The first stanza of this Ode was composed almost extempore, in 
      front of Rydal Mount, before church-time, and on such a morning 
      and precisely with such objects before my eyes as are here 
      described. The view taken of Napoleon's character and proceedings 
      is little in accordance with that taken by some historians and 
      critical philosophers. I am glad and proud of the difference, and 
      trust that this series of poems, infinitely below the subject as 
      they are, will survive to counteract, in unsophisticated minds, 
      the pernicious and degrading tendency of those views and doctrines 
      that lead to the idolatry of power, as power, and, in that false 
      splendour to lose sight of its real nature and constitution as it 
      often acts for the gratification of its possessor without 
      reference to a beneficial end--an infirmity that has characterised 
      men of all ages, classes, and employments, since Nimrod became a 
      mighty hunter before the Lord.
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        Wholly unworthy of touching upon the momentous subject here 
      treated would that Poet be, before whose eyes the present 
      distresses under which this kingdom labours could interpose a veil 
      sufficiently thick to hide, or even to obscure, the splendour of 
      this great moral triumph. If I have given way to exultation, 
      unchecked by these distresses, it might be sufficient to protect 
      me from a charge of insensibility, should I state my own belief 
      that the sufferings will be transitory. Upon the wisdom of a very 
      large majority of the British nation rested that generosity which 
      poured out the treasures of this country for the deliverance of 
      Europe: and in the same national wisdom, presiding in time of 
      peace over an energy not inferior to that which has been displayed 
      in war, 'they' confide, who encourage a firm hope that the cup of 
      our wealth will be gradually replenished. There will, doubtless, 
      be no few ready to indulge in regrets and repinings; and to feed a 
      morbid satisfaction, by aggravating these burthens in imagination; 
      in order that calamity so confidently prophesied, as it has not 
      taken the shape which their sagacity allotted to it, may appear as 
      grievous as possible under another. But the body of the nation 
      will not quarrel with the gain, because it might have been 
      purchased at a less price; and, acknowledging in these sufferings, 
      which they feel to have been in a great degree unavoidable, a 
      consecration of their noble efforts, they will vigorously apply 
      themselves to remedy the evil.
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        Nor is it at the expense of rational patriotism, or in disregard 
      of sound philosophy, that I have given vent to feelings tending to 
      encourage a martial spirit in the bosoms of my countrymen, at a 
      time when there is a general outcry against the prevalence of 
      these dispositions. The British army, both by its skill and valour 
      in the field, and by the discipline which rendered it, to the 
      inhabitants of the several countries where its operations were 
      carried on, a protection from the violence of their own troops, 
      has performed services that will not allow the language of 
      gratitude and admiration to be suppressed or restrained (whatever 
      be the temper of the public mind) through a scrupulous dread lest 
      the tribute due to the past should prove an injurious incentive 
      for the future. Every man deserving the name of Briton adds his 
      voice to the chorus which extols the exploits of his countrymen, 
      with a consciousness, at times overpowering the effort, that they 
      transcend all praise.--But this particular sentiment, thus 
      irresistibly excited, is not sufficient. The nation would err 
      grievously if she suffered the abuse which other states have made 
      of military power to prevent her from perceiving that no people 
      ever was or can be independent, free, or secure, much less great, 
      in any sane application of the word, without a cultivation of 
      military virtues. Nor let it be overlooked that the benefits 
      derivable from these sources are placed within the reach of Great 
      Britain, under conditions peculiarly favourable. The same insular 
      position which, by rendering territorial incorporation impossible, 
      utterly precludes the desire of conquest under the most seductive 
      shape it can assume, enables her to rely, for her defence against 
      foreign foes, chiefly upon a species of armed force from which her 
      own liberties have nothing to fear. Such are the privileges of her 
      situation; and, by permitting, they invite her to give way to the 
      courageous instincts of human nature, and to strengthen and refine 
      them by culture.
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        But some have more than insinuated that a design exists to 
      subvert the civil character of the English people by 
      unconstitutional applications and unnecessary increase of military 
      power. The advisers and abettors of such a design, were it 
      possible that it should exist, would be guilty of the most heinous 
      crime, which, upon this planet, can be committed. Trusting that 
      this apprehension arises from the delusive influences of an 
      honourable jealousy, let me hope that the martial qualities which 
      I venerate will be fostered by adhering to those good old usages 
      which experience has sanctioned, and by availing ourselves of new 
      means of indisputable promise: particularly by applying, in its 
      utmost possible extent, that system of tuition whose master-spring 
      is a habit of gradually enlightened subordination;--by imparting 
      knowledge, civil, moral, and religious, in such measure that the 
      mind, among all classes of the community, may love, admire, and be 
      prepared and accomplished to defend, that country under whose 
      protection its faculties have been unfolded and its riches 
      acquired;--by just dealing towards all orders of the state, so 
      that, no members of it being trampled upon, courage may everywhere 
      continue to rest immoveably upon its ancient English foundation, 
      personal self-respect;--by adequate rewards and permanent honours 
      conferred upon the deserving;--by encouraging athletic exercises 
      and manly sports among the peasantry of the country;--and by 
      especial care to provide and support institutions in which, during 
      a time of peace, a reasonable proportion of the youth of the 
      country may be instructed in military science.
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        I have only to add that I should feel little satisfaction in 
      giving to the world these limited attempts to celebrate the 
      virtues of my country, if I did not encourage a hope that a 
      subject, which it has fallen within my province to treat only in 
      the mass, will by other poets be illustrated in that detail which 
      its importance calls for, and which will allow opportunities to 
      give the merited applause to PERSONS as well as to THINGS.
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        The ode was published along with other pieces, now interspersed 
      through this volume.