Classic Poem

VII.

Here the gentle young Colin , who Love holds in thrawls,
To the Walk with his Fair steals in Silence away,
Where nought's to be heard but the deep Water falls,
And the Woodbines who're sweetest at close of the Day.
Here Collin his generous Passion renews,
And so charmingly talks that the cannot refuse.

VIII.

And you who for thought are at little Expence,
Who indite gentle Pastorals Ballad or Song,
You'll see with smooth Numbers, and not too much Sense,
How the Verses run easy and glibly along,
On this Hill , their Parnassus , the Muses reside,
And all their fine Springs rise with Thames 's sweet Tide.

IX.

Ye Poets so lofty who love to retire,
From the Noise of the Town to the Field and the Wood,
Who in Tragicks and Epicks with marvellous fire,
Utter Sounds by meer Mortals not well understood,
Now exert all your Genius, and with your best Skill,
Give a masterly Note to the Bride on the Hill .

X.

If chaste like her Love Marriage Joys will increase,
Of the Nymphs of your Hearts you will soon be possess'd,
The Scene will be Plenty and Pleasure and Peace,
And with Harmony Life's little Span will be blest:
For so happy a State, Ladies, come to the Hill,
To an Eden without any Tempter to ill.

XI.

But still ye fair innocent Virgins take Care,
And guard well each Passage that leads to the Heart;
That if mischievous Cupid , should chance to steal there,
Your Prudence may stop the swift flight of his Dart,
On our Hill the great H OGARTH has fix'd Beauty 's Line ,
And a Walk so enrich'd must all Places outshine.