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diff --git a/17754-8.txt b/17754-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..59a91de --- /dev/null +++ b/17754-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6002 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Gustavus Vasa, by W. S. Walker + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Gustavus Vasa + and other poems + +Author: W. S. Walker + +Release Date: February 12, 2006 [EBook #17754] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GUSTAVUS VASA *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Taavi Kalju and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +Gustavus Vasa, +AND +_OTHER POEMS_. + +BY + +W.S. WALKER. + + +--Tentanda via est, qua me quoque possim +Tollere humo. + + +London: + +PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN, PATERNOSTER ROW. + +1813. + + +J.G. BARNARD, SKINNER-STREET, LONDON. + + + + +TO +THE RIGHT HONOURABLE +THE BARONESS HOWE. + + +It would be a sufficient reason for sanctioning this work with your +Ladyship's name, that it is an offering of gratitude, presented because +there is nothing worthier to give. + +But there is another cause. He who celebrates a patriot, cannot address +himself to any one more properly than to the daughter of a patriot; of +one who was for years the naval sun of England, and from whom the young +and enterprising caught the unextinguishable rays of patriotism and +courage. + +For actions and glory such as his, the female mind is not formed; but in +the calm and active virtues of private life, which are almost equally +honourable to the possessor, your Ladyship maintains the dignity of your +race. I call to witness those whom you have soothed in affliction, and +those whom you have honoured with your friendship. They will vindicate +me from the charge of flattery, and support my assertion, that your +patronage is as glorious to me, as any I could possibly have chosen. + +With the hope, that the virtues of your excellent daughter, and your +son, whom I am proud to call my friend, may answer your fullest +expectations, + +I remain, + Your Ladyship's + Most obliged + And devoted Servant, + W.S. WALKER. + + + + +PREFACE. + + +As the author of these Poems is only seventeen, some apology may be +required for offering them to the public. + +Many precedents may be quoted in favour of early publication; and the +practice perhaps is not in itself blameable, except when the advice of +good judges is unasked, or the work itself uncorrected and negligent. To +neither of these charges is the author liable. These poems, as well as +the design of publishing them, have been approved of by many sincere and +judicious friends; and the work has been altered in many parts, in +conformity to the advice of the same persons. The author has made no +improper sacrifice to the Muse: he has deserted no duty, and neglected +no necessary employment. Influenced by these motives, he appears before +the bar of criticism, not indeed without diffidence, but unconscious of +having deserved censure. If his verses are bad, he is content to sink +into oblivion; and if the public confirms the favourable judgment of his +friends, he does not deny that it will give him real satisfaction.--He +is sensible, that if he delayed till time had matured his judgment, and +reflection perfected his ideas, the "_scribendi cacoëthes_," perhaps an +unfortunate inclination, would take a firm and unalterable possession +of his mind. He is therefore determined to try the public opinion; that +he may be enabled either to pursue his poetical studies under their +encouragement, or to desist in time from an useless employment. This +volume is not intended to challenge approbation, but to be the precursor +of something which may challenge it in future: it is not an attempt to +gain the prize, but a specimen of his powers, which may entitle him to +the honour of standing candidate for that prize. The reader will here +find the genuine effusions of a youthful fancy, free, yet not +uncontrolled; a collection of pieces, exempt from negligence and +inaccuracy, though not from the usual and inevitable faults of early +compositions. To offer less than this would be arrogant, and to require +more than this would be unreasonable. + +"Gustavus Vasa" was originally planned (the reader will smile) at eleven +years of age. When the author began to know what poetry was, his first +design was to write an epic poem--no matter of what sort or character, +so it was an epic poem. The subject was soon chosen; and the progress of +the work was various: sometimes hurried on with all the ardour of hope +and enterprize, sometimes relinquished for more lively pursuits, and +left to sleep for months in the leaves of a portfolio. In this manner +were six long cantos completed. At length the author, in his thirteenth +year, perceived numerous faults and extravagances in his early +composition. He destroyed the manuscript: and some time after +recommenced his poem on a new and more rational plan. Accordingly, the +first and part of the second book, were written in 1810, and the rest of +the work which is published in this volume, principally in 1812. All +that is yet completed of this production (except the sequel of the +fourth book, and the whole fifth, which are yet uncorrected) is here +presented to the public; and on its success the continuation of +"Gustavus Vasa" depends. + +It was designed to embrace the whole actions of the hero, from his first +signalizing himself under Steen Sture, to his death in 1560; but as all +this could not be regularly related without destroying the unity of the +poem, it was thought most convenient to begin with his introduction +among the Dalecarlians at Mora, and conclude with his first election to +the royalty, in 1523; the rest being introduced by means of narration, +anticipation, and episode. + +It will be doubtless objected, that the enterprize is beyond his powers, +and that he acted rashly in undertaking it. But this is no light scheme; +no work, begun for want of other amusement, and deserted when a more +specious or pleasing subject for poetry presented itself. He has +considered it seriously; the subject appears full of poetical +capabilities, and superior to many others which offered themselves; and +if the opinion of the world coincides with his own in this point, he +has resolved to make it the favourite employment of his maturer years, +and to reduce it as far as possible to perfection. Part of his plan for +continuing the poem, will be found in the Notes. + +The smaller pieces are selected from a large number of original +compositions; they are not chosen as his favourites, but as what he +esteems most faultless. This appeared the safer method; since it is +impossible that "the flimsy productions of a youth of seventeen," as +Kirke White expresses it, should be free from considerable errors; and +we are apt to think our most irregular flights, our most vigorous ones. +On these pieces, however, he places little stress; his principal +reliance is on "Gustavus Vasa." The Latin Poems have been honoured by +the approbation of different Masters at Eton. + +The Author may be accused of arrogance in saying too much of himself. +But he felt strongly that early publication, and the design of writing a +long epic poem, would naturally be censured by many well-meaning +persons; he thought it his duty to state his motives; and was less +solicitous to avoid the possible charge of self-conceit, than the +certain one of folly and presumption. + +Any resemblance to former writers, which may occur in the course of the +work, are generally unintentional. Thus the lines-- + + "Touch'd the abyss, and, lest his eyes might view + The abandon'd shore, into its depths withdrew," + +were written before the author had seen Persius's description of a +totally abandoned man: + + --nescit quid perdat, et, alto + Demersus, summâ rursus non bullit in undâ. + + + + +_The Author has to express his sincere gratitude for a numerous and +respectable list of Subscribers. It is far beyond his expectations; and +it encourages his hope, that the reception of the present volume will +authorize his continuing in the same pursuit._ + + + + +A +LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS +TO THE +_1st MARCH, 1813._ + + +HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE REGENT. +HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CUMBERLAND. +HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS AUGUSTA. +HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS ELIZABETH. +HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS MARY. +HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS SOPHIA. + +Andrews, Rev. Charles, Hempton +Abercrombie, Mrs., County Terrace +Atkinson, Mr., Eton +Ashton, Arthur, Esq., Wood Street +Atkinson, Joseph, Esq., Tower +Anstey, John, Esq. +Appleby, Miss, Thirsk +Ambrose, Mr., Eton +Alderson, Edward H. Esq., Temple +Aylmer, G.W. Esq., Wimpole Street +Anonymous, Thirsk +Angelo, Miss, Eton + +Bedford, His Grace the Duke of +Buccleugh, His Grace the Duke of +Buccleugh, Her Grace the Duchess of +Brecknock, Earl of +Bernard, Viscountess +Belfast, Lord, Eton +Blizard, Sir Wm. _2 Copies_ +Bailie, Lieut. Col. Alexander +Burges, Rev. Mr., Eton +Brickwood, John, Esq., Croydon +Brewster, John, Esq. +Baillie, Mrs., Lower Grosvenor Street +Brown, G.P. Esq. +Burlton, Miss, Ludlow +Barton, Henry, Esq. Mount St. John +Barnard, Mr., Eton +Berdmore, Rev. Dr. _2 Copies_ +Bridges, Rev. Dr. +Bailey, Hon. Mr. Justice _2 Copies_ +Best, Mr. Serjeant _2 Copies_ +Best, Mrs. +Best, J.W. Esq. +Bolland, William, Esq. +Beard, Henry, Esq. +Bayley, Dr., Physician to His Majesty _2 Copies_ +Bayley, Dr., M.D., Northallerton +Balme, Rev. E., Russell Place _2 Copies_ +Bell, John, Esq., Thirsk +Bradfield, John, Esq. +Burges, Esq., Wimpole +Brougham, Henry, Esq. +Brooks, Geo., Esq., Twickenham _4 Copies_ +Brooks, John, Esq., Twickenham +Briscoe, John, Esq., Twickenham +Burges, ----, Esq., Wimpole +Billam, F.T. Esq., Leeds _2 Copies_ +Butterwick, Matthew, Esq., Thirsk +Bissett, Captain, R.N. +Bradney, Joseph, Esq., Ham +Buxton, Fowell, Esq. +Blakelock, Henry, Esq. +Bowser, Mrs., Datchet +Byam, Mr., Rev. +Burt, Mrs., Isleworth +Burton, Miss, Cambridge _2 Copies_ +Burges, George, Esq., Eton +Beverley, ----, Esq., Eton +Bold, ----, Esq., Eton +Brandling, ----, Esq., Eton +Burchell, ----, Esq., Eton +Brown, W., Esq., Sutton, Yorkshire +Baillie, George, Esq. +Barwiss, John, Esq. +Bowen, Miss +Burton, J. Esq. +Boyd, W. Esq. +Bowen, T.B. Esq. +Barrow, Thomas, Esq. +Broderirk, William, Mr., Eton +Broderick, Mr., Eton +Brown, Mr., Eton +Bligh, Mr., Eton +Ballard, William, Esq. +Berthomier, Mr., Eton +Barnard, Mr., Eton +Buckwood, Mr. +Burmester, Mr., Eton +Brown, Nicholas, Esq., Liverpool _4 Copies_ +Brown, Mrs., Liverpool +Brown, Miss, Liverpool +Boyes, Miss Matilda, Old Manor House + +Camden, Right Hon. the Marquis of _2 Copies_ +Calthorpe, Right Hon. Lady _2 Copies_ +Crawford, Earl +Curzon, Right Hon. Viscount _2 Copies_ +Curzon, Hon. Marianne _2 Copies_ +Curzon, Hon. R.W. Penn _4 Copies_ +Clifton, Lord +Courtown, Lord _2 Copies_ +Cambridge, Mr. Archdeacon +Carlisle, Dean of _2 Copies_ +Chambre, Honourable Mr. Justice +Canning, Right Hon. George +Carwardine, Rev. Thomas, Colne Priory +Cuyler, General, St. John Lodge +Cathcart, Captain, R.N. +Cooke, Dr., Gower Street +Cockburn, Thos., Esq., Hampstead Grove +Cartwright, Richard, Esq. +Caley, C. Esq., Thirsk +Coope, Joseph, Esq., Laytonstone +Coope, Miss S., Laytonstone +Coope, John, Esq., Leyspring +Coope, Mr. J., Leyspring +Coates, C., Esq., Rippon _3 Copies_ +Coates, Mrs., Rippon +Cooper, Mr., Eton +Crawford, General +Creswell, Rev. F.B.D., Waldingfield +Carter, Rev. Mr., Eton _2 Copies_ +Croker, W. Wilson, Esq. +Collier, Thomas, Esq., Temple +Colmore, Miss, Teddington +Clarke, John, Esq., Brentford +Cotton, Charles, Esq., Devonshire Place +Champneys, Rev. Mr., Eton +Clayton, E.G. Esq., Eton +Corneivall, Mr., Eton +Currie, Mr., Eton +Coxe, Mr., Eton +Chambre, Mr., Eton +Clarck, Mr., Eton +Crawford, Mr., Eton +Crosby, Mr., Eton +Croft, M.J., Eton +Croft, M.J., Esq., Eton +Cowell, J. Esq., Eton +Cook, C. Esq., the Forest +Cooke, Miss, Hackney +Cass, Miss, Old Manor House +Croasdaile, Richard, Esq. +Croasdale, B. Esq., Admiralty +Cross, R. Esq., Oxford Street +Caley, T., Esq., Seymour Place +Crompton, S. 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George, Eton +Dacres, Captain, R.N. +Dundas, David, Esq., Richmond +Devaynes, Mrs., Holles Street +Disney, John, Esq., Lincoln's Inn Fields +Dixon, Mrs., Bow Cottage +Dixon, Miss, Enfield +Dixon, Mr. B., Bow +Dighton, F., Esq., Horse Guards +Davis, Wm., Esq., Rupert Street _10 Copies_ +Dimsdale, William, Esq., Cornhill _2 Copies_ +Dimsdale, John, Esq., Cornhill _2 Copies_ +Dixon, H., Esq., Eton +Donald, James, Esq. _2 Copies_ +Denby, Mrs., Liverpool +Drury, Mrs., Old Manor House +Denton, Mr., Eton +Dean, Thomas, Esq., Twickenham +Digby, Mrs., Curzon Street +Davis, Scrope, Esq. +Ducane, P. Esq., Bracksted Lodge, Essex +Delafosse, Rev. Mr., Richmond +Duntze, Mr., Eton _3 Copies_ +Denison, Mr. J.E., Eton +Denison, Mr. Edward, Eton + +Eardley, Right Hon. Lord +Evylyn, Right Hon. Lord +Elphinston, Hon. William Fullerton +Edwards, Hon. Mr. +Edmonston, Sir Charles, Bart. +Essington, Admiral, Nottingham Place +Essington, Mrs., Nottingham Place +Eliot, F. Percival, Esq., Burlington Street +Espinasse, J. Esq., Chancery Lane +Edwards, Rev. Mr., Christ's Hospital +Elwyn, J., Esq. +Elwyn, William Brame, Esq. +Ellis, C.T., Esq., Brick Court +Enning, E., Esq., Weymouth +Egremort, Mr., Eton +Evans, Mr., Eton + +Fitzwilliam, Earl +Frere, Right Hon. Hookham _2 Copies_ +Fitzpatrick, General, the Rt. Hon. Richard +Fitzroy, Hon. Miss, Richmond +Flower, Hon. Miss, Beaumont Lodge +Furey, Rev. J., Vice Provost, Cambridge _2 Copies_ +Frazer, Major, 76th Regt. +Falconar, Major _2 Copies_ +Falconar, James, Esq. +Farrington, Rev. R., D.D. +Foveaux, Michael, Esq., Kensington _2 Copies_ +Frere, Mr. Serjeant +Farrant, G. Esq., Upper Brook Street +Frower, Hutches, Esq., Harley Street +Fearnley, Robert, Esq., Leeds +Fothergill, Thomas, Esq., Twickenham +Fletcher, Rev. Mr., Twickenham +Farley, T.M. Esq. +Fawkes, Walter, Esq. +Fawkes, Mr., Eton +F.T.P., Eton _2 Copies_ + +Grantham, Right Hon. Lord +Grantham, Lady +Grantley, Right Hon. Lord +Glenbervie, Right Hon. Lord +Gray, Right Hon. Lord +Gray, Lady +Goodall, Rev. Dr., Provost of Eton _2 Copies_ +Goodall, Mrs. +Goodricke, Sir H. Bart. +Grose, Hon. Mr. Justice +Gibbs, Hon. Mr. Justice _2 Copies_ +Garrow, Sir W., Solicitor General +Gabel, Rev. Dr., Head Master of Winton _2 Copies_ +Garnier, Rev. Mr., Chancellor of Winton _2 Copies_ +Griffiths, Henry, Esq., Windsor +Gurney, Henry, Esq. +Gurney, John, Esq., Serjeant's Inn +Green, Rev. J., Kilvington +Gosling, F., Esq., Isleworth +Gosling, F., Esq., Junior, Isleworth +Goodeve, T., Esq., Warwick Court +Gee, Osgood, Esq., Seymour Street +Gregory, Lieutenant, Plymouth +Grant, John, Esq., Pimlico +Gilchrist, Mr., Twickenham +Green, George, Esq., Clapham Road +Green, Mr., Eton +Green, Mr. G. +Gore, Mr. Robert, Cheapside +Gurney, Hudson, Esq. M.P. _2 Copies_ +Green, Charles, Esq., Birmingham +Graves, Mr., Eton +Garden, Mr., Eton +Greenwood, Mr., Eton +Glanville, Mr. Major, Eton +Glanville, Mr. Minor, Eton +Gosset, Rev. Isaac, Windsor +Gurney, Mr., Eton + +Howe, Right Hon. Viscountess _2 Copies_ +Howe, Right Hon. Baroness _2 Copies_ +Howe, Hon. Mrs. +Hardwicke, Right Hon. Lord _2 Copies_ +Holland, Right Hon. Lord _6 Copies_ +Harcourt, Dowager Countess of +Harvey, Right Hon. Lord +Hereford, the Right Rev. the Bishop of _2 Copies_ +Hudson, Sir Charles Grove, Bart. _2 Copies_ +Halford, Sir H., M.D., Physician to His Majesty +Harlock, Rev. Dr., Bruton Street +Hemming, Rev. Dr., Hampton +Hart, Rev. J., Cambridge +Hudson, D., Esq. +Hoseason, Thomas, Esq., Harley Street _5 Copies_ +Hawkins, Henry, Esq., Twickenham +Hawkins, Miss, Twickenham +Holt, F.L., Esq., Abingdon Street +Hills, Robert, Esq., Colne Priory +Hibbert, Robert, Esq., East Hyde, Luton _2 Copies_ +Hibbert, Robert, Esq., Cambridge +Hibbert, John, Esq., Cambridge +Heathcote, G., Esq. +Heathcote, R., Esq., Baker Street +Hudson, J.S., Esq. +Hicks, G., Esq. +Henry, ----, Esq., Ripon +Haigh, William, Esq., Cheapside +Hexter, Mr., Eton +Hornby, Mr., Eton _2 Copies_ +Handley, Mr., Eton +Higgon, Mr., Eton +Hatch, Mr., Eton +Hannington, Mr., Eton +Harris, Mr., Eton +Hall, Mr., Eton +Hunter, R., Esq., Kew +Hunter, Mrs., Kew +Hunter, Miss, Kew +Heald, George, Esq., Cambridge +Holt, Mrs., Eton +Hanbury, Arthur, Esq. +Hanbury, Sampson, Esq., Brick Lane +Hartley, William, Esq., Temple +Hudson, J.H., Esq. _2 Copies_ +Heathcock, Robert, Esq. _2 Copies_ +Heath, G. Esq., Temple +Hedger, Robert, Esq., Temple +Harrison, ----, Esq., Thirsk +Harpur, Rev. G., D.D. +Heath, John, Esq. _2 Copies_ +Hope, W., Esq. +Hall, R., Esq., Portland Place +Hodgson, Thomas, Esq., Wanstead +Hodgson, Mrs., Wanstead +Hodgson, Miss, Wanstead +Hodgson, Miss M., Wanstead +Hamilton, Rev. Dr. +Hauchecomb, Mrs. Amelia, Isleworth +Hall, Mrs. +Hills, Esq., Robert, jun., Colne Priory +Higgins, Mr., Eton +Hope, E., Esq., Trinity College + +Johnes, Rev. Samuel, Welwyn +Jekyll, Joseph, Esq. K.C. +Irving, Rev. Mr., Eton +Jones, Charles, Esq., Guildford Street +James, Major +Julius, J., Esq., Richmond +Illingsby, J. Esq., Cambridge +Jervis, T. Esq., K.C. +James, ----, Esq., Eton _2 Copies_ +Jansen, Halsey, Esq. +Johnson, Mr., Eton +Jenkyns, Mr., Eton +Irving, Rev. Mr., Eton +Jennings, Mr., Eton +Jenyns, Mr. Minor, Eton + +Kirkwall, Right Hon. Viscountess +Keith, Admiral, Right Hon. Lord +Keith, Right Hon. Lady +Kildare, Rt. Hon. & Right Rev. Bishop of +Keate, Rev. Dr., Head Master of Eton College _10 Copies_ +Kemp, J. Esq., M.P. _2 Copies_ +Knapp, J.W., Esq. +Knapp, Rev. Mr., Eton _2 Copies_ +Knapp, Miss, Eton +Knapp, Mr. H.T., Eton +Knox, Vicissimus, Esq. +Knight, Francis, Esq., Saville Street +Knight, Charles, Esq., Eltham +Knight, Mrs., Eltham +King, Rev. J., A.M. +Kimpton, Francis, Esq., War-Office +King, Charles, Esq. +King, Mrs., Highbury +Kidd, R., Esq., Kew +Kekewich, T., Esq., Eton _2 Copies_ +Kekewich, Mr., Eton +Kekewich, Mrs., Eton +Kekewich, Miss, Eton +Leeds, His Grace the Duke of +Leeds, Her Grace the Duchess of +Langham, Sir James, Bart. _5 Copies_ +Lennard, Sir Thomas Barrett, Bart. +Lennard, Lady Barrett +Lisle, Hon. Mrs., Kingston +Lamb, Hon. G. +Ledwick, Rev. Edward, L.L.D. +Lindsay, Hon. Mrs. +Lindsay, G. Esq. +Lindsay, H., Esq. Horseguards +Lens, Mr. Serjeant +Lawes, Vitruvias, Esq., Temple +Lawes, Edward, Esq., Temple +Leycester, H., Esq. +Lettsom, Mr., Eton _2 Copies_ +Long, Thomas, Esq. +Lowndes, W., Esq., M.P. +Lowndes, Captain, Chesham +Luxmoore, Mrs., Hereford +Lonsdale, H., Esq., Lincoln's Inn +Lawson, Mrs., Nottingham _4 Copies_ +Lawson, S., Esq., Nottingham +Latham, J., Esq., M.D. +Lefont, jun., Esq. +Lefevre, S., Mr. +Langford, Miss, Eton +Langdale, Mr., Northallerton +Leigh, Mr., Eton +Lunn, Mr. S., Thames Street + +Morton, Earl of +Molyneux, Lord Viscount +Montagu, Lord _2 Copies_ +Mansfield, Right Hon. Sir James _2 Copies_ +Mercer, Hon. Miss Elphinstone +Mathias, Rev. D., A.M. +Mathias, Miss, Warrington +Mathias, T., Esq., Tonbridge Place +Mowbray, George, Esq., Devonshire Place +Marsham, Rev. C., Caversfield, Oxford +Moore, Abraham, Esq. +Marriott, G.W. Esq. +Milner, Charles, Esq., Temple +Milner, Miss +Mallett, L. Esq. +Mackay, John, Esq. _2 Copies_ +Morgan, Miss, Dover _2 Copies_ +Morgan, Miss Louisa, Dover +Maceroni, Signor, Falcon Square +Moore, Rev. J., Eton +Morton, Rev. T., Retford +Morton, Thos., Esq., Southampton Place +Morton, Mrs., Southampton Place. +Morell, Rev. T., Chingford +Monk, Mr. Professor, Cambridge +Middleton, Dr., M.D., Warwick +Middleton, Mrs., Eton +Manby, Rev. John _2 Copies_ +Mansfield, J., Esq. _3 Copies_ +Moore, T., Esq., Temple +Mongomerie, M., Esq., Temple +Melvill, Mr., Eton +Meyrick, W. Esq. +Mitford, R., Esq., Norton Street +Milne, Alexander, Esq., Temple _2 Copies_ +Mansell, Mr., Eton +Mantell, Mrs., Dover +Montague, Basil, Esq., Lincoln's Inn _2 Copies_ + +Newcastle, Her Grace the Duchess of +North, Rev. Mr., Chancellor of Winton _2 Copies_ +Nowell, Captain, R.N., near Oxford +Nixon, Captain Brinsley, 37th Regt. +Newnham, G.L., Esq., Guildford Street +Nugent, Mrs., Upper Brook Street +Nicoll, Mrs., Neasdon House +Nicoll, Joseph, Esq., Tower +Norman, Miss, Liverpool +Natissa, David _3 Copies_ + +Ossory, Right Hon. Earl of Upper _2 Copies_ +Onslow, Mr. Serjeant +Onslow, Rev. Arthur Merrow, Guildford +Oxenden, Mr., Eton _2 Copies_ +Okes, Mr., Eton + +Paulet, Lady Mary +Pusey, Lady Lucy +Pusey, Hon. Philip +Pryse, Pryse, Esq. +Pryse, Hon. Mrs. +Price, Rev. Dr., Prebend of Durham +Phipps, J. Wathen, Esq. _2 Copies_ +Parr, Rev. Dr., Hatton _6 Copies_ +Polehampton, Rev. J., Cambridge +Preston, Sir Robt., Bart., Downing Street +Preston, Captain, R.N., Downing Street +Park, J.A. Esq., K.C. +Peart, Rev. Wm., Thirsk +Pauncefort, Mrs. +Protheroe, Edward, Esq., M.P., Harley Street +Perring, Mr., Eton +Prescot, Rev. E.K., A.M. +Penn, Mrs., Richmond +Pellew, G. Esq., C.C. College +Price, Mr., Eton +Puller, C., Esq. +Pollock, Frederick, Esq. +Pyppis, Mr., Eton +Pocock, H., Esq. _2 Copies_ +Porter, Mr., Eton +Polhill, Mr., Eton +Pusey, Mr., Eton +Price, Mr., Trinity College +Palk, Mr., Eton +Pennington, Mr., Eton +Paterson, J. Esq. +Popple, John, Esq. +Prince, Mr. +Prince, Mrs. +Palmer, Major, Mr., Eton + +Rothes, Earl of _2 Copies_ +Rothes, Countess of _2 Copies_ +Redesdale, Right Hon. Lord _2 Copies_ +Rose, Right Hon. George _5 Copies_ +Rogers, Sir John, Bart. _2 Copies_ +Rogers, Frederick, Esq., Baker Street _2 Copies_ +Rogers, Mrs., Baker Street _2 Copies_ +Rogers, Captain, R. Henley, R.N. _2 Copies_ +Rennel, Rev. 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Philip, Prebend of Ely +Yonge, Charles, Esq., Master at Eton College _10 Copies_ +Yellowly, Dr., M.D. +Yorke, ----, Esq., Wimpole +Yorke, Mrs., Wimpole + + + + +Gustavus Vasa. + + + + +ARGUMENT. + + +_State of Sweden at the commencement of the Poem--A +Council--Trollio--Bernheim--Ernestus--Christiern proposes the reduction +of Dalecarlia--Ernestus opposes him, is committed to prison--Christiern +takes his measures to oppose a rebellion just arisen in Denmark._ + + + + +Gustavus Vasa, + +A POEM. + + + + +BOOK I. + + + The Swede I sing, by Heaven ordain'd to save + His country's glories from a Danish grave, + Restore her laws, her Papal rites efface, + And fix her freedom on a lasting base. + + Celestial Liberty! by whom impell'd + From early youth fair honour's path he held; + By whose strong aid his patient courage rose + Superior to the rushing tide of woes, + And at whose feet, when Heaven his toils repaid, + His brightest wreaths the grateful hero laid: + Me too assist; with thy inspiring beam + Aid my weak powers, and bless my rising theme! + + Stockholm to Christiern bow'd her captive head; } + By Treachery's axe her slaughter'd senate bled, } + And her brave chief was numbered with the dead. } + Piled with her breathless sons, th' uncultured land + With daily ravage fed a wasteful band; + And ruthless Christiern, wheresoe'er be flew, + Around his steps a track of crimson drew. + Already, by Heaven's dark protection led, + To Dalecarlia Sweden's hero fled; + There, with a pious friend retired, unknown, + He mourn'd his country's sorrows, and his own. + Those mountain peasants, negatively free, + The sole surviving friends of Liberty, + Unbought by bribes, still trample Christiern's power, + And wait in silence the decisive hour. + + 'Twas morn when Christiern bade a herald call + His secret council to the regal hall-- + Those whom his skill, selecting, had combined + To share the deep recesses of his mind: + In these the prince unshaken trust reposed, + To these his intricate designs disclosed; + Their counsel, teeming with maturest thought, + His ripening plans to full perfection brought, + Each enterprise with proper means supplied, + And stemm'd strong difficulty's threatening tide: + The summons heard, th' obedient train attend, + Collect, and hastening toward the palace bend. + + First of their order, as in rank and fame + Superior, Upsal's haughty prelate came; + Erect in priestly pride, he stalk'd along, + And tower'd supreme o'er all the princely throng. + A soul congenial, and a mind replete + With ready artifice and bold deceit, + To suit a tyrant's ends, however base, + In Christiern's friendship had secured his place. + His were the senator's and courtier's parts, + And all the statesman's magazine of arts; + His, each expedient, each all-powerful wile, + To thwart a foe, or win a monarch's smile: + The nicely-plann'd and well-pursued intrigue; + The smooth evasion of the hollow league; + The specious argument, that subtly strays + Thro' winding sophistry's protracted maze: + The complicated, deep, immense design, + That works in darkness like a labouring mine, + Unknown to all, 'till, bursting into birth, + Its wide explosion shakes th' astonish'd earth. + His was the prompt invention, fruitful still + In means subservient to the varying will: + The flexible expertness, smooth and mean, + That glides thro' obstacles, and wins unseen: + The quick discernment, that with eagle eyes + Sees distant storms in ether darkly rise, + And active vigour, that arrests their course, + Or to a different aim diverts their force. + He, in a happier land, by freedom bless'd, + Had hallow'd virtue dawn'd upon his breast, + Had done some glorious deed, to stamp his name + High on the roll of ever-during fame; + Snatch'd from Oppression's jaws some victim realm, + Or fix'd in stable peace his country's wavering helm. + But baleful Guilt usurp'd with fatal care + A heart which Virtue had been proud to share; + And turn'd to hateful dross the radiant ore, + Whose lustre might have gilded Sweden's shore. + As the red dog star, Autumn's fiery eye, + Shines eminent o'er all the spangled sky, + While thro' th' afflicted earth his torrid breath + Darts glowing fevers and a cloud of death: + So Trollio shone, in whose corrupted mind + Transcendent genius and deep guilt combined; + Placed all his arduous aims within his reach, + Yet fix'd the stamp of infamy on each. + But Providence, whose undiscover'd plan + Lies deeper than the wiliest schemes of man, + Can bare the sty designer's latent guilt, + And crush to dust the structures he has built; + Can disappoint the subtle tyrant's spite, + And stem the billows of his stormy might; + Confound a Trollio's skill, a Christiern's power, + And blast