Classic Poem

READING JULIA WITH TEARS, DURING A HARD FROST .

What , though descending as the dews of morn,
Forget the fallen Julia! you were born
For heart-expanding joys and smiling fates.

To soothe with social pleasures human cares,
To call the Muse to Thames's frozen glades,
To wake the slumbering Spring with vernal airs,
And plant an Eden in December's shades;

To deck, like Eve with soft officious haste,
Your banquet, worthiest of her angel-guest;
Amid the flowers that crown the fair repast
A flower yourself, the fairest of the feast.

There the great Giver for his bounties given,
Your grateful consort blessing, blesses too
The sweet dispenser of the gifts of Heaven,
In wonder's silent prayer he blesses you:

Your infants there reflecting round the board,
Maternal graces while his eye approves;
One tear to rapture give! — then sit ador'd
The gentle mother of the Smiles and Loves.