The Shamrock or, Hibernian Cresses. A Collection of Poems, Songs, Epigrams, &c. Latin as well as English, The Original Production of Ireland. To which are subjoined thoughts on the prevailing system of school education, respecting young ladies as well as gentlemen: with practical proposals for a reformation [by Samuel Whyte] |
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THE NEW YEAR's GIFT. |
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 | The Shamrock |  |
67
THE NEW YEAR's GIFT.
To three YOUNG LADIES, who honoured the Author with a Visit,
and presented him with an elegant Seal, January 1st, 1771.
Who have not heard, or mayn't have read,
What Greeks, and Latins, too, have said,
Howe'er the Story odd is,
That, erst, a Swain of low Degree
Was visited by Beauties three;
And each, still more, a Goddess?
What Greeks, and Latins, too, have said,
Howe'er the Story odd is,
That, erst, a Swain of low Degree
Was visited by Beauties three;
And each, still more, a Goddess?
Tho' this in Circumstances fail,
'Tis just the Substance of the Tale;
And, surely, 'twill be granted,
We simple Truths, tho' Diction err,
Should to all Fopperies prefer,
That e'er Enthusiast chanted.
'Tis just the Substance of the Tale;
And, surely, 'twill be granted,
We simple Truths, tho' Diction err,
Should to all Fopperies prefer,
That e'er Enthusiast chanted.
Thus, Hints are from the Ancients caught;
And Similies, and Fables brought:
So Prior did, and Waller.
Like Bees, industrious Moderns roam,
In Quest of Sweets, too scarce at Home,
Or, to parade the Scholar.
And Similies, and Fables brought:
So Prior did, and Waller.
Like Bees, industrious Moderns roam,
In Quest of Sweets, too scarce at Home,
Or, to parade the Scholar.
68
Be that as 'twill, should we refuse,
With greater Wits, such Aids to use,
And when so pat the Case is?—
Tho' Paris, all must own, was bless'd,
The Prize of Honour I contest,
Saluted by the Graces.
With greater Wits, such Aids to use,
And when so pat the Case is?—
Tho' Paris, all must own, was bless'd,
The Prize of Honour I contest,
Saluted by the Graces.
Saturnia's Air, without her Pride,
To female Softness, Sense ally'd,
In each conspicuous seen is;
Possess'd of Beauty's modest Zone,
In Style peculiar Each her own,
A Match for Paphia's Queen is.
To female Softness, Sense ally'd,
In each conspicuous seen is;
Possess'd of Beauty's modest Zone,
In Style peculiar Each her own,
A Match for Paphia's Queen is.
But, well appriz'd the Poet's Pen,
With literal, dull, insipid Men,
Small Credence gains, or Glory,
Tho' all Observers daily find
Ten thousand nameless Charms behind,
The Muse resumes her Story.
With literal, dull, insipid Men,
Small Credence gains, or Glory,
Tho' all Observers daily find
Ten thousand nameless Charms behind,
The Muse resumes her Story.
One Day, the first of all the Year,
Bright and unusual Beams appear,
My Chamber round adorning;
Such in the joyous Welkin play,
When fair Aurora greets the May,
And ushers in the Morning.
Bright and unusual Beams appear,
My Chamber round adorning;
Such in the joyous Welkin play,
When fair Aurora greets the May,
And ushers in the Morning.
69
Anon, before me, Hand in Hand,
Three Sister Genii, smiling, stand,
Youth, Sentiment, and Reason;
And, graciously, by Honour sent,
A curious Signet they present,
Respective of the Season:
Three Sister Genii, smiling, stand,
Youth, Sentiment, and Reason;
And, graciously, by Honour sent,
A curious Signet they present,
Respective of the Season:
There Cupid, emblematic, stands,
And eager strives, with out-stretch'd Hands,
A Heart from Thorns to sever:
“Rien sans Peine.” The Motto's true,
Love, Power, or Wealth, or Fame pursue,
If nobly we endeavour.
And eager strives, with out-stretch'd Hands,
A Heart from Thorns to sever:
“Rien sans Peine.” The Motto's true,
Love, Power, or Wealth, or Fame pursue,
If nobly we endeavour.
Love, Power, and Wealth, and Fame be yours,
And dove-ey'd Peace, which Bliss ensures,
And every Thorn disperses:
And, Ladies, all I have t 'impart,
Take, for your New Year's Gift, my Heart,
Enfolded in these Verses.
And dove-ey'd Peace, which Bliss ensures,
And every Thorn disperses:
And, Ladies, all I have t 'impart,
Take, for your New Year's Gift, my Heart,
Enfolded in these Verses.
| The Shamrock | |