THE PATRIOT ENTERPRIZE: OR An Address to BRITAIN. A POEM.
Inscribed to the Right Hon. WILLIAM PITT, &c. &c.
By Mr. JONES, Author of the Earl of ESSEX.
To which is added, the PRUSSIAN CAMPAIGN, A POEM.
Celebrating The ATCHIEVEMENTS of FREDERICK the GREAT, in the Years 1756—57.
By WILLIAM DOBSON, L.L.B.
LONDON, Printed, and DUBLIN: Re-printed for WILLIAM WHITESTONE, opposite Dick's-Coffee-House in Skinner-Row. 1758.
THE PATRIOT ENTERPRIZE.
ONE Briton yet asserts that aweful name,
One Patriot yet supports the glorious theme!
Amidst Corruption's flood still spotless seen,
A heart still faithful, and a hand still clean.
Assist him, Seraphs, stoop from heav'n ye few
That once were Patriots, once were firm and true
To Britain's cause, ye kindred Spirits glow,
Descend, and shield him in this storm below;
Your shelt'ring wings around his virtue spread,
Inspire his heart, and crown with wreaths his head;
With gleams of Heav'n's pure light his soul array,
And all the glories of the Just display
Full in his sight; parental Heroes smile;
His virtue aid—O snatch from fate this Isle;
Point out the paths you trod, the arms you bore,
Bid Truth return, and ancient worth restore;
Let Britain lift once more her laurel'd head
Above the waves, and strike the world with dread.
Thou, PITT, this verse with patient soul attend,
Her buckler, sword, her guardian, and her friend;
Whose stedfast heart no virtuous toil can tire,
Whose tongue is touch'd with Heav'n's resistless fire,
In Heav'ns own injur'd cause supreme to shine
With dazzling force, with splendors all divine.
Thou Man belov'd! thy country's boast and choice,
To whom afflicted millions lift their voice,
Thou last remaining champion of the state,
On thee Integrity and Wisdom wait,
Still lift thy dreaded arm, still, still pursue
The monstrous Python, and his pois'nous crew;
[Page 4] Repeat each righteous blow, repeat each wound,
And bring the bloated Hydra to the ground:
Lo earth, and sea, and heav'n shall then rejoice,
In one triumphant Paean lift their voice.
The marks of gratitude, ye Britons, pay,
And strew with thankful wreaths the Patriot's way;
Let breathing brass, let feeling stone confess,
Whilst arches bend, and story'd piles express
To ages yet unborn the glorious Man,
His falling country's prop, whose godlike plan
On curs'd Corruption trod, on Faction fell,
Who drives th' infernal monsters back to hell,
Spurning their gilded bait—who strikes down Fraud,
At home our bosom pest, our bane abroad,
That sap'd the vitals of our sinking pow'r,
When hungry Vengeance urg'd the rip'ning hour:
Then stood forth PITT, unaided and alone,
The People's friend, yet faithful to the Throne;
Trampling on British bribes with Roman scorn,
Another TULLY for his country born,
To counterwork each villain's dark designs,
For Britain too may dread her CATILINES:
He comes exulting in a heart sincere,
A tongue that strikes Corruption's soul with fear;
An arm still ready to redress the cause
Of Majesty oppress'd, or injur'd Laws;
Like CECIL bold in Virtue's sacred might,
Like HAMPDEN glorious, when restrain'd by right,
Like FAULKLAND servid for his country's good,
No pride provokes, no faction fires his blood;
For Britain's lasting weal his wishes glow,
His Patriot heart see pant, his blood see flow:
Embrace him, Britain, to thy bosom press
One Patriot Son, long, long that Son possess.
O quickly come, thou Genius that sustains
Of Britain's ancient worth the small remains,
O quickly come, and kindle up those fires
With Freedom's breath that warm'd our godlike sires;
[Page 5] The bless'd occasion snatch, perhaps the last,
And round your liberties a rampart cast,
That shall, like Nature's laws, remain entire,
Till Virtue darkens and the stars expire;
Th' immortal task begin; see Virtue rise,
And lift her glorious flag to Britain's eyes;
Leaning on PITT her dreaded sword she draws,
Whilst angels trumpet wide th' eternal cause:
See panting millions to her standard crowd;
See Truth assert, see Faith proclaim aloud
The grand behest—from heav'n the sound is spread
(Whilst crush'd Integrity uprears her head.)
