Page:A poetic survey round Birmingham - James Bisset - 1800.pdf/14

The Forge materials for the work provides,
Rude cinders clothe the front—compose the sides.
Where bogs and brakes, and marshy fens were seen,
We now behold a turf enamel'd green;
It's hoary sage, withdrawn from toil and care,
Both ease and solitude poſseſses there;
The moſs-clad turrets, ivy-clasp'd, o'er grown,
Look as if Peace had mark'd the spot her own.

On Yonder gentle slope, which shrubs adorn,
Where grew, of late, "rank weeds," gorse, ling, and thorn,
Now pendant woods, and shady groves are seen,
And nature there aſsumes a nobler mien.
There verdant lawns, cool grots, and peaceful bow'rs,
Luxuriant, now, are strew'd with sweetest flow'rs,
Reflected by the lake, which spreads below,
All Nature smiles around—there stands Soho!^[1]

Soho!^[2]—where Genius and the Arts preside,
Europa's wonder and Britannia's pride;
The matchleſs works have rais’d Old England's fame,
And future ages will record thy name;
Each rival Nation ſhall to thee resign
The Palm of Taste, and own—'tis justly thine;
Whilst Commerce shall to thee an altar raise,
And infant Genius learn to lisp thy praise:
Whilst Art and Science reign, they'll still proclaim
Thine! ever blended, with a Boulton's name.

 

1. The seat of M. Boulton, Esq. plate A.
2. Soho, about two miles from Birmingham, on the Walsall and Wolverhampton Road.
   For a view of this elegant and splendid manufactory, see plate T.