Our British heaven was all serene,

No threatening cloud was nigh,

Not the least wrinkle to deform the sky;

We lived as unconcerned and happily

As the first age in nature's golden scene;

Supine amidst our flowing store,

We slept securely, and we dreamt of more;

When suddenly the thunder-clap was heard,

It took us, unprepared, and out of guard,

Already lost before we feared.