80
Odes.
And whilst in radiant pomp appear 65
The names to bright Victoria dear,
Intent the long procession view;
Confess none worthier ever wore
Her favours, or was deck'd with more
Than she confers on Churchill's brow. 70
The names to bright Victoria dear,
Intent the long procession view;
Confess none worthier ever wore
Her favours, or was deck'd with more
Than she confers on Churchill's brow. 70
II.
But, oh! withdraw thy piercing rays;
The nymph anew begins to moan,
Viewing the much-lamented space
Where late her warlike William shone:
There, fix'd by her officious hand, 75
His sword and sceptre of command
To deathless fame adopted rest;
Nor wants there to complete her woe,
Plac'd with respectful love below,
The star that beam'd on Glou'ster's breast. 80
But, oh! withdraw thy piercing rays;
The nymph anew begins to moan,
Viewing the much-lamented space
Where late her warlike William shone:
There, fix'd by her officious hand, 75
His sword and sceptre of command
To deathless fame adopted rest;
Nor wants there to complete her woe,
Plac'd with respectful love below,
The star that beam'd on Glou'ster's breast. 80
III.
O Phœbus! all thy saving pow'r employ;
Long let our vows avert the destin'd woe,
Ere Gloriana reascends the sky,
And leaves a land of orphans here below!
But when (so Heav'n ordains) her smiling ray 85
Distinguish'd o'er the Balance shall preside,
Whilst future kings her ancient sceptre sway,
May her mild influence all their councils guide;
To Albion ever constant in her love,
Of sov'reigns here the best, the brightest star above.
O Phœbus! all thy saving pow'r employ;
Long let our vows avert the destin'd woe,
Ere Gloriana reascends the sky,
And leaves a land of orphans here below!
But when (so Heav'n ordains) her smiling ray 85
Distinguish'd o'er the Balance shall preside,
Whilst future kings her ancient sceptre sway,
May her mild influence all their councils guide;
To Albion ever constant in her love,
Of sov'reigns here the best, the brightest star above.
