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 THE 
 
 BIRTH AND TRIUMPH 
 
 OF 
 
 LOVE. 
 
 ENTERED AT STATIONERS HALL.
 
 THE 
 
 BIRTH AND TRIUMPH 
 
 OF 
 
 LOVE. 
 
 POEM. 
 
 By Sir JAMES BLAND BURGES, Bart. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 PRINTED BY C. ROWORTH, 
 
 FOR T. EGERTON, WHITEHALL ; AND SOLD BY HIM AND P. W. TOMKINS, 
 
 HISTORICAL ENGRAVER TO HER MAJESTY, 
 
 NO. 49, NEW BOND STREET. 
 
 M D C C X C V I .
 
 
 T O 
 
 THE aUEENo 
 
 MADAM, 
 
 With the moft lively gratitude 
 I avail myfelf of Your Majefty's gracious condefcen- 
 fion, and exult in the permiflion of dedicating this 
 work to Your Majefty, whofe whole conduct has 
 
 A evinced 
 
 78959S
 
 ( vi ) 
 
 evinced to the world the beft Triumph of Virtuous 
 Love, the moft pure and perfed Model of Conjugal 
 Affe6lion. 
 
 Permit me, Madam, on this occafion, to 
 join my voice to that of a grateful people, who muft 
 ever look up with reverence and afFe6lion to Your 
 Majefty, whofe Virtues and Attachment have crowned 
 the happinefs of our beloved Monarch. While we 
 feel the bleffings of His beneficent Reign, we unite in 
 a fincere and fervent Prayer, that your Majefties may 
 long, very long, continue to enjoy the greateft felicity 
 
 which
 
 ( vii ) 
 
 which Royalty can beftow— the Confcioufnefs of hav- 
 ing by Your Examples promoted the Caufe of Virtue. 
 
 I have the honour to be w^ith the mofl 
 profound refpe6l, 
 
 MADAM, 
 
 Your Majefty's 
 moft obhged, 
 
 moft faithful and 
 
 moft devoted Servant, 
 
 JAMES BLAND BURGES.
 
 1 HE Plan of this Work Is taken from a Series of Plates, 
 entitled " The Birth and Triumph of Cupid," and publifhed 
 by Mr. Tomkins, Hiftorical Engraver to Her Majefty. Tlie 
 fuperior merit of that performance is fufficiently known and 
 acknowledged. Nothing can furpafs the Delicacy of the 
 Idea on which it is founded, or the Elegance of tlie Manner 
 in which it is executed. Whatever therefore of imperfe6lion 
 may be found in the prefent work muft be attributed folely 
 to him, who has ventured upon a tafk fo arduous as tliat of 
 prefuming to illuftrate fuch a Model. The Writer of it 
 however trufls, that it's Tendency will apologize for any 
 errors which may be found in it; and, in that confidence, 
 he fubmits it with deference to the judgement of the Public.
 
 ADVERTISEMENT FROM THE PUBLISHER. 
 
 It was very much the Publifher's wifh, that the Engravings 
 on which this Work is founded fhould have accompanied the 
 whole of tlie prefent impreffion ; as they would mutually have 
 illuftrated each other, and as confequently the value of this 
 publication would have been greatly enhanced. But, as it 
 would thus have been rendered far too expeniive for general 
 circulation, he is induced to hope, that thofe perfons, who 
 may be inclined to bind up the Plates with this Work, will 
 apply for tliem, eitlier to himfelf, or to Mr. Tomkins, En- 
 graver to Her Majefty, in New Bond Street, who has pre- 
 pared a number of fine impreffions of a proper fize for that 
 purpofe.
 
 DIRECTIONS FOR BINDING THE PLATES. 
 
 CANTO I. 
 
 No. I. Birth Stanza 8 Page 5 
 
 2. Going alone 12 7 
 
 3. Finds his Bow and Arrow 25 13 
 
 4. Trying his Arrow 26 14 
 
 5. Dreams there is a World 29 15 
 
 6. Going in Search of the World 41 21 
 
 7. Alighting on the World 50 26 
 
 CANTO II. 
 
 8. Mistakes his Mark 12 33 
 
 9. In Vexation breaks his Bow 14 34 
 
 10. Meets a Heart 18 36 
 
 11. Weeps for the Loss of his Bow and Arrow . . 22 38 
 
 12. His Arms restored 26 40 
 
 13. Sharpening his Arrow 26 40 
 
 14. Stringing his Bow 26 40 
 
 15. Returning Thanks 28 41 
 
 16. Arrives at the Hill of Difficulty 31 42 
 
 17. Turns away in Despair 39 46 
 
 18. Meets with Hope 40 47 
 
 19. Ascends the Hill with Hope 47 50 
 
 20. Resting on Hope strikes the Hearts .... 49 51 
 
 21. Offering up the Hearts 51 52 
 
 22. Uniting the Hearts 55 54 
 
 23. Preparing for Triumph 6i 57 
 
 24. Triumphant 62 58
 
 THE 
 
 BIRTH AND TRIUMPH 
 
 O F 
 
 LOVE. 
 
 CANTO I. 
 
 I. 
 
 O F Love I fing — not of that treacherous Boy 
 To whom the impure Venus erft gave birth, 
 Whofe venomed fhafts empoifon mortal joy. 
 Confounding Honour, Virtue, Rank and Wortli ; 
 Whofe midnight orgies ftamp on lawlefs mirth 
 The forged image of celelHal pleafure. 
 Drawing from heaven the foul of man to earth, 
 With foul alloy debafmg pureft treafure — 
 That Boy, and that Boy's deeds Ihall not pollute my me^ure ! 
 
 B But
 
 2 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 11. 
 
 But Thee I fing, thou firfl great work of Heaven ! 
 Pure Emanation of tli' Eternal Mind ! 
 Who, ere an impulfe to our orb was given, 
 To guide th' unerring fabric waft deligned. 
 Thee in each age and every clime we find, 
 From Zembla's froft to Afric's burning zone, 
 With Nature's laws and Nature's works combined ; 
 Thy power in all created things is fliewn, 
 And in the virtuous heart is fixed thy lafting throne. 
 
 III. 
 
 I afk no Mufe's aid thy deeds to fing, 
 
 Nor court in idle ftrain the tuneful Nine : 
 
 He little needs the Heliconian Spring, 
 
 Who owns the influence of Thy power divine. 
 
 Oh with thy f acred touch my heart refine I 
 
 Oh warm my foul with thy celeftial ray! 
 
 Let Judgement, Fancy, Tnith and Wit combine, 
 
 To tunc my lyre and modulate my lay, 
 
 And grace the Tribute which to Virtuous Love I pay. 
 
 What
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVK. 3 
 
 IV. 
 
 What mortal eye can view the ftretch of Space ? 
 What mortal thought Eternity can fpan? 
 God's boundlefs works no human power can trace, 
 Nor may th' Almighty's a6ts be judged by Man. 
 Beyond our feeble reach is Heaven's great plan : 
 Still more beyond it is th' Eflential Caufe, 
 Who lived ere yet or Time or Space began, 
 Whofe power and wifdom know no bounds nor paufe, 
 But whofe Eternal will prefides o'er Nature's laws. 
 
 V. 
 
 For Man fuch contemplations are not made : 
 To blefs th' Effect is all His powers can claim. 
 If, when he views th' Almighty's hand difplayed. 
 His labouring breaft beats high with grateful flame, 
 If he adores his Maker's facred name, 
 And bows in humble adoration low, 
 Confeflmg whence fuch mighty bleffings came ; 
 And if his Deeds his mind's convi6f ion fliew — 
 Then has Man furely learned the utmoft Man can know. 
 
 B 2 And
 
 4 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 VI. 
 
