THE
JUDGMENT
O F
PARIS.
A POEM.
By JAMES BEATTIE, M. A.
A'MAXON AE N KPY'YAI TO' SYrTENE'E HUGOS'
PINDAR. OLYMP.
LONDON:
Printed for T. BECKET and P. A. DE Ho NOT, at Tully's
Head, in the Strand; and J. BALFOUR, in Edinburgh.
M DCC LXV,
[Price One Shilling and Six-pence.]
a
' -.
- -
PREFACE.
] sriT
.
IF all the powers of human nature could be gra-
tified at once, fuch an univerfal gratification would
certainly conftitute the Supreme Felicity of man. But
this is impoffible : for our appetites and affections
are in many inftances incompatible ; and whatever
courfe of life we purfue, we muft forego fome gratifica-
tions, if we would hope to attain others. Self-denial is
not peculiar to the virtuous ; the fenfualift and the ruf-
fian cannot exempt themfelves from it. But virtuous felf-
denial reftrains only thofe propenfities, whofe influence
is moft limited, and which, when indulged, introduce
diforder into the mind ; whereas, that abftinence which
the vitious impofe upon themfelves, reftrains the nobleft
and moft important principles of their nature, and fuch
as are of the moft extenfive influence : the latter doth
neceffarily contract our fphere of enjoyment, and the
former doth as neceflarily enlarge it.
. .
After an accurate induction of particulars, it hath
been fhewn by Moral Writers, with a degree of evidence,
a 2 which.
[ iv ]
which, if it cannot be called ftrict denionilratioa, is at
leaft fufficient to command the aflent of every reafonable
man, that Virtue hath a natural tendency to produce,
and is perfectly confident with, the ampleft and moft
diffufive gratification of our Whole Nature. The pur-
fuit of Ambit ion^ or of Senfual Pleafure^ can promife
only partial happinefs ; being adapted, not to our whole
conftitution, but only to a fart of it. The propenfities,
which determine us to fuch purfuits, are certainly Na-
tural propensities ; and as fuch, when Separately confi-
dered, may feem conducive to the perfection of human
felicity : a confideration, upon which the Senfual and
the Ambitious found a plea, that often appears ipecious,
and often proves enfnaring. But pleafutes cannot be
properly eftimated when feparately confidered : we ought
to eftimate them according to their comparative excel-
lence, and according to their influence on the General
happinefs of the Whole mental fyftem.- sfo
a t?ib :aifai. -ju sly
^ -The following Eflay is to be looked upon as an at-
tempt to illuftrate fome points of this important doc-
trine. The Fable, from which it derives its name, its
fcenery, and principal incidents, is well known ; and
is, indeed, in its original ftate, no very proper vehicle
for communicating any moral doctrine : but, after chang-
ing fome circumftances, omitting others, and retaining
fuch only as were neceflary for embelliming the fenti-
ments,
ments, and rendering the cataftrophe probable, I thought
it more favourable to my defign, than any that I could
Lave invented. The rule which Horace hath fuggefted
in thefe lines,
no . { - ff \
Redlius Iliacum carmen deducis in a&us,
Quam Ci proferres ignota indi&aque primus :
will perhaps appear as applicable to fmall as to great
works.
Some will doubtlefs think it abfurd, to introduce any
part of the Pagan, or rather Homeric Theology, into a
modern poem profeffedly ferious. But the attentive
Reader will perceive, that the celeftial Beings introduced
into this poem, whom the fubj eel: 'rendered it neceflary
to diftinguifli by the names of Juno, Pallas, and Venus,
reprefent,' not the characters of thefe god defies as we find
them in Homer, but only fuch characters, as the Pa-
tronefles of Ambition^ of Wifdom, and of Effeminate
Pleafure^ might be fuppofed to afliime. The arguments
or topicks, by which their feveral doclrines are enforced,
are all deduced from the principles of human nature.
But they differ efientially in this refpecl: ; the arguments
of the Firft Speaker and of the Laft proceed from Partial
views of our frame ; thofe of the Second, from a view
of the Whole &s conftituting one fyftem.
It
It is hoped, the chara&er of Paris, as here repre*-
fented, will be found finally agreeable to the idea of
liim conveyed^to us in the writings 'of Homer, \ and other
antient poets. The probability of the cataftrophe de-
pends very much on the Real Character of this per-
fonage ; and therefore, with regard to him, a clofe
adherence to Poetic Truth -was judged altogether
necefiary.
