Classic Poem

1.

In that (for ever memorable) Day,
When from the bosom of the Sea,
Kind Starrs the Noble Duke secure from harms,
Had lock'd within his Godlike Brothers Arms;
Scarce had He dry'd
His Princely Eyes which over-flow'd with tears
For th' valiant Men that perish'd by his side;
Scarce were the dear Embraces o're,
Scarce had their mutual kisses time to cool,
Which on their lips glow'd from each others Soul,
Ere, by a Feaver seiz'd, the good King found
There is no Mortal so sincerely blest
But some ill Chance may his chief Joys infest.
Soon as the dreadful News took air
All was Anguish, all Despair
Great were the thoughts of heart,
In every Eye there was a Tear
In every Loyal Soul a Dart.
In this black Storm all hands were lifted up in Prayer:
Long live (we cry'd) Thou Best of Kings,
Breath of our Nostrils, Live
The choicest Blessing Heav'n can give,
Live, and adorn the Imperial Crown
For our sakes, Godlike Prince, if not thy own.

2.

Heav'n heard, —
And, now in every chearful Voice He Lives,
And with him Britain's drooping Hope revives,
Before his feet she humbly bows
And offers for his precious Life her Zealous Vows.
Nor yet, nor yet in darkness shall He dwell
In spite of Rebels, and of Hell,
Long since it was decreed at Boscobell;
" Hence (said his Guardian Angel) shall you go
" Driven by disastrous Fate
" To foreign Lands tost to and fro,
" Perils by Land, Perils by Water Know,
" Three mighty Kingdoms Love, Three mighty Kingdoms hate;
" Till two short Lustra o're Your Sacred Head shall flow.
" Then Madmen shall grow sober, fools be wise,
" And all your Noontide Glories rise;
" Great, and Happy shall you be;
" And if Eclips'd at any time you are,
" 'Tis that You may more bright appear
" With all the awful beams of Sovereignity.
" Till your triumphant Race be run
" And all Your Wonders done;
" Then, full of Years and Fame You shall remove
" To pious Kings, Your radiant Peers above.