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CYDER.

BOOK I.

1 WHAT Soil the Apple loves, what Care is due
2 To Orchats, timeliest when to press the Fruits,
3 Thy Gift, Pomona, in Miltonian Verse
4 Adventrous I presume to sing; of Verse
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5 Nor skill'd, nor studious: But my Native Soil
6 Invites me, and the Theme as yet unsung.
7 Ye Ariconian Knights, and fairest Dames,
8 To whom propitious Heav'n these Blessings grants,
9 Attend my Layes; nor hence disdain to learn,
10 How Nature's Gifts may be improv'd by Art.
11 And thou, O Mostyn, whose Benevolence,
12 And Candor, oft experienc'd, Me vouchsaf'd
13 To knit in Friendship, growing still with Years,
14 Accept this Pledge of Gratitude and Love.
15 May it a lasting Monument remain
16 Of dear Respect; that, when this Body frail
17 Is moulder'd into Dust, and I become
18 As I had never been, late Times may know
19 I once was blest in such a matchless Friend.
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20 Who-e'er expects his lab'ring Trees shou'd bend
21 With Fruitage, and a kindly Harvest yield,
22 Be this his first Concern; to find a Tract
23 Impervious to the Winds, begirt with Hills,
24 That intercept the Hyperborean Blasts
25 Tempestuous, and cold Eurus nipping Force,
26 Noxious to feeble Buds: But to the West
27 Let him free Entrance grant, let Zephyrs bland
28 Administer their tepid genial Airs;
29 Naught fear he from the West, whose gentle Warmth
30 Discloses well the Earth's all-teeming Womb,
31 Invigorating tender Seeds; whose Breath
32 Nurtures the Orange, and the Citron Groves,
33 Hesperian Fruits, and wafts their Odours sweet
34 Wide thro' the Air, and distant Shores perfumes.
35 Nor only do the Hills exclude the Winds:
36 But, when the blackning Clouds in sprinkling Show'rs
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37 Distill, from the high Summits down the Rain
38 Runs trickling; with the fertile Moisture chear'd,
39 The Orchats smile; joyous the Farmers see
40 Their thriving Plants, and bless the heav'nly Dew.
41 Next, let the Planter, with Discretion meet,
42 The Force and Genius of each Soil explore;
43 To what adapted, what it shuns averse:
44 Without this necessary Care, in vain
45 He hopes an Apple-Vintage, and invokes
46 Pomona's Aid in vain. The miry Fields,
47 Rejoycing in rich Mold, most ample Fruit
48 Of beauteous Form produce; pleasing to Sight,
49 But to the Tongue inelegant and flat.
50 So Nature has decreed; so, oft we see
51 Men passing fair, in outward Lineaments
52 Elaborate; less, inwardly, exact.
53 Nor from the sable Ground expect Success,
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54 Nor from cretaceous, stubborn and jejune:
55 The Must, of pallid Hue, declares the Soil
56 Devoid of Spirit; wretched He, that quaffs
57 Such wheyish Liquors; oft with Colic Pangs,
58 With pungent Colic Pangs distress'd, he'll roar,
59 And toss, and turn, and curse th' unwholsome Draught.
60 But, Farmer, look, where full-ear'd Sheaves of Rye
61 Grow wavy on the Tilth, that Soil select
62 For Apples; thence thy Industry shall gain
63 Ten-fold Reward; thy Garners, thence with Store
64 Surcharg'd, shall burst; thy Press with purest Juice
65 Shall flow, which, in revolving Years, may try
66 Thy feeble Feet, and bind thy fault'ring Tongue.
67 Such is the Kentchurch, such Dantzeyan Ground,
68 Such thine, O learned Brome, and Capel such,
69 Willisian Burlton, much-lov'd Geers his Marsh,
70 And Sutton-Acres, drench'd with Regal Blood
71 Of Ethelbert, when to th' unhallow'd Feast
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72 Of Mercian Offa he invited came,
73 To treat of Spousals: Long connubial Joys
74 He promis'd to himself, allur'd by Fair
75 Elfrida's Beauty; but deluded dy'd
76 In height of Hopes Oh! hardest Fate, to fall
77 By Shew of Friendship, and pretended Love!
78 I nor advise, nor reprehend the Choice
79 Of Marcley-Hill; the Apple no where finds
80 A kinder Mold: Yet 'tis unsafe to trust
81 Deceitful Ground: Who knows but that, once more,
82 This Mount may journey, and, his present Site
83 Forsaking, to thy Neighbours Bounds transfer
84 The goodly Plants, affording Matter strange
85 For Law-Debates? If, therefore, thou incline
86 To deck this Rise with Fruits of various Tastes,
87 Fail not by frequent Vows t' implore Success;
88 Thus piteous Heav'n may fix the wand'ring Glebe.
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89 But if (for Nature doth not share alike
90 Her Gifts) an happy Soil shou'd be with-held;
91 If a penurious Clay shou'd be thy Lot,
92 Or rough unweildy Earth, nor to the Plough,
93 Nor to the Cattle kind, with sandy Stones
94 And Gravel o'er-abounding, think it not
95 Beneath thy Toil; the sturdy Pear-tree here
96 Will rise luxuriant, and with toughest Root
97 Pierce the obstructing Grit, and restive Marle.
98 Thus naught is useless made; nor is there Land,
99 But what, or of it self, or else compell'd,
100 Affords Advantage. On the barren Heath
101 The Shepherd tends his Flock, that daily crop
102 Their verdant Dinner from the mossie Turf,
103 Sufficient; after them the Cackling Goose,
104 Close-grazer, finds wherewith to ease her Want.
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105 What shou'd I more? Ev'n on the cliffy Height
106 Of Penmenmaur, and that Cloud-piercing Hill,
107 Plinlimmon, from afar the Traveller kens
108 Astonish'd, how the Goats their shrubby Brouze
109 Gnaw pendent; nor untrembling canst thou see,
110 How from a scraggy Rock, whose Prominence
111 Half overshades the Ocean, hardy Men,
112 Fearless of rending Winds, and dashing Waves,
113 Cut Sampire, to excite the squeamish Gust
114 Of pamper'd Luxury. Then, let thy Ground
115 Not lye unlabour'd; if the richest Stem
116 Refuse to thrive, yet who wou'd doubt to plant
117 Somewhat, that may to Human Use redound,
118 And Penury, the worst of Ills, remove?
119 There are, who, fondly studious of Increase,
120 Rich Foreign Mold on their ill-natur'd Land
121 Induce laborious, and with fatning Muck
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122 Besmear the Roots; in vain! the nurseling Grove
123 Seems fair awhile, cherish'd with foster Earth:
124 But, when the alien Compost is exhaust,
125 It's native Poverty again prevails.
126 Tho' this Art fails, despond not; little Pains,
127 In a due Hour employ'd, great Profit yield.
128 Th' Industrious, when the Sun in Leo rides,
129 And darts his sultriest Beams, portending Drought,
130 Forgets not at the Foot of ev'ry Plant
131 To sink a circling Trench, and daily pour
132 A just Supply of alimental Streams,
133 Exhausted Sap recruiting; else, false Hopes
134 He cherishes, nor will his Fruit expect
135 Th' autumnal Season, but, in Summer's Pride,
136 When other Orchats smile, abortive fail.
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137 Thus the great Light of Heav'n, that in his Course
138 Surveys and quickens all things, often proves
139 Noxious to planted Fields, and often Men
140 Perceive his Influence dire: sweltring they run
141 To Grots, and Caves, and the cool Umbrage seek
142 Of woven Arborets, and oft the Rills
143 Still streaming fresh revisit, to allay
144 Thirst inextinguishable: But if the Spring
145 Preceding shou'd be destitute of Rain,
146 Or Blast Septentrional with brushing Wings
147 Sweep up the smoaky Mists, and Vapours damp,
148 Then wo to Mortals! Titan then exerts
149 His Heat intense, and on our Vitals preys;
150 Then Maladies of various Kinds, and Names
151 Unknown, malignant Fevers, and that Foe
152 To blooming Beauty, which imprints the Face
153 Of fairest Nymph, and checks our growing Love,
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154 Reign far and near; grim Death, in different Shapes,
155 Depopulates the Nations, thousands fall
156 His Victims, Youths, and Virgins, in their Flower,
157 Reluctant die, and sighing leave their Loves
158 Unfinish'd, by infectious Heav'n destroy'd.
159 Such Heats prevail'd, when fair Eliza, last
160 Of Winchcomb's Name (next Thee in Blood, and Worth,
161 O fairest St. John!) left this toilsome World
162 In Beauty's Prime, and sadden'd all the Year:
163 Nor cou'd her Virtues, nor repeated Vows
164 Of thousand Lovers, the relentless Hand
165 Of Death arrest; She with the Vulgar fell,
166 Only distinguish'd by this humble Verse.
167 But if it please the Sun's intemp'rate Force
168 To know, attend; whilst I of ancient Fame
169 The Annals trace, and image to thy Mind,
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170 How our Fore-fathers, (luckless Men!) ingulft
171 By the wide yawning Earth, to Stygian Shades
172 Went quick, in one sad Sepulchre enclos'd.
173 In elder Days, e'er yet the Roman Bands
174 Victorious, this our Other World subdu'd,
175 A spacious City stood, with firmest Walls
176 Sure mounded, and with numerous Turrets crown'd,
177 Aerial Spires, and Citadels, the Seat
178 Of Kings, and Heroes resolute in War,
179 Fam'd Ariconium; uncontroul'd, and free,
180 'Till all-subduing Latian Arms prevail'd.
