Page:Poetical Works of John Oldham.djvu/87

Rh Confused a while the mixed ideas lie, With nought of mark to be discovered by, Like colours undistinguished in the night, Till the dusk images, moved to the light, Teach the discerning faculty to choose, Which it had best adopt, and which refuse. Here, rougher strokes, touched with a careless dash, Resemble the first setting of a face: There, finished draughts in form more full appear, And to their justness ask no further care. Meanwhile with inward joy I proud am grown, To see the work successfully go on: And prize myself in a creating power, That could make something, what was nought before. Sometimes a stiff, unwieldy thought I meet, Which to my laws will scarce be made submit: But when, after expense of pains and time, 'Tis managed well, and taught to yoke in rhyme, I triumph more than joyful warriors would, Had they some stout and hardy foe subdued, And idly think, less goes to their command, That make armed troops in well-placed order stand,