 | Britannia |  |
1
On one hand a rocky coast; woods and fields on the other: the whole terminated by a view of the ocean.
Britannia is seen reclining against a cliff, in a pensive posture: her helmet, shield and spear strewed negligently on the ground. The face of the landscape around cloudy and lowering. Soft and plaintive music.
The general gloom is gradually dispersed by a rising light that spreads over and enlivens the whole scene.
Amidst this blaze of glory, and while the music changes into gay and animating airs, appears the Genius of Britain.
GENIUS.
Recitativo.
Britannia! sovereign queen of Isles!
Where freedom reigns, where plenty smiles;
Whence commerce spreads, with every gale,
For every shore, her boundless sail—
2
Awake! arise! nor longer wear
This downcast look, this doubtful air,
That cloud thy native charms.
Resume the trident of the main;
Or, gaily-dreadful on the plain,
Shine out again in arms!
Recitativo.
This downcast look, this doubtful air,
That cloud thy native charms.
Resume the trident of the main;
Or, gaily-dreadful on the plain,
Shine out again in arms!
Those arms Britannia best can wield,
When, foremost in the sanguine field,
She bids the storm of battle glow,
And pours it's thunder on her foe!
SONG.
Let not Punic arts amuse thee;
Let not Punic oaths abuse thee:
Grasp thy shield, and shake thy spear!
Should a faithless friend invade thee,
All—yes, all thy sons shall aid thee:
What has Britain then to fear?
What has Britain then to fear?
Let not Punic oaths abuse thee:
Grasp thy shield, and shake thy spear!
Should a faithless friend invade thee,
All—yes, all thy sons shall aid thee:
What has Britain then to fear?
What has Britain then to fear?
BRITANNIA
, [rising.]
Oh would my jarring sons unite,
To do their sacred country right!
3
All interests to disclaim but mine!
GENIUS.
Recitativo.
If sense, if spirit are not flown,
They must in thy defence be shown.
Wherever courage dwells, or worth,
Occasion now will call them forth.
BRITANNIA.
O come, and on thy speeding wing,
Fair hour! those happy moments bring.
SONG.
Fair hour! those happy moments bring.
Th'inspiring hope my bosom warms:
What can a world, a world in arms,
At sea, on land, to me oppose,
When British bosoms, British hearts inclose?
What can a world, a world in arms,
At sea, on land, to me oppose,
When British bosoms, British hearts inclose?
GENIUS.
Recitativo.
Lo! where, descending from on high,
The radiant God of War draws nigh.
| Britannia | |