Classic Poem

Happy he whose Eyes have view'd
The transparent Fount of Good;
Happy whose unfetter'd Mind
Leaves the Load of Earth behind.
Tho' when Orpheus made his Moan
For his lovely Consort gone,
Tho' the Hind approach'd to hear
Where the Lyoness stood near,
And attentive to the Sound
Hares forgot the following hound,
Round him danc'd the listning Woods,
Silent Wonder stopt the Floods;
Grief and Madness unrepress'd
Rag'd within the Master's Breast
While t'asswage the Pangs of Love
Verse and Music vainly strove;
Now he sighs to heav'n, and now
Rushes on the Realms below.
Tantalus astonish'd stood
Scorning now th'o'erflowing Flood,
Till at length stern Pluto cried
Conqu'ring Poet take thy Bride!
Purchas'd by thy powerful Song,
All her Charms to thee belong;
Only this Command obey
Look not on her by the way;
Tho' reluctant still refrain,
Till the Realms of Light you gain
But what Laws can Lovers awe?
Love alone to Love is Law:
Just emerging into Light,
Orpheus turn'd his eager Sight,
Fondly view'd his following Bride,
Viewing lost and losing died.

To You whose gen'rous Wishes rise
To court Communion with the Skies
To you the Tale is told;
When grasping Bliss th'unsteady mind
Looks back on what She left behind,
She faints and quits her hold.