 | A Collection of Poems on Various Subjects |  |
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1. [PART the First.]
ADVICE TO THE POETS.
A POEM Occasioned by the Wonderful Success of Her Majesty's Arms, under the Conduct of the Duke of Marlborough in Flanders.
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Oh, let the Conqueror stop his swift Career,
A while the Foe, a while the Poet spare:
What Muse can follow with an equal Pace
Thro' the bright Stages of his rapid Race?
He, like the Orbs of Light that roll above,
Does in his glorious Course so swiftly move,
His Conquests are so suddain, so compleat,
And the fierce Foe his Arms so oft defeat,
The Muse exhausted pants and hangs the Wing,
Nor has more Strength to rise, nor Breath to sing.
He Danger seeks, he asks unequal Fight,
And conquers faster than our Bards can write;
So thick Illustrious Vict'ries on them throng,
That half his Triumphs must be left unsung.
A while the Foe, a while the Poet spare:
What Muse can follow with an equal Pace
Thro' the bright Stages of his rapid Race?
He, like the Orbs of Light that roll above,
Does in his glorious Course so swiftly move,
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And the fierce Foe his Arms so oft defeat,
The Muse exhausted pants and hangs the Wing,
Nor has more Strength to rise, nor Breath to sing.
He Danger seeks, he asks unequal Fight,
And conquers faster than our Bards can write;
So thick Illustrious Vict'ries on them throng,
That half his Triumphs must be left unsung.
To sink the Proud, and suff'ring Nations save,
To curb the Tyrant and release the Slave,
Two Winters past, at Anna's high Command,
The Chief prepar'd to leave Britannia's Land.
He shone in Arms, and to the Great Campaign,
Flew, like a threatning Tempest, cross the Main;
He lands, and at their great Asserter's Sight,
Fair Liberty rejoyc'd and publick Right.
The Hero march'd, and on the Danube's Tide
He chang'd the Ballance to Germania's Side,
And terrible chastis'd the Gaul's aspiring Pride.
By Marlbro's Sword upheld, the wondring Flood
Was, like Egyptian Rivers, turn'd to Blood;
Danubius swoln with Spoils of Foreign Lands,
Dead Steeds and Warriors rolling o'er his Sands,
Flow'd on, Britannia's Triumphs to convey
To Eastern Empires and the Euxine Sea.
The Hellespont and high Byzantia's Tow'rs
Shook with the Thunder of the British Pow'rs:
The num'rous Nations of the spacious East
Struck with Amazement stood, while from the West
They saw so bright a Luminary rise,
And with his rival Beams adorn their Skies.
To curb the Tyrant and release the Slave,
Two Winters past, at Anna's high Command,
The Chief prepar'd to leave Britannia's Land.
He shone in Arms, and to the Great Campaign,
Flew, like a threatning Tempest, cross the Main;
He lands, and at their great Asserter's Sight,
Fair Liberty rejoyc'd and publick Right.
The Hero march'd, and on the Danube's Tide
He chang'd the Ballance to Germania's Side,
And terrible chastis'd the Gaul's aspiring Pride.
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Was, like Egyptian Rivers, turn'd to Blood;
Danubius swoln with Spoils of Foreign Lands,
Dead Steeds and Warriors rolling o'er his Sands,
Flow'd on, Britannia's Triumphs to convey
To Eastern Empires and the Euxine Sea.
The Hellespont and high Byzantia's Tow'rs
Shook with the Thunder of the British Pow'rs:
The num'rous Nations of the spacious East
Struck with Amazement stood, while from the West
They saw so bright a Luminary rise,
And with his rival Beams adorn their Skies.
The Muse forsaking fair Britannia's Thames
Attends the Chief to Danaw's distant Streams.
She pass'd the German Sea and Belgia's Soil,
To sing Immortal Deeds and Blenheim's Glorious Toil:
Now high Augusta, now Britannia rung,
With Lyrick Numbers and Heroick Song,
While Albion's Youth, in tuneful Lays unvers'd
Nor yet refin'd, with grateful Zeal rehears'd
Great Marlbro's Wars, and by an early Bloom
Promis'd ripe Numbers and great Men to come;
Adulter Poets all their Riches drain'd,
Rais'd high their Voices and their Sinews strain'd,
And lavish of their Force, at vast Expence
Of generous Fire and Master Eloquence,
In Strains sublime attempted to display
The Martial Toil of Hochsted's wondrous Day;
Which, as unhappy, Albion's Isle regards
To Gallick Warriors and to British Bards;
Those, by contending Marlbro' to repel,
And These, by singing his Atchievements, fell;
For Blenheim was a Theme too bright, too strong,
For Maro's Rapture, or the Grecian Song;
In this Effort we did our Stock exhaust,
Spent all our Genius, and our Vigour lost.
Say, ye uncautious Sons of Eloquence,
Wastful of Wit; and prodigal of Sense,
Could you believe the British Hero's Sword
Would no more Triumphs, no more Themes afford?
That here the Chief's Victorious Course would cease,
That you and Gallia might indulge your Ease?
That Judgment had been right, had Marlbro' fought
For meer Renown, and only Laurels sought;
For, one brave Toil, like that of Blenheim's Field,
To which the Twelve Herculean Labours yield,
Consummate Vertue to the World displays;
We own the Hero, and we sing his Praise.
Had therefore low Designs, had Wealth and Fame,
Or mean Ambition kindled Marlbro's Flame,
Like vulgar Warriors, had the Chief with Care
And Caution play'd the doubtful Game of War,
After the wondrous Deeds at Blenheim done,
Where all, that Thirst of Glory seeks, was won,
The Hero had resign'd his high Command,
And rose from Combate with a winning Hand:
He had retir'd with envy'd Laurels crown'd,
And a delightful Seat on Isis found;
There liv'd from publick Labour free, and far
From Fields of Slaughter, and rude Shocks of War
But 'tis his Country's, 'tis Europa's Cause,
That to the Camp the mighty Briton draws:
Divine Compassion to oppress'd Mankind,
Like that which dwells in Anna's generous Mind,
To lead her Armies forth the Hero's Heart inclin'd.
Fair Liberty, and Right, and antient Laws,
And Anna's, which is Humane Nature's Cause,
Invite the Chief his Labours to repeat,
And thy Redemption, Europe, to compleat.
Attends the Chief to Danaw's distant Streams.
She pass'd the German Sea and Belgia's Soil,
To sing Immortal Deeds and Blenheim's Glorious Toil:
Now high Augusta, now Britannia rung,
With Lyrick Numbers and Heroick Song,
While Albion's Youth, in tuneful Lays unvers'd
Nor yet refin'd, with grateful Zeal rehears'd
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Promis'd ripe Numbers and great Men to come;
Adulter Poets all their Riches drain'd,
Rais'd high their Voices and their Sinews strain'd,
And lavish of their Force, at vast Expence
Of generous Fire and Master Eloquence,
In Strains sublime attempted to display
The Martial Toil of Hochsted's wondrous Day;
Which, as unhappy, Albion's Isle regards
To Gallick Warriors and to British Bards;
Those, by contending Marlbro' to repel,
And These, by singing his Atchievements, fell;
For Blenheim was a Theme too bright, too strong,
For Maro's Rapture, or the Grecian Song;
In this Effort we did our Stock exhaust,
Spent all our Genius, and our Vigour lost.
Say, ye uncautious Sons of Eloquence,
Wastful of Wit; and prodigal of Sense,
Could you believe the British Hero's Sword
Would no more Triumphs, no more Themes afford?
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That you and Gallia might indulge your Ease?
That Judgment had been right, had Marlbro' fought
For meer Renown, and only Laurels sought;
For, one brave Toil, like that of Blenheim's Field,
To which the Twelve Herculean Labours yield,
Consummate Vertue to the World displays;
We own the Hero, and we sing his Praise.
Had therefore low Designs, had Wealth and Fame,
Or mean Ambition kindled Marlbro's Flame,
Like vulgar Warriors, had the Chief with Care
And Caution play'd the doubtful Game of War,
After the wondrous Deeds at Blenheim done,
Where all, that Thirst of Glory seeks, was won,
The Hero had resign'd his high Command,
And rose from Combate with a winning Hand:
He had retir'd with envy'd Laurels crown'd,
And a delightful Seat on Isis found;
There liv'd from publick Labour free, and far
From Fields of Slaughter, and rude Shocks of War
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That to the Camp the mighty Briton draws:
Divine Compassion to oppress'd Mankind,
Like that which dwells in Anna's generous Mind,
To lead her Armies forth the Hero's Heart inclin'd.
Fair Liberty, and Right, and antient Laws,
And Anna's, which is Humane Nature's Cause,
Invite the Chief his Labours to repeat,
And thy Redemption, Europe, to compleat.
He yields—he undertakes the pious Toil,
And with the Trophies, with Illustrious Spoil,
And Laurels sprung from Danaw's Banks adorn'd,
His rapid Course of Glory back he turn'd.
Bless'd by the num'rous States to Peace restor'd,
And Princes rescu'd by his conqu'ring Sword,
The great Deliv'rer marches to the Rhine,
To break his Chains, and drive encroaching Sein.
'Tis done—the Sein's ambitious Waves subside,
Reluctant roar, and backward roll their Tide.
Oh! had not Envy, had not Discord reign'd,
And the swift Progress of his Arms restain'd,
The next Campaign had equal Wonders shown,
And Triumphs giv'n, like those at Blenheim won;
But that which follow'd, on the Chief confers
Vict'ries postpon'd, and Glory's full Arrears.
And with the Trophies, with Illustrious Spoil,
And Laurels sprung from Danaw's Banks adorn'd,
His rapid Course of Glory back he turn'd.
Bless'd by the num'rous States to Peace restor'd,
And Princes rescu'd by his conqu'ring Sword,
The great Deliv'rer marches to the Rhine,
To break his Chains, and drive encroaching Sein.
'Tis done—the Sein's ambitious Waves subside,
Reluctant roar, and backward roll their Tide.
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And the swift Progress of his Arms restain'd,
The next Campaign had equal Wonders shown,
And Triumphs giv'n, like those at Blenheim won;
But that which follow'd, on the Chief confers
Vict'ries postpon'd, and Glory's full Arrears.
The Solar Orb did from the South retreat,
And thro' the Air diffuse reviving Heat,
Solace the Soil, exhilerate the Swain,
And Nature loose from Winter's Chrystal Chain,
When the Great Chief, at Anna's high Command,
Return'd to chear Batavia's joyful Land:
Dreadful in Arms he march'd to Brabant's Coast,
And Terror struck thro' Gallia's shuddring Host,
Whose Cohorts o'er the Ground, like Locusts, spread,
Each Herb devour'd, and crop'd each verdant Head.
The Vet'ran Troops inur'd to Blood advance,
The Scourge of Europe, and the Pride of France,
The Squadrons reach'd thy frighted Fords, Mehaigne,
And cover'd all Ramillia's spacious Plain.
Here their Brigades, their Ranks embattled close,
Determin'd to withstand th' advancing Foes,
The Briton saw—transported with the Sight,
And bravely eager of decisive Fight,
He swiftly forward march'd, but march'd in Pain,
Lest proffer'd War the Gaul should not sustain;
But to elude his Fury should retreat,
The only way the Hero to defeat.
He drew—he brandish'd his victorious Sword,
Blenheim, remember Blenheim, was the Word.
That magick Sound the Cohorts did inspire,
Their Courage rous'd, and set their Veins on Fire.
With Blenheim ring the Hills and Vales around,
Lovania's trembling Tow'rs reverberate the Sound.
And thro' the Air diffuse reviving Heat,
Solace the Soil, exhilerate the Swain,
And Nature loose from Winter's Chrystal Chain,
When the Great Chief, at Anna's high Command,
Return'd to chear Batavia's joyful Land:
Dreadful in Arms he march'd to Brabant's Coast,
And Terror struck thro' Gallia's shuddring Host,
Whose Cohorts o'er the Ground, like Locusts, spread,
Each Herb devour'd, and crop'd each verdant Head.
The Vet'ran Troops inur'd to Blood advance,
The Scourge of Europe, and the Pride of France,
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And cover'd all Ramillia's spacious Plain.
Here their Brigades, their Ranks embattled close,
Determin'd to withstand th' advancing Foes,
The Briton saw—transported with the Sight,
And bravely eager of decisive Fight,
He swiftly forward march'd, but march'd in Pain,
Lest proffer'd War the Gaul should not sustain;
But to elude his Fury should retreat,
The only way the Hero to defeat.
He drew—he brandish'd his victorious Sword,
Blenheim, remember Blenheim, was the Word.
That magick Sound the Cohorts did inspire,
Their Courage rous'd, and set their Veins on Fire.
With Blenheim ring the Hills and Vales around,
Lovania's trembling Tow'rs reverberate the Sound.
Unguided Muse, say whether dost thou stray,
In Marlbro's rapid Vortex caught away,
In the bright Eddy lost, and blind with too much Day?
Stop thy ambitious Flight, and modest yield
Thy Force unequal to Ramillia's Field;
For thee the Theme is too sublime and bright,
Thou art not us'd to climb so steep a Height,
Nor can'st thou bear this Blaze, this Stress of Light
Can'st thou, to Heav'n secure from sinking rise,
And soar with Strength amidst superior Skies?
Can'st thou supported with a vig'rous Wing,
To list'ning Orbs around Ramillia sing,
And make thro' ecchoing Spheres great Marlbro's Actions ring?
Hast thou of noble Words a Stock immense,
And Stores of rich inestimable Sense,
To furnish all the Pow'r and Pomp of Eloquence?
Warm Fancy and cool Judgment can'st thou show,
Make Numbers charm, and Words like Colours glow?
Then take the Lyre, and in a lofty Strain
Sing Marlbro's Triumphs, sing Ramillia's Plain.
But unprepar'd make not so rash a Choice;
How sluggish is thy Wing? How weak thy Voice?
Proportion'd Strength, Invention, Numbers, Skill,
All Things to thee are wanting, but a Will.
Be then advis'd, the strong Temptation fly,
Nor vain, on thy unequal Strength rely;
For this Attempt more unprovided far,
Than German Circles, when engag'd in War.
In Marlbro's rapid Vortex caught away,
In the bright Eddy lost, and blind with too much Day?
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Thy Force unequal to Ramillia's Field;
For thee the Theme is too sublime and bright,
Thou art not us'd to climb so steep a Height,
Nor can'st thou bear this Blaze, this Stress of Light
Can'st thou, to Heav'n secure from sinking rise,
And soar with Strength amidst superior Skies?
Can'st thou supported with a vig'rous Wing,
To list'ning Orbs around Ramillia sing,
And make thro' ecchoing Spheres great Marlbro's Actions ring?
Hast thou of noble Words a Stock immense,
And Stores of rich inestimable Sense,
To furnish all the Pow'r and Pomp of Eloquence?
Warm Fancy and cool Judgment can'st thou show,
Make Numbers charm, and Words like Colours glow?
Then take the Lyre, and in a lofty Strain
Sing Marlbro's Triumphs, sing Ramillia's Plain.
But unprepar'd make not so rash a Choice;
How sluggish is thy Wing? How weak thy Voice?
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All Things to thee are wanting, but a Will.
Be then advis'd, the strong Temptation fly,
Nor vain, on thy unequal Strength rely;
For this Attempt more unprovided far,
Than German Circles, when engag'd in War.
But since the Bards, whose Laurels spring and thrive
By Malbro', shou'd to Marlbro' Tribute give;
Shou'd to remotest Realms, their Envoy Fame
Dispatch, their Hero's Triumphs to proclaim;
Since Cam and Ouze, which from the Gaul's Alarms
And thine, O Rome, sav'd by the Briton's Arms,
Soft Peace enjoy, and gently murmuring flow,
Should tell the World what they to Marlbro' owe,
And since, superior in the Field, 'tis fit
We should assert the Empire too of Wit,
And make the haughty Gaul in both submit:
To sing Ramillia's Field, ye Bards, awake;
The tuneful Lyre, let none but Masters take.
By Malbro', shou'd to Marlbro' Tribute give;
Shou'd to remotest Realms, their Envoy Fame
Dispatch, their Hero's Triumphs to proclaim;
Since Cam and Ouze, which from the Gaul's Alarms
And thine, O Rome, sav'd by the Briton's Arms,
Soft Peace enjoy, and gently murmuring flow,
Should tell the World what they to Marlbro' owe,
And since, superior in the Field, 'tis fit
We should assert the Empire too of Wit,
And make the haughty Gaul in both submit:
To sing Ramillia's Field, ye Bards, awake;
The tuneful Lyre, let none but Masters take.
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Ye Mercenary Wits, who rhime for Bread,
Ye unfledg'd Muses, this high Subject dread.
Let not th' Inferior Race, who can indite
A pretty Prologue, or a Sonnet write,
Tho' none so forward, none so bold as they,
Make on this Theme an impotent Essay.
All who can raise a Shed, must not presume
To frame a Palace, or erect a Dome.
No more let Milton's Imitator dare
Torture our Language to torment the Ear,
With Numbers harsher than the Din of War;
Let him no more his horrid Muse employ
In uncouth Strains, pure English to destroy,
And from its Ruins yell his hideous Joy.
Away ye Triflers, who all Rule disdain,
Who in Pindarick sing Philander's Pain,
And Camps and Arms in Pastor Fido's Strain.
Hence vain Pretenders to the Song sublime,
Turners of Verse, and Finishers of Rhime,
Who think with Fame Immortal you are crown'd
By flowing Numbers and harmonious Sound,
That wanting Fire and mindless of Design,
Ply hard the Pump, and labour every Line,
To make, like empty Clouds, your Diction shine:
So many Masters of this tuneful Skill,
With their melodious Songs the Kingdom fill,
That to compleat poetick Eloquence,
Nothing's demanded, but Design and Sense.
Ye unfledg'd Muses, this high Subject dread.
Let not th' Inferior Race, who can indite
A pretty Prologue, or a Sonnet write,
Tho' none so forward, none so bold as they,
Make on this Theme an impotent Essay.
All who can raise a Shed, must not presume
To frame a Palace, or erect a Dome.
No more let Milton's Imitator dare
Torture our Language to torment the Ear,
With Numbers harsher than the Din of War;
Let him no more his horrid Muse employ
In uncouth Strains, pure English to destroy,
And from its Ruins yell his hideous Joy.
Away ye Triflers, who all Rule disdain,
Who in Pindarick sing Philander's Pain,
And Camps and Arms in Pastor Fido's Strain.
Hence vain Pretenders to the Song sublime,
Turners of Verse, and Finishers of Rhime,
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By flowing Numbers and harmonious Sound,
That wanting Fire and mindless of Design,
Ply hard the Pump, and labour every Line,
To make, like empty Clouds, your Diction shine:
So many Masters of this tuneful Skill,
With their melodious Songs the Kingdom fill,
That to compleat poetick Eloquence,
Nothing's demanded, but Design and Sense.
Yet of the few, who can with Judgment praise,
And sing great Actions in becoming Lays,
Let none, betray'd by generous Thirst of Fame,
Adventure singly on this mighty Theme,
Lest crush'd beneath th' unsufferable Weight,
He curse th' ambitious Flame that caus'd his Fate,
And learn his Error in his Fall too late.
Let various Master Bards their Force unite,
And with Confed'rate Art a Song indite;
The Muses richest Treasures let them drain,
Lavish their Genius, and exhaust their Vein;
Let them this gen'rous Resolution own,
That they are pleas'd and proud to be undone,
While they adorn with all the Muses Charms,
Bright Anna's Empire, and brave Churchill's Arms.
Tho' any one unvulgar Bard might raise
The Briton's Triumphs in superior Lays
To my unfinish'd Lines and crude Essays;
Yet a distinguish'd and consummate Piece
Excelling that of Mantua, that of Greece,
A wond'rous unexampled Epick Song,
Where all is Just, and Beautiful, and Strong,
Worthy of Anna's Arms and Marlbro's Fire,
Does all our Bards associate Strength require.
And sing great Actions in becoming Lays,
Let none, betray'd by generous Thirst of Fame,
Adventure singly on this mighty Theme,
Lest crush'd beneath th' unsufferable Weight,
He curse th' ambitious Flame that caus'd his Fate,
And learn his Error in his Fall too late.
Let various Master Bards their Force unite,
And with Confed'rate Art a Song indite;
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Lavish their Genius, and exhaust their Vein;
Let them this gen'rous Resolution own,
That they are pleas'd and proud to be undone,
While they adorn with all the Muses Charms,
Bright Anna's Empire, and brave Churchill's Arms.
Tho' any one unvulgar Bard might raise
The Briton's Triumphs in superior Lays
To my unfinish'd Lines and crude Essays;
Yet a distinguish'd and consummate Piece
Excelling that of Mantua, that of Greece,
A wond'rous unexampled Epick Song,
Where all is Just, and Beautiful, and Strong,
Worthy of Anna's Arms and Marlbro's Fire,
Does all our Bards associate Strength require.
The Poets, who assume this noble Theme,
Must have their Hero's Heat, their Hero's Flegme
They must have Judgment to direct their Flight,
Be never low, and never out of Sight.
Calm they must be, and yet with equal Grace
Enthusiastick in a proper Place.
Then Offel for distinguish'd Lays renown'd,
And Melden with repeated Laurels crown'd;
Harmonious Shafton, of superior Name,
Mola and Corbel of establish'd Fame,
And tuneful Hugens, all great Sons of Art,
For this high Task your utmost Strength exert;
Let each his Genius know, each take his proper Part.
Must have their Hero's Heat, their Hero's Flegme
They must have Judgment to direct their Flight,
Be never low, and never out of Sight.
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Enthusiastick in a proper Place.
Then Offel for distinguish'd Lays renown'd,
And Melden with repeated Laurels crown'd;
Harmonious Shafton, of superior Name,
Mola and Corbel of establish'd Fame,
And tuneful Hugens, all great Sons of Art,
For this high Task your utmost Strength exert;
Let each his Genius know, each take his proper Part.
Let Remus and Mocuto joyn'd preside,
Correct your Labours, and your Progress guide:
One is with all politer Science grac'd,
Of Thoughts refin'd, and delicate of Taste;
All to his Judgment as decisive fly,
And by that Standard, all their Labours try:
And one, like Rome's Immortal Angelo,
Does rich and universal Genius show:
This Master, this Poetick Architect,
Can stately Domes and Palaces erect.
The Painter too, and Sculptor in his Turn,
He can the Building, which he rears, adorn.
Let these sustain the chief Surveyor's Care:
By these directed can the Poets err?
The Age in Taste, grown curious to a Vice,
(O that it were as Delicate as Nice!)
And all contending Parties will submit
To such a soveraign Court of Sense and Wit:
Let those employ'd the Edifice to raise,
Chuse some fam'd Hero worthy of their Praise;
Whose conquering Arms in Albion's Annals shine,
And let the Action suit the great Design.
Correct your Labours, and your Progress guide:
One is with all politer Science grac'd,
Of Thoughts refin'd, and delicate of Taste;
All to his Judgment as decisive fly,
And by that Standard, all their Labours try:
And one, like Rome's Immortal Angelo,
Does rich and universal Genius show:
This Master, this Poetick Architect,
Can stately Domes and Palaces erect.
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He can the Building, which he rears, adorn.
Let these sustain the chief Surveyor's Care:
By these directed can the Poets err?
The Age in Taste, grown curious to a Vice,
(O that it were as Delicate as Nice!)
And all contending Parties will submit
To such a soveraign Court of Sense and Wit:
Let those employ'd the Edifice to raise,
Chuse some fam'd Hero worthy of their Praise;
Whose conquering Arms in Albion's Annals shine,
And let the Action suit the great Design.
Ye Bards, let all the noble Scheme be wrought
With Art and Care, and deep deliberate Thought.
Before the Basis of the Work you lay,
The ancient Plans of Greece and Rome survey:
The Iliad and the Æneid well inspect,
All that is just, and bright; and great, select;
You know their Errors, those you will correct;
With due Connexion let the Parts cohere,
Lean on each other, and each other bear:
Let Order, Rule and Symetry proclaim
The artful Wonders of the happy Frame.
Believe no Cost too great, but every where
Let Plenty, Wealth, Magnificence appear.
A Plan so firm, so beautiful contrive,
As may the Critick mock, and Time survive:
A nobler Subject will your Care employ,
Than Latian Conquests, or the Wars of Troy.
Let the stupend'ous everlasting Pile,
Worthy of Anna's Name and Marlbro's Toil,
The Glory of Ramilla's Field sustain,
Longer than Woodstock's Tow'rs can that of Blenheim's Plain
With Art and Care, and deep deliberate Thought.
Before the Basis of the Work you lay,
The ancient Plans of Greece and Rome survey:
The Iliad and the Æneid well inspect,
All that is just, and bright; and great, select;
You know their Errors, those you will correct;
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Lean on each other, and each other bear:
Let Order, Rule and Symetry proclaim
The artful Wonders of the happy Frame.
Believe no Cost too great, but every where
Let Plenty, Wealth, Magnificence appear.
A Plan so firm, so beautiful contrive,
As may the Critick mock, and Time survive:
A nobler Subject will your Care employ,
Than Latian Conquests, or the Wars of Troy.
Let the stupend'ous everlasting Pile,
Worthy of Anna's Name and Marlbro's Toil,
The Glory of Ramilla's Field sustain,
Longer than Woodstock's Tow'rs can that of Blenheim's Plain
Be you, appointed to adorn the Song,
Daring with Care, with Delicacy strong.
Let Mantuan Judgment and Horatian Words,
The generous Fire which tuneful Greece affords,
And all the Beauties that in Spencer shine,
To form your Diction's Dignity combine.
Join to the purest Words and strength of Sense,
The utmost Pride and Force of Eloquence;
And all the bold and happy Images,
Which by their master strokes amaze and please.
Let Episodes, contriv'd with Art, surprize,
Which from the Subject unconstrain'd arise;
Like Walks and Gardens ravishing to sight,
And Pleasure Houses, let 'em give Delight.
In your Machines you will no Gods employ,
Who by the Poet listed fought at Troy.
The Pagan Gods become a Pagan Scheme,
But will they too adorn a Christian Theme?
Can you Concern or Admiration move,
By introducing Pallas, Mars, or Jove?
No more than Indian Pagods, Jove we fear,
And Mars no more than Mahomet revere;
Yet should you these employ to grace your Plan,
You may the Indian please, or Musselman;
The Christian, who reflects, you never can.
Daring with Care, with Delicacy strong.
Let Mantuan Judgment and Horatian Words,
The generous Fire which tuneful Greece affords,
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To form your Diction's Dignity combine.
Join to the purest Words and strength of Sense,
The utmost Pride and Force of Eloquence;
And all the bold and happy Images,
Which by their master strokes amaze and please.
Let Episodes, contriv'd with Art, surprize,
Which from the Subject unconstrain'd arise;
Like Walks and Gardens ravishing to sight,
And Pleasure Houses, let 'em give Delight.
In your Machines you will no Gods employ,
Who by the Poet listed fought at Troy.
The Pagan Gods become a Pagan Scheme,
But will they too adorn a Christian Theme?
Can you Concern or Admiration move,
By introducing Pallas, Mars, or Jove?
No more than Indian Pagods, Jove we fear,
And Mars no more than Mahomet revere;
20
You may the Indian please, or Musselman;
The Christian, who reflects, you never can.
When you the Briton's Character pursue,
Design Æneas and Achilles too,
Else you but half the Hero set in view.
Let him in Steel, bright as Achilles, shine;
Give him his God-like Port, his Arms Divine.
So let his Mien and martial Charms surprize,
Let such a Flame irradiate his Eyes;
Make him to Fight, like that brave Greek, advance;
So wave his Sword, so grasp his trembling Lance:
With such an Ardour and intrepid Air
To Danger fly, and plunge amidst the War.
Make him augment the Dyle with hostile Blood,
As the Greek Hero dy'd Scamander's Flood.
Then Marlbro' draw; (for Poets too can paint,
And never Lights, or Shades, or Colours want)
And give his Picture when engag'd in Fight,
Let him with glorious Slaughter smear'd affright,
And please at once with terrible Delight.
Design Æneas and Achilles too,
Else you but half the Hero set in view.
Let him in Steel, bright as Achilles, shine;
Give him his God-like Port, his Arms Divine.
So let his Mien and martial Charms surprize,
Let such a Flame irradiate his Eyes;
Make him to Fight, like that brave Greek, advance;
So wave his Sword, so grasp his trembling Lance:
With such an Ardour and intrepid Air
To Danger fly, and plunge amidst the War.
Make him augment the Dyle with hostile Blood,
As the Greek Hero dy'd Scamander's Flood.
Then Marlbro' draw; (for Poets too can paint,
And never Lights, or Shades, or Colours want)
21
Let him with glorious Slaughter smear'd affright,
And please at once with terrible Delight.
But by the fam'd Achilles, Poets, know
The Briton's Courage you imperfect show;
Fierce is the Greek, and rugged as the Age,
And next to brutal is his martial Rage.
Churchill is brave, serene, unstain'd with Pride,
And to angelick Warriors more ally'd.
If you would Justice to the Hero do,
In a true Light would you his Valour shew;
Delineate Fury mix'd with god-like Grace,
And Indignation in a Seraph's Face.
Describe the Leader of the Guards above,
Tell how he charg'd, how he in Battel strove,
And o'er the Plains of Heav'n the vanquish'd Rebels drove
The Briton's Courage you imperfect show;
Fierce is the Greek, and rugged as the Age,
And next to brutal is his martial Rage.
Churchill is brave, serene, unstain'd with Pride,
And to angelick Warriors more ally'd.
If you would Justice to the Hero do,
In a true Light would you his Valour shew;
Delineate Fury mix'd with god-like Grace,
And Indignation in a Seraph's Face.
Describe the Leader of the Guards above,
Tell how he charg'd, how he in Battel strove,
And o'er the Plains of Heav'n the vanquish'd Rebels drove
Then let the Hero's Character be crown'd,
With all the Vertues in Æneas found.
Give him his pious Mind, his generous Heart,
Leave out his boastful and ungallant Part,
In Marlbro' none can these Defects assert.
Did the good Trojan bear his aged Sire,
On his strong Shoulders from the raging Fire;
Marlbro' on his, sustains a nobler Weight,
His Kindred's, Country's, and Europa's Fate.
The Heads by me suggested to your Muse,
And those that you with more Success shall chuse,
As Epick Laws demand, should be express'd
In proper Types, and in Allusion dress'd:
You'll thus the Soul with greater Pleasure strike,
By side Advances and by Views oblique:
With all the Vertues in Æneas found.
22
Leave out his boastful and ungallant Part,
In Marlbro' none can these Defects assert.
Did the good Trojan bear his aged Sire,
On his strong Shoulders from the raging Fire;
Marlbro' on his, sustains a nobler Weight,
His Kindred's, Country's, and Europa's Fate.
The Heads by me suggested to your Muse,
And those that you with more Success shall chuse,
As Epick Laws demand, should be express'd
In proper Types, and in Allusion dress'd:
You'll thus the Soul with greater Pleasure strike,
By side Advances and by Views oblique:
Tell how the Prince, who to retrieve his Fame,
From Boian Fields to Belgia's Region came,
To make the Dole and fair Ramillia clear
The Danube's Debt, and Blenheim's vast Arrear;
Eager of Conquest to the Battel flies,
Revenge and Fury flashing in his Eyes.
As when a Panther has, with generous Pride,
His Strength in Combat with the Lion try'd,
And quickly vanquish'd by superior Might,
Sore maim'd and wounded, sav'd himself by Flight,
If when grown whole he meets the mighty Foe,
His Hair's erected and his Eye-Balls glow:
Fierce he extends his Paws, then threatning stands,
And with revengeful Looks new War demands.
He recollects, to animate his Flame,
His painful Wounds, and yet more painful Shame;
In Combat then once more his Fortune tries,
And for Repair to greater Ruin flies.
The Boian so—Ye Bards, forgive me, you
A nobler Image of that Prince will shew.
From Boian Fields to Belgia's Region came,
To make the Dole and fair Ramillia clear
The Danube's Debt, and Blenheim's vast Arrear;
Eager of Conquest to the Battel flies,
Revenge and Fury flashing in his Eyes.
23
His Strength in Combat with the Lion try'd,
And quickly vanquish'd by superior Might,
Sore maim'd and wounded, sav'd himself by Flight,
If when grown whole he meets the mighty Foe,
His Hair's erected and his Eye-Balls glow:
Fierce he extends his Paws, then threatning stands,
And with revengeful Looks new War demands.
He recollects, to animate his Flame,
His painful Wounds, and yet more painful Shame;
In Combat then once more his Fortune tries,
And for Repair to greater Ruin flies.
The Boian so—Ye Bards, forgive me, you
A nobler Image of that Prince will shew.
Tell how the Gallick General was distress'd,
What Grief, what vast Disturbance fill'd his Breast,
When first he saw the plying Cohorts yield,
And to th' advancing Briton quit the Field.
Tell how amidst the trembling Troops he flies,
With Tears and Fury mingled in his Eyes.
How to prevent their Flight and his Defeat,
He some did menace, and did some intreat:
How he exclaim'd aloud amidst the Host,
Oh Gallia! have thy Sons their Courage lost?
By Gallia's Safety, and your Monarch's Name,
By your past Deeds and military Fame,
Return—Be for your Lives and Honour brave,
Your King, your Country, and your Altars save.
In vain—The Franks unable to sustain
Unequal Fight, forsook the fatal Plain.
What Grief, what vast Disturbance fill'd his Breast,
When first he saw the plying Cohorts yield,
And to th' advancing Briton quit the Field.
24
With Tears and Fury mingled in his Eyes.
How to prevent their Flight and his Defeat,
He some did menace, and did some intreat:
How he exclaim'd aloud amidst the Host,
Oh Gallia! have thy Sons their Courage lost?
By Gallia's Safety, and your Monarch's Name,
By your past Deeds and military Fame,
Return—Be for your Lives and Honour brave,
Your King, your Country, and your Altars save.
In vain—The Franks unable to sustain
Unequal Fight, forsook the fatal Plain.
Tell the Distraction, tell the dreadful Cry
Of Gallia's pale Battalions, while they fly.
Describe their haughty Leader's troubled Air,
Born down th' impetuous Tide of refluent War.
But first to form this Image strong and true,
In Raphael's famous Piece Maxentius view,
Whom a great Briton did, like This, pursue.
Observe him plung'd in Tyber's rapid Tide,
Remark his sullen Rage, and melancholy Pride;
His vast Amazement, Anguish, Horror, Care,
And Indignation finish'd by Despair.
See how he frowns, like a black Tempest driv'n
By warring Winds thro' the blue Chace of Heav'n.
Of Vill'roy in his Flight this Picture give,
In his wild Looks let all these Passions strive;
Let Marlbro' on his Rear conspicuous shine,
Make him advance like Raphael's Constantine:
Give him his Ardour and Majestick Grace,
And all the martial Beauties of his Face;
Give him a noble, unaffected Mien,
Sedate in Triumph, as in Fight serene.
Give him the Conqueror's and the Judge's Air,
Oblig'd to punish, tho' inclin'd to spare.
So the destroying Angels look'd, who came
To cast on Sodom's Tow'rs destructive Flame:
Reluctant they their fatal Arms employ,
With Pity touch'd, and backward to destroy:
They would have spar'd, they would have Mercy shown,
Had not her Crimes to full Perfection grown,
Extorted Wrath, and pull'd Destruction down.
Of Gallia's pale Battalions, while they fly.
Describe their haughty Leader's troubled Air,
Born down th' impetuous Tide of refluent War.
But first to form this Image strong and true,
In Raphael's famous Piece Maxentius view,
Whom a great Briton did, like This, pursue.
25
Remark his sullen Rage, and melancholy Pride;
His vast Amazement, Anguish, Horror, Care,
And Indignation finish'd by Despair.
See how he frowns, like a black Tempest driv'n
By warring Winds thro' the blue Chace of Heav'n.
Of Vill'roy in his Flight this Picture give,
In his wild Looks let all these Passions strive;
Let Marlbro' on his Rear conspicuous shine,
Make him advance like Raphael's Constantine:
Give him his Ardour and Majestick Grace,
And all the martial Beauties of his Face;
Give him a noble, unaffected Mien,
Sedate in Triumph, as in Fight serene.
Give him the Conqueror's and the Judge's Air,
Oblig'd to punish, tho' inclin'd to spare.
So the destroying Angels look'd, who came
To cast on Sodom's Tow'rs destructive Flame:
Reluctant they their fatal Arms employ,
With Pity touch'd, and backward to destroy:
26
Had not her Crimes to full Perfection grown,
Extorted Wrath, and pull'd Destruction down.
Since I the mighty Constantine have nam'd,
Renown'd in Arms, for Moderation fam'd,
A Christian Hero, and a Briton born,
Why may not he, ye Bards, the Song adorn?
May not this Warrior be your noble Theme,
A proper Hero for your Epick Scheme?
In this illustrious Leader, may not you
Brave Marlbro's Picture with Applause pursue?
The Piety and Love to Human Kind,
Which fill'd, great Constantine, thy generous Mind,
Are the same Vertues we in Marlbro' find.
Did not thy States and Subject Realms, O Rome,
From Constantine's fam'd Arms expect their Doom?
Like vast Events on Marlbro's Progress wait,
Whose Sword, Europa, will decide thy Fate.
In this, 'tis true, the Heroes different are,
One gain'd an Empire by successful War;
One greater Glory wins, who by his Sword
Reduces Countries for their rightful Lord.
Renown'd in Arms, for Moderation fam'd,
A Christian Hero, and a Briton born,
Why may not he, ye Bards, the Song adorn?
May not this Warrior be your noble Theme,
A proper Hero for your Epick Scheme?
In this illustrious Leader, may not you
Brave Marlbro's Picture with Applause pursue?
The Piety and Love to Human Kind,
Which fill'd, great Constantine, thy generous Mind,
Are the same Vertues we in Marlbro' find.
Did not thy States and Subject Realms, O Rome,
From Constantine's fam'd Arms expect their Doom?
Like vast Events on Marlbro's Progress wait,
Whose Sword, Europa, will decide thy Fate.
27
One gain'd an Empire by successful War;
One greater Glory wins, who by his Sword
Reduces Countries for their rightful Lord.
In some fit Place, which you know best to chuse,
Describe a Traveller, who in Paris views
The Street, in which the Gaul's proud Statue stands,
And Veneration from the Crowd demands.
Let the disdainful Stranger point and say,
How swift, amazing Change! is thy Decay?
The strong Foundations, which thy Pride sustain,
Break with the Thunder of Ramillia's Plain.
The Tow'rs around thee tremble at th' Alarms
Of Anna's Anger, and her General's Arms.
The Briton's blasting Flame thy Head invades,
Thy Laurels wither, and thy Glory fades;
This impious Scene of Pride must change its Name,
No more the Place of Vict'ry, but of Shame.
See, the resistless Briton's Troops advance,
Europe's Deliv'rer, and the Scourge of France:
He'll of its Honours strip thy haughty Head,
And on thy ruin'd Glory scornful tread:
The States and Cities, which in Fetters bound
At thy triumphant Feet here lie around,
Th' immortal Foe of Tyrants shall release,
Unchain thy Slaves, and give Europa Peace.
Describe a Traveller, who in Paris views
The Street, in which the Gaul's proud Statue stands,
And Veneration from the Crowd demands.
Let the disdainful Stranger point and say,
How swift, amazing Change! is thy Decay?
The strong Foundations, which thy Pride sustain,
Break with the Thunder of Ramillia's Plain.
The Tow'rs around thee tremble at th' Alarms
Of Anna's Anger, and her General's Arms.
The Briton's blasting Flame thy Head invades,
Thy Laurels wither, and thy Glory fades;
This impious Scene of Pride must change its Name,
No more the Place of Vict'ry, but of Shame.
28
Europe's Deliv'rer, and the Scourge of France:
He'll of its Honours strip thy haughty Head,
And on thy ruin'd Glory scornful tread:
The States and Cities, which in Fetters bound
At thy triumphant Feet here lie around,
Th' immortal Foe of Tyrants shall release,
Unchain thy Slaves, and give Europa Peace.
You the Narration will so well dispose,
That all the great Campaign you may disclose;
Tell all the Wonders done on Belgia's Plain,
The Countries conquer'd, and the Numbers slain,
In the short Compass of one Lunar Year:
Superior Orbs run swifter their Career.
In a few Days such Actions are atchiev'd,
As will with Pain hereafter be believ'd.
One Month so full of Miracles contains,
The mighty Deeds of many great Campaigns;
While Churchill's swift illustrious Steps out-shine
Thy Progress, Cæsar, and Adolphus, Thine.
So thick, so great, the confluent Triumphs come,
Confin'd and crowded in such narrow room,
That these bright Weeks redundant Fame bestow,
And with high Tides of Glory over-flow.
That all the great Campaign you may disclose;
Tell all the Wonders done on Belgia's Plain,
The Countries conquer'd, and the Numbers slain,
In the short Compass of one Lunar Year:
Superior Orbs run swifter their Career.
In a few Days such Actions are atchiev'd,
As will with Pain hereafter be believ'd.
One Month so full of Miracles contains,
The mighty Deeds of many great Campaigns;
29
Thy Progress, Cæsar, and Adolphus, Thine.
So thick, so great, the confluent Triumphs come,
Confin'd and crowded in such narrow room,
That these bright Weeks redundant Fame bestow,
And with high Tides of Glory over-flow.
If you in Hangings or in Painting shew,
For that an Epick Song may fitly do,
What Tow'rs, what Lands, what stately Cities yield,
To crown the Labour of Ramillia's Field;
Let her high Gates Lovania open lay,
Receive the Conqueror, and Protection pray.
Then to Brussella let his Arms advance,
Driving along the frighted Herds of France.
Pour'd from the Gates of fair Brabantia's Head,
Of rescu'd Captives let a Deluge spread;
Let them in joyful Throngs the Briton meet,
Bless their Deliv'rer, and embrace his Feet;
Whose Sword releas'd by one amazing Stroke,
Their Feet from Gallia's Chains, their Necks from Gallia's Yoke
For that an Epick Song may fitly do,
What Tow'rs, what Lands, what stately Cities yield,
To crown the Labour of Ramillia's Field;
Let her high Gates Lovania open lay,
Receive the Conqueror, and Protection pray.
Then to Brussella let his Arms advance,
Driving along the frighted Herds of France.
Pour'd from the Gates of fair Brabantia's Head,
Of rescu'd Captives let a Deluge spread;
Let them in joyful Throngs the Briton meet,
Bless their Deliv'rer, and embrace his Feet;
30
Their Feet from Gallia's Chains, their Necks from Gallia's Yoke
Describe him entring high Brussella's Gate,
Mid'st loud Applauses in Triumphal State,
Express his Godlike, unelated Air:
(Who so can Conquer, who so Conquest bear?)
Th' Illustrious Vertues which in Marlbro' shone,
As once the Glory that did Moses crown,
Dazzled the Crowd, but were to him unknown
Let all the eager Belgians throng to see
The mighty Chief that set their Nation free,
The Fence of Europe's Rights, the Prop of Liberty
Let Princes, Lords and Counsellors of State,
Augment the Pomp, and on the Triumph wait;
Let 'em deliver to the Conqueror's Hand
Their Keys, and all their Ensigns of Command.
Mid'st loud Applauses in Triumphal State,
Express his Godlike, unelated Air:
(Who so can Conquer, who so Conquest bear?)
Th' Illustrious Vertues which in Marlbro' shone,
As once the Glory that did Moses crown,
Dazzled the Crowd, but were to him unknown
Let all the eager Belgians throng to see
The mighty Chief that set their Nation free,
The Fence of Europe's Rights, the Prop of Liberty
Let Princes, Lords and Counsellors of State,
Augment the Pomp, and on the Triumph wait;
Let 'em deliver to the Conqueror's Hand
Their Keys, and all their Ensigns of Command.
Shew all the Ways of fair Brabantia's Soil,
With Travellers throng'd, and smoaking with the Toil
Of Prelates, Princes, Magistrates Supream,
Great Soveraign States, and Lords of mighty Name:
Let some from fair Mechlina's Tow'rs, and some
Pour'd from the Gates of fam'd Antwerpia come.
Be these from Bruges, those from spacious Ghent,
From Oud'nard part, and part from Lier sent.
From every Region let a num'rous Train
Fill every Road, and cover every Plain.
Panting in Clouds of Dust and bath'd in Sweat,
Let 'em advance to high Brussella's Gate;
In grateful Accents there the Hero greet,
And throw themselves obedient at his Feet.
Let 'em his Favour and his Aid implore,
And to be safe, resign to him their Pow'r.
Thus Marlbro's Arms excel ev'n Cæsar's Fame,
Conqu'ring e'er yet he saw, e'er yet he came.
You in your Plan will leave capacious Room
For promis'd Triumphs, and great Deeds to come:
What a luxuriant Harvest of Renown,
What full ripe Glory will the Autumn crown,
Since early Seeds so thick, so ripe appear,
That Fame a nobler Bloom did never wear,
Nor pregnant Time Events of more Importance bear.
With Travellers throng'd, and smoaking with the Toil
31
Great Soveraign States, and Lords of mighty Name:
Let some from fair Mechlina's Tow'rs, and some
Pour'd from the Gates of fam'd Antwerpia come.
Be these from Bruges, those from spacious Ghent,
From Oud'nard part, and part from Lier sent.
From every Region let a num'rous Train
Fill every Road, and cover every Plain.
Panting in Clouds of Dust and bath'd in Sweat,
Let 'em advance to high Brussella's Gate;
In grateful Accents there the Hero greet,
And throw themselves obedient at his Feet.
Let 'em his Favour and his Aid implore,
And to be safe, resign to him their Pow'r.
Thus Marlbro's Arms excel ev'n Cæsar's Fame,
Conqu'ring e'er yet he saw, e'er yet he came.
You in your Plan will leave capacious Room
For promis'd Triumphs, and great Deeds to come:
What a luxuriant Harvest of Renown,
What full ripe Glory will the Autumn crown,
32
That Fame a nobler Bloom did never wear,
Nor pregnant Time Events of more Importance bear.
While I so near, so long the Hero view,
And Hints suggest to be improv'd by you,
My waning Flame does in my Veins renew.
I feel an inward Impulse not unknown;
Urging your Muse I have provok'd my own.
Oh! did a Portion of the noble Fire,
With which the Hero fought, my Breast inspire;
I'd raise my Voice, and with a lofty Strain,
Would to Etherial Fields uplift Ramillia's Plain.
