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TRANSLATIONS
OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE
Uattn
PRIZE POEMS.
SECOND SERIES.
LONDON :
LONGMAN, REES, ORME, BROWN, GREEN. AND CO.
ANU SOI.U BY
ALL bOOKSELLLHS IN TOWN ANU tOt'NTHV.
1833.
Lonrioii : Mill-. Jowetf, and Mil!i«,
Kolt-comt, Flfet-street.
DEDICATION
TO
THK RIGHT HONOURABLE
WILLIAM WYNDHAM, LORD GRENVILLE, D. C L.
CHANCELLOR OF THF, UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD,
THESE TRANSLATIONS ARE,
WITH HIS LORDSHIPS KIND PERMISSION,
MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED,
BY HIS LORDSHIP'S VERY FAITHFUL
AND MUCH OBLIGED SERVANT,
NICHOLAS LEE TORRE.
Leamington Priors, August 27, 1833.
s;^5ijeG
CONTENTS.
I'AGF.
Peter the Great . . . .
1
Tlie Nile . . . . .
19
The Siege of Gibraltar
43
Herculaneum . . . .
61
Malta Surrendered to the British
73
The Deliverance of Portugal .
83
Alexander at the Tomb of Achilles
93
Thebes ....
109
Syracuse ....
123
The Earthquake at Aleppo
151
Cicero at Tusculum
. 163
The Rainbow ....
. 183
Tyre .....
. 191
Hannibal ....
. 217
I
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
Acheson, Right Honourable Viscount, 13. A., M. P., GosfoiU
Castle
Abbot, Honourable Philip Henry, B. C. L., Lincoln's Inn,
London
Antrobus, Sir Edmund, Bart., M. A., Ainesbury. ;} copies.
Vstley, Sir Jacob, Bart., M. P., Melton Constable, Norfolk
Aldis, C. J. Berridge, Esq., M. D., Old Burlington-street,
London
Annesley, Rev. Arthur, M. A., Clifford, Gloucestershire
Annesley, Rev. Francis, M. A., Clifford, Gloucestershire
Arnold, Rev. Thomas, D. D., Head Master of Rugby School
Arnold, Rev. T. Kercheven, ]\LA., Lyndon, Rutland
Atwood, Rev. Henry, M. A.j-Kenilworth
Awdry, Rev. Charles, B. C. L., New College, Oxford.
Bucclcugh and Quecnsberry, His Grace the Duke of, K.T.,
M. A., &c., Montagu lIou?e, London
Buckinghamshire, Right Honourable the Earl of, Hampden
House, Bucks
Bagot, Right Honourable Lord, Blithficld Park, Stafford-
shire
b 2
Vlll LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
Bagot, Right Honourable Sir Charles, G.C.B., M.A., Eaton-
square, London
Bagot, Rev. Egerton Arden, M. A., Pipe Hayes, vStaffordshire
Boughton, Sir William E. Rouse, Bart., M.A., Rouse Lynch,
Worcestershire
Bridges, Sir Brook William, Bart., M.A., Goodneston, Kent
Brooke, Sir Arthur de Capel, Bart., M.A., Great Oakley,
Northamptonshire
Baring, Francis Thornhill, Esq., M. A., M. P., Spring Gardens,
London
Bethell, Richard, Esq., M. P., Rise Park, Yorkshire
Blackstone, William Seymour, Esq., B.A., M.P., Castle
Priory, Berks
Brigstock, William Papwell, Esq., M. A., M. P., Combe Hay,
Somerset
Briscoe, John Ivatt, Esq., M. A., M. P., Chertsey
Brodie, William Bird, Esq., M. P., Salisbury
Buckingham, James Silk, Esq., M. P., Waterloo Place,
London
Baker, Rev. James, M. A., Nuneham, Oxon 3 copies.
Barter, Rev. Robert, D.C.L., Warden of Winchester College
3 copies.
Baskerville, J. B. Mynors, Esq., M.A., Rockley House, Wilts
Bates, Rev. Charles Cecil, M. A., Castleton, Derbyshire
Bayley, Rev. Arden, M.A., Edgcott, Northamptonshire
Beckley, Rev. Thomas, M. A., Lymington, Hants
Bellairs, Rev. Henry, M.A., Bedworth, Warwickshire
Boissier, Rev. Peter Edward, M.A., Leamington Priors
Botfield, Beriah, Esq., M.A., Norton Hall, Northampton-
shire
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. IX
Boutflower, Rev. Henry Crewe, M.A.. Bury, Lancashire
Bowles, Rev. William Lisle, M. A., Brenihill, Wilts
Boyles, Rev. Charles Gower, M.A., Buriton, Hants 3 copies.
Braniston, Thomas William, Esq., M. A., Skreens, Esse.x
3 copies.
Brercton, Rev. John, D.C.L., Bedford
Bridger, William Milton, Esq., M.A., Lincoln's Inn, London
Brownlow, Rev. John, M.A., Bath 3 copies.
Bruce, John Wyndham, Esq., B.A., Mount- street, London
Burney, Rev. Charles Parr, D. D., Greenwich
Canterbury, His Grace the Archbishop of, D. D. &c., Lam-
beth Palace 5 copies.
Cholmondeley, Most Honourable the INLirquess, Cholmon-
deley Castle, Cheshire 3 copies.
Carlisle, Right Honoura))le the Earl of, M.A., Castle Howard,
Yorkshire
Cornwallis, Right Honourable Earl of, Linton Place, Kent
Cavendish, Right Honourable Lord, M. A., Belgrave-square,
London 3 copies.
Clinton, Right Honourable Lord, M. A., Huish House, Devon
Canning, Right Honourable Sir Stratford, G. C. B., M. A.,
Grosvenor-square, London
CuUum, Rev. Sir Thomas Gery, Bart., M. A., Hardwick
House, SuflFolk
Chandler, Very Rev. George, D. C. L., Dean of Chichester
Curteis, Herbert Barrett, Es(i., M.A., M. P., Pcasmarsh,
Sussex
Cartwright, Rev. Stephen Ralph, M. A., Aynlioc, North-
amptonshire
X LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
Cheney, Robert Henry, Esq., M. A., Upper Seymour-street,
London 2 copies.
Cherry, George Henry, Esq., M. A., Denford House, Berks
Cheslyn, Richard, Esq., Junior, M. A., Langley Prior} ,
Leicestershire
Clarke, Edward Hyde, Esq., Clarendon-square, Leamington
Priors, Warwickshire
Cleaver, Rev. Henry Owen, M. A., Hawkhurst, Kent
Cockerell, Samuel Pepys, Esq., ^I. A., Lincoln's Inn, London
Coker, Rev. John, B. C. L,, RadclyfFe, Bucks
Colchester, Maynard, Esq., ■NLA., The AVilderness, Glouces-
tershire
Cotes, Peter, Esq., North Sidmonton, Hants
Cotes, Rev. Peter, M. A., North Sidmonton, Hants
Creyke, Rev. Stephen, M. A., York
Currer, Rev. Danson Reginald, M. A., Clifton House, York
Devonshire, His Grace the Duke of, K.G., D.C.L., &c.,
Devonshire House, London
Downshire, Most Honourable the ^larquess of, K. P., East
Hampstead Park, Berks
Dartmouth, Right Honourable the Earl of, M.A., Sandwell
Park, Staffordshire
Dungarvan, Rt. Honourable Viscount, Blounts Court, Oxon
Duncombe, Honourable AVilliain, M.A., M.P., Cavendish-
square, London
Dale, Rev. Thomas, M.A., Berkenham, Kent
Dawson, Frederick, Esq., M.A., Temple, London
Dean, Rev. Henry, B. C.L., New College, Oxford
Deedes, William, Esq., junior, M. A., Sandling, Kent
LIST OP SIBSCRIBERS. XI
Dorington, John Thomas, Es(i., M. A., ("lari^os-strcet, Lon-
don
Dovasstoii, John F. M., Esq., M.A., Westfcltou, Salop
Dowdcswell, John Edmund, Esq., M. A., Pull Court, Glou-
cestershire
Downes, Rev. Robert, M. A., Leamington Priors
Duke, Rev. Edward, M. A., Lake House, Wilts
Egerton, Sir Philip M. de Grey, Bart., M. A., Oulton I'ark,
Cheshire
Estcourt, Thomas G. Bucknell, Esq., D. C. L., M. P., New
Park, Wilts 3 copies.
Estcourt, Thomas Henry Sutton Bucknell, Esq., M. \.
3 copies.
Etwall, Ralph, Esq., M. A., M. P., Andover
Ewart, William, Esq., M. A., M. P., Liverpool
East, James Buller, Esq., M. A., Stratford Place, London
Eckersall, Rev. Charles, M. A., Stockbridge, Hants 3 copies.
Edwards, Rev. John, M. A., Prestbury, Gloucestershire
Empson, William, Esq., M. A., Temple, London
Erie, Rev. Christopher, B. C. L., New College, Oxford
Fletcher, Sir Henry, Bart., Ashley Park, Surrey
Faber, Charles Waring, Esq., M. A., Lincoln's Inn, London
Fowle, Rev. Fulwar Craven, M. A., Kintbury, Berks
Fowle, Rev. Fulwar William, M. A., Amesbury 2 copies.
Freer, Rev. Richard Lane, M. A., Handswortli, Staffordshire
Gloucester, H. R. H. the Duke of, K.G., D. C. L., &c., Chan-
cellor of the University of Cambrid^je 3 copies.
Xll LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
Grenville, Right Honourable Lord, D. C.L., Dropmore,
Bucks, Chancellor of the University of Oxford
Granby, Most Honourable the Marquess of, Trinity College,
Cambridge
Grosvenor, Right Honourable Lord Robert, M. A., M. P.,
Upper Grosvenor-street, London
Glynne, Sir Stephen Richard, Bart, M. A., M. P., Hawarden
Castle, Flint
Grey, Sir George, Bart., M. A., M. P., Lincoln's Inn, London
Gore, Montagu, Esq., M. P., Mount-street, London
Goring, Harry Dent, Esq., M. A., M. P., Highden, Sussex
Gilly, Rev. William Stephen, M. A., Prebendary of Durham
Gooch, Rev. Frederick, B. C. L., Fellow of All Souls College,
Oxford
Grant, Rev. Robert, B. C. L., Bradford Abbas, Somerset
Grant, Anthony, Esq., S. C. L., New College, Oxford
Graves, John Samuel, Esq., M. A., Temple, London
Grice, Rev. Joseph Hill, M. A., Handsworth, Stafford-
shire
Haddington, Right Honoiu"able the Earl of, M. A., Tyring-
ham Castle, North Britain
Harewood, Right Honourable the Earl of, M. A., Harewood
House, Yorkshire
Herbert, Honourable Sidney, B. A., M. P., Great Stanhope-
street, London
Heathcote, Sir William, Bart.,D. C.L., Hursley Park, Hants
3 copies.
Henniker, Rev. Sir Augustus Brydges, Bart., M. A., Great
Horkesley, Essex
LIST OF SUBSCRIB|RS. Xlll
Hornby, Edmund George, Esq., M.P., Dalton Hall, Wt-st-
morland
Hall, Rev. Peter, M. A., Salisbury
Hall, Thomas Henry, Esq., M. A., Lincoln's Inn, London
2 copies.
Henderson, Gilbert, Esq., M. A., Temple, London
Henville, Rev. Charles Bruno, B.C.L., Vicarage, Portsmouth
2 copiet,
Hodges, Rev. Frederick Parry, B. C. L., New College, Oxfonl
Hothani, Rev. Charles, M.A., Lincoln's Inn, London
Huntingford, Rev. Henr}', B. C. L., Westerham, Kent
3 copies.
Inglis, Sir Robert Harry, Bart., D. C. L., ^L P., Manchester
Buildings, London 6 copies.
Iinpey, Elijah Barwell, Esq , M. A., Clapham Common
2 copies.
Ingram, Rev. James, D. D., President of Trinity College,
Oxford
.lephson, Henry, Esq., M. D., Leamington Priors
Jeston, Rev. Robert Green, ^LA., Marston, Gloucestershire
3 copies.
.lohnston, Peter, Esq., Cairnsalloeh, Dumfries, North Britain
Johnson, Rev. John, M.A., Houghton, Northamjitonshire
Kingsborough, Right Honourable Viscount, Exeter College,
Oxford
Kennedy, Rev. Benjamin Hall, M.A., Harrow, Middlesex
Kerrich, Rev. Walter James, M.A., Paulerspury 3 copies.
Kingsmill, William, Esq., M.A., Sidmonton, Hants
M\ LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
Kingsmill, Henry, Esq., B.A., Trinity College, Oxford
Kinsey, Rev. William Morgan, B.D., Cheltenham 3 copies.
