Wesley Corpus

Page 30 When fearing goods and lives to lose, Your hearts sunk down into your hose! Ye did not then the mob defy, But piteously for mercy cry, Panting, and pale, and out of breath, And quash'd, as in the arms of death! But now your courage is return'd, The foe supprest, the danger scorn'd: Yet, if the army stand aloof, He still may put you to the proof; And when the rabble re-appears, O'erwhelm'd with stupefying fears, Ye may for help cry out again, And wish the soldiers back, in vain. Be caution'd then by good advice, And learn your happiness to prize, Your rage for liberty repress, Nor turn it to licentiousness; No more your gracious king mistrust So mild, and merciful, and just; No more by cruel insults wrong, Because he suffers you so long, With pity your perverseness sees, And saves you in your last distress. And if you wish in peace to live, No credence to your leaders give, But every demagogue dismiss, Those worst of all incendiaries, Who, foes to king and country, dare Usurp the patriot's character, Page 31 Pleaders for liberty and laws, Supporters of rebellion's cause, Who set the nation in a flame, And on their monarch cast the blame. All counsels to sum up in one, Do, what so few of you have done, Poor, guilty worms, your Maker fear, And then ye must your king revere! Page 32 Second Address to the City, Written in June, 1780. Ye Londoners, with smiles regard The homage of a nameless bard, (Ambitious, had he power, to raise A lasting monument to your praise) Who reads you with a lover's eye, Exalts your virtues to the sky, Admires your zeal and public spirit In strains unequal to your merit, And with astonish'd Europe sees Your truly wonderful police. All-wise omnipotent creators Of senates, kings, and legislators, Creators, and deliv'rers too, Our safety we ascribe to you.