 And fhall we not the great Effect declare ? 
 And fhall we not th' Eternal's goodnefs fing ? 
 Arife, my Soul ! the grateful Song prepare, 
 The heart's triumphant homage gladly bring. 
 From Empyrean Heaven on Seraph's wing 
 Let Angels waft to nature's verge the found ; 
 O'er Night's dark empire and Day's gladfome fpring 
 Let the full choir proclaim to worlds around 
 " Creation's firft great work the Birth of Love has crowned." 
 
 vn. 
 
 Thrice hail the happy moment, when on high 
 The fovereign voice pronounced the bleft decree: 
 Shouts of angelic triumph rent the fky, 
 And loud proclaimed th' approaching myftery; 
 The hofts of heaven tranfported bent the knee, 
 And filent waited the eventful hour, 
 When from th' eternal Fiat they fhould fee 
 Thro' Ijoundlcfs fpace a new creation tower. 
 And unknown worlds fubmit to Love's directing power. 
 
 Wondering
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 5 
 
 VIII. 
 
 Wondering they faw a diftant Vapour rife 
 Thro' the clear regions of immortal day ; 
 They viewed it mounting to the midway fkies, > 
 And thick condenfing hold it's deftined way: 
 Till, felt tlie influence of the plaftic ray, 
 Strait was it's fize enlarged, more bright its hue; 
 All Nature fmiled, the face of Heaven was gay. 
 When off^ to air diflx)lved the vapour flew. 
 And the young Cherub Love flood flrft confefl!ed to view. 
 
 IX. 
 
 Ah ! who can tell the charms of Infant Love ! 
 His mild tranfporting beauties who can fpeak ! 
 The Lilly's white, the foftnefs of the Dove, 
 The Rofe's blufh compared, are poor and weak. 
 Immortal traits to flng tlie Bard Ihould feek 
 Immortal aid ; Love's hand alone can trace 
 Love's charms: the Front ferene, the dimpled Cheek, 
 The foul-expreflive Eye, the jocund Face, 
 And every Limb imprefl!ed with elegance and grace. 
 
 Awhile,
 
 THE lilRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 X. 
 
 Awhile, as if entranced, he gazed around: 
 He moved, and Heaven with unknown radiance gleamed; 
 He fpoke, and liftening Angels hailed the found; 
 He fmiled, and univerfal Nature beamed. 
 By hifant Love fubdued Creation feemed: 
 And Time tranfported all his power confefled; 
 Of prefent joys and future blifs he dreamed. 
 Of conftant hearts with lafting union bleifed; 
 Then fondly clafped the CheiTib to his glowing breaft. 
 
 XI. 
 
 As, when from parent fountain firft difcharged, 
 The filver Thames purfues his new-born courfe, 
 His narrow pebbly bed with iTifhes marged 
 Scarce feels the influence of his humid fource; 
 He, as he onward rolls, acquires new force. 
 His ample cun^ent proud thro' meads to guide, 
 And 'twixt his banks to keep a wide divorce ; 
 While Britain's fons to his cxpanfe confide 
 Britannia's bulwarks and her merchants' pride. 
 
 Thus
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 7 
 
 XII. 
 
 Thus feeble were at firfl: the powers of Love. 
 His foft round limbs had yet to learn their ufe : 
 If latent vigour prompted him to move, 
 He felt his infant legs their aid refufe. 
 But falls on aetlier could not much mifufe 
 jEtherial fubftance: quickly ftronger grown, 
 No more his weak attempts his hopes abufe; 
 With native grace his playflil tricks are Ihewn, 
 He tries — he fteps — he fhouts to find he goes alone. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 Pure filvery curls his polifhed forehead deck. 
 Skirt his encrimfoned cheeks with modeft grace, 
 And hang enamoured o'er his ivory neck: 
 The fmile of extacy illumes his face; 
 His looks, his fteps, proclaim his heavenly race; 
 While the bright luftre of his liquid eye 
 Infidious tempts the fond regard to trace 
 The thoufand charms which there in ambufli lie — 
 To catch one bhfsful glance, then pine, perhaps, and die. 
 
 But
 
 8 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 But his free fpirit no fuch perils feared; 
 Gaily he tript, around diffuling joy: 
 Where e'er he turned, the face of heaven was cheered, 
 And fportive Cherubs flocked to join the Boy. 
 He taught tlie day in frefh delights t' employ: 
 Now, to outftrip fleet Time he'd fhew his powers; 
 And then, with playful wantonnefs, decoy 
 Thro' many an artful maze the rofy Hours, 
 To weave with him the dance beneatli celeftial bowers. 
 
 XV. 
 
 Such were the paftimes of his earlier days. 
 Such paftimes well his earlier days became : 
 For Itill the Soul tlie Body's growth obeys; 
 Still to innocuous mirth Youth lays a claim. 
 Then leek not Youth to Age's laws to tame! 
 Spring's genial warmth may caufe the fap to flow, 
 And Summer's fun tlie well-formed mafs may frame; 
 But 'tis for Autumn ripened fruits to fhew. 
 The courfe of nature ftill is regular and flow. 
 
 When
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. '9 
 
 XVI. 
 
 When heedlefs Infancy to Youtli gave way, 
 His Mind expanded as his Body grew. 
 To fportive gambol and difcurfive play 
 No more with eager appetite he flew: 
 They wore no longer novelty's frefh hue; 
 The aiiy phantoms of the hour were flown. 
 To taflie the evening's calm or morning's dew. 
 Far from his feftive bands he'd ftray alone, 
 And figh he knew not why for blifles yet unknown. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 Oft, when his labouring bofom panted high, 
 The tear of tranfport would liis eye fufflife ; 
 Half-fafliioned forms would o'er his fancy fly, 
 And joys uncertain his fond foul confufe. 
 Nor did he foon the ftrong impreflion lofe. 
 Half pleafed, half wondering, would the anxious boy 
 On the gay fcenes around him penfive mufe: 
 But ah! no more they filled his breaft with joy; 
 He nothing faw which might his rifing powers employ. 
 
 C Oft,
 
 10 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 Oft, as reflecting on th' eventful change, 
 And wondering ftill fi'om whence it might arife, 
 His a6live mind o'er nature's works would range 
 With taftelefs apathy and mute furprize. 
 In vain to fix his wandering foul he tries ; 
 In vain he liftens to the tuneful choir, 
 Or marks th' harmonious fyftem of tlie fkies : 
 To more congenial blifs his thoughts afpire, 
 Where confentaneous fouls unite with fond deiii*e. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 Ah ! how fubllme the Power that rules the will 
 In ftrong obedience to His high beheft. 
 Who nature leads His di6lates to fulfil, 
 And flamps His precepts on the confcious breaft! 
 Who leads the Eagle to his craggy neft. 
 And guides the Sea-Fowl thro' it's tracklefs flight 
 Secure in tempefis and 'midfl horrors blefl ! 
 By whom infiru6fed prowls the Bird of Night, 
 And taught by whom the Lark falutes returning light! 
 
 Nor
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 11 
 
 XX. 
 
 Nor lefs did Love His genial guidance know. 
 His opening foul received th' infpiring ray. 
 Felt the new animating tranfport flow, 
 And learned th' inftin6live impulfe to obey: 
 He panted to aflert his deftined iWay, 
 And o'er wide fpace his influence to impart. 
 Proceed we now to flng his great eflay, 
 When led by power divine his matchlefs art 
 Sought, won, and triumphed o'er the Human Heart. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 The great Creator, who the Impulfe plants, 
 The Means of it's dire6lion ne'er denies : 
 Our Powers he well proportions to our wants, 
 And to fulfil his purpofe Force fupplies. 
 Then let us bow to Him, all good, all wife, 
 Who taught young Love to guide his wifhes weak. 
 And gave the Arms by which he gained his prize: 
 Nor deem the Song too bold, which dares to feek 
 In humble verfe fuch awful myfteries to fpeak. 
 
