Page:Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral.djvu/122

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POEMS on

To S. M. a young African Painter, on seeing his Works.


To show the lab'ring bosom's deep intent,
And thought in living characters to paint,
When first thy pencil did those beauties give,
And breathing figures learnt from thee to live,

How did those prospects give my soul delight,
5

A new creation rushing on my sight?
Still, wond'rous youth! each noble path pursue,
On deathless glories fix thine ardent view:
Still may the painter's and the poet's fire

To aid thy pencil, and thy verse conspire!
10

And may the charms of each seraphic theme
Conduct thy footsteps to immortal fame!
High to the blissful wonders of the skies
Elate thy soul, and raise thy wishful eyes.

Thrice happy, when exalted to survey
15

That splendid city, crown'd with endless day,
Whose twice fix gates on radiant hinges ring:
Celestial Salem blooms in endless spring.

Calm