THOUGHTS ON A GARDEN 9 



Where does the wisdom and the power divine 

 In a more bright and sweet reflection shine, 

 Where do we finer strokes and colours see 

 Of the Creator's real poetry, 



Than when we with attention look 

 Upon the third day's volume of the book ? 

 If we could open and intend our eye, 



We all, like Moses, should espy, 

 Ev'n in a bush, the radiant Deity. 



But we despise these his inferior ways 

 (Though no less full of miracle and praise) : 



Upon the flowers of heaven we gaze ; 

 The stars of earth no wonder in us raise, 



Though these perhaps do, more than they, 



The life of mankind sway. 

 Although no part of mighty nature be 

 More stor'd with beauty, power and mystery, 

 Yet, to encourage human industry, 

 God has so order'd, that no other part 

 Such space and such dominion leaves for art. 



We nowhere art do so triumphant see, 

 As when it grafts or buds the tree : 

 In other things we count it to excel, . 

 If it a docile scholar can appear 

 To nature, and but imitate her well ; 

 It over-rules and is her master here. 

 It imitates her Maker's power divine, 

 And changes her sometimes and sometimes does 

 refine : 



