Page:Vida's Art of Poetry.djvu/51

 Hard was the way, and dubious, which we trod, Now show, ye goddesses, a surer road; Point out those paths, which you can find alone, To all the world, but to your selves unknown; Lo! all the Hesperian youths with me implore Your softer influence, and propitious pow'r, Who, rang'd beneath my banners, boldly tread Those arduous tracks to reach your mountain's head; New rules 'tis now my province to impart; First to invent, and then dispose with art; Each a laborious task: but they who share Heav'nsHeaven's [sic] kinder bounty, and peculiar care; A glorious train of images may find, Preventing hope, and crowding on the mind. The other task to settle every part, Depends on judgment, and the pow'rs of art; From whence in chief the poet hopes to raise His future glory, and immortal praise.


 * , as a rule the noblest bards esteem,

To touch at first in gen'ral on the theme; To