Hence, ye vapours of despair,
Cease to taint the ambient air;
To some distant region stray,
Haste, ye mists, ye films away!
See, approach with all her arts,
Queen of smiles, and queen of hearts.
Hail, fair goddess of delight,
Haste and crown the festive night;
Come, and bring thy train with thee,
“Tipsy, dance, and jolity.”
By thy more than magic pow'rs,
Charm away the lazy hours;
By thy soft bewitching strains,
Hither bring old Care in chains;
Here he shall receive his due,
Him and all his drowsy crew;
If they dare dispute the throne,
Which belongs to thee alone.—
But soft—a voice my ear alarms;
Thalia calls the fair to arms.