܀܀ 斑 TII E MINSTREL; OR, THE PROGRESS OF GENIUS. A THE FIRST BOOK. H who can tell how hard it is to climb The fleep where Fame's proud temple fainesafar F Ah! who can tell how many a foul fublime Is felt the influence of malignant ftar, And wag d with Fortune an eternal war! Check'd by the fcoff of Pride, by Envy's frown, And Poverty's unconquerable bar, In life's low vale remote his pined alone, 'Then dropt into the grave, unpitied and unknown! II. And yet, the languor of inglorious days, Him who ne'er liften'd to the voice of praise, Health, competence, and peace. Nor higher aim Had HE, whofe fimple tale thefe artlefs lines pro claim. B |