;> , ^ c \
It will not perhaps be improper to obferve, that a's
the following Compofition was intended to partake no
5 3 uDO r i it v A 4 r
lefs of the Lyric than of the Heroic ftyle, I have there-
fore made choice of that fpecies of verification, which
to me feems equally iufceptible of both ; and which,
in the judgment of Mr. DRYDEN*, is " More noble, and
" of greater dignity, both for the found and number,"
.
than any other regular ftanza of Englifh verfe,
September^, 1764.
iiU^SU^ji JO bfl^ t
* Preface to Annw Mirabilis, printed 1667.
i
THE
JUDGMENT OF PARIS.
T"^ A R in .the depth of Ida's inmoft grove,
*- That faintly murmur'd to the vernal wind ;
Where flowery woodbines wild by Nature wove
Form'd the lone bower, THE ROYAL SWAIN reclin'd.
Up the broad cliffs, that tower'd immenfe to heaven,
Green waved the lofty pines, on every fide,
Save where, fair-opening to the beam of even,
A dale floped gradual to the valley wide.
B Echoed
Echoed the vale with many a chearful note ;
The various lowe of herds refounding long,
The fhrilling pipe, the mellow horn remote,
And focial clamours of the feftive throng.
For now, low-hovering o'er the weftern main,
Where amber clouds begirt his dazzling throne,
The fun with ruddier verdure deck'd the plain ;
And lakes, and ftreams, and fpires triumphal flione ;
And many a band of ardent youths were feen :
-*
Some, into rapture fired by glory's charms,
Or hurl'd the thundering car along the green,
Or march'd embattled on in glittering arms.
Others more mild, in happy leifure gay,
The winding foreft's lonely gloom explore ;
Or by Scamander's flowery margin ftray,
Or the blue Hellefpont's refounding fhore.
But
[ 3 ]
But chief the eye to Ilion's glories turned,
That gleam'd along th' extended champaign far ;
And bulwarks, in terrific pomp adorn'd,
Where Peace fat fmiling at the frowns of War.
Rich in the fpoils of many a fubjecT;- clime
In pride luxurious blazed th' imperial dome ;
Tower'd mid th' encircling grove the fane fublime ;
And dread memorials mark'd the hallow'd tomb
Of Him, who from the gore-ftain'd cavern led
The favage ftern, and footh'd his boifterous breaft ;
Who fpoke, and Science rear'd her radiant head,
And brighten'd o'er the long-benighted wafte ;
Or, greatly daring in his country's caufe,
Whofe heaven-taught foul the aweful plan defign'd,
Whence Power flood trembling at the voice of Laws,
Whence foar'd on Freedom's wing th' ethereal mind.
B 2 But
t 4 1
But not the pomp that Royalty displays,
Not all th' imperial pride of lofty Troy,
Nor Virtue's triumph of immortal praife
Could roufe the languor of the lingering BOY.
Abandon'd all to foft OENONE'S charms,
He to oblivion doom'd the liftlefs day;
Inglorious lulled in Love's diffolving arms,
While flutes lafcivious breathed th' enfeebling lay.
To trim the ringlets of his fcented hair,
To aim, infidious, Love's bewitching glance,
To cull frefli garlands for the gaudy Fair,
Or wanton loofe in the voluptuous dance j
Thefe were his arts ; thefe won OENONE'S love,
Nor fought his fetter'd foul a nobler aim -
Ah why Ihould Beauty's fmile the arts approve,
Which taint with infamy the lover's flame!
Now
[si
Now laid at large befide a murmuring fpring
Melting he liften'd to the woodland fong ;
And Echo liftening waved her aery wing,
While the deep-winding dales the lays prolong.
When lo, flow-floating down the azure fkies,
A crimfon cloud flafh'd on his ftartled fight,
Whofe fkirts gay-fparkling with unnumbered dies
Lanch'd the long billowy trails of flickering light.
That inftant, hufri'd was all the vocal grove,
Hufh'd was the gale, and every ruder found ;
And lays aereal warbling far above
Rung in the ear a magic peal profound.
Near and more near the fwimming radiance roll'd,
Along the' mountains ftream'd the lingering fires;
Sublime the groves of Ida blazed with gold,
And heaven refounded wide with louder lyres.