I from the Roman's Brow would win the Bays,
And soaring high excel the Grecian's Lays:
The Trojan Chief should to the Briton yield,
And Latian Triumphs to Ramillia's Field;
Scamander's Flood should own superior Dyle,
And, Greece, thy Deeds submit to Marlbro's Toil.
And Hints suggest to be improv'd by you,
My waning Flame does in my Veins renew.
I feel an inward Impulse not unknown;
Urging your Muse I have provok'd my own.
Oh! did a Portion of the noble Fire,
With which the Hero fought, my Breast inspire;
I'd raise my Voice, and with a lofty Strain,
Would to Etherial Fields uplift Ramillia's Plain.
I from the Roman's Brow would win the Bays,
And soaring high excel the Grecian's Lays:
The Trojan Chief should to the Briton yield,
And Latian Triumphs to Ramillia's Field;
Scamander's Flood should own superior Dyle,
And, Greece, thy Deeds submit to Marlbro's Toil.
33
'Tis done—I've compass'd my ambitious Aim,
The Hero's Fire restores the Poet's Flame;
The Inspiration comes, my Bosom glows,
I strive with strong Enthusiastick Throws.
Oh! I am all in Rapture, all on Fire,
Give me to ease extatick Pangs, the Lyre:
How can a Muse, that Albion loves, forbear
To sing the Wonders of the glorious War?
I rise—O whither am I caught away?
I mount, and must the tow'ring Muse obey;
I cut the Space immense, and reach the Source of Day.
Where will the Flight, where will the Labour end!
Thro' the steep Gulph I to the Stars ascend;
Stars which I now behold vast Orbs of Light;
Only by Distance, little to the Sight:
All Suns of equal Bulk and equal Flame
With that, which rules the World from whence I came;
All glorious Centers, whose attractive Sway,
Revolving Moons and wandring Orbs obey.
Amazing Prospect! ravishing Delight!
How vastly great they are? How dazling bright?
In beauteous Order, how they hang around?
Good Heav'n—But hark—I hear an ecchoing Sound.
It does from Sphere to Sphere, from World to World rebound!
The Noise augments, attend; it seems to rise
From Belgia's Land—hark, how it fills the Skies.
This mighty Noise is Triumph, 'tis Applause,
A loud Rejoycing for some Victor Cause;
'Tis known—Attentive I these Accents clear,
Arms, Anna, Marlbro', Dyle, Ramillia hear.
The Hero's Fire restores the Poet's Flame;
The Inspiration comes, my Bosom glows,
I strive with strong Enthusiastick Throws.
Oh! I am all in Rapture, all on Fire,
Give me to ease extatick Pangs, the Lyre:
How can a Muse, that Albion loves, forbear
To sing the Wonders of the glorious War?
I rise—O whither am I caught away?
I mount, and must the tow'ring Muse obey;
I cut the Space immense, and reach the Source of Day.
Where will the Flight, where will the Labour end!
Thro' the steep Gulph I to the Stars ascend;
Stars which I now behold vast Orbs of Light;
Only by Distance, little to the Sight:
All Suns of equal Bulk and equal Flame
With that, which rules the World from whence I came;
All glorious Centers, whose attractive Sway,
Revolving Moons and wandring Orbs obey.
34
How vastly great they are? How dazling bright?
In beauteous Order, how they hang around?
Good Heav'n—But hark—I hear an ecchoing Sound.
It does from Sphere to Sphere, from World to World rebound!
The Noise augments, attend; it seems to rise
From Belgia's Land—hark, how it fills the Skies.
This mighty Noise is Triumph, 'tis Applause,
A loud Rejoycing for some Victor Cause;
'Tis known—Attentive I these Accents clear,
Arms, Anna, Marlbro', Dyle, Ramillia hear.
But see, with radiant Wings, see yonder flies,
With Joy, and News important in his Eyes,
A heav'nly Envoy, glorious to the Sight;
How bright, how strong, how swift he wings his Flight!
How mild a Glory, what a circling Ray
Does the celestial Youth around display?
His chearful Looks declare some great Success;
I follow, I attend the bright Express:
With him I climb the steep Celestial Height,
Swift as an Angel's is the Muse's Flight:
We now arrive at Heav'n's eternal Gate,
Where shining Guards in Arms immortal wait;
Who thronging round Heav'n's Minister, demand
What happy Tydings from the Belgian Land,
Of Albion's General, Guardian Seraph, say
What great Events, and what new Triumphs pay
The noble Labour of Ramillia's Day?
With Joy, and News important in his Eyes,
A heav'nly Envoy, glorious to the Sight;
How bright, how strong, how swift he wings his Flight!
How mild a Glory, what a circling Ray
Does the celestial Youth around display?
His chearful Looks declare some great Success;
I follow, I attend the bright Express:
35
Swift as an Angel's is the Muse's Flight:
We now arrive at Heav'n's eternal Gate,
Where shining Guards in Arms immortal wait;
Who thronging round Heav'n's Minister, demand
What happy Tydings from the Belgian Land,
Of Albion's General, Guardian Seraph, say
What great Events, and what new Triumphs pay
The noble Labour of Ramillia's Day?
That Chief, the beamy Messenger replies,
Who on the Justice of his Cause relies,
His prosp'rous Ensigns daily does advance,
To sink the Pride, and break the Pow'r of France.
The Victor's Arms before him all Things bear,
Like Torrents in the Hills, or Tempests in the Air.
The stately Cities which Brabantia crown,
And Flandria's Tow'rs their rightful Sovereign own,
And from their Necks proud Gallia's Yoke have thrown.
Who on the Justice of his Cause relies,
His prosp'rous Ensigns daily does advance,
To sink the Pride, and break the Pow'r of France.
The Victor's Arms before him all Things bear,
Like Torrents in the Hills, or Tempests in the Air.
The stately Cities which Brabantia crown,
And Flandria's Tow'rs their rightful Sovereign own,
And from their Necks proud Gallia's Yoke have thrown.
36
Hark, now I hear the Shouts of Joy around;
I hear the Triumph's multiplying Sound;
Th' Angelick Acclamations grow, and fill
Each azure Plain, and every crystal Hill.
They shew by this repeated loud Applause,
Those fight in Heaven's, who fight in Anna's Cause.
The Shouts of Joy diminish; but behold,
Yon Seraph takes his Harp of heav'nly Gold;
Hark, the bless'd Poet of the glorious Choir
Begins, he strikes his bright celestial Lyre.
How the Terrestrial Lucifer,
The Son of Pride, the haughty Gaul,
Does from his high Imperial Sphere,
Struck with Britannia's Thunder, fall!
I hear the Triumph's multiplying Sound;
Th' Angelick Acclamations grow, and fill
Each azure Plain, and every crystal Hill.
They shew by this repeated loud Applause,
Those fight in Heaven's, who fight in Anna's Cause.
The Shouts of Joy diminish; but behold,
Yon Seraph takes his Harp of heav'nly Gold;
Hark, the bless'd Poet of the glorious Choir
Begins, he strikes his bright celestial Lyre.
How the Terrestrial Lucifer,
The Son of Pride, the haughty Gaul,
Does from his high Imperial Sphere,
Struck with Britannia's Thunder, fall!
Th' Almighty gave his high Command,
From all the Hills and Tow'rs of Belgia's Land,
Hang out the Flag, and let the Banner stream,
Terror denounce, and growing War proclaim:
Call forth my Warriors from Batavia's Soil,
My Generals from Britannia's Isle;
Warriors to whom proud Tyrants yield,
To Gallia known at Blenheim's Field.
Warriors, who only Godlike Fame respect,
Despise the Danger, and the Spoil neglect.
Let confluent Cohorts crown the Mountain's Head,
And o'er the Plain a Martial Deluge spread;
Let them extend their Front, collect their Rear,
And dreadful on their March appear.
Lutetia tremble, see the Clouds arise,
The Tempest darkens all the Skies,
It will Destruction on thy Head unload,
And spread th' Almighty's Terrors far abroad;
Justice no longer will delay,
But will its Debt of Vengeance pay.
Aspiring City, which exalted high,
Did'st with Celestial Stars in Lustre vie;
And mad with Pride, wert wont to say,
Europa's Realms shall my Commands obey;
The ruin'd Nations woful Cries,
The Widows Tears and Orphans Sighs,
The Seas of Blood, by thy Ambition spilt,
(Dire Tokens of enormous Guilt!)
Provoke just Heav'n on thy proud Head to pour
Fury fermented high, and as thy Crimes mature:
See, drench'd with Wrath Divine, the Tyrant reels,
What Anguish, what Distress he feels?
From all the Hills and Tow'rs of Belgia's Land,
Hang out the Flag, and let the Banner stream,
Terror denounce, and growing War proclaim:
37
My Generals from Britannia's Isle;
Warriors to whom proud Tyrants yield,
To Gallia known at Blenheim's Field.
Warriors, who only Godlike Fame respect,
Despise the Danger, and the Spoil neglect.
Let confluent Cohorts crown the Mountain's Head,
And o'er the Plain a Martial Deluge spread;
Let them extend their Front, collect their Rear,
And dreadful on their March appear.
Lutetia tremble, see the Clouds arise,
The Tempest darkens all the Skies,
It will Destruction on thy Head unload,
And spread th' Almighty's Terrors far abroad;
Justice no longer will delay,
But will its Debt of Vengeance pay.
Aspiring City, which exalted high,
Did'st with Celestial Stars in Lustre vie;
And mad with Pride, wert wont to say,
Europa's Realms shall my Commands obey;
38
The Widows Tears and Orphans Sighs,
The Seas of Blood, by thy Ambition spilt,
(Dire Tokens of enormous Guilt!)
Provoke just Heav'n on thy proud Head to pour
Fury fermented high, and as thy Crimes mature:
See, drench'd with Wrath Divine, the Tyrant reels,
What Anguish, what Distress he feels?
Against the Gaul, th' Almighty does declare,
Against th' Oppressor he denounces War.
His lifted Arm descends with ling'ring Sway,
But heavier Strokes will recompence Delay.
Bearing his glitt'ring Sword, and Sun-like Shield,
The Lord of Armies takes the Field;
Grasping his bright Immortal Lance,
He does to Belgia's Plain advance.
The Earth's Foundations quake, the Mountains bow
And frighted Rivers backward flow:
Nature's strong Fears and vast Distress,
The awful Presence of her Lord confess.
Torrents of Glory his dread March proclaim,
Clouds and thick Darkness, and tempestuous Flame.
The Gaul before his Terrors flies;
A hideous Yell, and lamentable Cries,
Of routed Warriors fill the Skies.
How red with Slaughter is Ramillia's Plain?
How are the Mountains cover'd with the Slain?
How deeply dy'd with Gallick Blood,
Belgia's polluted Rivers roll their Flood?
Against th' Oppressor he denounces War.
His lifted Arm descends with ling'ring Sway,
But heavier Strokes will recompence Delay.
Bearing his glitt'ring Sword, and Sun-like Shield,
The Lord of Armies takes the Field;
Grasping his bright Immortal Lance,
He does to Belgia's Plain advance.
The Earth's Foundations quake, the Mountains bow
And frighted Rivers backward flow:
Nature's strong Fears and vast Distress,
The awful Presence of her Lord confess.
39
Clouds and thick Darkness, and tempestuous Flame.
The Gaul before his Terrors flies;
A hideous Yell, and lamentable Cries,
Of routed Warriors fill the Skies.
How red with Slaughter is Ramillia's Plain?
How are the Mountains cover'd with the Slain?
How deeply dy'd with Gallick Blood,
Belgia's polluted Rivers roll their Flood?
Ye Flandrian Hills and Tow'rs around,
For you beheld the Field, and heard the Sound
Of Arms, and Combat from the Skies rebound,
And saw Britannia's Foes subdu'd in Fight,
Their Rout intire, and Ignominious Flight;
Tell how against the Gaul the Battel turn'd,
How from the Field their Cohorts fled,
Like scatt'ring Flocks upon the Mountain's Head;
How Albion's Captain, dreadfully adorn'd
With Dust and Slaughter, did pursue,
How on the Rear he hung, and how his Terrors flew.
The Gallick Gen'rals Looks relate,
Enrag'd and cursing their amazing Fate,
Their Consternation and their Woe declare,
For you their Anguish saw, and absolute Despair.
For you beheld the Field, and heard the Sound
Of Arms, and Combat from the Skies rebound,
And saw Britannia's Foes subdu'd in Fight,
Their Rout intire, and Ignominious Flight;
Tell how against the Gaul the Battel turn'd,
How from the Field their Cohorts fled,
Like scatt'ring Flocks upon the Mountain's Head;
How Albion's Captain, dreadfully adorn'd
40
How on the Rear he hung, and how his Terrors flew.
The Gallick Gen'rals Looks relate,
Enrag'd and cursing their amazing Fate,
Their Consternation and their Woe declare,
For you their Anguish saw, and absolute Despair.
Let us in rapt'rous Hallelujahs sing
The Praises of th' Eternal King,
Who sits above the Empyrean Height,
Enthron'd in Uncreated Light.
He, by his Servant Anna's Hand,
On Dola's Flood in Belgia's Land,
Has the proud Oppressor broke,
Who his just Vengeance did so long provoke:
The hardy Deed will Men below surprize,
'Tis wond'rous too in Seraphs Eyes;
This mighty Work of Providence Divine,
In Earth's and Heav'ns Records shall shine.
Blest be Ramillia's Plain, that gave
Ease to th' Oppress'd, and Freedom to the Slave:
That has rebuk'd th' ambitious Gaul;
A glorious Promise of th' Tyrant's Fall.
May'st thou with flow'ry Honours crown'd,
With Natures richest Gifts abound;
May Genial Show'rs, and Heav'nly Dew,
Thy verdant Pleasures still renew:
Let not the cruel Ploughshare wound,
Nor the sharp Harrow tear thy Ground;
Let thy prolifick, but unlabour'd Soil,
Enrich the Farmer, and prevent his Toil:
Unconscious of inclement Skies,
Be neither chill'd with Cold, nor scorch'd with Heat,
Let no destructive Meteor rise,
Nor Tempest on thy peaceful Region beat.
Let not thy Glebe produce a Weed,
Thy Caverns no raw Vapours feed,
Nor spotted Plague or Pestilential Seed.
Unfading Bloom and vernal Verdure wear,
And with spontaneous Plenty blest,
Like Eden's happy Garden rest,
Thy Soil as fruitful, and as mild thy Air.
Be this its Fate, for this auspicious Plain Plain
Has sunk th' Oppressor's Hopes, and broke Europa's Chain
Now, Dola, thou before a vulgar Stream,
Among the noblest Floods shalt have a Name;
Danaw alone shall Rival thee,
And Thames alone superior be.
The Praises of th' Eternal King,
Who sits above the Empyrean Height,
Enthron'd in Uncreated Light.
He, by his Servant Anna's Hand,
On Dola's Flood in Belgia's Land,
Has the proud Oppressor broke,
Who his just Vengeance did so long provoke:
The hardy Deed will Men below surprize,
'Tis wond'rous too in Seraphs Eyes;
This mighty Work of Providence Divine,
In Earth's and Heav'ns Records shall shine.
41
Ease to th' Oppress'd, and Freedom to the Slave:
That has rebuk'd th' ambitious Gaul;
A glorious Promise of th' Tyrant's Fall.
May'st thou with flow'ry Honours crown'd,
With Natures richest Gifts abound;
May Genial Show'rs, and Heav'nly Dew,
Thy verdant Pleasures still renew:
Let not the cruel Ploughshare wound,
Nor the sharp Harrow tear thy Ground;
Let thy prolifick, but unlabour'd Soil,
Enrich the Farmer, and prevent his Toil:
Unconscious of inclement Skies,
Be neither chill'd with Cold, nor scorch'd with Heat,
Let no destructive Meteor rise,
Nor Tempest on thy peaceful Region beat.
Let not thy Glebe produce a Weed,
Thy Caverns no raw Vapours feed,
Nor spotted Plague or Pestilential Seed.
42
And with spontaneous Plenty blest,
Like Eden's happy Garden rest,
Thy Soil as fruitful, and as mild thy Air.
Be this its Fate, for this auspicious Plain Plain
Has sunk th' Oppressor's Hopes, and broke Europa's Chain
Now, Dola, thou before a vulgar Stream,
Among the noblest Floods shalt have a Name;
Danaw alone shall Rival thee,
And Thames alone superior be.
Auspicious Chief, thy great Designs pursue,
Defend the Suff'rer, and the Proud subdue,
Till by Defect of Foes thy Triumphs cease,
And grateful Europe thank thee for her Peace:
Then, 'midst Applauses of the Realms restor'd,
And Nations sav'd by thy Victorious Sword;
Return Triumphant to thy Native Soil,
To honourable Ease, from glorious Toil.
Let Anna then, with a just Umpire's Hand,
Of Europe's Pow'r, the balanc'd Scales command:
May she ambitious Monarchies restrain,
Religion guard, and Publick Right maintain;
Let her be dear at Home, Abroad rever'd,
By all good Princes lov'd, and by all Tyrants fear'd.
Defend the Suff'rer, and the Proud subdue,
Till by Defect of Foes thy Triumphs cease,
And grateful Europe thank thee for her Peace:
Then, 'midst Applauses of the Realms restor'd,
And Nations sav'd by thy Victorious Sword;
Return Triumphant to thy Native Soil,
To honourable Ease, from glorious Toil.
43
Of Europe's Pow'r, the balanc'd Scales command:
May she ambitious Monarchies restrain,
Religion guard, and Publick Right maintain;
Let her be dear at Home, Abroad rever'd,
By all good Princes lov'd, and by all Tyrants fear'd.
45
INSTRUCTIONS TO VANDER BANK. A Sequel to the Advice to the POETS.
A POEM Occasioned by the Glorious Success of Her Majesty's Arms, under the Conduct of the Duke of Marlborough, the last Year in Flanders.
47
Have all thy Bards, Britannia, spent the'r Vein,
Not one rich Genius left, that can sustain
Th' expensive Task of Marlbro's last Campaign?
Ruin'd by Conquests, do they pray for Peace,
That the hard Taxes on the Muse may cease?
Thou, Artist, who dost Nature's Face express
In Silk and Gold, and Scenes of Action dress;
Dost figur'd Arras animated leave,
Spin a bright Story, or a Passion weave,
By mingling Threads, canst mingle Shades and Light,
Delineate Triumphs, or describe a Fight;
Do thou relate the Hero's Toil, record
The new Atchievements of his matchless Sword.
Not one rich Genius left, that can sustain
Th' expensive Task of Marlbro's last Campaign?
Ruin'd by Conquests, do they pray for Peace,
That the hard Taxes on the Muse may cease?
Thou, Artist, who dost Nature's Face express
In Silk and Gold, and Scenes of Action dress;
Dost figur'd Arras animated leave,
Spin a bright Story, or a Passion weave,
By mingling Threads, canst mingle Shades and Light,
Delineate Triumphs, or describe a Fight;
48
The new Atchievements of his matchless Sword.
Since some illustrious Patron thou wilt need,
If Ann propitious smiles, thou must succeed;
Her high Command inspir'd with martial Flame
The Warrior's Breast, she by her pow'rful Name
Prepar'd half beaten Foes to yield the Day,
And for advancing Vict'ries made the Way.
If Ann propitious smiles, thou must succeed;
Her high Command inspir'd with martial Flame
The Warrior's Breast, she by her pow'rful Name
Prepar'd half beaten Foes to yield the Day,
And for advancing Vict'ries made the Way.
Belgian attend; and from thy noble Loom,
Let the great Chief August in Triumph come.
For Blenheim's lofty Rooms the Work design,
In every Piece let Art and Labour shine:
Let glorious Deeds the Briton's Palace crown,
Not those of ancient Hero's, but his own.
In the bright Series of his Story show,
What Albion, what Mankind, to Marlbro' owe.
Let the great Chief August in Triumph come.
For Blenheim's lofty Rooms the Work design,
In every Piece let Art and Labour shine:
Let glorious Deeds the Briton's Palace crown,
Not those of ancient Hero's, but his own.
In the bright Series of his Story show,
What Albion, what Mankind, to Marlbro' owe.
49
I only rude Materials can suggest,
Some by thy Art too hard to be express'd,
Chuse what are proper, and neglect the rest.
If thou with Care, and that thy Genius may,
Improve these Hints, refine this crude Essay,
Thou may'st Illustrious, lasting Scenes contrive,
At least the Work will by its Subject live.
Some by thy Art too hard to be express'd,
Chuse what are proper, and neglect the rest.
If thou with Care, and that thy Genius may,
Improve these Hints, refine this crude Essay,
Thou may'st Illustrious, lasting Scenes contrive,
At least the Work will by its Subject live.
Let the first Labour on this lofty Theme,
Express the Chief on Scalda's wondring Stream;
From him that Flood immortal Fame derives,
Rivals the Danube, and with Dola strives.
Describe his Steed, not patient of the Rein,
Champing his Foam, and bounding on the Plain;
Arch his high Neck, and graceful spread his Mane.
Give ample Nostrils breathing inbred Fire,
Eyes that confess the gen'rous Mare and Sire,
Such Life and Pride, as in the Race appear,
Which Arab Lords and Persian Monarchs bear.
Express the Chief on Scalda's wondring Stream;
From him that Flood immortal Fame derives,
Rivals the Danube, and with Dola strives.
Describe his Steed, not patient of the Rein,
Champing his Foam, and bounding on the Plain;
Arch his high Neck, and graceful spread his Mane.
Give ample Nostrils breathing inbred Fire,
Eyes that confess the gen'rous Mare and Sire,
Such Life and Pride, as in the Race appear,
Which Arab Lords and Persian Monarchs bear.
50
But with their chief Delight our Eyes to feed,
Mount the brave Leader on his manag'd Steed:
Give him a noble Seat, a Martial Mien,
Scornful of Danger, and in Arms serene.
Let his Right Hand his Sword vindictive Sway,
Grasp'd with vast Strength, and spreading dreadful Day
By which the Tyrant Monsters are destroy'd,
Who fill'd with Riot, and with Rapine cloy'd,
Oppression's howling Wilderness defend,
And Desolation's empty Realms extend.
The Looks of Justice to the Warrior give,
Where Wrath and Mercy for Dominion strive;
Intrepid Ardour well to Gallia known,
Heroick Grace, the mighty Briton's own.
When you express the Leader's Face and Eyes,
Studious with daring Labour to surprize,
Could you with in-wrought Glory charm the Sight,
And interwoven Threads of manag'd Light,
You might succeed, and do the Conqueror Right.
Mount the brave Leader on his manag'd Steed:
Give him a noble Seat, a Martial Mien,
Scornful of Danger, and in Arms serene.
Let his Right Hand his Sword vindictive Sway,
Grasp'd with vast Strength, and spreading dreadful Day
By which the Tyrant Monsters are destroy'd,
Who fill'd with Riot, and with Rapine cloy'd,
Oppression's howling Wilderness defend,
And Desolation's empty Realms extend.
The Looks of Justice to the Warrior give,
Where Wrath and Mercy for Dominion strive;
Intrepid Ardour well to Gallia known,
Heroick Grace, the mighty Briton's own.
When you express the Leader's Face and Eyes,
Studious with daring Labour to surprize,
Could you with in-wrought Glory charm the Sight,
And interwoven Threads of manag'd Light,
You might succeed, and do the Conqueror Right.
51
Let Fame and Vict'ry in inferior Sky,
Hover with balanc'd Wings, and smiling fly
Above his Head, and on his Fauchion wait
Assiduous, to pronounce Europa's Fate.
Hover with balanc'd Wings, and smiling fly
Above his Head, and on his Fauchion wait
Assiduous, to pronounce Europa's Fate.
On th' adverse Banks of Scalda's silver Tide,
Delineate Gallia's military Pride:
Express her Cohorts covering all the Plain,
Thick as the Waves, that spread the troubled Main:
Show them advancing swift to Ganda's Walls,
Where Lesia's Current into Scalda falls;
Till Marlbro's Marches did their Speed outgo,
And made them stop to face th' impending Foe.
So when a Stag, Lord of the Herd, endow'd
With beauteous Limbs, and of high Antlets proud,
Hears the shrill Horn, and hallowing Huntsmens Cries
Ring thro' the Forrest and embroil the Skies,
Trusting his Feet, more rapid than the Wind,
He flies, and leaves the clam'rous Band behind;
Till spent, he stands at Bay, erects his Face,
And to a Fight decrees to change the Chace;
Determin'd now, he does th' Invader dare,
And feels unusual Courage from Despair.
Delineate Gallia's military Pride:
Express her Cohorts covering all the Plain,
Thick as the Waves, that spread the troubled Main:
Show them advancing swift to Ganda's Walls,
Where Lesia's Current into Scalda falls;
Till Marlbro's Marches did their Speed outgo,
And made them stop to face th' impending Foe.
So when a Stag, Lord of the Herd, endow'd
With beauteous Limbs, and of high Antlets proud,
Hears the shrill Horn, and hallowing Huntsmens Cries
Ring thro' the Forrest and embroil the Skies,
Trusting his Feet, more rapid than the Wind,
He flies, and leaves the clam'rous Band behind;
52
And to a Fight decrees to change the Chace;
Determin'd now, he does th' Invader dare,
And feels unusual Courage from Despair.
O Belgian, work a Piece by this Cartone,
And be this Picture by thy Art out-done:
For confluent Nations spread a spacious Loom,
And give the mighty Host sufficient room,
Where more Brigades form each extended Wing;
Than Eastern Monarchs e'er to Combat bring:
Let the wide Van, and deep unnumber'd Rear,
Exuberant War, and Strength immense appear.
Here let the Flow'r and Pride of Spain advance,
And there the Belgian Slaves, that courted France.
Let the Helvetian martial Youth compose
The threatning Front, fierce mercenary Foes,
Who trade in Blood and Rapine; let the Gaul
Back to the Rear, a safer Station, fall.
And be this Picture by thy Art out-done:
For confluent Nations spread a spacious Loom,
And give the mighty Host sufficient room,
Where more Brigades form each extended Wing;
Than Eastern Monarchs e'er to Combat bring:
Let the wide Van, and deep unnumber'd Rear,
Exuberant War, and Strength immense appear.
Here let the Flow'r and Pride of Spain advance,
And there the Belgian Slaves, that courted France.
Let the Helvetian martial Youth compose
The threatning Front, fierce mercenary Foes,
Who trade in Blood and Rapine; let the Gaul
Back to the Rear, a safer Station, fall.
53
Show how the Chief sprung ardent to the War,
In Arms refulgent, as the Morning Star;
And if the Task be not unequals found
To Looms for Master-Skill the most renown'd,
The Hero is distinct Compartments show,
Supporting here his Friends, and breaking there the Foe.
Let him in every Place surprize the Sight,
As if dispers'd and multiply'd in Fight,
And as the Leader, watchful to protect
His Squadrons, did Ubiquity affect.
Here let him stand intrepid and sedate,
Dispensing high Commands and certain Fate;
There let his Arm his reeking Fauchion wield,
Triumph in Slaughter, and pollute the Field
With glorious Spoil; while, like the fabled God
Of War, thro' thick embattled Deaths he rode.
Let him the Vale with Rout and Ruin fill,
Like Torrents rushing from an Alpine Hill,
Or a high Wind, that o'er the Desart sweeps,
Lays waste the Woods, and rolls the Sand in heaps.
Where his destructive Sword the Foe pursu'd,
Express the Lanes the glitt'ring Feller hew'd;
Let Streams of Blood the Victor's Wrath attest,
A purple Vintage from the Slain express'd.
Show Warriors quiv'ring in the Pangs of Death,
Rolling their Eyes, and gasping doubtful Breath;
While scatter'd Arms, and Horse and Horse-men slain,
An ignominious Medly, spread the Plain:
Weave Desolation, let prodigious Waste,
And Tracks of Death mark where the Victor pass'd,
As Conflagrations are by Ruin trac'd.
In Arms refulgent, as the Morning Star;
And if the Task be not unequals found
To Looms for Master-Skill the most renown'd,
The Hero is distinct Compartments show,
Supporting here his Friends, and breaking there the Foe.
Let him in every Place surprize the Sight,
As if dispers'd and multiply'd in Fight,
And as the Leader, watchful to protect
His Squadrons, did Ubiquity affect.
Here let him stand intrepid and sedate,
Dispensing high Commands and certain Fate;
There let his Arm his reeking Fauchion wield,
Triumph in Slaughter, and pollute the Field
With glorious Spoil; while, like the fabled God
Of War, thro' thick embattled Deaths he rode.
Let him the Vale with Rout and Ruin fill,
Like Torrents rushing from an Alpine Hill,
Or a high Wind, that o'er the Desart sweeps,
Lays waste the Woods, and rolls the Sand in heaps.
54
Express the Lanes the glitt'ring Feller hew'd;
Let Streams of Blood the Victor's Wrath attest,
A purple Vintage from the Slain express'd.
Show Warriors quiv'ring in the Pangs of Death,
Rolling their Eyes, and gasping doubtful Breath;
While scatter'd Arms, and Horse and Horse-men slain,
An ignominious Medly, spread the Plain:
Weave Desolation, let prodigious Waste,
And Tracks of Death mark where the Victor pass'd,
As Conflagrations are by Ruin trac'd.
On a new Scene attentive Care bestow,
A Princely Youth in polish'd Armour show:
Let him advance, and as a Seraph bright,
Ravish at once and terrify the Sight:
Place him conspicuous mid'st the hostile Troops,
Hanover's Pride, and Albion's distant Hopes;
Whose early Deeds and blossoming Renown,
To wond'ring Europe have the Hero shown.
With strong Impatience let him seek the Fight,
Eager of Fame, and trembling with Delight.
As when the Eaglet, which the Parent tries,
Not us'd to soar, nor conscious of the Skies,
Against the strongest Radiance of the Sun
Mounts bold, and makes the genuine Offspring known;
So the young Chief undazled, fac'd the Charms
Of martial Glory, and the Blaze of Arms;
Thro' glitt'ring Deaths, and Storms of Smoke and Flame,
Ardent aspir'd to the bright Mark of Fame,
And made his first Effort his high Descent proclaim.
Show how he flew intrepid to the Foe,
Plung'd mid'st the Host, and forc'd his Passage thro':
How the brave Youth with Vet'ran Captains vy'd;
What Trophies crown'd a Sword, till then untry'd.
So a young Lion, of his matchless Might
Yet ignorant, but grown mature for Fight;
If he by chance a shaggy Bear descries,
Determin'd to the Combat, rapid flies:
Lashing his Sides he roars, and from afar,
Thro' ecchoing Hills denounces dreadful War;
And soon victorious in his first Campaign,
The yellow Warrior, Master of the Plain,
Conscious what mighty Strength he had in Store,
Wonders, and grieves, he try'd it not before.
A Princely Youth in polish'd Armour show:
Let him advance, and as a Seraph bright,
Ravish at once and terrify the Sight:
Place him conspicuous mid'st the hostile Troops,
Hanover's Pride, and Albion's distant Hopes;
Whose early Deeds and blossoming Renown,
To wond'ring Europe have the Hero shown.
55
Eager of Fame, and trembling with Delight.
As when the Eaglet, which the Parent tries,
Not us'd to soar, nor conscious of the Skies,
Against the strongest Radiance of the Sun
Mounts bold, and makes the genuine Offspring known;
So the young Chief undazled, fac'd the Charms
Of martial Glory, and the Blaze of Arms;
Thro' glitt'ring Deaths, and Storms of Smoke and Flame,
Ardent aspir'd to the bright Mark of Fame,
And made his first Effort his high Descent proclaim.
Show how he flew intrepid to the Foe,
Plung'd mid'st the Host, and forc'd his Passage thro':
How the brave Youth with Vet'ran Captains vy'd;
What Trophies crown'd a Sword, till then untry'd.
So a young Lion, of his matchless Might
Yet ignorant, but grown mature for Fight;
If he by chance a shaggy Bear descries,
Determin'd to the Combat, rapid flies:
56
Thro' ecchoing Hills denounces dreadful War;
And soon victorious in his first Campaign,
The yellow Warrior, Master of the Plain,
Conscious what mighty Strength he had in Store,
Wonders, and grieves, he try'd it not before.
Then let Germania's Angel, and his own,
Each bearing high a Shield and Laurel Crown,
Fly watchful o'er his Head, with one to guard
His Life, with one his Valour to reward.
Each bearing high a Shield and Laurel Crown,
Fly watchful o'er his Head, with one to guard
His Life, with one his Valour to reward.
Artist, record how fair Britannia's Isle,
When first she heard the Youth's advent'rous Toil,
Scarce pleas'd with Glory from too daring Fight,
Felt proffer'd Joy suspended by Affright;
While her tall Oaks shook on the Mountain's Brow,
And refluent Streams did Consternation show.
When first she heard the Youth's advent'rous Toil,
Scarce pleas'd with Glory from too daring Fight,
Felt proffer'd Joy suspended by Affright;
While her tall Oaks shook on the Mountain's Brow,
And refluent Streams did Consternation show.
57
Work a new Piece, describe the Gallick Pow'rs,
Quitting the Field to reach Gandava's Tow'rs:
Concern and Trouble in their Eyes express,
Finish'd Confusion, and extream Distress;
Unfeign'd Amazement, Horror, anxious Care,
And the wild Looks and Features of Despair.
Show how the Generals to restore the Fight,
Confirm their Legions, and prevent their Flight;
Asham'd, enrag'd, and griev'd, did These upbraid,
Encourage Those, some menace, some perswade;
While all their Efforts unavailing were;
Idle their Threats, and fruitless was their Pray'r;
What Words can charm inexorable Fear?
Can Terror listen? Can Distraction hear?
Show how the Gaul's disorder'd Cohorts fled,
Express their Anguish and perplexing Dread,
While Horse and Foot strove each to have the Van,
And Chiefs Companions of the private Man,
Inglorious Flight! disregimented ran.
So when incumbent Tempests press the Deep,
And rouse the frighted Billows from their Sleep;
The liquid Legions crowding, fly so fast,
And shove each other with such headlong haste,
That sometimes they are rid, and sometimes ride,
By Turns exalt their Heads, by Turns subside,
O'erwhelm each other, and distract the Tide.
Quitting the Field to reach Gandava's Tow'rs:
Concern and Trouble in their Eyes express,
Finish'd Confusion, and extream Distress;
Unfeign'd Amazement, Horror, anxious Care,
And the wild Looks and Features of Despair.
Show how the Generals to restore the Fight,
Confirm their Legions, and prevent their Flight;
Asham'd, enrag'd, and griev'd, did These upbraid,
Encourage Those, some menace, some perswade;
While all their Efforts unavailing were;
Idle their Threats, and fruitless was their Pray'r;
What Words can charm inexorable Fear?
Can Terror listen? Can Distraction hear?
Show how the Gaul's disorder'd Cohorts fled,
Express their Anguish and perplexing Dread,
While Horse and Foot strove each to have the Van,
And Chiefs Companions of the private Man,
Inglorious Flight! disregimented ran.
58
And rouse the frighted Billows from their Sleep;
The liquid Legions crowding, fly so fast,
And shove each other with such headlong haste,
That sometimes they are rid, and sometimes ride,
By Turns exalt their Heads, by Turns subside,
O'erwhelm each other, and distract the Tide.
Show how the General, whom the Gauls adore,
To Belgia's Plains, call'd from Hesperia's Shore,
Gallia's declining Empire to restore,
Instruct her Troops, new Laurels to acquire,
And in their Breasts rekindle Martial Fire,
Did to the common Fate reluctant yield,
And with his routed Army left the Field:
He blam'd the Stars, that on his Conduct frown'd,
And, Marlbro', thy superior Genius own'd.
So a fierce Boar on Mauritania's Plain,
The Lyon's Fury does a while sustain,
Till torn and sunk with vast Expence of Blood,
He quits the Field, and seeks the shelt'ring Wood;
He grinds his Teeth, impatient of Defeat,
Indignant foams, fain would the Strife repeat,
Looks back and threatens in his sour Retreat.
To Belgia's Plains, call'd from Hesperia's Shore,
Gallia's declining Empire to restore,
Instruct her Troops, new Laurels to acquire,
And in their Breasts rekindle Martial Fire,
Did to the common Fate reluctant yield,
And with his routed Army left the Field:
He blam'd the Stars, that on his Conduct frown'd,
And, Marlbro', thy superior Genius own'd.
So a fierce Boar on Mauritania's Plain,
The Lyon's Fury does a while sustain,
59
He quits the Field, and seeks the shelt'ring Wood;
He grinds his Teeth, impatient of Defeat,
Indignant foams, fain would the Strife repeat,
Looks back and threatens in his sour Retreat.
Then show the Conqu'ror in another Scene,
Protecting with his Arms the brave Eugene,
While he the matchless Strength of Lisle assail'd,
And o'er her Tow'rs with loud Applause prevail'd.
Witness ye six times Twenty Thousand Gauls,
Who then advanc'd near Lilla's lofty Walls
To face the Foe, were honour'd with the Sight
Of the brave Cohorts, which you felt in Fight:
Witness ye Generals, and ye Princes, proud
Of Veins distended with Imperial Blood;
For You Spectators of the Action stood.
Protecting with his Arms the brave Eugene,
While he the matchless Strength of Lisle assail'd,
And o'er her Tow'rs with loud Applause prevail'd.
Witness ye six times Twenty Thousand Gauls,
Who then advanc'd near Lilla's lofty Walls
To face the Foe, were honour'd with the Sight
Of the brave Cohorts, which you felt in Fight:
Witness ye Generals, and ye Princes, proud
Of Veins distended with Imperial Blood;
For You Spectators of the Action stood.
Next let the Chief advance to Scalda's Banks,
To drive th' unactive Gaul, whose Warlike Ranks
Spread thick as Locusts on the adverse Side,
Did in their Guardian Flood and Lines confide.
'Tis done—For when the Out-guards saw from:
The Briton's Arms, and cry'd prepare for War,
The Hearts of boastful Chiefs inglorious melt,
And their cold Breasts their well-known Passion felt,
Assur'd no more, while Marlbro's Sword invades
By Rivers, Works, and numberless Brigades,
As Terror dictates, they direct their Flight,
Spread all the Plain with Marks of wild Affright,
And ignominious Rout, but none of Fight.
To drive th' unactive Gaul, whose Warlike Ranks
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Did in their Guardian Flood and Lines confide.
'Tis done—For when the Out-guards saw from:
The Briton's Arms, and cry'd prepare for War,
The Hearts of boastful Chiefs inglorious melt,
And their cold Breasts their well-known Passion felt,
Assur'd no more, while Marlbro's Sword invades
By Rivers, Works, and numberless Brigades,
As Terror dictates, they direct their Flight,
Spread all the Plain with Marks of wild Affright,
And ignominious Rout, but none of Fight.
Let Churchill next, his conqu'ring Cohorts lead,
To save Brussella, fair Brabantia's Head;
To break th' united Arms of France and Spain,
And make the Threats of proud Bavaria vain.
Shew how the Foe the Scheld's Contagion caught,
Gave cheap Renown, and left the Field unfought;
And how the Boian Prince enrag'd to find,
The Laurels blasted, for his Brow design'd;
With troubled Pride, and Anguish in his Eyes,
Chas'd a Third Time, before the Briton flies.
He curs'd the Victor, who his Arms repell'd,
And cruel Fate, that still Success with-held,
But more the Coward Guardians of the Scheld.
So when a rav'ning Wolf has long patroul'd,
And found at length a Place to leap the Fold,
He seems already of his Prey possest,
And licks his Jaws, preluding to the Feast;
If then the Master-Shepherd with his Band
Arrives, their brandish'd Weapons in their Hand,
The prowling Robber shuns unequal Fight,
And grins, and growls, and rages in his Flight.
To save Brussella, fair Brabantia's Head;
To break th' united Arms of France and Spain,
And make the Threats of proud Bavaria vain.
Shew how the Foe the Scheld's Contagion caught,
Gave cheap Renown, and left the Field unfought;
And how the Boian Prince enrag'd to find,
The Laurels blasted, for his Brow design'd;
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Chas'd a Third Time, before the Briton flies.
He curs'd the Victor, who his Arms repell'd,
And cruel Fate, that still Success with-held,
But more the Coward Guardians of the Scheld.
So when a rav'ning Wolf has long patroul'd,
And found at length a Place to leap the Fold,
He seems already of his Prey possest,
And licks his Jaws, preluding to the Feast;
If then the Master-Shepherd with his Band
Arrives, their brandish'd Weapons in their Hand,
The prowling Robber shuns unequal Fight,
And grins, and growls, and rages in his Flight.
While Gallia's Canton'd Troops inglorious rest,
With frequent Flight, and fruitless Toil opprest;
O Britain! thy great Chief his Ease denies,
Patient of Labour and inclement Skies,
He with new Ardour to new Conquest flies.
Here fresh Materials for the Loom prepare,
And weave a cold, white Winter-Piece of War:
Ev'n then a Bloom of spreading Glory show,
And verdant Laurels forc'd from Beds of Snow.
With frequent Flight, and fruitless Toil opprest;
O Britain! thy great Chief his Ease denies,
Patient of Labour and inclement Skies,
He with new Ardour to new Conquest flies.
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And weave a cold, white Winter-Piece of War:
Ev'n then a Bloom of spreading Glory show,
And verdant Laurels forc'd from Beds of Snow.
Confed'rate Pow'rs of Flandria, Gallia, Spain,
A num'rous Army destin'd to sustain
Th' invading Foe, did Ganda's Walls maintain.
Much in their Lines, and in the River's Tide,
Much in their Chiefs and Numbers, they confide,
But trusted more to Frosts and Ice, than Arms,
To guard their City from the Foes Alarms;
They hop'd that Tempests, arm'd with Snow and Sleet,
Winds that from Hyperborean Mountains beat,
With furious Wings the bleak untrodden Plain,
And crystal Desarts of the frozen Main,
And all th' embattled Meteors would conspire,
To charge and force the Briton to retire:
In vain—Ev'n then, the Hero undismay'd,
Advanc'd his Ensigns, and his Wrath display'd;
Against perfidious Ghent his Batt'ry rear'd,
And Winter Thunder for her Walls prepar'd,
The Gallick Generals saw, and Marlbro's Arms rever'd.
To pay due Honour to their Royal Head
Burgundia's Lord, they in his Foot-steps tread;
Of Gallia's Blood Effusion to decline,
Yield without Combat, and the Town resign.
A num'rous Army destin'd to sustain
Th' invading Foe, did Ganda's Walls maintain.
Much in their Lines, and in the River's Tide,
Much in their Chiefs and Numbers, they confide,
But trusted more to Frosts and Ice, than Arms,
To guard their City from the Foes Alarms;
They hop'd that Tempests, arm'd with Snow and Sleet,
Winds that from Hyperborean Mountains beat,
With furious Wings the bleak untrodden Plain,
And crystal Desarts of the frozen Main,
And all th' embattled Meteors would conspire,
To charge and force the Briton to retire:
In vain—Ev'n then, the Hero undismay'd,
Advanc'd his Ensigns, and his Wrath display'd;
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And Winter Thunder for her Walls prepar'd,
The Gallick Generals saw, and Marlbro's Arms rever'd.
To pay due Honour to their Royal Head
Burgundia's Lord, they in his Foot-steps tread;
Of Gallia's Blood Effusion to decline,
Yield without Combat, and the Town resign.
Now Marlbro's Deeds ring thro' the Belgian Skies,
And swift their Terror propagated flies;
Soon did it reach the list'ning Towns around,
How Bruga's Turrets trembled at the Sound?
How frighted, how amaz'd the Warriors stood,
Their Sinews slacken'd and congeal'd their Blood?
Show, Artist, how their Cohorts, wing'd with Fear,
Fled from the Foe, e'er yet he did appear.
Thus Churchill sends abroad his conqu'ring Name,
And wounds at Distance by his missive Fame.
So oft, when Storms from Barbary's Sun-burnt Soil,
Advance impetuous, and the Deep embroil;
The rushing Waves th' Infection swift convey,
And by their Flight distract Hesperia's Sea,
Which rolls and works beneath a Sky serene,
Disturb'd by Winds unheard, and Clouds unseen.
And swift their Terror propagated flies;
Soon did it reach the list'ning Towns around,
How Bruga's Turrets trembled at the Sound?
How frighted, how amaz'd the Warriors stood,
Their Sinews slacken'd and congeal'd their Blood?
Show, Artist, how their Cohorts, wing'd with Fear,
Fled from the Foe, e'er yet he did appear.
Thus Churchill sends abroad his conqu'ring Name,
And wounds at Distance by his missive Fame.
So oft, when Storms from Barbary's Sun-burnt Soil,
Advance impetuous, and the Deep embroil;
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And by their Flight distract Hesperia's Sea,
Which rolls and works beneath a Sky serene,
Disturb'd by Winds unheard, and Clouds unseen.
Then show how Bruga's Counsellors of State,
And Lords deputed, on the Briton wait,
To make their low Submission, and implore
His Mercy to protect them from his Pow'r.
And Lords deputed, on the Briton wait,
To make their low Submission, and implore
His Mercy to protect them from his Pow'r.
The Hero's Triumphs equal thus appear,
Crowning alike each Season of the Year.
Ev'n Winter's self, whose frozen, hoary Head
Was ne'er before with martial Honours spread,
For want of Deeds Illustrious, can't complain,
Sharing the Glory of this great Campaign.
Crowning alike each Season of the Year.
Ev'n Winter's self, whose frozen, hoary Head
Was ne'er before with martial Honours spread,
For want of Deeds Illustrious, can't complain,
Sharing the Glory of this great Campaign.
An Arch of Triumph in another Piece,
Artist, contrive, like those of Rome and Greece.
What Master-Sculptors form in Base Relieve,
Do thou in bold expressive Figures weave.
Let Horsemen first in long Procession bear
The glorious Trophies high display'd in Air,
Bavaria's Standards, Emblems of the Fall
Of Neighbour Pow'rs, that aid the faithless Gaul:
False Flandria's Colours, and Castilia's Pride,
And with thy Warrior's Blood, vain King, thy Lillies dy'd.
Artist, contrive, like those of Rome and Greece.
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Do thou in bold expressive Figures weave.
Let Horsemen first in long Procession bear
The glorious Trophies high display'd in Air,
Bavaria's Standards, Emblems of the Fall
Of Neighbour Pow'rs, that aid the faithless Gaul:
False Flandria's Colours, and Castilia's Pride,
And with thy Warrior's Blood, vain King, thy Lillies dy'd.
