Long had our dull forefathers slept supine, Nor felt the raptures of the tuneful Nine; Till Chaucer first, the merry bard, arose, And many a story told in rhyme and prose....
If yet your thoughts are loose from state affairs, Nor feel the burden of a kingdom's cares; If yet your time and actions are your own; Receive the present of a Muse unknown:...
In the first rise and infancy of farce, When fools were many, and when plays were scarce The raw unpractis'd authors could, with ease, A young and unexperienc'd audience please:...
The Lord my pasture shall prepare And feed me with a shepherds care; His presence shall my wants supply And guard me with a watchful eye; My noonday walks He shall attend...