Imagination--ne'er before content, But aye ascending, restless in her pride From all that martial feats could yield To her desires, or to her hopes present-- Stooped to the Victory, on that Belgic field 5 Achieved, this closing deed magnificent,[109] And with the embrace was satisfied.[110] --Fly, ministers of Fame, With every help that ye from earth and heaven may claim![111] Bear through the world these tidings of delight! 10 --Hours, Days, and Months, have borne them in the sight Of mortals, hurrying like a sudden shower[112] That land-ward stretches from the sea, The morning's splendours to devour; But this swift travel scorns the company 15 Of irksome change, or threats from saddening power.[113] _--The shock is given--the Adversaries bleed-- Lo, Justice triumphs! Earth is freed!_ Joyful annunciation!--it went forth--[114] It pierced the caverns of the sluggish North--[BC] 20 It found no barrier on the ridge Of Andes--frozen gulphs became its bridge-- The vast Pacific gladdens with the freight-- Upon the Lakes of Asia 'tis bestowed-- The Arabian desert shapes a willing road 25 Across her burning breast, For this refreshing incense from the West!--[BD] --Where snakes and lions breed, Where towns and cities thick as stars appear, Wherever fruits are gathered, and where'er 30 The upturned soil receives the hopeful seed-- While the Sun rules, and cross the shades of night-- The unwearied arrow hath pursued its flight! The eyes of good men thankfully give heed, And in its sparkling progress read 35 Of virtue crowned with glory's deathless meed:[115] Tyrants exult to hear of kingdoms won, And slaves are pleased to learn that mighty feats are done; Even the proud Realm, from whose distracted borders This messenger of good was launched in air, 40 France, humbled[116] France, amid her wild disorders, Feels, and hereafter shall the truth declare, That she too lacks not reason to rejoice, And utter England's name with sadly-plausive voice. II O genuine glory, pure renown! 45 And well might it beseem that mighty Town[BE] Into whose bosom earth's best treasures flow,[117] To whom all persecuted men retreat; If a new Temple lift her[118] votive brow High on[119] the shore of silver Thames--to greet 50 The peaceful guest advancing from afar. Bright be the Fabric,[120] as a star Fresh risen, and beautiful within!--there meet Dependence infinite, proportion just; A Pile that Grace approves, and Time can trust 55 With his most sacred wealth, heroic dust.[121] III