Classic Poem

Hail, happy Delville ! blissful Seat!
The Muses' best belov'd Retreat!
With Prospects large and unconfin'd;
Blest Emblem of their Master's Mind!
Where fragrant Gardens, painted Meads,
Wide-op'ning Walks, and twilight Shades,
Inspiring Scenes! elate the Heart!
Nature improv'd, and rais'd by Art,
So Paradise delightful smil'd,
Blooming and beautifully wild.

Thrice happy Sage, who safe retir'd,
By Heav'n and by the Muse inspir'd;
In polish'd Arts, or Lays sublime,
Or God like Acts employ your Time.
Here Nature's Beauties you explore,
And searching her mysterious Store,
Thro' all her Operations find
The Image of the Sovereign Mind;
And in each Insect, Plant and Flow'r,
Contemplate the creating Pow'r:
Nor is thy Love of him alone
In fruitless Speculations shewn;
Thro' Life you happily exert,
The Christian Virtues of your Heart;
To give new Schemes of Culture Birth,
And bless and beautify the Earth;
To raise th'Afflicted from Despair,
And make the friendless Wretch thy Care:
To thee the highest Bliss is given,
A Soul to praise, and copy Heaven.