Next let the Train bring on the Spoils of France,
Augment the Triumph, and in Turn advance.
Describe them lab'ring with th' unweildy Prize,
Their tortur'd Sinews, and their starting Eyes;
Let them beneath their rich Oppression bow,
And seem to groan and stagger as they go.
Shew, how the Throng with Hands upheld adore
Justice Divine, that has by Anna's Pow'r
Compell'd the Gaul his Rapine to restore;
That has aveng'd the injur'd Nations round,
Curb'd lawless Might, and proud Ambition bound.
Augment the Triumph, and in Turn advance.
Describe them lab'ring with th' unweildy Prize,
Their tortur'd Sinews, and their starting Eyes;
Let them beneath their rich Oppression bow,
And seem to groan and stagger as they go.
Shew, how the Throng with Hands upheld adore
Justice Divine, that has by Anna's Pow'r
Compell'd the Gaul his Rapine to restore;
That has aveng'd the injur'd Nations round,
Curb'd lawless Might, and proud Ambition bound.
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In a high Car the laurell'd Victor place,
Drawn by the noblest Steeds of Belgia's Race,
Thro' deep applauding Crowds on either Side
Sublime, yet unelated, let him ride.
The Seraph Chiefs such Moderation shew'd,
When to the Gates of Hell their Host pursu'd
The Rebel Pow'rs, and thro' th' unlightsome Way
Return'd in Triumph to the Coasts of Day.
Of various Nations let a confluent Throng
Hang on his Wheels, as slow they roll along.
Let them, like crowding Waves, each other press,
And strain their eager Eyes to see and bless.
Add to the martial Pomp an endless Train
Of Warrior-Slaves, that drag the Conqu'ror's Chain:
Let Lords and Chiefs, impatient of Disgrace,
With haughty Trouble, melancholly Pace,
And sullen Shame, bear the hard Fate of War,
And pant amidst the Crowd behind the Hero's Car.
Drawn by the noblest Steeds of Belgia's Race,
Thro' deep applauding Crowds on either Side
Sublime, yet unelated, let him ride.
The Seraph Chiefs such Moderation shew'd,
When to the Gates of Hell their Host pursu'd
The Rebel Pow'rs, and thro' th' unlightsome Way
Return'd in Triumph to the Coasts of Day.
Of various Nations let a confluent Throng
Hang on his Wheels, as slow they roll along.
Let them, like crowding Waves, each other press,
And strain their eager Eyes to see and bless.
Add to the martial Pomp an endless Train
Of Warrior-Slaves, that drag the Conqu'ror's Chain:
Let Lords and Chiefs, impatient of Disgrace,
With haughty Trouble, melancholly Pace,
And sullen Shame, bear the hard Fate of War,
And pant amidst the Crowd behind the Hero's Car.
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Let high Augusta's Sons transported meet,
And with loud Joy th' advancing Victor greet;
And let her Speaker for superior Sense
Renown'd, as well as charming Eloquence,
The solemn Progress of the Triumph stay,
While publick Thanks his Words to Marlbro' pay.
And with loud Joy th' advancing Victor greet;
And let her Speaker for superior Sense
Renown'd, as well as charming Eloquence,
The solemn Progress of the Triumph stay,
While publick Thanks his Words to Marlbro' pay.
Then let the Bards in humble Manner stand
With Distichs, Sonnets, Prologues in their Hand,
In Marlbro's Praise—'Tis all alass we know
That from their dry exhausted Springs can flow.
With Distichs, Sonnets, Prologues in their Hand,
In Marlbro's Praise—'Tis all alass we know
That from their dry exhausted Springs can flow.
Let all the Pomp of Decoration grace
The high Pillasters and the Structure's Face:
Let curious Mottos, Hieroglyphick Art
And mystick Emblems shine on every Part.
The high Pillasters and the Structure's Face:
Let curious Mottos, Hieroglyphick Art
And mystick Emblems shine on every Part.
Here Liberty in all her heav'nly Charms;
With her gay Offspring Plenty in her Arms,
With chearful Looks and humble Gesture may.
Embrace the Victor's Feet, and Homage pay,
Who broke her Chains, restor'd her Rights Divine
And in her Native Beauties bade her shine.
With her gay Offspring Plenty in her Arms,
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Embrace the Victor's Feet, and Homage pay,
Who broke her Chains, restor'd her Rights Divine
And in her Native Beauties bade her shine.
There, to extend the Briton's just Renown,
Show Dungeons open'd, Prisons broken down,
Fetters and Chains in Heaps neglected thrown
Which late tormented Slaves and Captives wore.
But which, auspicious Day! they wear no more
Let shouting Throngs of these deliver'd Slaves,
Frequent as sailing Clouds, or rolling Waves,
With Flow'rs and verdant Branches spread his Rod
And prostrate kiss the Ground the Victor trod.
Show Dungeons open'd, Prisons broken down,
Fetters and Chains in Heaps neglected thrown
Which late tormented Slaves and Captives wore.
But which, auspicious Day! they wear no more
Let shouting Throngs of these deliver'd Slaves,
Frequent as sailing Clouds, or rolling Waves,
With Flow'rs and verdant Branches spread his Rod
And prostrate kiss the Ground the Victor trod.
Then raise in Piles the Gibbet, Rack and Wheel,
And all the Tortures wrought of Cord or Steel
Plenty of Death, and Luxury of Pain,
Which Master Tyrants from their fertile Brain
And curst Projectors of Destruction find,
Curious in Torment to afflict Mankind.
Let these congested Engines, set on Fire
By Marlbro's generous Hand, in Flames expire:
Let them as Marks of publick Joy arise,
And with applauded Ruin fill the Skies,
To Heav'n and Liberty a grateful Sacrifice.
And all the Tortures wrought of Cord or Steel
Plenty of Death, and Luxury of Pain,
Which Master Tyrants from their fertile Brain
69
Curious in Torment to afflict Mankind.
Let these congested Engines, set on Fire
By Marlbro's generous Hand, in Flames expire:
Let them as Marks of publick Joy arise,
And with applauded Ruin fill the Skies,
To Heav'n and Liberty a grateful Sacrifice.
Attempt another noble Work, and raise
A lofty Column to the Hero's Praise.
Tho' high Augusta's Sons, who still reveal
In Liberty's Defence an ardent Zeal,
Studious of Truth and Justice ne'er adore
Thy Altars, Rome, nor Gallia's lawless Pow'r,
May, as they ought, a stately Pillar rear,
That shall the Victor's Weight of Glory bear;
Yet, Belgian, still do thou thy Task pursue,
For should not all the Arts conspire to shew
To the Great Briton's Deeds the Honours due?
Then with the Sculptor and the Architect,
Artist, contend, and the proud Pile erect.
With Marlbro's wond'rous Story fill the Space
Between the Spires, which the high Column grace,
Ascending to the Summit from the Base.
A lofty Column to the Hero's Praise.
Tho' high Augusta's Sons, who still reveal
In Liberty's Defence an ardent Zeal,
Studious of Truth and Justice ne'er adore
Thy Altars, Rome, nor Gallia's lawless Pow'r,
May, as they ought, a stately Pillar rear,
That shall the Victor's Weight of Glory bear;
Yet, Belgian, still do thou thy Task pursue,
For should not all the Arts conspire to shew
To the Great Briton's Deeds the Honours due?
70
Artist, contend, and the proud Pile erect.
With Marlbro's wond'rous Story fill the Space
Between the Spires, which the high Column grace,
Ascending to the Summit from the Base.
Be first his swift and glorious Course exprest,
When he from Belgia's Regions to the East
Transfer'd the hardy War, did bold advance
To whelm the Danube o'er the Pride of France.
Thro' distant Empires to extend the Fame,
Of Albion's Arms, and Anna's awful Name:
The Wonders done at Schelenburg display,
And the great Deeds of Blenheim's glorious Day
Down all the Ebb of Time to Men unborn convey.
Next shew the Hero on Ramilla's Plain,
And deathless Laurels won that great Campaign:
The Valour shown at Oudenard repeat,
The Briton's Triumphs and the Gaul's Defeat.
Describe the Conduct and the hardy Toil,
That wrested from the Foe his darling Lisle,
In passing Scalda's Flood th' acquir'd Renown,
Brussella sav'd, and Ganda's vanquish'd Town.
When he from Belgia's Regions to the East
Transfer'd the hardy War, did bold advance
To whelm the Danube o'er the Pride of France.
Thro' distant Empires to extend the Fame,
Of Albion's Arms, and Anna's awful Name:
The Wonders done at Schelenburg display,
And the great Deeds of Blenheim's glorious Day
Down all the Ebb of Time to Men unborn convey.
Next shew the Hero on Ramilla's Plain,
And deathless Laurels won that great Campaign:
The Valour shown at Oudenard repeat,
The Briton's Triumphs and the Gaul's Defeat.
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That wrested from the Foe his darling Lisle,
In passing Scalda's Flood th' acquir'd Renown,
Brussella sav'd, and Ganda's vanquish'd Town.
The Angles of the Pedestal you'll grace
With Figures proper to adorn each Place;
Chuse of the following, which shall please you best,
If by the Loom all cannot be exprest.
With Figures proper to adorn each Place;
Chuse of the following, which shall please you best,
If by the Loom all cannot be exprest.
Chain'd Tyranny expose, delineate well
The odious Features of that Fiend of Hell.
When you this Figure horrible design,
All Lybia's Plagues, and Scythia's Terrors joyn.
Give to her Eyes a red malignant Glare,
And let the Monster's threefold Head, for Hair
Black Curls of pois'nous, hissing Vipers wear,
Which full of Rage their crested Necks erect,
And forked Deaths with cloven Tongues eject:
Give her the surest Weapons to destroy
Which savage Beasts and rav'ning Birds employ;
The Dragon's Teeth, the Alligator's Jaws,
The Eagle's Pounces, and the Lion's Paws.
Distend her hideous Belly with a Load
Of Limbs devour'd, and Seas of guiltless Blood.
The Poets, who in Arms their Pallas drest,
Had in their Fiction greater Art exprest,
If in her fatal Shield they had display'd
Fierce Tyranny's, and not the Gorgon's Head.
The odious Features of that Fiend of Hell.
When you this Figure horrible design,
All Lybia's Plagues, and Scythia's Terrors joyn.
Give to her Eyes a red malignant Glare,
And let the Monster's threefold Head, for Hair
Black Curls of pois'nous, hissing Vipers wear,
Which full of Rage their crested Necks erect,
And forked Deaths with cloven Tongues eject:
72
Which savage Beasts and rav'ning Birds employ;
The Dragon's Teeth, the Alligator's Jaws,
The Eagle's Pounces, and the Lion's Paws.
Distend her hideous Belly with a Load
Of Limbs devour'd, and Seas of guiltless Blood.
The Poets, who in Arms their Pallas drest,
Had in their Fiction greater Art exprest,
If in her fatal Shield they had display'd
Fierce Tyranny's, and not the Gorgon's Head.
On the next Corner with ingenious Pains
Show vanquish'd Envy bound with brazen Chains:
Let her Lean Face Infernal Features wear,
A spleenful Aspect and a scornful Air;
With its last Dregs let a dark Jaundice taint
Her hateful Skin and loathsome Visage paint.
Make her fierce Eyes, like livid Flames of Hell,
Burn bloodshot in their Urns, and backward dwell
Deep in their Caves, like Furies in their Cell.
Let her with endless self-tormenting Care,
Gnaw her own Heart, and her own Bowels tear.
Shew how her Jaws her meagre Limbs devour;
Green Floods of Hemlock Gaul and Wormwood pour
Down her wide Throat, to poison every Vein,
Inflame her Bosom, and distract her Brain.
Shew with what Rage the Captive Fury views
The spreading Laurels on the Victor's Brows,
While she as pale and hideous as Despair,
Gnashes her Teeth, and grasps her snaky Hair.
Show vanquish'd Envy bound with brazen Chains:
Let her Lean Face Infernal Features wear,
A spleenful Aspect and a scornful Air;
With its last Dregs let a dark Jaundice taint
Her hateful Skin and loathsome Visage paint.
Make her fierce Eyes, like livid Flames of Hell,
Burn bloodshot in their Urns, and backward dwell
Deep in their Caves, like Furies in their Cell.
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Gnaw her own Heart, and her own Bowels tear.
Shew how her Jaws her meagre Limbs devour;
Green Floods of Hemlock Gaul and Wormwood pour
Down her wide Throat, to poison every Vein,
Inflame her Bosom, and distract her Brain.
Shew with what Rage the Captive Fury views
The spreading Laurels on the Victor's Brows,
While she as pale and hideous as Despair,
Gnashes her Teeth, and grasps her snaky Hair.
Next on the Base Dissimulation bind
A mild and courteous, but an odious Fiend;
Who labours most to win us to believe
Her Oaths unfeign'd, when most she would deceive.
Give her an honest Mien, an Aspect free
From Affectation and Hypocrisy;
Well imitated Truth, and Eyes sincere
Oft dropping, when she vows, a faithless Tear.
Express her artful Smiles, that hide the Art,
And friendly Manners, that ensnare the Heart.
In her Right Hand a Monarch's Sceptre place,
And her long Robe of State with Lillies grace
Torn Treaties interweave, and solemn Leagues
Broke or eluded by refin'd Intreagues.
A mild and courteous, but an odious Fiend;
Who labours most to win us to believe
Her Oaths unfeign'd, when most she would deceive.
Give her an honest Mien, an Aspect free
From Affectation and Hypocrisy;
Well imitated Truth, and Eyes sincere
Oft dropping, when she vows, a faithless Tear.
74
And friendly Manners, that ensnare the Heart.
In her Right Hand a Monarch's Sceptre place,
And her long Robe of State with Lillies grace
Torn Treaties interweave, and solemn Leagues
Broke or eluded by refin'd Intreagues.
Express Ambition next in Fetters bound,
Sunk from her Height, and grov'ling on the Ground
Let thwarted Pride sit sullen on her Brow,
And Indignation in her Eye-balls glow.
Let anxious Looks her inward Care attest,
And prove that deep Designs employ her Breast;
That warring Passions strive within for vent,
Cruel Revenge and haughty Discontent;
Passions, that still the Fury wakeful keep,
Fierce as the Winds, and restless as the Deep.
Sunk from her Height, and grov'ling on the Ground
Let thwarted Pride sit sullen on her Brow,
And Indignation in her Eye-balls glow.
Let anxious Looks her inward Care attest,
And prove that deep Designs employ her Breast;
That warring Passions strive within for vent,
Cruel Revenge and haughty Discontent;
Passions, that still the Fury wakeful keep,
Fierce as the Winds, and restless as the Deep.
In some sit Place let pleas'd Spectators see
The proud Remains of ruin'd Dignity,
Rich Purple Robes polluted, broken Crowns,
Fragments of Scepters, and subverted Thrones,
Sad Wrecks of Pow'r, which on th' Aspiring wait
In troubled Empires and in Storms of State:
Her adverse Fate reluctant let her bear,
Her Fetters spurn, her Limbs in Anguish tear,
And rave to find her Pomp and Pride depress'd,
Her Foes exalted, and her Friends distress'd,
While she compell'd must Spoils immense restore,
Acquir'd by Fraud, or grasp'd by greedy Pow'r,
Contract her Frontier, all her Slaves release,
And beg the Conqu'ror to prescribe a Peace.
The proud Remains of ruin'd Dignity,
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Fragments of Scepters, and subverted Thrones,
Sad Wrecks of Pow'r, which on th' Aspiring wait
In troubled Empires and in Storms of State:
Her adverse Fate reluctant let her bear,
Her Fetters spurn, her Limbs in Anguish tear,
And rave to find her Pomp and Pride depress'd,
Her Foes exalted, and her Friends distress'd,
While she compell'd must Spoils immense restore,
Acquir'd by Fraud, or grasp'd by greedy Pow'r,
Contract her Frontier, all her Slaves release,
And beg the Conqu'ror to prescribe a Peace.
77
A SATYRE UPON WIT.
79
And see his native Land undone by Wit?
Boast not, Britannia, of thy happy Peace,
What if Campaigns and Sea Engagements cease,
Wit, a worse Plague, does mightily encrease:
Some monstrous Crimes to Ages past unknown,
Must sure have pull'd this heavy Judgment down;
80
And threaten Ruin more than foreign Arms:
O'er all the Land the hungry Locusts spread,
Gnaw every Plant, taint every flow'ry Bed,
And crop each budding Vertue's tender Head.
How happy were the old unpolish'd Times,
As free from Wit as other modern Crimes;
As our Forefathers vig'rous were, and brave,
So they were vertuous, wise, discreet and grave,
And did alike detest the Wit and Knave.
For Wits and Fools they justly thought the same,
And Jester was for both the common Name.
Their Minds for Empire form'd, did long retain
Their noble Roughness, and soft Arts disdain;
For Business born, and bred to martial Toil,
They rais'd the Glory of Britannia's Isle,
Which then her dreadful Ensigns did advance,
To curb Iberia, and to conquer France.
81
Are sunk to Wits, and their great Stock debase:
Learning and Sense decay, while Jest is grown
The Conversation of the laughing Town,
Where manly Virtues, which we once could boast,
Unnerv'd by Mirth and Levity, are lost.
So far this Plague prevails, I fear, in vain
We now attempt its Progress to restrain;
It takes Men in the Head, and in the Fit
They loose their Senses, and are gone in Wit:
By various Ways their Frenzy they express,
Some with vile Lines run haring to the Press,
In Leudness some are Wits, and some in Dress.
Some seiz'd, like Graver, with Convulsions strain
Always to say fine Things, but strive in vain,
Urg'd with a dry Tenesmus of the Brain.
Had but the People, scar'd with Danger, run
To shut up Will's, where this sore Plague begun,
82
Straight to Moorfields, the Pest-House for the Head,
The wild Contagion might have been supprest,
Some few had fall'n, but we had sav'd the rest,
An Act like this had been a good Defence
Against our great Mortality of Sense;
But now the Poison spreads, the Bills run high,
At the last Gasp of Sense Ten Thousand lie.
We meet fine Youth in every House and Street,
With all the mortal Tokens out of Wit.
Vannine, that look'd on all the Danger past,
Because he 'scap'd so long, is seiz'd at last;
By Pox, and Hunger, and by D---n bit,
He Grins and Snarls, and in his dogged Fit
Froths at the Mouth, a certain Sign of Wit.
Craper runs madly 'midst the sickest Crowd,
And fain would be infected if he could;
83
Is very Leud, and do's at Learning rage;
Yet happily his Care and Pains are lost,
By his Athletick Constitution crost:
Against th' Assaults of Wit his Make is Proof,
Still his strong Nature works the Poison off;
He still escapes, but yet is wond'rous pleas'd
Jests to recite, and to be thought diseas'd.
So Hypocrites in Sin, in this vile Town,
Boastful pretend to Vices not their own.
Since this vain Humour has the Realm possest,
And sober Heads are grown a standing Jest;
Men arm'd with Pow'r should this light Spirit hate,
That saps the Church, and undermines the State.
What Throne is safe, what Government can last,
When impious Wits have laid all Vertue waste?
While Wisdom fails, and Probity decays,
In vain we beat our Heads for Means and Ways.
84
With Jests and Noise they bear all Reason down;
Subvert Divine Religion's envy'd Fence,
Set up loose Wit, and pull down common Sense.
Our Libraries they gut, and shouting bear
The Spoils of ruin'd Churches in the Air.
Their Captain Tom do's at their Head appear,
And S---d in his Gown brings up the Rear.
Aloud the Church and Clergy they condemn,
Curse all their Order, and their God blaspheme.
Against all Springs of Learning they declare,
Against Religion's Nurseries, and swear
They'll of the Schools not One Supporter spare.
But chief the Crew affirm by all that's good,
They'll ne'er disperse till they have B---ly's Blood
For that ill-natur'd Critick has undone
The finest Piece of Wit, that has been shown:
Till his rude Strokes had thresh'd the empty Sheaf
We thought there had been something else than Chaff:
85
And round him lie the Spoils of ruin'd Wits:
How great a Man! what Rev'rence were his due,
Could he suppress the Critick's Fastus too?
As certain Words will Lunaticks enrage,
Who did before appear sedate and sage,
So do but Lock, or Books, or Newton name,
The Wit's in clammy Sweats, or in a Flame.
Horror and Shame! what would the Madmen have?
They dig up learned Bernard's peaceful Grave;
The sacred Urn of the fam'd Stilling fleet,
We see prophan'd by the leud Sons of Wit.
The skillful Ty---n's Name they dare invade,
And yet they are undone without his Aid;
Learning they next to Vertue most abhor,
Laugh at Discretion, but at Business more:
For a loose Wit's an Idle Fool of Parts,
That hates all Liberal and Mechanick Arts.
86
Before to Action or to Arts inclin'd.
How mean a Trifler is a saunt'ring Wit,
Only to please with Jests at Dinner fit?
What hopeful Youths for Bar and Bench design'd,
Seduc'd by this light Vein have Cooke declin'd?
For what has Wit to do with Sense or Law?
Can that in Titles find or mend a Flaw?
Can that supply great T---by's nervous Sense,
Or S---r's more than Roman Eloquence?
The Law will ne'er support this jesting Breed,
There Blockheads may, but Wits can ne'er succeed.
Thy Learning G---ns, and thy Judgment H---w
Make you in envy'd Reputation grow:
Had you been Wits, you had been both secure
From Business, and for Satyre too obscure,
Ill-natur'd, arrogant and very poor,
87
From threaten'd Death, will bless you all their Days,
And spend the Breath you sav'd in just and lasting Praise.
Had not this merry Sickness of the Head,
This Plague in Fashion o'er the Nation spread,
Proud of her Sons, Britannia might have seen
Vast Numbers more of great and generous Men.
She had not lost a Senator in M---l,
Nor a fine Scholar in the hopeful B---l:
Now, since his foolish Rhymes, both Friends and Foes
Conclude they know, who did not write his Prose.
Wit do's our Schools and Colleges invade,
And has of Letters vast Destruction made;
Has laid the Muses choicest Gardens waste,
Broke their Inclosures, and their Groves defac'd.
We strive in Jests each other to exceed,
And shall e'er long forget to write or read.
88
Make our deficient Sense and Learning good,
All Hope will be extinguish'd; for the Debt
By this loose Age contracted is so great,
To set the Muses Mortgag'd Acres free,
Our Bankrupt Sons must sell outright the Fee.
The present Age has all their Treasure spent,
They can't the Int'rest pay at Five per Cent.
Ye noble Patrons, who Parnassus sway,
Whom all the Muses tuneful Sons obey,
Are in your Service and receive your pay,
Exert your Soveraign Pow'r, in Judgment sit
To regulate the Nation's Grievance, Wit;
Pity the cheated Folks, that ev'ry Day
For Copper Jests good Sterling Silver pay:
If once the Muses Chequer would deny
To take false Wit, 'twould lose its Currency;
Not a base Piece would pass, that pass'd before,
Just wash'd with Sense, or thinly plated o'er.
Their several Friends to cry the Actions up,
And all the railing Mouths of Envy stop.
Ye Lords, who o'er the Muses Realm preside,
Whom all the Muses tuneful Sons obey,
Are in your Service and receive your pay,
Exert your Soveraign Pow'r, in Judgment sit
To regulate the Nation's Grievance, Wit;
Pity the cheated Folks, that ev'ry Day
For Copper Jests good Sterling Silver pay:
If once the Muses Chequer would deny
To take false Wit, 'twould lose its Currency;
Not a base Piece would pass, that pass'd before,
Just wash'd with Sense, or thinly plated o'er.
89
Set forth your Edict, let it be enjoyn'd,
That all defective Species be recoyn'd:
R---r and E---r---t are Judges fit
To oversee the Stamping of our Wit.
Let these be made the Masters of Essay,
For they will every Piece of Metal weigh,
And tell which is too light, or has too much Allay.
'Tis true, that when the coarse and worthless Dross
Is purg'd away, there will be mighty Loss.
Ev'n C---e, S---n, manly W---ly,
When thus refin'd, will grievous Suff'rers be.
Into the Melting-Pot, when D---n comes,
What horrid Stench will rise, what noisome Fumes?
How will he shrink, when all his leud Allay
And wicked Mixture shall be purg'd away?
The Men who D---s melt, and think to find
A goodly Mass of Bullion left behind,
Copy the Hibernian Wit, who, as 'tis told,
Burnt his gilt Leather to collect the Gold.
That all defective Species be recoyn'd:
R---r and E---r---t are Judges fit
To oversee the Stamping of our Wit.
Let these be made the Masters of Essay,
For they will every Piece of Metal weigh,
And tell which is too light, or has too much Allay.
'Tis true, that when the coarse and worthless Dross
Is purg'd away, there will be mighty Loss.
Ev'n C---e, S---n, manly W---ly,
When thus refin'd, will grievous Suff'rers be.
Into the Melting-Pot, when D---n comes,
What horrid Stench will rise, what noisome Fumes?
How will he shrink, when all his leud Allay
And wicked Mixture shall be purg'd away?
The Men who D---s melt, and think to find
A goodly Mass of Bullion left behind,
90
Burnt his gilt Leather to collect the Gold.
But when our Wit's call'd in, what will remain
The Muses learned Commerce to maintain?
How pensive will our Beaus and Ladies sit?
They'll mutiny for want of ready Wit.
That such a Failure no Man may incense,
Let us erect a Bank of Sterling Sense;
A Bank, whose current Bills may Payment make,
Till new-mill'd Wit shall from the Mint come back.
The Muses learned Commerce to maintain?
How pensive will our Beaus and Ladies sit?
They'll mutiny for want of ready Wit.
That such a Failure no Man may incense,
Let us erect a Bank of Sterling Sense;
A Bank, whose current Bills may Payment make,
Till new-mill'd Wit shall from the Mint come back.
Let S---er, D---set, Sh---ld, M---gue,
Lend their great Names, the Project then will do.
The Bank is fix'd, if these will underwrite,
Who pay the vastest Sums of Wit at Sight.
These are good Men, in whom we all agree,
Their Notes for Wit are good Security;
Duncombs and Claytons in Parnassus all,
Who cannot sink, unless the Hill should fall.
Their Bills, tho' ne'er supported by Trustees,
Will thro' Parnassus, circulate with Ease:
If these come in, the Bank will quickly fill,
All will be scrambling up Parnassus Hill;
They'll crowd the Muses Hall, and throng to write
Great Sums of Wit, and will be Gainers by't.
Lend their great Names, the Project then will do.
The Bank is fix'd, if these will underwrite,
Who pay the vastest Sums of Wit at Sight.
These are good Men, in whom we all agree,
Their Notes for Wit are good Security;
Duncombs and Claytons in Parnassus all,
Who cannot sink, unless the Hill should fall.
91
Will thro' Parnassus, circulate with Ease:
If these come in, the Bank will quickly fill,
All will be scrambling up Parnassus Hill;
They'll crowd the Muses Hall, and throng to write
Great Sums of Wit, and will be Gainers by't.
V---e and C---e both are wealthy, they
Have Funds of Standard Sense, need no Allay,
And yet mix'd Metal oft they pass away.
The Bank may safely their Subscriptions take,
But let 'em for their Reputation Sake,
Take care their Payments they in Sterling make.
Have Funds of Standard Sense, need no Allay,
And yet mix'd Metal oft they pass away.
The Bank may safely their Subscriptions take,
But let 'em for their Reputation Sake,
Take care their Payments they in Sterling make.
Codron will underwrite his Indian Wit,
Far fetch'd indeed, so 'twill the Ladies fit:
By hearsay he's a Scholar, and they say
The Man's a sort of Wit too in his Way.
Far fetch'd indeed, so 'twill the Ladies fit:
By hearsay he's a Scholar, and they say
The Man's a sort of Wit too in his Way.
92
Let 'em receive whatever P---r brings,
In Lyrick Strains no finer Genius sings;
'Tis Complaisance when to divert his Friends
He to facetious Fancies condescends.
In Lyrick Strains no finer Genius sings;
'Tis Complaisance when to divert his Friends
He to facetious Fancies condescends.
T---e will subscribe, but set no Payment-Day;
For his slow Muse you must with Patience stay,
He's honest, and as Wit comes in will pay.
For his slow Muse you must with Patience stay,
He's honest, and as Wit comes in will pay.
The Bank, when thus establish'd, will supply
Small Places for the little loit'ring Fry,
That follow G---, or at Will Ur---'s ply.
Their Station will be low, but ne'er the less
For this Provision they should Thanks express,
'Tis sad to be a Wit and Dinnerless.
Small Places for the little loit'ring Fry,
That follow G---, or at Will Ur---'s ply.
Their Station will be low, but ne'er the less
For this Provision they should Thanks express,
'Tis sad to be a Wit and Dinnerless.
T---n the great Wit-Jobber of the Age,
And all the Muses Brokers will engage
And all the Muses Brokers will engage
93
And all the railing Mouths of Envy stop.
Their Interests manage, and their Empire guide;
Regard your Care, regard the Sacred State,
Laid by Invaders waste and desolate.
Tartars, and Schythians, have in barb'rous Bands
Rifled the Muses, and o'er-run their Lands.
The Native Subjects, who in Peace enjoy'd
The happy Seat, are by the Foe destroy'd.
Gardens and Groves, Parnassus did adorn,
Condemn'd to Thistles now, and curst with Thorn;
Instead of Flowers and Herbs of wholesome Use,
The Beds rank Weeds and pois'nous Plants produce,
Fitter to be for Witches a Retreat,
Owls, Satyres, Monkeys, than the Muses Seat;
Who since debauch'd by D---n and his Crew,
Turn Bawds to Vice, and wicked Aims pursue.
94
That may this wild licentious Course restrain;
To Vertue and to Merit have regard,
To Punish learn, you know how to Reward.
Let those Correction have and not Applause,
That Heav'n affront, and ridicule its Laws.
No sober Judge will Atheism e'er permit
To pass for Sense, or Blasphemy for Wit.
Declare that what's Obscene shall give Offence;
Let Want of Decency be Want of Sense.
Send out your Guards to scow'r the Ways, and seize
The Footpads, Outlaws, Rogues and Rapparees,
That in the Muses Country rob and kill,
And make Parnassus worse than Shooter's Hill.
The strictest Justice should on these be shown,
Or Schools of Learning soon must be undone.
For now a vertuous Pen scarce peeps Abroad,
And all chaste Muses dread the dangerous Road.
95
Should filch and petty Larceny commit;
If he should rifle Books, and Pilferer turn,
An Inch beside the Nose the Felon burn;
Let him distinguish'd by this Mark appear,
And in his Cheek a plain Signetur wear.
Chastise the Poets, who our Laws invade,
And hold with France for Wit an Owling Trade:
Felonious G--- pursuing this Design,
Smuggles French Wit, as Merchants Silks and Wine;
But let his Suff'rings doubly be severe,
For he both steals it there, and runs it here.
Condemn all those, who 'gainst the Muses Laws,
Solicite Votes and canvass for Applause.
When Torman writes, he rattles up and down,
And makes what Friends he can, to make the Town.
By Noise and Violence they force a Name,
For this leud Town has Setters too for Fame.
96
But he acquires most Fame, that makes most Friends.
In Panegyrick let it be a Rule,
That for his Sense, none praise a wealthy Fool.
D---n condemn, who taught Men how to make
Of Dunces Wits, an Angel of a Rake.
By Treats and Gifts, our Youth may now commence,
Wits without Brains, and Scholars without Sense.
They cry up Darfel for his Parts; to treat
Let Darfel cease, and they their Words will eat.
Great Atticus himself these Men would curse,
Should Atticus appear without his Purse.
Of any Price you may bespeak a Name,
For Characters they cut, and Retail Fame;
Bounty's the Measure of a Patron's Mind,
For they have still most Brains, that prove most kind.
Fame on great Men's a Charge, that still goes on;
For Wits, like Scriv'ners, take for Pro and Con.
97
With Spartan Judgment, and Athenian Wit.
Those, who by Satyre would reform the Town,
Should have some little Merit of their own,
And not be Rakes themselves below Lampoon.
For all their Libels Panegyricks are,
They're still read backward, like a Witch's Pray'r.
Ell---t's Reproofs, who do's not make his Sport?
Who'll e'er repent that S---d do's exhort?
Therefore let Satyre Writers be supprest,
Or be reform'd by cautious D---set's Test.
'Tis only D---set's Judgment can command
Wit, the worst Weapon in a Madman's Hand.
The biting Things by that great Master said,
Flow from rich Sense, but theirs from want of Bread,
To lash our Faults and Follies is his Aim,
Theirs is true Worth and Vertue to defame:
In D---set Wit (and therefore still 'twill please)
Is Constitution, but in them Disease.
98
That in your Service have their Vigour spent.
They should have Pensions from the Muses State
Too old to write, too feeble to translate.
But let the lusty Beggar-Wits, that lurk
About the Hill, be seiz'd and set to work.
Besides some Youths Debauches will commit,
And surfeit by their undigested Wit:
Th' intoxicating Draught they cannot bear,
Their Heads grow giddy e'er they are aware;
Weak Brothers, by Excesses it appears,
Have oft been laid up Months, and some whole Years
That neither Sick nor Poor you may neglect,
For all the Muses Invalids, erect
An Hospital upon Parnassus Hill,
And settle Doctors there, of Worth and Skill.
This Town can Numbers for your Service spare.
That live obscure, and of Success despair:
99
And Jests upon his own Profession spread,
And with good Reason, 'twill not find him Bread.
And some such Doctors sure you may perswade
To labour at th' Apothecary's Trade;
They'll make up Medicines, at the Mortar sweat,
And out of pounded Drugs their Dinner beat.
101
THE KIT-CATS. A POEM.
Tantæ molis erat------
102
[_]
Advertisement.
This
Poem was writ some Years ago,
as the Reader will perceive, and not
design'd for the Press. But the Author having
unwarily let a Copy of it go out of his Hands,
which he has not been able to recover, has at
length thought fit to make it publick, having Reason
to believe it will otherwise come Abroad, by
Means of the Copy before-mention'd.
103
I sing th' Assembly's Rise, Encrease and Fame,
That condescends to honour Kit-Cats Name,
Whose Pride, like thine, O Rome, from small Beginnings came.
Oh, Thou, who Chief art to the Muses dear,
Whom Poets court, and Statesmen love or fear;
Who with an uncontroul'd despotick Sway,
Do'st still new Burdens on thy Subjects lay;
That tax'd by Thee, with less Reluctance bear
The Charge of Cæsar's, than of Anna's War,
And reeking in thy own and Roman Sweat
Dost ancient Conquests o'er the French Repeat;
Do Thou, great Bocai, smooth thy spacious Brow,
And one kind Smile on my Attempt bestow.
For Thou, whose fertile Genius do's abound
With noble Projects, did'st this Order found,
And still do'st cherish, cultivate and guide
Thy humble Creature, and with decent Pride
Do'st, like the God of Wine, the Kit-Cat State bestride.
Gracious appear, as when thou mount'st thy Seat
High in the great Assembly to create
Some Peer a Member of the Kit-Cat State.
Or when, Apollo like, thou'rt pleas'd to lead
Thy Sons to Feast on Hampstead's airy Head;
Hampstead, that tow'ring in superior Sky
Now with Parnassus do's in Honour vie.
That condescends to honour Kit-Cats Name,
Whose Pride, like thine, O Rome, from small Beginnings came.
Oh, Thou, who Chief art to the Muses dear,
Whom Poets court, and Statesmen love or fear;
Who with an uncontroul'd despotick Sway,
Do'st still new Burdens on thy Subjects lay;
104
The Charge of Cæsar's, than of Anna's War,
And reeking in thy own and Roman Sweat
Dost ancient Conquests o'er the French Repeat;
Do Thou, great Bocai, smooth thy spacious Brow,
And one kind Smile on my Attempt bestow.
For Thou, whose fertile Genius do's abound
With noble Projects, did'st this Order found,
And still do'st cherish, cultivate and guide
Thy humble Creature, and with decent Pride
Do'st, like the God of Wine, the Kit-Cat State bestride.
Gracious appear, as when thou mount'st thy Seat
High in the great Assembly to create
Some Peer a Member of the Kit-Cat State.
Or when, Apollo like, thou'rt pleas'd to lead
Thy Sons to Feast on Hampstead's airy Head;
Hampstead, that tow'ring in superior Sky
Now with Parnassus do's in Honour vie.
105
When warlike William, Albion's Scepter sway'd,
Succour'd th' Opprest, th' Oppressor's Progress staid,
And of Europa's Peace the blest Foundations laid,
Illustrious Deeds were still the Hero's Aim,
He follow'd Danger, as he flew from Fame;
A Thousand Ills he bore in Albion's Cause,
Patient of every Suff'ring, but Applause.
Reverse of Lewis, he (Example rare!)
Lov'd to deserve the Praise, he could not bear;
He shun'd the Acclamations of the Throng,
And always coldly heard the Poet's Song.
Hence the great King the Muses did neglect,
And the meer Poet met with small Respect.
But tho' the Muses and their tuneful Train,
In this fam'd Monarch's Military Reign,
Had of the Royal Favour little Share,
Still they were kinder Bocai's tender Care.
He still caress'd the unregarded Tribe,
And did to all their various Tasks prescribe;
From whence to Both great Acquisitions came,
To him the Profit, and to them the Fame.
Succour'd th' Opprest, th' Oppressor's Progress staid,
And of Europa's Peace the blest Foundations laid,
Illustrious Deeds were still the Hero's Aim,
He follow'd Danger, as he flew from Fame;
A Thousand Ills he bore in Albion's Cause,
Patient of every Suff'ring, but Applause.
Reverse of Lewis, he (Example rare!)
Lov'd to deserve the Praise, he could not bear;
He shun'd the Acclamations of the Throng,
And always coldly heard the Poet's Song.
Hence the great King the Muses did neglect,
And the meer Poet met with small Respect.
But tho' the Muses and their tuneful Train,
In this fam'd Monarch's Military Reign,
Had of the Royal Favour little Share,
Still they were kinder Bocai's tender Care.
He still caress'd the unregarded Tribe,
And did to all their various Tasks prescribe;
106
To him the Profit, and to them the Fame.
On the fair Strand, by which with graceful Pride
Unrival'd Thames rolls his alternate Tide.
Between the Courts, which most the People awe
(In One the Monarch reigns, in One the Law)
A stately Building reer'd its lofty Head,
Which both the Thames and Town around survey'd;
Here crown'd with Clusters, Bacchus kept his Court,
Where mighty Vats his chearful Throne support;
High o'er the Gate he hung his waving Sign,
A Fountain red with ever-flowing Wine.
Here Politicians use to recreate
Their Lungs exhausted with their long Debate
In sett'ling or perplexing Points of State.
In Pleasure here they pass the waning Night,
And the hard Labours of the Day recite:
They tell how bravely Artop Silence broke,
And how much like an Angel Oran spoke.
How some Young Orators new come from School
Mounted the Rope, and danc'd without a Pole:
What wretched Speeches t'other Party made,
How weak and how insipid Things were said
By all their Leading Men; but by their own
What Miracles of Eloquence were shown,
What Flames of Fire, what Thunderbolts were thrown.
How all their Speakers but of middle Name,
Surpass'd the Grecian and the Roman Fame.
They tell with how much Negligence of Art,
With how sincere an Air and open Heart,
The prudent Prolocutor plaid his Part.
Th' elated Victors of their Conquest boast,
And triumph at the vanquish'd Party's Cost,
And tell how down they look'd, the Question lost.
Unrival'd Thames rolls his alternate Tide.
Between the Courts, which most the People awe
(In One the Monarch reigns, in One the Law)
A stately Building reer'd its lofty Head,
Which both the Thames and Town around survey'd;
Here crown'd with Clusters, Bacchus kept his Court,
Where mighty Vats his chearful Throne support;
High o'er the Gate he hung his waving Sign,
A Fountain red with ever-flowing Wine.
Here Politicians use to recreate
Their Lungs exhausted with their long Debate
In sett'ling or perplexing Points of State.
In Pleasure here they pass the waning Night,
And the hard Labours of the Day recite:
They tell how bravely Artop Silence broke,
And how much like an Angel Oran spoke.
107
Mounted the Rope, and danc'd without a Pole:
What wretched Speeches t'other Party made,
How weak and how insipid Things were said
By all their Leading Men; but by their own
What Miracles of Eloquence were shown,
What Flames of Fire, what Thunderbolts were thrown.
How all their Speakers but of middle Name,
Surpass'd the Grecian and the Roman Fame.
They tell with how much Negligence of Art,
With how sincere an Air and open Heart,
The prudent Prolocutor plaid his Part.
Th' elated Victors of their Conquest boast,
And triumph at the vanquish'd Party's Cost,
And tell how down they look'd, the Question lost.
One Night in Sev'n, at this convenient Seat,
Indulgent Bocai did the Muses treat,
Their Drink was gen'rous Wine, and Kit-Cat's Pies their Meat.
Here he assembled his Poetick Tribe,
Past Labours to reward, and new prescribe:
Hence did the Assembly's Title first arise,
And Kit-Cat Wits sprung first from Kit-Cat's Pies.
Bocai, the mighty Founder of the State,
Led by his Wisdom, or his happy Fate,
Chose proper Pillars to support its Weight.
All the first Members for their Place were fit,
Tho' not of Title, Men of Sense and Wit:
While Kit-Cats by their Discipline secure
Preserv'd their well-fram'd Constitution pure,
Soon from this warm well-cultivated Bed,
Letters came forward, Sense began to spread,
And Wit shot up apace its thriving Head.
The languid Muses now new Life acquire,
And every Genius feels its Native Fire:
The cheerful Bards their weekly Works rehearse,
And noble Subjects sing in noble Verse.
No sweeter Lays, nor more exalted Strains
E'er blest Parnassus, or th' Arcadian Plains;
The tuneful Tribe with Praise each other crown,
And Bocai with a Nod approves Apollo's Son.
Old Thames, while list'ning to the Poet's Song,
In ling'ring Volumes slowly crept along;
But soon the Flood, that with Reluctance past,
To hear the charming Lays return'd in haste.
Their Conversation fed their mutual Fame,
And made the Bards at Flights much higher Aim:
For Men of Wit, do Men of Wit inspire,
And Emulation strikes out nobler Fire.
Indulgent Bocai did the Muses treat,
Their Drink was gen'rous Wine, and Kit-Cat's Pies their Meat.
108
Past Labours to reward, and new prescribe:
Hence did the Assembly's Title first arise,
And Kit-Cat Wits sprung first from Kit-Cat's Pies.
Bocai, the mighty Founder of the State,
Led by his Wisdom, or his happy Fate,
Chose proper Pillars to support its Weight.
All the first Members for their Place were fit,
Tho' not of Title, Men of Sense and Wit:
While Kit-Cats by their Discipline secure
Preserv'd their well-fram'd Constitution pure,
Soon from this warm well-cultivated Bed,
Letters came forward, Sense began to spread,
And Wit shot up apace its thriving Head.
The languid Muses now new Life acquire,
And every Genius feels its Native Fire:
The cheerful Bards their weekly Works rehearse,
And noble Subjects sing in noble Verse.
No sweeter Lays, nor more exalted Strains
E'er blest Parnassus, or th' Arcadian Plains;
109
And Bocai with a Nod approves Apollo's Son.
Old Thames, while list'ning to the Poet's Song,
In ling'ring Volumes slowly crept along;
But soon the Flood, that with Reluctance past,
To hear the charming Lays return'd in haste.
Their Conversation fed their mutual Fame,
And made the Bards at Flights much higher Aim:
For Men of Wit, do Men of Wit inspire,
And Emulation strikes out nobler Fire.
Mean Time, these Sons of Wit advanc'd their Name,
And fair Augusta rang with Kit-Cat Fame.
Their brighter Beams eclips'd the fading Toast,
That long before unrivall'd rul'd the Roast.
Now Crowds to Founder Bocai did resort,
And for his Favour humbly made their Court.
The little Wits attended at his Gate,
And Men of Title did his Levee wait;
For he, as Soveraign by Prerogative,
Old Members did exclude, and new receive.
He judg'd who most were for the Order fit,
And Chapters held to make new Knights of Wit.
And fair Augusta rang with Kit-Cat Fame.
Their brighter Beams eclips'd the fading Toast,
That long before unrivall'd rul'd the Roast.
Now Crowds to Founder Bocai did resort,
And for his Favour humbly made their Court.
The little Wits attended at his Gate,
And Men of Title did his Levee wait;
110
Old Members did exclude, and new receive.
He judg'd who most were for the Order fit,
And Chapters held to make new Knights of Wit.
While Kit-Cats thus to their first Maxims true,
Not of high Station, and in Number few,
Did Wit's just Rights and Interests pursue,
They were by All esteem'd, by All carest,
The Town's Delight, the Life of ev'ry Feast;
If not a Kit-Cat Wit or Two were there,
Flat was the Wine, and tastless was the Cheer;
To such a Height so soon their Credit rose,
And such great Men their Order did compose;
But who can flourish long and raise no envious Foes?
As when new States industrious, frugal, wise,
Advancing swift to Strength and Wealth arise,
The Realms around are jealous of their Pow'r,
Suspect and fear those they despis'd before:
Great Potentates each other's Court alarm,
And to suppress the growing Neighbour arm.
So here the Foes of Wit soon Umbrage took,
And did with Envy on the Kit-Cat look.
The numerous Species of the Blockhead Race,
Which the Long Robe, Camp, Gown and Court disgrace,
With all the vast Variety of Fools
Of Mother-Nonsence, or improv'd in Schools,
The Noisy and Impertinent, and all
The Fops and Pedants, all the whimsical,
Half-craz'd, half-witted, of the R---ff Kind,
Against the rising Kit-Cat State combin'd.
O, Bocai! all these mighty Clans rebell'd
Against thy Throne, by Sense and Wit upheld.
Their envious Tongues thy Government defam'd,
And loud against thy spreading Fame exclaim'd.
For they assert the Privilege to play
The Fool or Madman in their proper Way;
These Sons of Liberty will ne'er endure
The Tyranny of Sense, or Vertue's Foreign Pow'r.
Not of high Station, and in Number few,
Did Wit's just Rights and Interests pursue,
They were by All esteem'd, by All carest,
The Town's Delight, the Life of ev'ry Feast;
If not a Kit-Cat Wit or Two were there,
Flat was the Wine, and tastless was the Cheer;
To such a Height so soon their Credit rose,
And such great Men their Order did compose;
But who can flourish long and raise no envious Foes?
