Such are the woes we paint; nor vainly deem Of sage instruction void th' historic theme!

Here all may view, by sad experience wise,

Th' unnumber'd ills, from doubtful rule that rise;
And learn the happier fate that nations own,

Where, with just bounds, one Monarch fills the throne;
Where, friend of right, and guardian of the Law,
The land's dread Sov'reign holds the realm in awe :
Quells, ere it rages, Faction's madd'ning flame,
Controuls the proud, and checks Ambition's aim;
Protects the weak, alike o'er all presides,
Restrains with vigor, and with wisdom guides;
The State still fixes to its wonted place,
Each looser part concentring to its base;
With weight superior binds and settles all,
And keeps the mighty fabric from its fall,

Ah! little deem'd, O France, thy fickle train,
When, lur'd to quit fair Duty's milder reign,
Proud they gave up their once-lov'd Monarch's sway,
And saw him sink to traitors' arms a prey;

Saw on the murd'rous steel the life-blood start,
Which warm came issuing from his patriot heart :
Ah! little deem'd they, in that hour of fate,
What woes then brooded o'er the sinking State.
Lo! bold usurpers o'er the prostrate throne
Lift high their arm, and make the nation groan;

Through all the realm disperse their savage brood,
And deluge cities with the people's blood;

Seize on the wealth of thousands doom'd to die

By lawless rule, and basest tyranny,

Only to bind more fast th' oppressive chain,

To prop their pow'r and fortify their reign.

While, as by force compell'd, their slaught'ring bands Spread desolation wide o'er foreign lands

And want and famine wring the needy poor.

E'en now, should Heav'n relief in pity send,
And bid a wasted nation's sorrows end;

On virtuous aims with light auspicious shine,
And to his throne restore a Monarch's line:
Ere days of peace shall glad their longing eyes,
Ere pow'r once more on just foundations rise,
How many a gallant youth, in battle slain,
Shall dew with faithful blood his native plain!

Hence taught, may Britons, fam'd for valiant deeds,

Shun the dire ills that bloody discord breeds;
And firm united pour th' avenging blow

With juster fury on the foreign foe!

And while they view with pleas'd contentment's smile
The tranquil scenes, that crown our favor❜d isle,
Fair Order's sway with gen'rous zeal maintain,

Own their blest lot, and hail a BRUNSWICK's reign!

DRAMATIS PERSONE.

THE ROSES;

OR,

KING HENRY THE SIXTH.

ACT I.

SCENE I.-Glocestershire.

Enter EDWARD.

THE smiling morn unfolds the frowns of night,
Streaking yon eastern hills with peering beams.
Thus to the gloom succeeds the cheerful day :
Sweet interchange of nature. But to me
No ease returns, no pause of anxious fears.
Perhaps e'en now my honor'd father lies
In the cold arms of death. His mighty spirit
Could brook no dull delay. While I in Wales
Levied new forces to dislodge the foe,
Advancing fearless from his castle's strength,
He dar'd th'unequal fight.

But see, my brother.

B

Enter RICHARD.

After this dang'rous fight and hapless war,
How does my noble brother Richard fare?

Richard.

my veins,

Still must a faint cold fear thrill thro'

Until I know my valiant father's fate.
I saw him in the battle range about,

And watched him, how he singled Clifford forth.
Methought he bore him in the thickest troop,
As does a Lion in a flock of sheep.
Believe me, brother, I forgive e'en nature,
Tho' she has wreaked her malice on my form,
Since she has made me son of such a father.-
But see! the morn wide opes her golden gates,
And the sun rises with a double splendor.

Edward. My eyes are dazzled, or I see three suns!
Richard. Three glorious suns, and each a perfect

sun;

Not separated by the racking clouds,

But sever'd in a pale, clear-shining sky.

See, see! they join, embrace, and seem to kiss,
As if they vow'd a league inviolable.

Now are they but one lamp, one light, one sun!
Sure the day's pregnant with some great event!
Edward. 'Tis wond'rous strange-the like I never
heard.

I think it cites us, brother, to the field;
That we, the sons of great Plantagenet,
Each one already blazing by our deeds,