Upfprung
[ 6 ]
Upfprung the trump's {hrill clang \ and all in air
The glories vanifh'd from the dazzled eye ;
And three ethereal forms, divinely fair,
Down the fteep glade were feen advancing nigh.
The flowering glade fell level where they mov'd,
O'er-arching high the cluttering rofes hung,
And gales from heaven on balmy pinions rov'd,
And hill and dale with gratulation rung.
The FIRST with flow and ftately ftep drew near ;
Fix'd was her lofty eye, eret her mien ;
Sublime in grace, in majefty fevere,
She look'd a goddefs, and fhe mov'd a queen.
Her robe along the gale profufely ftream'd,
Light lean'd the fceptre on her bending arm ;
And round her br0w a ftarry circlet gleam'd,
Heightening the pride of each commanding charm.
Milder
[71
Milder the NEXT came on with artlefs grace,
And on a javelin's quivering length reclin'd ;
T' exalt her mien (he bade no fplendor blaze,
Nor pomp of vefture fluctuate on the wind.
Serene, though awful, on her lofty brows,
Celeftial Wifdom (hone ; nor rov'd her eye,
Save where Ide's darkening cliffs majeflic rofe,
Or the blue concave of th' involving fky.
i
Keen were her eyes, t' explore the inmoft foul ;
Yet Virtue triumph'd in their beams benign ;
And impious Pride oft felt their dread controul,
When in fierce lightning flafli'd the wrath divine *.
!
With awe-ftruck wonder gazed th' adoring SWAIN;
His kindling cheek great Virtue's power confefs'd ;
But foon 'twas o'er, for Virtue prompts in vain,
When Pleafure's influence numbs the nervelefs bread.
This is agreeable to the Theology of Homer, who often reprefents Pallas
as the executioner of the divine vengeance.
And
And now advanced the QUEEN OF MELTING joy,
Smiling fupreme in unrefifted charms.
Ah then, what tranfports fired the trembling BOY !
How tlifob'd his fickening frame with fierce alarms !
Her Jparkling eyes, all moiftening as they fwim
r :
Luxurious, look'd unutterable love.
Heaven's warm bloom glows along each brightening limb,
Where fluttering < bland the veil's thin mantlings rove.
[;
Quick, blufhing as abafh'd, fhe half withdrew ;
One hand a bough of flowering myrtle wav'd,
One graceful fpread, where, fcarcc conceaFd from view,
* - * * *** ' * -* i j i-^' - - 1
Soft through the parting robe her bofom heav'd.
" OFFSPRING of JOVE fupreme! belov'd of heaven!
. < Attend." Thus fpoke the Emprefs of the ikies.
" For, lo, to thee, high-fated Prince, 'tis given
" Through the bright realms of Fame fublime to rife,
<c
Beyond
CC
C 9 ]
Beyond man's loftieft hope ; if nor the wiles
" Of PALLAS quell each bold ennobling thought ;
Nor PLEASURE lure thee, with her witching fmiles,
" To quaff the poifon of her lufcious draught.
When JUNO'S charms the prize of beauty claim,
" Shall ought on earth, {hall ought in heaven contend?
Whom JUNO calls to high triumphant fame,
" Shall he to meaner fway inglorious bend?
cc Yet lingering comfortlefs in lonefome wild,
cc Where Echo fleeps mid cavern'd vales profound,
" The pride of Troy, Dominion's darling child
" Pines, while the flow hour ftalks its fullen round.
" Hear, Thou, of heaven unconfcious! From the blaze
c< Of glory ftream'd from JOVE'S eternal throne,
" Thy foul, O Mortal, caught th' infpiring rays,
" That to a God exalt Earth's raptur'd fon.
u
C
Hence the bold wifti, on boundlefe pinion born 7
" That whirls through fields of ecftacy the foul j
The hero's eye, hence, kindling into- fcorn,.
" Blafts the proud menace,, and defies controul.
But, unimprov'd, heaven's nobleff boons are vain,
" No fun with plenty crowns th' uncultur'd vale ;
Where green lakes languifh on the filent plain,,
" Death, rides the billovvings of the weftera gale.
" Deep in yon mountain's wornE, where the dark cave
<c Howls to the torrents everlafting roar,
" Does die rich gem its Kquid radiance wave,
<c Or flames with fteady ray th' imperial ore ?
" Toil deck'd with glittering domes yon champaigj*wide,
" And wakes yon grove- embofom'd lawns to joy ;
" Th' imprifon'd ore rends- from the mountain's fide,
" Spangling with fiarry pomp the thrones of Troy.
