Duke, Richard (1658-1711)

To the Unknown Author of Absalom and Achitophel [from Poems by the Earl of Roscomon. To which is added, An Essay on Poetry, By the Earl of Mulgrave, now Duke of Buckingham. Together with poems By Mr. Richard Duke]

London

Printed for J. Tonson [etc.]

1717

"Some livelier Spark of Heav'n, and more refin'd / From earthly Dross, fills the great Poet's Mind."

I thought, forgive my Sin, the boasted Fire
Of Poets Souls did long ago expire;
Of Folly or of Madness did accuse
The wretch that thought himself possest with Muse;
Laugh'd at the God within, that did inspire
With more than humane Thoughts the tuneful Quire;
But sure 'tis more than Fancy, or the Dream
Of Rhimers slumbring by the Muses Stream.
Some livelier Spark of Heav'n, and more refin'd
From earthly Dross, fills the great Poet's Mind.
Witness these mighty and immortal Lines,
Through each of which th'informing Genius shines.
Scarce a diviner Flame inspir'd the King,
Of whom thy Muse does so sublimely sing.
Not David's self could in a nobler Verse
His gloriously offending Son rehearse;
Tho' in his Breast the Prophet's Fury met,
The Father's Fondness, and the Poet's Wit.

Mineral::Dross

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05/11/2005