While struggling in the vale of tears below, Angelic gratulations rend the skies, Pride falls unpitied, never more to rise, 588 Humility is crown'd, and Faith receives the prize. In England's case, to move the muse to tears? Where under Heav'n is pleasure more pursu'd, The fervour and the force of Indian skies; 10 Her peaceful shores, where busy Commerce waits, To pour his golden tide through all her gates; Whom fi'ry suns, that scorch the russet spice 20 To darker climes, or climes of brighter day; Sighs unregarded to the passing wind. 30 Then wherefore weep for England? What appears In England's case, to move the muse to tears? The prophet wept for Israel; wish'd his eyes Were fountains fed with infinite supplies: For Israel dwelt in robbery and wrong: There were the scorner's and the sland'rer's tongue; Oaths, us'd as playthings or convenient tools, As int'rest biass'd knaves, or fashion fools; The treach'rous smile, a mask for secret hate; And the dull service of the lip were there. Her women, insolent and self-caress'd, By Vanity's unwearied finger dress'd, Forgot the blush, that virgin fears impart To modest cheeks, and borrow'd one from art; As silly pride and idleness produce; 40 50 Curl'd, scented, furbelow'd, and flounc'd around, With feet too delicate to touch the ground, They stretch'd the neck, and roll'd the wanton eye, And sigh'd for ev'ry fool that flutter'd by. |