Classic Poem

Seat for Contemplation fit,
Sacred Nursery of Wit!
Let me here enwrap'd in Pleasure,
Taste the Sweets of learned Leisure:
Vain, deceitful World, adieu;
I more solid Bliss pursue.

Faithful Friends surround me here,
Wise, delightful, and sincere;
Friends, who never yet betray'd
Those who trusted in their aid;
Friends who ne'er were known to shun
Those by adverse Fate undone.

Calm Philosophy and Truth,
Crowned with undecaying Youth,
Glowing with celestial Charms,
Fondly woo me to their Arms.
Here immortal Bards dispense
Polish'd Numbers, nervous Sense;
While the just Historian's Page
Back recals the distant Age;
In whose Paintings we behold
All the wond'rous Men of old;
Heroes fill each finish'd Piece,
Once the pride of Rome and Greece .

Nor shall Greece and Rome alone
Boast the Virtues all their own;
Thou, Ierne , too shalt claim
Sons amongst the Heirs of Fame;
Patriots who undaunted stood,
To defend the public good;
Foremost in the sacred Line,
Ever shall the DRAPER shine:
Next be virtuous STANNARD plac'd,
With unfading Honours grac'd;
Godlike Men! accept my Praise,
Guard and elevate, my Lays.

Learning can the Soul refine,
Raise from human to divine.
Come then, all ye sacred Dead,
Who for Virtue wrote or bled;
On my Mind intensely beam,
Touch it with your hallow'd Flame.
And thou chaste and lovely Muse,
Who didst once thy Dwelling chuse
In Orinda's spotless Breast,
Condescend to be my Guest;
Bring with thee the bloomy Pair,
Young-ey'd Health, and Virtue fair;
Here your purest Rays impart,
So direct and guard my Heart,
That it may a Temple be
Worthy Heav'n, and worthy thee.