Alfred An Heroic Poem, in Twenty-Four Books. By Joseph Cottle: 4th ed. |
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| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
| XIII. |
| XIV. |
| XV. |
| XVI. |
| XVII. |
| XVIII. |
| XIX. |
| XX. |
| XXI. |
| XXII. |
| XXIII. |
| XXIV. | BOOK XXIV. |
 | Alfred |  |
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BOOK XXIV.
ARGUMENT.
Baptism of Guthrum and his followers—Interview of Alfred and Alswitha with their infant child—The king's last address to his troops.
THE morning star, faint in the western sky,
Had now retired, whilst in his orient path,
Enthroned in radiant pomp, the sun arose,
Majestic, scattering thro' one half the world
Such beams of dazzling splendour, that, awhile,
Earth seem'd annihilate, and heaven to pour
Thro' jasper gates of unimagined light
His floods of glory.
Had now retired, whilst in his orient path,
Enthroned in radiant pomp, the sun arose,
Majestic, scattering thro' one half the world
Such beams of dazzling splendour, that, awhile,
Earth seem'd annihilate, and heaven to pour
Thro' jasper gates of unimagined light
His floods of glory.
Whilst each heart beat high
With exultation, to the royal tent,
Oddune advanced and cried. `Guthrum awaits,
‘Seeking to know thy pleasure, and receive
‘The Rite—Baptism!’ Alfred thus replied.
‘Guide hither to our presence that brave chief.’—
He enters, bending with th' o'erflowing heart,
Leading his daughter; whom the queen approach'd,
And hand in hand, led gently on, to share
The private converse, whilst her sire drew near,
And Alfred thus address'd:
With exultation, to the royal tent,
Oddune advanced and cried. `Guthrum awaits,
‘Seeking to know thy pleasure, and receive
‘The Rite—Baptism!’ Alfred thus replied.
‘Guide hither to our presence that brave chief.’—
He enters, bending with th' o'erflowing heart,
Leading his daughter; whom the queen approach'd,
And hand in hand, led gently on, to share
The private converse, whilst her sire drew near,
And Alfred thus address'd:
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‘Most noble prince!
‘Thy frown I could have borne, but thou, this heart,
‘Hast conquer'd by thy kindness. I am one
‘Who ever thought his oath inviolate,
‘And soon, from purer principles, will keep
‘That oath to God, more firm,—when next I swear,
‘Thou art my monarch! Yester night I sought
‘Our neighbouring castle, where, the anxious Danes
‘Look'd for me, sad, and on each passing breeze
‘Fancied they saw my spirit; such belief
‘Had they that I was slain: and tho' I came,
‘And in mine own and proper shape appear'd,
‘They questioned their own sight, half prone to say,
‘Impostor! Guthrum is no more!—I now
‘Declared thy conduct, all thy gracious words:
‘How thou forgav'st me, and for Guthrum's sake
‘Promis'd to pardon them. I told them more,
‘Of the religion I had late profess'd:
‘In my best way, explain'd its influence;
‘The power it had to tame the mind, and make
‘This jarring world one family of love.
‘I pointed out our foster'd hopes, how low
‘Compared with thine. I named the christian's joy,
‘How pure his character, how great his deeds,
‘And for the certain test appeal'd to thee.
‘They heard me, wondering, and, O king! rejoice!
‘Join in my rapture, when to thee I say,
‘They vow'd to be thy subjects, here to dwell
‘Beneath so brave a prince. But, more I say;
‘They seek to make profession of a Faith,
‘So honour'd by thyself;—the christian name,
‘Henceforth to bear; dependence to renounce
‘On Warrior Gods!—Creatures of flesh and blood!
‘With eyes illumed, confessing, with myself,
‘How baseless were their fears, their hopes how vain!
‘Cherish'd so long! and now, true penitents,
‘Firm converts, as I trust, with hearts sincere,
‘Without this tent, thirty brave chieftains stand,
‘Desirous to partake, with me, O, king!
‘And this, my daughter, whom thy hand hath saved,
‘The rite, Baptism.’
‘Thy frown I could have borne, but thou, this heart,
‘Hast conquer'd by thy kindness. I am one
‘Who ever thought his oath inviolate,
‘And soon, from purer principles, will keep
‘That oath to God, more firm,—when next I swear,
‘Thou art my monarch! Yester night I sought
‘Our neighbouring castle, where, the anxious Danes
‘Look'd for me, sad, and on each passing breeze
‘Fancied they saw my spirit; such belief
‘Had they that I was slain: and tho' I came,
‘And in mine own and proper shape appear'd,
‘They questioned their own sight, half prone to say,
‘Impostor! Guthrum is no more!—I now
‘Declared thy conduct, all thy gracious words:
‘How thou forgav'st me, and for Guthrum's sake
‘Promis'd to pardon them. I told them more,
‘Of the religion I had late profess'd:
‘In my best way, explain'd its influence;
‘The power it had to tame the mind, and make
‘This jarring world one family of love.
‘I pointed out our foster'd hopes, how low
‘Compared with thine. I named the christian's joy,
‘How pure his character, how great his deeds,
‘And for the certain test appeal'd to thee.
