Poems (Sewell)/To a Poetical Gentleman
TO A RESPECTABLEPOETICAL GENTLEMAN,WHO CONCEALED HIS TALENTS FROM THE WORLD.
When Genius glows with Fancy's vivid flame,And speaks of arts, or arms, or Love's soft claim—Then shou'd the Muse, with gen'rous fears dismay'd,Retire from Flatt'ry to Oblivion's shade;Then shou'd she shrink from Envy's scowling gaze,Or even the cheering smile of honest praise:Ah! who shall dare her secret haunts pursue?In yielding Fame, she gains our friendship too.— But oh! when kindling with celestial light,Exalted Genius takes a nobler flight,When rising from the damps of mould'ring clay,She soars with eagle wings to endless day!When Truth resplendent darts its golden beam,Thro' all the glowing tints of Fancy's theme,When bright Religion shall its influence dart,And soft'ning numbers guide it to the heart—Oh then let conscious Diffidence beware!For Charity forbids her entrance there!—A nobler Pow'r—to Vanity unknown,Would yield to others what it feels its own;With sweet diffusive art, and language clear,'Twou'd speak of hope and comfort far and near;And oh! if praise a gen'rous pang shou'd wake,'Twou'd bear that evil for Religion's sake!