Classic Poem

I.

F I tly to hail this happy Day,
Freedom demands a festal Lay,
And wakes the silent String.
The gen'rous Muse , untaught to fear,
Inspires what Britain 's Prince should hear,
And Britain 's Bards should sing.

II.

Accurs'd the Wretches ever be,
The Foes to sacred Liberty ,
Who impious dare presume,
To sooth his Ear with such a Strain,
As better fits the cringing Train,
The Slaves of France or Rome .

III.

Far other speaks the Voice of Truth;
Oh! may it warn Thee, Royal Youth!
To fly base Flattery's Lore.
The Syren sings, who listen, die,
Behold yon Wreck with cautious Eye!
Nor trust the faithless Shore!

IV.

And when beneath thy counsel'd Reign,
Britain shall plow the subject Main,
Compleat Heaven's great Design!
Restrain thy Powers with binding Laws!
And grateful own the Glorious Cause,
That rais'd thy scepter'd Line!

V.

So shalt thou earn unequal'd Fame,
From Blessings deathless as thy Name,
By latest Time enjoy'd.
While Gifts from Arbitrary Sway,
Shine the vain Pageants of a Day,
Neglected and destroy'd.

VI.

Thy Throne shall thus unshaken stand,
Its ample Base a prosperous Land,
Thy Strength a Nation's Might.
And thus thy future Race shall be
Safe in a bless'd Necessity,
Guided and rul'd by Right.

VII.

Let Priests an hallow'd Bondage preach!
Let Schoolmen earth-born Godhead teach!
Let Loyal Madmen rave!
Wise Nature feels, she mocks their Rules,
And Laws oppress'd, from diff'rent Schools,
Unite the Free and Brave.

VIII.

So form'd now shines the Patriot-Band ,
The Guardians of a threaten'd Land,
Of Britain , and her Crown .
May such adorn each future Age,
Equal to stem wild Faction's rage,
Or pull a Tyrant down!

IX.

Genius of Freedom , and of Peace!
Bid Rapine and Contention cease!
Protect what you bestow'd!
Well may a burden'd Realm complain,
If rescu'd from the galling Chain,
She sinks beneath her Load.