Andrew Marvell

31 March 1621 – 16 August 1678 / Yorkshire, England

To Christina, Queen Of Sweden

Verses to accompany a portrait of Cromwell

Bright Martial Maid, Queen of the frozen zone,
The northern pole supports thy shining throne.
Behold what furrows age and steel can plough;
The helmet's weight oppressed this wrinkled brow.
Through fate's untrodden paths I move; my hands
Still act my free-born people's bold commands;
Yet this stern shade, to you submits his frowns,
Nor are these looks always severe to crowns.
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