The more instructed we, the more we still are shamed. 'Tis well for us his generous blood did flow, Derived from British channels long ago, That here his conquering ancestors were nursed; And Ireland but translated England first: By this reprisal we regain our right, Else must the two contending nations fight; 50 A nobler quarrel for his native earth, Than what divided Greece for Homer's birth. To what perfection will our tongue arrive, How will invention and translation thrive, When authors nobly born will bear their part, And not disdain the inglorious praise of art! Great generals thus, descending from command, With their own toil provoke the soldier's hand. How will sweet Ovid's ghost be pleased to hear His fame augmented by an English peer;[14] 60 How he embellishes his Helen's loves, Outdoes his softness, and his sense improves; When these translate, and teach translators too, Nor firstling kid, nor any vulgar vow, Should at Apollo's grateful altar stand. Roscommon writes; to that auspicious hand, Muse, feed the bull that spurns the yellow sand. Roscommon, whom both court and camps commend, True to his prince, and faithful to his friend; Roscommon first in fields of honour known, 70 First in the peaceful triumphs of the gown; Who both Minervas justly makes his own. Now let the few beloved by Jove, and they Whom infused Titan form'd of better clay, On equal terms with ancient wit engage, Nor mighty Homer fear, nor sacred Virgil's page: Our English palace opens wide in state; And without stooping they may pass the gate. * * * * * FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 14: 'An English peer:' the Earl of Mulgrave.] * * * * * EPISTLE VI. TO THE DUCHESS OF YORK, ON HER RETURN FROM SCOTLAND IN THE YEAR 1682.