Alfred An Epick Poem. In Twelve Books. By Sir Richard Blackmore |
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| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. | BOOK XII. |
 | Alfred |  |
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BOOK XII.
The ARGUMENT.
Alfred after his Victory returns to Pampelune, where he is received with great Honour. Three Lords of the Britannick Court, having found the Prince at this City, acquaint him with the Death of Atulpho; that his eldest Brother Ethelbal, who succeeded him, was soon after kill'd by a Fall from his Horse, and that Ethelred, who upon his Brother's Decease came to the Crown, was hard press'd by the Danes, and therefore earnestly desir'd that Alfred would return Home with the greatest Speed. The Prince immediately takes Leave of Fortunio, embarks, and sets sail for Britain; Lands at Isca in Devonshire, and makes Haste to find the King, who, the Day after Alfred came to Shore, received a mortal Wound in a Fight with the Danes. Alfred arrives
at Ethelred's Tent, who dyed the next Morning. Alfred is proclaimed King. He marches to engage the Danes, and reaches their Camp by Break of Day. Ocra and Oduno by the King's Command attack the Danish Camp in two Places at once, and after a long and sharp Combate, Ocra and Oduno are repulsed. Alfred leads on his Men and, after an obstinate Fight, forces their Lines and puts them to Flight. While Alfred's Troops plunder'd the Camp, Ocra seized the royal Pavilion and took in it King Gunter's Queen, and Elsitha his Daughter. Alfred gives them their Liberty, and sends them back to the King with great Respect. King Gunter and his Court astonish'd at this generous Action of Alfred, which they attribute to the Power of his Religion, resolve to make Peace and become Christians. Oratours are sent to King Alfred to propose Terms of Agreement, to which he consents. The Princes by Appointment meet at Cunetio, where Gunter and his Court are baptiz'd. The next Day the Terms of Peace agreed upon are solemnly ratified. That done, Alfred asks of Gunter Elsitha for his his Bride. Gunter and Elsitha consent, and the Nuptials are solemnized.
406
The
British Heroe, these great Wonders done,
The Rebels vanquish'd, and Toledo won,
Back with his Chiefs to Pampeluna came,
Where the glad Tribes ador'd the Victor's Name.
The King with eager Arms the Prince embrac'd,
And on his Friend high Marks of Honour plac'd.
Superiour Lords and Officers of State
To praise his Valour on the Heroe wait.
Silva the just, for Gratitude renown'd
Address'd the Leader with Respect profound,
While Tears of undissembled Joy apace
From melting Eyes ran down his reverend Face.
The Rebels vanquish'd, and Toledo won,
Back with his Chiefs to Pampeluna came,
Where the glad Tribes ador'd the Victor's Name.
The King with eager Arms the Prince embrac'd,
And on his Friend high Marks of Honour plac'd.
407
To praise his Valour on the Heroe wait.
Silva the just, for Gratitude renown'd
Address'd the Leader with Respect profound,
While Tears of undissembled Joy apace
From melting Eyes ran down his reverend Face.
The crouding Vulgar to the Palace press,
Applaud the Monarch and the Briton bless:
The tuneful Bards the Heroe's Actions sing,
And echoing Streets with Acclamations ring.
Applaud the Monarch and the Briton bless:
The tuneful Bards the Heroe's Actions sing,
And echoing Streets with Acclamations ring.
During three Days of Triumph various Sorts
Of celebrated Games and manly Sports
Employ the active Youth, whose eager Eyes
Impatient view and seize the tempting Prize:
Some strain their Nerves, and Feet superiour show
In the swift Race their Rivals to out go,
And the proud Garland, envy'd Emblem, gain,
That crowns th' elated Victor of the Plain.
On Coursers some with sprightly Air advance,
And with surprizing Skill project the Lance.
These at the Mark the glitt'ring Jav'ling fling,
Those send the Arrow from th' impulsive String,
While buckled some demand the Wrestler's Ring.
Of celebrated Games and manly Sports
Employ the active Youth, whose eager Eyes
Impatient view and seize the tempting Prize:
Some strain their Nerves, and Feet superiour show
In the swift Race their Rivals to out go,
And the proud Garland, envy'd Emblem, gain,
That crowns th' elated Victor of the Plain.
On Coursers some with sprightly Air advance,
And with surprizing Skill project the Lance.
These at the Mark the glitt'ring Jav'ling fling,
Those send the Arrow from th' impulsive String,
While buckled some demand the Wrestler's Ring.
408
The Pyrenean wounded Forrests lend
Their sever'd Limbs, and Neighbour Woodlands send
Their verdant Branches, which in Piles arise,
And kindled bear the Triumph to the Skies:
These solemn Fires the wond'ring Heav'ns adorn
With Light unborrow'd and terrestrial Morn,
While they aspiring ruddy Flame display,
Reveal the Hills and spread nocturnal Day.
Their sever'd Limbs, and Neighbour Woodlands send
Their verdant Branches, which in Piles arise,
And kindled bear the Triumph to the Skies:
These solemn Fires the wond'ring Heav'ns adorn
With Light unborrow'd and terrestrial Morn,
While they aspiring ruddy Flame display,
Reveal the Hills and spread nocturnal Day.
Setts of fam'd Bells, sublime in Turrets hung,
Manag'd by Master-Hands melodious rung,
And by their Peals and Changes sweet of Sound
Publish'd the Conquest to the Lands around:
While Fountains play'd high Jetts of gen'rous Wine,
The Purple Honours of Navarra's Vine,
The crouding Youth their Bowls capacious crown'd,
And loyal Shouts from Tow'r to Tow'r rebound.
Manag'd by Master-Hands melodious rung,
And by their Peals and Changes sweet of Sound
Publish'd the Conquest to the Lands around:
While Fountains play'd high Jetts of gen'rous Wine,
The Purple Honours of Navarra's Vine,
The crouding Youth their Bowls capacious crown'd,
And loyal Shouts from Tow'r to Tow'r rebound.
The Court by Day regal'd at princely Feasts
With all delicious Foods unnumber'd Guests,
And spent in various Joys the chearful Nights,
Balls, Games, and Masks, and theatral Delights;
While Tubes, that Speech from Foreign Breath acquire,
With the sweet Lute, the Viol, and the Lyre,
That vocal grow by soft Vibration, join'd
In well imagin'd Consorts, and combin'd
With tunefnl Voices, ravishing to hear,
Regal'd with heav'nly Harmony the Ear.
With all delicious Foods unnumber'd Guests,
And spent in various Joys the chearful Nights,
Balls, Games, and Masks, and theatral Delights;
While Tubes, that Speech from Foreign Breath acquire,
With the sweet Lute, the Viol, and the Lyre,
That vocal grow by soft Vibration, join'd
In well imagin'd Consorts, and combin'd
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Regal'd with heav'nly Harmony the Ear.
And now the solemn Space of Time expir'd
Destin'd to publick Joy, the King requir'd
Just Silva, and the British Prince besought
To speak the Method they the wisest thought
Against th' imprison'd Rebels to proceed,
If he should punish or forgive the Deed.
Destin'd to publick Joy, the King requir'd
Just Silva, and the British Prince besought
To speak the Method they the wisest thought
Against th' imprison'd Rebels to proceed,
If he should punish or forgive the Deed.
He said—And Albion's Heroe thus reply'd:
'Tis hard on this great Subject to decide;
Prudential Virtue, which is wont to use
The middle Way, must here that Way refuse;
Either Extream you may successful chuse.
You the severest Rigour may employ,
And thus Rebellion's baneful Root destroy,
Which should you think an Act of Prudence, none
Can as unjust arraign Fortunio's Throne;
Your's are the Rebels Lives and not their own.
But should the King this rig'rous Justice show,
Do it with Speed, at one effectual Blow:
For by Delay the People's Minds relent,
Who soon their Heats and stormy Passion vent;
And Justice, when they feel no Rage nor Fear,
Will Lust of Blood and cruel Wrath appear:
They'll now for Mercy to th' Offender cry,
Nor will they bear to see the Traytors die,
Whose Heads, so great for Vengeance was their Thirst,
They had with Rapture seen struck off at first:
And hence crown'd Heads, that stedfast have decreed
Against proud Rebels vig'rous to proceed,
Observe, so I conceive, a wholsome Rule,
Who give the People's Rage no Time to cool.
'Tis hard on this great Subject to decide;
Prudential Virtue, which is wont to use
The middle Way, must here that Way refuse;
Either Extream you may successful chuse.
You the severest Rigour may employ,
And thus Rebellion's baneful Root destroy,
Which should you think an Act of Prudence, none
Can as unjust arraign Fortunio's Throne;
Your's are the Rebels Lives and not their own.
But should the King this rig'rous Justice show,
Do it with Speed, at one effectual Blow:
For by Delay the People's Minds relent,
Who soon their Heats and stormy Passion vent;
And Justice, when they feel no Rage nor Fear,
Will Lust of Blood and cruel Wrath appear:
410
Nor will they bear to see the Traytors die,
Whose Heads, so great for Vengeance was their Thirst,
They had with Rapture seen struck off at first:
And hence crown'd Heads, that stedfast have decreed
Against proud Rebels vig'rous to proceed,
Observe, so I conceive, a wholsome Rule,
Who give the People's Rage no Time to cool.
And as in Justice Kings should not be slow,
But should at once their utmost Rigour show,
So then to all they shou'd indulgent grow;
Who by Degrees to just Reflection brought,
Will soon forget, what once they cruel thought.
If you severe chastise this high Offence,
You should disable all, that you incense;
Your wise Precaution should extend so far,
As not to leave them Pow'r to wage new War;
Else they will vengeful rise again in Arms,
And still disturb your Realm with fresh Alarms:
Often, as all recorded Annals tell,
Conspirators set free again rebell,
And while unpunish'd more their Prince defame,
Indulgence Fear, and Mercy Weakness name.
Rebellion's Witch-like Charms the Senses bind,
Harden the Heart and stupify the Mind:
Whence Traytors spar'd the Mercy seldom own,
But, more embolden'd, more insult the Throne:
Oaths, Pardons, Dangers can't their Progress bar,
They lay new Plots and meditate new War.
Hence prudent Kings oft in their just Defence
Disarm these Sons of Blood and Violence,
And to prevent a new seditious Storm,
Disable Foes they never can reform.
But should at once their utmost Rigour show,
So then to all they shou'd indulgent grow;
Who by Degrees to just Reflection brought,
Will soon forget, what once they cruel thought.
If you severe chastise this high Offence,
You should disable all, that you incense;
Your wise Precaution should extend so far,
As not to leave them Pow'r to wage new War;
Else they will vengeful rise again in Arms,
And still disturb your Realm with fresh Alarms:
Often, as all recorded Annals tell,
Conspirators set free again rebell,
And while unpunish'd more their Prince defame,
Indulgence Fear, and Mercy Weakness name.
Rebellion's Witch-like Charms the Senses bind,
Harden the Heart and stupify the Mind:
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But, more embolden'd, more insult the Throne:
Oaths, Pardons, Dangers can't their Progress bar,
They lay new Plots and meditate new War.
Hence prudent Kings oft in their just Defence
Disarm these Sons of Blood and Violence,
And to prevent a new seditious Storm,
Disable Foes they never can reform.
Th' Extream upon the adverse Side that brings,
In such a State, Security to Kings
Is that they grant an Amnesty with Speed
To all, that all from Fear of suff'ring freed,
And won by such a gen'rous Act of Grace,
May the disloyal Cause no more embrace,
But in Obedience to a Monarch live,
Able to strike, but willing to forgive.
Mercy so unconstrain'd, so undeserv'd
May change their Hearts, who from their Duty swerv'd:
Thus poison'd Clans may factious Maxims quit,
Renounce their Guides and to their Prince submit.