‘They heard me, wondering, and, O king! rejoice!
‘Join in my rapture, when to thee I say,
‘They vow'd to be thy subjects, here to dwell
‘Beneath so brave a prince. But, more I say;
‘They seek to make profession of a Faith,
‘So honour'd by thyself;—the christian name,
‘Henceforth to bear; dependence to renounce
‘On Warrior Gods!—Creatures of flesh and blood!
‘With eyes illumed, confessing, with myself,
‘How baseless were their fears, their hopes how vain!
‘Cherish'd so long! and now, true penitents,
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‘Without this tent, thirty brave chieftains stand,
‘Desirous to partake, with me, O, king!
‘And this, my daughter, whom thy hand hath saved,
‘The rite, Baptism.’
Alfred, glad, replied:
‘Firm is my trust in thee, and on thy faith
‘I take thy fellows. They with thee shall share
‘The holy ordinance; and if their hearts,
‘Kindness may reach, a happier race, the sun,
‘Shall never visit. Tell them to repair,
‘Where silver Thone meandering glides along,
‘And be thou with them. There shall you meet me.’
‘Firm is my trust in thee, and on thy faith
‘I take thy fellows. They with thee shall share
‘The holy ordinance; and if their hearts,
‘Kindness may reach, a happier race, the sun,
‘Shall never visit. Tell them to repair,
‘Where silver Thone meandering glides along,
‘And be thou with them. There shall you meet me.’
Forth to the river's brink they pass along,
Whilst all the multitude of Saxons, gaze,
In silent admiration. Now the king,
Stately and slow, draws near, while follows him,
The queen, conducting to the ritual stream,
The Danish maiden. Lowly on the ground
She look'd; her steps were timid, and her form
Graceful, and chaste her eye; whilst on her cheek
Appear'd the blush of youth and innocence.
When Alfred, with commanding aspect, slow,
Descended to the water, when he call'd,
Each warrior Dane, the maiden, and her sire,
Whom, solemn, he address'd:
Whilst all the multitude of Saxons, gaze,
In silent admiration. Now the king,
Stately and slow, draws near, while follows him,
The queen, conducting to the ritual stream,
The Danish maiden. Lowly on the ground
She look'd; her steps were timid, and her form
Graceful, and chaste her eye; whilst on her cheek
Appear'd the blush of youth and innocence.
When Alfred, with commanding aspect, slow,
Descended to the water, when he call'd,
Each warrior Dane, the maiden, and her sire,
Whom, solemn, he address'd:
‘Guthrum! and ye
‘Who thus surround me, you are now about
‘To make profession of a faith divine.
‘It is no little thing, thus to profess
‘The christian convert. He who comes to God
‘Must own him such, and from his inmost soul,
‘Desire the Spirit's teaching. Pure, is God,
‘And he demands the heart! You must renounce
‘Ere you can be accepted, envy, wrath,
‘Revenge, and every evil way. Your souls
‘Must dwell in charity, and view mankind,
‘As children of one parent, who demands,
‘Each friendly office, and the fervent prayer
‘That those who knew him not, may yet be taught.
‘Soon shall you all receive God's Holy Word,
‘Which tells whate'er is needful to be known,
‘And points the road to future happiness.
‘There will you learn how God all merciful,
‘Pitied degenerate men, and to redeem
‘Their race from bondage, sent his Son, inspir'd,
‘With the full burden of divinity,
‘To tell of sacred things, and to direct
‘Thro' faith in him, and in his sacrifice,
‘All men aright; so to escape the woes,
‘And penal fires, which disobedient souls
‘Must feel hereafter, if they live and die,
‘Estranged from God and from all holiness.
‘If from thy conscience, Guthrum! thou canst say,
‘This faith is thine, and you who round me stand,
‘And maiden thou! Bend and receive the wave!’
‘Who thus surround me, you are now about
‘To make profession of a faith divine.
‘It is no little thing, thus to profess
‘The christian convert. He who comes to God
‘Must own him such, and from his inmost soul,
‘Desire the Spirit's teaching. Pure, is God,
‘And he demands the heart! You must renounce
‘Ere you can be accepted, envy, wrath,
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‘Must dwell in charity, and view mankind,
‘As children of one parent, who demands,
‘Each friendly office, and the fervent prayer
‘That those who knew him not, may yet be taught.
‘Soon shall you all receive God's Holy Word,
‘Which tells whate'er is needful to be known,
‘And points the road to future happiness.
‘There will you learn how God all merciful,
‘Pitied degenerate men, and to redeem
‘Their race from bondage, sent his Son, inspir'd,
‘With the full burden of divinity,
‘To tell of sacred things, and to direct
‘Thro' faith in him, and in his sacrifice,
‘All men aright; so to escape the woes,
‘And penal fires, which disobedient souls
‘Must feel hereafter, if they live and die,
‘Estranged from God and from all holiness.
‘If from thy conscience, Guthrum! thou canst say,
‘This faith is thine, and you who round me stand,
‘And maiden thou! Bend and receive the wave!’
