Classic Poem

Majestic Tasso! whom cerulean skies
And genial suns, for ever clad in gold,
Where the glad seaman's wond'ring eyes behold
O'er smiling waves delightful Naples rise,
(Fair regions, twice ennobled with the prize
Of heav'nly arts!) to match the bards of old
Inspir'd in verse exalted, rich, and bold;
What boot the drowsy pedant's stupid cries?
In the same myrtle groves and fragrant bow'rs
Immortal Maro sung; would he disdain
To own a lofty rival's glowing lay?
On Jordan's banks, when shadowy ev'ning low'rs,
Pleas'd would he hear the lovelorn maid complain,
Or through the bow'rs of bright Armida stray.