In such a State, Security to Kings
Is that they grant an Amnesty with Speed
To all, that all from Fear of suff'ring freed,
And won by such a gen'rous Act of Grace,
May the disloyal Cause no more embrace,
But in Obedience to a Monarch live,
Able to strike, but willing to forgive.
Mercy so unconstrain'd, so undeserv'd
May change their Hearts, who from their Duty swerv'd:
Thus poison'd Clans may factious Maxims quit,
Renounce their Guides and to their Prince submit.
But should a Monarch in the Middle go,
And not strict Justice, nor great Mercy show;
Should he, when Rebels who presum'd to wield
Perfidious Arms are vanquish'd in the Field,
Suspend their Sentence long, and not decree
Either to punish or to set them free;
Mercy and Justice he would much debase,
This would its Terrour lose and that its Grace.
Hence should you penal Pow'r by Halves employ,
And not acquit the Pris'ners, nor destroy,
Deal Justice Peace-meal out, and now and then
Cut off some friendless, low, unmony'd Men,
While all of Titles, opulent and great
By purchas'd Intercessions Law defeat;
While favour'd Courtiers Pardons now retail,
And set up Lands and Lives at publick Sale;
Stung with Resentment Subjects will behold
Not only Places, but Rebellion sold,
And conscious of the Springs from whence they rise,
These weak inglorious Methods must despise;
And such a Temper they'll interpret Fear,
And Clemency will Impotence appear:
Rebels embolden'd will refuse to yield,
Recover Hopes, and take again the Field.
Would then Fortunio unmolested live,
Push Home your Blow at first, or all forgive.
And not strict Justice, nor great Mercy show;
Should he, when Rebels who presum'd to wield
Perfidious Arms are vanquish'd in the Field,
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Either to punish or to set them free;
Mercy and Justice he would much debase,
This would its Terrour lose and that its Grace.
Hence should you penal Pow'r by Halves employ,
And not acquit the Pris'ners, nor destroy,
Deal Justice Peace-meal out, and now and then
Cut off some friendless, low, unmony'd Men,
While all of Titles, opulent and great
By purchas'd Intercessions Law defeat;
While favour'd Courtiers Pardons now retail,
And set up Lands and Lives at publick Sale;
Stung with Resentment Subjects will behold
Not only Places, but Rebellion sold,
And conscious of the Springs from whence they rise,
These weak inglorious Methods must despise;
And such a Temper they'll interpret Fear,
And Clemency will Impotence appear:
Rebels embolden'd will refuse to yield,
Recover Hopes, and take again the Field.
Would then Fortunio unmolested live,
Push Home your Blow at first, or all forgive.
He said, and Silva thus the King address'd:
Prince Alfred fully has my Soul express'd.
Let not the King false Moderation know,
But great Compassion or great Rigour show:
Most to the first my Sentiments incline,
For tho' like Mercy Justice is divine,
Yet when a Monarch soft Indulgence finds
Likely to calm exasperated Minds,
Feuds and contagious Ferments to appease,
Ill Humours sooth and heal the State's Disease,
He should with Balms the angry Sore asswage,
Which often Med'cines violent enrage:
And Mercy more securely may be shown
Since Velez Faction's Head and Prop is gone.
Each Method publick Troubles may remove,
But I the mild before the sharp approve,
From This you'll rule by Fear, from That by Love.
Prince Alfred fully has my Soul express'd.
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But great Compassion or great Rigour show:
Most to the first my Sentiments incline,
For tho' like Mercy Justice is divine,
Yet when a Monarch soft Indulgence finds
Likely to calm exasperated Minds,
Feuds and contagious Ferments to appease,
Ill Humours sooth and heal the State's Disease,
He should with Balms the angry Sore asswage,
Which often Med'cines violent enrage:
And Mercy more securely may be shown
Since Velez Faction's Head and Prop is gone.
Each Method publick Troubles may remove,
But I the mild before the sharp approve,
From This you'll rule by Fear, from That by Love.
He ceas'd—And Alfred prais'd what Silva said;
And by this wise Advice the Monarch led,
Gracious proclaim'd a gen'ral Amnesty,
Forgave their Guilt and set the Pris'ners free.
This Mercy undeserv'd, to Rebels shown,
The People eas'd, and fix'd the Monarch's Throne.
And by this wise Advice the Monarch led,
Gracious proclaim'd a gen'ral Amnesty,
Forgave their Guilt and set the Pris'ners free.
This Mercy undeserv'd, to Rebels shown,
The People eas'd, and fix'd the Monarch's Throne.
Now Osmor, Ocra, Lords from Albion sent,
And Alred, Guithun's Brother, with Intent
To find the Prince, to Pampeluna came,
Directed thither by the Heroe's Fame.
He at the Sight of British Friends express'd
Great Marks of Joy, whom Alred thus address'd.
And Alred, Guithun's Brother, with Intent
To find the Prince, to Pampeluna came,
Directed thither by the Heroe's Fame.
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Great Marks of Joy, whom Alred thus address'd.
When weak by wasting Pains Atulpho grown
Chang'd for a heav'nly his terrestrial Throne,
Prince Ethelbal, who had before rebell'd
Against the King, by trait'rous Chiefs upheld,
And shar'd his potent Realm, was now the sole
And uncontested Sov'reign of the Whole:
But his Dominions he not long possest,
Thrown by his fiery Courser on his Breast,
And by the fatal Bruise of Life bereft,
To Ethelred, the King his Empire left:
He sways the Scepter now of Albion's Isle,
That Scandinavia's Powr's of late embroil
With fresh Descents, the suff'ring Land devour
By new Brigades, that numberless they pour
On Britain's Coast: Our King by Foes oppress'd,
His Ruin threaten'd, and his Realm distress'd,
Entreats, brave Prince, that you without Delay
Would to your Native Land direct your Way,
To guard his Throne by your unrivall'd Arms,
And from your Country drive the Cimbrian Swarms.
Chang'd for a heav'nly his terrestrial Throne,
Prince Ethelbal, who had before rebell'd
Against the King, by trait'rous Chiefs upheld,
And shar'd his potent Realm, was now the sole
And uncontested Sov'reign of the Whole:
But his Dominions he not long possest,
Thrown by his fiery Courser on his Breast,
And by the fatal Bruise of Life bereft,
To Ethelred, the King his Empire left:
He sways the Scepter now of Albion's Isle,
That Scandinavia's Powr's of late embroil
With fresh Descents, the suff'ring Land devour
By new Brigades, that numberless they pour
On Britain's Coast: Our King by Foes oppress'd,
His Ruin threaten'd, and his Realm distress'd,
Entreats, brave Prince, that you without Delay
Would to your Native Land direct your Way,
To guard his Throne by your unrivall'd Arms,
And from your Country drive the Cimbrian Swarms.
He ceas'd—The Prince mourn'd Albion's State involv'd
In Woe, and soon to reach her Shore resolv'd:
And now departing from Fortunio's Court
Takes solemn Leave, and hastens to the Port
Of Flaviobriga, in whose ample Bay
His Ships, so Alfred bade, at Anchor lay.
In Woe, and soon to reach her Shore resolv'd:
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Takes solemn Leave, and hastens to the Port
Of Flaviobriga, in whose ample Bay
His Ships, so Alfred bade, at Anchor lay.
And now the solar Orb's prevailing Light
Unveil'd th' Horizon and dispell'd the Night,
While gloomy Shades before his Glory flew,
And humid Meteors and raw Fogs withdrew.
The Britons soon embark, and plough the Main,
While o'er the bounding Waves they sail from Spain:
On Aquitanian Seas they steady steer,
Till the white Cliffs on Albion's Shore appear:
At Isca's Mouth, where strong Danmonian Swains
Feed woolly Flocks, or till the fertile Plains,
The Prince debark'd, and wing'd with Zeal and Love
To gain the Monarch's Camp impatient strove.
Unveil'd th' Horizon and dispell'd the Night,
While gloomy Shades before his Glory flew,
And humid Meteors and raw Fogs withdrew.
The Britons soon embark, and plough the Main,
While o'er the bounding Waves they sail from Spain:
On Aquitanian Seas they steady steer,
Till the white Cliffs on Albion's Shore appear:
At Isca's Mouth, where strong Danmonian Swains
Feed woolly Flocks, or till the fertile Plains,
The Prince debark'd, and wing'd with Zeal and Love
To gain the Monarch's Camp impatient strove.
The Fame of Alfred's Landing swiftly spread
Thro' all the Region in the Natives bred
New Life and Joy, their Weapons all prepare,
And quit for glorious Labour rural Care.
With martial Noise the Vales and Mountains ring,
While to the Field bold Youth with Ardour spring:
Towns catch from Towns contagious War's Alarms,
And every Street resounds with—Arms, to Arms!
The Cry is, Alfred, Alfred, wise and brave
Is safe arriv'd, his Sword will Albion save,
Defend our Altars, quell the Cimbrian Host,
And drive the Robbers from our harrass'd Coast.
The Prince mean Time the high Pavilion gains
Where agonizing Ethelred in Pains
Severe, cold Sweats, and Throws convulsive lay,
Peirc'd by a Spear the antecedent Day
In his right Side, while resolute in Fight
He push'd the Dane, and put his Troops to Flight;
And ere returning Morn new Light display'd,
His Eyes were clos'd with everlasting Shade.
Alfred for all great princely Virtues fam'd,
Who at his Country's Pow'r and Greatness aim'd,
And strove to raise her Riches and Renown,
With loud Applause succeeds to Albion's Crown.
Thro' all the Region in the Natives bred
New Life and Joy, their Weapons all prepare,
And quit for glorious Labour rural Care.
With martial Noise the Vales and Mountains ring,
While to the Field bold Youth with Ardour spring:
Towns catch from Towns contagious War's Alarms,
And every Street resounds with—Arms, to Arms!
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Is safe arriv'd, his Sword will Albion save,
Defend our Altars, quell the Cimbrian Host,
And drive the Robbers from our harrass'd Coast.
The Prince mean Time the high Pavilion gains
Where agonizing Ethelred in Pains
Severe, cold Sweats, and Throws convulsive lay,
Peirc'd by a Spear the antecedent Day
In his right Side, while resolute in Fight
He push'd the Dane, and put his Troops to Flight;
And ere returning Morn new Light display'd,
His Eyes were clos'd with everlasting Shade.
Alfred for all great princely Virtues fam'd,
Who at his Country's Pow'r and Greatness aim'd,
And strove to raise her Riches and Renown,
With loud Applause succeeds to Albion's Crown.
While he some Days amidst his Army staid,
Till he had decent fun'ral Honours paid
To an heroick Royal Brother due,
A prudent King to his high Office true,
Undoubted Tidings to the Monarch came,
That his West-Saxons fir'd with martial Flame
Had taken Arms, and speedy Marches made
To reach his Cohorts, and the Dane invade.
The King encamp'd near a wide Forrest lay,
Since Sellwood call'd, and on the following Day
Ere the bright Sun had spread meridian Light
His Friends with waving Ensigns march'd in Sight,
And soon, while Shouts and Acclamations ring
Around the echoing Skies, they join'd the King.
Till he had decent fun'ral Honours paid
To an heroick Royal Brother due,
A prudent King to his high Office true,
Undoubted Tidings to the Monarch came,
That his West-Saxons fir'd with martial Flame
Had taken Arms, and speedy Marches made
To reach his Cohorts, and the Dane invade.
The King encamp'd near a wide Forrest lay,
Since Sellwood call'd, and on the following Day
417
His Friends with waving Ensigns march'd in Sight,
And soon, while Shouts and Acclamations ring
Around the echoing Skies, they join'd the King.
