Classic Poem

OCCASIONED BY THE FOREGOING VERSES .

Methought I saw before my feet,
With countenance serene and sweet,
The Muse who in my youthful days
Had oft' inspir'd my carless lays;
She smil'd, and said, " Once more I see
" My fugitive returns to me;
" Long had I lost you from my bow'r,
" You scorn'd to own my gentle pow'r;
" With me no more your genius sported,
" The grave historick Muse you courted,
" Or rais'd from earth with straining eyes
" Pursu'd Urania thro' the skies;
" But now to my forsaken track
" Fair Egremont has brought you back:
" Nor blush by her and Virtue led
" That soft that pleasing path to tread;
" For there beneath to-morrow's ray
" Ev'n Wisdom's self shall deign to play.
" Lo! to my flow'ry groves and springs
" Her fav'rite son the goddess brings,
" The councils and the senate's guide,
" Law's oracle, the nation's pride;
" He comes, he joys with thee to join
" In singing Wyndham's charms divine;
" To thine he adds his nobler lays,
" Ev'n thee, my Friend! he deigns to praise.
" Enjoy that praise, nor envy Pitt
" His fame with burgess or with cit;
" For sure one line from such a bard
" Virtue would think her best reward. "