Britons, be honest to yourselves, be just,
In this unblemished man repose your trust;
PITT the firm phalanx forms with manly pride,
Integrity his shield, and Truth his guide;
See, see each venal pest before him fly,
Shrink from his voice, and shudder at his eye;
Such heav'n-fraught powers appal the guilty soul,
Where vengeance lightens, and where thunders roll;
Dreadful he marches on, and void of fear,
With Fortitude his front, with Worth his rear;
With every virtue see his soul supply'd,
With Loyalty, with Honour near his side;
Auxiliars worthy of a cause design'd
To rescue Nature's right in human kind:
From venal leprosy to purge the land,
And all the taints of soul Corruption's hand;
To push the barrier back that Freedom braves,
To mark the bounds of subjects, not of slaves,
To call up British honesty once more,
And ev'ry virtue to its reign restore.
Ye Britons join with heart, with voice unite,
'Tis Wisdom calls you forth, and native Right;
Let future deeds your present crimes efface,
Your fleets and armies that bring back disgrace,
Council's o'erthrown by Caution's ghastly dreams,
Orders rejected, unattempted schemes;
[Page 6] O biot—for ever blot the hateful page,
Quick cancel, Time, the ignominious age
From out thy records —See, a train appears!
Of British worthies, and of glorious years!
See Time (by Virtue led) o'er Albion smile,
Returning Justice bless once more the isle;
Exulting Commerce issuing from the main,
And Britain's thunder shake the poles again:
See Truth ascend her adamantine throne,
Despotic Truth, eternal, and alone;
Parent of Wisdom, whose unbounded sway
The Virtues bend to and the Worlds obey;
Great queen of harmony, whence order springs,
Whose moral scepter rules the hearts of kings,
Before thy throne with Concord's emblems grac'd,
See all the Virtues in their order plac'd:
Hail, sacred Truth, O stretch thy ancient reign
O'er Britain's kindred isle, call back again
Her golden age of plenty, pow'r and wealth,
Her honour, temperance, fortitude and health,
Her justice, courage, conquest and renown,
Let tyrants start, and tremble at her frown,
New brace her arm, her trident's strength restore,
Hark! hark! her thunder shakes yon hostile shore;
Around the globe her dreaded flag display,
Let ocean's utmost bounds her flag obey;
Her crimson cross invincible let fly
Above the waves, triumphant in the sky.
'Tis done; see direful Fraud, see Discord bound,
See hell-born Faction gasping on the ground,
See bloated Luxury with famish'd jaws,
See curs'd Corruption with her gilded claws,
See pois'nous Perfidy with patriot air,
See venal Villainy, see mad Despair,
A ghastly groupe! in fell confusion lie
Beneath thy aweful frown, O Truth, and die.
The caverns yawn, the rocky bars give way,
See Genius burst her bands, and spring to day,
[Page 7] Spurning the cave, accurs'd Corruption's cell,
Where Envy broods, where venal vapours dwell,
Thy bane, O Truth; see, see, she joyful soars,
She drinks th' etherial ray, she high explores
Her native heav'n, by Virtue's hand set free
She gains new strength, her piercing eye shall see
With tenfold force where Wisdom's secrets lie
Beneath th' abyss, above the starry sky;
Through Nature's works her mimic hand shall play
Where Freedom prompts, where Virtue points the way:
Ambition there to blameless heights shall rise,
There guiltless Glory gain th' immortal prize;
See Sculpture rear her life-creating hand,
See thinking stone on story'd basis stand;
There classic piles attract the wond'ring ken,
Here Genius dips the pencil and the pen;
In kindred lights with friendly ray shall shine
A MASON's muse, a HAYMAN's groupe divine,
Unrival'd lov'd; see HOGARTH's fancy reign
In BUTLER's rich, unborrow'd matchless vein;
Through blissful scenes the raptur'd mind shall rove,
New POPES shall sing, new LAMBERTS paint the grove:
Did PHIDIAS there indent the magic steel?
Did ROUBILIAC instruct the rocks to feel?
A HUDSON's teint, by beauty's beam refin'd,
Shall through th' expansive features call the mind;
Nature and Art their utmost pow'r shall shew,
And SHAKESPEARS yet unborn, and GARRICKS glow.
The Arts exult at Virtue's great command
With Taste, with Liberty in either hand;
Triumphant Britain smiles, near, near each side
See native Honesty, see native Pride,
With Grecian worth, with Roman bent to vye,
Fame at her heart, and Glory in her eye,
With ancient Rome in her MAECENAS' days,
When Judgment gave, when Genius wore the bays,
With both shall Britain now maintain the strife,
To lift up nature and to polish life.
[Page 8] Be hence thy high concern, be hence thy care,
From Gallia's haughty brow provok'd to tear
The rival wreaths; a twofold empire gain,
Science at land, and conquest on the main.
