Poems on Several Occasions With Imitations from Horace, Ovid, Martial, Theocritus, Bachylides, Anacreon, &c. To which is prefix'd A Discourse on Criticism, and the Liberty of Writing. In a letter to a Friend. By Samuel Cobb ... The Third Edition. To which is added, Poems on the Duke of Marlborough, Prince Eugene, the Electoral Prince of Hannover, with other Poems. Never before Printed |
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| A POEM.
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 | Poems on Several Occasions |  |
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A POEM.
Occasion'd by the late Victories obtain'd over the French and Bavarians by the Forces of the Allies, under the Command of his Grace the Duke of MARLBOROUGH.
------ Victoria nulla
Clarior, aut Hominum votis optatior unquam
Contigit. ------
Claudian.
Clarior, aut Hominum votis optatior unquam
Contigit. ------
Claudian.
Scarce had we time allow'd our Thanks to yield,
For bloody Schellenberg's Victorious Field,
When Heav'n, resolving ANNA's Arms to bless,
Our Joys continu'd with a new Success.
Conquests on Conquests crowded in so fast;
The First were Brave, but Godlike were the Last.
The former Glories, which Fame lately sung,
When Donawert thro' German Vallies rung,
In dying Sounds now languish'd on her Tongue.
For bloody Schellenberg's Victorious Field,
When Heav'n, resolving ANNA's Arms to bless,
Our Joys continu'd with a new Success.
Conquests on Conquests crowded in so fast;
The First were Brave, but Godlike were the Last.
228
When Donawert thro' German Vallies rung,
In dying Sounds now languish'd on her Tongue.
What Muse, delighted in Wars loud Alarms,
Will pay an Iliad to the British Arms?
Who will erect a Temple? Who will raise
An Altar, sacred to the General's Praise?
Honours, like These, were by Old Romans paid,
To the vain Shadows of the useless Dead.
Cæsarean Souls, from Fun'ral Piles, above
Thus soar'd, on Eagles, to their Fabled Jove.
The Roman Bird may now more justly fly,
Bear back the well-us'd Thunder to the Sky,
And, whilst Alive, the Hero Deify.
Will pay an Iliad to the British Arms?
Who will erect a Temple? Who will raise
An Altar, sacred to the General's Praise?
Honours, like These, were by Old Romans paid,
To the vain Shadows of the useless Dead.
Cæsarean Souls, from Fun'ral Piles, above
Thus soar'd, on Eagles, to their Fabled Jove.
The Roman Bird may now more justly fly,
Bear back the well-us'd Thunder to the Sky,
And, whilst Alive, the Hero Deify.
Should some kind Muse, with a Pierian rage,
Inflame my Breast, and consecrate my Page,
Or would propitious Churchill deign to shine
On my low Thought, and brighten every Line:
Not Egypt's Pyramid should mine surpass,
Like Marble polish'd, and more strong than Brass:
The well built Monument of lasting Rhyme,
Should scorn the Impotence of Fire and Time.
Inflame my Breast, and consecrate my Page,
Or would propitious Churchill deign to shine
On my low Thought, and brighten every Line:
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Like Marble polish'd, and more strong than Brass:
The well built Monument of lasting Rhyme,
Should scorn the Impotence of Fire and Time.
Hast, Goddess, then, for conqu'ring Garlands go
To bind th'immortal Brows of MARLBOROUGH.
To Granic Banks, or where Hydaspes shore
On his last Elephant stout Porus bore,
(To grace the Honours of this Day) repair,
And snatch Pellœan Ivy springing there.
Let Rubicon her Julian Palms resign,
Nor spare Nassovian Laurels on the Boyne.
For these Danubius, and her Rivers call;
Insatiate Triumph! to demand them All.
To bind th'immortal Brows of MARLBOROUGH.
To Granic Banks, or where Hydaspes shore
On his last Elephant stout Porus bore,
(To grace the Honours of this Day) repair,
And snatch Pellœan Ivy springing there.
Let Rubicon her Julian Palms resign,
Nor spare Nassovian Laurels on the Boyne.
For these Danubius, and her Rivers call;
Insatiate Triumph! to demand them All.
Nor should we Justice, due to Valour, pay,
If less were offer'd for that Glorious Day;
When Albion's Queen, with one deciding Stroke,
The Germans rescu'd from the Gallick Yoke.
She sent a Hero to release their Fears,
And brake th' Inchantment of twice Thirty Years,
She loos'd the Charms of the Borbonian Dream,
And ravel'd Richlieu's Universal Scheme.
If less were offer'd for that Glorious Day;
When Albion's Queen, with one deciding Stroke,
The Germans rescu'd from the Gallick Yoke.
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And brake th' Inchantment of twice Thirty Years,
She loos'd the Charms of the Borbonian Dream,
And ravel'd Richlieu's Universal Scheme.
For now was France swoln to so vast a size,
That with heap'd Provinces she brav'd the Skies.
And, looking Evil, stretch'd at monstrous length
Her bulky Body of prodigious strength.
Like that huge Serpent, in wild Libya nurst,
Abhorr'd by Heav'n, by Earth, his Parent, curst.
Which Monarch Lions of their Thrones displac'd,
While a tame Terrour their rough Brows disgrac'd
Which could the force of Regulus employ,
And, single, ask whole Legions to destroy.
Pil'd on himself, in hundred Folds he stood,
And then, projected o'er the Neighb'ring Flood,
Some from the farthest Banks the Monste rdrew,
And some, confiding to the River, flew.
The Sun, amaz'd, withdrew his trembling Light,
And Clouds flew back at the portentous sight.
That with heap'd Provinces she brav'd the Skies.
And, looking Evil, stretch'd at monstrous length
Her bulky Body of prodigious strength.
Like that huge Serpent, in wild Libya nurst,
Abhorr'd by Heav'n, by Earth, his Parent, curst.
Which Monarch Lions of their Thrones displac'd,
While a tame Terrour their rough Brows disgrac'd
Which could the force of Regulus employ,
And, single, ask whole Legions to destroy.
Pil'd on himself, in hundred Folds he stood,
And then, projected o'er the Neighb'ring Flood,
Some from the farthest Banks the Monste rdrew,
And some, confiding to the River, flew.
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And Clouds flew back at the portentous sight.
Such was the Haughty Gaull His Reach so long,
His windings various, and his Venom strong.
With double strength for all events prepar'd,
No Arms he wanted, and no Arts he spar'd.
Phœbus beheld his Reign, wher'ere he rowl'd,
O'er Rocks of Diamond, and o'er Mines of Gold.
These to his Crown ravish'd Iberia gave,
Destructive Trophies of the Indian Grave!
His Power and Wealth to forreign States prescrib'd,
With This he threaten'd, and with That he brib'd.
And to disguise the Cheat, he would Exclaim
On Saints, on Angels, and th' Eternal Name.
But none were found so slavish and unjust,
To take his Presents, or his Oaths to trust,
Except Bavaria's Duke: Ah! fondly blind,
Of credulous, and mercenary Mind.
