OF TEMPER.
133
This active spirit catches in her flight,
Skill'd to retain, and happy to recite.
Here she delivers each bright work, and each
Gains new attraction from her graceful speech,
Warpt by no envy, by no love misled,
Equal she holds the living and the dead;
Alike rehearsing, as they claim their turn,
The song of Anstey and the tale of Sterne.
Here Truth in Honour's seat a bard enthrones,
Who caught from Nature all her finest tones;
Her fav'rite bard! to decorate whose lyre
Talents of wide diversity conspire:
Who blends, (enchanting friend of every hour!)
Humour's light grace with Fancy's lofty power;
Freedom and sanctity in union sweet,
The task of Cowper (their own task!) repeat,
To match whose beauties (all to virtue dear!)
Verse-proud Antiquity presents no peer.
But morning calls thee hence.—Yet one scene more,
My fostering love shall lead thee to explore.
Skill'd to retain, and happy to recite.
Here she delivers each bright work, and each
Gains new attraction from her graceful speech,
Warpt by no envy, by no love misled,
Equal she holds the living and the dead;
Alike rehearsing, as they claim their turn,
The song of Anstey and the tale of Sterne.
Here Truth in Honour's seat a bard enthrones,
Who caught from Nature all her finest tones;
Her fav'rite bard! to decorate whose lyre
Talents of wide diversity conspire:
Who blends, (enchanting friend of every hour!)
Humour's light grace with Fancy's lofty power;
Freedom and sanctity in union sweet,
The task of Cowper (their own task!) repeat,
To match whose beauties (all to virtue dear!)
Verse-proud Antiquity presents no peer.
But morning calls thee hence.—Yet one scene more,
My fostering love shall lead thee to explore.
