Classic Poem

Indulgence soon takes with a Noble Mind:
Who can be harsh that sees another kind?
Most times the greatest Art is to comply
In granting that which Justice might deny.
We form our tender Plants by soft Degrees,
And from a warping Stem raise stately Trees.
To cut th' opposing Waves we strive in vain;
But if we rise with 'em, and fall again,
The wish'd-for Land with Ease we may attain.
Such Complaisance will a rough Humour bend,
And yielding to one Failure save a Friend.
Mildness and Temper have a Force Divine
To make ev'n Passion with their Nature join.
The Hawk we hate, as living still in Arms,
And Wolves assiduous in the Shepherds Harms.
The Sociable Swallow has no Fears:
Upon our Tow'rs the Dove her Nest prepares,
And both of them live free from Human Snares.
Far from loud Rage and ecchoing Noise of Fights
The softest Love in gentle sound delights.
Smooth Mirth, bright Smiles, calm Peace, and flowing Joy
Are the Companions of the Paphian Boy.
Such as when Hymen first his Mantle spread
All o'er the sacred Down which made the Bridal Bed.
These Blandishments keep Love upon the Wing,
His Presence fresh and always in the Spring.
This makes a Prospect endless to the view,
With Light that rises still, and still is new.
At your approach find ev'ry thing serene,
Like Paphos honour'd by the Cyprian Queen,
Who brings along her Daughter Harmony ,
With Muses sprang from Jove and Graces Three.
Birds shot by you, Fish by your Angle caught,
The Golden Apples from Hesperia brought,
The blushing Peach, the fragrant Nectareens,
Laid in fresh Beds of Flowers and Scented Greens,
Fair Lillies strow'd with bloody Mulberries,
Or Grapes whose Juice made Bacchus reach the skies,
May oftentimes a grateful Present make
Not for the Value, but the Giver's sake.