Page:The Poems of John Dyer (1903).djvu/94

Blithe o'er your toils, with wonted song, proceed :
Fear not surcharge ; your hands will ever find
Ample employment. In the strife of trade 90
These curious instruments of speed obtain
Various advantage, and the diligent
Supply with exercise, as fountains sure,
Which ever-gliding feed the flow'ry lawn :
Nor, should the careful State, severely kind, 95
In every province to the house of toil
Compel the vagrant, and each implement
Of ruder art, the comb, the card, the wheel,
Teach their unwilling hands, nor yet complain :
Yours with the public good shall ever rise, 100
Ever, while o'er the lawns and airy downs
The bleating sheep and shepherd's pipe are heard ;
While in the brook ye blanch the glist'ning Fleece,
And th' am'rous youth, delighted with your toils,
Quavers the choicest of his sonnets, warm'd 105
By growing traffic, friend to wedded love.
The am'rous youth, with various hopes inflam'd,
Now on the busy stage see him step forth,
With beating breast : high-honour'd he beholds
Rich industry. First he bespeaks a loom ; 110
From some thick wood the carpenter selects
A slender oak, or beech of glossy trunk,
Or sapling ash : he shapes the sturdy beam,
The posts, and treadles, and the frame combines :
The smith, with iron-screws and plated hoops, 115
Confirms the strong machine, and gives the bolt
That strains the roll. To these the turner's lathe
And graver's knife the hollow shuttle add.
Various professions in the work unite,
For each on each depends. Thus he acquires 120
The curious engine, work of subtle skill ;
Howe'er in vulgar use around the globe.