Are Princes bought so cheap? Is Honour sold,
Like Merchandise, at the poor price of Gold?
Think you French Gifts are true? Is Lewis grown
Besotted lately, and no better known?
His windings various, and his Venom strong.
With double strength for all events prepar'd,
No Arms he wanted, and no Arts he spar'd.
Phœbus beheld his Reign, wher'ere he rowl'd,
O'er Rocks of Diamond, and o'er Mines of Gold.
These to his Crown ravish'd Iberia gave,
Destructive Trophies of the Indian Grave!
His Power and Wealth to forreign States prescrib'd,
With This he threaten'd, and with That he brib'd.
And to disguise the Cheat, he would Exclaim
On Saints, on Angels, and th' Eternal Name.
But none were found so slavish and unjust,
To take his Presents, or his Oaths to trust,
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Of credulous, and mercenary Mind.
Are Princes bought so cheap? Is Honour sold,
Like Merchandise, at the poor price of Gold?
Think you French Gifts are true? Is Lewis grown
Besotted lately, and no better known?
Say, does thy folly drive thee, or thy Fate,
To tempt Great ANNA's wrath, and England's hate?
Can Thee, nor Conscience bind, nor Kindness move?
No Ties of Duty? And no Charms of Love?
Deaf to safe Counsel, and each tender Call,
And blind to Cologn's late instructive Fall.
To tempt Great ANNA's wrath, and England's hate?
Can Thee, nor Conscience bind, nor Kindness move?
No Ties of Duty? And no Charms of Love?
Deaf to safe Counsel, and each tender Call,
And blind to Cologn's late instructive Fall.
Yet we must do him Justice, and confess
His Courage signal, nor his Conduct less.
Who skill'd in Stratagem, in Battle brave,
Could Fighting conquer, or Retreating save.
ULM felt his subtil Arts, and Ratisbon saw
Her Town submitted to Bavarian Law.
Then from the Gallick Shore a furious Blast
Urg'd on the wild Combustion, as it past.
In rowling Flames now frighted Suabia burns,
And Psullendorf her Fate in Ashes mourns.
Then to Franconian Walls the gathering Blaze
Begins to travel: Austria with Amaze
Sees its luxuriant March: Vienna soon
(Which had so oft eclips'd the Turkish Moon)
Th' Alarum took; and fear'd the Christian more
Than Solyman, or Mahomet before.
So Pride and Perjury can Empires rend,
This grants no Equal, and that spares no Friend.
His Courage signal, nor his Conduct less.
Who skill'd in Stratagem, in Battle brave,
Could Fighting conquer, or Retreating save.
ULM felt his subtil Arts, and Ratisbon saw
Her Town submitted to Bavarian Law.
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Urg'd on the wild Combustion, as it past.
In rowling Flames now frighted Suabia burns,
And Psullendorf her Fate in Ashes mourns.
Then to Franconian Walls the gathering Blaze
Begins to travel: Austria with Amaze
Sees its luxuriant March: Vienna soon
(Which had so oft eclips'd the Turkish Moon)
Th' Alarum took; and fear'd the Christian more
Than Solyman, or Mahomet before.
So Pride and Perjury can Empires rend,
This grants no Equal, and that spares no Friend.
To whom for Succour shall th' Afflicted go?
Shall Cæsar's Successor precarious grow?
Shall Leopold on his own Force rely?
'Twere vain to fight; and 'tis as base to fly.
Shall Cæsar's Successor precarious grow?
Shall Leopold on his own Force rely?
'Twere vain to fight; and 'tis as base to fly.
234
This rouz'd the Reverend Genius of the West,
Who long in Secret, from his lab'ring Breast,
Deep Sighs and Groans, not human, had exprest.
Where'er he look'd, Death and Confusion reign'd,
Old Mother Earth of her rude Sons complain'd,
Who her kind Bosom with their Blood distain'd.
Rivers, discolour'd, to the Ocean bore
Europe's Disgrace, in Streams of Christian Gore,
A Joy to Turks, and each Barbarian Shore.
Who can our Ruin and Distraction tell?
Here Polish, there Hungarian Lords rebel.
On this side Savoy is by France annoy'd,
On that the Empire, only not destroy'd.
Who long in Secret, from his lab'ring Breast,
Deep Sighs and Groans, not human, had exprest.
Where'er he look'd, Death and Confusion reign'd,
Old Mother Earth of her rude Sons complain'd,
Who her kind Bosom with their Blood distain'd.
Rivers, discolour'd, to the Ocean bore
Europe's Disgrace, in Streams of Christian Gore,
A Joy to Turks, and each Barbarian Shore.
Who can our Ruin and Distraction tell?
Here Polish, there Hungarian Lords rebel.
On this side Savoy is by France annoy'd,
On that the Empire, only not destroy'd.
Here Grief and Pity from the Genius drew
Tears, such as mourning Angels Eyes bedew.
His Hands to Heav'n up lifting, and his Head
Low bowing, thus the hoary Guardian pray'd.
Tears, such as mourning Angels Eyes bedew.
His Hands to Heav'n up lifting, and his Head
Low bowing, thus the hoary Guardian pray'd.
235
O Thou supream Director of Affairs,
In Heav'n and Earth, attend thy Suppliant's Pray'rs!
Creator! Thunderer! Redeemer! hear;
If e'er my Services have been sincere.
If e'er with Joy I hasten'd to fulfil
Thy just Commands, and execute thy Will,
In Heav'n and Earth, attend thy Suppliant's Pray'rs!
Creator! Thunderer! Redeemer! hear;
If e'er my Services have been sincere.
If e'er with Joy I hasten'd to fulfil
Thy just Commands, and execute thy Will,
Thou dost the jarring Elements refrain,
And bind them fast with thy Eternal Chain.
Insulting Seas their ancient Duty know,
Keep within Limits, and no farther flow.
But Man, incroaching on his Neighbour's Right,
Breeds dire Dissention, and perpetual Spight.
What thousands by the greedy Sword have dy'd;
A Sacrifice to Treason, or to Pride?
Discord usurps my Europæan Charge,
Lives absolute below, and rules at large.
How long shall Saints beneath thy Altar pray,
For swift Revenge? How long wilt thou delay
Legions of Angels are at thy Command;
But thou art Greater in a weaker Hand.
Say what Diviner Mortal wilt thou chuse
To act thy Vengeance, and thy Power to use?
Pity the poor Remains of Human Kind;
Thou art all Eye; O, seem no longer blind!
No more be pleas'd to wink at Man's Offence,
But thunder, and Absolve thy Providence.
And bind them fast with thy Eternal Chain.
Insulting Seas their ancient Duty know,
Keep within Limits, and no farther flow.
But Man, incroaching on his Neighbour's Right,
Breeds dire Dissention, and perpetual Spight.
What thousands by the greedy Sword have dy'd;
A Sacrifice to Treason, or to Pride?
Discord usurps my Europæan Charge,
Lives absolute below, and rules at large.
236
For swift Revenge? How long wilt thou delay
Legions of Angels are at thy Command;
But thou art Greater in a weaker Hand.
