THE GARDEN 81 



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 overrules, and is her master here, 



It imitates her Maker's power divine, 



And changes her sometimes, and sometimes does refine 



It does, like grace, the fallen tree restore 



To its blest state of Paradise before : 



Who would not joy to see His conquering hand 



O'er all the vegetable world command ? 



And the wild giants of the wood receive 

 What law He's pleased to give ? 



He bids th' ill-natured crab produce 



The gentler apple's winy juice ; 



