Classic Poem

To Gallia's gay and gallant coast
Haste, little volume, speed thy flight;
And proudly there go make thy boast
How Britons love — how Britons write.

Say, Love can hold his torch as high
Beneath our heaven deformed with showers,
As in her pure and brilliant sky,
By vine-clad hills or myrtle bowers:

Ask if her damsels bloom more fair;
Ask if her swains can love as true;
And urge her poets tuneful care
To sing their praise in numbers due.