Classic Poem

By Lea 's dear Banks, where join'd in Play
Our Youth's smooth Hours stole pleas'd away,
Late wandring, by Reflection prest,
Thus, taught thy Friend the mental Guest .
Sweet Stream ! where most my Haunts delight,
Whose Scenes to solemn Thought invite;
May my calm Life resemble Thee ,
Such Pleasure give, so useful be.

As passing Straws, and buoyant Leaves
Thy yielding Surface , but, receives,
While Pearls that lure the searching Eye
Deep-treasur'd in thy Bosom lie:
May Trifles such Reception find;
Float, meerly transient, on my Mind,
While weightier Thoughts admission win,
Sink its whole Depths, and rest within.

As the large Face the Heav'ns expose
Thy pure reflecting Mirrour shows,
Yet scanty paints terrestrial Scenes ,
Some bord'ring Flow'rs, or pendant Greens,
So with Resemblances divine
My copying Life direct to shine;
While Earth's faint Forms grown distant — less —
Their fewer Images impress.
Teach me thy Constancy — — — to force
O'er Barrs and Streights a stubborn Course,
Not idly in Suspension held — —
Thy Path not chang'd, tho' oft repell'd.
Thy Patience teach my ruffled Soul,
When like thy Waves its Motions roll;
Who vex'd to foam, while Passions fray,
Gentle, in Smiles soon pass away.

Teach me thy Rule of temp'rate Bliss ,
Pleas'd, just thy flow'ry Banks to kiss,
Yet by no Sweet allur'd aside
Till Ocean stops thy restless Tide.
O may'st thou Pattern wise dispense,
Mod'rate to taste the Charms of Sense ;
Still pressing to my wish'd Abode ,
Nor fix'd, till at my Center — — GOD.