Cupid turned volunteer :: :: University of Virginia Library

Cupid turned volunteer

In a series of prints, designed by Her Royal Highness the Princess Elizabeth; and Engraved by W. N. Gardiner: With poetical illustrations by Thomas Park

Park, Thomas (1759-1834)

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CUPID SUPPLICATES PALLAS TO LET HIM BECOME A VOLUNTEER.

RELINQUISHES HIS BOW AND ARROWS, AND DEPOSITS THEM WITHIN THE BRITISH STANDARD.

ASSUMES HIS FIRELOCK.

ADVANCES TO THE ALTAR OF LOYALTY.

TAKES THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.

SURVEYS THE TARGET.

HITS THE CENTRE OF THE TARGET.

PRESENTING COLOURS BEFORE THE KING.

CUPID EXERCISING HIS DRUM, HAVING PLACED HIS BANNER IN SAFETY.

THE DOVE BRINGS BACK HIS ARROWS, WITH AN OLIVE BRANCH.

CUPID DEPOSITS HIS BANNER IN THE TEMPLE OF MINERVA.

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ADVANCES TO THE ALTAR OF LOYALTY.

Now burns his breast with resolute desire
To fight for Britain's scepter'd Sire;
And, as he views the altar's reddening glow,
Thus do indignant feelings flow:—
What, shall the sons of Freedom's isle
Crouch tamely to a tyrant-yoke?
Shall the true offspring of the soil,
The seedlings of the elm and oak,
Be forc'd from their hereditary place
By pert exotics of the tulip race?
Forbid it all that earth or heav'n may move,
Forbid it honour, glory, virtue, love!
Let not a plunder-thirsting crew
Who never felt my influence bland,
Who never gentle pity knew,
Spread desolation o'er a land
Which still hath own'd compassion's lenient sway,
Since at great Edward's feet subjected Gallia lay.

The exalted heroism of our third Edward can hardly need specification; but it must ever be gratifying for Englishmen to repeat, that after the memorable battle of Cressy, our victorious monarch issued his express orders that the vanquished should not be insulted.—See Rapin's Hist. &c.