Classic and Contemporary Poetry
ANNUS MEMORABILIS, 1789, by WILLIAM COWPER Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I ransack'd, for a theme of song Last Line: Who is beloved where never seen. | ||||||||
(WRITTEN IN COMMEMORATION OF HIS MAJESTY'S HAPPY RECOVERY) I RANSACKED, for a theme of song, Much ancient chronicle, and long; I read of bright embattled fields, Of trophied helmets, spears, and shields, Of chiefs, whose single arm could boast Prowess to dissipate a host: Through tomes of fable and of dream I sought an eligible theme, But none I found, or found them shared Already by some happier bard. To modern times, with Truth to guide My busy search, I next applied; Here cities won, and fleets dispersed, Urged loud a claim to be rehearsed, Deeds of unperishing renown, Our fathers' triumphs and our own. Thus, as the bee, fro bank to bower, Assiduous sips at every flower, But rests on none till that be found Where most nectareous sweets abound, So I from theme to theme displayed In many a page historic strayed, Siege after siege, fight after fight, Contemplating with small delight (For feats of sanguinary hue Not always glitter in my view); Till settling on the current year, I found the far-sought treasure near; A theme for poetry divine, A theme to ennoble even mine, In memorable Eighty-nine. The spring of Eighty-nine shall be An era cherished long by me, Which joyful I will oft record, And thankful, at my frugal board; For then the clouds of Eighty-eight, That threatened England's trembling state With loss of what she least could spare, Her sovereign's tutelary care, One breath of Heaven, that cried-- "Restore!" Chased, never to assemble more: And far the richest crown on earth, If valued by its wearer's worth, The symbol of a righteous reign, Sat fast on George's brows again. Then peace and joy again possessed Our Queen's long-agitated breast; Such joy and peace as can be known By sufferers like herself alone, Who losing, or supposing lost, The good on earth they valued most, For that dear sorrow's sake forego All hope of happiness below, Then suddenly regain the prize, And flash thanksgivings to the skies! O Queen of Albion, queen of isles! Since all thy tears were changed to smiles, The eyes that never saw thee, shine With joy not unallied to thine, Transports not chargeable with art Illume the land's remotest part, And strangers to the air of courts, Both in their toils and at their sports, The happiness of answered prayers, That gilds thy features, show in theirs. If they who on thy state attend, Awe-struck, before thy presence bend, 'Tis but the natural effect Of grandeur that ensures respect; But she is something more than queen Who is beloved where never seen. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A COMPARISON [ADDRESSED] TO A YOUNG LADY by WILLIAM COWPER BOADICEA; AN ODE by WILLIAM COWPER EPITAPH ON A HARE by WILLIAM COWPER OLNEY HYMNS: 1. WALKING WITH GOD by WILLIAM COWPER OLNEY HYMNS: 18. LOVEST THOU ME? by WILLIAM COWPER OLNEY HYMNS: 35. LIGHT SHINING OUT OF DARKNESS by WILLIAM COWPER OLNEY HYMNS: 49. JOY AND PEACE IN BELIEVING by WILLIAM COWPER OLNEY HYMNS: 9. THE CONTRITE HEART by WILLIAM COWPER ON THE DEATH OF MRS. (NOW LADY) THROCKMORTON'S BULLFINCH by WILLIAM COWPER ON THE LOSS OF THE ROYAL GEORGE by WILLIAM COWPER ON THE RECEIPT OF MY MOTHER'S PICTURE [OUT OF NORFOLK] by WILLIAM COWPER |
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