Page:Poetical Works of John Oldham.djvu/255

Rh Our thanks, propitious Destiny! Never did yet thy power dispense A more plenipotentiary influence, Nor heaven more sure a treaty ratify. To you, our great and gracious monarch, too, An equal share of thanks is due, Nought could this mighty work produce, but heaven and you. Let others boast Of leagues, which wars and slaughter cost; This union by no blood cemented is, Nor did its harmony from jars and discords rise. Not more to your great ancestor we owe, By whom two realms into one kingdom grow; He joined but what nature had joined before, Lands disunited by no parting shore: By you to foreign countries we're allied, You make us continent, whom seas and waves divide. How well, brave prince, do you by prudent conduct prove What was denied to mighty Jove, Together to be wise and love! In this you highest skill of choice and judgment show, 'Tis here displayed, and here rewarded too; Others move only by unbridled guideless heat, But you mix love with policy, passion with state; You scorned the painter's hands your hearts should tie, Which oft (and here they must) the original belie; For how should art that beauty undertake, Which Heaven would strive in vain again to make? Taught by religion you did better methods try, And worshipped not the image, but the Deity. Go, envied prince, your glorious bride receive, Too great for aught but mighty York to give: She, whom if none must wed but those who merit her, Monarchs might cease pretence, and slighted gods despair;