FINE ARTS. 417 



In solemn pomp and state, they seem'd to pass : 



Egyptian story, Greece, victorious Rome, 



Were brought, by Fancy, to my bosom home; ' 



Beneath one ample roof, impress'd with awe ; 



I felt as if the ancient world I saw. 



There, too, I saw, with an exulting smile. 



The lofty Genius of this mighty Isle 



Her powers unfold ; with nature hold a strife ; 



And wake the dead materials into life ; 



There Howard, Wilkie, Stanfield, Landseer, shine, 



"Ward, Roberts, Frazer, Edmiaton, combine, 



With Glover, Barker, Allen, Christall, Good, 



Whose chosen works the public test have stood ; 



Whose lively pictures touch the feeling heart, 



And dignify the British School of art ; 



Before the nations, vindicate their claim, 



And prove their title to the meed of fame. 



Unfading honour to the noble mind. 

 Whose taste is not to age or clime confin'd ; 

 Who listens to unclouded Reason's voice, 

 And not by dates or names decides his choice ; 

 With just discrimination views the schools, 

 Too wise to be enslav'd by frigid rules ; 

 Thinks for himself, and, deaf to fashion's call. 

 By their intrinsic merits judges all ; 

 Reveres the excellence of Greece and Rome, 

 And glories in the excellence of home ; 

 Hails living Genius with a flowing hand, 

 And adds new honours to his native land ; 

 Collects the gems of Leo's golden days, 

 And mingles British diamonds in the blaze. 



The Muse, well-pleased, with commendation due, 

 This bright example elevates to view: 

 So may the anti-modern night abate, 

 And minds congenial learn to emulate 

 His splendid course, to prize our island art, 

 And act, with virtuous zeal, a British part,— 

 With mild persuasion prejudice remove, 

 And foreign libels on our clime disprove ; 

 Of rival Veterans become a friend ; 

 Their pow'rs appreciate, and their fame extend ; 

 From their rich stores, impartially select. 

 And pining Merit rescue from neglect. 

 Nor let Youth sink — without a hand to save— 

 High-gifted Youth ! — to an inglorious grave ; 

 Draw Genius forth, from darkness into day, 

 His out-set proudly cheer;— his works display ; 

 And to reward and honour smooth his shining way. 



Reader, if rank, if wealth, if taste are ihine. 

 Seek not this noble Patron to divine ; 

 Ask not his name, which just reserve denies. 



But TAKE A LESSON—" GO AND DO LIKEWISE." 



Nov. 8, 1834. 



