wreck, and shov'd them safe to Land.
Thrown on the lonesome Coast in Pain they climb
A Neighb'ring craggy Rock, that rose sublime
In Air, and overlook'd the spreading Flood;
Joy'd with his Fate here pious Alfred stood,
Whence he review'd the Toil and Danger past,
And scatter'd Ruins, which the Deep defac't:
Yet did with Grief unfeign'd lament his Train
Of British Friends, that perish'd in the Main.
Then thus, his Eyes up-rais'd, he Heav'n addrest,
And his just Sense of Aid Divine exprest.
Great King, Thy Hand the awful Scepter sways
Which the vast Empire of the World obeys:
Thou with a Glance dost view, enthron'd on high,
The Orbs immense that roll in distant Sky,
Beneath Thy Feet appointed Rounds compleat,
And at Thy sole Command their Course repeat.
To some Thou dost afford, to some deny
Deliv'rance, who dares ask a Reason why?
Which the vast Empire of the World obeys:
Thou with a Glance dost view, enthron'd on high,
The Orbs immense that roll in distant Sky,
Beneath Thy Feet appointed Rounds compleat,
And at Thy sole Command their Course repeat.
To some Thou dost afford, to some deny
Deliv'rance, who dares ask a Reason why?
Now at Thy Feet, who did'st the Storm controul,
I in profound Submission bow my Soul.
To Thee, Great Pow'r, who did'st my Fate reverse,
My grateful Tongue shall Songs of Praise rehearse.
Ye Hills, which rear your aged Heads on high
Hoary with Frost and Snow, and Time defy,
Ye Rocks, which on your Base unshaken stand,
And from insulting Waves defend the Land.
Ye radiant Orbs, and Azure Skies, and Thou
Vast Deep, bear Witness to my solemn Vow:
While I can move these Limbs, while in my Veins
Alternate Breath the vital Flame sustains,
I'll serve th' Almighty, and the Life devote,
Which he has spar'd, his Glory to promote.
He said—And now fresh Courage he acquir'd,
And felt his Soul with Heat Divine inspir'd.
I in profound Submission bow my Soul.
To Thee, Great Pow'r, who did'st my Fate reverse,
My grateful Tongue shall Songs of Praise rehearse.
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Hoary with Frost and Snow, and Time defy,
Ye Rocks, which on your Base unshaken stand,
And from insulting Waves defend the Land.
Ye radiant Orbs, and Azure Skies, and Thou
Vast Deep, bear Witness to my solemn Vow:
While I can move these Limbs, while in my Veins
Alternate Breath the vital Flame sustains,
I'll serve th' Almighty, and the Life devote,
Which he has spar'd, his Glory to promote.
He said—And now fresh Courage he acquir'd,
And felt his Soul with Heat Divine inspir'd.
Wise Guithun then Prince Alfred thus bespoke;
Since Heav'n has this infernal Effort broke,
And watchful warded this impending Blow
Aim'd at our Heads by envious Fiends below,
Let us in him confide, and from the Shore
Advance the neighb'ring Country to explore.
Since Heav'n has this infernal Effort broke,
And watchful warded this impending Blow
Aim'd at our Heads by envious Fiends below,
Let us in him confide, and from the Shore
Advance the neighb'ring Country to explore.
Passing the Rocks, they enter'd on a Plain
Barren of Verdure, and unsown with Grain,
Where on the russet Glebe some Shrubs of Yew
And here and there a ragged Hornbeam grew:
When they had long their toilsome Way pursu'd,
And Alfred no Abode, no People view'd
In all this wild uncultivated Seat,
To whom for due Repose they might retreat:
Favour'd by Heav'n, he said, the Waves and Wind
We 'scap'd, but do not Perils yet behind
Appear as great, while we opprest with Toil
In Want of all Things pass this lonesome Soil?
Barren of Verdure, and unsown with Grain,
Where on the russet Glebe some Shrubs of Yew
And here and there a ragged Hornbeam grew:
When they had long their toilsome Way pursu'd,
And Alfred no Abode, no People view'd
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To whom for due Repose they might retreat:
Favour'd by Heav'n, he said, the Waves and Wind
We 'scap'd, but do not Perils yet behind
Appear as great, while we opprest with Toil
In Want of all Things pass this lonesome Soil?
He said—And Guithun thus—Bestill your Breast
With your known Godlike Fortitude possest:
Rest your incumbent Soul on Pow'r divine,
And brave in Straits your Will to Heaven resign.
Th' amazing Danger we have 'scap'd should raise
Our pious Wonder, and excite our Praise,
And tho' distress'd and friendless we are thrown
By raging Winds and Waves on Land unknown,
We should th' Eternal's Providence revere,
Submit, and still to Virtue's Cause adhere.
With your known Godlike Fortitude possest:
Rest your incumbent Soul on Pow'r divine,
And brave in Straits your Will to Heaven resign.
Th' amazing Danger we have 'scap'd should raise
Our pious Wonder, and excite our Praise,
And tho' distress'd and friendless we are thrown
By raging Winds and Waves on Land unknown,
We should th' Eternal's Providence revere,
Submit, and still to Virtue's Cause adhere.
Wisdom divine her Graces here conceals,
And but in Part her heav'nly Form reveals,
And then but to the Few, whose Minds are pure
From gross terrestrial Thoughts, and who procure
Celestial Habits, while they ardent rise
From this dark Planet and frequent the Skies;
And to improve their intellectual Sight,
Dwell in the Regions of immortal Light.
And but in Part her heav'nly Form reveals,
And then but to the Few, whose Minds are pure
From gross terrestrial Thoughts, and who procure
Celestial Habits, while they ardent rise
From this dark Planet and frequent the Skies;
And to improve their intellectual Sight,
Dwell in the Regions of immortal Light.
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The boastful Pride of Mortals to abate
Heav'n lets experienc'd Pilots of the State
Oft steer on Shelves, and rashly run on Fate:
And by superiour Art oft undermines
The best form'd Plots, and seeming sure Designs,
Contriv'd by clear and enterprizing Heads,
And on the ruin'd Schemes of Statesmen treads.
That favour'd Kings, when honour'd with Success,
Th' Almighty's, not their own right Hand, may bless,
And grant, shou'd Heav'n their Efforts not sustain,
Their Pow'r is feeble, and their Wisdom vain;
Oft he propitious proves by adverse Ways,
And breaks the Plan the wise Projector lays,
Who splits on Rocks, to which as Forts, he steer'd,
And by those Winds is rescu'd, which he fear'd.