Say what Diviner Mortal wilt thou chuse
To act thy Vengeance, and thy Power to use?
Pity the poor Remains of Human Kind;
Thou art all Eye; O, seem no longer blind!
No more be pleas'd to wink at Man's Offence,
But thunder, and Absolve thy Providence.
His Prayers tow'rd Heaven, like pointed Arrows, flew,
And from the Heart of God Compassion drew.
Besides young Raphael on his Wings had born,
(Each dewy Eve, and each returning Morn,)
The warmest Breathings of a Soul serene,
And purest Wishes of an English QUEEN:
Th' Almighty Mind saw, and was griev'd to see;
(As far as Grief can touch the Deity)
His Arm, extended, held a Lightning Storm,
Not such as Clouds from clashing Vapours form,
But such as Heav'nly Wrath is us'd to throw
On human Crimes, and Perjuries below.
When his loud Horses, through the clearest Sky,
His rattling Chariot draw, and Thunder, as they fly.
Then shaking Heav'n around; Yes, we will Rise,
Said God, nor longer our just Wrath disguise:
No more shall impious, unreflecting Clay
Upbraid our fix'd Resolves, and wise Delay.
Through the thick Veil of Flesh can Mortals spy,
The secret Paths of dark Futurity?
No; tho' the Lords of Earth presume to think
Their Actions just, because we please to Wink.
Vain Glow-Worms of Mankind? Poor, scepter'd Dust!
Are we not God? And can We be unjust?
The time is come, which shall our Vengeance show,
And a weak Hand, unseen, shall give the Blow
Bleinheim will come, Danubius will convince
Thy Vanity; it will, Borbonian Prince?
Now to the Stars thy tow'ring Babel rear;
But for Confusion, and a Fall, prepare.
And from the Heart of God Compassion drew.
Besides young Raphael on his Wings had born,
(Each dewy Eve, and each returning Morn,)
The warmest Breathings of a Soul serene,
And purest Wishes of an English QUEEN:
237
(As far as Grief can touch the Deity)
His Arm, extended, held a Lightning Storm,
Not such as Clouds from clashing Vapours form,
But such as Heav'nly Wrath is us'd to throw
On human Crimes, and Perjuries below.
When his loud Horses, through the clearest Sky,
His rattling Chariot draw, and Thunder, as they fly.
Then shaking Heav'n around; Yes, we will Rise,
Said God, nor longer our just Wrath disguise:
No more shall impious, unreflecting Clay
Upbraid our fix'd Resolves, and wise Delay.
Through the thick Veil of Flesh can Mortals spy,
The secret Paths of dark Futurity?
No; tho' the Lords of Earth presume to think
Their Actions just, because we please to Wink.
Vain Glow-Worms of Mankind? Poor, scepter'd Dust!
238
The time is come, which shall our Vengeance show,
And a weak Hand, unseen, shall give the Blow
Bleinheim will come, Danubius will convince
Thy Vanity; it will, Borbonian Prince?
Now to the Stars thy tow'ring Babel rear;
But for Confusion, and a Fall, prepare.
He said, and calling an unhappy Fate,
(For two of different Natures round him wait;
This rob'd in silver Rays, all milky White;
That more deform'd and fowler to the Sight,
Than blackest Scenes of the dishonest Night.)
Begone, said God, to France, false Angel, go,
Where Princes wait the Monarch's Nod below,
Fly; we permit Thee to deceive and blind,
With Visionary Glory, his Ambitious Mind.
(For two of different Natures round him wait;
This rob'd in silver Rays, all milky White;
That more deform'd and fowler to the Sight,
Than blackest Scenes of the dishonest Night.)
Begone, said God, to France, false Angel, go,
Where Princes wait the Monarch's Nod below,
Fly; we permit Thee to deceive and blind,
With Visionary Glory, his Ambitious Mind.
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As soon as spoke, the Spirit takes its Flight,
Chasing away the Stars propitious Light;
And with his sooty Form improves the horrid Night.
At the Versalian Dome he stopp'd, and took
The Shape of Mazarine's dissembling Look.
Unseen, at last the slumbring King he found,
In vain with wakeful Guards encompass'd round:
To banish from his Thoughts intruding Care,
And frightful Fancies, which his Conscience tear.
With soothing Words, well practis'd in Deceit,
He gilded thus the Venerable Cheat.
Chasing away the Stars propitious Light;
And with his sooty Form improves the horrid Night.
At the Versalian Dome he stopp'd, and took
The Shape of Mazarine's dissembling Look.
Unseen, at last the slumbring King he found,
In vain with wakeful Guards encompass'd round:
To banish from his Thoughts intruding Care,
And frightful Fancies, which his Conscience tear.
With soothing Words, well practis'd in Deceit,
He gilded thus the Venerable Cheat.
Sleep'st thou vast Soul of the Borbonian Line?
Thou Labour of projecting Mazarine!
Do Princes, who sustain a Nation's Weight,
Thus aim to Rise, and study to be Great?
Thus dost Thou Fame persue? Whose ominous Birth
Presag'd new Empire to th' astonish'd Earth.
Young smiling Angels blest thy Infant Bed,
And Lambent Glory shone round the World's promis'd Head.
Thy springing Fortunes Heav'n reserv'd for Me,
To polish and improve the Prodigy.
With Blood of Hereticks I quench'd the Flame
Which shook the steddy Fabrick of thy Fame.
By Me it stood: I taught the Gallick Shore
To eccho the curst Hugonot no more.
What then I did, e'er Fate had cut my Thread,
Believe my Ghost contriving with the Dead.
Thou Labour of projecting Mazarine!
Do Princes, who sustain a Nation's Weight,
Thus aim to Rise, and study to be Great?
240
Presag'd new Empire to th' astonish'd Earth.
Young smiling Angels blest thy Infant Bed,
And Lambent Glory shone round the World's promis'd Head.
Thy springing Fortunes Heav'n reserv'd for Me,
To polish and improve the Prodigy.
With Blood of Hereticks I quench'd the Flame
Which shook the steddy Fabrick of thy Fame.
By Me it stood: I taught the Gallick Shore
To eccho the curst Hugonot no more.
What then I did, e'er Fate had cut my Thread,
Believe my Ghost contriving with the Dead.
For thee I left Those happy Plains above,
To testify my Duty and my Love,
And on thy Triumphs wait—Believe the Call
Of Heav'n and Mazarine; 'tis destin'd All
What I relate; and God with sure Success,
Thy Fleet will Favour, and thy Armies Bless.
Prepare thy Navy, ev'ry Sail advance,
For so must stuborn Albion bow to France.
Angels attend thy Flags; behold, the Sea
No longer doubts who shall her Sov'reign be.
Behold thy Squadron hoisting for the Shore
O'er shatter'd Planks, thro' Waves of British Gore.
Nor let thy Marshals linger on the Rhine,
On the Danubian Banks prepare to join
With Succour, thy Bavarian Friend, and Mine.
What? Dost thou fear? Who can thy Troops oppose?
Can tardy Germans or dull Holland Foes?