By both MINERVAS crown'd, O Britain, shine,
Let learning still, let conquest still be thine;
Let courage, taste, and truth thy sons adorn,
Let BACONS yet, let MARLBOROUGHS yet unborn,
For arts and arms above mankind rever'd,
By Europe honour'd, and by Europe fear'd,
Expand the circles of thy vast renown;
Let PITT, let Virtue wear the immortal crown.
THE PRUSSIAN CAMPAIGN, A POEM: CELEBRATING The ATCHIEVEMENTS OF FREDERICK the GREAT, In the Years 1756—57.
By WILLIAM DOBSON, LLB.
LONDON: Printed, and DUBLIN Re-printed for WILLIAM WHITESTONE, in Skinner-Row.
TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, Lord Viscount CHARLEMONT, PATRON Of Literature, Sciences, and Arts, This Poem is Inscribed: An unworthy Testimony Of truly affectionate and indeliable Gratitude From his Sincerest Friend WILLIAM DOBSON.
THE PRUSSIAN CAMPAIGN, &c.
A PRINCE, unrival'd in puissant deeds,
Of noblest prowess and unconquer'd soul,
I sing; and with ambition lyre this verse
Attune the mighty FRED'RICK's honour'd name.
Bless'd, while my CHARL'MONT his propitious ear
Inclines, attentive to the glorious theme:
How amply bless'd, if, by the Bard invok'd
So oft, descending Health her genial balm
Would round thee pour benign, rekindling fair
Thy roseate bloom, thou amiable Youth,
Crown'd with each virtue, with each grace adorn'd!
O that a ray of the celestial flame,
That erst illum'd the animated Bard,
(Who sung of Eden, and o'er Eden's bow'rs
High-soaring, trac'd th' embattel'd Seraphim
In fiery conflict on th' ethereal plains,)
Beam'd on this breast: that I might swift pursue
Thro' every vast design, thro' every high
Emprize, the great, th' inimitable Chief.
The Muse, in various raptures sweetly lost,
This shining path, and that, by turns surveys,
Bewilder'd; unresolv'd, th' advent'rous task
Where to begin; which splendor first, which last,
To celebrate in song: his matchless might,
His martial discipline exact, or kind
Indulgence to the Brave; his active soul
[Page 14] Rapt with fierce fury, thro' the glorious field,
Or steddiest counsels, and deliberate care.
But hark! the trumpet's clangor rends the sky,
And the loud clarions sound the voice of war.
Forth issue Prussia's troops, in various bands;
While these to Leipsic's walls their rapid march
Direct, those to proud Dresden's royal tow'rs.
When lo, th' impetuous monarch in just ire
Arose, and with unerring clue pursued
The wily labyrinths of th' ambitious foe,
By keen perception trac'd: and all their dark
Device, and machinations dire, disclos'd.
Near thrice three circling years his generous Soul
Had cultivated peace, whose studious arts
Of peace, and martial deeds alike expert.
When rous'd at length his wrath, with various clouds
From various climes beset, the perilous storm
Soon as he saw concentring from afar,
Furious he flew; and borne on swiftest wing,
Pierc'd the perfidious Saxon's inmost realms.
At FREDERICK'S dread advance, the tim'rous Pole
Instant the court, the capital deserts,
Leaves his afflicted consort, bath'd in tears,
Disconsolate; and speeds with eager course
His martial pow'rs to Pirna's close retreats:
Pirna, whose strong-fenc'd camp access defy'd,
Proud of high battlements and ramparts vast,
Fort above fort, impenetrably firm.
As when the tow'ring Eagle soars the skie,
Sublime, in numerous flocks th'aerial train
Speed their swift flight to many a winding cell
Deep in the caverns of some craggy rock,
Cleft by Time's rigid hand; there pant immur'd,
With shuddring wings.—Mean time the vigilant Chief
Three several hosts their several charge assign'd;
There to secure Silesia's plains, and here
His native realms defend, should Russia pour
Th' unnumber'd legions from her fertile loins.
[Page 15] Himself the Saxon troops, as couch'd they lay
Wrapt in the bosom of their shelt'ring camp,
Nor daring to the field, with pow'rful force
Invests, on every hand environ'd round.
Yet still the generous Prince his ire repress'd:
And while th' avenging sword his arm display'd,
That stretch'd the gentle olive forth, fair pledge
Of amicable peace. The Pole that pledge
Disdain'd, thro' Austrian's vaunted aid, secure.