9 " Fly
it 3
" Fly thefe foft fcenes. Even now, with playful arfc,
" Love wreathes thy flowery ways with fatal fnare ;
" And nurfe th' ethereal fire that warms thy heart,
" That fire ethereal lives but by thy care.
" Lo, hovering near, on dark and dampy wing,
" Sloth with ftera patience waits the hour affign'd,
" From her chill plume the deadly dews to fling,
" That quench heaven's beam, and freeze the chearlefs
cc mind.
" Vain, then, th' enlivening found of Fame's alarms,
" For Hope's exulting impulfe prompts no more 5
<c Vain the falfe joys that lure to Pleafure's arms,
4C The throb of tranfport is for ever o'er.
" Ah, who ftiall then to Fancy's darkening eyes
" Recal th' elyfian dreams of joy and light ?
" Dim through the gloom the formlefs vifions rife,
" Snatch'd inftantaneous down the gulph of night.
C $ " Thou,
C 3
*! Thou, who fecurely lull'd in youth's warm ray,
" Hearft not the tottering wrecks o'erthrown by Time,,
" Be rous'd, or perifli. Ardent for its prey
" Speeds the fell hour, that defolates thy prime.
" And, midft the horrors fhrin'd of midnight ftorm*
" The fiend Oblivion- eyes thee from afar,.
" Black with, intolerable frowns her form,
" Beckoning th' embattled whirlwinds into wan
u Fanes, bulwarks, mountains, worlds, their tempeft
" whelms-;
<c Yet Glory braves unmov ? d th' impetuous fweep.
u Fly then, ere, .hurl'd from life's delightful realms,
<c Thou fink t' Oblivioas dark, and boundlefs deep*
4< Fly then, where Glory points the path fublime:
" See her crown dazzling with eternal light I
* 4 'Tis JUNO prompts thy daring fteps to climb,
4< And girds thy bounding heart with matchlefs might.
" Warca
[ '3 ]
" Warm in the raptures of divine defire,
" Burft the foft chain that curbs th' afpiring mind ;
" And fly, where Vi&ory, born on wings of fire,
" Waves her red banner to the rattling wind.
" Afcend the car, Indulge the pride of arms,
" Where clarions roll their kindling ftrains on high,
u Where the eye maddens to the dread alarms,
And the long fhout tumultuous rends the fky.
cc
cc Plung'd in the uproar of the thundering field
" I fee thy lofty arm the tempeft guide ;
" Fate fcatters lightning from thy meteor- fhield,
M And Ruin fpreads around the fanguine tide.
" Go, urge the terrors of thy headlong car
" On proftrate Pride, and Grandeur's fpoils o'erthrown *
cc While, all amaz'd, even heroes (brink afar,
cc And hofts embattled vanifh at. thy frown,
" When
[ "4 B
" When Glory crowns thy godlike toils; -and ill
< c The triumph's lengthening pomp exalts thy (bul^
" When Jowly attby feet the Mighty fall,
" And tyrants tremble at thy ftern controul ;
c< When conquering millions hail thy fovereign might,
u And tribes unknown dread acclamation join ;
" How wilt thou fpurn the forms of low delight !
" For all the ecftafies of heaven are thine ;
<f For thine the joys, that ^ar ^ria length of days,
<( Whofe wide effulgence fcorns all mortal bound : "
t Fame's- trump in thunder fliall announce thy praHe, *
" Not wrecking worlds her clarion's blaft confound*."
The Goddefs ceas'd, not dubious of the prize :
Elate {he mark'd his wild and rolling eye, > 5I
Mark'd his lip quiver, and his bofom rife,
And his warm cheek fuffus'd with crimfon die.
But
I s I
But PALLAS now drew near. Sublime, ferene
In eonfcious dignity flie view'd the fwain ;
Then, love and pity foftening all her mien,
Thus breathed with accent mild the folemn ftrain.
frc LET thofe, whofe arts to fatal paths betray,
c< The foul with Paflion's gloom tempeftuous blind ;
" And fnatch from Reafbns ken th' aufpicious ray
" Truth darts from heaven to guide th' exploring mind.
But WISDOM loves the calm and ferious hour,
" When heaven's pure emanation beams confefs'd ;
" Rage, ecftafy, alike, difclairn her power;
c< She wooes each gentler impulfe of the breaft,
" Sincere th' unalter'd blifs her charms impart,
" Sedate th' enlivening ar-dors they infpire ;
{< She bids no tranfient rapture thrill the heart,
" She wakes no fcverifh guft f fierce defire.
