Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO JOHN DRYDEN, ESQ.; POET LAUREATE AND HISTOGRAPHER ROYAL, by PHILIP AYRES


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO JOHN DRYDEN, ESQ.; POET LAUREATE AND HISTOGRAPHER ROYAL, by             Poem Explanation         Poet's Biography
First Line: My muse, when heated with poetic flame
Last Line: Each line does beauty, grace, and wit display.
Subject(s): Dryden, John (1631-1700)


MY Muse, when heated with poetic flame,
Longs to be singing thy exalted name;
The noble task she sets before my eyes,
And prompts me to begin the enterprise;

My eager hand no sooner takes the pen,
But seiz'd with trembling, lets it fall agen:
My tim'rous heart bids stop, and whisp'ring says,
What canst thou sing that may advance his praise?

His quill's immortal, and his flights are higher
Than eye of human fancy can aspire:
A lasting fountain, from whose streams do flow
Eternal honours where his works shall go.

From him the wits their vital humour bring:
As brooks have their first currents from the Spring;
Could my unskilful pen augment his fame,
I should my own eternize with his name.

But hold, my Muse, thy theme too great decline,
Remember that the subject is divine:
His works do more than pen or tongues can say,
Each line does Beauty, Grace, and Wit display.





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