Page:An Ode to the Country Gentlemen of England - Akenside (1758).djvu/8

 For O! may neither fear nor stronger love (Love, by thy virtuous princes nobly won) Thee, last of many wretched nations, move, With mighty armies station'd round the throne To trust thy safety. Then, farewell the claims Of freedom! Her proud records to the flames Then bear, an off'ring at ambition's shrine; Whate'er thy ancient patriots dar'd demand From fierce Plantagenet's or Stuart's hand, Or what great William seal'd for his adopted line.

But if thy sons be worthy of their name, If lib'ral laws with lib'ral hearts they prize, Let them from conquest and from servile shame In war's glad school their own protectors rise. Ye chiefly, heirs of Albion's cultur'd plains, Ye leaders of her bold and faithful swains, Now not unequal to your birth be found: The public voice bids arm your rural state, Paternal hamlets for your ensigns wait, And grange and fold prepare to pour their youth around. VIII. Why