The GENIUS. An ODE, written in 1717, on occasion of the Duke of MARLBOROUGH'S Apoplexy.

The GENIUS.

An ODE, written in 1717, on occasion of the Duke of MARLBOROUGH'S Apoplexy.

I.

AWEFUL hero, Marlb'rough, rise: Sleepy charms I come to break: Higher turn thy languid eyes: Lo! thy Genius calls: awake!

II.

Well survey this faithful plan, With records thy life's great story; 'Tis a short, but crowded span, Full of triumphs, full of glory.

III.

One by one thy deeds review, Sieges, battles, thick appear; Former wonders, lost in new, Greatly fill each pompous year.

IV.

This is Blenheim's crimson field, Wet with gore, with slaughter stain'd! Here retiring squadrons yield, And a bloodless wreath is gain'd!

V.

Ponder in thy godlike mind All the wonders thou hast wrought; Tyrants, from their pride declin'd, Be the subject of thy thought!

VI.

Rest thee here, while life may last: Th' utmost bliss, to man allow'd, Is to trace his actions past, And to own them great and good.

VII.

But 'tis gone — a mortal born! Swift the fading scenes remove — Let them pass with noble scorn, Thine are worlds, which roll above.

VIII.

Poets, prophets, heroes, kings, Pleas'd, thy ripe approach foresee; Men, who acted wond'rdus things, Tho' they yield in same to thee.

IX.

Foremost, in the patriot-band, Shining with distinguish'd day, See thy friend, Godolphin stand! See! he beckons thee away.

X.

Yonder seats and fields of light Let thy ravish'd thought explore; Wishing, panting for thy flight! Half an angel; man no more.