Some from th' extended Promontory came,
That took from mighty Hercules its Name,
Who landing here on fair Britannia's Isle,
So Fame reports, by wonder-working Toil
Destroy'd a monst'rous fierce gigantick Race
Of Bulk enormous, and obscene of Face,
Who cloath'd their hideous Limbs with Skins of Beasts,
And held in cavern'd Rocks their savage Feasts:
Horn'd-hides with grisly Terrour crown'd their Head,
Their Cup a hollow Oak, a Grove their Bed:
Long they infested every Hill and Wood,
On Rapine liv'd and rioted in Blood.
They came, who dwelt on the sweet River's Bank
Since call'd Tonrigia, or the Tava drank;
These in their vig'rous Hands bright Lances bore,
Strong Bows of Yew a-cross their Shoulders wore,
While feather'd Deaths their ample Quivers store.
That took from mighty Hercules its Name,
Who landing here on fair Britannia's Isle,
So Fame reports, by wonder-working Toil
Destroy'd a monst'rous fierce gigantick Race
Of Bulk enormous, and obscene of Face,
Who cloath'd their hideous Limbs with Skins of Beasts,
And held in cavern'd Rocks their savage Feasts:
Horn'd-hides with grisly Terrour crown'd their Head,
Their Cup a hollow Oak, a Grove their Bed:
Long they infested every Hill and Wood,
On Rapine liv'd and rioted in Blood.
They came, who dwelt on the sweet River's Bank
Since call'd Tonrigia, or the Tava drank;
These in their vig'rous Hands bright Lances bore,
Strong Bows of Yew a-cross their Shoulders wore,
While feather'd Deaths their ample Quivers store.
From Moridunum on the Southern Main
They rush to Arms, and muster on the Plain;
Join'd by the Youth which from the Current came
That from th' amphibious Otter takes its Name:
With these combin'd the military Pow'rs
That left high Isca's celebrated Tow'rs,
Or dwelt along Isaca's verdant Side
Which thro' the smiling Vale rolls down her Tide.
Urg'd by brave Zeal their Country to restore
Ardent they left the Totonesian Shore,
And spreading Dert whose silver Streams bestow
Gay Pride and genial Treasures as they flow.
These arm'd with two edg'd Swords & polish'd Shields
Fill'd, as they march'd, with growing War the Fields.
Some left the fertile Land that Tamer laves,
And the fam'd Town wash'd by the Ocean's Waves,
Which on that River's Mouth exalted stands,
Protects the Port, and Sea and Land commands.
Here Corinæus, (Rumour so prevail'd,)
The mighty Giant Gogmagog assail'd
Vast and twelve Cubits high, a dreadful Sight;
And grasp'd & caught him up with wond'rous Might,
Then headlong from the rocky Mountain hurl'd
Th' enormous Heap amidst the watry World!
Drown'd and emerging he disturbs the Main,
And frights the Monsters that its Gulphs contain,
While, like a floating Island scarcely mov'd
By Tempests, he whole Seas before him shov'd.
They rush to Arms, and muster on the Plain;
Join'd by the Youth which from the Current came
That from th' amphibious Otter takes its Name:
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That left high Isca's celebrated Tow'rs,
Or dwelt along Isaca's verdant Side
Which thro' the smiling Vale rolls down her Tide.
Urg'd by brave Zeal their Country to restore
Ardent they left the Totonesian Shore,
And spreading Dert whose silver Streams bestow
Gay Pride and genial Treasures as they flow.
These arm'd with two edg'd Swords & polish'd Shields
Fill'd, as they march'd, with growing War the Fields.
Some left the fertile Land that Tamer laves,
And the fam'd Town wash'd by the Ocean's Waves,
Which on that River's Mouth exalted stands,
Protects the Port, and Sea and Land commands.
Here Corinæus, (Rumour so prevail'd,)
The mighty Giant Gogmagog assail'd
Vast and twelve Cubits high, a dreadful Sight;
And grasp'd & caught him up with wond'rous Might,
Then headlong from the rocky Mountain hurl'd
Th' enormous Heap amidst the watry World!
Drown'd and emerging he disturbs the Main,
And frights the Monsters that its Gulphs contain,
While, like a floating Island scarcely mov'd
By Tempests, he whole Seas before him shov'd.
Bold Troops advance from all the Towns that stood
On either Side Tamara's spreading Flood,
Whose flow'ry Banks and intervening Tide
The West Danmonian from the East divide.
Intrepid Warriours leave the Northern Shore
Where wild Hibernian Seas indignant roar,
And march from all th' Abodes dispers'd around
With People, Rivers, and rich Acres crown'd.
Others in Arms the Southern Region quit,
Which interposing Seas from Gallia split:
Here oft the Land uncommon Freedom takes,
And to the Main Excursions frequent makes,
While rocky Points protended wedge their Way,
And oft extruded Promontories stay
The rushing Billows this and that Way tost,
Whence the unequal, rough, indented Coast
A Kind of Hornwork seems by Nature fram'd,
Whence the whole Region is Cornubia nam'd.
Rumours of War thro' Hills and Vales resound,
And enter 'midst the Delver's Caves profound:
These subterranean People of the Soil
Catch warlike Heat, and ask more noble Toil,
And while their Breasts impulsive Ardour feel,
They leave their Tinny Oar for warlike Steel.
In Whorlbats, manly Games, and wrestling taught,
Active and strong, at Home they Honour sought,
Abroad with Spears and Battle-Axes fought.
Renown'd Oduno these to Alfred led,
And shone in polish'd Armour at their Head.
On either Side Tamara's spreading Flood,
419
The West Danmonian from the East divide.
Intrepid Warriours leave the Northern Shore
Where wild Hibernian Seas indignant roar,
And march from all th' Abodes dispers'd around
With People, Rivers, and rich Acres crown'd.
Others in Arms the Southern Region quit,
Which interposing Seas from Gallia split:
Here oft the Land uncommon Freedom takes,
And to the Main Excursions frequent makes,
While rocky Points protended wedge their Way,
And oft extruded Promontories stay
The rushing Billows this and that Way tost,
Whence the unequal, rough, indented Coast
A Kind of Hornwork seems by Nature fram'd,
Whence the whole Region is Cornubia nam'd.
Rumours of War thro' Hills and Vales resound,
And enter 'midst the Delver's Caves profound:
These subterranean People of the Soil
Catch warlike Heat, and ask more noble Toil,
And while their Breasts impulsive Ardour feel,
They leave their Tinny Oar for warlike Steel.
In Whorlbats, manly Games, and wrestling taught,
Active and strong, at Home they Honour sought,
Abroad with Spears and Battle-Axes fought.
Renown'd Oduno these to Alfred led,
And shone in polish'd Armour at their Head.
420
Rous'd by th' Alarm brave Durotrigian Lords
To vindicate their Nation draw their Swords;
While Hope of Conquest Thirst of Glory feeds,
All snatch their Weapons and demand their Steeds;
For Helms and Shields run to their lofty Halls,
And of their martial Honours strip the Walls:
Then emicant in Arms they take the Field,
Brandish the Spear, and the broad Faulchion wield:
Tenants and Vassals wing'd with Courage swarm
Around their Leaders, and Freeholders warm
With equal Fire from Countries near and far
Flock to the Rendezvous, and ask the War,
Fair Vendogladia's military Force,
Septona's Foot and Durnovaria's Horse.
Illustrious Esca these to Alfred brought,
Who various bloody Fields with Triumph fought.
Some Trinobantes of distinguish'd Fame,
Regnian and Belgian Chiefs to Alfred came,
And Attrebatian Lords to martial Toil
Innur'd, and valiant Knights from Vecta's Isle.
As when sweet Isis, that with worthy Pride
Salutes the Seats of Science with her Tide,
Advances smiling thro' the flow'ry Meads,
And wanton Volumes to the Ocean leads,
Her liquid Arms new confluent Brooks enclose
And adventitious Rivers, as she flows,
Till, grown a noble Flood, her Depths can bear
Sublime Augusta's Fleets of Trade and War:
So Alfred's Army swell'd, who now with Speed
To storm the Scandinavian Camp decreed.
To vindicate their Nation draw their Swords;
While Hope of Conquest Thirst of Glory feeds,
All snatch their Weapons and demand their Steeds;
For Helms and Shields run to their lofty Halls,
And of their martial Honours strip the Walls:
Then emicant in Arms they take the Field,
Brandish the Spear, and the broad Faulchion wield:
Tenants and Vassals wing'd with Courage swarm
Around their Leaders, and Freeholders warm
With equal Fire from Countries near and far
Flock to the Rendezvous, and ask the War,
Fair Vendogladia's military Force,
Septona's Foot and Durnovaria's Horse.
Illustrious Esca these to Alfred brought,
Who various bloody Fields with Triumph fought.
Some Trinobantes of distinguish'd Fame,
Regnian and Belgian Chiefs to Alfred came,
And Attrebatian Lords to martial Toil
Innur'd, and valiant Knights from Vecta's Isle.
As when sweet Isis, that with worthy Pride
Salutes the Seats of Science with her Tide,
Advances smiling thro' the flow'ry Meads,
And wanton Volumes to the Ocean leads,
Her liquid Arms new confluent Brooks enclose
And adventitious Rivers, as she flows,
421
Sublime Augusta's Fleets of Trade and War:
So Alfred's Army swell'd, who now with Speed
To storm the Scandinavian Camp decreed.
Mean Time the Dane his Forts and Castles drain'd
Where strong Brigades in Garrison remain'd,
Assur'd his Conquests, and his Pow'r maintain'd;
These Cohorts vastly Gunter's Host augment,
All vers'd in Combate and on Slaughter bent:
Against the Foe he wise Provisions made,
Resolv'd to guard his Ground and not invade;
Then pitch'd his Camp on Edingtona's Plain,
Determin'd there with Vigour to sustain
Th' invading War; a thick and spacious Wood
Assur'd his Left, his Right a fordless Flood,
And in the Front high Lines and Bullwarks stood.
Where strong Brigades in Garrison remain'd,
Assur'd his Conquests, and his Pow'r maintain'd;
These Cohorts vastly Gunter's Host augment,
All vers'd in Combate and on Slaughter bent:
Against the Foe he wise Provisions made,
Resolv'd to guard his Ground and not invade;
Then pitch'd his Camp on Edingtona's Plain,
Determin'd there with Vigour to sustain
Th' invading War; a thick and spacious Wood
Assur'd his Left, his Right a fordless Flood,
And in the Front high Lines and Bullwarks stood.
Now Alfred bright in Arms the Saxon heads,
And to the Dane th' embattled Cohorts leads:
They high in Air with Shouts their Weapon's wield,
And by swift Marches gain th' extended Field,
Where the augmented Cimbrian Host they found
Strongly encamp'd on advantagious Ground.
And to the Dane th' embattled Cohorts leads:
They high in Air with Shouts their Weapon's wield,
And by swift Marches gain th' extended Field,
Where the augmented Cimbrian Host they found
Strongly encamp'd on advantagious Ground.
Then dress'd Musician like, and in his Hand
His Harp, that could with charming Sounds command
The ravish'd Soul, the Heroe took his Way,
And reach'd the hostile Camp at Fall of Day;
Where ent'ring bold he struck his vocal Strings,
No sweeter Musick chears voluptuous Kings.
So David, fair Judæa's potent Lord,
Was for his Lyre renown'd, as well as Sword;
With This He savage Beasts and Giants kill'd,
Phrensy with That compos'd and Fury still'd.
With Art like Alfred's so, if Fame be true,
To touch the Harp admir'd Amphion knew,
And Orpheus with such Strains the Forrest drew.
His Melody the list'ning Warrious hear,
Feel the soft Rapture vib'rate in the Ear,
And thought some Stranger from the Seats above
Was sent their Hope and Valour to improve.
