The ebbs of tides, and their mysterious flow, We, as art's elements, shall understand; And as by line upon the ocean go, Whose paths shall be familiar as the land. 163. Instructed ships shall sail to quick commerce,[159] By which remotest regions are allied; Which makes one city of the universe, Where some may gain, and all may be supplied. 164. Then we upon our globe's last verge shall go, And view the ocean leaning on the sky: From thence our rolling neighbours we shall know, And on the lunar world securely pry. 165. This I foretel from your auspicious care,[160] Who great in search of God and nature grow; Who best your wise Creator's praise declare, Since best to praise His works is best to know. 166. O truly royal! who behold the law, And rule of beings in your Maker's mind;[161] And thence, like limbecs, rich ideas draw, To fit the levelled use of human-kind. 167. But first the toils of war we must endure, And from the injurious Dutch redeem the seas; War makes the valiant of his right secure, And gives up fraud to be chastised with ease. 168. Already were the Belgians on our coast,[162] Whose fleet more mighty every day became By late success, which they did falsely boast, And now, by first appearing, seemed to claim. 169. Designing, subtile, diligent, and close, They knew to manage war with wise delay; Yet all those arts their vanity did cross, And by their pride their prudence did betray. 170. Nor staid the English long; but, well supplied, Appear as numerous as the insulting foe; The combat now by courage must be tried, And the success the braver nation show. 171. There was the Plymouth squadron now come in, Which in the Straits last winter was abroad; Which twice on Biscay's working bay had been, And on the midland sea the French had awed. 172. Old expert Allen, loyal all along, Famed for his action on the Smyrna fleet;[163] And Holmes, whose name shall live in epic song, While music numbers, or while verse has feet.[164] 173. Holmes, the Achates of the general's fight, Who first bewitched our eyes with Guinea gold; As once old Cato, in the Roman sight, The tempting fruits of Afric did unfold. 174. With him went Spragge, as bountiful as brave, Whom his high courage to command had brought;[165] Harman, who did the twice-fired Harry save, And in his burning ship undaunted fought.[166] 175. Young Hollis on a muse by Mars begot, Born, Cæsar-like, to write and act great deeds; Impatient to revenge his fatal shot, His right hand doubly to his left succeeds.[167] 176.