King Alfred (Volume 2); A Poem

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1842. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... KING ALFRED. BOOK XIV. PROMPT then to turn occasion thus allow'd To its best use, and studious now to learn The state of countries kindred to his own, The thoughtful sovereign his enquiry fond Addresses to the travell'd Erigen. "Now, my revered tutor, valued friend, Our learned Erigen, do thou, not least Of our attention worthy, deign to tell Thy chanced adventures, since we parted last. And if thy native Scotia has again Received thee, fugitive from frightful war, 11 Or the more peaceful Ireland's kindred shores, Reveal to me their state, which much I long To hear, and most of all, methinks, from thee; Whose keen observance will be fraught with much. Which in due season I may well apply, (Following my hopes and long-digested thought, ) To union and their blent prosperity. Tell then, my studious Erigen, whose steps Have trod so wide and varied pilgrimage, Hast thou, amid thy wandering, since our dream Of transient peace was interrupted last, Visited, (as 'tis like) our sister-realms, 23 Scotland and Ireland, countries to thyself Native indeed, being in Erin born: (As thy surname imports; named too the Scot, A title common to the sister-clime.) The state of both these realms I more than all Burn certainly to know from thee, since both Are dear to us, our natural allies, Parts only of one empire in the west, And known of old, but as the British isles: One state, one country, common in defence, Their interest, language, and pursuits, the same. Hereafter each I hope in union just To blend indissolubly, as the bond so Vol. u. v Of mutual safety and prosperity. 37 For matchless is their power combined, to meet The common foe of Britain's sovereignty. Nor will these generous lands, instructed right, Such union and such aid refuse, since both Are natural pillars of the B...