Classic Poem

NOW blush, Calypso , 'tis but just to yield,
That all your mossy caves are here excell'd;
See how the walls in humble form advance,
With careless pride, and simple elegance.
See art and nature strive with equal grace,
And fancy charm'd with what she can't surpass;
Flow swiftly Thames , and flowing still proclaim
This building's beauty, and the builder's fame;
Tell Indian seas thy Naiads here have seen
The sweetest grotto and the wisest queen,
Whose royal presence blest this humble seat,
How small the mansion, and the guest how great!
So angels sat in Canaan 's sweet abodes,
So rural shades were honour'd with the Gods ;
Here may her soul th' Almighty's wonders trace,
Far as the W ORTHIES that adorn the place,
Whose awful busts around the grott appear
The brightest stars in learning's hemisphere;
Their fathers dimly view'd the dawning ray,
They rose like suns, and brought a flood of day.

But cease, my muse, and cast thy wond'ring eyes
Where Phaebus lofty domes majestic rise,
Whose tuneful train have sung this grotto's praise,
Contending each, till each deserve the bays.
O pardon me, ye learned sons of fame,
Who faintly after you attempt the theme,
Nor think I rival your poetic fires,
My queen commands and gratitude inspires.
And, you IMPERIAL FOUNDRESS , deign to smile,
Nor scorn the least the latest muses toil;
Who brings the tardy offering of her lays,
The first in duty, tho' the last in praise.