181 Then also, tho' to foreign Yoke submiss,
182 She undemolish'd stood, and even 'till now
183 Perhaps had stood, of ancient British Art
184 A pleasing Monument, not less admir'd
185 Than what from Attic, or Etruscan Hands
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186 Arose; had not the Heav'nly Pow'rs averse
187 Decreed her final Doom: For now the Fields
188 Labour'd with Thirst, Aquarius had not shed
189 His wonted Show'rs, and Sirius parch'd with Heat
190 Solstitial the green Herb: Hence 'gan relax
191 The Ground's Contexture, hence Tartarean Dregs,
192 Sulphur, and nitrous Spume, enkindling fierce,
193 Bellow'd within their darksom Caves, by far
194 More dismal than the loud disploded Roar
195 Of brazen Enginry, that ceaseless storm
196 The Bastion of a well-built City, deem'd
197 Impregnable: Th' infernal Winds, 'till now
198 Closely imprison'd, by Titanian Warmth,
199 Dilating, and with unctuous Vapours fed,
200 Disdain'd their narrow Cells; and, their full Strength
201 Collecting, from beneath the solid Mass
202 Upheav'd, and all her Castles rooted deep
203 Shook from their lowest Seat; old Vaga's Stream,
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204 Forc'd by the sudden Shock, her wonted Track
205 Forsook, and drew her humid Train aslope,
206 Crankling her Banks: And now the low'ring Sky,
207 And baleful Lightning, and the Thunder, Voice
208 Of angry Gods, that rattled solemn, dismaid
209 The sinking Hearts of Men. Where shou'd they turn
210 Distress'd? Whence seek for Aid? when from below
211 Hell threatens, and ev'n Fate supreme gives Signs
212 Of Wrath and Desolation? Vain were Vows,
213 And Plaints, and suppliant Hands, to Heav'n erect!
214 Yet some to Fanes repair'd, and humble Rites
215 Perform'd to Thor, and Woden, fabled Gods,
216 Who with their Vot'ries in one Ruin shar'd,
217 Crush'd, and o'erwhelm'd. Others, in frantick Mood,
218 Run howling thro' the Streets, their hideous Yells
219 Rend the dark Welkin; Horror stalks around,
220 Wild-staring, and, his sad Concomitant,
221 Despair, of abject Look: At ev'ry Gate
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222 The thronging Populace with hasty Strides
223 Press furious, and, too eager of Escape,
224 Obstruct the easie Way; the rocking Town
225 Supplants their Footsteps; to, and fro, they reel
226 Astonish'd, as o'er-charg'd with Wine; when lo!
227 The Ground adust her riven Mouth disparts,
228 Horrible Chasm, profound! with swift Descent
229 Old Ariconium sinks, and all her Tribes,
230 Heroes, and Senators, down to the Realms
231 Of endless Night. Mean while, the loosen'd Winds
232 Infuriate, molten Rocks and flaming Globes
233 Hurl'd high above the Clouds; 'till, all their Force
234 Consum'd, her rav'nous Jaws th' Earth satiate clos'd.
235 Thus this fair City fell, of which the Name
236 Survives alone; nor is there found a Mark,
237 Whereby the curious Passenger may learn
238 Her ample Site, save Coins, and mould'ring Urns,
239 And huge unweildy Bones, lasting Remains
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240 Of that Gigantic Race; which, as he breaks
241 The clotted Glebe, the Plowman haply finds,
242 Appall'd. Upon that treacherous Tract of Land,
243 She whilome stood; now Ceres, in her Prime,
244 Smiles fertile, and, with ruddiest Freight bedeckt,
245 The Apple-Tree, by our Fore-fathers Blood
246 Improv'd, that now recalls the devious Muse,
247 Urging her destin'd Labours to persue.
248 The Prudent will observe, what Passions reign
249 In various Plants (for not to Man alone,
250 But all the wide Creation, Nature gave
251 Love, and Aversion): Everlasting Hate
252 The Vine to Ivy bears, nor less abhors
253 The Coleworts Rankness; but, with amorous Twine,
254 Clasps the tall Elm: the Pæstan Rose unfolds
255 Her Bud, more lovely, near the fetid Leek,
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256 (Crest of stout Britons,) and inhances thence
257 The Price of her celestial Scent: The Gourd,
258 And thirsty Cucumber, when they perceive
259 Th' approaching Olive, with Resentment fly
260 Her fatty Fibres, and with Tendrils creep
261 Diverse, detesting Contact; whilst the Fig
262 Contemns not Rue, nor Sage's humble Leaf,
263 Close neighbouring: The Herefordian Plant
264 Caresses freely the contiguous Peach,
265 Hazel, and weight-resisting Palm, and likes
266 T' approach the Quince, and th' Elder's pithy Stem;
267 Uneasie, seated by funereal Yeugh,
268 Or Walnut, (whose malignant Touch impairs
269 All generous Fruits), or near the bitter Dews
270 Of Cherries. Therefore, weigh the Habits well
271 Of Plants, how they associate best, nor let
272 Ill Neighbourhood corrupt thy hopeful Graffs.
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273 Wouldst thou, thy Vats with gen'rous Juice should froth?
274 Respect thy Orchats; think not, that the Trees
275 Spontaneous will produce an wholsom Draught.
276 Let Art correct thy Breed; from Parent Bough
277 A Cyon meetly sever; after, force
278 A way into the Crabstock's close-wrought Grain
279 By Wedges, and within the living Wound
280 Enclose the Foster Twig; nor over-nice
281 Refuse with thy own Hands around to spread
282 The binding Clay: Ee'r-long their differing Veins
283 Unite, and kindly Nourishment convey
284 To the new Pupil; now he shoots his Arms
285 With quickest Growth; now shake the teeming Trunc,
286 Down rain th' impurpl'd Balls, ambrosial Fruit.
287 Whether the Wilding's Fibres are contriv'd
288 To draw th' Earth's purest Spirit, and resist
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289 It's Feculence, which in more porous Stocks
290 Of Cyder-Plants finds Passage free, or else
291 The native Verjuice of the Crab, deriv'd
292 Thro' th' infix'd Graff, a grateful Mixture forms
293 Of tart and sweet; whatever be the Cause,
294 This doubtful Progeny by nicest Tastes
295 Expected best Acceptance finds, and pays
296 Largest Revenues to the Orchat-Lord.
297 Some think, the Quince and Apple wou'd combine
298 In happy Union; Others fitter deem
299 The Sloe-Stem bearing Sylvan Plums austere.
300 Who knows but Both may thrive? Howe'er, what loss
301 To try the Pow'rs of Both, and search how far
302 Two different Natures may concur to mix
303 In close Embraces, and strange Off-spring bear?
304 Thoul't find that Plants will frequent Changes try,
305 Undamag'd, and their marriageable Arms
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306 Conjoin with others. So Silurian Plants
307 Admit the Peache's odoriferous Globe,
308 And Pears of sundry Forms; at diff'rent times
309 Adopted Plums will aliene Branches grace;
310 And Men have gather'd from the Hawthorn's Branch
311 Large Medlars, imitating regal Crowns.
312 Nor is it hard to beautifie each Month
313 With Files of particolour'd Fruits, that please
314 The Tongue, and View, at once. So Maro's Muse,
315 Thrice sacred Muse! commodious Precepts gives
316 Instructive to the Swains, not wholly bent
317 On what is gainful: Sometimes she diverts
318 From solid Counsels, shews the Force of Love
319 In savage Beasts; how Virgin Face divine
320 Attracts the hapless Youth thro' Storms, and Waves,
321 Alone, in deep of Night: Then she describes
322 The Scythian Winter, nor disdains to sing,
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323 How under Ground the rude Riphæan Race
324 Mimic brisk Cyder with the Brakes Product wild;
325 Sloes pounded, Hips, and Servis' harshest Juice.
326 Let sage Experience teach thee all the Arts
327 Of Grafting, and In-Eyeing; when to lop
328 The flowing Branches; what Trees answer best
329 From Root, or Kernel: She will best the Hours
330 Of Harvest, and Seed-time declare; by Her
331 The diff'rent Qualities of things were found,
332 And secret Motions; how with heavy Bulk
333 Volatile Hermes, fluid and unmoist,
334 Mounts on the Wings of Air; to Her we owe
335 The Indian Weed, unknown to ancient Times,
336 Nature's choice Gift, whose acrimonious Fume
337 Extracts superfluous Juices, and refines
338 The Blood distemper'd from its noxious Salts;
339 Friend to the Spirits, which with Vapours bland
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340 It gently mitigates, Companion fit
341 Of Pleasantry, and Wine; nor to the Bards
342 Unfriendly, when they to the vocal Shell
343 Warble melodious their well-labour'd Songs.
344 She found the polish'd Glass, whose small Convex
345 Enlarges to ten Millions of Degrees
346 The Mite, invisible else, of Nature's Hand
347 Least Animal; and shews, what Laws of Life
348 The Cheese-Inhabitants observe, and how
349 Fabrick their Mansions in the harden'd Milk,
350 Wonderful Artists! But the hidden Ways
351 Of Nature wouldst thou know? how first she frames
352 All things in Miniature? thy Specular Orb
353 Apply to well-dissected Kernels; lo!
354 Strange Forms arise, in each a little Plant
355 Unfolds its Boughs: observe the slender Threads
356 Of first-beginning Trees, their Roots, their Leaves,
357 In narrow Seeds describ'd; Thou'lt wond'ring say,
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358 An inmate Orchat ev'ry Apple boasts.
