Prince Arthur: Part II by Richard Blackmore, originally published in 1695. from THE CAMELOT PROJECT at the University of Rochester

PRINCE ARTHUR. AN HEROICK POEM IN TEN BOOKS

by SIR RICHARD BLACKMORE

In cheerful Troops the stout Cornavians came,

From the rich Soil we now Salopia name.
From either side of fair Sabrina's Tyde,
Whose silver Streams the fruitful Land divide.
From Usocona, end the Towns that lay
On the fam'd Roman Military way.
From Uriconium, yet a Noble Town,
And old Rutunium, then of good Renown.
Galbut their Leader at their Head appears
A lovely Youth, and Wise above his Years:
Descended from a Noble ancient Race
Of Heros, who the British Annals grace.
He by Forefathers Beams Illustrious shone,
Great by their Deeds, but greater by his own.
Zeal for his Country, and the British Cause,
The generous Youth to glorious Danger draws.
For this he crost the Ocean, to implore
Prince Arthur's Arms, their Freedom to restore.
The Prince embrac'd him, as his Fav'rite Friend,
And did his Zeal and Vigilance commend.
He staid the dear Companion of his Toil,
Both on the Seas, and on th' Armorick Soil.
And when the Saxon, and the British Fleet,
(A dreadful day) did on the Ocean meet,
By Arthur's side upon the Deck, he stood
Distain'd with scatter'd Brains, and reeking Blood.
The Youth at danger unconcern'd appear'd,
And nothing but his Country's Suff'rings fear'd.
He leap'd out first on the Dimetian Strand,
And welcom'd Arthur to his Native Land.
Where taking leave, he to his Country came,
To Head his Men, and win yet greater Fame