130 Touch'd to the soul, in vain he strives to hide Thus, generous Critic, as thy Bard inspires, By thee disposed, no farther toil demand, So spread o'er Greece, the harmonious whole unknown, E'en Homer's numbers charm'd by parts alone. Their own Ulysses scarce had wander'd more, By winds and waters cast on every shore: When, raised by fate, some former Hanmer join'd Oxford, Dec. 3, 1743. VARIATIONS. Ver. 136. Spread the fair tints, or wake the vocal string: 146. Each beauteous image of the tuneful mind; DIRGE IN CYMBELINE, SUNG BY GUIDERUS AND ARVIRAGUS OVER FIDele, SUPPOSED TO BE DEAD. To fair Fidele's grassy tomb Soft maids and village hinds shall bring No wailing ghost shall dare appear And melting virgins own their love. No wither'd witch shall here be seen; No goblins lead their nightly crew : The female fays shall haunt the green, And dress thy grave with pearly dew! 10 VARIATIONS. Ver. 1. To fair Pastora's grassy tomb The redbreast oft, at evening hours, Shall kindly lend his little aid, To deck the ground where thou art laid. When howling winds and beating rain, In tempests shake the sylvan cell; Or 'midst the chase, on every plain, The tender thought on thee shall dwell ; Each lonely scene shall thee restore; 15 20 VARIATIONS. Ver. 17. When chiding winds, and beating rain, 21. Each lovely scene shall thee restore; VERSES WRITTEN ON A PAPER WHICH CONTAINED A PIECE OF BRIDE-CAKE, GIVEN TO THE AUTHOR BY A LADY. YE curious hands, that, hid from vulgar eyes, Nor dare a theft, for love and pity's sake! This precious relic, form'd by magic power, 5 The Cyprian queen, at Hymen's fond request, 9 Each nice ingredient chose with happiest art; Fears, sighs, and wishes of the enamour'd breast, And pains that please, are mix'd in every part. With rosy hand the spicy fruit she brought, Ambiguous looks, that scorn and yet relent, And meeting ardours, and exulting youth. 20 Sleep, wayward God! hath sworn, while these remain, With flattering dreams to dry his nightly tear, And cheerful Hope, so oft invoked in vain, With fairy songs shall soothe his pensive ear. If, bound by vows to Friendship's gentle side, 25 Sweet Peace, who long hath shunn'd my plaintive day, Consents at length to bring me short delight, Thy careless steps may scare her doves away, And Grief with raven note usurp the night. 29 |