Sketches in verse with prose illustrations. By Mr. Polwhele. Second edition, with several additional pieces |
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 | Sketches in verse |  |
74
TO A YOUNG OFFICER, TOO FOND OF HIS LITERARY STUDIES.
Ah why, my friend, perplex thy studious mindThus unreliev'd, by Aristotle's page?
Say, Henry, dost thou think the musing sage,
If to his books, each live-long hour, confin'd,
Could from his closet have inform'd mankind?
Go, in the scenes of active life engage!
Go, if thy country with apostates wage
Portentous war, go bid thy lore combin'd
With military skill, thy Albion aid!
So shall the scholar's and the soldier's bays
Wove to a double wreath, thy temples shade:
So shalt thou gain the more distinguisht praise
That Xenophon's or Cæsar's worth repaid;
And emulate the fame of ancient days!
| Sketches in verse | |