Miscellaneous poems and translations :: :: University of Virginia Library

O thou, whose Hand recording Paint supplies,
Whose Colours bloom when feeble Nature dies,
Whether thy Art th'enliven'd Canvas grace,
And shine creative in some beauteous Face,

Or if thy Hand some Hero's Deeds recall,
Where the free Stroke imprints the Historic Wall,
Rise in thy Strength, exert a nobler Part,
Illustrious --- claims a Raphael's Art,
In breathing Paint her Nuptial Scene unfold,
And image Glories that can scarce be told,
Strong thro' the Piece a genuine Warmth diffuse,
And duteous thus attend th'instructive Muse.

First let thy Hand uprear a pompous Dome,
Scene of Delight and Wonders yet to come,
Let Iris tinge the various Arch above,
And the bright Ceiling glow with pictur'd Love,
Around the Walls emblaz'd with lasting Flames
Draw the rich Ensigns of victorious Dames,
Let Angel Cupids with protecting Pow'r
Watch o'er the Columns of the mystic Bow'r,

In silver Plumes their guardian Wings unfold,
Or round the Gate expand their waving Gold.

High in the Center of a proud Alcove
In heav'nly Dies enthrone the Queen of Love,
Fair as when first th'Imperial Beauty stood
Rear'd on the Waves, and grac'd the teeming Flood,
Let virgin Nymphs in Shades contrasted play,
Fade in her Blaze, and own th'immortal Ray,
Let courtly Youths with blooming Airs be seen,
And filial Loves glow round their parent Queen.

Then, if thou dar'st Salmoneus like aspire,
And strive to paint inimitable Fire,
Near to her Throne adorn'd with Beauty's Pride
Let Hymen's Hand conduct th'illustrious Bride,

Charms thro' her Face ineffable must glow,
And Love himself th'immortal Airs bestow,
But ah! what Frailties to our Arts belong!
How coy is Beauty that has Charms too strong!
Ah! let thy Hand the fading Tincture spare,
Nor vainly wish to form Perfection there,
She on her Race that Image must confer,
And teem with Beauties that can rival her.

Just may thy Hand to other Forms be found,
And group the tutelary Graces round,
Draw kindred Virtue in the noblest Part,
Known by her Emblem an untainted Heart,
Prudential Care that guards the just Affairs,
And decent Pride that scorns Plebeian Airs,
Truth with good Nature in the Piece display,
Sense without Noise, and Wit with Breeding gay.

Plac'd at her Side in sprightly Colours frame
A Hero worthy of so fair a Dame,
Brave and majestic let his Form arise,
Youth in his Face, and Vigour in his Eyes.
The manly Graces must surround their Lord,
Let Courage here discreetly wave the Sword,
Bid Learning next adorn the Hero's Side,
Each various Science, but without its Pride,
Let Honour too his just Distinction hold,
Fame lead the Muse, and Wealth attend in Gold.

Hark! from the Piece imagin'd Accents break,
Thy Venus lives, the Goddess seems to speak,
“All Hail, illustrious Pair, whose Hearts approve
“Connubial Rites, and join in Bands of Love,

“Thou blooming Virgin, whose celestial Charms
“Glow with Desire to crown that Hero's Arms,
“Shalt teem luxuriant with a num'rous Race
“Brave as his Vigour, beauteous as thy Face,
“Fate shall improve the Flames which Love begun,
“And the fair Series in long Order run;
“No more these Eyes shall fatal Beams display,
“No more like Comets glare a dang'rous Ray,
“From hence their friendly Orbs shall bless the Sight,
“And shine propitious as the Pow'r of Light,
“Thy Love shall now its genial Warmth employ,
“And fill that World thy Eyes did once destroy.

See, Painter, see what lasting Glories shine
Fix'd on the Race of ---'s princely Line,

Succeeding Years their genuine Charms shall know,
And each fair Image in thy Tinctures glow,
Thee like a God attendant Beauties raise,
Thy own Creation speaks its Author's Praise.