Page:The Pleasures of Imagination - Akenside (1744).djvu/43

Ilissus^{[O 1]} pure devolv'd his tuneful stream
In gentler murmurs. From the blooming store595
Of these auspicious fields, may I unblam'd
Transplant some living blossoms to adorn
My native clime: while far above the flight
Of fancy's plume aspiring, I unlock.
The springs of ancient wisdom; while I join600
Thy name, thrice honour'd! with th' immortal praise
Of nature; while to my compatriot youth
I point the high example of thy sons,
And tune to Attic themes the British lyre.

 

End of the FIRST BOOK.

 

 

1. Ilissus.] One of the rivers on which Athens was situated. Plato, in some of his finest dialogues, lays the scene of the conversation with Socrates on its banks.

ARGU-