Page:The Pleasures of Imagination - Akenside (1744).djvu/86

72 Excite impetuous laughter's gay rebuke; The sportive province of the comic muse.


 * See! in what crouds the uncouth forms advance;

Each would outstrip the other, each prevent Our careful search, and offer to your gaze, Unask'd his motley features. Wait awhile, My curious friends! and let us first arrange In proper order your promiscuous throng.


 * Behold the foremost band; of slender thought,

And easy faith; whom flatt'ring fancy sooths With lying spectres, in themselves to view Illustrious forms of excellence and good, That scorn the mansion. With exulting hearts They spread their spurious treasure to the sun And bid the world admire! but chief the glance Of wishful envy draws their joy-bright eyes, And