To Mr. George Sands, on his translation of some parts of the Bible.

HOw bold a work attempts that Pen,
Which would inrich our vulgar tongue
With the high raptures of those men,
Who here with the same spirit sung,
Wherewith they now assist the Quire
Of Angels, who their Songs admire?

What-ever these inspired Souls
Were urged to express did shake,
The aged deep, and both the Poles;
Their num'rous Thunder could awake
Dull Earth, which does with Heaven consent
To all they wrote, and all they meant.

Say (Sacred Bard) what could bestow
Courage on thee, to soar so high?
Tell me (brave Friend) what help'd thee so
To shake of all mortality?
To light this Torch, thou h…st climb'd higher,
Than he who stole Celestial fire.