University of Virginia Library

BOLD COUNSEL,

To the Right Honourable John Earl of Stair, 1728.

Enough, my Lord, of earthly Pride you've seen!
Enough exalted and illustrious been!
European Courts can boast no pompous Show,
No Pow'r, or Politicks, but what you know.
In Peace or War, is there a noble Art,
A Glory, wherein you have had no Part?
Statesman and Soldier, different Names, agree
To mix, and shine with all their Force, in Thee.
What foreign Nation, your great Worth denys?
Fame of your Virtues, all-acknowledg'd, flys.
Unbiass'd, all your Character confess,
And none, Abroad, e'er wish'd your Honours less.
Ev'n Britons, blind to Merit of their own,
In spite of Faction, your Applauses crown.
Subjects, with Praise, your Excellence revere,
And Princes are indebted to your Care.
Your Patriot Zeal, and Management confest,
Have, more than once, the King and Country blest.
—Now, by your Hand, we're rescu'd and renown'd,
Retire, great Lord, with hoary Honours crown'd;
After a Course of publick Glory, shine
Like Concinnatus, in your Life's Decline;
Enjoy the Blessings of a private State;
Still, tho' remov'd from Care and Business, great.
Then shall not upstart, crafty, Minions' Art
Supplant your Fortune, nor disturb your Heart;
Their moony Radiance shall not shade the Light
Of your meridian Sun, that made them bright:
But Peace and Honour evermore remain,
And th' Evening, like your Day of Life, serene.
The Muses too, obsequious, shall attend,
The Muses, ever faithful to their Friend!
'Tis theirs to wait the Great Man to the Grave,
And from Detraction and Oblivion save.
Tho' Flatterers fly, and the Oblig'd forsake;
Tho' Friends their Leave, at your Retirement, take;
Tho' Court and Country, shou'd Deserters prove,
Mitchell must serve the Man, he's bound to love;
Honour'd and proud, if, for his duteous Care,
He's still regarded by his Patron Stair.