Page:The Pleasures of Imagination - Akenside (1744).djvu/110

96 Of mortal offspring can attain the heights Of envied life; tho' only few possess Patrician treasures or imperial state; Yet nature's care, to all her children just, With richer treasures and an ampler state Indows at large whatever happy man Will deign to use them. His the city's pomp, The rural honours his. Whate'er adorns The princely dome, the column and the arch, The breathing marbles and the sculptur'd gold, Beyond the proud possessor's narrow claim, His tuneful breast injoys. For him the spring Distills her dews, and from the silken gem Its lucid leaves unfolds: for him, the hand Of autumn tinges every fertile branch With blooming gold and blushes like the morn. Each passing hour sheds tribute from her wings; And still new beauties meet his lonely walk; And loves unfelt attract him. Not a breeze Flies