_100 Fain from the neighbouring dangers would they run, And wish themselves still nearer to the sun. The Gallic ships are in their ports confined, Denied the common use of sea and wind, Nor dare again the British strength engage; Still they remember that destructive rage Which lately made their trembling host retire, Stunned with the noise, and wrapt in smoke and fire; The waves with wide unnumbered wrecks were strow'd, And planks, and arms, and men, promiscuous flow'd. _110 Spain's numerous fleet, that perished on our coast, Could scarce a longer line of battle boast, The winds could hardly drive them to their fate, And all the ocean laboured with the weight. Where'er the waves in restless errors roll, The sea lies open now to either pole: Now may we safely use the northern gales, And in the Polar Circle spread our sails; Or deep in southern climes, secure from wars, New lands explore, and sail by other stars; _120 Fetch uncontrolled each labour of the sun, And make the product of the world our own. At length, proud prince, ambitious Louis, cease To plague mankind, and trouble Europe's peace; Think on the structures which thy pride has razed, On towns unpeopled, and on fields laid waste; Think on the heaps of corps and streams of blood, On every guilty plain, and purple flood, Thy arms have made, and cease an impious war, Nor waste the lives intrusted to thy care. _130 Or if no milder thought can calm thy mind, Behold the great avenger of mankind, See mighty Nassau through the battle ride, And see thy subjects gasping by his side: Fain would the pious prince refuse the alarm, Fain would he check the fury of his arm; But when thy cruelties his thoughts engage, The hero kindles with becoming rage, Then countries stolen, and captives unrestored, Give strength to every blow, and edge his sword. _140 Behold with what resistless force he falls On towns besieged, and thunders at thy walls! Ask Villeroy, for Villeroy beheld The town surrendered, and the treaty seal'd, With what amazing strength the forts were won, Whilst the whole power of France stood looking on. But stop not here: behold where Berkley stands, And executes his injured king's commands! Around thy coast his bursting bombs he pours On flaming citadels and falling towers; _150 With hissing streams of fire the air they streak, And hurl destruction round them where they break; The skies with long ascending flames are bright, And all the sea reflects a quivering light. Thus Ætna, when in fierce eruptions broke, Fills heaven with ashes, and the earth with smoke; Here crags of broken rocks are twirled on high, Here molten stones and scattered cinders fly: Its fury reaches the remotest coast, And strows the Asiatic shore with dust. _160 Now does the sailor from the neighbouring main Look after Gallic towns and forts in vain;