Hamilton, William, of Gilbertfield (c. 1665-1751)

A new edition of the life and heroick actions of the renoun'd Sir William Wallace, General and Governour of Scotland. Wherein the Old obsolete Words are rendered more Intelligible; and adapted to the understanding of such who have not leisure to study the Meaning, and Import of such Phrases without the help of a Glossary

Glasgow

Printed by William Duncan [etc.]

1722

"A Savage Fury brandishes each Dart, / And reeking Slaughter steels each impious Heart."

Nor do the English with less studious Care,
Observe the growing Progress of the War,
And for the feirce Encounter all prepare.
Keen Hesilrig, Arms all their glittring Bands,
A Thousand Swords shine in a thousand Hands.
A Savage Fury brandishes each Dart,
And reeking Slaughter steels each impious Heart
But oh! ye Gods shall yon weak Bands prevail,
When hot with Rage more numerous Troops assail.
May righteous Heaven still blast the lawless Might,
And the just Patriots vanquish in the Fight:
But now advancing near, they other meet
And with no friendly Salutation greet.
Stern Vengeance lowring Frowns on every Brow,
And hate Arms ev'ry Visage like a Foe.
Behold what diff'rent Passions now excite,
And join two Nations in the Toils of Fight.
Here Pride Ambition Arms each guilty Foe,
And Tyranny attends on ev'ry Blow.
Here Partiots stand, and boldly dare restrain,
The Tyrants growth and check th'Oppressors Reign
And the fair Cause of Freeedom to maintain.
Now all the Plains with Arms are cover'd o're,
And the bent Bow unloads its feathered Store.
From well stor'd Quivers but declining Light
And ruddy Vesper led the Starry Night:
Wallace withdrew where Cartlane Rocks on high
Erect their shaggy Tops and threat the Sky,
Safe shelter'd there the Scotish Heroes stay
And wait impatient for the rising Day,

Mineral::Steel

Searching "heart" and "steel" in HDIS (Poetry)

06/10/2005