Alfred An Epick Poem. In Twelve Books. By Sir Richard Blackmore |
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| I. |
| II. | BOOK II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
 | Alfred |  |
34
BOOK II.
The ARGUMENT.
The Wilderness round the Hermite's Hill describ'd. Silva the Hermite's Story. He relates that he was born in Spain, and bred in Salamanca, whence he was call'd to the Court of Pampelune, and made Preceptor to the two Royal Infants. He tells what Care he took of their Education, and by what Instructions he endeavour'd to form their Minds, and fit them for Empire. That Garcia the King pleas'd with his Conduct, besides other Rewards, promoted him to the chief Arch-Bishoprick of Navarre, and afterwards made him one of his Councellors of State. But by reprehending too freely the Errours, which he observed in the King's Government, he lost in Part the Royal Favour. At that Time the Lallites, a Party of Churchmen, that chiefly govern'd the King's Conscience, and were Enemies to Silva, used various
Arts to ensnare him, and not only to remove him wholly from the King's Councils, but to take away his Life by false Accusations. Silva was persuaded by his Friends to fly from the growing Storm, but resisted their Importunity, till admonished by a Vision he left Navarre, and passed the Seas, as directed, to Numidia; where he chose this Place of Retirement, and Life of Solitude. His Narration being ended, Alfred took his Leave, and, as advised by Silva, went with Guithun to Tunisia. The Country about that City described. The Plenty and Abundance of the People attributed by Guithun to Liberty, on which he bestows great Encomiums.
35
Now did the opening Roses of the Morn,
With blushing Beauty, Heav'ns mild Face adorn:
Their weary Limbs refresh'd with due Repose,
And Sleep's soft Fetters loos'd, the Britons rose,
And from the narrow Cell ascending went
To view the Region round, of wide Extent;
When casting from the Hill their Eyes around
They wond'ring saw a Precipice profound,
An awful Scene of terrible Delight,
Where solemn Horrours pleas'd and pain'd the Sight.
At Distance they the barren Soil behold,
Unconscious of the Plough, or Shepherd's Fold;
Where no sweet Vapours, no descending Dews
Prolifick Treasures on the Glebe diffuse;
And hence th' unfruitful Field unharrow'd lies,
Of genial Vertue robb'd by sultry Skies.
Now a North-Wind did from th' Etruscan Main
Rush o'er the Hills and agitate the Plain,
Rolling in Heaps the undulating Sand,
And scatt'ring thro' the Air the incoherent Land.
With blushing Beauty, Heav'ns mild Face adorn:
Their weary Limbs refresh'd with due Repose,
And Sleep's soft Fetters loos'd, the Britons rose,
And from the narrow Cell ascending went
To view the Region round, of wide Extent;
When casting from the Hill their Eyes around
They wond'ring saw a Precipice profound,
An awful Scene of terrible Delight,
Where solemn Horrours pleas'd and pain'd the Sight.
At Distance they the barren Soil behold,
Unconscious of the Plough, or Shepherd's Fold;
36
Prolifick Treasures on the Glebe diffuse;
And hence th' unfruitful Field unharrow'd lies,
Of genial Vertue robb'd by sultry Skies.
Now a North-Wind did from th' Etruscan Main
Rush o'er the Hills and agitate the Plain,
Rolling in Heaps the undulating Sand,
And scatt'ring thro' the Air the incoherent Land.
No Trees thro' all the sandy Desart grew,
But Cypress, Thorn, and melancholy Yew.
No painted Birds their Way did hither wing,
Hover in Air, or mid'st the Branches sing.
Vultures alone, that smell from far their Prey,
Unfeather'd Bats impatient of the Day,
Ravens and Crows, that from the Oak delight
To croak by Day, and Owls that hoop by Night,
Here vex the Ear, and prejudice the Sight.
But Cypress, Thorn, and melancholy Yew.
No painted Birds their Way did hither wing,
Hover in Air, or mid'st the Branches sing.
Vultures alone, that smell from far their Prey,
Unfeather'd Bats impatient of the Day,
Ravens and Crows, that from the Oak delight
To croak by Day, and Owls that hoop by Night,
Here vex the Ear, and prejudice the Sight.
Besides the dry uncultivated Ground
Do's with a pois'nous Brood of Snakes abound,
Variety of Deaths, that with their Train
And glossy Volumes mark the barren Plain:
With active Life inspir'd they bound along,
Erect their Crests, and dart their forked Tongue;
And while in youthful Pride they sport and play,
Their speckled Honours on the Glebe display.
Do's with a pois'nous Brood of Snakes abound,
Variety of Deaths, that with their Train
And glossy Volumes mark the barren Plain:
With active Life inspir'd they bound along,
Erect their Crests, and dart their forked Tongue;
37
Their speckled Honours on the Glebe display.
Beyond this level Space and spreading Sand,
A spacious Forrest cloath'd the rising Land,
Where dwell the strip'd and spotted Brotherhoods
Of Beasts, that range the Hills and haunt the Woods;
Where savage Bulls in Fight each other gore,
While echoing Mountains with the Combate roar;
Wolves Hunger-bitten howl, wild Asses bray,
And from rebellowing Rocks and Hills convey
A dreadful Medley of discordant Sound,
Which hideous ring thro' the wild Region round.
Now to his Den the Lyon makes his Way,
Fatigu'd with Toil, and surfeited with Prey,
To sooth his Limbs with Rest, renew his Might,
And ease by Day the Riot of the Night.
These are the only Tenants that possess
These horrid Seats, this howling Wilderness.
A spacious Forrest cloath'd the rising Land,
Where dwell the strip'd and spotted Brotherhoods
Of Beasts, that range the Hills and haunt the Woods;
Where savage Bulls in Fight each other gore,
While echoing Mountains with the Combate roar;
Wolves Hunger-bitten howl, wild Asses bray,
And from rebellowing Rocks and Hills convey
A dreadful Medley of discordant Sound,
Which hideous ring thro' the wild Region round.
Now to his Den the Lyon makes his Way,
Fatigu'd with Toil, and surfeited with Prey,
To sooth his Limbs with Rest, renew his Might,
And ease by Day the Riot of the Night.
These are the only Tenants that possess
These horrid Seats, this howling Wilderness.
While Alfred view'd this unfrequented Place,
This Desolation's wild and wasteful Face;
See the Reverse, he said, of Albion's Isle,
Hesperia's Gardens, and rich Belgia's Soil:
Yet here the Marks of Pow'r and wise Design
Clearly confess the Architect Divine:
While Desarts, Hills, and Rocks abrupt advance
The Beauty of the Whole. Is this from Chance?
This Desolation's wild and wasteful Face;
See the Reverse, he said, of Albion's Isle,
Hesperia's Gardens, and rich Belgia's Soil:
Yet here the Marks of Pow'r and wise Design
Clearly confess the Architect Divine:
38
The Beauty of the Whole. Is this from Chance?
The Britons now their Footsteps backward bent,
And to salute the Reverend Father went.
The Hermite, who did still at Dawn of Day
On bended Knees to Heav'n Devotion pay,
His pious Labour ended, cheerful joyn'd
The Strangers. Alfred turning in his Mind
The Father's Promise, ask'd him to relate
His Story—Then my various adverse Fate,
Reply'd the Reverend Sage, with Patience hear:
The Britons listen'd with attentive Ear.
And to salute the Reverend Father went.
The Hermite, who did still at Dawn of Day
On bended Knees to Heav'n Devotion pay,
His pious Labour ended, cheerful joyn'd
The Strangers. Alfred turning in his Mind
The Father's Promise, ask'd him to relate
His Story—Then my various adverse Fate,
Reply'd the Reverend Sage, with Patience hear:
The Britons listen'd with attentive Ear.
Strangers, Navarra is the Country where
I first beheld the Light and breath'd the Air.
From Vasquez sprung, a Chief of spreading Fame,
Whose martial Deeds our Bards with Honour name.
Nuna, Navarra's Patriarchal Head,
Me, his first Son, in Schools of Learning bred,
In which ambitious to enrich my Mind
With Notions just, and Images refin'd;
At the Spring-Head to drink the purest Streams,
And from their Source derive the brightest Beams
Of Truth divine, I all my Hours apply'd,
Delights by Day, and Rest by Night deny'd.
Nor had I Pow'r, or Wealth, or Fame, in view,
Nor did with idle Industry pursue
Vain Speculations and unfruitful Themes,
Empty Chimæra's, philosophick Dreams,
And Phantasms, which in Schools abundant breed,
Cling to the Desks, and on dark Volumes feed.
I still, by grave and solemn Folly shock'd,
This Tinsel Pride, and old Mens Gugaws mock'd,
Which are with lost Expence of Time acquir'd,
Yet, tho' false Learning, by the World admir'd.
Those Authors only were to Silva dear,
Which free from labour'd Darkness did appear
In Reason strong, and in Expression clear.
