Page:Poetical Works of John Oldham.djvu/256

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
246
THE MARRIAGE OF THE PRINCE OF ORANGE.

Think you in her far greater conquests gain,
Than all the powers of France have from your country ta'en;
In her fair arms let your ambition bounded lie,
And fancy there an universal monarchy!

4

And you, fair princess, who could thus subdue

What France with all its forces could not do,
Enjoy your glorious prize,
Enjoy the triumphs of your conquering eyes:
From him, and the height of your great mind, look down,
And with neglect despise a throne,
And think't as great to merit, as to wear a crown.
Nassau is all which your desires or thoughts can frame,
All titles lodge within that single name;
A name which Mars himself would with ambition bear,
Prouder in that, than to be called the God of War.
To you, great madam, (if your joys admit increase,
If Heaven has not already set your happiness
Above its power to raise)
To you the zealous humble muse
These solemn wishes consecrates and vows,
And begs you'll not her offering refuse,
Which not your want, but her devotion shows.

5

May your great consort still successful prove,

In all his high attempts, as in your love;
May he through all attacks of chance appear
As free from danger, as he is from fear;
May neither sense of grief, nor trouble know,
But what in pity you to others show;
May you be fruitful in as numerous store
Of princely births, as she who your great father bore;
May Heaven, to your just merits kind,
Repeal the ancient curse on womankind;
Easy and gentle, as the labours of the brain,
May yours all prove, and just so free from pain;