With what attractive charms this goodly frame Of nature touches the consenting hearts Of mortal men; and what the pleasing stores Which beauteous imitation thence derives...
With what inchantment nature's goodly scene Attracts the sense of mortals; how the mind For its own eye doth objects nobler still Prepare; how men by various lessons learn...
One effort more, one cheerful sally more, Our destin'd course will finish. and in peace Then, for an offering sacred to the powers Who lent us gracious guidance, we will then...
When shall the laurel and the vocal string Resume their honours? When shall we behold The tuneful tongue, the Prometh'an hand Aspire to ancient praise? Alas! how faint,...
Thus far of beauty and the pleasing forms Which man's untutor'd fancy, from the scenes Imperfect of this ever-changing world, Creates; and views, inamor'd. Now my song...
What tongue then may explain the various fate Which reigns o'er earth? or who to mortal eyes Illustrate this perplexing labyrinth Of joy and woe through which the feet of man...
Of all the various lots around the ball, Which fate to man distributes, absolute; Avert, ye gods! that of the Muse's son, Curs'd with dire poverty! poor hungry wretch!...
Whilom by silver Thames's gentle stream, In London town there dwelt a subtile wight; A wight of mickle wealth, and mickle fame, Book-learn'd and quaint: a Virtuoso hight....
Approach in silence. 'tis no vulgar tale Which I, the Dryad of this hoary oak, Pronounce to mortal ears. The second age Now hasteneth to its period, since I rose On this fair lawn. The groves of yonder vale...
Indeed, my Phaedra, if to find That wealth can female wishes gain Had e'er disturb'd your thoughtful mind, Or cost one serious moment's pain, I should have said that all the rules,...
With sordid floods the wintry Urn Hath stain'd fair Richmond's level green: Her naked hill the Dryads mourn, No longer a poetic scene. No longer there thy raptur'd eye...
From pompous life's dull masquerade, From Pride's pursuits, and Passion's war, Far, my Cordelia, very far, To thee and me may Heaven assign The silent pleasures of the shade,...
Behold; the Balance in the sky Swift on the wintry scale inclines: To earthy caves the Dryads fly, And the bare pastures Pan resigns. Late did the farmer's fork o'erspread...
The men renown'd as chiefs of human race, And born to lead in counsels or in arms, Have seldom turn'd their feet from glory's chace To dwell with books or court the Muse's charms....
Whither is Europe's ancient spirit fled? Where are those valiant tenants of her shore, Who from the warrior bow the strong dart sped, Or with firm hand the rapid pole-ax bore?...
To-night retir'd the queen of heaven With young Endymion stays: And now to Hesper is it given Awhile to rule the vacant sky, Till she shall to her lamp supply A stream of brighter rays. ...