Heav'n lets experienc'd Pilots of the State
Oft steer on Shelves, and rashly run on Fate:
And by superiour Art oft undermines
The best form'd Plots, and seeming sure Designs,
Contriv'd by clear and enterprizing Heads,
And on the ruin'd Schemes of Statesmen treads.
That favour'd Kings, when honour'd with Success,
Th' Almighty's, not their own right Hand, may bless,
And grant, shou'd Heav'n their Efforts not sustain,
Their Pow'r is feeble, and their Wisdom vain;
Oft he propitious proves by adverse Ways,
And breaks the Plan the wise Projector lays,
Who splits on Rocks, to which as Forts, he steer'd,
And by those Winds is rescu'd, which he fear'd.
The Discipline of stern Affliction's Hand
Forms princely Minds for Pow'r and high Command.
Mid'st Flames intense Men cast their giltt'ring Oar,
And from the Dross refine the Golden Store,
Then on the Anvil with the pond'rous Sledge
Renew their Blows, to shape the precious Wedge.
Artists, who form a Gem with Skill and Sweat
For some great Monarch's Crown, their Cuts repeat,
And never cease their Labour till they clear
The Crust, and make the radiant Form appear:
Then do's the glitt'ring Stone its Light display,
Confess its Parent Sun, and with its Ray
Dazle Spectators, and enforce the Day.
The Sculptor, who with humane Limbs and Face
Endows the Marble, to adorn the Case
Of some high Dome or Palace with a Piece
That rivals those of ancient Rome and Greece,
Strikes with his Chizel, and his Blow pursues,
Till he the finish'd Work with Pleasure views.
Thus with his Rod the Pow'r Supreme corrects
The favour'd Prince, whose Safety He respects,
That he may humble and indulgent grow,
Patient in Suff'ring, and resign'd in Woe.
Forms princely Minds for Pow'r and high Command.
Mid'st Flames intense Men cast their giltt'ring Oar,
And from the Dross refine the Golden Store,
Then on the Anvil with the pond'rous Sledge
Renew their Blows, to shape the precious Wedge.
Artists, who form a Gem with Skill and Sweat
For some great Monarch's Crown, their Cuts repeat,
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The Crust, and make the radiant Form appear:
Then do's the glitt'ring Stone its Light display,
Confess its Parent Sun, and with its Ray
Dazle Spectators, and enforce the Day.
The Sculptor, who with humane Limbs and Face
Endows the Marble, to adorn the Case
Of some high Dome or Palace with a Piece
That rivals those of ancient Rome and Greece,
Strikes with his Chizel, and his Blow pursues,
Till he the finish'd Work with Pleasure views.
Thus with his Rod the Pow'r Supreme corrects
The favour'd Prince, whose Safety He respects,
That he may humble and indulgent grow,
Patient in Suff'ring, and resign'd in Woe.
Hence Albion's Prince, to ease your growing Grief
Trust the great Mind, confirm'd in this Belief,
That the past Storm you'll well intended find,
That Heav'n is just, nor, when severe, unkind:
That by Affliction wise and mod'rate grown,
And fit for Empire you may mount the Throne:
Then you may Albion raise to high Command,
Establish Peace, and from a suff'ring Land
Drive Foreign Arms: thus shall the Isle be made
The Seat of Science, and the Mart of Trade:
Then warring Empires shall in her confide,
And she Europa's Umpire shall decide
The Fate of Princes by her just Decree;
And bid contending Monarchies agree.
Trust the great Mind, confirm'd in this Belief,
That the past Storm you'll well intended find,
That Heav'n is just, nor, when severe, unkind:
That by Affliction wise and mod'rate grown,
And fit for Empire you may mount the Throne:
Then you may Albion raise to high Command,
Establish Peace, and from a suff'ring Land
Drive Foreign Arms: thus shall the Isle be made
The Seat of Science, and the Mart of Trade:
15
And she Europa's Umpire shall decide
The Fate of Princes by her just Decree;
And bid contending Monarchies agree.
Now they advanc'd, and by the burning Skies
Grown dry and faint, they search'd with eager Eyes
The barren Heath; at length they joyful found
A Stream with Flaggs and bristling Rushes crown'd,
Which gushing from the neighb'ring Upland flow'd,
And its moist Treasures on the Flats bestow'd.
Here with delicious draughts they slak'd their drought,
Their Anguish sooth'd, and eas'd their anxious Doubt.
Joy'd with the sweet Refreshment of the Flood
On the rais'd Bank a while the Britons stood;
Then Alfred Thus—How should the various Ways
Of Heav'n's Salvation pious Wonder raise,
That touch'd with Mercy led our doubful Feet
When faint with Thirst to Springs and Waters sweet?
Ye favour'd Tribes, once Heav'ns peculiar Care,
By Wonders oft deliver'd, Witness bear,
How, when you panted with excessive Heat,
With Thirst opprest, and spent with Toil and Sweat,
While thro' the sandy solitary Waste
From Egypt's Frontier you to Canaan past,
Your Leader did more Power than Nature's show,
Made stable craggy Mountains liquid grow,
Dissolv'd the Cliffs and bade the Marble flow,
While their hard Bowels as they Pity felt,
To slake your Thirst did into Rivers melt;
Tell, how from Rocks your Drink did streaming spread
The Desart's Face, as from the Skies your Bread.
How this amazing, this refreshing Aid
At the last Gasp did vile Distrust upbraid.
And may our Souls divine Compassion bless,
That led us to the Springs in our Distress.
Grown dry and faint, they search'd with eager Eyes
The barren Heath; at length they joyful found
A Stream with Flaggs and bristling Rushes crown'd,
Which gushing from the neighb'ring Upland flow'd,
And its moist Treasures on the Flats bestow'd.
Here with delicious draughts they slak'd their drought,
Their Anguish sooth'd, and eas'd their anxious Doubt.
Joy'd with the sweet Refreshment of the Flood
On the rais'd Bank a while the Britons stood;
Then Alfred Thus—How should the various Ways
Of Heav'n's Salvation pious Wonder raise,
That touch'd with Mercy led our doubful Feet
When faint with Thirst to Springs and Waters sweet?
