apcfEm ON THE DEATH OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE OF WALES AND SAXE COBOURG, ON THE DEATH OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE OF WALES AND SAXE COBOURG. BY THE REV. R. KENNEDY, A.M. LATE OF ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE, AND NOW MINISTER OF ST. PAUL'S CHAPEL, IN BIRMINGHAM. And :s't not a pity, O my grieved friends ! That we, the sons and children of this isle, Were born to see so sad an hour as this ! Shakspeare's King John. SECOND EDITION. LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, By A. J. Valpy, Toohe's Court, Chancery Lane. SOLD BY J. HATCHARD, PICCADILLY; AND BALDWIN, CRADOCK, AND JOY, PATERNOSTER-ROW, LONDON; A. CONSTABLE AND CO., EDINBURGH; AND BY BEILBY AND KNOTTS, BIRMINGHAM. LIBRARY UNTfERSITY OF CALIFORNIA The following Poem is supposed to be writ- ten, and most of it was written, a short time after the event which occasioned it, took place. It is meant to be considered as a record in verse, of the sentiments universally entertained respecting the character of her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte of Wales, and of the profound grief expressed at her death, by the whole British Nation. Its conclusion refers to the solemn acts of devotion performed by every class of His Majesty's subjects, on the day of her funeral. Ostendent terris hanc tantum fata, neque ultra Esse sinent. Nimium vobis Romana propago Visa potens, Superi, propria ha?c si dona fuissent. * Ts* "Tt* w ^ ^^ * Heu pietas ! heu prisca fides ! ^ ^ ■?{' vE* ^ / Manibus date lilia plenis, Purpureos spargani flores, animamque nepotis His saltern accumulem donis, et fungar inani Munere Mneid. Lib. vi. A POEM. Hath song a balm for grief? Can warbled dirge Cofisole the living as they fondly pay A bootless tribute to th' unheeding dead ? Can the sad spirit teach the voice a charm For a brief interval to cheat itself? Then will I seize the Lyre whose random strains Could conjure up wild dreams to please my youth, 10 And though a heaviness weighs on my heart. Though my hand trembles as I touch the chords. Their deepest Sorrows will I aim to strike, C) In unison with that deep solemn knell Which now is rung upon a nation's ear. Whose knell is toll'd, what British tongue will ask ? Turn'd are uncounted eyes, and hands stretch 'd out Towards the abode of Kings. There is reveal'd That which all feel, as all can understand, Beholding Royalty herself bow down Beneath affliction's load ; while at her feet 11 Envy is mute, and Want in pity weeps. Mortality has paid a visit there, Crying to all that walk upon the earth, *' Mark, I am doing now in regal tents " The deed whereby (at each vibration quick " Of Time's unstaying pendulum) the rich, " Mean, lofty, poor, learn'd, simple, as they show " Joy, trouble, hope, shrunk age, and rosy youth, " Are made, in myriad multitudes at once, " Alike : then live, as fellow-heirs of death." The knell is toll'd : again from palace heights Weeping declares the lev'ling, ruthless blow Struck ; and still louder lamentation sounds. 12 Woe too is there, in the mind's depth, that knows Nor sound, nor sign. What hand shall lift the veil Which hides parental grief, the childless fate That finds no medicine in pomp or power. The void of soul an empire cannot fill ? How would the feebleness of Avords but mock The Husband's agony ! who sitting now In widow'd desolation, where so late He own'd a Paradise of nuptial bliss, Feels all the love that warm'd his bosom there Increased each moment by the madd'ning thought That it is shar'd, and can be shar'd, no more; 13 That she, o'er whom he bends, who lov'd him best Of all on earth, and as a shape of Heav'n Before him spake and smil'd, is senseless clay ; That, when most prizing her, he would have sham'd His tenderest ways by ways more tender still. She knows it not, and never shall again Return affection's pressure with the hand Designed to wield a sceptre, that dear hand, Which gave him, with itself, a noble heart That all earth's sceptres would have cheaply bought. With step inaudible, and ghastly cheek, Imagination from such -scenes retires. 