When first Alexis did in Verse delight, <br />His Muse in Low, but Graceful Numbers walk't, <br />And now and then a little Proudly stalk't; <br />But never aim'd at any noble Flight: <br />The Herds, the Groves, the gentle purling Streams, <br />Adorn'd his Song, and were his highest Theams. <br /> <br />But Love these Thoughts, like Mists, did soon disperse, <br />Enlarg'd his Fancy, and set free his Muse, <br />Biding him more Illustrious Subjects choose; <br />The Acts of Gods, and God-like Men rehearse. <br />From thence new Raptures did his Breast inspire, <br />His scarce Warm-Heart converted was to Fire. <br /> <br />Th' exalted Poet rais'd by this new Flame, <br />With Vigor flys, where late he crept along, <br />And Acts Divine, in a Diviner Song, <br />Commits to the eternal Trompe of Fame. <br />And thus Alexis does prove Love to be, <br />As the Worlds Soul, the Soul of Poetry.<br /><br />Anne Killigrew<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/love-the-soul-of-poetry-2/