Knight, Edward, Esq , M.A., Chawton Park, Hants
Llandaff, Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of, D.D., Deanery,
St. Paul's, London 3 copies.
Lamb, Honom-able George, M.A., M.P., Whitehall, London
Law, Honourable Cbarles Ewan, Recorder of London
2 copiea.
Law, William John, Esq., M.A., Lincoln's Inn, London
Legge, Honourable and Rev. Henr>% B.C.L., Blackheath
Lopes, Sir Ralph, Bart., M.A., M.P., Marristow House,
Devon 3 copies.
Labouchere, Henry, Esq., M. A., M. P., Hamilton-place,
London
Lefevre, Charles Shaw, Esq., M.A., ^LP., Heckfield House,
Hants
Latham, Rev. Henry, M.A., Harlej^-street, London
Lawson, Rev. William Mon-ell, M.A., Moseley, Worces-
tershire
Lee,' Rev. Harry, jun., B.D., Fellow of Winchester Col-
lege 3 copies.
Lee, Rev. William Blackstone, M.A., New College, Oxford
3 copies.
Leigh, Chandos, Esq., Stoneleigh Abbey, Warwickshire
Lettsom, Wm. Nanson, Esq., M. A., Harley-street, London
Lonsdale, Rev. John, B. D., Rectory, Bloomsbury, London
Mexborough, Right Honourable the Earl of, M.A., Methley
Park, Yorkshire
LIST OF SURSCRIBERS. tV
Miiiustrr, Right Hoiiourahle the E.ul of, F. R.S., Bclgravt-
scpmrc, London
Milton, Right Ilouounible Viscount, B.A., M.P., Milton
Abbey, Northiiniptonshirc 3 copies.
Morpetli, Right Honourable Viscount, M.A., M.P., Gros-
venor-placc, London
Monson, Right Honourable Lord, ^L A., Gatton Park,
Surrey
Mackworth, Sir Digby, Bart., Cavendish Hall, Suffolk
3 copiey,
-Mordaunt, Sir J., Bart., M.A., Walton Hall, Warwickshire
Mackenzie, J. A. Stewart, Esq., M.P., Scaforth, X.B.
Macabe, James, Esq., ^LD., Cheltenham
Malcolm, Neill, Esq., jun., M.A., Hanover-square, London
Master, Rev. Robert Mosley, M.A., Burnley, Lancashire
Mcrewether, Very Rev. John, M. A., Dean of Hereford
Milman, Rev. Henry Hart, >LA., Reading
Mynors, R. E. Eden, Esq., M.A., Weatheroak Hill, Staf-
fordshire
Northumberland, His Grace the Duke of, K. CJ., D. C.L.,
Sic, Northumberland House, London
Northampton, Most Honourable the ^L1r(^ucss of, M.A.,
Castle Ashby, Northamptonshire
Newark, Right Honourable Viscount, B.A., >L P., Christ
Church, Oxford
Neeld, Joseph, Esq., M. P., (Jrittleton House, Wilts
Nainie, Rev. Charles, M. A., Sha(lo.\hur«-t, Kent
Newell, Rev. Thomas Hlackman, ^LA., Salpcrton, Glou-
cestershire
XVI LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
Xorthcote, Henry Staffortl, Esq., B. A., Pynes House, Devon.
Oss'.ilston, Right Honourable Lord, B.A., M. P., Grosvenor-
square, London
Palmerston, Right Honourable Viscount, M.A., M. P.,
Foreign Office, London
Pelham, Honourable Charles A. Worsley, M.P., Charles-
street, Berkeley-square, London
Percy, Honourable Charles Bertie, M. A., Guy's Cliff, War-
wickshire
Poulter, John, Esq., B.C.L., M.P., Temple, London
Pa>7ie, Peter Samuel, Esq., B. A., Knuston, Northamp-
tonshire
Pease, Joseph Robinson, Esq., M.A., Hesslewood House,
Yorkshire
Pechell, Rev. Horace Robt., M. A., Bix, Oxon
Petit, Lewis Hayes, Esq., M. A., Lincoln's Inn, London
Pickard, John Trenchard, Esq., D.C.L., Doctors Commons,
London
Piggott, Simon Eraser, Esq., M.A., Lincoln's Inn, London
Pinckney, Philip, Esq., Amesbury, Wilts
Portman, E. Berkeley, Esq., M. A., Bryanstone House, Dorset
Praed, Winthrop Mackworth, Esq., M.A., Temple, London
Price, Samuel Grove, Esq., M.A., Gray's Inn, London
Price, Uvedale Thomas, Esq., M. A., Mongewell, Oxon
Prichard, Rev. Robert, B.D., Peppard, Oxon
QuickC, Rev. Andrew, M.A., Fellow of Winchester College
3 copies.
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. XMI
Quirkc, Edward Cuniniinc:, Esq.. B.C.L., New C'oHcro,
Oxford ."i copies.
Rutland, His Grace the Dukeof, K.G., D.C.L., ike, Belvoii
Castle, Lincolnshire
Ripon, Rt. Hon. the Earl of, M. A., Privy Seal Office, London
Rivers, Right Honourable Lord, Grosvenor-place, London
Russell, Right Honourable Lord, ^L P., Belgrave-square,
London
Russell, Sir Robert Grcenhill, Bart., M.A., Che(iuer's-court,
Bucks
Russell, Jesse Watts, Esq., M.A., Ham Hall, Staftbrdshin-
Rice, Right Honourable Thomas Spring, M.A., >LP., Trea-
sury, London
Rice, Stephen Edmund Spring, Escj., B.A., Trinity College,
Cambridge
Reid, Sir John Rae, Bart., ^LP., Pall MaU, London
Richardson, Sir John, Knight, yi. A., Bedford-scpiare.
London
Richards, John, Esq., jun., Reading
Ridding, Rev. Charles Henry, B. C.L., Winchester College
Risley, Rev. William. Cotton, B.C.L., Souldcrne, O.xon
Roles, Rev. Edward, M.A., Amesbury, Wilts
Round, John, Esq., D.C. L., Brighton
Seaford, Right Hon. Lord, Audley-square, London li copies.
Stanley, Right Honourable Edward GeolVrey, >LA., M.P.,
Colonial Office, London
Shore, Honourable Charles John, M.A., Portman-square,
London
XVlll LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
Staunton, Sir Geoige Thomas, Bart., D.C.L., M.P., Leigh
Park, Hants
Scott, Sir Edward Dolman, Bart., M.P., Great Barr Hall,
Staffordshire
Scott, James Winter, Esq., B.A., M.P., Rotherfield Park,
Hants
Stuart, William, Esq., M.A., M.P., Tempsford House, Bed-
fordshire
Sadler, Rev. James Hayes, M.A., Portman-square, London
.Seymour, Rev. John Hobart, INLA., Prebendary of Glou-
cester .3 copien.
Sheridan, Charles Brinsley, Esq., M. A.
Shirley, Evelyn Philip, Esq., Eatington, Warsvickshire
Shirley, Rev. Walter Augustus, ^LA., Shirley, Derbyshire
Shuttleworth, Rev. Philip Nicholas, D.D., Warden of New
College, Oxford 3 copies.
Sibthorp, Rev. Humphrey, M.A., Washingborough, Lin-
colnshire 3 copies.
Sleath, Rev. W. Boultbee, D. D., Repton
Smith, Thomas Hogan, Esq., Amesbury, Wilts
Spurrier, J. W., Esq., M. A., Lincoln's Inn, London
Streatfeild, Rev. William, M. A., East Ham, Essex
Sutherland, Charles, Esq., Amesbury, Wilts
Tankerville, Right Honourable the Earl of, ^L A., Chilling-
ham Castle, Northumberland
Tenterden, Right Hon. Lord, M.A., Russell-square, London
Trevor, Honourable Arthur Hill, M.A., Durham 3 cojnes.
Tennent, James Emerson, Esq., M.P., Duke-street, West-
minster
LIST OF SlBSCRinERS. \l\
Tarpley, Rev. K.M. Rcid, M.A., Flore, Northampton-
shire
Tennant, Henry, Esq., B. C.L., Lincohi's Inn, London
Thomson, Rohcrt Dalzell, Escj., M. A., Lincoln's Inn,
London
Townjend, Rev. George, ]\LA., I'lebcmlary of Durliam
Trotman, Rev. Fiennes, M.A., Dallington, Northampton-
shire
Tylecote, Rev. Thomas, B. D., Fellow of St. John's College,
Cambridge
Wilmot, Sir E. Eardley, Bart., ^LP., Berkcswcll, Wiu-
wick shire
Wilmot, Jolin Eardley, Esq., B.A., Balliol College, Oxford
Wclby, Glynne Earle, Esq., B.A., M.P., Denton Hall,
Lincolnshire
Whitmore, Thomas Charlton, Esq., B. A., M.P., Apky Park,
Salop
Wall, Rev. Frederick Sandys, B.C.L., East Acton, Mid-
dlese.x '.\ copies.
Webb, Rev. Richard, M.A., Amesbury, Wilts
Williams, Rev. David, D. C. L., Winchester College 3 copies.
Williams, Philip, Esq., D.C.L., Lincoln's Inn, London
'.I copies.
WTiicldon, George, Esq., Wolton Place, Northamptonshire
3 copies.
Wise, Rev. Henry, M.A., Offchurch, Warwickshire
Wise, Henry Christopher, Estj., M.A., Wootton IIousi',
Warwickshire
Wood, Rev. John Page, B.C.L., Cambcrwcll, Surrey
XX LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
Wrangham, Digliy Cayley, Esq., M.A., Wilton Crescent,
London
AVrightson, William Battie, Esq., M.A., Cusworth Park,
Yorkshire
Wrightson, Rev. Arthur Bland, M.A., Campsall, Yorkshire
Wyatt, Rev. William Robert, M. A., Wynyard, Durham
Wyime, John Arthur, Esq., M.A., Sligo, Ireland
Young, Rev. Richard, M.A., \ev.- College, Oxford 3 copie.i.
PETER THE GREAT.
TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN PRIZE POEM
RECITED IN THE THEATRE AT OXFORD,
A. D. 1777.
CHARLES ABBOT, Cii. Cii.
AFTERWARDS SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS,
AND FIRST LORD COLCHESTER.
PETER THE GREAT.
With duteous zeal, while grateful Russia pays
The well-earned tribute of triumphal praise,
To thee, great Founder of thy country's fame.
Who first with glory deck'd her lowly name.
Whose ripening- wisdom rais'd to nobler place
'Mid earthly nations thy neglected race, —
The Bard unknown from Britain's distant shore
Attempts for thee his votive lay to pour.
And strives, in reverence of thy full renown.
To wreathe thy temples with the laurel crown.
Beneath thy sway, o'er Arctic realms afar
Stretch'd the bold sceptre of th' Imperial Czar;
B 2
4 PETER THE GREAT.
High o'er admiring States and rival foes
In wealth and war transcendent Russia rose ;
And now though strife, by vengeful Envy led,
Aspiring Frederick o'er her land would spread,
Though Austria, jealous of her brighter hour.
With adverse perils would surround her power.
Still not the less hath Russia's might prevail'd.
Or struggling Poland's vain aggression fail'd ;
Still bids her voice the war of Faction cease.
And binds Sarmatia in the ties of peace.
Now by th' ^Egean's farthest coast array'd,
Thee, proud Byzantium ! hath her fleet dismay'd,
O'er Helle's deep the conquering banner spread.
And fiU'd Mohammed's hostile race with dread.
Yet whilst her sway triumphant Catharine wields
To Peter's glory still the palm she yields ;
Due to his praise a grateful people own
Their boundless empire and unshaken throne.
PETER THE GREAT.
Tims to thy name, illustrious Chief I the meed
Of just renown have later years decreed ;
Thus art tliou hail'd, as all thy gifts demand,
The pride, the Feather, of thy native land.
O'er all the realm, through countless ages past.
Its mournful gloom barbaric darkness cast;
Fierce and uncurb'd was Russia's ancient race ;
No sapient laws the curious search can trace.
Some the wide plain with scattcr'd tribes o'erspread,
Around whose camp promiscuous herds were fed ;
With flocks collected through the land to roam,
Their strange delight, the tented field their home :
No care had these the yellow grain to hoard,
For these no charms Kalernian cups afford ;
By Culture's aid no choicer gifts they woo'd,
Earth's simple fruits and milky draughts their food.
Some in wild ardour urg'd perpetual strife,
And constant perils mark'd their stormy life :
PETER THE GREAT.
Such are the bands that, e'en in later days,
The wandering Scythian arms for ruthless frays,
That far around, where'er by rapine led.
