Swift as they move hear each receſs rebound,
Heav'n quakes, earth trembles, and the ſhores reſound.10
Great Sire of verſe, before my mortal eyes,
The lightnings blaze acroſs the vaulted ſkies,
And, as the thunder ſhakes the heav'nly plains,
A deep-felt horror thrills through all my veins.
When gentler ſtrains demand thy graceful ſong,15
The length'ning line moves languiſhing along.
When great Patroclus courts Achilles' aid,
The grateful tribute of my tears is paid;
Prone on the more he feels the pangs of love,
And ſtern Pelides tend'reſt paſſions move.20
Great Maro's ſtrain in heav'nly numbers flows,
The Nine inſpire, and all the boſom glows.
O could I rival thine and Virgil's page,
Or claim the Muſes with the Mantuan Sage;
Soon the ſame beauties ſhould my mind adorn,25
And the ſame ardors in my ſoul ſhould burn:
Then ſhould my ſong in bolder notes ariſe,
And all my numbers pleaſingly ſurprize;
But