Can giddy England wish a conqu'ring Field,
In Councils heady, and in Arms unskill'd?
In vain for new Plantagenets they look;
Of Edwards, Harrys, and of God forsook.
Think'st thou that Heav'n designs his high Command,
And Reins of Empire for a Woman's Hand?
A feeble Queen? Away, ungenerous Thought!
Art Thou My Lewis, and no better taught?
Still dost thou snore supine? Up, Glory cries;
If e'er the Charms of Empire mov'd thee, Rise!
Now, now, ascend thy Universal Throne!
For Heav'n has said it, and the World's thy Own.
To testify my Duty and my Love,
And on thy Triumphs wait—Believe the Call
Of Heav'n and Mazarine; 'tis destin'd All
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Thy Fleet will Favour, and thy Armies Bless.
Prepare thy Navy, ev'ry Sail advance,
For so must stuborn Albion bow to France.
Angels attend thy Flags; behold, the Sea
No longer doubts who shall her Sov'reign be.
Behold thy Squadron hoisting for the Shore
O'er shatter'd Planks, thro' Waves of British Gore.
Nor let thy Marshals linger on the Rhine,
On the Danubian Banks prepare to join
With Succour, thy Bavarian Friend, and Mine.
What? Dost thou fear? Who can thy Troops oppose?
Can tardy Germans or dull Holland Foes?
Can giddy England wish a conqu'ring Field,
In Councils heady, and in Arms unskill'd?
In vain for new Plantagenets they look;
Of Edwards, Harrys, and of God forsook.
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And Reins of Empire for a Woman's Hand?
A feeble Queen? Away, ungenerous Thought!
Art Thou My Lewis, and no better taught?
Still dost thou snore supine? Up, Glory cries;
If e'er the Charms of Empire mov'd thee, Rise!
Now, now, ascend thy Universal Throne!
For Heav'n has said it, and the World's thy Own.
At this the Monarch started from his Bed:
Sleep left his Eyes, and the Delusion fled.
Stay, Heav'nly Vision!—Thrice in vain he spoke,
For into Air the lying Fantome broke.
Yet still amus'd, and to Belief inclin'd
Of Glories, promis'd to his grasping Mind,
He smil'd: Imagin'd Scenes of Triumph spread
Youth thro' his Limbs; and the beguiling Shade,
Like Homer's Pallas, had inlarg'd his Size;
Reviving Nature, with renew'd Supplies,
Sprung thro' his wither'd Veins, and sparkled in his Eyes.
Now Italy, now Holland he devours,
Now the Britannick, and the German Powers.
In one Campaign he now pretends to sweep
What Baden in hard Fields was us'd to reap;
And Eugene's Latian Harvests pile on his triumphant Heap.
Sleep left his Eyes, and the Delusion fled.
Stay, Heav'nly Vision!—Thrice in vain he spoke,
For into Air the lying Fantome broke.
Yet still amus'd, and to Belief inclin'd
Of Glories, promis'd to his grasping Mind,
He smil'd: Imagin'd Scenes of Triumph spread
Youth thro' his Limbs; and the beguiling Shade,
243
Reviving Nature, with renew'd Supplies,
Sprung thro' his wither'd Veins, and sparkled in his Eyes.
Now Italy, now Holland he devours,
Now the Britannick, and the German Powers.
In one Campaign he now pretends to sweep
What Baden in hard Fields was us'd to reap;
And Eugene's Latian Harvests pile on his triumphant Heap.
A Council call'd, what in his Dream he heard,
The King relates; How Mazarine appear'd.
Some, not too credulous, advise to use
His Ancient Fraud, and with known Arts amuse.
Others devoted to the Vision's Call,
Think it no Dream, but Revelation all.
Villars, Marsin, Villeroy, and Tallard move
For Battle: This the Monarch does approve.
The King relates; How Mazarine appear'd.
Some, not too credulous, advise to use
His Ancient Fraud, and with known Arts amuse.
Others devoted to the Vision's Call,
Think it no Dream, but Revelation all.
Villars, Marsin, Villeroy, and Tallard move
For Battle: This the Monarch does approve.
244
Little he thought our Valour dar'd to roam,
Beyond our pleasant Fields and Native Home.
That on far Banks we would our Standards bear,
And wave our Colours in a German Air.
Had he forgot, what ancient Poets told,
How Scipio punish'd Perjury of Old?
Tho Fabius, willing to prolong his stay,
Pleads his once cautious, fortunate Delay.
Yet Victory whose Wings are us'd to fly,
Nor always hover in a Middle Sky,
Bears the young Hero, to the Puniek Shores,
Removes the War, and Italy restores.
Beyond our pleasant Fields and Native Home.
That on far Banks we would our Standards bear,
And wave our Colours in a German Air.
Had he forgot, what ancient Poets told,
How Scipio punish'd Perjury of Old?
Tho Fabius, willing to prolong his stay,
Pleads his once cautious, fortunate Delay.
Yet Victory whose Wings are us'd to fly,
Nor always hover in a Middle Sky,
Bears the young Hero, to the Puniek Shores,
Removes the War, and Italy restores.
Mean time the Duke, who for two long Campaigns
Had gain'd dry Conquests on the Flandrian Plains,
Now with swift Marches had the Neckar past:
Winds follow'd him, and scarce o'er-took at last.
Tallar'd looks around, astonish'd; Where he cries,
Where were the Mouths of Fame? Where Argus Eyes?
Those hundred Eyes, with which my Master sees
All Princes Counsels, were they blind to These?
O Fame, with list'ning Ears thou once wert hung;
Why were they deaf? Why silent ev'ry Tongue?
Is England SECRET grown? And then a Sigh,
Presaging, whisper'd that his Fall was nigh.
He eat his valiant Heart to see the Prey
He thought his own, so bravely snatch'd away.
With Doubts bewildred, angrily he stood,
And swell'd in vain: As in some Libyan Wood,
When a fell Tyger has a Bull in Chase,
A Lyon rushes, and retards his pace;
To nobler Teeth forc'd to resign the Prize;
He spurns the yellow Sand, and rends the Skies.
He growls, retiring with a feeble Rage,
Asham'd to fly, yet fearing to engage.
Had gain'd dry Conquests on the Flandrian Plains,
Now with swift Marches had the Neckar past:
Winds follow'd him, and scarce o'er-took at last.
245
Where were the Mouths of Fame? Where Argus Eyes?
Those hundred Eyes, with which my Master sees
All Princes Counsels, were they blind to These?
O Fame, with list'ning Ears thou once wert hung;
Why were they deaf? Why silent ev'ry Tongue?
Is England SECRET grown? And then a Sigh,
Presaging, whisper'd that his Fall was nigh.
He eat his valiant Heart to see the Prey
He thought his own, so bravely snatch'd away.
With Doubts bewildred, angrily he stood,
And swell'd in vain: As in some Libyan Wood,
When a fell Tyger has a Bull in Chase,
A Lyon rushes, and retards his pace;
To nobler Teeth forc'd to resign the Prize;
He spurns the yellow Sand, and rends the Skies.
