Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, FOR THE KING'S BIRTHDAY 1732, by COLLEY CIBBER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

FOR THE KING'S BIRTHDAY 1732, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Let there be light!
Last Line: And joins the joy that crowns the day.
Subject(s): George Ii, King Of England (1683-1760); Holidays; New Year


Let there be light!
Such was at once the word and work of Heaven,
When from the void of universal night
Free Nature sprang to the Creator’s sight,
And day to glad the new-born world was given.

Succeeding days to ages rolled
And every age some wonder told:
At length arose the glorious morn!
When, to extend his bounteous power,
High Heaven announced this instant hour
The best of monarchs shall be born!

Born to protect and bless the land!
And while the laws his people form,
His scepter glories to confirm
Their wishes are his sole command.

The word that formed the world
In vain did make the mankind;
Unless, his passions to restrain,
Almighty wisdom had designed
Sometimes a William or a George should reign,
Yet farther, Britons, cast your eyes,
Behold a long succession rise
Of future fair felicities.

Around the royal table spread,
See how the beauteous branches shine!
Sprung from the fertile genial bed
Of glorious George and Caroline.

While Heaven with bounteous hand
Has so enriched her store;
When shall this promised land
In royal heirs be poor?
All we can further ask, or Heaven bestow,
Is, that we long this happiness may know.

While over our vanquished hearts alone
Our peaceful prince would greatly reign
He bids obedience to his throne,
And haughty Britain hugs her chain.

Her jealous sons, in George secure,
A happier state than freedom boast;
For while his kind commands allure,
Freedom in hearts resigned is lost.

Sing, joyous Britons, sing
The glorious natal day,
That gave, with such a king,
So great, so mild a sway.

Chorus

His realms around
Diffuse the sound!
From ports to fleets the jovial cannon play,
‘Till every peaceful shore
Receives the rolling roar,
And joins the joy that crowns the day.




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