Alfred An Epick Poem. In Twelve Books. By Sir Richard Blackmore |
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| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. | BOOK V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
 | Alfred |  |
142
BOOK V.
The ARGUMENT.
Alfred sails from Tunisia to Parthenope. The Description of King Artolan's Palace, who receives and entertains the Briton with great Respect. The Prince surveys the Curiosities of the Town, and the neigbouring Country. The Grott of Lucullus, Pausilippo, Baiæ, Puzzolo, Vesuvius. Artolan carries the Prince to Ischia: While they are viewing that Island, Messengers arrived from Naples acquaint the King that his Subjects had taken up Arms against him, and were advanc'd as far as Capua in their Way to Naples. The King returns thither with Speed, gives Order that his Army should be assembled to suppress the Rebels. Barri, at Prince Alfred's Request, relates
to him the Causes of the Sedition. The Prince accompanies Artolan to the Field, and when the Armies were ready to engage, he rides between them, proposes Terms of Accommodation to either Side, and at length procures Submission from the Rebels, and an Amnesty from the King. Publick Rejoicings made for the Peace. Artolan reforms the Court. Puts Persons of great Abilities into the chief Offices of State. The Characters of his new Ministers. The discarded Courtiers highly enraged at their Disgrace meet in Council, and agree to use all their Industry and Power to embroil Affairs, and distress the King. Arban, to gratify his Revenge, proposes the Assassination of Alfred on the Sicilian Coast. The Rest agree to it. A Bark and Men are hired for this Purpose. Raban their Chief, having been formerly discharged from Imprisonment at Rome by Prince Alfred's Means, reflects on his Ingratitude, and discovers the Plot. The Conspirators are seized, tryed, and condemned, but pardoned upon Alfred's Intercession. The Prince takes his Leave of the Court, and sails for Sicily.
143
In
Halla's Court Britannia's Heroe spent
His Hours with great Delight, while he intent
Observes the Manners, Customs, Rites, and Laws,
That fam'd Tunisia's Wealth and Greatness cause,
And crown the Sov'reign's Conduct with Applause.
His Hours with great Delight, while he intent
Observes the Manners, Customs, Rites, and Laws,
That fam'd Tunisia's Wealth and Greatness cause,
And crown the Sov'reign's Conduct with Applause.
144
And now the Briton, who had stock'd his Mind
With new and useful Schemes of various Kind,
Decreed again to try his Fate by Sea,
And seek the Coast of fair Parthenope.
Then taking Leave, the Monarch he address'd,
And Strains sincere of Gratitude express'd.
The smiling Graces of the infant Morn
Now dawning sweet the peaceful Skies adorn;
No hov'ring Foggs, no Clouds their Gloom display,
Obscure th' Horizon and suspend the Day.
A southern Wind, that from Tunisia bore
Soft balmy Vapours, and the fragrant Store
Breath'd from Numidia's Woods and flowry Plain,
Perfum'd the Air, and gently mov'd the Main.
The Sailers now, so Halla bade, prepare
Th' appointed Vessels with assiduous Care:
Some rang'd, and bending forward, in Array
Howl at the Cables and the Anchors weigh:
Some sitting cross the Yards the Shrowds dispose,
Expand the Canvass and the Gale enclose:
Others bring Fowl, Sherbets and Fruits aboard,
And in the Hold Numidia's Pleasures hoard.
Britannia's Prince, advancing to the Strand,
Mounted the Ship well-rigg'd and fully mann'd,
Then stood his Course to gain Hesperia's Land.
With new and useful Schemes of various Kind,
Decreed again to try his Fate by Sea,
And seek the Coast of fair Parthenope.
Then taking Leave, the Monarch he address'd,
And Strains sincere of Gratitude express'd.
The smiling Graces of the infant Morn
Now dawning sweet the peaceful Skies adorn;
No hov'ring Foggs, no Clouds their Gloom display,
Obscure th' Horizon and suspend the Day.
A southern Wind, that from Tunisia bore
Soft balmy Vapours, and the fragrant Store
Breath'd from Numidia's Woods and flowry Plain,
Perfum'd the Air, and gently mov'd the Main.
The Sailers now, so Halla bade, prepare
Th' appointed Vessels with assiduous Care:
Some rang'd, and bending forward, in Array
Howl at the Cables and the Anchors weigh:
Some sitting cross the Yards the Shrowds dispose,
Expand the Canvass and the Gale enclose:
Others bring Fowl, Sherbets and Fruits aboard,
And in the Hold Numidia's Pleasures hoard.
Britannia's Prince, advancing to the Strand,
Mounted the Ship well-rigg'd and fully mann'd,
Then stood his Course to gain Hesperia's Land.
145
Thrice had the solar Orb around the Earth
Describ'd his radiant Circle, giving Birth
To the new Morn, as oft prevailing Night
In Turn succeeded discontinu'd Light;
When sailing near the Shore at Height of Day
They came with Joy before fair Naples Bay,
A Sea-Peninsula of great Extent,
Which to the Midland Ocean's Continent
A watry Isthmus joins, that with its Tide
From Ischia's Banks does Caprea's Isle divide.
They thro' this opening Mouth their Way pursu'd,
And not remote the rising Castles view'd.
Alfred with Pleasure did the Coast survey,
Where in a beauteous Bow extended lay
Sublime Parthenope of wide Command;
The Heroe soon debark'd and came to Land.
Describ'd his radiant Circle, giving Birth
To the new Morn, as oft prevailing Night
In Turn succeeded discontinu'd Light;
When sailing near the Shore at Height of Day
They came with Joy before fair Naples Bay,
A Sea-Peninsula of great Extent,
Which to the Midland Ocean's Continent
A watry Isthmus joins, that with its Tide
From Ischia's Banks does Caprea's Isle divide.
They thro' this opening Mouth their Way pursu'd,
And not remote the rising Castles view'd.
Alfred with Pleasure did the Coast survey,
Where in a beauteous Bow extended lay
Sublime Parthenope of wide Command;
The Heroe soon debark'd and came to Land.
Here Artolan the regal Scepter sway'd,
Whose Laws Campania's happy Soil obey'd,
And the rich Fields which owe their flow'ry Pride
To Liris's Bounty and Vulturno's Tide,
With the fair Realm, that stretches to the East
By wanton Sora's Chrystal Arms carest
Between the sandy Margins, which restrain
Th' Ionian Billow and the Adrian Main.
The Briton much admir'd the stately Town,
And much the Royal Palace, whose Renown
The Tow'rs and Piles magnificent outvyes
That with their Splendour grace Hesperia's Skies.
Whose Laws Campania's happy Soil obey'd,
And the rich Fields which owe their flow'ry Pride
To Liris's Bounty and Vulturno's Tide,
With the fair Realm, that stretches to the East
By wanton Sora's Chrystal Arms carest
Between the sandy Margins, which restrain
Th' Ionian Billow and the Adrian Main.
146
And much the Royal Palace, whose Renown
The Tow'rs and Piles magnificent outvyes
That with their Splendour grace Hesperia's Skies.
The Structure rose august on Pillars plac'd
Of Corinth's beauteous Order, and was fac'd
With polish'd Marble proud of curious Stains,
And Azure Stones enrich'd with golden Veins.
Here Statues feigning Life, th' amazing Skill
And Pride of Greece, the hollow Niches fill:
There other Creatures of an equal Hand
On the high Walls in pompous Ranges stand:
The lofty Rooms of State at vast Expence
Were beautify'd with Luxury immense,
With matchless Purple by the Tyrian sold,
Rich Tapistry, and pond'rous Busts of Gold,
Gilded Pilasters, odorif'rous Doors
Of Cedar, painted Ceilings, checker'd Floors,
And costly Tables of prodigious Weight,
Some curious Porph'ry, some all massy Plate.
Of Corinth's beauteous Order, and was fac'd
With polish'd Marble proud of curious Stains,
And Azure Stones enrich'd with golden Veins.
Here Statues feigning Life, th' amazing Skill
And Pride of Greece, the hollow Niches fill:
There other Creatures of an equal Hand
On the high Walls in pompous Ranges stand:
The lofty Rooms of State at vast Expence
Were beautify'd with Luxury immense,
With matchless Purple by the Tyrian sold,
Rich Tapistry, and pond'rous Busts of Gold,
Gilded Pilasters, odorif'rous Doors
Of Cedar, painted Ceilings, checker'd Floors,
And costly Tables of prodigious Weight,
Some curious Porph'ry, some all massy Plate.
At first the Monarch to the Prince express'd
The usual Honours to high Birth address'd;
At length his bright Endowments he admir'd,
The Gifts of Nature, or by Art acquir'd,
His princely Mien by all Spectators prais'd,
And graceful Limbs that Love and Wonder rais'd,
While charming Form and Nobleness of Mind
To make a Prince like heav'nly Seraphs, join'd.
Then as a Friend the Heroe he embrac'd,
And with peculiar Marks of Favour grac'd.
To the most curious Objects, that invite
Th' attentive Trav'ller, and surprize the Sight,
He oft Britannia's Prince in Person led,
And on the Works of Art and Nature read.
The usual Honours to high Birth address'd;
At length his bright Endowments he admir'd,
The Gifts of Nature, or by Art acquir'd,
147
And graceful Limbs that Love and Wonder rais'd,
While charming Form and Nobleness of Mind
To make a Prince like heav'nly Seraphs, join'd.
Then as a Friend the Heroe he embrac'd,
And with peculiar Marks of Favour grac'd.
To the most curious Objects, that invite
Th' attentive Trav'ller, and surprize the Sight,
He oft Britannia's Prince in Person led,
And on the Works of Art and Nature read.
Alfred survey'd this celebrated Town
In fair Hesperia of the first Renown:
On the North Side he saw by slow Degrees
A Hill arise adorn'd with verdant Trees;
Where Balls, gilt Tow'rs, and Temples mixt with Rows
Of Limes and golden Orange-Groves compose
Delightful Landskips, while he doubtful stood
If he beheld a City or a Wood.
In fair Hesperia of the first Renown:
On the North Side he saw by slow Degrees
A Hill arise adorn'd with verdant Trees;
Where Balls, gilt Tow'rs, and Temples mixt with Rows
Of Limes and golden Orange-Groves compose
Delightful Landskips, while he doubtful stood
If he beheld a City or a Wood.
