31
Britons admit no rule, but their desire;
They brook not slav'ry, even in the lyre.
Free as the mountain breeze their numbers flow,
And nor in word nor thought a barrier know.
Above all law, the Muse of modern song,
By high prerogative, can do no wrong,
Minstrel, whate'er the subject of thy strain,
Be it severe or gay, abstruse or plain,
With easy choice, select at will thy rhyme,
Or from domestic or from foreign clime.
Is loyalty thy theme? The patriot lay,
In Spanish notes, may chaunt "Viva el Rey[1]."
They brook not slav'ry, even in the lyre.
Free as the mountain breeze their numbers flow,
And nor in word nor thought a barrier know.
Above all law, the Muse of modern song,
By high prerogative, can do no wrong,
Minstrel, whate'er the subject of thy strain,
Be it severe or gay, abstruse or plain,
With easy choice, select at will thy rhyme,
Or from domestic or from foreign clime.
Is loyalty thy theme? The patriot lay,
In Spanish notes, may chaunt "Viva el Rey[1]."
- ↑ How carols now the lusty muleteer?
Of love, romance, devotion, is his lay?
As whilom he was wont the leagues to cheer,
His quick bells wildly jingling on the way?
No, as he speeds he chaunts "Viva el Rey."
Childe Har. can, i, 43.
