The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1821-06-05 00:00:00

COMMEMORATION OF THE REIGN OF
HIS LATE MAJESTY.
FREEMASONS' TAVIIIIRN.

Pursuant to public advertisement a grand dinner
was yesterday given at this tavern in celebration of
the above-mentioned object. The names of the
President, Vice-Presidents, and Stewards, are al-
ready before the public. Public business, as might
naturally be expected, prevented a considerable
portion of them from attendance. Among those
who were present were—
His Royil.Highness the Duke of York, in the dusk; the
Doke of Montrose; Minimises Camden and Lothian; Ese,s
Harrowby, wesiasortaod, Ritlissest, aid Bleaisiton ; Loses,
Melville, Erskine, Pomfret, Ultimo, mud River.; Cnei:t
Munster; Judges Sir Wm Scott, Park, Borrosigh, Dalbss,
and Stir John &limiter ; Knights and Harmsen' Sir C. %Won.
Sir W. !Awes, Sir R. Yanhan, Sir T. P. Herevfonl, and Su.
J. Doyle.
There were present also several Officers of the
Guards and of the hoe, who attended accordion; to
the. tequisition inserted in the advertisements. Keil
gave an increased and lively interest to the intettis‘.
The Duke of York's band was in etecodalice from
the beginning, and filled up the intervals which the
business of the evening occasioned, by playing some
of their choicest music. The gallery opposite was
filled by ladies of quality in the full display of
beauty and fashion.
Immediately over the chair was a whole-length
portrait of his late Msjesty,in full military uniform,
mounted on a charger of equally full proportiooo.
The painting is by Mr. Devi., who has so success-
' fully illustrated the domestic, mechanical, and agri-
cultural scenery of the East Indite, to say *nothing
of his drawings in celebration of the victories of
Marquis Cornwallis and the disastrous fate of the
family of Tippoo Saib. The hack ground dis-
plays a lively representation of Windsor Castle and
the adjacent scenery. The figure of the venerable
Monarch is exhibited in the act of salutation, as
though a regiment were passing in review before
him. l'he attitude was peculiarly adapted for the
oeea.ion, as it seemed to represent the Sovereign in
the act of acknowledging the testimonies et af-
fectionate loyalty which the assembly were zealous
in manifesting to his departed worth.
At a few minutes after seven o'clock (the• room
having long previously become full of diriingaishect
guests) the Royal Chairman entered and took his
station. l'lte dinner consisted of all the delicacies of •
the season, and the wines were of the choicest and
roost costly description.
At • few minutes befove eight o'clock the cloth
was removed, and non nibis Domine was given in
grand style by Sir George Smart, conductor, Mr.
1-litives, deputy, Mr. Bellamy, felt. Broadhurst, Mr.
Leetr, Mr. Ppm, Mr. Goulden, Mr. Terrail,
Mu-
ter Lringlturst, and Mr. Watson.
Shortly after the Royal Chairman gave the first
toast, which was preceded by sound of trumpet— •
s. The King," drunk with three times three, load and en-
thusiastic cheers.—" God save the King," vrrae and chorus,
a el by the young gestleinea of St. Paul's mud the Chapel'
Royal, stationed in His galleries; on each side M. the cross.
table.
The succeeding toasts were—
" All the Royal Family"—Three times three.
" The Navy and Army"—Three lintel three.
" Rule Britanuia," Verse and chores with full band.
Sir JAMES SAUMAREZ briefly returned Omic,
on behalf of the Army and Navy.
The next toast was—.
" The Memory of King George the Third"—Drunk with
silent and solemn revereuce. •
The following Address, written by the Reverend
George Croly, was then recited by Mr. Conway, •
late of the Theatre-Royal. Covent-garden •
The tears were filial tears, that England gave .
Her proud, sad tribute, to her Moaareb's grave.
Still on the hallowed spot wai fixed her rye,
With grief, thu' soften'd, yet too deep to die;
And now she bids her Empire's mightiest come,
To rear th' eternal trophy o'er his tomb.
Ye' on whose brows the fates of kingaloms lie,
There read the lesson of tree Sovereignty!

A

But, if upon your splendid struggle brood
The heavy thought of Mates ingratitude, ••
Here turn your gaze—behold what feelings cling
Around. the sainted memory of a Kisg;
What sable natures in his bow vie,
Leda—mid anticipate Posterity!
War was upon the World! the dying roar
Of Empires peal'd around our mountain shore.
Thu to his God, and to his People, true,
Her ancient King the sword of Rogs,,nd drew ;
The strong, reluctant sword, that sever dyed
Its edge, but in the blood of Homicide. •
And, at his call, were matchless minds '
Beacons! that thou' the night of nations blazed.
Spirit of Nelson ! tho' the voice of fame
Swells since thy day with many a warrior name ;
Tho' One like thee still heads the Immortal Band,
First of the first, the Nelson of the Laud!
Yet all thy triumph on one vision rolls,
Thy name is graven upon our swords, our souls.
Hero of England! to whose hope was given
Tbc only boon the Hero asks of Heaven ;
In Vasuur's prime, in Glory's cause to die—
'Timis thins to burst from Earth in Victory.
Yet there were those, tin' in no fight they fell,
Whom England's heart of heart remembersiuitely torn;
well.r
Statesmen ! from mankind's n
O'er whose cold graves iv*. Rivalry can moors,
With generous wonder, human soli OW wrung,
Can praise the might, the magic of the tongue,
The stainless band, the zeal—a living flame—
And love to give the tallness of their fame.
But stronger than the sword, the tongue, the Crown.
'Tis Heart—that draws the cormueriug blessing down.
Earth saw her kingdoms given to blade and brood,
But round one throes the Virtues look their stand.
Their proud, last refuge, ere they soared to Heaven
lf, in that day, our wanderings were forgiven;
lf, in the hour that wither**, Europe's fame,
Oa Eagisad's crest unsought-fur glory came,
Great Klux! thine; thy prayer, our sword arid shirts!,
Our more than victory by Good and field;
All thine, that in thy hononed grave art low—
Throats were immortal, filled by such as Own !
And in that storni,orken Barth was waste and wild,
Prate on our shoves in surniner.besnly 'smiled;
Here, in the guardian splendours of the Throne,
Glowed the rich pencil, sprang to life the stone ; . • •
Here, like the contest for young Attests* teTig
Yaloar's proud emblem with the Olive strove; •
But, drat in meats', as in martial toil.
We delved them both the Natives of the soil.
.And hiosesing still is os.the favour'd laud, •
still vanes her sceptre in a Brunswick's kited;
Son, worthy of thy Sire! beneath thy sway
•
Oar clouds shall brighten into perfect day :
Around thy thruse the laorell'd Arts shalt eyrie'.
And sari\ rejoice in England's Patriot King! •
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