Oh fly! 'tis dire Suspicion's mien; And, meditating plagues unseen, The sorceress hither bends: Behold her torch in gall imbrued: Behold'her garment drops with blood Of lovers and of friends....
Me tho' in life's sequester'd vale The Almighty sire ordain'd to dwell, Remote from glory's toilsome ways, And the great scenes of public praise; Yet let me still with grateful pride...
Of all the springs within the mind Which prompt her steps in fortune's maze, From none more pleasing aid we find Than from the genuine love of praise. Nor any partial, private end...
O youths and virgins: o declining eld: O pale misfortune's slaves: o ye who dwell Unknown with humble quiet; ye who wait In courts, or fill the golden seat of kings:...
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....