UPON A VISIT to the same in Winter, 1748.
18th Century William Shenstone EnglishUPON A VISIT to the same in Winter, 1748.
By the Same.
I.
ON fair Asteria's blissful plains, Where ever-blooming Fancy reigns, How pleas'd we pass the winter's day; And charm the dull-ey'd Spleen away!
II.
No linnet, from the leafless bough, Pours forth her note melodious now; But all admire Asteria's tongue, Nor wish the linnet's vernal song.
III.
No flow'rs emit their transient rays: Yet sure Asteria's wit displays More various tints, more glowing lines, And with perennial beauty shines.
IV.
Tho' rifled groves and fetter'd streams But ill befriend a poet's dreams: Asteria's presence wakes the lyre; And well supplies poetick fire.
V.
The fields have lost their lovely dye; No chearful azure decks the sky; Yet still we bless the louring day: Asteria smiles — and all is gay.
VI.
Hence let the Muse no more presume To blame the Winter's dreary gloom; Accuse his loitering hours no more; But ah! their envious haste deplore!
VII.
For soon, from wit and friendship's reign, The social hearth, the sprightly vein, I go — to meet the coming year, On savage plains, and deserts drear!
VIII.
I go — to feed on pleasures flown, Nor find the spring my loss atone! But 'mid the flowery sweets of May With pride recal this winter's day.