Ye favour'd Tribes, once Heav'ns peculiar Care,
By Wonders oft deliver'd, Witness bear,
How, when you panted with excessive Heat,
With Thirst opprest, and spent with Toil and Sweat,
While thro' the sandy solitary Waste
From Egypt's Frontier you to Canaan past,
16
Made stable craggy Mountains liquid grow,
Dissolv'd the Cliffs and bade the Marble flow,
While their hard Bowels as they Pity felt,
To slake your Thirst did into Rivers melt;
Tell, how from Rocks your Drink did streaming spread
The Desart's Face, as from the Skies your Bread.
How this amazing, this refreshing Aid
At the last Gasp did vile Distrust upbraid.
And may our Souls divine Compassion bless,
That led us to the Springs in our Distress.
He said—when in Surprize they heard a Sound
Ring thro' the ecchoing Plain, and looking round
They saw a grisly Panther on his Way
Advance to seize them and assure his Prey.
He roar'd aloud, oft lick'd his rav'ning Jaws,
And struck out oft his fierce destructive Paws,
A Preface to the Feast he eager view'd,
And with voracious Hunger swift pursu'd
Ring thro' the ecchoing Plain, and looking round
They saw a grisly Panther on his Way
Advance to seize them and assure his Prey.
He roar'd aloud, oft lick'd his rav'ning Jaws,
And struck out oft his fierce destructive Paws,
A Preface to the Feast he eager view'd,
And with voracious Hunger swift pursu'd
Alfred beheld the Terrour from afar,
And dauntless stood to undertake the War.
Guithun surpriz'd at this amazing Sight
Felt vast Concern, and shudd'ring with Affright
Sent earnest Cries to Heav'n for speedy Aid,
And for his own and Alfred's Safety pray'd.
The British Prince did dauntless Courage show,
Determin'd to sustain th' invading Foe,
And on the Margin of the narrow Flood
Waiting the unexampled Combate stood.
The Foe came on, and leap'd against his Breast;
Present of Mind the Briton clasp'd and prest
With strong Heroick Gripe the savage Beast:
Then in a Moment, to effect his Scheme,
Plung'd with him in his Arms amidst the Stream,
And held him down, till with his Struggling tir'd,
And by the Current choak'd, the Beast expir'd.
Now to the Bank the valiant Heroe rais'd
On bended Knees his great Deliv'rer prais'd,
And dauntless stood to undertake the War.
Guithun surpriz'd at this amazing Sight
Felt vast Concern, and shudd'ring with Affright
17
And for his own and Alfred's Safety pray'd.
The British Prince did dauntless Courage show,
Determin'd to sustain th' invading Foe,
And on the Margin of the narrow Flood
Waiting the unexampled Combate stood.
The Foe came on, and leap'd against his Breast;
Present of Mind the Briton clasp'd and prest
With strong Heroick Gripe the savage Beast:
Then in a Moment, to effect his Scheme,
Plung'd with him in his Arms amidst the Stream,
And held him down, till with his Struggling tir'd,
And by the Current choak'd, the Beast expir'd.
Now to the Bank the valiant Heroe rais'd
On bended Knees his great Deliv'rer prais'd,
Guithun mean Time, from pale Despair releas'd,
Wonder and Joy and Gratitude express'd:
Then said—This Action, Alfred, must presage
Yet greater Wonders in your riper Age.
That from your Coasts you'll barb'rous Arms repell,
Extirpate publick Pests, fierce Monsters quell,
And Tyrants, who fair Realms and Towns efface,
The Plague of Kingdoms and Mankind's Disgrace.
David, when first young Manhood did begin
To cloath with tender Down his blooming Chin,
Slew the fierce Lyon, and the shaggy Bear,
That ran with rav'ning Jaws his Flock to tear.
Thus flush'd with Spoil, and conscious of his Might
He kill'd Philistia's Champion bold in Fight,
Of Size stupendous, and Gigantick Height.
These Deeds procur'd the Heroe wide Renown,
And shew'd him worthy of Judea's Crown,
Which yet he did not wear, till in the School
Of sharp Affliction try'd, and taught to rule:
And then advanc'd to Empire, how he shone!
What Triumph's rais'd the Glory of his Throne!
Sea-Commerce brought him Wealth immense, by Land
Proud Syria's Lords obey'd his high Command.
Of this great Monarch æmulous, O Prince,
Your mighty Deeds will wond'ring Realms convince,
That you'll a publick Benefactor prove;
Crown'd with Applause and universal Love.
Wonder and Joy and Gratitude express'd:
Then said—This Action, Alfred, must presage
Yet greater Wonders in your riper Age.
That from your Coasts you'll barb'rous Arms repell,
Extirpate publick Pests, fierce Monsters quell,
And Tyrants, who fair Realms and Towns efface,
The Plague of Kingdoms and Mankind's Disgrace.
David, when first young Manhood did begin
To cloath with tender Down his blooming Chin,
18
That ran with rav'ning Jaws his Flock to tear.
Thus flush'd with Spoil, and conscious of his Might
He kill'd Philistia's Champion bold in Fight,
Of Size stupendous, and Gigantick Height.
These Deeds procur'd the Heroe wide Renown,
And shew'd him worthy of Judea's Crown,
Which yet he did not wear, till in the School
Of sharp Affliction try'd, and taught to rule:
And then advanc'd to Empire, how he shone!
What Triumph's rais'd the Glory of his Throne!
Sea-Commerce brought him Wealth immense, by Land
Proud Syria's Lords obey'd his high Command.
Of this great Monarch æmulous, O Prince,
Your mighty Deeds will wond'ring Realms convince,
That you'll a publick Benefactor prove;
Crown'd with Applause and universal Love.
He said—And now the Britons much reviv'd
Travers'd the Plain till, at the Foot arriv'd
Of a high Hill, a Trav'ller they descry'd
Descending to them from its steepy Side.
The Hermite, such he prov'd, the Britons join'd;
Grave his Deportment, and his Aspect kind.
Hair white, as hov'ring Snow, upon his Head
Did reverend Grace and hoary Honours spread.
His Nerves were firm, his Eyes preserv'd their Fire,
His Skin scarce wrinkled, and his Voice entire;
His Cheeks a fresh and florid Colour dy'd
By active Spirits and warm Blood supply'd;
While plyant Joints and cheerful Looks combin'd
Shew'd Health unbroken and a peaceful Mind;
His Face unmark'd by Grief or secret Fears,
Nor did he bend beneath his Weight of Years:
While Life defying Time did in its Urn
Flame up with Vigour, and unwasted burn.
