Yet oft before his infant, eyes would run Beneath the Good how far-but far above the Great. ODE ON LYRIC POETRY. [AKENSIDE.] I. 1. ONCE more I join the Thespian choir, Admit me to thy pow'rful strain! I. 2. I see Anacreon smile and sing, His silver tresses breathe perfume, His cheek displays a second spring Let me the wanton pomp enjoy, While in smooth dance the light-wing'd hours! I. 3. Broke from the fetters of his native land, Ye curs'd of gods and free-born men! Ye murd'rers of the laws! Though now ye glory in your lust, Though now ye tread the feeble neck in dust, Yet Time and righteous Jove will judge your dreadful cause. II. 1. But lo! to Sappho's melting airs Descends the radiant queen of Love: * Alcæus. She smiles, and asks what fonder cares Her suppliant's plaintive measures move? Who, Sappho, wounds thy tender breast? II. 2. But, O Melpomene! for whom For some there are whose mighty frame II. 3. While the dim raven beats her weary wings, * Pindar. Wilt thou for Albion's sons around, (Ne'er had'st thou audience more renown'd) Thy charming arts employ, As when the winds from shore to shore, Through Greece thy lyre's persuasive language bore, Till towns, and isles, and seas, return'd the vocal joy? III. 1. Yet then did Pleasure's lawless throng, Nor let thy strings one accent move, And Heav'n's unerring throne approve. III. 2. Queen of the lyre! in thy retreat Which mortal tribes were born to prove; And strait our passions rise or fall, As at the wind's imperious call The ocean swells, the billows move. III. 3. When Midnight listens o'er the slumb'ring earth, Let me, O Muse! thy solemn whispers hear; When Morning sends her fragrant breezes forth, With airy murmurs touch my op'ning ear; And, ever watchful at thy side, Let Wisdom's awful suffrage guide The tenor of thy lay: To her of old by Jove was giv'n To judge the various deeds of earth and heav'n : 'Twas thine by gentle arts to win us to her sway. IV. 1. Oft, as to well-earn'd ease resign'd, Of wealthy Care or gainful Age, Whome'er thy lovely works engage. |