THE INSTITUTION OF THE ORDER OF THE GARTER. A Dramatic POEM.

THE INSTITUTION OF THE ORDER OF THE GARTER . A Dramatic POEM . By the Same . — Lectos ex omnibus Oris Evehis ; & meritum , non quae cunabula quaeris , Et qualis , non unde satus : sub teste benigno Vivitur ; egregios invitant praemia mores . CLAUD . HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE .

Dramatis Personae . EDWARD the Third , King of England , &c. PHILIPPA , Queen of England , &c. EDWARD , Prince of Wales . JOHN , The order of the GARTER was instituted on St. George's day the 23d of April 1350. King John came into England in 1357. I have taken the advantage of the licence usually allowed to poets , of departing a little from chronology ; and have postponed for a few years the insti tution of this order , for the sake of rendering that so lemnity more august , by introducing king John of France , who , though a prisoner , was treated both by Edward and his son the prince of Wales with all the regard due to the quality and virtue of so great a prince . To alleviate his captivity , Edward entertained him and the other French prisoners with diversions of various kinds : among which a tournament he held at Windsor on the 23d of April , to solemnize the feast of St. George , the patron of the order of the GARTER , held the chief place ; and was , as Rapin tells us , the most sumptuous and magnificent that had ever been seen in England . The duke of Brabant , with several other sovereign princes , and an infinite num ber of knights of all nations there present , and splendid ly entertained . King of France , &c. SPIRITS . Genius of England . Bards . Druids . Heralds , Attendants , &c. SCENE , Windsor Park , with a Prospect of the Castle .

THE INSTITUTION OF THE Order of the GARTER . SCENE , WINDSOR PARK . Flourish of aërial musick at a distance , after which the following verses are sung in the air by SPIRITS , while the GENIUS of England descends . First SPIRIT . HITHER , all ye heav'nly pow'rs , From your empyreal bow'rs ; From the fields for ever gay , From the star-pav'd milky way , From the moon's relucent horn , From the star that wakes the morn ; From the bow , whose mingling dyes Sweetly cheer the frowning skies ; From the silver cloud that sails Shadowy o'er the darken'd vales ; From th' Elysiums of the sky , Spirits immortal , hither fly ! CHORUS of SPIRITS . Fly , and through the limpid air Guard in pomp the sliding car , Which to his terrestrial throne Wafts Britannia's Genius down . Second SPIRIT . Hither , all ye heav'nly pow'rs ! From your empyreal bow'rs ! Chiefly ye , whose brows divine Crown'd with starry circlets shine ; Who in various labours try'd , Once Britannia's strength and pride , Now in everlasting rest Share the glories of the blest ! Peers and nobles of the sky , Spirits immortal , hither fly ! CHORUS of SPIRITS . Fly , and through the limpid air Guard in pomp the sliding car , Which to his terrestrial throne Wafts Britannia's Genius down . Third SPIRIT . Hither too , ye tuneful throng , Masters of enchanting song , Sacred bards ! whose rapt'rous strains Sooth the toiling hero's pains , Sooth the patriot's gen'rous cares ; Sweetly thro' their ravish'd ears Whisp'ring to th' immortal mind Heav'nly visions , hopes refin'd ; Hopes of endless peace and fame , Safe from envy's blasting flame , Pure , sincere , in those abodes , Where to throngs of list'ning gods , Hymning bards , to virtue's praise , Tune their never-dying lays . Sweet encomiasts of the sky , Spirits immortal , hither fly ! CHORUS of SPIRITS . Fly , and charm the limpid air , While the softly-sliding car , To his sea-encircled throne Wafts Britannia's Genius down . Chorus of BARDS descends , dress'd in long flowing sky-colour'd robes spangled with stars , with garlands of oaken bought upon their heads , and golden harps in their hands , made like the Welch , or old British harp . Before they appear , they sing the chorus , and afterwards , as they descend , the following songs ; at the last stanza of which , the cha riot of the GENIUS appears , and descends gradually all the while that and the grand chorus is singing . CHORUS of BARDS . Gentle Spirit , we obey ; Thus along th' aetherial way , We attend our monarch's car ; Thus we charm the silent air . SONG . First BARD . Ye southern gales , that ever fly In frolic April's vernal train , Who , as ye skim along the sky , Dip your light pinions in the main , Then shake them fraught with genial show'rs , O'er blooming Flora's primrose bow'rs : 2. Now cease awhile your wanton sport , Now drive each threat'ning cloud away ; Then to the flow'ry vale resort , And hither all its sweets convey ; And ever as ye dance along , With soft murmurs aid our song . SONG II . Second BARD . But lo ! fair Windsor's tow'rs appear , And hills with spreading oaks imbrown'd ! Hark ! hark ! the voice of joy I hear , Sung by a thousand echoes round ; And now I view a glitt'ring train , In triumph march o'er yonder plain . Grand CHORUS of SPIRITS and BARDS . Hail mighty nation ! ever fam'd in war ! Lo ! heav'n descends thy festivals to share ; To view those heroes , whose immortal praise Celestial bards shall sing in living lays . At the conclusion of this chorus , the GENIUS alights from his chariot , the front of which resembling the head of a man of war , is adorned with a carved lion , holding be fore his breast the arms of England , as they were borne by Edward . Behind , on a rais'd seat , sits the GENIUS , leaning upon an anchor of silver , and bearing in his right hand the vindicta , or wand of enfranchisement , and in his left a roll of parchment , upon which is written , in large letters of gold , MAGNA CHARTA . On his head is a co rona rostrata , or naval crown ; and his robe , of a sea-green colour , is embroidered with cornucopia's and golden tridents . GENIUS . Disdain not , ye blest denizens of air , To breathe this grosser atmosphere awhile , Your service I shall need ; mean time resort To yon imperial palace , and in air Draw up your squadrons in a radiant orb , Suspended o'er those lofty battlements , Like the bright halo that invests the moon , Or Saturn's lucid ring : thence shed benign Your choicest influence on the noble train , There on this solemn day assembled round The throne of British Edward : I awhile Must here await th' approach of other spirits , Sage Druids , Britain's old philosophers ; Fetch'd by my summons from the western isles , That , scatter'd o'er the rough Hibernian flood , Seem like huge fragments by the wild wave torn From stormy Scotland , and the Cambrian shore . There , from the world retir'd in secret shades , Chiefly where Breint and Meinai wash'd the oaks Of ancient Mona , their academies And schools of sage and moral discipline They held ; and to the neighb'ring Britons round , From their rever'd tribunals , holy mounts , Dispens'd at once their oracles and laws . 