in the _master_ yet perceiv'd the _god_:
Nor knew the immortal flame his bosom fir'd,
But like a shepherd lov'd him, and admir'd!
In me, _great prince_, the image stands renew'd,
I feel myself with kindred warmth indu'd;
As to thy praise I tune the conscious lyre,
I ask whence draws my breast the noble fire?
Tell what inspires me, happy people tell?
Beneath my Fred'rick's orient sway who dwell:
From rapid _Rhine_ to silver-streaming _Meine_,
The peaceful subjects of his placid reign?
Or ye on _Prussia's_ amber yielding shore,
Who bless his name, and hail his guardian power!
Yes ... let consenting lands his virtues raise,
And fame with all her tongues repeat his praise!
Whose scepter shall _Astrea's_ rule restore,
And bid dejected MERIT[38] sigh no more.
As once directed by the voice of fame
To _wisdom's King_ the _southern princess_ came;
At FREDERICK'S call ... see ravish'd to obey,
The sons of learning take their chearful way;
To hear _that_ sense which still attention draws;
And bless _that_ goodness which directs his laws;
Close by his throne _Philosophy_ shall smile,
To view her prince approve her children's toil!
While _Science_ joys to see his kind regards
Inspire the muse, his bounty still rewards;
Not distant far, calm _Charity_ shall stand,
Stretching to _Piety_ her social hand:
_Justice_ shall banish _arbitrary might_,
And _Commerce_ chearful _Plenty_ shall invite:
But _Goodness_ chief ... in form angelic drest,
(Such as she lives in FREDERICK'S royal breast!)
Beneath her wings shall bid the worthy find
A shelter from the storms that vex mankind;
The friend of truth, by fraud or malice hurl'd
Through all the mazes of a faithless world.
Whom envy persecutes and bigots hate,
Shall here enjoy an undisturb'd retreat;
With HIM, who scorns the empty pride or blood,
But shares his grandeur with the _wise_ and _good_!
What tho' his prudence guards the chance of war,
His mildness eyes the mischief from afar!
What tho' his arms might _Caesar's_ laurels find,
The peaceful olive suits his greater mind:
Yet safe in all events the storm he views,
In peace or war ... the darling of the Muse!
In either state, alike insur'd success,
Since all his aim is to defend and bless!
Yet while impending clouds their darkness