Ev'n now methinks, by Faith's pervading eye, O day of gladness to the good and just! Then shall the substance of this fabric fair, Or like a fleeting vision fade away. 120 Then shall the breathing bust, the sculptur'd vase. Yea, tho' creation founder in the storm, And whelming perish in the gen'ral doom,__130 Yet shall celestial Virtue's angel form Survive and flourish in immortal bloom. Then shall the brave resolve, the gen❜rous deed, σ And meet with righteous heav'n's deserv'd applause. Heaver. O! be it then our wisdom to secure Those radiant crowns that beam for ever bright, Crowns that shall deck the merciful and pure, Amid the mansions of eternal light! 140 ELEGY VI. WRITTEN AMONG THE RUINS OF A NOBLEMAN's SEAT IN CORNWALL. BY MR. MOORE. AMIDST these venerable drear remains Here liv'd Eugenio, born of noble race, Extensive gardens deck'd with every grace, green. Ah, where is now its boasted beauty fled! And broken columns in confusion spread] 10 Of splendid rooms no traces here are found: In antient times, perhaps, where now I tread, Licentious Riot crown'd the midnight bowl, Her dainties Luxury pour'd, and Beauty spread Or here, attended by a chosen train Of innocent delight, true Grandeur dwelt, その Diffusing blessings o'er the distant plain, Around now Solitude unjoyous reigns, No gay-gilt chariot hither marks the way, No more with cheerful hopes the needy swains At the once-bounteous gate their visits pay. Where too is now the garden's beauty fled, Dead are the trees that once with nicest care Arrang'd, from opening blossoms shed perfume, And thick with fruitage stood, the pendent pear, The ruddy-color'd peach, and glossy plumb. Extinct is all the family of flowers: In vain I seek the arbor's cool retreat, Where antient friends in converse pass'd the hours, Along the terrace-walks are straggling seen 40 The groves, where Pleasure walk'd her rounds, decay, In yonder wide-extended vale below, Where osiers spread, a pond capacious stood; From far, by art the stream was taught to flow, Whose liquid stores, supplied th' unfailing flood. Oft here the silent angler took his place, But perish'd now are all the numerous race, Here then, ye Great! behold th' uncertain state And flourish but the glory of an hour. 56. σ σ |