That deed, which covers even Vice with shame,
While outraged Nature reddens at the name.
[How truly fair was bounteous Nature's plan!
How wisely suited to the state of man!
For him her hand had traced a flowery way;
Mild was her reign, and gentle was her sway:
But fury passions, owning no control,
Seized on her empire, and usurp'd the soul.
Then simple Nature charm'd mankind no more,
Her pleasures vanish'd, and her power was o'er :
Then, undistinguish'd, crowded on the view
The smiling forms her magic pencil drew :
Her hand then clothed the naked woods in vain,
Or threw the flowery mantle o'er the plain,
Gave form and order to the world below,
And show'd the source whence thought and being flow. Unmark'd we see succeeding seasons roll,
Revolving stars illume the glowing pole;
Unmark'd behold the glorious sun arise,
Tinging with purple light the orient skies;
Unmark'd the spring, on wings of zephyrs borne,
Hangs the wild rose upon the scented thorn;
Unmark'd the cluster bends the curling vine;
Unmark'd the tempest rocks the mountain pine.
All-powerful habit the enchantment breaks;
While wonder sleeps, attention scarcely wakes,
Each soft indulgence blunts the edge of joy ;
And every pleasure has, or finds alloy.