By heaven's enthusiastic impulse taught,
What shining visions rose on Plato's thought!
While by the Muses gently winding flood,
His s arching fancy trac'd the sovereign good!
The laurell'd sisters touch'd the vocal lyre,
And wisdom's goddess led their tuneful choir.
Beneath the genial Plantane's spreading shade,
How sweet the philosophic music play'd!
Thro' all the grove, along the flowery shore,
The charming sounds responsive echoes bore.
Here, from the cares of vulgar life refin'd,
Immortal pleasures open'd on his mind:
In gay succession to his ravish'd eyes
The animating powers of Beauty rise;
On every object round, above, below,
Quick to the sight her vivid colours glow:
Yet, not to matter's shadowy forms confin'd,
The fair and good he sought remain'd behind:
Till gradual rising thro' the boundless whole,
He view'd the blooming graces of the soul;
Where, to the beam of intellectual day,
The genuine charms of moral beauty play:
With pleasing force the strong attractions move
Each finer sense, and tune it into love.