I THINK Myfelf obliged to recommend to you a Confideration of the greatest Importance; and I fhould look upon it as a great Happiness, if, at the Beginning of My Reign, I could see the Foundation laid of so great and neceffary a Work, as the Increase and Encouragement of our Seamen in general; that they may be invited, rather than compelled by Force and Violence, to enter into the Service of their Country, as oft as Occafion fhall require it: A Confideration worthy. the Representatives of a People great and flourishing in Trade and Navigation. This leads Me to mention to you the cafe of Greenwich Hofpital, that Care may be taken, by fome Addition to that Fund, to render comfortable and effectual that charitable Provifion, for the Support and Maintenance of Our Seamen, worn out, and become decrepit by Age and Infirmities, in the Service of their Country. [SPEECH, Jan. 27, 1727-8.] то то THE K I N G. M.DCC.XXVIII. I. LD OCEAN's praise A truly British theme I fing; A theme fo great, I dare complete, And join with OCEAN, Ocean's King. II. The Roman Ode Its ftream divinely clear, and ftrong; Thebes roll'd profound; The torrent roar'd, and foam'd along. III. Let III. Let Thebes, nor Rome, To triumph o'er a northern ifle; Late time fhall know The North can glow, If dread AUGUSTUS deign to smile. IV. The Naval crown Is all His own! Our Fleet, if war, or commerce, call, Through waves and ftorms, And rides in triumph round the ball. V. No former race, This theme to ravish durft afpire; With virgin charms My foul it warms, And melts melodious on my lyre. VI. My lays I file With cautious toil; Ye graces! turn the glowing lines; Your ftrokes repeat; At every stroke the work refines! VII. How |