 | Miscellaneous Poems |  |
32
SONNET.
[It cannot be that in the Muse's bower]
It cannot be that in the Muse's bowerAre men, who bartering for their private gain,
The lustre of that ancient house would stain,
And, following those who still for place and power
Are striving, forfeit all the beauteous dower
Bequeathed them—and the Virtues' peaceful train
Desert, and Wisdom with her countenance plain
And meek, and Learning through the midnight hour
Still in his studious hermitage. Who then
Seeing the Muses' haunts by ruthless feet,
Are trodden, and by bold and violent men,
Would wonder if the bard for scenes more meet
For the lone valley, and the quiet glen,
Should quit each venal hall and crowded street?
| Miscellaneous Poems | |