<c Unwife,
[ 1-6 ]
" Unwife, who, toffing on the watery way,
" All to the ftorm th' unfettered fail devolve ;
" Man more unwife refigns the mental fway,
" Born headlong on by Paffion's keen refolve.
41 While ftorms remote but murmur on thine ear,
" Nor waves in ruinous uproar round thee roll,
cc Yet yet a moment check thy prone career,
" And curb the keen refolve that prompts thy foul.
Explore thy heart, that, rous'd by Glory's name,
" Pants all enraptur'd with the mighty charm ;
" And does Ambition quench each milder flame ?
<c And is it Conqueft, that alone can warm?
" T' indulge fell Rapine's defolating luft,
cc To drench the balmy lawn in fteaming gore,
" To ipurn the hero's cold and filent duft ;
" Are thefe thy joys ? nor throbs thy heart for more ?
" Pleas'd
C
* c Pleased ;c$aft ifiQH Kftea to the patriot's groan,
" And the vvjld wail of Innocence forlorn ? -j i>
cc And hear th' abandon'd maid's laft frantic moan,.
Her Love, for -$ver from her bofom tora:8 - r>
IU 1-J iiJJiJ'tJSL^J 1\^
" Nor wilt thou fhrink, when Virtue's fainting breath
" Pours *the dread curfe of -vengeance on thy head?
< c Nor when the pale o-hoft burfts the care of death,
i O 3
<c To glare diftracHon on thy midnight bed?
- ri,
*' Was it for this, though born to regal power,
" Kind heaven to thee did nobler gifts confign ;
*< Bacje Fancy's influence gild thy natal hour,
" And bade Philanthropy's applaufe be thine?
" Theirs be the dreadful glory to deftroy,
" And theirs the pride of pomp, and praife fuborn'd,
r r r i
cc Whofe eye ne'er lighten'd at the fmile of Joy,
" Whofe cheek the tear of Pity ne'er adorn'd :
/ *
D Whofe
" Whofe foul) each finer fenfe mftin&ive quelFd,
" The Lyre's mellifluous ravifhment defies,
" Nor marks where Beauty roves the flowering field,
" Or Grandeur's pinion fweeps th* unbounded fldes.
" Hail to fweet Fancy's unexpreflive charm f
" Hail to the pure delights of focial love!
" Hail, pleafures mild, that fire not while ye warm,.
" Nor rack th' exulting frame, but gently move I
73v/o~ -,; crt r. : "
" But Fancy foothes no more, if ftern RemorJe
<c With iron grafp the tortur'd bofom wring :
_ f ? , . , ' -
** Ah then, even Fancy ipeeds the venom s courle,
<c Even Fancy points with rage the maddening fting.
a Her wrath a thoufand gnafhing fiends attend,
.dy"! :L-!V;-J I -
" And roll the fnakes, and tofs the brands of hell :
" The beam of Beauty blafts, dark heavens impend
-
" Tottering, and Mufic thrills with fiartling yell.
" What
C 9
" What then avails, that, with exhauftlefs ftore,
" Obfequious Luxury loads thy glittering fhrine?
cc What then avails, that proftrate flaves adore,
"And Fame proclaims thee matchlefs and divine?
"" What, though bland Flattery all her arts apply ?
" Will thefe avail to calm th' infuriate brain ?
" Or will the roaring furge, when heav'd on high,
" Headlong hang, hufh'd to hear the piping fwain ?
" In health how fair, how ghaftly in decay
" Man's lofty form ! how Heavenly fair the mind
<e Sublimed by Virtue's fweet enlivening fway 1
" But ah ! to Guilds outrageous rule refign'd,
" How hideous and forlorn ! where ruthlefs Care
<c With cankering tooth corrodes the feeds of life ;
" And, deaf with Paffion's ftorms, where pines Defpair;
A >
c< And howling furies roufe th' eternal ftrife,
D 2 " O, by
<c O, by thy hopes of joy, that reftlefe gtqw,
Pledges of heaven! be taught by Wifdom's lore;-
u With anxious hafte each doubtful path forego,
And life's wild ways with cautious fear explore.
c Straight be thy courfe ; nor tempt the maze that leads
- ' lit
cc Where fell Remprfe his fhapelef$.ftrength coaceals^
" And oft Ambition's dizzy cliff he treads,
c < And flumbers oft in Pleafu re's flowery vales.
i oicwl gniqcq 3/b ;r."Jrf
" Nor linger unrefolv'd ; heaven prompts the choice-,
'
cc Save when prefumptioa fhuts the ear of Pride :
<c With graceful awe. attend to Nature's voice,
6 ' critic
<c The voice of Nature heaven ordaiad thy guide..
