THE PRUSSIAN CAMPAIGN, &c

A PRINCE, unrival'd in puissant deeds, Of noblest prowess and unconquer'd soul, I sing; and with ambition lyre this verse Attune the mighty FRED'RICK's honour'd name. Bless'd, while my CHARL'MONT his propitious ear Inclines, attentive to the glorious theme: How amply bless'd, if, by the Bard invok'd So oft, descending Health her genial balm Would round thee pour benign, rekindling fair Thy roseate bloom, thou amiable Youth, Crown'd with each virtue, with each grace adorn'd!

O that a ray of the celestial flame, That erst illum'd the animated Bard, (Who sung of Eden, and o'er Eden's bow'rs High-soaring, trac'd th' embattel'd Seraphim In fiery conflict on th' ethereal plains,) Beam'd on this breast: that I might swift pursue Thro' every vast design, thro' every high Emprize, the great, th' inimitable Chief.

The Muse, in various raptures sweetly lost, This shining path, and that, by turns surveys, Bewilder'd; unresolv'd, th' advent'rous task Where to begin; which splendor first, which last, To celebrate in song: his matchless might, His martial discipline exact, or kind Indulgence to the Brave; his active soul Rapt with fierce fury, thro' the glorious field, Or steddiest counsels, and deliberate care.

But hark! the trumpet's clangor rends the sky, And the loud clarions sound the voice of war. Forth issue Prussia's troops, in various bands; While these to Leipsic's walls their rapid march Direct, those to proud Dresden's royal tow'rs. When lo, th' impetuous monarch in just ire Arose, and with unerring clue pursued The wily labyrinths of th' ambitious foe, By keen perception trac'd: and all their dark Device, and machinations dire, disclos'd.

Near thrice three circling years his generous Soul Had cultivated peace, whose studious arts Of peace, and martial deeds alike expert. When rous'd at length his wrath, with various clouds From various climes beset, the perilous storm Soon as he saw concentring from afar, Furious he flew; and borne on swiftest wing, Pierc'd the perfidious Saxon's inmost realms.

At FREDERICK'S dread advance, the tim'rous Pole Instant the court, the capital deserts, Leaves his afflicted consort, bath'd in tears, Disconsolate; and speeds with eager course His martial pow'rs to Pirna's close retreats: Pirna, whose strong-fenc'd camp access defy'd, Proud of high battlements and ramparts vast, Fort above fort, impenetrably firm. As when the tow'ring Eagle soars the skie, Sublime, in numerous flocks th'aerial train Speed their swift flight to many a winding cell Deep in the caverns of some craggy rock, Cleft by Time's rigid hand; there pant immur'd, With shuddring wings.—Mean time the vigilant Chief Three several hosts their several charge assign'd; There to secure Silesia's plains, and here His native realms defend, should Russia pour Th' unnumber'd legions from her fertile loins. Himself the Saxon troops, as couch'd they lay Wrapt in the bosom of their shelt'ring camp, Nor daring to the field, with pow'rful force Invests, on every hand environ'd round.

Yet still the generous Prince his ire repress'd: And while th' avenging sword his arm display'd, That stretch'd the gentle olive forth, fair pledge Of amicable peace. The Pole that pledge Disdain'd, thro' Austrian's vaunted aid, secure.

Forthwith, from every circle, stem decrees, Loud-echoing mandates, comminations dire, Fraught with each pompous circumstance of wrath, Pour through the Empire, levelling their rage At mighty Brandenburgh. In furious tides Russia rolls down her thund'ring menaces: Whom thy vain insolence, superb Versailles, Thy haughty taunts succeed. He unappall'd With ample breast receives th' united storm: Firm, as the stately promontory's height Erect, by surges lash'd on every side, Foaming redundant on the big-swoln main: His elevated brow o'er the mad waves Rears it's dread honors, and disdains their roar.

