| The miscellaneous essays and occasional writings of Francis Hopkinson, Esq | ||
112
EXTEMPORE VERSES
FROM THE TOP OF MOUNT PARNASSUS, A LOFTY HILL IN Lancaster County.
Once more my heart dilates with joy,
To climb this craggy height;
To yonder distant hills once more
I stretch my ravish'd sight.
To climb this craggy height;
To yonder distant hills once more
I stretch my ravish'd sight.
The known delight my bosom feels
Parnassian ground to tread;
And where the purest æther floats,
I'll raise my lofty head.
Parnassian ground to tread;
And where the purest æther floats,
I'll raise my lofty head.
Fair Rosalinda standing by,
Assists my flowing song,
And passing gales thro' waving groves,
Shall bear my strains along.
Assists my flowing song,
And passing gales thro' waving groves,
Shall bear my strains along.
She is my muse, and doth my soul
With glowing thoughts inspire:
Her cheering smiles shall make me feel
More than a poet's fire.
With glowing thoughts inspire:
Her cheering smiles shall make me feel
More than a poet's fire.
With anxious care, let others strive
Uncertain bliss to find,
And for expected wealth and fame
Resign their peace of mind.
Uncertain bliss to find,
113
Resign their peace of mind.
In some such blest retreat as this,
Let me my hours employ,
And Rosalinda still be near,
To brighten ev'ry joy.
Let me my hours employ,
And Rosalinda still be near,
To brighten ev'ry joy.
| The miscellaneous essays and occasional writings of Francis Hopkinson, Esq | ||