Page:Poetical pieces on various subjects.pdf/18

 The dream made strong impressions on him there

He in his book did mark it down with care,

Believing it as firmly in his thought,

As if an angel the glad news had brought.

Perplexing cares began now to annoy,

He schem'd how he the treasure might employ;

A thousand strange ideas struck his mind,

While vain delusion did the senses blind,

He view'd his dwelling and did plainly see,

It was too small for such as he would be,

He thought it old and that might lessen fame,

And to a man of fortune prove a shame.

He sent for workmen and contracted soon

With them, to pull his ancient building down,

And rear another to his heart's content,

The plan he drew, and did to them present.

He had a garden which was planted well,

With fruits of use, and near where he did dwell.

But to its bounties he paid no regard,

Converting it into a large court-yard.

In semicircle form he laid it out,

And encompass'd it with a wall about.

With flow'r-pots, too, he did it ornament,

His mind on pleasure being greatly bent.

A fine portico with five steps was made,