 | The progress of refinement |  |
BOOK I.
INFLUENCE OF NATURE.
ARGUMENT.
INVOCATION.—Address to the President of Dartmouth University.—Sketch on Man.—Tour of Imagination. —Succession of the Seasons.—Variety agreeable. —The susceptibility of the mind to receive impressions from external objects; and the benefit of acquiring a taste for them.—They excite emotions, more or less agreeable, in all minds.—Like objects excite, in all minds, like emotions; but stronger in proportion to the refinement of the taste.—Different objects excite different emotions. —The power of Fancy to render objects more or less striking by contrast.—The Smooth stream contrasted with the impetuous torrent.—The scenery of Nature happily diversified.—Contains prospects suited to every tone of mind.—Morning walk: A Tale.—Compliment to the Fair.—Pleasures of Morn: Neglected by some; by others cherished.—General reflections on Nature, and her tendency to dignify man.
Nor heathen gods nor goddesses I court;
Nor will admit them to pollute my song.
With gentler graces and poetic powers,
While the fond pencil sips the inspiring stream
Of science, and essays such forms to paint,
As its tinge suits, deck, fancy, every theme!
Nor will admit them to pollute my song.
With gentler graces and poetic powers,
While the fond pencil sips the inspiring stream
Of science, and essays such forms to paint,
As its tinge suits, deck, fancy, every theme!
And thou, on whose regard the hopeful muse
Proudly relies, lend, Wheelock! lend an ear.
Her warblings tune thy long-loved favourite themes.
Gladly awhile she listened to thy tongue,
Which in full periods rolled a mental blaze,
And did the office of a heart, that glowed
With virtue. It bespoke thy heavenly fires,
Thy cultivated taste in arts polite,
Thy genuine love of nature; and betrayed
Thy efforts warm, to inspire their genial flame,
And rear them, blooming, in the expanding mind.
Presuming hence thy patronage to court,
The hope of favour animation gives
To the faint numbers of her infant song.
Proudly relies, lend, Wheelock! lend an ear.
14
Gladly awhile she listened to thy tongue,
Which in full periods rolled a mental blaze,
And did the office of a heart, that glowed
With virtue. It bespoke thy heavenly fires,
Thy cultivated taste in arts polite,
Thy genuine love of nature; and betrayed
Thy efforts warm, to inspire their genial flame,
And rear them, blooming, in the expanding mind.
Presuming hence thy patronage to court,
The hope of favour animation gives
To the faint numbers of her infant song.
Man is a striking trait of wonderous skill,
A feature of sagacity divine.
His mind, immortal, of consummate worth,
Although within a cumbrous mould confined,
Soars on the wings of thought. While here detained
Probationate, to fit for other skies,
It operates on images of sense,
And by reflection gains perpetual growth.
A feature of sagacity divine.
His mind, immortal, of consummate worth,
Although within a cumbrous mould confined,
Soars on the wings of thought. While here detained
15
It operates on images of sense,
And by reflection gains perpetual growth.
Pleased with excursion, o'er the scenery
Of nature vast, imagination roams,
And finds delicious pleasure in her tour.
With the delights of prospect ever charmed,
And fond of novelty, she traverses
Creation through; discerns the matchless skill
Of HIM, who gave to prospect power to move
The mind; contrasts the beauteous and deformed,
And heightens by comparison the view.
Daring she plays upon the mountain's brink,
Ranges the humble valley, sports along
The purling rivulet, by sylvan woods
O'ershaded, and collects her various themes.
The festive, sad; sublime and beautiful,
Rich scenes of wonder, nature's self displays.
Her inspiration touches with delight
Poetic, with enthusiasm sweet,
Refines the taste, and meliorates the heart.
Surrounding forms in party coloured dress,
And prospects that diversify the face
Of nature; where enchanting visions rise
Continual, to delight the roving eye,
And raise new wonder in the curious mind,
Are ever varying in rotation sweet.
Of nature vast, imagination roams,
And finds delicious pleasure in her tour.
With the delights of prospect ever charmed,
And fond of novelty, she traverses
Creation through; discerns the matchless skill
Of HIM, who gave to prospect power to move
The mind; contrasts the beauteous and deformed,
And heightens by comparison the view.
Daring she plays upon the mountain's brink,
Ranges the humble valley, sports along
The purling rivulet, by sylvan woods
O'ershaded, and collects her various themes.
The festive, sad; sublime and beautiful,
16
Her inspiration touches with delight
Poetic, with enthusiasm sweet,
Refines the taste, and meliorates the heart.
Surrounding forms in party coloured dress,
And prospects that diversify the face
Of nature; where enchanting visions rise
Continual, to delight the roving eye,
And raise new wonder in the curious mind,
Are ever varying in rotation sweet.
Now the scene changes, that, upon the year,
Late frowned, morose, in all its dreary gloom.
Morn now the portals of glad light unfolds;
Winter retiring, spring, in blushful grace,
Steals on delightsome, scatters joy abroad;
And nature, puting forth her every charm
Opens new beauty to the ravished gaze.
The splendid orb, high mounted in the car
Of majesty superb and glory bright,
Taking, through Aries, Taurus, and the Twins,
His wonted tour, diffuses o'er the face
Of things invigorating life. From roots
Prolifical the enlivening moisture runs,
And flowers, herbs, trees, with vivid verdure glow.
Verdure is pleasing to the human eye.
E'erfaithful, thus the daily-circling sun
Sends his kind influence, spreads fertility
Abroad, and cherishes the rising tribes;
Excepting sometimes, (like the harmless swain,
Who squeezed, and killed, alas! the tender bird
He loved, and was desirous to retain)
His pouring heat oppresses their soft leaves.
The effect is not unsimilar on man.
The turbid air, when not a zephyr blows,
Sultry and thick, retards the springs of life;
Flaccid become the nerves; the enfeebled frame
And mind remiss the solar influence feel,
And languish in the sweltering blaze intense.
But grateful autumn, loaded, comes at last,
In triumph comes, with all his luscious spoils
Exuberant; and, having poured them forth
Profuse, the vegetive creation sad,
Yields to the stern embrace of gustful storms.
The trees stand naked, shivering in the blast,
Lashed by the inclement winds; and fleeces hoar,
Descending, hide, from human ken, the face
Of things; and winter, ruffian winter reigns.