Forthwith, from every circle, stem decrees,
Loud-echoing mandates, comminations dire,
Fraught with each pompous circumstance of wrath,
Pour through the Empire, levelling their rage
At mighty Brandenburgh. In furious tides
Russia rolls down her thund'ring menaces:
Whom thy vain insolence, superb Versailles,
Thy haughty taunts succeed. He unappall'd
With ample breast receives th' united storm:
Firm, as the stately promontory's height
Erect, by surges lash'd on every side,
Foaming redundant on the big-swoln main:
His elevated brow o'er the mad waves
Rears it's dread honors, and disdains their roar.
Now while the Saxons with their hapless Prince
Clung to the trenches, and the fort embrac'd,
In deep despair involv'd' no succour nigh,
Exhausted, spiritless, by Prussian troops
Encompass'd sore: at length th' auxiliar host
From Austria's land in numerous squadrons move,
Led by their mightiest Chieftain*. Swift they march.
As swift great FREDERICK (whose quick-darting eye
No hostile motion scap'd) his troops to join
Hastes, where experienc'd KEITH his standard rear'd
All in a moment tow'ring in the van,
Of choice battalions form'd, to Tournitz's walls
He drives his rapid way. Thither anon
[Page 16] March his whole host, in two main columns rang'd,
Obsequious to his high behests. Nor staid
Th' impatient Heroe, till Welmina's plains
He reach'd: thence to his view at once appear'd
Austria's vast pow'rs, from wing to wing display'd.
E'er yet the parting Sun his western goal
Attain'd, light's scant remains the vigorous Chief
Seiz'd, and explor'd the plains, whence to assail
The foe at earliest dawn. The night's long stage
His troops the rigour of th' inclement sky
With hearts unchill'd endure. He in the front,
Pre-eminent in danger and in toil,
Unmindful of repose, his list'ning bands
Incessant animates: with liveliest cheer,
And with endearing accents fires their souls.
"My glorious partners in the bold emprize
On many a well-fought field: in me your friend,
In me your fire behold. The morning sun,
(Or my presages err) shall see the plains
With Austrian corses strown. Myself shall share
Each perilous attempt, each brave exploit
Witness, and amply recompence. Pursue
Yon path, where glory, where your country's love
Invites, and Pruassia's still unsullied fame.
Thus while he spake, th'invigorated troops
Glow with fresh fire, and feel the gen'rous flame
Glance thro' their thrilling veins: the loit'ring Sun
They chide, impatient, panting for the field.
Scarce blush'd the morn with streaks of orient day;
FREDERICK up-sprung: with his attendant Chiefs
Led forth the valiant troops: their various bands
In strong battalions regularly ranged;
Line after line, and file succeeding file;
Here the right wing display'd, and there the left,
Each on a tow'ring hill. In order due
Onward they march: when in broad front appear
Austria's equestrian bands, array'd for war.
"Advance (said mighty Brandenburgh) advance;
[Page 17] Rush to the plains, and Horse to Horse oppose.
Swift they descend, and with impetuous force
Burst on the foe: when from the hostile rear
Sudden the latent enginry disgorge,
Hurl'd from their brazen throats, the flaming balls
Innumerable: at the dire din alarm'd
And storms of thund'ring metal, back they bend
Their not imprudent steps: then form'd afresh,
To the brisk charge return. Now nor the roar
Of bellowing cannon, nor incessant fire,
Nor wide-extended dyke, nor obvious mound
Retard: with furious onset the fierce steeds
And their dismounted warriors down they trod,
In groans expiring, welt'ring in their gore,
In heaps on mangled heaps o'erthrown: nor ceas'd,
Till undistinguish'd sunk th' imperial Horse,
All sunk, in universal ruin whelm'd.
Forthwith, down-rushing from the mountain's brow,
FREDERICK's fierce Infantry, with furious speed
Thro' iron tempests and thro' floods of fire,
To Low' schatz's walls intrepid flew, assail'd
With unresisted force, th' astonied foe
Repell'd, and from their boasted fortress drove,
With rout on rout confounded. The fell stroke
Vienna's General mourns, his scattered host
Driving precipate to Budin's plains.
FREDERICK, triumphant on the foughten field
Stands, and surveys the soil, with thousands slain,
And thousands wide o'erspred whose nobler doom
The captive warriors envy and admire.
Amid the ill-star'd train, gall'd at his fate,
Undaunted Lobkowitz' superior tow'rs
With clouded aspect and indignant mien.
Hail, mighty Prussia, hail! With eagle wing,
Hov'ring around thee, Victory attend
They every march! — Beneath the hallow'd shade
Rest thee awhile: thy noble toil suspend:
Deign o'er thy brows to bind this laurel wreath,
[Page 18] Th'ambitious Muse with pleasing labour wove.
