University of Virginia Library

On the Duke of Savoy's declaring against France.

Long has great Lewis form'd the vast Design,
Europa's Liberty to undermine:
Some he has conquer'd in the Field of War,
Tho still himself he kept from Dangers far:
Others by Bribes he has his Vassals made;
But most of all by Breach of Faith betray'd.
Sov'reigns in Battel fam'd for Sums of Gold,
Their People, Country, and themselves have sold.
Ev'n Savoy's Duke his Neck did seem to bow,
And tacitly an universal Throne allow.
But O! how hard a thing it is to find
A Prince, whom common Principles can bind!
By the Example of his Silk-worms taught,
T'expire in Fetters which himself had wrought.
Of elevated Rank they can despise
Those feeble Chains we call Religious Ties.
For Int'rest Savoy the French side did take,
For Interest as bravely did forsake.
The Monarch thus deceiv'd, cry'd out in Rage,
(Which Maintenon herself could not assuage:)
What! can the Plains of Lombardy produce
A Genius equal to the Flow'r-de-Luce?
Can there be near the Alps a Hero found,
Who scorns to be by Oaths and Treaties bound?
A Man of Royal Mould? who wisely knows
That Heav'n does laugh at Kings and Lovers Vows?
My happy Reign has seen its sixtieth Year,
Treaties and Leagues have been my constant care;
Which none e'er knew more artfully to make,
Nor with more Skill and Judgment when to break:
This darling Talent none e'er call'd in doubt,
Tho they have dar'd my Courage to dispute.
Then Lewis fall! then be for ever dumb!
For sure thy fatal Period is come,
When keeping Faith betrays thee—.