And give the day to a musician's praise. 645 Or can, the more than Homer of his age? Yes-we remember him. And while we praise 650 That His most holy book from whom it came And measure of the offence, rebukes a deed 655 When wandering Charles, who meant to be the third, Had fled from William, and the news was fresh, 660 The simple clerk but loyal, did announce, And eke did rear right merrily, two staves, Sung to the praise and glory of King George. -Man praises man, and Garrick's memory next, When time hath somewhat mellow'd it, and made 665 The idol of our worship while he lived, The God of our idolatry once more, Shall have its altar; and the world shall go In pilgrimage to bow before his shrine. The theatre too small, shall suffocate Its squeezed contents, and more than it admits 670 Shall stuff his shoulders with King Richard's bunch, Or wrap himself in Hamlet's inky cloak, And strut and storm and straddle, stamp and stare, To show the world how Garrick did not act 19. For Garrick was a worshipper himself; He drew the Liturgy, and framed the rites And call'd the world to worship on the banks Some place, a spark or two not yet extinct. 675 680 686 The mulberry tree was hung with blooming wreaths, Still sacred, and preserves with pious care. And mirth without offence. Decorum reign'd, No few return'd The rabble all alive, Doubtless much edified, and all refreshed. -Man praises man. 690 From tippling-benches, cellars, stalls, and styes, Maidens wave for joy; Their 'kerchiefs, and old women weep 19 How his eyes languish! how his thoughts adore That painted coat which Joseph never wore. Young. Satire iv. That the world may know How far he went for what was nothing worth. Book vi. 238. 695 700 While others not so satisfied unhorse The gilded equipage, and turning loose His steeds, usurp a place they well deserve. 705 Why? what has charm'd them? Hath he saved the state? That finds out every crevice of the head That is not sound and perfect, hath in theirs Wrought this disturbance. But the wane is near, Doom'd to the dust, or lodged already there. The task now falls into the public hand. And I, contented with an humble theme, 710 715 Have poured my stream of panegyric down May stand between an animal and woe, The groans of nature in this nether world, 720 725 730 The time of rest, the promised sabbath comes. Before a calm, that rocks itself to rest. For He whose car the winds are, and the clouds Sweet is the harp of prophecy: too sweet Oh scenes surpassing fable, and yet true, 20 True she is fair, oh how divinely fair! 735 740 745 750 755 760 S. C.-9. Addison. Cuto. S His soul refresh'd with foretaste of the joy? And clothe all climes with beauty; the reproach Of the same grove, and drink one common stream. Lurks in the serpent now; the mother sees The breath of heaven has chased it. In the heart 765 770 775 780 785 No passion touches a discordant string, But all is harmony and love. Disease Is not. The pure and uncontaminate blood Holds its due course, nor fears the frost of age. 790 21 The folds shall be full of sheep: the valleys also shall stand so thick with corn that they shall laugh and sing. Psalm lxv. |