Classic Poem

To Mr. PRIOR. On his SOLOMON.

A Muse devoted to celestial things,
Again for thee profanes th'immortal strings;
The stars, the myrtle shade, and rosy bow'r
She quits, to revel in thy iv'ry tow'r;
The music of the spheres and heav'nly throngs
She minds no more, to listen to thy songs.
Inchanted with thy lovely Hebrew king,
Gabriel in vain displays his purple wing;
Boasts of his golden zone, and bright attire,
His starry crown, soft voice, and charming lyre,
With all his fine address, and glitt'ring shew,
The muse abandons the celestial beau:
Perverted by the Jewish monarch's eyes,
She fondly turns apostate to the skies,
And envies Abra's beauty, while it shines
With undecaying bloom in Prior's lines.