Page:Susanna Wesley (Clarke 1886).djvu/62

50 was the hero of the hour, he had gained the battle of Blenheim in August 1704, and struck such terror into the French nation, as long found echo in the refrain Marlbrouck s'en va-t-en guerre. The nation delighted to honour the soldier-statesman, whose victory justified Queen Anne's confidence in him, both Houses of Parliament publicly thanked him, the City of London entertained him at a civic feast, the nation gave the Manor of Woodstock to him and his heirs for ever, and built for him that Blenheim Palace but just now despoiled of the art treasures he collected during his successful campaigns against the power of the Grande Monarque. Policy and patriotism both tended to inspire Mr. Wesley's muse, and he achieved a poem of five hundred and ninety-four lines, entitled, Marlborough, or the Fate of Europe. Archbishop Sharpe took poem and author under his fostering wing, and brought them under the Duke's notice. The least that the hero could do in return was to give Mr. Wesley the chaplaincy to Colonel Lepelle's regiment; and so pleased was another peer with the poem that he sent for its writer, and tried to procure him a prebend's stall. But, alas! The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang aft agley! and the very means by which the poet-parson sought to serve his patrons and strengthen his position caused him to lose all that he had gained, as well as all he hoped for.

Early in May 1705, Mrs. Wesley gave birth to another son, but, between worry and weakness was unable to nurse it, so it was given into the charge of a woman who lived opposite the rectory. Epworth