VII. For when within thy shady seat First from the sultry town he chose, And the tir'd senate's cares, his wish'd repose, Through Nature's simple paths with ancient Faith might roam. VIII. And while around his sylvan scene My Dyson led the white-wing'd hours, Oft from the Athenian academic bowers Their sages came; oft heard our lingering walk The Mantuan music warbling o'er the green; And oft did Tully's reverend shade, Though much for liberty afraid, With us of letter'd ease or virtuous glory talk. IX. But other guests were on their way, Even the celestial progeny of Jove, And sang their happy gifts, and prais'd their spotless throne. X. I saw when through yon festive gate He led along his chosen maid, And to my friend with smiles presenting said, "Receive that fairest wealth which Heaven as sign'd To human fortune. Did thy lonely state One wish, one utmost hope confess? Behold, she comes to adorn and bless; Comes, worthy of thy heart, and equal to thy mind." ODE XIII. TO THE AUTHOR OF MEMOIRS OF THE HOUSE OF BRANDENBURGII. I. 1751. THE men renown'd as chiefs of human race, As on Pharsalian plains, or by the Assyrian flood. II. Say thou too, Frederic, was not this thy aim? Thy vigils could the student's lamp engage, Except for this? except that future Fame Might read thy genius in the faithful page? That if hereafter Envy shall presume With words irreverent to inscribe thy tomb, And baser weeds upon thy palms to fling, That hence posterity may try thy reign, Assert thy treaties, and thy wars explain, And view in native lights the hero and the king. III. O evil foresight and pernicious care! Why are the woes, which virtuous men have borne For sacred truth, a prey to laughter given? What fiend, what foe of Nature, urg'd thy arm The Almighty of his sceptre to disarm? To push this earth adrift, and leave it loose from heaven? IV. Ye godlike shades of legislators old, Ye who made Rome victorious, Athens wise, Say did not horror in your bosoms rise, Affronting civil order's holiest bands? Those bands which ye so labour'd to improve? Those hopes and fears of justice from above, Which tam'd the savage world to your divine commands? Tempt me no more, insidious love: Long did my youthful bosom prove: At length some dear-bought caution earn'd: Away! nor hope my riper age to move. II. I know, I see Her merit. Needs it now be shown, Alas, to me? How often, to myself unknown, The graceful, gentle, virtuous maid. Have I admir'd! How often said, What joy to call a heart like hers one's own! III. But, flattering god, O squanderer of content and ease, In thy abode Will care's rude lesson learn to please? O say, deceiver, hast thou won Proud Fortune to attend thy throne, Or plac'd thy friends above her stern decrees? ODE XV. ON DOMESTIC MANNERS. (UNFINISHED.) I. MEEK Honour, female shame, O! whither, sweetest offspring of the sky, Of Albion's daughters once the favourite fame? Who giv'st her pleasing reverence to inspire: Dost to esteem and dear affection turn; Alas! of thee forlorn What joy, what praise, what hope can life pretend? II. Behold; our youths in vain The arts of bashful Hymen to attain ; And cheeks impassive, as they move along, The lover swears that in a harlot's arms Are found the self-same charms, And worthless and deserted lives and dies. |