14 While speechless Pity beckons her away, And upward looks to that all-seeing Power Who, as he made it, can alone restore Peace to the troubled world within the breast. Where thoughts, when rous'd by keen afflic- tion's storm. Are often rapid as the lightning's flash. Revealing and enhancing dreariness, Or they are black as night, than winds more wild, And multitudinous as ocean-waves. Such grief be sacred, wheresoeer it racks A kindred bosom : but, my countrymen, 15 The grief that I would now " unload," is mine, Is yours, " the common grief of all the realm/' (*) 'Tis look'd from eye to eye, from tongue to tongue 'Tis echoed ; oft it gushes forth in tears ; Oft with maternal fondness 'tis beguil'd By its own prated tale ; or lab'ring speech Is chok'd, and dies in long convulsive sobs — Nature, as Fashion, now, to feeling gives One character, to dress one sable hue, Poor outward emblem of our country's heart, Whose emanations so infect the time, That grief becomes an element we breathe. — Some muse in lone dejection ; more in groups, 16 Round hearths, in streets, in lanes, are com- forted By talk and mutual gaze, unconsciously rSeeking in others to forget themselves — Now form and ceremony unawares Lose half their stiffness; greetings now are made (From secret sense of fellowship in woe) With kinder accent, and a warmer grasp. — Labour and busy art now pause to sigh ; A nation's loss suspends the keen pursuit Of private gain ; and Pleasure's cup is passed Neglectingly, uncourted by the lip. The witching pipe of Mirth is thrown aside. Useless, for all have left her wonted haunts. 17 Disheveird Beauty sits in pensive guise, And hath no smile to point ; her fairest wreaths And costUest ornaments discarded he — A shade from elder seriousness is cast O'er youth's unfurrow'd brow. E'en boys awhils Desist from play, or follow^ their blithe bent As in the presence of surrounding gloom : Our sorrow's theme hath such contagious spread That oft th' unweeting infant lisps a word At which the mother's bosom bleeds afresh, And on the prattler's lips her tearful spouse Prints stifling kisses, feeling that the stroke, By which our parent land is agoniz'd. Too bitterly endears his happier lot. For she, our recent joy, hath turn'd us all B 18 To mourners, as for one of nearest kin ; So by her virtues was the reverence due To princely station kindled into love. On one side of her Father's ruling power, Reclined on trophies gain'd from foes abroad. Slept War, with sheathed sword upon the ground ; On th' other side, (that Father's second self) She, as an Angel, in the robe of Peace, By her mere presence there, was, every hour. In still retirement, conquering hearts at home. Through each gradation, from the castled hall. The city dome, the villa crown'd with shade. But chief from modest mansions numberless. In town or hamlet, sheltering middle life, 19 Down to the cottag'd vale, and straw-roof d shed. Our Western Isle hath long been fam'd for scenes Where Bliss domestic finds a dwelling place ; Domestic Bhss, that, like a harmless Dove, (Honor and sweet Endearment keeping guard) Can centre in a little quiet nest All that Desire would fly for thro* the earth ; That can, the world eluding, be itself A world enjoy 'd ; that wants no witnesses But its own sharers, and approving heav'n ; That, like a Flower deep hid in rocky cleft. Smiles, though 'tis looking only at the sky ; Or, if it dwell where cultur'd grandeur shines, 20 And that which gives it being, high and bright. Allures all eyes, yet its delight is drawn From its own attributes and powers of growth, Affections fair that blossom on its stem. Kissing each other, and from cherished hope Of lovely shoots, to multiply itself — Such home-born blessedness, in its effect And virtuous cause, that princely woman knew; Whom, as our British garden's blooming pride. Death's frost hath nipp'd, destroying flower and stalk, When not one living germ had met the day : Yet by our love her memory embalm'd In its own spicy odours, ne'er shall die. 21 She liv'd for us by setting (where, most view'd, It most attracted admiration's gaze) Pattern of that which gives to social Hfe Its charm, and forms a kingdom's moral strength ; She liv'd for us. by piety to God, Which taught her how to love her brother man, Befriending wretchedness, as meant to be A people's nursing mother. Privacy, By virtuous action, trained her for a sphere Of boundless good. Thus, in some woodland scene, A spring, with murmurs musical, imparts Freshness and verdure to the banks around, As though it spake of mightier coming joy 22 In wealth of waters roll'd throughout a land. She liv'd for us, by learning in the wife Things most befitting for a destined Queen, And how to feel for an espoused realm. She liv'd for us by many a token shown Of properties and habits, suited well To the free genius of our British state ; A spirit quick to feel, and firm to guard Her dignity and due; yet wisdom just. In her own rights to mark and venerate ours ; To keep in view the source and end of power. Whose noblest use is blessing what it rules ; To know that Majesty then greatest shows, When, like the Sun, it smiles upon all eyes. And sees all eyes reflecting it again ; 23 To prize our liberty, (by form and law Tempered, yet thus more strong and sacred made) As Sovereignty's best ornament and guard, Giving most energy, most will inspiring, To shine in arts, in science, and in arms, T' enrich a land, refine and sweeten life, Unfold the mind, and still the nature raise Of moral, social, intellectual man — 'Twas hers to view such Freedom as the life Of a grand complex whole, whose central bond Is kingly rule ; She felt that it could pay A homage of the heart unknown to slaves ; And for a throne's just glory, or defence. 