ARGUMENT. Sources of England's greatness-What the Romans gave us-What the Saxons-Love of Freedom-The social board-Good morals-What the Danes inspired-Naval enterprise-What the Norman conquest brought us-Chivalry and Romance-Original British courage-Effects of a combination of the best and bravest-Reproof for digression-Defence of—A speck of serene blue in a troubled sky-Harmony-Rule Britannia-England favoured by Heaven-ArrabelHanseatic league owed much to Cologne-Discord in Cologne-Evils of spurious liberty-Plato's Republic-How liberty best rearedHow best preserved Effects of the late French Revolution on Europe-Russia-Nicholas His first love-His residence in England— Horrors in France-Our own good King-Aristocracy—The people -A strong horse power-A simile for John Bull-Unhappy effects of faction in Cologne-The Jews banished from Cologne-History of the Jews-Death of Christ-Dispersion of the Jews-Hope for Israel-A lady's smile-Protestants driven from Cologne-Expelling industrious subjects impolitic-Henri le Grand-Louis XIV.— Toleration—Duke of Wellington-New way to India—America discovered-Commerce droops in Cologne-Dutch obtain liberty, and flourish—An eventful age-Old channels of commerce run dry—Rise and fall of states-Portugal-Prosperity not lasting if not well based -Don Miguel-France, beware-Prompt actions-Something still to redeem-King of France-Supplication for the unfortunate-Italy, glance at the history of Dark ages-Glimpses of returning day— Enlightened Saracens-What is most durable-Overthrow of the Saracen empire in Spain-Revolutions roll-Danger of a too great love of poesy. FITZ-RAYMOND. CANTO II. I. "TWAS ask'd, What made thee, Britain, good and great? How often down; yet, like that sacred bird1, Which, from its ashes, ancient bards relate, Rose still more beauteous, and still more rever'd? 'Tis all from crossing-oftener sought than fear'd: Then, when th' invaders came, with their dread darts, They brought forth hardy hands and noble hearts! 1 The reader will find interesting accounts of the Phoenix of Egypt, which is said to have appeared only once in 500 years, in Juvenal, vi. 164; also in Persius, i. 46, 73. |