As when new States industrious, frugal, wise,
Advancing swift to Strength and Wealth arise,
The Realms around are jealous of their Pow'r,
Suspect and fear those they despis'd before:
111
And to suppress the growing Neighbour arm.
So here the Foes of Wit soon Umbrage took,
And did with Envy on the Kit-Cat look.
The numerous Species of the Blockhead Race,
Which the Long Robe, Camp, Gown and Court disgrace,
With all the vast Variety of Fools
Of Mother-Nonsence, or improv'd in Schools,
The Noisy and Impertinent, and all
The Fops and Pedants, all the whimsical,
Half-craz'd, half-witted, of the R---ff Kind,
Against the rising Kit-Cat State combin'd.
O, Bocai! all these mighty Clans rebell'd
Against thy Throne, by Sense and Wit upheld.
Their envious Tongues thy Government defam'd,
And loud against thy spreading Fame exclaim'd.
For they assert the Privilege to play
The Fool or Madman in their proper Way;
These Sons of Liberty will ne'er endure
The Tyranny of Sense, or Vertue's Foreign Pow'r.
112
But they in vain the Kit-Cat State assail'd,
Their ill-laid Plots and bung'ling Malice fail'd.
Fix'd on a Rock, great Bocai's Throne withstood
Confed'rate Fops, and Folly's confluent Flood.
Resisted thus, his Reputation rose;
For all wise Men esteem, what Fools oppose:
Their Leaders raving, that from each Attack
With mighty Loss their Troops were beaten back,
Resolv'd in Council on a wise Design,
What all their Force repell'd to undermine.
Their ill-laid Plots and bung'ling Malice fail'd.
Fix'd on a Rock, great Bocai's Throne withstood
Confed'rate Fops, and Folly's confluent Flood.
Resisted thus, his Reputation rose;
For all wise Men esteem, what Fools oppose:
Their Leaders raving, that from each Attack
With mighty Loss their Troops were beaten back,
Resolv'd in Council on a wise Design,
What all their Force repell'd to undermine.
In fam'd Hibernia on the Northern Main,
Where Wit's unknown, and Schools are built in vain,
Between Two Hills, that rise with equal Pride,
And with their Tops the floating Clouds divide,
A lazy Lake, as Lothe black and deep,
Secure from Storms, extended lies asleep.
Young vig'rous Winds, which heavy Tempests bear,
With fruitless Toil shove at the stagnant Air;
Their Breath all spent, they from their Labour cease,
And leave th' unweildy Fogs to rest in Peace.
The Beasts, that come for Water, at the Brink
Benumb'd, stand Nodding and forget to drink:
The Birds by luckless Fortune hither brought,
Fall down, and sleeping on the Water, float:
The thoughtless Boat-Men scarcely half awake,
Do never one successful Voyage make,
But yawn, and drop their Oars into the Lake.
These Shores, that with this quiet Breed abound,
Kindly supply the Neighb'ring Nations round
With calm Commanders, who enjoy their Ease,
And rule in Time of War a harmless Fleet in Peace.
Where Wit's unknown, and Schools are built in vain,
Between Two Hills, that rise with equal Pride,
And with their Tops the floating Clouds divide,
A lazy Lake, as Lothe black and deep,
Secure from Storms, extended lies asleep.
Young vig'rous Winds, which heavy Tempests bear,
With fruitless Toil shove at the stagnant Air;
113
And leave th' unweildy Fogs to rest in Peace.
The Beasts, that come for Water, at the Brink
Benumb'd, stand Nodding and forget to drink:
The Birds by luckless Fortune hither brought,
Fall down, and sleeping on the Water, float:
The thoughtless Boat-Men scarcely half awake,
Do never one successful Voyage make,
But yawn, and drop their Oars into the Lake.
These Shores, that with this quiet Breed abound,
Kindly supply the Neighb'ring Nations round
With calm Commanders, who enjoy their Ease,
And rule in Time of War a harmless Fleet in Peace.
On the dark Margin of the stagnant Flood,
The Temple of the God of Dullness stood,
With rude Magnificence sublime in Air,
Thick Walls of Mud the pond'rous Roof did bear.
Of Birds the formal Owl, of Beasts the Ass,
Dear to the God, did the dark Niches grace;
And on the Dome's high Front, ill cut in Wood,
Sottish Silenus and dull Morpheus stood.
Irregular it seem'd in every Part,
Which, as in China, here is perfect Art.
In gouty Pillars, thick unlightsome Walls,
With Windows at the Top, like Pidgeon-Holes,
It imitates our hideous Church of Paul's.
Such is the Skill, that all the Parts appear
Contriv'd for cold and blind Devotion here.
Sleek pamper'd Priests beneath the Altar snore,
And stretch'd at Ease, their stupid God adore.
The Vot'ries here eternal Silence keep,
And unreproach'd their Worship pay asleep.
The Idol is compos'd of Massy Lead,
And Wreaths of Poppy-Flowers adorn his Head:
Lolling and Yawning in his Chair of State,
His Head reclin'd, the drouzy Figure sate.
For Incense here, instead of Indian Gums,
Kindled Nicotian spreads more grateful Fumes,
Which lull the Senses vex'd with Care and Pain,
Blunt the sharp Edge of Thought, and kindly cloud the Brain.
The Temple of the God of Dullness stood,
With rude Magnificence sublime in Air,
Thick Walls of Mud the pond'rous Roof did bear.
Of Birds the formal Owl, of Beasts the Ass,
Dear to the God, did the dark Niches grace;
114
Sottish Silenus and dull Morpheus stood.
Irregular it seem'd in every Part,
Which, as in China, here is perfect Art.
In gouty Pillars, thick unlightsome Walls,
With Windows at the Top, like Pidgeon-Holes,
It imitates our hideous Church of Paul's.
Such is the Skill, that all the Parts appear
Contriv'd for cold and blind Devotion here.
Sleek pamper'd Priests beneath the Altar snore,
And stretch'd at Ease, their stupid God adore.
The Vot'ries here eternal Silence keep,
And unreproach'd their Worship pay asleep.
The Idol is compos'd of Massy Lead,
And Wreaths of Poppy-Flowers adorn his Head:
Lolling and Yawning in his Chair of State,
His Head reclin'd, the drouzy Figure sate.
For Incense here, instead of Indian Gums,
Kindled Nicotian spreads more grateful Fumes,
115
Blunt the sharp Edge of Thought, and kindly cloud the Brain.
Hither the various complicated Foes
That all enrag'd against the Kit-Cats rose,
Sworn Enemies to Bocai and to Wit,
Sent Deputies for their Employment fit.
The Coxcomb Clan Sir Thomas Trifle chose,
Prince of the civil Fops and grey-hair'd Beaus:
The grave and bookish Blockheads of our Isle
Sent a fam'd Native of Hibernia's Soil,
Dodwell, of undigested Fathers full,
Opprest with Learning, and profoundly dull.
The Vertuoso Tribe deputed S---,
Who got the Poll from L---st---r but by One.
The Mountebanks were first inclin'd to Read,
But Twinkler nam'd, in Twinkler all agreed.
The Politicians did their Mac---h send,
Of all the Foes of Sense a faithful Friend;
He with him took his Books, a pond'rous Load,
Design'd an Off'ring to the sleepy God.
The Pedant Tribe, who Wit and Sense oppose,
And the false Criticks, Learning's mortal Foes,
Ch---d, a wond'rous shining Genius, chose.
Strong B---ks was chosen by the lower Gown,
The scribling Rakes sent the poor Devil Brown,
Who doom'd to starve, yet fated to believe
He shall in eating Circumstances live,
Do's with a Stomach empty as his Head,
Write in a Garret to the Shops for Bread.
The Lawyers, once of one Opinion, chose
The great Aurato with a loud Applause.
These by Aurato led, did soon proceed
To the fam'd Temple with industrious Speed,
When their grave Speaker slowly Silence broke,
And thus the God of Dullness did invoke;
But hem'd and paus'd, and on his Notes did pore.
Repeating often what he said before.
That all enrag'd against the Kit-Cats rose,
Sworn Enemies to Bocai and to Wit,
Sent Deputies for their Employment fit.
The Coxcomb Clan Sir Thomas Trifle chose,
Prince of the civil Fops and grey-hair'd Beaus:
The grave and bookish Blockheads of our Isle
Sent a fam'd Native of Hibernia's Soil,
Dodwell, of undigested Fathers full,
Opprest with Learning, and profoundly dull.
The Vertuoso Tribe deputed S---,
Who got the Poll from L---st---r but by One.
The Mountebanks were first inclin'd to Read,
But Twinkler nam'd, in Twinkler all agreed.
The Politicians did their Mac---h send,
Of all the Foes of Sense a faithful Friend;
116
Design'd an Off'ring to the sleepy God.
The Pedant Tribe, who Wit and Sense oppose,
And the false Criticks, Learning's mortal Foes,
Ch---d, a wond'rous shining Genius, chose.
Strong B---ks was chosen by the lower Gown,
The scribling Rakes sent the poor Devil Brown,
Who doom'd to starve, yet fated to believe
He shall in eating Circumstances live,
Do's with a Stomach empty as his Head,
Write in a Garret to the Shops for Bread.
The Lawyers, once of one Opinion, chose
The great Aurato with a loud Applause.
These by Aurato led, did soon proceed
To the fam'd Temple with industrious Speed,
When their grave Speaker slowly Silence broke,
And thus the God of Dullness did invoke;
But hem'd and paus'd, and on his Notes did pore.
Repeating often what he said before.
117
Great drousy Pow'r, whose wide extended Sway,
All the cold Kingdoms of the North obey;
Who gently rul'st the whole Hibernian Isle,
And a large Part of Albion's Neighb'ring Soil,
We in the Name of all thy Vot'ries there,
Address thy Altars with our humble Pray'r;
An upstart Sect, one Bocai at their Head,
Have great Commotions in Britannia bred;
Who would with Arts the British Youth refine,
And the Subversion of thy Throne design.
The Kingdom into Parties they have split,
Rebels to Sense, and Schismaticks in Wit.
In Strength the restless Sectaries encrease,
And interrupt thy quiet Subjects Peace.
Still with fresh Conquests they extend their Fame,
And now at universal Empire aim.
Those, who to Thee have firm Affection shown,
And always labour'd to support thy Throne,
Who ne'er suspected were of such as Sin,
To speak in Favour of the Sect begin.
T---r himself affects to be Discreet
And wav'ring W---d inclines to be a Wit.
Ev'n T--- and D---y disaffected grow,
And underhand are treating with the Foe.
Ambiguous D--- who to no Side adher'd,
Strangely drawn in, has for the Sect declar'd.
Lugo, whom still we did with Honour name,
That Men of Brains despis'd, and laugh'd at Fame,
Assumes judicious Airs, and in the Pit,
Grows hot for Sense, and violent for Wit.
Robell, who Schools and Colleges did mock,
Solid, unchang'd and steady as a Rock,
In these revolting Times begins to shake,
And do's Discoveries of Infection make.
Young Ollan, so well-principl'd, and free
From the wild Notions of fine Company,
Ah, much lamented Youth! is from us lost,
The gravest Genius which our Cause could boast;
Had he escap'd his late unhappy Stain,
And not with Wit forc'd his reluctant Brain,
I had enroll'd him my adopted Son,
To him I had bequeath'd my awful Gown.
C---s and S---l, and a Thousand more,
For whom, as for my self, I would have swore,
Who stood unshaken, now begin to start,
Leave their old Friends, and take the Faction's Part.
All the cold Kingdoms of the North obey;
Who gently rul'st the whole Hibernian Isle,
And a large Part of Albion's Neighb'ring Soil,
We in the Name of all thy Vot'ries there,
Address thy Altars with our humble Pray'r;
An upstart Sect, one Bocai at their Head,
Have great Commotions in Britannia bred;
Who would with Arts the British Youth refine,
And the Subversion of thy Throne design.
The Kingdom into Parties they have split,
Rebels to Sense, and Schismaticks in Wit.
In Strength the restless Sectaries encrease,
And interrupt thy quiet Subjects Peace.
Still with fresh Conquests they extend their Fame,
And now at universal Empire aim.
Those, who to Thee have firm Affection shown,
And always labour'd to support thy Throne,
118
To speak in Favour of the Sect begin.
T---r himself affects to be Discreet
And wav'ring W---d inclines to be a Wit.
Ev'n T--- and D---y disaffected grow,
And underhand are treating with the Foe.
Ambiguous D--- who to no Side adher'd,
Strangely drawn in, has for the Sect declar'd.
Lugo, whom still we did with Honour name,
That Men of Brains despis'd, and laugh'd at Fame,
Assumes judicious Airs, and in the Pit,
Grows hot for Sense, and violent for Wit.
Robell, who Schools and Colleges did mock,
Solid, unchang'd and steady as a Rock,
In these revolting Times begins to shake,
And do's Discoveries of Infection make.
Young Ollan, so well-principl'd, and free
From the wild Notions of fine Company,
Ah, much lamented Youth! is from us lost,
The gravest Genius which our Cause could boast;
119
And not with Wit forc'd his reluctant Brain,
I had enroll'd him my adopted Son,
To him I had bequeath'd my awful Gown.
C---s and S---l, and a Thousand more,
For whom, as for my self, I would have swore,
Who stood unshaken, now begin to start,
Leave their old Friends, and take the Faction's Part.
If thou, great Pow'r, do'st not with Speed apply
To this Disease some Soveraign Remedy,
Soon from thy Empire Albion will be won,
By Bocai's Kit-Cat Squadrons over-run;
Squadrons, for this great Undertaking fit,
All clad in solid Sense and treble polish'd Wit.
Proud Kit-Cats soon will Triumph at thy Cost,
Nor wilt thou more of Britain's Vot'ries boast;
A Revolution, which was never fear'd,
Where thou hast been so lov'd and so rever'd.
H---n no longer will thy Shrines adore,
Nor will Tr---m e'er obey Thee more.
Great B---k's Gownmen, who have still withstood
All Light and Sense, and made their Party good,
A num'rous Clan, will All thy Cause disown,
Declare for Wit, and worship Bocai's Throne.
A Thousand Politicians will desert
Their ancient Side, and take the Rebels Part—
More had he said—But strove in vain to keep
His Eyelids ope, then fell down fast asleep.
To this Disease some Soveraign Remedy,
Soon from thy Empire Albion will be won,
By Bocai's Kit-Cat Squadrons over-run;
Squadrons, for this great Undertaking fit,
All clad in solid Sense and treble polish'd Wit.
Proud Kit-Cats soon will Triumph at thy Cost,
Nor wilt thou more of Britain's Vot'ries boast;
A Revolution, which was never fear'd,
Where thou hast been so lov'd and so rever'd.
120
Nor will Tr---m e'er obey Thee more.
Great B---k's Gownmen, who have still withstood
All Light and Sense, and made their Party good,
A num'rous Clan, will All thy Cause disown,
Declare for Wit, and worship Bocai's Throne.
A Thousand Politicians will desert
Their ancient Side, and take the Rebels Part—
More had he said—But strove in vain to keep
His Eyelids ope, then fell down fast asleep.
This Pray'r disturb'd the drozy God's Repose,
Who with Reluctance from his Seat arose:
He stretcht awhile, and did half-waken'd stand
Rubbing his heavy Eyelids with his Hand;
But rous'd at length, he to Aurato came,
And gave him this kind Answer in a Dream.
Who with Reluctance from his Seat arose:
He stretcht awhile, and did half-waken'd stand
Rubbing his heavy Eyelids with his Hand;
But rous'd at length, he to Aurato came,
And gave him this kind Answer in a Dream.
Thou, who so well dost thy high Post adorn,
For fair Britannia's and my Service born,
Know, faithful Servant, I shall still protect
My British Vot'ries from this hated Sect.
The haughty Kit-Cats, who my Pow'r defy'd,
Shall find me able to correct their Pride.
Let not my Friends despond, for certain Fate
Decrees the Ruin of the Kit-Cat State.
Let Kit-Cats cease to boast, cease ye to fear,
The Fall, O Bocai, of thy Throne is near.
Infernal Pow'rs will send at my Request
Faction from Hell, thy Empire to infest;
She'll with the Poison of her vip'rous Brood
Infect their Veins and agitate their Blood;
Will with malignant Heat their Breasts inspire,
And with their Breath blow up Sedition's Fire.
For fair Britannia's and my Service born,
121
My British Vot'ries from this hated Sect.
The haughty Kit-Cats, who my Pow'r defy'd,
Shall find me able to correct their Pride.
Let not my Friends despond, for certain Fate
Decrees the Ruin of the Kit-Cat State.
Let Kit-Cats cease to boast, cease ye to fear,
The Fall, O Bocai, of thy Throne is near.
Infernal Pow'rs will send at my Request
Faction from Hell, thy Empire to infest;
She'll with the Poison of her vip'rous Brood
Infect their Veins and agitate their Blood;
Will with malignant Heat their Breasts inspire,
And with their Breath blow up Sedition's Fire.
Now angry Kit-Cats feel the Fury's Flame,
Talk big and Bocai with Dishonour name.
Against his Ministration they inveigh,
His haughty Airs, and arbitrary Sway:
They cry he sep'rate Int'rest carries on,
Pretends their Profit, but designs his own.
Such Defamation shall they spread Abroad,
And with collected Scandal Bocai load,
Till in the troubled State Things desperate grown,
Outrageous Kit-Cats shall assault his Throne.
Now by Defection universal, they
Shall from their Court Rebellion's Flag display,
And swear they will no more the Tyrant's Will obey.
They'll then dethrone their Leader, and declare
An Interregnum and a vacant Chair.
This crowns my Wish, with Bocai sinks their State,
Who else has Shoulders equal to its Weight?
Bocai depos'd, the Sect with Faction rent,
Embroil'd in Feuds, and sow'r with Discontent,
Shall into various warring Parties split,
Which bring the Downfal of Imperious Wit.
This Doom attends the upstart Kit-Cat State,
This shall be Wit's, this shall be Bocai's Fate.
Go back in Peace, my faithful Vot'ries, go,
Let high Augusta my Prediction know;
Let all the Clans and Sects you represent,
Rest in the Prospect of the great Event.
Talk big and Bocai with Dishonour name.
Against his Ministration they inveigh,
His haughty Airs, and arbitrary Sway:
122
Pretends their Profit, but designs his own.
Such Defamation shall they spread Abroad,
And with collected Scandal Bocai load,
Till in the troubled State Things desperate grown,
Outrageous Kit-Cats shall assault his Throne.
Now by Defection universal, they
Shall from their Court Rebellion's Flag display,
And swear they will no more the Tyrant's Will obey.
They'll then dethrone their Leader, and declare
An Interregnum and a vacant Chair.
This crowns my Wish, with Bocai sinks their State,
Who else has Shoulders equal to its Weight?
Bocai depos'd, the Sect with Faction rent,
Embroil'd in Feuds, and sow'r with Discontent,
Shall into various warring Parties split,
Which bring the Downfal of Imperious Wit.
This Doom attends the upstart Kit-Cat State,
This shall be Wit's, this shall be Bocai's Fate.
123
Let high Augusta my Prediction know;
Let all the Clans and Sects you represent,
Rest in the Prospect of the great Event.
125
CREMES. A SATYRE.
127
Cremes
, I guess you have at length embrac'd
More just Opinions, and improv'd your Taste:
That you are tir'd with Cries of Clam'rous Hounds,
With tramp'ling growing Corn, and breaking Mounds,
Weary of constant Chases and Pursuits,
And living still a Jockey Life in Boots,
Of breaking Limbs to keep your self in Health,
And feeding Dogs and Cocks to save your Wealth
That you are cloy'd with course ill-manag'd Cheer,
And the brown Nectar of October Beer;
And with your Reverend Dunce, who puffs and pants
Waddles with Fat, and bursts with Ale and Nants;
Who must in Jest against those Vices preach,
Which his loose Manners do in earnest teach.
From Noise and Nonsense you would fain retire,
Leave the Brute Tenant, and the awkard Squire,
Who in his House foments eternal Strife,
With Pleasure stroaks his Dog, and kicks his Wife.
You'd be no more a great Domestick Boy,
Your Mother's Comfort, and your Sisters Joy:
And therefore fly to Town to be refin'd,
To make your Fortune, and to know Mankind;
Cremes, your Scheme is wond'rous well design'd.
More just Opinions, and improv'd your Taste:
That you are tir'd with Cries of Clam'rous Hounds,
With tramp'ling growing Corn, and breaking Mounds,
Weary of constant Chases and Pursuits,
And living still a Jockey Life in Boots,
128
And feeding Dogs and Cocks to save your Wealth
That you are cloy'd with course ill-manag'd Cheer,
And the brown Nectar of October Beer;
And with your Reverend Dunce, who puffs and pants
Waddles with Fat, and bursts with Ale and Nants;
Who must in Jest against those Vices preach,
Which his loose Manners do in earnest teach.
From Noise and Nonsense you would fain retire,
Leave the Brute Tenant, and the awkard Squire,
Who in his House foments eternal Strife,
With Pleasure stroaks his Dog, and kicks his Wife.
You'd be no more a great Domestick Boy,
Your Mother's Comfort, and your Sisters Joy:
And therefore fly to Town to be refin'd,
To make your Fortune, and to know Mankind;
Cremes, your Scheme is wond'rous well design'd.
I see your Mirth, but Raillery apart,
Tell me the Method and successful Art,
By which an humble Fortune One may raise;
You know the Town, and all the Means and Ways.
Tell me the Method and successful Art,
129
You know the Town, and all the Means and Ways.
Then to be serious, with attentive Ear
The Maxims, which must guide your Conduct, hear.
From Prejudice you must deliver'd be,
From all Restraints of Education free;
And own that Vice and Vertue are the same,
That their Distinction from gross Error came,
And that their Nature's one, tho' not their Name.
Misguided and ill-principled at first,
If you would shine, shake off your pious Rust.
In your Opinions should you be so odd,
As freely to assert and fear a God,
The Scoffing Party will become your Foes,
Deride your Folly, and your Aims oppose.
You a new Creed, to please them, must receive,
Embrace Spinosa, or in Hobbs believe.
The Maxims, which must guide your Conduct, hear.
From Prejudice you must deliver'd be,
From all Restraints of Education free;
And own that Vice and Vertue are the same,
That their Distinction from gross Error came,
And that their Nature's one, tho' not their Name.
Misguided and ill-principled at first,
If you would shine, shake off your pious Rust.
In your Opinions should you be so odd,
As freely to assert and fear a God,
The Scoffing Party will become your Foes,
Deride your Folly, and your Aims oppose.
You a new Creed, to please them, must receive,
Embrace Spinosa, or in Hobbs believe.
130
Learn with Delight Religion to explode,
As idle Cant, as Fancy, or as Fraud;
As an ignoble, feeble Passion, fit
For giddy Women, not for Men of Wit.
You boldly must engage to make it clear,
That Superstitious, melancholy Fear
Did first make Gods, and then their Altars rear.
That Priests and Statesmen did th' Advantage take,
And carry'd on the Cheat for Empire's Sake.
Perhaps with secret Fears you'll be possest,
That the fierce Viper will corrode your Breast,
And ill-presaging Thoughts disturb your Rest:
But persevere, and you will easy grow,
Custom will make, and Wine will keep you so.
As idle Cant, as Fancy, or as Fraud;
As an ignoble, feeble Passion, fit
For giddy Women, not for Men of Wit.
You boldly must engage to make it clear,
That Superstitious, melancholy Fear
Did first make Gods, and then their Altars rear.
That Priests and Statesmen did th' Advantage take,
And carry'd on the Cheat for Empire's Sake.
Perhaps with secret Fears you'll be possest,
That the fierce Viper will corrode your Breast,
And ill-presaging Thoughts disturb your Rest:
But persevere, and you will easy grow,
Custom will make, and Wine will keep you so.
Our Wits, who labour to refine the Town
With Riot, will embrace you as their own,
And their new Convert with Applauses crown;
From all misgiving Thoughts your Bosom clear,
Sooth your Remorse, and laugh away your Fear.
Reluctant Reason you'll in Fetters keep,
And lay th' insulting Judge within asleep.
You'll triumph o'er Religious Knaves with Ease,
Mock future Life, and soon know where 'twill please.
You're right put off of Hand, if this be done,
Your Ground well taken, you will smoothly run.
With Riot, will embrace you as their own,
And their new Convert with Applauses crown;
131
Sooth your Remorse, and laugh away your Fear.
Reluctant Reason you'll in Fetters keep,
And lay th' insulting Judge within asleep.
You'll triumph o'er Religious Knaves with Ease,
Mock future Life, and soon know where 'twill please.
You're right put off of Hand, if this be done,
Your Ground well taken, you will smoothly run.
Then plunge your self in Company, be known
To all th' Bards and Criticks of Renown,
To all the intreaguing Creatures of the Town.
To gain Acquaintance universal strive,
And into all their Vices freely give.
Thus you a Man in Fashion will commence,
Prais'd for your Mirth, fine Company, and Sense.
To all th' Bards and Criticks of Renown,
To all the intreaguing Creatures of the Town.
To gain Acquaintance universal strive,
And into all their Vices freely give.
Thus you a Man in Fashion will commence,
Prais'd for your Mirth, fine Company, and Sense.
Be sure at Levees humbly to attend,
Strowling from Lord to Lord the Morning spend,
Affect distinguish'd Impudence, and own
You practise all the Leudness of the Town,
But all the Vertue, which you have, disown.
These brighter Days excel dull Ages past,
Our Men and Ladies have refin'd their Tast.
Those lik'd a Head sagacious, cool, and clear;
False Wits to Us, Buffoons, and Fops are dear,
Do you at Honour and Distinction aim,
Acquire in Vice an unexampled Name.
Strowling from Lord to Lord the Morning spend,
132
You practise all the Leudness of the Town,
But all the Vertue, which you have, disown.
These brighter Days excel dull Ages past,
Our Men and Ladies have refin'd their Tast.
Those lik'd a Head sagacious, cool, and clear;
False Wits to Us, Buffoons, and Fops are dear,
Do you at Honour and Distinction aim,
Acquire in Vice an unexampled Name.
To mend the Laws when Lawyers shall engage,
And Players labour to reform the Stage,
When Lines obscene the Ladies shall offend,
And Poets, Poets shall with Zeal commend;
Then Men of Merit, who Assistance need,
By Vertue not obstructed, shall succeed.
All Qualities have triumph'd in their Turn,
Arts, great Augustus, did thy Age adorn;
Thy Reign, O Charles, did Sense and Learning show,
Wits flourish'd in thy Son's, and Jesters now.
And Players labour to reform the Stage,
When Lines obscene the Ladies shall offend,
And Poets, Poets shall with Zeal commend;
Then Men of Merit, who Assistance need,
By Vertue not obstructed, shall succeed.
All Qualities have triumph'd in their Turn,
Arts, great Augustus, did thy Age adorn;
Thy Reign, O Charles, did Sense and Learning show,
Wits flourish'd in thy Son's, and Jesters now.
133
When first a Genius, great in Wit and Vice,
Do's like some bright unvulgar Beauty rise;
And to display a noble Bloom begins
The Promise of mature illustrious Sins:
From House to House he's carry'd up and down,
To Statesmen, Gen'rals and great Lords made known;
By every Club of mighty Fame approv'd,
By all applauded, and by all belov'd;
Pamper'd with Praise, and with high Flatt'ry fed,
Till oft the too strong Diet turns his Head.
In peaceful Seas he do's with Pleasure ride,
And runs before the Breeze, and with the Tide:
Nor ever wants a favourable Gale,
The Breath of all the Town extends his Sail.
Do's like some bright unvulgar Beauty rise;
And to display a noble Bloom begins
The Promise of mature illustrious Sins:
From House to House he's carry'd up and down,
To Statesmen, Gen'rals and great Lords made known;
By every Club of mighty Fame approv'd,
By all applauded, and by all belov'd;
Pamper'd with Praise, and with high Flatt'ry fed,
Till oft the too strong Diet turns his Head.
In peaceful Seas he do's with Pleasure ride,
And runs before the Breeze, and with the Tide:
Nor ever wants a favourable Gale,
The Breath of all the Town extends his Sail.
Vertue mean Time to stormy Seas confin'd,
Has Shelves and Sands on either Side, behind
The threat'ning Rocks, and in her Face the Wind.
Pleas'd Neighbours crowd to see her in Distress,
As Sussex Parsons, and their People press,
When the loud Tempest rages on the Coast,
With barb'rous Joy to see the Merchant tost;
Then Eyes uplifted piously implore
The Aid of Heav'n, to send the Wreck a-shore.
Has Shelves and Sands on either Side, behind
The threat'ning Rocks, and in her Face the Wind.
134
As Sussex Parsons, and their People press,
When the loud Tempest rages on the Coast,
With barb'rous Joy to see the Merchant tost;
Then Eyes uplifted piously implore
The Aid of Heav'n, to send the Wreck a-shore.
Be well with all the Laughers, else in vain
You strive a handsome Figure to sustain.
Admire their Sense, call that vain Thing discreet,
This Fool a Statesman, that Buffoon a Wit.
Your Parts they'll in their Turn with Honour name,
Promote your Int'rest, and protect your Fame.
You strive a handsome Figure to sustain.
Admire their Sense, call that vain Thing discreet,
This Fool a Statesman, that Buffoon a Wit.
Your Parts they'll in their Turn with Honour name,
Promote your Int'rest, and protect your Fame.
In their own Way the Men and Ladies please,
Drink Burgundy with Those, and Tea with These
On all the past and present Fops refine,
Make your affected Indiscretion shine.
For all the craz'd, the whimsical, the vain,
And bright conspicuous Coxcombs now obtain.
Some Strains of Folly next to Madness shew,
Attempt some Strokes of Leudness bold and new.
Or else invent some unexampled Thing,
And careless tell it to the laughing Ring.
Thus you will rise to Fame, you'll be a Wit,
For high and finer Conversation fit,
Ridiculous with Praise, and wisely Indiscreet.
Drink Burgundy with Those, and Tea with These
On all the past and present Fops refine,
Make your affected Indiscretion shine.
For all the craz'd, the whimsical, the vain,
And bright conspicuous Coxcombs now obtain.
135
Attempt some Strokes of Leudness bold and new.
Or else invent some unexampled Thing,
And careless tell it to the laughing Ring.
Thus you will rise to Fame, you'll be a Wit,
For high and finer Conversation fit,
Ridiculous with Praise, and wisely Indiscreet.
Learn all Intreagues, but chiefly Love-Affairs,
Find out the Scandal of the private Stairs.
Cringe to the Great, and in a fawning Way
To every Creature Things obliging say,
But most to those you scorn or would betray.
Mark how the Lady's Inclinations tend,
And by the Mistress, make the Lord your Friend.
Find out the Scandal of the private Stairs.
Cringe to the Great, and in a fawning Way
To every Creature Things obliging say,
But most to those you scorn or would betray.
Mark how the Lady's Inclinations tend,
And by the Mistress, make the Lord your Friend.
Write wretched Farce, be stupidly prophane,
And please the Audience with a wanton Scene.
Compose bad Plays, or good Ones ill translate,
Your Friends are stanch, you need not fear your Fate.
Grow a He—Gossip, do like F---r,
Pick Scandal up, record the Tales you hear,
And up and down the wise Tea-Tattle bear.
Would you become the Darling of the Town,
Be well with All the Ladies, but your own.
Now make your Choice, pretend to what you please,
Cry'd up by All, you must succeed with Ease.
You may a Builder, or a Poet be,
By Physick you may rise, or Heraldry.
Your Patrons for you from th' unwilling Court,
Which oft oblige those, who have Pow'r to hurt,
Perhaps unfit Preferment may extort.
Should you a Scholar prove and shine in Print,
You may controul the Ord'nance or the Mint.
You never saw the Sea, What then? By Land
You may the Chart and Compass understand,
And Chief's advise, how Navies to command.
If you are pleas'd to leave your Native Soil,
You may be sent to Rule some Western Isle;
Your Excellence will that high Post become,
Leave there bad Laws, and bring good Money Home.
Or be Intendant of our Foreign Trade,
By Four good Maps your Skill is perfect made.
A Victualer, you may buy the Sailor's Food,
Send them the Bad, and keep your self the Good.
And please the Audience with a wanton Scene.
Compose bad Plays, or good Ones ill translate,
Your Friends are stanch, you need not fear your Fate.
136
Pick Scandal up, record the Tales you hear,
And up and down the wise Tea-Tattle bear.
Would you become the Darling of the Town,
Be well with All the Ladies, but your own.
Now make your Choice, pretend to what you please,
Cry'd up by All, you must succeed with Ease.
You may a Builder, or a Poet be,
By Physick you may rise, or Heraldry.
Your Patrons for you from th' unwilling Court,
Which oft oblige those, who have Pow'r to hurt,
Perhaps unfit Preferment may extort.
Should you a Scholar prove and shine in Print,
You may controul the Ord'nance or the Mint.
You never saw the Sea, What then? By Land
You may the Chart and Compass understand,
And Chief's advise, how Navies to command.
If you are pleas'd to leave your Native Soil,
You may be sent to Rule some Western Isle;
137
Leave there bad Laws, and bring good Money Home.
Or be Intendant of our Foreign Trade,
By Four good Maps your Skill is perfect made.
A Victualer, you may buy the Sailor's Food,
Send them the Bad, and keep your self the Good.
Another Way by which you cannot miss,
The great Design at which you aim, is this:
Turn Politician, Ministers arraign,
And of imagin'd Grievances complain.
In moving Accents, Britain's Fate display,
Increase of Taxes, and of Trade Decay;
Cry out the Wasters of Britannia's Coin,
The Publick name, but Private Good design;
That they are Fat by our Consumption grown,
And empty all our Veins to fill their own.
The great Design at which you aim, is this:
Turn Politician, Ministers arraign,
And of imagin'd Grievances complain.
In moving Accents, Britain's Fate display,
Increase of Taxes, and of Trade Decay;
Cry out the Wasters of Britannia's Coin,
The Publick name, but Private Good design;
That they are Fat by our Consumption grown,
And empty all our Veins to fill their own.
On the first Courtiers let your Fury fall,
Still let them feel your Sting, and tast your Gaul.
Whate'er Misfortunes come by Land or Sea,
With Ardour charge them on the Ministry,
For not preventing what they could not see.
Let them for casual Losses be arraign'd,
Or by our Merchants or our Fleets sustain'd
By Tempests torn, or adverse Winds detain'd.
Still let them feel your Sting, and tast your Gaul.
138
With Ardour charge them on the Ministry,
For not preventing what they could not see.
Let them for casual Losses be arraign'd,
Or by our Merchants or our Fleets sustain'd
By Tempests torn, or adverse Winds detain'd.
Rise by Degrees, a stronger Tone assume,
Grow warm, make Heav'n and Earth together come.
Excite your Courage, be in Language bold,
Not H--- like, correctly weak and cold.
When at the Court, you for your Country rave,
Call Heav'n to Witness, you would only save
Old England's Rights, and would not be a Slave.
That you in all this Charge may seem sincere,
With Hands spread forth, and Eyes uplifted swear,
That you unmov'd can all Assaults abide,
That no high Post shall draw you from your Side,
Much less that you will e'er a Place divide.
Grow warm, make Heav'n and Earth together come.
Excite your Courage, be in Language bold,
Not H--- like, correctly weak and cold.
When at the Court, you for your Country rave,
Call Heav'n to Witness, you would only save
Old England's Rights, and would not be a Slave.
That you in all this Charge may seem sincere,
With Hands spread forth, and Eyes uplifted swear,
That you unmov'd can all Assaults abide,
That no high Post shall draw you from your Side,
Much less that you will e'er a Place divide.
139
Whether the Question be of War or Trade,
Exclaim aloud the Church will be betay'd.
Against her fierce pretended Foes declare,
Show her not safe ev'n under Anna's Care.
Phantastick Clouds and dreadful Figures form,
Cry out against th' imaginary Storm.
Make deep Designs, that ne'er were laid, appear,
And paint that Danger, which you do not fear.
Exclaim aloud the Church will be betay'd.
Against her fierce pretended Foes declare,
Show her not safe ev'n under Anna's Care.
Phantastick Clouds and dreadful Figures form,
Cry out against th' imaginary Storm.
Make deep Designs, that ne'er were laid, appear,
And paint that Danger, which you do not fear.
Hold Sir, to what do's all this Counsel tend?
This will obstruct, and not promote my End.
Hearken, Young Man, and you'll your Error mend.
Some Courts by Provocations are endear'd,
Where you are so much valu'd, as you're fear'd.
From Opposition you'll their Favour find,
Incense them to comply, and vex them to be kind.
Weak State-Directors with bold Speech invade;
Make them uneasy, you'll be easy made.
Our Friends, they cry, by Principle are so,
Our Int'rest is to court and gain the Foe;
Tho' every Age arraigns th' ungrateful Scheme,
All practise in their Turn, what All condemn.
This will obstruct, and not promote my End.
Hearken, Young Man, and you'll your Error mend.
Some Courts by Provocations are endear'd,
Where you are so much valu'd, as you're fear'd.
From Opposition you'll their Favour find,
Incense them to comply, and vex them to be kind.
Weak State-Directors with bold Speech invade;
Make them uneasy, you'll be easy made.
140
Our Int'rest is to court and gain the Foe;
Tho' every Age arraigns th' ungrateful Scheme,
All practise in their Turn, what All condemn.
Good Heav'ns! is this your celebrated Town?
Are these your Ways to Riches and Renown?
Can impious Maxims here such Credit gain?
Bold by Success do's Vice unbridled reign?
Do's its licentious Deluge rise so high,
Pass all Entrenchments, all Restraints defy?
Do great Offenders trembling Justice awe?
Deride Church-Censures, and elude the Law?
Are Parties form'd true Merit to disgrace,
While Vertue hides her ignominious Face?
Can you a Zeal to spread Prophaneness own?
In Irreligion are you Bigots grown?
Are Libertines caress'd with loud Applause?
Cabals engag'd to sink Religion's Cause?
Should such be arm'd with Pow'r, and who can tell
How high the Antichristian Tide may swell?
They would, O Rome, thy Violence exceed;
Pull ev'ry Altar down, burn ev'ry Creed.
Is such a Town for me a fit Abode,
Who own Religion, and revere a God?
Who have th' Immortal coming State in view,
And more than this, who am a Christian too?
From this contagious Seat I'll fly away,
For Health I'd sooner in a Pest-House stay.
In barren Desarts rather live, confin'd
To Savage Creatures of less noxious Kind.
I'd seek the lonesome Margin of the Main,
Hide in the Rock, or range the Sandy Plain:
I'd find some unfrequented River's Tide,
Lodge in the Reeds, or in the Woods abide,
The Forrest-Den I'd chuse, or Mountain-Cave,
To be my Dwelling, and my Vertue save.
Are these your Ways to Riches and Renown?
Can impious Maxims here such Credit gain?
Bold by Success do's Vice unbridled reign?
Do's its licentious Deluge rise so high,
Pass all Entrenchments, all Restraints defy?
Do great Offenders trembling Justice awe?
Deride Church-Censures, and elude the Law?
Are Parties form'd true Merit to disgrace,
While Vertue hides her ignominious Face?
Can you a Zeal to spread Prophaneness own?
In Irreligion are you Bigots grown?
Are Libertines caress'd with loud Applause?
Cabals engag'd to sink Religion's Cause?
141
How high the Antichristian Tide may swell?
They would, O Rome, thy Violence exceed;
Pull ev'ry Altar down, burn ev'ry Creed.
Is such a Town for me a fit Abode,
Who own Religion, and revere a God?
Who have th' Immortal coming State in view,
And more than this, who am a Christian too?
From this contagious Seat I'll fly away,
For Health I'd sooner in a Pest-House stay.
In barren Desarts rather live, confin'd
To Savage Creatures of less noxious Kind.
I'd seek the lonesome Margin of the Main,
Hide in the Rock, or range the Sandy Plain:
I'd find some unfrequented River's Tide,
Lodge in the Reeds, or in the Woods abide,
The Forrest-Den I'd chuse, or Mountain-Cave,
To be my Dwelling, and my Vertue save.
142
TO COLON
Why, Colon, this melodious Sound?
Why this luxurious endless Feast?
Can Bowls with gallick Nectar crown'd,
And mellow Sychophants around
Asswage the Torments of a guilty Breast?
Why this luxurious endless Feast?
Can Bowls with gallick Nectar crown'd,
And mellow Sychophants around
Asswage the Torments of a guilty Breast?
Still wilt thou grin in Play-House Pit,
Or saunt'ring seek the Puppet-Booth,
Can'st thou thy monst'rous Crimes forget?
Can Shows, or Women, Wine or Wit,
The raging Viper in thy Bosom sooth?
Or saunt'ring seek the Puppet-Booth,
Can'st thou thy monst'rous Crimes forget?
Can Shows, or Women, Wine or Wit,
The raging Viper in thy Bosom sooth?
Forbear, vain Man, this fruitless Art,
Thy Conscience ne'er can be appeas'd;
Thou always feel'st her poison'd Dart,
Art merry with an aking Heart,
And tho' for ever laughing, yet ne'er pleas'd.
Thy Conscience ne'er can be appeas'd;
143
Art merry with an aking Heart,
And tho' for ever laughing, yet ne'er pleas'd.
So when Tarantulas have bit,
Poor Farmers in Calabrian Plains,
They all their rural Labour quit,
And pleas'd with Musick in their Fit,
Sing, laugh and dance, while rack'd with raging Pains.
Poor Farmers in Calabrian Plains,
They all their rural Labour quit,
And pleas'd with Musick in their Fit,
Sing, laugh and dance, while rack'd with raging Pains.
145
THE STORY OF Don Carlos, PRINCE of SPAIN.
147
Carlos
, the mighty Second Philip's Heir,
Who now did proud Castilia's Scepter bear,
Illustrious with Heroick Vertue shone,
And every Grace and bright Endowment known
In high-descended Youth, of generous Mind,
For Empire, Arms, and worthy Deeds design'd;
Bright Life and Spirit breaking from his Eyes,
Did please at once Spectators, and surprize;
Who there could trace great Actions yet to come,
Young Vict'ries smiling in their downy Plume,
The Hero's op'ning Bud, and Laurels in their Bloom.
So were his Features mingled, that the Bold
And Warm were temper'd by the Mild and Cold,
The Strong and Martial by the Soft control'd.
Hence did his Aspect blended Passions move,
Delightful Awe and reverential Love:
Discreet and just, munificent and kind,
Sincere and courteous, and of Sense refin'd,
The Court's Esteem he did unrivall'd gain,
And grew the Wonder and the Boast of Spain.
Who now did proud Castilia's Scepter bear,
Illustrious with Heroick Vertue shone,
And every Grace and bright Endowment known
In high-descended Youth, of generous Mind,
For Empire, Arms, and worthy Deeds design'd;
148
Did please at once Spectators, and surprize;
Who there could trace great Actions yet to come,
Young Vict'ries smiling in their downy Plume,
The Hero's op'ning Bud, and Laurels in their Bloom.
So were his Features mingled, that the Bold
And Warm were temper'd by the Mild and Cold,
The Strong and Martial by the Soft control'd.
Hence did his Aspect blended Passions move,
Delightful Awe and reverential Love:
Discreet and just, munificent and kind,
Sincere and courteous, and of Sense refin'd,
The Court's Esteem he did unrivall'd gain,
And grew the Wonder and the Boast of Spain.
The Gallick Princess, his contracted Bride,
Her Neighbour's Envy, and her Nation's Pride,
Possess'd all Charms and Graces, which conspire
To form consummate Beauty, and inspire
Regard and Love, whence she the Chief was own'd
Of high-born Virgins, who Europa crown'd:
Nor did her Mind shine less surprizing bright,
Serene, sagacious, and acute of Sight;
Of Thought extensive, Reason clear and strong,
Rarely the Honour of an Age so young.
Th' engaging Features of the Royal Maid
By Fame, to Love indulgent, were convey'd
On Wings assiduous to the Prince of Spain;
He heard, and felt a sweet unpractis'd Pain
Throb in his Heart, and beat in every Vein.
Willing he entertain'd the gentle Dart,
Approv'd the Pleasure, and enjoy'd the Smart.
But when he earnest view'd her Form Divine,
And charming Face, which did in Colours shine,
Drawn by a Master-Hand in France carest,
Ravish'd, immod'rate Pleasure he exprest,
And form'd a warmer Image in his Breast.
Her Neighbour's Envy, and her Nation's Pride,
Possess'd all Charms and Graces, which conspire
To form consummate Beauty, and inspire
149
Of high-born Virgins, who Europa crown'd:
Nor did her Mind shine less surprizing bright,
Serene, sagacious, and acute of Sight;
Of Thought extensive, Reason clear and strong,
Rarely the Honour of an Age so young.
Th' engaging Features of the Royal Maid
By Fame, to Love indulgent, were convey'd
On Wings assiduous to the Prince of Spain;
He heard, and felt a sweet unpractis'd Pain
Throb in his Heart, and beat in every Vein.
Willing he entertain'd the gentle Dart,
Approv'd the Pleasure, and enjoy'd the Smart.
But when he earnest view'd her Form Divine,
And charming Face, which did in Colours shine,
Drawn by a Master-Hand in France carest,
Ravish'd, immod'rate Pleasure he exprest,
And form'd a warmer Image in his Breast.
150
Nor did the Gallick Princess less admire
Spain's Royal Youth, but felt a secret Fire
Spread thro' her tender Breast, that glowing strove
With the first Efforts of expanding Love;
Which warm'd and in th' indulgent Bosom fed,
Stretch'd out its Limbs, and full-grown Wings display'd.
By constant Couriers now the Royal Pair
Maintain'd fond Commerce with alternate Care,
Which kept alive their languishing Desires,
Supply'd new Fewel, and improv'd their Fires.
Now the high Pontiff studious to constrain
Alva the Leader of the Pow'rs of Spain,
To leave Hesperia's Fields, where then he lay,
And did encamp'd with proud Defiance stay
Before high Rome, us'd various Arts and Toil,
Lorrain with new Commotions to embroil:
He work'd his Aims; soon Spain in Arms engag'd,
And War in Belgia's Plains with Fury wag'd.
Two bloody Fields were fought at Gallia's Cost,
Whose Army by inglorious Combat lost
All the brave Youth her warlike Land could boast.
France thus disgrac'd, enfeebled and distrest,
Panting for Breath and languishing for Rest,
Submissive courted Peace, and prudent chose
To gain at any Cost her Realm's Repose.
