It can not lay its hands on these, no more Than it can pluck his brightness from the sun, Ges. But it can make thee writhe. Tell. It may. Ges. And groan. Tell. It may; and I may cry, Go on, though it should make me groan again. Ges. Whence comest thou? Tell. From the mountains. Wouldst thou learn What news from them? Ges. Canst tell me any? Tell. Ay: They watch no more the avalanche. Ges. Why so? Tell. Because they look for thee. The hurricane Comes unawares upon them; from its bed The torrent breaks, and finds them in its track. Tell. Thank Heaven it is not thou! Thou hast perverted nature in them. The earth As they were things a deadly plague had smit. As something they must lose, and richer were Ges. That's right! I'd have them like their hills, That never smile, though wanton summer tempt Them e'er so much. AN A' CRE ON is the name of a Greek poet that flourished about five hundred and fifty years before Christ. He was born at Teos, a city on the coast of Ionia, in Asia Minor. We know little about his personal history; but his character-that of a vain voluptuary-is sufficiently shown in his writings. Yet his poems discover a grace, delicacy, and general finish, that might well adorn a far better character in the writer, and far higher themes than those on which he has written. The following is a fair specimen of his style, so far as it is susceptible of an English dress. CUPID'S ADVENTURE. I. ANACREON (translated by MOORE*). 'Twas noon of night, when round the pole The sullen Bear is seen to roll; And mortals, wearied with the day, *See Exercise CXXV Un I teach me who is God, and where His glories shine, That I may kneel and pray, and call thy Father mine II. Gaze on that arch above; The glittering vault admire. Who taught those orbs to move? Who lit their ceaseless fire? Who guides the moon to run There view immensity! behold! my God is there; The sun, the moon, the stars, His majesty declare III. See where the mountains rise; Through all her wildest dells, His footsteps I pursue; He reared those giant cliffs, supplies that dashing stream, Provides the daily food which stills the wild bird's scream. IV. Look on that world of waves, Tempest and calms obey the same almighty voice Which rules the earth and skies, and bids far worlds rejoics. V. No human thoughts can soar That God is everywhere: The viewless Spirit! He-immortal, holy, blest: |