T SOL OLACE of life, my fweet companion lyre! On this fair poplar bough I'll hang thee high, While the gay fields all foft delights inspire, And not one cloud deforms the smiling fky. II. While whispering gales, that court the leaves and flowers, Play through thy ftrings, and gently make them found, Luxurious I'll diffolve the flowing hours In balmy flumbers on the carpet ground. III. But fee-what fudden gloom obfcures the air! AN YE Mufes, that frequent these walks and shades, The feat of calm repose, Which Howard's happy genius chofe; Where, taught by you, his Lyre he ftrung, O fay, ye kind inspiring powers! II. Begin, and Echo fhall the fong repeat; And view the yellow harvest far around, The neighbouring fields with plenty crown'd, And over head a fair unclouded sky. The wood, the park's romantic scene, III. Hark!—the kind inspiring powers Propitious to my call ! They join their choral voices all, Liften, they cry, thou penfive swain! And chufe to footh thee with a sweeter ftrain When, first defcending from her parent skies, Love faw the fires that darted from her eyes, IV. Say, IV. Say, beauteous Afted! has thy honour'd shade Ever receiv'd that lovely maid? Ye nymphs and fylvan deities, confefs For if the lovely maid was here, He clothe the meads, though his delicious showers, Awake the bloffoms and the breathing flowers, And new-create the fragrant year; April himself, or brighter May, Never made your grove fo gay, V. Whatever rural feat fhe now doth grace, With her he keeps his court, and where the lives he reigns. A thousand bright attendants more There circling Pleasure ever flows: And sparkling Mirth, that never looks fo bright, As when it lightens in Molinda's smile. VI. Thither, ye guardian powers (if such there are, To watch o'er human-kind with friendly care,) If goodness like your own can move To blaft those beauties in their bloom. With clouds of grief, or fhowers of melting tears; With every shape of woe, be driven away Let Peace o'er her his dovelike wings display, то |