In ancient days, when she the queen endu'd
With more than female fortitude,
Bonduca led her painted ranks to fight;
Oft-times, in adamantine arms array'd,
Pallas descended from the realms of light,
Imperial Britonesse! thy kindred aid,
As once, all-glowing from the well-fought day,
The goddess sought a cooling stream,
By chance, inviting with their glassy gleam,
Fair Isis' waters flow'd not far away.
Eager she view'd the wave,
On the cool bank she bar'd her breast,
To the soft gale her locks ambrosial gave;
And thus the watry nymph addrest.
Hear, gentle nymph, whoe'er thou art,
Thy sweet refreshing stores impart:
A Goddess from thy mossy brink
Asks of thy crystal stream to drink:
Lo! Pallas asks the friendly gift;
Thy coral crowned tresses lift,
Rise from the wave, propitious power,
O listen from thy pearly bower!