As when a mild autumnal Season yields
A second Summer, and renews the Fields,
Fresh Flowers and springing Plants adorn the Plain,
And verdant Meads exhilarate the Swain;
Nature's again in vernal Pride array'd,
And smiles, while Winter is so long delay'd:
So look'd the happy Hermite, free from Care,
And all the Ills of Age that Mortals bear.
Travers'd the Plain till, at the Foot arriv'd
Of a high Hill, a Trav'ller they descry'd
Descending to them from its steepy Side.
The Hermite, such he prov'd, the Britons join'd;
Grave his Deportment, and his Aspect kind.
Hair white, as hov'ring Snow, upon his Head
Did reverend Grace and hoary Honours spread.
19
His Skin scarce wrinkled, and his Voice entire;
His Cheeks a fresh and florid Colour dy'd
By active Spirits and warm Blood supply'd;
While plyant Joints and cheerful Looks combin'd
Shew'd Health unbroken and a peaceful Mind;
His Face unmark'd by Grief or secret Fears,
Nor did he bend beneath his Weight of Years:
While Life defying Time did in its Urn
Flame up with Vigour, and unwasted burn.
As when a mild autumnal Season yields
A second Summer, and renews the Fields,
Fresh Flowers and springing Plants adorn the Plain,
And verdant Meads exhilarate the Swain;
Nature's again in vernal Pride array'd,
And smiles, while Winter is so long delay'd:
So look'd the happy Hermite, free from Care,
And all the Ills of Age that Mortals bear.
Then Guithun thus the Anchorite bespoke;
Behold two Strangers, who their Vessel broke,
Their Friends, their Servants, and Provisions lost,
Were newly Shipwreckt on the Neighb'ring Coast:
That Goodness and Benevolence of Mind,
That makes the Heart grow gentle, soft, and kind,
Which in your Mien unvulgar is confess'd,
And in your Face in strongest Lines express'd,
Inspire fresh Hopes that we shall find Relief
From your Indulgence to abate our Grief.
Behold two Strangers, who their Vessel broke,
Their Friends, their Servants, and Provisions lost,
Were newly Shipwreckt on the Neighb'ring Coast:
That Goodness and Benevolence of Mind,
That makes the Heart grow gentle, soft, and kind,
20
And in your Face in strongest Lines express'd,
Inspire fresh Hopes that we shall find Relief
From your Indulgence to abate our Grief.
A while the Hermite stood, and as he ey'd
The Pair, he thought in Alfred he descry'd
The Marks of Greatness, and a noble Mind
To Glory and Heroick Deeds inclin'd:
Such were his blooming Beauties, such his Grace,
And such his Godlike Dignity of Face.
The Pair, he thought in Alfred he descry'd
The Marks of Greatness, and a noble Mind
To Glory and Heroick Deeds inclin'd:
Such were his blooming Beauties, such his Grace,
And such his Godlike Dignity of Face.
Then said—Pure Love and Charity divine
That Christian Faith inspires, my Soul incline
To pity all that Fate unhappy know,
Solace their Sorrow, and relieve their Woe:
That Heav'n of Pleasure conscious Virtue brings,
That Joy, which from indulgent Mercy springs,
Rivals the Triumphs of the Blest above,
Where perfect Bliss results from perfect Love.
That Christian Faith inspires, my Soul incline
To pity all that Fate unhappy know,
Solace their Sorrow, and relieve their Woe:
That Heav'n of Pleasure conscious Virtue brings,
That Joy, which from indulgent Mercy springs,
Rivals the Triumphs of the Blest above,
Where perfect Bliss results from perfect Love.
Then did he bid them anxious Thoughts expell
From their sad Breasts, and follow to his Cell.
Ready the Britons with his Will comply'd,
And grateful bless'd their wise and reverend Guide;
Who thus bespoke Prince Alfred—Courteous Guest,
Ease my Suspension, and at my Request
Tell me your Names and Parents, let me know
The distant Realm to which your Birth you owe;
And why, expos'd to Perils, Straits, and Toil,
By Land and Sea, you left your native Soil?
From their sad Breasts, and follow to his Cell.
Ready the Britons with his Will comply'd,
And grateful bless'd their wise and reverend Guide;
21
Ease my Suspension, and at my Request
Tell me your Names and Parents, let me know
The distant Realm to which your Birth you owe;
And why, expos'd to Perils, Straits, and Toil,
By Land and Sea, you left your native Soil?
Then Alfred thus reply'd—Atulpho, who
O'er Albion reigns to his high Office true,
Is my lov'd Father, and this prudent Sage,
My Friend th' Instructor of my tender Age,
Is Guithun; why I did from Britain steer
To visit foreign Realms, the Motive hear.
While in my Thoughts revolving Britain's State
I sigh'd, and mourn'd with Tears her hapless Fate,
Which of her Virtue, Strength, and Wealth bereft,
And succourless by neighb'ring Nations left,
Is now exhausted and degenerate grown,
Where Sciences and Arts are scarcely known,
Commerce neglected, and the Land unsown,
(The sad Effects of raging Civil Arms,
Of fierce Invasions, and renew'd Alarms;)
I soon decreed to leave Britannia's Soil,
And bear in distant Realms uncommon Toil,
From various Modes of Empire to select
The fittest Schemes and Rules, that might correct
Domestick Ills, and Foreign Foes defeat,
Make Subjects happy, and the Monarch Great;
That if I breathe again my Native Air,
And should Britannia's Crown Imperial wear,
I might by wise and just and equal Laws
Advance the Realm, and aid Religion's Cause:
Might from their growing Fears her Sons release,
And gain to Albion Plenty, Strength, and Peace.
Leaving in this Design Britannia's Shore,
Resolv'd new States and Kingdoms to explore,
(Nor did Atulpho from my Choice dissent)
With Guithun and some faithful Lords I went
From Britain's Coast; to Rome our Way we sped,
Of Christian Pow'rs the delegated Head;
Whence while to fair Parthenope we steer'd,
And the sublime Circæan Hills appear'd,
A furious Tempest rose, when we were thrown
Shipwreckt and naked on this Coast unknown.
