Classic Poem

ON READING MRS. MACAULAY'S HISTORY OF ENGLAND . 1766.

To Albion's bards the Muse of History spoke:
" Record the glories of your native land,
How Power's rude chain her sons' brave efforts broke,
And the keen scourge tore from Oppression's

" Give to renown the Patriot's noble deeds;
Brand with disgrace the Tyrant's hated name;
Though Falsehood oft awhile the mind misleads,
Impartial Time bestows impartial fame."

She said; and soon the lofty lyre they strung,
But artful chang'd the subject and the lore;
Of kings, and courts, and courtly slaves they sung,
And gloss'd with vain applause their actions o'er.

The servile strain the Muse indignant heard;
Anxious for truth, for public virtue warm,
She, Freedom's faithful advocate appear'd,
And bore on earth the fair Macaulay's form.