I study'd Precepts taught by moral Schools,
Instructive Maxims and prudential Rules
That govern Life, and publick Zeal inspire,
Whence Princes gen'rous Habits may acquire,
And may of Minds serene be still possess'd,
Not vain in good, nor by ill, Fate depress'd;
And whence a Nation may industrious grow,
Flourish in Commerce, and in Plenty flow.
I first beheld the Light and breath'd the Air.
From Vasquez sprung, a Chief of spreading Fame,
Whose martial Deeds our Bards with Honour name.
Nuna, Navarra's Patriarchal Head,
Me, his first Son, in Schools of Learning bred,
In which ambitious to enrich my Mind
With Notions just, and Images refin'd;
At the Spring-Head to drink the purest Streams,
And from their Source derive the brightest Beams
Of Truth divine, I all my Hours apply'd,
Delights by Day, and Rest by Night deny'd.
39
Nor did with idle Industry pursue
Vain Speculations and unfruitful Themes,
Empty Chimæra's, philosophick Dreams,
And Phantasms, which in Schools abundant breed,
Cling to the Desks, and on dark Volumes feed.
I still, by grave and solemn Folly shock'd,
This Tinsel Pride, and old Mens Gugaws mock'd,
Which are with lost Expence of Time acquir'd,
Yet, tho' false Learning, by the World admir'd.
Those Authors only were to Silva dear,
Which free from labour'd Darkness did appear
In Reason strong, and in Expression clear.
I study'd Precepts taught by moral Schools,
Instructive Maxims and prudential Rules
That govern Life, and publick Zeal inspire,
Whence Princes gen'rous Habits may acquire,
And may of Minds serene be still possess'd,
Not vain in good, nor by ill, Fate depress'd;
And whence a Nation may industrious grow,
Flourish in Commerce, and in Plenty flow.
I thus my Youth in thoughtful Toil had spent,
On intellectual Ornaments intent,
Till call'd to Court, so Garcia gave Command,
The potent Prince that rules Navarra's Land,
I was appointed to th' important Care
Of the great Monarch's Sons, a Royal Pair
Not yet adult nor of the tend'rest Age,
To form their Manners, and their Love engage
To brave and worthy Deeds, and mark the Way
To gain fit Virtues for imperial Sway.
'Tis true, the weighty Charge I long deny'd,
But, press'd, at last reluctant I comply'd.
While to the Court I did my Way pursue,
And bade the learned Colleges adieu,
Inward I said, must I my Farewell take
Of these soft Skies? This sweet Abode forsake?
From these dear Friends, these Walks, these Brooks, this Seat
Of Learning now must, Silva, thou retreat,
And change these pure Delights, these Charms of Life,
And unmixt Pleasures for a Place of Strife;
Where treach'rous Plots and dark Intrigues of State,
Friendship well-feign'd, conceal'd Revenge and Hate,
With courteous Falsehood, humble-looking Pride,
Suspicion, Envy, and Distrust, abide:
Where fawning Flatt'ry with bewitching Charms
Betrays the Man she hugs with eager Arms;
And where Ambition by a thousand Wiles
Supplants and climbs, and ruins, where she smiles.
On intellectual Ornaments intent,
Till call'd to Court, so Garcia gave Command,
The potent Prince that rules Navarra's Land,
40
Of the great Monarch's Sons, a Royal Pair
Not yet adult nor of the tend'rest Age,
To form their Manners, and their Love engage
To brave and worthy Deeds, and mark the Way
To gain fit Virtues for imperial Sway.
'Tis true, the weighty Charge I long deny'd,
But, press'd, at last reluctant I comply'd.
While to the Court I did my Way pursue,
And bade the learned Colleges adieu,
Inward I said, must I my Farewell take
Of these soft Skies? This sweet Abode forsake?
From these dear Friends, these Walks, these Brooks, this Seat
Of Learning now must, Silva, thou retreat,
And change these pure Delights, these Charms of Life,
And unmixt Pleasures for a Place of Strife;
Where treach'rous Plots and dark Intrigues of State,
Friendship well-feign'd, conceal'd Revenge and Hate,
With courteous Falsehood, humble-looking Pride,
Suspicion, Envy, and Distrust, abide:
Where fawning Flatt'ry with bewitching Charms
Betrays the Man she hugs with eager Arms;
And where Ambition by a thousand Wiles
Supplants and climbs, and ruins, where she smiles.
41
On the high Trust to me consign'd intent
To Garcia's Royal Palace now I went.
Conscious, what vast and num'rous Blessings spring
From the wise Conduct of a gen'rous King,
To Justice, Faith, and Clemency inclin'd,
I undertook th' important Task enjoyn'd.
Firm I determin'd to employ my Skill,
And strive with Care unwearied to instill
Notions sublime, and Rules of Right and Truth,
That might for Empire form the high-born Youth.
Watchful I seiz'd Occasions to convince
The Royal Pupils that a Sov'reign Prince,
Tho' Independent here, his Pow'r Supreme
Is of th' Eternal Source a borrow'd Stream:
That Monarchs are his Officers of State
Who Crowns distributes, and decrees the Fate
Of Kings, on whom He all the Realms bestows
Which his vast Empire of the World compose.
Thus they possess a delegated Throne,
And scepter'd guide Dominions not their own:
And hence to Heav'n they must Accountants stand
For their high Trust and subaltern Command.
To Garcia's Royal Palace now I went.
Conscious, what vast and num'rous Blessings spring
From the wise Conduct of a gen'rous King,
To Justice, Faith, and Clemency inclin'd,
I undertook th' important Task enjoyn'd.
Firm I determin'd to employ my Skill,
And strive with Care unwearied to instill
Notions sublime, and Rules of Right and Truth,
That might for Empire form the high-born Youth.
Watchful I seiz'd Occasions to convince
The Royal Pupils that a Sov'reign Prince,
Tho' Independent here, his Pow'r Supreme
Is of th' Eternal Source a borrow'd Stream:
That Monarchs are his Officers of State
Who Crowns distributes, and decrees the Fate
Of Kings, on whom He all the Realms bestows
Which his vast Empire of the World compose.
Thus they possess a delegated Throne,
And scepter'd guide Dominions not their own:
And hence to Heav'n they must Accountants stand
For their high Trust and subaltern Command.
42
Oft I bespoke them thus—I ever saw
That Princely Virtues to Allegiance draw
More than Tribunals and coercive Law.
Justice, Indulgence, and a generous Hand,
Are the strong Guards that round a Monarch stand:
Princes are safe, while to their People dear;
Subjects are rul'd by Love, but Slaves by Fear,
Who all inviting Seasons watchful seize
To break their Yoke, and their gaul'd Shoulders ease.
Kings of the Empire of the Soul possest,
Who sit enthron'd secure in every Breast,
In Civil Strength, and Glory will encrease,
And triumph mid'st the Joys of lasting Peace:
While all in Arms with Ardour will defend
Their Country's Father, and their common Friend.
Not so the Kings, who thoughtless and supine
Revel in Empire, but the Toil decline;
Who love the Pow'r, but not the Cares of State,
Praise the Crown's Lustre, but detest its Weight.
That Princely Virtues to Allegiance draw
More than Tribunals and coercive Law.
Justice, Indulgence, and a generous Hand,
Are the strong Guards that round a Monarch stand:
Princes are safe, while to their People dear;
Subjects are rul'd by Love, but Slaves by Fear,
Who all inviting Seasons watchful seize
To break their Yoke, and their gaul'd Shoulders ease.
Kings of the Empire of the Soul possest,
Who sit enthron'd secure in every Breast,
In Civil Strength, and Glory will encrease,
And triumph mid'st the Joys of lasting Peace:
While all in Arms with Ardour will defend
Their Country's Father, and their common Friend.
Not so the Kings, who thoughtless and supine
Revel in Empire, but the Toil decline;
Who love the Pow'r, but not the Cares of State,
Praise the Crown's Lustre, but detest its Weight.
Good Kings, 'tis true, unrivall'd Pleasure find,
Not low and sensual, but of heav'nly Kind;
From conscious Virtue their Delight proceeds,
And the Review of just and generous Deeds.
Such Minds, that no Man can be happy, know,
That wants the Means of making others so;
By whom consummate Bliss is understood
A boundless Pow'r of doing boundless Good;
Who Greatness wish, and Empire unconfin'd,
Only to make them able to be kind.
As Skies indulgent o'er the Fields diffuse
Soft genial Heat, and mild prolifick Dews,
That may unfold and swell the new-sown Grain,
And with fresh Verdure cloath the smiling Plain:
So gentle Sov'reign's humane Nature cheer,
Supply their Wants, and dissipate their Fear.
Not low and sensual, but of heav'nly Kind;
From conscious Virtue their Delight proceeds,
And the Review of just and generous Deeds.
43
That wants the Means of making others so;
By whom consummate Bliss is understood
A boundless Pow'r of doing boundless Good;
Who Greatness wish, and Empire unconfin'd,
Only to make them able to be kind.