Not long; but seeming long; because severe.
Then frolic spring, flushed in high pride, again
Approaches, and inspires the rising scene.
Thus in vicissitude the seasons roll,
Yielding by turns things tipped with vivid life,
Things grown mature, and things all in decay,
Affording full indulgence to the sense.
Late frowned, morose, in all its dreary gloom.
Morn now the portals of glad light unfolds;
Winter retiring, spring, in blushful grace,
Steals on delightsome, scatters joy abroad;
And nature, puting forth her every charm
Opens new beauty to the ravished gaze.
17
Of majesty superb and glory bright,
Taking, through Aries, Taurus, and the Twins,
His wonted tour, diffuses o'er the face
Of things invigorating life. From roots
Prolifical the enlivening moisture runs,
And flowers, herbs, trees, with vivid verdure glow.
Verdure is pleasing to the human eye.
E'erfaithful, thus the daily-circling sun
Sends his kind influence, spreads fertility
Abroad, and cherishes the rising tribes;
Excepting sometimes, (like the harmless swain,
Who squeezed, and killed, alas! the tender bird
He loved, and was desirous to retain)
His pouring heat oppresses their soft leaves.
The effect is not unsimilar on man.
The turbid air, when not a zephyr blows,
18
Flaccid become the nerves; the enfeebled frame
And mind remiss the solar influence feel,
And languish in the sweltering blaze intense.
But grateful autumn, loaded, comes at last,
In triumph comes, with all his luscious spoils
Exuberant; and, having poured them forth
Profuse, the vegetive creation sad,
Yields to the stern embrace of gustful storms.
The trees stand naked, shivering in the blast,
Lashed by the inclement winds; and fleeces hoar,
Descending, hide, from human ken, the face
Of things; and winter, ruffian winter reigns.
Not long; but seeming long; because severe.
Then frolic spring, flushed in high pride, again
Approaches, and inspires the rising scene.
Thus in vicissitude the seasons roll,
19
Things grown mature, and things all in decay,
Affording full indulgence to the sense.
The mind so delicately nice is formed;
Its taste so critical, digestion fine;
And such relation bears to external things,
Variety of objects is its food,
Its only satisfying food. Hence roll
The wheels of nature. Hence the various scenes
That strike the fancy. All things speak design,
Are admirably formed, adapted well
The mind to amuse, and raise the bliss of thought.
There's not a tuft that answers not its end;
Nor even a scene, that does not sometimes charm.
The rude rough wild waste has its power to please.
Nature involves us in drear winter's depths,
In blasted prospects and congenial glooms,
And by variety even there delights.
And though less pleasure in such scenes she yields,
She charms us highly, doubly charms,
At the return of gaiety and spring.
Such, and so fit, the changes of the world!
Such its perfection, and its beauty such!
Its parts, combined, complete a perfect whole,
Which harmonizes with its sister spheres.
Its taste so critical, digestion fine;
And such relation bears to external things,
Variety of objects is its food,
Its only satisfying food. Hence roll
The wheels of nature. Hence the various scenes
That strike the fancy. All things speak design,
Are admirably formed, adapted well
The mind to amuse, and raise the bliss of thought.
There's not a tuft that answers not its end;
Nor even a scene, that does not sometimes charm.
The rude rough wild waste has its power to please.
Nature involves us in drear winter's depths,
In blasted prospects and congenial glooms,
20
And though less pleasure in such scenes she yields,
She charms us highly, doubly charms,
At the return of gaiety and spring.
Such, and so fit, the changes of the world!
Such its perfection, and its beauty such!
Its parts, combined, complete a perfect whole,
Which harmonizes with its sister spheres.
To indulge a taste for nature's images,
And from her lineaments refinement reap,
Is no unpleasing license of the mind.
While we peruse her page, we moralize
Her themes, collect sage maxims to instruct,
Reform, improve; and striking figures gain,
To give the warm emotion vent in style
Exalted. Entertainment is the flower,
Knowledge the fruit, and happiness the end,
Of all her dictates. Her philosophy
Dilates the mind, gives elevated views,
Inspires devotion, dignity, and joy
Extatic; and, on every warmer heart,
Addicted to her precepts, she imprints
Her Author's image. Minds inured to themes
Ennobling, magnify, to heavenly forms,
Minutest things; and see, on every leaf
That grows, the impression of the HAND DIVINE.
Such are the views of philosophic man,
And such the pleasures which pervade his breast,
When he reads o'er the instructive page, sublime,
Of nature, that each fine emotion, formed
In generous mould, her inspiration wakes;
And every feeling that affords delight,
Her prospects kindle. But of ravishments
So pure, of fine emotions, and of charms
So sweet, the untutored genius ne'er partakes.
And from her lineaments refinement reap,
Is no unpleasing license of the mind.
While we peruse her page, we moralize
Her themes, collect sage maxims to instruct,
Reform, improve; and striking figures gain,
To give the warm emotion vent in style
Exalted. Entertainment is the flower,
Knowledge the fruit, and happiness the end,
21
Dilates the mind, gives elevated views,
Inspires devotion, dignity, and joy
Extatic; and, on every warmer heart,
Addicted to her precepts, she imprints
Her Author's image. Minds inured to themes
Ennobling, magnify, to heavenly forms,
Minutest things; and see, on every leaf
That grows, the impression of the HAND DIVINE.
Such are the views of philosophic man,
And such the pleasures which pervade his breast,
When he reads o'er the instructive page, sublime,
Of nature, that each fine emotion, formed
In generous mould, her inspiration wakes;
And every feeling that affords delight,
Her prospects kindle. But of ravishments
22
So sweet, the untutored genius ne'er partakes.
The mind, with well adjusted taste adorned,
And taught the traits of imagery to admire;
Just like a viol, accurately strung,
That at the slightest stroke responds; while all
Its chords in varied harmony combine,
Is nicely formed. With every prospect touched,
It takes its tincture from the scenes it views.
All objects, when with ardent eye perceived,
Arouse the finer movements of the soul,
Vigour inspire, and leave impressions apt.
Sometimes the mind assumes a gloomy mood,
Sometimes capricious airs and gairish flights,
Is sometimes wrapped in wonder, quick again
Alarmed, and always feels the power of things.