Now to Lucullus Grott the Heroe past,
By daring Genius and with Labour vast
Pierc'd thro' the Mountain's Bowels to display
For trav'lling Troops a short and easy Way,
And thus excuse a toilsome steep Ascent;
The Prince surpriz'd thus gave his Passion Vent:
O Rome! What Glory, Pomp, and Pow'r immense
Did'st thou acquire! What boundless Opulence!
When thy great Chiefs opposing Monarchs broke,
Brought all the Realms around beneath thy Yoke,
And fill'd thy Bosom with the gather'd Spoils
Of vanquish'd Lands and tributary Isles;
Since one of thy Patrician Sons alone
At vast Expence has such great Wonders shown,
And but a Subject of thy Empire vy'd
With Kings, that broken Monarchies divide.
By daring Genius and with Labour vast
Pierc'd thro' the Mountain's Bowels to display
For trav'lling Troops a short and easy Way,
And thus excuse a toilsome steep Ascent;
The Prince surpriz'd thus gave his Passion Vent:
148
Did'st thou acquire! What boundless Opulence!
When thy great Chiefs opposing Monarchs broke,
Brought all the Realms around beneath thy Yoke,
And fill'd thy Bosom with the gather'd Spoils
Of vanquish'd Lands and tributary Isles;
Since one of thy Patrician Sons alone
At vast Expence has such great Wonders shown,
And but a Subject of thy Empire vy'd
With Kings, that broken Monarchies divide.
He view'd Campania's Fields, and Capua's Tow'rs
Whose Joys dissolv'd the military Pow'rs
Of mighty Carthage, that by Sea and Land
Did long by rival Strength high Rome withstand,
While of th' expecting World th' imperial Sway
Balanc'd in equal Scales suspended lay.
Whose Joys dissolv'd the military Pow'rs
Of mighty Carthage, that by Sea and Land
Did long by rival Strength high Rome withstand,
While of th' expecting World th' imperial Sway
Balanc'd in equal Scales suspended lay.
And next the Charms of Pausilippo's Hill
The Heroe with Delight and Wonder fill;
From its exalted Heights with ravish'd Eyes
He curious Scenes o'er the wide Bay descries;
Its Head and Side are still with Pleasure seen
Adorn'd with Flow'rs and never-fading Green;
Whither the Rich in painted Boats repair
To breathe the breezy Evening's cooling Air.
The Heroe with Delight and Wonder fill;
From its exalted Heights with ravish'd Eyes
He curious Scenes o'er the wide Bay descries;
Its Head and Side are still with Pleasure seen
Adorn'd with Flow'rs and never-fading Green;
Whither the Rich in painted Boats repair
To breathe the breezy Evening's cooling Air.
149
Here they beheld the Mantuan's artless Tomb,
The Prince of Poets and the Pride of Rome.
When Guithun first observ'd the small Regard
Paid to the Ashes of so great a Bard,
Shame of th' ungrateful Nation he express'd,
And then with solemn Accents thus address'd
The unexampled Roman; Bard divine,
What narrow Limits thy Remains confine?
While thro' th' applauding World unbounded Fame
Proclaims thy Labours and immortal Name.
Happy the Bards! who sing, while Pow'rs supreme
Pleas'd with the Muses taste the tuneful Theme:
Princes with true heroick Virtue crown'd
To Schools of Science are propitious found;
For still a great and elevated Mind
By native Instinct is to Merit kind.
Deserv'd Renown thy lofty Genius gain'd,
Because it flourish'd, when Augustus reign'd:
Only such Cæsars will a Maro raise,
Only a Maro can such Cæsars praise.
The Prince of Poets and the Pride of Rome.
When Guithun first observ'd the small Regard
Paid to the Ashes of so great a Bard,
Shame of th' ungrateful Nation he express'd,
And then with solemn Accents thus address'd
The unexampled Roman; Bard divine,
What narrow Limits thy Remains confine?
While thro' th' applauding World unbounded Fame
Proclaims thy Labours and immortal Name.
Happy the Bards! who sing, while Pow'rs supreme
Pleas'd with the Muses taste the tuneful Theme:
Princes with true heroick Virtue crown'd
To Schools of Science are propitious found;
For still a great and elevated Mind
By native Instinct is to Merit kind.
Deserv'd Renown thy lofty Genius gain'd,
Because it flourish'd, when Augustus reign'd:
Only such Cæsars will a Maro raise,
Only a Maro can such Cæsars praise.
He next at Baiæ did with Wonder see
The Monuments of ancient Luxury,
Where the great Sons of Art expensive strove
Of the fair Seat the Beauties to improve.
Here Neighb'ring Youth dissolv'd in soft Delight
Play'd all the Day, and revell'd all the Night;
Hither did Rome's Patrician Lords resort,
Where Pleasure then was thought to keep her Court,
And left their Shows and Games and high Employs
To be regal'd with Baiæ's sweeter Joys,
To which Thessalian Tempe's charming Field,
And, Daphne, thy delightful Scenes must yield.
The Monuments of ancient Luxury,
Where the great Sons of Art expensive strove
Of the fair Seat the Beauties to improve.
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Play'd all the Day, and revell'd all the Night;
Hither did Rome's Patrician Lords resort,
Where Pleasure then was thought to keep her Court,
And left their Shows and Games and high Employs
To be regal'd with Baiæ's sweeter Joys,
To which Thessalian Tempe's charming Field,
And, Daphne, thy delightful Scenes must yield.
The steaming Baths by tepid Vapours made
Thro' subterranean Galleries convey'd,
And Cæsar's Ponds once for their finny Store
And Structure fam'd, and num'rous Wonders more
Britannia's Heroe saw, the proud Remains
Of Roman Greatness scatter'd thro' the Plains.
Thro' subterranean Galleries convey'd,
And Cæsar's Ponds once for their finny Store
And Structure fam'd, and num'rous Wonders more
Britannia's Heroe saw, the proud Remains
Of Roman Greatness scatter'd thro' the Plains.
They view'd Puzzuolo on the adverse Strand,
Whose Forts in Part the spacious Bay command;
Where in deep Beds extended underground
Exhaustless Stores combustible are found,
Naphtha and Sulphur-Veins, that kindled rage
And furious War in trembling Prisons wage.
With Vapours now they fill the Vaults below,
Now thro' the Air hot Eructations throw
Of Smoak and livid Flame; and thus they form
Beneath, the Earthquake, and above, the Storm:
And since, from Wombs abrupt the cleaving Soil
On the flat Lands has with convulsive Toil
Exploded Hills and new-born Mountains cast,
And with projected Heaps whole Towns effac't.
Whose Forts in Part the spacious Bay command;
Where in deep Beds extended underground
Exhaustless Stores combustible are found,
Naphtha and Sulphur-Veins, that kindled rage
And furious War in trembling Prisons wage.
With Vapours now they fill the Vaults below,
Now thro' the Air hot Eructations throw
Of Smoak and livid Flame; and thus they form
Beneath, the Earthquake, and above, the Storm:
151
On the flat Lands has with convulsive Toil
Exploded Hills and new-born Mountains cast,
And with projected Heaps whole Towns effac't.
Not far remote they saw the spreading Plains
By Nature rich and till'd by Cuma's Swains,
Where the fam'd Sybil in her Cave profound
Secrets involv'd in Words of mystick Sound
Oft utter'd from her agitated Breast,
And future Fates inspir'd by Heav'n exprest,
That sees in Causes and effective Springs
The sleeping Scenes of unexistent Things:
She Tribes unborn could number, and explain
Of dark Events a long successive Chain,
And by Prediction greater Fame acquir'd
Than all her Sisters with like Rapture fir'd.
By Nature rich and till'd by Cuma's Swains,
Where the fam'd Sybil in her Cave profound
Secrets involv'd in Words of mystick Sound
Oft utter'd from her agitated Breast,
And future Fates inspir'd by Heav'n exprest,
That sees in Causes and effective Springs
The sleeping Scenes of unexistent Things:
She Tribes unborn could number, and explain
Of dark Events a long successive Chain,
And by Prediction greater Fame acquir'd
Than all her Sisters with like Rapture fir'd.
Curious his Mind he with new Pleasure fed
Viewing sublime Vesuvio's stormy Head,
That high in Air with gloomy Terrours crown'd
Scatters its crude unfinish'd Bowels round,
Smokes in the Skies, and Thunders underground;
Covers the Fields with unconcocted Oar,
And with vast Heaps of Cynders spreads the Shore;
While lab'ring it explodes from bellowing Caves
Blue Sulphur flaming in uplifted Waves.
He view'd the Vines, which round the Hills produce
Clusters, that swell with such a gen'rous Juice
As seem'd a Spirit, which its Strength acquires
From Chymick Nature's subterranean Fires.
Viewing sublime Vesuvio's stormy Head,
That high in Air with gloomy Terrours crown'd
Scatters its crude unfinish'd Bowels round,
Smokes in the Skies, and Thunders underground;
Covers the Fields with unconcocted Oar,
And with vast Heaps of Cynders spreads the Shore;
152
Blue Sulphur flaming in uplifted Waves.
He view'd the Vines, which round the Hills produce
Clusters, that swell with such a gen'rous Juice
As seem'd a Spirit, which its Strength acquires
From Chymick Nature's subterranean Fires.
The Briton hence Calabria's Plain descry'd
Adorn'd with Grain and Groves and flow'ry Pride,
Where crouded Towns almost contiguous stand,
And scarce for Tillage leave sufficient Land.
Adorn'd with Grain and Groves and flow'ry Pride,
Where crouded Towns almost contiguous stand,
And scarce for Tillage leave sufficient Land.