All bent devoutly, pressing their full hearts,
Declaring trust in Christ. And as they stood,
There came a sudden pause. No word was heard!
No low and passing sound—woke the still scene,
‘But all was silent, waves, and earth, and air;
‘And each of the unnumber'd multitude,
‘Gazing around, felt such a solemn hush,
All things pervade, and seem'd so sensible
Of his dread presence, His, the Lord of all!
That to himself, each seem'd to shrink to nought,
And feel his meanness in the scale of being,
As never he had felt.—Even like the man
Who, in a musing hour, wanders beside
The white and roaring ocean, when its waves,
Conflicting lash the shore; and all around,
Far as the black horizon, shews one scene,
The onward, rolling billows, clothed in foam—
Terrific, vast, which to his mind call'd up
(In a peculiar and absorbing sense)
The power of Deity!—then, when he thinks,
Viewing the world of waters, on himself,
And seems to say, to every grain of sand,
‘Thou art my brother!’
Declaring trust in Christ. And as they stood,
There came a sudden pause. No word was heard!
No low and passing sound—woke the still scene,
‘But all was silent, waves, and earth, and air;
‘And each of the unnumber'd multitude,
‘Gazing around, felt such a solemn hush,
All things pervade, and seem'd so sensible
Of his dread presence, His, the Lord of all!
That to himself, each seem'd to shrink to nought,
And feel his meanness in the scale of being,
As never he had felt.—Even like the man
Who, in a musing hour, wanders beside
The white and roaring ocean, when its waves,
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Far as the black horizon, shews one scene,
The onward, rolling billows, clothed in foam—
Terrific, vast, which to his mind call'd up
(In a peculiar and absorbing sense)
The power of Deity!—then, when he thinks,
Viewing the world of waters, on himself,
And seems to say, to every grain of sand,
‘Thou art my brother!’
Having left the tide,
The king his list'ning converts thus address'd:
‘Behold in me your sov'reign! view your friend!
‘For I am he. Hence shall you ever find
‘In Alfred a protector! one whose heart,
‘Plans for your welfare!—
The king his list'ning converts thus address'd:
‘Behold in me your sov'reign! view your friend!
‘For I am he. Hence shall you ever find
‘In Alfred a protector! one whose heart,
‘Plans for your welfare!—
To the Danish maid,
Who pensive stood, Alswitha thus began.
‘Sister beloved! my heart hath room for thee.
‘Ere this, thy friendship has been proved, and now,
‘Mine shall appear, tho' later, not less true.’
With grateful heart, the damsel press'd her hand.
‘Looking to Heaven, but language she had none.
Now to the spot, a man drew near and cried,
‘An aged pair, a warrior, and a child,
‘With two stout youths, now wait in yonder tent
‘O, king! and ask for thee!’ The monarch's heart
Leap'd but he spake not,—whilst the queen turn'd pale,
And would have rush'd, outstripping the fleet doe,
But, mindful of her dignity, she mov'd,
Stately along, whilst her heart throb'd with joy,
‘Till where no eye beheld her, when she sped,
Rapid and light as doth the passing shadow
Of the wild sea bird o'er the curling waves.
And now she reach'd the tent. She sees her child!—
Her long-lost child! She springs! She clasps him round!
He knows her face, and with his out-spread hands
His mother press'd. ‘My child! my child!’ she cried,
The tear gush'd forth, and in her arms she held,
Speechless her child.
Who pensive stood, Alswitha thus began.
‘Sister beloved! my heart hath room for thee.
‘Ere this, thy friendship has been proved, and now,
‘Mine shall appear, tho' later, not less true.’
With grateful heart, the damsel press'd her hand.
‘Looking to Heaven, but language she had none.
Now to the spot, a man drew near and cried,
‘An aged pair, a warrior, and a child,
‘With two stout youths, now wait in yonder tent
‘O, king! and ask for thee!’ The monarch's heart
Leap'd but he spake not,—whilst the queen turn'd pale,
And would have rush'd, outstripping the fleet doe,
But, mindful of her dignity, she mov'd,
Stately along, whilst her heart throb'd with joy,
‘Till where no eye beheld her, when she sped,
Rapid and light as doth the passing shadow
Of the wild sea bird o'er the curling waves.
And now she reach'd the tent. She sees her child!—
Her long-lost child! She springs! She clasps him round!
He knows her face, and with his out-spread hands
403
The tear gush'd forth, and in her arms she held,
Speechless her child.
The king had Guthrum sent,
Him, and his daughter, and the Danish chiefs,
To the near castle, greetings to convey
And lasting peace; and now with hasty step
Approach'd the tent with all a father's warmth,
Leaning on Oddune.—
Him, and his daughter, and the Danish chiefs,
To the near castle, greetings to convey
And lasting peace; and now with hasty step
Approach'd the tent with all a father's warmth,
Leaning on Oddune.—
At the door he saw—
Acca, and hastening through the company,
Exclaim'd, ‘Where art thou?’ In his mother's arms
He sees his child! when with transporting joy,
He held him, and, appealing to high Heaven,
Cried, `This our consummation! This the point
‘For which our hearts have sigh'd. Mild innocent!
