SS6 PRAISE OP PHILOSOPHY. 



Many a long-lingering year, in lonely isle, 



Stunn'd with th' eternal turbulence of waves, 

 Lo, with dim eyes, that never learn'd to smile, "g/ 



And trembling hands, the famish'd native craves 

 Of Heaven his wretched fare : shivering in caves, 



Or scorch'd on rocks, he pines from day to day : 

 But Science gives the word ; and lo, he braves 



The surge and tempest, lighted by her ray, 



And to a happier land wafts merrily away. 



And even where nature loads the teeming plains 



With the full pomp of vegetable store, 



Her bounty unimproved is deadly bane : 

 Dark woods, and rankling wilds, from shore to shore, 

 Stretch their enormous gloom ; which to explore 



Even Fancy trembles in her sprightliest mood ; 

 For there, each eye-ball gleams with lust of gore, 



Nestles each murderous and each monstrous brood. 



Plague lurks in every shade, and steams from every flood. 



'Twas from Philosophy man learn'd to tame 



The soil by plenty to intemperance fed. 

 Lo, from the echoing axe, and thundering flame, 



Poison, and Plague, and yelling Rage are fled. 

 The waters bursting from their slimy bed, 



Bring health and melody to every vale : 

 And from the breezy main, and mountain's head, 



Ceres and Flora to the sunny dale. 



To fan their glowing charms, invite the flutt'ring gale. 



What dire necessities on every hand 



Our art, our strength, our fortitude require ! 



Of foes intestine what a numerous band 

 Against this little throb of life conspire ! 



Yet Science can elude their fatal ire i 



Awhile, and turn aside death's levell'd dart. 



Sooth the sharp pang, allay the fever's fire, f 



And brace the nerves once more, and cheer the heart, 

 And yet a few soft nights and balmy days impart. 



Nor less to regulate man's moral frame 



Science exerts her all-composing sway. 

 Flutters thy breast with fear, or pants for fame, 



Or pines, to Indolence and Spleen a prey, 



