There first Apollo tried the various use 9
Of herbs, and learn’d the virtues of their juice,
And framed that art, to which who can pretend
A juster title than our noble friend,
Whom the like tempest drives from his abode,
And like employment entertains abroad? 
This crowns him here, and in the bays so earn’d,
His country’s honour is no less concern’d,
Since it appears not all the English rave,
To ruin bent; some study how to save;
And as Hippocrates did once extend
His sacred art, whole cities to amend; 20
So we, great friend! suppose that thy great skill,
Thy gentle mind, and fair example will,
At thy return, reclaim our frantic isle,
Their spirits calm, and peace again shall smile.

INSTRUCTIONS TO A PAINTER,
FOR THE DRAWING OF THE POSTURE AND PROGRESS OF HIS MAJESTY’S FORCES AT
SEA, UNDER THE COMMAND OF HIS HIGHNESS-ROYAL; TOGETHER WITH THE BATTLE
AND VICTORY OBTAINED OVER THE DUTCH, JUNE 3, 1665.[1]

First draw the sea, that portion which between
The greater world and this of ours is seen;
Here place the British, there the Holland fleet,
Vast floating armies! both prepared to meet. 
Draw the whole world, expecting who should reign,
After this combat, o’er the conquer’d main.

Make Heaven concern’d, and an unusual star 7
Declare th’importance of th’approaching war. 
Make the sea shine with gallantry, and all
The English youth flock to their Admiral,
The valiant Duke! whose early deeds abroad,
Such rage in fight, and art in conduct show’d. 
His bright sword now a dearer int’rest draws,
His brother’s glory, and his country’s cause.

Let thy bold pencil hope and courage spread,
Through the whole navy, by that hero led;
Make all appear, where such a Prince is by,
Resolved to conquer, or resolved to die. 
With his extraction, and his glorious mind,
Make the proud sails swell more than with the wind; 20
Preventing cannon, make his louder fame
Check the Batavians, and their fury tame. 
So hungry wolves, though greedy of their prey,
Stop when they find a lion in their way. 
Make him bestride the ocean, and mankind
Ask his consent to use the sea and wind;
While his tall ships in the barr’d channel stand,
He grasps the Indies in his armed hand.

Paint an east wind, and make it blow away
Th’ excuse of Holland for their navy’s stay; 30
Make them look pale, and, the bold Prince to shun,
Through the cold north and rocky regions run. 
To find the coast where morning first appears,
By the dark pole the wary Belgian steers;
Confessing now he dreads the English more
Than all the dangers of a frozen shore;
While from our arms security to find,
They fly so far, they leave the day behind. 
Describe their fleet abandoning the sea,
And all their merchants left a wealthy prey; 40