University of Virginia Library

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52

To the Sun, in a cold dry Season.

Parent of Light, whose ever-shining Ray,
Quickens the Globe, and kindles up the Day:
Collect thy Force, thy Ardors all prepare,
To mitigate and warm the frigid Air:
Send forth, bright Prince, a more extensive Glow,
And let us feel thy chearing Pow'rs below.
Let humid Vapours leave their native Streams,
Exhal'd from thence by thy attracting Beams;
In rising Mists our Ev'ning Walks attend,
And kindly on the soft'ning Earth descend.
Or else, invisibly expanding, rise
Mix into Clouds, and float along the Skies;
There all the Day in bright Suspension stay'd,
And beautiful by thy Reflection made;

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53

Border'd with Gold, or ting'd with purple Hue,
Like rich Embossings on a Ground of Blue,
To the pleas'd Eye present a gaudy Scene,
Whilst the pure Æther heav'nly looks between.
Let nightly Show'rs refresh the thirsty Earth,
And daily Fervors give her Plants a Birth:
Beneath our Feet the flow'ry Buds shall spring,
And on each side the wing'd Musicians sing:
Th' indulgent Skies shall bless the Peasant's Toil,
Call forth rich Crops, and make all Nature smile.

Then shall Mecenas grace his rural Seat,
Healthful and happy in a warm Retreat:
The neighbouring Towns by his dear Presence blest,
Shall hail and welcome the illustrious Guest:
Maria too the general Joy will share,
Applaud his Merit, and divide his Care:

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For like thy Beams, his gen'rous Virtues spread,
And shine benignant on the humble Head.