The Sentiments of Truth; an Epistle

Ye generous Britons, sons of fair renown, With mute attention deign to lend an ear: As late reclin'd beneath a spreading oak, Musing intent on Albion's happy isle; A sudden slumber gently seal'd my eyes, And wrapt my wearied limbs in soft repose; Excursive Fancy wing'd her agile flight Thro' the aerial mansions of the world; Instant appear'd, portray'd upon my mind, The fair Urania, clad in candid robe; And bright around; in beauteous order rang'd, A crowd of Britons rising to my view; A gentle murmur, first, distinct was heard— The Goddess wav'd her wand—a pause ensued— Silent in expectation now they sat, When thus her sentiments she mildly spoke:

" Fam'd Albion's sons, whose rock-encircling coast, " Emblem of virtues in your noble race, " Repels each boisterous billow of the deep, " And stands triumphant o'er the bounding main: " You who, to vindicate your regal right, " That right divine by every kingdom claim'd, " In dreadful thunder shook the distant poles, " While trembling regions heard the horrid sound; " Let not Contention, hell's destructive fiend, " Excite commotion, and your peace destroy; " Let not Ambition's vile, ignoble train, " The groveling arts of dark dissimulation, " Pride, pique, or interest, e'er delude your steps; " But let benevolence your souls command, " Your darling passion by your foes confess'd.

" Can you, who brave repell'd th' insidious foe, " And nobly humbled their imperious crest; " Can you, so high-renown'd for martial deeds " And fair emprise, to discord fall a prey? " Instant renounce each stupor of the soul, " And virtuous dare the fam'd Britannia's weal. " Remember Rome, august, imperial Rome— " She long in virtue's cause resplendent shone: " Fragrant she bloom'd, and flourish'd wondrous fair, " Till pomp, vile luxury, corruption fell, " And Hydra Faction, with malignant breath, " Tumbled, with cumbrous fall, her eagle-head! " This world's dread empress, renown'd for learning; " For arms, arts, virtuous deeds, without compeer. " Now how inglorious! how supinely sunk! " Fallen from her high estate, and grovelling in the dust. " Since reason's lamp illuminates the mind, " And cogent proves eternity to man; " Since justice too, eternal, will require " Strict retribution for offences past; " Serious reflect on God's supreme decrees, " And learn obedience to his great commands: " For what avail earth's pageant pomp and joys " In that dread hour when death terrific comes,— " The gaudy title, silken dalliance, " And life too gaily spent, will but torment, " Not calm the mind, in that tremendous moment! " Let then your civil broils and discord cease; " Enjoy the fruits of your well-earn'd renown; " Cast off each vice, each poisonous dreg of life; " Fly fell corruption, taint of generous minds, " Lest her corroding hand your frame dissolve, " And bury in the dust your antient toil: " But if, unheeded, exhortation pass, " Britannia, now so fam'd, will sure imbibe " A deeper stain than Afric's tawny sons!"

She said; then instant vanish'd into air, When Morpheus soon his guardian post resign'd, And memory, faithful, stamp'd upon my mind The sage instructions of the meek-eyed fair.