| Citation |
NHG-P.771.001
4 Jan 1771:11,12 (742)
The encouraging and promoting the cultivation of literature,
and solid learning, has always been a principal object of
attention in all wise and good governments, as means
necessary to the prosperity and welfare of the community.
The countenance and favor of those in power, is as
necessary to the advancement of learning, as that is to the
prosperity of the state.
This province has a fair prospect now opened by the
Commander in Chief, for the encouragement of good literature
by the establishment of Dartmouth-College, on a very
generous plan, with liberal endowments--This is gratefully
acknowledged in the following address to him, and is worthy
a place in your paper; you are therefore desired to give it
that mark of your esteem accordingly.
To his Excellency, John Wentworth, Esq; Captain General,
Governor, and Commander In Chief, in and over His Majesty's
Province of New-Hampshire, on his Grand of a very generous
Charter of Incorporation of Dartmouth-College.
When Persia's king in all his glory shone,
And trembling Esther dar'd approach his throne,
The monarch smil'd, and bid the queen draw near,
Touch the bright sceptre and dispel her fear;
Thus thou, illustrious patron, pardon give,
To my adventrous muse, and bid her live,
A muse, which burns low at thy feet, to bow,
And bind a grateful garland on thy brow.
. . . [8 lines]
Arise, ye bards! ye sons of learning join,
Invoke th' assistance of the tuneful nine;
With grateful hearts we'll strike the trembling string,
While Wentworth's deeds inspire us as we sing.
. . . [36 more lines, 8 lines]
Thus bards relate, when tuneful Amphion sung,
The senseless trees to fashion'd timber sprung,
Rocks heard the muses life-inspiring call,
And stones collecting danc'd into a wall;
By swift degrees the tow'ring city grows,
And to the clouds the lofty Thebes arose.
. . .[42 lines of verse, 2 lines of concluding material,
signed] Your Excellency's most obedient humble Servant,
A Member of Dartmouth-College.
|