Classic Poem

On a beautiful prospect from her window.

When nature, ever various, ever new,
Presents some finish'd object to our view,
We, with the most minute attention, scan
Each latent beauty of the perfect plan;
But when, as from some lofty mountain's height,
A boundless prospect rushes on our sight,
Struck with astonishment and sweet surprize,
We know not where to fix our wond'ring eyes;
Such is this verdant landscape, where conspire
A thousand different charms, our souls to fire;
From scene to scene imagination's tost,
And in the sweet variety is lost.
Recover'd from the first transporting gaze,
We view the river's wild meand'ring maze;
Or where like a smooth canal it seems,
Reflecting Sol's refulgent dazzling beams.
The flowery margin next attracts our eyes,
Where nature paints a thousand varied dyes;
And all the gay luxuriant fields around
With springing flowers, and freshest verdure crown'd;
Whilst o'er the cool recesses of the deep,
The bending drooping willows seem to weep.
Observe yon rising hill's aspiring brow,
Which overlooks the humble vales below;
And tho' no friendly trees project a shade,
Its sloping sides with verdure are array'd;
With fragrant hawthorn every thicket blooms,
And violets scent the air with rich perfumes.
Behind its summit see another spread,
A sacred mansion crowns its stately head;
Its lofty turrets seem to pierce the skies,
And with distinguish'd grandeur nobly rise.
It seems to teach us whatsoe'er our lot,
That piety should never be forgot.
Above the surface of the silver flood,
Far to the east behold a verdant wood;
Magnificent its leafy honours rise,
The horizon join, and seem to prop the skies;
Beneath the twisted foliage kindly lours
With friendly gloom, t' embrown the noontide hour.
Return ye wand'ring eyes, no longer roam,
A nearer scene of beauty calls you home;
See a terrestial paradise in view!
With all the sweets that ever fancy drew;
Yon stately bridge across the rolling tide
Unites the shores, the flowing streams divide;
Contiguous buildings in perspective rise,
And curling wreaths of smoke ascend the skies;
Repassing multitudes reflection drown,
And noise and dust characterise the town.
As various hues adorn the checquer'd green,
So this diversifies the rural scene,
Presents a pleasing contrast to our eyes,
And strikes our senses with a sweet surprise;
And, tho' each object separate we admire,
Together most their charms our praise inspire.