His Harp, that could with charming Sounds command
421
And reach'd the hostile Camp at Fall of Day;
Where ent'ring bold he struck his vocal Strings,
No sweeter Musick chears voluptuous Kings.
So David, fair Judæa's potent Lord,
Was for his Lyre renown'd, as well as Sword;
With This He savage Beasts and Giants kill'd,
Phrensy with That compos'd and Fury still'd.
With Art like Alfred's so, if Fame be true,
To touch the Harp admir'd Amphion knew,
And Orpheus with such Strains the Forrest drew.
His Melody the list'ning Warrious hear,
Feel the soft Rapture vib'rate in the Ear,
And thought some Stranger from the Seats above
Was sent their Hope and Valour to improve.
He sung the Praises of their warlike Bands,
And high extoll'd the Chiefs of great Commands,
Whose martial Deeds were fam'd in distant Lands.
How Inguar, Hubba, Haldan, mighty Lords
Of Scandinavia by their matchless Swords
Had often glorious Laurels gain'd in Fight,
And put their boldest Foes to shameful Flight:
How unfatigu'd with Hardships, Care, and Pain,
And scorning all the Terrours of the Main,
Their potent Navies with successful Toil
Landed their Troops, and conquer'd Albion's Isle.
And high extoll'd the Chiefs of great Commands,
Whose martial Deeds were fam'd in distant Lands.
How Inguar, Hubba, Haldan, mighty Lords
Of Scandinavia by their matchless Swords
Had often glorious Laurels gain'd in Fight,
And put their boldest Foes to shameful Flight:
How unfatigu'd with Hardships, Care, and Pain,
And scorning all the Terrours of the Main,
Their potent Navies with successful Toil
Landed their Troops, and conquer'd Albion's Isle.
423
Two Days and Nights the royal Harper staid,
And unsuspected vigilant survey'd
The Posture of the Camp, intent to know,
Where best his Warriours might attack the Foe:
Now, ere the Skies were conscious of the Day,
He undiscover'd hasty took his Way
Back to his Troops, and gave Command with Speed
To bring his Armour and his gen'rous Steed.
Then forward sprung, and brandishing his Lance
Bade his embattled Squadrons bold advance
With silent Pace, and not excite Alarms
By the shrill Trumpet or the Noise of Arms.
And unsuspected vigilant survey'd
The Posture of the Camp, intent to know,
Where best his Warriours might attack the Foe:
Now, ere the Skies were conscious of the Day,
He undiscover'd hasty took his Way
Back to his Troops, and gave Command with Speed
To bring his Armour and his gen'rous Steed.
Then forward sprung, and brandishing his Lance
Bade his embattled Squadrons bold advance
With silent Pace, and not excite Alarms
By the shrill Trumpet or the Noise of Arms.
'Twas Night, the Image of the Court of Death,
Waves ceas'd to rage, & Winds had spent their Breath:
Tir'd Swains relieve the Day's by nightly Sweat,
And Hounds their Chaces in their Dreams repeat:
The Groves and Garden-Trees cold Dew-drops weep,
And Flow'rs in native Silks enfolded sleep;
The sparkling Stars in azure Turrets shine,
While all Things favour'd Alfred's high Design.
Waves ceas'd to rage, & Winds had spent their Breath:
Tir'd Swains relieve the Day's by nightly Sweat,
And Hounds their Chaces in their Dreams repeat:
The Groves and Garden-Trees cold Dew-drops weep,
And Flow'rs in native Silks enfolded sleep;
The sparkling Stars in azure Turrets shine,
While all Things favour'd Alfred's high Design.
The Prince of Darkness from a Mountain's Height,
Looking around with sharp seraphick Sight,
Discern'd the Britons in the silent Night,
Ready to pour their Vengeance on the Foe,
While unsuspicious of th' intended Blow.
Looking around with sharp seraphick Sight,
Discern'd the Britons in the silent Night,
424
While unsuspicious of th' intended Blow.
Then to himself with Fury in his Eyes
He said—Shall Albion's hateful Prince surprize
The Scandinavian Leaders, and employ
Base Arts and Arms clandestine to destroy
Their Cohorts? No, I'll interpose Delay;
I'll give them Time to draw forth in Array
The Battle, and rebuke bold Alfred's Pride,
Not Fraud, but Valour shall the Field decide.
He said—Shall Albion's hateful Prince surprize
The Scandinavian Leaders, and employ
Base Arts and Arms clandestine to destroy
Their Cohorts? No, I'll interpose Delay;
I'll give them Time to draw forth in Array
The Battle, and rebuke bold Alfred's Pride,
Not Fraud, but Valour shall the Field decide.
He said—And call'd the Ministers of Hell
Of vulgar Rank, malicious Fiends, that dwell
Among the Reeks and Meteors of the Air,
Smiths of the Sky, that Thunder-Bolts prepare
In floating Forges, and industrious form
The livid Light'ning, and contrive the Storm;
And thus bespoke them.—Demons, fly in Haste,
And with raw Steams and Vapours overcast
Th' aerial Gulph contiguous to the Land,
The Demons swift obey'd his dread Command.
Soon Mists and Vapours form a gloomy Fog,
And with their hazy Stores th' Horizon clog,
That from the Marshes, Ponds, and Rivers rise,
Whence lazy Damps oppress th' inferiour Skies.
Alfred had reach'd the Foe by Break of Day,
But stood compell'd the Combate to delay
Till the bright Orb should with prevailing Light
Disperse the Mists and chace this second Night.
Of vulgar Rank, malicious Fiends, that dwell
Among the Reeks and Meteors of the Air,
Smiths of the Sky, that Thunder-Bolts prepare
In floating Forges, and industrious form
The livid Light'ning, and contrive the Storm;
And thus bespoke them.—Demons, fly in Haste,
And with raw Steams and Vapours overcast
Th' aerial Gulph contiguous to the Land,
The Demons swift obey'd his dread Command.
Soon Mists and Vapours form a gloomy Fog,
And with their hazy Stores th' Horizon clog,
That from the Marshes, Ponds, and Rivers rise,
Whence lazy Damps oppress th' inferiour Skies.
425
But stood compell'd the Combate to delay
Till the bright Orb should with prevailing Light
Disperse the Mists and chace this second Night.
Now did the Sun the hov'ring Reeks dispell,
Black to the Sight and noxious to the Smell,
When to the Camp the King advanc'd, and found
The Dane well posted to defend his Ground:
For while the Air grew thick he took th' Alarm,
And bade, to guard their Lines, his Cohorts arm.
Yet did the King intrepid Courage show
Determin'd to assault the num'rous Foe;
But first in solemn Pray'r did Heav'n invoke
To aid his Arms; then thus his Men bespoke.
Black to the Sight and noxious to the Smell,
When to the Camp the King advanc'd, and found
The Dane well posted to defend his Ground:
For while the Air grew thick he took th' Alarm,
And bade, to guard their Lines, his Cohorts arm.
Yet did the King intrepid Courage show
Determin'd to assault the num'rous Foe;
But first in solemn Pray'r did Heav'n invoke
To aid his Arms; then thus his Men bespoke.
Long have the Cimbrians Albion's Spoils enjoy'd,
Pillag'd our Cities, merciless destroy'd
Our fruitful Land, by Murder fill'd the Graves,
Deflowr'd our Maids, and took our Men for Slaves;
Vengeance severe! yet in the Balance laid
Against our heavy Guilt it's far outweigh'd.
Heav'n has chastis'd our Crimes, now in its Turn
The cruel Cimbrian shall his Suff'rings mourn:
So heav'nly Visions Alfred have foretold,
Be then couragious and in Battle bold.
Trust your great Maker; trust your righteous Cause;
The Land is yours,—they violate the Laws
Of Heav'n and Earth, while from their naked Home
Spoilers and robbing Vagabonds they roam.
Shall they our sacred Altars overturn,
And in the Dust the Christian's Glory spurn?
Shall Pagan Demon-Gods, by us abhorr'd,
(Forbid it Heav'n) be thro' the Isle ador'd?
Shall their unhallow'd Domes in Albion rise,
Pollute the Kingdom, and affront the Skies?
Shall they their Idols, Wood and Marble, raise
In every solemn House of Pray'r and Praise;
Drive thence the Vot'ry, that our Creed believes,
And turn each Temple to a Den of Thieves?
Shall here enthron'd a Cimbrian Robber sit?
Shall gen'rous Britons servilely submit
To an insulting barb'rous Lord their Neck,
Aw'd to Obedience at a Pirate's Beck?
Shall these Abodes, these Streams and fertile Plains,
These Pastures fill a vagrant Nation's Veins?
Beggars that left their Home in Want of Bread,
Shall they, Britannia, by thy Spoils be fed?
Will not West-Saxons for their Church contend,
Their Laws and Lands and Families defend?
Avenge, brave Men, the Blood the Dane has spilt,
Reduce his Arrogance, chastise his Guilt,
And force him to repass the boist'rous Waves,
To dwell again in Snows, and skulk in Rocks & Caves.
Pillag'd our Cities, merciless destroy'd
Our fruitful Land, by Murder fill'd the Graves,
Deflowr'd our Maids, and took our Men for Slaves;
Vengeance severe! yet in the Balance laid
Against our heavy Guilt it's far outweigh'd.
Heav'n has chastis'd our Crimes, now in its Turn
The cruel Cimbrian shall his Suff'rings mourn:
So heav'nly Visions Alfred have foretold,
Be then couragious and in Battle bold.
426
The Land is yours,—they violate the Laws
Of Heav'n and Earth, while from their naked Home
Spoilers and robbing Vagabonds they roam.
Shall they our sacred Altars overturn,
And in the Dust the Christian's Glory spurn?
Shall Pagan Demon-Gods, by us abhorr'd,
(Forbid it Heav'n) be thro' the Isle ador'd?
Shall their unhallow'd Domes in Albion rise,
Pollute the Kingdom, and affront the Skies?
Shall they their Idols, Wood and Marble, raise
In every solemn House of Pray'r and Praise;
Drive thence the Vot'ry, that our Creed believes,
And turn each Temple to a Den of Thieves?
Shall here enthron'd a Cimbrian Robber sit?
Shall gen'rous Britons servilely submit
To an insulting barb'rous Lord their Neck,
Aw'd to Obedience at a Pirate's Beck?
Shall these Abodes, these Streams and fertile Plains,
These Pastures fill a vagrant Nation's Veins?
Beggars that left their Home in Want of Bread,
Shall they, Britannia, by thy Spoils be fed?
Will not West-Saxons for their Church contend,
Their Laws and Lands and Families defend?
Avenge, brave Men, the Blood the Dane has spilt,
Reduce his Arrogance, chastise his Guilt,
427
To dwell again in Snows, and skulk in Rocks & Caves.
He said—And Ocra, so the King commands,
And fam'd Oduno with two chosen Bands
March from the Army, and advance in Form
By two Attacks the lofty Lines to storm.
Alred brave Ocra joins, two faithful Friends,
And Esca great Oduno's Fate attends.
Ere the bright Orb had his first Stages run,
The Signal giv'n, the Chiefs th' Assault begun.
Intrepid Ocra with his Troops assail'd
The high rais'd Lines and long in Fight prevail'd;
With such Success his missive Weapons flew,
That he bold Segar and Ammonda slew;
This did in Skill, and that in Strength excell,
One by the Spear, one by the Jav'lin fell.
Then his projected glitt'ring Deaths destroy'd
Fam'd Esketel, that Wealth immense enjoy'd,
And mighty Ilden long in Arms employ'd:
This in his Belly felt the fatal Wound,
Then sunk and struck with ringing Arms the Ground;
That by the Steel which enter'd deep his Side,
Dropt on the Field, and in a Moment dy'd.
