Page:Scotish Descriptive Poems - Leyden (1803).djvu/100

Or shows how, launched, the wandering comet runs,
Through different systems, circling different suns; 160
How countless suns are sown through boundless space,
And worlds around them roll with rapid race.
 Blest they who nature's secret wonders scan,
Which unprofaned she hides from vulgar man;
Whose raptured minds, with piercing skill, can trace
The circling fluids through their mazy race;
See through what channels, nature upward heaves
The nourishment of flowers, of fruits, and leaves;
What strainers separate each; what wondrous art
May due consistencies, and forms impart; 170
The curious texture of the tubes survey,
And from the pores see subtle odours play:
How the firm bones their strength and grandeur lend,
And vitals soft from injury defend;
How principles, by nature prone to strife,
Kindly conspire to the support of life:
Impelled through all the complicated frame,
How rapid fluids feed the vital flame:
Whence on the face the glowing beauties rise,
And all the soul beams genuine from the eyes. 180
 That curious chemist mark! whose keen desire
Examines nature by tormenting fire;