Now while the Saxons with their hapless Prince Clung to the trenches, and the fort embrac'd, In deep despair involv'd' no succour nigh, Exhausted, spiritless, by Prussian troops Encompass'd sore: at length th' auxiliar host From Austria's land in numerous squadrons move, Led by their mightiest Chieftain. Swift they march. As swift great FREDERICK (whose quick-darting eye No hostile motion scap'd) his troops to join Hastes, where experienc'd KEITH his standard rear'd All in a moment tow'ring in the van, Of choice battalions form'd, to Tournitz's walls He drives his rapid way. Thither anon March his whole host, in two main columns rang'd, Obsequious to his high behests. Nor staid Th' impatient Heroe, till Welmina's plains He reach'd: thence to his view at once appear'd Austria's vast pow'rs, from wing to wing display'd. E'er yet the parting Sun his western goal Attain'd, light's scant remains the vigorous Chief Seiz'd, and explor'd the plains, whence to assail The foe at earliest dawn. The night's long stage His troops the rigour of th' inclement sky With hearts unchill'd endure. He in the front, Pre-eminent in danger and in toil, Unmindful of repose, his list'ning bands Incessant animates: with liveliest cheer, And with endearing accents fires their souls. "My glorious partners in the bold emprize On many a well-fought field: in me your friend, In me your fire behold. The morning sun, (Or my presages err) shall see the plains With Austrian corses strown. Myself shall share Each perilous attempt, each brave exploit Witness, and amply recompence. Pursue Yon path, where glory, where your country's love Invites, and Pruassia's still unsullied fame.

Thus while he spake, th'invigorated troops Glow with fresh fire, and feel the gen'rous flame Glance thro' their thrilling veins: the loit'ring Sun They chide, impatient, panting for the field. Scarce blush'd the morn with streaks of orient day; FREDERICK up-sprung: with his attendant Chiefs Led forth the valiant troops: their various bands In strong battalions regularly ranged; Line after line, and file succeeding file; Here the right wing display'd, and there the left, Each on a tow'ring hill. In order due Onward they march: when in broad front appear Austria's equestrian bands, array'd for war. "Advance (said mighty Brandenburgh) advance; Rush to the plains, and Horse to Horse oppose. Swift they descend, and with impetuous force Burst on the foe: when from the hostile rear Sudden the latent enginry disgorge, Hurl'd from their brazen throats, the flaming balls Innumerable: at the dire din alarm'd And storms of thund'ring metal, back they bend Their not imprudent steps: then form'd afresh, To the brisk charge return. Now nor the roar Of bellowing cannon, nor incessant fire, Nor wide-extended dyke, nor obvious mound Retard: with furious onset the fierce steeds And their dismounted warriors down they trod, In groans expiring, welt'ring in their gore, In heaps on mangled heaps o'erthrown: nor ceas'd, Till undistinguish'd sunk th' imperial Horse, All sunk, in universal ruin whelm'd.

Forthwith, down-rushing from the mountain's brow, FREDERICK's fierce Infantry, with furious speed Thro' iron tempests and thro' floods of fire, To Low' schatz's walls intrepid flew, assail'd With unresisted force, th' astonied foe Repell'd, and from their boasted fortress drove, With rout on rout confounded. The fell stroke Vienna's General mourns, his scattered host Driving precipate to Budin's plains. FREDERICK, triumphant on the foughten field Stands, and surveys the soil, with thousands slain, And thousands wide o'erspred whose nobler doom The captive warriors envy and admire. Amid the ill-star'd train, gall'd at his fate, Undaunted Lobkowitz' superior tow'rs With clouded aspect and indignant mien.

