1815 12

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1815.12
The Inhabitants of the British Empire
Congratulated on the Return of Peace, 1815

John Turner
The European Magazine, LXVIII (Dec. 1815), pp. 535-536

By the Author of the Triumph of Britannia.

Come, let us rejoice! since the wars are all over,
And the intercourse free, between Calais and Dover:
Now the Gaul and the Briton in friendship may meet,
And converse, without censure, in Southwark's high street:

For the race of Napoleon, the tyrant, is run:
No more the fond mother shall mourn her lost son;
The widow no more shall her husband bewail;
No more shall, with sorrow, recount her sad tale.

The orphan no more shall his father bemoan,
Or in silence emphatic suppress the deep groan:
The maiden no more shall in tears her eyes steep;
No more shall the absence of him she loves weep:

Now since Discord the councils of Europe has fled,
Long-languishing Commerce shall lift up her head;
From our sight so long banish'd, we now shall behold
Peruvia's fine silver, and Chili's pure gold.

Though high-sounding the verse, when of triumphs we sing,
Just and grateful to valour, due plaudits to bring:
Yet how far more delightful, the sweet soften'd strain
Rais'd to welcome our heroes return'd from the main.

Oh! long may they live! and while living enjoy
The fruit of their labours, with nought to alloy:
Oh! long may be theirs, all the comforts of peace,
And Brittania in honour and blessings increase.

Nov. 18, 1815.


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