Classic Poem

FOR HAVING LONG OMITTED WRITING IN VERSE

In imitation of a certain mimic of Anacreon

Can I matchless charms recite?
Source of ever-springing light!
Could I count the vernal flow'rs,
Count in endless time the hours;
Count the countless stars above,
Count the captive hearts of Love,
Paint the torture of his fire,
Paint the pangs these eyes inspire!
(Pleasing torture thus to shine,
Purify'd by fires like thine!)
Then I'd strike the sounding string,
Then I'd thy perfection sing.
Mystic World! — thou something more,
Wonder of th' Almighty's store!
Nature's depths we oft descry,
Oft they're pierc'd by Learning's eye;
Thou, if thought on thee would gain,
Prov'st, (like Heav'n) inquiry vain:
Charms unequall'd we pursue,
Charms in shining throngs we view;
Number'd then could Nature's be,
Nature's self were poor to thee.