40 DRYDEN
He cast (of which we rather boast) The Gospel's pearl upon our coast, And in these rocks for us did frame A temple where to sound his name. O let our voice his praise exalt 'Till it arrive at heaven's vault, Which thence (perhaps) rebounding may Echo beyond the Mexique Bay!'
Thus sang they in the English boat A holy and a cheerful note : And all the way, to guide their chime, With falling oars they kept the time.
Marvell.
XXIII
ALEXANDER'S FEAST
'TWAS at the royal feast for Persia won
By Philip's warlike son: Aloft in awful state The godlike hero sate
On his imperial throne; His valiant peers were placed around, Their brows with roses and with myrtles bound
(So should desert in arms be crowned); The lovely Thais by his side Sate like a blooming Eastern bride In flower of youth and beauty's pride. Happy, happy, happy pair ! None but the brave, None but the brave, None but the brave deserves the fair!
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