Page:An Ode to the Country Gentlemen of England - Akenside (1758).djvu/13

 Say then; if England's youth, in earlier days, On glory's field with well-train'd armies vy'd, Why shall they now renounce that generous praise? Why dread the foreign mercenary's pride? Though Valois brav'd young Edward's gentle hand, And D'Albret rush'd on Henry's way-worn band, With Europe's chosen sons in arms renown'd, Yet not on Vere's bold archers long they look'd, Nor Audley's squires nor Mowbray's yeomen brook'd: They saw their standard fall, and left their monarch bound.

Such were the laurels which your fathers won; Such glory's dictates in their dauntless breast: —Is there no voice that speaks to every son? No nobler, holier call to You address'd? O! by majestic freedom, righteous laws, By heav'nly truth's, by manly reason's cause, Awake; attend; be indolent no more: By friendship, social peace, domestic love, Rise; arm; your country's living safety prove; And train her valiant youth, and watch around her shore.