Page:Poems upon Several Occasions.djvu/134

As Veils transparent cover, but not hide,
Such Metaphors appear, when right apply'd;
When, thro' the Phrase, we plainly see the Sense,
Truth with such obvious Meanings will dispense,
The Reader what in Reason's due believes,
Nor can we call that false which not deceives.
Hyperboles so daring and so bold,
Disdaining Bounds, are yet by Rules control'd;
Above the Clouds, but yet within our Sight,
They mount with Truth, and make a tow'ring Flight,
Presenting Things impossible to View,
They wander thro' Incredible, to True:
Falshoods thus mix'd, like Metals are refin'd,
And Truth, like Silver, leaves the Dross behind.
Thus Poetry has ample Space to soar,
Nor needs forbidden Regions to explore;
Such Vaunts as his who can with Patience read,
Who thus describes his Hero when he's dead?
"In Heat of Action slain, yet scorns to fall,
But still maintains the War, and fights at———All."
The noisie Culverin, o'er-charg'd, lets fly,
And bursts, unaiming, in the rended Sky;
Such frantick Flights are like a Madman's Dream,
And Nature suffers in the wild Extream.
The Captive Canibal, opprest with Chains,
Yet braves his Foes, reviles, provokes, disdains,
Of Nature fierce, untameable, and proud,
He bids Defiance to the gaping Croud,

And