And now a costly Barge of Pleasure bore
The King and Albion's Prince to Ischia's Shore,
That with the ample Gulph encompass'd lay,
Which the rich Soil's expanded Arms embay:
They landed with a splendid Train; and while
They view'd the Face of this delightful Isle,
Three Lords with Consternation in their Eyes
Arriv'd from Napolis the King surprize
With News unwelcome; That Apulia's Lord
Had drawn against his Prince his faithless Sword;
That marching onward at his Army's Head,
And threatning high, he the bold Rebels led
To the imperial Seat of Artolan,
And that to Capua's Gates the hardy Van
Was now advanc'd—Th' uneasy King with speed
And Albion's Prince from Ischia's Isle proceed
To high Parthenope—And then, to save
The Realm from fierce Sedition, Orders, gave
To congregate his faithful Troops, and form
An Army to dispell the low'ring Storm.
The King and Albion's Prince to Ischia's Shore,
That with the ample Gulph encompass'd lay,
Which the rich Soil's expanded Arms embay:
They landed with a splendid Train; and while
They view'd the Face of this delightful Isle,
Three Lords with Consternation in their Eyes
Arriv'd from Napolis the King surprize
With News unwelcome; That Apulia's Lord
Had drawn against his Prince his faithless Sword;
That marching onward at his Army's Head,
And threatning high, he the bold Rebels led
To the imperial Seat of Artolan,
And that to Capua's Gates the hardy Van
153
And Albion's Prince from Ischia's Isle proceed
To high Parthenope—And then, to save
The Realm from fierce Sedition, Orders, gave
To congregate his faithful Troops, and form
An Army to dispell the low'ring Storm.
Barri, a Lord for loyal Zeal approv'd
By Artolan, and thro' the Realm belov'd,
To publick Good and Merit still a Friend,
Was by the King commanded to attend
Britannia's Prince since first he came to Land,
And now alone did in his Presence stand.
Alfred reflecting on the troubled State,
Bespoke the Courtier thus—Kind Lord, relate
The genuine Causes, which you judge inspire
The People's Breasts with this seditious Fire.
No Facts important, no fit Lights conceal,
But all the Springs of this Disease reveal;
That done, with Zeal I'll labour to prepare
Some Remedy of Force, with timely Care.
By Artolan, and thro' the Realm belov'd,
To publick Good and Merit still a Friend,
Was by the King commanded to attend
Britannia's Prince since first he came to Land,
And now alone did in his Presence stand.
Alfred reflecting on the troubled State,
Bespoke the Courtier thus—Kind Lord, relate
The genuine Causes, which you judge inspire
The People's Breasts with this seditious Fire.
No Facts important, no fit Lights conceal,
But all the Springs of this Disease reveal;
That done, with Zeal I'll labour to prepare
Some Remedy of Force, with timely Care.
The courteous Lord, who fully understood
Alfred's great Mind and Aims at publick Good,
Resolv'd to make th' enquiring Heroe know
The fatal Fountain of the Nation's Woe,
In Hope his num'rous Qualities divine
Would now to prop a sinking State combine:
Then thus he answer'd—With a patient Ear,
Illustrious Briton, my Narration hear.
To sacred Vows, and social Virtue true,
Uncensur'd still I paid th' Allegiance due
To Artolan my Prince, and studious strove
To guard his Throne, and fix his People's Love;
And now at your Command I must with Sighs
Tell the true Springs whence Feuds intestine rise.
Alfred's great Mind and Aims at publick Good,
Resolv'd to make th' enquiring Heroe know
The fatal Fountain of the Nation's Woe,
154
Would now to prop a sinking State combine:
Then thus he answer'd—With a patient Ear,
Illustrious Briton, my Narration hear.
To sacred Vows, and social Virtue true,
Uncensur'd still I paid th' Allegiance due
To Artolan my Prince, and studious strove
To guard his Throne, and fix his People's Love;
And now at your Command I must with Sighs
Tell the true Springs whence Feuds intestine rise.
Know, Alfred, that our Prince, of Thought refin'd
And blest with high Endowments of the Mind,
To splendid Modes of Worship is inclin'd:
Hence he adorn'd our Domes at vast Expence
With various Pomp and great Magnificence:
Those of the sacred Rank he most caress'd
Who Show admir'd, and active Zeal express'd
To beautify and make Religion shine
In a rich Dress and Equipage divine.
Besides misled he often seem'd to aim
At Pow'r above the Laws, that thus his Name
Might more respected and august become
In foreign Courts, and more rever'd at Home.
Hence all who sooth'd his Passion, and approv'd
The Monarch's Conduct most, were most belov'd.
In Swarms the Flatt'rers settled round the Crown,
And fill'd all Posts of Profit and Renown:
Dora and Arban gain'd his chief Regard,
And uncontroul'd the royal Favour shar'd,
Whence haughty Thoughts th' unrivall'd Pair elate,
While That Religion rul'd, and This the State.
And blest with high Endowments of the Mind,
To splendid Modes of Worship is inclin'd:
Hence he adorn'd our Domes at vast Expence
With various Pomp and great Magnificence:
Those of the sacred Rank he most caress'd
Who Show admir'd, and active Zeal express'd
To beautify and make Religion shine
In a rich Dress and Equipage divine.
Besides misled he often seem'd to aim
At Pow'r above the Laws, that thus his Name
Might more respected and august become
In foreign Courts, and more rever'd at Home.
Hence all who sooth'd his Passion, and approv'd
The Monarch's Conduct most, were most belov'd.
155
And fill'd all Posts of Profit and Renown:
Dora and Arban gain'd his chief Regard,
And uncontroul'd the royal Favour shar'd,
Whence haughty Thoughts th' unrivall'd Pair elate,
While That Religion rul'd, and This the State.
Dora a Prelate, who for Wit admir'd
And courtly Mien to Greatness still aspir'd,
By subtile Conduct and consummate Art
In Adulation, won the Monarch's Heart.
The Flatt'rer soon high Pontiff was proclaim'd,
The Height at which his tow'ring Wishes aim'd.
Now while o'er sacred Rituals he presides,
And all our Priests and solemn Worship guides,
He soon display'd his Arbitrary Mind
Where superstitious Bigotry combin'd
With Cruelty and Pride, and now began
To form and fix a new religious Plan.
He forc'd the Priests and People to adore
Their God by Rules and Ways unknown before:
His Laws new-fangled Rites and Modes enjoin,
Gay sacred Toys and Pageantry divine;
New priestly Habits gorgeous to behold,
Invented Shrines and Statues smear'd with Gold,
A meretricious ceremonial Load
Of godly Pomp imported from Abroad.
Now costly Decorations introduc'd,
Liturgick Rules and Manners never us'd
In Temples here till now, create Offence,
And the whole Realm against the Priest incense;
While most his Precepts resolute withstand,
Condemn the new, and the old Rites demand.
The haughty Priest, with vengeful Rage inflam'd
To find the End oppos'd at which he aim'd,
Engag'd the Conscience of his zealous Lord
To force the disobedient by the Sword.
Now Persecution still with Slaughter fed,
Shaking the Vipers round her frightful Head
And grasping in her Hand her bloody Spear,
Advanc'd, and fill'd the trembling Realm with Fear.
Houses were empty'd, Prisons crouded, Chains
Unwieldy, and unsufferable Pains
From Racks and Tortures, for Religion's Sake,
Thro' the sad Nation great Destruction make;
And is it Wonder such tyrannick Ways
Should Discontents and Heats seditious raise?
And courtly Mien to Greatness still aspir'd,
By subtile Conduct and consummate Art
In Adulation, won the Monarch's Heart.
The Flatt'rer soon high Pontiff was proclaim'd,
The Height at which his tow'ring Wishes aim'd.
Now while o'er sacred Rituals he presides,
And all our Priests and solemn Worship guides,
He soon display'd his Arbitrary Mind
Where superstitious Bigotry combin'd
With Cruelty and Pride, and now began
To form and fix a new religious Plan.
He forc'd the Priests and People to adore
Their God by Rules and Ways unknown before:
His Laws new-fangled Rites and Modes enjoin,
Gay sacred Toys and Pageantry divine;
New priestly Habits gorgeous to behold,
Invented Shrines and Statues smear'd with Gold,
156
Of godly Pomp imported from Abroad.
Now costly Decorations introduc'd,
Liturgick Rules and Manners never us'd
In Temples here till now, create Offence,
And the whole Realm against the Priest incense;
While most his Precepts resolute withstand,
Condemn the new, and the old Rites demand.
The haughty Priest, with vengeful Rage inflam'd
To find the End oppos'd at which he aim'd,
Engag'd the Conscience of his zealous Lord
To force the disobedient by the Sword.
Now Persecution still with Slaughter fed,
Shaking the Vipers round her frightful Head
And grasping in her Hand her bloody Spear,
Advanc'd, and fill'd the trembling Realm with Fear.
Houses were empty'd, Prisons crouded, Chains
Unwieldy, and unsufferable Pains
From Racks and Tortures, for Religion's Sake,
Thro' the sad Nation great Destruction make;
And is it Wonder such tyrannick Ways
Should Discontents and Heats seditious raise?
Besides this Grief, the suff'ring Land arraigns
The Government, and in bold Speech complains
That Arban, of immod'rate Pow'r possess'd,
Abus'd his Sov'reign and his Towns oppress'd:
That he rapacious, by a lawless Course,
By various secret Frauds and open Force,
Draining the People's Chests to fill his own,
In Wealth was Rival to a Monarch grown.
From these two Heads, illustrious Briton, spring
The Passions that inflame the Realm, and bring
Threats on the Pontiff, and embroil the King.
Hence were malignant Ferments spread that tend
To publick Feuds and in Rebellion end:
And now the Storm breaks out, unhappy Fate!
That shakes th' enfeebl'd Pillars of the State.
Of sacred Customs Men tenacious are,
And will no sudden Change of Worship bear:
This shew'd the Weakness of our Priest supreme,
Who strove to fix at once his novel Scheme.
All Reas'ning Heads on peaceful Counsels bent
Saw rip'ning in its Seeds the sad Event,
While the high Pontiff with imperious Sway
Forc'd on the Subjects his new Modes, and they
Stood full determin'd never to obey.
They judg'd that Conscience cannot be compell'd,
Nor her divine Dominion be upheld
By uninstructive Penalties and Fines,
Dark Prisons, and unedifying Mines;
In vain th' Erroneous banish'd from their Home
In Search of Truth thro' foreign Regions roam,
Or in the Gallies School are taught in Chains,
And disciplin'd for Heav'n by unenlightning Pains.