'Till fierce Paulinus , and his Roman bands , Them and their gods defying , drove them thence To seek for shelter in Hibernian shades . Yet still enamour'd of their ancient haunts , Unseen of mortal eyes , they hover round Their ruin'd altars , consecrated hills Once girt with spreading oaks , mysterious rows Of rude enormous obelisks , that rise Orb within orb , stupendous monuments Of artless architecture , such as now Oft times amaze the wand'ring traveller , By the pale moon discern'd on Sarum's plain . But hence , aërial spirits : lo , they come ! Here the SPIRITS and BARDS , together with the chariot of the GENIUS , reascend , and at the same time the DRUIDS enter , cloath'd in dark-colour'd coarse stuff gowns which before hang no lower than the knee , but behind almost touch the ground . The sleeves of these gowns reach down below the elbow , and from behind comes up a sort of hood or cowle , which hangs loose about the head and forehead . From the left shoulder hangs in a string a kind of pouch , or scrip , and rests on the right hip . In their right hand they hold a staff , and in their left an oaken branch . Their beards are very large and long , reaching below their waists . Their legs are naked , and their feet shod with sandals , which are fastened by thongs wound about the foot and the small of the leg . See a cut of the chief Druid in Rowland's Mona An tiqua restaurata , taken from a statue , p. 65. Enter DRUIDS . Chief DRUID . Inform us , happy spirit , protecting pow'r Of this our ancient country , wherefore now From our sequester'd vallies , pensive groves And dark recesses , thou hast summon'd us To wait thy orders on this flow'ry hill ? GENIUS . A great event , sage Druids , that no less Imports than this your ancient country's fame , From contemplation , and your silent shades , Calls you to meet me on this flow'ry hill . Know , in yon castle , whose proud battlements Sit like a regal crown upon the brow Of high-climbing lawn , doth Edward hold This day his solemn session to receive The pleas of all th' aspiring candidates , Who , summon'd by the Edward having communicated his intention of instituting the order of the GARTER to the great council of his realm , and having receiv'd their approbation , dispatch'd his he ralds to severals parts of Europe , to invite all that were eminent for military virtue , &c. to be present at its institu tion . And his queen Philippa , on her part , assembled a train of 300 of the fairest ladies to grace the solemnity , and add to its magnificence . herald's publick voice , To Windsor , as to Fame's bright temple , haste From ev'ry shore ; the noble , wise , and brave , Knights , senators , and statesmen , lords and kings ; Ambitious each to gain the splendid prize , By Edward promis'd to transcendent worth . For who of mortals is too great and high In the career of virtue to contend ? Of these selecting the most glorious names , Doth England's monarch purpose to compose A princely brotherhood , himself the chief , And worthy sov'reign of th' illustrious band ; A band of heroes , listed in the cause Of honour , virtue , and celestial truth , Under the name and holy patronage Of Cappadocian GEORGE , Britannia's saint . Such is the plan by gen'rous Edward form'd ; A plan of glory , that beyond the reach Of his own conquering arms , shall propagate The sov'reignty of Britain , and erect Her monarchs into judges of mankind . But from this day's decisions , from the choice Of his first collegues , shall succeeding times Of Edward judge , and on his fame pronounce . For dignities and titles , when misplac'd Upon the vicious , the corrupt and vile , Like princely virgins to low peasants match'd , Descend from their nobility , and soil'd By base alliance , not their pride alone And native splendor lose , but shame retort Ev'n on the sacred throne , from whence they sprung . So may the lustre of this order bright , This eldest child of chivalry be stain'd , If at her first espousals , her great sire , Caught by the specious outsides , that deceive And captivate the world , admit the suit Of vain pretenders void of real worth ; Light empty bubbles , by the wanton gale Of fortune swell'd , and only form'd to dance And glitter in the sun-shine of a court . Begin we then with Edward ; first let him At his own high tribunal undergo The rigid inquisition — I for this Have left my lucid star-encircled throne : For this , immortal sages have requir'd Your wise and prudent ministry , well skill'd In various science and the human heart . Search Edward's to the bottom : sound the depths And shallows of his soul ; if he possess That first of regal talents , to discern With quick-ey'd penetration , thro' the veil Of art , each character's intrinsick worth , And all the labyrinths of the human mind . Nor blush for this good end yourselves to wear Fallacious forms to plead the cause of false But specious merit ; at his throne appear In borrow'd shapes , and there with artful guile , When the shrill trumpet cites the candidates , Urge your pretensions : all the pow'r employ Of wit and eloquence : Edward , I trust , The trial shall abide ; which shall but tend To manifest , that not from arrogance , But conscious virtue , hath he thus assum'd Above all other kings , to be the judge And great rewarder of heroic deeds . Nor wholly unassisted will I leave My royal charge , but with blest influence clear His intellectual eye from the dim mists It haply hath contracted from a long Unebbing current of felicity , Unhop'd , unequall'd triumphs , from the view Of captive monarchs , and the glitt'ring throng , Who at his summons from all climates come , To take , as from their sov'reign , honours new . When heav'n tries mortals in unusual ways , 'Tis fit it should afford unusual aid . Now , sages , to yon spreading oaks retire There wait my summons ; and mean time advise How best to execute the task enjoin'd . Ex. Gen. and Druids . The SCENE changes to a large room in the castle ( St. George's Hall ) at the upper end of which is a royal canopy with the figure of St George , and the motto of the Garter , HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE , beneath it embroider'd in gold . Under this canopy appears seated on an elevation of two or three steps , king Edward , in the habit of the order of the Garter , with a sceptre in his right hand , and a globe in his left . On his left hand is seated queen Philippa , with a crown upon her head , and dress'd in a royal mantle of crimson velvet , powder'd with embroider'd garters , and an enamel'd That the ladies of the knights of the Garter wore this ensign of the order upon their left arms , may be seen in Ashmole's History of the Garter . garter bound like a bracelet upon her left arm . By her stand a great number of ladies very richly dress'd . On Edward's right hand is seated king John , in the imperial robes of France ; and on the same side , but a step lower , sits Edward the Black Prince , in the robes belonging to the Prince of Wales . Next to queen Philippa are seated the rest of Edward's children ; and next to the Black Prince , on the other side , stand the French prisoners , and a great num ber of lords , &c. richly dress'd . On the floor , at some distance , stands Garter king at arms in the habit of his office , holding in his hand a Garter , with the grand collar of the order . Near him stand other heralds , ushers , attendants , &c. Flourish of trumpets , kettle-drums , &c. After which Ed ward rising up from his throne , addresses himself to the assembly . EDWARD . That hither from your distant residence , By solemn invitation , noble guests , I have entreated your illustrious train , Misconstrue not to levity and pride , Or ostentatious vain magnificence , Unworthy the grave majesty of kings , Unworthy your atention , my renown . This bright assemblage of the wise , the brave , The noble , the magnificent , the fair , The ornaments of Europe , have I sought To grace the pomp of Virtue , to adorn With noblest off'rings her unspotted shrine , Attracting thus to her divine commands The aweful veneration of mankind . This was the cause , great princes , this the call , The voice of Virtue , not of England's king , That with respectful zeal ye hear'd and follow'd : From Burgundy's rich vineyards , from the meads Of Hainault and Brabant , the rocky wave Of Danube , from Germania's warlike tow'rs , Imperial mother of an hundred states ; From Spain , long exercis'd by Moorish arms , From Italy's fair princedoms , and the walls Of sea-wash'd Venice , Adria's haughty spouse . With me then , all ye virtuous , by what stile Recorded in the registers of fame , Knights , senators , or soldiers , ermin'd lords , Or scepter'd princes ; from whatever clime Ye come , ennobled by heroic acts , With me unite the splendor of your names To dignify th' erection of a new And noble order , which to heav'n's high praise , And to heav'n's champion Cappadocian GEORGE , On this his holy festival I mean To found a recompence for worthiest deeds . Thus as the orient sun , ador'd of old By prostrate Persia , ow'd his deity Less to that genial and benignant heat That cherishes and warms the seeds of life , Than to those gorgeous beams , that deck with gold And crimson the gay portals of the morn ; So shall this rising order owe its fame And brightest lustre to the splendid train Of lords and purpled princes , who are met This day to usher and adorn its birth . Nor deem that to allure heroic minds , My private int'rests partially to serve , To lift the valiant in ambition's cause , And form a league of conquest , I have laid In subtle policy this great design : ASHAM'D BE HE WHO WITH MALIGNANT EYE SO READS MY PURPOSE : and be he accurs'd Whoe'er in after-times shall so pervert This sacred institution . To the world I here consign it , to the good and great Of every age and clime , and them alone . Edward being engaged in a war with France , for the obtaining that crown , in order to draw into England great multitudes of foreigners , with whom he might negotiate either for their personal service , or aids of troops to assist him in that undertaking , ordered , during the truce that then subsisted between the two crowns , publication to be made of a great tournament , to be held at Windsor ; an expedient , says Rapin , which could not fail of success , be cause it was entirely agreeable to the taste of that age . Ac cordingly many persons of distinction came over , to all of whom he gave an honourable reception , caressing them in such a manner that they could never sufficiently admire his polite ness , magnificence , and liberality . To render these entertain ments the more solemn , and to free himself also from the ce remonies , to which the difference of rank and condition would have subjected him , he caused a circular hall of boards to be run up at Windsor , 200 feet in diameter . There it was that he feasted all the knights at one table , which was called the Round Table , in memory of the great Arthur , who , as it is pretended , instituted an order of knighthood by that name . Next year he caused a more solid building to be erected , that he might continue yearly the same diver sions . During that time he treated with these several lords about the aids , wherewith each could furnish him , in proportion to his forces . His rival king Philip could not see without jealousy , Spaniards , Italians , Germans , Fle mings , and Frenchmen themselves flock to England to assist at these tournaments . He suspected some hidden design in these ntertainments , and to break Edward's measures , caused the like to be published in his dominions ; which meeting with success , proved a countermine to Edward's main design , so that he did not long continue to keep up his round table . From thence , however , it is generally agreed , he took the first hint of instituting the order of the Garter . But as his purpose in erecting this order was very different from that which had induced him to revive Arthur's round table , as he had in this no private views , no ambitious scheme of engaging such as should be admitted into this fraternity to assist him in his wars , he thought proper , in order to obviate the like jealousies and suspicion as had alarmed king Philip , to signify by his motto the purity of his intentions , and to retort shame upon all those who should put any malignant construction upon his design in instituting this order . This therefore I take to be the true meaning and import of the famous motto , HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE . The not understanding the purport of which , gave rise , in all probability , to that vulgar story of the countess of Salisbu ry's garter , rejected by all the best writers . Now sound the trumpet ; bid the candidates With confidence appear , and urge their claims . Flourish of trumpets , &c. which is answered by another trumpet from without ; then enter a grandee of Spain , magnificently attir'd in the Spanish habit , holding in his hand the pedigree of his family , and preceded by heralds , &c. bearing atchievements , banners , coats of armour , helmets , gauntlets , spurs , &c. SPANIARD . Illustrious monarch ! emp'ror of the isles ! My name is Guzman — from those heroes sprung , Who with Pelagio 'mid th' Asturian rocks Against th' invasion of unnumber'd Moors , Maintain'd the same and empire of the Goths , And founded at Oviedo once again The Spanish monarchy and cath'lick faith , Transporting from the mountain's dreary womb To glitt'ring temples her most holy altars . Thence on the bordering Moor their valiant sons Waging incessant war , ere long regain'd Their ancient realms of Leon , Arragon , And rich Castilia : in which great exploits My brave progenitors , by valour , zeal , And loyalty distinguish'd , from their kings Gain'd those high honours , princely signories , And proud prerogatives , which have extoll'd The name of Guzman to such envy'd grandeur , That scarce above it towers the regal throne . These honours undiminish'd , undefil'd , To me deliver'd down , might well content A vulgar mind ; but spirits highly born Are full of gen'rous and aspiring thoughts ; And use the vantage ground of rank and pow'r But to ascend still higher . Thus I come Thy GARTER to sollicit ; pleas'd , great prince , With thee to be enroll'd thy brother knight , And fearing no repulse . Nobility , As nearest in her orbit , first receives The beams of majesty ; alone can bear The fulness of that glory , which o'erpow'rs Inferior natures . Virtue's self would blush , Did she at once approach too near the throne . But the young eagle borne amid the blaze Of glancing lightnings , with undazzled eye Soars to the courts of heav'n , and perches bold On the bright sceptre of imperial Jove . The greatest king is he , who is the king Of greatest subjects . Seek'st thou to advance The glory of thy order ? To thy self Associate those , whose high-exalted names For ages past from Envy's self have forc'd Habitual veneration , never paid To new and upstart merit . Such am I , Whose pure and gen'rous blood descending down From noblest fountains , in its course enrich'd By glorious mixtures with each royal stream That fair Iberia boasts , might ev'n pretend To thy alliance , Edward . View this scroll , The faithful blazon of my ancient line , A line of potentates , whose ev'ry son Deserv'd to wear the GARTER I demand . In me their representative , the heir , Of all their honours , son of their renown , Do thou reward their virtues : in their names I claim , and on hereditary right , The right of monarchs , Edward , rest my plea . EDWARD . The high desert of thy renown'd forefathers Well hast thou shewn ; but hast thou therefore prov'd Thy self deserving to be call'd their son ? To thee their prosp'rous virtues have indeed Transmitted lineal rank , and titles proud , By them more hardly gain'd ; for which thou stand'st To custom and th' indulgence of thy country Indebted , Guzman , in a large account ; Which thou must first discharge by noble deeds , Ere thou canst stile those dignities thine own . This if thou hast not paid , why dost thou seek , Like thriftless prodigals , to swell the debt , And overwhelm thy self with obligations ? Virtue is honour , and the noblest titles Are but the public stamps set on the ore To ascertain its value to mankind . It were a kind of treason to my crown , To mark base metal with the royal impress , And put off lazy pride in virtue's name . Wou'dst thou attain my GARTER ? Seek it there Where thy heroic ancestors acquir'd Their glorious honours , in th' embattled field Among the squadrons of the warlike Moors : Or in the council of thy king , by truth And wisdom equal to th' important trust . Be what thy fathers were , and then return To ask the pledge of merit from my hand , And be the fit companion of a king . Exit Spaniard . Flourish of trumpets , &c. which , as before , is answered by another trumpet from without ; then enter an usurer and senator of Genoa ( at that time the bank of Europe ) dress'd in his senatorial gown of black velvet , profusely , but aukwardly adorn'd with jewels , pearls and diamond necklaces , pendents , bracelets , rings , such as he may be supposed to have received as pawns , and to wear rather as marks of his great riches , than as ornaments of his dress . He is attended by a large train of people of every profession , appearing to be his debtors , by their abject and timid countenances , at the head of whom , and next to the usurer , marches a scrivener , bearing a large bundle of bonds , mortgages , &c. GENOESE . From Genoa the opulent , the bank And treasury of the world , most puissant king , Invited by thy heralds , am I come To claim the honour by thy promise due , Due by thy justice to superior worth ; Due then to me , great Edward , who possess That object of the toils , the cares , the vows Of all mankind , that comprehensive good , Source of all pow'r and grandeur , boundless wealth . Behold yon glitt'ring train , whose sumptuous pride , Bright with the treasures of each precious mine , Invests with glory thy imperial throne : Whence is their dignity ? The ray august , That awes and dazzles the respectful crowd , Proceeds it from nobility , from virtue , Their wisdom , or their valour , or their fame ? Comes it not rather from the beaming ore ? The diamond's star-like radiance ? Wealth , O king , Wealth is the sun that decks the gorgeous scene ; That cherishes , adorns , and calls to view These princely flowers of honour , virtue , fame , Which in the shades of poverty were lost . Whatever men desire or venerate , On wealth attends ; ev'n empire's self is bought . Nor cou'd the mighty Julius have attain'd By wisdom or by valour sov'reign pow'r , Had not the gold of vanquish'd Gaul subdu'd The liberties of Rome . On wretched want , Contempt and narrow-soul'd dependence wait . Ev'n kings , of necessary wealth depriv'd , In powerless indigence lose all respect , All homage from their subjects : while the rich , Like gods ador'd , o'er ev'ry neck extend Their potent sceptres , and in golden chains Fierce Faction and rebellious Freedom bind . The glory , strength , importance of a realm Is measur'd by its riches : Venice thus , Thus Genoa's petty state out-balances , In Europe's scale , the boundless wilds that cloath With tributary furs the Russian Czar . With like pre-eminence exalted shines In ev'ry land above the proudest names , The blest possessor of all-worship'd gold . My birth or rank I boast not here , though born A senator of Genoa . The desert , On which I found my claim , is all my own ; To have adorn'd and dignify'd the state Of my declining house with greater wealth Than e'er my thriftless ancestors possess'd ; Whose richest acquisitions were but sprigs Of barren laurel , or the flaunting rags Of some torn ensign , to their needy son A worthless heritage . Yet not to swell My narrow fortunes wou'd my soul descend To the base methods of ignoble trade , And vulgar mercantile pursuit of gain . Mine were the noble arts of raising gold From gold , of nursing and improving wealth By gainful use ; arts practis'd heretofore By senators and sages of old Rome , Illustrious Crassus , and wise Seneca . Thus have I grac'd the splendor of my name With suitable possessions ; thus I hold In firm subjection to my will the poor Of ev'ry rank and order , soldier , priest , The vent'rous merchant , and the sumptuous lord , Who in a lower vassalage to me , Than to thy sceptre , Edward , bow their heads , Pledging their lands and liberties for gold . Hence am I bold to stand before thy throne A candidate for glory's highest prize : And let me add , that policy alone Shou'd teach thy prudence to approve my claim ; Shou'd teach thee in thy subjects to excite , By honours on superior wealth bestow'd , An useful emulation to be rich : Which once inspir'd , thy Albion shall become The first of nations , thou the first of kings . EDWARD . Hadst thou by op'ning to thy native land The golden veins of commerce , by employing The useful hands of industry in works Of national advantage , by uniting Remotest regions in the friendly bands And honest intercourse of mutual trade ; Hadst thou by these humane and generous arts , Which thy mistaken pride so much disdains , Enrich'd at once thy country and thy self , Then not unworthy hadst thou been to wear The brightest marks of honour ; but thy wealth , The base-born child of sordid usury , That foe to commerce , nurse of idleness , Stains and degrades thee from thy noble birth ; Nor in the usurer can I discern The senator of Genoa . — To enlarge The mind with gen'rous sentiments , to raise Its aims by virtuous emulation , here I sit ; but not to gild with honour's beams That selfish passion which congeals the heart , And stops the streams of sweet benevolence , Mean avarice , the vice of narrowest souls , Incapable of glory . — Wealth , thou say'st , Can buy ev'n empire , and to Julius gave Dominion o'er his country — Fatal gift , And ruinous to both ! But what to Rome , What to that Caesar's successors avail'd The boundless treasures of the ravag'd world , When they had lost