The following eclogues, written by Mr. Collins, are very pretty: the images, it must be owned, are not very local; for the paftoral fubject could not well admit of it. The defcription of Afiatic magnificence, and manners, is à fubject as yet unat-, tempted amongst us, and, I believe, capable of furnishing a great variety of poetical imagery. E Perhan maids, attend your poet's lays, And hear how shepherds pafs their golden days. Not all are bleft, whom Fortune's hand fuftains. With wealth, in courts, nor all that haunt the plains: Well may your hearts believe the truths I tell; 'Tis virtue makes the blifs, where'er we dwell. Thus Selim fung, by facred Truth inspir'd; Nor praife, but:fuch as Truth beftow'd, defir'd: Wife in himself, his meaning fongs convey'd Ör taught the fwains that fureft blifs to find, Ye Perfian dames, he faid, to you belong, Boaft but the worth Baffora's pearls display ; Self-flattering fex! your hearts believe in vain As fpots on ermin beautify the fkin; Who Who feeks fecure to rule, be first her care Bleft were the days, when Wisdom held her reign, And shepherds fought her on the filent plain; . With Truth fhe wedded in the fecret grove, Immortal Truth; and daughters bless'd their love. O haste, fair maids! ye Virtues come away; Sweet Seace and Plenty lead you on your way ! The balmy shrub for you fhall love our shore, By Ind excell'd, or Araby, no more. Loft to our fields, for fo the fates ordain, The dear deferters fhall return again. Come thou, whofe thoughts as limpid fprings are clear, To lead the train, sweet Modefty, appear: But man the most-not more the mountain doe Cold is her breaft, like flowers that drink the dew A filken veil conceals her from the view. ; And |