Note 476 — PART THE SECOND. (continued 11)
Reading edition
The unfortunate malady of George III. is here alluded to, which first occurred, after a previous indisposition, October 22nd, 1788. The nation was plunged in grief by this calamitous event, and a regency appointed, to the exclusion of the Prince of Wales, which occasioned much discussion in parliament at that time. Happily the King's illness was only of a few months' duration: his recovery was announced to be complete, Feb. 27th, 1789. Few monarchs have been more justly venerated than George the Third, or have left behind them more unquestionable evidences of real personal piety. The following lines, written to commemorate his recovery, merit to be recorded.
Not with more grief did Adam first survey, With doubts perplext, the setting orb of day; Nor more his joy, th' ensuing morn, to view That splendid orb its glorious course renew; Than was thy joy, Britannia, and thy pain, When set thy sun, and when he rose again.