Streams from Helicon :: :: University of Virginia Library

“A Member mov'd that they should chuse the Vine,
“He's nobly born, said he, of Blood divine;
“'Twill well become him on the Throne to shine.
This Overture did all the Senate please,
By Law a Vine's declar'd King o're the Trees.
A Pear is sent to tell him he'll be crown'd,
And to invite him from his lower Ground:
Proud of his Post, the Pear address'd the Vine,
(His Arguments were strong, his language Fine:)
“From the sweet Tree cœlestial Liquor flows,
“The pond'rous Grapes bend low thy laughing Boughs;
“Each Pore of you pours out a purple Flood
“Of dear Refreshments, and immortal Food,
“Which spreads new Life through every dying Heart,
“Vigour and Joy, thy precious Juice impart.
“Thou art a healing Tree, of sovereign Power,
“All Nations, all Religions thee adore:
“Thy Blood's a sovereign Balsom when we're Sick,
“Gives Life new Strings, and makes the Weels run quick;
“Makes dying Pulses beat with lambent Flame,
“It wanders thro' the Veins to bless the vital Stream.