Page:The Poems of John Dyer (1903).djvu/99

Behold in Calder's vale, where wide around
Unnumber'd villas creep the shrubby hills, 260
A spacious dome for this fair purpose rise :
High o'er the open gates, with gracious air,
Eliza's image stands. By gentle steps
Up-rais'd, from room to room we slowly walk,
And view with wonder, and with silent joy, 265
The sprightly scene ; where many a busy hand,
Where spoles, cards, wheels, and looms, with motion quick,
And ever-murm'ring sound, th' unwonted sense
Wrap in surprise. To see them all employ'd,
All blithe, it gives the spreading heart delight, 270
As neither meats, nor drinks, nor aught of joy
Corporeal can bestow. Nor less they gain
Virtue than wealth, while, on their useful works
From day to day intent, in their full minds
Evil no place can find. With equal scale 275
Some deal abroad the well-assorted Fleece ;
These card the short, those comb the longer flake;
Others the harsh and clotted lock receive,
Yet sever and refine with patient toil,
And bring to proper use. Flax too, and hemp, 280
Excite their diligence. The younger hands
Ply at the easy work of winding yarn
On swiftly-circling engines, and their notes
Warble together as a choir of larks ;
Such joy arises in the mind employ'd. 285
Another scene displays the more robust
Rasping or grinding tough Brasilian woods,
And what Campeachy's disputable shore
Copious affords to tinge the thrifty web,
And the Caribbee isles, whose dulcet canes 290