UPON 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.