O'er Albion reigns to his high Office true,
Is my lov'd Father, and this prudent Sage,
My Friend th' Instructor of my tender Age,
Is Guithun; why I did from Britain steer
To visit foreign Realms, the Motive hear.
While in my Thoughts revolving Britain's State
I sigh'd, and mourn'd with Tears her hapless Fate,
Which of her Virtue, Strength, and Wealth bereft,
And succourless by neighb'ring Nations left,
Is now exhausted and degenerate grown,
Where Sciences and Arts are scarcely known,
Commerce neglected, and the Land unsown,
(The sad Effects of raging Civil Arms,
Of fierce Invasions, and renew'd Alarms;)
I soon decreed to leave Britannia's Soil,
And bear in distant Realms uncommon Toil,
From various Modes of Empire to select
The fittest Schemes and Rules, that might correct
22
Make Subjects happy, and the Monarch Great;
That if I breathe again my Native Air,
And should Britannia's Crown Imperial wear,
I might by wise and just and equal Laws
Advance the Realm, and aid Religion's Cause:
Might from their growing Fears her Sons release,
And gain to Albion Plenty, Strength, and Peace.
Leaving in this Design Britannia's Shore,
Resolv'd new States and Kingdoms to explore,
(Nor did Atulpho from my Choice dissent)
With Guithun and some faithful Lords I went
From Britain's Coast; to Rome our Way we sped,
Of Christian Pow'rs the delegated Head;
Whence while to fair Parthenope we steer'd,
And the sublime Circæan Hills appear'd,
A furious Tempest rose, when we were thrown
Shipwreckt and naked on this Coast unknown.
He ceas'd—The Hermite bow'd, and thus reply'd;
Know, Prince, so Heav'n ordain'd, you by the Tide
And Storms are cast upon Numidia's Strand,
Tunisian Monarchs rule the fertile Land.
Not far remote stands tow'ring on the Shore,
By Traffick rich, and strong in naval Store,
Their City, where a Prince of great Renown
Halla now wears, what he deserves, a Crown;
Descended from the first Arabian Head,
Who hostile Troops against the Christian led.
Long had the Christian Realms lain plung'd in Vice,
Whence God's destructive Anger took its Rise:
The Day now come, sad Day of Wrath and Gloom,
Almighty Patience tir'd, he sign'd their Doom;
Then ready to discharge his vengeful Blow,
He fill'd his fatal Quiver, strung his Bow,
And brandishing his Adamantine Lance,
Immortal Arms did in his Rage advance.
He call'd his Warriours vers'd in Martial Toil,
From Idumea's and Arabia's Soil,
And from the Shore that the Red-Sea restrains,
Muster'd his Cohorts on Medina's Plains,
A barb'rous, proud, inexorable Race,
And bad their Swords, the Christian Towns efface.
The Arab soon made num'rous States obey,
And open'd for his Faith a bloody Way,
Which, like a raging Amazon in Arms,
Conquer'd by Terror, not Celestial Charms.
This Scourge of rebel Kingdoms, and the Sword
Of the degenerate Christians mighty Lord,
Drawn in his fierce vindictive Wrath destroy'd
The Realms that Godless Christian Lords enjoy'd,
And triumph'd in their Blood, who (impious Shame!)
Abhorr'd his Precepts, yet usurp'd his Name.
May Christian Pow'rs, who yet in Peace remain,
Triumph in Plenty, and in Pleasure reign,
From their Lethargick Indolence awake,
Lest of this Cup of Fury they partake.
Know, Prince, so Heav'n ordain'd, you by the Tide
And Storms are cast upon Numidia's Strand,
Tunisian Monarchs rule the fertile Land.
Not far remote stands tow'ring on the Shore,
By Traffick rich, and strong in naval Store,
23
Halla now wears, what he deserves, a Crown;
Descended from the first Arabian Head,
Who hostile Troops against the Christian led.
Long had the Christian Realms lain plung'd in Vice,
Whence God's destructive Anger took its Rise:
The Day now come, sad Day of Wrath and Gloom,
Almighty Patience tir'd, he sign'd their Doom;
Then ready to discharge his vengeful Blow,
He fill'd his fatal Quiver, strung his Bow,
And brandishing his Adamantine Lance,
Immortal Arms did in his Rage advance.
He call'd his Warriours vers'd in Martial Toil,
From Idumea's and Arabia's Soil,
And from the Shore that the Red-Sea restrains,
Muster'd his Cohorts on Medina's Plains,
A barb'rous, proud, inexorable Race,
And bad their Swords, the Christian Towns efface.
The Arab soon made num'rous States obey,
And open'd for his Faith a bloody Way,
Which, like a raging Amazon in Arms,
Conquer'd by Terror, not Celestial Charms.
This Scourge of rebel Kingdoms, and the Sword
Of the degenerate Christians mighty Lord,
Drawn in his fierce vindictive Wrath destroy'd
The Realms that Godless Christian Lords enjoy'd,
24
Abhorr'd his Precepts, yet usurp'd his Name.
May Christian Pow'rs, who yet in Peace remain,
Triumph in Plenty, and in Pleasure reign,
From their Lethargick Indolence awake,
Lest of this Cup of Fury they partake.
Tho' Arabs much to Rapine are inclin'd,
Of Nature fierce, and Manners unrefin'd,
Yet is King Halla gen'rous, mild, and wise,
And with the most applauded Heroe vies;
Courteous, humane, and easy of Access
This Monarch succours Merit in Distress.
Tho' the great Prince rejects our Creed divine,
His moral Virtues so illustrious shine,
That he like some, who Rome's proud Scepter bore,
Excells most Kings who Christ their Head adore,
That potent Empires as his Viceroys sway,
And own his Faith, but not his Laws obey.
Of Nature fierce, and Manners unrefin'd,
Yet is King Halla gen'rous, mild, and wise,
And with the most applauded Heroe vies;
Courteous, humane, and easy of Access
This Monarch succours Merit in Distress.
Tho' the great Prince rejects our Creed divine,
His moral Virtues so illustrious shine,
That he like some, who Rome's proud Scepter bore,
Excells most Kings who Christ their Head adore,
That potent Empires as his Viceroys sway,
And own his Faith, but not his Laws obey.
Now at the Hermite's Mansion they arriv'd,
A lonesome Cave by Nature's Art contriv'd
In the same Hill where they the Father met;
A Heap of Turf was at the Entrance set:
Hither the Reverend Man did oft repair
To ease his Limbs, and breathe the open Air.
