LINES ON THE EXPECTED INVASION

Come ye — who, if ( which Heaven avert! ) the Land

Were with herself at strife, would take your stand,

Like gallant Falkland, by the Monarch's side,

And, like Montrose, make Loyalty your pride —

Come ye — who, not less zealous, might display

Banners at enmity with regal sway,

And, like the Pyms and Miltons of that day,

Think that a State would live in sounder health

If Kingship bowed its head to Commonwealth —

Ye too — whom no discreditable fear

Would keep, perhaps with many a fruitless tear,

Uncertain what to choose and how to steer —

And ye — who might mistake for sober sense

And wise reserve the plea of indolence —

Come ye — whate'er your creed — O waken all,

Whate'er your temper, at your Country's call;

Resolving ( this a free-born Nation can )

To have one Soul, and perish to a man,

Or save this honoured Land from every Lord

But British reason and the British sword.