“OFT (ah! how oft) has the revolving Sun Smiled on Britannia’s joy at battles won? How oft our bosoms felt the conscious glow For brilliant triumph o’er the stubborn foe? If, then, our patriot hearts could proudly feel Such zealous transports at our Country’s weal, Shall not the Bard his cheerful efforts lend To praise that Country’s first and truest friend? For such is GEORGE, the pride of England’s Throne, True to his people’s rights as to his own. * * * * * Mild is the Prince, and glorious were the arts, That gave him sov’reign empire o’er our hearts. Our love for him is such as ever flows Spontaneous, warm, and strength’ning as it glows; Unlike the smiles, and flattery of Courts, Which int’rest prompts, and tyranny extorts; A Monarch so belov’d has nought to fear From mad ambition’s turbulent career; For subjects ne’er from their allegiance swerve, Who love his person they are bound to serve. * * * * * History shall tell how deep was every groan When ‘erst black sickness struck at England’s throne: For her lov’d KING was heard the Nation’s sigh, While public horror star’d in ev’ry eye; But, when restor’d, to many a daily pray’r, What heartfelt joy succeeded to despair. * * * * * Then oh! Thou KING of KINGS, extend thy arm To shield thine own anointed George from harm; Grant, if it so comport with thy behest, For thy decrees must ever be the best; Grant that he long may live, and long may stand ‘A tow’r of strength’ to guard our native land.” The King, on the 18th of October, issued a proclamation pardoning all deserters from the Navy and Marines, but not allowing them any arrears of pay or prize-money; and he also pardoned all deserters from the Army, who should give themselves up within two months from the 25th of October, but then they must rejoin the Army. Not particularly inviting terms when they come to be analyzed, for the sailors would certainly be marked, and, eventually, pressed, and the soldiers were simply asked to exchange their present liberty, for their old slavery. But he really did a graceful, and, at the same time, a kindly action in sending through Mr. Perceval, to the Society for the Relief of Persons confined for Small Debts, £2,000 from his privy purse. [Illustration] CHAPTER XVII. Common Council decide to relieve Small Debtors—Festivities at Windsor—Ox roasted whole—How it was done—The Queen and Royal Family present—Division of the ox, &c.—A bull baited—Fête at Frogmore—Illuminations—Return of the Scheldt Expedition.