Thespia XXVI: Now Issuing from his northern reign

Now Issuing from his northern reign,
Stern Winter rushes o'er the plain,
And proudly boasts his power.
The Genius of the forest sighs,
While pensive Nature shivering lyes
Beneath her leafless bower.

Who Thespia, shall the season cheer?
Relax the rigour of the year?
And e'en in Winter's arms,
Bid Fancy place gay-blooming Spring,
And frolic Zephyr wave his wing,
In homage to her charms?

Ah, who but Love! within the breast
By his enchanting influence blest
Perennial roses grow;
Ethereal Mildness harbours there,
No furious storms, or nipping air
His sweet Enthusiasts know.

They view well-pleased a different clime,
To them a different date of time,
Another Sun belongs;
While all-unseen by vulgar eye,
Ten thousand plumed Pleasures fly,
And chaunt their vernal songs.

If haply human Passions swell,
And shake awhile their peaceful cell,
They strive with idle force:
Soon, mutual Fondness in her chains
The momentary blasts restrains,
And smiling, checks their course.

Soon as before, the lillies bloom,
Again the roses breathe perfume,
And fresher colours spread;
Again the Pleasures wave their wing,
Again their warbled transports sing,
Around the nuptial bed.

O Thespia, days and Years pass by;
The varying seasons We espy,
To Us no change is known;
With Us perpetual verdure blows,
For Us with constant beauty glows
A Season of our own.