As Skies indulgent o'er the Fields diffuse
Soft genial Heat, and mild prolifick Dews,
That may unfold and swell the new-sown Grain,
And with fresh Verdure cloath the smiling Plain:
So gentle Sov'reign's humane Nature cheer,
Supply their Wants, and dissipate their Fear.
I told them, King's use Violence in vain
The Growth of new Religion to restrain;
Since Schemes, that Men Enthusiastick frame,
Fall of themselves, nor long Duration claim;
And those by Heav'n inspir'd all Force repell,
And triumph o'er the Pow'rs of Earth and Hell.
Witness, O Rome! to sink the Christian Cause
What Seas of Blood were spilt by barb'rous Laws
In vain, while horrid Persecution rag'd,
And fruitless War with Truth celestial wag'd!
Christ's Heav'n-born Faith by Opposition grew,
And by Destruction did her Strength renew;
While from the Martyr's Blood a num'rous Seed
Of Converts sprung to propagate their Creed.
These Truths, in Words adapted to their Taste,
I in clear Light before the Princes plac'd.
The Growth of new Religion to restrain;
Since Schemes, that Men Enthusiastick frame,
Fall of themselves, nor long Duration claim;
And those by Heav'n inspir'd all Force repell,
And triumph o'er the Pow'rs of Earth and Hell.
Witness, O Rome! to sink the Christian Cause
What Seas of Blood were spilt by barb'rous Laws
In vain, while horrid Persecution rag'd,
And fruitless War with Truth celestial wag'd!
Christ's Heav'n-born Faith by Opposition grew,
And by Destruction did her Strength renew;
44
Of Converts sprung to propagate their Creed.
These Truths, in Words adapted to their Taste,
I in clear Light before the Princes plac'd.
While thus in either Prince's Mind I fed
Love of Mankind, and of their Maker Dread,
Our gracious Monarch shew'd me great Regard,
And did my Toil with gen'rous Gifts reward:
At length advanc'd me nearer to the Throne,
And bade his Council me their Leader own.
Till, greater Favour by swift Growth acquir'd,
The Dignity, to which I ne'er aspir'd,
He gave, and Primate by his high Command
I was acknowledg'd of Navarra's Land:
Thus I became by unexpected Fate
Great in the Church, and valu'd in the State.
Love of Mankind, and of their Maker Dread,
Our gracious Monarch shew'd me great Regard,
And did my Toil with gen'rous Gifts reward:
At length advanc'd me nearer to the Throne,
And bade his Council me their Leader own.
Till, greater Favour by swift Growth acquir'd,
The Dignity, to which I ne'er aspir'd,
He gave, and Primate by his high Command
I was acknowledg'd of Navarra's Land:
Thus I became by unexpected Fate
Great in the Church, and valu'd in the State.
In this high Station free from guileful Art,
Firm I decreed to act the Patriot's Part,
Tho' clear I saw that Conduct would create
The Churchman's Envy and the Statesman's Hate;
And knew, that few Religion did support,
While friendless Virtue mourn'd her Fate at Court:
That the proud Lallites, my immortal Foes,
And active Rivals would my Schemes oppose;
Dress endless Snares, and false Suggestions bring
To blast my Credit with the jealous King,
Whose Actions shew'd that now without Controul
Vice had usurp'd the Empire of his Soul;
That Heav'ns just Laws and Terrours he defy'd,
Nor on Divine, but his own Pow'r rely'd.
Firm I decreed to act the Patriot's Part,
Tho' clear I saw that Conduct would create
The Churchman's Envy and the Statesman's Hate;
And knew, that few Religion did support,
While friendless Virtue mourn'd her Fate at Court:
That the proud Lallites, my immortal Foes,
And active Rivals would my Schemes oppose;
45
To blast my Credit with the jealous King,
Whose Actions shew'd that now without Controul
Vice had usurp'd the Empire of his Soul;
That Heav'ns just Laws and Terrours he defy'd,
Nor on Divine, but his own Pow'r rely'd.
Thirst of false Glory, Fame, and wide Command
By the destructive Breath of Flatt'ry fann'd,
And haughty Pride the Monarch's Mind inspir'd,
And with ambitious Aims his Bosom fir'd:
Hence he disturb'd the World with fierce Alarms,
And vex'd the neighb'ring States with lawless Arms.
As sudden Tempests gath'ring in the Skies
In Harvest Time the lab'ring Hind surprize,
While confluent Thunder, Winds, and Hail, and Rain,
Drive from th' unshelter'd Fields the dripping Swain;
So Garcia, who at Pow'r unbounded aim'd,
No Anger yet denounc'd, nor War proclaim'd,
On States unguarded sudden Fury pour'd,
Subdu'd their Cities and their Land devour'd:
Lustful of Might his Kingdom to enlarge,
Before, for one Man's Strength, too great a Charge,
Or to acquire by Arms Heroick Fame,
And spread the Terrours of his dreaded Name;
He sent his Warriours with Command to spoil
The neighb'ring Realms, and waste their fertile Soil;
Thro' various Countries bade the Robbers roam,
And lead in Chains their Captive Princes Home.
By the destructive Breath of Flatt'ry fann'd,
And haughty Pride the Monarch's Mind inspir'd,
And with ambitious Aims his Bosom fir'd:
Hence he disturb'd the World with fierce Alarms,
And vex'd the neighb'ring States with lawless Arms.
As sudden Tempests gath'ring in the Skies
In Harvest Time the lab'ring Hind surprize,
While confluent Thunder, Winds, and Hail, and Rain,
Drive from th' unshelter'd Fields the dripping Swain;
So Garcia, who at Pow'r unbounded aim'd,
No Anger yet denounc'd, nor War proclaim'd,
On States unguarded sudden Fury pour'd,
Subdu'd their Cities and their Land devour'd:
Lustful of Might his Kingdom to enlarge,
Before, for one Man's Strength, too great a Charge,
Or to acquire by Arms Heroick Fame,
And spread the Terrours of his dreaded Name;
46
The neighb'ring Realms, and waste their fertile Soil;
Thro' various Countries bade the Robbers roam,
And lead in Chains their Captive Princes Home.
Lawless from Faith and Justice still he swerv'd,
Made no just War, and no sworn League observ'd;
But Lands by Fraud and Violence procur'd,
To which all Claim his solemn Vows abjur'd.
Thus with his Armies he his Neighbours vex'd,
And conquer'd Kingdoms to his own annex'd.
The Farmer was compell'd to quit his Toil,
To wield the Sword, and leave untill'd the Soil.
Women in Want of Men the Meadow mow,
Prune Garden Fruit-Trees, and the Furrow sow.
Towns were dispeopled, Arts neglected, Trade
Languish'd, and Countries were a Desart made.
To the poor Mother starving Infants clung,
And on the empty Breast defrauded hung;
While others, Striplings meagre and unfed,
Round the sad Parent stood, and cry'd for Bread.
Oft the griev'd Tribes did thus their Thoughts express;
From all the Triumphs and the fam'd Success
Of her great Chiefs, what does our Country gain,
Distress'd, and sunk in Poverty and Pain?
Can she of Conquests and proud Trophies boast,
Which wound her Sinews and her Veins exhaust?
We thro' our Neighbours Bowels thrust the Steel,
But in our own the piercing Weapon feel.
Vastly we lose by every Conquest won,
By Greatness sunk, and by Success undone.
Their mournful Cry thro' all our Land resounds,
Which, tho' victorious, bleeds by foreign Wounds.
Made no just War, and no sworn League observ'd;
But Lands by Fraud and Violence procur'd,
To which all Claim his solemn Vows abjur'd.
Thus with his Armies he his Neighbours vex'd,
And conquer'd Kingdoms to his own annex'd.
The Farmer was compell'd to quit his Toil,
To wield the Sword, and leave untill'd the Soil.
Women in Want of Men the Meadow mow,
Prune Garden Fruit-Trees, and the Furrow sow.
Towns were dispeopled, Arts neglected, Trade
Languish'd, and Countries were a Desart made.
To the poor Mother starving Infants clung,
And on the empty Breast defrauded hung;
While others, Striplings meagre and unfed,
Round the sad Parent stood, and cry'd for Bread.
Oft the griev'd Tribes did thus their Thoughts express;
From all the Triumphs and the fam'd Success
Of her great Chiefs, what does our Country gain,
Distress'd, and sunk in Poverty and Pain?
47
Which wound her Sinews and her Veins exhaust?
We thro' our Neighbours Bowels thrust the Steel,
But in our own the piercing Weapon feel.
Vastly we lose by every Conquest won,
By Greatness sunk, and by Success undone.
Their mournful Cry thro' all our Land resounds,
Which, tho' victorious, bleeds by foreign Wounds.
