Eighteen Hundred and Eleven by Anna Laetitia Barbauld
page 8 of 13 (61%)
page 8 of 13 (61%)
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Where all above is still, as all beneath;
Bend at each antique shrine, and frequent turn To clasp with fond delight some sculptured urn, The ponderous mass of Johnson's form to greet, Or breathe the prayer at Howard's sainted feet. Perhaps some Briton, in whose musing mind [15] Those ages live which Time has cast behind, To every spot shall lead his wondering guests On whose known site the beam of glory rests: Here Chatham's eloquence in thunder broke, Here Fox persuaded, or here Garrick spoke; Shall boast how Nelson, fame and death in view, To wonted victory led his ardent crew, In England's name enforced, with loftiest tone[2], Their duty,--and too well fulfilled his own: How gallant Moore[3], as ebbing life dissolved, _But_ hoped his country had his fame absolved. Or call up sages whose capacious mind [16] Left in its course a track of light behind; Point where mute crowds on Davy's lips reposed, And Nature's coyest secrets were disclosed; Join with their Franklin, Priestley's injured name, Whom, then, each continent shall proudly claim. Oft shall the strangers turn their eager feet The rich remains of antient art to greet, The pictured walls with critic eye explore, And Reynolds be what Raphael was before. On spoils from every clime their eyes shall gaze, |
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