 C 2 As
 
 J2 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 As thro' the azure fields of heaven's domain 
 He bent his courfe, deep mufing as he ftrayed, 
 His teeming bofom filled with anxious pain 
 How the ftrong impulfe might be beft obeyed, 
 Two unknown Forms before him were difplayed, 
 Smootli gliding thro' the bright expanfe of fky, 
 In all tlie rainbow's gorgeous tints arrayed: 
 Sufpended for a while, and poifed on high, 
 By flow degrees they fink, till at his feet they lie. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 The one a ftrange fantaftic fliape appeared. 
 Which from its centre inward feemed to bend, 
 1'hc while, as if too clofe a touch it feared, 
 It backward ftrove to turn at either end, 
 Unheedful of what thence was feen t'append 
 In guifc of Cord, which playing loofely waved 
 In the cool gales that thro' heaven's courts afccnd: 
 On eitlier fide, and all around, engraved 
 Were fccn myfterious fymbols of free hearts enflavcd. 
 
 Th'
 
 Vl^ its 1* 1 .■* Ji o >♦' o
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 13 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 Th' attendant Form, which by the other lay, 
 Seem'cl ftill more ftrange in all it's properties. 
 It's taper length, Ih-aight as a folar ray, 
 Was fhaped at either end in different wife: 
 At one, with plumes arrayed of luft'rous dies» 
 And tints as various as the morning dew 
 Ere into vapour drawn it mounting flies; 
 While til' other, tipped witli ore of burnifhed hue, 
 From barbed bafe to point acutely leffening drew. 
 
 XXV. 
 
 Love faw them fall, and flood in mute amaze, 
 Uncertain what they were, or whence arofe 
 The ftranger Forms: nor did he tire to gaze; 
 For now his heart the Secret 'gan difclofe. 
 And trace the caufe of all his former throes : 
 He hoped that Fate would now propitious grow, 
 Nor more the obje^l of his birth oppofe. 
 Swiftly he caught them up, refolved to fhew 
 How Love could well employ his Arrow and his Bow. 
 
 He
 
 14 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 He twanged tlie Cord, the pliant Bow he bent, 
 And poifed die Arrow in his ready hand; 
 As if employed on fome fublime intent 
 His new-found Arms witli earneftnefs he fcanned, 
 Yet wanted fkill their ufes to command. 
 Now, as to conqueft would he proudly go; 
 Now, flopping fhort, in mute fufpenfe would ftand: 
 Unconfcious yet of Obje6l or of Foe, 
 Still his uncertain fteps his mind's difquiet fhew. 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 As tlie tall Ship, 'tliough framed witli wond'rous art 
 O'er ocean's deep abyfs fublime to glide. 
 Ne'er can in fafety from it's port depart. 
 Or o'er the foaming waves majeftic ride, 
 Until the Pilot's fkill it's motions guide: 
 So, tlio' to a6lion doubly now impelled, 
 Love felt tliat much remained to be fupplicd; 
 Fears undefined his rifing hopes repelled, 
 And all his fancied triumphs ftill by doubts were quelled. 
 
 Hence
 
 TRSIJTG Hia AKRO*'-
 
 HKl^AMS TUEKE, I.S A. 'KitajLli. 
 
 1
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 15 
 
 XXVIIL 
 
 Hence learn, ye Fair! if haply in your hearts 
 The firft fond impull'e of deiire arife, 
 That pureft pleafiires are not free from fmarts. 
 Ah ! grow in time from Love's example wife : 
 Learn that with Paffion's Smiles are mingled Sighs, 
 That fweetefi: Rofes bear the fhiarpeft Thorn. 
 Watch then the foft impreffions as tliey rife; 
 To wifdom's call attend in life's gay morn. 
 So fhall Love's pureft joys your cloudlefs day adorn. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 Tired by the confli(5l which opprefled his mind 
 Love fought repofe. His languid limbs outfpread 
 On foft aetherial couch, he lay reclined: 
 One hand a little raifed his drooping head ; 
 While from the other hung his Arms ih dread, 
 With feeble and half-confcious grafp retained: 
 But, as approaching Sleep his influence flied, 
 And o'er his frame relaxed dominion gained. 
 They fell, and at his feet confufedly remained. 
 
 Sweet
 
 16 
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 XXX. 
 
 Sweet are the fluml:)ers of repofmg Love. 
 While foftefl gales amidft his trefles play, 
 Sport with his curls, and o'er his forehead rove, 
 Light fanning Zephyrs grateful homage pay, 
 Diffufing perfumes round him as he lay: 
 And far-revolving fpheres, in union fweet, 
 With endlels harmony, now grave, now gay, 
 hi wond'rous heavenly Diapafon meet. 
 To lull tlieir Matter's foul and his repofe to greet. 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 Wliile thus he lay outftretched in calm repofe, 
 With vifions undifturbed his foul was bleft; 
 For from Ambrolial food no fumes arofe 
 To cloud his fenfes and difturb his reft. 
 Or the full courfe of fancy to arreft. 
 His unincumbered fpirit ranging free 
 Thro' nature's limits made it's ample queft; 
 O'er all created tilings it now would flee, 
 Then with prophetic power unveil futurity. 
 
 He
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 17 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 He faw thro' lucid realms of boundlefs fpace 
 Unnumbered Suns their certain courfe purfue, 
 Fixed by eternal laws their paths to trace, 
 For ever devious, yet for ever true; 
 - While each by ftrong Attra6tion's impulfe drew 
 A countlefs hoft of Planets, lending light 
 To all in order and proportion due : 
 Myriads of Worlds, called by creative might 
 From darknefs undefined and wide-extended night. 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 As o'er the fcene fublimc his fancy ran, 
 His aching fenfes fought to comprehend 
 Of Nature's God the great myfterious plan : 
 What power might all thefe floating orbs fufpend; 
 What guiding force might on their paths attend 
 To check and govern Gravitation's laws. 
 Thro' the vafl: fyftem as his thoughts afcend. 
 They trace in all His works th' Eternal Caufe, 
 Whofe Word dire6ls the whole, and to one centre draws. 
 
 D Wliile
 
 18 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 XXXIV. 
 
 While thus he pondered in devotion loft, 
 An Angel form, arrayed in pureft light, 
 To his rapt foul appeared. Sublime he crofted 
 With outfpread wing the empyrean height, 
 And feemed towards him to urge his rapid flight. 
 Love hailed him as he flew, nor hailed in vain : 
 Yet, as defcended flow the Vifton bright. 
 The dazzling radiance fcarce could he fuftain. 
 He felt th' Extreme of Blifs was near allied to Pain. 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 Approaching now, with well-poifed wing outfpread 
 His downward courfe the Seraph I'eemed to ftay, 
 And hovered round the fpot where Love was laid. 
 As when the Lark, inl'pired by morning's ray, 
 Mounts on frefli wing to meet the new-born day, 
 Sufpended in mid-air, with liquid note 
 She pours to Nature's God the grateful lay, 
 With echoing hymns of praife flie ftrains her throat, 
 While rifing gales to heaven the pleaftng tribute float. 
 
 With
 
 ii 
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. IQ 
 
 XXXVI. 
 
 With flight arrefted fb the Seraph hung: 
 
 Nor lefs delightful to Love's liftening ear 
 
 Were the firfl: accents of his tuneful tongue, 
 
 While thus his hallowed words his fpirits cheer. 
 
 " Attend, fond Boy ! and Heaven's dread purpofe hear; 
 
 " Which to difclofe, thro' tracklefs bounds of fpace 
 
 " Obedient thus my willing courfe I fteer: 
 
 " Attend, while now thy fate's decree I trace; 
 
 Then rufli to deftined toils, which triumphs fure fhall grace. 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 " Born to command and guide tlie Human Heart, 
 *' 'Tis thine the great adventure to atchieve, 
 " To mortal woes a kindly balm t' impart, 
 " And life's harfli pains bv tranfports to relieve. 
 "' Obfervant then the high beheft receive. 
 " Where yon celeftial Orbs their courfes run, 
 " Seven Planets mark, their mingled dance which weave 
 " In due progreffion round their central Sun : 
 " Mark well tlic Fifth of thefe, there muft thv talk be done. 
 