And taught the traits of imagery to admire;
Just like a viol, accurately strung,
That at the slightest stroke responds; while all
Its chords in varied harmony combine,
Is nicely formed. With every prospect touched,
It takes its tincture from the scenes it views.
All objects, when with ardent eye perceived,
Arouse the finer movements of the soul,
Vigour inspire, and leave impressions apt.
Sometimes the mind assumes a gloomy mood,
Sometimes capricious airs and gairish flights,
Is sometimes wrapped in wonder, quick again
Alarmed, and always feels the power of things.
23
When frosty autumn, with a fatal hand,
Crops the fair flowerets of the blooming year,
Strips nature of her beauteous garb, and kills
The verdure of the landscape; if inured
To rural charms, and used to roam, well pleased,
Abroad, we feel a sympathising grief.
And though such sadness seem to cause our pain,
Still it delights. Even sensibility,
When listening to the plaintive tale of wo,
Though she makes sad, and wets compassion's cheek,
Or calls a sorrowing tear from pity's eye,
Is not unwelcome in the breast humane.
When nature gay, bedecked in roseate mode,
Beams a full scope of beauty to the soul,
And pours effluvia to the wanton sense;
While music, warbled wild, each finer nerve
Inspires, 'tis sweet, 'tis exquisitely sweet.
Or if sublimity, with terrour crowned,
Sudden alarm the mind, its powers, aghast,
Anticipate a sad catastrophe,
And feel the sufferings of expected pain.
If objects, rare, attract, we gaze awhile,
We fondly gaze, and yet more fondly still;
Dote, and admire; and, still admiring, dote;
Until its secret wonders we exhaust.
Crops the fair flowerets of the blooming year,
Strips nature of her beauteous garb, and kills
The verdure of the landscape; if inured
To rural charms, and used to roam, well pleased,
Abroad, we feel a sympathising grief.
And though such sadness seem to cause our pain,
Still it delights. Even sensibility,
When listening to the plaintive tale of wo,
Though she makes sad, and wets compassion's cheek,
Or calls a sorrowing tear from pity's eye,
Is not unwelcome in the breast humane.
When nature gay, bedecked in roseate mode,
Beams a full scope of beauty to the soul,
And pours effluvia to the wanton sense;
While music, warbled wild, each finer nerve
Inspires, 'tis sweet, 'tis exquisitely sweet.
24
Sudden alarm the mind, its powers, aghast,
Anticipate a sad catastrophe,
And feel the sufferings of expected pain.
If objects, rare, attract, we gaze awhile,
We fondly gaze, and yet more fondly still;
Dote, and admire; and, still admiring, dote;
Until its secret wonders we exhaust.
The scenes of nature, whether regular
Or wild, or gay or gloomy; whether robed
In wintry mourning, or in vernal green;
In leaves of vegetable life deprived,
By frost discoloured; or in foliage
All languishing in summer heat; when viewed
Descriptive, as the year revolves, have power,
In turn, to move, have efficacious power,
To heighten pleasure by the touch of sense.
Or wild, or gay or gloomy; whether robed
In wintry mourning, or in vernal green;
In leaves of vegetable life deprived,
By frost discoloured; or in foliage
All languishing in summer heat; when viewed
Descriptive, as the year revolves, have power,
In turn, to move, have efficacious power,
To heighten pleasure by the touch of sense.
25
On every mind the effects of images
Are similar; but happier as the taste
Refines; and different as the different scenes.
The prospects various, nature shows, appear
Peculiarly contrived, and fitly ranged
In contrast, as to suit the intellect
Of man, and move him with surprising power.
The daring precipice, the rapid stream,
The sudden lapse of waters, headlong prone,
And the sublimity of objects, seize
At once the soul, arrest it from itself,
And far more violent sensations prompt,
Than the slow-rising eminence, the rill
Symphonious tinkling, or less striking scenes.
Dissimilar emotions they produce,
Which, singly viewed, touch all mankind alike;
Yet do not equally move all; but strike
With double force the mind, of taste improved.
Are similar; but happier as the taste
Refines; and different as the different scenes.
The prospects various, nature shows, appear
Peculiarly contrived, and fitly ranged
In contrast, as to suit the intellect
Of man, and move him with surprising power.
The daring precipice, the rapid stream,
The sudden lapse of waters, headlong prone,
And the sublimity of objects, seize
At once the soul, arrest it from itself,
And far more violent sensations prompt,
Than the slow-rising eminence, the rill
Symphonious tinkling, or less striking scenes.
Dissimilar emotions they produce,
Which, singly viewed, touch all mankind alike;
Yet do not equally move all; but strike
26
Now pines the blossomed season, beauty pines;
And raving storms, with desolation wide,
Brood o'er the world. The forest stands all bare.
With not a shelter, nor a robe, to guard
Its shivering members from the raging blast.
Gloomy is every mind, and every brow
Is sad. Not so, when vernal pleasantry
New vigour raises in the exulting mind.
And raving storms, with desolation wide,
Brood o'er the world. The forest stands all bare.
With not a shelter, nor a robe, to guard
Its shivering members from the raging blast.
Gloomy is every mind, and every brow
Is sad. Not so, when vernal pleasantry
New vigour raises in the exulting mind.
As from drear winter's solitary scenes,
Where objects, shrouded in a snowy veil,
Have from the ken of man been long obscured,
The fragrant spring emerges, blooming, forth,
In smiling beauty clad, and to the face,
The lurid face of nature, gives a look
Gladdened with joy; the listless drowsy mind
Wakes from the pillow of repose, and smiles.
Objects, presenting with unnumbered charms,
Unfold new beauty to the mental gaze.
Grim tempests' desolating frowns now gone,
Joyous to vernal sweetness we arrive,
To sweetness that affords us gay delight.
The effect is as agreeable to sense,
As the expanding scene is beautiful.
Bright thought, enraptured, plays upon the forms,
Which dandle, pleasing, on the sight profuse,
Gives spring to pulse, revives the languid powers
Of life, and nerves the constitution well.
The cheek assumes its genial red; the eye,
Sparkling, vivacity of mind bespeaks,
Discovering the sensations of the breast;
And every feature, flushed with ruddiness
Afresh, appears in charms of healthful bloom.
