I.
FAV’RITE of Mars, amidst the tribes
That on bright Flora wait,
And swell the glories of her reign
With more than regal state;
II.
The Larkspur, plant of ancient stock,
Advanc’d his ensign high;
And claim’d th’ immortal wreath of fame,
Due to a Deity.
III.
Like some bold warrior’s is his mien;
Helmet and spurs he wears;
And on his coat of vary’d dyes
Each warlike blazon bears.
IV.
Proud of his form, and of the
[17] Pow’r
That from his contact sprung;
Exalted above all his peers,
Thus Pride inspir’d his tongue:
V.
“Ye painted, puling race, avaunt!
“To greater merit yield;
“Forego the honours of the day,
“When I dispute the field.
VI.
“Far hence your tinsel trappings bear
“To some luxuriant bed,
“Where, nurs’d by Zephyr’s wanton gales,
“Their idle bloom may spread!
VII.
“In me behold the warrior’s grace,
“And monarch’s pow’r display’d;
“In me, to Heav’n itself ally’d,
“In martial pomp array’d.
VIII.
“Emblem of thund’ring Mars I rise,
“My boast and offspring too;
“Then own the progeny divine,
“And pay the tribute due.”
IX.
The Myrtle heard;—fair Venus’ care,
With peaceful honours crown’d;
The glory of the genial hour,
By lovers still renown’d.
X.
“And how! said she, redoubted knight,
“Would’st thou with US engage?
“Did ever Mars, of glory vain,
“Rough wars with Venus wage?
XI.
“Her flow’r I am; her name I boast,
“Who can mankind subdue;
“And by a gentler method far
“Than any known to you.
XII.
“Say, boaster, what are realms destroy’d
“By many a foughten field;
“When desp’rate battles, bravely won,
“A bloody harvest yield?
XIII.
“Can these atone the dreadful ills
“That wasteful wars supply;
“When from the horrid din of arms
“The Loves and Graces fly?
XIV.
“Remember, when the blue-ey’d Maid
“With Neptune did contend:
“Say, who the greatest gift produc’d;
“And let our contest end.
XV.
“The Palm to Pallas was decreed,
“Who nam’d fair Athens; there
“The warlike steed, great Neptune’s boast,
“Yields to the Olive fair.
XVI.
“Then thou, proud Knight, exult no more,
“Abase thy haughty crest;
“Give honour due to meek-ey’d Peace,
“And Love, her genial guest.”
XVII.
Let then great Mars his Pow’r resign
To brighter Venus’ fame;
And quit the glories of the field,
When Love disputes the claim.