 D 2 '' Wake,
 
 20 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 XXXVIII. 
 
 " Wake, flumbering Boy! thy new-found Arms prepare; 
 " The world invites thee as it's deftined King: 
 *' Thither with certain confidence repair, 
 " And rufh to victory with fearlefs wing." 
 The Seraph ceafed.— His outspread pinions fling 
 Frefli odours, and appear more dazzling bright, 
 When, as the air dividing, with a fpring 
 He fought the facred regions of delight, 
 Where dwells tJie Godhead pure, Father of life and light. 
 
 XXXIX. 
 
 Up ftarted Love. — His deep-fuffiifed cheek 
 Confeffed the influence of his mounting blood. 
 Which rufliing thro' his veins appeared to feek 
 A courfe more rapid for it's liaflcned flood. 
 Sublime in native majefty he fl;ood. 
 Surveyed his profl:rate Arms with confcious pride 
 And high rcfolve; no more in penfivc mood, 
 He burned to try what perils might betide 
 His Enterprizc fo bold, a new-found World to guide. 
 
 As
 
 '^-^v-'^-^ 
 
 H t;r ■mr- wokt. n.
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 21 
 
 XL. 
 
 As .when the yoiithfiil Courfer firft 'gnis feel 
 The inborn virtue of his generous fire, 
 Nor biting whip he needs nor goading fteel; 
 Ambitious energies his bofom fire, 
 No perils daunt him, and no efforts tire: 
 He views the diftant goal with proud difdain; 
 Already he foretafies with fond defire 
 The glorious prize his labours muft obtain. 
 The guerdon of his toil and intermediate pain. 
 
 XLI. 
 
 So felt young Love, fo beat his panting heart, 
 Affured of conqueft, and on fame intent; 
 With graceful confidence he grafped his dart, 
 And archly fmiling his firong bow he bent. 
 New-cheriflied hope an unknown vigour lent. 
 His out-fpread pinions of celeftial dye, 
 With tints of varied lovelinefs befprent 
 Awhile he fhook; then mounting fwift on high. 
 Exulting rode on air, and fliot acrofs the fky. 
 
 The
 
 22 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 XLII. 
 
 The ftrong impreffioiis of his Dream remain. 
 Well knows he how his purpofe to fulfil, 
 To urge his courfe along th' setherial plain, 
 And bend his flight obedient to his will. 
 On his appointed Planet fixing fiill 
 His watchful eye, thro' countlefs worlds he fteered, 
 Tran(ported thus to prove his new-learnt llvill. 
 His little Bark no fhoals nor tempefts feared, 
 For yet no light'nings flaflied, no thunders loud were heard. 
 
 XLIII. 
 
 As onward thus thro' heaven's wide fields he flew, 
 Cutting the yielding air with pinions fleet, 
 Tlie Guardian Spirits of each Planet knew 
 Th' immortal Boy, and rulhed his courfe to meet. 
 Still as he pafl^ed, with gratulation fweet 
 They hailed the ftranger, and with heavenly fong 
 They joined the Lord of Harmony to greet. 
 The ample Chorus, rich, fublime, and ftrong, 
 Floats on the gale, and thro' wide fpace is borne along. 
 
 Cheered
 
 THE BIRTII AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 23 
 
 XLIV. 
 
 Cheered by th' attendant Choir lie il:ill advanced ; 
 And now his deftined Planet feemed more near. 
 As o'er it's varying face his eye he glanced, 
 A rich fucceffion of delights appear. 
 Scarce can his fenfe Creation's beauties bear: 
 For then the World was young; the vigorous Eartli, 
 Rejoiced Spring's univcrfal garb to wear, 
 To every flower and every fruit gave birth. 
 And all was Joy and Peace, Security and Mirth, 
 
 XLV. 
 
 Man was not made— Ungrateful, cruel Man ! 
 'Though formed with powers Creation to enjoy. 
 To crown the great Creator's facred plan, 
 To grace and fandlify the general joy. 
 Why dofl thou flill the genial blifs deftroy.^ 
 Th' appointed Mafler of all things below, 
 To cherifh, not to fpoil, thy force employ! 
 Ah! let thy heart with foft compaffion glow, 
 Nor reign in fullen ftate kind Nature's direfl: foe! 
 
 Arrived
 
 24 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 XLVI. 
 
 Arrived vi^ithin Earth's atmofpheric bound 
 No more his pinions waved. His courfe dire6l 
 Now firft Attra6lion's Ibvereign influence found, 
 And Nature's Law compelled him to refpeA. 
 Attraction's di6lates ne'er could Love neglect ; 
 For on Attra6lion's power depends his own : 
 By that alone enabled to infle6t 
 The courfe of wandering hearts, his fway is fhewn. 
 His Altars burn, and far translucent ihines his Throne. 
 
 XLVII. 
 
 On Earth's revolving ball intent he gazed, 
 And hailed with extacy the changeful fcene; 
 Wide-rolling Seas his admiration raifed, 
 While lay extended Continents between, 
 Arrayed in tints of various brown and green. 
 Four widely fevered — Europe's temperate clime, 
 Of arts and fciences the deftined queen ; 
 Afric's wild coaft, and Afia's ftretch liiblime, 
 And vafl Columbia's length, concealed till future time. 
 
 Still
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 25 
 
 XLVIII. 
 
 Still more the wond'rous profpcdl to improve, 
 In rich diforder lay unnumbered I lies, 
 O'er which his raptured eyes diicurfive rove. 
 The new delight repays his paft-gone toils, 
 And for the moment prefent hope beguiles. 
 Whate'er of beauty could his fancy draw, 
 Adorned with bloomint; lovelinels and imiles 
 And Nature's prodigality, he faw: 
 His foul their charms confefled, and bowed with confcious awe. 
 
 XLIX. 
 
 But foon, amid the widely fcattered throng, 
 A far fequeftered Ifland met his fight, 
 Againft the adverfe coaft embattled ftrong. 
 And fenced with ramparts of portentous height, 
 Difplaying to the fun their dazzling white. 
 Th' inftindlive impulfe which his courfe did guide 
 Now filled his bofom with a new delight, 
 Taught him 'twas there his powers mufi: be applied, 
 And there his banner wave in guiltlefs conquefi:'s pride. 
 
 E No
 
 20 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 L. 
 
 No more he balanced. To attra6lion's fway 
 Himfelf he boldly trufts. Not fwifter flies 
 From heaven to earth the bright meridian ray. 
 Or flioots the evening meteor thro' the fldes 
 When vapours grol's from ftagnant madhes rife. 
 At his approach the lovely Icene expands ; 
 Before him all fair Albion's beauty lies: 
 On a liigh cliff with light defcent he lands, 
 And firll on Britain's fhorcs the world's great Mafter flands. 
 
 THE
 
 iTiKH-rter't; nif tmb. ■woKI.^^■
 
 THE 
 
 BIRTH AND TRIUMPH 
 
 O F 
 
 LOVE. 
 
 CANT 
 
 JtlIGH on a clifF, whofe threatening brow o'erhung 
 Stern in majeftic folitude the deep, 
 Young Love exulting flood. The babbling tongue 
 Of flow-receding waves feemed huflied in lleep, 
 While gentle cadence they rejoiced to keep 
 With the mild gale that o'er tlieir furface played. 
 The mingled concert flole along the fteep, 
 And, o'er repofmg nature as it firayed, 
 Soothed the lall: lingering rays while flitting into fliade. 
 
 E 2 The
 
 28 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 II. 
 
 The dlftant hills with brightnefs ftill were crowned, 
 While thin blue mifts acrofs the vallies flew, 
 Skirting with humid veil the teeming ground, 
 To meet the tribute of defcending dew. 
 One general calm repofe creation knew. 
 Meantime, flow rifing from her watery bed, 
 The filvercd Moon, expanding to his view, 
 Her fober light on the chafle landfcape fhed. 
 And o'er th' enchanting fcene her placid radiance fpread. 
 
 III. 
 