presumption in its haughtiest hour. + So Christiern found--and Trollio found it true, + (Unwelcome truth, to his experience new!) + That he, who trusts in guilty friendship, binds + His fortune to a cloud, that shifts with veering winds. + Throned in Religion's seat, he scorn'd her laws, + And with a cool indifference view'd her cause: + Yet, might her earthly treasures feed the fire + Of wild ambition, or base gain's desire, + He could assume, at will, her fairest dress-- + Could plunge in Superstition's dark recess-- + Or the red mask of Bigotry put on; + The fiercest champion, where there needed none. + But, should she cross some glittering enterprise, + Her pleas, her awful threats, he could despise; + Oaths, lightly sworn, and now forgotten things, + Vanish'd, like smoke before the tempest's wings. + At interest's call, when danger's sudden voice + Extinguish'd hope, nor left a final choice, + His sacred honours he renounc'd, and fled + To hide in silent solitude his head: + At interest's call, he calmly thrust aside + Each bond of conscience that opposed his pride, + And, deeming every scruple out of place, + Back posted to his dignified disgrace. + + Next, with a lofty step advancing, came + A martial chieftain--Otho was his name: + In Denmark born, of an illustrious line, + Whose glories, now effaced, had ceased to shine; + And he was but unanxious to redeem + Those honours, in his eyes a worthless dream. + Trained in licentious customs, he despised + All virtue's rules, and pleasure only prized; + And, faithful as the magnet, turn'd his head + To follow fortune wheresoe'er it led: + Tho' hostile justice rear'd her loftiest mound, + To bar his passage o'er forbidden ground. + Swift o'er all impediments he flew, + And strain'd his eyes to keep the prize in view. + Religion, virtue, sense, to him were nought; + He hated none, yet none employ'd his thought, + Save when he glitter'd in their borrowed beam, + To gain preferment, or to court esteem. + The minister, not tool, of Christiern's will, + He serv'd his measures, yet despis'd him still: + Scann'd with impartial view th'encircling scene, + Glancing o'er all an eye exact and keen, + Advantage to descry; and seldom fail'd, + When Virtue's cause by Fortune's will prevail'd, + On virtue's side his valour to display, + And ne'er forsake it, but for better pay. + And, e'en when Danger round his fenceless head + Her threatening weight of mountain surges spread, + He, like a whale amid the tempest's roar, + Smiled at the storm, nor deign'd to wish it o'er. + 'Twas dull instinctive boldness--like a fire + Pent up in earth, whose forces ne'er expire, + By grossest fuel nourished, but immured + In dingy night, shine heavy and obscured; + Sustain'd by this thro' all the scenes of strife, + Whose dark succession form'd his chequer'd life, + He ne'er the soul's sublimer courage felt, + That warms the heart, and teaches it to melt; + That nurses liberty's expanding seeds, + And teems prolific with the noblest deeds. + To guide the storm of battle o'er the plain, + Condense its force, expand it, or restrain; + To turn the tide of conquest to defeat + By stratagems too fatally complete, + Or freeze it by delay; to aim at will + The well-timed stroke that mars all adverse skill; + To range, in order firm, th'embattled line; + Or shape, as regular, the bold design; + All these were his--yet not all these could claim + Exemptions from the lot of penal shame, + Or snatch from glory's plant one servile wreath, + To deck the waste of crimes, that frown'd beneath. + Harden'd in villany, with fate unfeign'd + He mock'd at warning, scorn'd reproach, nor deign'd + To answer either, and remorse's dart + Recoil'd from his impenetrable heart: + Save in those hours when darkness or when pain + Recals its force, and guilt recedes again; + When passion, vice, and fancy quit their sway, + When lawless pleasure trembling shrinks away, + While black conviction's rushing whirlwinds quench + Her smoky torch, and leave a sickening stench; + And thro' the soul's chill gloom, fierce conscience pours + His fiery arrows in resistless showers. + But, as accumulated guilt oppress'd + With stronger obstacles his hardening breast, + Faint and more faint the dread awakenings grew, + And their subsiding terrors soon withdrew. + Like traces on the mountain's giant form + Imprinted by the finger of the storm, + They vanish'd; fierce atrocity return'd + Triumphant, and the galling shackles spurn'd. + + Him closely following, with a thoughtful pace + And slow, the young Ernestus took his place; + Like Bernheim, graced with an illustrious birth, + But hapless Sweden was his native earth. + His father sunk by death's untimely doom, + His youthful mother followed to the tomb, + And to a honour'd friend's paternal care + Bequeath'd her only hope, her infant heir. + With wary steps had Harfagar pass'd o'er + The world's wide scene, and learn'd its various lore; + And, with religion's pole-star for his guide, + Serenely voyaged life's tempestuous tide. + Yet in Ernestus' mind his skilful sense + Observ'd no dawn of future excellence; + He found no early graces to adorn + Of springing life the inauspicious morn; + No prompt benevolence, no sacred flow + Of purest feeling taught his heart to glow; + But virtue's native influence was in him, + A wintry sun-beam, not extinct, but dim. + Yet Harfagar with kind attention tried + To rouse the warmth her hidden beams supplied; + And, wheresoe'er his penetrating eye + One bud of distant promise could descry, + There all his toil was bent, to fix the root + Unmoved, and spread secure the growing shoot. + He watch'd the rising blossoms as they grew, + Preserv'd with constant care their lively hue, + Spread o'er each flow'ret a protecting veil + To shelter it from trial's rougher gale, + And clear'd, with strenuous and unceasing toil, + From each insidious weed th' improving soil. + His patient diligence had won at length + A partial triumph over nature's strength: + Tho' unsuppress'd th' internal weakness still + With frequent bias pois'd the wavering will, + Still losing ground, it seem'd to die away, + Like nightly storms before advancing day: + When thrice seven rolling years matured his age, + And call'd him forth to life's eventful stage. + + 'Twas now the time, when all the northern land + Was sinking under Christiern's ruthless hand; + When patriotism from Sweden's hills sublime + With tearful eyes o'erlook'd the subject clime, + And saw where Stenon and a matchless few, + To her bright race unalterably true, + Regardless of the thunders launch'd by Rome, + Self-titled arbitress of future doom, + O'er a waste realm her shatter'd flag unfurl'd, + Conspicuous to the whole applauding world. + Ernestus' sire in Sweden's state before + High eminence and ample influence bore; + And public hope call'd forth the willing youth + To join the cause of liberty and truth; + Yet here his wary diffidence look'd round + For due support--but no support was found, + For Harfagar, whose strong unconquer'd mind } + The tyrant knew, unmatch'd among mankind, } + Caught in his snares, was now in chains confined. } + The sudden blow his resolution shook; + Deliberate fortitude his heart forsook; + The pile of hope, that many a year had rear'd, + Seem'd sunk in air, and now no more appear'd. + Stenon had welcomed him, benign and free, + With warm and undissembling amity, + Enroll'd him in the list of friends select + He singled out his measures to direct-- + And e'en his life was in Ernestus' power. + This Christiern saw, and urg'd the fatal hour. + With bribes and honours he the youth attack'd, + With promised secrecy his proffers back'd, + Tried smooth persuasion's most effectual strain, + And added threats, not likely to be vain. + Strong was th' assault; he arm'd his hopeless breast, + And summon'd all his forces to the test. + His unassisted strength awhile withstood, + With desperate energy, th' invading flood, + As the pale victim of all-conquering death + With one faint effort struggles yet for breath. + His courage soon beneath th' encounter bent, + Languid before, and now by efforts spent; + He yielded--his brave chief to death betray'd, + And Stenon's blood dyed treachery's reeking blade. + + 'Twas done; and peace the traitor's bosom left, + Of every comfort, every joy bereft. + Rack'd by despair, in vain he sought repose: + Round all his steps a cloud of horror rose, + From keen reflection's maddening sting he fled, + And rush'd on further crimes devoid of dread; + Touch'd the abyss, and lest his eye might view + Th' abandon'd shore, into its depths withdrew. + + 'Twas night; the cheerless moon's o'erclouded ray + Shone dim; the breeze's murmurs died away: + On his wan brow unwonted slumbers creep, + And drench his soul in visionary sleep. + When lo! deep thunders on his startled ear + Successive roll, and shadowy forms appear; + As thro' the misty vale at morning rise + A row of trees before the traveller's eyes. + His father's, from the first of time, arose, + Their country's friends, and terror of her foes, + Who factions quell'd, or legal justice plann'd, + Or bade fair science brighten o'er the land. + They came; they stopp'd--an angry eye they cast + On the pale slumberer, and in silence pass'd. + Again the thunder roll'd; the lightning flew; + His country's form appear'd before his view: + All stain'd with gore appear'd her azure vest, + And her dim eyes unusual grief confess'd. + The gloomy phantom on Ernestus frown'd, + And with her sceptre touch'd the yawning ground: + A boundless space, with mourning myriads spread, + Appear'd below, and thus the vision said: + "Behold th' abode of traitors! Sylla here, + And guiltier Cæsar, mourn their mad career; + Here Curio gnaws his chain--Ernestus! see + A darker grave;--a grave reserv'd for thee!" + The widening chasm around him seem'd to grow. + His kindred spirits call'd him from below; + When lo! it closed--and from heaven's opening height, + A brilliant ray burst on his dazzled sight, + And broke the dream.--In deep amazement lost, + Unnumber'd thoughts his feverish bosom cross'd; + Hope, wonder, fear, and penitence combined, + For many a hour oppress'd his varying mind, + 'Till now in heaven's blue space the lamp of day + Was hung serene: he hail'd the cheering ray, + And thus began: "Eternal beam, give ear! + Earth, air, and thou, all-ruling Monarch, hear! + Call'd forth by thee from the deep maze of ill, + I haste, to work the mandates of thy will. + This hour, this moment, unappall'd by shame, + The servitude of guilt I will disclaim; + And, if eternal mercy deign to spare + The forfeit life she rescued from despair, + 'Tis mine to watch my country's hapless cause, + And with fix'd soul defend her injured laws. + Hear, Stenon, hear! from heaven's bright arch bend down + The sapphire glories of thy radiant crown, + Accept th' atonement with propitious brow, + And thro' the courts of heaven proclaim my vow!" + + Thus spoke Ernestus, and in silence sought + The council hall, involved in careful thought. + + These occupied a more distinguished seat; + A chosen train the monarch's list complete. + There unsubmitting Brask's proud genius shone, + There Bernheim's might, in many a contest known; + There Theodore: a bold ungovern'd soul, + Rapacious, fell, and fearless of control: + A harlot's favour rais'd him from the dust, + To rise the pander of tyrannic lust: + Graced with successive gifts, at length he shone + With wondering Trollio on the sacred throne. + With pleasure's arts, and sophistry's refined, + Alike he pleas'd the body and the mind; + Skilful alike to cheat the wandering soul, + Or mix luxurious pleasure's midnight bowl. + All these, and more, at Christiern's sudden call, + (A shining conclave) fill the towering hall. + + Ere yet they enter'd, Trollio left the rest, + Th' advancing monarch met, and thus address'd: + + "Hear, Christiern, hear! th' unwelcome news attend, + Forced from the lips of an unwilling friend. + Nor think 'tis from a mean suspicious heart + I speak my message from our friends apart; + I know their general worth, in duty tried, + Yet in one man I tremble to confide: + False to his country, to himself, and thee, + Sick of success, and tired of infamy, + Ernestus now prepares to burst your yoke, + And win his freedom by some glorious stroke. + I know him well; his ever-varying soul + Now searches earth, now looks beyond the pole; + Successive schemes usurp his changeful breast, + That seeks for toil, and languishes in rest: + Like a frail bark, the sport of every breeze, + That floats unguided on the boundless seas. + E'en now I mark'd him--struggling passions play'd + On his pale forehead, and alternate sway'd. + Of this no more.--Our friends, dread prince, have sent + Advices, that concern your government. + The factious souls, that late, o'eraw'd by you, + Their inward rancour hid from open view, + Are rous'd afresh, and gathering all their power, + Beneath the smiles of this auspicious hour. + Reports and whispers, toss'd about, ferment + With ceaseless breath the tide of discontent. + Each vile complainer casts his grievance in, } + The common clamours to augment, and win } + His share of future spoils, reward of clamorous din. } + The torrent of sedition swells amain, + Disloyalty invades the firmest Dane; + And Christiern's arm, outstretch'd without delay, + Alone has power to prop his tottering sway. + Haste, while in momentary bounds is kept, + The struggling flood, which else may intercept + Your passage; haste! your new dominions quit; + Their care to some experienced chief commit; + Haste, and by speediest means secure your crown + Ere violence and treason tear it down!" + + While thus he spoke, the tyrant's mien express'd + The troubled sea that roll'd within his breast. + By hopes, and doubts, and fears, his mind was torn, + From thought to thought irregularly borne. + Thus the swift traveller, whose successful haste + Has many a hill, and many a wood o'erpast, + Trembling beholds new mountains touch the skies, + And wider forests all around him rise. + His mind, unsettled by the sudden shock, + At length recovering, to his friend be spoke. + "Thy counsels, Trollio, thy inventive soul, + Have gain'd me half my power, secured the whole: + Display thy talents now; exert them all: + Rewards and honours wait without a call. + I dread Ernestus; and my cautious fear + These tidings would conceal, while he can hear. + Myself, ev'n now, some fair pretence will frame, + From this assembly to erase his name. + But haste, my friend, to council--should we stay, + Suspicion might comment on our delay!" + + This said, they enter'd--at the monarch's side + Sate lordly Trollio, in accustom'd pride. + A mute attention still'd each listening man, + 'Till, rising from his throne, the prince began. + + "Friends of my heart! to whom your monarch owes + The brightest honours his kind fate bestows; + My empire, unconfirm'd, imperfect still, + Yet asks the aid of your auspicious skill. + Tho' Sweden's general voice consents to own + Me the true master of her triple throne, + Tho' her disputed crown adorns my brow, + And tributary millions round me bow; + One bold, one stubborn province, yet defies + My brandish'd arm, and to my threats replies; + In face of all the realm denies my right, + And challenges three kingdoms to the fight. + On Dalecarlia's wide uncultured ground, + With rugged hills, and mineral riches crown'd, + A race, endued with native freedom, dwell; + A race, that stood, when total Sweden fell. + Their strong and unremitting bands explore + In earth's dark caverns her metallic store, + And, from laborious days extracting health, + Rest satisfied, and ask no other wealth: + Rough and unyielding, like their native soil, + The hardy sons of Nature and of Toil; + Resistless vigour, resolute and warm, + Strings every nerve, and braces every arm. + Foremost to vindicate the righteous cause, + And from th' oppressor guard their injur'd laws, + Thro' many a rolling century these have shone + Th' unfailing champions of the Swedish throne, + And now with all my forces singly cope, + Sweden's last bulwark, and her choicest hope. + No trivial loss their courage will alarm, + No threatening martial show their minds disarm, + And bribes, those glittering, oft successful darts, + Will find no entrance to their guarded hearts. + No--fields must smoke, and blood in torrents flow, + Ere all our force can master such a foe." + + More had he said, but, with indignant heat + Inspired, Ernestus started from his seat: + His soul's resistless ardour bade him rise, + His kindling soul came rushing to his eyes-- + + "Yes! fresh domains to ruin must succeed, + Fresh cities sink in flame, fresh thousands bleed! + What want'st thou more, thou prodigal of guilt! + Oppression's sword is buried to the hilt + In unoffending blood--what want'st thou more, + Thou sanguinary pest of an unhappy shore? + Far as thy sight can stretch, look round, and see + All Sweden piled with monuments of thee; + Behold her provinces with slaughter strown, + Her ruined fields, her castles overthrown; + Behold--But ah! more glaring than the rest, + In me thy brightest trophy stands confess'd! + Yes--prompt each fatal mandate to fulfil, + Perpetual slave of thy tyrannic will, + I stood, to sovereign infamy preferr'd, + The meanest of thy mercenary herd: + Thy crimes I copied--for thy worthless gold + My monarch's life, my country's freedom sold! + The cloud of wrath that veils in thickening gloom + Thee and those partners of thy crimes and doom, + In its black scope involv'd me--not a ray + Shot thro' the ambient night one glimpse of day; + 'Till heaven's own mercy offer'd to my view + From its dark sphere, a radiant avenue: + Cheer'd with fresh hope, its limits I forsook, + And, wing'd with new-born speed, a fresh direction took. + If Heaven prohibit not the blow, my fate + Lies in thy hands; my transitory date + This hour may close; and thou, e'en thou, mayst be + The doom'd assertor of his wrath on me: + So let it be! E'en so, thy friendly hate + Will snatch its victim from a heavier fate: + And when the storms of vengeance, that impend + O'er thee and thine, collected shall descend, + The bolt that shakes your haughty souls with dread, + Shall roll innocuous o'er my shelter'd head, + Safe in that mansion of unbroken rest, + Which neither lightnings strike nor winds molest. + Thus then in brief, relentless tyrant, take + A fix'd resolve, thou hast no power to shake. + Let wily Trollio try his utmost art, + Join'd with thy power, on this determined heart. + Let sorrows round me like an ocean flow, + Let earth dividing yawn my grave below, + Bribes, threats, nor torments, more shall bid me own + Thy sway, or bow to thy detested throne, + Dread power! whom, prompt to succour and to bless, + Reverent I name, yet confident address, + Do thou the marks of former guilt efface, + Speed every just resolve, and every terror chase!" + + Ernestus ceas'd. The listening senate heard; + On every face derision's smile appear'd. + Yet some less harden'd bosoms heav'd a sigh, } + Like the faint breezes of an evening sky, } + That curl the rippled wave and on its surface die. } + Reproach, familiar to the monarch's ear, + Might move contempt, but ne'er excited fear: + It cross'd his mind, like streams of melted snow, } + That o'er a cavern'd rock's cold surface flow, } + But soften not their stony bed below. } + His haughty bosom with impatience burn'd, + He smiled contemptuous, and in brief return'd-- + "What! hast thou then exhausted all thy store + Of sounding words? and is the tempest o'er? + Haste, noble Trollio, fetch my guards, and send + Th' incautious hero to his wiser friend!" + + Swift as the word obsequious Trollio speeds, + And to the secret hall the soldiers leads. + The youth, resign'd, bow'd down his thoughtful head, + And calmly silent follow'd where they led. + "Such be the fate of all," the monarch cried, + "Who, born to meanness, swell with worthless pride; + Who, glad with nobler men to be preferr'd, + Rise, by officious guilt, above the vulgar herd, + Obtrude their ready service on the great, + And deem their talents fit to rule a state! + Yes, my brave friends, I meant this recreant fool + But as a means, a momentary tool. + To push my purpose to a readier end, + Then to the dust my worn-out weapon send.-- + But leave we this; far weightier themes arise: + Th' occasion told all waste of words denies. + In my own realm, our trusty spies report, + While Christiern lingers in a Swedish court, + Once more Sedition rears her batter'd crest, + And plants her snakes in every loyal breast. + Wide o'er the realm the growing tumults swell, + And ask immediate force their rage to quell. + Let valiant Bernheim, with a chosen band, + Use all his speed to reach his native land; + There countermining each insidious plot + By hostile Craft and Treachery begot, + Prepare my way; while I thro' Sweden lead + A wider army, with inferior speed, + And, as I pass, the trembling cities awe, + Display my terrors, and confirm my law; + Then, entering Denmark, pour my eager host, + An unexpected torrent, on the coast. + Thou, Trollio, strait to Soren Norbi send, + Our faithful subject, and unfailing friend; + Bid him with speed his gallant fleet dispose, + To man our ports against invading foes: + (My own brave troops will guard the conquests made, + Who every province, every town pervade) + Thyself to Norbi constant help afford, + And with thy prudence guide brave Otho's sword, + And you, my friends, to second each design. + Your arts, your counsels, and your arms combine." + + And now (what time the westering orb of day, + Shot thro' the purpled clouds a mellower ray) + The soldiers, with their charge, the tower had gain'd, + Where, wrapt in fetters, Harfagar remain'd-- + From whose tall top the eye unbounded threw + O'er all the subject town its ample view, + O'er crowded streets, and marts, and sacred spires, + That glitter'd with the day's declining fires. + There, round his limbs a length of chain they threw, + Strict charge enjoin'd, and to their posts withdrew. + The tranquil captive press'd the rugged ground, + Smiled on his chains, and gazed the prison round; + "And here," he cried, "the fates, relenting, give + Fair Freedom back; again to her I live! + I am once more a patriot--fix once more + My foot on rectitude's deserted shore! + O Sweden! tho' by me to death betray'd, + Accept these tears, thou dear maternal shade! + Thy image shall my lonely dungeon cheer, + And in dark slumbers to my soul appear: + While hopes of thee shall every terror brave, + And gild the gloomy confines of the grave. + Tho' snatch'd by cleaving earth to central gloom, + Or buried in the Ocean's watery tomb, + Yet should my soul in exile pant for thee, + And lightly prize all meaner misery!" + Down his warm cheeks the tears unbidden roll, + And speak the silent language of his soul. + + Meanwhile the council closed; the peers withdrew: + To Trollio's dome the prince impatient flew; + There saw at large the hostile plot disclosed, + And his own plans with silent care disposed: + While Bernheim bade his quarter'd troops prepare + At earliest dawn the toils of war to share. + The weak he strengthen'd, and confirm'd the brave, + Arranged each band, and due directions gave. + + Then to their stations baste the joyful powers, + And cheat with various sport the midnight hours. + Some brighten up their arms to polish'd flame, + And shake the sword, as in the field of fame: + Some crown the bowl, to chase dull fears away, + And end in long debauch the task of day. + Some court the aid of sleep, whose soft relief + Weighs down the eye of care, and smooths the thorns of Grief. + Enfolded in his golden wings they lie, + And fancied triumphs swell in every eye: + Each bounds in thought the airy champaign o'er, + And grasps the prize, distain'd with streaming gore. + + Now move the summoned peers, a shining train, + To where the palace glitters o'er the plain. + The opening gate receives the pompous throng; + Thence to the festive room they move along, + Where tapers, rang'd in lofty rows, display + An added splendour, and nocturnal day. + There, till the close of night, the bowls go round, + And the full board with luxury is crown'd. + + + + +BOOK II. + + + + +ARGUMENT. + + +_Soliloquies of Ernestus and Harfagar in prison--Christiern in a +conversation with his peers throws further light on the rebellion of +Prince Frederic in Denmark--He employs Olaus to carry Ernestus and +Harfagar, in a boat, into the sea, and there assassinate them--Death of +Olaus and Harfagar--Ernestus is ordered by the genius of Sweden, to seek +Gustavus Vasa, hero of the poem, in Dalecarlia--Character of Admiral +Norbi._ + + + + +BOOK II. + + + Day's golden eye had closed, his ruddy light + Expiring on the bosom of the night; + And solitary twilight's deepening shade + In dusky robe the firmament array'd. + The moon, resplendent, fill'd her glittering throne, + And tipp'd with yellow gems all ether shone. + The breeze was silent on the glassy deep, + And half the world was sinking into sleep: + Save where the shepherd led his fleecy train + To crop the verdure of the moon-light plain; + Save where the warder on the turret's height + Trimm'd his weak lamp, and watch'd the bell of night, + And the lone captive, in the dungeon's gloom, + With beating pulse look'd forward to his doom. + + Still Harfagar refused the gift of rest; + His country's cares lay brooding in his breast: + And many a gloomy pang his heart assail'd, + But fortitude at each assault prevail'd. + So stands in British woods a broad-bough'd oak, + That braved three centuries every stormy stroke; + While howling winds the scatter'd forest rend, + He rears his aged trunk, and scorns to bend; + So stood, serenely stood the godlike man, + And thus, deep musing, inwardly began. + + "Now silent night, the parent of repose, + O'er half the earth her shadowy pinion throws. + Hail, sleep, restorer of the tortured mind, + Balm of the soul, and friend to human kind! + The toils and tumults of our earthly scene + Subside, and melt into thy sway serene. + Life's sweetest cup, with purest blessings fraught, + Were, without thee, a vapid joyless thought! + My fellow captives all thy pleasures taste; + Their fears, their sorrows, all in sleep are past; } + Oh! be it peaceful still, for this may be the last! } + Now, borne in vision to those airy plains } + Where fancy undisturb'd by reason reigns, + Where thron'd in rainbow light she sits serene, + And flings her sportive glories o'er the scene; + The first