Then Regenol of Borno's martial Race,
Sivard and Vmbo, who their Lineage trace
From Cimbrian Monarchs, by the Heroe slain
Britannia's Fields with royal Blood distain.
And fam'd Oduno with two chosen Bands
March from the Army, and advance in Form
By two Attacks the lofty Lines to storm.
Alred brave Ocra joins, two faithful Friends,
And Esca great Oduno's Fate attends.
Ere the bright Orb had his first Stages run,
The Signal giv'n, the Chiefs th' Assault begun.
Intrepid Ocra with his Troops assail'd
The high rais'd Lines and long in Fight prevail'd;
With such Success his missive Weapons flew,
That he bold Segar and Ammonda slew;
This did in Skill, and that in Strength excell,
One by the Spear, one by the Jav'lin fell.
Then his projected glitt'ring Deaths destroy'd
Fam'd Esketel, that Wealth immense enjoy'd,
And mighty Ilden long in Arms employ'd:
This in his Belly felt the fatal Wound,
Then sunk and struck with ringing Arms the Ground;
That by the Steel which enter'd deep his Side,
Dropt on the Field, and in a Moment dy'd.
Then Regenol of Borno's martial Race,
Sivard and Vmbo, who their Lineage trace
428
Britannia's Fields with royal Blood distain.
Then waving in the Air his flaming Blade
On the high Lines he great Destruction made:
Elfus and Edrick he depriv'd of Breath,
Peirc'd Arpen's Breast, and to the Courts of Death
Sent Rabanol, who left the Northern Shores
Where the Norwegian boist'rous Ocean roars,
And with the Dane invaded Albion's Isle,
Urg'd by rapacious Hopes of wealthy Spoil;
Now with the Cimbrians slain he mingled lies,
And by the Briton's Arms with Honour dies.
Gufrid advancing Ocra's Force withstood,
And dauntless made a while the Battle good;
Till wounded deep and smear'd with flowing Gore
He stagger'd, fell, and groan'd, and spoke no more:
He, long insulted by a haughty Wife,
To 'scape the Torments of domestick Strife
Fearless expos'd to nobler War his Life:
By mortal Wounds now did the Warriour bleed,
By worthy Combate from inglorious freed.
On the high Lines he great Destruction made:
Elfus and Edrick he depriv'd of Breath,
Peirc'd Arpen's Breast, and to the Courts of Death
Sent Rabanol, who left the Northern Shores
Where the Norwegian boist'rous Ocean roars,
And with the Dane invaded Albion's Isle,
Urg'd by rapacious Hopes of wealthy Spoil;
Now with the Cimbrians slain he mingled lies,
And by the Briton's Arms with Honour dies.
Gufrid advancing Ocra's Force withstood,
And dauntless made a while the Battle good;
Till wounded deep and smear'd with flowing Gore
He stagger'd, fell, and groan'd, and spoke no more:
He, long insulted by a haughty Wife,
To 'scape the Torments of domestick Strife
Fearless expos'd to nobler War his Life:
By mortal Wounds now did the Warriour bleed,
By worthy Combate from inglorious freed.
Then Heuladin, a bold Finlandian Lord,
Who in the Danish Cause had drawn his Sword,
His hardy Cohorts to the Battle brought,
And to repell the Heroe bravely fought:
But by superiour Arms the Goth had dy'd,
Had not Gotaro swift Relief supply'd;
He rushing to the War with fresh Brigades
In desp'rate Rage the British Troops invades.
Great Ocra then in doubtful Conflict strove,
He now retir'd, and now prevailing drove
From their high Lines the fluctuating Foe,
While Vict'ry unresolv'd flew to and fro.
So when two adverse Storms the Skies embroil
Near Persia's Gulph or Madagascar's Isle,
Warring with balanc'd Pow'r by Turns they yield,
By Turns are Masters of th' aerial Field:
The flying Clouds they this and that Way drive,
And long with equal Force in Combate strive.
Still Forces new hard on the Saxon prest,
While Foot to Foot they fought, and Breast to Breast.
When faithful Alred saw the valiant Chief
By Foes encompass'd, swift he brought Relief
By fresh Brigades the Conflict to maintain,
And fill'd the ample Ditches with the Slain.
He slew bold Vlfrid at his Cohort's Head,
And laid brave Anlafe on the Rampart dead.
Cubert and Eltha, who his Arms withstood,
Fell by his Sword, and welter'd in their Blood.
Then did Elfuda to the Fight advance,
Vast was his Size, and pond'rous was his Lance,
Which at the Saxon he with Vigour threw,
But o'er his Head the erring Vengeance flew:
Then rushing on they came to handy Blows,
When on the Lines a noble Combate rose;
Alternate Strokes ring from their suff'ring Shields,
While neither overcomes, nor either yields.
Alred at length enrag'd, to end the Fight,
Stretcht all his Nerves, and call'd up all his Might
For one decisive Blow, his lifted Sword
Descended on the mighty Cimbrian Lord
With such a dreadful Sway, that thro' the Crest
It cut his Head; the issuing Blood confest
The grievous Wound; he stunn'd, and dizzy reel'd,
Till Friends ran in and bore him from the Field.
Then did the Chief, his Faulchion in his Hand,
Drive back the Danes, and made a noble Stand
Till Ocra, who renew'd Assaults in vain,
Prest with fresh Foes, and weak by Numbers slain,
His fruitless Efforts now no more repeats,
But with his Warriours from the Fight retreats.
Back from the Lines then to the Host he came,
And, tho' not Vict'ry, won egregious Fame.
Who in the Danish Cause had drawn his Sword,
His hardy Cohorts to the Battle brought,
And to repell the Heroe bravely fought:
429
Had not Gotaro swift Relief supply'd;
He rushing to the War with fresh Brigades
In desp'rate Rage the British Troops invades.
Great Ocra then in doubtful Conflict strove,
He now retir'd, and now prevailing drove
From their high Lines the fluctuating Foe,
While Vict'ry unresolv'd flew to and fro.
So when two adverse Storms the Skies embroil
Near Persia's Gulph or Madagascar's Isle,
Warring with balanc'd Pow'r by Turns they yield,
By Turns are Masters of th' aerial Field:
The flying Clouds they this and that Way drive,
And long with equal Force in Combate strive.
Still Forces new hard on the Saxon prest,
While Foot to Foot they fought, and Breast to Breast.
When faithful Alred saw the valiant Chief
By Foes encompass'd, swift he brought Relief
By fresh Brigades the Conflict to maintain,
And fill'd the ample Ditches with the Slain.
He slew bold Vlfrid at his Cohort's Head,
And laid brave Anlafe on the Rampart dead.
Cubert and Eltha, who his Arms withstood,
Fell by his Sword, and welter'd in their Blood.
Then did Elfuda to the Fight advance,
Vast was his Size, and pond'rous was his Lance,
430
But o'er his Head the erring Vengeance flew:
Then rushing on they came to handy Blows,
When on the Lines a noble Combate rose;
Alternate Strokes ring from their suff'ring Shields,
While neither overcomes, nor either yields.
Alred at length enrag'd, to end the Fight,
Stretcht all his Nerves, and call'd up all his Might
For one decisive Blow, his lifted Sword
Descended on the mighty Cimbrian Lord
With such a dreadful Sway, that thro' the Crest
It cut his Head; the issuing Blood confest
The grievous Wound; he stunn'd, and dizzy reel'd,
Till Friends ran in and bore him from the Field.
Then did the Chief, his Faulchion in his Hand,
Drive back the Danes, and made a noble Stand
Till Ocra, who renew'd Assaults in vain,
Prest with fresh Foes, and weak by Numbers slain,
His fruitless Efforts now no more repeats,
But with his Warriours from the Fight retreats.
Back from the Lines then to the Host he came,
And, tho' not Vict'ry, won egregious Fame.
Mean Time Oduno with his stout Brigade
Approach'd the Lines and a brave Onset made:
To clear his Way his missive Arms he hurl'd,
Which sent Haddingus to th' unpractis'd World,
Rother and Helga, both of Scandia's Isle,
Who oft came Victors Home with wealthy Spoil
And Trophies won, this on the Northern Shoar
Kill'd a huge Bear, and that a savage Boar.
The Chief press'd on and num'rous Warrious slew,
The rest dismay'd and seiz'd with Terrour flew
From his destructive Sword, till he at last,
His Passage freed, the high Entrenchment past.
Many brave Cimbrians striving to repell
Th' advancing Heroe by his Weapons fell.
Then Osmund, dreaded for prodigious Might
And Arms enormous, undertook the Fight,
Who left the polar Snows, and frozen Shore
Where gag'd with Ice the Billows ceas'd to roar:
Religion's sacred Altars he contemn'd,
Mock'd future Vengeance, and the Gods blasphem'd:
The Christian's Founder impious he defy'd,
And on his Sword, renouncing Heav'n, rely'd:
With horrid Execrations on he came,
And cry'd, Oduno's Fate shall spread my Fame.
Now at the Chief the Pagan's Jav'lin flew,
It struck, but pass'd not half the Buckler thro'.
Oduno then with Force athletick flung
His pointed Ash, th' impetuous Weapon sung
Along the Air, and, had not here the Foe
Inclin'd his Body to elude the Blow,
It might have pierc'd the Cimbrian's polish'd Crest,
Or buried lain triumphant in his Breast.
Great Osmund three more missive Weapons cast,
And three Oduno, but in vain; at last
They close the War; each other's Life assail,
And with vast Rage contending to prevail,
With rival Courage and with rival Might
And equal Strokes they long protract the Fight,
Tho' not a vulgar Chief could ever give
Once such a Stroke, or one such Stroke outlive.
Now rushing in, the Saxon Heroe clasp'd
The Scandian Champion, and with Vigour grasp'd
Him in a close Danmonian Hug, and held
(Alcides so 'tis said Antæus quell'd)
His Foe on high, then cast him on the Ground,
And gave him with his Spear a mortal Wound.
Welt'ring in Gore he gasp'd and strove for Breath,
And mutt'ring Curses star'd and rav'd in Death:
Thus the Contemner of Religion fell
Sent for Conviction to the School of Hell.
Approach'd the Lines and a brave Onset made:
To clear his Way his missive Arms he hurl'd,
Which sent Haddingus to th' unpractis'd World,
431
Who oft came Victors Home with wealthy Spoil
And Trophies won, this on the Northern Shoar
Kill'd a huge Bear, and that a savage Boar.
The Chief press'd on and num'rous Warrious slew,
The rest dismay'd and seiz'd with Terrour flew
From his destructive Sword, till he at last,
His Passage freed, the high Entrenchment past.
Many brave Cimbrians striving to repell
Th' advancing Heroe by his Weapons fell.
Then Osmund, dreaded for prodigious Might
And Arms enormous, undertook the Fight,
Who left the polar Snows, and frozen Shore
Where gag'd with Ice the Billows ceas'd to roar:
Religion's sacred Altars he contemn'd,
Mock'd future Vengeance, and the Gods blasphem'd:
The Christian's Founder impious he defy'd,
And on his Sword, renouncing Heav'n, rely'd:
With horrid Execrations on he came,
And cry'd, Oduno's Fate shall spread my Fame.
Now at the Chief the Pagan's Jav'lin flew,
It struck, but pass'd not half the Buckler thro'.
Oduno then with Force athletick flung
His pointed Ash, th' impetuous Weapon sung
Along the Air, and, had not here the Foe
Inclin'd his Body to elude the Blow,
432
Or buried lain triumphant in his Breast.
