261 



whom the epistle is addressed, he being distinguished for ex- 

 cellence in the art of Design, The rules, from the shortness of 

 the composition, are of course compendious, but tIio\ contain 

 the fundamental principles of the Art. Four and twenty lines 

 include the whole. ^ 



To build, to plant, whatever you intend, 

 To rear the column, or the arch to bend. 

 To swell the terrace, or to sink the grot; 

 In all, let nature never be forgot. 

 But treat the Goddess like a modest fair. 

 Nor over-dress, nor leave her wholly bare; 

 Let not each beauty ev'ry where be spy'd. 

 Where half the skill is decently to hide. 

 He gains all points, who pleasingly confounds. 

 Surprises, varies, and conceals the bounds. 



Consult the genius of the place in all ; 



That tells the waters or to rise, or fall ; 



Or helps th' ambitious hill the heav'ns to scale. 



Or scoops in circling theatres the vale ; 



Calls in the country, catches op'ning glades. 



Joins willing woods, and varies shades from shades ; 



Now breaks, or now directs th' intending lines ; 



Paints as you plant, and, as you work, designs. 



Still follow Sense, of ev'ry art the soul, 

 Parts answ'ring parts shall slide into a whole. 

 Spontaneous beauties all around advance, 

 Start ev'n from difficulty, strike from chance ; 

 Nature shall join you ; time shall make it grow, 

 A work to wonder at — perhaps a STOW. 



BRIDGEMAN came into notice about 172i'), ai a Gardrn 

 Pcsijjner. Of his History nothing remains ; the periods of hi» 