tumultuous ocean wafts them o'er, + And lands them safe upon the flowery shore. + This seems to see his utmost wishes crown'd, + Rebellion spread to Sweden's farthest bound; + Beneath his banners the whole country flies; + On swarming myriads, swarming myriads rise: + He leads the van: the tyrant shrinks for fear, + Hides in his native den, and trembles there. + This, weary of our present vale of tears, + Draws back the chain of time five thousand years: + Delightful visions swim before his view, } + Of peaceful pleasures, joys for ever new, } + When time was young, and mortals were but few: } + When man, content, his freedom never sold, + Nor fear'd for poverty, nor hoped for gold. + Joyful he wanders, and expects to see + Ten centuries of peace and liberty. + This seems to meet within some moonlight glade + His ancient friend, but now an empty shade: + The beckoning phantom stretches toward the skies: + He strives to follow, and the vision flies. + This bold ferocious spirit, madly strong, + Supporter of his country e'en to wrong, + Impetuous to extremes, now longs to dart + The point of vengeance into Christiern's heart: + A whetted dagger in his hand display'd } + He waves in air, and, o'er and o'er survey'd, } + Smiles grimly at the visionary blade. } + + "Thrice happy you! for fancy's shadowy power, + Unfailing friend of sorrow's darkest hour, + O'er your dim state a transient gleam can throw, + Like twilight glimmering on a waste of snow! + + "But me, condemn'd alone to wake and weep, + My country's doubtful ills forbid to sleep: + Each night the agonizing theme renews, + And bathes my cheek in sorrow's bitterest dews. + Where art thou, Stenon? whose resistless hand + Stretch'd like a shield o'er this deserted land! + Say, does that hand still turn a nation's doom, + Or sleeps its valour in the silent tomb? + Heroes and chieftains! whither are ye fled, + Whose powerful arm collected Sweden led? + I saw you glorious, from the field of fight, + When Denmark shrunk before your stormy might: + And now, perhaps, your buried ashes sleep, + And o'er your honour'd tombs your country's sorrows weep. + Illustrious senators! whose wisdom view'd + Th' approaching storm, and oft its strength subdued: + And thou, young Vasa! once renown'd in war, + Thy country's hope, and freedom's northern star: + Too true, alas! I fear, a tyrant's hand + Has swept your glories from the darken'd land. + Why else these walls resign'd to Christiern's powers, + And I a captive in these mournful towers? + Stockholm once lost, can Sweden yet remain, + Or freedom linger in her desert plain? + Yet, unextinguish'd by the conquering foe, + Some spark in distant provinces may glow; + (As the swift lightning, weary of its course, + On some low distant cloud collects its scatter'd force) + Prepared ere long to burst in tenfold wrath, + And dart destruction on the hostile path. + + "Thou too, Ernestus! what protecting doom + Has guided thee thro' fate's tremendous gloom? + Unhappy relic of a patriot line, + Dost thou with all their ancient glory shine, + And, unappall'd by labour or by fear, + Lift for thy country the protecting spear? + Or, wrapt in fetters, and in darkness lost, + Say, dost thou languish for thy native coast? + Perhaps, unnoted, by the tyrant's eyes, + In unknown solitude secure he lies-- + Whate'er his fate, nor terror's base control, + Nor hostile bribes, can e'er have moved his soul, + No! taught by me, Ernestus nobly spurns + Each vulgar aim, and for his country burns. + + "Why art thou sad, my soul? the eye divine + Still looks on all; to grieve is to repine! + And tho' destruction cover all the shore, + Tho' heroes, kings, and statesmen be no more, + Tho' Stenon, vainly mild, and vainly brave, + Fill the dark bosom of the dreary grave, + Tho' Sweden's sons no earthly hope retain, + Tho' not one spark of ancient fire remain, + Tho' hostile banners crowd her blazing sky, + And stretch'd in dust her smoking castles lie: + Yet, Lord of all! from ruin's blackening ware, + Thy arm is till omnipotent to save: + Thy arm can stop the whirlwind's rushing breath, + And light with hope the funeral shades of death! + + "The gloom dissolves! and Sweden's glories old + With added lustre to my sight unfold; + He comes! the doom'd deliverer, from afar, + Gathers his rushing thousands to the war! + His generous might uniting factions greet, + And crush'd oppression groans beneath his feet: + From each bright year successive glories spring, + And shouting millions hail a patriot king! + + "For me--these joys assured, in calm repose, + With trembling hope, I wait my end of woes. + Long vers'd in sufferings, I no more complain, + Nor shall one tear my former patience stain. + Long, long, has time, slow rolling, swept away + The dear companions of my earlier day; + So long, that memory scarce their names retains, + And blank oblivion o'er my bosom reigns. + Ernestus, now, alone sustains their part, + (Loved more than all) within this widow'd heart: + And thou, my God, wilt hear my prayers, and spread + A guardian veil o'er youthful virtue's head. + Thy hand supreme, an ever watchful guide, + Has steer'd me safe o'er life's uncertain tide; + Has led me on thro' danger's various forms, + Thro' faithless sunshine, and thro' whelming storms: + Thy kind indulgence now unfolds the page + Of future time to my desponding age. + On thee I call, with grateful joy oppress'd, + To speed my passage to eternal rest! + I am alone on earth--at heaven's bright gate, + Perhaps my friends their kindred spirit wait; + E'n now they wait, to bid my labours cease, + And point my journey to the realms of peace. + As the swift eagle seeks the fields of light, + When rolling clouds invest his mountain height, + My soul, on fiery pinion, upward flies, + And swell'd with grateful hope anticipates the skies." + + Nor less Ernestus, from his friend apart, + In lengthen'd thought explored his secret heart. + Far from the rest, in fetters wrapt he lay, + Where the wan moonlight threw a slanting ray + Thro' the dim grate; his rapture beaming eyes + On this he fixes, and in transport cries-- + "Oh, sacred lamp! since last on thee I gazed, + What joy unthought this drooping soul has raised! + In deep amaze I view my alter'd state, + And scarce believe the wonders of my fate. + My heart, so late the slave of vice and fear, + Now smiles at death, and thinks no fate severe. + Drop, infamy from thy neglecting hand + My name; deny it a perennial brand; + And cast a friendly veil on the disgrace + A deed like mine entails on human race. + What said I? No.--Pour all thy floods of shame + Thro' future ages on Ernestus' name; + Say, that with cool untrembling hand he spilt + His master's blood, and gloried in his guilt: + So shall the sons of earth in other times, + Know my disgrace, and tremble at my crimes. + Oh Stenon! could my ceaseless tears restore + Thee, patriot chief to Sweden's widow'd shore! + How would I joy, amidst thy martial train, + To mow the adverse ranks, and sweep along the plain, + Tread in thy daring steps with equal fire, + Or at thy feet triumphantly expire! + But vain the wish--let hope's unfading ray + Lead my firm steps in duty's arduous way; + Pain, shame, and death, at heaven's all righteous call + I meet, and in its strength shall conquer all." + + So mused the captives; while, in lordly state, + Smiling amidst his peers the monarch sate. + O'er the vast roof, with gilded rafters gay, + Unnumber'd lamps effused a mingled ray: + The dancing glory fill'd the spacious hall, + Play'd on the roof, and cheer'd the pictured wall, + With glancing beams the golden goblets shine, + The red light trembles on the sparkling wine. + Here sat the chiefs, in stormy war renown'd, + Or with the senate's peaceful honours crown'd + On various themes their mingled converse ran, + 'Till Trollio to the monarch thus began. + + "Your nice experience, prince, and art combined, + Famed thro' the north, long charmed my wondering mind: + This morn, I deem'd it lost; and scarce believ'd + Th' unwonted words my doubtful ear receiv'd. + Can then a mighty monarch eye with fear + The feeble motions of the mountaineer? + Is Christiern dazzled with the empty boast + Of Dalecarlia, and her rugged host? + A fiery race, undisciplined and loud, + They move to war, no army, but a crowd: + Hot from the bowl they stagger to the fight, + And rush impetuous with ungovern'd might. + Shall such resist us? I expect as soon + A midnight rainbow, or a star at noon. + Their quickly muster'd force will quickly yield, + And quit in momentary flight the field. + Or if some deep-mouth'd demagogue should blow + The flame of war, and bid its fury glow, + Yet well-told fiction and inventive art + With milder force can turn the vulgar heart. + Rais'd by a breath their swelling clamours rise, + And with a breath their vain opinion dies." + He spoke; attention sat on every eye, + And all in silence watch'd their king's reply. + + "Sees not my Trollio thro' the thin disguise, + Form'd only to deceive Ernestus' eyes? + Vers'd in the changeful temper of mankind, + From day to day I watch'd his varying mind; + I saw, where'er he roved, unsettled thought + In his weak mind a storm of passion wrought; + At length, this morn, he cast a scowling eye + Upon his prince, and pass'd disdainful by. + This theme, I knew, the moody youth would fire, + And rouse to rage his long collected ire. + Enough of this; a weightier care demands + Our keen reflection, and our active hands. + While here we feast, increasing dangers lower, + And artful Frederic shakes my tottering power. + Impatient of their lawful monarch's sway + Full twenty towns sedition's flag display. + Th' ambitious brother of my martial sire + In every bosom fans the growing fire: + His throne he rais'd on Jutland's faithless coast, + Thence o'er the country spread his factious host. + Each day, each hour, the ripening tumult grows, + And discord's torch with added fuel glows. + Ev'n now, perhaps, their midnight council wait + 'Till their wise chief shall close some dark debate. + Of this let Trollio tell: my anxious breast, + Oft worn with thought, demands its wonted rest; + And thro' yon western window's chequer'd height, + The setting planets shoot a ruddier light.' + He spoke; departing thro' the unfolded gate + The long procession glides in lordly state; + Then each, with eyes in balmy slumber closed, + From the day's revels and its cares reposed. + + Among the ruffians that, allured by gain, + Lurk'd round the dwellings of the royal Dane, + The horrid eminence a Swede might claim, + A lawless wretch--Olaus was his name: + His name, with darkest brand exalted high, + Glared on the towering pitch of infamy. + Twice, o'er his head ere thirty suns had roll'd, + With shameless hand his freedom had he sold, + And twice in battle drawn his venal sword + Against a generous and forgiving lord. + Successive crimes o'er nature soon prevail'd, + And Denmark's king the perfect villain hail'd; + Bade his known skill each midnight treason guide, + And o'er each murdering band preside. + + Him to a room the tyrant call'd by night, + Where thick and gloomy grates shut out the light; + From the low roof a smoky taper hung, + And wide around its fitful lustre flung. + + "Haste, brave Olaus!" (Scandia's monarch spoke, + And on the ruffian cast a gracious look) + "Haste, to the castle's lofty walls repair, + And find Ernestus, lock'd in fetters there, + Him and his friend from their dark cell convey, + And lead them secret o'er the watery way; + Thou know'st the rest." No more the tyrant said; + And, at his word, th' obedient felon sped. + + The stars now gliding down th' ethereal blue, + O'er earth and air a shadowy lustre threw; + When, by relentless avarice led to fate, + Olaus issued from the royal gate. + The ruffian centinels their brother knew, + And at his word the portals open flew. + Then to the tower he moved with silent speed, + And smiled, exulting in the future deed. + + So to the town where weary riot sleeps + On purple clouds some dark contagion creeps: + From eastern climes proceeding swift and fell, + Where torrid suns the ripen'd poison swell; + Borne on infected gales along the skies + Th' ethereal store of vast destruction flies, + O'er interposing deserts wins its way, + Blasts the green vale, and withers cheerful day; + Then settling on the walls, with steaming breath + Pours thro' the thicken'd air disease and death. + + And now in view the ancient castle frown'd, + With many a dim-appearing turret crown'd: + Here, round the gloomy doors, the warder-band + (A watchful train) in silent order stand. + The jarring gates unfold: two torches play + Thro' the broad gloom, and point the darksome way. + First to Ernestus' cell his way he took, + And from th' astonish'd youth his fetters shook. + Next to the sage, now wrapp'd in slumber, sped, } + Loos'd his firm chain, and rais'd his sleeping head; } + And thro' the echoing valves the noble captives led. } + With kindling eye the hoary sire survey'd + The stars careering thro' the nightly shade, + Fix'd on the long-lost heavens his raptured sight, + And drank with joy the flowing gale of night. + + Then thus Olaus: "To my anxious king, + Illustrious Swedes, your nightly steps I bring. + He knows your worth, and deems his power were vain, + Should souls like your's a captive doom sustain. + Secret his purpose, to the farther coast + Of Bothnia's gulph he leads his gather'd host. + When first gray twilight spread her glimmering shade, + On the broad main his streamers were display'd: + And soon th' auspicious breeze shall waft you o'er + To meet your monarch on the destined shore." + + He spoke, but neither answer'd--wonder hung + On either mind, and silenced either tongue; + Fix'd for a space, each other's form they view'd; + Then, wrapp'd in thought, their unknown guide pursued. + O'er the dark streets with half-extinguish'd beam, + The scatter'd lamps diffused a quivering gleam; + At distant intervals the ruddy light + Half mingles with the dusky robe of night: + While, as they past, with loud repeated stroke + A midnight bell the solemn stillness broke. + + At length they reach the borders of the deep, + Where a selected band in silence keep + Perpetual watch. Before Olaus' stride, + Ere yet he spoke, th' obedient crowd divide. + A lonely boat amidst the harbour stood, + And cast its shadow o'er the neighbouring flood. + This from the strand he loos'd, and bade the sail + Spread its white bosom to th' indulgent gale: + They take their seats, and from the lessening shore + It flies; the parted billows foam before: + On each wan cheek the freshening breezes play, + And speed their passage o'er the watery way. + The silver splendors of the lunar beam } + Dance on the waves, and in the quiet stream } + The twinkling stars with faint reflection gleam } + Now on the guide Ernestus turn'd his eyes, + The gloomy look, and the gigantic size; + Now on his friend, involv'd in new amaze, + Fix'd the keen ardour of his silent gaze: + Each thought reflected on his brow was seen, + And all his soul seem'd centred in his mien. + + Meanwhile the felon, exercised in ill, + Watch'd the due time to work his master's will; + At length his sable robe aside he threw, + And from its dark concealing mantle drew + A dagger's well-tried point. The moonshine play'd + On the smooth surface of the polish'd blade. + Ernestus saw: his heart-blood quicker flow'd; + On his bold cheek the mounting courage glow'd: + Inspired by Heaven, a sudden vigour strung + His youthful limbs; high from the deck he sprung, + And grasp'd the steel, then, wheeling swiftly round, + On the astonish'd ruffian dealt a wound: + Th' unerring blade, with nervous force impell'd, + Deep thro' his neck its bloody passage held, + Prone falls the staggering wretch: the wary foe + With added strength inflicts a second blow; + Then heaves his prostrate bulk with forceful strain, + And hurls him headlong in the flashing main. + High o'er his head the booming surges sweep, + And his soul bursts amidst the roaring deep. + + Now on the deck distain'd with recent blood, + Involv'd in thought the silent victor stood, + And turn'd to Harfagar--when on his view + Successive wonders burst, and all around him grew. + Faint and more feint the billowy roar became, + And sunk, and died at last.--With lessening flame + The starry host along th' ethereal way, + Unknown the cause, successive die away. + For yet the morn was far, nor had the sky + With reddening blush proclaimed the solar glory nigh. + Amidst the swiftly-changing scene, amazed, + They stood, and on the brightening ether gazed: + They gazed, but trembled not: some power unseen + Confirmed their hearts to meet the awful scene. + O'er the wide skies, and o'er the ocean's bed, + A growing stream of wavy splendor spread, + As if another sun with bright control + Had changed heaven's motions, and revers'd the pole. + Nature was in alarm: with sudden dread } + To his dark nook the screaming sew-mew fled: } + The murmurs of the midnight breeze were dead. } + Wider and wider spread th' unusual glare, + And the last cloud at length dispers'd in air. + When, as a flame bursts broad thro' azure smoke, + From the bright cloud a dazzling vision broke. + Like some tall dome, that shoots its towers on high, + His airy stature mingled with the sky: + Terror and might stood blended in his mien, + And his blue eye-balls shone with flames serene. + A wreath of light his fulgent brows array'd, + That, shifting, with a thousand colours play'd. + His star-bespangled robe, of sparkling blue, + O'er sea and air reflected glories threw: + The moon, the skies, the golden stream of rays, + Seem'd lost and dimm'd in that all-conquering blaze. + His yellow locks sail'd on the clouds afar, + And o'er his temples flamed the northern star. + His better hand sustain'd a spacious shield, + Round as nocturnal Cynthia's argent field; + On whose enormous surface stood emblazed + A mighty realm, with towers and turrets rais'd. + Here, a broad lake in mimic waves extends; + There, a tall mountain's sloping summit bends. + O'er many a river many a navy rode, + With commerce rich, and thro' the yielding flood + With outspread sails proceeded--all around, + Huge untamed rocks, and giant castles frown'd. + The vault above serenely calm appear'd, + And cloudless light the short-lived summer cheer'd. + Here, fell marauders wasting far and near + Spread their wild ravage o'er the yellow year: + There, towers and walls and lofty works extend; + Victorious legions the scaled walls ascend. + Last stretch'd along a valley's shadowy length, + Appear'd two realms' consolidated strength. + Wide fly the glowing balls, swift falchions glare, + And whizzing arrows hide the clouded air. + The sculptured kings pursue their trembling foes, + And, where they move, the imaged tumult grows. + Another scene--the toil of war is past; + This seems to triumph, that to groan his last: + Blood covers all, refulgent trophies rise, + And shouts of conquest seem to rend the skies. + + In silent reverence stood each wondering Swede, + Unmoved by terror: thrice the youth decreed + To speak, and thrice upon his fetter'd tongue, + Restrain'd by awe, th' imperfect accents hung, + When the dread form the boundless stillness broke; + Ocean and air stood listening as he spoke. + + "The power who reins the whirlwind's stormy force, + And guides the wheeling planets in their course, + Provoked by crimes, o'er Sweden's guilty land + Stretch'd wide the terrors of his flaming hand: + Her venal priests, her kings in luxury lost, + Her factious nobles, and seditious host, + Call'd down th' unwilling bolt; and many a year + Beheld it blaze, and shrunk beneath its flames severe. + His angry thunder on a blasted shore } + Has wreak'd its vengeance; the collected store } + Of wrath is spent, and the last peal is o'er. } + Now o'er the land, rich with a new-born spring, + Returning Mercy waves her golden wing: + Obedient fate draws back its sable line, } + And bright events in long succession shine: } + Consenting years roll on, and crown the great design. } + Unnumber'd arts, more glorious from decay, + Rise one by one, and gild the land with day. + No more shall Sweden mourn her fetter'd doom, + The sport of despots, and the slave of Rome: + Slanderers of Heaven, betrayers of mankind + By passion bloated, and to reason blind, + Her prelates shall oppress the land no more; + But Liberty, with charms unknown before, + Break forth effulgent; and protecting Peace, + For a long age, bid battle's trumpet cease. + Her guardian genius, from th' empyreal plain } + I come, to bid primeval blessings reign, } + And exiled Science lift her sacred lamp again. } + + "Thou, Harfagar, allied to earth no more, + Pursue my flight, and seek our friendly shore. + Thy term of care is past: thy clouded day + Dissolves at length in heaven's eternal ray. + Th' almighty Parent calls thee, from on high, + To fill the seats of immortality. + His eyes the labours of mankind regard, + And suffering virtue claims her late reward. + There may'st thou sit, and far removed from thence + Behold the clouds of passion and of sense: + Smile at the tumults of the world below, + And triumph in the weakness of thy foe. + + "And thou, Ernestus--thou, to whom 'tis given + To bear the tidings of benignant Heaven, + Aided by me, pursue the watery road, + And seek Gustavus in his dark abode. + Where swift Dal-Elbe his wandering current leads + Thro' barren mountains and uncultured meads, + Resign'd to cold despair, the hero lies, + Nor knows the favour of th' indulgent skies. + For twenty months unwearied has he traced + The town, the province, and the watery waste: + No aiding friend his patriot labours found; + Fear master'd all, and all were slaves around. + Each hope of liberty and Sweden lost, + He now resolves to seek a foreign coast, + In Albion or in Gaul secure to rest, + And cling to Freedom's warm maternal breast. + Such his intent--Ernestus! be it thine + To tear the warrior from the rash design! + Bid him to arms the free-born peasants move, + Safe in the conduct of the powers above! + Swift as from hill to hill the beacon flies, + In every heart the patriot flame shall rise: + From Wermeland's hills the war-cry shall rebound, + And Sudermania echo back the sound: + The frank Westmanian's generous heart shall glow, + And join the sterner Goth to crush the foe. + Bid him his standard in mid Sweden rear, + And check th' oppressor in his fell career: + Say, that, impatient of unjust command, + Indignant Denmark spurns him from her land! + He builds a lofty tower; the basis stands + Fix'd in the stormy ocean's moving sands: + The turrets in unstable grandeur rise, + The baseless fabric shoots into the skies, + Soon shall the glories of the ponderous hall + Come thundering down, to crush him in their fall! + + "Cheer'd with this hope let gallant Vasa raise + His daring soul, to meet immortal praise. + Graced with hereditary virtue shine, + And vindicate the glories of his line. + From age to age that generous line shall reign, + 'And sons succeeding sons the lasting race sustain.'" + + The mighty seraph ceas'd. While thus he said, + Without a sigh, the old man's spirit fled. + Ere yet, enfranchis'd, thro' the air it past, + On the lov'd youth one parting look it cast, + And gazed on Sweden, then, no more confined, + Soar'd thro' the clouds, and mingled with the wind. + Th' angelic power his sacred arm applied + To push the vessel o'er the yielding tide, + And swifter than the eagle's noon-day flight + It flew: while, melting from the dazzled sight, + O'er the wide heavens a radiant line he drew, + The track still glittering where the glory flew. + + And now 'twas silence all: the pale stars shone; + The moon, declining, fill'd her ruddy throne. + But wrapt in deepest trance Ernestus lay, + 'Till Phosphor's lamp restored the purple day. + + Meanwhile, ere yet on Stockholm's towery height + The morning-planet shed its trembling light, + A troop, with Bernheirn, thro' the portals past, + Whose polish'd arms a glimmering splendor cast. + No single breath the general stillness stirr'd; + Their trampling feet alone the warder heard, + And follow'd with his sight the dusty cloud, + That in its mantle wrapp'd the marching crowd. + O'er crackling bushes scud the warrior train + And pass with haste the solitary plain; + 'Till the broad sun discover'd from afar + The dawning lustre of his golden car. + Beneath the covert of a neighbouring wood + They paus'd awhile, and their swift march renew'd. + + Now, driven by force celestial o'er the tides, + With lightning speed the rapid pinnace glides: + 'Till, having finish'd its predestined way, + Its winged motions silently decay. + And now, from slumber rous'd, Ernestus spied + A river, branching from the ocean tide; + The mighty stream roll'd on its darksome flood + Thro' mossy cavern and thro' tangled wood; + Thence in soft mazes drew its humid train, + To feed the verdure of a lonely plain. + He furl'd the sail, and grasp'd the labouring oar, + And sped to Dalecarlia's welcome shore. + The oar, light-stretching, breaks the sparkling tide. + And scatters the reflected sunbeam wide. + + And now, by Trollio sent, without delay + From Stockholm's towers a herald took his way, + Amidst his idle fleet where Norbi slept, + And on the ocean's verge his station kept. + Amongst those peers, whom matchless talents rais'd + To shine in Christiern's court, their names emblazed + With glittering infamy, and splendid shame, + This naval chief held no inglorious fame. + In his firm heart ambition fix'd her reign, + But led celestial mercy in her train. + While others joy'd to crush the yielding foe, + And bid the torch of ruin ceaseless glow, + 'Twas his alone, to bid th' uplifted dart + Recoil unsated from the victim's heart, + The wounds of misery and despair to heal, + And smile upon the griefs he could not feel. + A lawless pirate, by his king's command + His numerous navy on the hostile strand + Pour'd their incessant force, and o'er his head + Her wings for many a year bold triumph spread: + 'Till, doom'd at length the chance of war to feel, + Entangled in ambition's broken wheel, + Crush'd by his falling master's hapless fate, + Awhile he struggled with th' opposing weight: + In vain; of every hope and power bereft, + Expell'd from Sweden, and by Denmark left, + The chief whose barks once hid the Baltic wave, + In Russian fetters pined a haughty slave. + From lord to lord by envious fortune toss'd, + He join'd at last imperial Charles's host. + An exile, doom'd to waste in joyless strife + The poor remainder of an ill-spent life, + There long he mourns--and adverse fates deny, + His last remaining wish, with fame to die; + Condemn'd amidst the vulgar dead to fall, + And sink obscure beneath a foreign wall. + So perish all, impell'd by thirst of fame + To seek in crimes the lustre of a name; + Who the bright path of genuine greatness seek, + But, having found it, take a course oblique, + Where glittering rainbows rise from far, to cheat + Their wondering eyes, and tempt their eager feet; + And lead them forward o'er forbidden ground, } + Where pleasures still decrease, and pains abound, } + Till in a miry lake, or whelming torrent, drown'd. } + Thus form'd by art, a fancied meteor flies + On glowing wings, and sails along the skies, + Shoots to the stars with imitative blaze + Of feeble splendor, rivalling their rays; + With many a glittering track indents its way, + Wastes as it shines, and sparkling fades away; + 'Till having spent at length its noisy fires, + The mimic glory drops, and in a flash expires. + + + + +BOOK III. + + + + +ARGUMENT. + + +_Ernestus enters Dalecarlia--View of the scene round Mora--Transition to +Gustavus Vasa, who it represented as reclining under a tree near his +friend, the pastor's house, and retracing past events in his mind--His +soliloquy--After briefly recounting the late disasters of Sweden, and +the arguments which induced him to resolve to quit his country, he +concludes with a prayer--Ernestus then appears, and delivers his message +from the Genius of Sweden--Gustavus treats his mission as a fiction, +upbraids him as a traitor, and attempts his life, but is prevented by +apparent prodigies, which, however, do not entirely convince him or +alter his resolution._ + + + + +BOOK III. + + + Auspicious Spirit, whosoe'er thou art, + Who warm, exalt, and fill, the Poet's heart: + Who bade young Homer pour the martial strain, + And led the Tuscan bard thro' hell's profound domain: + By whom unequal Camöens, borne along + A torrent-stream, majestic, wild, and strong, + Sung India's clime disclosed, and fiery showers + Bursting on Calicut's perfidious towers: + By whom soft Maro caught Mæonian fire, + And plaintive Ossian tuned his Celtic lyre:-- + If still 'tis thine o'er Morven's heaths to rove, + Tago's green banks, or Meles' hallow'd grove, + Assist me thence--command my growing song + To roll with nobler energy along! + Before me Life's extended vale appears, + Onward I hasten thro' the gulf of years, + And soon must sink beneath them; let my name + With one bright furrow of recording fame + Mark my brief course!