The sudden terrors of invasion spread :
Sucli was of old the barbarous host that pour'd
Through Indian vales the ravage of the sword.
When Timour's banner o'er the Eastern world
Its deathful menace to the breeze unfurl'd.
While plains once happy bloom'd in peace no more,
And Ganges' holy stream w^as dyed with gore.
What though, not wholly of Misrule the prey.
Aspiring Moscow bow'd to regal sway.
Though widely beaming o'er each tower-clad height
Luxurious splendour shed its early light.
Still to some form of ancient laws inclin'd
Though her bold sons in steadfast league combin'd.
Vain was her boasted pomp, her concord vain ; —
Surrounding Misery spoke th' enfeebled reign.
TETKR THE GREAT.
Nor aught avail 'd her Monarch's generous aim
That strove to renovate his country's fame :
From savage joys to wean th' uncultur'd race,
And from his realm the dark'ning- clouds to chase,
Alexis fail'd : — in vain might wonder hail
At Riga's port the Briton's daring sail ;
Whilst eager eyes the Merchant's wealth admir'd,
No glowing breast with rival zeal was fir'd ;
No bright example spurr'd the youth to gain
An equal prize, and plough the boundless main :
Immur'd in gloom, by letharg)' deprest,
Still sank the Empire in ignoble rest.
Yet had not Heaven's all-wise decrees reveal'd
That Northern realms to endless sloth should yield
Time o'er the Land redeeming lustre shed, —
Ry slow degrees to nobler action led, —
Taught the high station Man was forni'd to claim ;
And rais'd a Founder of approaching fame.
8 PETER THE GREAT.
He, with bold wisdom, from th' interior plain.
Where long the Empire's hidden seat had lain.
Where vain had long the might of Russia prov'd.
Nigh to the coast his regal home remov'd :
With meet design, — where Neva's waters ghde,
And mix their torrent with the Baltic tide, —
Rais'd on the stagnant marsh, at his command,
A new-form'd city deck'd the barren strand ;
And, while their Founder's honour'd name they bore.
Far stretch'd the tower-clad walls along the shore.
Bright was the augury of blissful days ;
Eventful omens promis'd future praise ;
And as the Monarch, with parental zeal,
Watch'd o'er the infant State's advancing weal,
Crown'd were his wishes, and his hopes elate,
With the fair dawning of auspicious fate.
Soon by the long-deserted coast array 'd,
A gallant fleet unwonted power displayed ;
PETER THE GREAT.
Soon 'mid the spacious arsenal were plann'd
Tlie various works that naval schemes demand ;
Whilst in each labour, with unceasing care.
The watchful Monarch bore an equal share,
With keen devotion shaped the cumbrous wood,
And form'd the vessel for the briny flood.
Yes — as on hig-h the ponderous axe he rear'd.
His friends in toil the Royal Workman cheer'd ;
Each daily task unwearied he pursued.
Nor blush 'd to wear the yoke of servitude :
Such lofty purpose rous'd the Patriot's aim,
So strong his ardour for his country's fame.
Thus whilst his regal pomp aside was laid,
'Mid the low herd of vulgar men he stray'd ;
By practice taught, observed with curious eye,
And treasur'd still in faithful memory,
Whate'er consistent with the seaman's use
By the slow Scheldt Batavia's race produce ;
10 PETER THE GREAT.
Learn'd by what arts, far ruling o'er the main,
Britannia's Sons their naval fame sustain :
Whether employ 'd by Thames's margin green,
Or Vag-a's banks, th' industrious King was seen ;
Or pHed his work on Devon's balmy coast,
Where Tamar's waves in ocean-floods are lost ;
Or sought the port where gallant navies ride,
And Vectis* forms a barrier to the tide.
Soon might be seen, where'er the eye could range.
On every side the vast eventful change :
By wondrous art and man's unwearied toil
Fresh beaming features deck'd the barren soil ;
Fields, long by culture's genial smiles unblest.
In plenty's garb by careful swains were drest :
Unfruitful hills were levell'd with the plain ;
Through winding channels rivers reach'd the main ;
* Isle of Wight.
PBTKR THE (JREAT. 11
Turn'd was tlioir course, or curbM their ano:ry tide ;
Drain'd from the flood new g-ifts the mead supplied ;
And where of old the foamy torrent ran,
Majestic piles display'd th' abode of man.
Thus far and wide at leni^th from every shore
Enlig-iit'nin^ Commerce spread her ming-led store ;
And joyous Plenty to the wondering train
Dirtus'd around the treasures of her reig:n.
What deeds victorious mi2:ht the Muse rehearse.
What blood-stain'd laurels claim th' ennobling Verse !
How oft have rush'd, in triumph's hour elate.
The loyal tribes from Moscow's crowded gate.
To hail their Chief, 'mid pomp and festal shows,
Deck'd with the spoils and trophies of their foes !
Whether from plains where deep Araxes roars,
From Persian confines or from Caspian shores,
With conquest flush'd th' exulting warriors came,
Or reap'd by Ister's banks immortal fame.
12 PETER THE GREAT.
When Othman's race their mightier power confest,
Vain schemes o'erthrown, and threatening ire supprest.
Oft by the stormy Baltic's ice-bound coast
Their arms prevail'd o'er Sweden's rival host ;
And, rous'd by war's protracted ills, and taught
In raging feuds experience dearly bought.
The patriot Czar, by heavenly favour blest.
His drooping country's bitter wrongs redrest,
Sav'd from Ambition's grasp her sinking might.
And seal'd her safety in Pultowa's fight.
Then, chang'd at length in fatal hour of need.
Capricious Fortune left th' imperial Swede ;
And, doom'd at last inglorious to behold
His squadrons routed, and his aims controU'd,
Dishearten'd Charles, too long unknown to yield,
Turn'd from his foe, and fled the tented field.
Stung at his fall, he led with frantic pain
O'er Dnieper's flood the remnant of his train ;
PETER THE CJRhAT. 13
Far from liis northern realms and reg-al scat,
TliroLig-h woods and wilds pursued his sad retreat,
With haughty Achmet sought ignoble rest,
A suppliant monarch, and suspected guest.
War's odious tiends from Russia's land were fled,
And Peace around her mild dominion spread ;
O'er his vast empire and remote domains
In settled rest the time-worn Monarch reigns ;
While distant shores beneath his sceptre prove
His kind protection and paternal love,
in social order, by his wise design.
Bound by his laws, the number'd tribes combine ;
Whoe'er from Dniester's l)anks, a vigorous race.
To Dnieper's margin hold the fertile space.
Whoe'er the labours of the field j)artake.
Where dull Maeotis spreads its stagnant lake.
Where tranquil Emba through sequester'd meads
And lowlv haunts its course obscurely leads,
14 PETER THE GREAT.
Or seven-mouthed Volga rushing to the main
Enriches Astracan's prolific plain.
And they whose haunts no g-enial zephyr know,
'Mid Arctic regions of encircling snow.
Whose lot is cast on Zembla's dreary shore,
Where deep Irtisca's mingling waters roar ;
Where still, 'tis said, nor yet by age subdued.
The massive tombs of ancient kings are view'd,
Where time-worn towers, still pointing to the sky.
And giant columns, meet th' astonish'd eye.
They too who, driven where endless Winter reigns,
Share on Enissy's banks Siberian plains ;
And they who, doom'd to cheerless homes, reside
Where Lena's torrent pours an ampler tide.
Nor leave untold, recording Muse ! the race
That, far remote, a savage life embrace.
Far to the East's extremest verge are found.
Where icy reefs Kamschatka's coast surround.
PETER THE GREAT. 15
From whose bleak shores a narrow strait alone
Divides the World in earlier days unknown.
Kever'd descendant of a royal line !
This noble merit, this bright act, was thine ;
Thy native land from shades of nig-ht to free,
And raise to power thy rescued monarchy.
Yet I, the meanest of the Muse's train.
Tune to thy deeds my feeble song- in vain ;
No skill is mine, in tributary lays.
To match with equal verse thy deathless praise;
Pieas'd in this hope, alone the Bard can aim,
Fir'd by his theme to meet one smile from Fame.
Yet shall due honours thy renown declare ;
She, who thy virtuous worth herself can share.
She, on thy throne ordain'd like thee to shine.
Whose steps in Honour's path keep pace with thine.
Illustrious Catharine, shall I Ik; meed atl'ord,
And deck thy memory with its just reward.
NOTES.
Verse 91. The foundation of the fortress named
St. Petersburgh was laid on an island near the mouth
of the Neva, covered with brushwood and swamps, the
whole surrounding" country being- a complete morass ;
and from the beginning has risen up, in the course
of a hundred and thirty years, one of the most magni-
ficent cities ii\ the world.
Verse 112. In entering himself as a ship-carpenter
in the dock-yard, Peter strictly adhered to the regula-
tions under which his fellow-labourers worked, and was
known, at his own request, by the name of Peter Tim-
merman van Zaandam ; sometimes as Peter Baas, or
Master Peter ; and, generally, when in Amsterdam, as
Peter Michaelhoff.
One day, either the great Duke of Marlborough, or
the Earl of Portland (the narrator is doubtful which, as
17
both were known to have been at Zaand?m), came to
the yard, and asked the Master to point out to him,
unnoticed, the Czar amon^ the workmen, as he wished
much to see him at work. A number of tlie men were
ju.st then carrying- a large beam of wood close by the
spot where Peter happened to be sitting* at the time.
Having- shown tlie stranger tlie object of liis curiosity,
the Master called out, " Peter Timmcrman, why don't
you assist these men ?" Peter immediately rose up and
obeyed, placed his shoulder under the log, and helped
to carry it to its proper place. — Family Lihrnnj, vol. 35.
The memory of Peter the Great, among his country-
men, who ought to be the best judges, and of whom
he was at once the scourge and the benefactor, is held
in the highest veneration, and is consecrated in their
history and their public monuments to everlasting fame.
The magnificent equestrian statue, erected by Catharine
the Second ; the waxen figure of Peter, in the Museum
of the Academy founded by himself; the dress, the
sword, and the hat, which he wore at the battle of
Pultowa, the last pierced through with a ball ; the horse
that he rode in that battle ; the trowsers, worsted stock-
ings, shoes, and cap, which he wore at Zaandam, all
in the same apartment ; his two favourite dogs, his
turning-lathe, and tools, with specimen!* of his work-
IS NOTES.
manship ; the iron bar which he forged with his own
hand at Olonitz ; the little Grandsire, so carefully
preserved as the first g-erm of the Russian navy ; and
the wooden hut in which he lived while superintending-
the first foundation of Petersburg-h ; — these and a thou-
sand other tangible memorials, all preserved with the
utmost care, speak in most intelligible language the
opinion which the Russians hold of The Father of his
Coi;ntry. — Family Library, vol. 35.
THE NILE.
TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN PRIZE POEM
RECITED IN THE THEATllE AT OXFORD,
A. D. 1799.
D. J. WEBB,
OF CORrUS CHRISTI COLLliGE.
c 2
THE NILE.
Whilst Albion's heroes, witli triumphal song-.
Thy glorious praise, in Conquest's hour, prolong ;
Whilst all her floods, illustrious Nile I to thee
Of naval fame the noblest palm decree ;
To deck the scene her tribute Isis pays.
Where Albion's heroes won their fiiirest bays.
Nor yet shall Isis to thine ancient coast
That name deny her classic groves can boast ;
Thou, favour'd Nile ! hast known, in days of yore,
lMij)roving Arts adorn thy sacred shore ;
Thou Wisdom's sons hast seen, in ages fled.
Round Krror's path the light of Science spread ;
22 THE NILE.
In times remote hast seen from Eg'j'pt's land
The rays of Learning o'er the world expand.
Here Thales first the Planet's course survey'd,
Here first Pythagoras his school display 'd ;
Here Plato's doctrine held divine control,
And taught th' immortal Essence of the Soul :
And here Mceonides awoke the lyre.
Drew from the purest fount poetic fire ;
Here Orpheus once, as fabling Bards have prov'd,
By Music's spell the rocks and woods remov'd.
Yet not alone thy name with praise we greet.
That here the Muses fix'd their first retreat ;
That here arose in Learning's infant age
The matchless Poet, and enlighten'd Sage ;
Majestic scenes th' applauding strain invite.
And the wild grandeur of thy Torrent's might.
Calm is thy stream nor clear for sight to trace,
Where ceaseless storms Sacalian lands deface ;
THE NILE. 28
But swelling waves, beneath the mountain rang-e
Of Abyssinia, mark the wondrous chang-e ;
With added forco th' increasing* tide proceeds,
And sweeps resistless o'er Pelusian meads.
