Classic Poem

As Mars and Minerva were viewing of some implements
Bellona stepped forward and asked the news.
Were they for repairing those warlike instruments
That's now growing rusty for want to be used?
The money is withdrawn and our trade is diminishing,
Mechanics are wandering without shoes or hose.
Come, stir up the wars and our trade will be flourishing.
This grand conversation was under the rose.

See how they transact in the States of America,
Renowned independence sits on the throne.
They are not misguided by schemes of a ministry
That would extract the marrow from the centre of a bone.
Had we enlarged that hero who set the world a-trembling,
Whose name was a terror to his imperial foes
Although the day he lost it, it was brought by dissembling.
This grand conversation was under the rose.

He was a fine statesman, likewise a noble general,
His equal in France was never seen before;
His abilities were as bright as the diamond or the mineral,
Which thousands might verify that lay in their gore.
It was thought he was guided by the hand of providence
Until his gallant army he did wildly expose,
And when fortune did slight him it proved a bitter consequence.
This grand conversation was under the rose.

But Britannia of late has erected a grand residence
Embellished with a hall and an emblem of peace,
And his majesty is crowned with the greatest of opulence,
But her sportsmen are idle and they have no game to chase.
Her anchor's in harbour, her hearty tars they want their grog,
The broom at the masthead shows the daring foes
That she'll sweep the main ocean when again she bravely heaves the log.
This grand conversation was under the rose.