The Government, and in bold Speech complains
157
Abus'd his Sov'reign and his Towns oppress'd:
That he rapacious, by a lawless Course,
By various secret Frauds and open Force,
Draining the People's Chests to fill his own,
In Wealth was Rival to a Monarch grown.
From these two Heads, illustrious Briton, spring
The Passions that inflame the Realm, and bring
Threats on the Pontiff, and embroil the King.
Hence were malignant Ferments spread that tend
To publick Feuds and in Rebellion end:
And now the Storm breaks out, unhappy Fate!
That shakes th' enfeebl'd Pillars of the State.
Of sacred Customs Men tenacious are,
And will no sudden Change of Worship bear:
This shew'd the Weakness of our Priest supreme,
Who strove to fix at once his novel Scheme.
All Reas'ning Heads on peaceful Counsels bent
Saw rip'ning in its Seeds the sad Event,
While the high Pontiff with imperious Sway
Forc'd on the Subjects his new Modes, and they
Stood full determin'd never to obey.
They judg'd that Conscience cannot be compell'd,
Nor her divine Dominion be upheld
By uninstructive Penalties and Fines,
Dark Prisons, and unedifying Mines;
158
In Search of Truth thro' foreign Regions roam,
Or in the Gallies School are taught in Chains,
And disciplin'd for Heav'n by unenlightning Pains.
He ceas'd—Then Alfred thus his Thoughts exprest;
This Kingdom's Woes with Pity fill my Breast:
I judge the Breach of fundamental Laws,
Vows, and religious Rites, may justly cause
The Tribes their State-Directors to arraign,
And of their heavy Grievances complain:
Yet publick Right here is not so infring'd,
Nor so the Frame of Government unhing'd,
That Subjects wrong'd should martial Methods chuse,
Enroll their Troops, and Force coercive use:
All should Submission pay to Pow'r supream,
And, till fierce Rage and Cruelty extream
Shall warrant Self-Defence, should patient pray
Succour Divine, and for Deliv'rance stay.
Religion's sacred Altars I revere,
And to celestial Truth shall still adhere
Fix'd and determin'd, but I can't approve
A Sword unsheath'd ill Prelates to remove:
Nor will right Reason's Light their Cause support,
Who would by Force reform an erring Court.
But to prevent the most destructive Harms,
And all the dire Effects of civil Arms,
As Intercessour I'll assiduous try
To make each Host with Terms of Peace comply.
This Kingdom's Woes with Pity fill my Breast:
I judge the Breach of fundamental Laws,
Vows, and religious Rites, may justly cause
The Tribes their State-Directors to arraign,
And of their heavy Grievances complain:
Yet publick Right here is not so infring'd,
Nor so the Frame of Government unhing'd,
That Subjects wrong'd should martial Methods chuse,
Enroll their Troops, and Force coercive use:
All should Submission pay to Pow'r supream,
And, till fierce Rage and Cruelty extream
Shall warrant Self-Defence, should patient pray
Succour Divine, and for Deliv'rance stay.
Religion's sacred Altars I revere,
And to celestial Truth shall still adhere
Fix'd and determin'd, but I can't approve
A Sword unsheath'd ill Prelates to remove:
Nor will right Reason's Light their Cause support,
Who would by Force reform an erring Court.
159
And all the dire Effects of civil Arms,
As Intercessour I'll assiduous try
To make each Host with Terms of Peace comply.
Soon as the King return'd to Naple's Strand,
He issu'd to the Chiefs his high Command
Their Cohorts to assemble on the Plains
Of fair Campania, where soft Pleasure reigns.
Now dawn'd the tender Morn, delightful View,
Streaking with rosy Red th' etherial Blue:
And then the Chiefs the Royal Standard rear'd,
While bold in Arms the must'ring Host appear'd:
Next Day the Monarch, with his martial Lords
Who brandish'd high in Air their threat'ning Swords,
And with an ardent loyal Zeal inspir'd
Impatient of Delay the War requir'd,
Advancing join'd his Troops; the King, to give
His distant Legions Leisure to arrive,
Staid in the Camp the next succeeding Day,
Then drawing forth his Army in Array
Mov'd forward to engage th' Apulian Host,
And settle Quiet at the Rebell's Cost.
The solar Orb had reach'd the Azure Height
Of Heav'n, and shone with strong meridian Light,
When the seditious Cohorts march'd in Sight.
Now Front to Front th' embattled Armies stood,
And Death prepar'd to sooth his Thirst of Blood.
He issu'd to the Chiefs his high Command
Their Cohorts to assemble on the Plains
Of fair Campania, where soft Pleasure reigns.
Now dawn'd the tender Morn, delightful View,
Streaking with rosy Red th' etherial Blue:
And then the Chiefs the Royal Standard rear'd,
While bold in Arms the must'ring Host appear'd:
Next Day the Monarch, with his martial Lords
Who brandish'd high in Air their threat'ning Swords,
And with an ardent loyal Zeal inspir'd
Impatient of Delay the War requir'd,
Advancing join'd his Troops; the King, to give
His distant Legions Leisure to arrive,
Staid in the Camp the next succeeding Day,
Then drawing forth his Army in Array
Mov'd forward to engage th' Apulian Host,
And settle Quiet at the Rebell's Cost.
The solar Orb had reach'd the Azure Height
Of Heav'n, and shone with strong meridian Light,
When the seditious Cohorts march'd in Sight.
160
And Death prepar'd to sooth his Thirst of Blood.
The Briton, conscious that the Rebels warr'd
Chiefly their ancient sacred Rites to guard
Against the Dictates of the Priest supream,
Who now impos'd a new religious Scheme,
Tho' they rapacious Arban too accus'd,
Who, so the Tribes alledg'd, his Trust abus'd,
Determin'd to attempt the Plan, design'd
With Thoughts delib'rate and an anxious Mind,
To make intestine Strife and Uproar cease,
Disarm the Rebels and recover Peace.
Chiefly their ancient sacred Rites to guard
Against the Dictates of the Priest supream,
Who now impos'd a new religious Scheme,
Tho' they rapacious Arban too accus'd,
Who, so the Tribes alledg'd, his Trust abus'd,
Determin'd to attempt the Plan, design'd
With Thoughts delib'rate and an anxious Mind,
To make intestine Strife and Uproar cease,
Disarm the Rebels and recover Peace.
His Enterprize approv'd by Artolan,
The Briton issu'd from the Army's Van;
And to the Rebels with a princely Train
Advancing pass'd the interposing Plain:
But first a Herald to the Foe he sent
To make his Person and his great Intent
To Vlla known, who the bold Cohorts led.
Vlla receiv'd him at his Army's Head,
And strove all Honours and Respect to shew
That his high Birth and Merit claim'd as due.
The Briton issu'd from the Army's Van;
And to the Rebels with a princely Train
Advancing pass'd the interposing Plain:
But first a Herald to the Foe he sent
To make his Person and his great Intent
To Vlla known, who the bold Cohorts led.
Vlla receiv'd him at his Army's Head,
And strove all Honours and Respect to shew
That his high Birth and Merit claim'd as due.
161
Then Albion's Prince the Leader thus address'd;
That this seditious Strife may be suppress'd,
And heav'nly Peace again may bless the Land,
Say, what your Troops and you their Chief demand.
If you oppress'd such just Concessions want
Which your great Monarch may with Honour grant,
From civil Arms to give the Nation Rest,
Your Grievances with Speed shall be redrest,
If I, who act the Mediatour's Part,
Am able to incline your Sov'reign's Heart.
That this seditious Strife may be suppress'd,
And heav'nly Peace again may bless the Land,
Say, what your Troops and you their Chief demand.
If you oppress'd such just Concessions want
Which your great Monarch may with Honour grant,
From civil Arms to give the Nation Rest,
Your Grievances with Speed shall be redrest,
If I, who act the Mediatour's Part,
Am able to incline your Sov'reign's Heart.
Vlla reply'd—Illustrious Alfred, know
That our chief Suff'rings and Resentments grow
From this—That haughty Dora misemploys
His Pow'r, while ancient Worship he destroys:
He those pursues with Punishments severe
Who to their old Religion firm adhere,
And to the Pontiff's Laws Respect deny,
Nor with invented Rituals will comply:
Hence Persecution rages in our Streets,
And he, that flies from Guilt, Destruction meets.
And each brave Man is justify'd, who draws
The Sword to vindicate Religion's Cause
Favour'd by Heav'n and fix'd by civil Laws.
Who can their sacred Rites, their Deity
And venerable Priests affronted see
By novel Worship, and supine and cold
Th' impending Tempest o'er their Church behold?
Against these Foes our Ensigns are display'd,
These daring Giants, that the Skies invade;
Our pious Ardour must to Heav'n commend
This right'ous War, while we for Heav'n contend,
And arm'd against an innovating Sect,
Our Altars dearer than our Lives protect.
That our chief Suff'rings and Resentments grow
From this—That haughty Dora misemploys
His Pow'r, while ancient Worship he destroys:
He those pursues with Punishments severe
Who to their old Religion firm adhere,
And to the Pontiff's Laws Respect deny,
Nor with invented Rituals will comply:
Hence Persecution rages in our Streets,
And he, that flies from Guilt, Destruction meets.
And each brave Man is justify'd, who draws
The Sword to vindicate Religion's Cause
Favour'd by Heav'n and fix'd by civil Laws.
Who can their sacred Rites, their Deity
And venerable Priests affronted see
162
Th' impending Tempest o'er their Church behold?
Against these Foes our Ensigns are display'd,
These daring Giants, that the Skies invade;
Our pious Ardour must to Heav'n commend
This right'ous War, while we for Heav'n contend,
And arm'd against an innovating Sect,
Our Altars dearer than our Lives protect.
Know likewise Arban is obnoxious grown,
And by his Conduct has disgrac'd the Throne,
Whilst he by Rapine and a thousand Frauds
Has fleec'd the People, pillag'd their Abodes,
And gainful Posts at open Market sold,
And thus exhausted all our Springs of Gold,
Whose ne'er returning Streams their Passage make
To Arban's dead uncirculating Lake:
Whence just Reproaches and immmortal Shame
Will stigmatize th' Oppressour's hateful Name.
