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The poetical works of Sir William Jones

With the life of the author ... in two volumes
Jones, William (1746-1794)

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VOL. I.
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VOL. II.
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ODES.
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TALES.
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SONGS AND BALLADS.

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289

EXTEMPORE OPINION ON NATIVE TALENT, IN ANSWER TO LINES FROM A FRIEND.

Ah! but too well, dear friend, I know
My fancy weak, my reason slow,
My memory by art improv'd,
My mind by baseless trifles mov'd.
Give me (thus high my pride I raise)
The ploughman's or the gard'ner's praise,
With patient and unceasing toil,
To meliorate a stubborn soil.
And say, (no higher meed I ask,)
‘With zeal hast thou perform'd thy task;’
Praise, of which virtuous minds may boast,
They best confer, who merit most.
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