390

Leaves them the victims, while it wraps its friends
In the fragrant cloud of innocence, and truth,
Impervious to the wicked. This too late
Philip perceiv'd: not all his base attempts
Against Eliza's life, nor poisonous herb,
Nor steel of murderers, nor Popish bulls,
Availed aught; and though his armaments
Burthen'd the ocean, and had struck with fear
The stoutest hearts, not arm'd in freedom's cause,
Yet Britain's sons no sooner saw her foe,
Than seen, and conquered baffled he return'd
Back to his ports, with all his hideous wrecks.
So much could freedom in the cause of man.

396

END OF THE THIRD BOOK.

ARGUMENT OF THE FOURTH BOOK.

Invocation. Origin of the American war. Speech of lord North to the British Senate. The indignant and patriotick reply of the great Chatham, who vindicates the cause of America, and expresses his horrour at the employment of the Indians. Answer of lord North. Obedience of the House of Commons.

WASHINGTON,

OR

LIBERTY RESTORED.

FOR that heavenly Muse, which, when implor'd By the blest voice of him, who compass'd stood With dangers, and in solitude involv'd,

And darkness, fail'd him not, but deign'd to quit
Her heavenly mansion here to dwell with him,
To light his darkness with celestial light,
And make his solitude the abode of joy ;
But he on evil days was fallen, on days
When Hampden, Sidney, and a cloud of men
Suffer'd for freedom and for virtue's sake.
But thou, Urania! gav'st him sweetest song
To cheer his morns and nights, and make the days
Less evil. O that thou again would'st deign
To visit this sad realm, where wisdom's voice
And truth, and virtue, by fierce terrour scar'd, 15

10

15. by fierce terrour scar'd,-This was written at a time when the country was almost deluged with spies and informers; when sentiments of liberty, indigenous as they are, could not be uttered without danger; when the Habeas Corpus Act was suspended, and many virtuous and wise men were