Page:The Poems of John Dyer (1903).djvu/99

 Behold in Calder's vale, where wide around Unnumber'd villas creep the shrubby hills, A spacious dome for this fair purpose rise : High o'er the open gates, with gracious air, Eliza's image stands. By gentle steps Up-rais'd, from room to room we slowly walk, And view with wonder, and with silent joy, The sprightly scene ; where many a busy hand, Where spoles, cards, wheels, and looms, with motion quick, And ever-murm'ring sound, th' unwonted sense Wrap in surprise. To see them all employ'd, All blithe, it gives the spreading heart delight, As neither meats, nor drinks, nor aught of joy Corporeal can bestow. Nor less they gain Virtue than wealth, while, on their useful works From day to day intent, in their full minds Evil no place can find. With equal scale Some deal abroad the well-assorted Fleece ; These card the short, those comb the longer flake; Others the harsh and clotted lock receive, Yet sever and refine with patient toil, And bring to proper use. Flax too, and hemp, Excite their diligence. The younger hands Ply at the easy work of winding yarn On swiftly-circling engines, and their notes Warble together as a choir of larks ; Such joy arises in the mind employ'd. Another scene displays the more robust Rasping or grinding tough Brasilian woods, And what Campeachy's disputable shore Copious affords to tinge the thrifty web, And the Caribbee isles, whose dulcet canes