Thus in a land, that lasting wars oppress,
That groans beneath misfortune and distress;
Whose wealth to conquering armies falls a prey,
Till all her vigour, pride, and fame decay;
Some bold sagacious statesman, from the helm,
Sees desolation gathering o’er his realm;
He darts around his penetrating eyes,
Where dangers grow, and hostile unions rise;
With deep attention marks th’ invading foe,
Eludes their wiles and frustrates every blow,