While thus, to raise the Glory of the Crown,
And spread the true Disgrace and false Renown
Of Garcia's conqu'ring Arms, in every Place
Sad Desolation shews her ghastly Face,
The Lallites Faction by their Prince caress'd,
Of the high Charges in the Church possess'd,
Who with voluptuous Flatt'ry sooth his Ear,
And make his Crimes in Virtue's Shape appear,
Engage the King, whose Conscience they direct,
To arm with Regal Pow'r their furious Sect,
Those to imprison, banish, or assign
To servile Tasks or Labours of the Mine,
Who their erroneous Articles deny'd,
Nor with their haughty Dictates e'er comply'd.
Now Persecution rear'd her threat'ning Head,
Display'd her odious Viper-Brood, that fed
On guiltless Blood, and by malignant Breath
And pois'nous Teeth inflicted Pain and Death.
And spread the true Disgrace and false Renown
Of Garcia's conqu'ring Arms, in every Place
Sad Desolation shews her ghastly Face,
The Lallites Faction by their Prince caress'd,
Of the high Charges in the Church possess'd,
Who with voluptuous Flatt'ry sooth his Ear,
And make his Crimes in Virtue's Shape appear,
Engage the King, whose Conscience they direct,
To arm with Regal Pow'r their furious Sect,
Those to imprison, banish, or assign
To servile Tasks or Labours of the Mine,
Who their erroneous Articles deny'd,
Nor with their haughty Dictates e'er comply'd.
Now Persecution rear'd her threat'ning Head,
Display'd her odious Viper-Brood, that fed
48
And pois'nous Teeth inflicted Pain and Death.
Profuse of Vengeance, Tortures they compose,
Works of ingenious Cruelty, for those
Who would not Christian Liberty betray,
And yield the Church to Arbitrary Sway.
Tho' Chains and Scourges never were design'd
For Demonstrations to convince the Mind,
Nor Dungeons to dispense Celestial Light,
Nor Racks to set perverse Opinions right;
Yet these fierce Servants of the Prince of Peace,
To spread his mild Religion, never cease
To issue bloody Orders, and employ
New Arts their guiltless Brother to destroy.
Besides th' unnumber'd loyal Christians doom'd
To Stripes and Labour, and by Want consum'd,
Thousands forbid to breathe their Native Air
In mournful Bands to Foreign Realms repair:
Strangers with Pity touch'd did tender grow,
And kindly entertain'd their vagrant Woe.
Ev'n savage Clans did melting Hearts express,
Solac'd and mourn'd their fugitive Distress;
While thus Navarre by Arts and active Hands
Enrich'd at her Expence the neighb'ring Lands,
By her Lay-Chiefs and militant Divines
Drain'd of her Sons, in Vigour she declines.
Works of ingenious Cruelty, for those
Who would not Christian Liberty betray,
And yield the Church to Arbitrary Sway.
Tho' Chains and Scourges never were design'd
For Demonstrations to convince the Mind,
Nor Dungeons to dispense Celestial Light,
Nor Racks to set perverse Opinions right;
Yet these fierce Servants of the Prince of Peace,
To spread his mild Religion, never cease
To issue bloody Orders, and employ
New Arts their guiltless Brother to destroy.
Besides th' unnumber'd loyal Christians doom'd
To Stripes and Labour, and by Want consum'd,
Thousands forbid to breathe their Native Air
In mournful Bands to Foreign Realms repair:
Strangers with Pity touch'd did tender grow,
And kindly entertain'd their vagrant Woe.
Ev'n savage Clans did melting Hearts express,
Solac'd and mourn'd their fugitive Distress;
While thus Navarre by Arts and active Hands
Enrich'd at her Expence the neighb'ring Lands,
49
Drain'd of her Sons, in Vigour she declines.
Mov'd by the Suff'rings of our sinking State,
And each adjoyning Nation's hapless Fate,
Who knew no Guilt, but that their Lands confin'd
On a great King's, by Lust of Pow'r inclin'd
To win new Realms, I wholsome Truth decreed
To speak, tho' like the Sage I should succeed,
Who from a generous Impulse bold addrest
The Macedonian Conqu'ror of the East;
Rebuk'd his Riot, and condemn'd his Pride,
And for offensive wise Instruction dy'd.
And each adjoyning Nation's hapless Fate,
Who knew no Guilt, but that their Lands confin'd
On a great King's, by Lust of Pow'r inclin'd
To win new Realms, I wholsome Truth decreed
To speak, tho' like the Sage I should succeed,
Who from a generous Impulse bold addrest
The Macedonian Conqu'ror of the East;
Rebuk'd his Riot, and condemn'd his Pride,
And for offensive wise Instruction dy'd.
Inspir'd with loyal Zeal, I now address'd
The King, and thus my inmost Soul express'd.
As I with anxious Thought have still pursu'd
My Sov'reign's Glory, and his People's Good,
So, while the vital Flame inspires my Breast,
Shall constant Toil my pious Zeal attest.
Then artless Speech, indulgent Monarch, bear,
While Truths important faithful I declare.
Let me those Truths with Freedom open lay,
Which close and cautious Statesmen ne'er display,
Lest harsh ungrateful Counsel should create
Their Lord's Displeasure, and his Smiles abate.
These with sagacious Application find
The strongest Passions of their Monarch's Mind,
Then, as unconscious of his secret Will,
Adapt their Counsels with consummate Skill
To his own Bent, and with false Zeal implore
Their Prince to follow what he lik'd before:
And when they see his Empire feeble grown,
Betray him to the next that claims the Throne.
Thus by perfidious Arts in every Reign
They keep their Station, and their Pow'r maintain.
The King, and thus my inmost Soul express'd.
As I with anxious Thought have still pursu'd
My Sov'reign's Glory, and his People's Good,
So, while the vital Flame inspires my Breast,
Shall constant Toil my pious Zeal attest.
Then artless Speech, indulgent Monarch, bear,
While Truths important faithful I declare.
Let me those Truths with Freedom open lay,
Which close and cautious Statesmen ne'er display,
Lest harsh ungrateful Counsel should create
Their Lord's Displeasure, and his Smiles abate.
50
The strongest Passions of their Monarch's Mind,
Then, as unconscious of his secret Will,
Adapt their Counsels with consummate Skill
To his own Bent, and with false Zeal implore
Their Prince to follow what he lik'd before:
And when they see his Empire feeble grown,
Betray him to the next that claims the Throne.
Thus by perfidious Arts in every Reign
They keep their Station, and their Pow'r maintain.
Then know, Great Prince, your Subjects loud declare
Their publick Burdens are too great to bear;
And mournful thus exclaim, unhappy Fate!
By Officers of War and Chiefs of State,
Who o'er these fertile Provinces preside,
Slaves to their Pleasures Avarice and Pride,
Rapacious Vultures, we exhausted groan,
In Corners weep and make in vain our Moan;
While fruitless Accents fill the conscious Air,
And echoing Hills reflect our sad Despair.
Did our great Monarch know, they often say,
How these deputed Chiefs their Trust betray;
How by a thousand Frauds and Acts of Pow'r
They feed their Rapine, and the Land devour,
Till they the Nation's Treasure have engrost,
Pamper'd with Riot at the publick Cost;
What Indignation would his Looks express?
His People's Wrongs how soon would he redress?
But we have no Access to Garcia's Throne,
No Way is left to make our Suff'rings known.
Sunk in Despair no more we hope Relief,
No Avenue is open that our Grief
May reach the King, we can alone complain
To the Tormentors, who create our Pain,
And who supported by some pow'rful Hand,
Abuse their Prince, and say, 'tis his Command.
Their publick Burdens are too great to bear;
And mournful thus exclaim, unhappy Fate!
By Officers of War and Chiefs of State,
Who o'er these fertile Provinces preside,
Slaves to their Pleasures Avarice and Pride,
Rapacious Vultures, we exhausted groan,
In Corners weep and make in vain our Moan;
While fruitless Accents fill the conscious Air,
And echoing Hills reflect our sad Despair.
Did our great Monarch know, they often say,
How these deputed Chiefs their Trust betray;
How by a thousand Frauds and Acts of Pow'r
They feed their Rapine, and the Land devour,
51
Pamper'd with Riot at the publick Cost;
What Indignation would his Looks express?
His People's Wrongs how soon would he redress?
But we have no Access to Garcia's Throne,
No Way is left to make our Suff'rings known.
Sunk in Despair no more we hope Relief,
No Avenue is open that our Grief
May reach the King, we can alone complain
To the Tormentors, who create our Pain,
And who supported by some pow'rful Hand,
Abuse their Prince, and say, 'tis his Command.
Nor causeless are their discontented Cries,
Navarra's Lords, once gen'rous, just, and wise,
Immoral, godless, and voluptuous grown,
Oppress the People and disgrace the Throne.
Publick Promotions they as Posts behold
Of Profit, not of Trust, and hence for Gold
They sell great Charges to a worthless Race
Of stupid Drones unequal to their Place;
While all unbribing Merit meets Disgrace,
And modest Virtue hooted hides her Face.
