132
THE TRIUMPHS
What dangers threaten, thro' the vale of earth,
Their kindred pilgrims, ere they rise to birth:
To earth they still invisibly descend,
In that dark scene congenial minds defend,
From pleasure's bud drive spleen's corroding worm,
And in my votaries' heart my power confirm.
Delights more calm yon listening band employ,
Who deeply drink of intellectual joy.
See them around that speaking nymph rejoice,
Their pleasures varying with her varied voice!
What graces in the sweet enthusiast glow!
Repeating here whate'er she learns below.
Memory her name, her charge o'er earth to flit,
And cull the fairest flowers of human wit.
Whatever Genius, in his happiest hour,
Has penn'd, of moral force and comic power,
To warm the heart, the spells of Spleen unbind,
And pour gay sunshine o'er the misty mind;
Teach men to cherish their fraternal tie,
And view kind nature with a filial eye;
Their kindred pilgrims, ere they rise to birth:
To earth they still invisibly descend,
In that dark scene congenial minds defend,
From pleasure's bud drive spleen's corroding worm,
And in my votaries' heart my power confirm.
Delights more calm yon listening band employ,
Who deeply drink of intellectual joy.
See them around that speaking nymph rejoice,
Their pleasures varying with her varied voice!
What graces in the sweet enthusiast glow!
Repeating here whate'er she learns below.
Memory her name, her charge o'er earth to flit,
And cull the fairest flowers of human wit.
Whatever Genius, in his happiest hour,
Has penn'd, of moral force and comic power,
To warm the heart, the spells of Spleen unbind,
And pour gay sunshine o'er the misty mind;
Teach men to cherish their fraternal tie,
And view kind nature with a filial eye;
