 | A Collection of Original Poems |  |
62
To a Lady who writes elegantly.
How can the Muse her song refrain,
When Silvia's merit asks the strain?
Quick let the fragrant incense rise,
Her wit a boundless theme supplies.
When Silvia's merit asks the strain?
Quick let the fragrant incense rise,
Her wit a boundless theme supplies.
Now rais'd on tow'ring wing she soars,
And ev'ry Muse's haunt explores;
Apollo, from Olympus' height,
Marks, thro' mid-air, her wond'rous flight:
Hark! hark! she strikes the sounding lyre;
What raptures high each note inspire!
How bright the beams of fancy glow!
How strong, how sweet, the numbers flow!
Their claim to judgment, genius, wit,
Dacier and Scudery pleas'd submit:
Orinda, once the fair and young,
Lov'd theme of ev'ry poet's song;
Ev'n Sappho's self resigns to thee
The prize of wit and harmony.
And ev'ry Muse's haunt explores;
Apollo, from Olympus' height,
Marks, thro' mid-air, her wond'rous flight:
Hark! hark! she strikes the sounding lyre;
What raptures high each note inspire!
How bright the beams of fancy glow!
How strong, how sweet, the numbers flow!
Their claim to judgment, genius, wit,
Dacier and Scudery pleas'd submit:
Orinda, once the fair and young,
Lov'd theme of ev'ry poet's song;
63
The prize of wit and harmony.
O could I fire the soul like Rowe,
Could I with Shakespear's fancy glow;
Were mine the strength of Milton's lays,
Uncensur'd I might dare thy praise:
Then would I all thy beauties trace,
Thy matchless mind, thy charming face;
Then like thyself I might display
My Silvia rival of the day.
Could I with Shakespear's fancy glow;
Were mine the strength of Milton's lays,
Uncensur'd I might dare thy praise:
Then would I all thy beauties trace,
Thy matchless mind, thy charming face;
Then like thyself I might display
My Silvia rival of the day.
| A Collection of Original Poems | |