51
Be thou the Poet's muse! thy aid I crave, From Art's false glare thy suppliant's numbers save.
dian names, by which he attempted to elevate the thought, and soften the style; and to substitute, in their place, the Christian and sirnames, which are used in common life.
THE OLD WAY.Hard by, a cottage chimney smokes, From betwixt two aged oaks, Where Corydon and Thyrsis met, Are at their sav'ry dinner set, Of herbs and other country messes, Which the neat-handed Phyllis dresses; And then, in haste, her bow'r she leaves, With Thestylis to bind the sheaves. IMPROVED VERSION.Hard by, a cottage chimney smokes, From betwixt two aged oaks, Where Harry Gill and Johnny met, Are at their sav'ry dinner set, Of herbs and other country messes, Which the neat-handed Betty dresses; And then, in haste, her bow'r she leaves, With honest Giles to bind the sheaves.