Warn'd by her voice the arduous path purfuc,.
" That leads to Virtue's fane a, fcanty band-
What, though no gaudy fce n es<deeoy thcie. view,
" Nor clouds of fragrance roll along the. land?
^- W fj T\^*
a " What,
j
..CM.
u What, though rude mountains heave the flinty way ?
" Yet there the foul drinks light and life divine ;
*" c And pure aereal gales of gladnefs play,
c < Brace every nerve, and every fenfe refine.
" Go, Prince, be virtuous, and be Heft. The throne
" Rears not ks ftate to fwell tire couch of Luft;
w Nor dignify Corruption's daring fon,
" T' o'ervvhelm his humWer brethren of the duft;
.
" But yield an ampler fcenb tb'Founty"s eye;
cc An ampler range to Mercy's ear expand ;
"And, midft admiring nations, fet on high
" Virtue's fair model framed by Wifdom's hand.
w Go then; the voice of Woe demands thine aid;
u Pride's licens'd outrage claims thy flumberino- ire;
t Pale Genius roams the chill neglected fl^ade,
c * And torpid Avarice indck-s- his tunelefs- lyre.
a Evert
C 3
" Even Nature pines, by vileft chains opprefs'd ;
" Th' aftoriifli'd kingdoms crouch to Fafhion's nod.
" O ye pure inmates of the gentle breaft,
" Truth, Freedom, Love, O where is your abode ?
" O yet once more {hall Peace from heaven return,
" And young Simplicity with mortals dwell !
" Nor Innocence th' auguft pavilion fcorn,
<c Nor meek Contentment fly the humble cell !
<c Wilt thou, my Prince, the beauteous train implore
" Midft earth's forfaken fcenes once more to bide ?
" Then Solitude {hall fing in every bower,
" And Love wkh garknds wreathe the domes of Pride.
u
The tears bright-ftarting in th' impaflion'd eyes
" Of filent Gratitude; the finilinggaze
Of Gratulation, faultering, while he tries
" With voice of rapturous joy to tell thy praife ;
" Th' ethereal glow, that ftimulates thy frame,
" When all th' according powers harmonious move,
cc And wake to energy each focial aim,
" Attuned fpontaneous to the will of Jove :
" Be thefe, O Man, the triumphs of thy foul ;
<c And all the Conqueror's dazzling glories flight,
* c That, meteor-like, o'er trembling nations roll,
" To fink at once in deep and dreadful night.
tc Like thine, yon Orb's ftupendous glories burn
" With genial beam ; nor, at th' approach of even,
M In fhades of horror leave the world to mourn^,
" But gild with lingering light th' empurpled heaven."
THUS while She Ipoke, her eye fedately meek
Look'd the pure fervor of maternal love;
No rival Zeal intemperate flufri'd her cheek
Can Beauty's boaft the foul of Wifdom move ?
*
Worth's
]
Worth's noble pride can EtivyV
Or flaring Folly's vain applaufes ibotlie?'
Can jealous fear Truth's dauntlefs heart enthral ?
Sufpicion 1-urjks -not in the heart of Truth.
And 'now the SHEPHERD raisM his penfive head.
Yet unrefolv'd and fearful rov'd his eyes,
Nor dared the glances of the AWEFUL MAID ;
For young unpradis'd Guilt diftujfts the guife
Of (haruelefs arrogance. His wavering breafl,
Though warm'd by Wifdoni, own'd no conftant fire ;
'While lawlefs fancy roa-m'd afar, unbleft,
Save in the oblivious lap of ibft defire.
When thus the QUEEN of foul-diflblving fmiles :
ct LET gentler fates my darling Prince attend.
* c Joylefs and cruel are the warrior's fpoils,
<c Dreary the path ftern Virtue's fons afcend.
<c
Of
Qf mortal joy: full narrow is the fpace,
? d c And the dread verge ftill gains upon the fight;
" While, far beyond his fphere, man's empty gazq\
" Scans the faint dream of unapproach'd delight ;
" Till every fprightly hour, and blooming fcene Q .?