Such is the close connexion of the mind
With matter, that both droop, when nature droops;
And bloom with vigour, when fair nature blooms.
Where objects, shrouded in a snowy veil,
Have from the ken of man been long obscured,
The fragrant spring emerges, blooming, forth,
In smiling beauty clad, and to the face,
The lurid face of nature, gives a look
Gladdened with joy; the listless drowsy mind
Wakes from the pillow of repose, and smiles.
27
Unfold new beauty to the mental gaze.
Grim tempests' desolating frowns now gone,
Joyous to vernal sweetness we arrive,
To sweetness that affords us gay delight.
The effect is as agreeable to sense,
As the expanding scene is beautiful.
Bright thought, enraptured, plays upon the forms,
Which dandle, pleasing, on the sight profuse,
Gives spring to pulse, revives the languid powers
Of life, and nerves the constitution well.
The cheek assumes its genial red; the eye,
Sparkling, vivacity of mind bespeaks,
Discovering the sensations of the breast;
And every feature, flushed with ruddiness
Afresh, appears in charms of healthful bloom.
Such is the close connexion of the mind
28
And bloom with vigour, when fair nature blooms.
Behold, the clouds, thick lowering o'er our heads,
Forbode dark tempests dire! The lightnings flash;
Loud thunders rock the skies; the showers descend,
And silence reigns in melancholy gloom.
All nature dismal looks! The birds retreat
In lonely stillness, and forget their song.
But see, the clouds disperse; the storm clears up;
And all is beaming gladness; nor a mist
Obscures. Now how the varied scene affects!
Music reanimates the echoing woods;
The party-coloured bow is thrown around;
And the bright sun, reflecting o'er the world
His rays, relumes creation. Man appears
Delighted, flashing from his eyes the sparks
Of pleasure; for he realizes joy.
Forbode dark tempests dire! The lightnings flash;
Loud thunders rock the skies; the showers descend,
And silence reigns in melancholy gloom.
All nature dismal looks! The birds retreat
In lonely stillness, and forget their song.
But see, the clouds disperse; the storm clears up;
And all is beaming gladness; nor a mist
Obscures. Now how the varied scene affects!
Music reanimates the echoing woods;
The party-coloured bow is thrown around;
And the bright sun, reflecting o'er the world
His rays, relumes creation. Man appears
Delighted, flashing from his eyes the sparks
Of pleasure; for he realizes joy.
29
Highly affecting to the human mind
Are changes from the gloomy to the gay,
And touch the breast with delicate delight.
Are changes from the gloomy to the gay,
And touch the breast with delicate delight.
Through the transitions of the circling year,
As well through frigid seasons as through mild,
When the sun takes his shortened course, and leaves
The cold to chill, and keener blast to blow;
And o'er the arrangement of terrestrial things,
Fancy, unwearied, takes her wild career,
Sees nature filled with variegated scenes,
With lowly vallies, mountains towering high;
With rivers fringed with bowery ornament;
With landscapes blooming, craggy cliffs, and groves
Exultant, waving to the spicy breeze,
And from each prospect gathers varied joy.
Fondly assuming arbitrary power,
She oft controls the images displayed
In the fair system of variety;
And, by alternate and contrasting views,
Increases or diminishes their force.
As well through frigid seasons as through mild,
When the sun takes his shortened course, and leaves
The cold to chill, and keener blast to blow;
And o'er the arrangement of terrestrial things,
Fancy, unwearied, takes her wild career,
Sees nature filled with variegated scenes,
With lowly vallies, mountains towering high;
With rivers fringed with bowery ornament;
With landscapes blooming, craggy cliffs, and groves
Exultant, waving to the spicy breeze,
And from each prospect gathers varied joy.
Fondly assuming arbitrary power,
She oft controls the images displayed
30
And, by alternate and contrasting views,
Increases or diminishes their force.
Here smoothly flows the limpid rill serene;
And, as we view, awhile, its tranquil glide,
Each rough emotion is appeased, calm joys
Arise, and tune to harmony the mind.
There headlong lapses the cascade abrupt;
Which, striking, bellows with perpetual roar.
It wakes astonishment, strains every nerve,
And keeps us doting on its shifting scenes,
Till the tired mind demand a humbler sphere.
Sublimely prominent there awful frowns,
Directly from above, the huge high cliff.
The startled gaze, irregular dismayed,
Refrains the view, and the faint heart, affright,
Shrinks with amazement, and in haste recedes.
And, as we view, awhile, its tranquil glide,
Each rough emotion is appeased, calm joys
Arise, and tune to harmony the mind.
There headlong lapses the cascade abrupt;
Which, striking, bellows with perpetual roar.
It wakes astonishment, strains every nerve,
And keeps us doting on its shifting scenes,
Till the tired mind demand a humbler sphere.
Sublimely prominent there awful frowns,
Directly from above, the huge high cliff.
The startled gaze, irregular dismayed,
Refrains the view, and the faint heart, affright,
Shrinks with amazement, and in haste recedes.
31
Now yonder, fairy scenes, elysian scenes,
Hard by a softly-warbling stream, and cheered,
By wild trilled music, rising to the view,
Attract the attention of the vagrant muse.
Here, on a beauteous train of images,
Imagination, ravished, plays awhile,
Much gratified in culling flowers so sweet;
Then, in her wonted gaiety, expands
Her silken wings, and rapid through the void
She soars, lights on the jutting brow, sublime,
Of some high cliff, looks, timid, down the steep,
The amazing steep! and, shuddering at attempt
So daring, quickly hastens from the brink,
And makes her fleet-winged way to humbler themes.
Hard by a softly-warbling stream, and cheered,
By wild trilled music, rising to the view,
Attract the attention of the vagrant muse.
Here, on a beauteous train of images,
Imagination, ravished, plays awhile,
Much gratified in culling flowers so sweet;
Then, in her wonted gaiety, expands
Her silken wings, and rapid through the void
She soars, lights on the jutting brow, sublime,
Of some high cliff, looks, timid, down the steep,
The amazing steep! and, shuddering at attempt
So daring, quickly hastens from the brink,
And makes her fleet-winged way to humbler themes.
The mountain rivulet, now hastening down
Its pebbly bed, loud bubbling as it runs,
Soon takes an easier course along the vale,
Winding, and grows still smoother as it glides.