We ask this Pair, whose Crimes for Vengeance call,
May by the righteous Sword of Justice fall;
And that such Lords of Probity and Skill
As we shall name, may publick Places fill:
This done, we'll lay our Swords with Pleasure down,
Obey our Sov'reign, and defend his Crown;
Soon as his Heralds Amnesty declare
To those who Arms to guard their Altars bear.
And by his Conduct has disgrac'd the Throne,
Whilst he by Rapine and a thousand Frauds
Has fleec'd the People, pillag'd their Abodes,
And gainful Posts at open Market sold,
And thus exhausted all our Springs of Gold,
Whose ne'er returning Streams their Passage make
To Arban's dead uncirculating Lake:
Whence just Reproaches and immmortal Shame
Will stigmatize th' Oppressour's hateful Name.
We ask this Pair, whose Crimes for Vengeance call,
May by the righteous Sword of Justice fall;
And that such Lords of Probity and Skill
As we shall name, may publick Places fill:
This done, we'll lay our Swords with Pleasure down,
Obey our Sov'reign, and defend his Crown;
163
To those who Arms to guard their Altars bear.
He ceas'd—The Briton then his Thoughts exprest;
Important are the Ills which you suggest,
And ought, but not by Force, to be redrest.
If Princes never with tyrannick Aim
Subvert their Empire's fundamental Frame,
Nor breaking thro' the sacred Rules of Right
Ravage with barb'rous Rage and lawless Might
Their Realms, the Subject has no Plea to take
The Field in Arms for meer Religion's Sake.
Kings should in Peace their Dignity enjoy
Who ne'er the Ends of civil Power destroy.
But since some potent Fav'rites you arraign,
And for your threaten'd Altars shew your Pain,
An Intercessour I'll with Ardour press
Your gracious Prince your Suff'rings to redress;
Your Worship from new Rituals to secure,
Clean as at first and from Addition pure.
Since Means coercive are in vain enjoin'd
To force the Judgement and convince the Mind.
I'll strive to win your Prince no more with Arms
And Vengeance to enforce Religion's Charms;
Bloody Instructors never to enroll,
That teach with Fire and Sword, and storm the Soul.
Mean Time you'll no Hostilities commence,
Till I return and bring your Monarch's Sense.
Important are the Ills which you suggest,
And ought, but not by Force, to be redrest.
If Princes never with tyrannick Aim
Subvert their Empire's fundamental Frame,
Nor breaking thro' the sacred Rules of Right
Ravage with barb'rous Rage and lawless Might
Their Realms, the Subject has no Plea to take
The Field in Arms for meer Religion's Sake.
Kings should in Peace their Dignity enjoy
Who ne'er the Ends of civil Power destroy.
But since some potent Fav'rites you arraign,
And for your threaten'd Altars shew your Pain,
An Intercessour I'll with Ardour press
Your gracious Prince your Suff'rings to redress;
Your Worship from new Rituals to secure,
Clean as at first and from Addition pure.
Since Means coercive are in vain enjoin'd
To force the Judgement and convince the Mind.
I'll strive to win your Prince no more with Arms
And Vengeance to enforce Religion's Charms;
Bloody Instructors never to enroll,
That teach with Fire and Sword, and storm the Soul.
164
Till I return and bring your Monarch's Sense.
He said—And soon the loyal Host regain'd,
And Vlla's Terms for settling Peace explain'd,
Which with a frowning Air the King disdain'd.
But Britain's Prince with Eloquence divine
And Weight of Reason labour'd to incline
The Monarch Vlla's Offers to embrace,
And his obnoxious Courtiers to displace.
And Vlla's Terms for settling Peace explain'd,
Which with a frowning Air the King disdain'd.
But Britain's Prince with Eloquence divine
And Weight of Reason labour'd to incline
The Monarch Vlla's Offers to embrace,
And his obnoxious Courtiers to displace.
He urg'd; to free from Ministers the Throne
Who by illegal Deeds are hateful grown
Is a wise Act, nor will Dishonour bring,
But loud Applauses on th' indulgent King;
Save Seas of Blood, and stop the fierce Alarms
And Devastations of intestine Arms:
Better one favour'd Chief should sink, than all
The ruin'd Frame of Government should fall:
Tho' the griev'd Subject should not Sword in Hand
Favours, for which he ought to pray, demand;
Yet Kings to some Complaints should rather yield,
Then run the Hazard of a doubtful Field,
And feed within the Bowels of a State,
Consuming War and cherish deadly Hate,
By which, whoe'er victorious prove at last,
The Crown is weaken'd, and the Land laid waste.
Who by illegal Deeds are hateful grown
Is a wise Act, nor will Dishonour bring,
But loud Applauses on th' indulgent King;
Save Seas of Blood, and stop the fierce Alarms
And Devastations of intestine Arms:
Better one favour'd Chief should sink, than all
The ruin'd Frame of Government should fall:
Tho' the griev'd Subject should not Sword in Hand
Favours, for which he ought to pray, demand;
Yet Kings to some Complaints should rather yield,
Then run the Hazard of a doubtful Field,
And feed within the Bowels of a State,
Consuming War and cherish deadly Hate,
165
The Crown is weaken'd, and the Land laid waste.
He urg'd; their Squadrons, tho' misled, reveal
For Truth and Heav'n's Commands an ardent Zeal,
And that Religion's Charms the Breast inflame
With nobler Fire than Views of Pow'r and Fame,
While all the Warriours strong in Faith regard
Immortal Bliss their Valour's sure Reward;
Hence in the Field they the bright Fauchion wave
Fearless of Death, and grow in Battle brave.
For Truth and Heav'n's Commands an ardent Zeal,
And that Religion's Charms the Breast inflame
With nobler Fire than Views of Pow'r and Fame,
While all the Warriours strong in Faith regard
Immortal Bliss their Valour's sure Reward;
Hence in the Field they the bright Fauchion wave
Fearless of Death, and grow in Battle brave.
The Briton thus continued—To displace
Pontiff's who dangerous Principles embrace,
And by coercive cruel Ways enjoin
New Modes of Worship, and new Rites divine,
Will Feuds remove and stable Peace ensure,
Nor can your Altars else remain secure:
What Kingdoms e'er with ready Choice submit
To new Religion, and their Ancient quit?
In such Conjunctures they their Prince withstand,
And ev'n to Blood resist his high Command:
These must by Time be gain'd, nor will at once
Embrace new Worship and the old renounce.
Pontiff's who dangerous Principles embrace,
And by coercive cruel Ways enjoin
New Modes of Worship, and new Rites divine,
Will Feuds remove and stable Peace ensure,
Nor can your Altars else remain secure:
What Kingdoms e'er with ready Choice submit
To new Religion, and their Ancient quit?
In such Conjunctures they their Prince withstand,
And ev'n to Blood resist his high Command:
These must by Time be gain'd, nor will at once
Embrace new Worship and the old renounce.
166
And when a potent Minister of State
Becomes the Mark of universal Hate,
Envy, and Rage, 'tis Prudence to remove
That Officer to fix the People's Love,
Advance the Sov'reign's Credit, and prevent
The threat'ning Storm from publick Discontent.
Becomes the Mark of universal Hate,
Envy, and Rage, 'tis Prudence to remove
That Officer to fix the People's Love,
Advance the Sov'reign's Credit, and prevent
The threat'ning Storm from publick Discontent.
Alfred did these convincing Reasons press
With so much Spirit, such a just Address,
And uncontested Signs of Zeal sincere,
The King began to lend a gracious Ear,
And soften'd by repeated Pray'rs comply'd
With Vlla's Terms in Part, and Part deny'd.
Alfred, his glorious Enterprize in view,
With eager Speed back to the Rebels flew,
Th' Apulian and his Captains to persuade
That the Concessions by their Sov'reign made
Were Grounds sufficient to dismiss their Arms,
Quit Fields of Battle, and regain their Farms.
Oft did the Heroe, to obstruct the Tide
Of growing War, with Speed alternate ride
Between the Armies that embattled stand,
And only watch the Word of high Command
Their mutual Fury to discharge, and stain
With its own native Blood Campania's Plain:
With soft Address the Way to Peace he smooth'd,
And now the Rebels, now the Monarch sooth'd,
Whence Condescensions grew on either Side,
While each by Turns adher'd, by Turns comply'd.
At length his Care and wise Advice succeed,
And either Host to proffer'd Terms agreed.
The Rebel-Chiefs, the King so gave Command,
Their Pardon publish'd, kiss'd his gracious Hand.
And Artolan in solemn Manner swore
Their Freedom and Religion to restore;
To rule the Land by Law and not by Might,
Defend his Subjects and protect their Right.
With so much Spirit, such a just Address,
And uncontested Signs of Zeal sincere,
The King began to lend a gracious Ear,
And soften'd by repeated Pray'rs comply'd
With Vlla's Terms in Part, and Part deny'd.
Alfred, his glorious Enterprize in view,
With eager Speed back to the Rebels flew,
Th' Apulian and his Captains to persuade
That the Concessions by their Sov'reign made
Were Grounds sufficient to dismiss their Arms,
Quit Fields of Battle, and regain their Farms.
Oft did the Heroe, to obstruct the Tide
Of growing War, with Speed alternate ride
Between the Armies that embattled stand,
And only watch the Word of high Command
Their mutual Fury to discharge, and stain
With its own native Blood Campania's Plain:
167
And now the Rebels, now the Monarch sooth'd,
Whence Condescensions grew on either Side,
While each by Turns adher'd, by Turns comply'd.
At length his Care and wise Advice succeed,
And either Host to proffer'd Terms agreed.
The Rebel-Chiefs, the King so gave Command,
Their Pardon publish'd, kiss'd his gracious Hand.
And Artolan in solemn Manner swore
Their Freedom and Religion to restore;
To rule the Land by Law and not by Might,
Defend his Subjects and protect their Right.
Thus Peace returning on the Nation smil'd,
Disarm'd the Youth and eager Death beguil'd.
Now from each Host loud Acclamations rise,
And ecchoing Shouts of Triumph fill the Skies,
Which beaten from Vesuvio's smoaky Caves
Ring thro' the Shores, and shake the list'ning Waves.
As when returning Beams new Light display,
And dart along the Hemisphere the Day,
Nocturnal Clouds that o'er th' Horizon spread
Swelling with Vengeance in their Bowels fed,
Won by the mild insinuating Heat
Of interceding Rays, by Steps retreat,
Neglect to form the Tempest, and prepare
To leave at Rest the Empire of the Air.
So Alfred's Wisdom from Campania's Plain
Dispell'd the Storm, and eas'd the People's Pain.
Disarm'd the Youth and eager Death beguil'd.
Now from each Host loud Acclamations rise,
And ecchoing Shouts of Triumph fill the Skies,
Which beaten from Vesuvio's smoaky Caves
Ring thro' the Shores, and shake the list'ning Waves.
As when returning Beams new Light display,
And dart along the Hemisphere the Day,
Nocturnal Clouds that o'er th' Horizon spread
Swelling with Vengeance in their Bowels fed,
Won by the mild insinuating Heat
Of interceding Rays, by Steps retreat,
168
To leave at Rest the Empire of the Air.
So Alfred's Wisdom from Campania's Plain
Dispell'd the Storm, and eas'd the People's Pain.
Now did the Monarch, fierce Sedition's Fire
Subdu'd, to fair Parthenope retire,
Where he dismiss'd the Ministers of State
Who had incurr'd the People's general Hate.
Dora the Pontiff, who abus'd his Trust,
From his high Station was excluded first;
And all the novel Modes and Rites divine
Obtruded on the Nation with Design
To change Religion, by the ruling Priest
Who Pow'r ill us'd, the Sov'reign soon dismist.
While all condemn'd the Pontiff's barb'rous Course,
That would new Rites impose and Conscience force,
Justly; can Arms o'er Reason Conquests win,
And triumph o'er the awful Judge within?
Do bloody Troops in Casuistry excell?
Can Lictors able in Dispute dispell
The Clouds of Errour that involve the Mind,
And by enlight'ning Pains restore the Blind?
Can Scourges argue, or the Rack persuade?
Can Kings the Empire of the Soul invade?
No, Let them first draw Armies in Array
Along the Shore, and bid the Ocean stay
His rushing Tides, the driving Storm restrain,
And stop the rolling Sands on Libya's Plain;
That done, the Tyrant may to Conscience say
Rebel submit, and my Decrees obey.
Subdu'd, to fair Parthenope retire,
Where he dismiss'd the Ministers of State
Who had incurr'd the People's general Hate.
Dora the Pontiff, who abus'd his Trust,
From his high Station was excluded first;
And all the novel Modes and Rites divine
Obtruded on the Nation with Design
To change Religion, by the ruling Priest
Who Pow'r ill us'd, the Sov'reign soon dismist.
While all condemn'd the Pontiff's barb'rous Course,
That would new Rites impose and Conscience force,
Justly; can Arms o'er Reason Conquests win,
And triumph o'er the awful Judge within?
Do bloody Troops in Casuistry excell?
Can Lictors able in Dispute dispell
The Clouds of Errour that involve the Mind,
And by enlight'ning Pains restore the Blind?
Can Scourges argue, or the Rack persuade?
Can Kings the Empire of the Soul invade?
169
Along the Shore, and bid the Ocean stay
His rushing Tides, the driving Storm restrain,
And stop the rolling Sands on Libya's Plain;
That done, the Tyrant may to Conscience say
Rebel submit, and my Decrees obey.
Next Arban was discarded odious, grown
By Tyranny and Lust of Gold unknown;
By Fraud and Force he strove his Soul to cloy
With Wealth, which yet he knew not to enjoy.
By Tyranny and Lust of Gold unknown;
By Fraud and Force he strove his Soul to cloy
With Wealth, which yet he knew not to enjoy.
The King, obnoxious Courtiers thus disgrac'd,
Bourgen and Poli in their Posts replac'd,
Two Ministers of celebrated Name,
That from the North of fair Calabria came.
Bourgen, whose Virtues did illustrious shine,
Such as adorn'd his fam'd Heroick Line,
The Soul's minute Recesses had in View,
And all the secret Springs of Empire knew.
Studious his Monarch's Glory he sustain'd,
Chear'd loyal Zeal, and Headstrong Faction rein'd;
He to the Depths of Treason could descend,
And thro' her dark and winding Walks attend
The wily Serpent's Way, her Aims defeat,
And make her hopeless to her Cave retreat.
He shew'd a Zeal to serve Religion's Cause,
Defend the Crown, and vindicate the Laws,
Ne'er did his Actions from his Words dissent,
Who never promis'd what he never meant,
And unelated, when at Court employ'd,
Only the Pride of doing well enjoy'd:
Wrongs he forgot, but ne'er forgot his Friends,
Nor publick Good postpon'd to private Ends,
While worthy Patriots for great Posts he sought,
And back to Favour banish'd Virtue brought.
Bourgen and Poli in their Posts replac'd,
Two Ministers of celebrated Name,
That from the North of fair Calabria came.
Bourgen, whose Virtues did illustrious shine,
Such as adorn'd his fam'd Heroick Line,
The Soul's minute Recesses had in View,
And all the secret Springs of Empire knew.
Studious his Monarch's Glory he sustain'd,
Chear'd loyal Zeal, and Headstrong Faction rein'd;
He to the Depths of Treason could descend,
And thro' her dark and winding Walks attend
The wily Serpent's Way, her Aims defeat,
And make her hopeless to her Cave retreat.
170
Defend the Crown, and vindicate the Laws,
Ne'er did his Actions from his Words dissent,
Who never promis'd what he never meant,
And unelated, when at Court employ'd,
Only the Pride of doing well enjoy'd:
Wrongs he forgot, but ne'er forgot his Friends,
Nor publick Good postpon'd to private Ends,
While worthy Patriots for great Posts he sought,
And back to Favour banish'd Virtue brought.
Poli was own'd a Genius rich and vast,
By no profound experienc'd Sage surpast:
The Monarch's Treasure, his important Trust,
He still dispens'd to his high Office just:
He, Poet-like, a Politician born
Could only Nature's Work by Art adorn;
Time did the finish'd Statesman but display,
That whole in Embrio, tho' infolded, lay:
Yet had he great appear'd by Art alone,
Had sparing Nature less Indulgence shown.
He by his Reason and superiour Sense
Convey'd in all the Charms of Eloquence,
Where Roman Force conspir'd with Attick Art,
Convinc'd the Mind, and triumph'd o'er the Heart.
On the full Audience he impulsive lay,
Like a strong Wind whose Pow'r the Seas obey,
Then did he work and agitate the Soul,
Make the mov'd Passions This and That Way roll,
And Ferments raise by Turns, by Turns compose;
Hence he, withstood in vain by envious Foes,
An Oracle in Council did preside,
And matchless in Debate the Senate guide.
By no profound experienc'd Sage surpast:
The Monarch's Treasure, his important Trust,
He still dispens'd to his high Office just:
He, Poet-like, a Politician born
Could only Nature's Work by Art adorn;
Time did the finish'd Statesman but display,
That whole in Embrio, tho' infolded, lay:
Yet had he great appear'd by Art alone,
Had sparing Nature less Indulgence shown.
He by his Reason and superiour Sense
Convey'd in all the Charms of Eloquence,
Where Roman Force conspir'd with Attick Art,
Convinc'd the Mind, and triumph'd o'er the Heart.
171
Like a strong Wind whose Pow'r the Seas obey,
Then did he work and agitate the Soul,
Make the mov'd Passions This and That Way roll,
And Ferments raise by Turns, by Turns compose;
Hence he, withstood in vain by envious Foes,
An Oracle in Council did preside,
And matchless in Debate the Senate guide.
Crater a Lord for Books and Business turn'd,
Who the Decay of Arts and Learning mourn'd,
Conscious that Erudition would refine
Illustrious Blood, and make it brighter shine,
That Sciences, which polish native Wit,
Industrious Youth for Trusts important fit;
Enrich'd his Mind in celebrated Schools
With Letters, Arts, and wise instructive Rules;
Then he in foreign Courts his Monarch's Cause
And Country's Int'rest manag'd with Applause:
Pleas'd with the promis'd Statesman all admir'd
His Genius much, and much his Skill acquir'd.
Now to State Cares and busy Life inur'd,
By a swift Growth the Minister matur'd
Came back, and, soon in a high Post employ'd,
Well serv'd his Sov'reign and his Smiles enjoy'd.
Who the Decay of Arts and Learning mourn'd,
Conscious that Erudition would refine
Illustrious Blood, and make it brighter shine,
That Sciences, which polish native Wit,
Industrious Youth for Trusts important fit;
Enrich'd his Mind in celebrated Schools
With Letters, Arts, and wise instructive Rules;
Then he in foreign Courts his Monarch's Cause
And Country's Int'rest manag'd with Applause:
Pleas'd with the promis'd Statesman all admir'd
His Genius much, and much his Skill acquir'd.
Now to State Cares and busy Life inur'd,
By a swift Growth the Minister matur'd
Came back, and, soon in a high Post employ'd,
Well serv'd his Sov'reign and his Smiles enjoy'd.
172
The King the Leader of his Army nam'd
Ogan, a Chief for Deeds immortal fam'd:
He brave in Arms, and great in martial Skill
With his just Praises did Europa fill;
He knew to scatter gath'ring Clouds from far,
To fight a Battle, or direct a War.
His wise Encampments, Marches, Choice of Ground
And just Precautions with Success were crown'd;
And thus by Foresight, Judgement, Vigilance
He seem'd resolv'd to leave no Room for Chance,
And would no Hazard in the Battle run,
Assuring Vict'ry ere the Fight begun:
Yet when engag'd he did such Courage show,
And such Heroick Fire, as he would owe
To Arms alone his Triumph's o'er the Foe.
Patient of Toil and rig'rous Cold he knew
To gain ev'n Winter Laurels, to pursue
The Foe o'er frozen Mountains, and distain
The Snows with Blood and thaw the icy Plain.
Ogan, a Chief for Deeds immortal fam'd:
He brave in Arms, and great in martial Skill
With his just Praises did Europa fill;
He knew to scatter gath'ring Clouds from far,
To fight a Battle, or direct a War.
