A HINT TO CHRISTIAN POETS.
I
Where now the Jove, the Phœbus, and the Nine,
Invok'd in Aid of Greek, and Roman Line;
The Verse-inspiring Oracle and Stream,
Delphos and Helicon, and every Theme
Of charming Fictions, which the Poets sung,
To shew the Beauties of a reigning Tongue?
II
The Wars of Gods and Goddesses and Men
Employ'd an Homer's and a Virgil's Pen;
An Epicurus taught that with this Ball
The Gods at Ease had no Concern at all;
And a Lucretius follow'd, to rehearse
His Greek Impieties in Latin Verse.
III
Such were the Bibles of the Pagan Age,
Sung at the Feast and acted on the Stage,—
Transform'd to pompous or to luscious Ode,
As Bacchus, Mars, or Venus was the Mode,—
Dumb Deities, at Wit's profuse Expense
Worshipp'd with Sounds that echoed to no Sense.
IV
The Christian Bard has, from a real Spring
Of Inspiration, other Themes to sing:
No vain Philosophy, no fabled Rime,
But Sacred Story, simple and sublime,
By holy Prophets told, to whom belong
The Subjects worthy of the Pow'rs of Song.
V
Shun then, ye born with Talents that may grace
The most important Truths, their hapless Case!
From ranting, high, theatrical Bombast
To low Sing-song of meretricious Cast,
Shun ev'ry Step by which a Pagan Muse
Could lead her Clients to the Stage or Stews!
VI
Let no Examples tempt you to profane
The Gift, abhorrent of all hurtful Strain;
Contemn the vicious, tho' prevailing, Fame
That gains by prostituting Verse a Name;
Take the forbearing Hint, and all the rest
Will rise spontaneous in your purer Breast!