‘With other thoughts do I behold thee now,
‘Than when I left thee! Thou art hence released
‘From dangers and thick perils, and shalt dwell,
‘Safe with thy parents, cherish'd by their care.
‘Go, lovely boy! go to thy mother's arms,
‘And there be happy!’
Acca, and hastening through the company,
Exclaim'd, ‘Where art thou?’ In his mother's arms
He sees his child! when with transporting joy,
He held him, and, appealing to high Heaven,
Cried, `This our consummation! This the point
‘For which our hearts have sigh'd. Mild innocent!
‘With other thoughts do I behold thee now,
‘Than when I left thee! Thou art hence released
‘From dangers and thick perils, and shalt dwell,
‘Safe with thy parents, cherish'd by their care.
‘Go, lovely boy! go to thy mother's arms,
‘And there be happy!’
Turning, near, he saw,
The rustic pair from Ethelney, and cried,
‘I greet you, friends! Ceolric, welcome here!
‘And Acca, for thy faithfulness and love
‘To this my child, whose rosy cheeks declare
‘Thy tender service—take my thanks! and soon
‘Expect some higher recompense. Erelong,
‘(With this thy faithful husband) thou shalt share
‘All good, which from the friendship of a king,
‘Reason may ask and gratitude bestow.
Lowly they bow. When Alfred thus again:—
‘These are your sons! Brave and intrepid youths!
‘To own such parents might alone secure
‘Your monarch's favour, but a higher claim
‘You boast, an independence, resting firm
‘Upon your own high merit. To your swords,
‘I owe my life! Ye gallant youths, expect
‘No sordid recompense. My thoughts are deeds!
‘Awhile retire!’ When bending they withdrew.
Theirs was the deep and fix'd astonishment,
The glowing admiration, which requires,
Alone, the depths of silence!
The rustic pair from Ethelney, and cried,
‘I greet you, friends! Ceolric, welcome here!
‘And Acca, for thy faithfulness and love
‘To this my child, whose rosy cheeks declare
‘Thy tender service—take my thanks! and soon
‘Expect some higher recompense. Erelong,
‘(With this thy faithful husband) thou shalt share
‘All good, which from the friendship of a king,
‘Reason may ask and gratitude bestow.
Lowly they bow. When Alfred thus again:—
‘These are your sons! Brave and intrepid youths!
‘To own such parents might alone secure
‘Your monarch's favour, but a higher claim
404
‘Upon your own high merit. To your swords,
‘I owe my life! Ye gallant youths, expect
‘No sordid recompense. My thoughts are deeds!
‘Awhile retire!’ When bending they withdrew.
Theirs was the deep and fix'd astonishment,
The glowing admiration, which requires,
Alone, the depths of silence!
Looking round,
Alfred at hand, saw Sigbert, when he cried
‘I joy to meet thee! welcome at this hour
‘Of general exultation! Thou ere this
‘Hast combated with injuries, and oft
‘Lost thy due equipoise: but God hath said,
‘He sees our frame, He knows that we are dust!
‘And I forgive thee, thou my favour hast.
‘Yet think not thou, that with forgetting ill,
‘I lose the good; inj'ries I may forget,
‘But favours cannot. Sigbert oft thy zeal
‘Hath help'd me. Thou hast foremost stood, in hours
‘Trying to do me service, and thy heart
‘I know is right! To thee do I ascribe
‘Yon infant's life, tidings of her thou seest,
‘Alswitha, Heaven's best gift. To show thee now
‘My sense of thy past services, erelong,
‘With other structures, sacred to high Heaven,
‘I will restore,—Wilton's monastic pile
‘In all its past magnificence, and thou,
‘Once more shall be its Abbot.’
Alfred at hand, saw Sigbert, when he cried
‘I joy to meet thee! welcome at this hour
‘Of general exultation! Thou ere this
‘Hast combated with injuries, and oft
‘Lost thy due equipoise: but God hath said,
‘He sees our frame, He knows that we are dust!
‘And I forgive thee, thou my favour hast.
‘Yet think not thou, that with forgetting ill,
‘I lose the good; inj'ries I may forget,
‘But favours cannot. Sigbert oft thy zeal
‘Hath help'd me. Thou hast foremost stood, in hours
‘Trying to do me service, and thy heart
‘I know is right! To thee do I ascribe
‘Yon infant's life, tidings of her thou seest,
‘Alswitha, Heaven's best gift. To show thee now
‘My sense of thy past services, erelong,
‘With other structures, sacred to high Heaven,
‘I will restore,—Wilton's monastic pile
‘In all its past magnificence, and thou,
‘Once more shall be its Abbot.’
Sigbert look'd,—
Oppress'd with gratitude. No words were his.
He press'd his heart. Now, looking at the queen,
Amazement seizes him!—In her he views—
The woman, mid the crumbling abbey walls
Whom late he saw, by Guthrum borne away!
Silent, he trembling stands.—The queen drew near.