--If led by thee I stray'd + In youth's sweet dawn beneath the hazel shade, + While over head clear shone the sunny beam, + And noon's weak breeze scarce curl'd the tepid stream: + Still aid me, gentle Spirit! still inspire + My _first_ bold task, and add diviner fire. + + Thou too, eternal Freedom! Britain's friend, + To British strains thy wonted influence lend, + And fire my kindling mind, while I display + Thy own Gustavus in unclouded day. + From where, on vast Nevada's icy brow, + Enthroned in clouds, thou view'st the realm below, + The Lusian, Gaul, and Albion's warring train, + The clash of arms, and tumult of the plain; + From thence I call thee--rouse thy name once more, } + And to an equal theme thine aid implore, } + Since Spain is now, what Sweden was before. } + + And now with transport wild Ernestus spies + Dalarne's continuous coast before him rise. + Ere yet he reach'd the bank, the toiling oar + He dropp'd, and sprung impatient to the shore. + Before him wide the dark-brow'd forests frown'd, + And morn's still hour hush'd all the space around, + Save where the whispers of the changeful breeze + Half waved the summits of the towering trees. + Alone, and guided by a straggling beam, + He hastened onward, where the murmuring stream + Cut thro' the woods its liquid way, and laved + The grass, that round their trunks luxuriant waved. + The willing woods an easy passage yield, + And his glad footsteps reach the bordering field. + + O'er many a hill he pass'd, and many a plain, + While the steep sun toiled up heaven's blue domain: + At length, o'erspent with labour, he descries + A spire white-glistening in the morning-skies; + Around, a hundred cots in order rose, } + And mingling trees a shadowy scene compose; } + A mighty wood, o'er all, its dark protection throws. } + On vale, on village, and protecting wood, + The southern sun shot down his fiery flood. + Recent from toil, the weary peasant-train + Reclined their languid limbs along the plain, + Or dragg'd their idle steps along the soil, + To watch the mountain-miner's distant toil. + Here first Ernestus paused, and gazing round, + Traced the wide scene, and measured all the ground. + At length, his search determined to delay + 'Till deepening twilight quench the crimson ray, + On the cool grass his weary limbs he threw, + While future years rose imaged to his view, + From hope to hope his mind enraptur'd pass'd, + And every hope seem'd brighter than the last. + So the swift eagle, with exulting wings, + Freed from his cage, thro' echoing ether springs; + Towers, cities, hills recede, untired he flies, + Cleaves the blue space, and gains upon the skies: + There wantons in the warm expanse of day, + And drinks, with kindling eyes, the sun's accustomed ray. + + Meanwhile the guardian genius round him pours + Celestial dews, and nature's strength restores; + His swimming eyes to balmy sleep resign'd, + And fancy bore sweet visions to his mind. + + 'Twas now the time, when sober Evening sheds + Her dusky mantle o'er the grassy meads: + Nor yet the pale stars trembled thro' the trees, + Nor sparkling quiver'd on the inconstant seas; + Nor yet the moon illumed the solemn scene: + The fields were silent, and the heavens serene. + The sheep had sought the fold; nor yet arose + Night's listless bird from her dull day's repose. + When in a vale with shadowy firs replete, + Whose broad boughs rustled thro' the dark retreat, + Beneath a pine that sunk to slow decay, + Unseen, Gustavus pass'd the hours away. + From earliest morn, ere day's third glass was run, } + The chief had mused, nor mark'd the rising son; } + And the retiring day appear'd as just begun. } + Each flattering argument his mind revolved, + Each gleam of patriot hope yet undissolved, + Traced to its dubious source each meteor-light, + 'Till the last spark went out, and all was night. + Convinced at length, he spoke: the woods around + With solemn awe return'd the mournful sound; + And souls of patriots listen'd from on high, + Uncertain yet of Sweden's destiny. + + "Yes, thou must fall! oh once o'er earth renown'd, + Queen of the North, with choicest blessings crown'd, + While martial glory waited on thy voice, + And wealth and power seem'd rivals for thy choice! + Ye fond survivors of a ruined state, } + Here quit, at length, your hopes of happier fate, } + And view your country's fix'd unalterable date! } + You were not made to fear a tyrant's frown, + To gild with tributary wealth his crown, + To welcome some deputed robber's sway, + And watch his wavering will from day to day: + No--once o'erwhelm'd beneath a tyrant's blow. + Each following age will bring increase of woe, + And every sigh, that loads the Swedish air, + Will fly the herald of a patriot's care! + + "How art thou changed, oh fate! since smiling Time + Bore on his noiseless wings my youthful prime!-- + By my paternal castle-gate reclined, + I caught the murmurs of the evening wind; + Or, leaning o'er the rampire's battled height, + Cast my young eye, with ever-new delight, + O'er rocks, o'er vallies rich with many a flower, + The lake blue-glistening, and the snowy tower: + While my sire joy'd on days long past to dwell, + How Haquin triumph'd, or how Birger fell-- + 'That land,' he said, 'thy gallant fathers won + From realms that glow beneath a brighter sun. + Their beacons blazing on each snow-clad height, + The yelling sons of Odin rush'd to fight, + And rent the eagles of invading Rome, + Whose power had changed a hundred nations' doom. + In vain the Empress of the Northern Zone, + With arts on arts high piled her ill-gained throne: + Stern Engelbert trod Usurpation down, + And from the thirteenth Eric tore the crown. + Yet may my country fall--earth's works decay, + And heaven's high laws expect the annulling day. + + "While yet a youth, by venturous hope impell'd, + Thro' foreign climes my devious course I held; + And came at last, where high in ether shine + The golden towers of sceptred Constantine. + There Palæologus the kingdom sway'd, + And willing Greece his mild commands obey'd. + I saw the town with antique splendours crown'd, + The martial force, the crowded ports around, + The peopled fields, with waving harvests fair, + And deem'd, security and peace were there. + + "Onward I pass'd in youthful ardour bold, + 'Till o'er the changeful earth four suns had roll'd, + When Stockholm's towers and Meler's native stream, + Of every vision, every thought the theme, + Recall'd my steps.--Returning thence, I saw + Byzantium sunk beneath a victor's law: + O'er the high walls barbaric ensigns wave, + Red with the recent carnage of the brave: + On quarter'd camps the sun his red beam flings; + Thro' night's dim arch the shrill-toned Ezzau rings; + Buried in dust the Christian altars lie, + And exiled Science seeks another sky. + + "Thus, Sweden, mayst thou fall! in ruin lost, + Each hope of aid by swift destruction cross'd; + Thy blazing domes may feed a tyrant's ire, + Thy shrines; unwilling, burn with Danish fire; + Thy latest king, like Constantine, in vain + May join his slaughtered subjects on the plain!-- + Handmaid of Science, and by Science fed, + Each vice already rears its blooming head: + Already Treason digs his silent mine; } + With, civil follies, foreign wars combine; } + And raging Faction waits to give th' appointed sign. } + Oh! in that hour, when growing dangers rise, + When the weak trembles, and the faithless flies, + Gustavus, fight for her! for Sweden fight! + For her employ the day, outwatch the night! + Untouch'd by grief, by terror, or dismay, + Urge thro' surrounding ills thy fearless way; + Let useless torture and defeated hate + Confess the triumphs of a hero's fate: + Let tranquil courage in each act be seen, + And tyrants tremble at thy dying mien!' + + "He spoke no more. O'er my astonish'd soul + I felt a flood of high emotions roll: + Toss'd on the mighty stream of future time, + My young heart shook with ecstasies sublime! + + "Oh, look not from thy skies, lamented shade, + Nor view that land to misery betray'd: + If ignorance can cloud immortal sight, + Be Sweden's fortunes wrapp'd in tenfold night! + Thou saw'st not Devastation sweep her shore, + Her forests smoke, her rivers roll in gore; + Thou saw'st not half her woes. Her senate low, + Thou thought'st her people would revenge the blow; + And hope shone kindling in thy dying eye, + That some new sun would rise to light her starless sky.-- + 'Twas then, when Christiern thought the axe too slow, + And watch'd with eager transport every blow, + And drank each murmur that to death consign'd + The noblest, wisest, bravest of mankind,-- + When ev'n the gazing crowd was doom'd to feel + The fury of his yet unsated steel,-- + 'Twas then thou met thy fate,--unshared by me! + Thou fell'st, and with thee Sweden's liberty! + Thy spouse, thy daughter, wrapp'd in fetters lie; + Thy son, self-exiled, quits his native sky!"-- + + He paused, and starting from the verdant ground + With hurried footsteps paced the forests round, + Stung with fierce grief, 'till the full tide of woes + Subsiding sunk, and calmer thoughts arose. + + While yet he roams beneath the shady groves, + And tears gush forth at every step he roves; + Sleep's humid vapours lessening on his eyes, + Ernestus rose, and mark'd the changing skies. + And now a furze-clad eminence he found, + That wide o'erlook'd the immensity of ground: + From this, with eye insatiate, he admires + Woods, hamlets, fields, and awe-commanding spires. + And seeks where first to steer his fateful flight, + Safe under covert of the quiet night. + Wide to the left the blue-tinged river roll'd, + And faintly tipped with eve's departing gold, + The village rose: half-shaded, on the right + A sloping hill appeared to bound the sight: + From its hoar summit to the midmost vale, + Unnumbered boughs waved floating in the gale. + Imbrown'd with ceaseless toil, a smiling train + Whirl the keen axe, and clear the farther plain, + The intruding trees and scatter'd stems o'erthrow, + And form a grassy theatre below. + A hundred piles beneath the moon's wan beams, + O'er rock and valley shed their lengthening streams; + Three youths at each their joyous station keep, + In festive contest bent to banish sleep, + And strive which first shall see the morn arise + With pale-red streamer waving thro' the skies. + Sequester'd from the rest a shaded dome + Arose, the son of Eric's rural home: + On its low roof the light appear'd to rest, + The last green light that trembled in the west. + Thither, by Heaven impell'd, he took his way, + And sought the spot where Sweden's hero lay. + + Meanwhile beneath an oak, ere day was met, + The village-chiefs, a rustic council, met; + Whom ancient custom bade with annual care + The ensuing day's festivities prepare. + Thro' their dark locks cold sigh'd the evening wind; + Their dogs upon the dewy plain reclined + Beside them lay. In their afflicted thought + Each proof of Christiern's fell oppression wrought, + Each deed, each menace: gloomy bodings swell + In every bosom--not a tongue can dwell + On sports, on prizes, or on social games:-- + O'er their wide vallies doom'd to hostile flames, + O'er their devoted domes, their eyes they throw, + Dimm'd with the rising tear that dares not flow. + At length a veteran chief, Olafsen named, + In early youth for fiery valour famed, + By labour unimpaired, unchilled by age, + And still in battle more than counsel sage-- + At length Olafsen rose, and darting round + His eyes, where rage and resolution frown'd, + "Arouse!" he cried, "delay were madness here! + Let all who dare in arms, in arms appear! + Enough our eyes have track'd the conquering foe, + And in calm torpor watch'd each new o'erthrow! + Yon troop of peasants, ignorantly gay, + Who waste in careless sports the passing day, + Soon shall behold the waving sheets of fire, + Sent from their peaceful domes, to heaven aspire. + Each year, each month, new towns with ruin smoke, + And province after province feels the yoke. + Already on our conquer'd castle's height + The Danish watchfires redden all the night, + Soon, soon, their inroads will our fate decide-- + Haste, let us spread th' eventful tidings wide, + Arm every hand, provoke the lingering fight; + And woe to him, that joys not at the sight! + By this dread tree, which many an age has stood + Unshaken, and survived the subject wood, + Which never pruner's steel has dared invade, + Nor venturous woodman lopp'd the hallow'd shade; + By this dread tree I swear, no peace to know, + 'Till conqueror, captive, or in death laid low! + Arouse, and conquer, by my zeal inspired!" + + He spoke, and speaking every bosom fired. + From one to one the patriot ardour flows, + As on the ruffled deep the watery circle grows. + + First rose his generous son, Adolphus named, } + For martial sports and manly courage famed, } + A youth, who once in war the palm of honour claimed: } + And thus express'd his mind: "To-morrow's dawn + Will see assembled on our spreading lawn + The chiefs of Dalecarlia's mountain-land, + With all their following train, a countless band. + To that vast crowd let some bold youth proclaim } + Eternal war on Denmark's hated name, } + And say, "From Mora's chiefs this martial challenge came." } + Their valiant clans will gather at the sound, + And squadrons people all the dales around. + Oh! did one fearless heart, of those who died + When reeking Stockholm pour'd a crimson tide, + Did one, but one, remain, his country's shield, + To lead our warriors to the deathful field; + Then might the angry king his legions tire, + Waste on these rocks his ineffectual ire, + Scowl at his freeborn foes, and vainly try + To plant his silken standards in our sky!" + + Struck with the welcome thought, from man to man + Mingled with praise, assenting murmurs ran + Unequal--So in night's tempestuous roar + The waves successive lash the stony shore. + The bold advice, by inexperience moved, + All seem'd applauding, yet not all approved; + And old Adalfi thus: "Tho' hopes remain; } + Tho' dauntless rashness may oft-times attain } + What wisdom's wiliest arts had sought in vain; } + He, whose wild counsels risk a nation's fate, + For public fame, may meet with public hate. + Perhaps, ev'n now, to the victorious Dane + Dalarne has yielded half her rich domain: + Shall we to Denmark's slaves our hopes disclose, + And court with frantic haste Oppression's rushing woes?-- + Oft have our sires the work of war delay'd, + 'Till signs aërial promised heavenly aid; + Oft pitch'd their idle lances in the plain, + While south-winds held their unpropitious reign. + Remember too the word disclosed from high, + The sacred word of ancient prophecy,-- + "When gather'd mists from Denmark's sky shall crowd, + And blot the North with one continued cloud, + Then shall a second sun to Sweden rise, + And with unchanging glory gild her skies." + Reflect on this, and let my words have way, + Nor spurn the needful counsels of delay. + Should all our province with united strength + Assail the foe, the foe may yield at length, + And backward shrink, while in the favouring hour + All Sweden aids us with collective power. + The hope that yet remains our care should guard, + Nor blast by rashness, nor by fears retard. + Ere yet the assembled chiefs our fate decide, + Let chosen spies among the council glide, + To every speech a listening ear incline, + And sound each heart, and fathom each design. + Let the skill'd augur Heaven's high will explore, + And all with suppliant fear Heaven's Lord adore: + So may success our fearless efforts guide, + And Heaven auspicious fight on Sweden's side.-- + But see! the red-haired sun to ocean bends, + And purple twilight on the heath descends. + Haste to your homes--shake anxious care away, + And, fresh with slumber, wait the long laborious day." + + Adalfi spoke; and bade ere noon of night + With sacred spells and many a mystic rite + Invoke the Power Divine, and seek from high + The dark events of dread futurity. + + Thus they; while, stretch'd beneath the sheltering wood, + The son of Eric thus his thoughts pursued. + + "Yes--'tis decreed! in heaven's recording hall + Her guardian Spirit wrote my country's fall. + When first red faction burn'd thro' all her shore, + And icy Meler blush'd with civil gore, + Our ills began. As whirling Maelstrom sweeps + The shrieking sailor to the boundless deeps, + Wide and more wide the increasing ruin grew, + And all our hopes into its vortex drew. + In vain the statesman thro' laborious days + Piled plan on plan, and maze involved in maze; + In vain Süante, and either Stenon, fought; + In vain my arm a transient succour brought: + Almighty Fate on all our labours frown'd, + Athwart each scheme the thread of error wound, + Our efforts with an unseen chain controll'd, + Perplex'd the prudent, and dismay'd the bold. + Fate urges on--Her adamantine shield + Protects our destined Conqueror in the field; + To his own seas by War and Famine driven, + Furious he mounts, nor heeds the frowns of heaven: + Fresh hosts appear, unnumber'd standards rise, + From town to town his gather'd vengeance flies, + His banner each ambitious prelate rears, + In arms for him each factious Lord appears. + Still, as around the blackening tempest grew, + From cloud to cloud my ardent spirit flew, + Watch'd every gleam of sunshine as it pass'd, + And hoped the darkness would dissolve at last: + But Time now hasten'd to the dread event!-- + In fruitless toil my days, my nights were spent; + Our chiefs deputed felt the treacherous chain, + And faith was lost, and victory was vain. + + "Saved from the captive crowd for death designed, + Many a dark month, in slavery's gloom I pined. + To seek, with hopeless eyes, my native ground; + To hear, in thought, the din of battle sound; + To watch each passing beam, and think it falls + On slaughter'd armies and unpeopled walls, + Was all my life--Suspense still waved a dart + Of death-like terror o'er my throbbing heart.-- + I was not there, when thou, my Stenon, fell, + To cheer thee with a soldier's kind farewell, + At once to lay thy base betrayer low, + And pour full vengeance on the astonished foe! + Thy spirit, from its earthly home released, + Thy patriot spirit entered in my breast; + That soul ev'n now my toil-worn bosom fires, + Prompts every deed, and every wish inspires!-- + Stung with fresh hope, I burst the involving chain, } + Sought the sad relics of my friends in vain, } + And roam'd o'er Sweden's now subdued domain. } + As the swift flame alike unquench'd remains + In air's clear space, and earth's dark cavern'd veins, + Thro' every change burn'd on my great design; + The crowded trade-ship, and the starless mine, + The forest now, and now the mountain-cave, + From following foes alternate refuge gave. + Now my bold purpose boldly I pursued, + Call'd Sweden's sons to arms, and all my hopes renew'd; + Now the thick storm of danger shunn'd, and fled + To hide in darkness my devoted head: + Now fierce to conquer, now content to live, + A patriot now, and now a fugitive. + Thro' province, town, and hamlet, on I pass'd, + Where virtue, or where freedom, yet might last; + With keen reproach the lagging spirit fired, + The weak with hope, the bold with praise inspired. + But all was changed! and Sweden but a name! + Her rocks and mountains only were the same! + + "In toil and danger nurs'd, the peasants cried-- + 'Hence, mighty victor! o'er the Baltic tide; + To other realms thy noisy projects bear, + Nor vex our humble state with hope and fear: + Whoe'er is master, we are still forgot, + And harmless poverty is still our lot.' + They spoke, and shunn'd me, as a rebel hurl'd + By Heaven's red vengeance from the starry world. + Yet, as they turn'd, a deep, a long-drawn sigh + Deplored their ruined joys and ravish'd liberty: + They wept for blessings once bestow'd in vain, + And mourn'd the good they hoped not to regain. + The venal noble spurn'd me from his board, + Or 'midst his smiles suborn'd the treacherous sword: + While the proud prelate and his titled foe, } + (As reconciled by fellowship in woe) } + Alike resolved no patriot Swede to know. } + All, all was Christiern's--and the haughtiest fear'd + That voice, her peasants late with scorn had heard. + Alone amidst my country's wreck I stood, + A little bark surrounded by the flood, + And hung suspended o'er the rolling wave, + Whose every surge disclosed a gaping grave. + 'Tis time to give superfluous toils a close, + And seek the friendly haven of repose. + To foreign realms I fly, a peaceful guest: + Ev'n Denmark's friends will give Gustavus rest, + An exiled youth with cheap protection shade, + And glad with comfort him they dare not aid. + + "What help, what hope to Sweden now remains? + Imperial Charles with kindred power sustains + Her fell oppressor: his o'erwhelming hosts + Awe the wide North, and deluge Europe's coasts; + Nor could our forces Pavia's victor brave, + Tho' the fierce Dane were left without a slave. + Still arm'd for battle, watchful Norbi sweeps + With many a prow her subjugated deeps. + Dark Trollio, deep in all the craft of hell, + Who with one art a hundred hosts might quell, + Conducts her foes: his active prudence schools + The veteran leaders, and their courage rules. + Unnumber'd legions swarm thro' all her coast, + And scarce the land supports its conquering host. + Experienced Otho o'er the troops presides, + And parts their plunder, and their fury guides. + Her trembling people, as when winds conspire + To wrap some capital in clouds of fire, + Now here, now there, for hopeless succour fly, + Or, chill'd with dread, in pale submission lie. + Ev'n Dalecarlia's fierce untutored train + In arms a sullen slow defence maintain, + Nor meet the foe; but from their summits dare + His coming steps, and menace useless war. + Soon will the hostile steel, wide-conquering, mow + Their strength, and Sweden's last defence lie low. + No more is left to fate: the fix'd decree + Stands on the tablets of eternity: + And many a towering empire may decay, } + And many an age roll its slow years away, } + Ere Freedom light again her once-extinguished ray. } + + "Away with vain regrets, and useless tears! + One labour more, one final task appears; + From all my joys with calmness to depart, + The last brave effort of a hero's heart: + The smiles of partial Conscience to enjoy, + Since erring Hope no longer can decoy, + And, high on Resolution's pinions borne, + Look down on fate, and all its evils scorn. + Yes--o'er my head whatever sun may roll, + Scorch'd at the line, or freezing at the pole, + Still will I guard, untired, some righteous cause, + Still shield some country's violated laws; + And many a joy, that Christiern cannot taste, + Shall cheer Gustavus thro' misfortune's waste. + Enough for me, with honour to perform + My destined course, and face the allotted storm; + That done, who will may snatch the wreath of fame: + Oblivion, close for ever on my name! + The souls of heroes shall frequent my stone, + In torrents buried, or with moss o'ergrown, + And, while all else forget me, shall proclaim + To kindred spirits their Gustavus' name. + + "Ye faithful warriors, fearless hearts, farewell! + Who fought with me, and for your country fell! + O'er your cold dust I wept not; hurrying war + Forbade all pause.--Yet, oh! whatever star, + Sacred to patriot worth, and valour's crown, } + Contain you now,--from heaven's bright noon look down, } + Visit an exile's dreams, and blunt misfortune's frown! } + + "Thou too, farewell! my country! since in vain + I strove to snatch thee from the eternal chain; + Thou, of whose glory future tongues shall tell, + Mother of kings and heroes--fare thee well! + What human thought and prudence could sustain, + For thee I proved, and proved that all was vain; + And could my single toils protection give, + Armies might sleep, and Stenon yet might live. + For thee I could refuse with fame to fall, } + When glorious death stood ready at my call; } + For thee I rush'd thro' ills, for thee despised them all. } + Farewell!