Medulla Poetarum Romanorum Or, the Most Beautiful and Instructive Passages of the Roman Poets. Being a Collection, (Disposed under proper Heads,) Of such Descriptions, Allusions, Comparisons, Characters, and Sentiments, as may best serve to shew the Religion, Learning, Politicks, Arts, Customs, Opinions, Manners, and Circumstances of the Antients. With Translations of the same in English Verse. By Mr. Henry Baker |
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Hope.
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 | Medulla Poetarum Romanorum |  |
Hope.
When from this wicked World the Gods withdrew,
HOPE stay'd behind, nor hence amongst 'em flew.
She cheers the shackl'd Slave that digs the Mine,
And cries, Sweet Liberty will soon be thine.
Thro' her, tho' wreck'd, where not a Shore he spies,
Amidst the Waves his Arms the Sailor plies.
Physicians often give the Patient o'er,
But Hope still stays, tho' Death be at the Door.
Prisoners, condemn'd, in Dungeons hope Reprieve,
Nor ev'n on the Cross does Hope the Wretched leave.—
HOPE stay'd behind, nor hence amongst 'em flew.
She cheers the shackl'd Slave that digs the Mine,
And cries, Sweet Liberty will soon be thine.
Thro' her, tho' wreck'd, where not a Shore he spies,
Amidst the Waves his Arms the Sailor plies.
Physicians often give the Patient o'er,
But Hope still stays, tho' Death be at the Door.
Prisoners, condemn'd, in Dungeons hope Reprieve,
Nor ev'n on the Cross does Hope the Wretched leave.—
Death long ago had ta'n my Grief away,
But flatt'ring Hope still urges on Delay,
And says to Morrow'll bring a better Day.
Hope chears the Peasant when he turns the Soil,
And promises a Harvest from his Toil.
Hope bids the artful Fowler Springes lay,
And still assures him of the wish'd-for Prey.
The patient Angler stretching out his Reed,
Hopes on the cover'd Hook to catch the finny Breed.
The Slave in Hopes of Liberty remains,
And sings, tho' on his Legs he hears the rattling Chains.—
But flatt'ring Hope still urges on Delay,
And says to Morrow'll bring a better Day.
Hope chears the Peasant when he turns the Soil,
And promises a Harvest from his Toil.
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And still assures him of the wish'd-for Prey.
The patient Angler stretching out his Reed,
Hopes on the cover'd Hook to catch the finny Breed.
The Slave in Hopes of Liberty remains,
And sings, tho' on his Legs he hears the rattling Chains.—
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |