Classic Poem

Exalted Prince!—Let meaner souls than thine,
Seek with a borrow'd dignity to shine:
Superior minds enjoy the social hour,
Nor feel the weight—the arrogance of pow'r.

Thus Russia's mighty Czar, with pow'rs sublime,
To spread fair culture in a frozen clime,
With gen'rous purpose bade his honours sleep,
And toil'd for knowledge on the foaming deep:
The Sov'reign reign'd beneath a low disguise,
And burst resplendent on a nation's eyes.

Thus princely A LFRED , nobler than his lot,
Conceal'd his greatness in a herdsman's cot,
Where Pride, perchance, had scorn'd the humble scene,
Nor mark'd the hero, tho' in A LFRED 's mien!

Oh ne'er let Britain, coldly, vainly see,
Beloved Prince! the blessing giv'n in thee!
Nor deem it strange, reserve and harsh distrust,
Chills not a heart benificent and just!
A heart, where Vice and Folly are withstood,
Which glows with ardour for a people's good.
Connubial Love, with soft and constant claim,
There lights its purest, ever faithful flame;
And zeal paternal, from the scenes of strife,
Bends to the gentle cares of private life.
Art thou not great? A kingdom sure shou'd know
Th' intrepid soul, which fear'd not Danger's blow.
Such Christian courage to the mind is given,
Whose noblest, brightest, crown remains in Heaven.