Classic Poem

I.

What great, what good, what unexpected change,
Beyond our thoughts, and hopes, beyond compare,
Makes shouting echoes thro' our island range,
And teaches us to breathe a freer air?
Say! is Astrea come to dwell with men,
To bless the world with happy times again?

II.

'Tis great Nassau inspires this unknown joy,
Chose by mankind, chose by the pow'rs above,
To be Britannia's sov'reign, heaven's vice-roy,
To reign o'er willing hearts with awful love:
Whom worth, not chance, entitles to renown,
Deserving first, before he wears a crown.

III.

Fav'rite of heaven, and glory of the age!
In whom all virtues, fit for rule, conspire;
Courage untainted with tyrannic rage,
Justice that breathes a truly noble fire:
These, mixt with pity, heat your generous breast
To humble tyrants, and relieve th' opprest.

IV.

Wisdom and goodness, add an air divine
That makes your crown flame with immortal rays,
While with yourself, your royal heroine
Shares your illustrious virtues, and your praise:
Both glory seek by glorious deeds alone,
And by just steps mount fair Britannia's throne.