Henry Esmond; The English Humourists; The Four Georges

by William Makepeace Thackeray

To fainting squadrons lent the timely aid,

Inspired repulsed battalions to engage,

And taught the doubtful battle where to rage.

So when an angel by divine command,

With rising tempests shakes a guilty land

(Such as of late o'er pale Britannia passed),

Calm and serene he drives the furious blast;

And, pleased the Almighty's orders to perform,

Rides on the whirlwind and directs the storm.

Addison left off at a good moment. That simile was pronounced to be of the greatest ever produced in poetry. That angel, that good angel, flew off with Mr. Addison, and landed him in the place of Commissioner of Appeals—vice Mr. Locke providentially promoted. In the following year, Mr. Addison went to Hanover with Lord Halifax, and the year after was made Under-Secretary of State. O angel visits! you come “few and far between” to literary gentlemen's lodgings! Your wings seldom quiver at second-floor windows now!