246
Asham'd to fly, yet fearing to engage.
Now had the Moon twice wain'd; the fiery Sun
His crooked Race had thro' the Lion run,
While the Duke's Army, fortify'd to bear
The sultry Fury of the barking Star,
Five hundred Miles had with unwearied Feet
Measur'd, and cop'd with a whole Summer's Heat.
Tho' Thirst and Hunger call, yet none complain
Of the spoil'd Vineyard, or the pillag'd Grain.
Such Peace in Arms they to their Leader owe;
By His Example o'er sleep Hills they go,
And cross wide Rivers swifter than they flow.
His crooked Race had thro' the Lion run,
While the Duke's Army, fortify'd to bear
The sultry Fury of the barking Star,
Five hundred Miles had with unwearied Feet
Measur'd, and cop'd with a whole Summer's Heat.
Tho' Thirst and Hunger call, yet none complain
Of the spoil'd Vineyard, or the pillag'd Grain.
Such Peace in Arms they to their Leader owe;
By His Example o'er sleep Hills they go,
And cross wide Rivers swifter than they flow.
As Bees, united in a Cluster, flock,
Tho separate People, from a hollow Rock;
So round him divers-speaking Nations came;
Their Language various, their Consent the same.
The Faithful Prussian, and the Hardy Dane,
The Valiant Hessian, with a smaller Train
Of Courages, to make the Wonderful Campaign.
Tho separate People, from a hollow Rock;
So round him divers-speaking Nations came;
Their Language various, their Consent the same.
247
The Valiant Hessian, with a smaller Train
Of Courages, to make the Wonderful Campaign.
And now behold two ready Armies meet,
Which, horrible to speak: in Thunder greet.
Be kind, ye Angels, who protect the State
Of Europe, and on Britain's Fortunes wait!
Spare not o'er MARLBOROUGH's important Head
Your Swords to brandish, and your Wings to spread:
For whom we pray, and tire the Power Above
With frequent Wishes for the Man We love;
For whom the tender Darling of his Breast
Sighs all the Day, and weeps the Stars to rest.
Who Fights abroad, while ANNA Prays at home,
And moves with Passion the Windsorian Dome:
For if she sighs, the Statues seem to groan;
And, at her Tears, hard Marbles sweat their own:
Concern and Greatness in her Looks are seen,
The Loving Mother, and Defending QUEEN.
Go, Muse, to ANNA, who thy Voice will hear,
Go, bid Her dry up ev'ry balmy Tear:
Tell how Her Arms all Europe have restor'd;
Tell how Her Pray'rs were stronger than the Sword.
Then to the Hero's lov'd Cornelia fly,
Relate the Schellenbergian Victory.
But speak no farther, lest the dreadful Name
Of pointed Cannon fright the lovely Dame.
Yet say, What Man thro' the thick Squadrons broke,
Smear'd with brave Dust and honourable Smoke;
Say how He Flames; as when some Town's on fire,
A lighted Beacon warns the Neighb'ring Shire.
The giddy Rout, this way and that way run,
Uncertain where to fly, or what to shun.
So fled the false Elector; conscious grown
His Neighbour's Fate preluded to his Own.
He throws around him a distracted Look:
Behind him follows the Victorious DUKE;
So close pursu'd, he would repent his Pride;
And bends, and wavers to the better side.
Then quickly changing his inconstant Mind,
He yeilds, like Osiers, to the Northern Wind.
When Tallard, strengthen'd with a num'rous Force
Of fresh Battalions, and of Houshold Horse,
Comes pouring like a Torrent; such a Host
Deserv'd our Swords; the best which France could boast.
He thought this Summer, like the last, would yeild
A plenteous Harvest, and an equal Field:
He dreamt new Laurels growing on his Brow,
And that chain'd Fortune was oblig'd to bow.
Which, horrible to speak: in Thunder greet.
Be kind, ye Angels, who protect the State
Of Europe, and on Britain's Fortunes wait!
Spare not o'er MARLBOROUGH's important Head
Your Swords to brandish, and your Wings to spread:
For whom we pray, and tire the Power Above
With frequent Wishes for the Man We love;
For whom the tender Darling of his Breast
Sighs all the Day, and weeps the Stars to rest.
Who Fights abroad, while ANNA Prays at home,
And moves with Passion the Windsorian Dome:
248
And, at her Tears, hard Marbles sweat their own:
Concern and Greatness in her Looks are seen,
The Loving Mother, and Defending QUEEN.
Go, Muse, to ANNA, who thy Voice will hear,
Go, bid Her dry up ev'ry balmy Tear:
Tell how Her Arms all Europe have restor'd;
Tell how Her Pray'rs were stronger than the Sword.
Then to the Hero's lov'd Cornelia fly,
Relate the Schellenbergian Victory.
But speak no farther, lest the dreadful Name
Of pointed Cannon fright the lovely Dame.
Yet say, What Man thro' the thick Squadrons broke,
Smear'd with brave Dust and honourable Smoke;
Say how He Flames; as when some Town's on fire,
A lighted Beacon warns the Neighb'ring Shire.
249
Uncertain where to fly, or what to shun.
So fled the false Elector; conscious grown
His Neighbour's Fate preluded to his Own.
He throws around him a distracted Look:
Behind him follows the Victorious DUKE;
So close pursu'd, he would repent his Pride;
And bends, and wavers to the better side.
Then quickly changing his inconstant Mind,
He yeilds, like Osiers, to the Northern Wind.
When Tallard, strengthen'd with a num'rous Force
Of fresh Battalions, and of Houshold Horse,
Comes pouring like a Torrent; such a Host
Deserv'd our Swords; the best which France could boast.
He thought this Summer, like the last, would yeild
A plenteous Harvest, and an equal Field:
250
And that chain'd Fortune was oblig'd to bow.
Now the two Armies were in Battle rang'd,
And Death for Death, with mutual Shot exchang'd.
The Sun had told Eights Hours, and just began
To number out the Ninth to weary Man:
While Heav'n, to weigh whose Valour must prevail,
Hung o'er the Warriours Heads the doubtful Scale;
Till a kind Angel came, and at the Throne
Of God, approaching, threw a Royal Groan.
Till pious Sighs, drawn deep from ANNA's Breast,
Our Fate decided, and the Ballance press'd.
And Death for Death, with mutual Shot exchang'd.
The Sun had told Eights Hours, and just began
To number out the Ninth to weary Man:
While Heav'n, to weigh whose Valour must prevail,
Hung o'er the Warriours Heads the doubtful Scale;
Till a kind Angel came, and at the Throne
Of God, approaching, threw a Royal Groan.
Till pious Sighs, drawn deep from ANNA's Breast,
Our Fate decided, and the Ballance press'd.
Then EUGENE thrice repuls'd, with double might
Rebounded, like Antœus, to the Fight;
Reviving, as lopp'd Elms are us'd to grow
With second Youth, and flourish from the Blow.
The Fourth Attack to his Remembrance brought,
How he at CARPI and LUZARA fought.
How, nigh the Banks of Padus swelling Flood,
He dy'd Ausonian Fields with Gallick Blood.