Navarra's Lords, once gen'rous, just, and wise,
Immoral, godless, and voluptuous grown,
Oppress the People and disgrace the Throne.
Publick Promotions they as Posts behold
Of Profit, not of Trust, and hence for Gold
They sell great Charges to a worthless Race
Of stupid Drones unequal to their Place;
While all unbribing Merit meets Disgrace,
And modest Virtue hooted hides her Face.
Would you this great invet'rate Evil cure,
Ease your good Subjects and their Hearts ensure,
At your Tribunal let the Vice-roys stand,
Who your fair Towns and Provinces command;
Let them for guilty Conduct past account,
See to what Summs their Plunder will amount?
Let them refund their Pillage, and restore
Unrighteous Gain extorted from the Poor.
Should these, who triumph at the Realm's Expence,
And by Oppression heap up Wealth immense,
Who fleece the People, and with Rapine fed,
The Widow rob, and eat the Orphan's Bread,
Not question'd, and unpunish'd, still enjoy
The Nation's Spoils, and keep their high Employ,
All Arts, all Virtue, all industrious Care
Must sink, and sad Navarra must despair.
Ease your good Subjects and their Hearts ensure,
52
Who your fair Towns and Provinces command;
Let them for guilty Conduct past account,
See to what Summs their Plunder will amount?
Let them refund their Pillage, and restore
Unrighteous Gain extorted from the Poor.
Should these, who triumph at the Realm's Expence,
And by Oppression heap up Wealth immense,
Who fleece the People, and with Rapine fed,
The Widow rob, and eat the Orphan's Bread,
Not question'd, and unpunish'd, still enjoy
The Nation's Spoils, and keep their high Employ,
All Arts, all Virtue, all industrious Care
Must sink, and sad Navarra must despair.
Justice eluded, shall Orellan boast,
That, by his Conduct in his gainful Post,
The gather'd Treasure in his swelling Hoards
Rivals the Fortunes of the greatest Lords?
To see his Groves amaz'd Spectators croud,
Fish-Ponds well stor'd, and Pleasure-Houses proud
Of painted Roofs, his Gardens, gilded Barks
Riding in wide Canals, and spacious Parks.
The prancing Steeds, and num'rous Slaves, that wait
On his high Chariot, vye with princely State;
While costly Liquors, rich, luxurious Feasts,
And charming Musick entertain his Guests.
What Government can long remain in Ease,
If such enormous Criminals, as these,
Can for Protection on Court-Friends rely,
And Justice, fearless of Account, defy?
That, by his Conduct in his gainful Post,
The gather'd Treasure in his swelling Hoards
Rivals the Fortunes of the greatest Lords?
To see his Groves amaz'd Spectators croud,
Fish-Ponds well stor'd, and Pleasure-Houses proud
Of painted Roofs, his Gardens, gilded Barks
Riding in wide Canals, and spacious Parks.
The prancing Steeds, and num'rous Slaves, that wait
On his high Chariot, vye with princely State;
53
And charming Musick entertain his Guests.
What Government can long remain in Ease,
If such enormous Criminals, as these,
Can for Protection on Court-Friends rely,
And Justice, fearless of Account, defy?
Besides, O King, while endless War you wage,
And pour on peaceful Potentates your Rage;
Elude your Treaties, and revive Alarms
To propagate the Glory of your Arms,
And with a vast Expence your People load,
At Home you lessen, as you grow Abroad.
And tho' your potent Kingdom you diffuse;
What in Extent you get, in Strength you lose.
Kings, who to gain new Countries long employ
Their conqu'ring Troops, at length their own destroy,
And while their Arms their Neighbours over-run,
Victors and Vanquish'd are alike undone.
Besides the injur'd Nations will combine,
And in their Rage collected Forces join
To stern the Fortune of the common Foe,
Drive its proud Tide, and make it backward go.
And pour on peaceful Potentates your Rage;
Elude your Treaties, and revive Alarms
To propagate the Glory of your Arms,
And with a vast Expence your People load,
At Home you lessen, as you grow Abroad.
And tho' your potent Kingdom you diffuse;
What in Extent you get, in Strength you lose.
Kings, who to gain new Countries long employ
Their conqu'ring Troops, at length their own destroy,
And while their Arms their Neighbours over-run,
Victors and Vanquish'd are alike undone.
Besides the injur'd Nations will combine,
And in their Rage collected Forces join
To stern the Fortune of the common Foe,
Drive its proud Tide, and make it backward go.
Applause, great Monarch, and divine Renown,
Which Toil Heroick and high Virtue crown,
Rise not from Pow'r extended wide and far,
But spring from just and warrantable War.
Is it true Honour Spoilers to employ,
Glory to torture, ravage, and destroy?
Should Chiefs and Christian Monarchs Pleasure take
In conqu'ring Kingdoms for the Conquest's Sake;
And not provok'd unnumber'd Troops enroll
To waste the World and distant Realms controul?
Can Kings, who Heav'n adore, and Justice dread,
With Garments roll'd in Blood and Slaughter red,
Blind with false Splendor and obdurate grown,
Fearless approach th' Eternal's Righteous Throne;
Sue to the Prince of Peace to ease their Woe,
And pray for Mercy, which they never show?
Should these in publick Triumph Lawrels wear,
And thro' th' applauding Croud elated bear
Trophies of proud Injustice, and the Spoil
Of arm'd Oppression and destructive Toil?
Should Statues, Arches, Pillars, Tow'rs proclaim
Their Rapine and perpetuate their Shame?
All elevated Minds, like Heav'n, inclin'd,
Succour the World, and not devour their Kind.
Heroes, as bless'd Deliv'rers, we adore,
That Plenty, Peace, and ravish'd Rights restore,
And by their Conquests gen'rous Aims pursue,
Guard and improve the States their Arms subdue.
Which Toil Heroick and high Virtue crown,
54
But spring from just and warrantable War.
Is it true Honour Spoilers to employ,
Glory to torture, ravage, and destroy?
Should Chiefs and Christian Monarchs Pleasure take
In conqu'ring Kingdoms for the Conquest's Sake;
And not provok'd unnumber'd Troops enroll
To waste the World and distant Realms controul?
Can Kings, who Heav'n adore, and Justice dread,
With Garments roll'd in Blood and Slaughter red,
Blind with false Splendor and obdurate grown,
Fearless approach th' Eternal's Righteous Throne;
Sue to the Prince of Peace to ease their Woe,
And pray for Mercy, which they never show?
Should these in publick Triumph Lawrels wear,
And thro' th' applauding Croud elated bear
Trophies of proud Injustice, and the Spoil
Of arm'd Oppression and destructive Toil?
Should Statues, Arches, Pillars, Tow'rs proclaim
Their Rapine and perpetuate their Shame?
All elevated Minds, like Heav'n, inclin'd,
Succour the World, and not devour their Kind.
Heroes, as bless'd Deliv'rers, we adore,
That Plenty, Peace, and ravish'd Rights restore,
And by their Conquests gen'rous Aims pursue,
Guard and improve the States their Arms subdue.
55
To heal the Church divided and distrest,
If I the Means most likely may suggest,
I would rescind the new coercive Laws,
Intended to support the Lallites Cause,
Which doom those Christians to instructive Pains,
To wholesome Scourges, and convincing Chains,
(The Scoffers stile them such) who can't subscribe
Th' imagin'd Scheme of this ambitious Tribe:
Whence Strife, and Discord, and unchristian Hate
Distract the Church and deeply wound the State.
'Tis clear the heav'nly Founder ne'er design'd
A Church offensive, nor her Chiefs enjoyn'd,
Neglecting Reason's mild perswasive Charms,
To argue Sword in Hand, and preach in Arms.
Subjects, who make the publick Peace their Aim,
As Men and Christians may Protection claim,
Nor should Church Lictors, those with Force pursue,
Who give to Cæsar and to God their due.
If I the Means most likely may suggest,
I would rescind the new coercive Laws,
Intended to support the Lallites Cause,
Which doom those Christians to instructive Pains,
To wholesome Scourges, and convincing Chains,
(The Scoffers stile them such) who can't subscribe
Th' imagin'd Scheme of this ambitious Tribe:
Whence Strife, and Discord, and unchristian Hate
Distract the Church and deeply wound the State.
'Tis clear the heav'nly Founder ne'er design'd
A Church offensive, nor her Chiefs enjoyn'd,
Neglecting Reason's mild perswasive Charms,
To argue Sword in Hand, and preach in Arms.
Subjects, who make the publick Peace their Aim,
As Men and Christians may Protection claim,
Nor should Church Lictors, those with Force pursue,
Who give to Cæsar and to God their due.