their virtue ? Did not soon The valiant sons of poverty , the Goths , The Huns and Vandals , from their barren hills And rugged woods descending , to their steel Subject the Roman gold ? Yet I deny not The pow'r and use of riches : to the wise And good , in publick or in private life , They are the means of virtue , and best serve The noblest purposes ; but in the use , Not in the bare possession , lies the merit . Shew me thy merit then , thy bounteous acts , Publick munificence , or private alms , The hungry and the naked , and the sick , Sustain'd and cherish'd by thy saving hand ; Plead this , and I allow thy worthy claim , For this is virtue , and deserves reward . Ex. Gen. Flourish of trumpets , &c. which is answered by a sym phony of flutes , violins , &c. playing a light amorous air ; then appears a Neapolitan courtier , a favourite of queen Joan , who then reign'd at Naples , and whose court was the most debauch'd and dissolute of that age . He comes in with a gay and affected gesture , and is dress'd in loose silken robes , rich , but finical and essemi nate ; on his hair , which is curl'd and spread all over his shoulders down to the middle of his back , he wears a chaplet of roses , and is attended by a train of beautiful boys , habited like Cupids , and musicians , who , as he marches towards the throne , continue playing their soft and wanton airs . NEAPOLITAN . Not on my wealth , nor on my noble blood , Shall I presume to claim thy royal gift , Auspicious prince , but on the skill to give That splendor to nobility and wealth , That elegance of taste , from which alone Their value they derive ; of this to judge , This to direct , I boast , fit arbiter Of all refin'd delights . — But chief to kings My happy talents I devote ; on them My genius waits with duteous care , and wafts The golden cup of pleasure to their lips , Like Ganymede before the throne of Jove . And who indeed would wish to be a god Only to thunder , and to hear the pray'rs Of clam'rous suitors ? 'Tis the nectar'd feast , The dance of Graces , and the wanton charms Of Venus , sporting with the Smiles and Loves , That make the court of heav'n a blest abode . Far happier were the meanest peasant's lot Who sleeps or sings in careless ease beneath The sun-burnt hay-cock , or the flow'ry thorn , Than to be plac'd on high in anxious pride , The purple drudge and slave of tiresome state , If to superior pow'r superior means Of joy were not annex'd , and larger scope For ev'ry wish the lavish heart can form : If the soft hand of pleasure did not wreathe Around the royal diadem , whose weight Oppressive loads the monarch's aching brow , Her fairest growth of ever-blooming flow'rs . On thee , victorious prince , propitious Fortune Hath pour'd her richest gifts , renown and wealth , And greatness equal to thy mighty mind ; One only bliss is wanting to thy court , Voluptuous elegance , the lovely child Of ease and opulence ; that never comes , But like a bird of summer to attend The brightest sun-shine of a glorious state . To her , and her alone belongs the task , By learned delicacy to remove What yet remains in this thy ancient realm Of Gothick barbarism , the rust of war , And valiant ignorance . — Her artful hand Thy rugged Britons shall refine , and teach More courtly manners , to their sov'reign's will Politely pliant : do but thou command Thy willing servant , with thy favours grac'd , From fair Joanna's ever-smiling court , Under whose happy influence I was train'd , From polish'd Naples , her delightful seat , The blooming goddess to transport , with all Her train of joys , and fix them here beneath Thy great protection . — But perhaps thou fear'st The voice of censure , and the grave reproof Of moralizing dullness : idle fear ! The vulgar herd , indeed , religious craft And policy of state have well confin'd With wise severity to rigid laws : Else would that headstrong beast the multitude Forget obedience , and its rider's voice Disdain . But shall the rider put a curb In his own mouth ? The laws that kings have made Shall they restrain the makers ? Edward , no ! For thee indulgent justice shall relax Her harsh decrees , and piety shall wait To give her rev'rend sanction to thy will . 'Tis thine to rove at large thro' nature's field , Crop ev'ry flow'r , and taste of ev'ry fruit ; By sweet variety provoking still The languid appetite to new desires . Nor useless to thy pleasures , happy prince , Shall be my faithful service ; nicer joys , Joys of a quicker , more exalted taste , Than ever ripen'd in this northern clime , The growth of softer regions , shall my hand By skilful culture in thy Britain raise . To them , whose gross and dull capacities Are fit to bear the burthens of the state , The lab'ring mules , that thro' the mire of forms Draw the slow car of government along , Gladly the task of bus'ness I resign . Be mine the brighter province , to direct Thy pleasures , Edward , minister supreme Of all thy softer hours : to serve the king Be theirs the glory , let me serve the man . But shou'd thy sterner Genius , only pleas'd With arms and royalty's important cares , The duties of a king , my gentle arts Too lightly prize , and thence reject my suit : Permit at least , that to Philippa's ear , Divine Philippa , thine and beauty's queen , And her attendant graces , I may plead The cause of bliss , a cause so much their own : They will approve my claim , to whom the cares , The labours of my life , my head , my heart Are all devoted — Let me from their hands Receive the GARTER , and be call'd their knight . PHILIPPA . Permit me , gracious Edward , to reply To this irreverent flatt'rer , who presumes Before a matron and a queen to plead The cause of vice , and impudently hopes To find in her a fautress of his suit . But know , pernicious sophister , my heart Hath learn'd from Edward's love , and this high rank Which I partake with him , a noble pride , That ill can brook the too familiar eye And saucy tongue of riot and debauch ; In whose unmanner'd light society , Nor majesty , nor virtue can maintain That dignity , which is their proper guard . Thy vile refinements , and luxurious arts , Miscall'd politeness , I detest ; and feel , In the soft duties of a virtuous love , Such pure , serene delight , as far transcends What thou styl'st pleasure , the delirious joy Of an intoxicated feverish brain . Behold my royal lord , the first and best Of kings , the love and wonder of mankind ! Behold my children , worthy their great sire , The gen'ral theme of praise and benediction ! These are my pleasures ; can thy skill bestow Superior bliss ? Ah no , the vain attempt . Wou'd only bring disgust , remorse , and shame . EDWARD . That I have lov'd , Philippa , and esteem'd thee More for thy virtues than those female charms , Which this vile flatterer deems singly worth His panegyrick , be thy happiness And glory , as it is thy Edward's pride . With the like spirit have I also woo'd And wedded sov'reign power ; nor weakly caught With outward pomp , or seeking to myself A privilege to riot uncontroul'd In sensual pleasures , and behind the throne To laugh securely at restraint and law . No : I embrac'd her as the child of heav'n , Dowr'd with the ample means of doing good ; From whose espousals