--thy rocks, thy skies, thy mountains blue, + Where'er I turn, shall seem to meet my view; + While Hope, unterrified by all the past, + Shall pierce thro' future years, and view thee free at last! + + "God of my sires! if studious to fulfill + In every point thy uncontested will, + I long have struggled, careless to escape, + With ills of every size, of every shape; + If still from Superstition's darkness free, + My heart has breathed a purer prayer to thee, + While erring millions with vain worship stained + Thy holy altars, and thy praise profaned; + If now, obeying thy implied command, + I quit at length this long-disputed land: + Assist me still!--and grant my native shore + One hour of rest, one tranquil season more! + Enough her ancient crimes have teem'd with woes; + Let her long griefs be paid with short repose: + Or, if I seek that kind reprieve in vain, + Let future years, at least, dissolve her chain! + Protect my honoured mother: and assuage + The woes that wreck my sister's youthful age:-- + If yet on earth the beauteous flow'ret bloom, + Or wither'd moulder in the silent tomb, + I must not know--Enough--thy gracious will + Divides, with equal measure, good and ill!-- + To them, if aught I merit, be it given; + And grant them peace on earth, or bliss in heaven. + I will not name them more--the mournful name + Would damp with grief my soul's reviving flame. + To safe retreats my fellow-patriots lead, + Reward their labours, and their vows succeed; + Nor let one soul repine he ever fought + For virtuous praise, or deem it dearly bought!" + + Scarce had he finish'd, when o'er rock and dell + A sudden stream of yellow splendour fell, + As if a star, with sunlike lustre crown'd, + Dropp'd instantaneous thro' the blue profound. + His heaving breast the joyful omen cheer'd, + And now thro' parting clouds the moon appear'd. + + Beneath her glimmering light the chief survey'd + A stranger-youth advancing thro' the shade. + His stately air, his gold-embroider'd vest, + And towering step superior birth confess'd; + But time, and mental storms, had changed a mien + By godlike Vasa once with pleasure seen: + Tho' recent hope and transport half effaced + The lines, which sorrow had so lately traced. + + Unaw'd by fear the courteous hero stood, + And near the shady confines of the wood + Now met the youth. "Whoe'er thou art," he cried, + "Beneath our roof the tranquil morn abide: + For see, the red stars rise, and all around + The dew falls heavy on the silent ground." + + "Hear, gallant guardian of an injured state!" + (Replied the certain messenger of fate) + "For well I know thee, once in battle seen: + No length of years can change a hero's mien, + Unalter'd as his soul; since in his lines + The stamp of Heaven's own hand distinguish'd shines."-- + + On him, in speechless wonder, Vasa gazed: + New feelings, by uncertain memory raised, + Rose indistinct: now rage, he knew not why, + Fired all his spirit; now the half-felt sigh + Of ancient friendship in his breast renew'd, + Urged its slow course, whilst thus the youth pursu'd: + + "Ask not my name--lest rising wrath prevent + My hurried speech, and hinder Heaven's intent.-- + Confined by Christiern's doom, I saw, with dread, + The axe hang glaring o'er my fated head: + Escaped, thro' nightly seas I held my way, + 'Till starry midnight verged on purple day; + When instant at my prow a form appear'd, + Array'd in splendours, and the darkness cheer'd. + Genius of Sweden (such his sacred name) + From heaven's high arch the lucid herald came. + He bade me instant cross the watery road, } + And seek Gustavus in his dark abode, } + Where swift Dal-Elbe thro' rocky mountains flow'd. } + Then thus: "To him, Ernestus! is decreed + To govern nations by his valour freed, + Oppression's fiercest efforts to subdue, + And at his feet contending factions view. + Indignant Denmark mourns her laws o'erthrown, + And spurns her monarch from his iron throne. + Soon as Gustavus blows the loud alarms, + Each town, each province will arise to arms; + With Wermeland's tribes Westmania's shall unite, + And Gothland's answering shouts provoke the fight. + Bid him, who now in sluggish languor lies, + Nor knows the favour of the indulgent skies, + Rise and avenge! for him Heaven's laws ordain } + The lengthen'd blessings of a peaceful reign, } + And sons succeeding sons, his glory to maintain." } + He spoke, and swifter than the falcon's flight + The ship shot instant thro' the seas of night. + The vision vanish'd from my earnest view, + And o'er me sleep his drowsy mantle threw: + 'Till, roused by morning's beam, my bark I steer'd + Where full in sight your mountain-land appear'd, + Cut thro' the bordering groves my rapid way, + And reach'd your rural dome by close of day, + Propitious Heaven my guide." While yet he spoke, + In Vasa's breast the storm of fury woke: + Each phrase accustomed, each familiar tone, + Proclaim'd the wretch for daring treasons known. + With giant grasp he seiz'd the youth, whose mind + Nor hoped, nor sought to shun the death design'd; + "And comest thou then, young veteran in deceit, + To make thy work of perfidy complete, + To earn by Vasa's death one title more, + And revel in another patriot's gore?-- + And think'st thou still to flatter and deceive, + By fables madness only can believe?-- + Thy wealth is useless now--this ruined state + Has long in vain required her traitor's fate; + She bids me, when I can, avenge her woes, + And wreak her wrongs where'er I meet her foes! + Brave Stenon quits the mansions of the dead, + And calls down lightning on his murderer's head! + Confirm my deed, ye all-attesting skies! + Sweden! accept the grateful sacrifice + That stains thy thirsty soil!" He spoke, and raised + His long-tried sword; high o'er the youth it blazed-- + "Accept the sacrifice!" with voice serene + The youth re-echoed, and unalter'd mien: + When lo! that practised arm, which once could rear + The ponderous mace, and couch the winged spear, + That arm, by some superior force unsteel'd, + Shook, and the sword dropp'd idly on the field. + Again he raised the point; again essay'd + To bury in his heart the reeking blade, + When lo! a sudden whirlwind scour'd the sky, + Seiz'd the descending falchion, and on high + In whirling eddies bore it, while around + Low thunders rattled thro' the heavens profound. + Awhile in dumb suspense the hero stood; + Then sought the falchion thro' the dusky wood, + Resolved the seeming wonder to explore, + And search the depths of fate's mysterious lore. + + His changing mien the youth intent survey'd, + And slowly follow'd thro' the winding shade. + + + + +BOOK IV. + + + + +BOOK IV. + + +[_The Argument to the Fourth Book, of which this is only the +commencement, will be found in the Notes._] + + Observant of the deepening maze of fate, + High on his throne of stars the Eternal sate: + Whence his broad eyes the changeful earth survey'd, + The rolling seas, the sun, the infernal shade, + And all his worlds. In one collected beam + Heaven's various rays around his temples gleam, + Yet veil with dusky cloud the lustre pure, + Whose fulness no archangel can endure. + In bright obscurity he sits sublime, + And tranquil looks thro' all the stream of time. + + Around the throne a blue expanse of light + Extended past the reach of angel sight; + There heaven's superior spirits made abode, + Foremost in power, and nearest to their God. + Amidst the azure sea like stars they shone, + And circled in an hundred orbs the throne. + Those who o'er states preside, and those whose hand + Sheds war, or peace, or famine o'er a land; + Who guide the uncertain tempest in the pole, + Watch the red comet, and the stars control. + + Thro' the bless'd orders, as in ranks they rise, + The Power on Earth's bright guardians turn'd his eyes. + The attendant Spirit knew the mystic sign, + For ever seated near the throne divine: + He saw his sovereign's will by looks express'd, + And Suecia's guardian angel thus address'd: + + "Haste, faithful Spirit! to the nether skies, + Where Dalecarlia's misty mountains rise: + A Danish fort on the rude frontier stands, + Pregnant with war, and all the land commands: + With specious safety lull the band to rest, + Unstring each nerve, and weaken every breast. + The peasant-tribes with new-born strength inspire, + Bid ev'n the fearful glow with martial fire, + With sudden hope their cold despondence quell, + And patriot grief with patriot ire dispel. + Thence bend thy way to Denmark's stormy coast, + Where princely Frederic heads his secret host. + Let fears and jealousies each town alarm, + And Denmark's boldest tribes for Frederic arm. + That done, on Eric's hero-son attend, + Each motion guide, and each design befriend; + And to his sight in broader view unfold + The bright events to young Ernestus told. + Such be thy task: the rest in silence wait, + 'Till changeful time shall work the will of fate." + + Before the throne th' obedient Seraph bows, + And veils the star that glitters on his brows; + Then thro' the blue abyss impetuous flies + Where starr'd with suns heaven's ample pathway lies, + Its radiant limit: thro' that path he springs, + And shoots smooth-gliding on refulgent wings. + + Far in the void of heaven a secret way + Leads from the mansions of empyreal day, + That wanders devious from the road of light, + And deepens gradual into central night: + By this dim path he sought the dark profound + Of utmost hell, Creation's flaming bound, + Saw the far-distant gleam, and heard the roar + Of dashing surges on the burning shore. + With hasty steps he trod the deep descent, + Thro' the gross air, that brighten'd as he went, + And call'd a spirit from the gulphs below, + Heaven's scourge, and minister of human woe. + The summon'd fiend forsook the fiery wave, + And Sweden's Genius thus his mandate gave: + + "To Dalecarlia's tented fields repair, + And seek the Danish host assembled there. + With seeming safety and false hopes destroy + Their watchful care, and melt them down to joy; + And, while they sleep in the delusive charm, + Unstring each nerve, and weaken every arm; + So shall their fears, not Vasa, strike the blow, + And ready Conquest meet the coming foe." + + He spoke. Incumbent on the boundless night, + To upper air they wing their echoing flight: + Thence swift to earth their airy voyage bend, + Where the cold North's unmeasured tracts extend: + O'er pine-clad Norway's wilderness of snow, + O'er the huge Dofrine's cloudy tops they go, + Thro' many a fertile province urge their flight; + And on Dal-Elbe's uncultured plains alight. + + Thro' the majestic forest's leafy pride + The murmurs of the recent tempest sigh'd, + The shades of eve were closed, and pattering showers + Shed added gloom o'er midnight's starless hours. + Sleep in his downy car o'er Mora rode, + And soft-winged Silence ruled the calm abode. + Lull'd by the distant gale's unequal sound, + The peasants press their beds, with rushes crown'd, + From daily toil and fear a respite steal, + And dream of joys the waking may not feel. + + High blazing on the Danish castle's brow, + The beacon redden'd all the fields below. + From its tall battlements, o'er moat and dell, + Chequering the light, uncertain shadows fell. + On high, the warder tunes his martial song; + The rocks, the dales, the cheerful notes prolong. + + On a broad plain the rising structure stands, + The work of Dalecarlia's mountain bands, + In ancient years, ere Margaret ruled the clime, + Majestic still it stands, and unimpair'd by time. + The Western height primeval rocks inclose; + Low-murmuring to the south a river flows: + The rest with towers and tower-like works was crown'd, + And cast a various shadow o'er the ground. + Unnumber'd outworks, lessening by degrees, + Sloped to the plain: wide quivering to the breeze + The Danish standard, on the heights unrolled, + Inflames the air with many a waving fold. + Stupendous gates the massy fabric crown'd, + That rough with iron studs impervious frown'd. + Oft had the rocky cattle's rugged form + From its steep sides roll'd off the martial storm: + And whirlwinds, wasting all the neighbouring plain, + Spent their loud anger on its walls in vain. + Lofty it stood, impregnated with war, + And seem'd a craggy mountain from afar. + + Fast by a fire, whose half-extinguished rays + Shot here and there a fluctuating blaze, + The warriors' languid eyes in slumber closed; + Their arms, beside them, gleam'd as they reposed. + The guards alone, still cautious of surprise, } + Watch'd at each gate, and gazing on the skies, } + Repell'd unwilling slumber from their eyes. } + + Five hundred Danish youths this post maintain'd, + To fight alike, and hardy ravage train'd; + Prepared the fiercest mountain-host to dare, + And dash from many a battlement the war; + Prepared to hurl the whizzing lance, to pour + The missive flame, or dart the arrowy shower: + Young Eric the selected squadron led, + Count Bernheim's son, in camps and contests bred; + A fiery spirit, never at a stay, + With martial projects teeming night and day; + Alike by terror, pity, and remorse + Untouch'd, he held, thro' crimes, his fearless course; + Proud, like his king, to conquer and oppress, + In action rash, and haughty with success. + + While thus deep slumber half the troop oppress'd, + And ev'n the waking found a pause of rest, + The joyful demon, with malignant look, + O'er all the host his sable mantle shook. + Instant before the slumbering soldier's eyes + Dreams of past joy and sweet illusions rise: + And he whose ardent spirit late engaged + In airy wars, and bloodless battles waged, + A mountain-chief in every vision slew, + And on the yielding rear still foremost flew, + Now, sudden, sees each fading phantom changed, + Feels every care and thought from war estranged, + Seeks the lost quiet of his native shore, + And mourns the lengthen'd toils, he gloried in before: + Burns with impetuous pleasure's feverish fire, + Or trembles in the tumult of desire. + The drowsy watch a sullen vigil keep, + And scarce oppose the invading hand of sleep. + Ev'n Eric, watchful still, and us'd to bear + His destined weight of military care, + Ev'n Eric feels his soul's wild tumult fled, + And bows to softer sleep his restless head. + Before him visionary glories roll, + And fancied victories dilate his soul. + + Here, to complete his task, low-hovering stay'd + The fiend; while, mingling with the nightly shade, + Intent his generous purpose to fulfil, } + The radiant herald of th' eternal will } + Thro' the wide province flies, and darts from hill to hill. } + + + + +SONG FOR THE FOURTH BOOK OF GUSTAVUS VASA: + +SUPPOSED TO BE HEARD BY A DALECARLIAN HERMIT. + + + Circling ages swept away + Sweden's kings of ancient sway, + And hid their race from sight: + Circling ages bring again + To that race the long-lost reign, + And Time revokes his flight. + Their star shall rise with brighter beam + From slumbering in the ocean-stream. + + Dalecarlia, grasp the spear! + Hail thy great Deliverer near, + To alter Sweden's doom! + Born to raise her darken'd name, + Heir of all her former fame, + And source of all to come, + Past and future glories shine + Centred in the youth divine. + + Sweden, rise! I bid thee brave, + Unappall'd, War's dubious wave, + 'Till the doom'd period close! + War in vain shall spend his rage, + Prelude to a peaceful age + That shall redress his woes. + Sweden! rouse thy martial band; + 'Tis thy Guardian Power's command! + + When the slow-emerging sun + First dispels the shadows dun, + And his whole circle rears: + When the north-wind's stormy breath + Shakes the mountain, sweeps the heath, + The clouded ether clears: + Own the signal of the sky! + Hail the great Deliverer nigh! + + + + +THE RIVER TICINUS: + +FROM THE FOURTH BOOK OF SILIUS ITALICUS. + + + Coeruleas Ticinus aquas et stagna vadoso + Perspicuus servat turbari nescia fundo, + Ac nitidum viridi latè trahit amne liquorem: + Vix credas labi; ripis tam mitis opacis, + Argutos inter volucrum certamina cantus, + Somniferam ducit lucenti gurgite lympham. + + * * * * * + + Thro' these fair scenes the smooth Ticinus glides, + And in soft murmurs rolls his slumbering tides: + No mud disturbs the mirror calm and deep; + The clouds upon its stilly bosom sleep: + The varied beauties of the flowery scene + Chequer the azure light, and paint the floods with green. + Scarce seems the wave to roll, so sweetly flows + The tranquil stream, inviting soft repose: + While on its side, in tuneful contest gay, + Their mellow notes the feather'd songsters play. + + + + +JUPITER THUNDERING IN DEFENCE OF ROME: + +FROM THE TENTH BOOK. + + + Ipse refulgebat Tarpeiæ culmine rupis, + Elatâ quatiens flagrantia fulmina dextrâ, + Jupiter, ac lati fumabant sulphure campi, + Et gelidis Anio trepidabat coerulus undis: + Et densi ante oculos iterùmque iterùmque tremendum + Vibrabant ignes.... + + * * * * * + + High on the rock, the God, with furious look, + From side to side his burning thunder shook: + Now here, now there, the scattering lightnings broke, + And the wide vallies flamed, and glowed with sulphurous smoke: + Contagious terror roll'd from plain to plain; + Cold Anio trembled in his watery reign; + And dazzled by the withering flames, o'eraw'd, + The chief shrunk back, and own'd the present God. + + + + +FRAGMENT, IN IMITATION OF WALTER SCOTT. + + + 1. + + Where are the kings of ancient sway? + Where are the terrors of their day, + The chiefs that with glory bled? + Soon, soon their little sun was o'er; + And, hurried to oblivion's shore, + Their very names are fled! + Yet can the Muse from fate redeem + Her favourites here below; + Can check Time's all-devouring stream + In its eternal flow; + Can catch the quickly-passing beam, + And bid it for ever glow! + + + 2. + + The darkly-gathering clouds of night + Had quench'd the red remains of light; + O'er the hill and o'er the plain + She held her dim and shadowy reign, + And the distant billows of the main + In boundless darkness roll'd. + O'er land and sea, it was silence all, + No breezes waved the pine-wood tall, + Or swept the lonely wold: + The murmurs of the lake had died, + The reeds upon its plashy side + No rustling motion felt; + But o'er the world, as life were fled, + As Nature thro' her world were dead, + Portentous stillness dwelt. + + + 3. + + On a rock of the sea young Carthon stood, + And his lamp shone faint on the ocean-flood, + As with both his hands he toiled to raise + The seaward beacon's ruddy blaze: + And aye the warrior, far and near, + Explored the dark profound, + And aye the warrior's cautious ear + Was watching every sound; + But the air of night was mirk and dread, + And all was silent around his head. + + + 4. + + At length, uncertain murmurs rose + Athwart the billows grey, + Breaking the night-air's still repose, + And deepening on their way: + He beard the dashing of the oar, + And the long surge whitening to the shore; + And now the broad-sailed bark appear'd, + And now to the silvery beach it steer'd, + And anchored in the bay. + + + 5. + + "What news, what news of Lochlin's king?" + The Chief of Lona cried: + "Tidings of war and death I bring," + The ocean-scout replied. + "A dreadful vow has King Haquin vow'd, + To spread in Albin his banners proud, + Disperse o'er forest, field, and fold, + His hundred troops of warriors bold, + 'Till every rock with gore shall smoke, + And every castle own the yoke. + The keen remains of recent hate + Yet burn thro' all the Northern state, + And many an age's gather'd ire + With added fury fans the fire. + + + 6. + + "'Twas under the shade of dark midnight + They met at his hall, in armour dight, + The king and his chieftains proud; + Their lances at their sides were hung, + And the oak-tree, blazing 'midst the throng, + Across the hall, with flashes long, + A broad uncertain lustre flung, + Like a red and shifting cloud. + 'Twas here, to all before concealed, + The Monarch his design revealed. + + + 7. + + "Their answering clamours shook the ground, + And Gormul's mountain far around + From all his rocks flung back the sound. + Pierced by the monarch, with struggling yell + A bull at Odin's altar fell; + The priest in a bowl received the gore, + And round the troop the chalice bore. + Eager, as he the wine-cup quaffed, + Each chief caroused the sable draught,-- + The pledge of martial faith; + And not a word the stillness broke, + As thus, in turn, each chieftain spoke, + With slow and solemn breath: + + + 8. + + "'When the fiery-mantled Sun + Sees the glorious fight began, + He shall see its stubborn course + Burn with unabated force! + Swords shall clatter, javelins sing, + Arrows whistle from the string, + Not a step be turned to flight, + Not a warrior wish for night, + 'Till the burning star of day + Quenches his declining ray + In the darkness of the main, + And throughout the purple plain, + Heaped with slaughter, piled with death, + Not a foeman draws his breath. + He who well performs his vow, + Monarch Odin, shield him thou! + He who shrinks from hostile blow, + Hela! scourge the wretch below + In thy ninefold house of woe!'" + + + 9. + + "O'er hill and field the war-drum peal'd, + High flamed the beacon-flame, + And each noble peer, from far and near, + To Haquin's standard came. + I saw ten thousand lances gleam + Beneath the winter's swart sun-beam! + They hide old Gormul's snow-capt height, + They hide the craggy dell; + And I hastened thro' the waves of night, + The tidings of war to tell." + + + + +THE EXILE: + +A POEM. + +--Superanda omnis fortuna ferendo est. + + + 'Twas night: the stars denied one cheering ray, + And wrapp'd in clouds the lunar splendours lay. + No lightest zephyr brush'd the silent floods, + Or swept the bosom of the lofty woods: + Each human heart the general calm confess'd; + The childless sire had hush'd his cares to rest: + And he, the victim of his country's laws, + The base deserter of her awful cause, + Whose eyes no more in earthly sleep shall close, } + Yet sunk oppress'd, and drank in calm repose } + A short, a deep oblivion of his woes. } + + Diffusing verdure o'er a lonely glade, + A fountain with eternal murmurs play'd: + Hard by, an ancient forest's leafy brow + Cast a brown horror o'er the stream below, + On the green margin of the quiet flood, + With looks of woe, a time-worn Exile stood: + On the dim wave he cast a gloomy look, + Then thus in low and troubled accents spoke: + + "Dear native stream! and thou, thrice happy lawn! + Where once I roved, in youth's first joyous dawn, + While every wind a holy silence kept, + And peaceful on the flood the sunbeam slept: + I now return, and ask of your kind wave + The last unenvied gift, a quiet grave! + From scene to scene of varied misery toss'd, + Each hope, each joy, each cheerful prospect lost, + With cares and labours many a year oppress'd, + I hail the dawn of everlasting rest! + Tho' worn with sufferings, my distracted soul + Scarce bows to former reason's firm controul, + Ere yet I sink to death's secure repose, + Once more let me retrace my ancient woes, + And count those various pangs, which now shall cease + In the calm bosom of unchanging peace. + + "Smooth roll'd my vernal years, while on my head + Fate's early smiles a meteor-lustre shed. + No painful fear, no troubles, then had power + To break the current of one peaceful hour. + Oft as I trod the meadow's verdant round, + Or pierced the echoing forest's gloomy bound, + Or traced the willowy margin of the stream, + Lost in the wildering maze of Fancy's dream, + Before me Life's long years in prospect rose, + By fears unbroken, undisturb'd by woes. + Yes! I remember well,--my dizzy brain + Feels those bright hours not yet effaced by pain: + Still on my soul they cast a distant light, + And gild with transitory gleams the night! + + "Yet then, ev'n then, the powers of fate below + Prepared for me their gather'd stores of woe: + The tempest watch'd to blot my peaceful day, + And silent in their beds the thunders lay! + + "Short was my date of joy: the yawning tomb + Snatch'd my loved parents to eternal gloom. + With fearful awe my shuddering soul survey'd + The untried path of misery display'd, + Gazed wild upon Misfortune's unknown form, + And watch'd the coming terrors of the storm. + + "Soon burst the cloud, and far away was borne + The last faint gleam of Life's deceitful morn. + For fancied crimes expell'd my native shore, + And doom'd alone to measure ocean o'er, + I left those scenes where joy for ever reigns, + Secure to find her on no other plains. + + "Dark rose the morn: the wind in every wood + Howl'd, and the meteors glancing o'er the flood + Flash'd a portentous light. Before the gale + With streaming eyes I spread my little sail: + Swift o'er the sounding waves the vessel flew, + Cliff after cliff receding from my view: + Chill ran my heart--the swelling sails I furl'd, + While yet emerging from the watery world + One headland rose--O'er all the boundless main. } + I cast my shuddering view--I wept in vain-- } + I wrung my hands in agonizing pain: } + O'er my dim eyes increasing darkness hung, + No low, faint murmurs, trembled on my tongue, + A deadly torpor every limb oppress'd, + Weak were my sinews, and unmann'd my breast: + When lo! a voice, that struck my inmost heart, + Seem'd, thro' the wavering storm, to cry, 'Depart!' + Trembling with awe, I turn'd my aching view, + And spread the flying sail, and o'er the billows flew. + + "On foreign shores, to poverty resign'd, + An exile, friendless and alone, I pined. + Hope and Content inspired my toils no more; + Alas! I left them on my native shore! + Stern Want around me pour'd her chilling woes, + And no faint beam, to cheer my winter, rose. + + "At length, when years, with slow-revolving round, + Had half assuaged my soul's eternal wound, + And rural peace my humble efforts bless'd + With one short calm of momentary rest; + Sudden, the demons of tyrannic war } + Whirl thro' our peaceful haunts his rapid car, } + And waving standards kindle all the air: } + In crackling heaps the flaming forests rise, + The smoking cities darken half the skies. + Thro' burning woods and falling towers I sprung, + While torches hiss'd, and darts around me sung, + And, still expectant of some happier time, + Sought distant refuge in another clime. + + "My term of sorrows came not: black Despair, + And lawless Force, and shrinking Fear, were there. + Woes, yet unfelt, were nigh;--fell Slavery shed + Her night of sorrows on my hapless head: + Doom'd each imperious order to fulfil, + And watch a ruthless master's various will. + Five years, exposed to unremitted pain, + I languish'd there--'till Friendship broke my chain. + + "Now o'er my head full fifteen suns had burn'd, } + Since from my native rocks my eyes I turn'd: } + And practised now in woe, my soul no longer mourn'd. } + I sought my patron, and (a bark supplied) + His fortunes follow'd o'er the foamy tide. + + "From these dire shores our rapid course we held; + Auspicious gales the flying canvas swell'd; + And joy's faint sunshine kindled in my eyes, + As the last mountain mingled with the skies: + When, by conflicting winds together driven, + A night of clouds involved the starless heaven; + Fierce and more fierce th' increasing tempest blew, + The thunder rattled, and the lightning flew. + Soon, borne at random o'er the watery way, + The yawning rocks our guideless ship betray; + My shrieking comrades sink.