What breathless awe, replete with bold delig-ht,
The foamy torrents of thy stream excite,
As bursting forth by Ethiopia's woods
Round Elephantine roll thy stormy floods ;
While rising peaks and barrier cliffs in vain
The threat'ning terrors of thy course restrain.
Nor less admir'd thy billowy waters roar
In fearful wrath on fair Syenc's shore.
Hurl to the ocean, with an earthquake's shock,
The shatter'd fragments of her granite rock.
Yet native tribes, by long experience bold,
With dauntless heart thy raging waves behold :
Oft, — while the traveller, in troubled mood,
Views the light bark committed to thy flood.
24 THE NILE.
Tlie rash attempt while shuddering thoughts upbraid,
And mourn th' adventurer to death betray'd, —
He from the gulf unharm'd shall rise, and moor
His fragile shallop on the tranquil shore.
An ampler stream, o'er whose expansive tide
No bridge can reach, yet barks securely glide,
Impell'd through Egypt's spacious realm surseys
The splendid relics of her brighter days.
Here flourish'd once, beneath propitious fates.
The warlike City of the hundred gates ;
Here, next in glory, Ptolemais shone ;
In Chemmis here mysterious Pan was known ;
Here rose of Hercules the sacred fane.
And mighty Denderah o'erspread the plain.
Where once Hermopolis her fame could boast.
Where fair Antinoe decks the Eastern coast.
Where mazy labyrinths, renown'd of old.
The marble chambers of the dead unfold.
THE Ml.K.
2^
Wliorc tlic tall Pyramid's crig-antic mound
With massive burden loads ih' encumber'd ground ;
Where wreck-clad Memphis lifts its ruin'd pile,
Resistless sweep the waters of the Nile :
Then, as the tide a winding- course pursues,
Two parted streams illustrious Delta views ;
And the deep flood o'er Libya's burning plain
Through seven wide channels rushes to the main.
Where'er it flows, the bounteous River yields
Rrolitic moisture to the cultur'd fields ;
With flowery herbag-e decks tlie verdant mead,
And ripening harvest of th' implanted seed.
When Summer's fervour cleaves the yawning ground.
Beyond their banks the rising waves abound.
Dirt'us'd afar their fostering dew supply.
When sultry heavens the genial rain deny.
Kxulting natives hail on either shore
Tir unerring sign of Plenty's future store ;
26
THE NILE.
Thy swelling- streams, productive Nile ! they own
Of all her gifts the fruitful source alone.
With solemn pomp, — (no holier usage reigns) —
Assembling Tribes invoke thee to the plains ;
And, — as the Turk, at custom's high command,
Leads to the Prophet's shrine his suppliant band.
Devoutly prays that, nourish'd by thine aid,
Luxuriant crops may deck th* Egyptian glade,
That teeming harvests to his chief may yield
The copious tribute of the subject field, —
Wav'd to the breeze the Crescent banners shine.
And matchless splendour marks the rite divine.
For not alone by genial moisture fed
Earth's varied produce through the land is spread.
But when o'erflowing waves the surface hide.
And o'er the meadow rolls th' expansive tide,
Enriching streams the thirsty soil imbibes.
And twofold harvests bless th' Egyptian tribes.
THE NILE.
27
Thus, when the merchant bears with trembling- haste
His chosen treasures o'er the dreary waste,
From fair Damascus bring-s th' abundant grain,
Or silken vestures from Bassora's plain.
Oft hath the lash, as pressing need demands.
Urged the slow camels o'er the desert sands.
To quaff the flood that wanders o'er the meads,
Kre to its source the refluent tide recedes.
What yearly impulse swells the fertile stream,
Of doubtful source enlightened Sages deem :
When from the North Etesian tempests blow.
Some vainly judge th' increasing waves o'erflow ;
Or from beneath the perforated ground
That rising waters are diffus'd around.
By these 'tis thought that spreading o'er the meads
Nowise the flood its proper bounds exceeds ;
Hut that, diminish'd by th' absorbing heat,
To narrow banks at times the waves retreat.
28 THE NILE.
Yet on the Nubian hills whoe'er have seen
The g-athering clouds, o'ercharg-ed with rain, convene.
Declare that hence the yearly floods arise.
And Ag-atharsis deem correctly wise :
He first the prodigy to light reveal'd.
And search'd successful through the cause conceal'd.
On sig-ns like these intent with anxious mind, ♦
The rustic tribes observe the changeful wind :
Thus, when shrill Boreas curbs his angry gale.
And southern breezes through the land prevail.
No hope is theirs abundant streams to gain.
Or reap luxuriant harvests from the plain ;
But when the North, replete with storm, enshrouds
All Abyssinia with impending* clouds,
Tiien not in vain the husbandman implores
O'erflowing waters, and prolific stores.
Whate'er the cause, yet Custom hath supplied
A certain index of the rising' tide ;
THE NILE. 29
Midway between llie river's banks is placed
A column tall, with lines transversely traced ;
Not with the mystic characters that raise
A people's wonder, as intent they g-aze,
But such as simply mark the torrent's height,
That chafes indignant at its bridled might.
Then should the Mecias (such the column's name),
Sunk to the view, the welcome sig-n proclaim.
With joyous clamour to th' expectant meads
From Cairo's walls the countless host proceeds ;
Girt with attendant pomp the Chief presides.
And forms a passage for th' impatient tides :
Thrice with his golden rod he smites the ground,
Hurls from its base the altar's hallow'd mound ;
Swift rush the waters to their destin'd goal,
And through each trench their headlong torrerits roll.
Exulting thousands hail the spreading lake.
Whilst all o'erjoy'd in festive scenes partake :
30 THE NILE.
Some the light shallops from the bank unmoor.
And ply to music's notes th' according- oar ;
These on the waves in painted barks carouse,
With lamps and flowers these deck their gaudy prows ;
Some through the night (for there no darkness reigns.
No mist obscure the lunar orb profanes)
The gladsome dance on verdant turf prolong.
And raise to guardian Powers the votive song.
No plaints funereal now to Heaven arise,
No more are heard the victim's dying cries ;
No trembling Maid, th' unholy rite to grace,
In parting hour receives her Sire's embrace.
Greets her fond brother, death itself in view.
And sister virgins, with a last adieu ;
No ardent youth invokes the Priest in vain.
Calls on his spouse betroih'd in frantic strain.
And madly plunging in the gulf beneath
Seals the pure vows of faithful love in death.
THE NILE. 31
Tliis praise at least is thine, tliis well-earnM meed,
I'nwise believer in Mohammed's creed !
That in each year no more tlie rising- wave
Of liuman victims forms th' unhallow'd ^rave ;
Far worthier g'ifts repay the boon that yields
Luxuriant harvests to Pelusian fields.
Such are the joys through queenly Venice spread.
When her proud Lord the Adrian deep hath wed ;
Such annual pag-eants mark the keen delight,
That spring's unbounded from the nuptial rite,
Such the loud shout the circling- air that rends,
As to the wave the sacred Ring descends.
But not alone upon his niarg-in g-reen
Ilath Nile beheld his tribes in peace convene .
Foul Superstition, that for bloodless feasts
In snow-white vestments robes her mystic priests.
Can arm, obedient to her dire command.
For deathful horrors her devoted band.
32 THE NILE.
Oh ! not alone within th' E^ptian fane
Suffic'd one soUtary victim slain ;
Too poor a boon the scanty offering grants.
For ampler prey the fiend insatiate pants :
How sad the scene ! o'er mangled heaps afar
In frantic glee she sped her blood-stain'd car ;
Surrounding corses oft her wheels delay'd,
And streams of gore the monster's path betray'd.
For this, where Delos by the watery bed
Of rising Nile her cloud-capt towers hath spread,
To quell the Moslem's persecuting rage
In holy league united bands engage,
Perils and toils at Glory's call defy,
And dare in Faith's ennobling cause to die.
Foremost of all, in glittering steel array 'd,
Lo ! English Richard draws the vengeful blade ;
On every side the Turk, in wild alarm.
Flies from the lion-hearted Warrior's arm :
THE NILE. 33
While foes that vainly have his lance withstood
Are floating lifeless down th' ensangiiin'd flood.
And thou, bright Star of Gaul's illustrious line,
No less wert seen in glory's ranks to shine,
Brave, virtuous Louis ! at thy name prepar'd
A rival's hatred freely to discard,
Each generous Briton to thy memory pays
His earnest tribute of unmingled praise.
'Twas thine, arous'd in true Religion's aid,
Through savage lands to preach the bold crusade ;
Twas thine, a band of valorous knights to lead,
Fearless of ills, when Heaven approves the deed ;
By Plague, by Famine, oft assail'd in vain,
And the wild warfare of a lawless train.
Through Syrian tents a strange alarm they si)road.
And at their sight the dark barbarian fled.
Such was the Race, with impious crimes un^taiud.
That Gaul of old, the Nurse of Heroes, train'd ;
n
34 THE NILE.
But now her sons, of blissful peace the foes.
With restless fury vex the world's repose.
Law's social compacts trample in the dust.
In bold derision of the wise and just.
Their Saviour's cross with open scorn revile,
x\nd e'en their Maker's holy fane defile.
Yet sleeps not veng-eance : — at retiring- day,
While their fleet harbours in Aboukir's bay.
Vainly the foe possess with fancied might
The guarded haven, wrapt in shades of night ;
Surrounding darkness veils their ships in vain.
Nor grants the Port more safety than the Main.
Fix'd is their fate : lo ! strong in heavenly aid,
Britannia's host the river's mouth invade ;
The strife begins ; — along th' affrighted shore
The vollied thunders of destruction roar ;
And swiftly, 'mid the smoke's ascending wreath
Flash the red li^htnin^s of resistless death :
THE NILE. 35
What sudden terrors through the land are known !
E'en Pharos trembles from its lowest stone ;
E'en now the crocodile, his prey forgot,
Seeks in the deepest gulf a safer lot ;
Far flies the Ibis, in perdition's hour.
And hides unconscious of his worshipp'd power.
See ! from th' adjoining coast, diffusely bright.
Victorious signal — shines the beacon light ;
On every side the countless torches gleam.
And pour their splendour on the glassy stream ;
Triumphant Nile beholds th' auspicious flame.
And hails an omen of increasing fame.
And thou, fair land ! in arts and arms renown 'd,
Whose outstretch'd sceptre rules the vast profound.
Whilst far and near thy fleets unconquer'd glide
In course majestic o'er the subject tide,
Oh ! whilst thy thunders sweep the distant seas.
And awe-struck nations bow to thy decrees,
D L>
36 THE NILE.
Ne'er let thy sons o'erlook, with pride elate,
The Power Supreme that sways alone their fate.
Withhold from Heaven, that spies out all their ways,
Their pure, spontaneous, and unceasing* praise.
The time may come, when e'en the turban'd host,
Whose tents are spread by Nile's abounding* coast,
Reft of their promis'd hopes, in high disdain.
Shall leave at last the Prophet's useless fane.
Bow to the Cross, and own with latest breath
Jehovah's mighty works, and Christ's atoning death.
The time may come ; — for oh ! this favour'd land
Confest of old her God's avenging hand;
Here was of old th' Almighty presence known,
Here aid divine to Zion's people shown.
O could the Muse th' aspiring theme adorn.
Tell o'er the waves how Israel's tribes were borne ;
How parted billows form'd on either side
A wondrous rampart ; how the refluent tide,
THE NILE. 37
When Pharaoh's train the cliosen race pursued.
In watery graves their haughty files subdued !
Heaven's fatal wrath too powerless to restrain,
The boastful Magi pour'd their spells in vain.
To nobler lyres these sacred themes belong,
These acts divine demand sublimer song :
Enough for me, in humbler strains to show
What fertile meads the waves of Nile o'erflow ;
The realms belov'd of English Bards to sing,
Where earliest Learning spread her infant wing.
NOTES.
Verse 29. The different appearances which the
Nile exhibits in its course are beautifully described by
Lucan, and are thus not unskilfully translated by
Rowe : —
' Who that beholds thee, Nile ! thus gently flow,
With scarce a wrinkle on thy glassy brow,
Can guess thy rage when rocks resist thy force.
And hurl thee headlong in thy downward course ;
Wlien sporting cataracts thy torrent pour.
And nations tremble at the deafening roar ;
When thy proud waves with indignation rise,
And dash their foamy fur>' to the skies !"
\erse .57. A better idea of the magnificence and
NOTES. 39
extent of Thebes cannot perhaps be ^riven than by the
following lines translated from Homer: —
' Not all proud Thebes' unrivall'd walls contain.
The world's great empress on th' Egyptian plain,
That spreads her conquests o'er a thousand states,
And pours her heroes through a hundred gates ;
Two hundred horsemen, and two hundred cars.
