University of Virginia Library

OF DEATH.

[Thro' the pure Æther wing'd my way]

Thro' the pure Æther wing'd my way,
And view'd the Works of Art Divine;
Seen boundless Love it self display,
And Wisdom in Perfection shine:
With the bright Natives of the Sky,
And such as once frail Mortals were,
Had rang'd thro' all the Realms on High,
And trod the liquid Plains of Air,
Where something new would still delight,
Something my Knowledge still improve;
Would me to Songs of Praise invite,
To soft harmonious Hymns of Love.

[Where Night here sable Wings shall ne'er display]

Where Night here sable Wings shall ne'er display,
Nor rising Vapours hide refulgent Day;
Where Health, and Peace, and Pleasures all divine,
Shall mix their Charms, shall all in one combine,
Then dart themselves into each happy Breast,
And give them Raptures not to be exprest;
Inebriating Joys, too great for Sense,
Which heav'nly Forms can only bear, and God dispense;
Where Hopes shall cease, and Wishes have an end,
And our Fruitions our Desires transcend;
Where no Disgusts, no Griefs, shall Entrance find,
Nothing disturb the Quiet of the Mind;
Where Death's unknown, and Life is only found,
Where with immortal Wreaths the Good are crown'd,
And all together join in Songs of Praise,
Together tune their sweet melodious Lays;
The grateful Tribute of their Voices bring,
And find no other Business, but to Love and Sing.