The poetical works of James Thomson ...

BRITAIN. 211
-Amid the maze of state, determined kept
Some ruling point in view: when, on the stock
Of public good and glory grafted, spread
Their palms, their laurels; or, if thence they stray'd,
Swift to return, and patient of restraint:
When regal state, pre-eminence of place,
They scorn'd to deem pre-eminence of ease,
To be luxurious drones, that only rob
The busy hive: as in distinction, power,
Indulgence, honour, and advantage, first;
When they too claim'd in virtue, danger, toil,
Superior rank; with equal hand, prepared
To guard the subject, and to quell the foe:
When such with me their vital influence shed,
No mutter'd grievance, hopeless sigh, was heard;
No fbul distrust through wary senates ran,
Confined their bounty, and their ardour quench'd:
On aid, unquestion'd liberal aid was given:
Safe in their conduct, by their valour fired,
Fond where they led victorious armies rush'd;
And Cressy, Poitiers, Agincourt * proclaim
What Kings supported by almighty Love,
And People fired with Liberty, can do.'Be veil'd the savage reigns,t when kindred rage
The numerous once Plantagenets devour'd,
A race to vengeance vow'd! and when, oppress'd'5 The famous battles, gained by the English over the
French.
t During the civil wars, betwixt the families of York and
Lancaster.