Great Osmund three more missive Weapons cast,
And three Oduno, but in vain; at last
They close the War; each other's Life assail,
And with vast Rage contending to prevail,
With rival Courage and with rival Might
And equal Strokes they long protract the Fight,
Tho' not a vulgar Chief could ever give
Once such a Stroke, or one such Stroke outlive.
Now rushing in, the Saxon Heroe clasp'd
The Scandian Champion, and with Vigour grasp'd
Him in a close Danmonian Hug, and held
(Alcides so 'tis said Antæus quell'd)
His Foe on high, then cast him on the Ground,
And gave him with his Spear a mortal Wound.
Welt'ring in Gore he gasp'd and strove for Breath,
And mutt'ring Curses star'd and rav'd in Death:
Thus the Contemner of Religion fell
Sent for Conviction to the School of Hell.
Now high-born Hubba raging o'er the Plain
Advanc'd th' invading Champion to sustain.
He from the Banks of Eyder came, renown'd
For wise Designs, and oft with Conquest crown'd
In bloody Wars, but more the Cimbrian Lord
Rely'd on magick Pow'rs, than on his Sword:
He, quilted in his Vest, a potent Store
Of Spells and Charms and little Idols wore:
But chiefly he regarded, when he fought,
Th' auspicious Crow, that by his Sisters wrought
And broider'd on his Banner flew in Air,
And made the Pagan Potentate his Care;
So Superstition taught; hence undismay'd
While guarded by this secret mystick Aid
He march'd the Saxon Conqu'rour to engage,
Invok'd his sacred Bird, & fought with desp'rate Rage.
Dauntless the Saxon Chief the Charge sustain'd,
And, to encrease his Honour newly gain'd,
He now his Jav'lins, now his Sword employ'd,
While Hopes of Conquest Hubba yet enjoy'd,
And in his Turn dealt noble Strokes; at length
The Saxon Lord, collected in his Strength,
Hurl'd a huge Iron Ball against the Foe,
Which struck his Breast with such a dreadful Blow,
As beat out thence his unreturning Breath,
He sunk, and felt the cold Approach of Death:
While thus the Saxon Chief the Dane assail'd,
Nothing his necromantick Arts avail'd,
Nothing his magick Crow, nor could one Spell
The great Danmonian's pond'rous Death repell.
Advanc'd th' invading Champion to sustain.
He from the Banks of Eyder came, renown'd
For wise Designs, and oft with Conquest crown'd
In bloody Wars, but more the Cimbrian Lord
Rely'd on magick Pow'rs, than on his Sword:
433
Of Spells and Charms and little Idols wore:
But chiefly he regarded, when he fought,
Th' auspicious Crow, that by his Sisters wrought
And broider'd on his Banner flew in Air,
And made the Pagan Potentate his Care;
So Superstition taught; hence undismay'd
While guarded by this secret mystick Aid
He march'd the Saxon Conqu'rour to engage,
Invok'd his sacred Bird, & fought with desp'rate Rage.
Dauntless the Saxon Chief the Charge sustain'd,
And, to encrease his Honour newly gain'd,
He now his Jav'lins, now his Sword employ'd,
While Hopes of Conquest Hubba yet enjoy'd,
And in his Turn dealt noble Strokes; at length
The Saxon Lord, collected in his Strength,
Hurl'd a huge Iron Ball against the Foe,
Which struck his Breast with such a dreadful Blow,
As beat out thence his unreturning Breath,
He sunk, and felt the cold Approach of Death:
While thus the Saxon Chief the Dane assail'd,
Nothing his necromantick Arts avail'd,
Nothing his magick Crow, nor could one Spell
The great Danmonian's pond'rous Death repell.
And now Oduno soon a glorious Field
Had gain'd, and made the Cimbrian Cohorts yield,
Had not the Troops that drove back Ocra join'd
With Hungar's, who to help their Friends combin'd,
Reviv'd the Fight, and pour'd a furious Storm
On Warriours weaken'd, tho' with Valour warm.
Oduno yet maintain'd the Ground he won,
Aided by Esca, who had Wonders done
Cover'd with Blood, and by his fatal Blade
Had many Orphans and young Widows made:
But by augmented Foes out-number'd far
Oduno wisely now declin'd the War;
Retreating he discover'd on the Plain
Succours by Osmor led his Onset to sustain;
And join'd with these he turn'd, the Fight renew'd,
And soon repell'd the Cimbrians, that pursu'd.
Back to the War with double Rage he flew,
And mounting up broke thick Battallions through,
Then on the Lines stood gather'd in his Might
Dispensing Death, and long maintain'd the Fight.
Clad in refulgent Arms in Suecia wrought
The Cimbrian Monarch full of Fury brought
New Forces up his fighting Troops to aid,
And midst the Foe profuse Destruction made:
Yet still the Saxon Leaders kept the Ground
They gain'd, not vanquish'd nor with Conquest crown'd.
Had gain'd, and made the Cimbrian Cohorts yield,
434
With Hungar's, who to help their Friends combin'd,
Reviv'd the Fight, and pour'd a furious Storm
On Warriours weaken'd, tho' with Valour warm.
Oduno yet maintain'd the Ground he won,
Aided by Esca, who had Wonders done
Cover'd with Blood, and by his fatal Blade
Had many Orphans and young Widows made:
But by augmented Foes out-number'd far
Oduno wisely now declin'd the War;
Retreating he discover'd on the Plain
Succours by Osmor led his Onset to sustain;
And join'd with these he turn'd, the Fight renew'd,
And soon repell'd the Cimbrians, that pursu'd.
Back to the War with double Rage he flew,
And mounting up broke thick Battallions through,
Then on the Lines stood gather'd in his Might
Dispensing Death, and long maintain'd the Fight.
Clad in refulgent Arms in Suecia wrought
The Cimbrian Monarch full of Fury brought
New Forces up his fighting Troops to aid,
And midst the Foe profuse Destruction made:
Yet still the Saxon Leaders kept the Ground
They gain'd, not vanquish'd nor with Conquest crown'd.
Alfred, his Jav'lin brandish'd in his Hand,
With Ocra first in subaltern Command,
Now springing to the Lines his Weapon cast,
Which thro' Aquino's Shield and Breast-Plate past,
Then to his Heart its Way impetuous sped,
And drank his Vitals at their Fountain-Head:
The Heroe fell, and gasping out his Breath,
Shiver'd, and sunk in the cold Arms of Death.
Then his long glitt'ring Spear with mighty Force
The Briton threw, which in its rapid Course
Peirc'd valiant Froger's Scarf, and silver Belt;
Its Point the Warriour in his Stomach felt;
Who groaning, and with Pain outragious torn
Swift by his Friends was from the Battle born.
With Ocra first in subaltern Command,
435
Which thro' Aquino's Shield and Breast-Plate past,
Then to his Heart its Way impetuous sped,
And drank his Vitals at their Fountain-Head:
The Heroe fell, and gasping out his Breath,
Shiver'd, and sunk in the cold Arms of Death.
Then his long glitt'ring Spear with mighty Force
The Briton threw, which in its rapid Course
Peirc'd valiant Froger's Scarf, and silver Belt;
Its Point the Warriour in his Stomach felt;
Who groaning, and with Pain outragious torn
Swift by his Friends was from the Battle born.
Then Alfred up the Lines intrepid rose,
And, by his flaming Sword's repeated Blows,
Cuts down the Cohorts that his Arms oppose.
Gumarus, who by unrestrain'd Expence
And loose Delights had wasted Wealth immense,
And swoln with flatt'ring Hopes that by the Sword
His broken Fortunes might be soon restor'd,
With dauntless Courage Albion's Prince assail'd,
But not his Strength and temper'd Arms avail'd,
Nor invocated Idols; on the Lines
Transfixt by Alfred's Spear, he Life resigns.
And, by his flaming Sword's repeated Blows,
Cuts down the Cohorts that his Arms oppose.
Gumarus, who by unrestrain'd Expence
And loose Delights had wasted Wealth immense,
And swoln with flatt'ring Hopes that by the Sword
His broken Fortunes might be soon restor'd,
With dauntless Courage Albion's Prince assail'd,
But not his Strength and temper'd Arms avail'd,
Nor invocated Idols; on the Lines
Transfixt by Alfred's Spear, he Life resigns.
Suno of boundless Hoards of Gold possest,
Collected while the Spoiler did infest
The Hyperborean and the British Main
With warlike Ships equipt for lawless Gain,
Beheld the King, and fearless of the Sight
Hardy advanc'd, and undertook the Fight.
A while they strove, till Alfred's Faulchion broke
Thro' Suno's Helm, and with the dreadful Stroke
Cut thro' the high Apartments of the Brain,
The Champion fell and mingled with the Slain;
Thus Suno's Blood was by the Briton spilt,
And War by Land aveng'd pyratick Guilt.
Collected while the Spoiler did infest
436
With warlike Ships equipt for lawless Gain,
Beheld the King, and fearless of the Sight
Hardy advanc'd, and undertook the Fight.
A while they strove, till Alfred's Faulchion broke
Thro' Suno's Helm, and with the dreadful Stroke
Cut thro' the high Apartments of the Brain,
The Champion fell and mingled with the Slain;
Thus Suno's Blood was by the Briton spilt,
And War by Land aveng'd pyratick Guilt.
Hasna the Lord that rul'd the Rugian Isle,
Mighty in Strength and vers'd in martial Toil,
Withstood the King, but by his Faulchion fell,
And Shades eternal on his Eye-lids dwell.
Elmunda then a wise and valiant Chief,
Who ardent sprung to bring his Friends Relief,
By Alfred wounded lay of Life bereft,
And a fair Wife with sev'n young Orphans left.
He slew Golara, Borcan, Alvared,
And Hubbalar in Northern Cimbria bred,
And many Champions more and Warriours bold,
Whose Names in past Records were ne'er enroll'd:
Thus did the King destroy his Foes around,
And with a bloody Harvest spread the Ground.
Mighty in Strength and vers'd in martial Toil,
Withstood the King, but by his Faulchion fell,
And Shades eternal on his Eye-lids dwell.
Elmunda then a wise and valiant Chief,
Who ardent sprung to bring his Friends Relief,
By Alfred wounded lay of Life bereft,
And a fair Wife with sev'n young Orphans left.
He slew Golara, Borcan, Alvared,
And Hubbalar in Northern Cimbria bred,
And many Champions more and Warriours bold,
Whose Names in past Records were ne'er enroll'd:
Thus did the King destroy his Foes around,
And with a bloody Harvest spread the Ground.
437
His Men by Alfred's great Example fir'd,
And with heroick Fortitude inspir'd,
With so much Vigour martial Strokes repeat,
As made the Cimbrians from their Lines retreat.
The conquering Cohorts, Alfred at their Head,
Pursu'd the Foes, who from their Fury fled,
And left their Camp, that with abundant Spoil
Enrich'd the Chiefs, and crown'd the Souldier's Toil.
And with heroick Fortitude inspir'd,
With so much Vigour martial Strokes repeat,
As made the Cimbrians from their Lines retreat.
The conquering Cohorts, Alfred at their Head,
Pursu'd the Foes, who from their Fury fled,
And left their Camp, that with abundant Spoil
Enrich'd the Chiefs, and crown'd the Souldier's Toil.
Ocra, who Gunter's high Pavilion seiz'd,
There his fair Queen and Daughter sound, and pleas'd
With his propitious Fate was joy'd to bring
The high-born Captives to the Victor-King.
Much was the Queen for princely Virtues fam'd,
And every Tongue Elsitha's Worth proclaim'd;
The joyous Spring of Life and opening Morn
Of rosy Youth her lovely Cheeks adorn,
While Dignity with heav'nly Sweetness join'd,
And modest Airs with royal Blood combin'd,
All Charms and Beauties to the fair impart
That draw Esteem and captivate the Heart:
From such a Mixture in a Seraph's Face
Results the Bloom celestial, and the Grace
Ineffable, that crown th' immortal Race.
