[Footnote 156: 'Epsom prose:' alluding to Shadwell's play of 'Epsom
Wells.']
[Footnote 157: 'Formal:' a character in 'The Virtuoso.']
[Footnote 158: 'Nicander:' a character of a lover in Shadwell's opera of
'Psyche.']
[Footnote 159: 'Wings and altars:' forms in which old acrostics were cast. See Herbert's 'Temple.']
[Footnote 160: 'Bruce and Longville:' two characters in Shadwell's
'Virtuoso.']
* * * * *
BRITANNIA REDIVIVA:
A POEM ON THE PRINCE, BORN JUNE 10, 1688.
Our vows are heard betimes! and Heaven takes care
To grant, before we can conclude the prayer:
Preventing angels met it half the way,
And sent us back to praise, who came to pray.
Just on the day, when the high-mounted Sun
Did furthest in his northern progress run,
He bended forward, and even stretch'd the sphere
Beyond the limits of the lengthen'd year,
To view a brighter sun in Britain born;
That was the business of his longest morn; 10
The glorious object seen, 'twas time to turn.