Stripp'd of her pride, the vessel rolls, Now what avails it to be brave, The faithless flood forsook her keel, Stunn'd she forgot awhile to reel, And felt almost, or seem'd to feel, Thus in the jaws of death we lay, Nor light, nor comfort found us there, The nearer shore, the more despair, And strive to shun the strand. At length, the Being whose behest ODE VI. ON THE DUKE OF YORK's SECOND DEPARTURE FROM ENGLAND AS REAR ADMIRAL. Written aboard the Royal George. BY WILLIAM FALCONer. AGAIN the royal streamers play! To glory Edward hastes away; Adieu, ye happy silvan bowers, Where Pleasure's sprightly throng await! Ye domes, where regal Grandeur towers In purple ornaments of state! Ye scenes where Virtue's sacred strain Bids the tragic Muse complain! Where Satire treads the comic stage, To scourge and mend a venal age. Where Music pours the soft, melodious lay, And melting Symphonies congenial play! Ye silken Sons of Ease, who dwell In flowery vales of Peace, farewell! In vain the Goddess of the myrtle grove Her charms ineffable displays; In vain she calls to happier realms of Love, And ever-vernal pleasures grow His throbbing bosom beats to arms, To war the Hero moves, through storms and wintry seas. CHORUS. The gentle sports of youth no more For War and Fame alone can please, To War the Hero moves, through storms and wintry seas. Though Danger's hostile train appears His country calls; to guard her laws, Th' avenging naval sword he draws, And o'er the waves conducts her martial lines: Hark! his sprightly clarions play, CHORUS. Hark! his sprightly clarions play, Thus Alcmena's warlike Son The thorny course of Virtue run, When, taught by her unerring voice, He made the glorious choice: Severe, indeed, th' attempt he knew, Youth's genial ardors to subdue: For Pleasure Venus' lovely form assum'd; Her glowing charms divinely bright, In all the pride of Beauty bloom'd, And struck his ravish'd sight. Transfix'd, amaz'd, Alcides gaz'd: Inchanting grace Adorn'd her face, And all his changing looks confest Vol. XVI. |