The "Ode for the New Year," 1797, blows the war-trumpet sonorously. The last stanza is as follows:
"Genius of Albion hear,
Grasp the strong shield, and shake the avenging spear.
By wreaths thy hardy sons of yore
From Gallia's crest victorious tore,
By Edward's lily-blazon'd shield;
By Agincourt's high trophy'd field;
By rash Iberia's naval pride,
Whelm'd by Eliza's barks beneath the stormy tide;
Call forth the warrior race again,
Breathing to ancient mood the soul-inspiring strain.
[1]To arms! your ensigns straight display!
Now set the battle in array,
The oracle for war declares,
Success depends upon our hearts and spears.
Britons, strike home! revenge your country's wrongs;
Fight, and record yourselves in Druid songs."
In the "Birthday Ode," for the year 1800, the Laureate breaks out into an imitation of our national anthem:
God of our fathers rise,
And through the thund'ring skies.
Thy vengeance urge.
In awful justice red,
Be thy dread arrows sped,
But guard our Monarch's head,
God save great George.
Still on our Albion smile,
Still o'er this favor'd isle,
O, spread thy wing!
To make each blessing sure,
To make our fame endure,
To make our rights secure,
God save our King!
To the loud trumpet's throat,
To the shrill clarion's note,
Now jocund sing.
From every open foe,
From every traitor's blow,
Virtue defend his brow.
God guard our King!
- ↑ The last six lines, were inserted at the especial request of the King.
