Page:Vida's Art of Poetry.djvu/103

Their large, their vast variety explore
With piercing eyes, and range the mighty store.
From their deep fund the richest words unfold,$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$
With nicest care be rich expression cull'd,
To deck your numbers in the purest gold.
The vile, the dark degen'rate crowd refuse,
And scorn a dress that would disgrace the muse.
Then to succeed your search, pursue the road,
And beat the track the glorious ancients trod.
To those eternal monuments repair,
There read, and meditate for ever there.
If o'er the rest some mighty genius shines,
Mark the sweet charms, and vigor of his lines.
As far as Phœbus and the heav'nly pow'rs
Smile on your labours, make his diction your's.
Your style by his authentick standard frame,
Your voice, your habit, and address the same.
With him proceed to cull the rest; for there
A full reward will justifie your care.
Examine all; and bring from all away
Their various treasures as a lawful prey.

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