Classic Poem

When Britain first, at Heaven's supreme command,
Emerging rose from out the azure main;
This was the Charter of the favour'd Land,
And crouds of Guardian Angels sung this strain:
Secure while Ocean roars around your chalky shores,
Thy Genius shall defy each hostile stroke;
The Fates for you ordain the empire of the Main,
And Glory hovers over your Walls of Oak.

The Oak, an emblem of your future fame,
Abides unmov'd the elemental strife;
And one day shall acquire a glorious Name
By shielding in his arms great Charles's life.
Then filling earth and skies your mighty deeds shall rise:
No nation then shall dare your rage provoke.
From the East unto the West, to Neptune's Sons confest,
The world shall bow in homage to the Royal Oak.

Then shall the long expected day appear
When Britain's King shall be as good as great;
Rever'd by Foes, and to his People dear;
The Friend and Father of a mighty State.
Yet Faction in his days her hydra-head shall raise,
And wrap her spotted Carcase in a Patriot's cloak:
But Clinton on the shore shall banish'd Peace restore,
And Arbuthnot rule the main in the Royal Oak.

Arbuthnot, train'd for half an age to war;
To face death and danger where glory points the way;
And, often borne on Victory's beaming car
Enjoy'd the triumph of the well-fought day —
May he with vengeance fall on the perfidious Gaul,
And strew their pale-faced Lilies o'er the main;
That, as they run away, D'Astouche himself shall say,
" Begar, me n'engage pas Royal Oak again!