A solemn Treaty follow'd to concert
A grateful Scheme of Terms to either Part,
Carlos, who rav'd by Turns, by Turns was sad,
While Arms the Triumph of his Love forbad,
Was joy'd as much, while Fame on sounding Wings
The News of Peace to sooth his Passion brings.
Spain's Royal Youth, but felt a secret Fire
Spread thro' her tender Breast, that glowing strove
With the first Efforts of expanding Love;
Which warm'd and in th' indulgent Bosom fed,
Stretch'd out its Limbs, and full-grown Wings display'd.
By constant Couriers now the Royal Pair
Maintain'd fond Commerce with alternate Care,
Which kept alive their languishing Desires,
Supply'd new Fewel, and improv'd their Fires.
Now the high Pontiff studious to constrain
Alva the Leader of the Pow'rs of Spain,
To leave Hesperia's Fields, where then he lay,
And did encamp'd with proud Defiance stay
Before high Rome, us'd various Arts and Toil,
Lorrain with new Commotions to embroil:
He work'd his Aims; soon Spain in Arms engag'd,
And War in Belgia's Plains with Fury wag'd.
151
Whose Army by inglorious Combat lost
All the brave Youth her warlike Land could boast.
France thus disgrac'd, enfeebled and distrest,
Panting for Breath and languishing for Rest,
Submissive courted Peace, and prudent chose
To gain at any Cost her Realm's Repose.
A solemn Treaty follow'd to concert
A grateful Scheme of Terms to either Part,
Carlos, who rav'd by Turns, by Turns was sad,
While Arms the Triumph of his Love forbad,
Was joy'd as much, while Fame on sounding Wings
The News of Peace to sooth his Passion brings.
But, while the Treaty held, the Queen bereft
Of Life, a Widow'd Bed to Philip left,
Who bent on farther Nuptials humbly su'd,
And by repeated Efforts earnest woo'd
Th' Illustrious Queen, whose Vertues Albion blest,
Till oft repuls'd, he Gallia's Court addrest
To gain the Bride for Carlos' Arms design'd:
The Gaul, 'tis true, more to the Heir inclin'd
Than the Possessor of Iberia's Crown,
Whose Tide of Life far spent ebb'd hasty down,
But all Things balanc'd, France could not withstand,
So much she wanted Peace, the King's Demand.
Of Life, a Widow'd Bed to Philip left,
Who bent on farther Nuptials humbly su'd,
And by repeated Efforts earnest woo'd
Th' Illustrious Queen, whose Vertues Albion blest,
Till oft repuls'd, he Gallia's Court addrest
152
The Gaul, 'tis true, more to the Heir inclin'd
Than the Possessor of Iberia's Crown,
Whose Tide of Life far spent ebb'd hasty down,
But all Things balanc'd, France could not withstand,
So much she wanted Peace, the King's Demand.
While certain Fame did this sad News impart
To the Young Prince, like Light'ning's pointed Dart,
It pierc'd his Breast, and wounded deep his Heart.
And tho' the Anguish watchful he supprest,
Yet in Despight of Care his Looks confest
Too oft suspected Marks of secret Pain,
Which to conceal, his Reason strove in vain.
To the Young Prince, like Light'ning's pointed Dart,
It pierc'd his Breast, and wounded deep his Heart.
And tho' the Anguish watchful he supprest,
Yet in Despight of Care his Looks confest
Too oft suspected Marks of secret Pain,
Which to conceal, his Reason strove in vain.
Now did the Royal beauteous Bride advance
In Pomp and Splendor from the Court of France,
By easy Journeys to deceive the Toil,
And reach the Frontier of Iberia's Soil,
Where to receive her with becoming State,
Deputed Lords of Spain assiduous wait.
Obsequious Carlos at their Head attends
The Stranger Queen, and the same Car ascends.
And now with secret Rapture he beheld
The heav'nly Charms, that her bright Fame excell'd;
And while his Eyes did on her Beauty feast,
He felt his Wound bleed fresh within his Breast,
Nor would his swelling Passion be supprest.
And while the Queen the Royal Lover view'd,
Her tender Looks and gracious Manner shew'd,
She would her Stars have more propitious own'd,
Had they her Love and not Ambition crown'd.
With various Converse they beguil'd the Hours,
Till they arriv'd at high Madrita's Tow'rs,
Where Philip pleas'd with his auspicious Fate,
Receiv'd his Consort at the Palace Gate;
Whose lovely Features, Bloom and winning Grace,
Eclips'd the Beauties of the Spanish Race:
Of the first Rank she shone a radiant Star,
The Idol of the Lords, and Envy of the Fair.
In Pomp and Splendor from the Court of France,
By easy Journeys to deceive the Toil,
And reach the Frontier of Iberia's Soil,
153
Deputed Lords of Spain assiduous wait.
Obsequious Carlos at their Head attends
The Stranger Queen, and the same Car ascends.
And now with secret Rapture he beheld
The heav'nly Charms, that her bright Fame excell'd;
And while his Eyes did on her Beauty feast,
He felt his Wound bleed fresh within his Breast,
Nor would his swelling Passion be supprest.
And while the Queen the Royal Lover view'd,
Her tender Looks and gracious Manner shew'd,
She would her Stars have more propitious own'd,
Had they her Love and not Ambition crown'd.
With various Converse they beguil'd the Hours,
Till they arriv'd at high Madrita's Tow'rs,
Where Philip pleas'd with his auspicious Fate,
Receiv'd his Consort at the Palace Gate;
Whose lovely Features, Bloom and winning Grace,
Eclips'd the Beauties of the Spanish Race:
154
The Idol of the Lords, and Envy of the Fair.
The Prince of Spain, his Court assiduous made,
And still with Pleasure in her Presence staid.
The more he saw the more he did admire,
Till her bright Form possess'd his Soul entire.
Nor did he strive his Passion to disguise,
But the soft Accents of his melting Eyes,
The Eloquence of Looks and Vocal Mien,
Love's tender Diction, told it to the Queen;
Which in her Breast did anxious Care create,
Touch'd with the gen'rous Prince's rigid Fate,
Whose Reason was too Young to rule a Flame,
Which from a Spring approv'd by Vertue came,
And own'd a just, tho' unsuccessful Aim.
She view'd him like a Ship, its Rudder lost,
On swelling Waves by Winds tempestuous tost,
Despairing e'er to gain the wish'd-for Coast.
And still with Pleasure in her Presence staid.
The more he saw the more he did admire,
Till her bright Form possess'd his Soul entire.
Nor did he strive his Passion to disguise,
But the soft Accents of his melting Eyes,
The Eloquence of Looks and Vocal Mien,
Love's tender Diction, told it to the Queen;
Which in her Breast did anxious Care create,
Touch'd with the gen'rous Prince's rigid Fate,
Whose Reason was too Young to rule a Flame,
Which from a Spring approv'd by Vertue came,
And own'd a just, tho' unsuccessful Aim.
She view'd him like a Ship, its Rudder lost,
On swelling Waves by Winds tempestuous tost,
Despairing e'er to gain the wish'd-for Coast.
155
Philip, Hispania's Greatness to assure,
Augment her Wealth, and wider Sway procure,
Ambitious grasp'd at fair Navarra's Soil,
And hop'd without Expence or Martial Toil
Ungenerous to surprize and seize the Prey,
And on her Subject Neck clandestine lay
Iberia's Yoke, which once she did obey.
Studious by Ways unworthy to succeed
In this Attempt inglorious, he decreed
To send the Royal Captives from their Court
Secret to some remote Iberian Fort;
There the imprison'd Princes to detain,
And seize their Kingdom by the Troops of Spain.
Alva his General by the King's Command
For this base Purpose form'd a chosen Band,
Trusting the Conduct to a faithful Hand;
Who, ready Alva's Orders to obey,
Fell sick, and long in wasting Torment lay.
He now convinc'd that Life would soon expire,
Stung with Remorse and Fears of endless Fire,
To Philip's Consort did the Plot impart,
And hop'd her Care the Tempest would avert.
Surpriz'd and wond'ring at the black Intent,
She to Navarra's Queen the Secret sent,
To whom in Royal Blood she was ally'd,
And by the Sacred Bonds of Friendship ty'd:
Thus taking Vent the deep Design was lost,
By Heav'n, that guards the Guiltless, kindly crost
Augment her Wealth, and wider Sway procure,
Ambitious grasp'd at fair Navarra's Soil,
And hop'd without Expence or Martial Toil
Ungenerous to surprize and seize the Prey,
And on her Subject Neck clandestine lay
Iberia's Yoke, which once she did obey.
Studious by Ways unworthy to succeed
In this Attempt inglorious, he decreed
To send the Royal Captives from their Court
Secret to some remote Iberian Fort;
There the imprison'd Princes to detain,
And seize their Kingdom by the Troops of Spain.
Alva his General by the King's Command
For this base Purpose form'd a chosen Band,
Trusting the Conduct to a faithful Hand;
Who, ready Alva's Orders to obey,
Fell sick, and long in wasting Torment lay.
156
Stung with Remorse and Fears of endless Fire,
To Philip's Consort did the Plot impart,
And hop'd her Care the Tempest would avert.
Surpriz'd and wond'ring at the black Intent,
She to Navarra's Queen the Secret sent,
To whom in Royal Blood she was ally'd,
And by the Sacred Bonds of Friendship ty'd:
Thus taking Vent the deep Design was lost,
By Heav'n, that guards the Guiltless, kindly crost
Soon as Prince Carlos heard the heinous Deed
Unworthy of a Monarch, was decreed,
The Project he indignant did resent,
And threats to give his generous Passion Vent,
Against the King's Advisers oft exprest,
Which should have slept conceal'd within his Breast.
He said in Rage, Those who the Scheme design'd,
His just Displeasure should unpardon'd find.
Alva and Gomez, Fav'rites, One of whom
Wag'd War Abroad, One rul'd the State at Home,
Jealous the Prince, who Philip's Council blam'd,
Against their Lives the menac'd Vengeance aim'd,
Surely to disappoint th' impending Blow,
Concerted Carlos' Power to overthrow.
Unworthy of a Monarch, was decreed,
The Project he indignant did resent,
And threats to give his generous Passion Vent,
Against the King's Advisers oft exprest,
Which should have slept conceal'd within his Breast.
He said in Rage, Those who the Scheme design'd,
His just Displeasure should unpardon'd find.
157
Wag'd War Abroad, One rul'd the State at Home,
Jealous the Prince, who Philip's Council blam'd,
Against their Lives the menac'd Vengeance aim'd,
Surely to disappoint th' impending Blow,
Concerted Carlos' Power to overthrow.
Besides, the brave Iberian Prince of late,
Toucht with the Suff'rings of the Belgian State,
Had own'd Compassion to their hapless Fate.
Where pious Rome's August Tribunal stood
By Arms erected, and upheld in Blood.
This kindled in the Priests vindictive Rage,
Whose wrathful Flames, no Time nor Arts asswage;
Wisely did Alva and his Friend conspire
To urge the Prelates, and improve their Fire,
That by these Holy Mens confed'rate Aid,
The gath'ring Storm might break on Carlos' Head.
Toucht with the Suff'rings of the Belgian State,
Had own'd Compassion to their hapless Fate.
Where pious Rome's August Tribunal stood
By Arms erected, and upheld in Blood.
This kindled in the Priests vindictive Rage,
Whose wrathful Flames, no Time nor Arts asswage;
Wisely did Alva and his Friend conspire
To urge the Prelates, and improve their Fire,
That by these Holy Mens confed'rate Aid,
The gath'ring Storm might break on Carlos' Head.
158
Fair Eboli, mean Time the envy'd Bride
Of Gomez, and Iberia's matchless Pride,
For Carlos' Life did Snares destructive frame,
Who show'd Contempt of her discover'd Flame:
Nor was she less against the Queen enrag'd,
Whose Charms she thought the Prince's Heart engag'd.
And hence from diff'rent Principles she joyn'd
With the Two Lords, who Carlos' Fate design'd.
Since no Incentives jealous Princes move,
Like Rival Pow'rs in Empire and in Love,
To fire the King the Two great Lords arraign,
Of bold and trait'rous Aims the Prince of Spain;
While Eboli attempts with subtile Art
To sting with painful Jealousy his Heart.
Of Gomez, and Iberia's matchless Pride,
For Carlos' Life did Snares destructive frame,
Who show'd Contempt of her discover'd Flame:
Nor was she less against the Queen enrag'd,
Whose Charms she thought the Prince's Heart engag'd.
And hence from diff'rent Principles she joyn'd
With the Two Lords, who Carlos' Fate design'd.
Since no Incentives jealous Princes move,
Like Rival Pow'rs in Empire and in Love,
To fire the King the Two great Lords arraign,
Of bold and trait'rous Aims the Prince of Spain;
While Eboli attempts with subtile Art
To sting with painful Jealousy his Heart.
One Day the King thus to the Lords begun,
Have you observ'd the Temper of my Son?
To me, his cloudy Fore-head seems to wear
Concern unusual, and a thoughtful Air,
The Tokens of some anxious secret Care.
Whate'er it be, his Trouble seems unfeign'd,
His Mirth dissembled, and his Smiles constrain'd.
Have you observ'd the Temper of my Son?
To me, his cloudy Fore-head seems to wear
Concern unusual, and a thoughtful Air,
The Tokens of some anxious secret Care.
159
His Mirth dissembled, and his Smiles constrain'd.
The Monarch ceas'd—And Gomez thus reply'd,
His Change of Temper cannot be deny'd.
Perhaps the Suff'rings of the Belgick State
Afflict his Soul, and inward Pain create,
For oft he mourns that Nation's present Fate.
He of your mod'rate Violence complains,
As too severe your gentle Arms arraigns,
And wishes oft kind Heav'n would give him Pow'r
To ease their Troubles, and their Rights restore.
'Tis like the Passion of a gen'rous Mind,
Not yet by prudent Rules of State refin'd,
Too much to Belgia has his Heart inclin'd.
He cannot sure foment Sedition's Fire,
Much less at Empire can his Thoughts aspire.
Nor can he Northern Heresy protect,
Tho' some sagacious Heads his Faith suspect.
Hither, 'tis true, the Belgian Lords resort,
And from the Prince assiduous ask Support;
While constant Couriers Commerce close maintain
Between the Belgian and the Prince of Spain;
Perhaps that thus the Prince they may engage
In Ways your just Resentment to asswage,
And win you thence your Army to recall,
And let high Rome's oppos'd Tribunal fall.
His Change of Temper cannot be deny'd.
Perhaps the Suff'rings of the Belgick State
Afflict his Soul, and inward Pain create,
For oft he mourns that Nation's present Fate.
He of your mod'rate Violence complains,
As too severe your gentle Arms arraigns,
And wishes oft kind Heav'n would give him Pow'r
To ease their Troubles, and their Rights restore.
'Tis like the Passion of a gen'rous Mind,
Not yet by prudent Rules of State refin'd,
Too much to Belgia has his Heart inclin'd.
He cannot sure foment Sedition's Fire,
Much less at Empire can his Thoughts aspire.
Nor can he Northern Heresy protect,
Tho' some sagacious Heads his Faith suspect.
160
And from the Prince assiduous ask Support;
While constant Couriers Commerce close maintain
Between the Belgian and the Prince of Spain;
Perhaps that thus the Prince they may engage
In Ways your just Resentment to asswage,
And win you thence your Army to recall,
And let high Rome's oppos'd Tribunal fall.
He ceas'd—The Lords retir'd, and in their Stead,
Fair Eboli for Audience did succeed.
Who thus began—Long watchful I have seen,
So Philip bad, the Intercourse between
The Spanish Prince and Spain's Illustrious Queen.
Heav'n knows, To Heav'n as Witness I appeal,
With strong Reluctance I at last reveal
Th' ungrateful Truth I've labour'd to conceal.
But due Obedience to your high Command,
Without deep Guilt can Eboli withstand?
Dejected Carlos, scarce to Life and Sense,
While absent from the Queen, can make Pretence.
The Cloud and settled Sadness, which he wears
In those black Hours, if her bright Form appears,
Are from his Brow dispell'd, as Shades of Night
And hovering Mists are chas'd by rising Light.
His ravish'd Eyes still on her Beauty gaze,
Wanton he basks and revels in the Blaze:
As to a Being of celestial Race
He often kneels, and now his Arms embrace
Her Feet in amorous Raptures, now he stands
Imprinting ardent Kisses on her Hands.
The Queen's indulgent Smiles his Flame approve,
She meets his Glances, and confirms his Love.
But here Surmise should not proceed too far,
Nor will the King condemn the Royal Pair,
And from Imprudence heinous Guilt infer.
Your Bed, Illustrious Monarch, may remain
Still undefil'd, and they without a Stain:
Your Native Goodness will incline your Heart
To spare uncautious Youth, and Wrath avert.
Fair Eboli for Audience did succeed.
Who thus began—Long watchful I have seen,
So Philip bad, the Intercourse between
The Spanish Prince and Spain's Illustrious Queen.
Heav'n knows, To Heav'n as Witness I appeal,
With strong Reluctance I at last reveal
Th' ungrateful Truth I've labour'd to conceal.
But due Obedience to your high Command,
Without deep Guilt can Eboli withstand?
161
While absent from the Queen, can make Pretence.
The Cloud and settled Sadness, which he wears
In those black Hours, if her bright Form appears,
Are from his Brow dispell'd, as Shades of Night
And hovering Mists are chas'd by rising Light.
His ravish'd Eyes still on her Beauty gaze,
Wanton he basks and revels in the Blaze:
As to a Being of celestial Race
He often kneels, and now his Arms embrace
Her Feet in amorous Raptures, now he stands
Imprinting ardent Kisses on her Hands.
The Queen's indulgent Smiles his Flame approve,
She meets his Glances, and confirms his Love.
But here Surmise should not proceed too far,
Nor will the King condemn the Royal Pair,
And from Imprudence heinous Guilt infer.
Your Bed, Illustrious Monarch, may remain
Still undefil'd, and they without a Stain:
162
To spare uncautious Youth, and Wrath avert.
She said—Then parted from the jealous King,
And in his Bosom left th' envenom'd Sting.
He feels, like warring Winds, strong Passions fight
In his vext Soul, that darken Reason's Light.
The Storm, which furious on his Vitals reigns,
Drives thro' his Breast, and rages thro' his Veins,
O'erwhelms his Heart, and scornful of controul
Embroils the Springs of Life, and works his inmost Soul,
In these dark Clouds, like rip'ning Thunder, lay
Livid Revenge prepar'd to break away,
And its destructive Terrors to display.
Thoughtful a while and silent Philip stood,
Forming black Schemes, and meditating Blood;
Then did the King, in these fierce Accents, vent
The jealous Passion in his Bosom pent.
And in his Bosom left th' envenom'd Sting.
He feels, like warring Winds, strong Passions fight
In his vext Soul, that darken Reason's Light.
The Storm, which furious on his Vitals reigns,
Drives thro' his Breast, and rages thro' his Veins,
O'erwhelms his Heart, and scornful of controul
Embroils the Springs of Life, and works his inmost Soul,
In these dark Clouds, like rip'ning Thunder, lay
Livid Revenge prepar'd to break away,
And its destructive Terrors to display.
Thoughtful a while and silent Philip stood,
Forming black Schemes, and meditating Blood;
Then did the King, in these fierce Accents, vent
The jealous Passion in his Bosom pent.
163
Rivall'd at once in Love and Empire, where
Prudent and generous Minds disdain to bear
The least suspected Guilt! My Son rebel!
My Queen abuse my Bed! Perdition, Hell!
Then both must die: Carlos, thy Fate's decreed,
Just Heav'n will sure applaud the Righteous Deed.
Treason and Incest joyn'd! thy Life alone,
For Crimes so black, so monst'rous, can atone.
'Tis true, thou art my Son; no, Carlos, no,
Thou wert my Son, but art no longer so.
Mercy be dumb, Compassion cease to weep,
And Love, inglorious Coward Passion, sleep
Benumb'd with strong Oblivion, while I wrest
By Force the struggling Father from my Breast,
And sink indulgent Nature in my Soul,
Which would arrest my Arms, and sweet Revenge controul.
'Tis done—now, Carlos, I my Eyes can cloy
With thy Distress, and thy last Pangs enjoy.
Pleas'd I can see thy Eye-balls roll in Death,
And hear thy double Sighs exhaust thy Breath.
Prudent and generous Minds disdain to bear
The least suspected Guilt! My Son rebel!
My Queen abuse my Bed! Perdition, Hell!
Then both must die: Carlos, thy Fate's decreed,
Just Heav'n will sure applaud the Righteous Deed.
Treason and Incest joyn'd! thy Life alone,
For Crimes so black, so monst'rous, can atone.
'Tis true, thou art my Son; no, Carlos, no,
Thou wert my Son, but art no longer so.
Mercy be dumb, Compassion cease to weep,
And Love, inglorious Coward Passion, sleep
Benumb'd with strong Oblivion, while I wrest
By Force the struggling Father from my Breast,
And sink indulgent Nature in my Soul,
Which would arrest my Arms, and sweet Revenge controul.
'Tis done—now, Carlos, I my Eyes can cloy
With thy Distress, and thy last Pangs enjoy.
164
And hear thy double Sighs exhaust thy Breath.
He said—And then to give his Scruples Ease,
And his reluctant Conscience to appease,
He to the pious Fathers secret goes,
Who Rome's August Tribunal did compose,
And ask'd their Sense; These holy Sons of Pride,
A cruel Race of Bigots, thus reply'd.
And his reluctant Conscience to appease,
He to the pious Fathers secret goes,
Who Rome's August Tribunal did compose,
And ask'd their Sense; These holy Sons of Pride,
A cruel Race of Bigots, thus reply'd.
Since the Young Prince the Flandrian Rebel courts,
Aspires to Empire, and besides supports
Invented Doctrines by the Christian Creed
And sacred Rome condemn'd, to make him bleed
Must be a just and meritorious Deed.
By this bright Vertue emulous you shine,
Of the just Man, who at the Word Divine
Without Regret did Isaac's Life resign.
Thus too the King will imitate the Love
And the blest Aims, which did th' Almighty move
To let his only Coeternal Son
A Victim die, his Justice to atone.
Aspires to Empire, and besides supports
Invented Doctrines by the Christian Creed
And sacred Rome condemn'd, to make him bleed
Must be a just and meritorious Deed.
By this bright Vertue emulous you shine,
Of the just Man, who at the Word Divine
Without Regret did Isaac's Life resign.
Thus too the King will imitate the Love
And the blest Aims, which did th' Almighty move
To let his only Coeternal Son
A Victim die, his Justice to atone.
165
Thus did the Reverend Sycophants combine
To urge the King, and aid his fierce Design.
Brave Carlos not convicted and unheard
To a warm Bath, at Philip's Word prepar'd,
To sooth his Lust of Blood, was now convey'd,
Where by the Steel his Veins were open laid.
Philip, who all Entreaties had deny'd
Of Friends and Princes to his House ally'd,
And unrelenting as the Parian Rock,
Did Carlos' Pray'r and low Submission mock,
To please unnatural Hate and vengeful Spleen,
Sate, and attentive view'd the Tragick Scene.
Long he beheld the Vital Fountains play,
Which wasted Life, and spouting every Way,
Did thro' the red'ning Bath their Streams convey.
He heard his Sighs, his Throbs and short'ning Breath,
While trickling Sweat presag'd approaching Death:
Yet did not Pity nor paternal Love
Touch his hard Nature, or his Bowels move.
He then retiring left th' unfinish'd Deed,
And thus insulting Carlos' Fate, he said,
My own Physician thus I cure my Blood,
And let the Noxious out to save the Good.
To urge the King, and aid his fierce Design.
Brave Carlos not convicted and unheard
To a warm Bath, at Philip's Word prepar'd,
To sooth his Lust of Blood, was now convey'd,
Where by the Steel his Veins were open laid.
Philip, who all Entreaties had deny'd
Of Friends and Princes to his House ally'd,
And unrelenting as the Parian Rock,
Did Carlos' Pray'r and low Submission mock,
To please unnatural Hate and vengeful Spleen,
Sate, and attentive view'd the Tragick Scene.
Long he beheld the Vital Fountains play,
Which wasted Life, and spouting every Way,
Did thro' the red'ning Bath their Streams convey.
He heard his Sighs, his Throbs and short'ning Breath,
While trickling Sweat presag'd approaching Death:
Yet did not Pity nor paternal Love
Touch his hard Nature, or his Bowels move.
166
And thus insulting Carlos' Fate, he said,
My own Physician thus I cure my Blood,
And let the Noxious out to save the Good.
The bleeding Prince, as the fierce King withdrew,
Stedfast pursu'd his Steps while yet in view
With earnest ghastly Looks, and which to paint
All Fancies are too cold, all Words too faint.
Then cry'd—For yet his falt'ring Speech could flow,
My Father, no, nor King, but Tyrant go;
Go cruel Man, th' indelible Disgrace
Of Spain, the Scourge and Blot of Humane Race.
Tygers and Wolves, which tear the harmless Herd
With Hunger pinch'd, still their own Offspring guard.
But Philip riots with inhumane Joy
In his own Blood, do's his own Flesh destroy,
And with th' unnatural Feast his Hunger cloy.
But since you've wrested from my longing Arms,
But never from my Heart, the heav'nly Charms
Of Spain's bright Queen with spotless Vertue crown'd,
Belov'd by me, to me by Contract bound,
Inflicting Death, Compassion you have shown;
What's Life, when all that's dear in Life is gone?
Stedfast pursu'd his Steps while yet in view
With earnest ghastly Looks, and which to paint
All Fancies are too cold, all Words too faint.
Then cry'd—For yet his falt'ring Speech could flow,
My Father, no, nor King, but Tyrant go;
Go cruel Man, th' indelible Disgrace
Of Spain, the Scourge and Blot of Humane Race.
Tygers and Wolves, which tear the harmless Herd
With Hunger pinch'd, still their own Offspring guard.
But Philip riots with inhumane Joy
In his own Blood, do's his own Flesh destroy,
And with th' unnatural Feast his Hunger cloy.
But since you've wrested from my longing Arms,
But never from my Heart, the heav'nly Charms
167
Belov'd by me, to me by Contract bound,
Inflicting Death, Compassion you have shown;
What's Life, when all that's dear in Life is gone?
He ceas'd—and kiss'd the Image of the Queen,
That in his Hand he held till then unseen,
And by his destin'd Bride from France was sent,
On which he fix'd his Eyes and look'd intent,
Till by Degrees Death's overspreading Shade
Involv'd his Eye-balls, and his Soul, that staid
Hov'ring a while o'er Life's expiring Flame,
At length forsook th' inhospitable Frame.
That in his Hand he held till then unseen,
And by his destin'd Bride from France was sent,
On which he fix'd his Eyes and look'd intent,
Till by Degrees Death's overspreading Shade
Involv'd his Eye-balls, and his Soul, that staid
Hov'ring a while o'er Life's expiring Flame,
At length forsook th' inhospitable Frame.
Now did the raving Monarch, to asswage
His jealous Pain, and sooth vindictive Rage,
Decree his beauteous Queen's untimely Fate,
Nor could her lovely Form, her pregnant State,
And blooming Youth incline his Marble Heart,
Change his black Purpose, and his Wrath avert.
Than Alva's Consort none of all the Fair
Did ranker Hate, or greater Envy bear
To the bright Queen; she at the King's Command
Brought the sure Poison with a willing Hand.
The Queen constain'd drank down the deadly Juice,
Which in her boiling Veins did soon produce
Destructive Ferments and malignant Heats,
From whose fierce Rage invaded Life retreats,
In Agonies of Pain and horrid Throws
She lay convuls'd, when to insult her Woes
And mock her dying Pangs, the Monarch drest
As Mourners in a black depending Vest,
Enter'd the Room with melancholy Pace,
And strong dissembled Sorrow in his Face.
He tenderly embrac'd the dying Queen,
And with affected Grief, Theatrick Mien,
And woful Voice he bad a long Adieu,
And then the Royal Hypocrite withdrew.
Now while the fatal Draught her Heart assail'd
And o'er the last Efforts of Life prevail'd,
In slow deep Sobs she gasp'd away her Breath,
Stretch'd out her beauteous Limbs, and lovely smil'd in Death.
His jealous Pain, and sooth vindictive Rage,
Decree his beauteous Queen's untimely Fate,
Nor could her lovely Form, her pregnant State,
168
Change his black Purpose, and his Wrath avert.
Than Alva's Consort none of all the Fair
Did ranker Hate, or greater Envy bear
To the bright Queen; she at the King's Command
Brought the sure Poison with a willing Hand.
The Queen constain'd drank down the deadly Juice,
Which in her boiling Veins did soon produce
Destructive Ferments and malignant Heats,
From whose fierce Rage invaded Life retreats,
In Agonies of Pain and horrid Throws
She lay convuls'd, when to insult her Woes
And mock her dying Pangs, the Monarch drest
As Mourners in a black depending Vest,
Enter'd the Room with melancholy Pace,
And strong dissembled Sorrow in his Face.
He tenderly embrac'd the dying Queen,
And with affected Grief, Theatrick Mien,
And woful Voice he bad a long Adieu,
And then the Royal Hypocrite withdrew.
169
And o'er the last Efforts of Life prevail'd,
In slow deep Sobs she gasp'd away her Breath,
Stretch'd out her beauteous Limbs, and lovely smil'd in Death.
175
THE NATURE OF MAN.
A POEM. In Three BOOKS.
Quid quæque ferat Regio, & quid quæque recuset.
Virg.
177
THE NATURE OF MAN.
BOOK I.
The Argument.
The Introduction. The Proposition. The Variety of Vegetables and Animals in various Climates. Great and wise Men not the Production of the Torrid Zone, and the Reason why. This Observation exemplify'd in the Regions of Africa, the Kingdoms and Islands of the East and West-Indies that lie beneath the Ecliptick Line. The cold Regions near the Poles no less hurtful to Humane Nature. Instances of the Stupidity of those Nations near the Arctick Circle: Their Strength of Body: Their long Life. The Advantages of the temperate Climates for Courage, Sense, Wit and Politeness. Those too Cold or too Hot, not more receptive of Religion than fertile of Sense. The various Kinds of Idolatry in those barbarous Countries.
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Superior Bards, the Pride of ancient Days,
Tuneful have honour'd with immortal Lays
The lowing Grazer, and the fleecy Flock;
The Goat, that brouzes on the shrubby Rock,
And generous Steed, that flying leaves behind
The panting Storm, and mocks the lagging Wind,
With Ears erect springs ardent to the War,
Or, proud in Triumph, draws the Hero's Car;
The feather'd Clans, that soar amidst the Clouds
Sublime, or perching sing in shady Woods;
And all the swift-finn'd Nations of the Floods:
Ev'n Infects too they rais'd, which artful form.
Their waxen Caves; and the Silk-Weaver Worm.
Tuneful have honour'd with immortal Lays
The lowing Grazer, and the fleecy Flock;
The Goat, that brouzes on the shrubby Rock,
And generous Steed, that flying leaves behind
The panting Storm, and mocks the lagging Wind,
With Ears erect springs ardent to the War,
Or, proud in Triumph, draws the Hero's Car;
The feather'd Clans, that soar amidst the Clouds
Sublime, or perching sing in shady Woods;
And all the swift-finn'd Nations of the Floods:
Ev'n Infects too they rais'd, which artful form.
Their waxen Caves; and the Silk-Weaver Worm.
Mean Time Heav'n's Viceroy, Man, whose wide Command
Controuls the spacious Realms of Sea and Land,
Is left unsung: Then, Muse, extend thy Wing
For unattempted Flight, and Humane Nature sing.
Controuls the spacious Realms of Sea and Land,
Is left unsung: Then, Muse, extend thy Wing
For unattempted Flight, and Humane Nature sing.
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Tell, what distinguish'd Regions chief abound
With Wit and Sense, what Soil is most renown'd
For Strength athletic, what with Valour crown'd.
What different Virtues, and as different Crimes
Owe their Production to peculiar Climes.
Tell, whence a worthy Race does long endure,
And what Defects its Ruin will procure.
With Wit and Sense, what Soil is most renown'd
For Strength athletic, what with Valour crown'd.
What different Virtues, and as different Crimes
Owe their Production to peculiar Climes.
Tell, whence a worthy Race does long endure,
And what Defects its Ruin will procure.
In various Countries, we with Wonder find
Birds, Beasts, and verdant Plants of various Kind:
The Golden Orange-Grove, and spreading Vine
Ask a hot Soil, a cold the Fir and Pine.
The Amaranth and odoriferous Rose
Abhor Arabia's Sands, and Scythia's Snows.
Few Realms, like that of fertile Britain, breed
The fair-horn'd Bullock, and the swift-heel Steed.
Birds, Beasts, and verdant Plants of various Kind:
The Golden Orange-Grove, and spreading Vine
Ask a hot Soil, a cold the Fir and Pine.
The Amaranth and odoriferous Rose
Abhor Arabia's Sands, and Scythia's Snows.
Few Realms, like that of fertile Britain, breed
The fair-horn'd Bullock, and the swift-heel Steed.
Bright Humane Nature does no less demand
An Air adapted, and peculiar Land.
An Air adapted, and peculiar Land.
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In vain you hope Illustrious Youth will shine
Beneath th' Æquator, or th' Ecliptick Line;
Where Sun-burnt Nations, of a swarthy Skin,
Are fully'd o'er with blacker Clouds within.
Their Spirits suffer by too hot a Ray,
And their dry Brain grows dark with too much Day.
For while the Solar Orb, with Heat intense,
Concocts their Gold, it dissipates their Sense:
So much his Beam the Nerves of Moisture drains,
So draws transpiring Vapours from the Veins
Thro' gaping Pores, the Channels can't diffuse
O'er the parcht Head, sufficient gentle Dews.
Their Spirits burning with too fierce a Fire
Unqualify'd by proper Flegme, acquire
A Disposition so inept for Thought,
Few just Perceptions in their Minds are wrought.
The scorcht and pathless Desarts of the Brain,
Want proper Caves and Cells to entertain
A Crowd of airy Forms and long Ideal Train.
Beneath th' Æquator, or th' Ecliptick Line;
Where Sun-burnt Nations, of a swarthy Skin,
Are fully'd o'er with blacker Clouds within.
Their Spirits suffer by too hot a Ray,
And their dry Brain grows dark with too much Day.
For while the Solar Orb, with Heat intense,
Concocts their Gold, it dissipates their Sense:
So much his Beam the Nerves of Moisture drains,
So draws transpiring Vapours from the Veins
Thro' gaping Pores, the Channels can't diffuse
O'er the parcht Head, sufficient gentle Dews.
Their Spirits burning with too fierce a Fire
Unqualify'd by proper Flegme, acquire
A Disposition so inept for Thought,
Few just Perceptions in their Minds are wrought.
The scorcht and pathless Desarts of the Brain,
Want proper Caves and Cells to entertain
A Crowd of airy Forms and long Ideal Train.
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Observe the Realms from Congo's Lands to those
Which Æthiopia'a Southern Seas inclose:
The Inland Tracts, that various Kings obey,
Which the white Mountains of the Moon survey;
Where, fabulous Atlas, thy vast Shoulders rise,
And constant Winter wear in Summer Skies:
Where Niger, wanton with his Silver Pride,
Rolls thro' the burning Land his fruitful Tide;
Benin's and Zara's unfrequented Plains,
Unblest with cooling Winds and genial Rains.
Which Æthiopia'a Southern Seas inclose:
The Inland Tracts, that various Kings obey,
Which the white Mountains of the Moon survey;
Where, fabulous Atlas, thy vast Shoulders rise,
And constant Winter wear in Summer Skies:
Where Niger, wanton with his Silver Pride,
Rolls thro' the burning Land his fruitful Tide;
Benin's and Zara's unfrequented Plains,
Unblest with cooling Winds and genial Rains.
Each India's spacious Monarchies survey,
Those at the Spring, these at the Ebb of Day,
O'er which the Sun describes his Spiral Way.
The various Realms disperst in Orient Seas,
The wild Philippine Isles, and barbarous Celebees:
Java, Sumatra, and Borneo's Land,
And that which rude Golconda's Kings command:
The Climes, where Siam's Lords the Scepter sway,
And which Malacca's Potentates obey.
Those at the Spring, these at the Ebb of Day,
O'er which the Sun describes his Spiral Way.
The various Realms disperst in Orient Seas,
The wild Philippine Isles, and barbarous Celebees:
Java, Sumatra, and Borneo's Land,
And that which rude Golconda's Kings command:
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And which Malacca's Potentates obey.
Regard the Western-Indies, long unknown,
Controul'd by Europe's Kings, or by their own.
The Kingdoms neighbour to the sandy Shores,
Where fam'd Hondura's Gulph resisted roars.
The wealthy Regions of the Southern Soil,
Where Foreign Lords enjoy the Natives Toil,
And to Iberia's Ports convey the precious Spoil.
And where the famous Amazonian Tide
Do's thro' the Sands, like their own Serpents, glide.
Controul'd by Europe's Kings, or by their own.
The Kingdoms neighbour to the sandy Shores,
Where fam'd Hondura's Gulph resisted roars.
The wealthy Regions of the Southern Soil,
Where Foreign Lords enjoy the Natives Toil,
And to Iberia's Ports convey the precious Spoil.
And where the famous Amazonian Tide
Do's thro' the Sands, like their own Serpents, glide.
The various Nations of these various Lands,
Opprest with scorching Heats, and Desart-Lands,
Are, for the most, so ignorant and blind,
So unreflecting, and so dull of Mind,
They cast Reproach and Shame on Humane Kind.
So void of Sense the Hotentot is found,
Whose Speech is scarce articulated Sound,
That 'tis disputed, if his doubtful Soul
Augment the Humane or the Brutal Roll:
Nor do's the Cafres barb'rous Race express
More Marks of Wisdom, or of Dullness less.
Opprest with scorching Heats, and Desart-Lands,
Are, for the most, so ignorant and blind,
So unreflecting, and so dull of Mind,
They cast Reproach and Shame on Humane Kind.
So void of Sense the Hotentot is found,
Whose Speech is scarce articulated Sound,
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Augment the Humane or the Brutal Roll:
Nor do's the Cafres barb'rous Race express
More Marks of Wisdom, or of Dullness less.
Ye Frontier Kingdoms, stretch'd on Guinea's Shore,
Enrich'd with Ivory Wealth, and golden Oar;
Ye Spicy-Isles, lav'd by the Indian Main,
Count what your Losses are, and what your Gain:
And will your Gold and Spices recompence
Your Want of Thought, your Penury of Sense?
Will ye your cruel Benefactor own,
And bless th' immoderate Bounty of the Sun?
Enrich'd with Ivory Wealth, and golden Oar;
Ye Spicy-Isles, lav'd by the Indian Main,
Count what your Losses are, and what your Gain:
And will your Gold and Spices recompence
Your Want of Thought, your Penury of Sense?
Will ye your cruel Benefactor own,
And bless th' immoderate Bounty of the Sun?
As Rays direct are hurtful to the Mind,
So by their Heat our Nature is inclin'd
To various Passions, of destructive Kind.
The vital Ferments they exalt so high,
Their Dews exhal'd, the Channels grow so dry,
That fiery Spirits rising from the Blood,
Adust Extraction of the boiling Flood,
Thro' all their fib'rous Paths malignant dart,
Furious extend the Limbs, and fierce impel the Heart.
The Fire, untemper'd with proportion'd Flegme,
Scorches their Veins, and burns the Meagre Frame.
These Spirits rais'd from Choler to the Brain,
Like those extracted from the basest Grain,
Impure and crude, produce unnatural Heat,
And an ignoble Flame of Life create.
The Natives hence no tender Motions find,
No generous Passions agitate their Mind.
Fierce is their Rage, and all the Savage Beast
Reigns in their Soul, and haunts their desart Breast;
Where Hate, Revenge, and Jealousy are bred,
And livid Envy hides her spleenful Head.
So by their Heat our Nature is inclin'd
To various Passions, of destructive Kind.
The vital Ferments they exalt so high,
Their Dews exhal'd, the Channels grow so dry,
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Adust Extraction of the boiling Flood,
Thro' all their fib'rous Paths malignant dart,
Furious extend the Limbs, and fierce impel the Heart.
The Fire, untemper'd with proportion'd Flegme,
Scorches their Veins, and burns the Meagre Frame.
These Spirits rais'd from Choler to the Brain,
Like those extracted from the basest Grain,
Impure and crude, produce unnatural Heat,
And an ignoble Flame of Life create.
The Natives hence no tender Motions find,
No generous Passions agitate their Mind.
Fierce is their Rage, and all the Savage Beast
Reigns in their Soul, and haunts their desart Breast;
Where Hate, Revenge, and Jealousy are bred,
And livid Envy hides her spleenful Head.
The Brute and Humane Animals acquire
From these hot Skies alike intemperate Fire.
The swarthy Nations near the Sun partake
Of the fierce Viper, pois'nous Rattle-Snake,
And Dragon, Bird obscene, which dreadful flies,
Shoots forth his forked Tongue, and licks the Skies.
From these hot Skies alike intemperate Fire.
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Of the fierce Viper, pois'nous Rattle-Snake,
And Dragon, Bird obscene, which dreadful flies,
Shoots forth his forked Tongue, and licks the Skies.
Such was the Plague, that in Arabia's Sand,
Stung Hebrews rescu'd from proud Pharoah's Hand;
And round their Limbs in turgid Volumes clung,
While with their Noise rehissing Mountains rung.
Yet not Arabia's Sands, nor Lybia's Soil,
Not Zara's Desart, nor the Banks of Nile,
Fruitful of Terrors, yield a Savage Race,
Which Ægypt's King in Cruelty surpass.
Stung Hebrews rescu'd from proud Pharoah's Hand;
And round their Limbs in turgid Volumes clung,
While with their Noise rehissing Mountains rung.
Yet not Arabia's Sands, nor Lybia's Soil,
Not Zara's Desart, nor the Banks of Nile,
Fruitful of Terrors, yield a Savage Race,
Which Ægypt's King in Cruelty surpass.
See where the Sun wastes his intenser Ray,
The Cannibal, a Humane Beast of Prey,
With more than brutal Fierceness drinks the Blood
Of his own Kind, and makes their Limbs his Food.
Th' Æthiopian, and the Inland Moor,
From Zanguebar's to Africk's adverse Shore,
Merchants of Humane Nature still maintain
Detested Trade, and sell their Race for Gain:
Send their own Offspring Slaves to Foreign Soil,
To sweat in Mines, or with incessant Toil
To plant for British Lords some Indian Isle.
The Cannibal, a Humane Beast of Prey,
With more than brutal Fierceness drinks the Blood
Of his own Kind, and makes their Limbs his Food.
Th' Æthiopian, and the Inland Moor,
From Zanguebar's to Africk's adverse Shore,
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Detested Trade, and sell their Race for Gain:
Send their own Offspring Slaves to Foreign Soil,
To sweat in Mines, or with incessant Toil
To plant for British Lords some Indian Isle.
Nor is the Glebe to Humane Nature kind,
Between the Circles and the Poles confin'd.
Nor the North Regions of the temperate Zone,
Nor Southern Lands presumptive, tho' unknown.
Where while th' unfriendly Sun do's Visits pay,
So cold and short, he saves his precious Ray,
And parsimonious makes the least Expence of Day.
Mean Time in dark Abodes the Natives mourn
His quick Departure, and his slow Return.
Between the Circles and the Poles confin'd.
Nor the North Regions of the temperate Zone,
Nor Southern Lands presumptive, tho' unknown.
Where while th' unfriendly Sun do's Visits pay,
So cold and short, he saves his precious Ray,
And parsimonious makes the least Expence of Day.
Mean Time in dark Abodes the Natives mourn
His quick Departure, and his slow Return.
See Nova Zembla's unfrequented Shores,
Whence Scythia's Main reverberated roars:
Iseland, a wild inhospitable Place,
Which the North Sea's circumfluent Waves embrace.
Greenland survey, on whose unfaithful Coast,
Oft fixt in Ice th' advent'rous Ship is lost:
Where the vast Lord of the Mute Clans, the Pride,
As well as Terror, of the Ocean's Tide,
Rolls in the troubled Deep, or wanton lies,
Spouting the missive Seas against the Skies.
Tartaria's Eastern Regions, and the Land
Which far and wide Muscovia's Kings command;
Where in unlightsome Caves the Nations pray
For the short Comfort of returning Day;
And Norway's Hills, whose Pines arise sublime,
Which when transplanted to Britannia's Clime,
Wing'd in her Fleets o'er all the Ocean roam,
Export her Growth, and fetch the Indies Home.
Whence Scythia's Main reverberated roars:
Iseland, a wild inhospitable Place,
Which the North Sea's circumfluent Waves embrace.
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Oft fixt in Ice th' advent'rous Ship is lost:
Where the vast Lord of the Mute Clans, the Pride,
As well as Terror, of the Ocean's Tide,
Rolls in the troubled Deep, or wanton lies,
Spouting the missive Seas against the Skies.
Tartaria's Eastern Regions, and the Land
Which far and wide Muscovia's Kings command;
Where in unlightsome Caves the Nations pray
For the short Comfort of returning Day;
And Norway's Hills, whose Pines arise sublime,
Which when transplanted to Britannia's Clime,
Wing'd in her Fleets o'er all the Ocean roam,
Export her Growth, and fetch the Indies Home.
In all these Regions, from the Source of Light
Remote and doom'd to long prevailing Night,
See, Cold extream clasps in its rigid Arms
Dishonour'd Nature, of their Strength disarms
Her wither'd Limbs, and blasts her blooming Charms.
See how she sickens by the chill Embrace,
Behold her squallid Looks and ruin'd Face!
While all her genial Ferments are detain'd
With Ice coercive, and in Frost-work chain'd.
Here Hyperborean Winds, that constant blow
From crystal Caves, and Hoards immense of Snow,
Tempestuous range the dreary Plains, and sweep
The glaz'd Apartments of th' unactive Deep:
Where cutting Sleet, bleak Gales, and beating Rain,
Drive thro' the Air, and sweep along the Plain.
This fruitless Soil, opprest with Cold intense,
Is barren too of Wit, and void of Sense.
Th' unsprightly, coarse, and unfermented Blood,
Form'd of base Juices and unwholsome Food,
Flows thick and lazy in the Venal Road.
From this impure and unsubacted Mass,
By a weak Fire sublim'd the Spirits pass
Thro' the trajected Strainers of the Brain,
And sluggish to the Nerves their Passage gain.
