A Collection of Poems on Various Subjects :: :: University of Virginia Library

If I, of so much Happiness possest,
Of bounteous Heav'n might greater Bliss re-request,
At a fit Distance from this noisy Town,
A small neat Box would all my Wishes crown.
To suit my Fancy let the Building stand
In a dry Air, upon a rising Land,
On whose green Face the Southern Sun displays
His warmest Glory and his kindest Rays.
A murmuring Brook should at the Foot complain,
And sweep the Meadows with its Silver Train.
Oft by the Crystal Stream I'd walk and think,
Oft sit and write upon the flow'ry Brink.
Let on the North a Grove of ancient Oaks,
Or lofty Elms from all the furious Strokes

435

Of Snowy Boreas and his stormy Pow'rs
Protect my Dwelling, Fruits and springing Flow'rs.
I must have Books, Books are my daily Food,
But I demand but few, for few are good.
I ask the Works of deep and clear Divines,
First Tillotson's, by whose Immortal Lines,
Britannia's happy Isle inlighten'd shines:
Celestial Genius! whose seraphick Pen
To Men transforms wild Beasts, to Angels Men.

Then of the Poets, I would Milton chuse,
Of all, that Albion boasts, the noblest Muse.
His hardy Efforts boldly did explore
Regions untrodden and unknown before.
None e'er had Courage to attempt his Flight,
None Strength of Wing to soar to such a Height.
Cowley once pleas'd me with his careless Charms,
Whose sprightly Vein the Reader often warms.
Still I delight in Waller's easy Song,
The great Refiner of the English Tongue.

436

He first reform'd th' unpolish'd Poets Faults,
Pure in Expression, and as chast in Thoughts.
I grieve, I can't in the fam'd Spencer find
The Charms, that touch and captivate Mankind.
Forgive, great Bard, my undiscerning Taste,
My want of Relish can't thy Beauties blast,
Lines that have liv'd so long, must ever last.

Some good Historians I would likewise chuse,
Fit to instruct me, or at least amuse;
Where I'd the Actions of the Ancients read,
Recal past Ages, and revive the Dead.
Travels by Men of Sense and Voyages,
Writ with good Judgment, would my Fancy please;
Here I should Nature's various Wonders view,
And to admire should still find something new.
I'd by their Help thro' all the Kingdoms go,
Where fertile Nile, or fam'd Euphrates flow;
I would their Manners, Arts and Customs know.

437

I would the Rocks and stormy Winds deride,
And fearless cut the Deep's impetuous Tide:
I'd range the World, and in my Closet roul
From East to West, and visit either Pole;
Would sail to ev'ry Continent and Isle,
And safe at Home enjoy the Trav'ller's Toil.
I ask a Friend, whom I might often meet,
Of pleasant Conversation and Discreet;
Whose Faithfulness is by Experience prov'd,
One pleas'd with me, and fit to be belov'd;
One who do's ill and mean Designs detest,
Of open Hand, but of a secret Breast.