Come then, and leave the Waves tumultuous roar,
Let the wild Surges vainly beat the Shore.
LYCIDAS.
The same you sung alone one starry Night;
The Tune I still retain, but not the Words.
MOERIS.
To know the Seasons when the Stars arise?
See Cæsar's Lamp is lighted in the Skies:65
The Star, whose Rays the blushing Grapes adorn,
And swell the kindly ripening Ears of Corn.
Under this influence, graft the tender Shoot;
Thy Childrens Children shall enjoy the Fruit.
The rest I have forgot, for Cares and Time70
Change all things, and untune my Soul to Rhyme:
I cou'd have once sung down a Summer's Sun,
But now the Chime of Poetry is done.
My Voice grows hoarse; I feel the Notes decay,
As if the Wolves had seen me first to Day.75
But these, and more than I to mind can bring,
Menalcas has not yet forgot to sing.
LYCIDAS.
And now the Waves rowl silent to the Shore.
Husht Winds the topmost Branches scarcely bend,80
As if thy tuneful Song they did attend:
