Page:The works of Anna Laetitia Barbauld volume 1.djvu/273

Rh Like fettered Sampson when his might was spent In puny feats to glad the festive halls Of Gaza's wealthy sons; or he who sat Midst laughing girls submiss, and patient twirled The slender spindle in his sinewy grasp; The rugged power, fair Pleasure's minister, Exerts his art to deck the genial board; Congeals the melting peach, the nectarine smooth, Burnished and glowing from the sunny wall: Darts sudden frost into the crimson veins Of the moist berry; moulds the sugared hail: Cools with his icy breath our flowing cups; Or gives to the fresh dairy's nectared bowls A quicker zest. Sullen he plies his task, And on his shaking fingers counts the weeks Of lingering Summer, mindful of his hour To rush in whirlwinds forth, and rule the year.