On Queen Caroline's rebuilding the Lodgings of The Black Prince and Henry V. at Oxford

here bold and graceful soars, secure of fame, The pile now worthy great Philippa's name Mark that old Ruin, Gothick and uncouth, Where the Black Edward pass'd his beardless youth, And the fifth Henry for his first renown Outstripp'd each rival in a student's gown. In that coarse age were princes fond to dwell With meagre monks and haunt the silent cell. Sent from the Monarch's to the Muse's court Their meals were frugal and their sleeps were short; To couch at curfeu time they thought no scorn, And froze at matins ev'ry winter morn; They read an early book, the starry frame, And lisp'd each constellation by its name, Art after art still dawning to their view, And their mind op'ning as their stature grew. Yet whose ripe manhood spread our fame so far, Sages in peace and demigods in war! Who stern in fight made echoing Cressy ring, And mild in conquest serv'd his captive king; Who gain'd at Agincourt the victor's bays, Nor took himself but gave good Heav'n the praise. Thy nurselings, ancient Dome! to virtue form'd, To mercy list'ning whilst in fields they storm'd; Fierce to the fierce, and warm th' opprest to save, Thro' life rever'd, and worshipp'd in the grave. In tenfold pride their mould'ring roofs shall shine, The stately work of bounteous Caroline, And blest Philippa with unenvious eyes From heav'n behold her rival's fabrick rise. If still, bright Saint! this spot deserves thy care Incline thee to th' ambitious Muse's pray'r; O couldst thou win young William's bloom to grace His mother's walls and fill thy Edward's place, How would that genius whose propitious wings Have here twice hover'd o'er the sons of kings Descend triumphant to his ancient seat And take in charge a third Plantagenet!