But the rough torrent, hoarse with murmuring noise,
Swift o'er the rocky channel hurries, rolls
Vertiginous, in wild confusion lost;
Till sudden, in a cataract, it falls
Impetuous, dashes on the rocks below;
And the wild water, fractured, tours in air.
Then gathering and subsiding to a calm,
It swells to grandeur with a mighty flood,
And moves in prided majesty along.
On either side the banks, the towering banks
Protect it on its way, and guide it safe,
Until deep-swallowed in the boundless main.
Its pebbly bed, loud bubbling as it runs,
Soon takes an easier course along the vale,
32
But the rough torrent, hoarse with murmuring noise,
Swift o'er the rocky channel hurries, rolls
Vertiginous, in wild confusion lost;
Till sudden, in a cataract, it falls
Impetuous, dashes on the rocks below;
And the wild water, fractured, tours in air.
Then gathering and subsiding to a calm,
It swells to grandeur with a mighty flood,
And moves in prided majesty along.
On either side the banks, the towering banks
Protect it on its way, and guide it safe,
Until deep-swallowed in the boundless main.
Nature's fair page, with many a scene well stored,
With every kind of prospect, and bedecked
With countless forms, is fit to attract the eye,
And keep it e'er delightfully employed.
As man looks forth, it flashes to illume
His mind, and all its images imprint.
Extensive mountains flocked with herds, vales wild
In florulent embroideries graceful robed,
Rills softly tinkling, hoarsely murmuring streams,
High towering forests nodding to the breeze,
Rocks piled on rocks in rude magnificence,
Lakes, rivers, seas, and all created things,
Arranged delightsome o'er the globe immense,
Are visions not unpleasing to behold,
Nor unbetokening a designing cause.
With every kind of prospect, and bedecked
With countless forms, is fit to attract the eye,
And keep it e'er delightfully employed.
33
His mind, and all its images imprint.
Extensive mountains flocked with herds, vales wild
In florulent embroideries graceful robed,
Rills softly tinkling, hoarsely murmuring streams,
High towering forests nodding to the breeze,
Rocks piled on rocks in rude magnificence,
Lakes, rivers, seas, and all created things,
Arranged delightsome o'er the globe immense,
Are visions not unpleasing to behold,
Nor unbetokening a designing cause.
The finer feelings in the breast to raise,
The passions harmonize, and form the mind
For the delicious pleasures of fine arts,
And for the endearments delicate of life,
Belongs to nature and the care of man.
In her unbounded field, all checkered o'er
With types of beauty, wisdom, and design,
Analogies he finds, his sentiments
To illustrate, and the sciences advance;
Which, by reflection's dint digested well,
Add to his fund of knowledge constant stores.
The passions harmonize, and form the mind
For the delicious pleasures of fine arts,
And for the endearments delicate of life,
Belongs to nature and the care of man.
In her unbounded field, all checkered o'er
34
Analogies he finds, his sentiments
To illustrate, and the sciences advance;
Which, by reflection's dint digested well,
Add to his fund of knowledge constant stores.
To every tone of mind are nature's scenes
Adapted. Should vivacity of thought
Revive, and merriment attune the breast;
She paints things delicate and sweetly gay.
Should we arousing views desire, to arrest
The attention, and the sleeping powers awake,
Or wish even to be ravished from ourselves,
Grand prospects she affords. Or should a thirst
For novelty prevail; in her wide field,
Where scenes of wonder ever rise, the mind
May traverse; and its curiosity
Be still indulged, and ever be amused.
Adapted. Should vivacity of thought
Revive, and merriment attune the breast;
She paints things delicate and sweetly gay.
Should we arousing views desire, to arrest
The attention, and the sleeping powers awake,
Or wish even to be ravished from ourselves,
Grand prospects she affords. Or should a thirst
For novelty prevail; in her wide field,
Where scenes of wonder ever rise, the mind
May traverse; and its curiosity
Be still indulged, and ever be amused.
35
In ages early of society,
With simple nature pleased and rural scenes,
Oft in a summer day, and under bowers
Umbrageous, sighing to the wayward gales,
Ingenuous shepherds tuned the rustic reed,
And sung the doom of lovers and their loves.
To represent their sad, or joyful state,
In plaintive tone, or in exulting air,
They drew from nature apt similitudes.
While some, by ruthless treachery deceived,
Slighted and spurned by all the cruelty
Of scorn, were sunk in cheerless gloom of mind;
Sometimes compelled to solitude obscure,
Where the dull moments lingered as they grieved;
Others with innocence were blessed, with worth
And every charm, quaffed deep of pleasure's stream,
Gave glad indulgence to facetious thought,
And talked with cheerfulness the hours away.
The beauteous flower, that late in vigour shone,
Emitting odour to the passing breeze,
Unfolding magic beauty to the sense,
Torn by a cruel hand, now hangs its head
Dejected, and amid its sister race,
Still frisking gay and flourishing in pride,
No more, alas, its brilliancy assumes!
With simple nature pleased and rural scenes,
Oft in a summer day, and under bowers
Umbrageous, sighing to the wayward gales,
Ingenuous shepherds tuned the rustic reed,
And sung the doom of lovers and their loves.
To represent their sad, or joyful state,
In plaintive tone, or in exulting air,
They drew from nature apt similitudes.
While some, by ruthless treachery deceived,
Slighted and spurned by all the cruelty
Of scorn, were sunk in cheerless gloom of mind;
Sometimes compelled to solitude obscure,
Where the dull moments lingered as they grieved;
Others with innocence were blessed, with worth
And every charm, quaffed deep of pleasure's stream,
Gave glad indulgence to facetious thought,
36
The beauteous flower, that late in vigour shone,
Emitting odour to the passing breeze,
Unfolding magic beauty to the sense,
Torn by a cruel hand, now hangs its head
Dejected, and amid its sister race,
Still frisking gay and flourishing in pride,
No more, alas, its brilliancy assumes!
Such the disparity of human fate!
Ah, such the lot of disappointed love!
Some, unsuccessful pine forlorn; some wed
The virtuous, and are blessed; and some, sad tale!
Joined to the object of their rancorous hate,
Lead jarring lives of fretfulness and wo.
