ON LIFE. CAN we find out one scene in life, Ever 'midst tumult, noise, and care: But should we o'er the ocean roll, With children we enlarge our care; In youth we're thoughtless, giddy, vain; Not to be born, or soon to die. } Gentleman's Magazine. VANESSA'S ODE TO SPRING. HAIL! blushing goddess, beauteous Spring, Who in thy jocund train dost bring Loves and graces, smiling hours, Yet why should I thy presence hail? Comes fraught with sweets, no more the rose My guide, instructor, lover, friend, TO HEALTH. O HEALTH, capricious maid! Why dost thou shun my peaceful bow'r, Where I had hopes to share thy pow'r, And bless thy lasting aid? Since thou, alas! art flown, It 'vails not whether muse or grace, Age not forbids thy stay; Thou yet might'st act the friendly part, Thou yet might'st raise this languid heart; Why speed so swift away? Thou scorn'st the city air; I breathe fresh gales o'er furrow'd ground, I plunge into the wave; A rural altar to thy praise, Thou wilt not deign to save. Amid my well-known grove, Where min'ral fountains vainly bear Thy boasted name and titles fair, Why scorns thy foot to rove? Thou hear'st the sportsman's claim; Enabling him, with idle noise, To drown the muse's melting voice, Is thought thy foe? adieu Ye midnight lamps! ye curious tomes! Mine eye o'er hill and valley roams, And deals no more with you. Is it the clime you flee? There was, there was a time, I did not rue the crime. Who then more blest than me? When the glad school-boy's task was done, And forth with jocund haste I run, To freedom, and to glee. How jovial then the day! Wert thou, alas! but kind, Methinks no frown that fortune wears, Nor lessen'd hopes, nor growing fears, Could sink my cheerful mind. Whate'er my stars include; Repair this mould'ring cell, Temp'rance should guard the doors; From room to room should mem❜ry stray, And, ranging all in neat array, Enjoy her pleasing stores. There let them rest unknown, Is thine, fair queen! alone. Shenstone. |