Page:The Progress of Poetry - Madan (1783).djvu/14

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Politely wise, with calm well-govern'd rageHe lash'd the reigning follies of the age;With wit, not spleen, indulgently severe,To reach the heart, he charm'd the list'ning ear:When soothing themes each milder note employ,Each milder note swells soft to Love and Joy,Smooth as the same-presaging doves, yet spreadProphetic wreaths around his infant head.
Ye numerous Bards unsung (whose various laysA genius equal to your own should praise)Forgive the Muse, who feels an inbred flame,Resistless, to exalt her Country's fame:A foreign task she leaves—she turns her eyesWhere her own Britain's fav'rite towers arise;

Where

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