359 Thus All things by Experience are display'd,
360 And Most improv'd. Then sedulously think
361 To meliorate thy Stock; no Way, or Rule
362 Be unassay'd; prevent the Morning Star
363 Assiduous, nor with the Western Sun
364 Surcease to work; lo! thoughtful of Thy Gain,
365 Not of my Own, I all the live-long Day
366 Consume in Meditation deep, recluse
367 From human Converse, nor, at shut of Eve,
368 Enjoy Repose; but oft at Midnight Lamp
369 Ply my brain-racking Studies, if by chance
370 Thee I may counsel right; and oft this Care
371 Disturbs me slumbring. Wilt thou then repine
372 To labour for thy Self? and rather chuse
373 To lye supinely, hoping, Heav'n will bless
374 Thy slighted Fruits, and give thee Bread unearn'd?
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375 'Twill profit, when the Stork, sworn-Foe of Snakes,
376 Returns, to shew Compassion to thy Plants,
377 Fatigu'd with Breeding. Let the arched Knife
378 Well sharpen'd now assail the spreading Shades
379 Of Vegetables, and their thirsty Limbs
380 Dissever: for the genial Moisture, due
381 To Apples, otherwise mispends it self
382 In barren Twigs, and, for th' expected Crop,
383 Naught but vain Shoots, and empty Leaves abound.
384 When swelling Buds their od'rous Foliage shed,
385 And gently harden into Fruit, the Wise
386 Spare not the little Off-springs, if they grow
387 Redundant; but the thronging Clusters thin
388 By kind Avulsion: else, the starv'ling Brood,
389 Void of sufficient Sustenance, will yield
390 A slender Autumn; which the niggard Soul
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391 Too late shall weep, and curse his thrifty Hand,
392 That would not timely ease the pond'rous Boughs.
393 It much conduces, all the Cares to know
394 Of Gard'ning, how to scare nocturnal Thieves,
395 And how the little Race of Birds, that hop
396 From Spray to Spray, scooping the costliest Fruit
397 Insatiate, undisturb'd. Priapus' Form
398 Avails but little; rather guard each Row
399 With the false Terrors of a breathless Kite.
400 This done, the timorous Flock with swiftest Wing
401 Scud thro' the Air; their Fancy represents
402 His mortal Talons, and his rav'nous Beak
403 Destructive; glad to shun his hostile Gripe,
404 They quit their Thefts, and unfrequent the Fields.
405 Besides, the filthy Swine will oft invade
406 Thy firm Inclosure, and with delving Snout
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407 The rooted Forest undermine: forthwith
408 Alloo thy furious Mastiff, bid him vex
409 The noxious Herd, and print upon their Ears
410 A sad Memorial of their past Offence.
411 The flagrant Procyon will not fail to bring
412 Large Shoals of slow House-bearing Snails, that creep
413 O'er the ripe Fruitage, paring slimy Tracts
414 In the sleek Rinds, and unprest Cyder drink.
415 No Art averts this Pest; on Thee it lyes,
416 With Morning and with Evening Hand to rid
417 The preying Reptiles; nor, if wise, wilt thou
418 Decline this Labour, which it self rewards
419 With pleasing Gain, whilst the warm Limbec draws
420 Salubrious Waters from the nocent Brood.
421 Myriads of Wasps now also clustering hang,
422 And drain a spurious Honey from thy Groves,
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423 Their Winter Food; tho' oft repulst, again
424 They rally, undismay'd: but Fraud with ease
425 Ensnares the noisom Swarms; let ev'ry Bough
426 Bear frequent Vials, pregnant with the Dregs
427 Of Moyle, or Mum, or Treacle's viscous Juice;
428 They, by th' alluring Odor drawn, in haste
429 Fly to the dulcet Cates, and crouding sip
430 Their palatable Bane; joyful thou'lt see
431 The clammy Surface all o'er-strown with Tribes
432 Of greedy Insects, that with fruitless Toil
433 Flap filmy Pennons oft, to extricate
434 Their Feet, in liquid Shackles bound, 'till Death
435 Bereave them of their worthless Souls: Such doom
436 Waits Luxury, and lawless Love of Gain!
437 Howe'er thou maist forbid external Force,
438 Intestine Evils will prevail; damp Airs,
439 And rainy Winters, to the Centre pierce
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440 Of firmest Fruits, and by unseen Decay
441 The proper Relish vitiate: then the Grub
442 Oft unobserv'd invades the vital Core,
443 Pernicious Tenant, and her secret Cave
444 Enlarges hourly, preying on the Pulp
445 Ceaseless; mean while the Apple's outward Form
446 Delectable the witless Swain beguiles,
447 'Till, with a writhen Mouth, and spattering Noise,
448 He tastes the bitter Morsel, and rejects
449 Disrelisht; not with less Surprize, then when
450 Embattled Troops with flowing Banners pass
451 Thro' flow'ry Meads delighted, nor distrust
452 The smiling Surface; whilst the cavern'd Ground,
453 With Grain incentive stor'd, by suddain Blaze
454 Bursts fatal, and involves the Hopes of War
455 In firy Whirles; full of victorious Thoughts,
456 Torn and dismembred, they aloft expire.
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457 Now turn thine Eye to view Alcinous' Groves,
458 The Pride of the Phæacian Isle, from whence,
459 Sailing the Spaces of the boundless Deep,
460 To Ariconium pretious Fruits arriv'd:
461 The Pippin burnisht o'er with Gold, the Moile
462 Of sweetest hony'd Taste, the fair Permain,
463 Temper'd, like comliest Nymph, with red and white.
464 Salopian Acres flourish with a Growth
465 Peculiar, styl'd the Ottley: Be thou first
466 This Apple to transplant; if to the Name
467 It's Merit answers, no where shalt thou find
468 A Wine more priz'd, or laudable of Taste.
469 Nor does the Eliot least deserve thy Care,
470 Nor John-Apple, whose wither'd Rind, entrencht
471 With many a Furrow, aptly represents
472 Decrepid Age; nor that from Harvey nam'd,
473 Quick-relishing: Why should we sing the Thrift,
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474 Codling, or Pomroy, or of pimpled Coat
475 The Russet, or the Cats-Head's weighty Orb,
476 Enormous in its Growth; for various Use
477 Tho' these are meet, tho' after full repast
478 Are oft requir'd, and crown the rich Desert?
479 What, tho' the Pear-Tree rival not the Worth,
480 Of Ariconian Products? yet her Freight
481 Is not contemn'd, yet her wide-branching Arms
482 Best screen thy Mansion from the fervent Dog
483 Adverse to Life; the wintry Hurricanes
484 In vain imploy their Roar, her Trunc unmov'd
485 Breaks the strong Onset, and controls their Rage.
486 Chiefly the Bosbury, whose large Increase,
487 Annual, in sumptuous Banquets claims Applause.
488 Thrice acceptable Bev'rage! could but Art
489 Subdue the floating Lee, Pomona's self
490 Would dread thy Praise, and shun the dubious Strife.
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491 Be it thy Choice, when Summer-Heats annoy,
492 To sit beneath her leafy Canopy,
493 Quaffing rich Liquids: Oh! how sweet t' enjoy,
494 At once her Fruits, and hospitable Shade!
495 But how with equal Numbers shall we match
496 The Musk's surpassing Worth! that earliest gives
497 Sure hopes of racy Wine, and in its Youth,
498 Its tender Nonage, loads the spreading Boughs
499 With large and juicy Off-spring, that defies
500 The Vernal Nippings, and cold Syderal Blasts!
501 Yet let her to the Read-streak yield, that once
502 Was of the Sylvan Kind, unciviliz'd,
503 Of no Regard, 'till Scudamore's skilful Hand
504 Improv'd her, and by courtly Discipline
505 Taught her the savage Nature to forget:
506 Hence styl'd the Scudamorean Plant; whose Wine
507 Who-ever tastes, let him with grateful Heart
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508 Respect that ancient loyal House, and wish
509 The noble Peer, that now transcends our Hopes
510 In early Worth, his Country's justest Pride,
511 Uninterrupted Joy, and Health entire.
512 Let every Tree in every Garden own
513 The Red-streak as supream; whose pulpous Fruit
514 With Gold irradiate, and Vermilian shines
515 Tempting, not fatal, as the Birth of that
516 Primæval interdicted Plant, that won
517 Fond Eve in hapless Hour to taste, and die.
518 This, of more bounteous Influence, inspires
519 Poetic Raptures, and the lowly Muse
520 Kindles to loftier Strains; even I perceive
521 Her sacred Virtue. See! the Numbers flow
522 Easie, whilst, chear'd with her nectareous Juice,
523 Hers, and my Country's Praises I exalt.
524 Hail Herefordian Plant, that dost disdain
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525 All other Fields! Heav'n's sweetest Blessing, hail!
526 Be thou the copious Matter of my Song,
527 And Thy choice Nectar; on which always waits
528 Laughter, and Sport, and care-beguiling Wit,
529 And Friendship, chief Delight of Human Life.
530 What shou'd we wish for more? or why, in quest
531 Of Foreign Vintage, insincere, and mixt,
532 Traverse th' extreamest World? Why tempt the Rage
533 Of the rough Ocean? when our native Glebe
534 Imparts, from bounteous Womb, annual Recruits
535 Of Wine delectable, that far surmounts
536 Gallic, or Latin Grapes, or those that see
537 The setting Sun near Calpe's tow'ring Height.
538 Nor let the Rhodian, nor the Lesbian Vines
539 Vaunt their rich Must, nor let Tokay contend
540 For Sov'ranty; Phanæus self must bow
541 To th' Ariconian Vales: And shall we doubt
542 T' improve our vegetable Wealth, or let
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543 The Soil lye idle, which, with fit Manure,
544 Will largest Usury repay, alone
545 Impower'd to supply what Nature asks
546 Frugal, or what nice Appetite requires?
547 The Meadows here, with bat'ning Ooze enrich'd,
548 Give Spirit to the Grass; three Cubits high
549 The jointed Herbage shoots; th' unfallow'd Glebe
550 Yearly o'ercomes the Granaries with Store
551 Of Golden Wheat, the Strength of Human Life.
552 Lo, on auxiliary Poles, the Hops
553 Ascending spiral, rang'd in meet Array!
554 Lo, how the Arable with Barley-Grain
555 Stands thick, o'er-shadow'd, to the thirsty Hind
556 Transporting Prospect! These, as modern Use
557 Ordains, infus'd, an Auburn Drink compose,
558 Wholesome, of deathless Fame. Here, to the Sight,
559 Apples of Price, and plenteous Sheaves of Corn,
560 Oft interlac'd occurr, and both imbibe
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561 Fitting congenial Juice; so rich the Soil,
562 So much does fructuous Moisture o'er-abound!
563 Nor are the Hills unamiable, whose Tops
564 To Heav'n aspire, affording Prospect sweet
565 To Human Ken; nor at their Feet the Vales
566 Descending gently, where the lowing Herd
567 Chews verd'rous Pasture; nor the yellow Fields
568 Gaily' enterchang'd, with rich Variety
569 Pleasing, as when an Emerald green, enchas'd
570 In flamy Gold, from the bright Mass acquires
571 A nobler Hue, more delicate to Sight.
572 Next add the Sylvan Shades, and silent Groves,
573 (Haunt of the Druids) whence the Hearth is fed
574 With copious Fuel; whence the sturdy Oak,
575 A Prince's Refuge once, th' æternal Guard
576 Of England's Throne, by sweating Peasants fell'd,
577 Stems the vast Main, and bears tremendous War
578 To distant Nations, or with Sov'ran Sway
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579 Aws the divided World to Peace and Love.
