Dedication

————Where majestically plainPure Nature reigns, where varied Views from ViewsDiffusive Prospects yield: here shagg'd with Woods,Here rich with Harvest, and there white with Flocks,And all the gay Horizon smiles aroundFull of thy Genius! Lo! between yon GrovesThe Dome with easy Grandure, like the SoulOf its great Master, rising overlooksThe subject Regions, and commands the CharmsOf many a pleasing Landskip, to the EyeDelightful Change! here Groves of loftiest ShadeWave their proud Tops, and form of stateliest ViewA sylvan Theater! while Nature's HandPours forth profuse, o'er Hill, o'er Vale, o'er LawnHer choicest Blessings: See! where yonder LakeSpreads its wide liquid Plain: now stands unmov'dPure as th' Expanse of Heav'n, and Heav'n reflectsFrom its broad-glitt'ring Mirrour; now with WavesCurl'd gently by the Breeze, salutes the Flow'rsThat grace its Banks! in state the snowy SwansArch their proud Necks, and Fowls of various PlumeInnum'rous, native or exotic, cleaveThe dancing Wave! While o'er th' adjoining LawnsObverted to the Southern Suns, the DeerWide-spreading graze, or starting bound awayIn Crouds, then turning, silent stand, and gaze!Such are thy Beauties, Rainham, such the HauntsOf Angels, in primæval guiltless Days,When Man imparadis'd convers'd with God.