Viii

O Britain! dearer far than life is dear,[AW] If one there be Of all thy progeny Who can forget thy prowess, never more Be that ungrateful Son allowed to hear Thy green leaves rustle or thy torrents roar. As springs the lion from his den, As from a forest-brake Upstarts a glistering snake, The bold Arch-despot re-appeared;[AX]--again Wide Europe heaves, impatient to be cast, With all her armèd Powers, On that offensive soil, like waves upon a thousand shores. The trumpet blew a universal blast![AY] But Thou art foremost in the field:[AZ]--there stand: Receive the triumph destined to thy hand! All States have glorified themselves;--their claims Are weighed by Providence, in balance even; And now, in preference to the mightiest names, To Thee the exterminating sword is given. Dread mark of approbation, justly gained! Exalted office, worthily sustained!