Genius and Wit, Perception swift and clear,
And all the chief Endowments that appear
In Souls the most exalted and refin'd,
Form'd for so bright a Frame an equal Mind.
There his fair Queen and Daughter sound, and pleas'd
With his propitious Fate was joy'd to bring
The high-born Captives to the Victor-King.
Much was the Queen for princely Virtues fam'd,
And every Tongue Elsitha's Worth proclaim'd;
The joyous Spring of Life and opening Morn
Of rosy Youth her lovely Cheeks adorn,
While Dignity with heav'nly Sweetness join'd,
And modest Airs with royal Blood combin'd,
All Charms and Beauties to the fair impart
That draw Esteem and captivate the Heart:
From such a Mixture in a Seraph's Face
Results the Bloom celestial, and the Grace
Ineffable, that crown th' immortal Race.
Genius and Wit, Perception swift and clear,
And all the chief Endowments that appear
438
Form'd for so bright a Frame an equal Mind.
Works of the Needle, Books, domestick Care,
And fit Diversions all her Minutes share;
Nor did the Fair in Games and Feasts rejoice,
Nor made voluptuous Scenes of Mirth her Choice;
Yet these, lest too great Rigour should offend,
To grace the Court, at Times she would attend:
Courteous to all, and tho' still guarded, free,
She kept, when most she stoop'd, her high Degree:
Chearful, not vain; reserv'd, but not morose;
Open, but still in Things important close,
She did to all obliging Speech address,
And strove to solace Virtue in Distress.
And fit Diversions all her Minutes share;
Nor did the Fair in Games and Feasts rejoice,
Nor made voluptuous Scenes of Mirth her Choice;
Yet these, lest too great Rigour should offend,
To grace the Court, at Times she would attend:
Courteous to all, and tho' still guarded, free,
She kept, when most she stoop'd, her high Degree:
Chearful, not vain; reserv'd, but not morose;
Open, but still in Things important close,
She did to all obliging Speech address,
And strove to solace Virtue in Distress.
The Queen to Alfred brought, first Silence broke,
And to the King these Words pathetick spoke:
See, prostrate we before great Alfred lie,
Sollicit Grace and for Protection cry;
From your illustrious Clemency we crave
Our Lives, at least our dearer Honour save.
Decline what vulgar Conqu'rours think their Right,
And, like the Gods, with Mercy soften Might.
On your fam'd Virtue stedfast we rely;
Rather than suffer Shame we beg to die.
Then, while a Flood of Tears fell down her Face,
The royal Captive did his Feet embrace,
While fair Elsitha with her Head inclin'd
Fetch'd frequent Sighs, and weeping stood behind.
And to the King these Words pathetick spoke:
See, prostrate we before great Alfred lie,
Sollicit Grace and for Protection cry;
From your illustrious Clemency we crave
Our Lives, at least our dearer Honour save.
Decline what vulgar Conqu'rours think their Right,
And, like the Gods, with Mercy soften Might.
On your fam'd Virtue stedfast we rely;
Rather than suffer Shame we beg to die.
439
The royal Captive did his Feet embrace,
While fair Elsitha with her Head inclin'd
Fetch'd frequent Sighs, and weeping stood behind.
She said—And Alfred gracious from the Ground
Rais'd up the beauteous Queen in Sorrow drown'd:
And thus he spoke,—Illustrious Princess, here
You stay secure, and need no Insult fear
On Life or Honour, cease to mourn your Fate,
See, I release you from your Captive State:
To Christ's celestial Scheme of Truth resign'd,
I thus obey the Laws that he enjoin'd.
Rais'd up the beauteous Queen in Sorrow drown'd:
And thus he spoke,—Illustrious Princess, here
You stay secure, and need no Insult fear
On Life or Honour, cease to mourn your Fate,
See, I release you from your Captive State:
To Christ's celestial Scheme of Truth resign'd,
I thus obey the Laws that he enjoin'd.
He said—And gave to Ocra's faithful Hand
Th' important Trust, and by his high Command
Bound him to guard and give the royal Pair
To Gunter with Respect and tender Care.
So Scipio, who heroick Aims pursu'd,
And gain'd a Name from Africk Realms subdu'd.
Thro' all the loud-applauding World renown'd,
With more illustrious Elogies was crown'd
For not invading his fair Captive's Charms,
Than those the Heroe gain'd by matchless Arms.
Enrich'd with princely Gifts, bright Gemms & Gold
And Silks embroider'd, glorious to behold,
The royal Danes their great Deliverer bless'd,
His Goodness prais'd and grateful Minds express'd,
Then took their Leave, and were by Ocra led
Safe to their King, who from the Battle fled
With the collected Remnants of his Host
To Ascola a strong well guarded Post.
The Scandinavian Prince with Joy receiv'd
Elsitha and his Queen, of whom bereav'd
He more his Loss and hapless Fate bewail'd,
Than that the Foe had o'er his Arms prevail'd.
Th' important Trust, and by his high Command
Bound him to guard and give the royal Pair
To Gunter with Respect and tender Care.
So Scipio, who heroick Aims pursu'd,
And gain'd a Name from Africk Realms subdu'd.
Thro' all the loud-applauding World renown'd,
With more illustrious Elogies was crown'd
For not invading his fair Captive's Charms,
Than those the Heroe gain'd by matchless Arms.
Enrich'd with princely Gifts, bright Gemms & Gold
And Silks embroider'd, glorious to behold,
440
His Goodness prais'd and grateful Minds express'd,
Then took their Leave, and were by Ocra led
Safe to their King, who from the Battle fled
With the collected Remnants of his Host
To Ascola a strong well guarded Post.
The Scandinavian Prince with Joy receiv'd
Elsitha and his Queen, of whom bereav'd
He more his Loss and hapless Fate bewail'd,
Than that the Foe had o'er his Arms prevail'd.
Alfred Elsitha's Beauty much admir'd,
And found a secret Flame his Breast inspir'd:
His Thoughts her Form divine, her radiant Eyes,
Mild as the milky Lustre of the Skies,
Her Features, Air, and graceful Mien approve,
And Liking quickly ripens into Love:
And had Elsitha Christian Truth profess'd,
To gain the Fair he had his Suit address'd;
And just had been his Choice, for faithful Fame
Strove thro' the Isle her Merit to proclaim.
And found a secret Flame his Breast inspir'd:
His Thoughts her Form divine, her radiant Eyes,
Mild as the milky Lustre of the Skies,
Her Features, Air, and graceful Mien approve,
And Liking quickly ripens into Love:
And had Elsitha Christian Truth profess'd,
To gain the Fair he had his Suit address'd;
And just had been his Choice, for faithful Fame
Strove thro' the Isle her Merit to proclaim.
This gen'rous Action of a Foe imprest
The royal Dane, and kindled in his Breast
To Alfred ardent Love; he much admir'd
His Valour, much the Virtues that inspir'd
His noble Mind and just Renown acquir'd.
Ocra with rich Rewards to Alfred's Tent
Joyful return'd, to whom the Cimbrian sent
A Cap of Velvet from Hesperia's Shore,
Splendid with Figures form'd of Guinea's Oar:
The Sides turn'd up with Furrs of glossy Jet
With various Gemms of Worth immense were set;
And a broad Sword, the Haft an Agate made,
An Amethyst the Pommel, and the Blade
Fine temper'd Steel with Figures bold inwrought
By curious Art, was from Iberia brought.
This Sword, that Hugar from Borasso won
Was left to Gunter his heroick Son,
Whose faithful Edge unnumber'd Warriours felt,
Besides a Crimson Scarf and silver Belt.
The royal Dane, and kindled in his Breast
To Alfred ardent Love; he much admir'd
His Valour, much the Virtues that inspir'd
His noble Mind and just Renown acquir'd.
441
Joyful return'd, to whom the Cimbrian sent
A Cap of Velvet from Hesperia's Shore,
Splendid with Figures form'd of Guinea's Oar:
The Sides turn'd up with Furrs of glossy Jet
With various Gemms of Worth immense were set;
And a broad Sword, the Haft an Agate made,
An Amethyst the Pommel, and the Blade
Fine temper'd Steel with Figures bold inwrought
By curious Art, was from Iberia brought.
This Sword, that Hugar from Borasso won
Was left to Gunter his heroick Son,
Whose faithful Edge unnumber'd Warriours felt,
Besides a Crimson Scarf and silver Belt.
This generous Deed from Aims unworthy free,
This unexampled Mark of Piety,
And Virtue shining with a heavn'ly Blaze,
Did in the Cimbrian Court such Wonder raise,
That Christian Precepts justly they admire
Which such celestial Energy inspire,
And Principles sublime, by which the Mind
From vile and vicious Habits is refin'd.
Nor had the King with serious Thought revolv'd
Th' important Subject long, ere he resolv'd
His Pagan Idols to renounce, efface
Their Shrines and Domes, and Alfred's Faith embrace:
His Queen and Chiefs, by the same Springs inclin'd,
Soon to espouse the Christian Creed combin'd.
This unexampled Mark of Piety,
And Virtue shining with a heavn'ly Blaze,
Did in the Cimbrian Court such Wonder raise,
That Christian Precepts justly they admire
Which such celestial Energy inspire,
And Principles sublime, by which the Mind
From vile and vicious Habits is refin'd.
Nor had the King with serious Thought revolv'd
Th' important Subject long, ere he resolv'd
His Pagan Idols to renounce, efface
Their Shrines and Domes, and Alfred's Faith embrace:
442
Soon to espouse the Christian Creed combin'd.
Alfred mean Time, who Conquest had in view
Ardent advanc'd his Ensigns, to renew
Heroick Toil, and by swift Progress lay
Encamp'd on Birga's Fields at Close of Day.
Ardent advanc'd his Ensigns, to renew
Heroick Toil, and by swift Progress lay
Encamp'd on Birga's Fields at Close of Day.
Soon as th' emerging Sun with Lustre mild
Gilded the Clouds, and on the Mountains smil'd,
Three of his greatest Lords by Gunter sent
Were led by Alfred's Captains to his Tent;
To whom with low Obeisance they addrest;
Then Inguinar superiour to the rest
Broke Silence and their Message thus express'd.
Gilded the Clouds, and on the Mountains smil'd,
Three of his greatest Lords by Gunter sent
Were led by Alfred's Captains to his Tent;
To whom with low Obeisance they addrest;
Then Inguinar superiour to the rest
Broke Silence and their Message thus express'd.
Great Prince, by us our Sov'reign lets you know
He is no longer pleas'd to be your Foe:
Your Valour much, but more your gen'rous Deed,
When you his captive Queen and Daughter freed,
And sent them back with princely Gifts, has wrought
Strong on his Mind & chang'd the Monarch's Thought:
He must, he says, believe your Faith divine,
That can the Heart to such great Acts incline.
Hence his old Rites determin'd to forsake,
And to the World sincere Profession make
Of Christian Faith, he your Assistance prays,
And asks to be baptiz'd without Delays.
For Amity he yields, that you command
In Peace the Middle and the Western Land:
That to the Northern Region he'll retire,
And not to Pow'r of more Extent aspire:
For these Dominions he will Homage pay,
And should new Swarms their Ensigns here display,
He will no Succours to th' Invaders send,
But will the Isle against their Arms defend.
He is no longer pleas'd to be your Foe:
Your Valour much, but more your gen'rous Deed,
When you his captive Queen and Daughter freed,
And sent them back with princely Gifts, has wrought
Strong on his Mind & chang'd the Monarch's Thought:
He must, he says, believe your Faith divine,
That can the Heart to such great Acts incline.