I might hope to raise An offspring , worth th' ambition of a king , Immortal glory ; to a gen'rous mind As far surpassing all the wanton toys , Which he calls pleasure , as thy faithful love ( The sweet o'erflowing of heart-felt delight ) Excels , Philippa , the lascivious smile Of common prostitutes , caress'd and loath'd . Hence from my sight with thy detested arts , Base minister of luxury , the bane Of ev'ry flourishing and happy state : Presume no more within my court to sing Thy Syren-song , nor soften into slaves And cowards my brave subjects . — I disdain That elegance , which such as thou can teach . Virtue alone is elegant , alone Polite ; vice must be sordid and deform'd , Tho' to adorn her ev'ry art contend . And rather wou'd I see my Britons roam Untutor'd savages , among the woods , As once they did , in naked innocence , Than polish'd like the vile degenerate race Of modern Italy's corrupted sons . Exit Neap . Trumpet sounds , and is answer'd from without by another trumpet , which sounds a march , accompanied by kettle- drums , and other warlike instruments : Then enters , pre ceded by soldiers playing upon fifes , and others bearing tatter'd ensigns , standards and trophies , a leader of mer cenary bands , compleatly arm'd from head to foot , and carrying in his right hand a baton or truncheon . On each side of him march his 'squires , one bearing his lance , the other his shield . Behind him , as his attendants , comes a train of officers and soldiers maimed , and their faces all seam'd with scars . SOLDIER . Nor riches , nor nobility of birth , Nor the soft arts of base effem'nate ease , Which justly thou rejectest , valiant prince , But thy own darling attribute I boast , Undaunted courage , try'd in many a field , In ev'ry clime , and under ev'ry banner , That for these forty summers have been wav'd O'er Europe's plains , by Ister , Rhine , and Po , Hungarian and Bohemian , Flemish , French , Venetian , Spanish , Guelph and Gibbeline : Whence in just confidence secure I come This military honour to demand , Due to my toils and service , to my wounds , My laurels , and that generous love of glory , Which without any call , or publick cause , Or private animosity , alone Rais'd my strong arm , and drew my dreadful sword . Wherever Mars his crimson flag display'd , That was my country , thither swift I bore My ready valour , and the dauntless band Of various nations , under my command , Prepar'd to sell their blood , their limbs , their lives : Nor where the right , nor where the justest cause , Deign'd we to ask — those intricate debates We left to lazy penmen in the shade Of coward ease ; while our impetuous fire Still bore us forward , ardent to pursue Thro' danger's roughest paths the steps to fame . On such a spirit should thy favour smile . But let me wonder , Edward , that so long Thy ear the vain pretensions cou'd endure Of men unknown to war , attendants meet Of some luxurious Asiatic court , Or female distaff-reign ; but suiting ill The presence of a monarch great in arms . Hadst thou to those inglorious sons of peace Thy martial order giv'n , the warrior-saint Had blush'd to see his image so profan'd , Which on my manly breast , indented o'er With many a noble scar , will fitly shine . But wherefore stand I thus haranguing here , Unskilful as I am in smooth discourse , The coward's argument ? On force alone I rest my title : let the glorious prize Be hung on high amid the listed field , And let me there dispute it ; there my lance Shall plead my cause far better than my tongue , If any dare deny my rightful claim . EDWARD . Not for the brave alone have I ordain'd This institution , but for all desert , All publick virtue , wisdom , all that serves , Improves , defends , or dignifies a state : Tho' first indeed to valour , as the guard Of all the rest , when in the publick cause , With justice and benevolence employ'd . But thou , base mercenary , canst thou dare The glorious name of valour to usurp , Who know'st no publick cause , no sense of right , Nor pity , nor affection , nor remorse ? Who under any chief , in any quarrel , Canst stain with gore thy prostituted arms ? Call it not love of glory ; that is built On acts for the deliv'rance of mankind ; On gen'rous principles , and noble scorn Of sordid int'rest : call it cruel pride , And savageness of nature , that delights To conquer , and oppress , afflict , insult ; Or call it love of plunder , that can draw Unauthoris'd , uninjur'd , unprovok'd , The sword of war ; that bravo-like can lift For hire the venal hand to perpetrate Assassinations , murders , massacres . But thou hast serv'd with courage : be it so — Thou hast thy pay , and with it thy reward ; Pretend no farther , nor compare thy deeds , Dishonour'd by the mean desire of gain , With his , who for his country and his king Resigns his ease , his fortune , or his life . Those battles thou hast fought , those forty years Of blood and horror , which thy vaunting tongue So high hath sounded , are indeed thy crimes , Flagitious crimes ; for which th' impartial bar Of reason wou'd condemn thee , as the foe Of human nature , did not custom screen By her unjust esteem thy guilty head . But hope not honour or employment here . Unsafe and wretched is that monarch's state Who weakly trusts to mercenary bands , The guard or of his person , or his realm : Unfaithful , insolent , rapacious , base He soon shall prove them , and become himself Their slave , to hold his kingdom at their will . For this within my Britain have I sought To raise a martial spirit , and ordain'd These new incitements , honours , and rewards , To virtuous chivalry , that never king Who wears hereafter my imperial crown , May need to stoop to the precarious aid Of venal foreign swords ; but in the hearts Of his brave subjects find a stronger guard , Prepar'd with zeal unbought , and English valour , His rights to vindicate , and save their own . Exit Soldier . Trumpet sounds , to which another from without replies : Then enters an Italian politician , habited like a Venetian nobleman , who advancing with a solemn and important air towards the throne , makes a low reverence to king Edward , and proceeds . POLITICIAN . Well has thy sovereign wisdom , royal judge , The suit refus'd of these pretenders vain , And , by rejecting them , embolden'd me . For valour , and nobility , and wealth , Though by their proud possessors vaunted high , Are but subordinate , the slaves and tools , Not the companions , and the counsellors Of godlike monarchy ; whose aweful throne By darksome clouds envelop'd , far beyond The ken of vulgar eyes , supported stands On that deep-rooted prop , the craft of state , Mysterious policy . — Who best hath learn'd Her wily lessons , best deserves to share The honours , counsels , and the hearts of kings . By him instructed , ev'n the meanest prince Shall rise to envy'd greatness , shall advance His dreaded pow'r above restraint and fear , And all the rules that in fantastic chains Inferior minds confine . Thus Milan's dukes , Thus Padua's lords above their country's laws Have rais'd their heads , and trampled to the dust The pride of freedom , that essays in vain Their high superior genius to controul . These were my masters , mighty prince ; beneath Their rule , and in their councils was I form'd To know the false corrupted heart of man , His ev'ry weakness , ev'ry vice , and thence To tempt , or break his passions to the yoke : To scorn the publick as an empty name , And on the helpless multitude impose The adamantine bonds of fraud and force . Thus was I train'd , thus fitted to conduct The fate of proudest empires ; thus I come To claim thy GARTER , Edward , the just meed Of worth praeeminent , and in return My services to offer , which no doubt Thy wisdom gladly will accept : for who So fit to serve the majesty of kings , As he , who slighting ev'ry meaner tye , Friends , parents , country , to advance their pow'r Devotes his toil , experience , fortune , fame , Nor other favour courts , nor refuge hopes But in their high protection ? — Led by me , Thou , royal Edward , shalt attain that height , That glorious summit of imperial pow'r , Which not thy mighty ancestors have reach'd ; Where in a freer air , a more enlarg'd Horizon , bounded only by thy will , Thou shalt exalted sit , and view beneath , In humbler distances and safer bounds , Those subjects , who presumptuous now approach Too near , and with rude hands profane thy throne . Nor let weak scruples check thy manly soul In the bright task of glory ; know , great prince , A king's divinity is sov'reign pow'r , The only god , before whose shrine the wise Their incense offer , whence inspir'd , they draw Divine ambition , and heroic scorn Of vulgar prejudices , vulgar fears . Virtue's the people's idol , and by them Rewarded well with popular applause , That idle breath , the gift and prize of fools . 'Tis thine to govern , not to court mankind , Nor on their smiles precarious to depend , But nobly force them to depend on thine . O sacred sir , can virtue give thee this , This bright supremacy ? Trust not her boasts , Her idle pageanty of barren praise : Reject her saucy claims , importunate , And self-supported ; nor admit her train , Proud independency , and publick zeal , Those factious demagogues , the foes of kings . EDWARD . Are virtue then , and love of publick good , The foes of monarchy ? and are deceit , Injustice and oppression , qualities Becoming and expedient in a king ? Then know I not to govern ; but have nurs'd For twice these fifteen years ev'n in my heart , A pois'nous viper ; nay unking'd myself , By yielding to restrain my sov'reign pow'r With laws and charters of enfranchisement , Not due , it seems , from monarchs to their slaves . But know , vile counsellor of infamy , That I disdain thy politics , those false And shallow politics , by which my sire , Weak judging Edward , was betray'd to shame And foul destruction , while to such as thee His ear and heart incautious he resign'd , And was indeed their slave , not England's king . By maxims different far have I sustain'd The strength and splendor of my regal state , On the broad basis of true wisdom fix'd With solid firmness . By encouraging The gen'rous love of virtue and of fame , That source of valour , pledge of victory . By granting to my subjects , what indeed Is their inherent right , security , The cheerful father of content and peace , Of industry and opulence , which fills With smiling multitudes the land , and pays In willing subsidies that prince's care , Who lays up treasure in his people's hearts . By holding with a firm impartial hand The sleddy scale of justice ; not alone Betwixt my subjects in their private rights , But in the gen'ral , more important cause , Betwixt the crown and them , the diff'rent claims Of freedom and of just prerogative : Transgressing not myself by boundless pow'r , Nor suff'ring others to transgress those laws , That in their golden chain together bind , For common good , the whole united state . But more than all , by guarding from contempt , Or impious violation , that supreme Protrectress of all government and law , Religion ; in whose train for ever wait Obedience , order , justice , mercy , love , A guard of angels plac'd around the throne . Her sacred counsels have I still rever'd , Her high commands enforc'd , her pow'r implor'd , O'er all my subject nations to call down From heav'nly wisdom , her eternal fire , A fix'd secure felicity , beyond The force of human prudence to attain . These are my arts of government , those arts By which my British crown I have advanc'd Above th' imperial diadem , above The pride of Afric's , or of Asia's thrones . I wou'd not tell thee this , but that thou seem'st A stranger to my fame , as to my realm , And to the real greatness of a king : Whose sacred dignity , by thee traduc'd , Much it behoves a king to vindicate ; Not by rejecting only with disdain Thy arrogant pretensions , but in thee Dishonouring and branding with reproach Thy tenets also , the pernicious lore Of tyrants and usurpers , which thy tongue , Blaspheming justice , government , and law , Hath in a land of freedom dar'd to vent . Hence ! from my kingdom , with thy quickest speed , Lest the revenge of an insulted king With sudden ruin intercept thy flight . Exit Politician . King JOHN . Permit me , Edward , to thy royal voice To add my suffrage also , and with thee Protest against this coward policy , That meanly skulks behind opprobrious fraud , And low unprincely artifice ; I feel A virtue in my heart , a gen'rous pride , That tells me kings were cloath'd with majesty , Encircled with authority , rever'd And almost deify'd , to teach them thence That goodness and the saving attributes Of heav'n become their office , justice chief , And truth , the virtue of heroic minds , Which , were it banish'd from all other breasts , Should dwell for ever in the hearts of kings . Aërial musick , upon which re-enter the five Druids who personated the Grandee , &c. in their original characters and habits of Druids , the chief of whom advancing to wards the throne , addresses himself to king Edward . Chief DRUID . Behold in us , great king , the ancient priests And judges of this land , the Druids old : Who late in borrow'd characters have stood Before thy sage tribunal , to prefer The claims of valour , wealth , nobility , And those soft specious flatt'rers , who beneath The rosy wreath of pleasure and of love Conceal the sickly and disgustful brow Of riot and debauch , and often win From weak unmanly princes the rich prize To virtue due and wisdom , not to these The cankers of a state ; but least of all Due to that traytor of his king and country , Who lab'ring to build up the regal throne Beyond its due proportion , and the strength Of those foundations which the laws have laid , O'erwhelms the people , and at once o'erturns His royal master , places him at best On an uneasy tott'ring pinnacle , The mark of execration and reproach . These claims hast thou rejected ; like a king Discerning in mankind , and knowing well The value of his favours : like a king Deserving the high office of the judge And arbiter of Europe : like a king Equal to his great fame , and worth the care Of those immortal spirits , who this day Have quitted their celestial residence , To view and to approve thy glorious deeds . But , Edward , be not thou amaz'd to find That those who lately for thy favour su'd Were not the personages they assum'd . O king ! thou