" - O
c< Of life's gay morn, unheeded, glides away,
<( Clouds fraught with tempeft mount the blue ferene r
" And ftorm and ruin clofe the troublous day.
" Tlipu ftill exult to hail the prefent joy; ,<
" Thine be the boon that comes unearn'd by toil ;
j *
cc No fro ward yain defire thy blifs annoy,
" No flattering hope thy longing hours beguile!
" Ah ! why ftiould man purfue the charms of Fame,
cf For ever luring, yet for ever coy?
Cl Light as the gaudy rainbow's pillar'd gleam,
" That melts elufive from the wondering boy !
E What,
" What, though her throne irradiate many a clime,*
c< If hung loofe-tottering o'er th' unfathom'd tomb ?
" What, though her mighty clarion, rear'd fublime,
" Difplay th' imperial wreathe, and glittering plume ?
" Can glittering plume, or can th' imperial wreathe
u Redeem, from unrelenting Fate, the brave?'.. 1 '
u What note of triumph can her clarion breathe,
" T' alarm th' eternal midnight of the grave ?
w That night draws on ; nor will the vacant
" Of expeflation linger as it flies*
" Nor fate one moment tinenjoy'd reftorc ; ' ni
I t f j r
"Each moment's flight how precious to the wife I
"6 ftiun th' annoyance of the buftling throng,
" That haunt with zealous turbulence the Great,
" There coward Office boafts th' unpunifli'd wrong f
" And'fneaks fecure in infolence of ftate :
2? ]
" O'er fancy 'd injury Sufpicion pines,
" And in grim fiience gnaws the fettering wound;
" Deceit the rage-embitter'd fmile refines,
" And Cenfure Spreads the viperous bifs around.
" Hope not, fond Prince, though Wifdom. guard thy
" throne,
" Though Truth and Bounty prompt each generqusaim,
< c Though thine the palm of peace, the vidtor's crown,
" The mufe's rapture, and the patriot's flame;
c * Hope not, though all that captivates the wife,
<c All that endears the good exalt thy praife,
" Hope not to tafte repofe; for Envy's eyes
" At faireft worth ftill point their deadly rays.
cc Envy, ftern tyrant of the flinty heart,
" Can ought of virtue, truth, or beauty charm ?
" Can foft Companion thrill with pleafmg fmart,
" Repentance melt, or Gratitude difarm ?
E 2 " Ah
C 3
Ah no. Where Winter Scythia's wafte enchains/ '"> J>
" And monftrous fhapes growl to the ruthlefs ftbrrn,
" Not PH^BUS' fmile can chear the dreadful plains,
a Or foil accurs'd with balmy life inform.
" Then, Envy, then is thy triumphant hoiir,
" When mourns Benevolence his baffled fchemej
i IT* * >
< When Infult mocks the clemency of Power,
IT
" And loud Diffention's livid firebrands gleam ;
r ;>
<{ When fquint-eyed Slander plies th' unhallow'd tongue,
r 1 rf /
c< From poifon d maw when Treafon weaves his line,
,
< c And mufe apoftate (infamy to fong !)
. p '-'yvuS lu n ,. . ' .-; (A ^.a ocjoH *
c GroveJs, low-muttering at bedition s inrme.
xw. -.;lb.^bii;
< Let not my Prince forego the tranquil fhade,
.
" The whifpering grove, the fountain, and the plain :
<( Power, with the opprefiive weight of pomp array 'd,
" Pants for fimplicity and eafe in vain.
" The
" The yell of frantic Mirth may ftun his ear;
" But frantic Mirth foon leaves the heart forlorn ;
" And PLEASURE flies that high tempeftuous fphere,
Far different fcenes her lucid paths adorn.
c< She loves to wander on th' untrodden lawn,
" Or the green bofom of reclining hill,
<c Sooth'd by the carelefs warbler of the dawn,
cc Or the lone plaint of ever-murmuring rill.
" Or, from the mountain- glade's aereal brow,
<c While to her fong a thoufand echoes call,
<c Marks the wild woodland wave remote below,
<c Where fhepherds pipe unfeen, and waters fall.