Hail, mighty Prussia, hail! With eagle wing, Hov'ring around thee, Victory attend They every march! — Beneath the hallow'd shade Rest thee awhile: thy noble toil suspend: Deign o'er thy brows to bind this laurel wreath, Th'ambitious Muse with pleasing labour wove. How did thine heart exult, when thou surveyd'st Thy daring legions, by thy conduct fir'd, And all thy emulous Chiefs: above those Chiefs High-blazing, as the peerless Star, that leads Th'ethereal host o'er the wide azure pour'd, Resplendent train! Next thee, great BEVERN shone Sublime, and darted terror on the foe, Reflecting his illustrious Monarch's rays. Nor, valiant MULLER, shall thy prowess pass Unsung; who with resistless might dispers'd Th'embattel'd ranks, like clouds of sleeting sand Driv'n by th'impetuous whirlwind's rapid wing. With these, the tribute of th'applauding bard Unnumber'd heroes claim, whose various deeds Were long to trace. The gen'rous FREDERICK's love Shall crown their merits, and their glorious names Live in the records of immortal fame.

Thence to the Saxon bands, in Pirna's fort Immur'd, he wings his way, bent to subdue That treach'rous foe. Nor long, e'er from the camp Th'imprison'd squadrons start, o'er Egra's streams From the bridg'd path, while sable Night resum'd Her reign alternate, and th'incumbent mists Spred o'er heaven's face impenetrable gloom, Deep'ning the wonted shades. How vain th'attempt! Their wiles how frustrate! The vast summit's height, Fronting thy turrets, Koningstein, with march Laborious as they climb, th'uprising sun Shew'd them to PRUSSIA's view; whose strong defiles Enclos'd them round. What gleam of hope remains? Where shall they fly? how force th'obstructed way? Aghast, and thunder-struck, th'obdurate King His high-swoln pride submits, in suppliant terms Sues for that peace he insolently scorn'd.

Thus quell'd proud Austria, and th'ambitious Pole Flung from his tow'ring hopes, the wint'ry storms, On blustring Boreas and bleak Eurus' wings Rushing impetuous, with malignant blasts Warn to retire from forth the tented field. His troops th' indulgent Chief, albeit inur'd To each severe extreme, his well-lov'd troops Withdraws, and to his Saxon camp retires.

Soon as the balmy Zephyrs' earliest gales Led on the genial spring, great FREDERICK's breast Fraught with deep counsels in still silence form'd, Sudden unfolds. His ev'ry valiant band Instant he summons: at his great command Their tacit march they speed; and swift attain Bohemia's realm, three formidable hosts. This the fam'd BEVERN, that brave SCHWERIN led; The third their Monarch's fav'rite conduct boasts. War soon resumes his flaming torch. — Again Imperial Austria's congregated pow'rs. Appear, in numerous squadrons firmly rang'd, A mighty host: and KONINGSEGG commands. Deep was their rear entrench'd; by village walls Their right was shelter'd, by impervious woods Encompass'd the left wing. Yet not the less BEVERN impetuous drove his rapid bands, By every valiant Chieftain well sustained; Storm'd the strong cover, thro' th' intrenchments rush'd, And pierc'd their dense array. In sudden rout All their vast cavalry involv'd the Foe Astonish'd views: while gallant LESWITZ springs Fierce and undaunted 'mid the hostile fire, Swift flies thro' many a perilous defile, And with dread chase pursues the timorous host, (Havoc and ruin marching in their rear) From hill to hill in wild confusion driv'n.

To join thee, BEVERN, bends his eager course Intrepid SCHWERIN, to thy soul endear'd By kindred Virtue's ever sacred tie. Him to ensnare, within cover'd dale Lurks the secreted foe, a numerous band! Soon their insidious wiles the wary chief Espied; encounter'd, and discomfited. Thence his impetuous progress onward rolls Wide o'er the land, unbounded, uncontroll'd, With torrent force. Before his fiery sword On every hand they scour, nor dare confront His mighty rage: inactive, down they throw Their unavailing arms. The regions round Bend to the victor, and confess his sway.

