William the Third

By William Wordsworth (1770–1850)

William III., of England, succeeded to the throne with his wife Mary, on the deposition of her father James II., and they were proclaimed joint sovereigns of England on Feb. 13, 1689.

CALM as an under-current, strong to draw

Millions of waves into itself, and run,

From sea to sea, impervious to the sun

And ploughing storm, the spirit of Nassau

Swerves not, (how blest if by religious awe

Swayed, and thereby enabled to contend

With the wide world’s commotions) from its end

Swerves not—diverted by a casual law.

Had mortal action e’er a nobler scope?

The Hero comes to liberate, not defy;

And, while he marches on with steadfast hope,

Conqueror beloved! expected anxiously!

The vacillating Bondman of the Pope

Shrinks from the verdict of his steadfast eye.

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