" Her influence oft the feftive hamlet proves,
" Where the high carol chears th' exulting ring ;
c< And oft (he roams the maze of wilder ing groves,
<c Liftening the unnumber'd melodies of Ipring:
Or
C 30 ]
" Or to the long and lonely flhore retires ;
" What time, loofe -glimmering to the lunar beam,
" Faint heaves the flumberous wave, and ftarry fires
<c Gild the blue deep with many a lengthening gleam :
" Then, to the balmy bower of rapture born,
" While firings, felf-warbling, breathe elyfian reft,
w Melts in delicious vifion, till the Morn
Spangle with twinkling dew the flowery wafte. ,
cc
" The frolic Moments, purple-pinion'd, dance
<c Around, and fcatter rofes as they play ;
" And the blithe Graces, hand in hand, advance,
" Where, with her lov'd Compeers, (he deigns to ftray :
cc Mild Solitude, in veil of rufiet die,
" Her fylvan fpear with mofs-grown ivy bound;
" And Indolence, with fweetly-languid eye,
" And zonelefs robe that trails along the ground.
2 " But
C 3* 3
* c But chiefly Love r-O Thou, whofe gentle mind
<c Each foft indulgence Nature framed to fhare ;
" Pomp, wealth, renown, dominion, all refign'd,
" O hafte to Pleafure's bower ; for Love is there.
" Love, the defire of Gods! the feaft of heaven !
<c Yet to earth's favour'd offspring not deny 'd I
<c Ah, let not thanklefs man the bleffing given
" Enflave to fame, or facrifice to pride.
* ( Nor I from Virtue's call decoy thine ear 5
<c Friendly to Pleafure are her facred laws.
<c Let Temperance' fmile the cup of gladnefs chear>
<c That cup is death, if he with-hold applaufe.
<c Far from thy haunt be Envy's baneful fway,
" And Hate that works the harrafs'd foul to ftorm ;
" But woo Content to breathe her foothing lay,
a And charm from Fancy 's view each angry form.
]
" No favagc joy th' harmonious hours profane!
" Whom love refines can barbarous tumult pleafe?
" Shall rage cf blood pollute the fylvan reign ?
" Shall Leifure wanton in the fpoils of Peace?
" Free let the feathery race indulge the fong,
" Inhale the liberal beam, and melt in love ;
" Free let the fleet hind bound her hills along,
<c And in pure flreams the watery nations rove.
" To joy in Nature's; univerfal fmile, ?
^-
" Well fuits, O Man, thy pleafurable fphere ;
< But why "(hould Virtue doom thy years to toil! | 31
" Ah, why fhould Virtue's law be deem'd fevere!
< What meed, Beneficence, thy care repays ? lf
<( What, Sympathy, thy ftill -returning pang ?
< And why his generous arm fhould Juftice raife,
" To dare the vengeance of a tyrant's fang?
c< From
C 33 3
*f From thanklefs Spite no bounty can fecurej
< c Or froward wifh of Difcontent fulfil,
<c That knows not to regret thy bounded power, [
<e J3ut blames with keen reproach thy partial will.
cc To check th' impetuous all-involving tide ^
> . _A
9 " Of human woes, how impotent thy ftrifef
" High o'er thy mounds devouring furges ride,
<c Nor reck thy baffled toils^ or lavifh'd life. 1
|
c< The bower of blifs, the fmile of love be thine,
- ... .
ct Unlabour'd eafe, and leifure's carelefs dream.
i ' ' '
<c Such be their joys, who bend at VENUS' fhrine^
J J K/i
" And own her charms beyond compare fupreme ! '_*
-
WARM'D, as (he fpoke, all panting with delight,
Her kindling beauties breathed triumphant bloom,
And Cupids fluttered ,round in circlets bright,
r * .
And Flora pour'd from all her ftores perfume.
F " THINE
[ 34 }
" THINE be the prize;'* exclaim'd th'enraptur'd YOUTH,
" Queen of unrival'd charms, and matchlefs joy ! "
O blind to fate, felicity, and truth !
But fuch are they, whom Pleafure's fnares deedy*
The fun was funk, the vifion was no more.
Night downward rirfh'd tempeftuous, at the frown **
Of JOVE'S awaken'd wrath ; deep thunders roar,
The forefts howl afar, and mountains groan.
* " n ifc
Fierce- whirling meteors glare athwart the plain ;
, r i TV r t
With horror s icream the Ihan towers relound j
RaVes the hoarfe ftorm along the bellowing main,
e
And the ftrong earthquake rends the fhuddering
ground.
THE END.
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