art beset with counterfeits The very opposites to us , who seem Far better than they are . For Flattery , Cameleon-like , accommodates with care To the court-hue his changeful countenance . And when a prince is brave , magnanimous , And high in spirit , then Ambition wears A face of dignity , and nothing breathes But lofty enterprizes , conquest , pow'r , And schemes of glory to the sov'reign ear , Pretending love and care for his renown With more than duteous zeal . — Of these beware ! For as the Theban queen , in fables old , Was , by the specious guile of fraudful Jove , In her Amphitryon's form to guilt betray'd , So by these counterfeits are kings seduc'd , Ev'n in the most belov'd suspectless shapes , To take a traytor to their royal arms . But thou shalt know them , Edward , by their works , And of this truth be most assur'd , that he , Who in his private commerce with mankind Is mean , dishonest , interested , false , Can ne'er be true to thee ; nor can he love His prince , who feels not for his country's good . Thus warn'd we leave thee , mighty prince : be firm , Be constant in the paths of fair renown . Think it thy duty to revere thyself The sacred laws of chivalry , the wise Injunctions by thy order laid on all The GARTER'D KNIGHTS ; so shall thy fame remain The great example of all future kings . Farewell ! for lo ! the Genius of thy realm With all his pomp attended , comes to share , And grace the glories of this signal day . These clouds of fragrance , that far-beaming blaze Of heav'nly brightness , his approach declare . Druids vanish . Flashes of light , and symphony of aërial musick . Genius of England descends in his chariot attended by spirits and bards ; then alighting , he advances towards the throne , and addresses himself to Edward . GENIUS . From the gay realms of cloudless day I come , Where in the glitter of unnumber'd worlds , That like to isles of various magnitudes Float in the ocean of unbounded space ; On my invisible aërial throne I sit , attended with a radiant band Of spirits immortal , whose pure essences , While clad in human shapes on earth they dwelt , Thro' the dull clay of gross mortality Disclos'd their heav'nly vigour , and burst forth In godlike virtues and heroic deeds , Their Albion gracing with as fair a growth Of fame , as e'er enrich'd imperial Rome . Thence ripe for heav'n and immortality , To me , the Genius of this happy isle , They fly , and claim the meed of their desert , Celestial crowns , and ever-living praise Recorded in the songs of heav'nly bards , That round my throne their hymns of triumph sing , Attuning to the sweet harmonious spheres Their undiscording lyres and voice divine . Nor thus remov'd to heav'n , and thus employ'd In careless raptures , wont they to forget Their native country , and the public weal , To which on earth their labours and their lives They once devoted ; but pursuing still The bent and habit of their souls , with me They watch the British empire , still intent To check alternately th' incroaching waves Of regal pow'r and popular liberty : I , chief attentive near the royal throne , Take up my watchful station , to infuse My sage and mod'rate counsels in those ears , Which wisdom hath prepar'd and purify'd To relish honest , tho' unpleasing truth . Thus am I always , tho' invisible , Attendant , Edward , on thy glorious deeds . But on this solemn day have I vouchsaf'd To manifest my presence ; to declare , Not in those whispers which have often spoke Peace to thy conscious heart , but audibly And evident to all , th' assent of heav'n To the great business , which hath gather'd here This troop of princes from all nations round . Hence all may know that virtue hath a train More bright than earthly empire can command : Know , that those actions which are great and good , Receive a nobler sanction from the free And universal voice of all mankind , Which is the voice of heav'n , than from the highest , The most illustrious act of regal pow'r . This nobler sanction , Edward , in the name Not of this age alone , but latest time , Here do I solemnly annex to each Of thy great acts , but chief to this most wise , Most virtuous institution , which extends Wide as thy fame , beyond thy empire's bound , A prize of virtue publish'd to mankind . Ye registers of heav'n , record the deed . BARDS . Now tune , ye bards , the British lyre ; Now wake the vocal string ; While heav'n and earth in Edward's praise conspire , Join to the gen'ral voice your sacred choir , And on your soaring wing , From time and envy waft his glorious name , And place it in the shrine of incorruptive fame . Begin : the list'ning echoes round Shall catch with joy the long-forgotten sound , And warbling thro' each grove the British strain To Windsor's smiling nymphs , recall their Arthur's reign . Ye nymphs of Windsor's bow'ry woods , Ye pow'rs who haunt yon glist'ning floods , That with reluctant fond delay Around yon flow'ry valley stray ; Say , from your minds hath time eras'd The pleasing images of glory pass'd ? Review ye now those scenes no more ? When nobly stain'd with Saxon gore , From Badon's long-contended plain Great Arthur with his martial train To Windsor's chosen shades repair'd , And with his knights the festive banquet shar'd . Then first exulting Thames beheld The triumphs of the listed field ; Beheld along his level meads Careering knights , encount'ring steeds , Heroic games , whose toils inspire The thirst of praise , and kindle martial fire . Fair Peace in war's bright mail array'd , With smiles the glorious lists survey'd ; So shou'd the brave ( she cry'd ) prepare Their hearts and sinewy arms for war : Such combats break not my repose , Such sons best guard my rights from daring foes . Then too in feastful hall or bow'r , Attendant on the genial hour , The British harp sweet lyrists strung , And Albion's generous victors sung : While valiant Arthur's copious fame Incessant fed the bright poetic flame . But mortals erring in excess , O'erwhelm the virtue they caress . Thus Arthur his great story mourn'd , By too fond praise to fable turn'd : Mourn'd the companions of his toils , Mock'd with false glory and fantastic spoils . 'Till thro' the dark romantic tale , Thro' superstition's magic veil , Sage Edward piercing view'd , and own'd The chief with genuine lustre crown'd : View'd the great model , and restor'd The long-lost honours of his martial board . Hail British prince ! these faithful lays , Eternal records of heroic worth , Shall reassert thy ancient praise , And from the cloud of fiction call thee forth , In glory's sphere thy orbit to reclaim , And at great Edward's beam relume thy darken'd fame . But see in heav'nly panoply array'd , Whose streaming radiance skirts the clouds with gold , I view Pendragon burst the veiling shade , And all his blazing magnitude unfold ! O'er yon broad tow'r he takes his airy stand , And pointing , Edward , towards the royal throne , To his fam'd knights around , a laurel'd band , Shews on thy knee the bright sky-tinctur'd zone . Virtue , he cries , ( th' aetherial sound Thy gross material organ cannot hear ) Virtue on earth by British Edward crown'd . Her rev'rend throne once more shall rear . To her own self-applauding breast Forc'd for reward no longer to r