Thus to the King my Duty I discharg'd,
And my Discourse, tho' long, had been enlarg'd,
Had I not seen presaging Marks arise
Of growing Anger in the Monarch's Eyes:
Tho' when admitted to his Council first,
I earnest pray'd that, to fulfil my Trust,
I freely might declare what I believ'd
Ecclips'd his Honour, or his People griev'd;
Which ready he allow'd, and oft would hear
My loyal Bluntness with a patient Ear:
Yet now not so—whence I with Ease could find
The Lallites Credit grew, and mine declin'd:
Yet calmly He dismiss'd me, and declar'd
He would to this Advice pay due Regard:
From this Discourse, perhaps too free and bold,
The King to me grew more reserv'd and cold.
And my Discourse, tho' long, had been enlarg'd,
Had I not seen presaging Marks arise
Of growing Anger in the Monarch's Eyes:
Tho' when admitted to his Council first,
I earnest pray'd that, to fulfil my Trust,
56
Ecclips'd his Honour, or his People griev'd;
Which ready he allow'd, and oft would hear
My loyal Bluntness with a patient Ear:
Yet now not so—whence I with Ease could find
The Lallites Credit grew, and mine declin'd:
Yet calmly He dismiss'd me, and declar'd
He would to this Advice pay due Regard:
From this Discourse, perhaps too free and bold,
The King to me grew more reserv'd and cold.
How hard ill Kings unartful Counsels hear!
How the rough Truth disturbs their tender Ear!
If offer'd in a mild and tim'rous Tone,
Nor urg'd and press'd, its feeble Force is gone,
And leaves no more Impressions on the Mind,
Than Rocks receive from a soft Breeze of Wind.
But if you edge your Words, repeat your Blow,
And in your Looks a loyal Ardour show,
You cut too deep, and soon offensive grow.
Hard Fate! when Monarchs neither can endure
The threat'ning Gangrene, nor the painful Cure!
How the rough Truth disturbs their tender Ear!
If offer'd in a mild and tim'rous Tone,
Nor urg'd and press'd, its feeble Force is gone,
And leaves no more Impressions on the Mind,
Than Rocks receive from a soft Breeze of Wind.
But if you edge your Words, repeat your Blow,
And in your Looks a loyal Ardour show,
You cut too deep, and soon offensive grow.
Hard Fate! when Monarchs neither can endure
The threat'ning Gangrene, nor the painful Cure!
And now the Lallites, my inveterate Foes
Whose haughty Aims I did with Zeal oppose,
Artful Intrigues and various Wiles employ,
And make repeated Efforts to destroy
My Credit that remain'd, resolv'd to wrest
Silva entirely from my Sovereign's Breast.
A thousand Frauds and Slanders they invent,
And with infernal Malice represent
Me as erroneous and unpeaceful grown,
False to the Church and dang'rous to the Throne:
Yet unprevailing were their Pains and Art
Quite to remove me from the Monarch's Heart,
Who still believ'd me innocent and just,
And tho' too rigid, faithful to my Trust.
Whose haughty Aims I did with Zeal oppose,
57
And make repeated Efforts to destroy
My Credit that remain'd, resolv'd to wrest
Silva entirely from my Sovereign's Breast.
A thousand Frauds and Slanders they invent,
And with infernal Malice represent
Me as erroneous and unpeaceful grown,
False to the Church and dang'rous to the Throne:
Yet unprevailing were their Pains and Art
Quite to remove me from the Monarch's Heart,
Who still believ'd me innocent and just,
And tho' too rigid, faithful to my Trust.
But soon I saw the Monarch I had lost,
Whose Favour my relentless Foes engrost:
And while He lay entangled in their Wiles,
I only had his Frowns, and they his Smiles.
While thus the Lallites triumph'd, my Disgrace
I read express'd in every Statesman's Face,
But diff'rent Ways; some seem'd with Sorrow mov'd,
And some well-pleas'd my sinking State approv'd.
As when a Stag, that reign'd the Forest's Pride,
And all the Rivals of his Strength defy'd,
One of the Lords for his high Antlers fear'd,
Lov'd and obey'd by all th' obsequious Herd,
Is wounded by the Huntsman's bloody Dart
Fix'd in his Side, his old Companions start;
Then from his Presence in Amazement run,
And by their Flight imagin'd Danger shun:
So did the Men in Pow'r about the Throne,
Abandon Silva as a Courtier blown.
Whose Favour my relentless Foes engrost:
And while He lay entangled in their Wiles,
I only had his Frowns, and they his Smiles.
While thus the Lallites triumph'd, my Disgrace
I read express'd in every Statesman's Face,
But diff'rent Ways; some seem'd with Sorrow mov'd,
And some well-pleas'd my sinking State approv'd.
As when a Stag, that reign'd the Forest's Pride,
And all the Rivals of his Strength defy'd,
One of the Lords for his high Antlers fear'd,
Lov'd and obey'd by all th' obsequious Herd,
58
Fix'd in his Side, his old Companions start;
Then from his Presence in Amazement run,
And by their Flight imagin'd Danger shun:
So did the Men in Pow'r about the Throne,
Abandon Silva as a Courtier blown.
And now the gath'ring Clouds my Fall presage,
Which all my Friends in deep Concern engage;
Who, while the growing Storm they trembling saw,
To shun its Fury urg'd me to withdraw.
Stedfast I still withstood their earnest Pray'r,
Fearless of Ills, and resolute to bear,
Rather than in the People's Minds create
Suspicion by my Flight, the hardest Fate.
Thus, to the Will of Heav'n entire resign'd,
I fac'd the Tempest, nor its Rage declin'd.
My Foes, who long my ebbing State had seen,
With double Wrath and unextinguish'd Spleen,
My Ruin to compleat, their Blow pursue,
And with unwearied Diligence renew
Pois'nous Invectives, and black Calumnies,
And various Plots, and subtile Schemes devise,
Fit to engender Jealousies of State,
And draw upon my Head my Sov'reign's Hate.
Which all my Friends in deep Concern engage;
Who, while the growing Storm they trembling saw,
To shun its Fury urg'd me to withdraw.
Stedfast I still withstood their earnest Pray'r,
Fearless of Ills, and resolute to bear,
Rather than in the People's Minds create
Suspicion by my Flight, the hardest Fate.
Thus, to the Will of Heav'n entire resign'd,
I fac'd the Tempest, nor its Rage declin'd.
My Foes, who long my ebbing State had seen,
With double Wrath and unextinguish'd Spleen,
My Ruin to compleat, their Blow pursue,
And with unwearied Diligence renew
Pois'nous Invectives, and black Calumnies,
And various Plots, and subtile Schemes devise,
Fit to engender Jealousies of State,
And draw upon my Head my Sov'reign's Hate.
59
They charg'd me, that with proud Ambition fir'd,
With discontented Lords I had conspir'd
To yield Navarra to the Moorish Pow'rs,
Who now drew near to high Toledo's Tow'rs,
Since their prevailing Arms had conquer'd Spain
From fair Castilia to the Midland Main.
To make this Plot detestable succeed,
'Twas said the feign'd Conspirators agreed
In a fit Place to dress an Ambuscade,
And issuing thence the Monarch to invade,
While from the Pleasures of his rural Seat
He to his Royal Palace should retreat;
Then seize his sacred Person, and confine
Their Sov'reign, and compell him to resign
His Dignity and Crown into the Hand
Of the great Chief, that did the Moors command.
This Charge abandon'd Miscreants did attest,
Who gain'd Belief, and Garcia deep imprest.
Now he decreed my Death, and gave Command
Silva should suffer by the Headsman's Hand:
And this, great Prince, had been my rigid Fate,
And guiltless Blood had stain'd Navarra's State,
Had not th' Almighty pleas'd to interpose,
And guard my Life against relentless Foes.
While on my Bed I slumber'd sweet by Night,
A shining Angel from the Seats of Light
Descended swifter than the Sun-beam flies
At Dawn of Morning down the Eastern Skies;
His Eyes celestial Lustre did display,
Mild as the Stars that form the milky Way;
And in bright Locks of curling Rays his Hair
Dishevell'd fell, and easy mov'd in Air:
White Robes, etherial Work, his Limbs did grace,
And rosy Youth smil'd blooming in his Face;
While from his blissful Head and Feet abroad
A rich Eruption of pure Glory flow'd.
Addressing me with gracious Looks, he said,
Silva arise, and swift forsake thy Bed,
Thy Enemies enrag'd thy Life pursue,
False to Religion's Cause, as thou art true.
Therefore with Orders sent from Heav'n comply
Without Delay, and from Hispania fly;
Make haste, embark, sail for Numidia's Shore,
There stay till Heav'n propitious shall restore
The injur'd Silva to his Native Land,
To greater Honours, and as high Command.
His Message done, the Seraph wing'd his Way
To the bless'd Seats of Peace and endless Day.
With discontented Lords I had conspir'd
To yield Navarra to the Moorish Pow'rs,
Who now drew near to high Toledo's Tow'rs,
Since their prevailing Arms had conquer'd Spain
From fair Castilia to the Midland Main.