Then Fame appear'd, and with her gilded Dart
Began to pierce the brave Italian's Heart;
Then might you see him, like a Lion, spring
With nimble Rage, on the Bavarian Wing,
Stung with new Praise, impatient of Delay;
Not Groves of Pikes, not Showers of Fire could stay
His Latian Fortunes: Now th' Elector flies,
And to the hollow Vales for refuge cries:
Then, with the Marshal, to the Woods retreats,
To hide that Shame which every Tree repeats.
Rebounded, like Antœus, to the Fight;
Reviving, as lopp'd Elms are us'd to grow
With second Youth, and flourish from the Blow.
251
How he at CARPI and LUZARA fought.
How, nigh the Banks of Padus swelling Flood,
He dy'd Ausonian Fields with Gallick Blood.
Then Fame appear'd, and with her gilded Dart
Began to pierce the brave Italian's Heart;
Then might you see him, like a Lion, spring
With nimble Rage, on the Bavarian Wing,
Stung with new Praise, impatient of Delay;
Not Groves of Pikes, not Showers of Fire could stay
His Latian Fortunes: Now th' Elector flies,
And to the hollow Vales for refuge cries:
Then, with the Marshal, to the Woods retreats,
To hide that Shame which every Tree repeats.
Nor were we hindmost in the Course of Fame,
Nor with less Zeal pursu'd the Noble Game.
Our Left, as far as England's Sons could do,
Copy'd their Great Original in View:
Who, with his Sword, where thickest Troops ingage,
Leaves bloody Footsteps of his manly Rage.
Then for new Glory does Occasion seek,
Rallies the Routed, and Recruits the Weak.
Watchful as Eagles, when a Danger's nigh,
As quick to see it, and as swift to fly:
As brave to dare, still constant in Success;
Great in his Presence, nor in Absence less.
As Leda's Son, conceal'd from mortal Sight,
Still shines in Consort with Fraternal Light;
So in his Brother is the DUKE the same,
And Fortune flies if she hear CHURCHILL's Name.
Go, Muse, and hail him; From BLEINHEIM he comes;
Hark! how the heartning Trumpets and the Drums
Sound him Victorious! see! pale Generals yeild
Their Thousands to the Genius of the Field.
Gowram is there, and from his heap of Spoils,
Looks down, and smiles on thy officious Toils.
To him resign up thy Parnassian Care;
In Mars and Thee, he has the largest Share:
Scarce can we know in which he does excel,
So bravely will he Fight, and Sing so well.
Should kind Bellona so much leisure give,
(If in his Verse they could obtain to live)
Heroes contented would receive their Doom,
And march unmourn'd, and joyful to the Tomb.
Nor with less Zeal pursu'd the Noble Game.
252
Copy'd their Great Original in View:
Who, with his Sword, where thickest Troops ingage,
Leaves bloody Footsteps of his manly Rage.
Then for new Glory does Occasion seek,
Rallies the Routed, and Recruits the Weak.
Watchful as Eagles, when a Danger's nigh,
As quick to see it, and as swift to fly:
As brave to dare, still constant in Success;
Great in his Presence, nor in Absence less.
As Leda's Son, conceal'd from mortal Sight,
Still shines in Consort with Fraternal Light;
So in his Brother is the DUKE the same,
And Fortune flies if she hear CHURCHILL's Name.
253
Hark! how the heartning Trumpets and the Drums
Sound him Victorious! see! pale Generals yeild
Their Thousands to the Genius of the Field.
Gowram is there, and from his heap of Spoils,
Looks down, and smiles on thy officious Toils.
To him resign up thy Parnassian Care;
In Mars and Thee, he has the largest Share:
Scarce can we know in which he does excel,
So bravely will he Fight, and Sing so well.
Should kind Bellona so much leisure give,
(If in his Verse they could obtain to live)
Heroes contented would receive their Doom,
And march unmourn'd, and joyful to the Tomb.
Now go, where Death, upon the smoky Plain,
Grins, eminent o'er Mountains of the Slain;
There sure, and only there, may WOOD be found,
With Blood and Carcasses incompass'd round:
WOOd us'd to Danger, but unus'd to fear,
Equal as Justice, and as Truth sincere.
No braver Man e'er drew an English Sword,
None truer to his Country, and his Word.
Grins, eminent o'er Mountains of the Slain;
254
With Blood and Carcasses incompass'd round:
WOOd us'd to Danger, but unus'd to fear,
Equal as Justice, and as Truth sincere.
No braver Man e'er drew an English Sword,
None truer to his Country, and his Word.
Could I but promise my Poetick Page,
Would reach the Heroes of a future Age,
Palmes, Wilkins, Ingoldsby, and North should shine,
With Webb and Orkney, in my deathless Line.
Would reach the Heroes of a future Age,
Palmes, Wilkins, Ingoldsby, and North should shine,
With Webb and Orkney, in my deathless Line.
But the DUKE calls: What Dangers does he court!
War has been gamesom yet, and seem'd to sport;
For now broke loose from all her brazen Chains,
O'er rising Mountains, and o'er subject Plains.
The Fury strides abroad, and Abitrary reigns.
Fear in the Front, her sure Fore-runner, goes,
And grisly Death behind whole Squadrons mows:
Twice Fifteen Hundred gallant Youths, as brave
As France could boast, (which might a Nation save
From gaping Ruin, nor have mist Success;
Had Holy ANNA's Piety been less,
Or less the Hero's Valour.) These in vain
Of their despair'd and hapless Fate complain.
QUEEN ANN, we cry, QUEEN ANN, the Vales resound;
To Heav'n loud Peals ascend, and Æther wound.
Terribly loud our Acclamations drove
The frighted Foes below, and Clouds above.
Here Angels throw Distraction, as they fled,
There dart new Beams upon the General's Head:
Who now, collected in himself, was seen;
His Laurels, amidst all the Thunder, Green.
Where shall the routed Horse Protection find,
Before them Water, and the Fire behind?
Between two Elements amaz'd they stood,
Till headlong push'd, they flounce and plunge tho rapid Flood.
Tallard alone, of all his Strength forsook,
Bows to the Greater Genius of the DUKE.
Surprizing Horrour in the rest appears,
Nor can the bravest Heart conceal his Fears;
Nor can they thus their sudden Fate prevent,
By trusting to a milder Element.
For bright Asariel, (who, by Heaven's Decree,
Can bind the Floods, or set their Torrents free;
At whose Command the Surges of the Deep,
Awaken'd, bellow, or retire to sleep;
Thus to Danubius spoke; Erect thy Head,
Thou Ancient River, from thy sedgy Bed.
See! where the florid boast of Gallick Pride
Disturbs thy Waters, and insults thy Tide
Call all thy Springs and Fountains to thy Aid,
Lest meaner Rivers thy weak force upbraid:
With thy whole strength surround thy destin'd Prey,
And imitate old Kishon's sweepy way.
Vain all their graceful Looks! nor shall the sight
Of dazling Arms prevail, nor valour fright:
If they attempt with feeble Hands to row,
Swell o'er their Heads, and plunge them deep below!
