60
THE CHACE.
Book III.
BOOK the Third.
In Albion's Isle when glorious Edgar reign'd,
He wisely provident, from her white Cliffs
Launch'd half her Forests, and with num'rous Fleets
Cover'd his wide Domain: There proudly rode
Lord of the Deep, the great Prerogative 5
Of British Monarchs. Each Invader bold,
Dane and Norwegian, at a Distance gaz'd,
And disappointed, gnash'd his Teeth in vain.
He scour'd the Seas, and to remotest Shores
With swelling Sails the trembling Corsair fled. 10
Rich Commerce flourish'd; and with busy Oars
He wisely provident, from her white Cliffs
Launch'd half her Forests, and with num'rous Fleets
Cover'd his wide Domain: There proudly rode
Lord of the Deep, the great Prerogative 5
Of British Monarchs. Each Invader bold,
Dane and Norwegian, at a Distance gaz'd,
And disappointed, gnash'd his Teeth in vain.
He scour'd the Seas, and to remotest Shores
With swelling Sails the trembling Corsair fled. 10
Rich Commerce flourish'd; and with busy Oars
Dash'd
