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The Works of the Right Honourable Sir Chas. Hanbury Williams

... From the Originals in the Possession of His Grandson The Right Hon. The Earl of Essex and Others: With Notes by Horace Walpole ... In Three Volumes, with Portraits

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AN ODE TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY PELHAM, ESQ.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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AN ODE TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY PELHAM, ESQ.

On his being appointed first Commissioner of the Treasury; written and sent from Maddington, Sept. 1743.

I decus i nostrum.— Virg.

THE fair one, who, in beauty's pride,
Sees crowds of lovers at her side,
Whose eyes confess their flame;
Whose titles, fortune, merit, birth,
Must make her conscious of her worth,
And please the matchless dame:
Yet, if some less deserving swain,
Approach to swell her pompous train,

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And passion strive to move;
She does not blast him with her frowns,
Nor quite rejects his vows, but owns
'Tis some desert to love.
So, steady Pelham, tho' on you,
All who to Freedom's cause are true,
However great, attend;
Yet don't despise my distant bow,
But let a nod or smile allow,
You own me for a friend.
Far be from me all flatt'ring lays,
'Tis merit's debt I pay, my praise
Is founded on esteem;
Truth ever shall direct my Muse,
Truth guides this verse, truth makes me chuse
A Pelham for my theme.
In public, acting firm and just,
To private friendship's sacred trust

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Fix'd, steady, and sincere;
The Whigs proclaim the public part,
The private—Orford's grateful heart
And able tongue declare.
Advanc'd by king's and people's voice,
Old England's genius blest the choice,
And fearless now she stands;
Secure of all that's great and good,
While Pelham's counsels are pursu'd,
And George himself commands.
Oh, might I hope to share a part
In such a noble, honest heart,
Regardless of thy power;
To that my utmost wish would bend,
Nor will you blush to own a friend,
That Orford own'd before.