His wise Encampments, Marches, Choice of Ground
And just Precautions with Success were crown'd;
And thus by Foresight, Judgement, Vigilance
He seem'd resolv'd to leave no Room for Chance,
And would no Hazard in the Battle run,
Assuring Vict'ry ere the Fight begun:
Yet when engag'd he did such Courage show,
And such Heroick Fire, as he would owe
To Arms alone his Triumph's o'er the Foe.
Patient of Toil and rig'rous Cold he knew
To gain ev'n Winter Laurels, to pursue
The Foe o'er frozen Mountains, and distain
The Snows with Blood and thaw the icy Plain.
The Monarch's Friends joy'd at their happy Fate,
That Heads so able to direct a State,
Endow'd with Courage, Zeal for publick Right,
Deep Judgement, watchful Care, and piercing Sight,
Were to high Stations rais'd; they now believ'd
The Nation's Honour lost might be retriev'd;
And should the factious Chiefs at Court disgrac'd,
Indignant rave, and strive to be replac'd,
Should violate their Oaths and sacred Vows,
And while a Cause abjur'd they bold espouse,
And the supream Avenger's Wrath despise,
Rival th' accurs'd Original of Lies;
Should they clandestine Councils hold, and form
Seditious Plots to raise a civil Storm,
Enroll their Troops, and foreign Pow'rs engage
To lend them Forces and assist their Rage;
Good Subjects hop'd these Statesmen would discern
Their secret Schemes and Walks of Darkness learn;
On their own Head would plotted Mischief turn,
And make them Treason disappointed mourn;
That while at Helm such skillful Masters stand,
And steer with Conduct and a steady Hand,
They'd free at length th' endanger'd Ship of State
From Rocks and Shelves, on which, unhappy Fate!
By temerarious Pilots she was thrown,
Void of Reflection, or perfidious grown,
And then thro' Uproar, Storms, and raging Seas
Successful Guide her to the Port in Peace;
While joyful Subjects shall obey their King,
And the Snake Faction hiss without a Sting.
That Heads so able to direct a State,
Endow'd with Courage, Zeal for publick Right,
Deep Judgement, watchful Care, and piercing Sight,
Were to high Stations rais'd; they now believ'd
The Nation's Honour lost might be retriev'd;
173
Indignant rave, and strive to be replac'd,
Should violate their Oaths and sacred Vows,
And while a Cause abjur'd they bold espouse,
And the supream Avenger's Wrath despise,
Rival th' accurs'd Original of Lies;
Should they clandestine Councils hold, and form
Seditious Plots to raise a civil Storm,
Enroll their Troops, and foreign Pow'rs engage
To lend them Forces and assist their Rage;
Good Subjects hop'd these Statesmen would discern
Their secret Schemes and Walks of Darkness learn;
On their own Head would plotted Mischief turn,
And make them Treason disappointed mourn;
That while at Helm such skillful Masters stand,
And steer with Conduct and a steady Hand,
They'd free at length th' endanger'd Ship of State
From Rocks and Shelves, on which, unhappy Fate!
By temerarious Pilots she was thrown,
Void of Reflection, or perfidious grown,
And then thro' Uproar, Storms, and raging Seas
Successful Guide her to the Port in Peace;
While joyful Subjects shall obey their King,
And the Snake Faction hiss without a Sting.
174
Alfred with Joy unfeign'd the Monarch prais'd,
Who thus to high Employs the Worthy rais'd;
And said—You soon the glorious Fruits will find
Of your new Scheme with so much Skill design'd:
My wise Preceptor taught me, while he strove
My Mind with prudent Maxims to improve,
That Kings the Care of Empire should commit
To Men renown'd for Wisdom, more than Wit;
There might be found ev'n in degen'rate Times
Ill fam'd for Vice and execrable Crimes,
When publick Spirit's lost, and Honour scorn'd,
Subjects with State Abilities adorn'd,
Would Rulers search them out, and not regard
Suitors unsham'd, nor Sycophants reward,
Who shew no Title to their Monarch's Grant,
But their false Virtue, and their real Want.
The Wise with gen'rous Qualities endow'd
Seek secret Life, and shun the noisy Croud;
Nor is superiour Merit ever known
For a great Place to importune the Throne.
Still bashful Virtue would from Courts retreat,
And only to be Useful would be Great,
Nor till by warm Entreaties long withstood,
Stoops to Promotion for the general Good.
Who thus to high Employs the Worthy rais'd;
And said—You soon the glorious Fruits will find
Of your new Scheme with so much Skill design'd:
My wise Preceptor taught me, while he strove
My Mind with prudent Maxims to improve,
That Kings the Care of Empire should commit
To Men renown'd for Wisdom, more than Wit;
There might be found ev'n in degen'rate Times
Ill fam'd for Vice and execrable Crimes,
When publick Spirit's lost, and Honour scorn'd,
Subjects with State Abilities adorn'd,
Would Rulers search them out, and not regard
Suitors unsham'd, nor Sycophants reward,
Who shew no Title to their Monarch's Grant,
But their false Virtue, and their real Want.
The Wise with gen'rous Qualities endow'd
Seek secret Life, and shun the noisy Croud;
Nor is superiour Merit ever known
For a great Place to importune the Throne.
Still bashful Virtue would from Courts retreat,
And only to be Useful would be Great,
Nor till by warm Entreaties long withstood,
Stoops to Promotion for the general Good.
175
He said—And now the City, highly joy'd
With their restor'd Tranquillity, employ'd
The Days a while in Sports and Games, the Nights
In Feasts and various Pastimes and Delights.
With their restor'd Tranquillity, employ'd
The Days a while in Sports and Games, the Nights
In Feasts and various Pastimes and Delights.
Dora's and Arban's Friends at Court disgrac'd,
And envy'd Rivals in their Stations plac'd,
Impatient rav'd, and curs'd their luckless Fate,
Venting in desp'rate Speech enormous Hate.
So the seraphick Rebel-Host, that fell
From Seats of Bliss to the black Mouth of Hell,
Pursu'd by Vengeance and to Flames condemn'd
Rag'd in Destruction, and their God blasphem'd.
Spurr'd by Revenge to desp'rate Means they fly
And with their Schemes to make their Prince comply
On their great Credit, Pow'r, and Wealth rely.
The Leaders firm to their old Maxim stand,
Never to serve a King they can't command;
Nor to superiour Pow'rs Subjection pay,
Who their imperious Dictates disobey.
Intent to wreck their Malice on the Court,
The restless Chiefs invited now resort
To Arban's Palace, where in Council met
They their ill Fate with Menaces regret,
And, stung by Fury and infernal Hate,
Decreed ill Blood and Faction to create,
Perplex their Sov'reign and unhinge the State;
While they resolv'd their Posts to re-enjoy,
Or if they could not govern, to destroy.
And envy'd Rivals in their Stations plac'd,
Impatient rav'd, and curs'd their luckless Fate,
Venting in desp'rate Speech enormous Hate.
So the seraphick Rebel-Host, that fell
From Seats of Bliss to the black Mouth of Hell,
Pursu'd by Vengeance and to Flames condemn'd
Rag'd in Destruction, and their God blasphem'd.
Spurr'd by Revenge to desp'rate Means they fly
And with their Schemes to make their Prince comply
On their great Credit, Pow'r, and Wealth rely.
The Leaders firm to their old Maxim stand,
Never to serve a King they can't command;
Nor to superiour Pow'rs Subjection pay,
Who their imperious Dictates disobey.
Intent to wreck their Malice on the Court,
The restless Chiefs invited now resort
To Arban's Palace, where in Council met
They their ill Fate with Menaces regret,
176
Decreed ill Blood and Faction to create,
Perplex their Sov'reign and unhinge the State;
While they resolv'd their Posts to re-enjoy,
Or if they could not govern, to destroy.
Thus Strife intestine must the Land devour
To please a fond Caprice or Lust of Pow'r,
While the false Patriot grows his Countries Foe,
And sows the baneful Seeds of publick Woe
To sooth Revenge, and with his cruel Sword
Thro' the sad Kingdom's Bowels wound its Lord.
Now did th' assembled Friends in Turn suggest
Their various Schemes, that each esteem'd as best,
By which the ruling Pow'rs might be distrest,
Schemes with infernal Art contriv'd to bring
Scorn on the Court, and Hatred on the King.
To please a fond Caprice or Lust of Pow'r,
While the false Patriot grows his Countries Foe,
And sows the baneful Seeds of publick Woe
To sooth Revenge, and with his cruel Sword
Thro' the sad Kingdom's Bowels wound its Lord.
Now did th' assembled Friends in Turn suggest
Their various Schemes, that each esteem'd as best,
By which the ruling Pow'rs might be distrest,
Schemes with infernal Art contriv'd to bring
Scorn on the Court, and Hatred on the King.
Than Arban thus th' attentive Lords bespoke,
Since Albion's Prince has by his Counsels broke
A Frame of Government so wisely laid,
And a new Scheme to us destructive made,
Tis fit that first due Justice he should feel,
And in his Veins receive the fatal Steel.
Let us, ere yet the Briton shall pursue
His Way, and bid to Artolan adieu,
Dispatch a Ship arm'd with a valiant Band
Of chosen Men, that on Sicilia's Strand
May lye in ambush till he gains the Land;
Whence rushing on him with a sudden Blow
They may avenge us on this hateful Foe:
Thus with his Blood, by just Resentment spilt,
Let us asswage our Wrath, and purge his Guilt.
That done, the Men their Vessel may regain,
And to Hesperia's Shore soon cross the Main:
Then we'll employ our utmost Care and Toil
To sink the Monarch, and the State embroil.
Since Albion's Prince has by his Counsels broke
A Frame of Government so wisely laid,
And a new Scheme to us destructive made,
Tis fit that first due Justice he should feel,
And in his Veins receive the fatal Steel.
Let us, ere yet the Briton shall pursue
His Way, and bid to Artolan adieu,
177
Of chosen Men, that on Sicilia's Strand
May lye in ambush till he gains the Land;
Whence rushing on him with a sudden Blow
They may avenge us on this hateful Foe:
Thus with his Blood, by just Resentment spilt,
Let us asswage our Wrath, and purge his Guilt.