580 Why shou'd the Chalybes, or Bilboa boast
581 Their harden'd Iron; when our Mines produce
582 As perfect Martial Ore? Can Tmolus' Head
583 Vie with our Safron Odours? Or the Fleece
584 Bætic, or finest Tarentine, compare
585 With Lemster's silken Wool? Where shall we find
586 Men more undaunted, for their Country's Weal
587 More prodigal of Life? In ancient Days,
588 The Roman Legions, and great Cæsar found
589 Our Fathers no mean Foes: And Cressy Plains,
590 And Agincourt, deep-ting'd with Blood, confess
591 What the Silures Vigour unwithstood
592 Cou'd do in rigid Fight; and chiefly what
593 Brydges' wide-wasting Hand, first Garter'd Knight,
594 Puissant Author of great Chandois' Stemm,
595 High Chandois, that transmits Paternal Worth,
596 Prudence, and ancient Prowess, and Renown,
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597 T' his Noble Off-spring. O thrice happy Peer!
598 That, blest with hoary Vigour, view'st Thy self
599 Fresh blooming in Thy Generous Son; whose Lips,
600 Flowing with nervous Eloquence exact,
601 Charm the wise Senate, and Attention win
602 In deepest Councils: Ariconium pleas'd,
603 Him, as her chosen Worthy, first salutes.
604 Him on th' Iberian, on the Gallic Shore,
605 Him hardy Britons bless; His faithful Hand
606 Conveys new Courage from afar, nor more
607 The General's Conduct, than His Care avails.
608 Thee also, Glorious Branch of Cecil's Line,
609 This Country claims; with Pride and Joy to Thee
610 Thy Alterennis calls: yet she endures
611 Patient Thy Absence, since Thy prudent Choice
612 Has fix'd Thee in the Muse's fairest Seat,
613 Where Aldrich reigns, and from his endless Store
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614 Of universal Knowledge still supplies
615 His noble Care; He generous Thoughts instills
616 Of true Nobility, their Country's Love,
617 (Chief End of Life) and forms their ductile Minds
618 To Human Virtues: By His Genius led,
619 Thou soon in every Art preeminent
620 Shalt grace this Isle, and rise to Burleigh's Fame.
621 Hail high-born Peer! And Thou, great Nurse of Arts,
622 And Men, from whence conspicuous Patriots spring,
623 Hanmer, and Bromley; Thou, to whom with due
624 Respect Wintonia bows, and joyful owns
625 Thy mitred Off-spring; be for ever blest
626 With like Examples, and to future Times
627 Proficuous, such a Race of Men produce,
628 As, in the Cause of Virtue firm, may fix
629 Her Throne inviolate. Hear, ye Gods, this Vow
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630 From One, the meanest in her numerous Train;
631 Tho' meanest, not least studious of her Praise.
632 Muse, raise thy Voice to Beaufort's spotless Fame,
633 To Beaufort, in a long Descent deriv'd
634 From Royal Ancestry, of Kingly Rights
635 Faithful Asserters: In Him centring meet
636 Their glorious Virtues, high Desert from Pride
637 Disjoin'd, unshaken Honour, and Contempt
638 Of strong Allurements. O Illustrious Prince!
639 O Thou of ancient Faith! Exulting, Thee,
640 In her fair List this happy Land inrolls.
641 Who can refuse a Tributary Verse
642 To Weymouth, firmest Friend of slighted Worth
643 In evil Days? whose hospitable Gate,
644 Unbarr'd to All, invites a numerous Train
645 Of daily Guests; whose Board, with Plenty crown'd,
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646 Revives the Feast-rites old: Mean while His Care
647 Forgets not the afflicted, but content
648 In Acts of secret Goodness, shuns the Praise,
649 That sure attends. Permit me, bounteous Lord,
650 To blazon what tho' hid will beauteous shine;
651 And with Thy Name to dignifie my Song.
652 But who is He, that on the winding Stream
653 Of Vaga first drew vital Breath, and now
654 Approv'd in Anna's secret Councils sits,
655 Weighing the Sum of Things, with wise Forecast
656 Sollicitous of public Good? How large
657 His Mind, that comprehends what-e'er was known
658 To Old, or Present Time; yet not elate,
659 Not conscious of its Skill? What Praise deserves
660 His liberal Hand, that gathers but to give,
661 Preventing Suit? O not unthankful Muse,
662 Him lowly reverence, that first deign'd to hear
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663 Thy Pipe, and skreen'd thee from opprobrious Tongues.
664 Acknowledge thy Own Harley, and his Name
665 Inscribe on ev'ry Bark; the wounded Plants
666 Will fast increase, faster thy just Respect.
667 Such are our Heroes, by their Virtues known,
668 Or Skill in Peace, and War: Of softer Mold
669 The Female Sex, with sweet attractive Airs
670 Subdue obdurate Hearts. The Travellers oft,
671 That view their matchless Forms with transient Glance,
672 Catch suddain Love, and sigh for Nymphs unknown,
673 Smit with the Magic of their Eyes: nor hath
674 The Dædal Hand of Nature only pour'd
675 Her Gifts of outward Grace; their Innocence
676 Unfeign'd, and Virtue most engaging, free
677 From Pride, or Artifice, long Joys afford
678 To th' honest Nuptial Bed, and in the Wane
679 Of Life, rebate the Miseries of Age.
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680 And is there found a Wretch, so base of Mind,
681 That Woman's pow'rful Beauty dares condemn,
682 Exactest Work of Heav'n? He ill deserves
683 Or Love, or Pity; friendless let him see
684 Uneasie, tedious Days, despis'd, forlorn,
685 As Stain of Human Race: But may the Man,
686 That chearfully recounts the Females Praise
687 Find equal Love, and Love's untainted Sweets
688 Enjoy with Honour. O, ye Gods! might I
689 Elect my Fate, my happiest Choice should be
690 A fair, and modest Virgin, that invites
691 With Aspect chast, forbidding loose Desire,
692 Tenderly smiling; in whose Heav'nly Eye
693 Sits purest Love enthron'd: But if the Stars
694 Malignant, these my better Hopes oppose,
695 May I, at least, the sacred Pleasures know
696 Of strictest Amity; nor ever want
697 A Friend, with whom I mutually may share
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698 Gladness, and Anguish, by kind Intercourse
699 Of Speech, and Offices. May in my Mind,
700 Indelible a grateful Sense remain
701 Of Favours undeserv'd! O Thou! from whom
702 Gladly both Rich, and Low seek Aid; most Wise
703 Interpreter of Right, whose gracious Voice
704 Breaths Equity, and curbs too rigid Law
705 With mild, impartial Reason; what Returns
706 Of Thanks are due to Thy Beneficence
707 Freely vouchsaft, when to the Gates of Death
708 I tended prone? If Thy indulgent Care
709 Had not preven'd, among unbody'd Shades
710 I now had wander'd; and these empty Thoughts
711 Of Apples perish'd: But, uprais'd by Thee,
712 I tune my Pipe afresh, each Night, and Day
713 Thy unexampled Goodness to extoll
714 Desirous; but nor Night, nor Day suffice
715 For that great Task; the highly Honour'd Name
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716 Of Trevor must employ my willing Thoughts
717 Incessant, dwell for ever on my Tongue.
718 Let me be grateful, but let far from me
719 Be fawning Cringe, and false dissembling Look,
720 And servile Flattery, that harbours oft
721 In Courts, and gilded Roofs. Some loose the Bands
722 Of ancient Friendship, cancell Nature's Laws
723 For Pageantry, and tawdy Gugaws. Some
724 Renounce their Sires, oppose paternal Right
725 For Rule, and Power; and other's Realms invade,
726 With specious Shews of Love. This traiterous Wretch
727 Betrays his Sov'ran. Others, destitute
728 Of real Zeal, to ev'ry Altar bend,
729 By Lucre sway'd, and act the basest Things
730 To be styl'd Honourable: Th' Honest Man,
731 Simple of Heart, prefers inglorious Want
732 To ill-got Wealth; rather from Door to Door
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733 A jocund Pilgrim, tho' distress'd, he'll rove,
734 Than break his plighted Faith; nor Fear, nor Hope,
735 Will shock his stedfast Soul; rather debar'd
736 Each common Privilege, cut off from Hopes
737 Of meanest Gain, of present Goods despoil'd,
738 He'll bear the Marks of Infamy, contemn'd,
739 Unpity'd; yet his Mind, of Evil pure,
740 Supports him, and Intention free from Fraud.
741 If no Retinue with observant Eyes
742 Attend him, if he can't with Purple stain
743 Of cumbrous Vestments, labour'd o'er with Gold,
744 Dazle the Croud, and set them all agape;
745 Yet clad in homely Weeds, from Envy's Darts
746 Remote he lives, nor knows the nightly Pangs
747 Of Conscience, nor with Spectre's grisly Forms,
748 Dæmons, and injur'd Souls, at Close of Day
749 Annoy'd, sad interrupted Slumbers finds.
750 But (as a Child, whose inexperienc'd Age
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751 Nor evil Purpose fears, nor knows,) enjoys
752 Night's sweet Refreshment, humid Sleep, sincere.
753 When Chaunticleer, with Clarion shrill, recalls
754 The tardy Day, he to his Labours hies
755 Gladsome, intent on somewhat that may ease
756 Unhealthy Mortals, and with curious Search
757 Examines all the Properties of Herbs,
758 Fossils, and Minerals, that th' embowell'd Earth
759 Displays, if by his Industry he can
760 Benefit Human Race: Or else his Thoughts
761 Are exercis'd with Speculations deep
762 Of Good, and Just, and Meet, and th' wholsome Rules
763 Of Temperance, and aught that may improve
764 The moral Life; not sedulous to rail,
765 Nor with envenom'd Tongue to blast the Fame
766 Of harmless Men, or secret Whispers spread,
767 'Mong faithful Friends, to breed Distrust, and Hate.
