 | A Collection of Poems on Various Subjects |  |
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:
214
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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;
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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.
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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,
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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
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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.
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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:
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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
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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.
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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.
| A Collection of Poems on Various Subjects | |