No mourning Friends their Bodies shall inter,
Be thou their Winding sheet, and Sepulcher.
War has been gamesom yet, and seem'd to sport;
For now broke loose from all her brazen Chains,
O'er rising Mountains, and o'er subject Plains.
The Fury strides abroad, and Abitrary reigns.
255
And grisly Death behind whole Squadrons mows:
Twice Fifteen Hundred gallant Youths, as brave
As France could boast, (which might a Nation save
From gaping Ruin, nor have mist Success;
Had Holy ANNA's Piety been less,
Or less the Hero's Valour.) These in vain
Of their despair'd and hapless Fate complain.
QUEEN ANN, we cry, QUEEN ANN, the Vales resound;
To Heav'n loud Peals ascend, and Æther wound.
Terribly loud our Acclamations drove
The frighted Foes below, and Clouds above.
Here Angels throw Distraction, as they fled,
There dart new Beams upon the General's Head:
Who now, collected in himself, was seen;
His Laurels, amidst all the Thunder, Green.
256
Before them Water, and the Fire behind?
Between two Elements amaz'd they stood,
Till headlong push'd, they flounce and plunge tho rapid Flood.
Tallard alone, of all his Strength forsook,
Bows to the Greater Genius of the DUKE.
Surprizing Horrour in the rest appears,
Nor can the bravest Heart conceal his Fears;
Nor can they thus their sudden Fate prevent,
By trusting to a milder Element.
For bright Asariel, (who, by Heaven's Decree,
Can bind the Floods, or set their Torrents free;
At whose Command the Surges of the Deep,
Awaken'd, bellow, or retire to sleep;
Thus to Danubius spoke; Erect thy Head,
Thou Ancient River, from thy sedgy Bed.
257
Disturbs thy Waters, and insults thy Tide
Call all thy Springs and Fountains to thy Aid,
Lest meaner Rivers thy weak force upbraid:
With thy whole strength surround thy destin'd Prey,
And imitate old Kishon's sweepy way.
Vain all their graceful Looks! nor shall the sight
Of dazling Arms prevail, nor valour fright:
If they attempt with feeble Hands to row,
Swell o'er their Heads, and plunge them deep below!
No mourning Friends their Bodies shall inter,
Be thou their Winding sheet, and Sepulcher.
Danubius heard, and with Impetuous rore
Collecting strength, lash'd the resounding shore.
The Warry War begins: With boiling wroth
He urges forward his Victorious Froth
The proud Gensd Arms, who hop'd their Lives to save,
And find protection from the fleeting Wave;
Deluded thus, in wild confusion swim,
And with vain blows afflict the passive Stream.
The River then, discharging on his Foes,
Mud, Sand, and Stones, his whole Artillery throws
From his vex'd bottom; some with violent strokes
He head long bears; some with hurl'd Gravel chokes:
With idle Swords some think to ward the blow,
Of billows breaking on their Heads below;
Others, despairing, rowl their ghastly Eyes
Tow'rds highest Heav'n and blame the cruel Skies.
Collecting strength, lash'd the resounding shore.
The Warry War begins: With boiling wroth
He urges forward his Victorious Froth
The proud Gensd Arms, who hop'd their Lives to save,
And find protection from the fleeting Wave;
Deluded thus, in wild confusion swim,
258
The River then, discharging on his Foes,
Mud, Sand, and Stones, his whole Artillery throws
From his vex'd bottom; some with violent strokes
He head long bears; some with hurl'd Gravel chokes:
With idle Swords some think to ward the blow,
Of billows breaking on their Heads below;
Others, despairing, rowl their ghastly Eyes
Tow'rds highest Heav'n and blame the cruel Skies.
Mean time the generous Horse of Warlike strain,
Unus'd to trample on the Liquid Plain,
Fearfully neighs; the Silver foam around
Snorting against the Banks, the Banks resound.
Till vainly fretting in his martial Breast,
A Mountain-Wave o'erwhelms the Noble Beast.
He and his Rider drown; the following weight
Of slain oppress them, and ensure their Fate.
For our quick shot, pour'd from the River's brink
Sends Crowds below; they now by hundreds sink;
While frequent Carcasses, and Foam, and Blood,
(A horrid mixture) fattens all the Flood.
Unus'd to trample on the Liquid Plain,
Fearfully neighs; the Silver foam around
Snorting against the Banks, the Banks resound.
Till vainly fretting in his martial Breast,
A Mountain-Wave o'erwhelms the Noble Beast.
He and his Rider drown; the following weight
Of slain oppress them, and ensure their Fate.
For our quick shot, pour'd from the River's brink
Sends Crowds below; they now by hundreds sink;
259
(A horrid mixture) fattens all the Flood.
Wives for their Husbands, Mothers for their Sons,
At home lament in never-ceasing Moans;
The tender Virgins for their Lovers weep,
Who under Hills of noisy Waters sleep,
No Earth their Bones preserves; no Urns their Ashes keep.
In troubled Mud they perish and consume,
And heaps of Billows are their flowing Tomb.
At home lament in never-ceasing Moans;
The tender Virgins for their Lovers weep,
Who under Hills of noisy Waters sleep,
No Earth their Bones preserves; no Urns their Ashes keep.
In troubled Mud they perish and consume,
And heaps of Billows are their flowing Tomb.
Hear, O Bavarian Licus, as you swell
Danubius, say how thy false Master fell.
Bear it to Dravus, let Tibiscus hear,
And sound it in the Transilvanian's Ear:
Tell him, whose Squadrons, trusting to the Wave,
Their fancied Friend, obtain'd a real Grave.
Tell him, that Princes, who on France rely,
Thus seek their Ruin, who for Refuge fly.
Danubius, say how thy false Master fell.
Bear it to Dravus, let Tibiscus hear,
And sound it in the Transilvanian's Ear:
Tell him, whose Squadrons, trusting to the Wave,
Their fancied Friend, obtain'd a real Grave.
Tell him, that Princes, who on France rely,
Thus seek their Ruin, who for Refuge fly.
260
But if the World by Tyranny opprest,
Begins to Groan, and heave its throbbing Breast;
If the sad Sound reach ANNA's pitying Ear,
Be still, ye Nations, and forget to fear.
If Empires, mourn, Her MARLBOROUGH is sent,
To stop their Tears; and calm the Continent.
If the wrong'd Austrian to Her Standard run,
She saves the Father, and enthrones the Son.
If we below Storm some important Fort,
She scales the Skies above, and shakes the Heav'nly Court.
Where'er the Wretched for Her Succour call,
The Equall Mother is alike to All;
Not raw in ills, nor ignorant of Grief,
She spreads Her Wings abroad, and sends Relief;
Her Colours fly, where they ne'er flew before,
Fierce Quarrels to decide, and Right restore.
If, when repairing to Imperial Aid,
The Bloody Cross of England is display'd,
On the Moselle, the Danube, or the Rhine,
Descending Angels bless the sacred Sign,
And happy Omens give, as once to Constantine;
When proud Maxentius with his Hellish Crew,
The new born Christian into Tyber threw.