24 (Made all that honor, mind, and fearless strength In millions are, when guarding what they love) Would round it form an adamantine wall. — It was a part of her sweet home's employ (So was she tutor'd through paternal care) To travel over England's storied page, Achievements chronicled, enacted laws ; To trace in peace or war each reign's effect. Changes in times and manners, and their source ; And thus her own and her lov'd husband's thoughts She led to note whatever in men or things 25 Was useful, wise, or glorious ; as the bees Wander with busy pinion to make boot On the field's flowery sweets, and store a hive With honied treasure for the general weal. In such a course, the comment of their tongues Wak'd more and more their harmony of soul ; Her eye would kindle his, whene'er she read Of " King-becoming graces,'* (') and perchance Might oft exclaim, " Thus let it be, aye thus, If regal care (which long may heav'n avert) Descend to me." Amid their virtues' rays Love joy'd to bask, and in new triumph wav'd His purple wings, to see them play with smiles 26 Tender and soft as pastoral innocence, Yet, issuing from a godlike source of thought. Royal as sunbeams that give light and heat. 'Twas thus they drank the cup of life together, Making each sip as nectar to the taste, And of more worth than Egypt's melted pearl. So sweet a cup was theirs; but when they look*d. With thirsting lips, to find it sweeter still. Death da3h'd it to the ground : For him who shar'd And made it sweet, 'twas hers to live no more. 'Twas his to read in her last failing gaze All she to him, and he to her had been. — For us no more, with blessings in her heart, She liv*d, yet gave a lesson when she died, 27 In her meek def rence to the Will Supreme, How we should bear to lose her peerless self. — But is it wonderful that we should weep: Our sympathies, so late in gallant trim To glisten bright before joy's rising beam, Now fare like morning dews, which, from a tree (Bent downwards by a sudden pitiless blast) Are shook, with leaves that lodg'd them, to the ground. Our expectations all on tip-toe stood, Breathless for tidings, which o er hill and dale Steeds would have borne, more fleet than winged winds. As proudly conscious wherefore they were deck'd 28 With trappings gay, why shoutings filFd the skies, And why the towns and villages had sent Thousands to meet them in the crowded ways. Night would have then, in ev'ry peopled scene Of Britain's Isle, her dark dominion lost ; Bright signals would have told the moon and stars, If light they gave, it was not needed there ; Yet what were these, in contrast with the looks, The mind-illumined looks, that would have lent A richer brightness to the brightest day ? Cannons would harmlessly have thundered forth A kingdom's joy sublime: bells would have roU'd Their pealing merriment from shore to shore ; 29 Yet these in melody could not have vied With the sweet chimes of tenderness and glee In countless bosoms, tuning every tongue To one rapt theme. The present would have beam'd More cheerily than Bard has power to tell, And to his mind, in Nature's wonted course, A vision of the future would have shewn One hke a Fairy Queen on throne of state With Britain's chivalry collected round, A people's strength reclined in smiling peace. While cherub forms might point to vistas bright Of unborn ages op'ning to the view. — Thus high our promised joys and hopes had risen, 30 Like exhalations that mount up the skies, Masses of gold and purple forming there. Showing to Fancy images of bliss Beauteous and grand, rich groves and shining tow'rs And fair Elysian fields. — But all our hopes Have fallen downward, in a flood of woe And disappointment deluging the land. — Princess, adieu! — ^Though Thou art set in death And seen no more, yet our recording love Shall be an ocean-mirror, where thy name, August and star-like, shall for ever shine. — Thou hast not reign'd — It was thy filial wish, In long subjection to thy Father's rule. His glory might enhance, his love endear 31 Thy private bliss ; while that^ in sweet return, Might soften and relieve his public cares ; And thou shouldst recompense his duteous pangs For a beloved and venerable sire, By solacing his own decline of life With all that he could hope for in a child. Thou hast not reign'd, except in British hearts, Where, in the thought of what thou wouldst have been, Thou, in a dear brief space, hast reign'd an age. Thou art not mother to a line of kings ; Yet shalt thou so transmit thy worth's fair fame. That regal excellence, when blazon'd most. Shall mind all times of what we pictur'd thee. Thy spouse hath lost in thee a promised Queen. Yet can wo foreign honor equal that 32 Which pointing cries, " this is the Leopold Whom English Charlotte lov'd ;" and in owr land Thy mere Remembrance with imperial power Shall hover, as a Seraph at his side, Securing him wherever he shall move, Love and Obeisance for a guard of state. From streets, and windows throng'd, smiles mix'd with sighs, Rais'd hands, and gazing silence, shall proclaim What blessings on his head a nation pours. Eyes oft around him shall be fiU'd with tears, With pearly tears, more precious to the heart, Than the rich jewels of a kingly crown. Then, fare thee well ! Britannia's buried boast ! Our bright, but lost expectancy, farewel ! — 33 Thus had my soul indulged her sorrowing mood, And was, awhile, in musing stillness wrapt ; When dreaming or entranced, a strain I heard Mournful and soft, yet gradually rais'd To such mellifluous triumph, that almost It stole my breath away. The strain it seemed By which a spirit from this vale of tears Is welcom'd and attun'd to heav'nly joys. I look'd and saw, beyond a dark vast cloud, A beauteous form, enrob'd in purest white Refulgent, that, uprising to the sky, Glanc'd on the earth beneath a pitying smile. Below that cloud, on elevated ground, A mighty temple op'd its folding gates c 34 Eastward and Westward, to the Norths and South, While thither, wearing grief's habiliments. And in long order, crowds from every side Mov'd, with one shade of sadness on all brows, Ranks and degrees, from penury to pomp. Ascending its high steps, with mien devout, They bow'd, and to Jehovah, God of Gods, A solemn worship paid ; where voices now Responded, now in supplication join'd. Or now in choral praises, swell'd the tide Of instrumental harmony, which (rolFd Thro' aisles and fretted vaults) bore up to heav*n Concordant aspirations from all hearts In one deep volume of collective sound. 35 Meanwhile a cheering radiance through the cloud Gleam'd, as they spake or sang ; and of their words This, the clear import, vibrates on my soul. " Ruler of all events in earth and heaven, " Author of life and death, eternal King, " As creatures of the dust, we bend to Thee, " And cry, with smitten hearts. Thy will be done. " Thy will be done, whose wisdom can at once " Discern all things past, present, and to come, " In all their issues. Let thy will be done, " Parent of all, whose mercy and whose love. 36 " In measures infinite beyond our ken " And soaring thought, * are over all thy works/ " Give us true blessings in thy time and mode, " Nor let our granted wishes prove our bane. " Still teach us, when afflicted, so to pray, " And in such spirit, that each outward ill, " And each petition may to us become " A good, and fit us for receiving good — " Teach us to mark in every earthly change " 'What shades we are, what shadows we pursue/ *' And thence to seek the bliss that dwells with Thee, " Substantial, perfect, ever-during bliss. " We pray that on our land thy Countenance '* May shed its light, and make a common woe 37 " Knit us in mutual concord. May the Tree " Of England's Polity and Brunswick's Line, " Watei'd and nourished by a nation's tears, " Strike deeper roots, and gain, with ampler shade, " New strength and beauty from maturing time. " May sceptred Rule and Loyalty contend " Which most shall homage pay, ormostdeserve. " May the reft Father, in our sympathies, " Behold a people warm'd with filial love, " While, in his sway, they own parental care. " Long may he live to see the reign of peace " Surpassing, in true glory, war's renown, " By bloodless proofs of virtue, skill, and power 38 " Gladd'ning his country with their blest eiFects, " By triumphs over ignorance and vice, " Conquests o'er all that darkens, or afflicts " The lot, or mind of man ; in present joy " Advancing mortal life's immortal ends." NOTES. NOTES. ^' Struck the deep sorrows of his lyre." (Gray's Bard.) 2 '' To you Duke Humphrey must unload his grief, *' Your grief, the common grief of all the land." Shakspeare. Ilenrj/ VI. 2d Part. Act 1. Scene 1, 42 The King-becoming Graces, " As justice, verity, temperance, stableness, " Bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness, " Devotion, patience, courage, fortitude, " I have no relish of them." Shakspeare's Macbeth. 4 A memorable expression used by Mr. Burke- LONDON : Printed hy A. J. Valpy, Tooke's Court, Chancery Lane. 13 THE LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Santa Barbara STACK COLLECTION THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW. 10m-10,'63(E1188s4)476D 3 1205 02043 8634 A A 001 423 965 1