Yet let not lovers lorn with life repine,
Should disappointment blast their cherished hopes;
For even the woods, when every friend is fled,
The silent woods will listen to their plaint,
And with them sympathize in all their grief.
There they may give their sorrowed passion vent,
Their echoed moanings hear, and woo their mind,
Disordered, to a calm. But the blessed pair,
With minds complexioned with a cheerful tone,
Gay o'er the flowery dale may traverse, sit,
Long sit, delighted, under citron groves,
And to the music of the stream attend,
Or to the warbling sweetness of the quires.
Ah these, and nature's various festive scenes,
Heighten the nuptial flame, and finer joys
Enkindle. But far other prospects suit
The fretted soul, far other music cheers.
He rather see the billowy surges break,
And their hoarse tumult hear. Along the beach
Stately he walks, observes them as they rise,
Swell, foam, and maddening lash the sidelong shores.
Murmuring aloud, they seize his wakened sense,
Allay the sullen temper of his mind,
And lull his passions to a tranquil state.
Ah, such the lot of disappointed love!
Some, unsuccessful pine forlorn; some wed
The virtuous, and are blessed; and some, sad tale!
Joined to the object of their rancorous hate,
Lead jarring lives of fretfulness and wo.
Yet let not lovers lorn with life repine,
Should disappointment blast their cherished hopes;
For even the woods, when every friend is fled,
37
And with them sympathize in all their grief.
There they may give their sorrowed passion vent,
Their echoed moanings hear, and woo their mind,
Disordered, to a calm. But the blessed pair,
With minds complexioned with a cheerful tone,
Gay o'er the flowery dale may traverse, sit,
Long sit, delighted, under citron groves,
And to the music of the stream attend,
Or to the warbling sweetness of the quires.
Ah these, and nature's various festive scenes,
Heighten the nuptial flame, and finer joys
Enkindle. But far other prospects suit
The fretted soul, far other music cheers.
He rather see the billowy surges break,
And their hoarse tumult hear. Along the beach
Stately he walks, observes them as they rise,
38
Murmuring aloud, they seize his wakened sense,
Allay the sullen temper of his mind,
And lull his passions to a tranquil state.
Thus man is nicely formed, to feel the force
Of things external; thus full amply stored
Is nature's scenery, and fair arranged
In well-adjusted order, where the mind
Recurs, just as its different movements lead,
And prospect finds, adapted to its tone.
Of things external; thus full amply stored
Is nature's scenery, and fair arranged
In well-adjusted order, where the mind
Recurs, just as its different movements lead,
And prospect finds, adapted to its tone.
When with a reddening grace Aurora waked,
Expansive, in the chambers of the east,
And frighted Somnus from his dreary reign;
When cheerfulness and pleasantry awaked,
Bade blithe Favonius feast on sweet perfume,
Sip the melliferous dew drop, glistening bright,
And kiss fair Flora fond, as in the lawn
She sported; then, when vernal beauty bloomed,
Then young Laurillo took his rural walk,
And, musing as he passed on every theme,
That claimed the attention of his curious mind,
Struck with delight, for sexes were designed
For mutual joy, a female few, he spied,
Emerging from a shadowy grove, to view
The checkered dale, which widened as they roamed
Along. Enlivening gaiety was there,
Sportful and sprightly, in luxuriant scenes,
In scenes beguiling as the social smile,
Or as the magic charm of mingling loves.
The prospect stole him from his musing self,
Inspired bewitching frenzy in his soul,
And urged him thus the blooming fair to hail:
Whither, ye gay, roves your delighted step
Thus early? Sudden consternation seized
Their tender hearts. They stood; soft listened; looked
Abroad; and at a distance spied, ah, spied
Laurillo! Such emotions in their breasts
Then kindled, as when modest blushes speak
The love warm flame. Then whispering gently soft,
They wished his near approach; still roved along;
But with reluctant slowly wandering step.
Soon, on a bank, by sylvan shades o'ercast,
Beside a brook that bubbled as it flowed,
On rosy couches down they gently sat.
But as they glanced again, the modest youth,
Alas, had fled! Then, like a thriving flower,
Snatched sudden from its stalk, and thrown away,
Hapless, to pine, their hopes of intercourse
Were blasted. But, forgetful of the past,
Converse they cherished, and 'twas mutual all.
In diction, pure as zephyr's balmy breath,
Which flowed unlaboured as a placid stream,
Graces they painted in the lily gay,
Described, so delicately well, the forms.
Diversified, in nature's scenery,
As waked poetic ravishments of mind.
In salutary chat they passed the morn
Away; the while pertinent and sage remark
Dropped from their ruby lips, full sweet as dew,
Mellifluous, from the foliage of the rose.
All things were lively, dressed in brilliant hues,
In hues that pleased the fancy, and the mind
With delicate festivity inspired.
Sweet melody of song controled the car;
Through every finer nerve enchantment thrilled;
And all was transport and elysian joy.
Expansive, in the chambers of the east,
And frighted Somnus from his dreary reign;
When cheerfulness and pleasantry awaked,
Bade blithe Favonius feast on sweet perfume,
Sip the melliferous dew drop, glistening bright,
And kiss fair Flora fond, as in the lawn
39
Then young Laurillo took his rural walk,
And, musing as he passed on every theme,
That claimed the attention of his curious mind,
Struck with delight, for sexes were designed
For mutual joy, a female few, he spied,
Emerging from a shadowy grove, to view
The checkered dale, which widened as they roamed
Along. Enlivening gaiety was there,
Sportful and sprightly, in luxuriant scenes,
In scenes beguiling as the social smile,
Or as the magic charm of mingling loves.
The prospect stole him from his musing self,
Inspired bewitching frenzy in his soul,
And urged him thus the blooming fair to hail:
Whither, ye gay, roves your delighted step
Thus early? Sudden consternation seized
40
Abroad; and at a distance spied, ah, spied
Laurillo! Such emotions in their breasts
Then kindled, as when modest blushes speak
The love warm flame. Then whispering gently soft,
They wished his near approach; still roved along;
But with reluctant slowly wandering step.
Soon, on a bank, by sylvan shades o'ercast,
Beside a brook that bubbled as it flowed,
On rosy couches down they gently sat.
