First chuse a window that convenient lies, If EPICURUS' doctrine teaches true, And to our minds th' external forms convey. But from what causes all these wonders flow, 'Tis not permitted idle bards to know, How thro' the centre of the convex glass The piercing rays together twisted pass, Or why revers'd the lovely scenes appear, Or why the fun's approaching light they fear; Enough for us to fee, and to admire. See then what forms with various colours ftain Here verdant groves, there golden crops of corn Here gardens deckt with flow'rs of various dyes, And wonder much, how they fecurely go, The charms of motion here exalt each part Above the reach of great APELLES' art; Zephyrs Zephyrs the waving harvest gently blow, On all we feize that comes within our reach, Again, behold what lovely profpects rife! To view upon her head a beauteous maid: The fpacious hoop, once five vaft ells around; Coy to the lover's touch, and of his hand afraid. Enough Enough w' have seen, now let th' intruding day Again th' unpeopled snowy waste returns, Thus, when ftill night her gloomy mantle spreads, The fairies dance around the flow'ry meads! But when the day returns, they wing their flight To distant lands, and shun th' unwelcome light. THE TEMPLE OF VENUS. N her own ifle's remoteft grove IN Stands VENUS' lovely shrine, Sacred to beauty, joy, and love, And built by hands divine. The polish'd ftructure, fair and bright As her own ivory skin, Without is alabaster white, And ruby all within. Above, a cupola charms the view, White as unfully'd fnow; Two columns of the fame fair hue Support the dome below. Its walls a trickling fountain laves, That, bath'd in its balsamic waves, Before th' unfolding gates there spreads That with its curling branches shades Bright Beauty here her captives holds, Who kifs their eafy chains, And in fofteft closeft folds Her willing flaves detains. Wouldst thou, who ne'er these seas hast try'd, Find where this island lies, Let pilot Love the rudder guide, And fteer by CHLOE's eyes. On |