Low branching Trees with various Verdure crown'd,
Spontaneous Offspring of th' unlabour'd Ground,
Did oe'r the Mouth their mingled Heads display,
And interwoven Arms, which beat away
Invading Winds, reduc'd intemp'rate Heat,
And screen'd from Rain the solitary Seat.
Ten Steps hewn roughly form'd the short Descent,
By which the Strangers with their Leader went
Down to the Floor, which the pleas'd Britons view'd
With od'rous Thyme, and new-cut Rushes strew'd.
A maple Table and four Chairs did stand
Along the Side, wrought by the Owner's Hand;
And plac'd in Iron Sockets, Tapers bright,
Diffus'd around the Cave sufficient Light.
Two Planks on Tressels with a Goat-skin spread
In a Side Grotto, were the Hermite's Bed;
And tho' the strait Abode was low and mean,
All Things were decent, wholesome, sweet and clean.
A lonesome Cave by Nature's Art contriv'd
In the same Hill where they the Father met;
A Heap of Turf was at the Entrance set:
Hither the Reverend Man did oft repair
To ease his Limbs, and breathe the open Air.
25
Spontaneous Offspring of th' unlabour'd Ground,
Did oe'r the Mouth their mingled Heads display,
And interwoven Arms, which beat away
Invading Winds, reduc'd intemp'rate Heat,
And screen'd from Rain the solitary Seat.
Ten Steps hewn roughly form'd the short Descent,
By which the Strangers with their Leader went
Down to the Floor, which the pleas'd Britons view'd
With od'rous Thyme, and new-cut Rushes strew'd.
A maple Table and four Chairs did stand
Along the Side, wrought by the Owner's Hand;
And plac'd in Iron Sockets, Tapers bright,
Diffus'd around the Cave sufficient Light.
Two Planks on Tressels with a Goat-skin spread
In a Side Grotto, were the Hermite's Bed;
And tho' the strait Abode was low and mean,
All Things were decent, wholesome, sweet and clean.
He then the Strangers friendly did embrace,
And gave them Welcome to his lonely Place:
Bade them their adverse Fate with Firmness bear,
And trust th' Almighty's Providential Care;
Who oft, said he, the Heroe's Virtue tries,
And lets him send to Heav'n neglected Cries;
But ne'er will leave him succourless in Woe,
Nor let him hopeless in Affliction grow:
Gracious at length he'll hear his ardent Pray'r,
In the black Gulphs confining on Despair
He'll find his Servant out, will raise him thence,
And shew his Care of suff'ring Innocence.
And gave them Welcome to his lonely Place:
Bade them their adverse Fate with Firmness bear,
And trust th' Almighty's Providential Care;
Who oft, said he, the Heroe's Virtue tries,
And lets him send to Heav'n neglected Cries;
26
Nor let him hopeless in Affliction grow:
Gracious at length he'll hear his ardent Pray'r,
In the black Gulphs confining on Despair
He'll find his Servant out, will raise him thence,
And shew his Care of suff'ring Innocence.
While, in the Night that last succeeded Day,
My Senses bound in Sleep's soft Chains, I lay,
Some Guest Divine did in my Brain convene
The Spirits, and dispos'd the following Scene.
While looking stedfast on the spreading Deep,
The Heav'ns sweet-smiling, and the Winds asleep,
I saw black Vapours on a sudden rise,
And heard fierce Boreas whistling in the Skies,
And lab'ring with a Storm; the Storm ensu'd,
When I the Face of Heav'n with Horror view'd.
During this Strife, presented to my Eye
Like struggling Nature's last strong Agony,
I saw a Vessel bulge upon a Rock,
And dash to Pieces with the furious Shock;
And soon two Shipwreckt Passengers appear'd
Cast on the Beach, when I these Accents heard;
Go meet these Christian Suff'rers, sooth their Grief,
And, as thou can'st, afford them kind Relief.
The Heav'nly Order glad I did obey,
Went from my Cell, and found you on the Way.
My Senses bound in Sleep's soft Chains, I lay,
Some Guest Divine did in my Brain convene
The Spirits, and dispos'd the following Scene.
While looking stedfast on the spreading Deep,
The Heav'ns sweet-smiling, and the Winds asleep,
I saw black Vapours on a sudden rise,
And heard fierce Boreas whistling in the Skies,
And lab'ring with a Storm; the Storm ensu'd,
When I the Face of Heav'n with Horror view'd.
During this Strife, presented to my Eye
Like struggling Nature's last strong Agony,
I saw a Vessel bulge upon a Rock,
And dash to Pieces with the furious Shock;
And soon two Shipwreckt Passengers appear'd
Cast on the Beach, when I these Accents heard;
Go meet these Christian Suff'rers, sooth their Grief,
And, as thou can'st, afford them kind Relief.
27
Went from my Cell, and found you on the Way.
He said—And Alfred bless'd th' indulgent Care
Of Heav'n, that did this wond'rous Scene prepare
To ease his Trouble and prevent Despair.
And when the Christian Heroe had express'd
The grateful Ardour that his Soul possess'd,
The Anchorite did cheap Provisions bring,
Milk, Honey, Fruits, and from the Chrystal Spring
Pure Water—They invited, sate and eat,
Pleas'd with the Banquet of unartful Meat:
And when their Thirst and Hunger were appeas'd,
And in great Part their Grief and Anguish eas'd,
Prince Alfred thus.—How sweet is lonely Life,
And this serene Simplicity! from Strife
And Uproar free, from the loud Noise of War,
And the litigious Clamours of the Bar!
Safe from the various Nets, and fatal Snares,
That spread the City's faithless Ground, and Cares
That haunt the Great, and every Way surround
Mortals in Business, or in Pleasure drown'd.
Of Heav'n, that did this wond'rous Scene prepare
To ease his Trouble and prevent Despair.
And when the Christian Heroe had express'd
The grateful Ardour that his Soul possess'd,
The Anchorite did cheap Provisions bring,
Milk, Honey, Fruits, and from the Chrystal Spring
Pure Water—They invited, sate and eat,
Pleas'd with the Banquet of unartful Meat:
And when their Thirst and Hunger were appeas'd,
And in great Part their Grief and Anguish eas'd,
Prince Alfred thus.—How sweet is lonely Life,
And this serene Simplicity! from Strife
And Uproar free, from the loud Noise of War,
And the litigious Clamours of the Bar!
