| Citation |
NYC.769.002
8-15 May 1769:81 (1/2)
ODE.
Ye Sons of Apollo, whom Music inspires,
Repair to the brink of fair Hellicon's streams;
There Harmony wake, while your sweet-sounding Lyres,
shall summon attention to list' to your themes.
See the Muses bright maids! of immortal renown,
With their harps in their hands, how well pleas'd they
appear;
See their temples with ne'er-fading laurel they crown,
And a thousand soft smiles in their aspects they wear:
Sweep the strings then ye Bards, & your sonnets compose,
To the nine and gay Phoebus your labours rehearse;
Let the grave and plegmatick delight in stale prose,
There's something more charming in sonorous verse,
The witty and handsome endeavour to please,
To Apollo and them, dedicate all your leisure;
let your sentiments flow in good nature and ease.
And elegance give a new grace to your measure.
Lash the times where you can, and give merit its praise,
Place the blame-worthy man, in a light that seems best;
Strive the groveling passions of mankind to raise,
And virtue inspire in ev'ry breast.
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