The mind is relieved and strengthened by variety; and he
that sometimes is sporting with his pen, is only taking the most effectual
means of giving a general importance to it. This truth is clear from the
knowledge of human nature, and of history; from which I could cite very
celebrated instances, did I not fear that, by citing them, I should
condemn myself, who am so little qualified to follow their example in its
full extent.
Ocean. An Ode.
Let the sea make a noise, let the floods clap their hands.
PSALM XCVIII.
Sweet rural scene!
Of flocks and green!
At careless ease my limbs are spread;
All nature still,
But yonder rill;
And list'ning pines nod o'er my head:
In prospect wide,
The boundless tide!
Waves cease to foam, and winds to roar;
Without a breeze,
The curling seas
Dance on, in measure to the shore.
Who sings the source
Of wealth and force?
Vast field of commerce, and big war,
Where wonders dwell!
Where terrors swell!
And Neptune thunders from his car?
Where? where are they,
Whom Paean's ray
Has touch'd, and bid divinely rave?--
What! none aspire?
I snatch the lyre,
And plunge into the foaming wave.
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