From each wide portal issuing to the wars."
Pope.
Verse 65. The famous labyrinth of Egypt was in-
tended for the burial-place of Kings, and to comme-
morate the actions of their reign. According to the
account of Herodotus, this edifice contained three
thousand chambers, fifteen hundred in the upper part,
and the same number below.
Verse 67.
" Instead of useful works, like Nature, great,
Enormous cruel wonders crush'd the land,
And round a tyrant's tonih, who none deserv'd.
For one vile carcase perish'd countless lives."
Thomson.
40 >:OTES.
Verse 80. It is impossible to find anywhere among
terrestrial objects a more striking instance of the sta-
bility of the laws of nature, than the periodical rise
and fall of this mig-hty river. The inundations of the
Nile are so regular, that the inhabitants of Lower
Egypt look for its arrival with the same degree of
confidence as if the blessings which it brings along
with it depended upon causes within their own control.
Verse 113. The following account of the Etesian
winds is given by Pliny ; in the hottest part of the
.summer the dog-star rises ; this is usually the fifteenth
day preceding the calends of August, when the sun
enters Leo. About eight days previously the north-
east winds rise, which the Greeks call Prodromi, or
forerunners ; about two days afterwards these winds
increase in force, and continue for the space of forty
days ; these are called the Etesian winds.
Verse 122. This source of fertility to Egypt depends
exclusively upon the periodical rains which drench the
table-land of Abyssinia, and the mountainous country
which stretches from it towards the south and west.
NOTES. 41
Tlie ancients, some of wliom, indeed, entertained very
absurd notions respecting; the cause of this pheno-
menon, were generally in the right as to its physical
oriofin — expressing their belief tliat the annual over-
flow of the Nile was closely connected with the climate
of Ethiopia, that receptacle of clouds and vapour.
Plutarch states most distinctly, that the increase of the
Egyptian river is owing to the rains which fall in
Abyssinia. Even the Arabs had arrived at the same
conclusion long before any European found his way
into the countrv.
Verse 138. The Mecias or Nilometer is built at
one extremity of the island of Raonda, and the column
to mark the progress of the inundation is erected in
the centre of a low chamber, the walls of which are
exceedingly solid, and the foundation on a level with
the bed of the river. Officers are appointed to exa-
mine the gradual rise of the water, proclamation of
which is daily made by the public criers in the streets
of Cairo. The festival of opening the Calige, or cut-
ting the bank of the Nile, is still annually observed
there, and is one of the few ancient customs which
continue to identify the inhabitants of the modern
capital with their remotest ancestors.
42 NOTES.
Verse 165. A tradition prevails that, ,in ancient
times, a virgin was annually sacrificed to the Nile, in
order to propitiate the Deity who presided over its
waters, and who it was imagined, with the view of
obtaining- the wonted victim, occasionally postponed
or diminished the periodical flood. This barbarous
devotion was abolished, according to the Arabian his-
torians, by the Caliph Omar.
THE SIEGE OF CxIBRALTAR.
TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN PRIZE POEM
RECITED IN THE THEATRE AT OXFORD,
A. D. 1799.
BV
WILLIAM LISLE BOWLES,
OF TRINITY COLI.KGK;
AFTERWARDS CANON OF SALISBURY.
THE SIEGE OF GIBRALTAR.
Long had proud Gaul her baffled art confest,
Her squadrons routed, and her hopes represt;
In vain her fleets, on every tide display 'd.
Indignant Neptune's azure realm invade;
O'er the blue Deep, allied with Gaul, in vain
Sweep the bold galleys of confederate Spain ; —
Firm and uninjur'd, thou survey'st afar,
Majestic Calpe ! their innoxious war.
Celestial Freedom ! whose pervading flame
The high-born soul inspires with noblest aim,
And, Valour, thou ! when patriot cares implore,
Th' unshaken Bulwark of thv native shore, —
46 SIEGE OF GIBRALTAR.
Oh ! if to you the narrow straits be known,
The rocky pass where Greece triumphant shone,
If still the dauntless warriors ye revere,
And Sparta's self-devoted host be dear.
When, as the Persian all his might array 'd.
They scorn'd to yield, or sheathe th' avenging blade, —
In equal peril 'mid these close defiles
Behold your Britons with approving smiles !
And oh ! if worthy of your aid ye deem
The youthful bard, inspire his glowing theme ;
In loftier measure bid the Muse declare
Th' unwonted horrors of besieging war.
Full on the sight, in towering splendour bold.
Bursts the tall rock, renown'd in fame of old.
Frowns o'er the Deep in pride of strength, and reigns
Sole mighty guardian of the rear-ward plains ;
From Afric's coast a narrow gulf divides.
Defensive barrier to th' encroaching tides.
SIEGE OF (ilUUALTAR.
47
Behind the steep, nor far from si^ht conceal'd,
Spain's haughty legions till th' extended field ;
And gaze, whilst envy tortures every breast,
On the strong fastness not by them possest :
Yes — from their realm the rock withheld they mourn ;
E'en now on high their threat'ning flair is borne.
That, o'er yon mountain hold if sway she gain,
Surrounding seas may own triumphant Spain,
And barks, endanger'd by the foe no more,
May bear to Cadiz their Peruvian store.
Thus when, long harass'd by contending might,
Enfeebled Britain scarce sustains the fight,
Spain's hostile race the wish'd-for post invade.
And Gaul too willing lends united aid,
Impatient here to strike th' avenging blow.
And wrest the ocean-sceptre from their foe : —
Love for their country stirs the daring aim,
And bitter memory of their former shame.
48 SIEGE OF GIBRALTAR.
On every side combine tlie countless hosts,
From Spain's green hills and Gaul's adjoining coasts;
Eager they quit, intent on fierce designs.
Their native valleys and paternal vines :
Round Calpe's rock behold their bands array'd.
And War's red ensign on the waves display'd !
Where for th' invaded few can hope be found ?
Unnumber'd foes their craggy steep surround ;
Terrific death in direst form is there,
With hideous mien, and blood-besprinkled hair :
And oft in vain is famine's look renew'd
In silent agony for scanty food.
Yet did not perils or impending fate
The firm resolve of Britain's chief abate :
Fix'd is his soul death's varied shapes to brave.
His presence stills the tumult's raging wave ;
In every toil he bears a soldier's part.
And his calm courage strengthens every heart.
SIEGE OF GIBRALTAR. 49
But Gaul, long baffled in her aiin, prepares
With boundless rage the battle's deadly snares ;
Pernicious arts her furious bands provide.
And the tall battery floats upon the tide :
Thus, while the ^helterinpf towers from sight enclose.
Secure they breathe defiance to their foes,
Hurl with impunity, in veng-eful ire.
The vollied thunders and the missile fire.
The work proceeds ; and, fill'd with fatal wrath.
The ponderous engine ploughs the ocean-path :
Not such the terrors or destructive power
Of Grecian fraud in Troy's expiring hour,
When o'er the sad devoted City rose
The giant monster crowded with her foes.
Thrice hapless Troy — oh ! hadst thou known of yore
A chief like him whom Calpe's rocks adore.
Long hadst thou flourisli'd in the bliss of peace,
Nor had thy fall repaid the wrongs of Greece.
50 SIEGE OF GIBRALTAR.
Calmly the Chief with dauntless heart descried
Th' unwonted burden that profan'd the tide ;
And, as advancing o'er the waves it rode,
With high-born thoughts his soul indignant glow'd.
While secret hopes within his bosom rose
Of nobler triumph o'er his crafty foes :
" Ye rocks," he cries, in conscious virtue bold,
" And thou, dread genius of this mountain-hold !
" Ye Powers that deep within this earth abide,
" Or rest unseen beneath yon azure tide,
" Bless with your aid one daring act, and deign
" Unchafd to mark th' invasion of your reign.
" Ye, too, Companions of my toils and care,
" One common peril doom'd with me to share,
" Oh ! if respect for ancestry be yours,
" If still aflfection for your Sires endures,
" Now bring to mind the mighty deeds of old,
" Now in one last attempt be firm, be bold ! "
SIEGE OF GIBRALTAR.
He spoke — he rous'd each manly breast — afar
Was heard the clash of arms, the din of war :
No fears ih' advancing battery could impart,
Nor Death's pale image shake tiie Patriot's heart :
Dire was the strife ; — redoubled thunders roar'd,
And fire-fraught shells their sad destruction pour'd.
Blest light of Day I that with thine early dews
'Mid other realms could'st every joy diffuse.
What scenes of blood did here thy rays behold,
Wliat griefs did liere thy rising beams unfold !
Yet still thy dawn, 'mid Gallia's tranquil \ales.
With gladden'd heart full many a parent hails ;
Thinks of her absent son, and fondly cries,
" E'en now for him the shouts of triumph rise,
" Now on his brow the laurel wreaths are bound,
" Now shines the youth in lastinjr fame renown'd."
Vain hope — no more can rural charms delii:-lit
The eye that sleeps in death's eternal night ;
E 2
51
52 SIEGE OF GIBRALTAR.
No peaceful home again for him can smile.
No mother's love a painful hour beguile.
Nor shepherd's reed awake for him again
The woodland echoes of his native plain.
Night o'er the waves had cast her murky shade.
Yet was not then the work of death delay'd ;
Still swiftly darting through th' o'erclouded sky
Bursts the red flash of loud artillery ;
And, as some bark the missile fires ignite,
O'er the dark ocean beams the track of light.
'Mid the dire conflict, foremost and serene.
The fearless Chief of Albion's bands is seen ;
From the tall rock, in glittering arras, afar
With kindling eye he marks the midnight war.
And, like th' Olympian, in imperial state.
Guides the dread bolts and holds the reins of fate.
On Afric's coast were heard at dead of night
The vollied thunders of that awful fight ;
SIEGE OF GIBRALTAK. 53
ScarM at the sound the fierce liya^na tliero
Crouch'd with mute terror in his mountain lair.
Lost hope for Gaul ! o'erwhelm'd by flames, in vain
These valiant bands her batfled cause maintain ;
These dash'd on rocks, or strug-gling- in the deep,
Sink in sad torments to eternal sleep.
Oft as, exhausted in the desperate strife.
Some drowning" victim feebly sues for life.
His aid the Chief, if aid may yet restore,
N'lelds to his foe, e'en now a foe no more ;
Slowly life's fleeting current is renew'd,
\nd the wan cheek is flush'd with gratitude.
^■(' Rocks imperishably rais'd on high,
^ay, — when Alcides to your coast drew nigh,
\iiil here, from toils and wanderings past reliev'd,
Ivear'd the tall pillars that his name receiv'd, —
Say, when proud Caesar through your straits convey'.!
His warrior bands in glittering arms array'd.
54 SIEGE OF GIBRALTAR.
Say, — for ye witness'd 'mid the gloom of night
Britannia's triumph, Gaul's despair and flight, —
Did Victory e'er a nobler cause reward.
Were juster claims to right and peace restor'd.
Than late, when Albion's martial Chief defied
Assailant foes, in steadfast league allied.
And from your citadel o'erlook'd the main
Strew'd with the wrecks of France, the tatter'd flags
of Spain ?
And thou, my Country ! Isle of glory, hail !
Oh ! could a Patriot's anxious love prevail.
Safe from the perils that around thee press.
Soon should'st thou share unchequer'd happiness ;
And, as thy foes in captive chains were bound.
Rise still more strengthen'd from each harmless
wound.
Nor vain the hope ; — e'en now the Muse foresees
Long years of bliss, by favouring Heaven's decrees ;
SIEGE OF GIBRALTAR. 55
E'en now Columbia's bold aspiring race
Their parent Britain clasp in firm embrace !
While to thy sway the subject Ocean yields
Recover'd empire o'er his azure fields,
And grants, where'er thy Banner flies unfurl'd.
The plenteous commerce of a distant world.
Hail, from each peril sav'd, illustrious Isle !
Long- on thy sons may Fame untarnish'd smile ;
And fiend-like Discord, while the Waves shall pour
Their wrath in vain on Calpe's rock-girt shore.
Fail at thy hearths to light her fatal brand,
Or spread her shadow o'er thy favour'd land !
NOTES.
Verse 55 et seq. &c. The bombardment of Gib-
raltar continued day and night, almost incessantly,
for three weeks, in every twenty-four hours of which
100,000 lbs. of gunpowder were used, and between
four and five thousand shot and shells went through
the town. It then slackened ; but was not intermitted
for one whole day for upwards of twelve months.
The fatigues of the garrison were extreme. The Town
itself was nearly destroyed ; and such of the inhabit-
ants as were not buried in the ruins of their houses,
or torn to pieces by the shells, fled to the most
remote parts of the rock ; but destruction followed
them to places which had always been deemed secure.