Now mighty FRED'RICK with observant ken Saw, where the foe their various squadrons drew From the tow'rd fortress, and each banner'd host; Rang'd in proud pomp beneath their mightiest Chief, Who from the terror of dread PRUSSIA's arm So late retreated, with sad overthrow Gall'd on Welmina's memorable plains: Yet dares again, by conscious valour fir'd. Again his thundring arm dread PRUSSIA rears. Impatient of delay, with instant march O'er Moldaw's streams he pass'd: when lo! in camp. High-fenc'd, by nature's favour and by art Strong-cover'd, deep-entrench'd, proudly deem'd Impregnable, th' imperial Army lay, Much glorying in their strength, in numbers far Superior. Still undaunted his bold march FRED'RICK pursues: He nor their 'vantag'd ground, Nor high-fenc'd camp, nor trenches deep regards, Nor numbers far superior. On he leads To the fierce combat his courageous bands. They, by their Monarch's voice, (that fav'rite voice,) Enliven'd, joyous spring, with sweet presage Of victory; their standards wide unfurl'd In awful pomp, with rich emblazonry Of vivid colours, streaming to the wind: And o'er the horrent plain of glitt'ring steel A wavy Harvest formidably gleam'd, Innumerable faulchions, the sun's blaze (Oft as his radiant beams from fleecy cloud Emerg'd) reflecting fierce with burnish'd sheen; E'er long to be imbru'd in Austrian gore.

E'er long to be imbru'd in Austrian gore. Nigh to the foe advanc'd, each Warrior brave, Commanders, and Commanded, with like zeal Inflam'd, and emulation high, contend, Who first shall the untrodden path explore, Who tempt the marish, who the threat'ning mound Clime hazardous, plunge thro' the hostile fire Foremost, and burst their serried files. Now 'gan The onset dire, enkindled at th' alarm Of drums loud-thundring, and the trumpet's clang Sonorous. Fierce the conflict rag'd 'twixt host And host: The field throughout, was seen no glimpse Of dastard fear: each nobly signaliz'd Their valorous ardor. Front to front they met, Warrior with warrior clos'd, and steed with steed In stern encounter. The hoarse cannon's voice Echoes with bellowing roar: redundant smoke Pours o'er the envelop'd sky, with horrid flash Pierc'd frequent, and quick glance of sulph'rous flames. Swift thro' the ranks undaunted FRED'RICK sprung, High brandishing his faulchion, Austria's dread, From wing to distant wing unwearied flew, Now in the Van, now Rear: on ev'ry part, Thro' each vicissitude, each varying scene, With splendid conduct, animating sounds, And brave example, his obsequious bands Inspir'd, directed, instigated, cheer'd, And all his various pow'rs by turns display'd: Fervid, yet vigilant; with temper'd fire Guiding the rapid war's alternate reins. On every part his victor arm prevails. At length o'erpow'r'd, discomfited, recede Austria's faint troops, abandoning the field Drench'd in their slaughter'd friends' commingled blood. How shall the Muse the wondrous havoc paint, The various images of horror trace O'er the wide champain? Now fierce-issuing balls Swept mighty numbers: now th'impetuous sword Clove with keen edge the tortur'd foe in twain. Thro' many a valiant breast with adverse stroke Pierc'd the sharp wound, and fix'd a glorious scar. Here from the quiv'ring trunk the sever'd head Swift flies: here the lop'd limb their lord desert, His agonizing groans, and fruitless plaint In the rude clamour drown'd. With giant strides Death travers'd the dread plain, with all his pomp Of terrors, and each ghastly form, enclos'd. What multitudes, great FRED'RICK, by thy arm, Thy just avenging arm, what crouds on crouds Descended to the baleful realms of night, E'erwhile with Austrian's throng'd! of adverse stars There jointly they complain, their mutual woe Sooth with condolence bland, and enterchange Sad gratulation: soon with gloomy joy Hailing their mightiest Chieftain, new arriv'd, Thy great Antagonist; who gor'd with wounds On the same fatal plain (heart-piercing wounds, That barr'd each glorious prospect of renown) At length groan'd forth indignant his high soul, In Prague's vain shelt'ring walls—Th' illustrious Shade Stalks on, nor deigns return th' unwelcome Hail.