Unlabour'd, unrefin'd, and slow of Course,
They act the brawny Limbs, and give athletick Force.
While thro' the nervous tough and subborn Thread
Of larger Size and Bore they are convey'd,
Vig'rous they move the lab'ring Heart, and warm,
The winding Veins, with Strength the Muscles arm.
Hence the hard Natives of the frozen Soil
Robust of Sinew, and prepar'd for Toil,
Patient of Pains, can unexhausted bear
The Soldier's Buckler, or the Huntsman's Spear.
Remote and doom'd to long prevailing Night,
See, Cold extream clasps in its rigid Arms
Dishonour'd Nature, of their Strength disarms
Her wither'd Limbs, and blasts her blooming Charms.
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Behold her squallid Looks and ruin'd Face!
While all her genial Ferments are detain'd
With Ice coercive, and in Frost-work chain'd.
Here Hyperborean Winds, that constant blow
From crystal Caves, and Hoards immense of Snow,
Tempestuous range the dreary Plains, and sweep
The glaz'd Apartments of th' unactive Deep:
Where cutting Sleet, bleak Gales, and beating Rain,
Drive thro' the Air, and sweep along the Plain.
This fruitless Soil, opprest with Cold intense,
Is barren too of Wit, and void of Sense.
Th' unsprightly, coarse, and unfermented Blood,
Form'd of base Juices and unwholsome Food,
Flows thick and lazy in the Venal Road.
From this impure and unsubacted Mass,
By a weak Fire sublim'd the Spirits pass
Thro' the trajected Strainers of the Brain,
And sluggish to the Nerves their Passage gain.
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They act the brawny Limbs, and give athletick Force.
While thro' the nervous tough and subborn Thread
Of larger Size and Bore they are convey'd,
Vig'rous they move the lab'ring Heart, and warm,
The winding Veins, with Strength the Muscles arm.
Hence the hard Natives of the frozen Soil
Robust of Sinew, and prepar'd for Toil,
Patient of Pains, can unexhausted bear
The Soldier's Buckler, or the Huntsman's Spear.
These Spirits too, Guests of a torpid Brain,
Will ling'ring Life prolong, and Health maintain.
For with its hard constringent Grasp the Cold
Shuts up the Pores, and do's their Flight with-hold;
Which else expanded with a warmer Ray,
Thro' larger Meshes soon would wing their Way,
Defraud the Limbs, and lost in Æther stray.
Fed sparingly with Oyl, and dim with Fumes,
The Vital Lamp by slow Expence consumes:
While in hot Climes, unthrifty of its Fires,
It blazes high, and wasting swift expires.
But then these Spirits gross and unrefin'd,
Slow Ministers, and Envoys of the Mind,
Can ne'er on Vital Messages proceed,
Or for Reports return with proper Speed;
Swift thro' their nervous Channels cannot dart,
No Touches bold or delicate impart:
With no bright Figures furnish Fancy's Train,
Nor grace with curious Imag'ry the Brain.
The noble Functions of the Soul require
A brighter Flame, and more exalted Fire.
Will ling'ring Life prolong, and Health maintain.
For with its hard constringent Grasp the Cold
Shuts up the Pores, and do's their Flight with-hold;
Which else expanded with a warmer Ray,
Thro' larger Meshes soon would wing their Way,
Defraud the Limbs, and lost in Æther stray.
Fed sparingly with Oyl, and dim with Fumes,
The Vital Lamp by slow Expence consumes:
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It blazes high, and wasting swift expires.
But then these Spirits gross and unrefin'd,
Slow Ministers, and Envoys of the Mind,
Can ne'er on Vital Messages proceed,
Or for Reports return with proper Speed;
Swift thro' their nervous Channels cannot dart,
No Touches bold or delicate impart:
With no bright Figures furnish Fancy's Train,
Nor grace with curious Imag'ry the Brain.
The noble Functions of the Soul require
A brighter Flame, and more exalted Fire.
Mean Time the Realms, where Beams indulgent shine
From the North Circle to the Tropic Line,
Exempt from each Extream of Cold and Heat,
To Human Nature prove a kinder Seat.
From the North Circle to the Tropic Line,
Exempt from each Extream of Cold and Heat,
To Human Nature prove a kinder Seat.
The Sun here darts an oblique gentle Ray,
Nor prodigal of Glory do's display
Immoderate Splendor, or destructive Day.
Nor prodigal of Glory do's display
Immoderate Splendor, or destructive Day.
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Here from the tepid Glebe sweet Vapours rise;
Mild is the Air, and clement are the Skies.
Soft Winds their balmy Burden here unload,
And scatter genial Juices all Abroad.
Prolifick Heat fermenting Nature warms,
Gladdens her Face, and calls forth all her Charms.
By this her teeming Bosom is supply'd
With gay Abundance, and with verdant Pride.
Flocks cloath'd with Fleeces crown the Mountain's Brow,
And Herds beneath with Duggs distended low.
In these propitious Climes th' embody'd Mind
Do's happy Instruments, of various Kind,
For all her noble Operations find.
Mild is the Air, and clement are the Skies.
Soft Winds their balmy Burden here unload,
And scatter genial Juices all Abroad.
Prolifick Heat fermenting Nature warms,
Gladdens her Face, and calls forth all her Charms.
By this her teeming Bosom is supply'd
With gay Abundance, and with verdant Pride.
Flocks cloath'd with Fleeces crown the Mountain's Brow,
And Herds beneath with Duggs distended low.
In these propitious Climes th' embody'd Mind
Do's happy Instruments, of various Kind,
For all her noble Operations find.
Here proper Ferments animate the Blood,
And give just Vigour to the bounding Flood.
The vital Streams with due impulsive Force
Spring from the Heart, and triumph in their Course;
Rarely a dull unagitated Mass
Do's lazy linger in its circling Race:
Nor do's a flaming rapid Torrent fry
The winding Tubes, and leave the Muscles dry;
While the mild Dews, forc'd with too great a Fire,
Desert the Limbs, and thro' the Pores perspire.
The Purple Streams, warm to a just Degree,
From Dregs and unconcocted Juices free,
As they pervade the Channels of the Brain,
Their purer Parts thro' the fine Meshes strain.
These active Liquors, which Admission find
Thro' the strait Paths, and leave the coarse behind,
Swift to the inmost Rooms their Passage beat,
And crowd around the Soul's Imperial Seat;
Of subtile Matter form'd, refin'd and bright,
As Light'ning sprightly, and serene as Light,
Watching their Soveraign's Nod, they ready stand
Apt to perform the Mind's supream Command.
Such noble Vital Instruments are fit
For Reason's Works, and beauteous Turns of Wit.
With finer Strokes they move the tender Strings
Tun'd in the Brain, whence clear Perception springs.
When Fancy makes superior Flight her Aim,
Wing'd with this vig'rous, clear seraphick Flame,
She ranges Nature's universal Frame;
Bright Seeds of Thought from various Objects takes,
Whence her fair Scenes and Images she makes:
Spirits so swift, so fine, so bold, so strong,
Gave Milton Genius fit for Milton's Song.
And give just Vigour to the bounding Flood.
The vital Streams with due impulsive Force
Spring from the Heart, and triumph in their Course;
Rarely a dull unagitated Mass
Do's lazy linger in its circling Race:
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The winding Tubes, and leave the Muscles dry;
While the mild Dews, forc'd with too great a Fire,
Desert the Limbs, and thro' the Pores perspire.
The Purple Streams, warm to a just Degree,
From Dregs and unconcocted Juices free,
As they pervade the Channels of the Brain,
Their purer Parts thro' the fine Meshes strain.
These active Liquors, which Admission find
Thro' the strait Paths, and leave the coarse behind,
Swift to the inmost Rooms their Passage beat,
And crowd around the Soul's Imperial Seat;
Of subtile Matter form'd, refin'd and bright,
As Light'ning sprightly, and serene as Light,
Watching their Soveraign's Nod, they ready stand
Apt to perform the Mind's supream Command.
Such noble Vital Instruments are fit
For Reason's Works, and beauteous Turns of Wit.
With finer Strokes they move the tender Strings
Tun'd in the Brain, whence clear Perception springs.
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Wing'd with this vig'rous, clear seraphick Flame,
She ranges Nature's universal Frame;
Bright Seeds of Thought from various Objects takes,
Whence her fair Scenes and Images she makes:
Spirits so swift, so fine, so bold, so strong,
Gave Milton Genius fit for Milton's Song.
Others have Spirits volatile and gay,
Which in the Brain, like darting Meteors, play,
Or Atomes dancing in the solar Ray.
Tho' these with Strength Divine can never rise,
Nor stretch the daring Wing in upper Skies:
Yet sportive with their Wit, that flows with Ease,
And Humour, they the Taste in Fashion please.
In Raillry fine, in Conversation bright,
They now with Praises sooth, and now with Satyre bite.
Which in the Brain, like darting Meteors, play,
Or Atomes dancing in the solar Ray.
Tho' these with Strength Divine can never rise,
Nor stretch the daring Wing in upper Skies:
Yet sportive with their Wit, that flows with Ease,
And Humour, they the Taste in Fashion please.
In Raillry fine, in Conversation bright,
They now with Praises sooth, and now with Satyre bite.
As lighter Airs th' ignoble Audience charm,
Whom the Divine Scarlatti cannot warm,
So Sports of Fancy please the People's Ear,
Who cold the Epick Inspiration hear.
Of either Kind a Genius we should prize,
One makes us laugh, as One would make us wise.
Whom the Divine Scarlatti cannot warm,
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Who cold the Epick Inspiration hear.
Of either Kind a Genius we should prize,
One makes us laugh, as One would make us wise.
For different Ends the busy Head is fill'd
With different Spirits from the Blood distill'd:
Behold in some, these Agents of the Mind
Mild, but exalted, active and refin'd;
And from the sharp and sullen Vapours freed,
Which from the Bile, and anxious Spleen proceed,
Dart to the Soul a pure, and easy Ray,
Serene as Morn, and sweet as Eden's Day:
Gentle and soft, as tepid, genial Rains,
Inspire a kindly Warmth thro' all the Veins:
Dispos'd around the Mind's High Judgment-Seat,
They give abundant Light, but moderate Heat.
When Spirits temper'd thus combine, we own
A Fleetwood sorm'd, a Lock, or Tillotson.
With different Spirits from the Blood distill'd:
Behold in some, these Agents of the Mind
Mild, but exalted, active and refin'd;
And from the sharp and sullen Vapours freed,
Which from the Bile, and anxious Spleen proceed,
Dart to the Soul a pure, and easy Ray,
Serene as Morn, and sweet as Eden's Day:
Gentle and soft, as tepid, genial Rains,
Inspire a kindly Warmth thro' all the Veins:
Dispos'd around the Mind's High Judgment-Seat,
They give abundant Light, but moderate Heat.
When Spirits temper'd thus combine, we own
A Fleetwood sorm'd, a Lock, or Tillotson.
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In some the Spirits their rich Store diffuse,
Drawn from a Mixture of digested Dews
And equal Fire, which purer Choler joyns,
And the high Ferment of the Spleen refines.
These plenteous rise, and with their radiant Train
Fill all th' Apartments of th' inlighten'd Brain.
They burn, without exhaling Vapours, bright,
And give a clear and comprehensive Sight,
Piercing Inspection, and attentive Thought,
Where Nature's Steps are trac'd, and Schemes of Science wrought.
From Spirits thus dispos'd expect to see
A Wren, a Newton, or a Gregory.
Drawn from a Mixture of digested Dews
And equal Fire, which purer Choler joyns,
And the high Ferment of the Spleen refines.
These plenteous rise, and with their radiant Train
Fill all th' Apartments of th' inlighten'd Brain.
They burn, without exhaling Vapours, bright,
And give a clear and comprehensive Sight,
Piercing Inspection, and attentive Thought,
Where Nature's Steps are trac'd, and Schemes of Science wrought.
From Spirits thus dispos'd expect to see
A Wren, a Newton, or a Gregory.
Those, which the able Statesman's Head inspire,
Approach yet nearer to Etherial Fire.
These by their frequent Sublimations pure,
Mellow by long Digestion, and mature;
Justly attemper'd with proportion'd Flegme,
And to a certain Height exalted, frame
A noble, generous, strong, and steddy Flame;
Which thro' the Brain Meridian Lustre spreads,
Mild as the Glory, which a Seraph sheds.
This Flame is vig'rous, lasting, clear, serene,
And darts not outward, while it shines within.
Hence Judgment flows, and Thoughts sagacious, hence
Come steddy Temper, and superior Sense.
This makes a Master to direct a State,
And forms the Man denominated Great.
Give to the Brain such Guests as these, and we
New Burleighs, and new Walsinghams shall see.
Approach yet nearer to Etherial Fire.
These by their frequent Sublimations pure,
Mellow by long Digestion, and mature;
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And to a certain Height exalted, frame
A noble, generous, strong, and steddy Flame;
Which thro' the Brain Meridian Lustre spreads,
Mild as the Glory, which a Seraph sheds.
This Flame is vig'rous, lasting, clear, serene,
And darts not outward, while it shines within.
Hence Judgment flows, and Thoughts sagacious, hence
Come steddy Temper, and superior Sense.
This makes a Master to direct a State,
And forms the Man denominated Great.
Give to the Brain such Guests as these, and we
New Burleighs, and new Walsinghams shall see.
And may Britannia's Soil with Spirit stor'd,
And blest with Genius, still a Race afford
In Council able, and with Prudence crown'd,
Not less for Wisdom, than for Arms renown'd,
In Action warm, and in Designing cool,
Mighty to conquer, and as fit to rule.
And blest with Genius, still a Race afford
In Council able, and with Prudence crown'd,
Not less for Wisdom, than for Arms renown'd,
In Action warm, and in Designing cool,
Mighty to conquer, and as fit to rule.
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Nor do's the wild intemperate Zone admit
Religion's Empire more than that of Wit,
Alike for Sense and Piety unfit.
Religion's Empire more than that of Wit,
Alike for Sense and Piety unfit.
Survey the Regions near th' Æquator Line,
To Congo's Sands from swarthy Abyssine,
The Nations spread on Guinea's golden Shore,
The tawny, black, the long, and short-hair'd Moor,
Who drink the Niger, or the Nile adore;
That People barbarous Madagascar's Soil,
Camboia's Kingdom, and Mindano's Isle,
Who range like Savage Beasts, the Hill and Wood,
Unciviliz'd, and naked snatch their Food,
Nature's pure Growth, and drink the ready Flood.
These stupid Nations, this degenerate Race,
Can scarce the Being of their Maker trace,
Tho' Marks of Pow'r Divine shine bright on Nature's Face.
And those, who Altars for Religion raise,
To Demons, not to Gods, direct their Praise.
To Congo's Sands from swarthy Abyssine,
The Nations spread on Guinea's golden Shore,
The tawny, black, the long, and short-hair'd Moor,
Who drink the Niger, or the Nile adore;
That People barbarous Madagascar's Soil,
Camboia's Kingdom, and Mindano's Isle,
Who range like Savage Beasts, the Hill and Wood,
Unciviliz'd, and naked snatch their Food,
Nature's pure Growth, and drink the ready Flood.
These stupid Nations, this degenerate Race,
Can scarce the Being of their Maker trace,
Tho' Marks of Pow'r Divine shine bright on Nature's Face.
And those, who Altars for Religion raise,
To Demons, not to Gods, direct their Praise.
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Soon as th' unhappy Head of Humane Kind,
By secret Guile and flatt'ring Arts inclin'd,
Had (fatal Choice!) embrac'd th' Impostor's Cause,
Abjur'd his Soveraign, and despis'd his Laws;
Inflicted Mists, and Shades of penal Night
Involv'd his Offspring, and perplex'd their Sight:
Hence, lost in various Error, they ador'd
Some Fellow-Creature, as their Maker-Lord;
And mumerous Kinds of Idols did revere,
The Objects of their Love, or of their Fear.
By secret Guile and flatt'ring Arts inclin'd,
Had (fatal Choice!) embrac'd th' Impostor's Cause,
Abjur'd his Soveraign, and despis'd his Laws;
Inflicted Mists, and Shades of penal Night
Involv'd his Offspring, and perplex'd their Sight:
Hence, lost in various Error, they ador'd
Some Fellow-Creature, as their Maker-Lord;
And mumerous Kinds of Idols did revere,
The Objects of their Love, or of their Fear.
Some deify'd the Seraph-Race, that fell
From bright celestial Thrones, condemn'd to dwell
In Falshood's dark Abodes, and reign accurs'd in Hell.
While these Fall'n-Angels, Princes of the Air,
From their low Seats to ours, did oft repair,
To manage here their Empire, to preside
O'er warring Winds, and wrathful Tempests guide,
To ripen Plagues, and Torments to dispense,
To scourge Mankind, and punish bold Offence;
Mistaken Man, by Terrors thus alarm'd,
Bow'd to the Pow'rs with so much Vengeance arm'd:
And to the fierce Tormentors Fanes did reer;
While Demons thus were first made Gods by Fear.
From bright celestial Thrones, condemn'd to dwell
In Falshood's dark Abodes, and reign accurs'd in Hell.
While these Fall'n-Angels, Princes of the Air,
From their low Seats to ours, did oft repair,
To manage here their Empire, to preside
O'er warring Winds, and wrathful Tempests guide,
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To scourge Mankind, and punish bold Offence;
Mistaken Man, by Terrors thus alarm'd,
Bow'd to the Pow'rs with so much Vengeance arm'd:
And to the fierce Tormentors Fanes did reer;
While Demons thus were first made Gods by Fear.
Th' Apostate Spirits proud to be ador'd,
And vie in Honours with their Soveraign Lord;
In various Climes appointed various Modes,
By which th' Usurpers were aton'd as Gods.
In Person some, disguis'd in Humane Shape,
Met their Adorers, some assum'd the Ape.
The Satyr's Form some did capricious chuse,
Some did the Goat's, and some the Serpent's use;
Others were pleas'd, from different Taste of Pride,
Unseen in various Idols to reside:
Temples and Domes were rais'd, the high Abodes
Of wing'd, four-footed, and of reptile Gods.
And vie in Honours with their Soveraign Lord;
In various Climes appointed various Modes,
By which th' Usurpers were aton'd as Gods.
In Person some, disguis'd in Humane Shape,
Met their Adorers, some assum'd the Ape.
The Satyr's Form some did capricious chuse,
Some did the Goat's, and some the Serpent's use;
Others were pleas'd, from different Taste of Pride,
Unseen in various Idols to reside:
Temples and Domes were rais'd, the high Abodes
Of wing'd, four-footed, and of reptile Gods.
200
Some did the Town, and some the Desart love;
These chose the Hill, and those the shady Grove.
Here burning Incense sooth'd their Nostrils, there
They view'd the prost'rate Crowd, and heard their abject Pray'r.
Here impious Priests, full of the Demon Guest,
With trembling Limbs and agitated Breast,
Exclaiming loud the Fiend within confest.
While some with Rites uncouth, and hollow Notes
Exploded frightful thro' their lab'ring Thoats,
From murm'ring Bowels raving did dispense
Dark Oracles, and Words of doubtful Sense,
These chose the Hill, and those the shady Grove.
Here burning Incense sooth'd their Nostrils, there
They view'd the prost'rate Crowd, and heard their abject Pray'r.
Here impious Priests, full of the Demon Guest,
With trembling Limbs and agitated Breast,
Exclaiming loud the Fiend within confest.
While some with Rites uncouth, and hollow Notes
Exploded frightful thro' their lab'ring Thoats,
From murm'ring Bowels raving did dispense
Dark Oracles, and Words of doubtful Sense,
As Evil Spirits were by Men implor'd,
So Good, their own Invention, were ador'd.
Such Deities their Guardian Genij were,
Who rul'd wide Realms, or made great Towns their Care;
And those, who still assiduous did attend
Their Fav'rite's Person, and his Life defend:
Such those commission'd to protect their Tow'rs,
And guard their Walls against invading Pow'rs;
And Lares, plain, familiar, inmate Gods,
Who watchful kept their Votaries Abodes.
So Good, their own Invention, were ador'd.
Such Deities their Guardian Genij were,
Who rul'd wide Realms, or made great Towns their Care;
And those, who still assiduous did attend
Their Fav'rite's Person, and his Life defend:
201
And guard their Walls against invading Pow'rs;
And Lares, plain, familiar, inmate Gods,
Who watchful kept their Votaries Abodes.
Those of their Race, who useful Arts did find,
Or blest with gen'rous Labour Humane Kind,
By States too grateful were enrol'd Divine,
And mid'st the Stars did Gods illustrious shine.
Bacchus, and Ceres, who obtain'd a Place
High in the Heav'ns among th' Immortal Race,
Their Priests and Altars to their Skill did owe;
One taught to plant the Vine, and One to sow.
Robust Alcides, whose heroick Toil,
From Plagues and Monsters freed his Native Soil,
By Strength Athletick climb'd to Heav'n and rais'd
His Temples by the Club, which rescu'd Nations prais'd.
On Æsculapius Altars they bestow'd,
First their Physician, and at length their God.
Or blest with gen'rous Labour Humane Kind,
By States too grateful were enrol'd Divine,
And mid'st the Stars did Gods illustrious shine.
Bacchus, and Ceres, who obtain'd a Place
High in the Heav'ns among th' Immortal Race,
Their Priests and Altars to their Skill did owe;
One taught to plant the Vine, and One to sow.
Robust Alcides, whose heroick Toil,
From Plagues and Monsters freed his Native Soil,
By Strength Athletick climb'd to Heav'n and rais'd
His Temples by the Club, which rescu'd Nations prais'd.
On Æsculapius Altars they bestow'd,
First their Physician, and at length their God.
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Some duller yet of Reason, more debase
The Dignity of Man's superior Race,
While stupid they with sacred Honours crown
Creatures of Rank inferior to their own;
Worship wild Inmates, which the Woods infest,
The Desart's Terror, or the Mountain's Guest,
That walk, and run, or on their Bellies creep,
Traverse the Air, or range the spacious Deep.
The Dignity of Man's superior Race,
While stupid they with sacred Honours crown
Creatures of Rank inferior to their own;
Worship wild Inmates, which the Woods infest,
The Desart's Terror, or the Mountain's Guest,
That walk, and run, or on their Bellies creep,
Traverse the Air, or range the spacious Deep.
Rude Africk Realms, far from the Tropic Lines,
On which the Sun, profuse of Glory, shines,
Abject, their own Destroyers idolize,
And stock with Monster-Gods th' affronted Skies.
The wild and barb'rous Nations of the Land,
That stretches near the Erythræan Strand,
The Viper, Snake, and Basilisk adore,
And from their Plagues and Torments Aid implore.
On which the Sun, profuse of Glory, shines,
Abject, their own Destroyers idolize,
And stock with Monster-Gods th' affronted Skies.
The wild and barb'rous Nations of the Land,
That stretches near the Erythræan Strand,
The Viper, Snake, and Basilisk adore,
And from their Plagues and Torments Aid implore.
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Ægypt bow'd down before the Crocodile,
Who fierce infests their other God, the Nile;
The Terror That, and This the Blessing of their Soil.
Who fierce infests their other God, the Nile;
The Terror That, and This the Blessing of their Soil.
While Heroes dead, and Demons were prefer'd
To Thrones Divine, and Beasts were Gods declar'd,
Ev'n Herbs themselves, cheap verdant Deities,
From Earth transplanted, flourish'd in the Skies.
Ægypt in Garden Pow'rs her Safety plac'd,
Divinities of high delicious Taste:
Her Sons, like modern Rome, their Gods did eat,
Who fixt in Domes, or on their Tables set,
Did raise Devotion now, and now their Hunger treat.
To Thrones Divine, and Beasts were Gods declar'd,
Ev'n Herbs themselves, cheap verdant Deities,
From Earth transplanted, flourish'd in the Skies.
Ægypt in Garden Pow'rs her Safety plac'd,
Divinities of high delicious Taste:
Her Sons, like modern Rome, their Gods did eat,
Who fixt in Domes, or on their Tables set,
Did raise Devotion now, and now their Hunger treat.
Some lifting to the glorious Sun and Skies
Magnificent with Stars, their wond'ring Eyes
In Error lost, took for their Maker God
His Throne refulgent and August Abode.
Magnificent with Stars, their wond'ring Eyes
In Error lost, took for their Maker God
His Throne refulgent and August Abode.
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But Muse return, and thy first Aim pursue,
With closer Flight, and with less distant View.
With closer Flight, and with less distant View.
Nor do the Nations which inhabit near
Arcturus, and the never-setting Bear,
In Nova Zembla, and Iselandia's Isle,
In Lapland Hills, and bleak Muscovia's Soil,
More noble Dictates of Religion own,
Than the Brute Kingdoms of the Torrid Zone.
This heav'nly Plant, which Life Divine bestows,
Rare in incliment Air successful grows,
'Tis scorcht with Libia's Heats, and nip'd with Russia's Snows.
Arcturus, and the never-setting Bear,
In Nova Zembla, and Iselandia's Isle,
In Lapland Hills, and bleak Muscovia's Soil,
More noble Dictates of Religion own,
Than the Brute Kingdoms of the Torrid Zone.
This heav'nly Plant, which Life Divine bestows,
Rare in incliment Air successful grows,
'Tis scorcht with Libia's Heats, and nip'd with Russia's Snows.
'Tis true th' Almighty can with Ease display
O'er dull benighted Realms celestial Day;
And to th' unaptest Natures can impart
Transforming Pow'r, and with unerring Art
Bend the reluctant Will, and new create the Heart,
Yet who shall tax his Goodness, who arraign
Of Providence Divine the secret Chain,
If chief we see his Blessings the Reward
Of Thoughts more Humane, and of Minds prepar'd?
Nations, 'tis known, with finer Nature blest,
And Sense and Wit superior to the rest,
Soonest Divine Religion's Charms discern,
Meet the blest Teacher, and her Dictates learn.
O'er dull benighted Realms celestial Day;
And to th' unaptest Natures can impart
Transforming Pow'r, and with unerring Art
Bend the reluctant Will, and new create the Heart,
205
Of Providence Divine the secret Chain,
If chief we see his Blessings the Reward
Of Thoughts more Humane, and of Minds prepar'd?
Nations, 'tis known, with finer Nature blest,
And Sense and Wit superior to the rest,
Soonest Divine Religion's Charms discern,
Meet the blest Teacher, and her Dictates learn.
And hence, ye various Nations dull of Thought,
To near the Solar Orb, or too remote,
Stupid of Mind, and obstinate of Will,
Unconscious of the Rules of Good and Ill,
Rarely your Souls to pious Acts incline,
Or feel th' impulsive Force of Light Divine:
Obdurate, rarely in your yielding Breast,
You entertain the Beatifick Guest.
Your Hearts, as barren as your Rocks and Sand,
Her Charms and pow'rful Influence withstand;
Whose heav'nly Rays defeated thence recoil,
Like Sun-Beams wasted on unfruitful Soil.
To near the Solar Orb, or too remote,
Stupid of Mind, and obstinate of Will,
Unconscious of the Rules of Good and Ill,
Rarely your Souls to pious Acts incline,
Or feel th' impulsive Force of Light Divine:
Obdurate, rarely in your yielding Breast,
You entertain the Beatifick Guest.
Your Hearts, as barren as your Rocks and Sand,
Her Charms and pow'rful Influence withstand;
206
Like Sun-Beams wasted on unfruitful Soil.
Know, hardy Atheists, who insulting say
Some populous Realms to Gods no Homage pay,
And therefore Nature's universal Law
Imprints not on the Mind Religious Awe;
That those, who no superior Being own,
Are more from Beasts by Shape, than Reason known.
Some populous Realms to Gods no Homage pay,
And therefore Nature's universal Law
Imprints not on the Mind Religious Awe;
That those, who no superior Being own,
Are more from Beasts by Shape, than Reason known.
Then impious Maxims, which affront the Skies,
From Want of Wit, and not Abundance rise.
From Want of Wit, and not Abundance rise.
The End of the First Book.
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BOOK II.
The Argument.
The Character of the French Nation: Their Virtues and Vices. Of the Spaniard. Of the Inhabitants of the Northern Coast of Africa stretching along the Mediterranean-Sea. Of the Italians. Of the Germans. Of the People of the United-Netherlands. Of the Britons. An Episodical Digression, in Praise of British Liberty. The Britons Vices.
Now see what Genius of distinguish'd Kind,
What Passions, Manners more or less refin'd,
What Vice, what Virtue, eminent their own,
Make Neighbour Nations from each other known.
What Passions, Manners more or less refin'd,
What Vice, what Virtue, eminent their own,
Make Neighbour Nations from each other known.
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Fertile of Spirit, Sense, and subtile Wit,
Gallia affords a Race of Natives fit
For high Command, for Schools and liberal Arts,
Yet not alike in all her various Parts.
The temperate Tracts view'd by the distant Sun,
With Rays more slanting, which extended run
From Bourbon's healing Waters to the Coast,
Where in the Main fair Sequana is lost,
Excel the rest, and more abundant yield
Sense for the Court, and Courage for the Field.
The brightest Stars, that Honour Gallia's Skies,
Neighbours to Britain's Southern Empire rise.
'Tis to this Soil the boastful Kingdom owes
Her fam'd Cartesius, here her Calvin rose.
The nearer they approach th' Æquator Line,
The thinner, and less beautiful they shine.
Gallia affords a Race of Natives fit
For high Command, for Schools and liberal Arts,
Yet not alike in all her various Parts.
The temperate Tracts view'd by the distant Sun,
With Rays more slanting, which extended run
From Bourbon's healing Waters to the Coast,
Where in the Main fair Sequana is lost,
Excel the rest, and more abundant yield
Sense for the Court, and Courage for the Field.
The brightest Stars, that Honour Gallia's Skies,
Neighbours to Britain's Southern Empire rise.
'Tis to this Soil the boastful Kingdom owes
Her fam'd Cartesius, here her Calvin rose.
The nearer they approach th' Æquator Line,
The thinner, and less beautiful they shine.
From their pure Air, and mild, delightful Seat,
Where the contending Rivals, Cold and Heat,
Maintain a constant Balance, while they strive
With equal Vigour, Gallia's Sons derive
That Ease and Joy, which show them free from Care,
Their active Nature, and their sprightly Air.
Where the contending Rivals, Cold and Heat,
209
With equal Vigour, Gallia's Sons derive
That Ease and Joy, which show them free from Care,
Their active Nature, and their sprightly Air.
While Reason's brighter Beams adorn their Mind,
Of Thought acute, and Faculties refin'd,
Ready they frame Perceptions, whence the Brain
Is fill'd abundant with a busy Train
Of Images, which lively, light and gay
Range all its Walks, and thro' th' Apartments play,
Good Humour give, and cheerful Scenes display.
Of Thought acute, and Faculties refin'd,
Ready they frame Perceptions, whence the Brain
Is fill'd abundant with a busy Train
Of Images, which lively, light and gay
Range all its Walks, and thro' th' Apartments play,
Good Humour give, and cheerful Scenes display.
The Gauls with finer Spirits still abound,
More for Discernment, than for Wit renown'd,
Which yet they do not want, nor are with plenty crown'd.
And tho' their Fancy is not rich and strong,
Not vig'rous, bold, and fit for Epick Song,
Their Taste is exquisite, and Judgment right;
And hence they censure, better than they write.
Weak and diluted Notions they dispense,
Their Thoughts not full, nor sinewy their Sense.
Their Words not great, yet beautiful and clean,
And tho' too oft their Sentiments are lean,
We still conceive with ease, the Thing they mean.
More for Discernment, than for Wit renown'd,
Which yet they do not want, nor are with plenty crown'd.
And tho' their Fancy is not rich and strong,
Not vig'rous, bold, and fit for Epick Song,
Their Taste is exquisite, and Judgment right;
And hence they censure, better than they write.
210
Their Thoughts not full, nor sinewy their Sense.
Their Words not great, yet beautiful and clean,
And tho' too oft their Sentiments are lean,
We still conceive with ease, the Thing they mean.
Polite of Manners, easy of Access,
With winning Phrase, and elegant Address,
Courteous th' enquiring Stranger they Caress.
Graceful and fluent, and in speaking clear,
At once they please the Eye, and sooth the Ear.
With winning Phrase, and elegant Address,
Courteous th' enquiring Stranger they Caress.
Graceful and fluent, and in speaking clear,
At once they please the Eye, and sooth the Ear.
Active, industrious, and intent on Gain,
Gallia, thy Sons incessant Toil sustain.
Frugal and temperate in their Food and Wine,
Tho' both delicious, they Excess decline.
Hence they their known Alacrity maintain,
Their Bodies healthful, and serene their Brain.
Gallia, thy Sons incessant Toil sustain.
Frugal and temperate in their Food and Wine,
Tho' both delicious, they Excess decline.
Hence they their known Alacrity maintain,
Their Bodies healthful, and serene their Brain.
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Splendid in Houses, Equipage, and Dress,
For Show and Pomp their Passion they express.
Fawning and servile to the Great they bow,
While scornful they insult the Mean and Low:
They thirst for Praise immod'rate, and proclaim
In fulsome Stile, a Benefactor's Name;
And when their lawless Monarch is the Theme,
To court a Tyrant, they their God blaspheme.
They boast with hasty Pride each small Success,
And as small Losses soon their Souls depress;
Still in Extreams their Passions they employ,
Abject their Grief, and insolent their Joy.
For Show and Pomp their Passion they express.
Fawning and servile to the Great they bow,
While scornful they insult the Mean and Low:
They thirst for Praise immod'rate, and proclaim
In fulsome Stile, a Benefactor's Name;
And when their lawless Monarch is the Theme,
To court a Tyrant, they their God blaspheme.
They boast with hasty Pride each small Success,
And as small Losses soon their Souls depress;
Still in Extreams their Passions they employ,
Abject their Grief, and insolent their Joy.
Matchless in Treaties, they the Ear amuse
With doubtful Phrase, and Words of various use,
And with unfeign'd Hypocrisy abuse.
To work their Aim they still new Methods find,
Traverse their Course, and sail against the Wind.
Gamesters in Politicks, they know the Way
To win, is still to bring new Frauds in play.
With doubtful Phrase, and Words of various use,
And with unfeign'd Hypocrisy abuse.
To work their Aim they still new Methods find,
Traverse their Course, and sail against the Wind.
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To win, is still to bring new Frauds in play.
This mean ungenerous Race, for Thraldom fit,
Obsequious to the Yoke their Necks submit.
Their abject Minds ev'n Liberty disdain,
Pleas'd to be Slaves, they boast the Tyrant's Reign,
And servile hug their ignominious Chain.
Obsequious to the Yoke their Necks submit.
Their abject Minds ev'n Liberty disdain,
Pleas'd to be Slaves, they boast the Tyrant's Reign,
And servile hug their ignominious Chain.
The Gaul by Nature is not cruel made,
Nor secret in Revenge do's Life invade.
But then the Fierceness, which his Clime denies,
Plenteous his false Religion's Flame supplies.
Inverted Zeal! whose Dictates can controul
All inbred Goodness, and corrupt the Soul.
Tell, great Lutetia, how thy Sons, refin'd
From the good Passions of a generous Mind,
Devout Assassins grew, and to asswage
Their Lust of Slaughter, and Religious Rage,
Did all thy Streets with holy Murder stain,
And fill thy high Apartments with the Slain;
Did their feirce Hands with crimson Seas pollute,
And terrible in Arms proud Heresy confute.
Nor secret in Revenge do's Life invade.
But then the Fierceness, which his Clime denies,
Plenteous his false Religion's Flame supplies.
Inverted Zeal! whose Dictates can controul
All inbred Goodness, and corrupt the Soul.
Tell, great Lutetia, how thy Sons, refin'd
From the good Passions of a generous Mind,
Devout Assassins grew, and to asswage
Their Lust of Slaughter, and Religious Rage,
213
And fill thy high Apartments with the Slain;
Did their feirce Hands with crimson Seas pollute,
And terrible in Arms proud Heresy confute.
The Solar Rays, to which th' Iberian Race,
Owe their lean Bodies, and their swarthy Face,
Unqualify'd by proper Cold, inspire
Their scalded Veins with too intense a Fire.
Whence from the glowing Heart the rushing Tide
Thro' the hot Channels do's impetuous ride;
And while the Streams, thinn'd by immod'rate Heat,
Break thro' the Skin, and thro' the Strainers sweat,
The boiling Floods of high fermented Juice
Too fiery Spirits in the Brain produce.
And since the Passions, which the Heart surprize,
All from the Spirits various Nature rise,
On which the Mind's high Faculties depend,
While they Ideas frame, or choose an End:
The Cause of Spanish Temper here we find,
Why to such Virtues, and such Faults inclin'd.
Owe their lean Bodies, and their swarthy Face,
Unqualify'd by proper Cold, inspire
Their scalded Veins with too intense a Fire.
Whence from the glowing Heart the rushing Tide
Thro' the hot Channels do's impetuous ride;
And while the Streams, thinn'd by immod'rate Heat,
Break thro' the Skin, and thro' the Strainers sweat,
The boiling Floods of high fermented Juice
Too fiery Spirits in the Brain produce.
And since the Passions, which the Heart surprize,
All from the Spirits various Nature rise,
On which the Mind's high Faculties depend,
While they Ideas frame, or choose an End:
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Why to such Virtues, and such Faults inclin'd.
Th' Iberian makes his Honour chief his Care,
Nice in his Taste, and in his Rules severe.
In Friendship steddy, faithful to his Trust,
True to his Prince, and to his Neighbour just,
Arm'd in the Field he feels the martial Flame,
Tastful of Glory, and the Hero's Name,
He do's in Fight intrepid Courage show,
Ardent attacks, or firm sustains the Foe.
Religious he performs his solemn Vows,
And no elusive Subterfuge allows,
Unless from Rome's dispensing Pow'r it flows.
Nice in his Taste, and in his Rules severe.
In Friendship steddy, faithful to his Trust,
True to his Prince, and to his Neighbour just,
Arm'd in the Field he feels the martial Flame,
Tastful of Glory, and the Hero's Name,
He do's in Fight intrepid Courage show,
Ardent attacks, or firm sustains the Foe.
Religious he performs his solemn Vows,
And no elusive Subterfuge allows,
Unless from Rome's dispensing Pow'r it flows.
Able in Council, and for Action born,
Heroes and Statesmen once did long adorn
Iberia's Land, her Empire did defend,
And with her Frontier did her Fame extend.
Success her Schemes, and Vict'ry crown'd her Arms,
While distant Kingdoms shook at her Alarms.
This shews her happy Soil fit Men can yield
To rule the State, or conquer in the Field.
Heroes and Statesmen once did long adorn
Iberia's Land, her Empire did defend,
And with her Frontier did her Fame extend.
215
While distant Kingdoms shook at her Alarms.
This shews her happy Soil fit Men can yield
To rule the State, or conquer in the Field.
Her Men of Genius merit great Renown
By Wit and Sense, and Humour, all their own;
Yet, like their Beauties, they are thinly sown.
And both these Kinds that grace their Native Sphere,
Of the first Rank and Magnitude appear.
By Wit and Sense, and Humour, all their own;
Yet, like their Beauties, they are thinly sown.
And both these Kinds that grace their Native Sphere,
Of the first Rank and Magnitude appear.
But haughty Pride and Idleness efface
Part of the Glory of the Spanish Race.
On Neighbours round they look disdainful, proud
Of their unmingled, old Castilian Blood.
They take up Honour on their Father's Grant,
While Merit, not their own, th' Usurpers vaunt;
Believe the Hero is entail'd, and claim
In a right Line Hereditary Fame.
Part of the Glory of the Spanish Race.
On Neighbours round they look disdainful, proud
Of their unmingled, old Castilian Blood.
They take up Honour on their Father's Grant,
While Merit, not their own, th' Usurpers vaunt;
Believe the Hero is entail'd, and claim
In a right Line Hereditary Fame.
216
Of Toil impatient, they their Hours employ
In soft Delights, and various Scenes of Joy.
Amours to them, and frequent Feasts are dear,
And all th' exalted Pleasures of the Ear.
But if too poor such costly Sweets to taste,
Their wretched Lives in sullen Sloth they waste.
Careless the Natives and unactive stand,
Mindless to plough the Ocean, or the Land.
Unthrifty they consume their gather'd Store,
Spite of th' Indies destin'd to be poor;
Indies which more industrious Neighbours drain,
Enjoy the Thing, and leave the Name to Spain.
In soft Delights, and various Scenes of Joy.
Amours to them, and frequent Feasts are dear,
And all th' exalted Pleasures of the Ear.
But if too poor such costly Sweets to taste,
Their wretched Lives in sullen Sloth they waste.
Careless the Natives and unactive stand,
Mindless to plough the Ocean, or the Land.
Unthrifty they consume their gather'd Store,
Spite of th' Indies destin'd to be poor;
Indies which more industrious Neighbours drain,
Enjoy the Thing, and leave the Name to Spain.
Immortal Hatred and malicious Will,
O Spain, the Bosoms of thy Natives fill.
Too near advanc'd to Mauritania's Shore,
They feel the Passions of the cruel Moor.
Witness, ye peaceful Indian Nations, you
Who peopled Mexico and till'd Peru:
What Racks, what Tortures of distinguish'd Kind,
Able in Torment did your Masters find,
Frugal of Death, tho' liberal of Pain,
To sink your Stock, and plant the Growth of Spain?
To sooth the Spaniard's raging Lust of Blood,
From your exhausted Veins what Rivers flow'd?
From your unhappy Seats, what dreadful Cries,
What Groans did long uninterrupted rise,
And form infernal Noise amid'st the howling Skies?
O Spain, the Bosoms of thy Natives fill.
Too near advanc'd to Mauritania's Shore,
They feel the Passions of the cruel Moor.
Witness, ye peaceful Indian Nations, you
Who peopled Mexico and till'd Peru:
217
Able in Torment did your Masters find,
Frugal of Death, tho' liberal of Pain,
To sink your Stock, and plant the Growth of Spain?
To sooth the Spaniard's raging Lust of Blood,
From your exhausted Veins what Rivers flow'd?
From your unhappy Seats, what dreadful Cries,
What Groans did long uninterrupted rise,
And form infernal Noise amid'st the howling Skies?
Nor do's in Spain her self the Trav'ller see
Less odious Marks of Spanish Cruelty.
Witness the Fate of her own Native Moor,
Proscrib'd, destroy'd, and banish'd from her Shore,
Nor guarded by the Oaths Castilia's Monarch swore.
Less odious Marks of Spanish Cruelty.
Witness the Fate of her own Native Moor,
Proscrib'd, destroy'd, and banish'd from her Shore,
Nor guarded by the Oaths Castilia's Monarch swore.
Yet their Lay-Fierceness we indignant see
Is mild compar'd with Clergy-Cruelty;
These Reverend Tyrants, absolute of Will,
With fetter'd Slaves their sacred Prisons fill.
And stock their heav'nly Labour-Houses, where
The curious Artists Men for Heav'n prepare
On Racks of Holy Use contriv'd with studious Care.
With Engines, form'd by Art Divine, they wrest
Pernicious Error from the stubborn Breast,
And with celestial Piety endu'd
Scourge Hereticks to Heav'n, and force them to be good.
Is mild compar'd with Clergy-Cruelty;
These Reverend Tyrants, absolute of Will,
With fetter'd Slaves their sacred Prisons fill.
218
The curious Artists Men for Heav'n prepare
On Racks of Holy Use contriv'd with studious Care.
With Engines, form'd by Art Divine, they wrest
Pernicious Error from the stubborn Breast,
And with celestial Piety endu'd
Scourge Hereticks to Heav'n, and force them to be good.
The Tawny Race, that People Africk's Land,
Between the Northern Tropick and the Strand,
Whose Barrier-Rocks and rising Sands restrain
Th' insulting Billows of the Midland Main,
Scotcht by a near and more inclement Sun,
In Sense and Virtue is by Spain outdone;
But not in great Degree, for near the Coast
The Natives Genius and Reflection boast.
Witness the Race in ancient Carthage born,
Who bright in Virtue, Africk did adorn.
Valiant they strove with Rome's Ambitious State,
Rival in Arms, with undecided Fate
To which the Subject World should Homage pay,
Thy Laws, O Rome, or, Carthage, thine obey.
Till Discord, Faction, Strife too fierce to tame,
And Envy kindled by th' unrival'd Fame
Of the great Heroes, who their Armies led,
And far and wide their Praise and Terror spread,
Soon broke the Punick Pow'rs, and made them yield,
Victors till then, the long contested Field.
And had some noble Carthaginian Pen,
Wrote the brave Actions of their valiant Men,
Greater Esteem perhaps we should express
To Africk Heroes, and to Roman less.
May Britons ne'er by Envy's Pow'r misled,
A Vice by bright Heroick Virtue bred,
Madly their flowing Tide of Fortune stem,
Nor Victory forsake, e'er that abandons them.
Between the Northern Tropick and the Strand,
Whose Barrier-Rocks and rising Sands restrain
Th' insulting Billows of the Midland Main,
Scotcht by a near and more inclement Sun,
In Sense and Virtue is by Spain outdone;
But not in great Degree, for near the Coast
The Natives Genius and Reflection boast.
Witness the Race in ancient Carthage born,
Who bright in Virtue, Africk did adorn.
Valiant they strove with Rome's Ambitious State,
Rival in Arms, with undecided Fate
219
Thy Laws, O Rome, or, Carthage, thine obey.
Till Discord, Faction, Strife too fierce to tame,
And Envy kindled by th' unrival'd Fame
Of the great Heroes, who their Armies led,
And far and wide their Praise and Terror spread,
Soon broke the Punick Pow'rs, and made them yield,
Victors till then, the long contested Field.
And had some noble Carthaginian Pen,
Wrote the brave Actions of their valiant Men,
Greater Esteem perhaps we should express
To Africk Heroes, and to Roman less.
May Britons ne'er by Envy's Pow'r misled,
A Vice by bright Heroick Virtue bred,
Madly their flowing Tide of Fortune stem,
Nor Victory forsake, e'er that abandons them.
Nor after did these Regions less abound
With Men of Wit, with Sense and Virtue crown'd
And for celestial Piety renown'd.
Here did the various Luminaries rise
Of the first Order in the Christian Skies.
Tertullian, Cyprian, and Augustine, bred
In this warm Land, did Light abundant spread,
And more than rival'd Rome's aspiring Head.
