The Massachusetts Spy

August 30. On Monday last, being the birth day of his Royal Highness Prince Ernest of Mecklenburg, brother to the Queen, their Majesties received the compliments of the Nobility at Richmond: in the evening the following new ODE, set to music by Mr. Bach, was sung by Mr. Tenducci upon that occasion, viz.

RECITATIVE.
OH! for a touch of nobler fire,
Than e'er yet swept the living lyre!
Such, as the list'ning spheres mind bend
Make angels from their orbs descend;
And, from the realms of purer light,
With ev'ry beaming virtue bright,
Call heav'nly inspiration down!
Then, Should the praises of our Queen,
The mild, the gentle, the serene,
In soft melodious numbers float,
Fond Echo doubling ev'ry note,
And, from the golden trump of fame,
To distant nations thus proclaim
The brightest gem of Britain's Crown.

AIR.
Sweetest flow'r that e'er shall spring
To grace the bosom of a King;
A King, by Nature form'd to bless,
And fix his people's happiness.
Never shall thy like have birth
In the regions of the earth ;
Ne'er again perfection blend
Sister ! mother ! wife and friend !
Sweetest flower, &c.
Da Capo.

RECITATIVE
And yet let raptur'd wonder tell,
This smiling morn its produce bring,
A theme on which the virgins dwell ;
A theme each bard delights to sing ;
A brother born to spread the fame
Of Mecklenburg's exalted name !
In whose reflected graces seen,
Again we view our gracious Queen.

AIR.
Happy Prince, enjoy each blessing
Britain boasts, from envy free ;
Ev'ry candid with joining,
Curse the wretch who frowns on thee.
Welcome as the summer's morning,
Peace and joy thy smiles impart;
Kindness still thy face adorning,
Innocence and truth thy heart.
Happy Prince, &c.

Their Majesties, the Prince of Wales, the Prince Mecklenburg, the Bishop of Osnaburgh, and the rest of the Royal Family, with several persons of distinction were present during the performance ; a grand concert succeeded the ode.
The Royal Family did not retire till near twelve o'clock.