BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF ADMIRAL SIR JOHN HAWKINS

Summary

Reign ever thus, unconquer'd Britain, reign;

Whilst thy free sons in firm battalions stand,

And guard with lion-ramp their native land:

Thus fix thy throne, thus rule the subject main!

So shall bright Victory o'er thy laurel'd head

Her eagle-pennons spread;

Whilst soft-ey'd Peace, quitting at thy command

Her radiant orb in you empyreal plain,

Waves o'er the willing world her myrtle wand.

Potter.

IT requires but a glance through the pages of British History to convince us, that England has hitherto had no just reason to regret the non-existence of a Salic Law to save her from the domination of female sovereignty. With the exception of Mary, surnamed the Bloody, this nation never was, comparatively as to the general circumstances of the world, exalted to a greater height, either in literature, or martial prowess, than under our queens, Elizabeth and Anne. The exception of Mary is indeed so peculiar, that it scarcely admits of a relative consideration. Her sceptre swayed by the impulse of a bigotted, sanguinary, and vindictive priesthood, would have been equally degraded and disgraced under as weak a man thus influenced by the persuasions of superstition and malice.

With respect to martial exploits, whether in receiving the commands of a sovereign Mistress, the influence of knightly sentiments more powerfully prevail, and an emulation of sexual gallantry more effectually pervade the execution of them, we certainly find, especially in the reign of Elizabeth, the reign more immediately under our present contemplation, an ardency of character in the admirals and generals of her day, perhaps never excelled, even in our own.