Yet lasting Hate, Resentment, Pride and Spleen,
Revenge, and Cruelty, and haughty Mien,
More than in Spain, are here conspicuous seen.
With Men of Wit, with Sense and Virtue crown'd
And for celestial Piety renown'd.
220
Of the first Order in the Christian Skies.
Tertullian, Cyprian, and Augustine, bred
In this warm Land, did Light abundant spread,
And more than rival'd Rome's aspiring Head.
Yet lasting Hate, Resentment, Pride and Spleen,
Revenge, and Cruelty, and haughty Mien,
More than in Spain, are here conspicuous seen.
Hesperia's Soil, which turbid Adria's Waves,
And th' Hetrurian adverse Billows lave,
Whence humid Vapours still exhaling rise,
Sooth the hot Air, and qualify the Skies,
A middle Disposition do's obtain,
Not mild as Gallia, nor so hot as Spain.
Hence she affords a Race distinct from both,
From Gallick Lightness free, and Spanish Sloth.
A lofty Genius in her Natives shines,
For Empire turn'd, and apt for vast Designs.
Witness the Heroes, who in ancient Days,
By Actions worthy of Immortal Praise,
From Pole to Pole, Ausonia's Fame did spread,
And made high Rome the World's Imperial Head.
And th' Hetrurian adverse Billows lave,
Whence humid Vapours still exhaling rise,
Sooth the hot Air, and qualify the Skies,
A middle Disposition do's obtain,
Not mild as Gallia, nor so hot as Spain.
Hence she affords a Race distinct from both,
From Gallick Lightness free, and Spanish Sloth.
A lofty Genius in her Natives shines,
For Empire turn'd, and apt for vast Designs.
221
By Actions worthy of Immortal Praise,
From Pole to Pole, Ausonia's Fame did spread,
And made high Rome the World's Imperial Head.
When mighty Storms, which in the North arose,
From Alba's Banks, and Scandinavia's Snows,
To fair Hesperia threat'ning bent their Course,
And rushing down her Hills with rapid Force,
Had with their Thunder Rome's proud Empire broke,
And made her Neck receive a Foreign Yoke,
Behold a Scheme form'd by unvulgar Sense;
Thy subtile Sons, O Rome, to recompense
Their Loss of Pow'r, did Means successful find
To found a wider Empire o'er the Mind.
Witness the mitred Monarchs, who controul
Reluctant Conscience, and command the Soul.
Who, as erroneus, Nature's Light asperse;
The Judgment, which our Senses pass, reverse;
And by th' usurp'd Authority of Heav'n
Repeal the just Decrees by Reason giv'n:
Who Schemes of new Religion have enjoyn'd,
Impos'd Belief, enslav'd the free-born Mind,
And artful by the manag'd World to come,
Have conquer'd this, and Heav'n annex'd to Rome;
Possest of all the dreadful Strength of Hell,
Its Magazines of Pain and Death, compel
The Earth's affrighted Nations to obey
Proud Rome's Command, and own her Soveraign Sway:
To compass this, Ausonia must abound
With Genius strong and vast, and Thought profound.
From Alba's Banks, and Scandinavia's Snows,
To fair Hesperia threat'ning bent their Course,
And rushing down her Hills with rapid Force,
Had with their Thunder Rome's proud Empire broke,
And made her Neck receive a Foreign Yoke,
Behold a Scheme form'd by unvulgar Sense;
Thy subtile Sons, O Rome, to recompense
Their Loss of Pow'r, did Means successful find
To found a wider Empire o'er the Mind.
Witness the mitred Monarchs, who controul
Reluctant Conscience, and command the Soul.
Who, as erroneus, Nature's Light asperse;
The Judgment, which our Senses pass, reverse;
222
Repeal the just Decrees by Reason giv'n:
Who Schemes of new Religion have enjoyn'd,
Impos'd Belief, enslav'd the free-born Mind,
And artful by the manag'd World to come,
Have conquer'd this, and Heav'n annex'd to Rome;
Possest of all the dreadful Strength of Hell,
Its Magazines of Pain and Death, compel
The Earth's affrighted Nations to obey
Proud Rome's Command, and own her Soveraign Sway:
To compass this, Ausonia must abound
With Genius strong and vast, and Thought profound.
Here rose the sacred Machiavellian Kind,
Of subtile Head, and Politicks refin'd,
Fruitful of Projects, and in Council great,
Fit to support, or undermine a State.
Open and free, while most reserv'd, expert
To dress Designs, and act a double Part,
Most artful, when they seem most free from Art.
Solemn they vow, but still their Minds suppress,
Intending Ruin while they most caress.
Of subtile Head, and Politicks refin'd,
Fruitful of Projects, and in Council great,
Fit to support, or undermine a State.
Open and free, while most reserv'd, expert
To dress Designs, and act a double Part,
Most artful, when they seem most free from Art.
223
Intending Ruin while they most caress.
This happy Land in all her various Parts,
Has still been friendly to the liberal Arts;
But chief the Regions, which their Wealth display
Between the Mountains and the Midland Sea.
The Sun and Soil indulgent here conspire
To raise bright Genius and Poetick Fire.
Hence rise distinguish'd Bards of every Kind,
Fertile of Thought, and elevated Mind;
Some fit in Azure Heights to stretch the Wing,
And in superior Lays heroick Virtue sing:
And some with humble Flight to range the Plains;
The Hills and Groves, and tell in gentle Strains
The Labours, and the Loves of Rural Swains.
Of the great Pair, who yet unrivall'd shine
In Epick Song, Italia, Virgil's Thine;
And where's the Voice admir'd for Lyrick Lays,
That with thy Horace merits equal Praise?
Has still been friendly to the liberal Arts;
But chief the Regions, which their Wealth display
Between the Mountains and the Midland Sea.
The Sun and Soil indulgent here conspire
To raise bright Genius and Poetick Fire.
Hence rise distinguish'd Bards of every Kind,
Fertile of Thought, and elevated Mind;
Some fit in Azure Heights to stretch the Wing,
And in superior Lays heroick Virtue sing:
And some with humble Flight to range the Plains;
The Hills and Groves, and tell in gentle Strains
The Labours, and the Loves of Rural Swains.
Of the great Pair, who yet unrivall'd shine
In Epick Song, Italia, Virgil's Thine;
And where's the Voice admir'd for Lyrick Lays,
That with thy Horace merits equal Praise?
224
In Musick too th' Ausonians, nice of Taste,
Unmatch'd in Skill their Neighbours still surpast,
Whether they strike th' extended Vocal String,
Or eloquent in Sound some tender Passion sing.
When Margarita moves us with her Song
Melodious, artful, delicate and strong;
When Nicolini we in Rapture hear,
Whose Motion charms the Sight, and Voice the Ear;
Surpriz'd Italia's Genius we admire,
None sing so sweet, as none so touch the Lyre.
Unmatch'd in Skill their Neighbours still surpast,
Whether they strike th' extended Vocal String,
Or eloquent in Sound some tender Passion sing.
When Margarita moves us with her Song
Melodious, artful, delicate and strong;
When Nicolini we in Rapture hear,
Whose Motion charms the Sight, and Voice the Ear;
Surpriz'd Italia's Genius we admire,
None sing so sweet, as none so touch the Lyre.
Strangers amaz'd see how her stately Rooms,
Her gilded Tow'rs and elevated Domes,
Matchless Productions of the Painter boast,
Which all his fertile Energy exhaust:
Where Skill Divine great Raphael do's exert,
And Nature re-create with rival Art:
See, Plants in verdant Fields of Canvass rise,
And Birds ascend in well-imagin'd Skies.
The Herds and Flocks, the Pencil's Creatures, fill
Th' extended Vally, and adorn the Hill:
On Humane Limbs it Shape and Strength bestows,
While vital Fire in kindling Colours glows,
Makes the strong Lines a living Aspect wear,
And in the Eyes the whole bright Soul appear.
Her gilded Tow'rs and elevated Domes,
Matchless Productions of the Painter boast,
Which all his fertile Energy exhaust:
Where Skill Divine great Raphael do's exert,
And Nature re-create with rival Art:
See, Plants in verdant Fields of Canvass rise,
And Birds ascend in well-imagin'd Skies.
225
Th' extended Vally, and adorn the Hill:
On Humane Limbs it Shape and Strength bestows,
While vital Fire in kindling Colours glows,
Makes the strong Lines a living Aspect wear,
And in the Eyes the whole bright Soul appear.
Here too illustrious Architects abound,
Tho' few in Buonarota's Sphere are found.
Her lofty Structures to the Skies aspire,
While to reveal their Pride the Clouds retire.
How much her Domes and Palaces delight,
Where Order, Pomp, Magnificence and Height,
Beauty and Strength conspire to please the Sight!
Tho' few in Buonarota's Sphere are found.
Her lofty Structures to the Skies aspire,
While to reveal their Pride the Clouds retire.
How much her Domes and Palaces delight,
Where Order, Pomp, Magnificence and Height,
Beauty and Strength conspire to please the Sight!
Yet Jealous, Proud, with quick Resentment fir'd,
Reluctant to Forgiveness, and inspir'd
By secret Fury, with clandestine Arms,
Italia's Sons revenge imagin'd Harms.
The pois'nous Plant of Cruelty do's here
Luxuriant spring, and Fruits full ripen'd bear.
What Seas of Blood were with unrivall'd Guilt
By Sylla's Hand, and thine, fierce Marius, spilt?
How did the dire Proscriptions of the Three,
Octavius, Lepidus, and Anthony,
Pollute high Rome with Heaps of noble Dead,
And Streets with moist Patrician Purple spread?
How did her Neroes, and their Tyrant Race,
Imperial Plagues, the Terrour and Disgrace
Of Humane Kind, regale their greedy Eyes
With Scenes of Death, their Ears with Groans and Cries?
Reluctant to Forgiveness, and inspir'd
By secret Fury, with clandestine Arms,
Italia's Sons revenge imagin'd Harms.
226
Luxuriant spring, and Fruits full ripen'd bear.
What Seas of Blood were with unrivall'd Guilt
By Sylla's Hand, and thine, fierce Marius, spilt?
How did the dire Proscriptions of the Three,
Octavius, Lepidus, and Anthony,
Pollute high Rome with Heaps of noble Dead,
And Streets with moist Patrician Purple spread?
How did her Neroes, and their Tyrant Race,
Imperial Plagues, the Terrour and Disgrace
Of Humane Kind, regale their greedy Eyes
With Scenes of Death, their Ears with Groans and Cries?
Yet guilty Rome, thy Neroes, Maximins,
And all the Tyrants of the Pagan Lines,
Who red with Slaughter fill'd th' Imperial Throne,
Are by thy Christian Potentates out-gone.
With pure celestial Piety endu'd,
They Humane Nature from their Breasts exclude,
And fill their Hands, they lift to Heav'n, with Blood.
These Sons of Wrath, this unrelenting Tribe,
Condemn whole Nations, and their Kings proscribe.
Doom Crowds of guiltless Men to cruel Chains,
To Death, and after to infernal Pains;
And their immortal Cruelty extend
Beyond the Grave, where all Lay-Torments end.
And all the Tyrants of the Pagan Lines,
Who red with Slaughter fill'd th' Imperial Throne,
Are by thy Christian Potentates out-gone.
With pure celestial Piety endu'd,
They Humane Nature from their Breasts exclude,
And fill their Hands, they lift to Heav'n, with Blood.
227
Condemn whole Nations, and their Kings proscribe.
Doom Crowds of guiltless Men to cruel Chains,
To Death, and after to infernal Pains;
And their immortal Cruelty extend
Beyond the Grave, where all Lay-Torments end.
Now view the Regions, which their Fields display,
From the wild Shores of Adria's boist'rous Sea,
And from the Alps, thrown up by Nature's Hand,
High Frontier Lines to guard Ausonia's Land,
To Albia's Mouth, and the rough Swevic Waves,
And from the Banks, which rapid Rhinus laves,
To the East Regions of th' Hircynian Wood,
Sarmatian Hills, and fair Odera's Flood.
These numerous Nations, where the Sun displays
His oblique Glory, and less active Rays,
Are in proportion less acute, and more
Unapt for Thought, than those describ'd before,
Hence finer Spirits here do less abound,
And noble Poets are unfrequent found.
Yet this Defect their Tempers recompence
With a judicious Taste, and solid Sense;
Prudent, tho' not in Conversation bright,
Not rude as Russia, nor as France polite;
And tho' they rare as Wits or Criticks shine,
Or Schemes of dark Philosophy design,
Yet useful Knowledge studious they pursue,
Improve invented Arts, or find out new.
They shew a plain Simplicity of Mind,
Honest, tho' rough; sincere, tho' not refin'd.
Faith, Friendship, and Integrity they boast,
Virtues long since in well-bred Nations lost.
From the wild Shores of Adria's boist'rous Sea,
And from the Alps, thrown up by Nature's Hand,
High Frontier Lines to guard Ausonia's Land,
To Albia's Mouth, and the rough Swevic Waves,
And from the Banks, which rapid Rhinus laves,
To the East Regions of th' Hircynian Wood,
Sarmatian Hills, and fair Odera's Flood.
These numerous Nations, where the Sun displays
His oblique Glory, and less active Rays,
Are in proportion less acute, and more
Unapt for Thought, than those describ'd before,
228
And noble Poets are unfrequent found.
Yet this Defect their Tempers recompence
With a judicious Taste, and solid Sense;
Prudent, tho' not in Conversation bright,
Not rude as Russia, nor as France polite;
And tho' they rare as Wits or Criticks shine,
Or Schemes of dark Philosophy design,
Yet useful Knowledge studious they pursue,
Improve invented Arts, or find out new.
They shew a plain Simplicity of Mind,
Honest, tho' rough; sincere, tho' not refin'd.
Faith, Friendship, and Integrity they boast,
Virtues long since in well-bred Nations lost.
Of Sloth impatient, and the downy Bed,
Not with rich Wines, nor costly Dishes fed,
Pliant they keep their Limbs, their Sinews strong,
Maintain firm Health, and active Life prolong.
Hence Toil immense the hardy Natives bear,
Patient of trackless Land, and rig'rous Air,
If with the Huntsman's Arms they chase the Game,
Or with the Soldier's seek heroick Fame.
Not with rich Wines, nor costly Dishes fed,
Pliant they keep their Limbs, their Sinews strong,
Maintain firm Health, and active Life prolong.
229
Patient of trackless Land, and rig'rous Air,
If with the Huntsman's Arms they chase the Game,
Or with the Soldier's seek heroick Fame.
Nor do's the rolling Sun a Soil survey,
In all the Stages of his annual Way,
Which yields more martial Fire, and where we find
To Strength of Body so much Courage join'd.
The Laurel, which rewards the Hero's Toil,
Luxuriant grows in all this friendly Soil.
The warlike Youth controul the haughty Race,
Who rule Byzantium, and inhabit Thrace;
And bold in Arms, with like Success, repel
The Seine's proud Waters, when they threatning swell.
In all the Stages of his annual Way,
Which yields more martial Fire, and where we find
To Strength of Body so much Courage join'd.
The Laurel, which rewards the Hero's Toil,
Luxuriant grows in all this friendly Soil.
The warlike Youth controul the haughty Race,
Who rule Byzantium, and inhabit Thrace;
And bold in Arms, with like Success, repel
The Seine's proud Waters, when they threatning swell.
Yet Cruelty and untam'd Fierceness, Crimes
The frequent Growth of Military Climes,
And haughty Nature, do too much debase
The Name and Honour of the German Race.
The frequent Growth of Military Climes,
And haughty Nature, do too much debase
The Name and Honour of the German Race.
230
Oft with the strong Extraction of their Grain,
They cloud their Senses, and inflame their Brain,
While in their Breasts unbridled Passions reign.
Britons, their Sons, hence learn'd th' immod're use
Of Wine, and strong intoxicating Juice.
They cloud their Senses, and inflame their Brain,
While in their Breasts unbridled Passions reign.
Britons, their Sons, hence learn'd th' immod're use
Of Wine, and strong intoxicating Juice.
Regard Batavia, whose well peopled Plain,
By Art is wrested from th' indignant Main.
Her moist, but fruitful Glebe and temp'rate Skies,
Produce a Stock industrious, frugal, wise.
'Tis true, their humid Air and marshy Field
Do not abundant Wit and Fancy yield,
Yet while their moderate, but prevailing Flegme
Restrains the Spirits too impetuous Flame,
They reason well, and just Ideas frame.
Than Her's, few Statesmen boast a clearer Sight,
Their Views extensive, and their Judgment right:
Nor for their Country's happy State reveal
More ardent Love, or more intrepid Zeal.
By Art is wrested from th' indignant Main.
Her moist, but fruitful Glebe and temp'rate Skies,
Produce a Stock industrious, frugal, wise.
'Tis true, their humid Air and marshy Field
Do not abundant Wit and Fancy yield,
Yet while their moderate, but prevailing Flegme
Restrains the Spirits too impetuous Flame,
They reason well, and just Ideas frame.
Than Her's, few Statesmen boast a clearer Sight,
Their Views extensive, and their Judgment right:
Nor for their Country's happy State reveal
More ardent Love, or more intrepid Zeal.
231
Forc'd by the narrow Limits of their Land,
Th' industrious People leave their Native Strand,
And on the Product of the Billows live,
While what the Soil denies, the Waters give.
Nor are they only by the Ocean fed,
While Winds and Waves afford them Wine and Bread;
But more, their Sons, who ignorant of Sloth,
O'erspread the Seas, import the Arts and Growth,
The various Pride of every distant Soil;
Out-rival'd only by Britannia's Isle,
They send their numerous Colonies abroad,
And with Barbarick Wealth their Navies load:
Thus from strait Bounds their wide Dominion flows,
And from their Want their great Abundance grows.
Th' industrious People leave their Native Strand,
And on the Product of the Billows live,
While what the Soil denies, the Waters give.
Nor are they only by the Ocean fed,
While Winds and Waves afford them Wine and Bread;
But more, their Sons, who ignorant of Sloth,
O'erspread the Seas, import the Arts and Growth,
The various Pride of every distant Soil;
Out-rival'd only by Britannia's Isle,
They send their numerous Colonies abroad,
And with Barbarick Wealth their Navies load:
Thus from strait Bounds their wide Dominion flows,
And from their Want their great Abundance grows.
This Region, so we learn from Cæsar's Pen,
Of all the Belgians bred the bravest Men.
Of Freedom then they shew'd a generous Taste,
And the fierce Pow'rs, that laid their Neighbours waste,
Valiant in Arms their Cohorts did attack,
And from their Frontiers drove th' Invaders back.
And while Iberia's Monarchs they obey'd,
Of all the Tribes o'er wide Germania spread,
None did the Sword with greater Terror weild,
Nor won more Laurels in the Martial Field.
When after free, to Commerce they apply'd,
Studious of Wealth, they were by few out-vy'd.
Swift they arose to that prodigious Growth,
That they at once reproach'd Iberia's Sloth,
And screen'd her Empire by their friendly Pow'r,
Beneath whose Yoke they servile groan'd before.
Of all the Belgians bred the bravest Men.
Of Freedom then they shew'd a generous Taste,
And the fierce Pow'rs, that laid their Neighbours waste,
232
And from their Frontiers drove th' Invaders back.
And while Iberia's Monarchs they obey'd,
Of all the Tribes o'er wide Germania spread,
None did the Sword with greater Terror weild,
Nor won more Laurels in the Martial Field.
When after free, to Commerce they apply'd,
Studious of Wealth, they were by few out-vy'd.
Swift they arose to that prodigious Growth,
That they at once reproach'd Iberia's Sloth,
And screen'd her Empire by their friendly Pow'r,
Beneath whose Yoke they servile groan'd before.
Fair Industry, what Voice can sing thy Praise,
Which could so soon with Skill successful raise
A Spot of scarcely habitable Land,
To Wealth immense, Renown, and wide Command!
Then is it strange, Batavians so revere
This Founder of their State, and so adhere
To her instructive Precepts, who are blest
With the rich Bounty of this generous Guest?
Which could so soon with Skill successful raise
A Spot of scarcely habitable Land,
To Wealth immense, Renown, and wide Command!
Then is it strange, Batavians so revere
This Founder of their State, and so adhere
233
With the rich Bounty of this generous Guest?
But Avarice do's thro' their Nation reign,
Intent on Gold they all their Sinews strain,
And oft by Fraud, or Force, extort unrighteous Gain.
Of vulgar Taste, and Manners unrefin'd,
Seditious, fierce, and turbulent of Mind,
When strong Commotions vex their troubled State,
They cruel Nature shew, and deadly Hate.
Nor can they neighb'ring Northern Realms upbraid,
While lawless they intoxicate their Head
With Native Liquors, or with Foreign Wine,
From Gallia's Fields, or those that bound the Rhine.
Intent on Gold they all their Sinews strain,
And oft by Fraud, or Force, extort unrighteous Gain.
Of vulgar Taste, and Manners unrefin'd,
Seditious, fierce, and turbulent of Mind,
When strong Commotions vex their troubled State,
They cruel Nature shew, and deadly Hate.
Nor can they neighb'ring Northern Realms upbraid,
While lawless they intoxicate their Head
With Native Liquors, or with Foreign Wine,
From Gallia's Fields, or those that bound the Rhine.
To vertuous Deeds the Britons are inclin'd,
Their Manners not too rough, nor too refin'd;
Sincere of Heart, and generous, just and kind.
Industrious and intent on honest Gain,
Robust of Nerve, they various Toil sustain:
They plant the Garden, cultivate the Field,
Or bold in Arms the Spear and Fauchion wield.
Studious they send Abroad to needy Lands,
The Product of their Glebe, or Labour of their Hands.
Hardy their Annual Voyages perform,
And fearless ride familiar with the Storm.
Thro' yielding Waves they roam from Isle to Isle,
Now visit Russia's Snows, now Guinea's Soil.
Hence in Hesperia's Silks the Britons shine,
Wear India's Gems, and drink Burgundia's Wine.
Their floating Oaks of War, from Shore to Shore
Awful advance, and with loud Thunder roar,
Like what they suffer'd on the Hills before.
And by the Winds, like that, convey'd it rolls
From Sun to Sun, and shakes the distant Poles.
This Naval Pow'r the Merchant's Wealth defends,
And Albion's Empire o'er the Main extends.
Their Manners not too rough, nor too refin'd;
Sincere of Heart, and generous, just and kind.
Industrious and intent on honest Gain,
Robust of Nerve, they various Toil sustain:
234
Or bold in Arms the Spear and Fauchion wield.
Studious they send Abroad to needy Lands,
The Product of their Glebe, or Labour of their Hands.
Hardy their Annual Voyages perform,
And fearless ride familiar with the Storm.
Thro' yielding Waves they roam from Isle to Isle,
Now visit Russia's Snows, now Guinea's Soil.
Hence in Hesperia's Silks the Britons shine,
Wear India's Gems, and drink Burgundia's Wine.
Their floating Oaks of War, from Shore to Shore
Awful advance, and with loud Thunder roar,
Like what they suffer'd on the Hills before.
And by the Winds, like that, convey'd it rolls
From Sun to Sun, and shakes the distant Poles.
This Naval Pow'r the Merchant's Wealth defends,
And Albion's Empire o'er the Main extends.
Nor do we Britain's Soil unfruitful find
Of Men for Council and the Helm design'd,
Able, when Clouds and Winds sedious rise,
To check the Tempest, and relieve the Skies;
Or in the Storm with steddy Hand to steer
The fluctuating State, and ease her Fear.
Nor do's Britannia less abundant yield
Heroes to lead her Armies to the Field.
Both these secure their Country's happy Fate,
While One defends, and One directs the State.
Of Men for Council and the Helm design'd,
235
To check the Tempest, and relieve the Skies;
Or in the Storm with steddy Hand to steer
The fluctuating State, and ease her Fear.
Nor do's Britannia less abundant yield
Heroes to lead her Armies to the Field.
Both these secure their Country's happy Fate,
While One defends, and One directs the State.
From this exhaustless Soil still springs a Kind,
Blest with superior Sense, and brighter Mind:
With clear Seraphick Faculties adorn'd,
For Science some, and some for Business turn'd.
Hence, Cam and Ouze, your Lights Divine arise,
That grace Britannia's fair exempted Skies,
While on the Southern Realm thick Roman Darkness lies.
These Regions plenteous yield the noble Flame,
Which gives the Bard impulsive Thirst of Fame,
Rich Genius, Fancy delicate and strong,
And bright Ideas for the Epick Song:
A sprightly Thought, good Taste, and Humour fit
To sooth the Spleen, and form the Comick Wit.
Blest with superior Sense, and brighter Mind:
With clear Seraphick Faculties adorn'd,
For Science some, and some for Business turn'd.
Hence, Cam and Ouze, your Lights Divine arise,
That grace Britannia's fair exempted Skies,
While on the Southern Realm thick Roman Darkness lies.
These Regions plenteous yield the noble Flame,
Which gives the Bard impulsive Thirst of Fame,
Rich Genius, Fancy delicate and strong,
And bright Ideas for the Epick Song:
236
To sooth the Spleen, and form the Comick Wit.
Wit is a Native of this happy Isle,
It springs spontaneous from the kindly Soil;
By its own Force it perfect will become,
Fair Branches spread, and wear a noble Bloom.
Ripe Fruit adorns her Head, nor can the Frown
Of Fortune blast, or Hunger eat it down.
A British Muse from her own Instinct sings,
Ambitious soars with unassisted Wings:
Mindless of Pensions, and the Patron's Smile,
Our Poets still renew their hardy Toil.
The tuneful Genius here neglected grows,
And thrives, like Norway Pines, in Ice and Snows.
It springs spontaneous from the kindly Soil;
By its own Force it perfect will become,
Fair Branches spread, and wear a noble Bloom.
Ripe Fruit adorns her Head, nor can the Frown
Of Fortune blast, or Hunger eat it down.
A British Muse from her own Instinct sings,
Ambitious soars with unassisted Wings:
Mindless of Pensions, and the Patron's Smile,
Our Poets still renew their hardy Toil.
The tuneful Genius here neglected grows,
And thrives, like Norway Pines, in Ice and Snows.
'Tis true exhausted with continu'd Pains
In singing Marlbro's Toil, and great Campaigns,
They now sit silent to recruit their Veins;
Nor can their tuneful Contributions pay,
But plead their Poverty, and Patience pray.
They have unsung more Triumphs on their Hand,
Than unheard Causes on the Roll did stand,
When W--- our Court of Conscience did command.
Victorious Hero! in Compassion give
The panting Muses Time to breathe, and live.
Let them to Quarters of Refreshment go,
Their Genius there reviv'd again will flow
To sing thy Actions in a lofty Strain,
And Laurels won in this last great Campaign.
Attending then the Progress of thy Sword,
Which still new Themes of Rapture will afford,
They'll tell of Vict'ries struggling in the Womb
Of pregnant Time, and Triumphs yet to come.
In singing Marlbro's Toil, and great Campaigns,
They now sit silent to recruit their Veins;
237
But plead their Poverty, and Patience pray.
They have unsung more Triumphs on their Hand,
Than unheard Causes on the Roll did stand,
When W--- our Court of Conscience did command.
Victorious Hero! in Compassion give
The panting Muses Time to breathe, and live.
Let them to Quarters of Refreshment go,
Their Genius there reviv'd again will flow
To sing thy Actions in a lofty Strain,
And Laurels won in this last great Campaign.
Attending then the Progress of thy Sword,
Which still new Themes of Rapture will afford,
They'll tell of Vict'ries struggling in the Womb
Of pregnant Time, and Triumphs yet to come.
While Neighb'ring Realms, too course or too polite,
To lawless Will resign their Civil Right,
Britannia's brave and generous Sons restrain
Invading Might, and ancient Laws maintain.
To lawless Will resign their Civil Right,
Britannia's brave and generous Sons restrain
Invading Might, and ancient Laws maintain.
238
When Happiness, Guest of celestial Kind,
Rang'd the wide Globe a peaceful Seat to find;
With outstretcht Wings she did her Way pursue,
Fame, to direct her Flight, before her flew.
Curious th' Enquirer did the Realms explore,
Rich with the glitt'ring Mass that Men adore,
Wide India's Silver Veins, and Guinea's golden Shore,
The lovely Stanger turn'd her scornful Face,
And left the rude inhospitable Place.
Rang'd the wide Globe a peaceful Seat to find;
With outstretcht Wings she did her Way pursue,
Fame, to direct her Flight, before her flew.
Curious th' Enquirer did the Realms explore,
Rich with the glitt'ring Mass that Men adore,
Wide India's Silver Veins, and Guinea's golden Shore,
The lovely Stanger turn'd her scornful Face,
And left the rude inhospitable Place.
Then swift, as Heav'ns bright Envoys, did she fly
Thro' the thin Void of interjected Sky,
To visit Realms blest with Euphrates' Wave,
Which Indus' Streams, and thine, Hydaspes, lave.
Her searching Eyes the Spicy-Isles survey,
And frontier Kingdoms near the Spring of Day,
Enrich'd with various Luxury, Perfumes,
Silks, Gems, and Pearls, and odoriferous Gums.
But when she saw the abject Slaves endure,
The Yoke of Lawless Will, and boundless Pow'r,
She left the Soil, and, following Fame, her Guide,
Flew to the Courts, where mighty Kings abide.
Here, grac'd with Purple, and a glitt'ring Crown,
Guarded with Arms, and stretch'd on easy Down,
She hop'd she might reside; but Cares of State,
Infernal Legions, that attend the Great,
Deny'd her Entrance at the Palace Gate.
Thro' the thin Void of interjected Sky,
To visit Realms blest with Euphrates' Wave,
Which Indus' Streams, and thine, Hydaspes, lave.
Her searching Eyes the Spicy-Isles survey,
And frontier Kingdoms near the Spring of Day,
Enrich'd with various Luxury, Perfumes,
Silks, Gems, and Pearls, and odoriferous Gums.
239
The Yoke of Lawless Will, and boundless Pow'r,
She left the Soil, and, following Fame, her Guide,
Flew to the Courts, where mighty Kings abide.
Here, grac'd with Purple, and a glitt'ring Crown,
Guarded with Arms, and stretch'd on easy Down,
She hop'd she might reside; but Cares of State,
Infernal Legions, that attend the Great,
Deny'd her Entrance at the Palace Gate.
Then long she roam'd o'er fertile Europe's Soil,
And reach'd at length august Britannia's Isle;
The Native's Temper, and the gentle Air,
Rescu'd the weary Trav'ller from Despair,
And rais'd her Hope she might inhabit there.
Following the Track of Thames, on either side
Fair Towns and verdant Vales she ravish'd spy'd,
And Indian Wealth advancing on his Tide.
Envy'd Augusta soon she did explore,
Britannia's Glory on the Northern Shore,
Proud of her lofty Tow'rs, but of her People more.
And reach'd at length august Britannia's Isle;
The Native's Temper, and the gentle Air,
Rescu'd the weary Trav'ller from Despair,
And rais'd her Hope she might inhabit there.
Following the Track of Thames, on either side
Fair Towns and verdant Vales she ravish'd spy'd,
And Indian Wealth advancing on his Tide.
240
Britannia's Glory on the Northern Shore,
Proud of her lofty Tow'rs, but of her People more.
In the West Quarter of the winding Flood,
An ancient Palace venerable stood
Between two Domes, which rise with solemn Awe,
In one Religion reigns, in one the Law.
Here on her Throne fair Liberty did shine,
Engaging was her Form, her Looks divine.
Still pleas'd, with Grace ineffable she smil'd,
Serene as Peace, and as a Seraph mild.
Celestial Odours from her Bosom spread,
While heav'nly Roses blossom'd round her Head;
Elysian Youth bloom'd lovely on her Face,
And more than human Charms assur'd her heav'nly Race.
Five Hundred chosen Freemen, her Delight,
Props of her Pow'r, and Guardians of her Right,
Check'd the proud Insults of ambitious Might.
Her beauteous Offspring to the Skies ally'd,
In graceful Order rang'd on either Side
Adorn her Throne; here smiling Plenty, Peace,
Health, Strength, Success, Prosperity and Ease;
There Prudence, Counsel, Sciences refin'd,
Rich Industry, and Arts of various Kind.
An ancient Palace venerable stood
Between two Domes, which rise with solemn Awe,
In one Religion reigns, in one the Law.
Here on her Throne fair Liberty did shine,
Engaging was her Form, her Looks divine.
Still pleas'd, with Grace ineffable she smil'd,
Serene as Peace, and as a Seraph mild.
Celestial Odours from her Bosom spread,
While heav'nly Roses blossom'd round her Head;
Elysian Youth bloom'd lovely on her Face,
And more than human Charms assur'd her heav'nly Race.
Five Hundred chosen Freemen, her Delight,
Props of her Pow'r, and Guardians of her Right,
Check'd the proud Insults of ambitious Might.
241
In graceful Order rang'd on either Side
Adorn her Throne; here smiling Plenty, Peace,
Health, Strength, Success, Prosperity and Ease;
There Prudence, Counsel, Sciences refin'd,
Rich Industry, and Arts of various Kind.
Soon the Seraphick Trav'ller had in view
This ancient Pile, and swiftly thither flew:
And stooping enter'd at the Palace Gate,
Where the mild Guardian of Britannia's State,
And generous Friend of Humane Nature sate;
While she survey'd the venerable Place,
And view'd fair Liberty's celestial Face,
Who, mid'st her bright Attendants, shone enthron'd,
She lowly bow'd, and her blest Parent own'd.
Determin'd soon, the charming Wand'rer cry'd,
Here, here, I fix; in Britain I'll reside:
Nor will I e'er forsake this gen'rous Soil,
While Liberty protects her Favourite Isle.
This ancient Pile, and swiftly thither flew:
And stooping enter'd at the Palace Gate,
Where the mild Guardian of Britannia's State,
And generous Friend of Humane Nature sate;
While she survey'd the venerable Place,
And view'd fair Liberty's celestial Face,
Who, mid'st her bright Attendants, shone enthron'd,
She lowly bow'd, and her blest Parent own'd.
Determin'd soon, the charming Wand'rer cry'd,
Here, here, I fix; in Britain I'll reside:
Nor will I e'er forsake this gen'rous Soil,
While Liberty protects her Favourite Isle.
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O Albion! more than Neighbour-Nations blest,
Thy Blessings know, and court thy heav'nly Guest:
Let Northern States by Rapine Wealth procure,
And stretch o'er injur'd Realms their lawless Pow'r:
Let Italy, with Wit, and Arts refin'd,
Invent Religions to enslave the Mind;
Let the polite, and well-bred Slaves of France,
Fine Manners shew, and teach to Dress and Dance;
With artful Shifts, and Skill in State Intrigues,
Elude their Vows, and break their solemn Leagues.
Do thou, Britannia, check encroaching Might,
Fair Liberty support, and Civil Right:
Dictate to warring Neighbours, Terms of Peace,
Just Arbiter by Land, and Soveraign of the Seas.
Thy Blessings know, and court thy heav'nly Guest:
Let Northern States by Rapine Wealth procure,
And stretch o'er injur'd Realms their lawless Pow'r:
Let Italy, with Wit, and Arts refin'd,
Invent Religions to enslave the Mind;
Let the polite, and well-bred Slaves of France,
Fine Manners shew, and teach to Dress and Dance;
With artful Shifts, and Skill in State Intrigues,
Elude their Vows, and break their solemn Leagues.
Do thou, Britannia, check encroaching Might,
Fair Liberty support, and Civil Right:
Dictate to warring Neighbours, Terms of Peace,
Just Arbiter by Land, and Soveraign of the Seas.
Yet must th' impartial Muse the Britons blame,
For various Vices, which obstruct their Fame.
For various Vices, which obstruct their Fame.
243
Fickle of Mind, and changing as their Skies,
What soon they value, they as soon despise.
Long the same Way they cannot Ease possess,
Nor in one Track, with Pleasure taste Success,
Tir'd with the stale, unalter'd Happiness.
What soon they value, they as soon despise.
Long the same Way they cannot Ease possess,
Nor in one Track, with Pleasure taste Success,
Tir'd with the stale, unalter'd Happiness.
Ingratitude, of curst infernal Soil
The rank Production, thrives in Albion's Isle,
Pleas'd with the Glebe prodigious Growth acquires,
See, to the Clouds her blacker Head aspires;
Whence noxious Dews and blasting Poison drop
On Fame's swift Pinions, and her Progress stop.
The rank Production, thrives in Albion's Isle,
Pleas'd with the Glebe prodigious Growth acquires,
See, to the Clouds her blacker Head aspires;
Whence noxious Dews and blasting Poison drop
On Fame's swift Pinions, and her Progress stop.
Th' intemp'rate Natives oft their Spirits cheer,
With Foreign Wine, or strong Domestick Beer;
Till their hot Blood beats high in every Vein,
And fiery Fumes intoxicate the Brain;
While thro' the Pores, the Vapours Passage find,
And cloud the bright Apartments of the Mind,
Unbrace the Sinews, and the Senses bind.
Hence does a crude and unfermented Mass,
Strive thro' the Veins, and thro' the Strainers pass;
Which the soft Fibres load, pollute the Skin,
Obstruct the Liver, and disturb the Spleen.
Hence Dropsy, Jaundice, hence the Limbs remain
Unapt for Labour, and for Thought the Brain.
With Foreign Wine, or strong Domestick Beer;
Till their hot Blood beats high in every Vein,
And fiery Fumes intoxicate the Brain;
While thro' the Pores, the Vapours Passage find,
And cloud the bright Apartments of the Mind,
Unbrace the Sinews, and the Senses bind.
244
Strive thro' the Veins, and thro' the Strainers pass;
Which the soft Fibres load, pollute the Skin,
Obstruct the Liver, and disturb the Spleen.
Hence Dropsy, Jaundice, hence the Limbs remain
Unapt for Labour, and for Thought the Brain.
While Passions in their Breasts ungovern'd rage,
Distract the Mind, and War intestine wage,
Reason divine from her high Throne descends,
Lays by her Scepter, and her Pow'r suspends.
Mean time, transform'd, they various Shapes assume,
These rav'ning Bears, and Lyons those become,
Some odious Swine, some Goats, and Asses some.
Distract the Mind, and War intestine wage,
Reason divine from her high Throne descends,
Lays by her Scepter, and her Pow'r suspends.
Mean time, transform'd, they various Shapes assume,
These rav'ning Bears, and Lyons those become,
Some odious Swine, some Goats, and Asses some.
Oft Envy, Discord, Avarice, and Pride,
With factious Heats, Britannia's Sons divide;
Where each believes his Head is fit for Sway,
And is more pleas'd to govern, than obey;
And while with Zeal they Pow'r and Wealth pursue;
And all would Pilots be, and none the Crew,
Strife and seditious Tumults they create,
Affront Religion, and unhinge the State.
Blest Isle! would all thy Sons reputed fit
To guide thy State, to any Chief submit;
Or had'st thou fewer wise, th' entrusted Hand
Rever'd and prais'd, might then the Helm command;
Or from a generous Taste of true Renown,
Did all thy Greatness seek, and not their own.
With factious Heats, Britannia's Sons divide;
Where each believes his Head is fit for Sway,
And is more pleas'd to govern, than obey;
245
And all would Pilots be, and none the Crew,
Strife and seditious Tumults they create,
Affront Religion, and unhinge the State.
Blest Isle! would all thy Sons reputed fit
To guide thy State, to any Chief submit;
Or had'st thou fewer wise, th' entrusted Hand
Rever'd and prais'd, might then the Helm command;
Or from a generous Taste of true Renown,
Did all thy Greatness seek, and not their own.
The End of the Second Book.
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BOOK III.
The Argument.
The Causes which produce a great and worthy Race of Men. 1. Laws and Government. 2. Union, and a Course of Virtuous Actions. 3. A due Regard to Religion and Divine Worship. The Errors and Defects which sink and destroy a great and flourishing People. 1. Tyranny: Its fatal Efficacy illustrated in the Case of ancient Greece. 2. Discord. 3. Universal Depravity of Manners. 4. Irreligion and profane Principles. The Conclusion, being an Account of the Rise, Encrease, and Fall of ancient Rome.
248
On this terrestrial various Stage, behold
How troubled States are back and forward roll'd;
On what frail Props Imperial Greatness leans;
While Nature shifts so fast her transient Scenes:
Letters and Empire, whose confed'rate Pow'r,
Mutual each other's prosp'rous Fate secure,
First in the spacious Regions of the East
Rose, like the Sun, then wander'd to the West.
Assyria's Kings did first the Scepter hold,
Which Asia's num'rous Potentates controul'd:
Till broke and vanquish'd by the Persian Sword,
The Realms around obey'd the Victor Lord.
While these prevail'd below, their Sages wise,
To Nature's Heights by thoughtful Labour rise,
Explore the distant Stars, and triumph in the Skies.
Next Pow'r and Arts did Asia's Lands forsake,
And their Abode aspiring Grecia make.
But thence invited to Hesperia's Soil,
For civil Virtues fam'd, and martial Toil,
Transfer'd their Seat, while num'rous Nations own'd
High Rome their Head, with Pow'r Imperial crown'd;
Till gather'd Clans in Northern Climates sprung,
Tho' not polite, yet wise, and bold, and strong,
Broke Rome's vast Pile, and on her ruin'd Tow'rs
Rais'd various Thrones, and independent Pow'rs.
Since that, each Potent Monarchy and State
Has sunk and flourish'd by alternate Fate;
While Realms by Turns in Strength superior grown
Enslave free States, or Neighbour Kings dethrone.
How troubled States are back and forward roll'd;
On what frail Props Imperial Greatness leans;
While Nature shifts so fast her transient Scenes:
Letters and Empire, whose confed'rate Pow'r,
Mutual each other's prosp'rous Fate secure,
First in the spacious Regions of the East
Rose, like the Sun, then wander'd to the West.
Assyria's Kings did first the Scepter hold,
Which Asia's num'rous Potentates controul'd:
Till broke and vanquish'd by the Persian Sword,
The Realms around obey'd the Victor Lord.
While these prevail'd below, their Sages wise,
To Nature's Heights by thoughtful Labour rise,
Explore the distant Stars, and triumph in the Skies.
Next Pow'r and Arts did Asia's Lands forsake,
And their Abode aspiring Grecia make.
But thence invited to Hesperia's Soil,
For civil Virtues fam'd, and martial Toil,
249
High Rome their Head, with Pow'r Imperial crown'd;
Till gather'd Clans in Northern Climates sprung,
Tho' not polite, yet wise, and bold, and strong,
Broke Rome's vast Pile, and on her ruin'd Tow'rs
Rais'd various Thrones, and independent Pow'rs.
Since that, each Potent Monarchy and State
Has sunk and flourish'd by alternate Fate;
While Realms by Turns in Strength superior grown
Enslave free States, or Neighbour Kings dethrone.
Now, Muse, the most successful Methods trace
That raise, and long uphold a worthy Race,
And the Defects which a great Stock debase.
That raise, and long uphold a worthy Race,
And the Defects which a great Stock debase.
As single Men, Strength by Degrees acquire,
Sink by Degrees, at length by Age expire:
Or else, before opprest with Years they bow,
Fall by a sharp Disease, or by a slow.
So States and Pow'rs, which subject Nations sway,
By Steps grow vig'rous, and by Steps decay:
Yet swifter, some compleat their destin'd Course,
By Discord worn, or broke by foreign Force.
Sink by Degrees, at length by Age expire:
Or else, before opprest with Years they bow,
Fall by a sharp Disease, or by a slow.
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By Steps grow vig'rous, and by Steps decay:
Yet swifter, some compleat their destin'd Course,
By Discord worn, or broke by foreign Force.
To form a generous Race of Men, 'tis fit
They should to some Imperial Head submit:
Combin'd in wise Societies should live,
And for the common Good industrious strive.
For, see, the Tribes thro' swarthy Africk spread,
In the wide Indies adverse Regions bred,
And in the snowy Climes beneath the Pole,
Who rude and barb'rous, and without Controul,
Roam o'er the Plain, and in the Forrest rest
Not with Improvements, nor with Genius blest,
A middle Species seem of blended Man and Beast.
They should to some Imperial Head submit:
Combin'd in wise Societies should live,
And for the common Good industrious strive.
For, see, the Tribes thro' swarthy Africk spread,
In the wide Indies adverse Regions bred,
And in the snowy Climes beneath the Pole,
Who rude and barb'rous, and without Controul,
Roam o'er the Plain, and in the Forrest rest
Not with Improvements, nor with Genius blest,
A middle Species seem of blended Man and Beast.
Of Government ill Forms we should prefer
To Anarchy, and the wild State of Wat:
Where Men of no coercive Laws afraid,
Each Others Lives and Properties invade.
But when these civil Plans are well design'd,
And all the Parts in just Proportion joyn'd;
Where mingled Powrs each Other's Force controul,
Support each Other, and confirm the Whole;
Where Liberty and Soveraign Will restrain
Mutual Excess, and balanc'd Rights maintain;
Men govern'd thus, if blest with temp'rate Skies,
Flourish and soon to great Perfection rise.
Here see the unexhausted Fountain-Head,
Whence all the Streams of Indust'ry are fed!
For all assiduous will their Hands employ,
Who reap their Fields, and their own Toil enjoy.
To Anarchy, and the wild State of Wat:
251
Each Others Lives and Properties invade.
But when these civil Plans are well design'd,
And all the Parts in just Proportion joyn'd;
Where mingled Powrs each Other's Force controul,
Support each Other, and confirm the Whole;
Where Liberty and Soveraign Will restrain
Mutual Excess, and balanc'd Rights maintain;
Men govern'd thus, if blest with temp'rate Skies,
Flourish and soon to great Perfection rise.
Here see the unexhausted Fountain-Head,
Whence all the Streams of Indust'ry are fed!
For all assiduous will their Hands employ,
Who reap their Fields, and their own Toil enjoy.
Shelter'd by Guardian Laws in this mild Seat,
From nipping Frosts, fierce Winds, and scorching Heat,
From blasting Plagues, and every various Death,
Which spreads malignant from the Tyrant's Breath,
The liberal Arts, nice tender Plants, appear,
Pleas'd with the Soil, and blooming Beauty wear.
Customs polite, and fine Address that sooth
The fiercest Passions, and rough Nature smooth,
From prudent Laws and civil Order flow,
While Men ungovern'd, rude and brutal grow.
From nipping Frosts, fierce Winds, and scorching Heat,
From blasting Plagues, and every various Death,
Which spreads malignant from the Tyrant's Breath,
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Pleas'd with the Soil, and blooming Beauty wear.
