Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 36.djvu/285

Would thou couldst hold with prudent, steady hand,
 Europa’s balance, shut up Janus’ shrine;
Make feuds and discords cease at thy command,
 And bring from heaven Astrea, maid divine.

Would France’s treasures were dispersed no more,
 But prudently within the realm applied;
Opulence to our cities to restore,
 And make them flourishing on every side.

You arts from heaven, and from the muses sprung,
 Whom Louis brought triumphant into France;
Too long your hands are idle, lyres unstrung,
 ’Tis time to start from so profound a trance.

Your labors are of lasting glory sure,
 Whilst warlike pomps, the triumphs of a day,
Blaze for a moment, never long endure,
 But soon like fleeting shadows pass away.