Epistles.
73
As angels love, congenial souls unite
Their radiance, and refine each other's light.
The florid and sublime, the grave and gay, 25
From Waller's beams imbibe a purer ray;
Illumin'd, thence in equal lays to bound
Their copious sense, and harmonize the sound;
With varied notes the curious ear to please,
And turn a nervous thought with artful ease. 30
Maker and model of melodious verse!
Accept these votive honours at thy hearse:
While I with filial awe attempt thy praise,
Infuse thy genius, and my fancy raise!
So, warbling o'er his urn, the woodland choirs 35
To Orpheus pay the song his shade inspires.
In Waller's fame, O fairest Harley! view
What verdant palms shall owe their birth to you:
To you what deathless charms are thence decreed,
In Sacharissa's fate vouchsafe to read. 40
Secure beneath the wing of with'ring Time
Her beauties flourish in ambrosial prime;
Still kindling rapture, see! She moves in state,
Gods, nymphs, and heroes, on her triumph wait.
Nor think the lover's praise of love's delight 45
In purest minds may stain the virgin white:
How bright and chaste the poet and his theme!
So Cynthia shines on Arethusa's stream.
A fainted virtue to the spheres may sing
Those strains that ravish'd here the martyr-king. 50
Their radiance, and refine each other's light.
The florid and sublime, the grave and gay, 25
From Waller's beams imbibe a purer ray;
Illumin'd, thence in equal lays to bound
Their copious sense, and harmonize the sound;
With varied notes the curious ear to please,
And turn a nervous thought with artful ease. 30
Maker and model of melodious verse!
Accept these votive honours at thy hearse:
While I with filial awe attempt thy praise,
Infuse thy genius, and my fancy raise!
So, warbling o'er his urn, the woodland choirs 35
To Orpheus pay the song his shade inspires.
In Waller's fame, O fairest Harley! view
What verdant palms shall owe their birth to you:
To you what deathless charms are thence decreed,
In Sacharissa's fate vouchsafe to read. 40
Secure beneath the wing of with'ring Time
Her beauties flourish in ambrosial prime;
Still kindling rapture, see! She moves in state,
Gods, nymphs, and heroes, on her triumph wait.
Nor think the lover's praise of love's delight 45
In purest minds may stain the virgin white:
How bright and chaste the poet and his theme!
So Cynthia shines on Arethusa's stream.
A fainted virtue to the spheres may sing
Those strains that ravish'd here the martyr-king. 50
