90

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Nor at first fight, like most, admires the fair
For

you he lives; and you alone shall share
His last affection, as his early care.
Besides, he's lovely far above the rest,
With youth immortal, and with beauty blest.
Add, that he varies ev'ry shape with ease,
And tries all forms that may Pomona please.
But what should most excite a mutual flame,
Your rural cares, and pleasures are the same: 95
To him your orchards' early fruits are due,
(A pleasing off’ring when 'tis made by you.)
He values these; but yet (alas) complains,
That still the best and dearest gift remains.
Not the fair fruit that on yon' branches glows 100
With that ripe red the autumnal sun bestows;
Nor tasteful herbs that in these gardens rise,
Which the kind foil with milky fap supplies;
You, only you, can move the God's desire:
Oh crown so constant and so pure a fire! 105
Let soft compassion touch your gentle mind;
Think, 'tis Vertumnus begs you to be kind!
So may no frost, when early buds

appear, Destroy the promise of the youthful year ; 109 Nor winds, when first your florid orchard blows, Shake the light blossoms from their blasted boughs! Haec ubi nequicquam formas Deus aptus in

omnes, Edidit; in juvenem rediit: et anilia demit Instrumenta fibi: talisque adparuit illi, Qualis ubi oppositas nitidiflima solis imago I15 Evicit nubes, nullaque obstante reluxit. Vimque parat: sed vi non est opus: inque figura Capta Dei Nympha est, et mutua vulnera sentit,

This when the various God had urg'd in vain, He strait assum'd his native form again; Such, and so bright an aspect now he bears, 114 As when thro'clouds th' emerging sun appears, And thence exerting his refulgent ray, Dispels the darkness, and reveals the day. Force he prepar'd, but check'd the ralh design; For when, appearing in a form divine, The Nymph surveys him, and beholds the

grace Of charming features, and a youthful face! In her soft breast consenting passions move, And the warm maid confess'd a mutual love.

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I 21

IMITATIONS

OF

ENGLISH POETS.

Done by the Author in bis Youth.