Safe from the various Nets, and fatal Snares,
That spread the City's faithless Ground, and Cares
That haunt the Great, and every Way surround
Mortals in Business, or in Pleasure drown'd.
Blest were our Fathers in the eldest Age!
Ere Lust of Pow'r did Men in Arms engage;
Ere avaricious Eyes were charm'd with Gold,
Or Traytors to be great, their Country sold!
Ere the Voluptuous of degen'rate Taste
Disrellish'd simple Foods, and those embrac'd
Who taught Men rich Destruction first to eat,
And with high Sauces poison'd wholsome Meat!
Till nauseous Med'cines were at length employ'd
To cure the Glutton by the Cook destroy'd:
Ere Men embroider'd precious Silks, and wore
Wide Robes of State enrich'd with Lybian Oar:
None yet did hardy o'er the Ocean run
Thro' Deaths and Dangers to the rising Sun;
Oe'r dreadful Gulphs and distant Kingdoms roam
To fetch all Asia's Pride and Pleasures Home:
They knew no Persian Loom, nor Tyrian Dye,
Nor dress'd in Colours Rivals of the Sky;
Nor spread with Scarlet lay on downy Beds,
With gilded Roofs of Cedar o'er their Heads;
Nor did from od'rous Limbs and scented Hair
Diffuse Arabia thro' the ambient Air,
Or in their Vests Hesperian Gardens wear.
Ere Lust of Pow'r did Men in Arms engage;
28
Or Traytors to be great, their Country sold!
Ere the Voluptuous of degen'rate Taste
Disrellish'd simple Foods, and those embrac'd
Who taught Men rich Destruction first to eat,
And with high Sauces poison'd wholsome Meat!
Till nauseous Med'cines were at length employ'd
To cure the Glutton by the Cook destroy'd:
Ere Men embroider'd precious Silks, and wore
Wide Robes of State enrich'd with Lybian Oar:
None yet did hardy o'er the Ocean run
Thro' Deaths and Dangers to the rising Sun;
Oe'r dreadful Gulphs and distant Kingdoms roam
To fetch all Asia's Pride and Pleasures Home:
They knew no Persian Loom, nor Tyrian Dye,
Nor dress'd in Colours Rivals of the Sky;
Nor spread with Scarlet lay on downy Beds,
With gilded Roofs of Cedar o'er their Heads;
Nor did from od'rous Limbs and scented Hair
Diffuse Arabia thro' the ambient Air,
Or in their Vests Hesperian Gardens wear.
He said—And thus reply'd the Reverend Sage;
Wise Prince, you justly praise the eldest Age;
What is the Man of Royal Favour proud,
This Day the Idol of th' adoring Croud,
The next a wretched Object of their Scorn,
Disgrac'd, exil'd, or to the Scaffold born?
What are a Palace, or Imperial Seat,
But lofty Prisons, that confine the Great,
Where Envy, Fraud, Suspicion, secret Fear,
And Flatt'ry charming to a Monarch's Ear,
A fatal Brood, which Beds of Down create,
Roost in high Roofs, and swarm in Rooms of State?
What is the Life of Kings so much renown'd,
But anxious Cares enthron'd, and Trouble crown'd?
Real Vexation and dissembled Ease,
A splendid Triumph on tempestuous Seas?
Still is the Tyrant less secure, than They
Who frighted by his Might his Will obey.
Slave to his Slaves, he endless Terrour knows,
And dreads the Pow'r by which he dreadful grows.
Wise Prince, you justly praise the eldest Age;
What is the Man of Royal Favour proud,
This Day the Idol of th' adoring Croud,
29
Disgrac'd, exil'd, or to the Scaffold born?
What are a Palace, or Imperial Seat,
But lofty Prisons, that confine the Great,
Where Envy, Fraud, Suspicion, secret Fear,
And Flatt'ry charming to a Monarch's Ear,
A fatal Brood, which Beds of Down create,
Roost in high Roofs, and swarm in Rooms of State?
What is the Life of Kings so much renown'd,
But anxious Cares enthron'd, and Trouble crown'd?
Real Vexation and dissembled Ease,
A splendid Triumph on tempestuous Seas?
Still is the Tyrant less secure, than They
Who frighted by his Might his Will obey.
Slave to his Slaves, he endless Terrour knows,
And dreads the Pow'r by which he dreadful grows.
Since so much Pain and Care a Court attend,
Who from this Height of Pleasure would descend
To the low State of Monarchs, and refuse
Substantial Good, and a gay Phantom chuse?
Who would not ease his Temples of a Crown,
Take up the Crook, and lay the Scepter down,
And to a peaceful Cell would not resort
To fly the Furies that infest a Court?
All, who discern true Joys from empty Show,
And how to live the happy Secret know,
Would Pomp and Pow'r to calm Delights postpone,
Prefer the Desart, and renounce the Throne.
Who from this Height of Pleasure would descend
To the low State of Monarchs, and refuse
Substantial Good, and a gay Phantom chuse?
Who would not ease his Temples of a Crown,
Take up the Crook, and lay the Scepter down,
And to a peaceful Cell would not resort
To fly the Furies that infest a Court?
30
And how to live the happy Secret know,
Would Pomp and Pow'r to calm Delights postpone,
Prefer the Desart, and renounce the Throne.
This said—he thus bespoke the Briton; Know,
Discerning Prince, that these Reflections flow
From much Experience of the Cares and Strife
That vex the Great, and trouble publick Life;
Not from monastick Spleen or sullen Pride,
That oft in Desarts, Grotts, and Caves abide:
For this delightful solitary State
I now enjoy, is not of ancient Date.
Discerning Prince, that these Reflections flow
From much Experience of the Cares and Strife
That vex the Great, and trouble publick Life;
Not from monastick Spleen or sullen Pride,
That oft in Desarts, Grotts, and Caves abide:
For this delightful solitary State
I now enjoy, is not of ancient Date.
The Hermite now his wise Discourse renew'd,
And thus his gen'rous Sentiments pursu'd.
The genuine Heroes, who have Toil endur'd,
Patient of Suff'ring, and to Straits inur'd,
Reluctant chuse a Crown's oppressive Weight,
The Task of Empire, and the Cares of State;
Nor, till the Tribes their earnest Pray'r repeat,
Comply at last, and, yielding to be Great,
To Courts from peaceful Solitude retreat.
