Back flows the willing current of my Song:

If to provoke such doom the Impious dare,

Why should it daunt a blameless prayer?

—Bold Goddess! range our Youth among;

Nor let thy genuine impulse fail to beat

In hearts no longer young;

Still may a veteran Few have pride

In thoughts whose sternness makes them sweet;

In fixed resolves by Reason justified;

That to their object cleave like sleet