To make this Plot detestable succeed,
'Twas said the feign'd Conspirators agreed
In a fit Place to dress an Ambuscade,
And issuing thence the Monarch to invade,
While from the Pleasures of his rural Seat
He to his Royal Palace should retreat;
Then seize his sacred Person, and confine
Their Sov'reign, and compell him to resign
His Dignity and Crown into the Hand
Of the great Chief, that did the Moors command.
This Charge abandon'd Miscreants did attest,
Who gain'd Belief, and Garcia deep imprest.
Now he decreed my Death, and gave Command
Silva should suffer by the Headsman's Hand:
And this, great Prince, had been my rigid Fate,
And guiltless Blood had stain'd Navarra's State,
Had not th' Almighty pleas'd to interpose,
And guard my Life against relentless Foes.
60
A shining Angel from the Seats of Light
Descended swifter than the Sun-beam flies
At Dawn of Morning down the Eastern Skies;
His Eyes celestial Lustre did display,
Mild as the Stars that form the milky Way;
And in bright Locks of curling Rays his Hair
Dishevell'd fell, and easy mov'd in Air:
White Robes, etherial Work, his Limbs did grace,
And rosy Youth smil'd blooming in his Face;
While from his blissful Head and Feet abroad
A rich Eruption of pure Glory flow'd.
Addressing me with gracious Looks, he said,
Silva arise, and swift forsake thy Bed,
Thy Enemies enrag'd thy Life pursue,
False to Religion's Cause, as thou art true.
Therefore with Orders sent from Heav'n comply
Without Delay, and from Hispania fly;
Make haste, embark, sail for Numidia's Shore,
There stay till Heav'n propitious shall restore
The injur'd Silva to his Native Land,
To greater Honours, and as high Command.
His Message done, the Seraph wing'd his Way
To the bless'd Seats of Peace and endless Day.
61
Soon as the Sun's returning Ray had freed
From humid Shades the Hemisphere, with Speed
I the high Order sent from Heav'n obey'd,
Embark'd, and to the Northern Wind display'd
The heaving Canvass, and the Ocean crost
With a fresh Gale to fair Numidia's Coast.
Ramez I chose, who Heav'ns high Ruler fear'd,
To me by faithful Services endear'd,
The sole Companion of my wand'ring State,
And took a Cask of Value, not of Weight.
From humid Shades the Hemisphere, with Speed
I the high Order sent from Heav'n obey'd,
Embark'd, and to the Northern Wind display'd
The heaving Canvass, and the Ocean crost
With a fresh Gale to fair Numidia's Coast.
Ramez I chose, who Heav'ns high Ruler fear'd,
To me by faithful Services endear'd,
The sole Companion of my wand'ring State,
And took a Cask of Value, not of Weight.
Thrice had the Sun diffus'd his radiant Light,
And thrice retreated from prevailing Night,
When high Tunisia's Tow'rs appear'd in Sight.
Soon with a prosp'rous Wind I gain'd the Shore,
And thence advanc'd the Country to explore,
And find a Region, where the Sweets of Rest
And peaceful Solitude might be possest:
At length I chose this unfrequented Seat,
And settled here my fugitive Retreat,
Where free from Cares domestick, and the Strife,
Distractions, and Fatigue of publick Life,
My Hours in heav'nly Commerce I employ,
And Prælibations of immortal Joy.
And thrice retreated from prevailing Night,
When high Tunisia's Tow'rs appear'd in Sight.
Soon with a prosp'rous Wind I gain'd the Shore,
And thence advanc'd the Country to explore,
And find a Region, where the Sweets of Rest
And peaceful Solitude might be possest:
At length I chose this unfrequented Seat,
And settled here my fugitive Retreat,
Where free from Cares domestick, and the Strife,
Distractions, and Fatigue of publick Life,
My Hours in heav'nly Commerce I employ,
And Prælibations of immortal Joy.
62
He ceas'd—The Prince his Firmness much admir'd,
And much the Zeal and Wisdom that inspir'd
His gen'rous Mind, nor did he wonder less
At his unshaken Courage in Distress.
The Briton then his grateful Thanks express'd,
And thus the pious Anchorite address'd;
Till the great Being pleases to remove
Silva the Just, to the bless'd Seats above,
Or, with a gracious over-ruling Hand,
To bless, by your Return, your native Land,
In sacred Intercourse your Hours employ,
And thus to Heav'n a Prelude here enjoy.
When I reflect how much from anxious Cares
This Cave is free, and safe from tempting Snares,
Like the fam'd Greek, who glorious Aims pursu'd,
And great in Arms the eastern World subdu'd,
I hesitate, and undetermin'd weigh
Sweet Solitude against imperial Sway;
Unable to decide, if I should chuse
The Cares of State, and private Ease refuse.
They may accept a Crown, who are inclin'd
From gen'rous Views to cherish humane Kind
And publick Peace; but they, who seek their own,
Should for a lonely Cell resign a Throne:
At last to this Decision I agree,
Were I not Alfred, I would Silva be.
And much the Zeal and Wisdom that inspir'd
His gen'rous Mind, nor did he wonder less
At his unshaken Courage in Distress.
The Briton then his grateful Thanks express'd,
And thus the pious Anchorite address'd;
Till the great Being pleases to remove
Silva the Just, to the bless'd Seats above,
Or, with a gracious over-ruling Hand,
To bless, by your Return, your native Land,
In sacred Intercourse your Hours employ,
And thus to Heav'n a Prelude here enjoy.
When I reflect how much from anxious Cares
This Cave is free, and safe from tempting Snares,
Like the fam'd Greek, who glorious Aims pursu'd,
And great in Arms the eastern World subdu'd,
I hesitate, and undetermin'd weigh
Sweet Solitude against imperial Sway;
Unable to decide, if I should chuse
The Cares of State, and private Ease refuse.
They may accept a Crown, who are inclin'd
From gen'rous Views to cherish humane Kind
And publick Peace; but they, who seek their own,
Should for a lonely Cell resign a Throne:
63
Were I not Alfred, I would Silva be.
He ceas'd—embrac'd the Sage, and said, Adieu.
The Prince and Guithun now their Way pursue
To fair Tunisia, so the Reverend Chief,
Guided their Steps and bade them hope Relief.
The Prince and Guithun now their Way pursue
To fair Tunisia, so the Reverend Chief,
Guided their Steps and bade them hope Relief.
Soon as the Sun twice by alternate Sway
Had carry'd round the World the circl'ing Day,
From an aspiring Hill, which far and wide
O'erlook'd the flow'ry Vale's extended Pride,
They saw Tunisia's gilded Turrets rise,
And mingle rival Glories with the Skies.
It vy'd in Pomp and Strength with Dido's Tow'rs
Possess'd of old by Carthaginian Pow'rs,
Who did at envy'd Wealth and Fame arrive,
And for the World's contested Empire strive,
But fell by Discord—Near the fruitful Lands
Where Carthage stood, now fair Tunisia stands,
Which Carthage like, does Sov'reign Stile assume,
Defy Hesperia, and the Lords of Rome.
The tuneful Shepherd and the vig'rous Swain
With Lays and Labour fill the echoing Plain;
Some bending to the Scythe, unwearied mow
The verdant Meadow, some the Furrow sow.
Some form Canals, and from the neighb'ring Hills
Bring down the Fountains in unnumber'd Rills,
Whose genial Chrystal streaming thro' the Soil
Revives the Plants, and cheers the Farmer's Toil,
Which yearly reaps from cultivated Fields
The plenteous Crops, that pregnant Nature yields,
Whose lavish Births her vital Treasure drain,
And load the Reapers Arms with ripen'd Grain.
Had carry'd round the World the circl'ing Day,
From an aspiring Hill, which far and wide
O'erlook'd the flow'ry Vale's extended Pride,
They saw Tunisia's gilded Turrets rise,
And mingle rival Glories with the Skies.
It vy'd in Pomp and Strength with Dido's Tow'rs
Possess'd of old by Carthaginian Pow'rs,
Who did at envy'd Wealth and Fame arrive,
And for the World's contested Empire strive,
But fell by Discord—Near the fruitful Lands
Where Carthage stood, now fair Tunisia stands,
Which Carthage like, does Sov'reign Stile assume,
Defy Hesperia, and the Lords of Rome.
The tuneful Shepherd and the vig'rous Swain
With Lays and Labour fill the echoing Plain;
Some bending to the Scythe, unwearied mow
The verdant Meadow, some the Furrow sow.
64
Bring down the Fountains in unnumber'd Rills,
Whose genial Chrystal streaming thro' the Soil
Revives the Plants, and cheers the Farmer's Toil,
Which yearly reaps from cultivated Fields
The plenteous Crops, that pregnant Nature yields,
Whose lavish Births her vital Treasure drain,
And load the Reapers Arms with ripen'd Grain.
As they advanc'd, new Objects of Delight,
And opening Scenes engag'd their ravish'd Sight.
