51
Be thou the Poet's muse! thy aid I crave,
From Art's false glare thy suppliant's numbers save.
From Art's false glare thy suppliant's numbers save.
dian names, by which he attempted to elevate the thought, and soften the style; and to substitute, in their place, the Christian and sirnames, which are used in common life.
THE OLD WAY.
Hard by, a cottage chimney smokes,
From betwixt two aged oaks,
Where Corydon and Thyrsis met,
Are at their sav'ry dinner set,
Of herbs and other country messes,
Which the neat-handed Phyllis dresses;
And then, in haste, her bow'r she leaves,
With Thestylis to bind the sheaves.
IMPROVED VERSION.
Hard by, a cottage chimney smokes,
From betwixt two aged oaks,
Where Harry Gill and Johnny met,
Are at their sav'ry dinner set,
Of herbs and other country messes,
Which the neat-handed Betty dresses;
And then, in haste, her bow'r she leaves,
With honest Giles to bind the sheaves.
Hard by, a cottage chimney smokes,
From betwixt two aged oaks,
Where Corydon and Thyrsis met,
Are at their sav'ry dinner set,
Of herbs and other country messes,
Which the neat-handed Phyllis dresses;
And then, in haste, her bow'r she leaves,
With Thestylis to bind the sheaves.
IMPROVED VERSION.
Hard by, a cottage chimney smokes,
From betwixt two aged oaks,
Where Harry Gill and Johnny met,
Are at their sav'ry dinner set,
Of herbs and other country messes,
Which the neat-handed Betty dresses;
And then, in haste, her bow'r she leaves,
With honest Giles to bind the sheaves.
