ODE V. THE MAN OF SORROW. BY MR. GREVILLE. AH! what avails the lengthening mead, By Nature's kindest bounty spread Along the vale of flowers! Ah! what avails the darkening grove, Or Philomel's melodious love, That glads the midnight hours! For me (alas!) the god of day I have no pleasure in the rose: See how the sturdy peasants stride, Content, fair daughter of the skies, Her choice divinely free: She visits oft the hamlet cot, When Want and Sorrow are the lot Of Avarice and me. But see-or is it Fancy's dream? Welcome, O! welcome, Pleasure's queen ! And see, along the velvet green, The jocund train advance: With scatter'd flowers they fill the air, The wood-nymph's dew-bespangled hair Plays in the sportive dance. Ah! baneful grant of angry Heaven To cares, that Peace destroy. And see, with visionary haste, (Too soon the gay delusion past) Despair has seiz'd my captive soul, Ten thousand beauties round me throng: I see the lawn of hideous dye, Ye gilded roofs, Palladian domes, Vol. XIII. ODE VI. THE MAN OF PLEASURE. By the Same. YES, to the Sages be it told, Sweep, sweep the lute's enchanting string And all thy sweets, lov'd Luxury, bring! "To enjoy is to obey;" The heavenly mandate still prevail, Ah! graceless wretch! to disobey, Indeed my heart is free. In Pleasure's ray see Nature shine, How dull, alas! at Wisdom's shrine! "'Tis Folly to be wise :" Collusive term, poor vain pretence, I love the carol of the hound, I love the awkward courser's stride, And yes, I love, ye sneering wise !- Still hand in hand great Nature goes, And welcome thrice to British land, Breathe on the thrilling meaning sound, |