Urit spes animi credula mutui.-Hor. <br /> <br />Imitation. <br /> <br />Fond hope of a reciprocal desire <br />Inflames the breast. <br /> <br /> <br />'Twas not by beauty's aid alone <br />That Love usurp'd his airy throne, <br />His boasted power display'd; <br />'Tis kindness that secures his aim, <br />'Tis hope that feeds the kindling flame <br />Which beauty first convey'd. <br /> <br />In Clara's eyes the lightning view; <br />Her lips with all the rose's hue <br />Have all its sweets combined; <br />Yet vain the blush, and faint the fire, <br />Till lips at once, and eyes, conspire <br />To prove the charmer kind-- <br /> <br />Though wit might gild the tempting snare <br />With softest accent, sweetest air, <br />By envy's self admired; <br />If Lesbia's wit betray'd her scorn, <br />In vain might every Grace adorn <br />What every Muse inspired. <br /> <br />Thus airy Strephon tuned his lyre- <br />He scorn'd the pangs of wild desire, <br />Which lovesick swains endure; <br />Resolved to brave the keenest dart, <br />Since frowns could never wound his heart; <br />And smiles-must ever cure. <br /> <br />But, ah! how false these maxims prove, <br />How frail security from love, <br />Experience hourly shows; <br />Love can imagined smiles supply; <br />On every charming lip and eye <br />Eternal sweets bestows. <br /> <br />In vain we trust the fair one's eyes; <br />In vain the sage explores the skies, <br />To learn from stars his fate; <br />Till, led by fancy wide astray, <br />He finds no planet mark his way; <br />Convinced and wise-too late. <br /> <br />As partial to their words we prove, <br />Then boldly join the lists of love, <br />With towering hopes supplied: <br />So heroes, taught by doubtful shrines, <br />Mistook their deity's designs; <br />Then took the field-and died.<br /><br />William Shenstone<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ode-written-1739/
