Thus would I fain  Wars rehearse,
In the smooth Records of a faithful Verse;
That, if such Numbers can o'er Time prevail,
May tell Posterity the wond'rous Tale.
When Actions, Unadorn'd, are faint and weak,
Cities and Countries must be taught to speak;
Gods may descend in Factions from the Skies,
And Rivers from their Oozy Beds arise;
Fiction may deck the Truth with spurious Rays,
And round the Heroe cast a borrow'd Blaze.
MARLBRÔ'S Exploits appear divinely bright,
And proudly shine in their own Native Light;
Rais'd of themselves, their genuin Charms they boast,
And those who Paint 'em truest Praise 'em most.