How did thine heart exult, when thou surveyd'st
Thy daring legions, by thy conduct fir'd,
And all thy emulous Chiefs: above those Chiefs
High-blazing, as the peerless Star, that leads
Th'ethereal host o'er the wide azure pour'd,
Resplendent train! Next thee, great BEVERN shone
Sublime, and darted terror on the foe,
Reflecting his illustrious Monarch's rays.
Nor, valiant MULLER, shall thy prowess pass
Unsung; who with resistless might dispers'd
Th'embattel'd ranks, like clouds of sleeting sand
Driv'n by th'impetuous whirlwind's rapid wing.
With these, the tribute of th'applauding bard
Unnumber'd heroes claim, whose various deeds
Were long to trace. The gen'rous FREDERICK's love
Shall crown their merits, and their glorious names
Live in the records of immortal fame.
Thence to the Saxon bands, in Pirna's fort
Immur'd, he wings his way, bent to subdue
That treach'rous foe. Nor long, e'er from the camp
Th'imprison'd squadrons start, o'er Egra's streams
From the bridg'd path, while sable Night resum'd
Her reign alternate, and th'incumbent mists
Spred o'er heaven's face impenetrable gloom,
Deep'ning the wonted shades. How vain th'attempt!
Their wiles how frustrate! The vast summit's height,
Fronting thy turrets, Koningstein, with march
Laborious as they climb, th'uprising sun
Shew'd them to PRUSSIA's view; whose strong defiles
Enclos'd them round. What gleam of hope remains?
Where shall they fly? how force th'obstructed way?
Aghast, and thunder-struck, th'obdurate King
His high-swoln pride submits, in suppliant terms
Sues for that peace he insolently scorn'd.
Thus quell'd proud Austria, and th'ambitious Pole
Flung from his tow'ring hopes, the wint'ry storms,
On blustring Boreas and bleak Eurus' wings
[Page 19] Rushing impetuous, with malignant blasts
Warn to retire from forth the tented field.
His troops th' indulgent Chief, albeit inur'd
To each severe extreme, his well-lov'd troops
Withdraws, and to his Saxon camp retires.
Soon as the balmy Zephyrs' earliest gales
Led on the genial spring, great FREDERICK's breast
Fraught with deep counsels in still silence form'd,
Sudden unfolds. His ev'ry valiant band
Instant he summons: at his great command
Their tacit march they speed; and swift attain
Bohemia's realm, three formidable hosts.
This the fam'd BEVERN, that brave SCHWERIN led;
The third their Monarch's fav'rite conduct boasts.
War soon resumes his flaming torch. — Again
Imperial Austria's congregated pow'rs.
Appear, in numerous squadrons firmly rang'd,
A mighty host: and KONINGSEGG commands.
Deep was their rear entrench'd; by village walls
Their right was shelter'd, by impervious woods
Encompass'd the left wing. Yet not the less
BEVERN impetuous drove his rapid bands,
By every valiant Chieftain well sustained;
Storm'd the strong cover, thro' th' intrenchments rush'd,
And pierc'd their dense array. In sudden rout
All their vast cavalry involv'd the Foe
Astonish'd views: while gallant LESWITZ springs
Fierce and undaunted 'mid the hostile fire,
Swift flies thro' many a perilous defile,
And with dread chase pursues the timorous host,
(Havoc and ruin marching in their rear)
From hill to hill in wild confusion driv'n.
To join thee, BEVERN, bends his eager course
Intrepid SCHWERIN, to thy soul endear'd
By kindred Virtue's ever sacred tie.
Him to ensnare, within cover'd dale
Lurks the secreted foe, a numerous band!
Soon their insidious wiles the wary chief
[Page 20] Espied; encounter'd, and discomfited.
Thence his impetuous progress onward rolls
Wide o'er the land, unbounded, uncontroll'd,
With torrent force. Before his fiery sword
On every hand they scour, nor dare confront
His mighty rage: inactive, down they throw
Their unavailing arms. The regions round
Bend to the victor, and confess his sway.
Now mighty FRED'RICK with observant ken
Saw, where the foe their various squadrons drew
From the tow'rd fortress, and each banner'd host;
Rang'd in proud pomp beneath their mightiest Chief,
Who from the terror of dread PRUSSIA's arm
So late retreated, with sad overthrow
Gall'd on Welmina's memorable plains:
Yet dares again, by conscious valour fir'd.
Again his thundring arm dread PRUSSIA rears.
Impatient of delay, with instant march
O'er Moldaw's streams he pass'd: when lo! in camp.
