124 History of the 



yet, if they tend in any measure to paint forth the horrid figure and 

 destructive design of a parcel of rebeUious rovers and desperate 

 plunderers, who have lately disturbed this peaceful island, and 

 thereby beget in the breast of any poor misled Briton an abhorence 

 of the wicked principles that actuated them, the author will think 

 his labour well rewarded, who is humbly persuaded that none can 

 accuse him of extravagant hyperboles, except such who have 

 imbibed their pernicious tenets, and secretly thirst after the ruin of 

 our present constitution both in Church and State." 



The poem begins — 



"Thou heav'nly Muse, who kind assistance lent 

 To antient bards on mighty themes intent, 

 Who did'st their breasts with sacred truths inspire, 

 Give me one spark of Thy poetick fire. 

 But chiefly Thou, supreme, Eternal King, 

 Who did'st confusion to bright order bring, 

 Assist my feeble muse, whilst 1 relate 

 The sad distractions of Britannia's State." 



The author then proceeds to recount the progress of the 

 Pretender's army through England to Derby, and he continues — 



" And Derby last finish'd their long career, 

 Tow'rd Trentaine's Ford they wing'd their speedy flight, 

 Marching full thirty miles one winter's night. 

 To guard each pass the Duke no time had lost. 

 Which struck such pannicks in the rebel host, 

 That now they dreamed on Albion's Crown no more. 

 But back thro' towns they'd ravag'd once before 

 They flew, like flock of fouls, or wild or tame. 

 Whilst the brave Duke pursu'd his fright'ned game; 

 How with amazement struck, the rebels fled. 

 Loud noizy fame thro' distant countries spread. 

 Brave Rossendale, who base designs abhorr'd. 

 And own'd no king but George their sov'reign lord. 

 With love unfeign'd great Brunswick's Hne rever'd. 

 Nor Popish brats nor Jacobitish fear'd. 

 This news received, with just resentment fir'd. 

 In council met, her Grandees arms required, 