768 Studious of Virtue, he no Life observes
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769 Except his own, his own employs his Cares,
770 Large Subject! that he labours to refine
771 Daily, nor of his little Stock denies
772 Fit Alms to Lazars, merciful, and meek.
773 Thus sacred Virgil liv'd, from courtly Vice,
774 And Baits of pompous Rome secure; at Court
775 Still thoughtful of the rural honest Life,
776 And how t' improve his Grounds, and how himself:
777 Best Poet! fit Exemplar for the Tribe
778 Of Phœbus, nor less fit Mæonides,
779 Poor eyeless Pilgrim! and if after these,
780 If after these another I may name,
781 Thus tender Spencer liv'd, with mean Repast
782 Content, depress'd by Penury, and Pine
783 In foreign Realm: Yet not debas'd his Verse
784 By Fortune's Frowns. And had that Other Bard,
785 Oh, had but He that first ennobled Song
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786 With holy Raptures, like his Abdiel been,
787 'Mong many faithless, strictly faithful found;
788 Unpity'd, he should not have wail'd his Orbs,
789 That roll'd in vain to find the piercing Ray,
790 And found no Dawn, by dim Suffusion veil'd!
791 But He However, let the Muse abstain,
792 Nor blast his Fame, from whom she learnt to sing
793 In much inferior Strains, grov'ling beneath
794 Th' Olympian Hill, on Plains, and Vales intent,
795 Mean Follower. There let her rest a-while,
796 Pleas'd with the fragrant Walks, and cool Retreat.
[Page]

CYDER.

BOOK II.

1 O Harcourt, Whom th' ingenuous Love of Arts
2 Has carry'd from Thy native Soil, beyond
3 Th' eternal Alpine Snows, and now detains
4 In Italy's waste Realms, how long must we
5 Lament Thy Absence? Whilst in sweet Sojourn
6 Thou view'st the Reliques of old Rome; or what,
7 Unrival'd Authors by their Presence, made
8 For ever venerable, rural Seats,
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9 Tibur, and Tusculum, or Virgil's Urn
10 Green with immortal Bays, which haply Thou,
11 Respecting his great Name, dost now approach
12 With bended Knee, and strow with purple Flow'rs;
13 Unmindful of Thy Friends, that ill can brook
14 This long Delay. At length, Dear Youth, return,
15 Of Wit, and Judgement ripe in blooming Years,
16 And Britain's Isle with Latian Knowledge grace.
17 Return, and let Thy Father's Worth excite
18 Thirst of Preeminence; see! how the Cause
19 Of Widows, and of Orphans He asserts
20 With winning Rhetoric, and well argu'd Law!
21 Mark well His Footsteps, and, like Him, deserve
22 Thy Prince's Favour, and Thy Country's Love.
23 Mean while (altho' the Massic Grape delights
24 Pregnant of racy Juice, and Formian Hills
25 Temper Thy Cups, yet) wilt not Thou reject
[Page 51]
26 Thy native Liquors: Lo! for Thee my Mill
27 Now grinds choice Apples, and the British Vats
28 O'erflow with generous Cyder; far remote
29 Accept this Labour, nor despise the Muse,
30 That, passing Lands, and Seas, on Thee attends.
31 Thus far of Trees: The pleasing Task remains,
32 To sing of Wines, and Autumn's blest Increase.
33 Th' Effects of Art are shewn, yet what avails
34 'Gainst Heav'n? Oft, notwithstanding all thy Care
35 To help thy Plants, when the small Fruit'ry seems
36 Exempt from Ills, an oriental Blast
37 Disastrous flies, soon as the Hind, fatigu'd,
38 Unyokes his Team; the tender Freight, unskill'd
39 To bear the hot Disease, distemper'd pines
40 In the Year's Prime, the deadly Plague annoys
41 The wide Inclosure; think not vainly now
[Page 52]
42 To treat thy Neighbours with mellifluous Cups,
43 Thus disappointed: If the former Years
44 Exhibit no Supplies, alas! thou must,
45 With tastless Water wash thy droughty Throat.
46 A thousand Accidents the Farmer's Hopes
47 Subvert, or checque; uncertain all his Toil,
48 'Till lusty Autumn's luke-warm Days, allay'd
49 With gentle Colds, insensibly confirm
50 His ripening Labours: Autumn to the Fruits
51 Earth's various Lap produces, Vigour gives
52 Equal, intenerating milky Grain,
53 Berries, and Sky-dy'd Plums, and what in Coat
54 Rough, or soft Rind, or bearded Husk, or Shell;
55 Fat Olives, and Pistacio's fragrant Nut,
56 And the Pine's tastful Apple: Autumn paints
57 Ausonian Hills with Grapes, whilst English Plains
58 Blush with pomaceous Harvests, breathing Sweets.
[Page 53]
59 O let me now, when the kind early Dew
60 Unlocks th' embosom'd Odors, walk among
61 The well rang'd Files of Trees, whose full-ag'd Store
62 Diffuse Ambrosial Steams, than Myrrh, or Nard
63 More grateful, or perfuming flow'ry Beane!
64 Soft whisp'ring Airs, and the Larks mattin Song
65 Then woo to musing, and becalm the Mind
66 Perplex'd with irksome Thoughts. Thrice happy time,
67 Best Portion of the various Year, in which
68 Nature rejoyceth, smiling on her Works
69 Lovely, to full Perfection wrought! but ah,
70 Short are our Joys, and neighb'ring Griefs disturb
71 Our pleasant Hours. Inclement Winter dwells
72 Contiguous; forthwith frosty Blasts deface
73 The blithsome Year: Trees of their shrivel'd Fruits
74 Are widow'd, dreery Storms o'er all prevail.
75 Now, now's the time; e'er hasty Suns forbid
76 To work, disburthen thou thy sapless Wood
[Page 54]
77 Of its rich Progeny; the turgid Fruit
78 Abounds with mellow Liquor; now exhort
79 Thy Hinds to exercise the pointed Steel
80 On the hard Rock, and give a wheely Form
81 To the expected Grinder: Now prepare
82 Materials for thy Mill, a sturdy Post
83 Cylindric, to support the Grinder's Weight
84 Excessive, and a flexile Sallow' entrench'd,
85 Rounding, capacious of the juicy Hord.
86 Nor must thou not be mindful of thy Press
87 Long e'er the Vintage; but with timely Care
88 Shave the Goat's shaggy Beard, least thou too late,
89 In vain should'st seek a Strainer, to dispart
90 The husky, terrene Dregs, from purer Must.
91 Be cautious next a proper Steed to find,
92 Whose Prime is past; the vigorous Horse disdains
93 Such servile Labours, or, if forc'd, forgets
94 His past Atchievements, and victorious Palms.
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95 Blind Bayard rather, worn with Work, and Years,
96 Shall roll th' unweildy Stone; with sober Pace
97 He'll tread the circling Path 'till dewy Eve,
98 From early Day-spring, pleas'd to find his Age
99 Declining, not unuseful to his Lord.
100 Some, when the Press, by utmost Vigour screw'd,
101 Has drain'd the pulpous Mass, regale their Swine
102 With the dry Refuse; thou, more wise shalt steep
103 Thy Husks in Water, and again employ
104 The pondrous Engine. Water will imbibe
105 The small Remains of Spirit, and acquire
106 A vinous Flavour; this the Peasants blith
107 Will quaff, and whistle, as thy tinkling Team
108 They drive, and sing of Fusca's radiant Eyes,
109 Pleas'd with the medly Draught. Not shalt thou now
110 Reject the Apple-Cheese, tho' quite exhaust;
111 Ev'n now 'twill cherish, and improve the Roots
[Page 56]
112 Of sickly Plants; new Vigor hence convey'd
113 Will yield an Harvest of unusual Growth.
114 Such Profit springs from Husks discreetly us'd!
115 The tender Apples, from their Parents rent
116 By stormy Shocks, must not neglected lye,
117 The Prey of Worms: A frugal Man I knew,
118 Rich in one barren Acre, which, subdu'd
119 By endless Culture, with sufficient Must
120 His Casks replenisht yearly: He no more
121 Desir'd, nor wanted, diligent to learn
122 The various Seasons, and by Skill repell
123 Invading Pests, successful in his Cares,
124 'Till the damp Lybian Wind, with Tempests arm'd
125 Outrageous, bluster'd horrible amidst
126 His Cyder-Grove: O'er-turn'd by furious Blasts,
127 The sightly Ranks fall prostrate, and around
128 Their Fruitage scatter'd, from the genial Boughs
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129 Stript immature: Yet did he not repine,
