To Mr. Hervey, on His Theron and Aspasio

O sent by heaven to teach the Saviour's praise,
And bid our hearts with pure devotion glow!
Truth shines around thee with distinguish'd rays,
And all the graces in thy language flow.

Here beauteous landscapes spread their various charms,
The mind inspiring with delight serene;
With pleasing power while sacred friendship warms,
And blest religion crowns the lovely scene.

Now deeply humbled, self-abas'd, we read
The abject state of Adam's wretched race;
Now smiling hope lifts up her cheerful head,
And faith adores immeasurable grace.

What glories in our great Immanuel shine!
How rich, how free, how full his merits rise!
The curse remov'd, fulfill'd the law divine;
For rebels he obeys, for traitors dies.

His righteousness, immortal robe, he gives
To clothe the naked; while his flowing blood
Pours healing balm; the wounded sinner lives
To speak the honours of the Saviour God.

In him, what countless, endless wonders meet!
Truth, justice, mercy, reconcil'd appear:
His name, how precious! how divinely sweet!
Joy to the heart, and music to the ear.

O Hervey, be thy pleasing labours crown'd
With bliss beyond the low rewards of fame!
Such joy be thine, as thy Aspasio found,
While many a Theron owns the Saviour's name.