28 THE ENGLISH GARDEN. 



" Or held, by fringed banks, in chryftal lakes, 



" Compofe a rural feat of various view." 



'Twas thus great Nature's Herald blazon'd high 



That fair original imprefs, which me bore 465 



In ftate fublime; e'er mifcreated Art, 



Offspring of fin and fhame, the banner feiz'd,. 



And with adulterate pageantry defil'd. 



Yet vainly, MILTON., did thy voice proclaim 



Thefe her primaeval honours. Still fhe lay 470 



Defac'd, deflower'd, full many a ruthlefs year : 



Alike, when Charles, the abject tool of France, 



Came back to fmile his fubjects into flaves -, 



Or Belgic William, with his warriour frown, 



Coldly declar'd them free ; in fetters frill 475: 



The Goddefs pin'd, by both alike oppreft. 



Go to the Proof! behold what TEMPLE call'd 

 A perfect Garden. There thou malt not find 

 One blade of verdure, but with aching feet 

 From terras down to terras malt defcend,, 480 



Step 