130 Nor curse his Stars; but prudent, his fall'n Heaps
131 Collecting, cherish'd with the tepid Wreaths
132 Of tedded Grass, and the Sun's mellowing Beams
133 Rival'd with artful Heats, and thence procur'd
134 A costly Liquor, by improving Time
135 Equal'd with what the happiest Vintage bears.
136 But this I warn Thee, and shall alway warn,
137 No heterogeneous Mixtures use, as some
138 With watry Turneps have debas'd their Wines,
139 Too frugal; nor let the crude Humors dance
140 In heated Brass, steaming with Fire intense;
141 Altho' Devonia much commends the Use
142 Of strengthning Vulcan; with their native Strength
143 Thy Wines sufficient, other Aid refuse;
144 And, when th' allotted Orb of Time's compleat,
145 Are more commended than the labour'd Drinks.
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146 Nor let thy Avarice tempt thee to withdraw
147 The Priest's appointed Share; with cheerful Heart
148 The tenth of thy Increase bestow, and own
149 Heav'n's bounteous Goodness, that will sure repay
150 Thy grateful Duty: This neglected, fear
151 Signal Avengeance, such as over-took
152 A Miser, that unjustly once with-held
153 The Clergy's Due; relying on himself,
154 His Fields he tended with successless Care,
155 Early, and late, when, or unwish't for Rain
156 Descended, or unseasonable Frosts
157 Curb'd his increasing Hopes, or when around
158 The Clouds dropt Fatness, in the middle Sky
159 The Dew suspended staid, and left unmoist
160 His execrable Glebe; recording this,
161 Be Just, and Wise, and tremble to transgress.
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162 Learn now, the Promise of the coming Year
163 To know, that by no flattering Signs abus'd,
164 Thou wisely may'st provide: The various Moon
165 Prophetic, and attendant Stars explain
166 Each rising Dawn; e'er Icy Crusts surmount
167 The current Stream, the heav'nly Orbs serene
168 Twinkle with trembling Rays, and Cynthia glows
169 With Light unsully'd: Now the Fowler, warn'd
170 By these good Omens, with swift early Steps
171 Treads the crimp Earth, ranging thro' Fields and Glades
172 Offensive to the Birds, sulphureous Death
173 Checques their mid Flight, and heedless while they strain
174 Their tuneful Throats, the tow'ring, heavy Lead
175 O'er-takes their Speed; they leave their little Lives
176 Above the Clouds, præcipitant to Earth.
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177 The Woodcocks early Visit, and Abode
178 Of long Continuance on our temperate Clime,
179 Foretell a liberal Harvest: He of Times
180 Intelligent, th' harsh Hyperborean Ice
181 Shuns for our equal Winters; when our Suns
182 Cleave the chill'd Soil, he backward wings his Way
183 To Scandinavian frozen Summers, meet
184 For his num'd Blood. But nothing profits more
185 Than frequent Snows: O, may'st Thou often see
186 Thy Furrows whiten'd by the woolly Rain,
187 Nutricious! Secret Nitre lurks within
188 The porous Wet, quick'ning the languid Glebe.
189 Sometimes thou shalt with fervent Vows implore
190 A moderate Wind; the Orchat loves to wave
191 With Winter-Winds, before the Gems exert
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192 Their feeble Heads; the loosen'd Roots then drink
193 Large Increment, Earnest of happy Years.
194 Nor will it nothing profit to observe
195 The monthly Stars, their pow'rful Influence
196 O'er planted Fields, what Vegetables reign
197 Under each Sign. On our Account has Jove
198 Indulgent, to all Moons some succulent Plant
199 Allotted, that poor, helpless Man might slack
200 His present Thirst, and Matter find for Toil.
201 Now will the Corinths, now the Rasps supply
202 Delicious Draughts; the Quinces now, or Plums,
203 Or Cherries, or the fair Thisbeian Fruit
204 Are prest to Wines; the Britons squeeze the Works
205 Of sedulous Bees, and mixing od'rous Herbs
206 Prepare balsamic Cups, to wheezing Lungs
207 Medicinal, and short-breath'd, ancient Sires.
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208 But, if Thou'rt indefatigably bent
209 To toil, and omnifarious Drinks wou'dst brew;
210 Besides the Orchat, ev'ry Hedge, and Bush
211 Affords Assistance; ev'n afflictive Birch,
212 Curs'd by unletter'd, idle Youth, distills
213 A limpid Current from her wounded Bark,
214 Profuse of nursing Sap. When Solar Beams
215 Parch thirsty human Veins, the damask't Meads,
216 Unforc'd display ten thousand painted Flow'rs
217 Useful in Potables. Thy little Sons
218 Permit to range the Pastures; gladly they
219 Will mow the Cowslip-Posies, faintly sweet,
220 From whence thou artificial Wines shalt drain
221 Of icy Taste, that, in mid Fervors, best
222 Slack craving Thirst, and mitigate the Day.
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223 Happy Iërne, whose most wholsome Air
224 Poisons envenom'd Spiders, and forbids
225 The baleful Toad, and Viper from her Shore!
226 More happy in her Balmy Draughts, (enrich'd
227 With Miscellaneous Spices, and the Root
228 For Thirst-abating Sweetness prais'd,) which wide
229 Extend her Fame, and to each drooping Heart
230 Present Redress, and lively Health convey.
231 See, how the Belgæ, Sedulous, and Stout,
232 With Bowls of fat'ning Mum, or blissful Cups
233 Of Kernell-relish'd Fluids, the fair Star
234 Of early Phosphorus salute, at Noon
235 Jocund with frequent-rising Fumes! by Use
236 Instructed, thus to quell their Native Flegm
237 Prevailing, and engender wayward Mirth.
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238 What need to treat of distant Climes, remov'd
239 Far from the slopeing Journey of the Year,
240 Beyond Petsora, and Islandic Coasts?
241 Where ever-during Snows, perpetual Shades
242 Of Darkness, would congeal their livid Blood,
243 Did not the Arctic Tract, spontaneous yield
244 A cheering purple Berry, big with Wine,
245 Intensely fervent, which each Hour they crave,
246 Spread round a flaming Pile of Pines, and oft
247 They interlard their native Drinks with choice
248 Of strongest Brandy, yet scarce with these Aids
249 Enabl'd to prevent the suddain Rot
250 Of freezing Nose, and quick-decaying Feet.
251 Nor less the Sable Borderers of Nile,
252 Nor who Taprobane manure, nor They,
253 Whom sunny Borneo bears, are stor'd with Streams
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254 Egregious, Rum, and Rice's Spirit extract.
255 For here, expos'd to perpendicular Rays,
256 In vain they covet Shades, and Thrascias' Gales,
257 Pining with Æquinoctial Heat, unless
258 The Cordial Glass perpetual Motion keep,
259 Quick circuiting; nor dare they close their Eyes,
260 Void of a bulky Charger near their Lips,
261 With which, in often-interrupted Sleep,
262 Their frying Blood compells to irrigate
263 Their dry-furr'd Tongues, else minutely to Death
264 Obnoxious, dismal Death, th' Effect of Drought!
265 More happy they, born in Columbus' World,
266 Carybbes, and they, whom the Cotton Plant
267 With downy-sprouting Vests arrays! Their Woods
268 Bow with prodigious Nuts, that give at once
269 Celestial Food, and Nectar; then, at hand
270 The Lemmon, uncorrupt with Voyage long,
[Page 66]
271 To vinous Spirits added (heav'nly Drink!)
272 They with Pneumatic Engine, ceaseless draw,
273 Intent on Laughter; a continual Tide
274 Flows from th' exhilerating Fount. As, when
275 Against a secret Cliff, with soddain Shock
276 A Ship is dash'd, and leaking drinks the Sea,
277 Th' astonish'd Mariners ay ply the Pump,
278 No Stay, nor Rest, 'till the wide Breach is clos'd.
279 So they (but chearful) unfatigu'd, still move
280 The draining Sucker, then alone concern'd,
281 When the dry Bowl forbids their pleasing Work.
282 But if to hording Thou art bent, thy Hopes
283 Are frustrate, shou'dst Thou think thy Pipes will flow
284 With early-limpid Wine. The horded Store,
285 And the harsh Draught, must twice endure the Sun's
286 Kind strengthning Heat, twice Winter's purging Cold.
[Page 67]
287 There are, that a compounded Fluid drain
288 From different Mixtures, Woodcock, Pippin, Moyle,
289 Rough Eliot, sweet Permain, the blended Streams
290 (Each mutually correcting each) create
291 A pleasurable Medly, of what Taste
292 Hardly distinguish'd; as the show'ry Arch,
293 With listed Colours gay, Or, Azure, Gules,
294 Delights, and puzles the Beholder's Eye,
295 That views the watry Brede, with thousand Shews
296 Of Painture vary'd, yet's unskill'd to tell
297 Or where one Colour rises, or one faints.
298 Some Cyders have by Art, or Age unlearn'd
299 Their genuine Relish, and of sundry Vines
300 Assum'd the Flavour; one sort counterfeits
301 The Spanish Product, this, to Gauls has seem'd
302 The sparkling Nectar of Champaigne; with that,
[Page 68]
303 A German oft has swill'd his Throat, and sworn,
304 Deluded, that Imperial Rhine bestow'd
305 The Generous Rummer, whilst the Owner pleas'd,
306 Laughs inly at his Guests, thus entertain'd
307 With Foreign Vintage from his Cyder-Cask.
308 Soon as thy Liquor from the narrow Cells
309 Of close-prest Husks is freed, thou must refrain
310 Thy thirsty Soul; let none persuade to broach
311 Thy thick, unwholsom, undigested Cades:
312 The hoary Frosts, and Northern Blasts take care
313 Thy muddy Bev'rage to serene, and drive
314 Præcipitant the baser, ropy Lees.
315 And now thy Wine's transpicuous, purg'd from all
316 It's earthy Gross, yet let it feed awhile
317 On the fat Refuse, least too soon disjoin'd
318 From spritely, it, to sharp, or vappid change.
[Page 69]
