Classic Poem

TO THE REV. MR. WOODDESON, OF KINGSTON UPON THAMES, AND THE LADIES OF HIS NEIGHBOURHOOD .

O THOU who sit'st in academic schools,
Less teaching than inspiring ancient art,
Thy own example nobler than your rules,
Thy blameless life, best lesson for the heart.

And ye, who dwell in peaceful groves around,
Whose voice, whose verse enchants, harmonious Maids!
Who mix the lyre with harps of Cambrian sound;
A mournful Muse, ah! shelter in your shades!

Nor you she rivals nor such magic strain
As rescued Eloise from oblivion's sleep;
Enough, if one, the meekest of your train,
" Poor Julia!" cries, — and turns aside to weep! —