Classic Poem

TO A FRIEND .

When erst the' enthusiast Fancy's reign
Indulg'd the wild, romantic thought,
That wander'd midst Arcadian vales,
Sicilian streams, Arabian gales;
Bless'd climes, with wondrous pleasures fraught,
Sweet pleasures, unalloy'd with pain!

When Observation's calmer view
Remark'd the real state of things;
Whate'er amusive one obtain'd,
Whate'er of use the other gain'd,
To thee my verse a tribute brings,
A tribute to thy friendship due.

Accept then this, nor more require:
The Muse no further task essays:
But midst the silvan scenes she loves,
The falling rills, and whispering groves,
With smiles her labours past surveys,
And quits the syrinx and the lyre.