But as they glanced again, the modest youth,
Alas, had fled! Then, like a thriving flower,
Snatched sudden from its stalk, and thrown away,
Hapless, to pine, their hopes of intercourse
Were blasted. But, forgetful of the past,
Converse they cherished, and 'twas mutual all.
In diction, pure as zephyr's balmy breath,
41
Graces they painted in the lily gay,
Described, so delicately well, the forms.
Diversified, in nature's scenery,
As waked poetic ravishments of mind.
In salutary chat they passed the morn
Away; the while pertinent and sage remark
Dropped from their ruby lips, full sweet as dew,
Mellifluous, from the foliage of the rose.
All things were lively, dressed in brilliant hues,
In hues that pleased the fancy, and the mind
With delicate festivity inspired.
Sweet melody of song controled the car;
Through every finer nerve enchantment thrilled;
And all was transport and elysian joy.
Inspiring was the scene, and charmful too.
Such are flowers the sportive muse oft culls,
And strows them o'er her page, in hopes the fair,
Perhaps, as well as rougher sex, to please;
An object in her view by no means small.
Though others may approve; they, they must give
The sanction. Should they frown, alas, it fails!
Hence, here and there, she intermixes oft
Scenes purely moral with description nice;
Food for their delicate and livelier thought.
She knows their love of smoother verse, without
The trappings of verbose and gingling rhyme.
Her inability, she also knows,
To fully gratify their judging taste,
Or paint things as their sprightlier fancy paints.
Such are flowers the sportive muse oft culls,
42
Perhaps, as well as rougher sex, to please;
An object in her view by no means small.
Though others may approve; they, they must give
The sanction. Should they frown, alas, it fails!
Hence, here and there, she intermixes oft
Scenes purely moral with description nice;
Food for their delicate and livelier thought.
She knows their love of smoother verse, without
The trappings of verbose and gingling rhyme.
Her inability, she also knows,
To fully gratify their judging taste,
Or paint things as their sprightlier fancy paints.
When wakes Aurora in the vernal scene,
With aspect mild, and with a crimson grace,
O'er the vast hemisphere she joyous smiles,
And beams unbounded pleasantry abroad.
The freshened air is pure, serene the sky,
And sweetness floats, diffuse, upon the wing
Of zephyr. All is magic to the mind!
In scattered voices, and to different song
Attuned, the playful warblers, heard around,
With varied music ushering in the day,
Touch with sweet transport every listening ear.
The flower, with dew drop twinkling on its leaves,
Gives to the wasteful gales effluvia rich,
And a mild pleasure to the wanton sense:
And every object that developes, steals
A secret sway, to soften and refine.
With aspect mild, and with a crimson grace,
O'er the vast hemisphere she joyous smiles,
And beams unbounded pleasantry abroad.
43
And sweetness floats, diffuse, upon the wing
Of zephyr. All is magic to the mind!
In scattered voices, and to different song
Attuned, the playful warblers, heard around,
With varied music ushering in the day,
Touch with sweet transport every listening ear.
The flower, with dew drop twinkling on its leaves,
Gives to the wasteful gales effluvia rich,
And a mild pleasure to the wanton sense:
And every object that developes, steals
A secret sway, to soften and refine.
Sweet are the emotions of a mind, engaged
In dotage on descriptive scenes. A love
Of nature lays us open to her charms,
To all her fine impressions, and bespeaks
A soul, consummate as her scenes are grand,
Or temper gentle as her balmy breeze.
The worth of mind is measured by its train
Of thought, its object, energy and joys.
Ne'er dreamed the snoring sluggard of the charms
Of nature. Unrefined of soul, he seeks
Far other pleasures; and of what he seeks,
He dreams; of pleasures dreams, which indicate
A vile, ignoble, forbid mind; a mind
Base as his pleasures. He esteems his bliss,
Or rather low delight, where much of pain
Concentres, in indulging mean desires,
And dozing on the slumberous bed of sloth.
Torpid of soul, he fain would cease to think;
And, by degrading means, deceives himself
Of the slow-lingering hours. When the bright star,
The harbinger of morn, that, sparkling, leads,
Triumphant on, the rising fires, to gild
With gold the horizon, and the world illume;
While slipped from Somnus' arms the zephyrs blow,
And sport round nature's every odorous form,
Collecting fragrance for the sense; even then,
Sordid, he sleeps the rosiest hours away.
Life is to him a visionary scene,
Unfilled with gratitude to heaven, devoid
Of usefulness to man, and to himself
A blot. The talent, given for his use,
Is misimproved, and careless thrown aside.
Sunk in oblivion drowsy, he prefers
The stagnized air, confined, of chamber dun,
To gentle zephyr's salutary breeze;
Not dreaming of its lung dilating sweets,
Nor that the rosy blooming field is joy.
In dotage on descriptive scenes. A love
Of nature lays us open to her charms,
To all her fine impressions, and bespeaks
A soul, consummate as her scenes are grand,
44
The worth of mind is measured by its train
Of thought, its object, energy and joys.
Ne'er dreamed the snoring sluggard of the charms
Of nature. Unrefined of soul, he seeks
Far other pleasures; and of what he seeks,
He dreams; of pleasures dreams, which indicate
A vile, ignoble, forbid mind; a mind
Base as his pleasures. He esteems his bliss,
Or rather low delight, where much of pain
Concentres, in indulging mean desires,
And dozing on the slumberous bed of sloth.
Torpid of soul, he fain would cease to think;
And, by degrading means, deceives himself
Of the slow-lingering hours. When the bright star,
The harbinger of morn, that, sparkling, leads,
Triumphant on, the rising fires, to gild
45
While slipped from Somnus' arms the zephyrs blow,
And sport round nature's every odorous form,
Collecting fragrance for the sense; even then,
Sordid, he sleeps the rosiest hours away.
Life is to him a visionary scene,
Unfilled with gratitude to heaven, devoid
Of usefulness to man, and to himself
A blot. The talent, given for his use,
Is misimproved, and careless thrown aside.
Sunk in oblivion drowsy, he prefers
The stagnized air, confined, of chamber dun,
To gentle zephyr's salutary breeze;
Not dreaming of its lung dilating sweets,
Nor that the rosy blooming field is joy.
