Page:The Annual Register 1758.djvu/401

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POETRY.

WE have the advantage of beginning our colle6lion in a year which has produced fo many elegant pieces of poetry, that we are not under a neceffity, in order to make this article full, of inferring any mean performance.

Melpomene : or the Regions cf Terror and Pity. An Ode. By R. DODSLEY.

I.

QUEEN of the human heart ! at whofe command The fwelling tides of mighty paffion rife ; Melpomene, fupport my vent'rous hand. And aid thy foppliant in his bold emprife. From the gay fcenes of pride Bo chou his footlteps guide To Nature's awliil courts, where nurs'd of yore. Young Shakispear, fancy's child, was taught his various lore.

II.

So may his favoar'd eye explore the fource.

To few reveal'd, whence human forrows charm : So may his numbers with pathetic force. Bid Terror ihake us, or Com; a(Jton warm, As different firains controul The movements of the foal, Adjuft its paiuons, harmonize its tone. To feel for others' woe, or nobly bear its own.

III. Deep in the covert of a fhadowy grove,

Mid broken rocks where ^ aAiing currents play ; Dear to the penfive pleafurei, dear to Love,

And Damcnh Mufe, that breathes her melting lay. This ardent prayer was made. "When lo ! the fecret Ihade,

As ccnfciou? of fome heavenly prefence, (hook

Sirengtb, f.rmnefs, reafcn, all my aucnilh'd foci forfook.

Ccz IV. Ah!