70
Epistles.
TO THE QUEEN,
ON HER MAJESTY'S BIRTH-DAY.
From this auspicious day three kingdoms date
The fairest favours of indulgent Fate;
From this the months in radiant circles run,
As stars receive their lustre from the sun.
To you the sceptres of all Europe bend, 5
The victor those revere, and these the friend;
Your silken reins the willing nations crave,
For 't is your lov'd prerogative to save.
Mild amidst triumphs, victory bestows
On you renown, and freedom on your foes; 10
Observant of your will, the goddess brings
Palms in her hand, and healing in her wings.
But as the brightest beams and gentlest show'rs
Were once reserv'd for Eden's op'ning flow'rs;
So, tho' remoter realms your influence share, 15
Britannia boasts to be your darling care.
By your great wisdom and resistless might
Abroad we conquer and at home unite:
Nature had join'd the lands; but you alone
Make their affections and their councils one. 20
You speak—the jarring principles remove,
And, close combin'd, the sister-nations prove
Rivals alone in loyalty and love.
What pow'r would now forbid the warrior-queen
To wave the red-cross banners o'er the Seine? 25
The fairest favours of indulgent Fate;
From this the months in radiant circles run,
As stars receive their lustre from the sun.
To you the sceptres of all Europe bend, 5
The victor those revere, and these the friend;
Your silken reins the willing nations crave,
For 't is your lov'd prerogative to save.
Mild amidst triumphs, victory bestows
On you renown, and freedom on your foes; 10
Observant of your will, the goddess brings
Palms in her hand, and healing in her wings.
But as the brightest beams and gentlest show'rs
Were once reserv'd for Eden's op'ning flow'rs;
So, tho' remoter realms your influence share, 15
Britannia boasts to be your darling care.
By your great wisdom and resistless might
Abroad we conquer and at home unite:
Nature had join'd the lands; but you alone
Make their affections and their councils one. 20
You speak—the jarring principles remove,
And, close combin'd, the sister-nations prove
Rivals alone in loyalty and love.
What pow'r would now forbid the warrior-queen
To wave the red-cross banners o'er the Seine? 25
