Читать книгу The Rolliad, in Two Parts - George Ellis - Страница 7

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When Norman ROLLO sought fair Albion’s coast,

(Long may his offspring prove their country’s boast!)

Thy genius, Britain, sure inspir’d his soul

To bless this Island with the race of ROLLE!

Illustrious ROLLE! O may thy honour’d name

Roll down distinguish’d on the Rolls of fame! Still first be found on Devon’s county polls! Still future Senates boast their future ROLLES! Since of all Rolls which in this world we see, The world has ne’er produc’d a Roll like thee. Hot Rolls and butter break the Briton’s fast, Thy speeches yield a more sublime repast. Compar’d to thine, how small their boasted heat! Nor, mix’d with treacle, are they half so sweet. O’er Rolls of parchment Antiquarians pore, Thy mind, O ROLLE, affords a richer store. Let those on law or history who write, To Rolls of Parliament resort for light, Whilst o’er our Senate, from our living ROLLE, Beam the bright rays of an enlightened soul; In wonder lost, we slight their useless stuff, And feel one ROLLE of Parliament enough. The skill’d musician to direct his band, Waves high a Roll of paper in his hand; When PITT would drown the eloquence of BURKE, You seem the ROLLE best suited to his work; His well-train’d band, obedient know their cue, And cough and groan in unison with you. Thy god-like ancestor, in valour tried, Still bravely fought by conqu’ring WILLIAM’s side: In British blood he drench’d his purple sword, Proud to partake the triumphs of his lord: So you, with zeal, support through each debate, The conqu’ring WILLIAM of a latter date: Whene’er he speaks, attentive still to chear The lofty nothing with a friendly “hear,” And proud your leader’s glory to promote, Partake his triumph in a faithful vote. Ah! sure while Coronets like hailstones fly, When Peers are made, the Gods alone know why, Thy hero’s gratitude, O ROLLE, to thee, A ducal diadem might well decree; Great ROLLO’s title to thy house restore, Let E usurp the place of O no more, } Then ROLLE himself should be what ROLLO was before. }