STRATFIELDSEA;
Or the Canaan of Hampshire, a POEM: Humbly addressd to the highly Honoured and worthy George Pitt, Esq; and his good Lady.
As when repentant Israel once distrest,
Reliev'd by a peculiar Grace from Heaven,
Was far beyond the Neighb'ring Nations blest,
When Canaan was the happy Portion given.
Who through long tedious Years of toyl and care,
Tho' toyl th' effect of erring Duty was;
At last, by Providence, was brought to share
The darling Pleasures of that Blessed place.
The gay enamell'd Fields were gladly seen,
Where plenteous Crops in fruitful Acres grow;
And lofty Trees were flourishing and Green,
Where Fruit abounds, and chrystal Rivers flow.
So when the Genius of the British Land,
First in our Hampshire Interest did appear;
It seem'd as Magisterial to Command,
That Stratfieldsea should be the Canaan here.
On you, most worthy Sir, the Lot was thrown,
A Guerdon for the Vertuous and the brave;
And in Felicity still equal known,
With that blest Land that Milk and Honey gave.
Delicious Seat that treats the wond'ring Eye,
With all that Nature for Delight can give;
And when Art therefore would new Methods try,
Not Worthy, seems nor willing to receive.
The Park, that fam'd Elizium imitates,
With spacious Arms expanding to your view;
As Heir to th' old brisk Fancy here creats,
The beautiful resemblance of a New.
