I

Imagination--ne'er before content, But aye ascending, restless in her pride From all that martial feats could yield To her desires, or to her hopes present-- Stooped to the Victory, on that Belgic field Achieved, this closing deed magnificent, And with the embrace was satisfied. --Fly, ministers of Fame, With every help that ye from earth and heaven may claim! Bear through the world these tidings of delight! --Hours, Days, and Months, have borne them in the sight Of mortals, hurrying like a sudden shower That land-ward stretches from the sea, The morning's splendours to devour; But this swift travel scorns the company Of irksome change, or threats from saddening power. --The shock is given--the Adversaries bleed-- Lo, Justice triumphs! Earth is freed! Joyful annunciation!--it went forth-- It pierced the caverns of the sluggish North--[BC] It found no barrier on the ridge Of Andes--frozen gulphs became its bridge-- The vast Pacific gladdens with the freight-- Upon the Lakes of Asia 'tis bestowed-- The Arabian desert shapes a willing road Across her burning breast, For this refreshing incense from the West!--[BD] --Where snakes and lions breed, Where towns and cities thick as stars appear, Wherever fruits are gathered, and where'er The upturned soil receives the hopeful seed-- While the Sun rules, and cross the shades of night-- The unwearied arrow hath pursued its flight! The eyes of good men thankfully give heed, And in its sparkling progress read Of virtue crowned with glory's deathless meed: Tyrants exult to hear of kingdoms won, And slaves are pleased to learn that mighty feats are done; Even the proud Realm, from whose distracted borders This messenger of good was launched in air, France, humbled France, amid her wild disorders, Feels, and hereafter shall the truth declare, That she too lacks not reason to rejoice, And utter England's name with sadly-plausive voice.