Classic Poem

XVI.

He who undaz'd can wander o'er her Face,
May gain upon the Solar-blaze at Noon! —
What more than female Sweetness, and a Grace
Peculiar! save, Ianthe , thine alone,
Ineffable Effusion of the Day!
So very much the same, that Loves say,
May is Ianthe ; or the dear Ianthe, May ,

XVII.

So far as doth the Harbinger of Day
The lesser Lamps of Night in Sheen excell;
So far in Sweetness and in Beauty May
Above all other Months doth bear the Bell.
So far as May doth other Months exceed,
So far in Virtue and in Goodlihead,
Above all other Nymphs Ianthe bears the Meed,

XVIII.

Welcome! as to a youthful Poet, Wine,
To fire his Fancy, and enlarge his Soul:
He weaves the Laurel-Chaplet with the Vine,
And grows Immortal as he drains the Bowl.
Welcome! as Beauty to the lovesick Swain,
For which he long had sigh'd, but sigh'd in Vain;
He darts into her Arms; quick-vanishes his Pain.

XIX.

The drowzy Elements, arouz'd by thee,
Roll to harmonious Measures, active all!
Earth, Water, Air, and Fire, with feeling Glee,
Exult to celebrate thy Festival.
Fire Glows intenser; softer, blows the Air;
More smooth the Waters flow; Earth smiles more fair:
Earth, Water, Air and Fire, thy gladning impulse Share.

XX.

What boundless Tides of Splendor o'er the Skies,
O'erflowing Brightness! stream their golden Rays!
Heav'ns Azure kindles with the varying Dies,
Reflects the Glory, and returns the Blaze.
Air whitens; wide the Tracts of Æther been
With Colours damask'd rich, and goodly Sheen,
And all above, is blue; and all below is green.