Begins to Groan, and heave its throbbing Breast;
If the sad Sound reach ANNA's pitying Ear,
Be still, ye Nations, and forget to fear.
If Empires, mourn, Her MARLBOROUGH is sent,
To stop their Tears; and calm the Continent.
If the wrong'd Austrian to Her Standard run,
She saves the Father, and enthrones the Son.
If we below Storm some important Fort,
She scales the Skies above, and shakes the Heav'nly Court.
Where'er the Wretched for Her Succour call,
The Equall Mother is alike to All;
Not raw in ills, nor ignorant of Grief,
She spreads Her Wings abroad, and sends Relief;
Her Colours fly, where they ne'er flew before,
Fierce Quarrels to decide, and Right restore.
If, when repairing to Imperial Aid,
The Bloody Cross of England is display'd,
261
Descending Angels bless the sacred Sign,
And happy Omens give, as once to Constantine;
When proud Maxentius with his Hellish Crew,
The new born Christian into Tyber threw.
Now weary Death's Commission was expir'd,
And the Pale Glutton with the DUKE, retir'd;
War's Trumpet to Retreat was softly blown,
When Fame began to rattle with her own:
From th' obscure Village of Bleinheim she came;
(Obscure of old but now a noted Name)
Then o'er high Hills, o'er Seas, o'er Earth she flew;
Her Voice grew louder, as her Motion grew.
As smother'd Flames in nightly embers sleep,
When wretched Man Morphean Fetters keep,
Till bursting forth the secret Robber preys
On Houses first, then Towns in Ruin lays,
While forward Winds assist the waken'd Blaze:
Or as when Eurus, or when Auster pent
In subterranean Caverns, strain for vent;
Till, with soft Whispers breaking into Birth,
They roar, inlarg'd, and shake the frighted Earth.
Such Rumour was; so shook the Skies around;
The vaulted Skies rebellow'd with the sound.
Then from their Toils below, the Guardian Host
With Sailing wings made for the Starry Coast:
And there recounted how obedient They
Discharg'd the Business of th' Important Day.
Heav'n with repeated Hallelujah's rung,
And Saints the Triumphs of God's Vengeance sung;
They sung the Arrows from his angry Bow,
Wet with the Blood of Tyranny below.
How, for their Prince's crime, his awful Might
Tumbles proud Empires from their Airy height.
How Kingdoms flourish where good Monarchs sway,
Who Rule, like ANNA, and like ANNA, Pray.
And the Pale Glutton with the DUKE, retir'd;
War's Trumpet to Retreat was softly blown,
When Fame began to rattle with her own:
From th' obscure Village of Bleinheim she came;
(Obscure of old but now a noted Name)
Then o'er high Hills, o'er Seas, o'er Earth she flew;
Her Voice grew louder, as her Motion grew.
As smother'd Flames in nightly embers sleep,
When wretched Man Morphean Fetters keep,
Till bursting forth the secret Robber preys
On Houses first, then Towns in Ruin lays,
While forward Winds assist the waken'd Blaze:
262
In subterranean Caverns, strain for vent;
Till, with soft Whispers breaking into Birth,
They roar, inlarg'd, and shake the frighted Earth.
Such Rumour was; so shook the Skies around;
The vaulted Skies rebellow'd with the sound.
Then from their Toils below, the Guardian Host
With Sailing wings made for the Starry Coast:
And there recounted how obedient They
Discharg'd the Business of th' Important Day.
Heav'n with repeated Hallelujah's rung,
And Saints the Triumphs of God's Vengeance sung;
They sung the Arrows from his angry Bow,
Wet with the Blood of Tyranny below.
How, for their Prince's crime, his awful Might
Tumbles proud Empires from their Airy height.
How Kingdoms flourish where good Monarchs sway,
Who Rule, like ANNA, and like ANNA, Pray.
263
Surely the Father of all Power design'd
That softest Image of His Heavenly Mind,
To still the jarring World, and bless Mankind.
Ah happy Albion! cou'dst Thou justly prize
So great a Gift, and Favour of the Skies,
Nor Hell, not France should baffle a design
Form'd by a Senate, and a Queen, like Thine:
A Queen, who moves Heaven's Everlasting Throne,
To hear whose Voice fair Angels stop their own.
If future Victories thou mean'st to prove,
She speaks Below the Dialect Above.
Let all your Courage, all your Counsels fall
On proud Castile, and yet unhumbled Gaul;
Let not that Bane of Nations, Strife and Pride,
Or in your Senate or your Hearts reside.
Bethesda's Stream should now be calm and Cool,
Expect no second Angel at the Pool.
In the vext Spring no Vertue is conceal'd,
The Waters were but once disturb'd, and heal'd.
United Minds alone can France defeat,
Her Armies vanquish, and her Navy beat.
That softest Image of His Heavenly Mind,
To still the jarring World, and bless Mankind.
Ah happy Albion! cou'dst Thou justly prize
So great a Gift, and Favour of the Skies,
Nor Hell, not France should baffle a design
Form'd by a Senate, and a Queen, like Thine:
A Queen, who moves Heaven's Everlasting Throne,
To hear whose Voice fair Angels stop their own.
If future Victories thou mean'st to prove,
She speaks Below the Dialect Above.
Let all your Courage, all your Counsels fall
On proud Castile, and yet unhumbled Gaul;
Let not that Bane of Nations, Strife and Pride,
Or in your Senate or your Hearts reside.
Bethesda's Stream should now be calm and Cool,
Expect no second Angel at the Pool.
In the vext Spring no Vertue is conceal'd,
The Waters were but once disturb'd, and heal'd.
264
Her Armies vanquish, and her Navy beat.
So shall Your Admirals by Sea prevail,
So shall conspiring Winds on every Sail,
Blow with a gentle and propitious Gale.
So Frightning Drake's, and Raleighs, shall be seen,
When Rooks, and Shovels plough the Watry Green
Alcides, blushing, shall behold them go
Beyond his Pillars, and his Toils out do.
So shall conspiring Winds on every Sail,
Blow with a gentle and propitious Gale.
So Frightning Drake's, and Raleighs, shall be seen,
When Rooks, and Shovels plough the Watry Green
Alcides, blushing, shall behold them go
Beyond his Pillars, and his Toils out do.
So Glorious Duke, when in th' approaching Year
Thy Arms and Fortunes shall in France appear;
Plantagenets shall thy Attendants be,
And New Black Princes, shall arise in thee.
I see their Angels hover o'er thy Head,
And Ancient Vertue rising from the Dead.
Heav'n shall for Thee such Miracles produce,
And Fate confirms the Promise of the Muse.
Thy Arms and Fortunes shall in France appear;
Plantagenets shall thy Attendants be,
And New Black Princes, shall arise in thee.
I see their Angels hover o'er thy Head,
And Ancient Vertue rising from the Dead.
Heav'n shall for Thee such Miracles produce,
And Fate confirms the Promise of the Muse.
FINIS.
| Poems on Several Occasions | |