[ 177 ] But who the nymph that guides their way? So would fome tuberofe delight, All as at eve, the fovereign flower, Ah, now no more, the fhepherd cry'd, No more of fawns or fairies dream, By low-brow'd rock, or pathless mead, But who, alas! will dare contend, If beauty add, or merit blend Its more illuftrious ray ? VOL. I. N Nor Nor is it long-O plaintive swain! Scarce faded is the vernal flower, Since STAMFORD left his honour'd bower O form'd by nature to disclose How fair that courtefy which flows From focial warmth fincere. Nor yet have many moons decay'd, The nobleft breast that virtue fires, Say THOMSON here was known to reft, Ah, never to return! In place of wit, and melting ftrains, Το weep befide his urn. They were fchool-fellows. Come Come then, my LELIUS, come once more, While PHILO, to whose favour'd fight, Her inmost wealth displays; Beneath yon ruin's moulder'd wall Shall muse, and with his friend recall Here too fhall CONWAY's name appear, Ev'n PITT, whofe fervent periods roll Of fenates, councils, kings! Tho' form'd for courts, vouchfaf'd to rove But what can courts difcover more, Than these rude haunts have seen before, Have not these trees and fountains feen The pride of courts, the winning mien And GRENVILLE, fhe whofe radiant eyes Say DARTMOUTH, who your banks admir'd, Shall grace the pensive shade; With all the bloom, with all the truth, With all the sprightlinefs of youth, Brave, yet humane, fhall SMITH appear, Think him not yours alone: Grant him in other spheres to charm, The fhepherds breafts tho' mild are warm, O LYT O LYTTELTON! my honour'd guest, VERSES written towards the close of the Year 1748, to WILLIAM LYTTELTON, Efq; WOW blithely pass'd the funimer's day! HOW How bright was every flow'r! While friends arriv'd, in circles gay, To vifit DAMON's bow'r! But now, with filent step, I range And DAMON's bow'r, alas the change! Is Away to crowds and cities borne O penfive Autumn! how I grieve When languid funs are taking leave Of every drooping tree. |