(Written at the request of the Duchess Dowager of Rutland, and inscribed in her Album, 1812.)
When native Britons British lands possess’d—
Their glory freedom, and their blessing rest—
A powerful chief this lofty Seat survey’d,
And here his mansion’s strong foundation laid.
In his own ground the massy stone he sought,
From his own woods the rugged timbers brought,
Rudeness and greatness in his work combined—
An humble taste with an aspiring mind.
His herds the vale, his flocks the hills, o’erspread;