 | Miscellanies in Verse and Prose |  |
70
To Mr. Addison.
Occasioned by the News of the Victory obtained over the Rebels in Scotland, by his Grace the Duke of Argyle.
On Eagles Wings Immortal Scandals fly,
But virtuous Actions are but Born and Dye.
Dryd. Juv.
But virtuous Actions are but Born and Dye.
Dryd. Juv.
How long shall, Addison, thy charming Lyre
Hang up unstrung amid the tuneful Quire,
Thou! who with ev'ry Master Stroke of Art
To Love can sooth, or rouse to Rage the Heart?
One Labour more at least, sweet Poet, yield;
And sing Dunblain, as well as Blenheim Field.
Germania there, was sav'd by Churchill's Deed;
And Britain here, by Campbell's Arm was freed.
71
What nobler Subject for a Patriot-Muse?
Of late the Bigotry of our dull Times,
Had sunk the Dignity of Sacred Rhimes.
Mock-Triumphs only then supply'd our Scenes:
Pacifick-Generals, and Pious-Queens.
O vindicate the Majesty of Verse!
And loftier Things in loftier Song Rehearse.
Describe Argyle in all his Glories dress'd;
A Godlike Soul in Human Shape confess'd:
Like fair Adonis beautiful and young;
Like great Alcides valorous and strong:
In Camps experienc'd, and in Courts refin'd;
Like Fate resolv'd, and yet as Woman kind.
If Heav'n, indulgent to my duteous Zeal,
Had bless'd me with some Portion of thy Skill,
In Verse Immortal should the Hero shine,
And Milton's Thunder had been drown'd in mine.
But I, alas! a lower Theme must chuse,
(An Ardent, but an Unsuccessful Muse!)
Content in humbler Numbers to commend
The Gen'rous Patron, and the Tender Friend.
| Miscellanies in Verse and Prose | |