High-fenc'd, by nature's favour and by art
Strong-cover'd, deep-entrench'd, proudly deem'd
Impregnable, th' imperial Army lay,
Much glorying in their strength, in numbers far
Superior. Still undaunted his bold march
FRED'RICK pursues: He nor their 'vantag'd ground,
Nor high-fenc'd camp, nor trenches deep regards,
Nor numbers far superior. On he leads
To the fierce combat his courageous bands.
They, by their Monarch's voice, (that fav'rite voice,)
Enliven'd, joyous spring, with sweet presage
Of victory; their standards wide unfurl'd
In awful pomp, with rich emblazonry
Of vivid colours, streaming to the wind:
And o'er the horrent plain of glitt'ring steel
A wavy Harvest formidably gleam'd,
Innumerable faulchions, the sun's blaze
(Oft as his radiant beams from fleecy cloud
Emerg'd) reflecting fierce with burnish'd sheen;
[Page 21] E'er long to be imbru'd in Austrian gore.
E'er long to be imbru'd in Austrian gore.
Nigh to the foe advanc'd, each Warrior brave,
Commanders, and Commanded, with like zeal
Inflam'd, and emulation high, contend,
Who first shall the untrodden path explore,
Who tempt the marish, who the threat'ning mound
Clime hazardous, plunge thro' the hostile fire
Foremost, and burst their serried files. Now 'gan
The onset dire, enkindled at th' alarm
Of drums loud-thundring, and the trumpet's clang
Sonorous. Fierce the conflict rag'd 'twixt host
And host: The field throughout, was seen no glimpse
Of dastard fear: each nobly signaliz'd
Their valorous ardor. Front to front they met,
Warrior with warrior clos'd, and steed with steed
In stern encounter. The hoarse cannon's voice
Echoes with bellowing roar: redundant smoke
Pours o'er the envelop'd sky, with horrid flash
Pierc'd frequent, and quick glance of sulph'rous flames.
Swift thro' the ranks undaunted FRED'RICK sprung,
High brandishing his faulchion, Austria's dread,
From wing to distant wing unwearied flew,
Now in the Van, now Rear: on ev'ry part,
Thro' each vicissitude, each varying scene,
With splendid conduct, animating sounds,
And brave example, his obsequious bands
Inspir'd, directed, instigated, cheer'd,
And all his various pow'rs by turns display'd:
Fervid, yet vigilant; with temper'd fire
Guiding the rapid war's alternate reins.
On every part his victor arm prevails.
At length o'erpow'r'd, discomfited, recede
Austria's faint troops, abandoning the field
Drench'd in their slaughter'd friends' commingled blood.
How shall the Muse the wondrous havoc paint,
The various images of horror trace
O'er the wide champain? Now fierce-issuing balls
Swept mighty numbers: now th'impetuous sword
[Page 22] Clove with keen edge the tortur'd foe in twain.
Thro' many a valiant breast with adverse stroke
Pierc'd the sharp wound, and fix'd a glorious scar.
Here from the quiv'ring trunk the sever'd head
Swift flies: here the lop'd limb their lord desert,
His agonizing groans, and fruitless plaint
In the rude clamour drown'd. With giant strides
Death travers'd the dread plain, with all his pomp
Of terrors, and each ghastly form, enclos'd.
What multitudes, great FRED'RICK, by thy arm,
Thy just avenging arm, what crouds on crouds
Descended to the baleful realms of night,
E'erwhile with Austrian's throng'd! of adverse stars
There jointly they complain, their mutual woe
Sooth with condolence bland, and enterchange
Sad gratulation: soon with gloomy joy
Hailing their mightiest Chieftain, new arriv'd,
Thy great Antagonist; who gor'd with wounds
On the same fatal plain (heart-piercing wounds,
That barr'd each glorious prospect of renown)
At length groan'd forth indignant his high soul,
In Prague's vain shelt'ring walls—Th' illustrious Shade
Stalks on, nor deigns return th' unwelcome Hail.
Pass we these dolorous regions, chearful Light
Revisiting; with wonder to survey
The living monuments of PRUSSIA's fame:
The thousands foil'd, who yet this vital air
Breathe, and in thraldom grace the Conqueror's train,
Lo what unnumber'd Trophies, what rich Spoils
Torn from the grasping foe, the solemn pomp
Attend: their ravish'd Ensigns, wav'd sublime,
With splended painture sloating thro' the air,
Display puissant FREDERICK's ample fame.