No scene could be more deplorable. Mothers and
children, clasped in each other's arms, were so com-
pletely torn to pieces, that it seemed more like an
NOTES.
57
annihilation of their shattered fragrients, than a dis-
persion of them ; and even ladies of the greatest sen-
sibility and most dehcate constitution, deemed them-
selves happy to be admitted to a few hours of repose
in the barracks, amidst the noise of a crowded sol-
diery, and the groans of the wounded and dying. At
the first onset, General Elliot, the Governor, retorted
on the besiegers a shower of fire ; but, foreseeing the
difficulty of procuring supplies, he soon retrenched,
and received, with comparative unconcern, the fury
and violence of his adversaries In this juncture,
when all Europe was in suspense concerning the fate
of the garrison, and when, from the prodigious efforts
made for its reduction, many believed that it could not
hold out much longer, a sally was projected and exe-
cuted, which, in about two hours, destroyed those
works that had required so much time, labour, and
skill, to accomplish. A body of 2000 men, under
General Ross, made an attack, under cover of the
night, on the exterior front of their lines, when the
Spaniards gave way on every side. Their magazines
and works were blown up, their cannon spiked, and
all demolished, with an inconsiderable loss in the de-
tachment which accomplislied the destruction. This
unexpected event disconcerted the besiegers ; but they
58 NOTES.
soon recovered from their alarm, and, with a perse-
verance peculiar to their nation, determined to prose-
cute the sie^e, more particularly as the reduction of
Minorca had inspired them with fresh motives to exer-
cise their indefatigable ardour and perseverance.
Verse 70. From the failure of all the plans hitherto
adopted for efFecting" the reduction of Gibraltar, it was
resolved to adopt new ones : and among the various
projects for this purpose, one, which had been formed
by the Chevalier d'Arcon, was deemed the most worthy
of trial. This was to construct such floating* batteries
as could neither be sunk nor fired ; with this view
their bottoms were made of the thickest timber, and
their sides of wood and cork long soaked in water,
with a large layer of wet sand between. To prevent the
effect of red-hot balls, a number of pipes were contrived
to carry water through every part of them, and pumps
were provided to keep these constantly supplied with
water. The people on board were to be sheltered
from the fall of bombs by a cover of rope-netting,
which was made sloping, and overlaid with wet hides.
These floating batteries, ten in number, were made
out of the keels of large vessels cut down for the pur-
NOTES. 59
pose, and carried from ten to twenty- eio:ht guns each,
were seconded by eighty large boats, mounted with
guns of heavy metal, and also by a host of frigates,
ships of force, and some hundreds of small craft.
Verse 125, &c.— 141, &c. The Spanish floatmg
batteries, for some time, answered the expectations of
their framers ; for the heaviest shells often rebounded
from their tops, while thirty-two-pound shot made no
visible impression upon their hulls. For some hours
the attack and defence were so well conducted and
equally supported, as to admit no appearance of supe-
riority on either side. The construction of the bat-
terinic-ships was so well calculated for withstanding
the combined force of tire and artillery, that they
seemed for some time t(j bid defiance to the powers of
the heaviest ordnance. In the afternoon, however,
the effects of red-hot shot became visible. At first
there was only an appearance of smoke ; but in the'
course of the night, after the garrison had continued
firing fifteen hours, two of the floating-batteries were
in flames, and several more were beginning to kindle.
The opening of daylight disclosed a most dreadful
spectacle. Many were seen in the midst of the flames
60 NOTES.
crying- out for help, while others were floating upon
pieces of timber, exposed to equal danger from the
opposite element ; but the generous humanity of the
victors equalled their valour, and was the more honour-
able, as the exertions of it exposed them to no less
danger than those of active hostility. In endeavour-
ing to save the lives of his enemies. Captain Curtis
nearly lost his own ; while, for the most benevolent
purpose, he was alongside the floating-batteries, one
of them blew up, and sunk his boat ; but he fortu-
nately escaped to land upon some fragments of the
wreck. By similar perilous exertions, nearly four hun-
dred men were saved from destruction. The exercise
of humanity to an enemy under such circumstances of
immediate action and impending danger, conferred
more true honour than could be acquired by the most
splendid series of victories.
HERCULANEUM.
TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN ODE RECITED IN
THE SENATE HOUSE AT CAMBRIDGE,
A. D. \ni.
BY
THOMAS GISBORNE,
OF ST. John's college.
HERCULANEUM.
Where had thy ling-ering steps delay'd,
Why distant was thy guardian aid,
Monarch ! wliom Votaries deem'd divine
At Herculaneum's holy shrine ?
Why to tir impetuous storm's career
Didst thou, dread Genius, close thine ear.
And from destruction's yawning grave
Thy menac'd City fail to save ?
Where slept thy giant might, when first
O'er thy lov'd walls the tempest burst;
When first Vesuvius far and wide
Pour'd the red lava's burning tide,
64
HERCULAXEUM.
And earth with fearful shock was rent
Beneath the o'erwhelming element ?
In vain presaging- fate's award.
The Augur's prayer thy help implor'd ;
With rites divine the Priest in vain
Heap'd added incense on thy fane.
Ag-es have sped their silent flight.
Since the proud City sank in night,
Since Herculaneum's towers were doom'd
To lie in ruin's gulf entomb'd :
But now a fairer day hath beam'd ;
Now, from Oblivion's womb redeem'd,
Behold recall'd to light and fame
The glories of her ancient name !
Burst thy dark barriers. Earth ! expose
Thy buried wealth, thy depths unclose ;
Too long within thy lap conceal'd.
Be now thy sacred stores reveal'd !
HERCULANBUM
65
'Tis done :— Shall Tartarus alarm,
Unravell'd by Thessalian charm ?
Shall Spectres pale in wild aftri^ht
Start at the day's unwonted light ?
No — from encircling' ashes clear'd,
E'en by Volcanic rag-e rever'd.
Again before admiring eyes
Behold a mighty City rise !
Deck'd in their ancient pride behold
Man's desert halls their gates unfold ;
See, long by mortal step untrod,
The temples of each heathen God.
Yet who shall tell what awe profound,
What chilling horror, reigns around,
As heavily each portal guard
Moves on its creaking hinge unbarr'd.
And human accents wake again
The slumbering Echo's mournful strain ?
G6 HERCULANKUM.
Still o'er destructive ag-e can smile
Unharm'd the Drama's honour'd pile ;
Triumphant still o'er time, on high
Its marble columns pierce the sky :
But where hath each spectator fled ?
Oh ! where are now the hope and dread.
That rul'd by turns the anxious breast.
In every speaking eye confest?
Why is the bold Tragedian mute.
And silent the melodious lute ?
Death long hath seized the countless throng.
The Muse's lyre hath slumber'd long ;
Long hath applause been here unknown.
And banish'd Laughter's merry tone.
Look on those spacious baths ; yet there
No more assembling crowds repair
In social talk ; still brightly gleams
The gilded roof, still cedar beams
HKRCULANEUM. 67
Adorn the structure ; still we own
The towering" shaft of Parian stone ;
Vet 'mid the marble's empty caves
Hygeia mourns her absent waves.
O lead me where the eye may dwell
On forms, by Sculpture's magic spell
Redeem'd from death ; where still can frown,
Enwreath'd with conquest's laurel crown.
The Chief, whose arms of sinewy mould
The frag-ment of a rock uphold.
And from the meteors of whose eye
A routed legion seems to fly.
Works of the olden-time we trace.
Relics of Grecian art and grace ;
Marble and ivory proclaim
Alike Italian skill and fame.
Here manly beauty decks the brow,
Here dimpled cheeks delight avow ;
¥ 2
68 HERCULANEUM.
And o'er the gentle features steal
The rays that sportive Love reveal ;
There deep solicitude is seen.
And silent griefs undoubted mien ;
Fix'd is the eye, and in the breast
Some hidden sorrow seems represt.
Nor yet hath envious age defac'd
The breathing forms that Zeuxis trac'd ;
Surviving still Time's awful doom,
The colours of Parrhasius bloom.
Sketch'd on the 'wall with skilful care,
The pencill'd figure still is there ;
Preserving still its glowing hue.
Each faultless limb attracts the view;
Still deck'd in smiles each feature seems.
Still darts the eye its sparkling beams.
And ye, amidst the wreck secur'd.
Too long in darkest night immur'd,
HERCIJLANKUM. 6'J
That kindlier fates to light restore.
Hail ! sacred mines of classic lore.
Hail, rescued volumes! though the strain
Of Horace lives not here again.
Though vainly may the Muse desire
The thunders of a Virgil's lyre ;
Yet may perchance new Bards ari'^e.
Where Herculaneum huried lies ;
Some new Catullus prove his heart
The prey of Love's envenom 'd dart :
There may some new Propertius tell
The wily God's o'erpowering spell,
And in sweet plaintive measure mourn
The beauteous Nymph's unbending scorn.
NOTES.
Verse 19. Herculaneum was destroyed by an erup-
tion of Mount Vesuvius, in the first year of the reign
of Titus, A. D. 79. Pompeii, which stood near, shared
the same fate. After being- buried under the lava for
more than sixteen centuries, these cities were acci-
dentally discovered; Herculaneum in 1713, by la-
bourers dig-g-ing for a well, and Pompeii, forty years
afterwards. It appears that Herculaneum is in no
part less than 70 feet, and in some places 112 feet
below the surface of the ground, w^hile Pompeii is
buried at the depth of only 10 or 12 feet.
Verse 71. The valuable remains of antiquity,
statues, busts, pictures, &c., which have been re-
covered from the ruins of this ancient city, are all
71
preserved at Portici. and form tlic most curious
nui>eum in the world.
N'erse 10.'). " Tlie most remarkable objects in tlie
Museum at Portici are the manuscripts found in two
chambers of a liouse at Herculaneum. The person
who has the direction of unfolding them by no means
despairs of deciphering all the six hundred manu-
scripts still extant; and does not doubt of finding: a
Menander and an Ennius, as he flatters himself with
having' already discovered a Polybius," ^c. — Kutzcbue.
MALTA
SURRENDERED TO THE BRITISH.
TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN ODE RECITED LN
THE SENATE HOUSE AT CAMBRIDGE,
A. D. 180L
Tm: Hon. V. ROBINSON,
OF ST. John's collkgk ;
AriKRWARDS CHANCELLOR OK THK KXCHKQl I.K, stCRK
TARY OK STATE FOR THK COLONIES, &C. &C., AND
FIRST EARL OK RIl'ON.
MALTA SURRENDERED TO THE BRITISH,
Hush'd be the voice of grief; no more
ller vain complaint let Sorrow pour ;
And in Tartarian shades of night
Let Faction hide from mortal sight !
Raise, Sons of Britain ! raise on high
The joyous shout of Victory ;
Let earth's remotest realms prolong
The echoes of your festal song !
Triumphant race — where ocean roars
Midway between opposing shores,
Where Malta lifts above the deep
In towery pride her craggy steep,
76
MALTA SURRENDERED
By glory led, nor led in vain.
Your gallant navies sweep the main ;
And, by the breath of Conquest fann'd.
Your banners to the gale expand,
P'air Virtue on this favour'd isle
Was wont in earlier days to smile ;
And Freedom here, in ages flown.
Upheld her fame and fix'd her throne :
Here, like the glorious orb of day,
Religion pour'd her cheerful ray ;
Through every change of fortune bright.
Still own'd the heart her beacon light •
This bulwark of the Christian breast
The Moslem chief of old confest.
When, at each fresh defeat inflam'd.
Rekindled war his wrath proclaim'd
With bitter vow : — " Tis fix'd," he said,
" And Malta shall in dust be laid ;
TO THE URITISH. 77
" Her ancient name, her knightly power,
• Shall perish with each blazing- tower.
" Rise, warrior tribes ! our foe no more
•' Shall dye the seas with Turkish gore ;
" No more in triumph o'er our loss
" Shall wave the standard of the Cross :
" Rise — let not Vengeance still delay —
" Nor let the Prophet's eye survey
' (O vile disgrace and grievous sight !)
' His faithful race dispers'd in flight."
He spoke : — again his vessels ui^e
Their course amid the foaming surge ;
Resounding oars disturb the seas.
And sails outspreading court the breeze.
How vain, — as Malta's cloud-capt height
Burst on the Moslem's eager sight.
How vain to her advancing foes
The hope of future conquest rose I
78 MALTA SURRENDERED
Illustrious isle— th' approaching feud.
The Crescent beams, afar she view'd.
And mark'd, more firm in peril's hour,
The proud array of hostile power ;
Undaunted mark'd ; — thus, pois'd on high,
The Eagle soars in majesty.
