Classic Poem

Late a Council of Gods from their heavenly abodes
Were call'd on Olympus to meet;
Jove gave his commands from his throne in the clouds:
Attend, and his words I'll repeat.
Ye know, all ye Pow'rs that attend my high Throne,
Your Will to my Pleasure must bow:
I will, that those Gifts which you prize as your own,
Shall now be bestow'd on my Howe .

Astraea , who long since had quitted the Earth,
Presented her Balance and Sword;
The Honors derived from Titles and Birth
By Juno were instant conferred;
Fierce Mars gave his Chariot; gay Hermes his Wand;
Alcides , his Club and his Bow;
Sweet Peace with her Olive-branch graced his hand;
And Venus , herself did bestow.

Thus, enrich'd with such Gifts as the Gods can impart,
The Hero by Jove was address'd:
As you wish to reclaim each American heart,
Let Justice preside in your breast;
Exhibit the blessings of Order and Peace
As wide as your Conquests shall spread;
Let your Promise be sacred — Rebellion shall cease,
And the Laurel shall bloom round your head.

I know that fell Discord , your zeal to oppose,
Will nourish Sedition and Hate:
Mistakes may occur, and Friends suffer with Foes:
Yet your Wish is confirmed by Fate.
Sweet Peace shall revive from the horrors of War;
Her Empire again be restor'd;
Affection and Duty shall cover each Scar,
And Howe by the World be ador'd!

Now with shame must the Muse the sad sequel display;
With Sorrow, and Shame, and Surprise:
The Gifts of Astraea he lost by the way,
And her fillet he plac'd o'er his Eyes.
The Arms of Alcides he sent to Burgoyne,
And with them the Chariot of Mars :
For what but Assistance and Weapons divine
Could finish such Quixotic Wars?

Hermes' Wand was now useless; no Snakes would unite:
The Olive in vain was display'd;
For blessings no longer attended the sight,
And Loyalty fled from its shade.
The Gifts sent to Burgoyne return'd to the skies —
Despairing he yielded his Arms:
And fair Venus , disgusted, beheld with Surprize
A Mortal preferr'd to her Charms.