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Prologue. My little vagrant Form of light,

My gay and beautiful Canoe,

Well have you play'd your friendly part;

As kindly take what from my heart

Experience forces—then adieu!

Temptation lurks among your words;

But, while these pleasures you're pursuing

Without impediment or let,

My radiant Pinnace, you forget

What on the earth is doing.

There was a time when all mankind

Did listen with a faith sincere

To tuneful tongues in mystery vers'd;

Then Poets fearlessly rehears'd

The wonders of a wild career.