Know, in yon castle, whose proud battlements
Sit like a regal crown upon the brow
Of high-climbing lawn, doth Edward hold
This day his solemn session to receive
The pleas of all th' aspiring candidates,
Who, summon'd by the herald's publick voice,
To Windsor, as to Fame's bright temple, haste
From ev'ry shore; the noble, wise, and brave,
Knights, senators, and statesmen, lords and kings;
Ambitious each to gain the splendid prize,
By Edward promis'd to transcendent worth.
For who of mortals is too great and high
In the career of virtue to contend?
Of these selecting the most glorious names,
Doth England's monarch purpose to compose
A princely brotherhood, himself the chief,
And worthy sov'reign of th' illustrious band;
A band of heroes, listed in the cause
Of honour, virtue, and celestial truth,
Under the name and holy patronage
Of Cappadocian GEORGE, Britannia's saint.