319 When to convenient Vigour it attains,
320 Suffice it to provide a brazen Tube
321 Inflext; self-taught, and voluntary flies
322 The defecated Liquor, thro' the Vent
323 Ascending, then by downward Tract convey'd,
324 Spouts into subject Vessels, lovely clear.
325 As when a Noon-tide Sun, with Summer Beams,
326 Darts thro' a Cloud, her watry Skirts are edg'd
327 With lucid Amber, or undrossy Gold:
328 So, and so richly, the purg'd Liquid shines.
329 Now also, when the Colds abate, nor yet
330 Full Summer shines, a dubious Season, close
331 In Glass thy purer Streams, and let them gain,
332 From due Confinement, Spirit, and Flavour new.
333 For this Intent, the subtle Chymist feeds
334 Perpetual Flames, whose unresisted Force
[Page 70]
335 O'er Sand, and Ashes, and the stubborn Flint
336 Prevailing, turns into a fusil Sea,
337 That in his Furnace bubbles sunny-red:
338 From hence a glowing Drop, with hollow'd Steel
339 He takes, and by one efficacious Breath
340 Dilates to a surprising Cube, or Sphære,
341 Or Oval, and fit Receptacles forms
342 For every Liquid, with his plastic Lungs,
343 To human Life subservient; By his Means
344 Cyders in Metal frail improve; the Moyle,
345 And tastful Pippin, in a Moon's short Year,
346 Acquire compleat Perfection: Now they smoke
347 Transparent, sparkling in each Drop, Delight
348 Of curious Palate, by fair Virgins crav'd.
349 But harsher Fluids different lengths of time
350 Expect: Thy Flask will slowly mitigate
351 The Eliot's Roughness. Stirom, firmest Fruit,
352 Embottled (long as Priameian Troy
[Page 71]
353 Withstood the Greeks) endures, e'er justly mild.
354 Soften'd by Age, it youthful Vigor gains,
355 Fallacious Drink! Ye honest Men beware,
356 Nor trust its Smoothness; The third circling Glass
357 Suffices Virtue: But may Hypocrites,
358 (That slyly speak one thing, another think,
359 Hateful as Hell) pleas'd with the Relish weak,
360 Drink on unwarn'd, 'till by inchanting Cups
361 Infatuate, they their wily Thoughts disclose,
362 And thro' Intemperance grow a while sincere.
363 The Farmer's Toil is done; his Cades mature,
364 Now call for Vent, his Lands exhaust permit
365 T' indulge awhile. Now solemn Rites he pays
366 To Bacchus, Author of Heart-cheering Mirth.
367 His honest Friends, at thirsty hour of Dusk,
368 Come uninvited; he with bounteous Hand
[Page 72]
369 Imparts his smoaking Vintage, sweet Reward
370 Of his own Industry; the well fraught Bowl
371 Circles incessant, whilst the humble Cell
372 With quavering Laugh, and rural Jests resounds.
373 Ease, and Content, and undissembled Love
374 Shine in each Face; the Thoughts of Labour past
375 Encrease their Joy. As, from retentive Cage
376 When sullen Philomel escapes, her Notes
377 She varies, and of past Imprisonment
378 Sweetly complains; her Liberty retriev'd
379 Cheers her sad Soul, improves her pleasing Song.
380 Gladsome they quaff, yet not exceed the Bounds
381 Of healthy Temp'rance, nor incroach on Night,
382 Season of Rest, but well bedew'd repair
383 Each to his Home, with unsupplanted Feet.
384 E'er Heav'n's emblazon'd by the Rosie Dawn
385 Domestic Cares awake them; brisk they rise,
386 Refresh'd, and lively with the Joys that flow
[Page 73]
387 From amicable Talk, and moderate Cups
388 Sweetly' interchang'd. The pining Lover finds
389 Present Redress, and long Oblivion drinks
390 Of Coy Lucinda. Give the Debtor Wine;
391 His Joys are short, and few; yet when he drinks
392 His Dread retires, the flowing Glasses add
393 Courage, and Mirth: magnificent in Thought,
394 Imaginary Riches he enjoys,
395 And in the Goal expatiates unconfin'd.
396 Nor can the Poet Bacchus' Praise indite,
397 Debarr'd his Grape: The Muses still require
398 Humid Regalement, nor will aught avail
399 Imploring Phœbus, with unmoisten'd Lips.
400 Thus to the generous Bottle all incline,
401 By parching Thirst allur'd: With vehement Suns
402 When dusty Summer bakes the crumbling Clods,
403 How pleasant is't, beneath the twisted Arch
404 Of a retreating Bow'r, in Mid-day's Reign
[Page 74]
405 To ply the sweet Carouse, remote from Noise,
406 Secur'd of fev'rish Heats! When th' aged Year
407 Inclines, and Boreas' Spirit blusters frore,
408 Beware th' inclement Heav'ns; now let thy Hearth
409 Crackle with juiceless Boughs; thy lingring Blood
410 Now instigate with th' Apples powerful Streams.
411 Perpetual Showers, and stormy Gusts confine
412 The willing Ploughman, and December warns
413 To Annual Jollities; now sportive Youth
414 Carol incondite Rhythms, with suiting Notes,
415 And quaver unharmonious; sturdy Swains
416 In clean Array, for rustic Dance prepare,
417 Mixt with the Buxom Damsels; hand in hand
418 They frisk, and bound, and various Mazes weave,
419 Shaking their brawny Limbs, with uncouth Mein,
420 Transported, and sometimes, an oblique Leer
421 Dart on their Loves, sometimes, an hasty Kiss
422 Steal from unwary Lasses; they with Scorn,
[Page 75]
423 And Neck reclin'd, resent the ravish'd Bliss.
424 Mean while, blind British Bards with volant Touch
425 Traverse loquacious Strings, whose solemn Notes
426 Provoke to harmless Revels; these among,
427 A subtle Artist stands, in wondrous Bag
428 That bears imprison'd Winds, (of gentler sort
429 Than those, which erst Laertes Son enclos'd.)
430 Peaceful they sleep, but let the tuneful Squeeze
431 Of labouring Elbow rouse them, out they fly
432 Melodious, and with spritely Accents charm.
433 'Midst these Disports, forget they not to drench
434 Themselves with bellying Goblets, nor when Spring
435 Returns, can they refuse to usher in
436 The fresh-born Year with loud Acclaim, and store
437 Of jovial Draughts, now, when the sappy Boughs
438 Attire themselves with Blooms, sweet Rudiments
439 Of future Harvest: When the Gnossian Crown
440 Leads on expected Autumn, and the Trees
[Page 76]
441 Discharge their mellow Burthens, let them thank
442 Boon Nature, that thus annually supplies
443 Their Vaults, and with her former Liquid Gifts
444 Exhilerate their languid Minds, within
445 The Golden Mean confin'd: Beyond, there's naught
446 Of Health, or Pleasure. Therefore, when thy Heart
447 Dilates with fervent Joys, and eager Soul
448 Prompts to persue the sparkling Glass, be sure
449 'Tis time to shun it; if thou wilt prolong
450 Dire Compotation, forthwith Reason quits
451 Her Empire to Confusion, and Misrule,
452 And vain Debates; then twenty Tongues at once
453 Conspire in senseless Jargon, naught is heard
454 But Din, and various Clamour, and mad Rant:
455 Distrust, and Jealousie to these succeed,
456 And anger-kindling Taunt, the certain Bane
457 Of well-knit Fellowship. Now horrid Frays
458 Commence, the brimming Glasses now are hurl'd
[Page 77]
459 With dire Intent; Bottles with Bottles clash
460 In rude Encounter, round their Temples fly
461 The sharp-edg'd Fragments, down their batter'd Cheeks
462 Mixt Gore, and Cyder flow: What shall we say
463 Of rash Elpenor, who in evil Hour
464 Dry'd an immeasurable Bowl, and thought
465 T' exhale his Surfeit by irriguous Sleep,
466 Imprudent? Him, Death's Iron-Sleep opprest,
467 Descending careless from his Couch; the Fall
468 Luxt his Neck-joint, and spinal Marrow bruis'd.
469 Nor need we tell what anxious Cares attend
470 The turbulent Mirth of Wine; nor all the kinds
471 Of Maladies, that lead to Death's grim Cave,
472 Wrought by Intemperance, joint-racking Gout,
473 Intestine Stone, and pining Atrophy,
474 Chill, even when the Sun with July-Heats
475 Frys the scorch'd Soil, and Dropsy all a-float,
476 Yet craving Liquids: Nor the Centaurs Tale
[Page 78]
477 Be here repeated; how with Lust, and Wine
478 Inflam'd, they fought, and spilt their drunken Souls
479 At feasting Hour. Ye Heav'nly Pow'rs, that guard
480 The British Isles, such dire Events remove
481 Far from fair Albion, nor let Civil Broils
482 Ferment from Social Cups: May we, remote
483 From the hoarse, brazen Sound of War, enjoy
484 Our humid Products, and with seemly Draughts
485 Enkindle Mirth, and Hospitable Love.
486 Too oft alas! has mutual Hatred drench'd
487 Our Swords in Native Blood, too oft has Pride,
488 And hellish Discord, and insatiate Thirst
489 Of other's Rights, our Quiet discompos'd.
490 Have we forgot, how fell Destruction rag'd
491 Wide-spreading, when by Eris' Torch incens'd
492 Our Fathers warr'd? What Hero's, signaliz'd
493 For Loyalty, and Prowess, met their Fate
494 Untimely, undeserv'd! How Bertie fell,
[Page 79]
495 Compton, and Granvill, dauntless Sons of Mars,
496 Fit Themes of endless Grief, but that we view
497 Their Virtues yet surviving in their Race!
498 Can we forget, how the mad, headstrong Rout
499 Defy'd their Prince to Arms, nor made account
500 Of Faith, or Duty, or Allegiance sworn?
501 Apostate, Atheist Rebells! bent to Ill,
502 With seeming Sanctity, and cover'd Fraud,
503 Instill'd by him, who first presum'd t' oppose
504 Omnipotence; alike their Crime, th'Event
505 Was not alike; these triumph'd, and in height
506 Of barbarous Malice, and insulting Pride,
507 Abstain'd not from Imperial Bloud. O Fact
508 Unparallel'd! O Charles! O Best of Kings!
509 What Stars their black, disastrous Influence shed
510 On Thy Nativity, that Thou shou'dst fall
511 Thus, by inglorious Hands, in this Thy Realm,
512 Supreme, and Innocent, adjudg'd to Death
[Page 80]
