Whose bright succession decks the varied year—

year—

Whatever sweets salute the northern sky,

With vernal lives, that blossom but to die—

die—

13

These, here disporting, own the kindred soil,

Nor ask luxuriance from the planter’s toil;

While sea-born gales their gelid wings expand,

To winnow fragrance round the smiling land.

But small the bliss that sense alone bestows,

And sensual bliss is all the nation knows;

In florid beauty groves and fields appear—

appear—

Man seems the only growth that dwindles here!

Contrasted faults through all his manners reign;

Though poor, luxurious; though submissive, vain

Though grave, yet trifling; zealous, yet untrue—

untrue—

And even in penance planning sins anew.

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