Languages & literature > Alfred: a masque

PROLOGUE.
By a FRIEND.
Spoken by ]\![r. GARRICK.
JN arms renown J, for arts of peace ador'd,
J Alfred, tke nation's father, more than lord,
dl Britiih author has prefum'd to draw.
Struck deep, even now, with reverential awe ;
And fets the godlike figure fair in view
0 may difcernment find the likenefs true.
When Danilh fury, with wide ivafiing hand.
Had fpread pale fear, and ravage o'er the land,
This prince arifing bade confufion ceaje.
Bade order f ine, and bleft his ifie with peaces
Taught liberal arts to humanize the mind,
And heaven-born faience to fwcet freedom join'd.
United thus, the friendly fifters fone,
And one fecur'd, while one adorn'd, his throne.
Amidfi thefe honors of his happy reign.
Each grace and every mufe compos’d his train:
As grateful fervants, all exulting flrove,
At once to fpread his fame, and Jbare his love.
To night, if aught of fill ion you behold.
Think not, in virtue’s caufe, the bard too bold.
Jf ever angels from the skies defend.
It nmfi be—truth and freedom to defend.
Thus would our author pteafe—be it your part,
If not his labours, to approve his heart.
7rue to his country's, and to honor's caufe.
He fixes, there, his fame, atfdyour applaufe;
Wijhes no failing from your fight to hide,
But, by free Britons, will be freely try'd.