513 By those, Thy Mercy only wou'd have sav'd!
514 Yet was the Cyder-Land unstain'd with Guilt;
515 The Cyder-Land, obsequious still to Thrones,
516 Abhorr'd such base, disloyal Deeds, and all
517 Her Pruning-hooks extended into Swords,
518 Undaunted, to assert the trampled Rights
519 Of Monarchy; but, ah! successless She
520 However faithful! then was no Regard
521 Of Right, or Wrong. And this, once Happy, Land
522 By home-bred Fury rent, long groan'd beneath
523 Tyrannic Sway, 'till fair-revolving Years
524 Our exil'd Kings, and Liberty restor'd.
525 Now we exult, by mighty ANNA's Care
526 Secure at home, while She to foreign Realms
527 Sends forth her dreadful Legions, and restrains
528 The Rage of Kings: Here, nobly She supports
529 Justice oppress'd; here, Her victorious Arms
530 Quell the Ambitious: From Her Hand alone
[Page 81]
531 All Europe fears Revenge, or hopes Redress.
532 Rejoice, O Albion! sever'd from the World
533 By Nature's wise Indulgence, indigent
534 Of nothing from without; in One Supreme
535 Intirely blest; and from beginning time
536 Design'd thus happy; but the fond Desire
537 Of Rule, and Grandeur, multiply'd a Race
538 Of Kings, and numerous Sceptres introduc'd,
539 Destructive of the public Weal: For now
540 Each Potentate, as wary Fear, or Strength,
541 Or Emulation urg'd, his Neighbour's Bounds
542 Invades, and ampler Territory seeks
543 With ruinous Assault; on every Plain
544 Host cop'd with Host, dire was the Din of War,
545 And ceaseless, or short Truce haply procur'd
546 By Havoc, and Dismay, 'till Jealousy
547 Rais'd new Combustion: Thus was Peace in vain
548 Sought for by Martial Deeds, and Conflict stern:
[Page 82]
549 'Till Edgar grateful (as to those who pine
550 A dismal half-Year Night, the orient Beam
551 Of Phœbus Lamp) arose, and into one
552 Cemented all the long-contending Pow'rs,
553 Pacific Monarch; then her lovely Head
554 Concord rear'd high, and all around diffus'd
555 The Spirit of Love; at Ease, the Bards new strung
556 Their silent Harps, and taught the Woods, and Vales,
557 In uncouth Rhythms, to echo Edgar's Name.
558 Then Gladness smil'd in every Eye; the Years
559 Ran smoothly on, productive of a Line
560 Of wise, Heroic Kings, that by just Laws
561 Establish'd Happiness at home, or crush'd
562 Insulting Enemies in farthest Climes.
563 See Lyon-Hearted Richard, with his Force
564 Drawn from the North, to Jury's hallow'd Plains!
565 Piously valiant, (like a Torrent swell'd
[Page 83]
566 With wintry Tempests, that disdains all Mounds,
567 Breaking a Way impetuous, and involves
568 Within its Sweep, Trees, Houses, Men) he press'd
569 Amidst the thickest Battel; and o'er-threw
570 What-e'er withstood his zealous Rage; no Pause,
571 No Stay of Slaughter, found his vigorous Arm,
572 But th' unbelieving Squadrons turn'd to Flight
573 Smote in the Rear, and with dishonest Wounds
574 Mangl'd behind: The Soldan, as he fled,
575 Oft call'd on Alla, gnashing with Despite,
576 And Shame, and murmur'd many an empty Curse.
577 Behold Third Edward's Streamers blazing high
578 On Gallia's hostile Ground! his Right witheld,
579 Awakens Vengeance; O imprudent Gauls,
580 Relying on false Hopes, thus to incense
581 The warlike English! one important Day
582 Shall teach you meaner Thoughts! Eager of Fight,
[Page 84]
583 Fierce Brutus Off-spring to the adverse Front
584 Advance resistless, and their deep Array
585 With furious Inroad pierce; the mighty Force
586 Of Edward, twice o'erturn'd their desperate King,
587 Twice he arose, and join'd the horrid Shock:
588 The third time, with his wide-extended Wings,
589 He fugitive declin'd superior Strength,
590 Discomfited; persu'd, in the sad Chace
591 Ten Thousands ignominious fall; with Bloud
592 The Vallies float: Great Edward thus aveng'd,
593 With golden Iris his broad Shield emboss'd.
594 Thrice glorious Prince! whom, Fame with all her Tongues
595 For ever shall resound. Yet from his Loins
596 New Authors of Dissention spring; from him
597 Two Branches, that in hosting long contend
598 For Sov'ran Sway; (and can such Anger dwell
599 In noblest Minds?) but little now avail'd
[Page 85]
600 The Ties of Friendship; every Man, as lead
601 By Inclination, or vain Hope, repair'd
602 To either Camp, and breath'd immortal Hate,
603 And dire Revenge: Now horrid Slaughter reigns;
604 Sons against Fathers tilt the fatal Lance,
605 Careless of Duty, and their native Grounds
606 Distain with Kindred Blood, the twanging Bows
607 Send Showers of Shafts, that on their barbed Points
608 Alternate Ruin bear. Here might you see
609 Barons, and Peasants on th' embattled Field
610 Slain, or half dead, in one huge, ghastly Heap
611 Promiscuously amast: with dismal Groans,
612 And Ejulation, in the Pangs of Death
613 Some call for Aid, neglected; some o'erturn'd
614 In the fierce Shock, lye gasping, and expire,
615 Trampled by fiery Coursers; Horror thus,
616 And wild Uproar, and Desolation reign'd
[Page 86]
617 Unrespited: Ah! who at length will end
618 This long, pernicious Fray? What Man has Fate
619 Reserv'd for this great Work? Hail, happy Prince
620 Of Tudor's Race, whom in the Womb of Time
621 Cadwallador foresaw! Thou, Thou art He,
622 Great Richmond Henry, that by nuptial Rites
623 Must close the Gates of Janus, and remove
624 Destructive Discord: Now no more the Drum
625 Provokes to Arms, or Trumpet's Clangor shrill
626 Affrights the Wives, or chills the Virgin's Bloud;
627 But Joy, and Pleasure open to the View
628 Uninterrupted! With presaging Skill
629 Thou to Thy own unitest Fergus' Line
630 By wise Alliance; from Thee James descends,
631 Heav'ns chosen Fav'rite, first Britannic King.
632 To him alone, Hereditary Right
633 Gave Power supreme; yet still some Seeds remain'd
[Page 87]
634 Of Discontent; two Nations under One,
635 In Laws and Int'rest diverse, still persu'd
636 Peculiar Ends, on each Side resolute
637 To fly Conjunction; neither Fear, nor Hope,
638 Nor the sweet Prospect of a mutual Gain,
639 Cou'd ought avail, 'till prudent ANNA said
640 Let there be UNION; strait with Reverence due
641 To Her Command, they willingly unite,
642 One in Affection, Laws, and Government,
643 Indissolubly firm; from Dubris South,
644 To Northern Orcades, Her long Domain.
645 And now thus leagu'd by an eternal Bond,
646 What shall retard the Britons' bold Designs,
647 Or who sustain their Force; in Union knit,
648 Sufficient to withstand the Pow'rs combin'd
[Page 88]
649 Of all this Globe? At this important Act
650 The Mauritanian and Cathaian Kings
651 Already tremble, and th' unbaptiz'd Turk
652 Dreads War from utmost Thule; uncontrol'd
653 The British Navy thro' the Ocean vast
654 Shall wave her double Cross, t' extreamest Climes
655 Terrific, and return with odorous Spoils
656 Of Araby well fraught, or Indus' Wealth,
657 Pearl, and Barbaric Gold; mean while the Swains
658 Shall unmolested reap, what Plenty strows
659 From well stor'd Horn, rich Grain, and timely Fruits.
660 The elder Year, Pomona, pleas'd, shall deck
661 With ruby-tinctur'd Births, whose liquid Store
662 Abundant, flowing in well blended Streams,
663 The Natives shall applaud; while glad they talk
664 Of baleful Ills, caus'd by Bellona's Wrath
665 In other Realms; where-e'er the British spread
[Page 89]
666 Triumphant Banners, or their Fame has reach'd
667 Diffusive, to the utmost Bounds of this
668 Wide Universe, Silurian Cyder borne
669 Shall please all Tasts, and triumph o'er the Vine.

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About this text

Title (in Source Edition): CYDER.
Author: John Philips
Themes: food; drink; agriculture
Genres: blank verse; georgic
References: DMI 6395

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Source edition

Philips, John, 1676-1709. Cyder. A poem. In two books. London: Printed for Jacob Tonson, within Grays-Inn Gate next Grays-Inn Lane, 1708, pp. []-89. [4],89,[1]p., plate; 8⁰. (ESTC T78745) (Page images digitized by the New York Public Library.)

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Typography, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation have been cautiously modernized. The source of the text is given and all significant editorial interventions have been recorded in textual notes. This ECPA text has been edited to conform to the recommendations found in Level 5 of the Best Practices for TEI in Libraries version 4.0.0.

Secondary literature

  • Mounsey, Chris. Christopher Smart's 'The Hop-Garden' and John Philips's 'Cyder', a Battle of the Georgics? Mid-Eighteenth-Century Poetic Discussions of Authority, Science and Experience. British Journal for Eighteenth-Century Studies 22 (1999): 67-84. Print.
  • Pellicer, Juan Christian. Christopher Smart's 'The Hop-Garden': a satirical parody of John Philips's 'Cyder'?. Notes and Queries 51(4) (2004): 400-406. Print.
  • Pellicer, Juan Christian. Harleian georgic from Tonson's press: the publication of John Philips's 'Cyder', 29 January 1708. Library 7(2) (2006): 185-198. Print.
  • Pellicer, Juan Christian. The Politics of 'Cyder'. Goodridge, John and J. C. Pellicer, eds. Cyder. A Poem in Two Books. Cheltenham: Cyder Press, 2001. i-xvi. Print.

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