Lead to the bliss she promises the wise, Detach the soul from earth, and speed her to the skies? Ye devotees to your adored employ, Enthusiasts, drunk with an unreal joy, Love makes the music of the blest above, Heaven's harmony is universal love; And earthly sounds, though sweet and well com bined, And lenient as soft opiates to the mind, Leave vice and folly unsubdued behind. Gray dawn appears; the sportsman and his train Speckle the bosom of the distant plain; 'Tis he, the Nimrod of the neighbouring lairs, "Tis exercise, and health, and length of days. The Babylonian tyrant with a nod Had summoned them to serve his golden god. So well that thought the employment seems to suit, Psaltery and sackbut, dulcimer and flute. Oh fie! 'tis evangelical and pure: Observe each face, how sober and demure! Ecstasy sets her stamp on every mien; Chins fallen, and not an eye-ball to be seen. Has charmed me much, (not even Occiduus more) Will not the sickliest sheep of Resort to this example as a rock; every flock There stand, and justify the foul abuse To play the fool on Sundays, why not we? As inoffensive, what offence in cards? |