Classic Poem

TO THE SAME. TO THE DUCHESS .

Madam , the joys of this great day are due,
No less than to your royal Lord, to you;
And while three mighty kingdoms pay your part,
You have, what's greater than them all, his heart;
That heart that, when it was his country's guard,
The fury of two elements outdar'd,
And made a stubborn haughty enemy
The terror of his dreadful conduct fly;
And yet you conquer'd it—and made your charms
Appear no less victorious than his arms;
For which you oft have triumph'd on this day,
And many more to come Heav'n grant you may!
But as great princes use, in solemn times
Of joy, to pardon all but heinous crimes,
If we have sinn'd without an ill intent,
And done below what really we meant;
We humbly ask your pardon for't, and pray
You would forgive, in honour of the day.