ODE to MEMORY. 1748. Memory! celeftial maid! Who glean'ft the flow'rets cropt by time; And, fuffering not a leaf to fade, Preferv'ft the bloffoms of our prime ; Bring, bring those moments to my mind When life was new, and LESBIA kind. And bring that garland to my fight, With which my favour'd crook fhe bound; And bring that wreath of rofes bright Which then my festive temples crown'd. And to my raptur'd ear convey The gentle things fhe deign'd to fsay. And sketch with care the mufe's bow'r, Where Isis rolls her filver tide Nor yet omit one reed or flow'r That shines on CHERWELL'S verdant fide; If fo thou may'ft thofe hours prolong, The fong it 'vails not to recite But fure, to foothe our youthful dreams, Those banks and streams appear'd more bright Than other banks, than other streams: Or by thy foftening pencil fhewn, And paint that fweetly vacant scene, I breath'd in verfe one cordial vow; Dull to the sense of new delight, On thee the drooping muse attends ; As fome fond lover, robb'd of fight, On thy expreffive pow'r depends; Nor would exchange thy glowing lines, To live the lord of all that shines. But let me chase those vows away Thofe anxious moments, ill repaid: Bring me the bells, the rattle bring, Ev'n let me bid my lyre adieu, Then [ 119 ] Then will I muse, and penfive fay, While innocence allow'd to waste ? The Princess ELIZABETH: A Ballad alluding to a story recorded of her, when she was prifoner at WOODSTOCK, 1554. ILL you hear how once repining WIL Great ELIZA captive lay?. Each ambitious thought refigning, Foe to riches, pomp, and sway? While the nymphs and fwains delighted Bred on plains, or born in vallies, Who would ever courts purfue? Malice never taught to treasure, How can they of humble ftation Or accuse the dispensation Which allows them all to love? Love Love like air is widely given; Pow'r nor chance can these restrain ; Peers can no fuch charms discover, Pinks and roses in profufion, Said to fade when CHLOE's near; Fops may use the fame allufion; But the fhepherd is fincere. Hark to yonder milk-maid finging Never yet did courtly maiden Move fo fprightly, look fo fair; Never breaft with jewels laden Pour a fong fo void of care. Would indulgent heav'n had granted All the empire I had wanted Then had been my fhepherd's heart. Then, |