58
Gave me to scan each ancient sage's theme,
Zeno's stern rule, and Plato's learned dream.
Here, too, with letter'd friends, of heart sincere,
Unknown to fame, but not to me less dear;
Whom Heav'n still spares to bless my riper days,
Kind in their blame, and honest in their praise;
Full oft I lov'd to sooth the weary hour,
And lose the toil of Thought in Friendship's pow'r.
Ere yet soft Eve had clos'd the summer day,
Or gloomy Winter trimm'd the taper's ray,
Learning withdrew, his bow with care unstrung,
And the gay hall with lively converse rung.
"Pray what new work to day?" "Another strain!"
"The author? subject? title? style? explain"
Zeno's stern rule, and Plato's learned dream.
Here, too, with letter'd friends, of heart sincere,
Unknown to fame, but not to me less dear;
Whom Heav'n still spares to bless my riper days,
Kind in their blame, and honest in their praise;
Full oft I lov'd to sooth the weary hour,
And lose the toil of Thought in Friendship's pow'r.
Ere yet soft Eve had clos'd the summer day,
Or gloomy Winter trimm'd the taper's ray,
Learning withdrew, his bow with care unstrung,
And the gay hall with lively converse rung.
"Pray what new work to day?" "Another strain!"
"The author? subject? title? style? explain"