She cried, `Brave Sigbert! Thou a subject's part
‘Well hast sustain'd, but that thou mett'st my child,
‘And screen'dst him from all harm, thou hast my thanks
‘Next after God. Behold in me thy friend!’
When thus the king:—
Oppress'd with gratitude. No words were his.
He press'd his heart. Now, looking at the queen,
Amazement seizes him!—In her he views—
The woman, mid the crumbling abbey walls
Whom late he saw, by Guthrum borne away!
Silent, he trembling stands.—The queen drew near.
405
‘Well hast sustain'd, but that thou mett'st my child,
‘And screen'dst him from all harm, thou hast my thanks
‘Next after God. Behold in me thy friend!’
When thus the king:—
‘Doubtless now peace, around,
‘Hath spread her fostering wing, thy mind will back
‘To its past state return, and I shall see,
‘Sigbert, as heretofore, not when he breath'd
‘Threatenings and slaughter. To disclose my heart,
‘And shew thee that thy services I prize,
‘This my first confidence. On the south verge
‘Of Selwood's forest, an old hermit dwells,
‘Whom late I talk'd with. Seek his lone abode,
‘And lead him hither. He is one whom God
‘His Spirit hath pour'd out upon, and taught
‘Great truths. I need his converse! Princes stand
‘Firmest and most secure, when round them throng
‘Good and enlighten'd men.
‘Hath spread her fostering wing, thy mind will back
‘To its past state return, and I shall see,
‘Sigbert, as heretofore, not when he breath'd
‘Threatenings and slaughter. To disclose my heart,
‘And shew thee that thy services I prize,
‘This my first confidence. On the south verge
‘Of Selwood's forest, an old hermit dwells,
‘Whom late I talk'd with. Seek his lone abode,
‘And lead him hither. He is one whom God
‘His Spirit hath pour'd out upon, and taught
‘Great truths. I need his converse! Princes stand
‘Firmest and most secure, when round them throng
‘Good and enlighten'd men.
‘Now,’ cried the king,
‘Oddune, one word to thee. Friend! counsellor!
‘Let me my mind unburden at this hour,
‘For full it is, o'erflowing. Visions bright
‘Dance round me, and the scenes as yet unborn,
‘Look fair. A secret whisper in mine ear
‘Tells me the time is come, when I may see
‘My people happy. I, their monarch made,
‘To do them good.—Shall e'er the hour arrive
‘When this my breast, glowing with great designs,
‘Prosperity shall mildew? when mine eyes,
‘Weary of objects fair, shall turn to view
‘Evil, and love it? Shall the moment come,
‘When, heedless of past sorrows, I shall stand
‘Giddy with praise? with flattery lifted high,
‘And to myself ascribe these benefits?
‘Forsake me not, Father of Heaven and earth!
‘Oddune, one word to thee. Friend! counsellor!
‘Let me my mind unburden at this hour,
‘For full it is, o'erflowing. Visions bright
‘Dance round me, and the scenes as yet unborn,
‘Look fair. A secret whisper in mine ear
‘Tells me the time is come, when I may see
‘My people happy. I, their monarch made,
‘To do them good.—Shall e'er the hour arrive
‘When this my breast, glowing with great designs,
‘Prosperity shall mildew? when mine eyes,
‘Weary of objects fair, shall turn to view
‘Evil, and love it? Shall the moment come,
‘When, heedless of past sorrows, I shall stand
‘Giddy with praise? with flattery lifted high,
‘And to myself ascribe these benefits?
‘Forsake me not, Father of Heaven and earth!
406
‘With other than th' unhallow'd boaster's heart,
‘Fled are our foes, as were the morning mists
‘When the sun rose. Britain is now releas'd
‘From the fierce Dane, and every scene around
‘Smiles on me. After looking up to God,
‘Whose arm upheld us, can I thee behold,
‘Nor think of thy deserts? In every toil,
‘Perplexity and care, my constant stay,
‘Whose words have cheer'd me, whose advice hath served,
‘Whose sword protected, and whose name alone
‘Made the invaders tremble. Honour'd friend!
‘Idle it were to say, thy happiness
‘Close is allied to mine! To do thee good,
‘Constant, shall be my care, and to reward
‘Thy nameless services. But thou wilt find
‘Thy monarch's commendation, tho' so high,
‘And all his benefits, a slender boon,
‘Compared with that bless'd consciousness within,
‘Of duties great and trying, well discharged.
‘Most precious feeling! such as I would hope,
‘One day to know myself, my dying day.’
‘Fled are our foes, as were the morning mists
‘When the sun rose. Britain is now releas'd
‘From the fierce Dane, and every scene around
‘Smiles on me. After looking up to God,
‘Whose arm upheld us, can I thee behold,
‘Nor think of thy deserts? In every toil,
‘Perplexity and care, my constant stay,
‘Whose words have cheer'd me, whose advice hath served,
‘Whose sword protected, and whose name alone
‘Made the invaders tremble. Honour'd friend!
