Page:Poetical Works of John Oldham.djvu/254

 S when of old, some bright and heavenly dame A god of equal majesty did wed; Straight through the court above the tidings spread, Straight at the news the immortal offspring came, And all the deities did the high nuptials grace; With no less pomp, no less of grandeur, we Behold this glad solemnity, And all confess an equal joy, And all expect as godlike and as great a race. Hark how united shouts our joys proclaim, Which rise in gratitude to Heaven, from whence they came; Gladsome, next those which brought our royal exile home, When he resumed his long usurped throne. Hark how the mighty voices rend the air, And shake at once the earth and utmost sphere! Hark how the bells' harmonious noise Bear concert too with human joys! Behold those numerous fires, which up and down Threaten almost new conflagration to the town, Well do these emblems, mighty Orange, speak thy fame, Whose loudness, music, brightness, all express the same; 'Twas thus great Jove his Semele did wed, In thunder and in lightning so approached her bed. Hail happy pair! kind Heaven's great hostages! Sure pledges of a firm and lasting peace! Call't not a match, we that low style disdain, Nor will degrade it with a term so mean; A league it must be said, Where countries thus espouse, and nations wed.