Epistles.
75
In sweet assemblage all their graces join'd
To language, mode, and manners more refin'd! 80
That angel-frame, with chaste attraction gay,
Mild as the dove-ey'd Morn awakes the May,
Of noblest youths will reign the public care,
Their joy, their wish, their wonder, and despair.
Far-beaming thence what bright ideas flow! 85
The sister-arts with sadden rapture glow;
Her Titian tints the painter-nymph resumes,
The canvass warm with roseate beauty blooms:
Inspir'd with life by Sculpture's happy toil,
The marble breathes, and softens with your smile;
Proud to receive the form by Fate design'd 91
The fairest model of the fairer kind.
But hear, O hear, the Muse's heav'nly voice!
The waving woods and echoing vales rejoice:
Attend, ye Gales! to Margaretta's praise; 95
And all ye list'ning Loves record the lays!
So Philomela charms th' Idalian grove,
When Venus, in the glowing orb of Love,
O'er ocean, earth, and air, extends her reign,
The first, the brightest, of the starry train. 100
What fav'rite youth assign the Fates to rise
In bridal pomp to lead the blooming prize?
Whether his father's garter'd shield sustains
Trophies achiev'd on Gallia's viny plains,
Or smiling Peace a mingled wreath displays, 105
The patriot's olive and the poet's bays,
To language, mode, and manners more refin'd! 80
That angel-frame, with chaste attraction gay,
Mild as the dove-ey'd Morn awakes the May,
Of noblest youths will reign the public care,
Their joy, their wish, their wonder, and despair.
Far-beaming thence what bright ideas flow! 85
The sister-arts with sadden rapture glow;
Her Titian tints the painter-nymph resumes,
The canvass warm with roseate beauty blooms:
Inspir'd with life by Sculpture's happy toil,
The marble breathes, and softens with your smile;
Proud to receive the form by Fate design'd 91
The fairest model of the fairer kind.
But hear, O hear, the Muse's heav'nly voice!
The waving woods and echoing vales rejoice:
Attend, ye Gales! to Margaretta's praise; 95
And all ye list'ning Loves record the lays!
So Philomela charms th' Idalian grove,
When Venus, in the glowing orb of Love,
O'er ocean, earth, and air, extends her reign,
The first, the brightest, of the starry train. 100
What fav'rite youth assign the Fates to rise
In bridal pomp to lead the blooming prize?
Whether his father's garter'd shield sustains
Trophies achiev'd on Gallia's viny plains,
Or smiling Peace a mingled wreath displays, 105
The patriot's olive and the poet's bays,
