28
LE LUTRIN
Canto 3.
But this Decrepid Age to Sloath inclines,
Nor brings forth now such Puissant Divines!
Thus far howe're their Virtues imitate,
Let not an Owl your Courages abate:
Think what a Blot it draws upon your Glory,
How it does stain the lustre of your story:
If once the Chaunter learns your base Defeat,
Your flight Ignoble, and your vile Retreat,
Where e're he meets you, hee'l thus fleer and flout you;
Heark, the Owl cryes! brave Souldiers look about you!
Then will your conscious guilt with shame upbraid you,
You'l curse your slavish fears that Cowards made you!
Then reinforce your Spirits, by preventing
Th' Affronts, which will be bitter in resenting:
Remember, Sirs, whose Cause your hands engages,
First win, then bravely wear his Lawrel wages:
Recall your wonted worth, new frights forgetting;
'Tis York-shire Cloath, you know, that shrinks i'th' wetting!
But I perceive success my speech doth follow,
Then march, run, fly (brave Boys!) where dangers call you!
That our Great Mitred Prince, may see his Engines
Before th' Affront be spread, taking due Vengeance.
This spoke, the Fiend disguis'd in flash of Fire
Vanisht, with fresh rage did their hearts inspire.
Just so it was, Great Conde! at that battle
When thy brave Arms made Rhine and Sheld to rattle,
Thy wings, and Battle on Lens spacious Border
Inclin'd to rout, and lean'd to foul disorder,
Thy Valour firm'd the wavering Troops that day,
And spirited their Files with flesh array!
Inspir'd new Hearts, and gave 'em all New Hands,
Till vanquisht Victory follow'd thy Commands!
Thus in a moment Rage succeeded Fear,
And clouded courage once again shone clear!
Nor brings forth now such Puissant Divines!
Thus far howe're their Virtues imitate,
Let not an Owl your Courages abate:
Think what a Blot it draws upon your Glory,
How it does stain the lustre of your story:
If once the Chaunter learns your base Defeat,
Your flight Ignoble, and your vile Retreat,
Where e're he meets you, hee'l thus fleer and flout you;
Heark, the Owl cryes! brave Souldiers look about you!
Then will your conscious guilt with shame upbraid you,
You'l curse your slavish fears that Cowards made you!
Then reinforce your Spirits, by preventing
Th' Affronts, which will be bitter in resenting:
Remember, Sirs, whose Cause your hands engages,
First win, then bravely wear his Lawrel wages:
Recall your wonted worth, new frights forgetting;
'Tis York-shire Cloath, you know, that shrinks i'th' wetting!
But I perceive success my speech doth follow,
Then march, run, fly (brave Boys!) where dangers call you!
That our Great Mitred Prince, may see his Engines
Before th' Affront be spread, taking due Vengeance.
This spoke, the Fiend disguis'd in flash of Fire
Vanisht, with fresh rage did their hearts inspire.
Just so it was, Great Conde! at that battle
When thy brave Arms made Rhine and Sheld to rattle,
Thy wings, and Battle on Lens spacious Border
Inclin'd to rout, and lean'd to foul disorder,
Thy Valour firm'd the wavering Troops that day,
And spirited their Files with flesh array!
Inspir'd new Hearts, and gave 'em all New Hands,
Till vanquisht Victory follow'd thy Commands!
Thus in a moment Rage succeeded Fear,
And clouded courage once again shone clear!
They
