Stanzas Occasion'D By Reading Mr. Pope's Imitation Of Horace, Book Iv. Ode I. Poem by Samuel Boyse

While POPE to Friendship consecrates the Lyre,
The Loves to hear the Notes assembled throng:
And with the softness of renew'd desire,
Inflame the dear re-animated Song:
Unrivall'd Bard! — the kindly task forbear,
The Youth before had worth enough to boast;
You ORPHEUS-like, but raise the Syren air;
The British Nymphs approach! — Your Friend is lost.
Hard fate! a praise so wish'd as yours to shun,
Or by the fair Encomium risque to be undone.

But oh I err! — and M—Y must forgive
A fame that brings such unexampled bliss.
To love is sure the noblest way to live:
Grandeur and wealth are toys compar'd to this.
Descend, dear Youth! the shining guest await;
For beauty's Queen the roseate bower prepare:
Let her gay smiles adorn thy rising fate,
And soften all the pomp of future care:
And, like ADONIS, boast the envy'd pow'r,
To charm the wise and fair — which POPE must charm no more.