"ELEGANT EXTRACTS."
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—In looking over an old volume of "Elegant Extracts" yesterday, I came across the enclosed lines. They are prob- ably familiar to you, but being new to me they struck me as being extraordinarily applicable to the present moment, and that they might be addressed to Lord Roberts instead of to Pitt. They are in an "Ode to Pitt," written by Warton on the death of George U. "Her" in the first line refers to "the Muse." They may possibly be of interest to you.—I am,
"Where could her glance a theme of triumph own So dear to fame as George's trophied throne ?
At whose firm base thy- stedfast soul aspires
To wake a mighty Nation's ancient fires : Aspires to baffle Faction's specious claim, Rouse England's rage, and give her thunder aim: Once more the main her conquering banners sweep, Again her commerce darkens all the deep.
Thy fix'd resolve renews each firm decree That made, that kept of yore, thy country free.
Call'd by thy voice, nor deaf to war's alarms Its willing youth the rural empire arms ; Again the lords of Albion's cultur'd plains March the firm leaders of their faithful swains.
Nor thine the pomp of indolent debate, The war of words, the sophistries of state; Nor frigid caution checks thy free design Nor stops thy stream of eloquence divine : For thine the privilege, on few bestow'd, To feel, to think, to speak, for public good.
Nor fear nor fraud or screens or spares the foe, But spirit prompts, and valour strikes, the blow."
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