Page:The Chace - Somervile (1735).djvu/22

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THE CHACE.
Book I.
Rear the triumphal Arch, rich with th' ExploitsOf thy Illustrious House; while Virgins paveThy Way with Flow'rs, and, as the Royal YouthPassing they view, admire, and sigh in vain;While crowded Theatres, too fondly proud 10Of their exotick Minstrels, and shrill Pipes,The Price of Manhood, hail thee with a Song,And Airs soft-warbling; my hoarse-sounding HornInvites thee to the Chace, the Sport of Kings;Image of War, without its Guilt. The Muse 15Aloft on Wing shall soar, conduct with CareThy foaming Courser o'er the steepy Rock,Or on the River Bank receive thee safe,Light-bounding o'er the Wave, from Shore to Shore.Be thou our great Protector, gracious Youth! 20And if in future Times, some envious Prince,Careless of Right and guileful, shou'd invadeThy Britain's Commerce, or shou'd strive in vain

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