The reign of the new monarch was ushered in by Young with "Ocean, an
Ode." The hint of it was taken from the royal speech, which
recommended the increase and the encouragement of the seamen; that
they might be "invited, rather than compelled by force and violence,
to enter into the service of their country"--a plan which humanity
must lament that policy has not even yet been able, or willing, to
carry into execution. Prefixed to the original publication were an
"Ode to the King, Pater Patriae," and an "Essay on Lyric Poetry."
It is but justice to confess that he preserved neither of them; and
that the Ode itself, which in the first edition, and in the last,
consists of seventy-three stanzas, in the author's own edition is
reduced to forty-nine. Among the omitted passages is a "Wish," that
concluded the poem, which few would have suspected Young of forming;
and of which few, after having formed it, would confess something
like their shame by suppression. It stood originally so high in the
author's opinion, that he entitled the poem, "Ocean, an Ode.
Concluding with a Wish." This wish consists of thirteen stanzas.
The first runs thus:--

"O may I STEAL
Along the VALE
Of humble life, secure from foes!
My friend sincere,
My judgment clear,
And gentle business my repose!"

The three last stanzas are not more remarkable for just rhymes; but,
altogether, they will make rather a curious page in the life of
Young:--