That done, the Men their Vessel may regain,
And to Hesperia's Shore soon cross the Main:
Then we'll employ our utmost Care and Toil
To sink the Monarch, and the State embroil.
He ceas'd—The Project pleas'd, and such were hir'd
As this infernal Enterprize requir'd,
Who guiltless Blood with Arms clandestine spill
For impious Gain, and by Profession kill.
The Russians, won by these conspiring Lords,
To cut the Briton off with treach'rous Swords
Made haste, and, eager of the great Reward,
Convenient Stores a Bark and Arms prepar'd.
Rabal was nam'd their Chief, one newly come
To dwell in fair Parthenope from Rome,
Where at the British Heroe's earnest Pray'r,
When by the Pontiff crown'd, that all might share
The joyful Triumph, he and others charg'd
With various Crimes by Leo were enlarg'd.
As this infernal Enterprize requir'd,
Who guiltless Blood with Arms clandestine spill
For impious Gain, and by Profession kill.
The Russians, won by these conspiring Lords,
To cut the Briton off with treach'rous Swords
Made haste, and, eager of the great Reward,
Convenient Stores a Bark and Arms prepar'd.
Rabal was nam'd their Chief, one newly come
To dwell in fair Parthenope from Rome,
Where at the British Heroe's earnest Pray'r,
When by the Pontiff crown'd, that all might share
The joyful Triumph, he and others charg'd
With various Crimes by Leo were enlarg'd.
178
While Rabal restless on his Bed revolv'd
Th' atrocious Deed, that rashly he resolv'd
To perpetrate, his conscious Soul relents,
And of the black Engagement he repents:
Then anxious to himself he thus begun;
What has ungrateful savage Rabal done?
Shall I consent that by a treach'rous Blow
A Prince shall die to whom my Life I owe?
Shall he, the Flow'r and Joy of humane Kind,
The Man, he gracious sav'd, his Murd'rer find?
If I advance to strike him to the Heart,
Aw'd by his Presence I should backward start:
My shudd'ring Soul would feel distracting Pains,
And struck with Horrour leave my freezing Veins:
My Sword uplifted from my trembling Hand
Would fall, while I should pale and lifeless stand:
But gen'rous Alfred's Mercy, so he'll find,
Has left Impressions grateful on my Mind.
Th' atrocious Deed, that rashly he resolv'd
To perpetrate, his conscious Soul relents,
And of the black Engagement he repents:
Then anxious to himself he thus begun;
What has ungrateful savage Rabal done?
Shall I consent that by a treach'rous Blow
A Prince shall die to whom my Life I owe?
Shall he, the Flow'r and Joy of humane Kind,
The Man, he gracious sav'd, his Murd'rer find?
If I advance to strike him to the Heart,
Aw'd by his Presence I should backward start:
My shudd'ring Soul would feel distracting Pains,
And struck with Horrour leave my freezing Veins:
My Sword uplifted from my trembling Hand
Would fall, while I should pale and lifeless stand:
But gen'rous Alfred's Mercy, so he'll find,
Has left Impressions grateful on my Mind.
Now at the Birth of Day out sprang the Light,
Beauteous Eruption, from the Womb of Night;
When Rabal rose, made haste to Court, and told
The black Design, and did at large unfold
The bloody Scheme, and who the Authors were,
Whose Heads contriv'd the execrable Snare.
Then Arban, Borez, Fraca, Chiefs that fir'd
With fierce Revenge against the Prince conspir'd,
Seiz'd by the Sov'reign's Order were convey'd
To the State-Prison and in Fetters laid.
Beauteous Eruption, from the Womb of Night;
When Rabal rose, made haste to Court, and told
The black Design, and did at large unfold
The bloody Scheme, and who the Authors were,
Whose Heads contriv'd the execrable Snare.
179
With fierce Revenge against the Prince conspir'd,
Seiz'd by the Sov'reign's Order were convey'd
To the State-Prison and in Fetters laid.
Now Artolan pronounc'd his high Command,
That these three Lords that hir'd the cruel Band
Should at his awful Judgment-Seat appear,
And there arraign'd a righteous Sentence hear.
The Lords before his just Tribunal stood,
Charg'd with a cruel Plot to shed the Blood
Of Albion's pious Prince, who guilty prov'd
And doom'd to die were by the Guards remov'd.
That these three Lords that hir'd the cruel Band
Should at his awful Judgment-Seat appear,
And there arraign'd a righteous Sentence hear.
The Lords before his just Tribunal stood,
Charg'd with a cruel Plot to shed the Blood
Of Albion's pious Prince, who guilty prov'd
And doom'd to die were by the Guards remov'd.
And now the Consorts of the Pris'ners drown'd
In Floods of Tears, their Children weeping round,
And many noble Lords by Birth ally'd,
Suing for Mercy to the Prince apply'd.
They the indulgent Briton's Breast assail
With vehement Address, and to prevail
All the pathetick Sentiments express
That Fear or Love can dictate in Distress:
They press'd him to forgive, and Pardon ask
For the three sentenc'd Lords, an easy Task
For such an Intercessour, who alone
They judg'd the King's Displeasure could atone.
In Floods of Tears, their Children weeping round,
And many noble Lords by Birth ally'd,
Suing for Mercy to the Prince apply'd.
They the indulgent Briton's Breast assail
With vehement Address, and to prevail
All the pathetick Sentiments express
That Fear or Love can dictate in Distress:
They press'd him to forgive, and Pardon ask
For the three sentenc'd Lords, an easy Task
For such an Intercessour, who alone
They judg'd the King's Displeasure could atone.
180
Soon as they paus'd—.Britannia's distant Heir
The Supplicants dismiss'd, their earnest Pray'r
Not granted nor deny'd—Yet Alfred thought
He should not seek the Mercy they besought
For Criminals so black, but let the Laws
Exert their Force, and vindicate his Cause.
The Supplicants dismiss'd, their earnest Pray'r
Not granted nor deny'd—Yet Alfred thought
He should not seek the Mercy they besought
For Criminals so black, but let the Laws
Exert their Force, and vindicate his Cause.
Then faithful Guithun thus the Prince bespoke;
Let not this Crime so much your Wrath provoke
As from your Breast Compassion to exclude,
Just Anger sometimes is too far pursu'd.
It is a Deed illustrious great and brave
The Guilt to pardon, and th' Offender save.
To bright heroick Virtue it belongs
To bear Affronts, and patient suffer Wrongs;
The Virtuous know, tho' wrathful Men believe
Revenge is sweet, 'tis sweeter to forgive.
Let not this Crime so much your Wrath provoke
As from your Breast Compassion to exclude,
Just Anger sometimes is too far pursu'd.
It is a Deed illustrious great and brave
The Guilt to pardon, and th' Offender save.
To bright heroick Virtue it belongs
To bear Affronts, and patient suffer Wrongs;
The Virtuous know, tho' wrathful Men believe
Revenge is sweet, 'tis sweeter to forgive.
Th' Almighty Being is to punish slow,
While Mercies free from his soft Bowels flow:
His Stores of Wrath Digestion long endure,
And long lye hoarded crude and immature,
Ere they a perfect State by Growth attain,
And a due Ripeness for Destruction gain.
So great and godlike Natures Pity show,
Prone to forgive, and scarce Resentment know:
Heroe's, who Conquerours of themselves suppress
Pride and Revenge, more glorious Aims express
Than mighty Warriours, who with Laurels grac'd
Subdue wide Realms, and lay fair Cities waste.
Then let not Alfred seek ev'n Vengeance due,
But for th' Offenders to their Monarch sue;
This to Religion's Honour will redound,
Advance your Glory, and your Foes confound.
While Mercies free from his soft Bowels flow:
His Stores of Wrath Digestion long endure,
And long lye hoarded crude and immature,
Ere they a perfect State by Growth attain,
And a due Ripeness for Destruction gain.
181
Prone to forgive, and scarce Resentment know:
Heroe's, who Conquerours of themselves suppress
Pride and Revenge, more glorious Aims express
Than mighty Warriours, who with Laurels grac'd
Subdue wide Realms, and lay fair Cities waste.
Then let not Alfred seek ev'n Vengeance due,
But for th' Offenders to their Monarch sue;
This to Religion's Honour will redound,
Advance your Glory, and your Foes confound.
He said—The Prince receiv'd th' impressive Force
Of Guithun's prudent and divine Discourse:
Then he absolv'd his Foes, and ardent strove
With Artolan his Anger to remove,
From the three Lords to turn th' impending Doom,
And sink their Crime in dark Oblivion's Womb.
He urg'd, that since their treach'rous Schemes relate
To Alfred's private Person, not the State,
Th' offended King with Honour might forgive
The Lords condemn'd, and gracious bid them live.
Of Guithun's prudent and divine Discourse:
Then he absolv'd his Foes, and ardent strove
With Artolan his Anger to remove,
From the three Lords to turn th' impending Doom,
And sink their Crime in dark Oblivion's Womb.
He urg'd, that since their treach'rous Schemes relate
To Alfred's private Person, not the State,
Th' offended King with Honour might forgive
The Lords condemn'd, and gracious bid them live.
The Monarch, by the Heroe's Suit prepar'd,
Forgave the Treason, and the Authors spar'd:
Tho' Fame soon after told, this generous Deed
Did not extinguish, but their Anger feed.
Forgave the Treason, and the Authors spar'd:
Tho' Fame soon after told, this generous Deed
Did not extinguish, but their Anger feed.
182
The pious Briton by the Lords caress'd,
Prais'd by the King, and by the People bless'd,
Took Leave in princely Manner of the Court,
And mid'st loud Shouts arriving at the Port
Embark'd, and stood for fair Sicilia's Shore,
New Scenes of curious Nature to explore,
The Hills and Towns and Soil that Wonder cause,
The People's Manners, and the Monarch's Laws.
Prais'd by the King, and by the People bless'd,
Took Leave in princely Manner of the Court,
And mid'st loud Shouts arriving at the Port
Embark'd, and stood for fair Sicilia's Shore,
New Scenes of curious Nature to explore,
The Hills and Towns and Soil that Wonder cause,
The People's Manners, and the Monarch's Laws.
| Alfred | |