Tixall Poetry.
253
Stones will consume, age will on metals prey,
But deathless verse no time can wear away;
That stands the shock of years without decay.
But deathless verse no time can wear away;
That stands the shock of years without decay.
When kingdoms shall be lost in sloth and lust,
When treasures fail, and glorious arms shall rust,
Verse only lifts itself above the dust.
When treasures fail, and glorious arms shall rust,
Verse only lifts itself above the dust.
Come, bright Apollo, then, let me drink deep
Of that blest spring thou dost for poets keep,
While in ignoble ease the world's asleep.
Of that blest spring thou dost for poets keep,
While in ignoble ease the world's asleep.
Let wreaths of tender myrtle crown my head,
Let me be still by anxious lovers read,
Envy'd alive, but honour'd when I'm dead.
Let me be still by anxious lovers read,
Envy'd alive, but honour'd when I'm dead.
Till after death, desert was never crown'd,
When my ashes are forgotten under ground,
Then my best part will be immortal found.
When my ashes are forgotten under ground,
Then my best part will be immortal found.
