The miscellaneous works of David Humphreys Late Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America to the Court of Madrid |
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 | The miscellaneous works of David Humphreys |  |
Say, live there mortals form'd with organs such,
They nature prize too little, art too much?
I love th' immortal marble's breathing form,
With life instinct, with animation warm;
Where pictur'd canvass glows with living dyes,
Charm'd, I behold a new creation rise:
Nor less I love of human skill the pride,
The tall bark bounding on the billowy tide:
Or art's consummate task, the city grac'd
With Grecian columns or with Tuscan taste.
If such delight art's curious works afford,
Shall I not rather love creation's Lord?
To me, oh nature! all thy music bring,
O'er all heav'n's other works of man to sing.
They nature prize too little, art too much?
I love th' immortal marble's breathing form,
With life instinct, with animation warm;
Where pictur'd canvass glows with living dyes,
Charm'd, I behold a new creation rise:
Nor less I love of human skill the pride,
The tall bark bounding on the billowy tide:
Or art's consummate task, the city grac'd
With Grecian columns or with Tuscan taste.
If such delight art's curious works afford,
Shall I not rather love creation's Lord?
To me, oh nature! all thy music bring,
O'er all heav'n's other works of man to sing.
| The miscellaneous works of David Humphreys | |