‘Idle it were to say, thy happiness
‘Close is allied to mine! To do thee good,
‘Constant, shall be my care, and to reward
‘Thy nameless services. But thou wilt find
‘Thy monarch's commendation, tho' so high,
‘And all his benefits, a slender boon,
‘Compared with that bless'd consciousness within,
‘Of duties great and trying, well discharged.
‘Most precious feeling! such as I would hope,
‘One day to know myself, my dying day.’
Oddune replied, `Illustrious potentate,
‘Deem not my merit thus! My soul was roused
‘By thy example. Thou my spirit taught'st
‘To scorn oppression, and the ravenous bands
‘That scourged our isle. I dream'd as others dream'd,
‘Till thou appearedst, and the latent spark
‘Bade blaze within me. Dormant had I lain,
‘And all our race, dishearten'd, but for thee!
‘Deem not my merit thus! My soul was roused
‘By thy example. Thou my spirit taught'st
‘To scorn oppression, and the ravenous bands
‘That scourged our isle. I dream'd as others dream'd,
‘Till thou appearedst, and the latent spark
‘Bade blaze within me. Dormant had I lain,
‘And all our race, dishearten'd, but for thee!
When Alfred thus: `My words must now be few.
‘Before this memorable plain we leave
‘To seek our friends and home, our fruitful fields,
‘Once more will I address my valiant hosts!
The queen arose, and with her infant boy,
Pass'd toward the waiting warriors, whilst the king,
‘With Oddune, follows her. The herald spake,
‘And instant round their prince his subjects throng,
When all was silence. Loftier than the rest
Stood Alfred. On one side the queen appear'd,
Bearing her child, and on the other, Oddune;
While the vast host of Saxons all around,
Intent, stood listening; when the king his arm
Raising, thus spake.
‘Before this memorable plain we leave
‘To seek our friends and home, our fruitful fields,
‘Once more will I address my valiant hosts!
407
Pass'd toward the waiting warriors, whilst the king,
‘With Oddune, follows her. The herald spake,
‘And instant round their prince his subjects throng,
When all was silence. Loftier than the rest
Stood Alfred. On one side the queen appear'd,
Bearing her child, and on the other, Oddune;
While the vast host of Saxons all around,
Intent, stood listening; when the king his arm
Raising, thus spake.
‘My subjects, yet once more
‘I claim your patience! Ere we leave this field,
‘Immortal in our annals, I would first
‘Address you from an overflowing heart,
‘And name what joys, what prospects, now are ours;
‘What evils are past by, and what is due
‘To Heaven above, and you His instruments.
‘Now is our foe no more! The fearful clouds
‘That o'er our heads hung low'ring, and with threats
‘Of devastating fury, through the land
‘Spread terror, from the cottage to the throne,
‘Like midnight dreams are vanish'd, and the scene,
‘Smiling around, resembles yonder sun
‘Now bright and cloudless. With heart melody
‘Sound the deep tones of gratitude, for now
‘Danger is o'er! That blessing, which, to taste,
‘Our fathers sought, yet to the grave went down,
‘And knew it not, that blessing—peace, is ours!
‘At death they trembled, not for their own sakes,
‘For they were good and faithful, but they saw,
‘When leaving this low earth, the gathering storm,
‘And fear'd for us their children. Cease to fear,
‘Ye holy martyrs! Honour'd shades! behold,
‘Our bands are broken. Albion now is free.
‘Where is the languid heart? Where stands the man
Stranger to transport? Where is he who views
‘What Heaven hath wrought, with black indifference?
‘He lives not to pollute the air! Your hearts
‘Glow on your cheeks, and glisten in your eyes!
‘I claim your patience! Ere we leave this field,
‘Immortal in our annals, I would first
‘Address you from an overflowing heart,
‘And name what joys, what prospects, now are ours;
‘What evils are past by, and what is due
‘To Heaven above, and you His instruments.
‘Now is our foe no more! The fearful clouds
‘That o'er our heads hung low'ring, and with threats
‘Of devastating fury, through the land
‘Spread terror, from the cottage to the throne,
‘Like midnight dreams are vanish'd, and the scene,
‘Smiling around, resembles yonder sun
‘Now bright and cloudless. With heart melody
‘Sound the deep tones of gratitude, for now
‘Danger is o'er! That blessing, which, to taste,
‘Our fathers sought, yet to the grave went down,
‘And knew it not, that blessing—peace, is ours!
‘At death they trembled, not for their own sakes,
‘For they were good and faithful, but they saw,
‘When leaving this low earth, the gathering storm,
‘And fear'd for us their children. Cease to fear,
‘Ye holy martyrs! Honour'd shades! behold,
‘Our bands are broken. Albion now is free.
‘Where is the languid heart? Where stands the man
Stranger to transport? Where is he who views
408
‘He lives not to pollute the air! Your hearts
‘Glow on your cheeks, and glisten in your eyes!
‘Now to your dwellings haste, with souls elate,
‘Long left, but not forgotten. Now prepare
‘To call from crags, and caves, and forests deep,
‘Your frighted offspring, and your trembllng wives,
‘And doubly prize—whom you have bled to save.