Customs polite, and fine Address that sooth
The fiercest Passions, and rough Nature smooth,
From prudent Laws and civil Order flow,
While Men ungovern'd, rude and brutal grow.
Genius and Wit, which else would lie deprest,
Cheer'd with Rewards, and with Applause carest,
In well-form'd States exert their Force Divine,
And brighter still by Emulation shine.
Science refin'd, which Admiration moves,
Directs our Instincts, and the Mind improves,
Here shines Illustrious, here her Schools display
The radiant Stores of intellectual Day.
Ev'n Courage, which the Natives Veins inspires,
Such artful Force from Discipline acquires,
That vast confed'rate Hosts of barb'rous Foes
In vain the Progress of their Arms oppose.
Cheer'd with Rewards, and with Applause carest,
In well-form'd States exert their Force Divine,
And brighter still by Emulation shine.
Science refin'd, which Admiration moves,
Directs our Instincts, and the Mind improves,
Here shines Illustrious, here her Schools display
The radiant Stores of intellectual Day.
Ev'n Courage, which the Natives Veins inspires,
Such artful Force from Discipline acquires,
That vast confed'rate Hosts of barb'rous Foes
In vain the Progress of their Arms oppose.
253
As Children happy in their Birth, and sprung,
By Nature's Care, from Parents hail and young,
The noblest Principles of Life obtain,
And firm without compounded Druggs remain;
Nor owe to Art precarious Health, but late
By Time alone deprest, submit to Fate:
So Governments by Constitution strong,
Design'd and reer'd by skillful Masters, long
Maintain athletick Force, and wear away
By Steps unheeded, and a slow Decay:
While those by artless Heads imagin'd, where
Scarcely the huddled Rudiments cohere,
Weak from their Infant State will quickly fade,
If strife Domestick reigns, or foreign Pow'rs invade.
By Nature's Care, from Parents hail and young,
The noblest Principles of Life obtain,
And firm without compounded Druggs remain;
Nor owe to Art precarious Health, but late
By Time alone deprest, submit to Fate:
So Governments by Constitution strong,
Design'd and reer'd by skillful Masters, long
Maintain athletick Force, and wear away
By Steps unheeded, and a slow Decay:
While those by artless Heads imagin'd, where
Scarcely the huddled Rudiments cohere,
Weak from their Infant State will quickly fade,
If strife Domestick reigns, or foreign Pow'rs invade.
Yet not the Goodness of a civil Frame,
Tho' rais'd by Founders of unrival'd Fame,
Can make a noble Stock unshaken stand,
If Virtue lend not her protecting Hand.
See Mercy smiling with immortal Grace,
Concord, indulgent Love to Humane Race,
And Publick Zeal, impartial, unconfin'd,
The Pride and Pleasure of a generous Mind;
Justice behold, whose clean unerring Hand,
Steddy her equal Balance do's Command;
Beneficence, adorn'd with heav'nly Charms,
That scatters Blessings from her lib'ral Arms;
These Kindred Pow'rs a worthy Race sustain,
Without whose Help all Arts, all Schemes are vain.
Tho' rais'd by Founders of unrival'd Fame,
Can make a noble Stock unshaken stand,
If Virtue lend not her protecting Hand.
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Concord, indulgent Love to Humane Race,
And Publick Zeal, impartial, unconfin'd,
The Pride and Pleasure of a generous Mind;
Justice behold, whose clean unerring Hand,
Steddy her equal Balance do's Command;
Beneficence, adorn'd with heav'nly Charms,
That scatters Blessings from her lib'ral Arms;
These Kindred Pow'rs a worthy Race sustain,
Without whose Help all Arts, all Schemes are vain.
Nor can you hope a generous Breed to reer,
Unless Religion's Altars they revere,
Whose Rays, more genial than the Sun's, produce
Immortal Life, celestial Light diffuse
On Man's ennobled Nature, and inspire
Exalted Instincts of Divine Desire.
This radiant Empress do's within controul
Our Train of Thoughts, and guide the secret Soul;
Do's with her Nod tumultuous Passions awe,
Restrain the Will, and give the Conscience Law.
An Empire this, from Humane Reach secure,
From Edicts free, and all created Pow'r.
Hence prudent Legislators, who design'd
To civilize, and cultivate Mankind
With Salutary Laws, Religion mixt
In all their Schemes, and Modes of Worship fixt.
Unless Religion's Altars they revere,
Whose Rays, more genial than the Sun's, produce
Immortal Life, celestial Light diffuse
On Man's ennobled Nature, and inspire
Exalted Instincts of Divine Desire.
This radiant Empress do's within controul
Our Train of Thoughts, and guide the secret Soul;
255
Restrain the Will, and give the Conscience Law.
An Empire this, from Humane Reach secure,
From Edicts free, and all created Pow'r.
Hence prudent Legislators, who design'd
To civilize, and cultivate Mankind
With Salutary Laws, Religion mixt
In all their Schemes, and Modes of Worship fixt.
Convinc'd the Atheist has no civil Right,
Who to the State no binding Faith can plight,
To Death or Exile they the Wretch condemn'd,
Who mock'd their Altars, and their Gods blasphem'd.
Is there a Nation found, where none adore
Celestial Pow'rs, or Aids Divine implore?
Who think no causeless Being did create
The World, but say it sprung from Chance or Fate?
No happy Schemes of Government improve
Those barb'rous Tribes, who wild of Nature rove,
Lurk in the Caves, or in the Forrest dwell,
Like the Brute Rangers, which they scarce excel.
Who to the State no binding Faith can plight,
To Death or Exile they the Wretch condemn'd,
Who mock'd their Altars, and their Gods blasphem'd.
Is there a Nation found, where none adore
Celestial Pow'rs, or Aids Divine implore?
Who think no causeless Being did create
The World, but say it sprung from Chance or Fate?
No happy Schemes of Government improve
Those barb'rous Tribes, who wild of Nature rove,
256
Like the Brute Rangers, which they scarce excel.
Muse, tell the fatal Causes, that debase
The noblest People, and their Stock efface.
The noblest People, and their Stock efface.
Imperial Pow'r by no fixt Bounds restrain'd,
And Will despotick, lawless, and unrein'd,
Ill-us'd, will soon the greatest Race destroy,
Let them the happiest Soil, and Skies enjoy.
Curst Tyranny, which wasted Nations find,
The fiercest Fury of th' Infernal Kind,
Preys on the Vitals of a State, and drains,
To fill her own, th' exhausted People's Veins.
The Fiends, her cruel Train, with harpy Feet,
Invade their Rooms, and rav'ning snatch their Meat;
From crying Infants tear their Daily Bread,
And with their Pouncers strike the Parent dead.
Their rigid Fate the ruin'd Subjects mourn,
Nor can their Thoughts to fruitless Labour turn.
And Will despotick, lawless, and unrein'd,
Ill-us'd, will soon the greatest Race destroy,
Let them the happiest Soil, and Skies enjoy.
Curst Tyranny, which wasted Nations find,
The fiercest Fury of th' Infernal Kind,
Preys on the Vitals of a State, and drains,
To fill her own, th' exhausted People's Veins.
The Fiends, her cruel Train, with harpy Feet,
Invade their Rooms, and rav'ning snatch their Meat;
From crying Infants tear their Daily Bread,
And with their Pouncers strike the Parent dead.
Their rigid Fate the ruin'd Subjects mourn,
Nor can their Thoughts to fruitless Labour turn.
257
Will hardy Merchants range the threatning Main,
Thro' various Deaths, impell'd by Thirst of Gain,
Who when they 'scape the Storm and faithless Sand,
Meet greater Terrors on the cruel Land,
And see their Wealth encrease the Tyrant's Power,
Whose cruel Jaws, what Tempests spar'd, devour:
Thro' various Deaths, impell'd by Thirst of Gain,
Who when they 'scape the Storm and faithless Sand,
Meet greater Terrors on the cruel Land,
And see their Wealth encrease the Tyrant's Power,
Whose cruel Jaws, what Tempests spar'd, devour:
Will Artisans their Time and Skill employ,
If arm'd Invaders must their Pains enjoy?
Or Farmers till the Glebe, or dress the Vine,
If others reap their Fields, and drink their Wine?
If arm'd Invaders must their Pains enjoy?
Or Farmers till the Glebe, or dress the Vine,
If others reap their Fields, and drink their Wine?
And when a Monarch arbitrary rules,
Great Masters rare adorn the letter'd Schools:
Philosophy, unfed and in disgrace,
Conceals her meagre, ignominious Face:
The tuneful Genius unrewarded lies
Grov'ling beneath, nor dares attempt the Skies:
Will constant Fasts support Poetick Fire?
Or rapt'rous Ardour famish'd Veins inspire?
Of generous Thoughts Oppression is the Grave;
Can slighted Virtue flourish? Can the Slave
Become industrious, or the Beggar brave?
Blest Liberty! 'tis thy distinguish'd Pow'r
To heighten Humane Nature, and secure
A noble Stock, which, as thy Force prevails,
In Vigour thrives, and, as it lessens, fails.
Great Masters rare adorn the letter'd Schools:
Philosophy, unfed and in disgrace,
Conceals her meagre, ignominious Face:
The tuneful Genius unrewarded lies
Grov'ling beneath, nor dares attempt the Skies:
258
Or rapt'rous Ardour famish'd Veins inspire?
Of generous Thoughts Oppression is the Grave;
Can slighted Virtue flourish? Can the Slave
Become industrious, or the Beggar brave?
Blest Liberty! 'tis thy distinguish'd Pow'r
To heighten Humane Nature, and secure
A noble Stock, which, as thy Force prevails,
In Vigour thrives, and, as it lessens, fails.
Fam'd Greece, when free, with populous Cities crown'd,
For her high Merit, Wealth and Strength renown'd,
Disdainful view'd the barb'rous World around.
Sagacious Genius, Elegant Address,
And graceful Manners did the Nation bless:
In her full Schools exalted Wisdom sate,
And to improve her venerable State,
Bright Kindred Arts did on the Empress wait.
Letters from these exhaustless Springs did flow,
As from Britannia's Cam and Isis now:
For her high Merit, Wealth and Strength renown'd,
Disdainful view'd the barb'rous World around.
Sagacious Genius, Elegant Address,
And graceful Manners did the Nation bless:
In her full Schools exalted Wisdom sate,
And to improve her venerable State,
Bright Kindred Arts did on the Empress wait.
Letters from these exhaustless Springs did flow,
As from Britannia's Cam and Isis now:
259
And foreign Schools with borrow'd Science fed.
Nor did her Warriors less Applause acquire
By their wise Conduct, and their martial Fire;
Who brave in Arms proud Persia's Monarch quell'd,
From rescu'd Fields th' invading War repell'd,
And the bright Throne of Liberty upheld.
Greece blest with this great Offspring was rever'd
By her own Sons, and by her Neighbours fear'd.
But when insulted by the Victor's Sword,
And haughty Dictates of a foreign Lord,
To take the Yoak she did obedient bow,
And Liberty receiv'd the fatal Blow;
The hapless Nation, by a swift Decay,
Sunk from its Heighth, and base in Ruin lay.
The Trav'ller now, who sees thy wasted Lands,
And worthless Sons, O Greece! astonish'd stands.
260
Good Heav'n! What Change? I Greece in Grecia miss.
Where's the Lyceum? Where the Stoa's Pride?
Where the great Sages, who did there preside,
And by wise Precepts Humane Nature rais'd?
Where the fam'd Bards, who Gods and Heroes prais'd?
Shew me thy Plato's, and thy Stagyrites,
Thy Pythagorean and Socratick Lights.
Would'st thou, O Athens, own this stupid Race?
Or Sparta, thou, these as thy Sons embrace?
Can it be thought this despicable Brood,
From those great Warriors could derive their Blood,
Who at Thermopylæ such Honours won,
And triumph'd on the Plains of Marathon?
Discord, domestick Strife, immortal Hate,
Which with Convulsions rack the suff'ring State,
And oft in Arms contending Sides engage,
Prove as destructive as the Tyrant's Rage;
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And with black Blood, and noxious Humors fed,
The Fury Faction gradual Force acquires,
Stretches her hideous Limbs, and trails her speckled Spires:
Then tries her Infant-Strength, and first invents
Grounds of Distrust, and Jealousy foments,
Whispers Detraction, breeds Disgust and Spite,
A secret Prelude to her full-grown Might.
See, how of Hydra-Race this odious Fiend,
While pois'nous Ferments all her Veins distend,
Erects her dreadful Crest, and threatning shakes
Her Monster Heads, and Twists of hissing Snakes:
Expands her cruel Jaws, and fierce exerts
Her forked Tongues, and throws malignant Darts.
From Town to Town, behold, the Terror flies,
With large unfeather'd Wings, and with her Cries
And horrid Uproar fills the suff'ring Skies.
262
The People's Breasts with fierce Phrenetick Fires.
Hence spiteful Envy, and invective Spleen,
Open Revenge, or Hate conceal'd within,
Passions impatient of the Rein, disown
Reason's Dominion, and usurp her Throne.
As Seeds of Torment, and contagious Death,
Spring from her fatal Aspect; so her Breath
Creates outrageous Storms, which rushing shake
The strongest Empires, and their Pillars break.
Distracted States, if Faction sound th' Alarm,
Against their rightful Lords seditious arm:
How oft have Nations, which in Strength encreast,
Triumph'd in Peace, and Empire long possest,
With Discord mad, and with Resentment spur'd,
In their own Bowels plung'd th' unnatural Sword?
And when to foreign Arms superiour grown,
Have Self-Assassins perish'd by their own?
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See, when the Ship of State distends her Sails,
Not with too strong, nor with too feeble Gales,
Do's on the Deep of Fear unconscious dance,
And o'er the peaceful Waves secure advance,
While able Masters at the Helm preside,
And guide her safe from Rocks on either Side;
See suddain Storms blown up by Discord rise,
Embroil the Main, and terrify the Skies!
Tempest with Tempest wages furious War,
And Clouds o'ercharg'd with inbred Thunder bear
A while th' imprison'd Wrath, then bursting rend the Air
And while conflicting Winds the Fight maintain,
And doubtful claim the Empire of the Main,
The suff'ring Ship is this and that way driv'n,
Oft sunk to Hell, uplifted oft to Heav'n;
Is now insulted by the Tempest's Shocks,
And now the Billows dreads, and now the Rocks:
Ar length grown leaky, and her Rigging lost,
Splits on her own inhospitable Coast.
Not with too strong, nor with too feeble Gales,
Do's on the Deep of Fear unconscious dance,
And o'er the peaceful Waves secure advance,
While able Masters at the Helm preside,
And guide her safe from Rocks on either Side;
See suddain Storms blown up by Discord rise,
Embroil the Main, and terrify the Skies!
Tempest with Tempest wages furious War,
And Clouds o'ercharg'd with inbred Thunder bear
A while th' imprison'd Wrath, then bursting rend the Air
And while conflicting Winds the Fight maintain,
And doubtful claim the Empire of the Main,
The suff'ring Ship is this and that way driv'n,
Oft sunk to Hell, uplifted oft to Heav'n;
Is now insulted by the Tempest's Shocks,
And now the Billows dreads, and now the Rocks:
Ar length grown leaky, and her Rigging lost,
Splits on her own inhospitable Coast.
264
Unhappy States, where raging Discord reigns,
And with fierce Flames inspires the Nation's Veins!
Where guideless Passions bear superior Sway,
And Right and Order Violence obey:
Where Factions, urg'd with Jealousy and Pride,
Led by designing Heads on either Side,
Determin'd, deaf, and obstinate of Mind,
Nor by their Country's mournful Cries inclin'd,
Furious contend, and while the various Field
They often win and loose, and neither yield,
They waste their Vigour, languishing decay,
And grow to foreign Pow'rs an easy Prey!
Conflicting Parties thus subvert the State,
Which sad, and yet inevitable Fate
In Ruin both united see too late.
And with fierce Flames inspires the Nation's Veins!
Where guideless Passions bear superior Sway,
And Right and Order Violence obey:
Where Factions, urg'd with Jealousy and Pride,
Led by designing Heads on either Side,
Determin'd, deaf, and obstinate of Mind,
Nor by their Country's mournful Cries inclin'd,
Furious contend, and while the various Field
They often win and loose, and neither yield,
They waste their Vigour, languishing decay,
And grow to foreign Pow'rs an easy Prey!
Conflicting Parties thus subvert the State,
Which sad, and yet inevitable Fate
In Ruin both united see too late.
As struggling Vapours deep in central Caves
Imprison'd lie, till by exhaling Waves
In Fight engag'd with Subterranean Fire,
Their Numbers grow, and mighty Strength acquire;
In Spite of Vaults coercive now they heave
And urge th' incumbent Rocks, the Mountains cleave
With ghastly Chasms, in Ruin lay the Earth,
And burst the Caverns, where they had their Birth:
Such Mischiefs inbred Discord do's create,
So twists, and rends the Bowels of a State.
Imprison'd lie, till by exhaling Waves
265
Their Numbers grow, and mighty Strength acquire;
In Spite of Vaults coercive now they heave
And urge th' incumbent Rocks, the Mountains cleave
With ghastly Chasms, in Ruin lay the Earth,
And burst the Caverns, where they had their Birth:
Such Mischiefs inbred Discord do's create,
So twists, and rends the Bowels of a State.
Degenerate Manners, and immoral Life
Are no less fatal, than Domestick Strife.
As when the Ocean with impetuous Roar,
Breaks the high Fences of Batavia's Shore,
Sweeps the wide Valley with his spreading Train,
And drowns the Hopes and Labour of the Swain;
If then a Dome, tho' reer'd with mighty Cost,
And greater Skill than Angelo could boast,
Obstructs its Way, the Deluge foams and swells,
And with its batt'ring Waves the Walls impells;
Till the proud Tow'rs, that long unshaken stood,
Sink, and with holy Spoils enrich the Flood:
So, if enormous Vice with rapid Force
Rushes o'er Mounds, and urges on its Course,
Disdainful of Restraint, do's far and wide
Roll the black Billows of th' Infernal Tide,
And o'er insulted Law in Triumph ride;
Plung'd in Pollution, and o'erwhelm'd with Guilt,
The Fabrick, tho' by artful Masters built,
Must fall, nor can the ablest Heads of State
Uphold the Structure, or prevent its Fate.
Are no less fatal, than Domestick Strife.
As when the Ocean with impetuous Roar,
Breaks the high Fences of Batavia's Shore,
Sweeps the wide Valley with his spreading Train,
And drowns the Hopes and Labour of the Swain;
If then a Dome, tho' reer'd with mighty Cost,
And greater Skill than Angelo could boast,
Obstructs its Way, the Deluge foams and swells,
And with its batt'ring Waves the Walls impells;
266
Sink, and with holy Spoils enrich the Flood:
So, if enormous Vice with rapid Force
Rushes o'er Mounds, and urges on its Course,
Disdainful of Restraint, do's far and wide
Roll the black Billows of th' Infernal Tide,
And o'er insulted Law in Triumph ride;
Plung'd in Pollution, and o'erwhelm'd with Guilt,
The Fabrick, tho' by artful Masters built,
Must fall, nor can the ablest Heads of State
Uphold the Structure, or prevent its Fate.
Those, who their Wealth and Hours more precious waste
In finding Pleasures to regale their Taste,
For which they search the Hill, and range the Wood,
And of its finn'd Delights defraud the Flood;
Who with delicious Wines inflame their Veins,
And give to loose Desire the slacken'd Reins;
Will find all generous Instincts soon effac'd,
Their Nerves enfeebled, and their Minds defac'd.
In finding Pleasures to regale their Taste,
For which they search the Hill, and range the Wood,
And of its finn'd Delights defraud the Flood;
Who with delicious Wines inflame their Veins,
And give to loose Desire the slacken'd Reins;
Will find all generous Instincts soon effac'd,
Their Nerves enfeebled, and their Minds defac'd.
267
In Nature's Roll they their high Rank resign,
Degrade the Man, and chuse the brutal Line.
Dissolv'd in soft Enjoyments, which unbrace
The vig'rous Sinew, this degenerate Race
Become too weak to bear the pond'rous Shield,
And the hard Labours of the Martial Field,
They purchase Scenes of Joy at vast Expense,
Where, with their Wealth, they dissipate their Sense.
Amid'st the Dreggs of Sloth unactive sink,
Unapt for Labour, yet averse to think.
Such is their busy Idleness, they find
No vacant Hour to cultivate the Mind:
For liberal Arts appoint no narrow Room,
But lazy Life in Indolence consume.
When the Diseases of the Mind grow rife,
And the Prophane, and dissolute of Life,
Diffuse contagious Vice in fatal Sport,
O'erspread the People, and infect the Court,
268
And mock Tribunals with unpunish'd Pride.
Inferior Rulers they with Numbers awe,
Rulers, who oft, obnoxious to the Law,
With an ill Grace th' Offender must arraign
For Faults, which equal their own Manners stain.
Will they inflam'd with Wine Excess condemn?
Censure vain Oaths, while they themselves blaspheme?
Will they th' Adulterer punish, when at once
They must his Sentence, and their own pronounce?
Hence Vice triumphant reers her hateful Head,
And do's her Poison unobstructed spread;
While modest Virtue seeks some lonely Place,
And friendless walks with melancholy Pace,
Veils her sad Looks, and ignominious Face.
While these luxuriant Weeds o'erspread the State,
And baneful rise to such enormous Height,
269
Invade all Places, and all Orders stain.
Justice, before inflexible, will lean,
Her Eyes enlighten'd, and her Hands unclean.
At publick Sales Promotions Men will buy,
While shining Merit Africk Mines supply:
And while such Tribes advanc'd, great Places fill,
Of Reason void, Integrity, and Skill,
Growing Distempers must the Nation sink,
Exhaust her Vigour, and her Spirits drink.
Not can a State worse Mischiefs feel, than those
Caus'd by her own Domestick, impious Foes.
Should Men believe no Self-existent Cause
Created Man, nor rules him by his Laws;
Of Faith and Truth they would regardless grow,
Of solemn Vows no Veneration show.
If Right and Wrong, if moral Good and Ill,
Are empty Names, Men may pursue their Will,
Steal without Fraud, and without Murder kill.
270
Nor were it in their Pow'r to be Unjust.
Suppose no God; then no Decree divine
To ruling Pow'ers, Obedience can enjoyn;
And giddy Crowds may guiltless then disown
The best of Soveraigns, and usurp his Throne.
Nor could the Subject in the Prince confide,
By sacred Vows, and solemn Compact ty'd:
For not by Oaths restrain'd, with lawless Might,
Strip them he may, but can't invade their Right;
Since publick Rights on no Foundation stand,
If Oaths oblige not by divine Command;
Then from her Seat Men Justice may release,
Belief and Trust reciprocal must cease;
Leagues were in vain by Neighbour Monarchs sign'd,
Honour would sink, nor would our Promise bind.
Depriv'd of common Faith's cementing Pow'r,
What Kingdoms could cohere? what States endure?
271
Where Providence supream the Tribes deny,
And fearless dare Almighty Pow'r defy,
Law-Fences soon are levell'd all around,
And Guardian Virtue flys the hateful Ground;
While at the Breach, the num'rous hostile Train
Of complicated Woes, free Entrance gain,
Which the licentious Pow'r of Vice attend,
And sap the State, or by Distraction rend.
And fearless dare Almighty Pow'r defy,
Law-Fences soon are levell'd all around,
And Guardian Virtue flys the hateful Ground;
While at the Breach, the num'rous hostile Train
Of complicated Woes, free Entrance gain,
Which the licentious Pow'r of Vice attend,
And sap the State, or by Distraction rend.
Muse, to compleat this tuneful Labour, tell
How Rome to Empire rose, and how she fell.
How Rome to Empire rose, and how she fell.
As yet the Tyber in the Latian Plains,
Possess'd by Flocks, and Herds, and peaceful Swains,
A pastoral Scene, unconscious of the Bar,
The Pomp of Empire, and the Spoils of War,
Roll'd to the Main his undistinguish'd Stream,
As yet unsung, and scarcely known to Fame;
Till, hither guided by auspicious Fate,
Wise Romulus erects his recent State,
At first obscure; at once the Walls arround,
Did his new City, and Dominions bound.
While Rome in Embryo, rude and shapeless lay,
Wisdom and Law did thro' the Mass convey
Such generous Ferments, that the State inspir'd
With active Heat, soon Life and Growth acquir'd:
Th' heroick Infant did with Vigour move,
Stretcht out its mighty Martial Limbs, and strove
With Force unusual at an Age so young,
Like great Alcides, in his Cradle strong.
Possess'd by Flocks, and Herds, and peaceful Swains,
A pastoral Scene, unconscious of the Bar,
The Pomp of Empire, and the Spoils of War,
Roll'd to the Main his undistinguish'd Stream,
As yet unsung, and scarcely known to Fame;
272
Wise Romulus erects his recent State,
At first obscure; at once the Walls arround,
Did his new City, and Dominions bound.
While Rome in Embryo, rude and shapeless lay,
Wisdom and Law did thro' the Mass convey
Such generous Ferments, that the State inspir'd
With active Heat, soon Life and Growth acquir'd:
Th' heroick Infant did with Vigour move,
Stretcht out its mighty Martial Limbs, and strove
With Force unusual at an Age so young,
Like great Alcides, in his Cradle strong.
Still at the Helm, Directors skilful sate,
Who steer'd secure the fluctuating State;
Form'd with deep Thought, their Maxims, and intent
On publick Glory, and their Pow'rs Extent,
Just Schemes of lasting Greatness did invent.
With ardent Zeal supported Virtue's Cause,
Fixt wise Decrees, and salutary Laws:
Did guard the Throne of Justice, and command
The Reins of Empire with a steddy Hand.
Nor did their Wisdom less conspicuous shine,
While Temples they ordain'd, and Rites Divine.
Who steer'd secure the fluctuating State;
Form'd with deep Thought, their Maxims, and intent
On publick Glory, and their Pow'rs Extent,
Just Schemes of lasting Greatness did invent.
With ardent Zeal supported Virtue's Cause,
Fixt wise Decrees, and salutary Laws:
273
The Reins of Empire with a steddy Hand.
Nor did their Wisdom less conspicuous shine,
While Temples they ordain'd, and Rites Divine.
Now while her Natives Law and Right upheld,
And gen'rous Love of Publick Good reveal'd,
Patient of Toil, and ignorant of Rest,
In Pow'r and Wealth the frugal State encreast.
And gen'rous Love of Publick Good reveal'd,
Patient of Toil, and ignorant of Rest,
In Pow'r and Wealth the frugal State encreast.
The Realms around, with Envy now behold
The growing Roman, virtuous, rich, and bold;
And, justly jealous, dread a rising Pow'r,
Not fear'd, unheeded, or contemn'd before.
The Volscians, Sabines, and the Tuscan Lords,
In vain their single, or confed'rate Swords,
Against this well-establish'd State employ'd,
Whose Strength at first they might have soon destroy'd.
The growing Roman, virtuous, rich, and bold;
And, justly jealous, dread a rising Pow'r,
Not fear'd, unheeded, or contemn'd before.
The Volscians, Sabines, and the Tuscan Lords,
In vain their single, or confed'rate Swords,
Against this well-establish'd State employ'd,
Whose Strength at first they might have soon destroy'd.
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Her gen'rous Sons, with Martial Virtue fir'd,
Repell'd encroaching Force, and then aspir'd
To Fame and Pow'r, which soon her Arms acquir'd.
Adult in War, and ripe in Counsel grown,
She triumph'd far, and still new Laurels won;
Beheld, elated from her lofty Tow'rs,
Her Chiefs advance, and fair Hesperia's Pow'rs
Before her Ensigns quit th' inglorious Field,
And to her Yoke their Necks submissive yield.
Repell'd encroaching Force, and then aspir'd
To Fame and Pow'r, which soon her Arms acquir'd.
Adult in War, and ripe in Counsel grown,
She triumph'd far, and still new Laurels won;
Beheld, elated from her lofty Tow'rs,
Her Chiefs advance, and fair Hesperia's Pow'rs
Before her Ensigns quit th' inglorious Field,
And to her Yoke their Necks submissive yield.
So brave in Arms, the Roman does advance,
Such is his Conduct, such his Vigilance;
To Discipline he shews such wise Regard,
Studious alike to punish and reward,
That in the Stages of his glorious Course,
He meets no Task unequal to his Force.
In her heroick Virtue's perfect Bloom,
Hard and athletick grown by Labour, Rome
Intrepid fac'd the blackest Storm of State,
And vig'rous, stem'd all Tides of adverse Fate.
Is she unprosp'rous, plac'd on Ruin's Brink?
Does she distrest, in deep Misfortunes sink?
Boyant she'll upward strive, and to her Height
Elastick spring, and claim her Virtue's Right.
Witness at Cannæ that disastrous Day,
Which shook the Props of Rome's Imperial Sway;
While Punick Pow'rs, encamp'd beneath her Wall,
Promis'd their Lords their Rival's sudden Fall;
Beaten, not vanquish'd, with unbroken Mind,
See, Rome do's still sufficient Spirit find,
To free her Bowels from th' Invader's Sword,
And finds her Wounds by strength of Nature cur'd.
Nor did their Arms decide these Rivals Fate,
But Roman Union Punick Discord beat,
And sober Life did Luxury defeat.
Such is his Conduct, such his Vigilance;
To Discipline he shews such wise Regard,
Studious alike to punish and reward,
That in the Stages of his glorious Course,
He meets no Task unequal to his Force.
In her heroick Virtue's perfect Bloom,
Hard and athletick grown by Labour, Rome
Intrepid fac'd the blackest Storm of State,
And vig'rous, stem'd all Tides of adverse Fate.
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Does she distrest, in deep Misfortunes sink?
Boyant she'll upward strive, and to her Height
Elastick spring, and claim her Virtue's Right.
Witness at Cannæ that disastrous Day,
Which shook the Props of Rome's Imperial Sway;
While Punick Pow'rs, encamp'd beneath her Wall,
Promis'd their Lords their Rival's sudden Fall;
Beaten, not vanquish'd, with unbroken Mind,
See, Rome do's still sufficient Spirit find,
To free her Bowels from th' Invader's Sword,
And finds her Wounds by strength of Nature cur'd.
Nor did their Arms decide these Rivals Fate,
But Roman Union Punick Discord beat,
And sober Life did Luxury defeat.
The Africk Tempest o'er the Alpes retir'd,
To more extensive Empire she aspir'd,
And still the more oppos'd, more Force acquir'd.
As when a Torrent from dissolving Snows
Down Alpine Hills abrupt, impetuous flows,
If Woods or Rocks withstand its rapid Course,
It swells indignant, and with mighty Force,
Collected in its Waves, it breaks the Way,
O'erturns the Woods, and makes the Rocks obey;
Then stronger grows, and with its conqu'ring Tide,
Rolls to the Vales the ruin'd Mountain's Pride,
And o'er the Plains, does unresisted ride.
So Rome—And now Hesperia's Regions own
Her Soveraign Sway, and Kingdoms yet unknown
Revere the potent Nation of the Gown.
To more extensive Empire she aspir'd,
And still the more oppos'd, more Force acquir'd.
276
Down Alpine Hills abrupt, impetuous flows,
If Woods or Rocks withstand its rapid Course,
It swells indignant, and with mighty Force,
Collected in its Waves, it breaks the Way,
O'erturns the Woods, and makes the Rocks obey;
Then stronger grows, and with its conqu'ring Tide,
Rolls to the Vales the ruin'd Mountain's Pride,
And o'er the Plains, does unresisted ride.
So Rome—And now Hesperia's Regions own
Her Soveraign Sway, and Kingdoms yet unknown
Revere the potent Nation of the Gown.
Had here, O Rome! thy Lust of Empire stay'd,
While all Ausonia's Towns thy Will obey'd;
If the high Alpine Hills, rough Adria's Waves,
And adverse Sea, which fair Hesperia laves,
The Bounds which then did thy Dominions screen,
Of thy Ambition had the Frontier been;
Thou might'st have long surviv'd the fatal Time,
Which punish'd, with thy Fall, thy Aim to climb.
But now, imperious grown by long Success,
She, scornful of Restraint, did forward press;
To foreign Kingdoms did her Wrath transfer,
And unprovok'd affect ambitious War.
While all Ausonia's Towns thy Will obey'd;
If the high Alpine Hills, rough Adria's Waves,
And adverse Sea, which fair Hesperia laves,
The Bounds which then did thy Dominions screen,
Of thy Ambition had the Frontier been;
277
Which punish'd, with thy Fall, thy Aim to climb.
But now, imperious grown by long Success,
She, scornful of Restraint, did forward press;
To foreign Kingdoms did her Wrath transfer,
And unprovok'd affect ambitious War.
See her proud Eagles o'er the Mountains soar,
New Seats, new Scenes of Glory to explore!
The Seine, the Rhone, the Danube, and the Rhine,
Tyber, submit their humble Streams to thine.
Numidia's Towns, and Mauritania's Lands,
The Yoke receiv'd, and own'd her high Commands.
In vain Euphrates, thy opposing Flood,
Tygris, in vain, the Victor's Course withstood:
Asia's proud Monarchs trembled at her Frowns,
While she at Will bestow'd Imperial Crowns,
And plac'd precarious Kings on Tributary Thrones.
The Spicy Realms, and Nabathæa's Soil,
Reward the Roman's Military Toil.
New Seats, new Scenes of Glory to explore!
The Seine, the Rhone, the Danube, and the Rhine,
Tyber, submit their humble Streams to thine.
Numidia's Towns, and Mauritania's Lands,
The Yoke receiv'd, and own'd her high Commands.
In vain Euphrates, thy opposing Flood,
Tygris, in vain, the Victor's Course withstood:
Asia's proud Monarchs trembled at her Frowns,
While she at Will bestow'd Imperial Crowns,
And plac'd precarious Kings on Tributary Thrones.
The Spicy Realms, and Nabathæa's Soil,
Reward the Roman's Military Toil.
278
Thus stretcht, and rising to uncommon Height,
Rome bends beneath her own unweildly Weight.
The more she won, the less she grew secure,
Weak and disabled by Excess of Pow'r.
She did in Bulk, but not in Strength encrease,
Hydropick swell'd, augmented by Disease.
Their active Force so subtile Spirits loose,
Which thro' too great a Mass their Stock diffuse;
She her own Armies could not long withstand,
Nor the fierce Demons, which she rais'd, command.
Rome bends beneath her own unweildly Weight.
The more she won, the less she grew secure,
Weak and disabled by Excess of Pow'r.
She did in Bulk, but not in Strength encrease,
Hydropick swell'd, augmented by Disease.
Their active Force so subtile Spirits loose,
Which thro' too great a Mass their Stock diffuse;
She her own Armies could not long withstand,
Nor the fierce Demons, which she rais'd, command.
Thus sunk proud Rome: And what auspicious Fate
Can from its Guardian Legions save a State?
The hardy Youth too long in Gallia fed,
Forgetting Rome, own as their Regal Head
The valiant Cæsar, who their Army led.
The Rebel Hero, aided by their Swords,
Invades Hesperia, drives his lawful Lords,
And, with usurp'd Authority enthron'd,
Gave gasping Liberty her mortal Wound.
Can from its Guardian Legions save a State?
The hardy Youth too long in Gallia fed,
Forgetting Rome, own as their Regal Head
The valiant Cæsar, who their Army led.
The Rebel Hero, aided by their Swords,
Invades Hesperia, drives his lawful Lords,
279
Gave gasping Liberty her mortal Wound.
'Tis true, enormous Crimes, and Disregard
Of ancient Virtue, for the Change prepar'd;
Flagitious Customs, and unpunish'd Vice,
Riot, Excess, and sordid Avarice,
In every Quarter unobstructed reign'd,
Vanquish'd the Victor, and wide Empire gain'd.
Now Magistrates let loose the Reins of Law,
And powerful Guilt do's weak Tribunals awe;
Plung'd in th' impurest Dregs the Nation lies,
Wise Precepts break, and sober Rules despise.
And as these Manners dissolute prevail'd,
The noble Spirit of the People fail'd:
Degenerate Life, and Luxury immense,
Weaken'd at once their Valour, and their Sense.
While at their ancient Discipline they spurn'd,
The generous Courage of the Roman turn'd
To cruel Rage, and now the bloody Prize
And barb'rous Scenes delight the People's Eyes.
Of ancient Virtue, for the Change prepar'd;
Flagitious Customs, and unpunish'd Vice,
Riot, Excess, and sordid Avarice,
In every Quarter unobstructed reign'd,
Vanquish'd the Victor, and wide Empire gain'd.
Now Magistrates let loose the Reins of Law,
And powerful Guilt do's weak Tribunals awe;
Plung'd in th' impurest Dregs the Nation lies,
Wise Precepts break, and sober Rules despise.
And as these Manners dissolute prevail'd,
The noble Spirit of the People fail'd:
Degenerate Life, and Luxury immense,
Weaken'd at once their Valour, and their Sense.
While at their ancient Discipline they spurn'd,
The generous Courage of the Roman turn'd
280
And barb'rous Scenes delight the People's Eyes.
Oft hence engender'd Discord vig'rous grew,
The Fury hence infernal Fewel drew
To feed her fatal Torch, which livid flam'd
In her Left-Hand, and gath'ring Wrath proclaim'd:
While with her Right she brandish'd high in Air,
Her threat'ning Fauchion, and commenc'd the War,
With mournful Triumphs fills Hesperia's Soil,
And urg'd her Warriors to ignoble Toil.
The Fury hence infernal Fewel drew
To feed her fatal Torch, which livid flam'd
In her Left-Hand, and gath'ring Wrath proclaim'd:
While with her Right she brandish'd high in Air,
Her threat'ning Fauchion, and commenc'd the War,
With mournful Triumphs fills Hesperia's Soil,
And urg'd her Warriors to ignoble Toil.
But no Commotions did her State invade,
Which rag'd so long, or such vast Havock made,
As those the Factions rais'd, who firm remain'd
To Marius' Cause, or Sylla's Pow'r sustain'd:
While fierce in Arms each other they assail'd,
By Turns were vanquish'd, and by Turns prevail'd.
A crimson Deluge drench'd the Latian Plains,
Now from Plebeian, now Patrician Veins.
The raving Vulgar, and revengeful Lords
With desperate Malice sheath'd their furious Swords
Deep in the Bosom of their Parent Rome,
Thus did her Glory sink, and Strength consume:
Whoe'er with Conquest crown'd from Fight return'd,
Rome lost the Battle, and the Triumph mourn'd.
Which rag'd so long, or such vast Havock made,
As those the Factions rais'd, who firm remain'd
To Marius' Cause, or Sylla's Pow'r sustain'd:
While fierce in Arms each other they assail'd,
By Turns were vanquish'd, and by Turns prevail'd.
A crimson Deluge drench'd the Latian Plains,
Now from Plebeian, now Patrician Veins.
281
With desperate Malice sheath'd their furious Swords
Deep in the Bosom of their Parent Rome,
Thus did her Glory sink, and Strength consume:
Whoe'er with Conquest crown'd from Fight return'd,
Rome lost the Battle, and the Triumph mourn'd.
Thus Vice, and Discord, and Domestick War
With treach'rous Force united, did unbar
Her Gates inglorious to the Victor's Car.
Now mourn, unhappy State! thy Freedom lost,
The god-like Gift, which at so vast a Cost
Thy Patriots long preserv'd, whose glorious Aim
Was thy Dominion, and Immortal Fame.
Henceforth despotick Will thou must obey,
For thy mild Senate's Rule in vain wilt pray,
And curse in vain the Tyrant's cruel Sway.
Mean Time by Steps thy boasted Force will break,
Thy Root will wither, and thy Limbs grow weak:
And blasted by th' Oppressor's Breath, thy Head
Will its rich Fruit, and blooming Honours shed.
With treach'rous Force united, did unbar
Her Gates inglorious to the Victor's Car.
Now mourn, unhappy State! thy Freedom lost,
The god-like Gift, which at so vast a Cost
Thy Patriots long preserv'd, whose glorious Aim
Was thy Dominion, and Immortal Fame.
Henceforth despotick Will thou must obey,
For thy mild Senate's Rule in vain wilt pray,
And curse in vain the Tyrant's cruel Sway.
Mean Time by Steps thy boasted Force will break,
Thy Root will wither, and thy Limbs grow weak:
282
Will its rich Fruit, and blooming Honours shed.
Some greater Minds, who did the Yoke disdain,
At once impatient of the Shame and Pain,
Made vig'rous Efforts to prevent their Fate,
The Throws and Strugglings of a dying State.
At once impatient of the Shame and Pain,
Made vig'rous Efforts to prevent their Fate,
The Throws and Strugglings of a dying State.
'Tis true the Genius, and heroick Fire,
The generous Thoughts which Freedom did inspire,
Some Years retain'd their Force, nor greatly fail'd,
While those, who born while Liberty prevail'd,
Applauded Worthies, trod the Roman Stage,
Supported and adorn'd th' Augustan Age.
The generous Thoughts which Freedom did inspire,
Some Years retain'd their Force, nor greatly fail'd,
While those, who born while Liberty prevail'd,
Applauded Worthies, trod the Roman Stage,
Supported and adorn'd th' Augustan Age.
But let us, Rome! thy modern State survey;
Where are the Chiefs, who held superior Sway
O'er Subject Kings, and made the World obey?
Is this soft Tribe dissolv'd in shameful Ease,
Is this thy genuine Martial Race? Can these
To the great Line of Romulus pretend?
From Pompey's Blood, or Cæsar, thine descend?
Be wise, O Rome, thy Monuments erase,
The Boast of ancient Times, but thy Disgrace:
Nor let those proud triumphal Honours stand
T' upbraid with Fame extinct, and tell of lost Command.
Where are the Chiefs, who held superior Sway
O'er Subject Kings, and made the World obey?
Is this soft Tribe dissolv'd in shameful Ease,
Is this thy genuine Martial Race? Can these
283
From Pompey's Blood, or Cæsar, thine descend?
Be wise, O Rome, thy Monuments erase,
The Boast of ancient Times, but thy Disgrace:
Nor let those proud triumphal Honours stand
T' upbraid with Fame extinct, and tell of lost Command.
Produce thy Maros, who in lofty Lays
Could praise thy Chiefs, if thou had'st Chiefs to praise:
Art thou of tuneful Genius quite bereft?
Is there no Horace, not a Lucan left?
Scarce could one Tasso stretch his feebler Wing
In Epick Verse inferiour Acts to sing:
For Bards and Heroes both at once expire,
Great Deeds alone can feed Poetick Fire.
Could praise thy Chiefs, if thou had'st Chiefs to praise:
Art thou of tuneful Genius quite bereft?
Is there no Horace, not a Lucan left?
Scarce could one Tasso stretch his feebler Wing
In Epick Verse inferiour Acts to sing:
For Bards and Heroes both at once expire,
Great Deeds alone can feed Poetick Fire.
Now can'st thou only on the Mimick-Stage
Revive the Glory of some Martial Age;
Act ancient Heroes to th' Effeminate Ring,
Paint their fam'd Battles, and their Triumphs sing.
Revive the Glory of some Martial Age;
Act ancient Heroes to th' Effeminate Ring,
Paint their fam'd Battles, and their Triumphs sing.
284
Should Tully this degenerate Rome behold,
So prais'd for Conduct once, in Arms so bold,
How would the Patriot blush with Shame, and scorn
A Stock so base, in that proud City born,
Which once the brightest Virtues did adorn?
With sharper Rage he'd this new Nation wound,
Than Anthony did sting, and Cataline confound.
So prais'd for Conduct once, in Arms so bold,
How would the Patriot blush with Shame, and scorn
A Stock so base, in that proud City born,
Which once the brightest Virtues did adorn?
With sharper Rage he'd this new Nation wound,
Than Anthony did sting, and Cataline confound.
Look down, great Genius, see thy Tusculum
Now made a soft melodious Eunuch's Home.
Where thou did'st form thy Philosophick Schemes,
And write divinely on immortal Themes,
Musicians play, and to the melting Lire
Sing wanton Airs, and kindle wild Desire,
Unbind the Soul, and false Delights inspire.
Look where the Palace of great Cæsar stood,
Sloth reigns supine amidst a yawning Brood
Of superstitious Monks; and on the Place
The Scipios with their Residence did grace,
A rich Procurer Virgins Honour sells;
Where Cato liv'd severe, a loose Comedian dwells.
Now made a soft melodious Eunuch's Home.
Where thou did'st form thy Philosophick Schemes,
And write divinely on immortal Themes,
Musicians play, and to the melting Lire
Sing wanton Airs, and kindle wild Desire,
Unbind the Soul, and false Delights inspire.
Look where the Palace of great Cæsar stood,
Sloth reigns supine amidst a yawning Brood
Of superstitious Monks; and on the Place
The Scipios with their Residence did grace,
285
Where Cato liv'd severe, a loose Comedian dwells.
Such Power have Vice and Discord to debase
Th' exalted Genius of a matchless Race
And sink a mighty State, tho' long rever'd,
With Wisdom fram'd, and by slow Labour reer'd.
Th' exalted Genius of a matchless Race
And sink a mighty State, tho' long rever'd,
With Wisdom fram'd, and by slow Labour reer'd.
The END.
286
THE POWER OF PASSIONS
Philander
, anxious to prevent
The Danger ready to ensue,
With Reason's whole Militia went
His Rebel-Passion to subdue;
On this decisive wish'd-for Day,
Resolv'd to vanquish, or obey.
The Danger ready to ensue,
With Reason's whole Militia went
His Rebel-Passion to subdue;
On this decisive wish'd-for Day,
Resolv'd to vanquish, or obey.
But when bright Clelia took the Field,
And drew her Beauties in array,
How did confounded Reason yield,
And cast all Arguments away?
Against the Power of Clelia's Charms,
How weak are Intellectual Arms?
And drew her Beauties in array,
287
And cast all Arguments away?
Against the Power of Clelia's Charms,
How weak are Intellectual Arms?
Before, he cry'd, I am destroy'd,
I'll try if Flight will Conquest gain,
By Time and Distance I'll avoid
Fresh Wounds, and ease my present Pain.
Those, who would Clelia's Strength defy,
Must not engage, but bravely fly.
I'll try if Flight will Conquest gain,
By Time and Distance I'll avoid
Fresh Wounds, and ease my present Pain.
Those, who would Clelia's Strength defy,
Must not engage, but bravely fly.
| A Collection of Poems on Various Subjects | |