VIII.
But R—— the C—— C—— R—— is chose
His fine self and his Fleet to the Sea to expose,
But he'll have a care how he meets with his Foes,
Which, etc.
IX.
He had Sea-Colonels of the Nature of Otter,
Which either might serve by Land or by Water,
But of what they have done we have heard no great matter,
Which, etc.
X.
In the month of May last they sail'd on the Main,
And now in September they come back again
With the loss of some ships, but in Battle none slain,
Which, etc.
[Footnote 12: Probably George, Viscount Torrington, First Lord of the
Admiralty in 1727.]
ON SEEING MR. FOX AND MR. HASTINGS AT CHELTENHAM.
"En redit Hastingus, pocatis regibus Indi,
Anglorum et posito nomine, et imperio,
Ecce silet vulpes, annosaque fabula Burki,
Faucibus haret, eheu, Dic, age, dic Sheridan."
From Eastern climes, lo, Hastings! late return'd,
His struggles ended, and his fame well earn'd,
Illustrious Stateman! [13] to a distant age
Thy name shall live and grace th'historic page;
There licens'd falsehoods [14] shall no more prevail,
Nor Dodsley publish [15] Edmund's annual tale.
When France, exulting, deem'd our ruin near,
And Hyder's progress struck each Chief with fear;
When hostile nations press'd in league combin'd,
Collected, firm, and dauntless was thy mind;
Inspir'd by Hastings, Coote [16]: the seasons brav'd,
Embark'd his succours, and a kingdom sav'd.
Goddard [17] at his command our standard bore
Through lands to England's sons unknown before;
While Popham's victories rais'd our country's fame
And fix'd in realms remote the British name.
The sued-for peace [18] to Gualior's fall is due.
And Gualior's capture long was Hastings' view.
History shall tell how clos'd the scene of blood,
When to a world oppos'd Britannia stood;
No conquest Gallia claims on India's coast,
No splendid triumphs can the Belgian boast,
For millions wasted, [19] and a navy lost.
The keen Maratta and the fierce Mysore
Their league dissolve, and give the contest o'er;
And peace restor'd, e'en party owns, tho' late, [20]
That Hastings' firmness has preserv'd the State.
Succeeding ages this great truth shall know,
A truth recorded by a generous foe, [21]
That England's genius, in a luckless hour
For Gallic schemes, gave Hastings Sov'reign pow'r.