The following Poem is thrown into the form of a Poeti-
cal Vifion. Its scene the ruins of ancient Rome. The
Goddess of Liberty, who is supposed to speak through
the whole, appears, characterized as British Liberty;
to ver. 44. Gives a view of ancient Italy, and par-
ticularly of republican Rome, in all her magnificence
and glory; to ver. 112. This contrafted by modern
Italy; its vallies, mountains, culture, cities, people :
the difference appearing ftrongest in the capital city
Rome; to ver. 234. The ruins of the great works
of Liberty more magnificent than the borrowed pomp
of Oppreffion; and from them revived Sculpture,
Painting, and Architecture; to ver. 256. The old
Romans apoftrophized, with regard to the several
melancholy changes in Italy: Horace, Tully, and
Virgil, with regard to their Tibur, Tufculum, and
Naples; to ver. 287. That once finest and most or-
namented part
of Italy, all along the coast of Baiæ,
how changed; to ver. 321. This defolation of Italy
applied to Britain; to ver. 344. Addrefs to the
Goddefs of Liberty, that she would deduce from the
firft ages, her chief eftablishments, the description of
which conftitute the fubject of the following parts of
this Poem. She affents, and commands what she says
to be fung in Britain; whofe happiness, arifing from
freedom, and a limited monarchy, she marks; to ver.
391. An immediate Vision attends, and paints her
words. Invocation.
FREDERICK, PRINCE OF WALES.
HEN I reflect upon that ready condefcenfion,
W that preventing generofity, with which Your
Royal Highness received the following poem under your protection; I can alone afcribe it to the recommendation, and influence of the fubject. In you the caufe and concerns of Liberty have fo zealous a patron, as entitles whatever may have the least tendency to promote them, to the diftinction of your favour. And who can entertain this delightful reflection, without feeling a pleasure far fuperior to that of the fondeft author; and of which all true lovers of their country muft participate? To behold the nobleft difpofitions of the prince, and of the patriot, united: an overflowing benevolence, generofity, and candour of heart, joined to an enlightened zeal for liberty, an intimate persuasion that on it depends the happiness and glory both of kings and people to fee these fhining out in public virtues, as they have hitherto fmiled in all the focial lights and private accomplishments of life, is a prospect that cannot but infpire a general fentiment of fatisfaction and gladnefs, more eafy to be felt than expreffed.
If the following attempt to trace Liberty, from the firft ages down to her excellent establishment in GreatBritain, can at all merit your approbation, and prove an entertainment to Your Royal Highness; if it can in any degree anfwer the dignity of the fubject, and of the name under which I prefume to fhelter it; I have my beft reward: particularly as it affords me an opportunity of declaring that I am, with the greatest zeal and respect,
and moft devoted fervant,
My lamented Talbot! while with thee
The Mufe gay rov'd the glad Hefperian round,
And drew th' inspiring breath of ancient arts;
Ah! little thought the her returning verse
Should fing our darling fubject to thy fhade.
And does the mystic veil, from mortal beam,
Involve those eyes where every virtue smil❜d,
And all thy Father's candid spirit shone?
The light of reason, pure, without a cloud;
Full of the generous heart, the mild regard;
Honour difdaining blemish, cordial faith,
And limpid truth, that looks the very foul.
But to the death of mighty nations turn,
My ftrain; be there abforpt the private tear.
Mufing, I lay; warm from the facred walks,
Where at each step imagination burns:
While, fcatter'd wide around, aweful, and hoar,
Lies, a vast monument, once-glorious Rome,
The tomb of empire! ruins! that efface
Whate'er, of finish'd, modern pomp can boaft.
Snatch'd by these wonders to that world where thought Unfetter'd ranges, Fancy's magic hand C
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