University of Virginia Library

XXXIV.

[Whence flows the stream of poesy refined?]

Whence flows the stream of poesy refined?
From that pellucid fountain in the mind,
Which gives the germs of elegance to bloom,
Spread their soft leaves, and breathe their mild perfume.
To which, where'er it's liberal currents glide
Each nicer feeling owes it's vernal pride.
Where early Love inspired with transport laves,
Bathing his pinions in the glassy waves;

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114

Whence, urged by time, his feet refuse to stray,
To quit the enchanting shade, and flowery way.
The winds may howl, the surging billows roar,
The tempest fierce assault life's distant shore,
Tranquil he sits, nor heeds the inclement sky,
In vain the thunders burst, the lightnings fly;
Tranquil he sits, and views the vernal scene,
The beauteous foliage, and the tide serene;
Or pleased with youthful fancy to recline,
For him a wreathe the gentler passions twine,
Approach his hallow'd form with modest tread,
And bind the blushing fragrance round his head.

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115

Our's is the clime which real joys enfold,
And our's the true unfabled age of gold,
No blasting doubts, no frosts of hate we fear,
But spring eternal leads the circling year.
From hence no vague ideal wishes rove,
Freedom is our's, tho circumscribed by love.
The moments haste unnoticed in their flight,
Day follows day, and night succeeds to night,
Whate'er is mortal yields to time's controul,
But unimpair'd remains the stedfast soul.
Tho youth should fade, and beauty's magic flame,
Truth's ever-living radiance is the same.
Seek then the clime which real joys enfold,
Our's is the true unfabled age of gold.

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116

No blasting doubts, no frosts of hate we fear,
While spring eternal leads the circling year.