To the Prince of ORANGE, 1677

Welcome, great Prince, unto this land, Skill'd in the arts of war and peace; Your birth does call you to command, Your nature does incline to peace.

When Holland by her foes opprest, No longer could sustain their weight; To a native Prince they thought it best To recommend their dying state.

Your very name did France expell; Those conquer'd towns which lately cost So little blood, unto you fell With the same ease they once were lost.

'Twas not your force did them defeat; They neither felt your sword nor fire; But seemed willing to retreat, And to your greatness did conspire.

Nor have you since ingrateful been, When at Seneff you did expose, And at Mount Cassal, your own men Whereby you might secure your soes.

Let Maestricht siege enlarge your name, And your retreat at Charleroy; Warriors by flying may gain same, And Parthian-like their foes destroy.

Thus Fabius gain'd repute of old, When Roman glory gasping lay; In council slow, in action cold, His country sav'd, running away.

What better method could you take? When you by beauty's charms must move, And must at once a progress make I'th' stratagems of war and love.

He that a Princess' heart would gain, Must learn submissively to yield; The stubborn ne'er their ends obtain; The vanquish'd masters are o'th' field.

Go on, brave Prince, with like success. Still to encrease your hop'd renown; Till to your conduct and address, Not to your birth, you owe a crown.

Proud Alva with the power of Spain. Could not the noble Dutch enslave; And wiser Parma strove in vain, For to reduce a race so brave.

They now those very armies pay By which they were forc'd to yield to you; Their ancient birthright they betray, By their own votes you them subdue.

Who can then liberty maintain When by such arts it is withstood? Freedom to Princes is a chain, To all that spring from Royal Blood.