Classic Poem

With Joy your Summons we obey,
And come to celebrate this Day.
Yet I, alas! despair to please;
For you require exalted Lays:
And, let me write whate'er I will,
You'll think my Verse deficient still;
Altho' the Task I now decline,
Asks no Assistance from the Nine ;
For Nature, better far than Art,
Can paint the honest, grateful Heart.

Heav'n knows how much I rack'd my Head,
(For beaten Paths I scorn to tread)
To tell the Vice-Roy something new,
Who graciously distinguish'd you;
Who had your Merit in his Eye,
When Prelates often pass'd it by.
What Blessings must the People share,
Where Virtue is the Ruler's Care!

Some Lines I wrote; which seem'd so fine,
My Mother cry'd, " They can't be thine:
(Alas! there needs but little Care
In Sons, to please a Mother's Ear)
" Maro might own such Lines as these,
" Nor with more Elegance could praise:
" This is the true poetic Fire,
" But such a Subject must inspire:
" What beauteous Images are here!
" Constantia help'd you now, I fear:
" It must be so; You are not able — "
Then I by chance upon the Table
The Birth of Manly Virtue spy'd;
So threw my useless Pen aside,
And set my Verses in a Flame,
Nor dar'd to touch the hallow'd Theme:
For there the God his Pow'r displays,
And leaves no Room for mortal Praise.