Thomas Yalden

Thomas Yalden Poems

Thomas Yalden Biography

Thomas Yalden (1670 – July 16, 1736) was an English poet and translator. Educated at Magdalen College, Yalden entered the Church, in which he obtained various preferments. His poems include A Hymn to Darkness, Pindaric Odes, and translations from the classics. When Namur was taken by William III of England, Yalden created an ode. There was never any reign more celebrated by the poets than that of William, who had very little regard for song himself, but happened to employ ministers who pleased themselves with the praise of patronage. Of this ode mention is made in a humorous poem of that time, called "The Oxford Laureat", in which, after many claims had been made and rejected, Yalden is represented as demanding the laurel, and as being called to his trial instead of receiving a reward. 'His crime was for being a felon in verse, And presenting his theft to the king; The first was a trick not uncommon or scarce, But the last was an impudent thing: Yet what he had stol'n was so little worth stealing, They forgave him the damage and cost; Had he ta'en the whole ode, as he took it piece-mealing, They had fin'd him but ten pence at most.' The poet whom he was charged with robbing was William Congreve. He wrote another poem on the death of the Duke of Gloucester. In 1710, Yalden became fellow of the college; and next year, entering into orders, was presented by the society with a living in Warwickshire, consistent with his fellowship, and chosen lecturer of moral philosophy, a very honourable office. On the accession of Queen Anne, he wrote another poem; and is said to have declared himself of the party who had the honourable distinction of Highchurchmen. In 1706, he was received into the family of the Duke of Beaufort. Next year, he became Doctor of Divinity, and soon after resigned his fellowship and lecture; and as a token of his gratitude gave the college a picture of their founder. He was made rector of Chalton and Cleanville, two adjoining towns and benefices in Hertfordshire, and had the prebends or sinecures of Deans, Hains, and Pendles in Devonshire. He had before been chosen, in 1698, preacher of Bridewell Hospital, upon the resignation of Francis Atterbury.)

The Best Poem Of Thomas Yalden

Æsop To The King

Victorious Prince! Form'd for Supreme Command,
Worthy the Empire of the Seas and Land!
Whilst impious Faction swells with Native Pride,
Parties distract the State, and Church divide!
And Sensless Libels with audacious Stile,
Insult thy Senate, and thy Power revile!


Vouchsafe to hear th'admired Truths of old,
Which Birds and Beasts in Sportive Tales unfold:
To curb the Insolent, advance the Good,
And quell the Ragings of the Multitude.


O fam'd for Arms! and matchless in Renown!
Permit old
ÆSOP
to approach thy Throne:
To you the labours of his Muse belong,
Accept the humble, but instructive Song.

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