--Some power unseen + Preserved me, trembling, thro' the deathful scene; + I rode th' opposing waves, and from the steep + Beheld the vessel plunge into the flashing deep. + + "Beneath a sheltering wood all night I lay, + 'Till morn had chased the flying stars away; + Then sought the wave-worn strand.--The storm was dead; + And Silence o'er the deep her pinions spread. + All--all were gone!--I saw my doom severe; + And, dull with suffering, scarcely dropp'd a tear! + + "There, by the murmurs of the sea's hoarse wave, + Scorch'd on the rock, or shivering in the cave, + Long, long I stay'd: Fate yet prolong'd my day, + And Grief and Famine spared their willing prey. + A roving bark at length approach'd, and bore + The suppliant stranger to fair India's shore. + + "With wondering steps I traced the sunny strand, + And mark'd each giant work of nature's hand; + Saw towering oaks th' aërial tempest brave, + And mighty rivers roll the sea-like wave. + Amaze, unmix'd with joy, my soul possess'd; + What beauteous scene can charm an Exile's breast? + Sadly I saw primeval forests frown, + And, in each foreign stream, still sought my own. + + "No bright success my rising labours crown'd; + The sunbeam wither'd, or the deluge drown'd, + Each growing hope: my frame seem'd worn with care, + And Death still hover'd in the feverish air. + Stern Famine o'er my solitary gate + Spread her cold wings, and watch'd in sullen state. + Life yet was dear--Each visionary night + Restored my ancient dwelling to my sight; + And every gale, that swept the valley o'er, + Appear'd to point me to my native shore. + + "Soon as the morning waved her banner red, + With bounding heart the winged sail I spread. + Again the tempest roars, the meteors play, + And struggling clouds repel the rising ray. + Yet nought disturb'd my unprophetic soul; + Resign'd to joy, impatient of control, + I seem'd new-born: Creative Hope again + Restored the sense of pleasure, and of pain; + Tumultuous transport, now no more suppressed, + Shone from my eyes, and wanton'd in my breast. + + "Soon did the storm subside: before the breeze + Smooth flew the boat, across the summer seas. + The brightening sunbeam on the waters danced, + From the blue clouds a stream of radiance glanced. + + "As the fleet swallow, eager to attain + Her well-known regions, scuds o'er land and main; + So, wing'd with hope, I flew: my eager sail + Stemm'd many a sea, and waved in many a gale, + While, ardent still one object to pursue, + I shunn'd the rock, and thro' the tempest flew: + And still, with rapture's mingled tear and smile, + Mark'd, as it pass'd, each dim receding isle. + From each fair view my swimming eyes declined, + And fairer views rose imaged in my mind. + + "Swift o'er the waves I flew; and many a day + On the smooth wings of joy had roll'd away, + When, half-discover'd 'mid the clouds of night, + My native cliffs rose beauteous to my sight. + With beating heart I furl my sail, and sweep + With rapid oar the smooth-dividing deep. + The well-known bay a ready entrance gave, + And safe return'd me from the stormy wave. + + "Now Night, advancing up th'etherial plain, + Drew slowly her broad veil o'er land and main. + With falling tears I bathed the sacred ground, + And thro' the viewless darkness gazed around: + But air's blank waste deceived my ardent sight; + The hills were dark, the rivers roll'd in night. + Yet swift imagination, uncontroll'd, + Ranged o'er the scene, and tinged it all with gold. + 'And here,' I cried, 'amid this piny grove, + In winter's morn my lonely steps shall rove; + And there, beneath yon' poplar's silver shade, + At summer noon my weary limbs be laid. + Yon azure stream, that parts the fruitful scene, + Shall see my cottage on its banks of green, + Long-cherish'd friends shall charm each livelong day, + And jocund children, more beloved than they: + My sun thro' ambient clouds shall set more fair, + And thirty years of grief be lost in air. + Oh, happy long-lost land! once more receive + Thy time-worn Exile, and his cares relieve!' + + "The gathered mists roll'd slowly from the lawn, + And fading stars announced the silent dawn: + A hill, that tower'd above the bounded heath, + I climb'd, and gazed upon the scene beneath. + The beams of morning woke no living eye + Amid this vast and cheerless vacancy: + They only pour'd their ineffectual light + On a bleak prospect, better hid in night! + Where'er I look'd, outstretch'd in long survey, + A huge unmeasured waste of ruins lay. + War's fiery steps had mark'd the beauteous scene, + And mingled ravage show'd where death had been, + The fallen cottage, and the mouldering tower-- + A dreary monument of wrathful power! + The stream that once, diffused in lucid pride, + Saw towers, and woods, and hamlets, on its side, + Now choked with weeds, in mossy fragments lost, + Dragg'd a slow current o'er the mournful coast. + My friends, my foes, were fled--not one of all + Remain'd, to see his country's hapless fall! + O'er the wild plain the useless zephyrs blow, + And wasted suns unprofitably glow. + This ancient forest now remain'd alone:-- + Beneath its shade I sat me down to moan; + Resign'd to dumb despair, without a tear, } + Prostrate I lay, or slowly wander'd, here, } + And, wandering, thought upon the things that were: } + 'Till crowding thoughts a sudden lustre flung, + And my wild heart with desperate hope was strung. + + "Hence, vain regrets! unmanly tears, away! + 'Tis time to close my melancholy day. + Smiling with peace, or brilliant with delight, + Eternity lies open to my sight. + I go, a fearless soul, unstain'd by crimes, + To seek the rest denied in earthly climes. + + "Ye righteous Powers, whoe'er ye are, who guide + Earth's changeful tumult, and its cares divide; + Who rule mankind with absolute decree, + And grace the bless'd with good, unknown to me: + To you I pray not: Your afflicting hand } + Has given the sign to quit this earthly strand: } + I bow with joy to your implied command! } + Yes--in the bosom of eternal fate + Some real joys, perhaps, my soul await: + Some peace may yet be mine--some powerful rock, + Unmoved by terror, or misfortune's shock; + Some vale of calmness, some sequester'd shore, + Where hope, and fear, and sorrow, are no more. + + "My soul, thro' endless ages doom'd to live, + A quenchless flame, must every sphere survive: + Whence, then, these sorrows in her mortal times; + Chain'd down to woe, ere yet involved in crimes? + This cloud unpierced, that darkens all her way? + Is this the dawn of an eternal day?-- + Death, death alone, can chase th' unfathom'd gloom, + And light the mazes of my doubtful doom!" + + He spoke; and gazing on the watery grave. + Approach'd with tranquil step the fatal wave, + Where the green verge with easy slope descends, + And, rippling on the sand, the water ends. + When lo! some power, with deep resistless force, + Check'd his firm soul, and stopp'd his fearless course; + He felt its languid influence thro' his breast, + And, stretch'd in sleep, the grassy margin press'd; + His weary soul to balmy rest resign'd, + And fancy bore these visions to his mind. + + On a broad bank, alone, he seem'd to stand, + Whose flowery limit closed a spacious land. + Around, the cultured plains appeared to glow + With various hues: a river roll'd below: + Unvex'd by storms, the tranquil waters ran: + On heaven's blue verge calm shines the mounting sun. + As waken'd from a dream of woe, amazed, + On woods, and skies, and murmuring streams, he gazed: + Calm, silent raptures flow'd thro' all his breast, + And seem'd the foretaste of eternal rest. + + His eye, now settled, mark'd a little boat, + Which on the nearest waves appear'd to float: + Its airy sail with snow-white radiance blazed; + Its blue prow tinged the waters.--As he gazed, + Lo! the clouds opened, and with sudden glare + A dazzling form descended thro' the air. + Swift as a sea-bird darting o'er the deep, + Or meteor hovering with aërial sweep, + He flew, and lighting radiant on the helm, + Cast a bright shadow o'er the watery realm. + He waved his hand; the Exile took the sign, + Embark'd, and join'd the messenger divine. + + Smooth o'er the liquid plain the vessel steers; + A faint-reflected sun on every wave appears. + Swift o'er the stream it steers: on either side, + In murmurs low th' advancing waves divide. + Thro' cloudless skies the radiant orb of day, + Enthroned in light, held on his heavenly way; + A line of light along the ocean streams, + The white sails glisten in the golden beams. + Still, as they roll, the river's waters lave + With ceaseless flow the lily of the wave: + The willow-forests on its verdant side + Bathe their green tresses in the crystal tide: + The bending alders paint the floods, and seem + A waving curtain o'er the glassy stream. + Thro' the wide clouds and thro' the watery way + Calm Light and Silence held their boundless sway. + + Now vanish'd from their eyes the lessening shore, + And nearer grew the ocean's sullen roar: + And when the sun-heaven's topmost dome had scaled, + The green-tinged waters of the deep they sailed. + The orb of day, faint-glittering from afar, + Now veil'd in gradual gloom his beamy car: + A hollow murmur thro' the blackening skies, + Rolls dismal on, and loudens as it flies: + The watery birds fly screaming from the steep, + And darkness settles on the shivering deep. + The wondering Exile, from the deck, beheld + The tempest grow, and clouds on clouds impell'd: + Far to the south their dusky legions bend, + And thence o'er heaven a gloomy line extend. + He heard th' approaching tempest's hollow sigh, + And cold despondence trembled in his eye-- + And lo, it bursts! the boundless whirlwinds sweep, + Toss the light clouds, and tear the staggering deep + Sheer from its lowest caves--the smoking rain + Bursts in white torrents o'er the echoing main: + The fiery bolts uninterrupted roll + From sky to sky, and shake the stedfast pole: + Red volleying o'er the heavens with curving beam + The fitful lightnings dart a quivering gleam, + And, glancing thro' the raven plumes of night, + Shed o'er the deep a pale sepulchral light. + + Swift to the Power unknown his eyes he rear'd-- + No sign of comfort in the Power appear'd: + Silent he stood--when lo! another blast + Rends the strong sail, and shakes the tottering mast! + Now, by the mounting billows upward swung, + Trembling amid the darksome sky they hung; + Now seem'd to touch the fountains of the deep, + Where in eternal rest the waters sleep. + And now beneath a milder tempest's sway + Onward the rapid vessel bounds away; + When, lo! again--as if with thundering fall + Descended to the deep heaven's loosen'd wall, + Yells the fierce storm: beneath the furious shock, + Torn from its roots, the long-resisting rock + Falls prone; the sands, driven by the whirling sweep, + Boil up, and darken the discolour'd deep. + + Still o'er the stormy waste they labour on, + Thro' bowling deserts and thro' paths unknown-- + A long, long way! the lightnings flame around, + And winds and billows mix their mournful sound. + Still on they fare--'till thro' the ambient night + Bursts a third whirlwind with redoubled might; + The congregated clouds in one vast sweep + It drives, and bares the bosom of the deep. + The sail flies loose, the mast in fragments torn + O'er the black surface of the waves is borne + Louder, and longer, over heaven's wide field + Thro' the rent clouds the bellowing thunders peal'd: + In one blue sheet the streamy lightnings glare; + A thousand demons ride the flaming air, + O'er the dark waves a deeper horror cast, + And howl between the pauses of the blast. + And now 'twas silence all--a sulphurous smell + Spread round: a cloud arose with sudden swell; + Slow o'er the ocean's trembling waves it past, + And from its bosom, indistinct and vast, + A giant form advanced across the gloom + Of air, and pointed to the watery tomb. + + Shuddering with fear, he turn'd.--His guide was gone; + A broad chaotic cloud appear'd alone. + His limbs no more their chilly weight sustained, + A deathlike torpor o'er his bosom reign'd, + His stony eyeballs fix'd in silent trance + Met the terrific Spectre's withering glance. + And lo! the Phantom waves, with sudden glare, + His burning sceptre thro' the starless air! + High o'er the bark the booming billows spread, + The deafening waves were closing o'er his head; + When rushing clouds the towering form involved, + And all the vision into air dissolved. + Like mist that flits before the solar car, + Or the wan splendours of a falling star, + The scene dispers'd; and at his side, return'd, + The heavenly Guide in all his radiance burn'd. + + A smile, with love and calm affection fraught, + The Seraph gave, as by the hand he caught + Th' admiring Exile: then the earth forsook, + And thro' dividing clouds his easy journey took. + + Above the skies on silent wings upborne, + They seek the quarter of the rising morn, + And, wheeling thro' the stars their level flight, + On a tall mountain's cloudless top alight. + + Beneath, a boundless realm in prospect lay; + Fair as the regions of perpetual day + Wide stretch'd the peaceful vale. A brighter sun + Thro' purer skies his azure course begun, + And, uneclips'd, along th' etherial road + A host of stars with rival splendours glow'd. + Far to the west, with dewy spangles gay, + Long tracts of meads reflect the orient ray; + Collected fragrance breathes in every gale, + And harvests nod on every yellow dale. + The southern plain a lordly city crown'd: + Its ample range with marble turrets frown'd. + The golden spires with pointed radiance glow'd; + From tower to tower the pure effulgence flow'd. + The lofty gates for ever open stood, + And o'er the region pour'd a living flood. + Their dusky sides by piny groves conceal'd, + A range of snow-capp'd hills the north reveal'd: + Amidst the dark-brow'd woods with murmurs hoarse + A thousand torrents took their foamy course. + The eastern limit show'd a spacious bay; + Blue Ocean redden'd in the morning ray: + Reflected lustre crown'd the chalky steep, + And stately navies darkened half the deep. + From the tall hill, beneath the sunny beam, + Three rivers, issuing, pour a various stream, + Now thro' the lawns in parted currents glide, + And now, uniting, spread an equal tide. + Unnumber'd tints the forest-boughs unfold, + And the bright waters seem to roll in gold. + + Successive wonders on the Exile's breast + A visionary strange amaze impress'd; + New hopes, new fears, his trembling bosom throng, + Doubt follows doubt, and thought drives thought along. + When now the Angel, with that awful grace, + That waits on spirits of celestial race, + On the pale mortal lost in dark surprize, + Fix'd the keen radiance of his sun-like eyes: + Mild were his looks: yet, when his accents flow'd, + It seem'd as thunder shook the bursting cloud. + + "Beneath the weight of earthly evil bent, + In varied toils and woes thy days were spent; + 'Till cold Misfortune, with unceasing lower, + Weigh'd down thy soul, and deaden'd every power, + Reflection's lamp withdrew her guiding ray, + And fail'd to point thee on thy darkling way, + And thy wild soul prepared to launch alone + From Night's dark bosom into worlds unknown: + When, sent by Heaven thy earthly deeds to guide, + And o'er thy term of varied life preside, + I check'd thy course: and Providence by me + Unfolds her secret train of destiny. + + "Oh, ignorant! to deem thyself the first + Of mortals with unmingled troubles curs'd! + Thou hast not yet the height of woe attain'd, + Nor every cup of human sorrow drain'd. + Thy path of suffering has been trod alone; } + No following friend, no consort, hast thou known, } + To double all thy sorrows with their own: } + No artful foe has doom'd thy humble name + To public enmity, or public shame; + And last, and worst of all, the pangs of woe + Hell can inflict, or vengeful Heaven bestow, + Relentless Conscience has not shed on thee + Her poison'd darts,--her stings of misery! + Thy virtue shone thro' the dim vale of earth, + And toils and dangers proved thy blameless worth. + For this, my hand its timely aid bestow'd + To draw thee back from error's devious road. + + "All, all are equal: Heaven's impartial mind + One bliss, one woe allots to all mankind: + And he whose morn seem'd wrapp'd in cloudy night, + Shall see his evening glow with placid light. + Thro' calm prosperity's serenest sky + The approaching gales of adverse fortune sigh; + And when Affliction whets her keenest dart, + And hurls it, flaming, at the shrinking heart, + Celestial Hope with golden wing attends, + Heals every wound, and every toil befriends: + The horrors vanish; gleams of light divine + Illume the cloud, and thro' its openings shine; + As the bow, herald of ethereal peace, + Smiles thro' the storm, and makes the tempest please. + + "To sway the whirlwind, gathering clouds control, + Arrest the sun, or shake with storms the pole, + Heaven gives to none:--nor have the mightiest power + To stop the current of one changeful hour: + Resistless Fate with even course proceeds, + And o'er their levell'd pomp her thundering chariot leads. + But all can solace their afflicted mind + With temperate wishes, and a will resign'd, + Can cheer the sad, improve the prosperous hour, + With meek Humility, and Virtue's power: + With these, terrestrial pleasures never cloy, + And fear is lost in peace, and sorrow turns to joy. + + "Yet oft' the brave resisting soul, like thee, + At random borne across Life's wintery sea, + When various tempests, with successive force, + Still drive her devious from her destined course, + With labour worn, at last the helm resigns, + And in deep anguish at her lot repines; + Despair throws round impenetrable gloom, + And Death invites her to the ready tomb. + + "Let faithful Memory tell (for Memory can) + How thy first years in even current ran; + How every pleasure, every good, combined + To feast with countless sweets thy tranquil mind: + Each passing joy a kindred joy pursued, + Nor ask'd the aid of sad vicissitude. + Swift flew thy boat, thro' isles with verdure crown'd, + Heaven's smile above, and prosperous seas around: + O'er the smooth waves Hope's cheering zephyr pass'd, + And every wave seem'd smoother than the last. + + "Soon fled those halcyon days. The storm began; + From pole to pole the doubling thunder ran. + Yet still with patient toil I saw thee urge + Thy fearless passage o'er the gloomy surge; + Still Faith discern'd the harbour of repose, + And panting Hope look'd forward to the close. + + "As vapours, slowly thickening, blot away, + Beam after beam, the sacred orb of day; + So woes on woes in long continuance blind + The sense, and blunt the vigour of the mind; + 'Till, by some sudden gust of misery cross'd, + On the mad ocean of despondence toss'd, + Reason herself, once bold, acute, and strong, + No more discerns the bounds of right and wrong: + Lost, in the mist of fear, her Heavenly Guide, + She deems all efforts vain, and sinks beneath the tide. + + "But shrink not thou from earth's malignant power! + Hope builds on high an everlasting tower; + And strength divine supports the suffering good, + As lasting ramparts break the torrent-flood. + + "Sustain'd by this, with resolute control + The Mental Hero curbs his struggling soul, + Bids with new fire his pure affections glow, + And calls his lingering wishes from below. + Refined by slow degrees, his passions rise, + Soar from the earth, and gain upon the skies. + A light, unbought by all the joys of Sin, + Cheers his wide soul, and brightens all within: + And, though mankind his pious peace molest, + And mock the sigh that struggles half suppress'd; + Tho', leagued with man, the hostile powers of hell + Bid round his head the maddening tempest swell; + For ever fix'd on worlds beyond the pole, + Nought else can move his heaven-directed soul. + 'Tis his with tearless fortitude to feel + The bigot fury of a tyrant's steel; + 'Tis his with cool untempted eye to gaze + On Wealth's bright pomp, and Beauty's brighter blaze: + And, as the stream its equal current leads + Thro' dusky forests and thro' flowery meads, + Serene he treads Misfortune's thorny soil, + Nor on surrounding pleasures wastes a smile-- + Whate'er events the tide of time may swell, + His only care, to act or suffer well. + What tho' malignant foes innumerous scowl, + Tho' mortals hiss, and fiends around him howl? + Yet, higher powers, the guardians of his life, + With sacred transport watch the godlike strife; + Yet Heaven, with all her thousand eyes, looks down, + And binds her martyr with a deathless crown. + + "When the last pang the struggling spirit sends + Far from the circle of his mourning friends, + And, bathed with many a tear, the hallow'd bust + Protects the mouldering body of the just; + Oh! with what rapture, mounting, he descries + Scenes of unutterable glory rise, + With trembling hope bows to his heavenly Lord, + And hears with awful joy th' absolving word! + Oh! with what speed he flies, dismiss'd to stray + Thro' the vast regions of eternal day; + Creation's various wonders to explore, + A radiant sea of light, without a shore! + Then, too, that spark of intellectual fire + Which burn'd thro' life, and never shall expire, + Which, oft' on earth deplored its bounded view, + And still from sphere to sphere excursive flew, + The mind, upborne on intuition's wings, + Thro' Truth's bright regions, momentary, springs, + And, piercing at one view the maze of fate, + Smiles at the darkness of her former state! + + "The varied pleasures of yon' smiling plain + Would feebly image Joy's eternal reign. + As that bright prospect, still to beauty true, + Presents new charms at every varied view, + Here towns and waving forests rise reveal'd, + There the blue deep, and here the golden field; + Such and so boundless are the joys decreed + To those, whom Truth from all their chains has freed. + Nor time shall limit, nor dull space control + The winged motions of th' immortal soul. + From star to star to spread her restless wing, + Learn each dread law, and trace each mighty spring; + To mix with angels, and renew the hours + Of earthly friendship in celestial bowers; + The Source of All, undazzled, to survey, + His triumphs join, and his commands obey:-- + To span Futurity with raptured sight, + Age after age interminably bright, + While with one tranquil all-enlightening beam, + The past, the present, and the future gleam:-- + Still, as the joyful ages run their race, + Progressive glories ripening as they pass, + With new perfections, new desires, to shine, + Her will reflected by the will divine:-- + To see new suns arise, and see their flame + Lost and extinct in night, herself the same:-- + Such the soul's hopes; and such the blessings given + To Virtue's sons,--the brightest stars of heaven! + + "Oft, ev'n on earth, by Heaven's unfathom'd doom, + She breaks thro' her dark fortune's circling gloom, + And thro' the dim-dissolving cloud of woe + Refulgent mounts, and gilds the world below. + Pale Envy pines, and sickens in the dust, + And gazing nations learn that Heaven is just. + + "Such are the truths thy vision would relate, + And such the secret of thy doubtful fate. + + "Go, then--thy God has fix'd thy future doom, + And light and transient are thy woes to come: + Those sorrows past, ev'n Earth has joys in store; + And Heaven expects thee on her happy shore. + Go--and, by chilling grief no more oppress'd, + Hold firm thy heart--to stand, is to be bless'd!" + + Quick-glancing from his sight the Seraph sped, + And all the dream in gay confusion fled. + Soft o'er the wave the summer-breezes sigh'd, + The moon play'd quivering on the restless tide. + He rose, and now with new ideas fraught, + Revolv'd the vision in his alter'd thought; + An eye of meek contrition upward cast, + And stretch'd in lonely prayer, bewail'd the past; + Traced all his years, and with a tranquil eye + Exulting scann'd his promised destiny; + Then steer'd his bark, with Providence his guide, + To realms unknown, and oceans yet untried. + + + + +TO THE COMET, 1811. + +WRITTEN ON ITS APPEARANCE. + + + Be ye not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are + dismayed at them. JER. X. 2. + + Comet! who from yon' dusky sky + Dart'st o'er a shrinking world thy fiery eye, + Scattering from thy burning train + Diffusive terror o'er the earth and main; + What high behest dost thou perform + Of Heaven's Almighty Lord? what coming storm + Of war or woe does thy etherial flame + To thoughtless man proclaim? + Dost thou commissioned shine + The silent harbinger of wrath divine? + Or does thy unprophetic fire + Thro' the wide realms of solar day + Mad Heat or purple Pestilence inspire? + Thro' all her lands, Earth trembles at thy ray; + And starts, as she beholds thee sweep + With fiery wing Air's far-illumined deep. + + The Eternal gave command, and from afar, + From realms unbless'd with heat or light, + The mournful kingdoms of perpetual Night, + Unvisited but by thy glowing car,-- + Radiant and clear as when thy course begun, + Swift as the flame that fires th'etherial blue, + Thro' the wide system, like a sun, + Thy moving glories flew. + Thou shinest terrific to the guilty soul! + But not to him, who calmly brave + Spurns earthly terror's base control, + And dares the yawning grave: + To one superior Will resigned, + He views with an unanxious mind + Earth's passing wonders,--and can gaze + With eye serene on thy innocuous blaze, + As on the meteor-fires, that sweep + O'er the smooth bosom of the deep, + Or gild with lustre pale + The humid surface of some midnight vale. + + + + +FROM THE ELEVENTH BOOK OF STATIUS' THEBAID. + + + Jamque in pulvereum, furiis hortantibus, æquor Prosiliunt, &c. + 403--407, 409--423. + + Soon as both armies from the field withdrew, + Fierce to the fight the rival brothers flew: + Each warrior his auxiliar fiend inspires, + Directs his arm, and pours in all her fires: + Round the bright reins their snaky locks they twine, + And with each swelling mane their glittering folds combine. + The horns were hush'd: the drums no longer peal'd: + A death-like stillness brooded o'er the field: + And thrice hell's monarch rock'd the ground below, + And thrice his thunders shook the realms of woe.