‘Now till the soil, nor fear a stranger's hand—
‘Wresting the produce. And, at evening hour,
‘When after daily toil your cots you seek,
‘(Where treasures dwell, more precious to your heart
‘Than gems and gold) dread not to ope the door
‘Lest waste and death, the murderous Dane should show
‘These fears are o'er! These images are pass'd!
‘Hence gaze upon your smiling innocents,
‘Nor feel the horror of the thought, that these
‘Rise up to taste your sorrows, and endure
‘Th' oppressive burdens you have groan'd beneath,
‘For they shall reap where you have nobly sown.
‘Long left, but not forgotten. Now prepare
‘To call from crags, and caves, and forests deep,
‘Your frighted offspring, and your trembllng wives,
‘And doubly prize—whom you have bled to save.
‘Now till the soil, nor fear a stranger's hand—
‘Wresting the produce. And, at evening hour,
‘When after daily toil your cots you seek,
‘(Where treasures dwell, more precious to your heart
‘Than gems and gold) dread not to ope the door
‘Lest waste and death, the murderous Dane should show
‘These fears are o'er! These images are pass'd!
‘Hence gaze upon your smiling innocents,
‘Nor feel the horror of the thought, that these
‘Rise up to taste your sorrows, and endure
‘Th' oppressive burdens you have groan'd beneath,
‘For they shall reap where you have nobly sown.
‘A fairer isle than Britain, never sun
‘View'd in his wide career, concentering charms,
‘Scatter'd thro' other regions, here combined,—
‘Surpassing Fancy in her happiest dream.
‘Its rivers glittering to the noon-day sun,
‘Meandering glide in silent majesty,
‘Bearing their treasures to the rich campaigns:
‘Its woods delight the eye, its towering hills
‘Rise, wave-like, clothed in verdure: rocks and glens,
‘With prospects infinite, still new and fair,
‘Crowd on the vision, and pourtray the haunts
‘Of partial Nature, who here reigns supreme
‘In her selectest glory, whilst, to stamp
‘Our confluence of the lovely and the grand
‘In one inspiring word, which fills the breast
‘With all sweet joys, and tender sympathies,
‘This Pride of the creation is our Home!—
‘Our fathers', and our own dear native land!
‘Nor shalt thou, England! in thy plenitude
‘Of good and graceful things, be left unpraised
‘For that which throws new splendours o'er thy name,—
‘Thy crowning greatness!—Genius here erects
‘Her deathless monuments! With eye benign,
‘Here Hospitality throws wide her door
‘And with the loaded banquet, cheers the heart
‘Of passing strangers, whilst (till foes assail'd)
‘The Children of Misfortune sought our realms,—
‘The wrong'd of every land, and here, in peace,
‘With cordial greetings, and kind offices,
‘Found refuge. Such illustrious deeds, our sons
‘Shall nobly emulate, and, with their own,
‘Advance our honours. Here the Forms Divine
‘Justice and Mercy, Liberty and Truth,
‘Spread wide their banners! To these happy shores,
‘(Encompassing an earthly paradise)
‘The world's remotest tribes direct their gaze,
‘And fain would claim the privilege we boast,
‘Of calling this their country. Oh, our Isle!
‘Thou Queen of Earth! henceforth when thou art named,
‘May every heart, exultant, leap with joy,
‘That he was born a Briton!
‘View'd in his wide career, concentering charms,
‘Scatter'd thro' other regions, here combined,—
‘Surpassing Fancy in her happiest dream.
‘Its rivers glittering to the noon-day sun,
‘Meandering glide in silent majesty,
‘Bearing their treasures to the rich campaigns:
‘Its woods delight the eye, its towering hills
‘Rise, wave-like, clothed in verdure: rocks and glens,
‘With prospects infinite, still new and fair,
‘Crowd on the vision, and pourtray the haunts
‘Of partial Nature, who here reigns supreme
‘In her selectest glory, whilst, to stamp
‘Our confluence of the lovely and the grand
409
‘With all sweet joys, and tender sympathies,
‘This Pride of the creation is our Home!—
‘Our fathers', and our own dear native land!
‘Nor shalt thou, England! in thy plenitude
‘Of good and graceful things, be left unpraised
‘For that which throws new splendours o'er thy name,—
‘Thy crowning greatness!—Genius here erects
‘Her deathless monuments! With eye benign,
‘Here Hospitality throws wide her door
‘And with the loaded banquet, cheers the heart
‘Of passing strangers, whilst (till foes assail'd)
‘The Children of Misfortune sought our realms,—
‘The wrong'd of every land, and here, in peace,
‘With cordial greetings, and kind offices,
‘Found refuge. Such illustrious deeds, our sons
‘Shall nobly emulate, and, with their own,
‘Advance our honours. Here the Forms Divine
‘Justice and Mercy, Liberty and Truth,
‘Spread wide their banners! To these happy shores,
‘(Encompassing an earthly paradise)
‘The world's remotest tribes direct their gaze,
‘And fain would claim the privilege we boast,
‘Of calling this their country. Oh, our Isle!
‘Thou Queen of Earth! henceforth when thou art named,
‘May every heart, exultant, leap with joy,
‘That he was born a Briton!