 And, fcattered thickly o'er the wide expanfe, 
 Their various courfe purfuing. Orbs of light 
 Harmonious weave their unconfufed dance. 
 Dart thro' the gloom their corufcations bright. 
 Heaven's face enrich, and decorate the night. 
 Their great Creator's mandate they obey, 
 Declare his wifdom, and proclaim his might, 
 While, widely ranging tliro' their tracklefs way, 
 In folcmii ftatc they move and orderly array. 
 
 Rapt
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 20 
 
 IV. 
 
 Rapt in fublime delight Love wondering gazed, 
 In all his works confefling Nature's Lord. 
 As to his throne his grateful thoughts he raifed, 
 The mighty fource of Being he adored, 
 Who from wild Chaos, by his powerful word, 
 The mafs inert with active life endowed. 
 To Heaven his fympathetic i'pirit foared. 
 Felt the full influence whence fuch bleffings flowed, 
 And loft in fpeechlefs extacy fubmiffive bowed. 
 
 V. 
 
 Now, gliding from her high exalted courfe, 
 Her ray oblique the Moon defcending caft; 
 Th' attendant Planets, with diminiflied force, 
 Lefs brightly fhone as thro' heaven's field tliey pafl^ed : 
 And now, foft tinging the horizon vaft, 
 Th' awakening Dawn with modeft luftre gleamed ; 
 Now, o'er the eaftern hills encroaching faft. 
 The jocund Day with new-born radiance beamed. 
 Gilded the laughing plains, and o'er tlie vallies ftreamed. 
 
 And 
 
 ^
 
 30 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 VI. 
 
 And foon, his golden trefles waving high, 
 The mounting Sun his dazzling orb unveiled : 
 From his refplendent chaml^er thro' the Iky 
 Conlcious of proud pre-eminence he failed. 
 Enraptured Love his genial mfluence hailed; 
 And, as from Earth's wide furface odours fweet 
 Afcending faft his ravifhed fenfe regaled. 
 With ardour yet unfelt his bofom beat 
 The unknown obje6l of his defhined fearch to meet. 
 
 VII. 
 
 Nor ftaid he longer — but with upward fpring 
 And outfpread plumes he vaults his courfe to trace. 
 Now, borne aloft, he foars on rapid wing. 
 And views expanded lovely nature's face: 
 Now, curious to infpe6t each fofter grace, 
 Hovering he hangs fufpended, and fui^eys 
 The many-tinted gems which earth enchafe 
 While the gay fun-beam on the dew-drop plays. 
 Hills, Dales, Woods, Streams unite to ling their Maker's praife. 
 
 As
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 31 
 
 VIII. 
 
 As onward he purfued his airy way, 
 A far-extending Forefl he furveyed, 
 Where interlacing boughs fhut out the day, 
 And mantling formed a clofe impervious fhade; 
 Save where, amid the brakes, fome opening Glade, 
 With path circuitous and wildly bending, 
 A brighter green and livelier tints difplayed; 
 Now level, riling now, and now defcending. 
 From the contraftcd gloom now borrowing charms, now lending. 
 
 IX. 
 
 As when, on ocean's heaving bofom toft, 
 Hard-driving ftorms the wandering Bark alfail. 
 In vain to reach his diftant lono;-foup;ht coafl: 
 The anxious Mariner difplays his fail. 
 And tries to catch the kindly favouring gale, 
 Unlefs the myftic Magnet oft he tries: 
 But, felt the powers attra(5live which avail 
 His courfe to guide, his fteady veffel flies, 
 And foon the welcome Port falutes his longing eves. 
 
 Nor
 
 32 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 X. 
 
 Nor lefs fupremely potent or lefs fure 
 Th' inftin(5live Monitor that ruled Love's foul; 
 His wandering courfe from error to fecure. 
 It ftill unvarying pointed to it's pole. 
 When as it's influence o'er his fenfes ftole 
 Prompting the Foreft's deep recefs to try, 
 He bow'd obedient to the ftrong controul; 
 Then, quick defcending from his ftation high, 
 Rufhed on, refolv'd to trace w^hat myftery there might lie. 
 
 XI. 
 
 O'er the enamell'd herbage and rich fod 
 His light foot bounded: the gay flowret's head 
 Beneath his footfteps fcarcely feemed to nod; 
 Half-prefs'd, it rofe from his aerial tread, 
 And round his courfe its grateful odour fhed. 
 Thro' mingling fweets he fought his devious way; 
 Aloft, tliick waving branches overfpread 
 And canopied his path; now fhrouding day. 
 Now opening to admit the Sun's enlivening ray. 
 
 As
 
 it.,"'r 
 
 MISTjIKE.S JilJ JWAKK. 
 
 i 
 
 i
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMTH OF LOVE. 33 
 
 XII. 
 
 As onward trlpt the inexperienced Boy, 
 Prefumptuous fancies filled his towering tliouglit, 
 That here at length his arms he might employ, 
 His new-found arms, from heavenly regions brought. 
 Though ftill occafion fit in vain he fought, 
 Yet, confident of iTvill, his bow he bent. 
 Stretched tight the f1:ring, and the fharp arrow caught; 
 Aimed at a branch with whizzing fpced it went. 
 But flitting on one fide defeated his intent. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 Love difappointed blufhed with confcious fhame; 
 But, quickly fnatching up the erring dart. 
 He tried again to take a furer aim. 
 Redeem his fault, and vindicate his art: 
 Again he fuffers difappointment's fmart, 
 For ftill more wide it's flight the arrow takes. 
 Vexation rankles in his fwelling heart, 
 Pride mixed with anger in his bofom wakes, 
 And lofi: to reafbn's fway his lucklefs Arms he breaks. 
 
 F On
 
 34 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 On the wide fcatter'd fragments with difdain 
 The wayward Boy his eye indignant glanced : 
 While o'er his mind imaginations vain 
 From headftrong folly fprung tumultuous danced, 
 Paflion's unhallow'd touch his foul entranced, 
 Spreading her murky vapour. Through the glade 
 Stubborn and unrefie6ling he advanced; 
 Yet as with quick and troubled ftep he ftrayed, 
 An oft reverted look liis deep diftrefs betrayed. 
 
 XV. 
 
 And caufe he furely had for much concern 
 And for compunction fore. Unarmed, alone. 
 Where could the helplefs Boy for comfort turn, 
 Or how repair the mifchief he had done.'^ 
 Too proud as yet his rafh offence to own. 
 In borrowed fmiles he cloath'd his difcontent; 
 But vain th' attempt — his gaiety was flown. 
 Sad recolle6lion poifoned his intent, 
 And no approving thought it's aid confoling lent. 
 
 Still
 
 IN VEXATJOiV iR KE AKS JTIS B 0>y.
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 35 
 
 XVI. 
 
 Still did he faddening ftray; and now the wood 
 Difclofed a verdant mead, diverging wide, 
 Through which, foft rolling its untroubled flood, 
 A pure pellucid flream rejoiced to glide. 
 O'er the fmooth lawn, with hues enchanting dyed, 
 Loofe fcattered trees difplayed their various grace. 
 Waving their high boughs with becoming pride; 
 While, ikirting all the vale, from turfy bafe 
 Slow rifing hills their bold and craggy outline trace. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 The mild majeftic fcene his fenfes charmed ; 
 And, as he view'd, his inly-labouring breaft. 
 With placid joy and mute devotion w^armed. 
 Regained fome portion of its wonted reft. 
 But confcious fliame forbad him to be bleft: 
 Still as his eye the lovely landfcape crofl^d, 
 Recurring thought his mad offence confeflTed; 
 The gladdening fcene its fond attraction loft, 
 And his diftraCled foul in floods of doubt was toft, 
 
 F 2 But
 
 36 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 But Beauty, fpite of inward woe, will pleafe, 
 And calm the troubled fpirit. Mixed with pain 
 Such gentle blifs Love felt, fuch foothing eafe, 
 That his afpiring fancy once again 
 Beat high with hopes his object to attain: 
 When fudden crofs his path difporting flew, 
 Or feemed to fly, along the verdant plain. 
 An undefined form of fanguine hue. 
 Which fometimes feemed to court, fometimes to fliun his view. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 It's tapering point now lightly fkimmed the ground, 
 Half-hid beneatli the herbage; while above 
 Its broad unequal furfacc, fmoqth and round. 
 With fliadowy wings dil'played appeared to rove 
 Thro' all the varied windings of the grove. 
 Not far remote a kindred form was flraying. 
 Of equal power from place to place to move, 
 Yet for the other's near approach ne'er flaying. 
 But ftill in different lines and feparate orbits playing. 
 