See how th' imperial Cannon, many a row,
Move in slow pageantry; the brazen throats
Silenc'd, till FREDERICK bid them the dire roar
Renew, and on their late Possessors proud
Pour the retorted rage.—Yet 'mid this Scene,
[Page 23] In all thy height of lustre, matchless Prince,
To check thy triumph with th' ingenious tear
Due to the mighty slain, on the dread plains
Where grasp'd whole squadrons of th' expiring Foe,
Fell valiant SCHWERIN, by each virtuous breast
Lov'd and lamented: gloriously he fell,
With many a Chieftain of exalted name
Accompanied; who prodigal of life,
Pour'd in their Country's cause their generous blood.
Austria's deep consternation and dismay,
(Of every aid, of her whole camp bereft)
What tongue can utter? Or what pow'r describe
FREDERICK's vast victory?—But other Scenes
Arise, of different hue. O hadst thou ne'er
Deserted Prague's 'sieg'd wall, to charge the foe
High-posted on th' aerial mountain's brow,
With legions heap'd on legions, firm array'd
Beneath th' imperial DAUN! Forgive the Muse,
Great Chief, who with thy sundry glories charm'd,
Yet void of adulation, while she strives
With faintest pencil to delineate
Shadowy thy godlike virtues, paints thee man;
The wisest of whose race, discreetest, best,
'Mid all his shining faculties betrays
Some tincture of th' impure alloy, deriv'd
From his frail Ancestor.—Sagacious DAUN
With skill th' important situation chose;
And look'd disdainful down. Tho' fierce defiles,
Tho' thund'ring batteries intercept the way,
Undaunted FREDERICK with his furious host,
Thro' thund'ring batteries and thro' fierce defiles,
Up the steep cliff his arduous road maintain'd.
Thrice he assay'd the Austrian's pow'rful wing
To burst; repell'd them thrice; yet thrice return'd.
Then calm receding with serene retreat
Soft he descends to the subjacent vale,
(Where Elbe her liquid course obliquely rolls
Meand'ring) unretarded, unpursu'd.
Soon Russia's legions (from her populous clime
With tardy steps advanc'd) their ling'ring march
Accelerate, and FREDERICK'S realms invade.
Thus tho' insulted, the considerate Chief
With terms of mild composure deigns invite
Moscow's imperial Queen his plan t' embrace,
Surceasing hostile rage; and war's dire flames
Extinguishing, o'er harrass'd Europe pour
The salutary boon of prosp'rous Peace.
His generous terms disdain'd, his pow'r defy'd,
His territories spoil'd, war he declares
Immediate; trusting in his righteous Cause,
And Heav'n's protecting Arm. LEWHALD led on
The squdrons, and encounter'd more than twice
His force, entrench'd on tow'ring hill secure.
Nathless he vigorous charg'd; their foremost lines
Burst, and on every hand destruction dealt
Wide-wasting. Yet, lest the superior Foe
Crush his brave host, by the unfriendly site
Disfavour'd, by enormous multitudes
Oppress'd, to Velau's camp the Chief mature
Retreated, unrepulsed. The Moscovites
Dismay'd, nor studious of pursuit, lament
Their thousands slaughter'd and, their* General thrall'd.
Now in their several camps each Host enwrapt
Retire; and War's tremendous thunder rests
Suspended: when at once, their sudden flight
Assaying, Russia's troops with rapid speed
Scud as precipitant, as slow they advanc'd
E'erwhile.—But lo! the fierce confed'rate Pow'rs
Vaunting united terrors, onward move
Under their gallant Leaders, great SOUBISE
And HILDBURGHAUSEN. Their proud threats t'oppose
FREDERICK delay'd not: his assembled troops
He rang'd in just array, and thus address'd:
"My Friends, my Warriors brave!—The Foe's advanc'd;
PRUSSIA shall meet them. Haste we to the field.
With you your FREDERICK conquers or expires.
[Page 25] Think how we've fought! what glorious laurels won!
Think on the equitable plea, that drew
These valiant swords, and vindicate the cause:
God be our Guardian, Confidence and Shield.
He ended; on he led his valiant files
Dauntless, and bid them storm the the adverse wing:
But on the edge of onset (his quick eye
Determining) instant as lightning's glance,
Invert they their position, lest the foe
Surround them unnaware. Now Prussia's Horse
Spring furious on the Gaul, in front direct
Oppos'd, of vast immeasurable depth;
The Gaul as furious, the brisk charge receive
With equal brav'ry. Long in dubious scale
Hung the fierce conflict: till the Gallic bands
Swerv'd; to the neighbouring summit's resuge flew,
And recent form'd. FREDERICK their rallied force
Soon disarray'd, and with pursuit severe
Drove, as the Lion drives his trembling chace.
