Book 2 — SONNET.—ART.
Reading edition
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BY WM. ALEXANDER.
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Art! what were mankind destitute of thee?
Religion’s handmaid oft do we thee find,
As to thy polished car seek’st thou to bind
True elegance with sweet utility—
Long, wide, extensive is thy magic sway,
O’er matter all inanimate and mind,
E’en savage man thou teachest to be kind,
And charmest his rude soul with thy harmony;
Cross seas the ship by thy good guidance goes;
Fields arable, rich gardens, sacred grove,
Town, temple, feel the influence of thy love;
Thy sacred power the mind immortal knows,
Nor can thy empire, universal, end
Till Nature’s forces all in sweet subjection bend.