Epistles.
71
Others for titles urge the soldier's toil,
Or meanly seek the foe to seize the spoil;
But you for right your pious arms employ,
And conquer to restore, and not destroy;
Vouchsafing audience to your suppliant foes, 30
You long to give the lab'ring world repose;
Concurring justice waits from you the word,
Pleas'd, when you fix the scales, to sheath the sword.
From this propitious omen we presage
Unnumber'd blessings to the coming age, 35
Establish'd Faith, the daughter of the skies,
Shall see new temples by your bounty rise;
Commerce beneath the southern stars shall thrive,
Intestine feuds expire, and arts revive;
Safe in their shades the Muses shall remain, 40
And sing the milder glories of your reign.
So, whilst offended Heav'n exerts its pow'r,
Swift fly the lightnings, loud the thunders roar,
But when our incense reconciles the skies,
Again the radiant beams begin to rise; 45
Soft zephyrs gently waft the clouds away,
And fragrant flow'rs perfume the dawning day;
The groves around rejoice with echoing strains,
And golden Plenty covers all the plains. 49
Or meanly seek the foe to seize the spoil;
But you for right your pious arms employ,
And conquer to restore, and not destroy;
Vouchsafing audience to your suppliant foes, 30
You long to give the lab'ring world repose;
Concurring justice waits from you the word,
Pleas'd, when you fix the scales, to sheath the sword.
From this propitious omen we presage
Unnumber'd blessings to the coming age, 35
Establish'd Faith, the daughter of the skies,
Shall see new temples by your bounty rise;
Commerce beneath the southern stars shall thrive,
Intestine feuds expire, and arts revive;
Safe in their shades the Muses shall remain, 40
And sing the milder glories of your reign.
So, whilst offended Heav'n exerts its pow'r,
Swift fly the lightnings, loud the thunders roar,
But when our incense reconciles the skies,
Again the radiant beams begin to rise; 45
Soft zephyrs gently waft the clouds away,
And fragrant flow'rs perfume the dawning day;
The groves around rejoice with echoing strains,
And golden Plenty covers all the plains. 49