 As
 
 MJEJBTS A MBAUT.
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 37 
 
 XX. 
 
 As when the Sportfman gay at early dawn 
 The untaught Pointer firft efTays to try, 
 Heedlefs he fweeps the dew-drop from the lawn, 
 And wakes the morn with loud unmeaning cry; 
 But when, the Covey's haunt approaching nigh, 
 The powerful fcent his nerve congenial feels, 
 He flops— he fiands with foot extended high, 
 The inllin^live impulfe o'er his fenfes fteals, 
 And all the inborn purpofe of his race reveals. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 Such, and fo fervid, was the glad furprize 
 Of Love, when firft the wandering Hearts he viewed. 
 By Inftin^l led he claimed them as his prize: 
 Where'er they flitting moved he quick purlued; 
 But ftill their fldttilh bounds his grafp elude. 
 'Twas now, when turning round to feize his Bow, 
 He faw it fcattered in confufion rude. 
 That firft lie learned Contrition true to know, 
 To feel how great his lofs, how infinite his woe. 
 
 Dejecfted
 
 38 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 Deje(?ted and forlorn to earth he bowed, 
 Confeffed his error and his fault bewailed. 
 As his flill heart tlie fad ideas crowd, 
 With either hand his blufhing cheeks he veiled; 
 Then with repentant tears high Heaven aflailed, 
 Invoking meekly the indulgent power, 
 Who ne'er to aid the truly contrite failed, 
 Whofe hand protects us in Affliction's hour, 
 When o'er our fuffering fouls dark threatening tempefls lour. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 Nor was his prayer for Mercy breathed in vain. 
 While ftill in agonizing doubt he flood. 
 While goaded flill by harfh reflection's pain 
 And fharp remembrance of reje6led good 
 He wept his foolifh hafte, a brilliant flood 
 Of heaven-defcending fplcndor cheered his fight : 
 With holy dread appeared to fhake tlie wood; 
 A dillant thunder rolled ; and lightnings bright 
 Played thro' the unclouded fky and fliot their harmlcfs light. 
 
 Love
 
 WJEiEPS JPOK THE tO.^-S 1} P HI.T |8«W C.-A-RROW,
 
 i 
 
 i
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 39 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 Love flood in tranfport fixed and filent awe. 
 He hoped for pardon, and he looked for aid, 
 When, thro' the tracklefs fields of air, he faw 
 Two Dove-like forms, in fnow-white plumes arrayed, 
 Their fanning pinions to the winds difplayed. 
 Towards him their courfe dire6l. Approaching nigh 
 Above his head a circling flight they made: 
 To eartli now wantonly they feemed to fly, 
 And now with rapid force to court tlieir native fky. 
 
 XXV. 
 
 But what was Love's delight, his joy how vafl, 
 When, as each winged meffenger defcended, 
 When as witli chaflen'd courfe he near him pafTed, 
 Or quivering hung as if his flight were ended, 
 To fee from each in airy gripe fufpended 
 A Dart and Bow.? His eyes new joy exprelfed. 
 And fpoke the tranlports which his heart dillended; 
 Extatic dreams his eager fancy blefTed 
 Of triumphs doom'd to grace his high predeftined quefl. 
 
 The
 
 40 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 The Doves, now gently finking to the ground, 
 In humble guife to Love their homage pay; 
 And, as with fluttering wing they hover round, 
 Before his feet his Arms Reftored they lay. 
 With fmiles, than openhig fpring more fweet and gay. 
 He thank'd the lovely bearers : then with pride 
 Caught up his Arms. Impatient to aflay 
 Their potent force, his Arrow's point he tried. 
 And to his yielding Bow the well-flretched Cord applied. 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 Thus, when by driving ftorms or foul negle6l. 
 On fome concealed rock or unknown fand 
 The richly laden Ship is nearly wrecked, 
 Aghaft Mdth fear the mariners all ftand ; 
 But if, when righted by the mafter's hand, 
 Some friendly Port fhe chances to attain. 
 Her wrongs repaired and all her timbers fcanned, 
 Boldly fhe ventures on her courfe again, 
 Spreads her extended fails, and proudly cuts the main. 
 
 To
 
 ty 
 
 /i^vAtna <;^^»%<Sf>^«^ * A^j^ ./i^,»*/,\f /J 
 
 HIS AKMS JeXSTOKSJIi.
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 \ 
 
 4
 
 yiC^} 

 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 41 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 To Heaven his warm thankfgiving duly paid, 
 For a6lion Love prepared. Afcending high 
 With rapid pinion, thro' each winding glade, 
 And o'er the fpreading plain he turned his eye, 
 Searching if there the wandering Hearts might lie. 
 His doubtful glances long in vain he caft, 
 Long heaved his bofom with an anxious figh; 
 At length, far diftant and receding faft, 
 He fpied their flitting forms, as o'er the mead they pafled. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 Towards them with eager hafte his flight he bends. 
 And fondly hopes to feize his new-found prey; 
 But when, as near approaching them he tends, 
 Mocking his toils, the Hearts in wanton play 
 With flill fuperior fwiftnefs glide away. 
 As if refolved his purpofe to defeat. 
 But nought avails his fixed purfuit to flay; 
 Boldly he ftill expands his pinions fleet, 
 T' o'erpafs their airy courfe, and flop their coy retreat. 
 
 G Long
 
 42 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 XXX. 
 
 Long doubtful was the ftrife — for many a mile, 
 O'er hill, o'er dale, the Boy maintains the chace; 
 Yet IHII the Hearts his expe6lation foil: 
 And, as he urges tlie uncertain race, 
 With doubled fpeed his efforts they difgrace. 
 But now the chearful Landfcape feemed to change : 
 The long-drawn Vale to rugged Rocks gave place, 
 Which, fcattcred wildly with confufed range. 
 From antic bafe arofe with fummits bare and flrange. 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 High towering far beyond his wild compeers. 
 With browner horror cloathed, more rudely bold. 
 His infulated bulk a Mountain rears. 
 Proud o'er fubje(fted hills his fway to hold, 
 In fullen ftate and domination cold. 
 This Rock, the Hill of Difficulty hight. 
 The all-refrefhing fun-beam ne'er confoled; 
 In icy chains and fnows eternal dight. 
 It frowned witli favage front and dread ftupendous height. 
 
 Still
 
 ;\V ) l>T. ■< AT THK 11111, 1. OK iJlFll-'JC I'll-TY.
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 43 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 Still more it's ftate fequeftered to fecure, 
 Around it's bafe far fpread Morafles deep 
 Foul-mantling ftagnate. From their fource impure 
 Thick noifome exhalations mount the fleep, 
 And towards it's craggy fummit circling creep, 
 Thro' which each precipice more rueful fhewed; 
 While, from the long-colle6led vapour, weep 
 Unceafing fhowers, wafhing the drear abode 
 Where lurk the Adder vile and folitary Toad. 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 It was a place where Joy could never beam, 
 Where never calm Contentednefs could dwell ; 
 For all the woes tliat fancy e'er could dream, 
 And all the horrors of imagined Hell, 
 Were here in colours ftrong depidlured well. 
 The dire contagion tainted wide the air. 
 Binding the fenfes in mephitic fpell; 
 Shrouded in which, his engines to prepare 
 To catch his lucklefs prey, fat brooding grim Defpair. 
 
