Of dizzy Vision pil'd, in one wide flash An Ethiopian deluge foams amain, 230 (Whence wondering fable trac'd him from the sky ;) E'en not that prime of earth, where harvests crowd On untill'd harvests all the teeming year, If of the fat o'erflowing culture robb'd, 235 240 Of what she was, her merchants scattered wide, 245 That manly soul of toil, which strings your nerves, Oh! let not the soft penetrating plague 250 Creep on the free-born maid, and, working there, With the sharp tooth of many a new-form'd want, Of Liberty, the high conception blast, 255 260 265 The human being almost quite extinct, And the whole state in broad corruption sinks. Oh! shun that gulf; that gaping ruin shun! From you, ye heav'n belov'd! May Liberty, The light of life! the sun of human kind! 270 Whence heroes, bards, and patriots borrow flame, 275 280 285 Lo! now, my sons, the sons of Freedom! meet 290 Burn in the patriot's thought, flow from his tongue In fearless truth, myself, transform'd preside, 295 This said, her fleeting form and airy train WHEN I reflect upon that ready condescension, that preventing generosity, with which your royal highness received the following poem under your protection, I can alone ascribe it to the recommendation and influence of the subject. In you the cause and concerns of Liberty have so zealous a patron, as entitles whatever may have the least tendency to promote them to the distinction of your favour; and who can entertain this delightful reflection, without feeling a pleasure far superior to that of the fondest author, and of which all true lovers of their country must participate? To behold the noblest dispositions of the prince and of the patriot united; and overflowing benevolence, generosity, and candour of heart, joined to an enlightened zeal for Liberty, an intimate persuasion that on it depends the happiness and glory of both kings and people; to see these shining out in public virtues, as they have hitherto smiled in all the social lights and private accomplishments of life, is a prospect that cannot but inspire a general sentiment of satisfaction and gladness, more easy to be felt than expressed. If the following attempt to trace Liberty from the first ages, down to her excellent establishment in Great Britain, can at all merit your approbation, and prove an entertainment to your royal highness; if it can in any degree answer the dignity of |