Page:The Works of Alexander Pope (1717).djvu/328
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VERTUMNUS and POMONA.
Besides, he's lovely far above the rest,
With youth immortal, and with beauty blest.
Add, that he varies ev'ry shape with ease,
And tries all forms, that may Pomona please.
But what should most excite a mutual flame,
Your rural cares, and pleasures, are the same.
To him your orchards early fruits are due,
(A pleasing off'ring when 'tis made by you;)
He values these; but yet (alas) complains,
That still the best and dearest gift remains:
Not the fair fruit that on yon' branches glows
With that ripe red, th' autumnal sun bestows;
Nor tastful herbs that in these gardens rise,
Which the kind soil with milky sap supplies;
You, only you, can move the God's desire:
Oh crown so constant and so pure a fire!
Let soft compassion touch your gentle mind;
Think, 'tis Vertumnus begs you to be kind!
So may no frost, when early buds appear,
Destroy the promise of the youthful year;
With youth immortal, and with beauty blest.
Add, that he varies ev'ry shape with ease,
And tries all forms, that may Pomona please.
But what should most excite a mutual flame,
Your rural cares, and pleasures, are the same.
To him your orchards early fruits are due,
(A pleasing off'ring when 'tis made by you;)
He values these; but yet (alas) complains,
That still the best and dearest gift remains:
Not the fair fruit that on yon' branches glows
With that ripe red, th' autumnal sun bestows;
Nor tastful herbs that in these gardens rise,
Which the kind soil with milky sap supplies;
You, only you, can move the God's desire:
Oh crown so constant and so pure a fire!
Let soft compassion touch your gentle mind;
Think, 'tis Vertumnus begs you to be kind!
So may no frost, when early buds appear,
Destroy the promise of the youthful year;
Nor