 G 2 When
 
 44 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 XXXIV. 
 
 When, as intent his obje6l to purfue, 
 At diftance firft young Love the Rock furveyed. 
 Its horrid grandeur his attention drew. 
 His flight awhile unconfcioufly he flayed, 
 While o'er the fcene his eye aftoniflied ftrayed: 
 But when the deep morafs and vapoury gloom 
 Emitting fetid fleams his fenfe dilmayed, 
 Appaird and faint he dropped his ruffled plume, 
 Unable to proceed, or his fond chace refume, 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 Not fo the vigorous Hearts : their rapid flight 
 Nor ever-during fog, nor pool profound. 
 Nor the foul flench which thence arofe, could fright- 
 Uncheck'd by all the prodigies around, 
 Upward they nimbly rife with wanton bound, 
 Nor flop they till the fummit they achieve. 
 When his prcdeftined prey efcaped Love found, 
 He 'gan in mute deipair his lofs to grieve. 
 While gufliing floods of tears his throbbing breaft relieve. 
 
 Ah
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 45 
 
 XXXVI. 
 
 Ah lucldefs Boy ! how feeble yet thy fkill 
 Thro' all it's range thy obje6l to purfue ! 
 How little know'll thou the capricious will 
 Of coy retiring Beauty to fubdue! 
 Bold, when no obftacles impede thy view, 
 Abaflied, when round thee difficulties ftart, 
 Th' haft yet from fufferings, from experience true. 
 And difappointment harfh, to learn the art 
 Which crowns our toils withblifs, and melts the ftubborn heart. 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 The firft effufion of his forrows paft, 
 Love turned again to view the fteep afcent. 
 On the high cliff full many a look he caft. 
 And towards his prey full many a figh he fent. 
 Sighs, which with anguilli fliarp his bofom rent: 
 More fully then the mountain to explore, 
 On every fide his careful ftep he bent; 
 The anxious fearch increafed his pain yet more, 
 For all was wild, abrupt, precipitous and hoar. 
 
 Again
 
 40 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 XXXVIII. 
 
 Again to pierce tlie horrid gloom he tries, 
 And with afpiring flight his prize to feize. 
 But wayward fate again luccefs denies: 
 The exhalations cold his pinions freeze, 
 And damp enflirouding vapours check the breeze. 
 As from the noxious pool they mounting roll. 
 Defponding Love no confolation fees; 
 No expectations cheer his labouring foul. 
 No fondly promifed joys Defpair's approach controul. 
 
 XXXIX. 
 
 The foul contagion now pervades his heart; 
 His moody breafi: dark felon thoughts obfcure: 
 With defperate hand he catches up his dart, 
 Refolved the racking pain no more to endure. 
 And now uplifted with intent impure 
 He held it poifed, when, thro' the fky profound, 
 With rapid wing and dcftination fure, 
 A bright f(Tap]iic vifion Ibught the ground. 
 And heavenly founds were heard, and fplcndors fhone around. 
 
 Her
 
 y/V'icjw^S.*^^ ^»;^t«t^va>4-^j X**— --iKv-^-^y,- 
 
 tvk:v.^" a^vay j-x j?isi"jirB. 
 
 Wii'-*i»w^*« ,>C!> i2a*'^*i^c^. i«^«^/7 ' 
 
 '.;^'7-
 
 ■\ 
 
 .vjKE.T-< "WITH HOPE.
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 47 
 
 XL. 
 
 Her pinions quivered as to earth fhe flew; 
 And, as her outfpread garments waved in air, 
 O'er nature's furface perfumes rich flic threw, 
 Than all Arabia's vaunted llores more rare. 
 Difporting in the wind her golden hair 
 Her lovely face now fliadowcd, now difplayed; 
 And in her hand flie bore with feemly care 
 An Anchor broad, of heavenly fubftance made, 
 Whofe cord difflifive hung, and with the Zephyr played. 
 
 XLI. 
 
 'Twas Hope, kind charmer of the troubled mind; 
 Whofe foflering hand the foul opprelTed befriends, 
 From whom the fuffering wretch can fuccour find, 
 When with his profpedls dark fhe brightnefs blends. 
 Towards Love her courfe the blooming Seraph bends; 
 With genial fmiles fhe fooths his cares to reft; 
 And, while in wonder loft he mute attends, 
 New ardour fills his deeply confcious breaft. 
 Hope joyous faw the effeS:, and thus the Boy addreffed. 
 
 " Whence
 
 48 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 XLII. 
 
 " Whence comes this weaknefs? whence this difcontent? 
 " Think'fl thou, rafli Boy I thy weapon's point can harm 
 " Thy frame aetherial, that with mad intent 
 " Againft thyfelf thy hand thou dareft to arm ? 
 " No more let doubts thy trofibled breaft alarm. 
 " Honour's bright trophy ne'er can be attained, 
 " Ne'er can the foul-tranfporting plaudits charm 
 " For proud achievement won or meed obtained, 
 " Unlefs the guerdon high by previous toil be gained. 
 
 XLIII. 
 
 " And doft thou then in fuUen fadnefs droop, 
 *' 'Caufe adverfe clouds thy livelier profpecSl Hiade? 
 " And does thy finking fpirit baiely ftoop, 
 " If thy fond obje6l by mifchance be flayed? 
 " Again let conftancy thy mind pervade: 
 " Again prepare thy great attempt to make. 
 " From Heaven I come thy purpofe weak to aid. 
 " Then ceale to weep, to manly deeds awake, 
 " Refumc tliy fallen Bow, thy proflrate Arrow take." 
 
 She
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRlUMrH OF LOVE. 4Q 
 
 XLIV. 
 
 She faid:— His cheeks with confcious fhame fuffufed, 
 His voice opprefTed and low, the Boy replied: 
 " Ah! fpare to chide a fpirit felf-aecufed, 
 " Which from itfelf its weaknefs feeks to hide. 
 " Be thou my kind prote6lrefs and my guide : 
 *' I follow wherefoe'er thou lead'ft.— But fay, 
 *' How may my pinions, baffled erft, abide 
 " The Vapour's force, or cut their eager way 
 •' Thro' yon oppreffive gloom, that veils the face of day.^^" 
 
 XLV. 
 
 *' The Vapour foul," replied the Seraph bright, 
 •' Infe6^s 'tis true the craggy mountain's Bafe, 
 " And the thick Gloom which intercepts thy fight 
 *' O'er the Mid region has ufurped a place; 
 " But fee, beyond, attired in air^^ grace, 
 *' Splendid and gay the Rock it's Summit rears. 
 " Thro' the thin void its varied beauties trace; 
 " Mark how the wanton Hearts deride thy tears, 
 " Mock at thy weak defpair, and profit by thy fears. 
 
 H "I fee
 
 50 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 XLVI. 
 
 " I fee tliee burn thine error to retrieve 
 
 " By wordiy deeds. Indulge tlie impulfe pure. 
 
 " Celeftial Boy! this Anchor firm receive, 
 
 " Of potent force thy wounded mind to cure. 
 
 *' 'Tis Perfeverance, Hope's attendant fure, 
 
 "• Whofe w^ell-dire6led efforts beft avail 
 
 " Succefs in toils and perils to procure. 
 
 " Then boldly mount aloft: Love ne'er can fail, 
 " When Perfeverance aids, and Hope dire6ts the gale." 
 
 XLVII. 
 
 Scarce had fhe ended, when the raptured Boy 
 From Hope the mighty boon impatient caught. 
 Its fovereign influence eager to employ. 
 And now already his afpiring thought 
 The proud completion of his labours fought: 
 Grafping the Anchor faft his plumes he fpreads, 
 And thro' the region with contagion fraught 
 Intrepid foars: while Hope her radiance flieds, 
 No circling fog he fears, no gloom opprefTivc dreads. 
 
 When
 
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 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 51 
 
 XLVIII. 
 
