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Scar'd at his near Approach, Great Louis fears
Vengeance reserv'd for his declining Years,
Forgets his Thirst of Universal Sway,
And scarce can teach his Subjects to Obey:
His Arms he finds on vain Attempts employ'd,
Th' Ambitious Projects of his Race destroy'd;
The Work of Ages sunk in One Campaign,
And Lives of Millions sacrific'd in vain.
Vengeance reserv'd for his declining Years,
Forgets his Thirst of Universal Sway,
And scarce can teach his Subjects to Obey:
His Arms he finds on vain Attempts employ'd,
Th' Ambitious Projects of his Race destroy'd;
The Work of Ages sunk in One Campaign,
And Lives of Millions sacrific'd in vain.
Such are th' Effects of ANNA's Royal Cares:
By Her, Britannia, great in Foreign Wars,
Ranges through Nations, wheresoe'er disjoin'd,
Without the wonted Aid of Sea and Wind.
By Her th' unfetter'd Ister's States are free,
And taste the Sweets of English Liberty.
But who can tell the Joys of those that lye
Within the constant Influence of Her Eye!
Whilst in diffusive Show'rs Her Bounties fall,
Like Heav'ns Indulgence, and descend on All;
Secure the Happy, succour the Distrest,
Make ev'ry Subject Glad, and a whole People Blest.
By Her, Britannia, great in Foreign Wars,
Ranges through Nations, wheresoe'er disjoin'd,
Without the wonted Aid of Sea and Wind.
By Her th' unfetter'd Ister's States are free,
And taste the Sweets of English Liberty.
But who can tell the Joys of those that lye
Within the constant Influence of Her Eye!
Whilst in diffusive Show'rs Her Bounties fall,
Like Heav'ns Indulgence, and descend on All;
Secure the Happy, succour the Distrest,
Make ev'ry Subject Glad, and a whole People Blest.
Thus would I fain Britannia's Wars rehearse,
In the smooth Records of a faithful Verse;
That, if such Numbers can o'er Time prevail,
May tell Posterity the wond'rous Tale.
When Actions, Unadorn'd, are faint and weak,
Cities and Countries must be taught to speak:
Gods may descend in Factions from the Skies,
And Rivers from their Oozy Beds arise:
Fiction may deck the Truth with spurious Rays,
And round the Heroe cast a borrow'd Blaze.
MARLBRO's Exploits appear divinely bright,
And proudly shine in their own Native Light:
Rais'd of themselves, their genuin Charms they boast;
And those who Paint 'em truest, Praise 'em most.
In the smooth Records of a faithful Verse;
That, if such Numbers can o'er Time prevail,
May tell Posterity the wond'rous Tale.
When Actions, Unadorn'd, are faint and weak,
Cities and Countries must be taught to speak:
Gods may descend in Factions from the Skies,
And Rivers from their Oozy Beds arise:
Fiction may deck the Truth with spurious Rays,
And round the Heroe cast a borrow'd Blaze.
MARLBRO's Exploits appear divinely bright,
And proudly shine in their own Native Light:
Rais'd of themselves, their genuin Charms they boast;
And those who Paint 'em truest, Praise 'em most.
FINIS.
