Would fpare, that loves them, offices like these?) So manifold, all pleasing in their kind, Runs round; ftill ending, and beginning still. To no mean hand, and asks the touch of taste. And by contrasted beauty fhining more) Is needful. Strength may wield the pond'rous fpade, May turn the clod, and wheel the compost home; 8 But elegance, chief grace the garden fhows, Of thought, the creature of a polish'd mind. To which th' infipid citizen resorts Near yonder heath; where industry mispent, But proud of his uncouth ill-chosen task, Has made a heav'n on earth; with funs and moons Of close-ramm'd stones has charg'd th' encumber'd foil, And fairly laid the zodiac in the dust. He, therefore, who would fee his flow'rs difpos'd Sightly and in juft order, ere he gives The beds the trusted treasure of their feeds, Each for itself, and all as with one voice Uninjur'd, but expect th' upholding aid Of the smooth-shaven prop, and, neatly tied, For int'reft fake, the living to the dead. And fragrant chaplet, recompenfing well The ftrength they borrow with the grace they lend. All hate the rank fociety of weeds, Noisome, and ever greedy to exhaust Th' impov'rish'd earth; an overbearing race, Oh, bleft feclufion from a jarring world, Which he, thus occupied, enjoys! Retreat Cannot indeed to guilty man restore Loft innocence, or cancel follies paft; But it has peace, and much fecures the mind A faithful barrier, not o'erleap'd with ease Abroad, and defolating public life. When fierce temptation, feconded within By traitor appetite, and arm'd with darts What could I wish, that I poffefs not here? Health, leifure, means t' improve it, friendship, peace, No loose or wanton, though a wand'ring, muse, And conftant occupation without care. Thus bleft, I draw a picture of that blifs; Hopeless, indeed, that diffipated minds, And profligate abusers of a world Created fair fo much in vain for them, Should feek the guiltlefs joys that I describe, That, felf-condemn'd, they must neglect the prize, The cause of piety and facred truth, And virtue, and those scenes which God ordain'd Το grace the full pavilion. His defign. |