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EPITAPH

ON

KING GEORGE THE SECOND,

BY

BEILBY PORTEUS, M. A.

NOW LORD BISHOP OF LONDON.

THIS marble boasts what once was truly great.

The friend of Man, the Father of his State.
To check Ambition in its wild career,

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To wipe from Misery's eye the starting tear;
By well-plann'd laws Oppression to controul;
By kindest deeds to captivate the soul;
Stern Justice' sword to guide with Mercy's hand,
And guard the Freedom of a glorious land;
These were his arts-these Heav'n approved, and shed
Unnumber'd blessings on his hoary head.

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Forc'd

Forc'd into arms, he stretch'd his generous sway
Wide as the Sun extends his genial ray;
Yet saw (blest privilege) his Britons share
The smiles of Peace amidst the rage of War;
Saw to his shores increasing, commerce roll,
And floods of wealth flow in from either pole :
Warm'd by his influence, by his bounty fed,
Saw Science raise her venerable head;
Whilst at his feet expiring faction lay,

No contest left but who should best obey:
Saw in his offspring all himself renewed,
The same fair path of glory still pursued:
Saw to young GEORGE, AUGUSTA's cares impart
Whate'er could raise or humanize the heart,

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Blend all his grandsire's virtues with his own, 25
And form their mingled radiance for the Throne-
No further blessing could on earth be giv'n;
The next degree of happiness was—Heaven.