Ye powers unseen, to whom, the bards of Greece <br />Erected altars; ye who to the mind <br />More lofty views unfold, and prompt the heart <br />With more divine emotions; if erewhile <br />Not quite unpleasing have my votive rites <br />Of you been deem'd when oft this lonely seat <br />To you i consecrated; then vouchsafe <br />Here with your instant energy to crown <br />My happy solitude. It is the hour <br />When most i love to invoke you, and have felt <br />Most frequent your glad ministry divine. <br />The air is calm: the sun's unveiled orb <br />Shines in the middle heaven. the harvest round <br />Stands quiet, and among the golden sheaves <br />The reapers lie reclin'd. the neighbouring groves <br />Are mute; nor even a linnet's random strain <br />Echoeth amid the silence. Let me feel <br />Your influence, ye kind powers. Aloft in heaven, <br />Abide ye? or on those transparent clouds <br />Pass, ye from hill to hill? or on the shades <br />Which yonder elms cast o'er the lake below <br />Do you converse retir'd? From what lov'd haunt <br />Shall i expect you? Let me once more feel <br />Your influence, o ye kind inspiring powers: <br />And i will guard it well, nor shall a thought <br />Rise in my mind, nor shall a passion move <br />Across my bosom unobserv'd, unstor'd <br />By faithful memory. and then at some <br />More active moment, will i call them forth <br />Anew; and join them in majestic forms, <br />And give them utterance in harmonious strains; <br />That all mankind shall wonder at your sway.<br /><br />Mark Akenside<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/inscriptions-viii-ye-powers-unseen/