And heedless, from his realm serene.
Of warring clouds beholds the scene.
Peerless amid the patriot bands
Above the rest Valetta stands ;
And as th' invading fleet appears.
The emblem of their faith he rears ;
Secure of triumph to their cause,
His glittering blade the Chieftain draws.
Himself a host ; if doubt infest,
He fires and strengthens every breast ;
" Lift to the Cross your reverent eyes,
" And Heaven be your defence \" he cries.
TO TUP. nRiT:-,i. 79
Fled is the foe ; its native bcarh
Scarce can one frag^ile vessel reach ,
The tale disastrous to proclaim,
Of Solyman's o'erwhelming shame.
Oil I how unlike her sires of yore
The race that later ages bore,
When Malta fell without a blow,
The victim of her Gallic foe !
Sad was Valetta's wandering shade.
That haunted still the wonted g-lade,
Whilst impious hosts profanely trod
Oer many a hero's funeral sod.
But now, fair I>:le ! shall bliss be thine
A brighter sun for thee shall shine ;
Peace to thy shores again be known.
And Glory there resume her throne.
Avenging Albion from thy land
Hath swept th' invader's hostile band ;
80 MALTA SURRENDERED TO THE BRITISH.
And whilst the Ocean-Queen shall boast
Her mild dominion o'er thy coast.
Freedom her fostering sway shall own.
And Piety uphold her throne.
Beneath her guardian care again
Shall Malta rear the sacred fane,
Prevail o'er baffled foes, and raise
Fresh monuments of deathless praise.
NOTES.
Verse 58. The last important attack whicli Malta
experienced from the Turks was made by the Emperor
•^oiyman in 1565; when greater firmness, bravery.
Hid activity, could not be displayed, than were exhi-
bited by the knig-hts under their grand master, John
(le la Valette. This intrepid warrior was wounded in
the breach; when some of his friends wished him to
retire, he replied, "At seventy-one, can I finish my
life more srloriously than hydyin^-wiih my brethren ?"
The Turks being repulsed, withdrew in the utmost
onfusion, never again to appear on that laiul which
liad been deluged with their blood ; and I^:i Valette,
on the principal emplacement, the scene of his irlory.
built a town, which was called after his nauic
DELIVERANCE OF PORTUGAL.
TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN ODE RECITED IN
THE SENATE HOUSE AT CAMBRIDGE,
A. D. 180y.
JOHN LONSDALE,
SCHOLAR OF KING's COLLEGE,
AND BATTIE's university SCHOLAR.
o 2
THE DELIVERANCE OF PORTUGAL.
" Blow, g:ently blow, i)ropitious breeze!
And ye ! fair rulers of the seas.
Who deck with coral wreaths cntwin'd
Your tresses, flowing to the wind.
Whose cars, from mortal eye conceal'd,
Sweep o'er the Ocean's azure field,
Grant, favouring- nymphs ! tliese barks to g-lide
Securely o'er your tranquil tide!
And ye, whose hearts no fears assail,
Unyieldinp: sons of Albion, hail!
Go — Lusitania's cause embrace.
And rescue her unhappy race !
86 THE DELIVERANCE OF PORTUGAL.
Unfurl'd e'en now on yonder seas.
Thy standard, Albion ! courts the breeze ;
E'en now, proud despot ! in dismay
Thy bands retreating quit the prey."
Thus, as upon the busy strand.
The scene celestial freedom scann'd.
Her bright locks streaming in the air,
Th' impassion'd Goddess breath'd her prayer
While Britain's eager sons unmoor
Their barks to seek th' Hesperian shore.
And wave their vengeful swords on high
To burst the chains of Tyranny.
Fill'd with the Muse's fire, too well
I hear the thunder's awful knell ;
And, flashing on my troubled sight.
Beam the red lightnings of the fight.
'Tis done — o'erthrown the Gallic band —
Who, who can Freedom's cause withstand ?
THE DKLIVF.RAMK OF PORTLliAL. 87
Onward, victorious Iiost ! o'erwhclm
Th' invader of thy sister realm !
Go — boast in vain. Ambition's slave !
The ducal name Abrantes ^ave ; —
Boast, mighty Chief ! thy spoils of yore ; —
Thy past renown avails no more.
But why, in silence strang'e and deep,
Must battle's storm so quickly sleep 'f
What ills doth sudden calm presage.
Why ceases War's avenging rage ?
Alas ! the patriot's angry mind
Laments the base Convention sign'd ;
And vanquish'd now the Victor yields
The trophies of his glorious fields.
Such is thy triumph, Gaul ! the hour
Is past of Albion's martial power ;
Vain is her valorous might, o'eraw'd
By secret wiles and abject fraud.
88
THE DELIVERANCE OF PORTUGAL.
Be such the triumph, Gaul ! for thee ;
Yet Lusitania's realm is free ;
Her chains are rent — thy legions fled ;
And joy through all her vallies spread.
And bear'st thou to thy native Seine
From fair Iberia's ravag'd plain.
From Tajo's banks, the wealthy store,
Seiz'd 'mid a people's tears and gore 't
Shall Paris, in each splendid hall.
Thy plunder boast, insulting Gaul ?
No — deem not thus the wolf, at bay,
Retreats in terror from his prey ;
Nor thus, in War's o'erwhe'ming reign.
The eyes of Justice watch in vain.
Raise, Lusitanians ! rai&e on high
The Paeon shout of Liberty !
Your wonted sports, fair maids ! resume ;
Lo ! brighter suns your path illume ;
THE DELIVERANCE OF POKTlCiAI-. S9
Lo ! favouring gales, at Heaven's conunand.
Have swept tlic locusts from your land ;
\nd. shrouded by the veil of niirht,
rhe Spoiler far pursues his flight.
Oh I that the bard, to Lusia dear,*
Coukl leave awhile yon starry sphere.
Bright mansion of the minstrel host,
\nd view again his native coast !
Oh ! that ?gain with patriot fire
His daring hand could sweep the lyre,
The baffled Tyrant's flight proclaim,
And all his country's rising fame !
But thou ! Braganza's noble heir,
Too proud th' Usurper's rule to bear.
Illustrious exile to the shores,
Where Freedom still her blessing pours, —
♦ Camoens.
90 THE DELIVERANCE OF PORTUGAL.
What joy again shall fill thy breast.
To know thy country's wrongs redrest ;
To know, when Fame on fleetest wing
The tidings to thine ear shall bring.
That o'er thy native land no more
The tempests of oppression roar !
And hope, Iberia ! dawns for thee ;
Soon shall thy suifering race be free ;
Soon of the thousand chains that gall
Shall high-born valour burst the thrall.
'Tis not a dream — e'en now behold
The Austrian in thy cause enroll'd ;
And gallant Charles the Danube's flood
Hath dyed with France's dearest blood.
Where blood hath flow'd shall blood be shed
Now is the feast of Vengeance spread ;
Europe her peace restor'd shall own.
And hurl the tyrant from his throne.
THK nKLIVKRANTK OF rORTinAL. 91
Kuropc shall triumph: — then, for thee.
When hajipicr days fair earth shall see.
When throus^h the world each rightful heir
His crown usurp'd again shall wear,)
Illustrious exile ! through thy land
For thee shall rise the duteous hand,
With ardour for their King shall burn.
And hail with joy thy blest return ;
And in thy grasp exulting place
The sceptre of thine ancient race.
ALEXANDER
AT THE TOMB OF ACHILLES.
TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN PRIZE POEM
RECITED IN THE THEATRE AT OXFORD,
AD. 18L^
HKNRY HART MILMAX, Bras. N. Coll
aktkrwauds i'rokkssou ok i-ohtrv.
ALEXANDER
AT THE TOMB OF ACHILLES.
Bow'd to his yoke tli' Emathian youth had seen
The Attic towers, bclov'd of wisdom's queen ;
Now o'er Cadmaean Thebes, display 'd on high,
His conquering banner floated in the sky ;
Yet scorns his soul the trophies won from Greece,
And proudly spurns the idle thought of peace ;
For distant regions, worthy of his sire.
The son of Amnion burns with fresh desire,
Despises Europe's subjugated shores.
And a new world for deeds of arms implores.
E'en now the chiefs that, deck'd in purple, reign
Dependent kings of Asia's wide domain.
96 ALEXANDER.
That yield in Babylon — so power decreed —
Their duteous tribute to th' imperial Mede,
Start, as o'er Helle's wave the warrior steers.
Of dreaded Greeks to view the well-known spears,
Of haughty Myrmidons to mark afar
The serried phalanx and resistless war.
Yet while each scene of Priam's hapless reign
Attracts his eye on Troy's devoted plain,
While every spot, where Heroes rest in peace,
'Mid grassy mounds, declares the fame of Greece,
Her ancient triumphs rise before his sight.
When Gods descending mingled in the fight,
When, in fair Helen's cause as Sparta sued.
Dire was the carnage of that lengthen'd feud.
Tis sweet to view all traces that recall
The wralh of Greece, and Troy's disastrous fall :
Here foamy Xanthus still with headlong might
Bursts on the plain from Ida's wood-crown'd height.
ALRXANDBR. 97
Though down his flood no shields nor helms are borne,
liul shatter'd rocks and roots of trees uptorn ;
Here, wliere rich harvests bloom in summer hours.
(Jncu rose Laomedon's embattled towers ;
Yet are no crumbling' walls, with moss o'erg-rown,
No broken columns seen, nor sculptur'd stone ;
Twould seem that Greece in vengeance could destroy
E'en the sad ruins of unpeopled Troy.
There, by the Rhaetian cliffs, that distant rise,
The tomb of Ajax meets the Conqueror's eyes ;
Yet rest e'en there inglorious he disdains,
And burns alone for battle's tented plains.
But soon, advancing by the noted beach,
Sigeum's hill at length his footsteps reach,
Whose gentle slopes with fragrant thyme abourul.
Whose sunny brow spontaneous shrubs have crown'd :
This spot, — when steering to the Lesbian coast.
Or vine-clad shores that wealthy Chios boast,
H
98 ALEXANDER.
Oft will the Mariner with pride survey,
Refulgent still in Morning's early ray ;
And, resting on his oar, with fond regard.
Recall to thought the bold Moeonian bard.
As rapt he views, surviving Ilion's doom.
Of great Achilles the time-honour'd tomb.
Such as in Homer's verse, with sternest mien.
Clad in celestial arms, the Chief is seen.
When, borne erect in his o'erwhelming car.
He seeks for Hector 'mid the ranks of war.
Alone for Hector, — such in form, upsprung,
V
As though the battle rag'd, the trumpet rung,
Thy shade, Achilles ! such, in glory bright.
Burst the dread phantom on the gladden'd sight.
Fix'd on th' ideal form his joyous glance.
The Macedonian stood, in breathless trance,
Gaz'd on the airy shape that Fancy drew.
With steadfast eve, and deem'd the Vision true :
ALKXANDKR. 99
Asia's wide realms, while there in peace he staid,
And distant nations felt their fate delay'd.
Then pious rites his chosen friends prepare,
And blazing incense to the altar bear ;
The work proceeds : while some in meet desig^n
Mix the pure element with rosy wine,
Or from the golden bowl's untainted store
Of freshest milk the due libation pour ;
Some to their shrine the flowery chaplets bring-,
And spread around the fragrant gifts of Spring;
Then on the spot a snow-white heifer slain
Dyes with its blood the consecrated plain.
From Ida's mount, with mingled ire and fright.
Assembling Phr}'gians view the holy rite,
Vex'd that new honours still the Chief await.
E'en now the bitter object of their hate :
There the sad Mother, while the scene appals,
Thy woes, Andromache ! to mind recalls,
H 2
100 ALEXANDER.
Weeps for Astyanax, ill-fated boy,
Hurl'd by Ulysses from the heights of Troy :
And, as her thoughts on Hector's offspring- rest,
Clasps her dear infant closer to her breast :
There may some trembling Maid be seen to mourn,
Lest she, perchance, from arms maternal torn,
Meet, like Polyxena, th' unhappy doom.
To soothe Achilles, slaughter'd at his tomb.
In silent majesty, to thought resign'd.
Behold th' Emathian on his spear reclin'd !
Soon, like some Bard with future visions blest.
He feels th' inspiring God within his breast ;
Ecstatic frenzy sparkles in his mien.
While flashing terrors in his eyes are seen ;
Colossal size the Hero's form assumes.
And o'er his helmet wave the flutter'd plumes.
" Me. too," he cries, " when to this arm shall yield
** Opposing tribes, subdued in battle-field.
ALEXANDER. 101
Me >liall the world exalt for trophies won,
And mighty Amnion own me for his son.
