Page:Memoir and poems of Phillis Wheatley, a native African and a slave.djvu/53

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As long as Thames in streams majestic flows,

Or Naiads in their oozy beds repose;

While Phoebus reigns above the starry train;

While bright Aurora purples o'er the main;

So long, great Sir, the Muse thy praise shall sing;

So long thy praise shall make Parnassus ring.

Then grant, Maecenas, thy paternal rays;

Hear me propitious, and defend my lays.

bright jewel, in my aim I strive

To comprehend thee. Thine own words declare

Wisdom is higher than a fool can reach.

I cease to wonder and no more attempt

Thine height to explore, or fathom thy profound.

But O my soul, sink not into despair;

Virtue is near thee, and with gentle hand

Would now embrace thee,—hovers o'er thine head.

Fain would the heaven-born soul with her converse,

Then seek, then court her for her promised bliss.

Auspicious queen! thine heavenly pinions spread,

And lead celestial Chastity along.

Lo! now her sacred retinue descends,

Arrayed in glory from the orbs above.

Attend me, Virtue, through my youthful years;

Oh, leave me not to the false joys of time,