These, when exalted to th' Imperial Throne,
Encrease the People's Riches, not their own;
At whose Commands rude Swains laborious grow,
And make the Land with Milk and Honey flow.
And thus his gen'rous Sentiments pursu'd.
The genuine Heroes, who have Toil endur'd,
Patient of Suff'ring, and to Straits inur'd,
Reluctant chuse a Crown's oppressive Weight,
The Task of Empire, and the Cares of State;
Nor, till the Tribes their earnest Pray'r repeat,
Comply at last, and, yielding to be Great,
To Courts from peaceful Solitude retreat.
These, when exalted to th' Imperial Throne,
Encrease the People's Riches, not their own;
31
And make the Land with Milk and Honey flow.
Now do the Schools, (for all great Kings a Zeal
To raise th' Esteem of Sciences reveal,)
Abound with fludious Heads that Nature know,
And to th' admiring World her Secrets show;
With Men of Genius, who in tuneful Verse
The Glorious Actions of their Kings rehearse.
By Penalties and Gifts, by Frowns and Praise,
They labour in their Subjects Breasts to raise
Warm Emulation, and a gen'rous Strife,
To learn industrious Arts, and frugal Life;
While their own Cares and unluxurious Course
Inspire their Precepts with prevailing Force:
Arm'd Pow'r may dictate and prescribe the Law,
But high Examples to Obedience draw.
To raise th' Esteem of Sciences reveal,)
Abound with fludious Heads that Nature know,
And to th' admiring World her Secrets show;
With Men of Genius, who in tuneful Verse
The Glorious Actions of their Kings rehearse.
By Penalties and Gifts, by Frowns and Praise,
They labour in their Subjects Breasts to raise
Warm Emulation, and a gen'rous Strife,
To learn industrious Arts, and frugal Life;
While their own Cares and unluxurious Course
Inspire their Precepts with prevailing Force:
Arm'd Pow'r may dictate and prescribe the Law,
But high Examples to Obedience draw.
Crowns of pure Glory dazling to the Sight,
Wrought with more Skill, & with more Labour bright,
Immortal Vests, which Gemms divine adorn,
Inferiour scarce to those by Seraphs worn,
Are kept in Heav'ns rich Wardrobe to array
The Godlike Kings that thus the Scepter sway.
Wrought with more Skill, & with more Labour bright,
Immortal Vests, which Gemms divine adorn,
Inferiour scarce to those by Seraphs worn,
Are kept in Heav'ns rich Wardrobe to array
The Godlike Kings that thus the Scepter sway.
32
The Hermite ceas'd—And Guithun thus reply'd;
How much these Worthies void of haughty Pride,
Whom you have lively drawn, by Rays divine
Ambitious Chiefs and vulgar Kings outshine,
Who violate the Laws, encroach on Right
By various Frauds or Arbitrary Might,
Enjoy Destruction, and in Blood delight;
Or plung'd in Pleasure, and dissolv'd in Ease,
With soft Delights their ravish'd Senses please?
How much these Worthies void of haughty Pride,
Whom you have lively drawn, by Rays divine
Ambitious Chiefs and vulgar Kings outshine,
Who violate the Laws, encroach on Right
By various Frauds or Arbitrary Might,
Enjoy Destruction, and in Blood delight;
Or plung'd in Pleasure, and dissolv'd in Ease,
With soft Delights their ravish'd Senses please?
While they renew'd their Strength by Drink & Meat.
These wise Discourses did with Pleasure treat
Prince Alfred—Then the Hermite thus addrest
With Words unfeign'd his Royal British Guest;
You, gen'rous Prince, not Riches, Pow'r, and Fame,
But high Heroick Virtue make your Aim.
Had the great Monarch, whom I serv'd, been born
With those Endowments, which your Mind adorn:
Had he the Glorious Ends design'd, which you
Inspir'd with warm Celestial Zeal pursue,
He had Immortal Praise and Glory gain'd,
And o'er a happy Church and People reign'd.
These wise Discourses did with Pleasure treat
Prince Alfred—Then the Hermite thus addrest
With Words unfeign'd his Royal British Guest;
You, gen'rous Prince, not Riches, Pow'r, and Fame,
But high Heroick Virtue make your Aim.
Had the great Monarch, whom I serv'd, been born
With those Endowments, which your Mind adorn:
Had he the Glorious Ends design'd, which you
Inspir'd with warm Celestial Zeal pursue,
He had Immortal Praise and Glory gain'd,
And o'er a happy Church and People reign'd.
He said—And now the Shipwreckt princely Guest
Importunate the pious Hermite prest
To tell his chief Adventures, and declare
Who was his King, and what his Actions were:
For such Narration Alfred wisely thought
Would the great End he had in View promote;
Whence he might judge, led by the Hermite's Light,
When Princes err'd, and when their Steps were right.
Importunate the pious Hermite prest
33
Who was his King, and what his Actions were:
For such Narration Alfred wisely thought
Would the great End he had in View promote;
Whence he might judge, led by the Hermite's Light,
When Princes err'd, and when their Steps were right.
The Anchorite with humble Mien reply'd;
Can your Request by Silva be deny'd?
But now, great Briton, since the wearing Night
And your past Suff'rings to Repose invite,
Enjoy your Rest, and when the Morning Ray
Shall tender shoot, and introduce the Day,
The Province you enjoyn, I will discharge,
And you shall hear my various Fate at large.
Since panting you to Wisdom's Heights aspire,
And by new Labours studious would acquire
The high Perfections glorious Kings possess,
Who by their Godlike Reign their People bless;
My Story I'll relate, where you will find
What may in Part for Empire form your Mind.
Can your Request by Silva be deny'd?
But now, great Briton, since the wearing Night
And your past Suff'rings to Repose invite,
Enjoy your Rest, and when the Morning Ray
Shall tender shoot, and introduce the Day,
The Province you enjoyn, I will discharge,
And you shall hear my various Fate at large.
Since panting you to Wisdom's Heights aspire,
And by new Labours studious would acquire
The high Perfections glorious Kings possess,
Who by their Godlike Reign their People bless;
My Story I'll relate, where you will find
What may in Part for Empire form your Mind.
| Alfred | |