140 
THE VINE. 
VITIS V1NEFEUA. 
“ Turn we a moment Fancy’s rapid flight 
To vigorous soils, and climbs of fair extent, 
Where, by the potent sun elated high, 
The vineyard swells refulgent on the day ; 
Spreads o’er the vale, or up the mountain climbs 
Profuse; and drinks amid the sunny rocks, 
From cliff to cliff increased, the heighten’d blaze. 
Low bend the weighty boughs; the clusters clear 
Half through the foliage seen, or ardent flame. 
Or shine transparent, while perfection breathes 
White o’er the turgent film the living dew.” 
Beautiful and glowing as is this description of the 
vine, we may yet truly say it needs not the poet’s pencil 
to enhance its charms; for when left to follow its own 
elegant fancies, and to twine its tendrils to any prop 
which offers itself, it does indeed 
u Outstrip all praise, 
And make it halt behind.” 
