Threnodia Augustalis (1685) by John Dryden

Threnodia Augustalis (1685) by John Dryden (more at stuarts-online.com) XVI. View then a monarch ripened for a throne. Alcides thus his race began, O’re infancy he swiftly ran; The future god at first was more than man. Dangers and toils, and Juno’s hate Even o’re his cradle lay in wait; And there he grappled first with Fate: In his young hands the hissing snakes he pressed, So early was the deity confessed; Thus by degrees he rose to Jove’s imperial seat. Thus difficulties prove a soul legitimately great. Like his, our hero’s infancy was tried; Betimes the Furies did their snakes provide, And to his infant arms oppose His father’s rebels and his brother’s foes. The more oppressed the higher still he rose. Those were the preludes of his fate That formed his manhood to subdue The hydra of the many-headed, hissing crew.

XVII. As after Numa’s peaceful reign The martial Ancus did the sceptre wield, Furbished the rusty sword again, Resumed the long forgotten shield, And led the Latins to the dusty field; So James the drowsy genius wakes Of Britain, long entranced in charms, Restive and slumbering on its arms: ’Tis rowsed, and with a new strung nerve the spear already shakes. No neighing of the warrior steeds, No drum or louder trumpet needs T’ inspire the coward, warm the cold, His voice, his sole appearance makes ’em bold. Gaul and Batavia dread th’ impending blow; Too well the vigour of that arm they know; They lick the dust and crouch beneath their fatal foe. Long may they fear this awful prince, And not provoke his lingering sword; Peace is their only sure defence, Their best security his word: In all the changes of his doubtful state, His truth, like heaven’s, was kept inviolate, For him to promise is to make it fate. His valour can triumph o’re land and main; With broken oaths his fame he will not stain, With conquest basely bought, and with inglorious gain.