Poems Namely, The English Orator; An Address to Thomas Pennant Sonnets; An Epistle to a College Friend; and The Lock Transformed. With notes on The English Orator. By Mr. Polwhele |
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19. | SONNET the NINETEENTH. Presented to Major Drewe, with a Translation of the Military Poems
of Tyrtæus.—January 26, 1786.
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SONNET the NINETEENTH. Presented to Major Drewe, with a Translation of the Military Poems of Tyrtæus.—January 26, 1786.
Forgive the Muse, nor deem her honest LineA Strain, that might betray the Flatterer's Art
Obstrusive; if assiduous to impart
The Applause which Truth devotes on Merit's Shrine.
She marks the Feeling and the Taste that shine
Fair in thy cultur'd Mind and liberal Heart;
And hails the Lustre of a Scipio thine:
While thro' thy brilliant Page new Beauties dart,
Mix'd with the noble Fervor of a Soul
Where bright the Flame of conscious Honor burns!
And such a Spirit as indignant spurns
Each crouching Slave; and blots from Valor's Roll
The Homage cold mechanic Duty pays
Too regular for Blame—too dull for Praise!
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