Hence his old Rites determin'd to forsake,
And to the World sincere Profession make
443
And asks to be baptiz'd without Delays.
For Amity he yields, that you command
In Peace the Middle and the Western Land:
That to the Northern Region he'll retire,
And not to Pow'r of more Extent aspire:
For these Dominions he will Homage pay,
And should new Swarms their Ensigns here display,
He will no Succours to th' Invaders send,
But will the Isle against their Arms defend.
He said—The King reply'd—The Offers made
Shall be with Care and Thought delib'rate weigh'd.
The Danes withdrew—To whom the following Day
Thus Alfred spoke—Your King has found the Way
To Friendship—I his Articles approve
To settle Peace, and hostile Heats remove:
If then your Monarch and his Court with Speed
Will to Cunetio on the Downs proceed,
There to our pure Religion if inclin'd,
Baptiz'd, as by our Founder is enjoyn'd,
He to our sacred State may Entrance find.
I'll haste to lead him to the Christian Fold,
And 'midst Believers see the King enroll'd:
Then may a League form'd on his Scheme commence
For Friendship and reciprocal Defence.
Shall be with Care and Thought delib'rate weigh'd.
The Danes withdrew—To whom the following Day
Thus Alfred spoke—Your King has found the Way
To Friendship—I his Articles approve
To settle Peace, and hostile Heats remove:
If then your Monarch and his Court with Speed
Will to Cunetio on the Downs proceed,
There to our pure Religion if inclin'd,
Baptiz'd, as by our Founder is enjoyn'd,
He to our sacred State may Entrance find.
I'll haste to lead him to the Christian Fold,
And 'midst Believers see the King enroll'd:
Then may a League form'd on his Scheme commence
For Friendship and reciprocal Defence.
444
He ceas'd—The Envoys to th' expecting King
The Briton's Answer to their Message bring:
Gunter rejoyc'd, and bade his Men prepare
For his intended March with speedy Care.
The Briton's Answer to their Message bring:
Gunter rejoyc'd, and bade his Men prepare
For his intended March with speedy Care.
The Sun's bright Orb three Times had rose and set,
When the two Monarchs at Cunetio met.
The royal Pair embracing here express
Their Joy, and mutual Amity profess.
Again, the Queen and fair Elsitha pay
Their grateful Thanks, and Baptism earnest pray:
Alfred transporting Pleasure felt to find
In the fair Danes so well dispos'd a Mind.
When the two Monarchs at Cunetio met.
The royal Pair embracing here express
Their Joy, and mutual Amity profess.
Again, the Queen and fair Elsitha pay
Their grateful Thanks, and Baptism earnest pray:
Alfred transporting Pleasure felt to find
In the fair Danes so well dispos'd a Mind.
Guithun, chief Pontiff of Britannia nam'd
Soon as th' illustrious Prince was King proclaim'd,
With Christian Love and heav'nly Zeal inspir'd,
(So Alfred bade and so the Dane desir'd,)
Th' important Objects of Belief explain'd
Reveal'd from Heav'n, by Miracles unfeign'd
Asserted, and in sure Records contain'd.
He the Redeemer's wond'rous Scheme display'd
By boundless Love and perfect Wisdom laid;
And then expounded with instructive Light
The blest Design of Baptism's fed'ral Rite
And venerable Test, which they that take
Of Christian Faith solemn Profession make.
The Prelate then the Cimbrian Converts told
They by this sacred Badge would be enroll'd
'Midst Combatants, who, by their conqu'ring Head
The mighty Captain of Salvation, led
To glorious War, in Arms divine repell
The World's Allurements and th' Assaults of Hell.
That their celestial Founder's Laws enjoin
This mystick Seal, this sacramental Sign,
His Kingdom to distinguish, and enclose
His Church from unbelieving Tribes, that those,
Who his Dominion mediatorial own,
By this baptismal Symbol might be known.
Soon as th' illustrious Prince was King proclaim'd,
With Christian Love and heav'nly Zeal inspir'd,
(So Alfred bade and so the Dane desir'd,)
Th' important Objects of Belief explain'd
Reveal'd from Heav'n, by Miracles unfeign'd
Asserted, and in sure Records contain'd.
He the Redeemer's wond'rous Scheme display'd
By boundless Love and perfect Wisdom laid;
And then expounded with instructive Light
The blest Design of Baptism's fed'ral Rite
445
Of Christian Faith solemn Profession make.
The Prelate then the Cimbrian Converts told
They by this sacred Badge would be enroll'd
'Midst Combatants, who, by their conqu'ring Head
The mighty Captain of Salvation, led
To glorious War, in Arms divine repell
The World's Allurements and th' Assaults of Hell.
That their celestial Founder's Laws enjoin
This mystick Seal, this sacramental Sign,
His Kingdom to distinguish, and enclose
His Church from unbelieving Tribes, that those,
Who his Dominion mediatorial own,
By this baptismal Symbol might be known.
The Monarchs with their Train in princely State
Enter Cunetio's lofty Temple-Gate,
Where Guithun Chief of Albion's sacred Lights
Baptiz'd the Danes with instituted Rites,
And many Lords besides the royal House
Now at the Font reveal'd Belief espouse.
Enter Cunetio's lofty Temple-Gate,
Where Guithun Chief of Albion's sacred Lights
Baptiz'd the Danes with instituted Rites,
And many Lords besides the royal House
Now at the Font reveal'd Belief espouse.
This Ceremony past, the Temple rung
With loud confed'rate Songs devoutly sung
By Danes and Britons, who in rapt'rous Strains
Prais'd the great Being, that immortal reigns
Enthron'd sublime in Empyrean Skies,
And the vast World, that stretch'd beneath him lies,
Holds as an Atom in his boundless Hand,
While the bright Orbs impell'd by his Command
Run their known Rounds, nor in their Progress stay
Oppress'd with Toil, nor deviate from their Way.
The joyful Quire in like extatick Lays
Rais'd high as Heav'n the bless'd Redeemer's Praise:
They sung the wond'rous Labours of his Life,
And boundless Value of his dying Strife;
Then magnify'd the Energy divine
That made the Grave the Lord of Life resign,
Who springing from the Grasp of Death did rise
By self-recov'ring Vigour to the Skies;
Where high enthron'd for his he interceeds,
And to remove their Guilt his Merit pleads:
Nor did they in their Hymns neglect to join
The Praises of the Comforter divine.
With loud confed'rate Songs devoutly sung
By Danes and Britons, who in rapt'rous Strains
Prais'd the great Being, that immortal reigns
446
And the vast World, that stretch'd beneath him lies,
Holds as an Atom in his boundless Hand,
While the bright Orbs impell'd by his Command
Run their known Rounds, nor in their Progress stay
Oppress'd with Toil, nor deviate from their Way.
The joyful Quire in like extatick Lays
Rais'd high as Heav'n the bless'd Redeemer's Praise:
They sung the wond'rous Labours of his Life,
And boundless Value of his dying Strife;
Then magnify'd the Energy divine
That made the Grave the Lord of Life resign,
Who springing from the Grasp of Death did rise
By self-recov'ring Vigour to the Skies;
Where high enthron'd for his he interceeds,
And to remove their Guilt his Merit pleads:
Nor did they in their Hymns neglect to join
The Praises of the Comforter divine.
The Baptism finish'd and loud Anthems sung,
Sweet sounding Bells in lofty Turrets hung
Unvaried Peals or tuneful Changes rung.
Now did the Kings move from the Temple Gate
'Midst shouting Throngs in slow majestick State
To the high Palace, fair Cunetio's Pride,
Where Princes oft to breathe sweet Air reside.
Sweet sounding Bells in lofty Turrets hung
Unvaried Peals or tuneful Changes rung.
Now did the Kings move from the Temple Gate
'Midst shouting Throngs in slow majestick State
To the high Palace, fair Cunetio's Pride,
Where Princes oft to breathe sweet Air reside.
447
Next Day the royal Pair to Peace inclin'd
With fed'ral Rites a strict Alliance sign'd;
And by the God, whom Christian Realms adore,
To keep their solemn League religious swore;
By which the Northern Districts of the Land
Were all submitted to the Dane's Command,
While he a Kingdom did dependent own,
And annual Homage vow'd to Alfred's Throne;
That if the Dane should issuless Decease,
His Realms to Alfred might revert in Peace:
Britannia's middle Regions, and the West
To Alfred's Sov'reign Pow'r subjected rest.
With fed'ral Rites a strict Alliance sign'd;
And by the God, whom Christian Realms adore,
To keep their solemn League religious swore;
By which the Northern Districts of the Land
Were all submitted to the Dane's Command,
While he a Kingdom did dependent own,
And annual Homage vow'd to Alfred's Throne;
That if the Dane should issuless Decease,
His Realms to Alfred might revert in Peace:
Britannia's middle Regions, and the West
To Alfred's Sov'reign Pow'r subjected rest.
The Treaty finish'd by the Trumpet's Sound
Thro' either Army and the Towns around,
Heralds and parti-colour'd Kings at Arms
Proclaim'd the Peace and sunk fierce War's Alarms.
Thro' either Army and the Towns around,
Heralds and parti-colour'd Kings at Arms
Proclaim'd the Peace and sunk fierce War's Alarms.
The Kings embrac'd; and to his new Ally
Now did Britannia's Monarch thus apply;
That we in nearer Bonds may yet be ty'd
I ask Elsitha for my beauteous Bride,
Whose lovely Form and Qualities divine
To my admiring Eyes unrivall'd shine:
When first the Fair sunk in Distress I view'd,
Her Charms in Part my yielding Heart subdu'd;
But since she owns the Christian's sacred Creed,
And in her Breast receives the heav'nly Seed
Of Truth divine, my Passion I approve,
And hope I feed not unsuccessful Love.
Now did Britannia's Monarch thus apply;
That we in nearer Bonds may yet be ty'd
I ask Elsitha for my beauteous Bride,
Whose lovely Form and Qualities divine
To my admiring Eyes unrivall'd shine:
When first the Fair sunk in Distress I view'd,
Her Charms in Part my yielding Heart subdu'd;
448
And in her Breast receives the heav'nly Seed
Of Truth divine, my Passion I approve,
And hope I feed not unsuccessful Love.
The Cimbrian joy'd with Alfred's Choice comply'd,
Nor by Elsitha was his Suit deny'd:
For Alfred's Deeds before the royal Maid
So rich a Bloom of Virtues had display'd,
That when the captive Princess he releast
She felt a Pow'r unknown invade her Breast,
And not displeas'd with her soft Wound, in Part
Let in the gentle Victor to her Heart.
Nor by Elsitha was his Suit deny'd:
For Alfred's Deeds before the royal Maid
So rich a Bloom of Virtues had display'd,
That when the captive Princess he releast
She felt a Pow'r unknown invade her Breast,
And not displeas'd with her soft Wound, in Part
Let in the gentle Victor to her Heart.
The Nuptials solemniz'd, and all the Days
Destin'd to pompous Triumphs, Feasts, and Plays,
To Justs, and publick Games, at lengh expir'd,
Gunter enrich'd with princely Gifts retir'd,
And took to fair Eboracum the Road,
The City chosen for his Chief Abode.
And now attended with a noble Train
The British Monarch from Cunetio's Plain
Did to the Banks of spreading Thames retreat,
And made Augusta his imperial Seat.
Destin'd to pompous Triumphs, Feasts, and Plays,
To Justs, and publick Games, at lengh expir'd,
Gunter enrich'd with princely Gifts retir'd,
And took to fair Eboracum the Road,
The City chosen for his Chief Abode.
And now attended with a noble Train
The British Monarch from Cunetio's Plain
Did to the Banks of spreading Thames retreat,
And made Augusta his imperial Seat.
| Alfred | |