Ode To the Right Honourable the Earl of Northumberland On his being appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Presented on the birth-day of Lord Warkworth. With some other Pieces. By Christopher Smart |
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ON A BED OF GUERNSEY LILIES. |
 | Ode To the Right Honourable the Earl of Northumberland |  |
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ON A BED OF GUERNSEY LILIES.
Written in September 1763.
I
Ye beauties! O how great the sumOf sweetness that ye bring;
On what a charity ye come
To bless the latter spring!
How kind the visit that ye pay,
Like strangers on a rainy day,
When heartiness despair'd of guests:
No neighbour's praise your pride alarms,
No rival flow'r surveys your charms,
Or heightens, or contests!
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II
Lo, thro' her works gay nature grievesHow brief she is and frail,
As ever o'er the falling leaves
Autumnal winds prevail.
Yet still the philosophic mind
Consolatory food can find,
And hope her anchorage maintain:
We never are deserted quite;
'Tis by succession of delight
That love supports his reign.
| Ode To the Right Honourable the Earl of Northumberland | |