Pass we these dolorous regions, chearful Light Revisiting; with wonder to survey The living monuments of PRUSSIA's fame: The thousands foil'd, who yet this vital air Breathe, and in thraldom grace the Conqueror's train, Lo what unnumber'd Trophies, what rich Spoils Torn from the grasping foe, the solemn pomp Attend: their ravish'd Ensigns, wav'd sublime, With splended painture sloating thro' the air, Display puissant FREDERICK's ample fame. See how th' imperial Cannon, many a row, Move in slow pageantry; the brazen throats Silenc'd, till FREDERICK bid them the dire roar Renew, and on their late Possessors proud Pour the retorted rage.—Yet 'mid this Scene, In all thy height of lustre, matchless Prince, To check thy triumph with th' ingenious tear Due to the mighty slain, on the dread plains Where grasp'd whole squadrons of th' expiring Foe, Fell valiant SCHWERIN, by each virtuous breast Lov'd and lamented: gloriously he fell, With many a Chieftain of exalted name Accompanied; who prodigal of life, Pour'd in their Country's cause their generous blood.

Austria's deep consternation and dismay, (Of every aid, of her whole camp bereft) What tongue can utter? Or what pow'r describe FREDERICK's vast victory?—But other Scenes Arise, of different hue. O hadst thou ne'er Deserted Prague's 'sieg'd wall, to charge the foe High-posted on th' aerial mountain's brow, With legions heap'd on legions, firm array'd Beneath th' imperial DAUN! Forgive the Muse, Great Chief, who with thy sundry glories charm'd, Yet void of adulation, while she strives With faintest pencil to delineate Shadowy thy godlike virtues, paints thee man; The wisest of whose race, discreetest, best, 'Mid all his shining faculties betrays Some tincture of th' impure alloy, deriv'd From his frail Ancestor.—Sagacious DAUN With skill th' important situation chose; And look'd disdainful down. Tho' fierce defiles, Tho' thund'ring batteries intercept the way, Undaunted FREDERICK with his furious host, Thro' thund'ring batteries and thro' fierce defiles, Up the steep cliff his arduous road maintain'd. Thrice he assay'd the Austrian's pow'rful wing To burst; repell'd them thrice; yet thrice return'd. Then calm receding with serene retreat Soft he descends to the subjacent vale, (Where Elbe her liquid course obliquely rolls Meand'ring) unretarded, unpursu'd.

Soon Russia's legions (from her populous clime With tardy steps advanc'd) their ling'ring march Accelerate, and FREDERICK'S realms invade. Thus tho' insulted, the considerate Chief With terms of mild composure deigns invite Moscow's imperial Queen his plan t' embrace, Surceasing hostile rage; and war's dire flames Extinguishing, o'er harrass'd Europe pour The salutary boon of prosp'rous Peace. His generous terms disdain'd, his pow'r defy'd, His territories spoil'd, war he declares Immediate; trusting in his righteous Cause, And Heav'n's protecting Arm. LEWHALD led on The squdrons, and encounter'd more than twice His force, entrench'd on tow'ring hill secure. Nathless he vigorous charg'd; their foremost lines Burst, and on every hand destruction dealt Wide-wasting. Yet, lest the superior Foe Crush his brave host, by the unfriendly site Disfavour'd, by enormous multitudes Oppress'd, to Velau's camp the Chief mature Retreated, unrepulsed. The Moscovites Dismay'd, nor studious of pursuit, lament Their thousands slaughter'd and, their General thrall'd.

Now in their several camps each Host enwrapt Retire; and War's tremendous thunder rests Suspended: when at once, their sudden flight Assaying, Russia's troops with rapid speed Scud as precipitant, as slow they advanc'd E'erwhile.—But lo! the fierce confed'rate Pow'rs Vaunting united terrors, onward move Under their gallant Leaders, great SOUBISE And HILDBURGHAUSEN. Their proud threats t'oppose FREDERICK delay'd not: his assembled troops He rang'd in just array, and thus address'd: "My Friends, my Warriors brave!—The Foe's advanc'd; PRUSSIA shall meet them. Haste we to the field. With you your FREDERICK conquers or expires. Think how we've fought! what glorious laurels won! Think on the equitable plea, that drew These valiant swords, and vindicate the cause: God be our Guardian, Confidence and Shield. He ended; on he led his valiant files Dauntless, and bid them storm the the adverse wing: But on the edge of onset (his quick eye Determining) instant as lightning's glance, Invert they their position, lest the foe Surround them unnaware. Now Prussia's Horse Spring furious on the Gaul, in front direct Oppos'd, of vast immeasurable depth; The Gaul as furious, the brisk charge receive With equal brav'ry. Long in dubious scale Hung the fierce conflict: till the Gallic bands Swerv'd; to the neighbouring summit's resuge flew, And recent form'd. FREDERICK their rallied force Soon disarray'd, and with pursuit severe Drove, as the Lion drives his trembling chace. Then from each host the Cannon's bellowing voice Incessant roar'd. Prussia's bold infantry Rush forth, and battery after battery gain, With storms impetuous and unwearied fire Rage their artillery, on either wing The foe sore galling: till, constrain'd, they speed Their ignominious flight, with soul defeat Confounded, and in ruin dire involv'd. And, but the Sun now prone descended swift To th' Ocean waves; and all-involving night Threw her deep-shaded mantle o'er the plains, Fav'ring their trepid flight; of that vast host, Who spread at morning dawn their vaunted files So proud, how few had from the deathful field Return'd, to tell the melancholy tale.

Thou Miracle of Chiefs! and will our Sons Believe, by storied Chronicles inform'd How Brandenburgh's illustrious Prince, with force Immensely disproportionate, subdu'd Thousands on thousands of confederate Hosts! What numerous squadrons of the slaughter'd foe Fell in their prime of Youth: Of Prussian blood How slight th' effusion: what redundant tides Of captiv'd troops the Victor's camp o'erflow'd.

The generous FREDERICK his triumphant joy Attempers sweet with piety humane For guiltless Widows and for Orphan babes, Thus multiplied by his victorious arm. Nobly compassionate to the fallen foe, With blandest treatment he beguiles their pain, Pours the soft balm in their fresh-bleeding wounds; And bids Captivity her dejected head Rear, and unbend her brow with grateful smile.

Now shall the humbled Gaul his vaunts suspend; And Moscow tremble at the Prussian name. Austria has felt, by oft repeated scourge, What martial discipline effects; what the wise Chief's Assiduous Care: how fires each manly breast To bold emprizes FREDERICK'S generous Soul, His fond Affection and paternal Love, In boundless streams impartially diffus'd. And thou, ambitious POLE, thy lawless pride Repress; nor with vain arrogance aspire, Grasping at alien realms: with wiser aim Guard well thy own, and to fair Truth adhere.

Hark how the Sons of Albion's glorious Isle Tune in harmonic choir the Conqueror's praise! Thee, FREDERICK, all her glist'ning cliffs resound, Thee her gay vallies, thee her mossy caves; And grove to grove repeats the pleasing song Britannia, resting on her ported spear, Majestic smiles; and with the pleasing song Enraptur'd, venerates the Prince, so bright Resembling her lov'd Lord; to valorous GEORGE In magnanimity, as in blood, allied.

Still other wars, still other triumphs rise. The muse, unequal to the arduous task, Breathless pursuing her unwearied Chief From plain to tented plain, at length retires. O could she from the turmoils of the field, The clang of trumpets and the cannon's roar, Convey thee, FREDERICK, to thy dear Retreat, Wrapt in the arms of Peace! In sweet repose There would the royal Bard thro' echoing shades With other notes than these, with loftier strains To his resounding lyre, hymn the great POW'R, Whom ever he adores with filial love, And reverential awe: Whose out-stretch'd arm Bows down th' obdurate fierceness of the proud, Th' un-ambitious rears; who with a breath Wields all the thunder of the various war, OMNIPOTENT; and with his sovereign nod The sate of mightiest Monarchies decides.