Such is the end of oft repeated miracles. For twelve long years of exile born, 415 420 Twice twelve we number'd since his blest return So strictly wert thou just to pay, E'en to the driblet of a day. Yet still we murmur, and complain, 425 The quails and manna should no longer rain; The chosen flock has now the promis'd land in view. XV. A warlike prince ascends the regal state, 430 Long may he keep, though he obtains it late. False heroes, made by flattery so, Heaven can strike out, like sparkles, at a blow; But ere a prince is to perfection brought, With hard'ning cold, and forming heat, 435 440 The Cyclops did their strokes repeat, The noble work for his, Before 'twas tried and found a masterpiece. 445 XVI. View then a monarch ripen'd for a throne. Alcides thus his race began, O'er infancy he swiftly ran; The future god at first was more than man: E'en o'er his cradle lay in wait; And there he grappled first with fate: 450 In his young hands the hissing snakes he press'd, Thus by degrees he rose to Jove's imperial seat; His father's rebels, and his brother's foes; The more oppress'd, the higher still he rose ; Those were the preludes of his fate, That form'd his manhood, to subdue XVII. As after Numa's peaceful reign, The martial Ancus did the sceptre wield, 460 465 Furbish'd the rusty sword again, 470 'Tis rous'd, and with a new-strung nerve, the spear already shakes. No neighing of the warrior steeds, No drum, or louder trumpet, needs To inspire the coward, warm the cold, 475 His voice, his sole appearance makes them bold. foe. Long may they fear this awful prince, And not provoke his lingering sword; In all the changes of his doubtful state, 483 485 With conquest basely bought, and with inglorious gain. XVIII. 490 For once, O heaven, unfold thy adamantine book; And let his wondering senate see, If not thy firm immutable decree, At least the second page of strong contingency; Such as consists with wills originally free: Let them with glad amazement look 495 500 To starve the royal virtues of his mind. In orderly array, a martial, manly train. A conquering navy proudly spread; While starting from his oozy bed, The asserted ocean rears his reverend head, 505 510 To view and recognise his ancient lord again: 515 And, with a willing hand, restores The fasces of the main. 117 VERSES TO J. NORTHLEIGH. TO MY FRIEND MR. J. NORTHLEIGH, AUTHOR OF THE PARALLEL, ON HIS TRIUMPH OF THE BRITISH MONARCHY. 5 So Joseph, yet a youth, expounded well Thou studiest that, and that may study thee. |