But see! the hoar head good old healthful man
Wakes when the dawn awakes, arises glad,
His wonted practice, cheerful takes his walk,
On the variety of things, well pleased,
Contemplates, and new reason finds, to adore
The BEING, who in wisdom made them all.
Wakes when the dawn awakes, arises glad,
46
On the variety of things, well pleased,
Contemplates, and new reason finds, to adore
The BEING, who in wisdom made them all.
See too the sprightly youth! for the delights
Of nature he gains early fondness, springs
Alert and joyful from his couch, when scarce
The quiristers have yet awaked, to rouse
The slumbering world, and cheer them to their task.
He feels mild serenity, afresh,
Spring o'er his mind. With devious wandering step,
Wrapped in pleased visions, he expatiates wide,
O'er all the scene, the quiet hours devotes
To museful thought; and, when the sun looks out,
Majestic orb! reflecting rays oblique,
While oblong shadows streak the extended plains,
He stands in readiness, with grateful heart,
To pay his early tokens of respect.
Then 'tis delightsome all! With noble views
He takes his tour o'er nature's ample range,
Scans her great themes, and marks the HAND DIVINE.
Of nature he gains early fondness, springs
Alert and joyful from his couch, when scarce
The quiristers have yet awaked, to rouse
The slumbering world, and cheer them to their task.
He feels mild serenity, afresh,
Spring o'er his mind. With devious wandering step,
Wrapped in pleased visions, he expatiates wide,
O'er all the scene, the quiet hours devotes
To museful thought; and, when the sun looks out,
Majestic orb! reflecting rays oblique,
While oblong shadows streak the extended plains,
He stands in readiness, with grateful heart,
47
Then 'tis delightsome all! With noble views
He takes his tour o'er nature's ample range,
Scans her great themes, and marks the HAND DIVINE.
Such nature is, her inspiration such!
Who can remain unfeeling of her charms!
Who, that the type of human nature bears,
Can pass her kindling beauties without thought!
Too many; but they leave them to the wise,
To those who give them their intrinsic rank,
And view them as the spring of mental joys.
Admiring, in the rural field, through scenes
Descriptive of inimitable skill,
With pleasure and expansive views they rove.
'Tis there the poet rambles, artists gain
Still finer taste, philosophers grow wise,
And all refinement's rapturing influence feel.
Who can remain unfeeling of her charms!
Who, that the type of human nature bears,
Can pass her kindling beauties without thought!
Too many; but they leave them to the wise,
To those who give them their intrinsic rank,
And view them as the spring of mental joys.
Admiring, in the rural field, through scenes
Descriptive of inimitable skill,
With pleasure and expansive views they rove.
'Tis there the poet rambles, artists gain
Still finer taste, philosophers grow wise,
And all refinement's rapturing influence feel.
48
To peep at nature from the haunts of thought,
And muse on animated things awhile,
Is pleasing to a meditative mind.
When wearied and relaxed, in search of truth,
By thought intense, to prospect we recur,
And inspiration gather, that dispels
The melancholy gloom, vivacity
Awakes, and fits it for a fresher task.
As the cool crystal stream refreshment gives
To panting lungs athirst, when arid heat
Licks the perspiring moisture from the limbs;
So does variety have sweet effect
On minds, with one continuous scene fatigued.
And muse on animated things awhile,
Is pleasing to a meditative mind.
When wearied and relaxed, in search of truth,
By thought intense, to prospect we recur,
And inspiration gather, that dispels
The melancholy gloom, vivacity
Awakes, and fits it for a fresher task.
As the cool crystal stream refreshment gives
To panting lungs athirst, when arid heat
Licks the perspiring moisture from the limbs;
So does variety have sweet effect
On minds, with one continuous scene fatigued.
Adorned with prospect beautiful, sublime,
And rare, shines nature forth in harmony
Divine; for man, in wonderous light, shines forth,
Who stands spectator of her glowing scenes;
And, if he loves to muse upon her works,
Descries her charms, and triumphs in the view.
If such for man, where is his gratitude
And admiration warm? That nobleness
Of spirit where, that dignity of mind,
Her captivating objects tend to inspire?
Man, gain refinement: let the blaze divine,
That flashes to illume, flash not in vain.
If, of her wisdom teaching page, ye still
Are uninformed, with fondness read;
Acquire such treasure, as manures the mind,
And bosom warms. And ye, who early taught,
By the mild discipline of sapient worth,
With eager eye her volume to peruse,
Read still with pleasure; gain refinement still.
Who would not still be wiser is not wise.
And rare, shines nature forth in harmony
Divine; for man, in wonderous light, shines forth,
Who stands spectator of her glowing scenes;
49
Descries her charms, and triumphs in the view.
If such for man, where is his gratitude
And admiration warm? That nobleness
Of spirit where, that dignity of mind,
Her captivating objects tend to inspire?
Man, gain refinement: let the blaze divine,
That flashes to illume, flash not in vain.
If, of her wisdom teaching page, ye still
Are uninformed, with fondness read;
Acquire such treasure, as manures the mind,
And bosom warms. And ye, who early taught,
By the mild discipline of sapient worth,
With eager eye her volume to peruse,
Read still with pleasure; gain refinement still.
Who would not still be wiser is not wise.
50
Hail, nature! fountain inexhaustible
Of knowledge and delight! Thy cheering beams
Blaze on the ken of man, illume his mind,
And raise his being. The inspiration warm,
Imparted from thy many scenes, excites
To every kind of ravishment his breast,
Attracts him to thyself, cements, endears,
And fills his intellect with rapturous views,
In admiration high he walks thy field,
Dotes on thy beauties, gathers many a joy,
And, with emotion varied, ruminates
Thy rising and decaying scenes, as HEAVEN,
With hand unerring, turns the silent spheres,
And in rotation brings the seasons round.
Of knowledge and delight! Thy cheering beams
Blaze on the ken of man, illume his mind,
And raise his being. The inspiration warm,
Imparted from thy many scenes, excites
To every kind of ravishment his breast,
Attracts him to thyself, cements, endears,
And fills his intellect with rapturous views,
In admiration high he walks thy field,
Dotes on thy beauties, gathers many a joy,
And, with emotion varied, ruminates
Thy rising and decaying scenes, as HEAVEN,
With hand unerring, turns the silent spheres,
And in rotation brings the seasons round.
| The progress of refinement | |