LYRIC. POEMS.. 2,57 Behold the dear associates seated low On humble turf, with rose and myrtle strew'd : But high their conference! how self- sufñc'd Lives their eternal Maker, girt around With glories ; arm'dwith thunders ; and his throne Mortal access forbids, projecting far Splendors unsufferable and radiant death. With rev'rence and abasement deep they fall Before his sovereign majesty, to pay Due worship : Then his mercy on their souls Smiles with a gentler ray, but sovereign still ; And leads their meditation and discourse Long ages backward, and across the seas To Bethlehem of Judah : There the son, The filial godhead, character express Of brightness inexpressible, laid by His beamy robes, and made descent to earth Sprung from the sons of Adam he became A second father, studious to regain Lost paradise for men, and purchase heav'n. The Lovers with endearment mutual thus Promiscuous talked, and questions intricate. His manly judgment still resolved, and still Held her attention fix'd :. she musing sat On the sweet mention of incarnate love, Till rapture wak'd her voice to softest strains. She sang the Infant God ; (mysterious theme) How vile his birth- place, and his cradle vile!i The ox and ass his mean companions ; there In habit vile the shepherds flock around, Saluting thegreat mother, and adore Israel's annomted King, the appointed Heir Of the creation. How debas'd belies Beneath his regal state ; for thee, my Mitio, Debas'd in servile form ; but angels stood Minist'ring round their charge with folded wings Obsequious, tho' unseen ; while lightsome hours Fulfilled the day, and the grey evening rose. Then the fair guardians hov'ring o'er his bead Wakeful all night, drive the foul spirits far, And with all their fanning pinions purge the air From busy phantoms, from infectious damps, And impure taint; white their ambrosial plumes A dewy slumber on his senses shed. Alternate hymns the heav'nly watchers sung Melodious, soothing the surrounding shades And kept the darkness chaste and holy. Then Midnight was charm'd; and all.her gazing eyes Wonder'd to see their mighty Maker sleep. Behold the glooms disperse, the rosy morn Smiles in the east with eye -lids opening fair, But not so fair as thine ; O I could fold thee, My young Almighty, my Creator -babe, For ever in these arms ! For ever dwell Upon thy lovely form with gazing joy, And every pulseshould beat seraphic love ! Around my seat should crowding cherubs come
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