Classic Poem

When Greece , reviving, into short delight , Felt pride , and comfort , at our muse's sight ,
The rival'd nine no sooner saw her face ,
But e'en their envy gave their wonder place!
Charm'd, into love , of what eclips'd their fame ,
They wak'd Apollo , with her powerful name .

S EE ! — God of Grecian wit! Urania cries,
How sweet a Muse the Western World supplies!
Say, should she ask some favour from your throne,
What could you bid her take , that's not her own?
Sparkling in charms , the heavenly stranger view,
So grac'd! — she scarce can owe a beam to you!
Beauty , with love, her power to your's prefers:
And wit , and learning , are, already, hers!

R OUS'D , at her name — receding, from her eyes ,
The gazing G OD rose slow, in soft surprize!
Fair miracle , he said, — and paus'd, a while:
Then, thus — Sweet glory of your envy'd Isle!
Charm'd, and oblig'd, lest we ungrateful seem,
Bear, hence , at least, one mark of our esteem .
One of my three great claims, your wish may fit,
Whose voice is musick , and whose thoughts are wit!
Physic , alone, remains, to grant you, here —
A skill! your godlike pity will endear .
Form'd, to give wounds , which must no ease procure,
Atone your influ'nce, by new arts, to cure .
Beauty's chief foe , a fear'd and fierce disease!
Bows at my beck; and knows' its God's decrees.
Breath'd, in this kiss , take power, to tame its rage ,
And, from its rancour, free the rescued age:
High o'er each sex, in double empire, sit:
Protecting beauty , and inspiring wit .