Then from each host the Cannon's bellowing voice
Incessant roar'd. Prussia's bold infantry
Rush forth, and battery after battery gain,
With storms impetuous and unwearied fire
Rage their artillery, on either wing
The foe sore galling: till, constrain'd, they speed
Their ignominious flight, with soul defeat
Confounded, and in ruin dire involv'd.
And, but the Sun now prone descended swift
To th' Ocean waves; and all-involving night
Threw her deep-shaded mantle o'er the plains,
Fav'ring their trepid flight; of that vast host,
Who spread at morning dawn their vaunted files
So proud, how few had from the deathful field
Return'd, to tell the melancholy tale.
Thou Miracle of Chiefs! and will our Sons
Believe, by storied Chronicles inform'd
How Brandenburgh's illustrious Prince, with force
Immensely disproportionate, subdu'd
[Page 26] Thousands on thousands of confederate Hosts!
What numerous squadrons of the slaughter'd foe
Fell in their prime of Youth: Of Prussian blood
How slight th' effusion: what redundant tides
Of captiv'd troops the Victor's camp o'erflow'd.
The generous FREDERICK his triumphant joy
Attempers sweet with piety humane
For guiltless Widows and for Orphan babes,
Thus multiplied by his victorious arm.
Nobly compassionate to the fallen foe,
With blandest treatment he beguiles their pain,
Pours the soft balm in their fresh-bleeding wounds;
And bids Captivity her dejected head
Rear, and unbend her brow with grateful smile.
Now shall the humbled Gaul his vaunts suspend;
And Moscow tremble at the Prussian name.
Austria has felt, by oft repeated scourge,
What martial discipline effects; what the wise Chief's
Assiduous Care: how fires each manly breast
To bold emprizes FREDERICK'S generous Soul,
His fond Affection and paternal Love,
In boundless streams impartially diffus'd.
And thou, ambitious POLE, thy lawless pride
Repress; nor with vain arrogance aspire,
Grasping at alien realms: with wiser aim
Guard well thy own, and to fair Truth adhere.
Hark how the Sons of Albion's glorious Isle
Tune in harmonic choir the Conqueror's praise!
Thee, FREDERICK, all her glist'ning cliffs resound,
Thee her gay vallies, thee her mossy caves;
And grove to grove repeats the pleasing song
Britannia, resting on her ported spear,
Majestic smiles; and with the pleasing song
Enraptur'd, venerates the Prince, so bright
Resembling her lov'd Lord; to valorous GEORGE
In magnanimity, as in blood, allied.
Still other wars, still other triumphs rise.
The muse, unequal to the arduous task,
[Page 27] Breathless pursuing her unwearied Chief
From plain to tented plain, at length retires.
O could she from the turmoils of the field,
The clang of trumpets and the cannon's roar,
Convey thee, FREDERICK, to thy dear Retreat,*
Wrapt in the arms of Peace! In sweet repose
There would the royal Bard thro' echoing shades
With other notes than these, with loftier strains
To his resounding lyre, hymn the great POW'R,
Whom ever he adores with filial love,
And reverential awe: Whose out-stretch'd arm
Bows down th' obdurate fierceness of the proud,
Th' un-ambitious rears; who with a breath
Wields all the thunder of the various war,
OMNIPOTENT; and with his sovereign nod
The sate of mightiest Monarchies decides.
FINIS.
BOOKS just Published by W. WHITESTONE, Bookseller, in Skinner-Row.
- THE Life of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, with the Lives of the APOSTLES and ENANGELISTS. By the Reverend THOMAS STACKHOUSE, A. M. late Vicar of Beenham in Berkshire, and Author of the History of the Bible, &c. Price bound and Letter'd, 5s. 5d.
- A Supplement to the Works of Alexander Pope, Esq Containing such Poems, Letters, &c. as are omitted by the Reverend Doctor Warburton; with the Comedy of, The Three Hours after Marriage, and a Key to the Letters: To which is added (not in the London Edition) A Key to the Three Hours after Marriage; and and a Letter giving an account of the Origin of the Quarrel between Cibber, Pope and Gay. Price bound 2s. 8d. half. Cover'd in blue Paper 2s 2d.
- A Sermon Preached before the Society Corresponding with the Incorporated Society in Dublin, for promoting English Protestant Working Schools, in Ireland. By Thomas Seckor, late Bishop of Oxford, now Archbishop of Canterbury. Price 3d.
- The Justice of the Supreme Being. A Poem; which obtained Mr. Seaton's Premium, at the University of Oxford, neatly printed in Quarto. Price 6d. half.
- Pope's Essay on Man. Price 6d. half.