 When as his drooping wing, with labour fpent, 
 Menaced the purpofe of his flight to foil, 
 Immortal Hope her favouring fuccour lent. 
 And cheer'd his doubtful labours with a fmile. 
 Well could her looks benign his pains beguile. 
 And Perfeverance, ftill intent to rife, 
 Rejoiced to view his half-accompliflied toil. 
 And with new vigour pointed to his prize. 
 Love foon furmounts the Gloom, and now thro' vEther flies. 
 
 XLIX. 
 
 Nor ceafed his bold career, 'till to the height 
 Where fl:ood the vagrant Hearts he mounting rofe. 
 With grateful joy he hailed the aufpicious fight : 
 And now with generous warmth his bofom glows. 
 As thro' each vein the increafing ardour flows. 
 " Kind Hope!" he cried, " now grant thy fuccour due; 
 " Infpired by thee no fear thy votary knows !" 
 Nor more.— With graceful force his Bow he drew, 
 And from the twanging Cord his barbed Arrow flew. 
 
 H 2 Quick
 
 52 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 L. 
 
 Quick as the glancing lightning went the Dart, 
 While Love in mute fufpence it's courfe purfued. 
 But who can tell his joy, when either Heart 
 At once transfixed his certain prize he viewed? 
 Vanquifhed, no more their coy attempts elude 
 His anxious chace. He holds them as his own. 
 And now, his thanks fincere to Hope renewed, 
 For favours great conferred and mercies fhewn 
 His homage due he pays to Heaven's exalted Throne. 
 
 LI. 
 
 On the broad height, with artlefs foliage graced, 
 His ready hand an Altar foon difpofed. 
 On which the captive Hearts he careful placed. 
 No bloody feafts his facrifice compofcd; 
 But fragrant herbs and incenfe pure impofed, 
 With odours fweet impregnating the gales, 
 The ftrong devotion of his foul difclofed. 
 While the propitious rite fhe fmiling liails, 
 Hope^to his raptured eyes futurity unveils. 
 
 Oh

 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMIMI OF LOVE. 53 
 
 LII. 
 
 " Oh Cherub! born the Univerfe to blefs, 
 " To guide it's laws, and harmonize its courfc, 
 " Revolving ages fhall thy power eonfefs, 
 " Bow to thy fway fupreme, and own the force 
 " Of thee, the caufe of joy and pleafure's fource. 
 " Millions of willing flaves thy court fliall throng, 
 " Unchecked by guilty fear or foul remorfe, 
 *' Midft new delights to boaft thy influence ftrong, 
 " And to Eternal Love to raife the grateful Song. 
 
 LIII. 
 
 " Yet, tho' where nature holds her flmple reign, 
 " No power ufurping fliall thy law confufe, 
 " Think not that when, with innovations vain, 
 *' Society her fway fhall introduce, 
 " And full-grown Paffions fliall the world abufe, 
 " No adverfe toils thy effbrts fliall obflru6l. 
 " Then wild Philofophy fhall feek t'amufe 
 " The enfeebled foul, and confident inflru^l 
 *' With Sophifms dark and falfe, from Hell's deep caverns plucked. 
 
 » All
 
 54 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 LIV. 
 
 " Ah lucklefs Man ! condemned to coimtlefs woes, 
 " Ah ! why infenfate wilt thou quit the joy, 
 " The tranquil pleafure, which from virtue flows, 
 " In dreams of fancied blifs thy mind t'employ, 
 " Wliich idly flattering court but to deftroy? 
 " See — to another Love they Altars raife; 
 " And, while around conflifedly they toy, 
 " On tlie foul flame with maddening zeal they gaze, 
 " And with promifcuous voice the vile Impoflor praife. 
 
 LV. 
 
 " And flrange fantaftic tricks that Boy fhall play, 
 "■ While to his rule the groveling herds fubmit. 
 " Beauty to bleared Deformity fhall pay 
 " A deference bafe and homage moft unfit; 
 " And to broad-flaring Folly, Senfe and Wit, 
 " Compelled by harfh injun6fion, fliall be fold. 
 " Well may Content the genial couch then quit, 
 " When 'charms and worth are trucked for fordid gold, 
 " And Youth is doomed to freeze in Age's bofom cold. 
 
 " But

 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 55 
 
 LVI. 
 
 " But fear not thou— Thy Empire fliall endure : 
 " And, tho' the Impoftor's arts may flill fucceed 
 " To extend his impious fway o'er hearts impure, 
 " Be thine the tafk t' infpire the virtuous deed, 
 " To warm the generous breaft to gain the meed 
 " And the rich trophy which, ere time was known, 
 *' For high dcfert the fovereign voice decreed. 
 " But chiefly Albion's realm thy power lliall own, 
 " There tliy dominion plant, there firmly fix thy throne. 
 
 LVII. 
 " 'Tis there, where Reafon's torch fhall brightly flame, 
 " And Freedom Spread her genial radiance wide 
 *' To blefs her fons with happinefs and fame: 
 " 'Tis there thou fhalt in majefty refide, 
 " And o'er the feeling breaft fupreme prefide. 
 " There, if Corruption rear her hateful head, 
 " From time to time, to check the envenomed tide, 
 " Propitious aid thy favouring hand fliall fhed, 
 " And o'er thy loved domain thy cheering influence fpread. 
 
 " For
 
 56 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 LVIII. 
 
 " For this with care preferve the Hearts thy prize, 
 " Whofe conqiieft well has now repaid thy pain; 
 *' With them triumphantly to Heaven arife: 
 " There to remoter times fhall they remain; 
 " Till, when thy rival's curfed arts fhall gain 
 " Afcendance brief, and Vice fhall dauntlefs rove, 
 " For Virtue's aid to Britain fent again, 
 " On her high Throne examples fhall they prove 
 " Of pure unblemiflied faith, of conftancy and love. 
 
 LIX. 
 
 " Long fliall they flourifh, long with gentle fway 
 " O'er Britons blefl: fhall laft their mild command. 
 " Around, their Offspring in fuperb array, 
 " Their country's future hope and pride, fliall fland. 
 " Of thefe a lovely Fair, with fl^ilful hand, 
 " And touch fublime, thy prowefs fliall record. 
 " When the great fubjedl fliall by Her be planned, 
 *' The world enchanted fliall behold it's Lord 
 " Pourtraycd with nativ^e grace, with all his charms rcfiored." 
 
 Entranced,
 
 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. ^'^ 
 
 LX. 
 
 Entiancet:, ;ve heard the Seraph's cheering voice. 
 Still hung its found upon his liftening ear, 
 Still did the vifion bright his foul rejoice, 
 When, gliding thro' the air ferene, appear 
 His conftant Doves. A Chariot proud they bear, 
 Which o'er fubje6ted clouds relplendent rolled. 
 Of heavenly fubftance formed. Approaching near 
 It's varied beauties by degrees unfold, 
 It's rich pellucid gems and highly polilbcd gold. 
 
 LXI. 
 
 As the machine fublime Love viewed afar. 
 His throbbing breaft with unknown tranfport beat. 
 Up-ftarting quick, the gay triumphal car 
 With pinion wide out-ftretched he flew to meet, 
 Rejoiced again his faithful Doves to greet. 
 Straight piled he up his Arms in trim array. 
 And placed his Hearts on the high Chariot's feat: 
 Hope fmiling fpread her wings, and led the way 
 To realms of endlefs blifs and empyrean day. 
 
 I And
 
 58 THE BIRTH AND TRIUMPH OF LOVE. 
 
 LXII. 
 
 And now victorious Love the World forfook. 
 Yet, as thro' Other's fields his courfe he bent, 
 Towards his loved Planet a departing look. 
 And an unconfcious figh he fondly fent. 
 But foon regret gave way to pure content : 
 For now the gates of Heaven far beaming fhone, 
 Now thro' Angelic Hofts he joyfiil went. 
 His Quefi performed, his high Achievement won, 
 To lay his glorious Prize before th' Eternal Throne. 
 
 FINIS.
 
 G
 
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