Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 36.djvu/88



to peace, within a wood's recess, A blest retreat, where courtiers never press, A temple stands, where art did never try With pompous wonders to enchant the eye; There are no dazzling ornaments, nor vain, But truth, simplicity, and nature reign: The virtuous Gauls raised erst the noble shrine, And sacred vowed to Friendship's power divine. Mistaken mortals who believed their race, Would never cease to crowd to such a place! Orestes' name, and Pylades' appear, Wrote on the front, names still to Friendship dear: Pirithous' medal of uncommon size, Those of soft Nisus and Achates wise. All these are heroes, and as friends renowned, These names are great, but still in fable found; The power to this remote retreat retired, Nor Tripod boasts, nor priests with truth inspired; She miracles but seldom can effect, No popish saint e'er met with such neglect. Still in her presence faithful truth attends, And to the goddess needful succor lends: Truth's ever ready to enlighten all, But few on truth for kind assistance call. In vain she waits for votaries at her shrine, None come, though all at wanting her repine;