III. Bu1 hark! that strain was of a graver tone, On the deep ftrings his hand fome hermit throws; Or he the facred Bard!* who fat alone, In the drear wafte, and wept his people's wces. IV. Such was the fong which Zion's children fung, And to fuch fadly folemn notes are ftrung Angelic harps, to footh a dying faint. V. Methinks I hear the full celeftial choir, Thro' heaven's high dome their aweful anthem raise; Now chanting clear, and now they all conspire To fwell the lofty hymn, from praise to praise. VI. Let me, ye wand'ring fpirits of the wind, Who as wild Fancy prompts you touch the ftring, Smit with your theme, be in your chorus join'd, For 'till you ceafe, my Mufe forgets to fing. * Feremiah. On the Report of a WOODEN BRIDGE to be built at Westminster. By the Same. Y Rufus' hall, where Thames polluted flows, BY Provok'd, the Genius of the river rofe, And thus exclaim'd—“ Have I, ye British fwains, The N I. OW had the fon of Jove mature, attain'd The joyful prime: when youth, élate and gay, Steps into life; and follows unrestrain'd Where paffion leads, or prudence points the way. By juft degrees; fair bloom of fairest fruit: For, if on youth's untainted thought impreft, II. As on a day, reflecting on his age For highest deeds now ripe, Alcides fought Step following step, and thought fucceeding thought: Mufing, with fteady pace the youth purfu'd Here Virtue's rough afcent, there Pleafure's flow'ry way. III. Much did the view divide his wavering mind: Both, large and tall, exceeding human fize; Both far exceeding human beauty, fair. Graceful, yet each with different grace, they move: This, ftriking facred awe; that, fofter, winning love. IV. The firft, in native dignity furpafs'd; Health, o'er her looks, a genu'ne luftre cast; Serene her eye, yet darting heav'nly fire. Still fhe drew near; and nearer ftill more fair, More mild appear'd: yet fuch as might inspire Pleasure corrected with an aweful fear; Majestically sweet, and amiably fevere. V. The V. The other dame feem'd ev'n of fairer hue; All foft and delicate, with airy fwim Thro' the clear texture ev'ry tender limb, Her ftature fhew'd more tall; more fnowy-white, her skin. VI. Oft with a smile fhe view'd herself askance; With freedom bland the wond'ring youth addrefs'd; VII. "Dear Hercules, whence this unkind delay ? "Dear youth, what doubts can thus diftra&t thy mind ? Securely follow, where I lead the way; 66 "And range thro' wilds of pleasure unconfin'd. << With |