To win her grace whom all commend.
There let Hymen oft appear

In saffron robe, with taper clear,
And Pomp, and Feast, and Revelry,
With Mask and antique Pageantry;
Such sights as youthful poets dream,
On summer eves by haunted stream.
Then to the well-trod stage anon,
If Jonson's learned sock be on,

125

130

Or sweetest Shakspeare, Fancy's child,
Warble his native wood-notes wild.

And ever against eating cares,

125

Lap me in soft Lydian airs,
Married to immortal Verse,

Such as the meeting soul may pierce

In notes, with many a winding bout

Of linked sweetness long drawn out,

140

IL PENSEROSO.

HENCE, vain deluding Joys,

The brood of Folly without father bred!

How little you bested,

Or fill the fixed mind with all your toys!

1. The idea of this poem is said to have been taken from a song in a comedy by Fletcher, called 'The Nice Valor; or, Passionate Madman.' There is, indeed, a slight general resemblance in the two pieces; but, even supposing an imitation so far as it goes, it is not enough to affect the originality of Il Penseroso.

PUBLI

ASTOR, LENOJ A

TILDEN FOUNDATIO

Come,pensive Nim, devont and pure.
Sober, steadfast, and demure.
All in a robe of darkest grain,
Flowing with majestic train.