Thee, great Achilles ! might devoted Troy
Through ten long years in tedious siege employ ;
Rut ere yon orb's uprising beams decline.
O'er vanquish'd foes the triumph shall be mine.
K'en now (as husbandmen with pale dismay
View lowering clouds o'erspread the light of day.
Uncertain whom the gathering storm await)
The bands of Susa tremble for their fate ;
Rich in her ivory gifts, her golden stores,
My proud array Ecbatana deplores ;
And all her Gods Persepolis in vain
Invokes to save from War's impending reign ;
The last sole glory that survives to all.
Alone by Alexander's hand to fall.
1 come— again her gates of brass behold
Submissive Babvlon for me unfold ;
102 ALEXANDER.
" For me Euphrates views with calm delight
" The lengthening" arch his sever'd shores unite ;
" Of clattering hoofs loud rise the echoing peals.
" hi o'er the ramparts bound my chariot wheels
" I come, — I come; — another Chief succeeds,
" Where fierce Hystaspes urged his foaming steeds ;
" Where, deck'd with spoils from suppliant Lydia won,
" In triumph pass'd Mandane's honour'd son ;
" And, far above thy gentler sex severe,
•' Thine, bold Semiramis ! was fame's career.
" Then shall I haste, on eagle pinion borne,
" To rosy chambers of the orient morn,
" Stretch my wide sway o'er Indian tribes controll'd,
" And quaff the mighty floods that teem with gold.
" Thus, when no more can subject earth afford
" One spot unconquer'd by this dreaded sword,
" Each humbled nation shall my yoke sustain,
" And Alexander o'er the world shall reign.
ALEXANDER. 103
" E'en now afar, delig-htful to mine ear,
" War's brazen notes and batlle's din I hear;
" E'en now the Mede, impatient of his doom,
" Waves his bright sword, and dons his glittering
" plume,
" In purple vest resumes his proud career,
" And tempts the vengeance of the Grecian spear.
" But thou, Darius ! in ill-omen'd hour
" Lead'st to the combat thine unequal power;
" Vain of his might, elate with daring aim
" To wrap the siiips of hostile Greece in flame.
" Forth went the Son of Priam ; him at eve
" Hop'd the fair dames of Ilion to receive,
" Proud o'er Achilles slain, or homeward borne
" By the fleet coursers from Atrides torn;
*' False was that hope ; — far oft' on earth were spread
" His comely locks, and bow'd his beauteous head,
" Remote from Troy, in gory dust dctil'd,
" Of Argive mariners the spot revil'd.
104 ALEXANDER.
" Back, as the King- of Erebus commands,
" Shall fly the barriers of Tartarean lands,
" And, — that Pelides may our deeds behold,
" And view his tribes victorious as of old, —
" Ag-ain to scenes of battle shall repair
" The godlike Chief, and breathe terrestrial air :
" He 'mid the combat's heat shall mount my car,
" Divine associate throug'h the strife of war,
" Yes — if no airy spectre mock'd my glance,
" These eyes have seen the Hero's beamy lance,
" 'Mid the dire conflict have these eyes confest
" The waving terrors of his high-plum'd crest,
" That, by the glittering steel's effulgent ray,
" Smote the whole race of Priam with dismay,
"And from his gilded chariot on the plain
" Stretch'd the dark Memnon 'midst the heaps of
" slain.
" 'Twas no illusion; — still in Stygian shades
" One earthly thought the Hero's breast invades;
ALEXANDER.
105
• Dear to his soul are still the deeds that grace
' The brave descendants of his ancient race. •
Thrice blest Achilles ! in oblivion's gloom
Thy name had sunk inglorious to the tomb,
• Thy mighty name — that shall, to fame endear'd,
' By Ister's banks through ages be rever'd,
' Known by the /Ethiop 'neath his sultry skies,
• And where the pillars of Alcides rise; —
Yes — it had perish'd ; — but the favouring Nine
Rai-M for its lasting fame a bard divine :
Or r;itlier was it not some God, that told, —
III form (jf mortal poet, blind and old,
■ In strains that breath 'd a more than mortal tire, —
• The din of war, the battle's fearful ire,
' Bade thy renown outlive the conmion doom.
And gave thy laurels an eternal bloom ?
" For me, this last and worthiest gift, for mi-
' Oh I may the Gods with fostering care decree;
106
ALEXANDER.
" (The Gods, whose smiles approve my bold career,
" To whose high thoughts my honour'd name is dear ;)
" Oh ! may some future Homer's glowing lay
" The deathless triumphs of my sword portray;
" Oh ! let another Homer strike the lyre,
" A new Achilles shall his theme inspire!"
He spoke, and smote upon his shield ; — around
The woods of Ida echoed back the sound ;
From all his bands the clash of arms arose.
And fill'd with terror his far distant foes.
K'en then, Granicus ! on thy fatal banks,
The peal was heard through Persia's startled ranks ;
Then leapt Darius from his ivory throne,
And, as his fears the dire prognostic own,
Four'd to the Gods his suppliant prayer ; — in vain;
Heaven hears him not, or hears him with disdain.
NOTES.
Verse 8. When Alexander visited tlie Temple of
Jupiter Ammon, which is situated about twelve days'
journey from Memphis, the priests saluted him as the
son of their god, and enjoined his army to pay him
divine honours.
Verse \S'2. The pillars of Hercules arc two lofty
mountains, situate, one on the most southern extre-
mity of Spain, and the other on the opposite part of
Africa. They are are reckoned by the ancients the
boundaries of the labours of Hercules, and. according-
to their tradition, were joined tog-ether till they were
severed by the arm of the hero, and a communication
thus opened between the Mediterranean and Atlantic
seas.
THEBES.
TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN ODE RE( ITED IN
THE SENATE HOUSE AT CAMBRIDGE,
A. D. 18iy.
THOMAS HENRY HALL,
OK KINu'iJ COLLKtiK.
THEBES.
Ve g-oI(Jen sliores, ye classic haunts,
Where her past fame Canopus vaunts, —
Though still may Nile o'erflowing" lead
His bounteous waters through the mead,
hinrich your fields, unblest with rains,
And nurse the harvests of your plains ;
Though still your sons at ease behold
Spontaneous fruits the soil untold ; —
Why, — of your earlier days the boast, —
Hath holy W^isdom fled your coast ?
Why mourn yc now, in adverse hour,
Relentless Time's o'erwhelming power ?
112 THEBES.
Oh ! not for this was Learning given
To favour'd Thebes, direct from Heaven
Descending there her light to Man
Reveal'd Creation's wondrous plan ;
Of every change explain'd the cause.
And fathom'd Nature's mystic laws :
Skill'd were her sons each sign to know
Of Heaven above or Earth below ;
What stars in midnight skies appear.
What varied seasons rule the year.
Yet now, alas ! th' untutor'd mind
Droops in the bonds of Sloth confin'd ;
Forgetful now of nobler days.
Degenerate sons their sires dispraise ;
And trample on each holy trace.
That proves of old a patriot race.
With deeper thirst for Science fir'd.
By glorious Enterprize inspir'd.
THEBES. lis
From distant coasts, all fear disdain'd,
To realms where once Busiris rei^n'd.
From Italy's romantic vales.
From Britain's isle, the traveller sails ;
To search in Thebes, v.ith curious aim,
The records of departed fame.
Undaunted through surrounding gloom
His daring footsteps pierce the tomb.
Where mighty kings, in solemn rows,
In Death's eternal sleep repose,
Girt with the pomp, by age defil'd,
That vainly o'er their dust was pil'd.
Oh ! why, to deck the grave alone,
Should toil and care like this be shown ?
E'en here shall Time's effacing hand
Destroy the fabrics Man hath plann'd ;
And Heaven in swift decay shall hide
The monuments of human pride.
I
114 ' THEBES.
No more, — as Morning's orient lig-ht
Slowly dispels the shades of Night, —
Harmonious sounds Aurora hears,
(Like Music of celestial spheres,)
That long in earlier years were known
To breathe from yon colossal Stone,
When Memnon bade the Day-star hail,
(Such is Tradition's wondrous tale^)
Saluting with melodious praise
Yon glorious Orb's returning rays.
No more, replete with varied bloom,
The sloping gardens yield perfume :
But still, within the dark recess
Of craggy mountain wilderness,
With the fierce partners of his toil
The ruthless Bandit shares the spoil; —
When the lone Traveller on bis way
Hath sunk of lawless might the prey ;
THEBKS. 115
Or Rapine's arm hath here transferr'd
The feeble Shepherd's choicest herd.
Still tameless beasts the plain invade.
Or watchful lurk within the shade ;
Still to the Sun's prolific rays
The Crocodile her eggs displays.
Leaving- what parent aid demands
To sultr)' beams and barren sands.
Yet here, unfetter'd with dismay,
The Stranger's lingering steps delay ;
Here, 'mid the leaves of lotos, spread
Above the River's glassy bed.
Or reedy banks, at evening's close.
Softly the murmuring Zephyr blows ;
While groves of palm from noon-day heat
Present their shady cool retreat ;
And far around the morning dews
Their freshness o'er the ghide diffuse.
I 2
116 THEBES.
The Traveller here with curious eyes
Each trace of ancient fame descries ;
And as around in rapturous trance
He casts inspir'd his eager glance.
In Fancy's dream, where'er he strays.
He sees the forms of other days ;
And frames, in pensive thought reclin'd.
The visions of his wayward mind.
Again in all its former might
The City bursts upon his sight ;
Embattled towers the scene supplies.
And adamantine pillars rise ;
While, from each wreck of fanes o'erthrown,
Each crumbling mass of shapeless stone,
Fond thought restores in all their pride
The temples of the deified.
On every hill, in freshest hues.
Some God's majestic pile he views ;
11
And seems in every sound again
To hear the Statue's vocal strain.
And, io ! releas'd from Stygian gloom,
Bursting the cerements of the tomb.
Again to realms of light and air
The Chiefs, renown'd of old, repair;
FVoni dark oblivion rise again,
To triumph on their native plain.
Around the hundred gates, that seem
E'en now rcstor'd in magic dream.
Warriors in glittering arms advance,
And wield in fight the beamy lance.
Call it not vain : — what selfish heart
With sweet illusions loves to part.
That spring at Memory's apt command,
'Mid wrecks of age in classic land ?
Who, first of Cities, queen of States,
Unmov'd hath pass'd thy sacred gates.
118 THEBES.
Or fail'd to rest, with tarrying- feet.
In ancient Learning's honour'd seat ?
In vain the Persian's vengeful horde
Hath far and wide destruction pour'd ;
Still hath the Victor led in vain
Through desert halls his lawless train.
And (pity's ruling power unknown)
Statues and shrines of Gods o'erthrown :
For oh ! if Memor}% heavenly guest,
Retains her sway o'er mortal breast, —
If e'er the Poet's generous lay
Surviv'd his native land's decay, —
Still in the Muse's hallow'd strain
Shall Thebes -through future ages reign ;
And Time with sparing touch revere
The relics of her past career.
And oft the wanderer on her coast.
Who sees the pomp her Sires could boast.
THEBES. 119
With reverent feeling's shall explore
Celestial Wisdom's ancient lore :
Her praises shall the verse inspire,
Her favour'd land shall wake the lyre,
Where first, as earlier bards have sung",
The Arts arose, and Learning* sprung*.
NOTES.
Verse 58. The famous statue of Memnon, near
the city of Thebes, was said to utter a sound like the
snapping" asunder of a musical string", when it was
struck by the first beams of the Sun. It was a colos-
sal figure of gigantic size, the mutilated bust of which,
weighing nearly twelve tons, was sent to England by
Belzoni, in 1818, and is now in the British Museum.
Verse 123. Thebes sank in importance when Lower
Egypt began to be more thickly inhabited, and the
new capital Memphis arose. It still remained, how-
ever, the chief seat of religion, until the furj^ of Cara-
byses, or, more correctly speaking, his religious fana-
ticism, destroyed most of its priesthood, and overthrew
its proudest structures ; from which period it rapidly
declined.
131
Verse 138. " It is absolutely impossible," says
the enterprising' Belzoni, " to imag-ine the scene dis-
played at Thebes, without seeing it. The most sub-
lime ideas that can be formed from the most magni-
ricent specimens of our present architecture, would
give a very incorrect picture of these ruins ; for such
is the difference not only in magnitude, but in form,
proportion, and construction, that even the pencil can
convey but a faint idea of the whole. It appeared
to me like entering a city of giants, who after a long
conflict were all destroyed, leaving the ruins of their
various temples as the only proof of their existence."
SYRACUSE.
TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN PRIZE POEM
RECITED IN THE THEATRE AT OXFORD,
A.D. 181