So FLORA AND THALIA. 



Is needful. Strength may wield the pond'rous spade, 



May turn the clod, and wheel the compost home; 



But elegance, chief grace the garden shows, 



And most attractive, is the fair result 



Of thought, the creature of a polish'd mind. 



Without it, all is gothic as the scene 



To which th' insipid citizen resorts 



Near yonder heath ; where industry misspent, 



But proud of his uncouth ill-chosen task. 



Has made a heaven on earth; with suns and moons 



Of close-ramm'd stones has charg'd th' encumber'd 



soil. 

 And fairly laid the zodiac in the dust. 

 He, therefore, who would see his flow'rs dispos'd 

 Sightly and in just order, ere he gives 

 The beds the trusted treasure of their seeds, 

 Forecasts the future whole; that when the scene 

 Shall break into its preconceiv'd display. 

 Each for itself, and all as with one voice 

 Conspiring, may attest his bright design. 

 Nor even then, dismissing as perform'd 

 His pleasant work, may he suppose it done. 

 Few self-supported flow'rs endure the wind 

 Uninjur'd, but expect th' upholding aid 

 Of the smooth-shaven prop ; and, neatly tied, 

 Are wedded thus, like beauty to old age, 

 For interest sake, the living to the dead. 

 Some clothe the soil that feeds them, far diffused 



