Classic Poem

The frost prevailing of a barbarous age,
BoeOTIAN fogs impended on our stage;
When SHAKESPEARE 's genius, with a flood of light,
Dispelled the darkness of dramatick night:
With a new blaze our skies this comet fired;
The fathers wondered; — but the sons admired.

Beneath it's influence; by it's powerful aid,
Our hearts, and minds completely were displayed;
Guilt fled, affrighted, from it's piercing ray;
But virtue courted it's propitious day.

By him , from nature is her sceptre torne;
Yet, on her plan, he peoples worlds unborn:
Hence pleased we view the monster of his Isle,
Contrasted with MIRANDA 's magick smile:
The dapper elves adorn the lunar scene;
And suck the flower, or skim along the green.

But honest time must fix the poet's claim;
Must conquer malice, and perpetuate fame:
M ILTON , and DRYDEN , urged the publick praise,
By POPE led captive, with seraphick lays,

Yet the first power of AVON 's swan was great;
Great was his rising, his deciding fate:
His early glory fired the coldesTheart;
Even BEN despised his learning, and his art;
SHAKESPEARE subdued the critick's rugged mind;
Still more victorious in an age refined,
Inspiring GARRICK , he subdued mankind.