Poems on Several Occasions :: :: University of Virginia Library

A solemn awe steals o'er my soul,
A thousand thoughts my breast controul,
And wonder opens on mine eyes;
I seem to traverse distant climes;
Review the face of ancient times,
And see their sleeping Genius rise.

II

Here, snatch'd from old oblivion's hands,
From ruins, caverns, and from lands
Moulder'd by war's relentless rage,
The medal'd fact, the sculptur'd tale,
On the reflecting mind prevail,
And rescue each preceding age.

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III

Hail rev'rend tomes! imperial store
Of Grecian, and of Roman lore,
Where genius flourish'd, merit shone;
Had fate with-held her envious cloud,
Hence had this muse, of Science proud,
Proclaim'd a borrow'd ray her own.

IV

Here Art restores the glorious line,
And Poets, heroes, patriots shine,
In death deplor'd, in life admir'd;
The glowing canvas breathing bust,
Record the ever-sacred dust,
And fan that fame their actions fir'd.

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V

Here bright the soul of Painting smiles,
Deceiv'd, I view the hallow'd isles,
The incense flame, the pillars rise.
So strong creation's pow'r is shewn,
Judgment is almost lur'd to own,
That art in charms with nature vies.

VI

Patron of worth! through years renown'd,
With virtue, wisdom, learning crown'd,
Born to keep Albion's fame alive;
Happy! wou'd all the great commence,
To catch thy spirit, taste, and sense!
Then shou'd our fading laurels thrive.

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VII

The sporting Turf, the barb'rous Main;
These, these enchant the noble train!
Science alas, but few protect!
Like insects, in a summer's day,
They flutter life, with wealth away,
While title only claims respect.

VIII

To cherish ev'ry blooming Art,
By gen'rous deeds, to bless desert,
And give true genius force to shine:
This shou'd make British greatness known,
This is ambition nobly shewn,
And this, immortal Mead! is thine.