These front the Scene conspicuous; overhead
ALBION's proud oak his filial branches spread:
While on the sea-beat shore obsequious stood
Beneath their feet, the Father of the flood:
Here, the bold native of her cliffs above,
Perched by the martial maid the bird of Jove;
There, on the watch, sagacious of his prey,
With eyes
of fire, an English mastiff lay:
Yonder fair Commerce stretched her winged sail,
Here frowned the god that wakes the living gale.
High o'er the Poop, the flattering winds unfurled
Th' imperial Flag that rules the watery World.
Deep blushing Armors all the Tops invest,
And warlike trophies either Quarter drest:
Then towered the Masts, the Canvass swelled on high,
And waving Streamers floated in the sky.
Thus the rich Vessel moves in trim array
Like some fair Virgin on her bridal day;
Thus, like a Swan, she cleaved the watery Plain,
The pride and wonder of th' Ægean main.