Page:The Pleasures of Imagination - Akenside (1744).djvu/63

Rh Center of souls! Nor does the faithful voice Of nature cease to prompt their eager steps Aright; nor is the care of heav'n withheld From granting to the task proportion'd aid; That in their stations all may persevere To climb th' ascent of being, and approach For ever nearer to the life divine.


 * That rocky pile thou see'st, that verdant lawn

Fresh-water'd from the mountains. Let the scene Paint in thy fancy the primæval seat Of man, and where the will supreme ordain'd His mansion, that pavilion fair-diffus'd Along the shady brink, in this recess To wear th' appointed season of his youth; Till riper hours should open to his toil The high communion of superior minds, Of consecrated heroes and of gods. Nor did the fire omnipotent forget His tender bloom to cherish; nor withheld Cœlestial footsteps from his green abode. Oft from the radiant honours of his throne, He sent whom most he lov'd, the sov'reign fair, The effluence of his glory, whom he plac'd Before his eyes for ever to behold; The goddess from whose inspiration flows The toil of patriots, the delight of friends; Without whose work divine, in heav'n or earth, Rh