Sweet Fennel here, whence lofty Branches shoot,
And Sell'ry, each of Aromatick Root,
And Numbers more, that vulgar Plants excell,
Wholsome for Food, and grateful to the Smell,
They view'd; and there, fair Groves of Trees, that bore
Choice Fruits, and bent beneath the fragrant Store.
Here Orange-Gardens, that at once unfold
Leaves, Flowers, and Fruit enrich'd with native Gold,
Fair Citron-Trees, which endless Verdure wear,
The Fig, Pomgranate, and delicious Pear,
And Apples red'ning with th' indulgent Ray,
Mixt with the Velvet blushing Peach, display
All the rich Colours of the opening Day.
These join'd their Sweets with balmy Scents, that strove
Thro' Bow'rs of Jes'mine & the Myrtle Grove,
Whence gentle Breezes did the Vapours bear,
To cherish Life with odorif'rous Air:
There Limes in Rows with Branches interlac'd,
And plaitted Heads, as constant Friends embrac'd,
And twice each Summer by the Pruner shorn,
Did the Green Walks on either Side adorn;
Whose arboring Boughs a vaulted Convex made,
And sooth'd immod'rate Heat with cooling Shade.
And opening Scenes engag'd their ravish'd Sight.
Sweet Fennel here, whence lofty Branches shoot,
And Sell'ry, each of Aromatick Root,
And Numbers more, that vulgar Plants excell,
Wholsome for Food, and grateful to the Smell,
They view'd; and there, fair Groves of Trees, that bore
Choice Fruits, and bent beneath the fragrant Store.
Here Orange-Gardens, that at once unfold
Leaves, Flowers, and Fruit enrich'd with native Gold,
Fair Citron-Trees, which endless Verdure wear,
The Fig, Pomgranate, and delicious Pear,
And Apples red'ning with th' indulgent Ray,
Mixt with the Velvet blushing Peach, display
All the rich Colours of the opening Day.
These join'd their Sweets with balmy Scents, that strove
Thro' Bow'rs of Jes'mine & the Myrtle Grove,
65
To cherish Life with odorif'rous Air:
There Limes in Rows with Branches interlac'd,
And plaitted Heads, as constant Friends embrac'd,
And twice each Summer by the Pruner shorn,
Did the Green Walks on either Side adorn;
Whose arboring Boughs a vaulted Convex made,
And sooth'd immod'rate Heat with cooling Shade.
Thick in the Gardens Pleasure-Houses stood,
And seem'd a beauteous City in a Wood,
Whose polish'd Marble charming to the Sight,
And Turrets, that reverberate the Light,
Rich gilt with Gold, back to the Sun convey
The Subterranean Creature of his Ray.
For tho' its Birth in Beds of Earth we trace,
Its splendid Beams attest its heav'nly Race,
And shining Lines express the Parent's Face.
And seem'd a beauteous City in a Wood,
Whose polish'd Marble charming to the Sight,
And Turrets, that reverberate the Light,
Rich gilt with Gold, back to the Sun convey
The Subterranean Creature of his Ray.
For tho' its Birth in Beds of Earth we trace,
Its splendid Beams attest its heav'nly Race,
And shining Lines express the Parent's Face.
While these fair Scenes of Plenty did surprize
And entertain the Briton's ravish'd Eyes,
Sage Guithun thus bespoke th' attentive Prince;
These Joys, these Riches, Alfred, may convince,
That Silva truly told us we should find
Tunisia's Sov'reign gen'rous, just, and kind.
See here the Fruits of Liberty ensur'd
By gracious Lords, and by fix'd Rules secur'd:
These Princes reign in Peace and loud Applause,
Not led by boundless Will but equal Laws.
Happy the Kings, that thus the Scepter sway;
Happy the Subjects, who such Kings obey,
And thus protected by a Righteous Throne,
Enjoy their Toil, and call their Wealth their own!
Blest Liberty! fair Offspring of the Skies!
By Thee these fragrant Groves, these Gardens rise;
By Thee cheer'd Nature smiles, & drench'd with Show'rs
And streaming Rills, from her warm Bosom pours
Luxuriant Bounty, spreads the Fields with Grain,
And crowns with yellow Crops the joyful Swain.
Thy lib'ral Hand the echoing Valley fills
With lowing Herds, with woolly Flocks rhe Hills;
Thou Courage, thou dost gen'rous Nature breed,
And Science, Arts, and gainful Commerce feed.
And entertain the Briton's ravish'd Eyes,
Sage Guithun thus bespoke th' attentive Prince;
These Joys, these Riches, Alfred, may convince,
That Silva truly told us we should find
Tunisia's Sov'reign gen'rous, just, and kind.
66
By gracious Lords, and by fix'd Rules secur'd:
These Princes reign in Peace and loud Applause,
Not led by boundless Will but equal Laws.
Happy the Kings, that thus the Scepter sway;
Happy the Subjects, who such Kings obey,
And thus protected by a Righteous Throne,
Enjoy their Toil, and call their Wealth their own!
Blest Liberty! fair Offspring of the Skies!
By Thee these fragrant Groves, these Gardens rise;
By Thee cheer'd Nature smiles, & drench'd with Show'rs
And streaming Rills, from her warm Bosom pours
Luxuriant Bounty, spreads the Fields with Grain,
And crowns with yellow Crops the joyful Swain.
Thy lib'ral Hand the echoing Valley fills
With lowing Herds, with woolly Flocks rhe Hills;
Thou Courage, thou dost gen'rous Nature breed,
And Science, Arts, and gainful Commerce feed.
As nearer to the Gate they pass'd along,
With Wonder they beheld a num'rous Throng
Of People flowing from each crowded Street,
Whose confluent Streams here in one Deluge meet.
As when in Spring the flow'ry Meads excite
The active Bees, and to new Toil invite;
Th' industrious Tenants of the narrow Hive
Thro' the small Port intent on Labour strive,
Then fetch Home Spoils their Wax-works to renew,
And fill their Cisterns with delicious Dew.
So the Tunisians in unnumber'd Trains
Press'd thro' their Gate, and overspread the Plains.
With Wonder they beheld a num'rous Throng
Of People flowing from each crowded Street,
Whose confluent Streams here in one Deluge meet.
As when in Spring the flow'ry Meads excite
The active Bees, and to new Toil invite;
67
Thro' the small Port intent on Labour strive,
Then fetch Home Spoils their Wax-works to renew,
And fill their Cisterns with delicious Dew.
So the Tunisians in unnumber'd Trains
Press'd thro' their Gate, and overspread the Plains.
Then Guithun thus—Prince Alfred, look around,
Behold how these wide Streets with Men abound,
The Beauty, Strength, and Riches of a State;
Does not this Sight Astonishment create?
This Stock by Parent Liberty is bred,
For when the Natives are with Plenty fed,
Frequent Espousals bring forth endless Swarms
Of Youth inclin'd to Toil, or Arts, or Arms.
See, the free Spirit, which these Tribes possess,
Does in their easy Looks its Pow'r express.
How glad they seem! how strong! how void of Fear!
What Life, what Ardour, in their Eyes appear!
'Tis Liberty alone that can impart
Such undissembled Pleasure to the Heart.
What diff'rent Aspects those poor Wretches wear,
Who the hard Yoke of Pow'r tyrannick bear!
How pale they look in Want of Food and Sleep,
While, scarce alive, they thro' their City creep!
How abject is their Mien, how sad their Air!
Each Face is mark'd with Tokens of Despair.
Behold how these wide Streets with Men abound,
The Beauty, Strength, and Riches of a State;
Does not this Sight Astonishment create?
This Stock by Parent Liberty is bred,
For when the Natives are with Plenty fed,
Frequent Espousals bring forth endless Swarms
Of Youth inclin'd to Toil, or Arts, or Arms.
See, the free Spirit, which these Tribes possess,
Does in their easy Looks its Pow'r express.
How glad they seem! how strong! how void of Fear!
What Life, what Ardour, in their Eyes appear!
'Tis Liberty alone that can impart
Such undissembled Pleasure to the Heart.
What diff'rent Aspects those poor Wretches wear,
Who the hard Yoke of Pow'r tyrannick bear!
How pale they look in Want of Food and Sleep,
While, scarce alive, they thro' their City creep!
68
Each Face is mark'd with Tokens of Despair.
He said—Prince Alfred's unresisting Mind
Receiv'd th' Impressions, by the Guide design'd:
And much the wise Remarks the Heroe prais'd,
Which in his Breast had generous Passions rais'd,
Mercy, Indulgence, Love to Humane Kind,
That more than Compacts Pow'r imperial bind.
Receiv'd th' Impressions, by the Guide design'd:
And much the wise Remarks the Heroe prais'd,
Which in his Breast had generous Passions rais'd,
Mercy, Indulgence, Love to Humane Kind,
That more than Compacts Pow'r imperial bind.
| Alfred | |