‘Gallant men!
‘Now crown'd at last, let us receive the prize
‘Won by our valour, and, to nations round,
‘Aloud proclaim, that Saxons still are brave,
‘And not more brave than free, who can respect
‘The rights of others, and defend their own.
‘And if in times, more distant, there should rise
‘Great foes and many, we may proudly hope,
‘Our progeny, thinking of us their sires,
‘Will rise vindictive, and th' invader's spear
‘Trample in dust, as we this day have done
‘Before we part, my subjects! let me say,
‘With unfeign'd gratitude, the debt I owe
‘For eonstancy like yours. 'Mid troubles deep,
‘And hardships, such as never men endured,
‘You uncomplaining, as unconquer'd, stood,
‘Foremost in every toil: and tho' you saw
‘Success far off, yet patient were your looks,
‘And firm your hearts, and true, to me your king.
‘On this proud day posterity shall dwell
‘And in their plenitude of joy, on you
‘Heap praises, whilst the glorious sun on high
‘Makes their hearts glad.—
‘Now crown'd at last, let us receive the prize
‘Won by our valour, and, to nations round,
‘Aloud proclaim, that Saxons still are brave,
‘And not more brave than free, who can respect
‘The rights of others, and defend their own.
‘And if in times, more distant, there should rise
‘Great foes and many, we may proudly hope,
‘Our progeny, thinking of us their sires,
410
‘Trample in dust, as we this day have done
‘Before we part, my subjects! let me say,
‘With unfeign'd gratitude, the debt I owe
‘For eonstancy like yours. 'Mid troubles deep,
‘And hardships, such as never men endured,
‘You uncomplaining, as unconquer'd, stood,
‘Foremost in every toil: and tho' you saw
‘Success far off, yet patient were your looks,
‘And firm your hearts, and true, to me your king.
‘On this proud day posterity shall dwell
‘And in their plenitude of joy, on you
‘Heap praises, whilst the glorious sun on high
‘Makes their hearts glad.—
‘Subjects! that hence your days
‘Comfort may bless, one small return receive!
‘Each man, of all around, whose sword was drawn
‘In this his country's cause, shall now possess,
‘Together with my smiles, a plot of land,
‘A cottage, that shall every good contain,
‘And I will be your father.’
‘Comfort may bless, one small return receive!
‘Each man, of all around, whose sword was drawn
‘In this his country's cause, shall now possess,
‘Together with my smiles, a plot of land,
‘A cottage, that shall every good contain,
‘And I will be your father.’
‘Wide arose
The voice of exultation, indistinct;
Sounding as doth the distant sea; for each
Felt his heart leap, and utter'd the half prayer.
When Alfred thus again:
The voice of exultation, indistinct;
Sounding as doth the distant sea; for each
Felt his heart leap, and utter'd the half prayer.
When Alfred thus again:
‘Illustrious men!
‘One moment more. My words have not been framed
‘To self-applause, nor hath my heart been taught
‘To see aught good, but, from the hand of God.
‘When speaking of your valour and your might,
‘I know you but the instruments! On high
‘Dwells the Great Ruler of all mortal things!
‘With him have we found favour! He it was
‘Who this deliverance wrought; who, by His hand
‘Unseen, made plain our path, and at this hour,
‘Gives us to triumph! He it was who screen'd
‘Our heads 'mid perils numberless! His arm
‘Fought on our side!—Saxons, with me rejoice!
‘But,—to the God of Heaven be all the praise!’
‘One moment more. My words have not been framed
‘To self-applause, nor hath my heart been taught
‘To see aught good, but, from the hand of God.
‘When speaking of your valour and your might,
‘I know you but the instruments! On high
‘Dwells the Great Ruler of all mortal things!
‘With him have we found favour! He it was
‘Who this deliverance wrought; who, by His hand
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‘Gives us to triumph! He it was who screen'd
‘Our heads 'mid perils numberless! His arm
‘Fought on our side!—Saxons, with me rejoice!
‘But,—to the God of Heaven be all the praise!’
Each answered in his heart; no voice was heard,
‘But to the God of Heaven be all the praise!’
‘But to the God of Heaven be all the praise!’
Amid the pause, to feeling sanctified,
Oddune his helm uplifted, and exclaim'd
‘Long live our king!’—The accents touch'd all hearts,
When instant round ‘Long live our king!’ arose
From the vast multitude, in deafening shout,
Extending thro' the concave, in its strength,
That earth convuls'd, and shook the firmament!—
E'en like the loud North East, when he combines
A thousand scatter'd breezes, and comes on,
Flood-like, with all his retinue of storms.
Oddune his helm uplifted, and exclaim'd
‘Long live our king!’—The accents touch'd all hearts,
When instant round ‘Long live our king!’ arose
From the vast multitude, in deafening shout,
Extending thro' the concave, in its strength,
That earth convuls'd, and shook the firmament!—
E'en like the loud North East, when he combines
A thousand scatter'd breezes, and comes on,
Flood-like, with all his retinue of storms.
| Alfred | |