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University of Virginia Library

Poems on Several Occasions

By Samuel Boyce

Boyce, Samuel

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I.

II.

AN Occasional PROLOGUE SPOKEN By Mrs. WOFFINGTON,

Written in VAUX-HALL GARDENS.

FORTUNE and the LOVER.

On attending the Lectures of Mr. HENRY WATSON, Surgeon.

Address'd to the laudable Association of ANTI-GALLICANS,

On viewing the Curiosities, in the Repository of the late Dr. MEAD.

The PHYSICIANS,

On the intended Academy for the Encouragement of GENIUS,

To the Memory of Mr. WILLIAM BAKER.

The SHEPHERD's Evening.

Written Extempore On a young Lady in Mourning.

On Sight of a young Lady's Picture, executed by a female Artist, from Abroad.

On Sight of the Boat, built by John Rich, Esq;

The 148th PSALM Paraphras'd.

On reading Dr. Hill's Thoughts concerning God and Nature,

The Animal COMEDIANS, A FABLE.

To CONTENTMENT.

For OUR COUNTRY. An ODE,

TO THE Author of the Earl of Essex.

Consolatory Verses to James Steere, Esq; Architect, on the death of his Lady.

Invitation to the CHACE.

The STATUES, A FABLE.

A Parting Dialogue between a Sea Officer and his Lady.

To CELIA in the Country.

To Mrs. Margaret Woffington.

On receiving a Print of the Section of St. PAUL's Cathedral.

The TROUT, A FABLE.

Written extempore, on seeing Mr. GARRICK,

The CONFESSION.

The HAPPY MINUTE.

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On receiving a Print of the Section of St. PAUL's Cathedral.

I

Ye prejudic'd! who judge, like fools,
By fix'd, tho' inconsistent rules,
With pre-determin'd eye:
Who doat on art of foreign birth,
With admiration boast its worth
And see your country's die;

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II

Now bring your treasur'd Prints to light;
'Tis British genius dares the sight;
And Britons like behold;
Inspect through reason's equal glass,
If then you think they This surpass,
Own 'tis,—because they're old.

III

Absurd criterion!—to the clime,
The mark, or name, or length of time,
Is such great rev'rence due?
Wisdom despises the pretence,
What diff'rence to a judge of sense,
If merit's old or new?

IV

Ye partial! love your native isle;
Then emulous our arts shall smile,
And o'er the world prevail.—
If candour prompt the trump of fame,
This shall immortalize the name,
Of Rooker, Gwyn, and Wale.