-- + No martial power was there: the God of War + Whirl'd from the hated field his heavenly car: + Indignant Pallas sought th'ethereal climes: + And Furies learn'd to blush at human crimes. + The thronging people, from the stately crown } + Of each tall turret, look with horror down, } + And general grief overwhelms th' unhappy town: } + The old deplore their late remains of light; + And mothers lead their infants from the sight. + The ghosts of Cadmus' race, an impious crew, + This prodigy of kindred guilt to view, + Sent from the mansion of eternal hills, + (A dark assembly) crowd Bæotia's hills; + O'er day's fair face a gloomy twilight cast, + And smile with joy to see their crimes surpass'd. + + + + +FROM THE NINTH BOOK OF KLOPSTOCK'S MESSIAH. + + + Where, in the midst of vast Infinitude, + The arm creative stopp'd,--dread bound of space, + Alien to God, and from his sight exil'd, + Hell rolls her sulph'rous torrents. There, nor law + Of motion, nor eternal Order reigns; + But anarchy instead, and wild uproar, + And ruinous tumult. Now with lightning speed + Th' accursed sphere, with all its flames, flies up + Into the void abrupt, and with its roar, + With groans commixt, and shrieks, and boundless yells, + Astounds the nearest stars: calm now and slow, + With dreadful peace the universal waves + Of sulphur roll, and pour a mightier flood + On those tormented, their eternal crimes + Avenging with fresh pain and sharper darts + Of never-dying torture.--They meanwhile, + The caitiff and his puissant guide, on wing + Impetuous, skirt creation's flaming waste, + And suns innumerable, and with prone flight + Descending down, light sheer upon the coast + Of outmost Night. The guard seraphic knows. + That power ministrant, ---- + ---- and with quick despatch + Unfolds the Stygian doors, that jarring hoarse + Slow on their adamantine hinges turn'd, + And open'd to their ken the dread abyss, + Unfathomably deep, mother of woes. + Not mountains pil'd on mountains would close up + Th' infernal entrance: they would but increase + Its native ruggedness. No path leads down + To those abhorred deeps. Close by the gate + Impendent rocks with fiery whirlwinds cleft + For ever fell into the deep abyss, + Continuous ruin. ---- + ---- On the hideous brink + Of this great tomb, where Death nor sleeps, nor dies, + In dreadful silence, with the wretch hell-doom'd, + Stood the Death-angel. ---- + + + + +BEGINNING OF THE THIRTEENTH ILIAD, + +TRANSLATED IN IMITATION OF WALTER SCOTT. + + + [Greek: Zeus d' epei oun Trôas te kai Hektora nêusi pelasse], &c. + + + 1. + + From Ida's peak high Jove beheld + The tumults of the battle-field, + The fortune of the fight-- + He marked, where by the ocean-flood + Stout Hector with his Trojans stood, + And mingled in the strife of blood + Achaia's stalwart might: + He saw--and turn'd his sunbright eyes + Where Thracia's snow-capped mountains rise + Above her pastures fair: + Where Mysians feared in battle-fray, + With far-famed Hippemolgians stray, + A race remote from care, + Unstained by fraud, unstained by blood, + The milk of mares their simple food. + Thither his sight the God inclines, + Nor turns to view the shifting lines + Commix'd in fight afar: + He deemed not, he, that heavenly might + Would swell the bands of either fight, + When he forbade the war. + + + 2. + + Not so the Monarch of the Deep: + On Samothracia's topmast steep + The great Earth-shaker stood, + Whose cloudy summit viewed afar + The crowded tents, the mingling war, + The navy dancing on the tide, + The leaguered town, the hills of Ide, + And all the scene of blood. + There stood he, and with grief surveyed + His Greeks by adverse force outweighed: + He bann'd the Thunderer's partial will, + And hastened down the craggy hill. + + + 3. + + Down the steep mountain-slope he sped, + The mountain rocked beneath his tread, + And trembling wood and echoing cave + Sign of immortal presence gave. + Three strides athwart the plain he took, + Three times the plain beneath him shook; + The fourth reached Ægæ's watery strand, + Where, far beneath the green sea-foam, + Was built the monarch's palace-home, + Distinct with golden spire and dome, + And doom'd for aye to stand. + + + 4. + + He enters: to the car he reins + His brass-hoofed steeds, whose golden manes + A stream of glory cast: + His golden lash he forward bends, + Arrayed in gold the car ascends; + And swifter than the blast, + Across th' expanse of ocean wide, + Untouched by waves, it passed: + The waters of the glassy tide + Joyful before its course divide, + Nor round the axle press: + Around its wheels the dolphins play, + Attend the chariot on its way, + And their great Lord confess. + + + + +LATIN POEMS. + + + + +I. + + [Greek: Hêrpazon--ouk echontos pô aischynên toutou tou ergou, + pherontos de kai doxês mallon.] THUC. Lib. 1. + + +Pirata loquitur. + + Quid nos immeritâ, turba improba, voce lacessis, + Sanguineasque manus, agmina sæva vocas? + Quidve carere domo, totumque errare per orbem + Objicis, et fraudem cæcaque bella sequi? + Non nobis libros cura est trivisse Panætî, + Nec, quid sit rectum, discere, quidve malum; + Hæc quærant alii: toto meliora Platone + Argumenta manu, qui gerit arma, tenet. + Et tamen, ut primi repetamus sæcula mundi, + Omnibus hæc populis pristina vita fuit: + Lege orbis caruit: leges ignavior ætas + Excoluit, patrium descruitque decus. + Ut culpent homines, Dîs hæc laudare necesse est; + Nec pudet auctores fraudis habere Deos. + Ætheriam bello rapuisti, Jupiter, arcem; + Quam, dicat genitor si tibi, Redde; neges. + Fertur Atlantiades, nobis venerabile numen, + Surripuisse omni plusve minusve Deo. + Legiferos alii celebrent justosque poëtæ; + Mæonides nostri nominis auctor erit. + Sisyphium canit ille ducem, canit inclyta Achillis + Pectora: prædonum ductor uterque fuit. + Lyrnessum Æacides, Ciconas vastavit Ulysses: + Num facta est tali gloria clade minor? + Tu quoque pro raptâ pugnabas, Romule, turbâ, + Et fur imperium furibus ipso dabas. + Armiger ipse Jovis, qui prædâ vivit et armis, + Inter aves primum nomen habere solet. + At vaga turba sumus. Vaga erat Tirynthia virtus; + Quam tamen in coelum sacra Camæna vehit + Anne viro, lucrum trans æquora longa secuto, + Dedecori est tantas explicuisse vias? + Si genus in toto quæris felicius orbe, + Falleris: est nobis æmula vita Deûm. + Nec fora, nec leges colimus; nec aratra subimus; + Prædandi est solus militiæque labor: + Seu ruimus per aperta maris, seu cingimus igne + Mænia, seu cultis exspatiamur agris. + Oppida quum positis florent ingloria bellis, + Fortia pax altâ corda quiete tenet: + At nobis medio Fama est quæsita periclo, + Quòque magis durum est, hôc magis omne placet. + Plurima quid referam? Si tu ista refellere nescis, + Vicimus, inque auras crimen inane fugit. + + + + +II. + + + [Greek: ---- Antolas egô + Astrôn edeixa, tas te dyskritous dyseis.] ÆSCH. + + Densantur tenebræ: subsidunt ultima venti + Murmura, tranquillumque silet mare: Somnus ab alto + Advehitur gelidis, spargitque silentia pennis. + Musarum intentus studiis, taciturna per arva + Deferor, herbosamque premunt vestigia vallem + Somnus babet pecudes: humili de cespite culmen + Apparet rarum, et sparsæ per pascua quercus. + Fons sacer, irriguos ducens cum murmure flexus, + Vicinum reddit fluvio nemus: æquore puro + Vibrantes cerno stellas, atque ordine longo + Lucida perspicuis simulacra natantia lymphis. + + Fulgore assiduo et vario convexa colore + Ardebant nuper: rapidi violentia coeli + Torrebat pecudes, et languida rura premebat. + Nunc sedata novos spirat Natura decores, + Regalique magis formâ nitet. Æthere toto + Se stellæ agglomerant: micat almo lumine campus + Cærulus, et densis variantur nubila signis. + Sic quondam ruptum subiti miracula mundi + Effudit Chaos, et primi exsiluere planetæ + Cursibus, atque novum stupuerunt sæcula Solem; + Tunc radiis fulsere Arcti, secuitque profundas + Orion tenebras: molli et formosior igne + Luna per æquoreos radiavit pallida fluctus. + Quâcunque aspicio, tremulus per coerula crescit + Ardor, et innumeros stupeo lucescere soles. + + Talia miranti sacrâ formidine tota + Mens rapitur: videor stellantia visere templa + Numinis, argenteamque domum, lucisque recessus, + Solus ubi in vacuo regnat Pater orbis, et, igne + Cinctus inexhausto, devolvit stamina fati, + Æquatoque regit varium discrimine mundum. + + At tu corporeis anima haud retinenda catenis, + Libera quæ letho perrumpis claustra sepulchri, + Sublimi spectes etiam nunc lumine mundum, + Sideraque, et longo fulgentes limite soles: + Hæc tua sunt: toto hôc quondam versaberis orbe + Devia, et in cunctis pandes regionibus alas. + Erroris fugient nebulæ; fatique licebit + Explorare vias, unumque per omnia Numen. + Barbarus evictis referat Sesostris ab Indis + Signa; triumphanti se jactet in axe Philippus, + Læteturque suum spectans Octavius orbem: + Te majora manent: nullis obnoxia curis + Regna petis, domitâque nitet victoria morte. + + + + +III. + +DIVI PAULI CONVERSIO. + + + Humentes abiere umbræ, et jam lampada opaco + Extulit Oceano Phoebus, noctemque fugavit; + Jamque, brevem excutiens somnum, rapit arma Saülus, + Ingrediturque iter; hunc denso circum undique ferro + Agmina funduntur, strictisque hastilibus horret + Omne solum, et tremulus telorum it ad æthera fulgor. + Corripuere viam celeres: jamque alta Damasci + Mænia cernuntur, raræque ex æquore turres. + Lætatur spectans, immensaque pectore versat + Funera, sanguineumque videt fluere undique rivum, + Invisamque unâ gentem miscere ruinâ + Posse putat: summâ veluti de rupe leæna + Sopitas prospectat oves, ubi plurima toto + Incumbit nox campo, illunemque æthera condit. + Haud aliter furit, et flammantia lumina torquens + Talia voce refert: "Magni regnator Olympi, + Ultricem firma dextram, justoque furori + Annue, et ipse novam spira in mea pectora flammam. + Robora da gladiis insueta, adde ignibus iras, + Sic ego templa tua et sacros spernentia ritus + Pectora confundam; fausto sic numine lætus + Relliquias vincam sceleris: vastam ipse ruinam + Aspicies, pater, et stellanti summus ab arce + Accipies gemitus morientûm, et fulmine justum + Confirmabis opus: lætabitur æthere toto + Sancta cohors, magnique ibunt longo ordine patres + Visuri exitium, et pravorum fata nepotum!" + + Dixerat; interea medium Sol attigit orbem, + Et totum jubar explicuit: quum creber ad auras + Auditur fragor, et volucres per inania coeli + Hinc atque hinc fugiunt nubes: dant flumina murmur + Insolitum, vastæque tremunt sine flamine sylvæ. + Obstupuere omnes: subito quum lumine nimbus + Signat iter coelo, et radiis totum æthera complet: + Collesque fluviique micant, pulsisque tenebris + Lætantur sylvæ: veluti quum Luna coruscam + Extendit per aperta facem. Sacer erubuit Sol, + Agnovitque Deum, densisque recessit in umbris. + Attoniti siluere viri, manibusque remissis + Sponte cadunt tela: insolito ferus ipse timore + Diriguit ductor, stravitque in pulvere corpus. + Quum subitò nova vox, mille haud superanda procellis, + Excidit, et juveni trepidantia pectora complet: + + "Quo gressus, vesane rapis? quæve effera menti + Impulit infandum dementia inire laborem, + Et gentes vexare piàs? Huc flecte superbos, + Huc oculos; ego sum, quem vanâ fraude lacessis, + Tartarei domitor regni, prolesque Tonantis. + Flecte viam ventis, motâ quate littora dextrâ, + Siste maris cursum, aut medio rape sidera coelo; + Non tamen hoc facies; neque enim gens concidet unquam + Nostra, nec humani patietur damna tumultûs. + Cæde Deo tandem, et cæptos compesce furores." + + Tum vero ingenti pressus formidine mentem + Intremuit juvenis, rupitque has pectore voces: + "Cedo equidem, victusque abeo: tu, maxime rerum, + Suffice consilia, atque errantes dirige gressus. + Immanes fugere animi, et quà ducis eundum est. + Sit modo fas te, Christe, sequi!" Nec plura locuto + Intonuere poli, et mediam inter fulgura vocem + Audiit: "Infaustos animis depone timores, + Vicinamque urbem et celsæ pete tecta Damasci. + Ipse adero, rerumque oculis arcana recludam. + Eia age, carpe viam, et permissis utere fatis." + + Hoc Deus, et sese nubis caligine septum + Claudit inaccessâ; tellus tremit, et sonat æther, + Terque per attonitos vibrantur fulmina campos. + Jamque novæ exierant flammæ, et Sol redditus orbi: + Assistunt Domino turmæ, gelidamq. resurgens + Linquit humum Saulus: sed non redit ossibus ardor, + Non oculis lumen; subitis exterrita monstris + Haud aliter juveni stupuerunt pectora, quàm cùm + Fulmina si flammis straverunt forte bisulcis + Coniferam pinum, aut surgentem in sidera quercum, + Agricola exsurgit conterritus, et pede lustrat + Exustum nemus, et pallentes sulphure campos. + Explorat latè noctem, cæcosq. volutat + Hinc atq. hinc oculos, et ab omni nube Tonantes + Expectat vocem. Intereà regione viarum + Progreditur notâ, et Syriam defertur ad urbem: + Non, oriens qualem nuper Sol viderat, acri + Non animo stragem intentans, non ense coruscus + Fulmineo: supplex, oculosque ad sidera tendens, + Demissâ sine fine trahit suspiria mente, + Immiscetq. preces. Tres illic septus opacâ + Nube dies peragit, tolidem sine sidere noctes. + Intereà nova paulatim sub pectore flamma + Nascitur, æthereoq. viget nutrita calore: + Erroris fugiunt nebulæ; sacer ingruit ardor + Coelestisque fides; dant corda immitia pacem, + Mutanturq. animi: placido ceu murmure labens + Æternos ducit per saxa rigentia cursus + Fons sacer, et fluvio tacitè mollescit opaco. + + Quin etiam, ut perhibent, animam sine corpore raptam + Flammifero alati curru avexere ministri, + Ad superasq. domos, et magni tecta Parentis + Fulmineæ rapuere rotæ: medio æthere vectus + Miratur sonitum circumvolventis Olympi, + Sideraq., et rutilo flagrantes igne Cometas; + Inde cavi superans flammantià mænia mundi, + Elysias spectat sedes, et casta piorum + Regna, ubi cæruleâ vestitus luce superbit + Latè æther, aliis ubi fulgent ignibus astra, + Atq. alii volvunt lætantia sæcula Soles: + Et puro cernit volitantes aëre Manes, + Quos rutilâ cingit jubar immortale coronâ, + Oblitas terrarum animas, venerabile vulgus. + + Tertia jamq. diem expulerat nox humida cælo, + Et medios tenuit per vasta silentia cursus: + Cæsarie subito et vittâ venerabilis albâ + Visus adesse senex, talesq. effundere voces: + "Surge, age, nate: tibi nam vitæ certa patescit + Semita, teque Deus coelo miseratus ab alto est. + Ipse ego, quæ tristes hebetant caligine visus, + Eripiam nubes, exoptatumq. revisent + Solem oculi." Divinâ hæc talia voce loquentem + Involvere umbræ, tenuisq. refugit imago, + Excutiturq. sopor. Nova dum portenta renarrat, + Auditasq. refert voces; fugit æquora currus + Solis, et ignotus tacitum subit advena limen, + Compellatq. viros: eadem altâ in fronte sedebat + Majestas, îsdemq. albebant crinibus ora. + Agnovit vocem juvenis; nam cætera nigræ + Eripuere oculis tenebræ. Tum talibus Annas + Aggreditur senior: "Patriæ te, Saule, petitum + Linquo tuta domûs, ac mille pericula ferri + Invado, sævumque adeo imperterritus hostem. + Nam, qui te medio errantem de tramite vertit, + Imperat ipse Deus, perq. alta silentia noctis + Ingeminat mandata monens. Nunc accipe lucem + Amissam, munusq. Dei. Nec plura locutus + Pallentes oculos dextrâ premit: atra fugit nox + Coelestes tactus, aciemq. effusa per omnem + Irruit alma dies: primi nova lumina Solis + Haurit inexpletùm, et fugientia sidera lustrat. + Sed major puro accendit divina calore + Lux animos, atq. exsultantia pectora complet. + Ante oculos nova se rerum fert undique imago: + Deletas veterum leges, renovataque cernit + Jura homini, et pactum divino sanguine foedus; + Edomitam mortem, raptique arcana sepulchri, + Perpetuamq. diem, atq. æterni vulnera leti. + Explorat tacitus sese, et vix cernere credit, + Quæ mens alta videt; tantâ formidine vasta + Exterret rerum species, mixtoq. voluptas + Ingruit alta metu: velut insuetum mare pastor + Observans oculis, vastiq. silentia ponti, + Horret, et ignoto perculsus corda timore + Hinc atq. hinc oculos jacit, æternùmq. volutos + Miratur fluctus, tantarum et murmur aquarum. + + Exsurgit tandem, rumpitq. silentia voce: + "Æterni salvete ignes! salve aurea nostris + Reddita lux oculis! Tuq. O, qui primus inane + Rupisti, et variâ jussisti effervere flammâ, + Adsis nunc, pater, et placidus tua numina firmes. + Da mihi vitai casus, sævosq. labores + Perferre, et cunctis tua nomina pandere terris, + Magne parens! et quum gelidis inamabilis alis + Summa dies aderit, tardæ prænuntia mortis, + Cunctanti adspires animo, justosq. timores + Imminuas, ducasq. animam in tua regna trementem!" + + Vix ea fatus erat; per nubes ales apertas + Devolat ætherio demissus ab axe satelles, + Alloquiturq. virum, placidoq. hæc incipit ore: + + Macte novâ, Isacide, virtute; opus excipe magnum; + Afflatuq. Dei et præsenti; numine fortis + Perge, viamq. rape invictam per littora mundi. + Non tumidum mare, non sævi violentia belli, + Nec populi rabies, circùmq. volantia tela, + Immotos quatient animos; sacrum omnia vincet + Auxilium, et præsens favor omnipotentis Olympi. + Graia tibi excussâ cedet Sapientia cristâ, + Ore tuo devicta; trement regna excita latè + Cecropis, et vario splendentia numine templa. + Te mæsti æterno reboantia murmure ponti + Agnoscent Melitæ saxa, et quæ pulcher Orontes + Arva secat, fluvioq. vigens Tiberinus amæno, + Et vix Ausonium passura Britannia regnum. + Audiet Ionii littus maris, atq. ubi fluctus + Ægæi sonat, atq. ubi turbidus Hellespontus + Sævit, et angustâ populos interstrepit undâ. + O nimium dilecte Deo, cui concidit ingens + Oceani fragor, et rabidæ silet ira procellæ, + Pacatusq. cadit, infecto vulnere, serpens. + Perge, atq. immensum laudes diffunde per orbem. + Per freta, per flammas, per mille pericula, vade + Impavidus; miseros refice, atq. petentibus almam + Da requiem populis; animam pater ipse, laborum + Defunctam, Christumq. pari jam morte secutam + Excipiet, cæloq. novum decus inseret alto. + + + + +IV. + + + Coelestis Sapientia. HOR. + + Qualem in profundi gurgitibus maris + Undæque, ventique, et scopuli graves + Nautam lacessunt, et trisulca + Quæ volitat per inane flamma, + Quum nulla amicis dat pharon ignibus + Fortuna; dum Nox signa per horridas + Diffundat auras, et benignâ + Luna face imminuat tenebras: + Sic prima cæcam gens hominum tulit + Ignara vitam: regna nec Elysî + Novere nec valles opacas + Tartareæ timuere sedis; + Non spes futuri, non reverentia + Coelestis aulæ; culpa piaculis + Vacavit, Eleique luci + Fatidicæ siluere frondes: + Donec reclusâ cælicolûm domo, + Jussu parentis, dicitur huc cohors + Venisse Musarum, capillos + Castaliâ redimita lauro, + Sacramque qui Delum et Pataram regit, + Cyrrhæque turres: increpuit lyram + Thalia, divinoque canta + Tristia personuere regna; + Quo bruta tellus, quo volucres vagæ, et + Dura improbarum pectora tigridum, + Regesque, bellanterque turmæ + Insolitâ tacuere curâ. + Informe primùm vox cecinit Chaos, + Terrasque natas, Iäpeti et genus + Infame, Phlegræamque pugnam, + Et triplici data jura mundo: + Panduntur arcana, et Superûm domus, + Virtusque, legesque, et ratio boni, + Oræque Cocyti dolentis, + Et placidæ loca amoena Leuces. + O, quæ coruscam concutis ægida, + Frangens tyrannorum arma minacium, + Regina Pallas, dona nobis + Cælicolûm inviolata serva, + Quam misit æterni arbiter ætheris + Terras in omnes, ut Sapientiæ + Accensa duraret per ævum + Stella, nec in tenebras abiret! + Te novit Argos, cultaque divitis + Sedes Corinthi; Cecropias modò + Turres et Ilissi colebas + Pascua, floriferosque saltus; + Nunc Martialis mænia Romuli, + Et regna Tuscis subdita montibus; + Nunc arva terrarum remota, et + Æquorei scopulos Britanni. + Tu, Diva, rerum detegis ordinem; + Gaudesque primis nubila gentibus + Obducta, nulli pervia astro, + Et Stygiâ graviora nocte + Rupisse. Frustrà dissociabile + Objecit atrox Oceani fretum + Neptunus, insanique rauco + Turbine confremuere fluctus: + Vicit furentes, te duce, navita + Ventosque, et undas, clanstraque saxea + Perrupit, extremumque mundi + Impavidus penetravit axem. + + + + +NOTES ON _GUSTAVUS VASA_. + + +I have prefixed to this fragment the title of Epic Poem, though epic +poems are growing out of fashion; because, in the structure, plan, and +metre, the heroic model is followed. My authorities for facts, dates, +and characters, are Vertot and Puffendorff. The latter I have only read +in an English translation, dated 1702: the former I quote from a small +Amsterdam edition, printed for Stephen Roger, in 2 vols. 1722. + + + + +BOOK THE FIRST. + + +Line 3. + + ---- her papal rites efface. + +Gustavus, by his prudent and vigorous measures, effectually abolished +Popery in Sweden, and established the disciples and doctrine of Luther. + + +9, 10. + + And at whose feet, when Heaven his toils repaid, + His brightest wreaths the grateful Hero laid. + +Many have attributed the efforts which Gustavus made use of to deliver +his country, to ambition, and a desire of reigning. Yet, since his +elevation produced much good to Sweden, and no evil, it is surely +allowable, if not just, to attribute them to a purer motive: at any +rate, a poet is at liberty to set his hero's character in the fairest +light he can, consistently with history. + + +14. + + By Treachery's axe her slaughter'd senate bled. + +Alluding to the celebrated massacre of Stockholm. For an account of it, +see notes on the Third Book. + + +15. + + And her brave chief was numbered with the dead. + +Steen Sture, Poeticè Stenon, was the son of Suante Sture, administrator +of Sweden, who reduced John the Second of Denmark to conclude a treaty +with him, and who is greatly extolled by historians for the +extraordinary spirit, skill, and moderation, with which he governed a +turbulent kingdom for many years. Sture, though a young man, was +admitted his successor, being duly elected on the 21st of July, 1513, +after a violent struggle with his competitor, Eric Trolle, the senator, +which laid the foundation of the enmity between him and Gustavus Trolle, +the famous Primate of Sweden. On that prelate's arrival from Rome, +however, he welcomed him to his see, and behaved to him in the most +courteous manner. This behaviour was repaid by Trolle with almost open +hostility; but the young administrator had spirit enough to resist his +encroachments. Arcemboldi, the Pope's Legate, and merchant of +indulgences, when passing through Sweden, in execution of his gainful +office, was well received by Sture, who encouraged him in his exactions, +from a political motive, and even exempted him from the duty which +former venders of indulgences had been accustomed to pay to the Kings +and Governors of Sweden. In the war commenced by Christiern the Second +against Sweden, he signalized his courage and military talents on many +occasions, and was killed in an engagement with Otho Crumpein's army, +near Bogesund in East Gothland. + +Inferior to his father as an Administrator, he appears to have equalled +him only in courage and the art of war. He was one of those men who are +born to adorn, though not defend, a declining state: and, in the words +of the French writer, was "fitter to command a party, than govern an +empire." His death happened in the beginning of 1519. + + +18. + + ---- ruthless Christiern ---- + +Christiern the Second was perhaps the worst king that ever disgraced the +Danish throne. It is difficult to find any thing estimable or admirable +in his character; he had neither the moderation of a Pisistratus, the +talents of a Cæsar, nor the political prudence of an Augustus. He +succeeded his father John in 1512, and declared war against Sweden, in +which he was assisted by Trolle. Having made a descent on the coast, he +was repulsed by Steen Sture, and reduced to extremities. Wishing to +treat with Sture, he demanded hostages for his safety; some of the +principal nobles were sent to him in that quality, and among them +Gustavus Vasa. With these he immediately sailed away, and on his return, +confined them in the castle of Copenhagen, excepting Gustavus, who was +committed to the custody of Eric Banner. He made a second attack upon +Sweden, and, after the death of Steen Sture, was crowned King of Sweden. +Under false pretences, he put to death the whole Swedish senate, and +exercised innumerable barbarities on the townsmen and peasants. +(Puffendorff, passim.) Being afterwards expelled from Denmark by his +uncle Prince Frederick, and from Sweden by Gustavus Vasa, after many +fruitless attempts to regain possession of either kingdom, he was at +last seized by Frederick, August 2, 1532, and confined in the Castle of +Coldinger, where he died some years after. + + +27. + + 'Twas morn, when Christiern, &c. + +This poem begins in January, 1521, immediately before the introduction +of Gustavus in the assembly of Mora. + + +41. + + ---- Upsal's haughty Prelate ---- + +Gustavus Trolle, son of Eric the rival of Steen Sture, was sent when +young to Rome (where it is supposed he learned the art of political +finesse), and was there consecrated Archbishop of Upsal by Leo the +Tenth. On his return to Sweden, he treated with great haughtiness Steen +Sture, who came to congratulate him on his elevation. He joined in +Christiern's attempts on Sweden, and, being convicted of treason by the +assembled Swedish States, retired from his archiepiscopal throne to a +monastery. On the successes of Christiern, however, he quitted his +retirement, and, regardless of his oaths of abdication, resumed his +former office. His forcible deposition was one of the pretexts for the +massacre of Stockholm. He opposed Gustavus Vasa in his patriotic +endeavours, and once circumvented the hero with a troop of Danes, so +that he narrowly escaped with his life. Vasa, however, soon retorted the +same stratagem on his enemy; and he was at last obliged to retire into +Denmark, where he with difficulty escaped death from the resentment of +his master. A wound, received in an engagement with the troops of +Christiern the Third, terminated the existence of one of the most +restless caballers, and most accomplished statesmen, of his time. + + +119. + + Otho. + +Otho Crumpein, one of the most celebrated generals of the North, was +employed by Christiern in his war with Steen Sture, and gained many +signal victories over the Danes; and afterwards, by his master's orders, +invested Stockholm. He was at length removed to Denmark by the tyrant, +who was jealous of his talents. + + +191. + + Ernestus. + +Ernestus and Harfagar are fictitious characters. Puffendorff, however, +reports that Steen Sture was killed by the treachery of one of his +confidential friends.--The hint of the vision, l. 281-311, is taken from +Lucan. + + +335. + + Brask's proud genius. + +Brask, Bishop of Lincoping, was secretly a partisan of Christiern's, and +escaped the massacre of Stockholm by an artful contrivance. When the +order for Trolle's arrest was signed by the Senate and Bishops, at the +instigation of Steen Sture, he added his name to the rest, but secretly +slipped under the seal a note, declaring his dissent: of this he +informed Christiern, when under the edge of the axe. On Gustavus's +insurrection, he at first remained neutral: afterwards, being besieged +in his castle by Gustavus, he came over to him. But his invincible +obstinacy and factious disposition were a great obstacle to Gustavus in +the introduction of Lutheranism into his kingdom. + + +336. + + Bernheim. + +Bernheim is a fictitious character. + + +337. + + Theodore. + +Theodore, Archbishop of Lunden, is thus characterized by Vertot: + + "L'Archevêque de Lunden avoit beaucoup de part dans sa confiance. + C'étoit un homme de basse naissance, sans érudition, et même sans + habileté; mais savant dans l'art d'inventer de nouveaux plaisirs, + et qui en connoissoit également tous les sécrèts et les + assaisonnemens. Il étoit redevable de sa faveur et de son élevation + à Sigebritte (the well-known mistress of Christiern): elle l'avoit + d'abord introduit à la cour pour lui servir d'espion: il passa + ensuite tout d'un coup (here we must suspect some exaggeration), + par le crédit de cette femme, de la fonction de Barbier du Prince à + la dignité d'Archevêque, et il se maintint dans sa faveur en + presentant à Christierne des plaisirs qu'il savoit accommoder à son + goût." P. 108, 109, Amst. ed. + +Christiern, having first employed Theodore in an official commission, +appointed him Administrator of Sweden in his absence. On the news of the +Swedish rebellion, that prelate, fearful of losing the ample +opportunities he now possessed of indulging his voluptuousness and +rapacity, sent an immediate express to his master, who ordered him to +assemble his army, and attack the insurgents. In conformity to these +orders, he occupied an advantageous post on the banks of the river +Brunebec: Gustavus was on the opposite side, and he intended to dispute +the passage with him. But, through natural cowardice, or a sudden fit of +alarm, he quitted his station, like Hector; and flying for safety from +one fortress to another, was at last obliged, like Trolle, to take +refuge in Denmark. + + +371. + + The factious souls, &c. + +While Christiern was exercising his cruelty towards the Swedes, the +Danish nobility, offended at his usurping absolute power, combined +against him under the auspices of Prince Frederic, and finally succeeded +in expelling him from Denmark. The rebellion began in Jutland. + + +429. + + Their strong and persevering bands explore, &c. + +Such is the character usually given of the inhabitants of Dælarne or +Dalecarlia. + + + + +BOOK THE SECOND. + + +Line 300. + + So to the town, &c. + +Klopstock, Book 3. + + +425, &c. + +This passage may remind the reader of Burns's vest of Coila, in his +"Vision, Duan First." The resemblance was unintentional. + + +475, 6. + + Slanderers of Heaven, &c. + +The character here given of the Romish Bishops of Sweden at the time of +the grand revolution, is supported by the historical accounts of Trolle, +Brask, and others. + + +479, 480. + + ---- and protecting Peace, + Thro' a long age, bid battle's trumpet cease. + +Gustavus was disturbed during the first years of his reign, by the +restless machinations of Christiern and Trolle: but from 1532 to 1560, +when he died (Sept. 29), the kingdom enjoyed a profound peace. The same +may be said of the earlier part of his son Eric's reign. + + +537. + + The mighty seraph ceas'd ---- + +This speech, and the whole intervention of the Guardian Genius of +Sweden, is introduced in order to elevate the subject, by ascribing the +calamities of Sweden to a supernatural arm, and by giving, as it were, a +divine direction to the sword of Gustavus. Its more immediate use is to +bring about the main design of the poem, by persuading Gustavus to +relinquish his design of self-banishment, and renew his patriotic +efforts. + + +544, 545. + + Th' angelic Power his sacred arm applied + To push the vessel o'er the yielding tide-- + +Virg. Æn. 10. + + +584. + + Norbi. + +Soren Norbi (Gallicè Severin), one of the most renowned adherents of +Christiern, was employed by him on many occasions, during the war with +Steen Sture. It was by his intercession that Christina, the widow of +that Governor, was saved from death. According to Vertot, he wished to +marry her, and, by the means of her influence and his master's +unpopularity, procure himself elected Administrator. He also concealed +many Swedish gentlemen from the rage of Christiern. He defeated the +generals of Gustavus in their first attempt upon Stockholm, and +afterwards routed one of that hero's armies in Finland. But his fleet +was at last burnt by the Lubeckers, under the command of Gustavus, and +he was compelled to retire to Gothland, where he purposed to erect an +independent kingdom of his own. This design being defeated, he continued +to harass Gustavus and the Lubeckers in various ways, 'till they at +length expelled him from Sweden. He now collected his remaining forces, +and retreated to Narva, where he was seized and imprisoned by the +Russians. After remaining some time in confinement, he was at length +released at the instance of Charles the Fifth of Germany, in whose +service he died, at the siege of Florence. According to Puffendorff, his +death happened in 1539. + + + + +BOOK THE THIRD. + + +Line 7. + + ---- sulphurous showers + Bursting on Calicut's perfidious towers. + +Lusiad, Book 8. + + +24. + + My first bold task ---- + +See Preface. + + +40. + + Before him wide the dark-browed forests frown'd-- + +According to Pinkerton, forests are frequent in Dalecarlia. This remark +seemed necessary, to obviate the objection against placing woods in a +mineral soil. + + +92. + + Gustavus. + +Gustaf Wase, or Gustavus Vasa, was the son of Eric Vasa, governor of +Halland, and was cousin-german to Steen Sture. Being the grand nephew of +King Canutson, he was descended from the ancient kings of Sweden. Before +his confinement by Christiern, he was one of the moving springs of the +state; he assisted Sture with his counsels, which were bold and +judicious, and gained a signal victory over the Danes. Christiern, +receiving him as a hostage, caused him to be arrested and carried him to +Denmark, where, by the request of Eric Banner, he was entrusted to the +care of that nobleman. From his custody, however, he soon escaped, and +traversed the various provinces of Sweden, in hopes of exciting at least +some of them to assert their independence. His efforts, however, +surprising and unwearied as they were, did not avail, 'till he arrived +in the remote province of Dalecarlia. His unexpected appearance there +among the peasants excited the whole province to revolt, and an army, +assembled in haste, stormed the Governor's castle, and destroyed the +greater part of the garrison. After this beginning, his successes +gradually increased, and Angermanland, Helsingland, Gestricia, and other +governments almost immediately came over to his party. He sustained a +war against the whole powers of Christiern for some years in a most +skilful and indefatigable manner, and succeeded at last in expelling +Christiern, Trolle, and Norbi, from the land of which he was now elected +monarch. A task, scarcely less difficult, remained--to extirpate the +Catholic religion from Sweden. This he effected, and established +Lutheranism on so firm a basis, that it has resisted all attempts to +shake it. After a long and really glorious reign, he was succeeded by +his son Eric the Fourteenth, in 1560. In him were combined all the +qualities necessary to constitute a hero; he was enterprising, vigilant, +proof against pleasures, brave, prudent, and generous. He erected Sweden +to a degree of power and respectability unknown before, and laid the +foundation for the victories of Gustavus Adolphus and Charles the +Twelfth. For the particular events of his life and reign, see Vertot, +Puffendorff, the Encyclopædia Britannica, and most modern histories. + + +128. + + How Haquin triumph'd, or how Birger fell-- + +Haquin and Birger were common names among the earlier kings of Sweden. + + +135. + + ---- the Mistress of the Northern Zone. + +Margaret, who united the three northern kingdoms, and whose empire, like +Alexander's, did not long survive after the death of its founder. + + +138. + + ---- the thirteenth Eric. + +The successor of Margaret. He is called the thirteenth by Vertot, though +according to other accounts he was but the tenth or eleventh. + + +198. + + 'Twas then, when, &c. + +The Massacre of Stockholm, as it is commonly called, happened on the 8th +of November, 1520. Of this almost unparalleled act of baseness and +cruelty, Vertot (p. 113, 114, 115, Amst. ed.) gives the following +account, from Zigler, who was an eye-witness, and many other authors of +credit. The pretext for this execution was the demolishing of Stecka, a +castle belonging to the traitor Trolle, which the Swedish States had +ordered to be rased, contrary to the bull of Leo the Tenth. + + "Le nouveau Roi fit ensuite inviter tout ces Seigneurs à une fête + magnifique qu'il fit dans le château, pour marquer la joie de son + avènement a la couronne. Le Sénat en corps, et ce qu'il y avoit de + Seigneurs de la première noblesse, à Stocolme, ne manquèrent pas de + s'y rendre: ce ne fut pendant les deux premiers jours que festins, + que jeux, que plaisirs; Christierne affectoit des manières pleines + de bonté et de familiarité; il sembloit qu'on eût enseveli dans la + bonne chère la haine et l'aversion que les deux parties avoient + fait paroître si long-tems l'une contre l'autre; tout le monde + s'abandonnoit tranquillement à la joie, lors que, le troisième + jour, les Suédois furent tirés de cet excès de securité, d'une + maniere bien funeste." + +He then proceeds to relate the proceedings of the Danish Monarch against +the Nobility, in the way of accusation, by means of his ministers the +Danish Bishops, and the Pope's Bull; and having described their pleas, +&c. thus continues: + + "Ce Prince sortit ensuite de l'Assemblée, comme s'il cut voulu + laisser la liberté aux commissaires de délibérer: mais en même tems + on vit entrer une troupe de soldats de ses gardes, qui arrêtoient + la veuve de l'Administrateur (Christina), les Senateurs, les + Evêques même, et tout ce qui se trouva de Seigneurs et de + Gentilshommes Suédois dans le château. + + "Les Evêques Danois, commissaires du Pape, commencèrent à instruire + leur procès comme à des héretiques, et comme s'ils eussent êté en + pays d'inquisition; mais la procedure étant trop longue pour des + gens qui étoient déjà condamnés, Christierne, dans la crainte qu'il + ne se fît quelque revolte en leur faveur, leur envoya des bourreaux + sans autre formalité, pour leur annoncer qu'il falloit mourir. + + "Le huitième de Novembre fut destiné pour leur supplice; on + entendit dès le matin des trompettes et des hérauts de la part du + Prince, qui défendoient à qui que ce fût de sortir de la ville, + sous peine de la vie: toute la garrison étoit sous les armes: il y + avoit des corps de garde aux portes, et dans toutes les places. Le + canon prêt à tirer étoit dans la grande place, la bouche tournée + contre les principals rues; tout le monde étoit dans une profonde + consternation; ou ne savoit à quoi aboutiroient ces mouvemens + extraordinaires, lorsque sur le midi ou vit ouvrir les portes du + château, et, au travers de deux files de soldats, des illustres + prisonniers, la plupart encore avec les marques de leur dignité, + conduits à la mort par des bourreaux. + + "Si-tôt qu'ils furent arrivés au lieu de leur supplice, un officier + Danois lût tout haut la bulle du pape, comme l'arrêt de leur + condemnation, et il ajouta que dans le châtiment des coupables, le + Roi ne faisoit rien que par l'ordonnance des commissaires + apostoliques, et que suivant le conseil de l'Archevèque d'Upsal. + Les Evêques condamnés, et les autres prisonniers, demandèrent avec + instance des confesseurs; mais Christierne leur refusa cette + consolation avec beaucoup d'inhumanité, soit que ce Prince trouvât + un rafinement de vengeance à étendre son ressentiment sur les + choses de l'autre vie, où qu'il ne voulût pas qu'on traitât en + Catholiques des gens qu'on venoit de condamner comme héretiques: il + sacrifia par la même politique ses amis et ses partisans, pour + n'être pas soupçonné d'avoir fait périr ses ennemis: toute l'ardeur + et tout le zêle que les Evêques de Stregnez et de Scara avoient + fait paroître pour ses interêts, ne purent les exempter de la mort, + la qualité de Sénateurs leur coûta la vie, et la signature qu'ils + avoient mise à la condamnation de l'Archevêque avec les autres + Sénateurs, fut la prétexte de leur supplice." + +(He mentions here the stratagem of Bishop Brask, related in a former +note.) + + "On exécuta ensuite" (i.e. after the execution of the Bishops) + "tous les Senateurs seculiers: on commença par Eric Vasa, père de + Gustave; les Consules et les Magistrats de Stocolme, et + quatre-vingt quatorze Senateurs, qui avoient été arrêtés dans le + Chateau, eurent la même destinée. + + "Le Roi n'apprit qu'avec un violent chagrin qu'on n'avoit pû faire + périr quelques Seigneurs qu'il avoit proscrits particulièrement, et + qu'on croyoit qu'ils étoient cachés dans la ville. La crainte + qu'ils n'échappassent, et l'espérance de décourrir la rétraite de + Gustave, qu'il soupçonnoit d'être caché dans Stocolme, lui fit + confondre les innocens avec les coupables. Il abandonna la ville à + la fureur de ses troupes: les soldats se jettèrent d'abord sur le + peuple qui étoit accoura à ce triste spectacle: ils frappoient et + ils tuoient indifferemment tous ceux qui étoient assez malheureux + pour se rencoutrer à leur chemin: ils passèrent ensuite dans les + meilleurs maisons de la ville, sous prétexte de chercher Gustave et + les autres proscrits; ils poignardoient les bourgeois jusque dans + les bras de leur femmes; les maisons furent mises au pillage, et la + pudicité des femmes et des filles exposée à la brutalité des + soldats. Rien ne fut épargué que la laideur et la pauvreté: tout le + reste devint la proie du soldat furieux, qui, sous les ordres et à + l'exemple de son souverain, se faisoit un mérite de sa fureur et de + son emportement." + + +236. + + And strive which first shall see the morn arise-- + +All the transactions recorded in the Third Book are supposed to have +taken place on the evening and night preceding the annual festival of +Dalecarlia, a day so memorable in Swedish history. + + +364. + + And icy Meler blush'd with civil gore. + +A most bloody engagement took place in 1464, on the lake Meler, when +frozen over, between Bishop Catil and the partizans of the twice deposed +Canutson. The Bishop was victorious. + + +371. + + Suante. + +See the account of Steen Sture, in the note on line 15 of the First +Book. + + +406. + + His patriot spirit entered in my breast. + +My precedent for this is Lucan, who says of the soul of Pompey, + + ---- in sancto pectore Bruti + Sedit, et invicti posuit se mente Catonis. + +Lib. ix. l. 17. + + +433. + + ---- we are still forgot, + And harmless poverty is still our lot. + +Gustavus appeared in a public assembly of the Sudermanian Peasants, and +exhorting them to revolt, was repulsed with the following answer: "We +want neither salt nor herrings under the reign of the King of Denmark, +and another King could not give us more: besides, if we take arms +against so great a Prince, we shall unavoidably perish." The Swedish +peasantry, however, soon felt that the cruelty and tyranny of Christiern +were something more than a mere report. + + +460. + + Imperial Charles, &c. + + "Charles-Quint entroit dans les intèrêts du Roi de Danemarck avec + une chaleur que la seule alliance ne produit guère entre les + potentats. On prétend que ce prince, le plus ambitieux de son + siècle, n'avoit accordé la princesse sa soeur à Christierne, qu'à + condition qu'il le reconnoitroit pour son successeur aux couronnes + du Nord, en cas qu'il mourât sans enfans. Cette succession étoit + une pièce importante au dessein de la monarchiæ universelle: on + sait assez que ce fut l'idole et la vision de ce Prince." P. 110, + Amst. ed. + + +489. + + Ere Freedom light again her once extinguished ray. + +I beg leave to quote the animated lines of Lord Byron: + + A thousand years scarce serve to form a state: + An hour may lay it in the dust: and when + Shall man its shatter'd vigour renovate, + Recal its glories back, and vanquish Time and Fate? + + +539. + + My spirit breath'd a purer prayer to thee-- + +Alluding to his profession of Lutheranism, which he probably embraced +while in Steen Sture's army. + + +564. + + Scarce had he finish'd ---- + +The foregoing soliloquy is introduced for many reasons: first, to +illustrate the character of the hero: secondly, to shew the +difficulties which opposed, and were still destined to oppose, his +memorable enterprize: thirdly, to account for his determination (Book +ii. l. 509.) to leave his country: and, fourthly, to give the reader +some idea of the prior calamities of Sweden, which are to be developed +in a future book. These, and other motives, induced me to insert this +soliloquy, which may appear rather long, but the prolixity of which the +good-natured reader will excuse. + + +567. + + Rush'd instantaneous ---- + +For the use of this word, I have many authorities in cattie: + + Flowers instantaneous spring-- + With instantaneous gleam, illumed the vault of night-- + An instantaneous change of thought--&c. + + + + +PLAN +FOR THE +_SEVEN NEXT BOOKS_ +OF +GUSTAVUS VASA. + + +BOOK THE FOURTH. + +The Supreme Being commands the Genius of Sweden to lull the Danish +garrison of Dalecarlia into false security, to invigorate the drooping +spirits of the Dalecarlians, and to assist and increase the army of +Prince Frederic of Denmark by means of various rumours, &c.--The Genius +dispatches a fiend to execute the first commission, while he hastens to +perform the second.--Transition to Gustavus.--He finds his sword, but +misses Ernestus, by means of a storm which the whirlwind had +excited.--His reflections.--Taking shelter under the roof of a cottage; +he there overhears a party of young men, with Adolphus at their head, +exclaiming against the dilatory measures of the seniors, and resolving +on more vigorous plans.--He joins them, without disclosing himself, and +bids them report to the council, that a stranger will appear in the +public assembly of Dalecarlia, the following day, and notify things +which may influence their counsels.--He retires: Adolphus follows him +unseen.--The youths, returning to the assembly, find their elders +watching the event of an augury, mentioned in the Third Book.--Its +process described--the result.--The young men announce their +message.--Reflections of the Dalecarlians on it.--Gustavus meets +Ernestus, and prepares to attack him, but is prevented by a miraculous +sign.--The Genius of Sweden, after having revived the spirits of the +Dalecarlians, passes to Denmark, where he influences the Danes to join +the standards of Prince Frederic of Oldenburg.--Description of that +Prince's court, and of the state of Denmark.--The Genius returns through +Sweden.--Account of what was passing there. + + +BOOK THE FIFTH. + +The Genius arrives at Mora.--Gustavus is convinced of the truth.--His +reflections on the occasion.--He concludes a friendship with +Ernestus.--He meets Adolphus, whom he recognizes as one of his former +soldiers, and whom he dispatches to the Danish fortress, to observe the +motions of the enemy.--They return to the house of the Priest of Mora, +under whose protection Gustavus then remained, and relate the recent +events.--The Curate's reply.--They retire to rest. + +The Dalecarlian convention described.--Their proceedings prior to the +arrival of Gustavus among them.--He announces himself in the +morning.--Their joy.--The augury miraculously fulfilled.--Gustavus takes +measures to prevent the treacherous designs of some of the Dalecarlian +tribes.--He is saluted king and general by the whole assembly.--They +request him to relate his adventures. + + +BOOK THE SIXTH. + +Gustavus recounts the causes of the war, and its progress, prior to the +capitulation of Stockholm; which will afford much room for detail. This +narration is necessary, to acquaint the reader with what happened before +the commencement of the action, and is therefore similar in design to +the second and third Æneid, and the four narrative books of the Odyssey. +Christiern, Steen Sture, Archbishop Trolle, Otho, Norbi, and other +distinguished characters, will make a figure in this relation. The hero +describes the massacre of Stockholm, from the account of an eye-witness +of that catastrophe.--He enlarges on the death of his father Eric. Some +reflections on this event may be introduced, in imitation of +Lucan.--Fate of Gustavus's wife and sister; whose death, and the +intercession made by Christiern with Gustavus for their preservation, +will afterwards form one of the principal episodes.--He then relates +part of his numerous adventures in the different provinces of Sweden. + + +BOOK THE SEVENTH. + +He continues his recital, and concludes with his arrival in Dalecarlia, +and adventures there. He then exhorts them to assist in his patriotic +design. (See his speech in Vertot.) The Dalecarlians applaud his +harangue, which is also attended by favourable omens. A body-guard of +400 men is appointed him; Adolphus is chosen captain, having now +returned, and disclosed the supineness and neglect of the Danish +garrison. Gustavus declares his intentions of storming the castle; +arranges the troops, and bids all be ready by midnight. They retire. + + +BOOK THE EIGHTH. + +The proceedings of Christiern, Trolle, and Norbi, from the conclusion of +Book 4, severally described.--Gustavus secretly dismisses the unfaithful +tribes.--The Genius of Sweden appears to him in a dream; foretels his +future exaltation, and the disgraceful end of Christiern and his party. +He then shews him the reward of patriots in heaven.--Ancient Swedish +kings and heroes. + + +BOOK THE NINTH. + +He now shews him, "in a sort of Pisgah-sight," as Pope expresses it, but +on a new plan, the future history of Sweden: its wars, arts, manners, +&c.--Gustavus Adolphus.--Christina.--Charles the Twelfth.--Puffendorff, +Oxenstiern, Linnæus, &c.--Part of the Danish history may be mentioned, +as connected with that of Sweden.--Gustavas the Fourth.--Siege of +Copenhagen by the English.--Bernadotte.--The Genius concludes with an +exhortation, and directions for prosecuting the war.--Gustavus's +prayer.--The army described.--Their leaders. + + +BOOK THE TENTH. + +Parting of the Dalecarlians with their kindred: briefly delineated, like +the scene in the 5th Lusiad. Some episode may naturally be here +introduced.--The Genius blows his angelic trumpet, as a prelude to the +war: its effects.--The army of Gustavus, increased on its way by new +multitudes, reaches the castle at midnight.--Negligence of the +guard.--Gustavus, Ernestus, and Adolphus, signalize themselves. Valour +of the Governor.--The fort is stormed.--General slaughter of the Danes +by the incensed Dalecarlians.--Clemency of Gustavus to the Governor, +and all he could save from the fury of his soldiers.--The tribes who had +adhered to Christiern, send intelligence to Stockholm of the +revolt.--Trolle, in the absence of Christiern, calls a council. + +The action, from the council in Book 1, to the taking of the castle, in +Book 10, occupies four days. + +The remaining books, ten or fourteen in number, will be occupied with a +detail of the long and various war waged by Gustavus against Christiern, +and the poem will conclude with his coronation. Many events afford great +scope for poetry; such as the hero's constancy under his defeat by +Trolle, his subsequent victory over that prelate, the adventures of +Steen Sture's widow, the death of Gustavus's mother and sister, the +burning of Norbi's fleet, the coronation of Gustavus, &c. + + + + +NOTES ON THE _OTHER POEMS_. + + +1. Where, in the midst of vast infinitude, &c. + +This is the conclusion of the 9th hook of the Messiah, where Obaddon, or +Sevenfold Revenge, one of the angels of death, carries the Soul of Judas +Iscariot to hell. + + ---- Where, in the midst, &c. + +Orig. "Where God has set bounds to infinitude:" an expression authorized +by Milton: "stood vast Infinitude confined." + + +2. From Ida's peak high Jove beheld, &c. + +An intelligent person suggested to the author, that to compose a new +version of Homer, in the style and measure of Scott's Marmion, would be +a feasible idea. He observed, that Scott's style, and his circumstantial +descriptions, bore much resemblance to those of Homer and that the +rapid flow of Scott's verse was happily accommodated to the swift +succession of events, and fiery impetuosity of the Iliad; corresponding +with the dactylic hexameter of the old poet. These hints induced the +author to attempt the above translation. + + +3. Through these fair scenes, &c. + +This description has been preferred to that of the fountain of Narcissus +in Ovid. Crucius, Lives of the Roman Poets. + + +4. Quid nos Immeritâ, &c. + +An ironical defence of piracy. + + +5. D. Pauli Conversio, 94. Quin etiam, ut perbibent, &c. + +Alluding to his transportation into the third heaven. + + ---- 142. Æterni vulnera leti. + +The scripture phrase "eternal death." + + ---- 178. Britannia. + +He is said by some to have passed into Britain. + + ---- 184. Pacatusque. + +Alluding to the miracle on the coast of Melita. + + +THE END. + +J.G. 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