I could not torment and tease you, Illustrious fool! Nay, most inhuman wretch! doubts that are giants to throw. My Jo, Where the great hill, heavenward stum- Would you dazzle me much with the kindness bling, Swells up like a huge ox-bow, In a blind white cataract tumbling, My Jo Stands shading her eyes in the dazzle between Then, warily, lightly, descending, Her lithe shape swaying and bending, Her arms flung out to save her from the And I, growing dizzy, eyes straining, From my fingers the axe dropped unheeded, the minutes drag heavy and slow. Ah, Jo! does my waiting displease you? MAN IN NATURE. LACED on this isthmus of a middle state, A being darkly wise and rudely great, With too much knowledge for the sceptic side, With too much weakness for the stoic's pride, He hangs between, in doubt to act or rest, Still by himself abused or disabused; Go, wond'rous creature! mount where Science guides; Go measure earth, weigh air and state the tides; Instruct the planets in what orbs to run, Superior beings, when of late they saw ALEXANDER POPE. |