Discourse on Criticism and of PoetryFrom Poems On Several Occasions (1707)
Praise, but overcome. Who shall describe Him? or what Eye can trace The Matchless Glories of his Princely Race? What Prince can equal what no Muse can praise? No Land but Britain, must pretend to shine With Gods and Heroes of an equal Line.* The Duke of Glouceiter. Here the Author laments he prov'd so bad a Prophet. So may this Island a new Delos prove, Joyn[*] Young Apollo to the Cretan Jove! What Bloom! what Youth! what Hopes of future Fame! How his Eyes sparkle with a Heav'nly Flame! How swiftly Gloster in his Bud began! How the Green Hero blossoms into Man! Smit with the Thirst of Fame, and Honour's Charms, To tread his Uncle's Steps, and shine in Arms:   See, how he Spurs, and Rushes to the War! Pale Legions view, and tremble from afar, What Blood! what Ruin! Thrice unhappy They Who shall attempt him on that fatal Day. Edwards and Harry's to his Eyes appear In Warlike form, and shake the glitt'ring Spear. At Agincourt so terrible they stood, So when Pictavian Fields were dy'd with Blood. The Royal Youth with Emulation glows, And pours thick Vengeance on his ghastly Foes. Troops of Commission'd Angels from the Sky, Unseen, above Him, and about Him, Fly. O'er England's Hopes their flaming Swords they hold, And wave them, as o'er Paradise of Old. Nor shall they cease a Nightly Watch to keep, But, ever waking, bless him in his Sleep. Their Golden Wings for his Pavilion spread, Their softest Mantles for his Downy Bed, Defend the Sacred Youth's Imperial Head.

* The Duke of Glouceiter. Here the Author laments he prov'd so bad a Prophet.

    After whose Conquests, and the Work of Fate, The Arts and Muses on his Triumph wait. The Streams of Thamisis, exulting, Ring, When fair Augusta's lofty Clio's Sing Granta and Rhedycina's Tuneful Throng Fill the resounding Vales with Learned Song.

    Live, Heav'nly Youth, beyond invidious Time, Adorning Annals, and immortal Rhyme. Thy Glories, which no Malice can obscure, Bright as the Sun, shall as the Sun endure. But on thy Fame no envious spots shall prey, Till English Sense and Valour shall decay. Till Learning and the Muses Mortal grow, Or Cam or Isis shall forget to Flow.

 Prev. P 22/22  
Back Top
Privacy Statement Terms of Service Contact