The Works of William Mason | ||
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SONNET IV. TO THE RIGHT REVEREND THE BISHOP OF LICHFIELD AND COVENTRY, PREFIXED TO THE DRAMATIC POEM OF CARACTACUS, WHEN ALTERED FOR STAGE REPRESENTATION.
Still let my Hurd a smile of candour lendTo scenes, that dar'd on Grecian pinions tow'r,
When, “in low Thurcaston's sequester'd bow'r,”
He prais'd the strain, because he lov'd the friend:
There golden Leisure did his steps attend,
Nor had the rare, yet well-weigh'd, call of Power
To those high cares decreed his watchful hour,
On which fair Albion's future hopes depend.
A fate unlook'd-for waits my friend and me;
He pays to Duty what was Learning's claim,
Resigning classic ease for dignity;
I yield my Muse to Fashion's praise or blame:
Yet still our hearts in this great truth agree,
That Peace alone is bliss, and Virtue fame.
Aston, Nov. 12, 1776.
The Works of William Mason | ||