Page:The Progress of Poetry - Madan (1783).djvu/16

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To smoother strains chastising tuneless prose,
In plain magnificence great Spenser rose;
In forms distinct, o'er each creating line,
The Virtues, Vices, and the Passions shine;
Subservient Nature aids the Poet's rage,
And with herself inspires each vig'rous page.

While gentle Cowley's lays harmonious move,
Around him wait the Gods of Verse and Love;
So quick the crouding images arise,
The bright variety distracts our eyes;
Each sparkling line, where fire and fancy flows,
The rich profusion of his genius shows.

To Waller next my wond'ring view I bend,
Gentle as flakes of feather'd snow descend;

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