under your protection, has conferred an honour upon me, as grateful as it is gracious. The splendid and useful improvements that have been effected in this METROPOLIS, under your MAJESTY'S auspices, and which it is the business of this work to describe, will render the name of GEORGE THE FOURTH, as illustrious in the British annals, as that of AUGUSTUS in those of Rome. The power of England, concentrated by peace, and directed by wise counsels, extends its general influence over a greater portion of the habitable globe, than did ever that of Rome by the demoralizing influence of the sword. And under the benign reign of your MAJESTY, we derive more advantages from the liberal cultivation of arts of peace, than did any other people, from the most triumphant consequences of successful war. In Rome the few were prodigiously rich, and the mass of the people as wretchedly poor; in Britain, the converse of this unhappy condition prevails : and the majority of your MAJESTY's subjects are in the secure enjoyment of liberty, prosperity and happiness. This state of society arises principally from a due regard for the honours of a noble ancestry; from active commerce, industrious trade, skilful manufactures, agriculture, arts, science, literature, and those magnificent rewards, which are ever the solace of genius and talents, from a patriotic sovereign and an enlightened people. Industry and a daring spirit of commercial enterprize, have characterized the British nation, from the time of Tacitus to the present day; when the influence of our princely merchants, and the spirit of nautical discovery, which signalize your MAJESTY'S reign, have extended the fostering influence of our laws, customs and language, and planted the British standard, from the icy regions of the Polar Seas to the verge of the terra incognita of Australasia. That your MAJESTY'S fortunate and happy reign, may be still more fortunate and more happy, by a providential continuance of the blessings of health, and a happy length of days, is the sincere prayer of Your MAJESTY'S Most obliged and most devoted Subject and Servant, JAMES ELMES. London, July 1, 1827. |