SONG. WANDERING in the still of eve, While songsters homeward cleave the air, With lively notes my voice I tun'd, To usher in the ev'ning star; But straying near a woody brake, Sweet sounds of melody ascend, Oft intermix'd with sighs and tears: Anxious a pitying ear I lend, As from a vale below thus sad they roll'd: "Ah! idiot Fortune, why " Should genius somther'd die "When fled by base delusive gold? " When fled by base delusive gold? "Wavering in a doubtful state, " Impell'd by reason and desire, "Strongly I feel an innate pow'r " Raising the sparks of youthful fire; "While warmer fancy, genuine art, " Urg'd by the touch, break forth to flame; "But, chill'd by the cold worldling's frown, " And starv'd by reason, sink again. "Bewilder'd now I see the book of fate unfold: " Ah! idiot Fortune, why "Should genius smother'd die " When fled by base delusive gold? "When fled by base delusive gold? "Unerring Pow'r! dare I complain? " Yet sure mysterious is thy way! "That the vile dust dug from the earth " Should rule with such unbounded sway; "Should smother up the seeds of love, " And check the emanating fire "That swells the rip'ning artist's breast, " And wakes the soul-entrancing lyre! "Ah! sad disgrace to man's diviner mould! " For, idiot Fortune! why "Should genius smother'd die, " When fled by base delusive gold? "When fled by base delusive gold? "Murmuring thus at partial fate, " The wretch's comfort I pursue: "How sweet those plaintive moments pass, " How tuneful, but alas! how few! "Courting the Muses, here my lute " Soft I attune, and hail the sky, "Reading the traits of heavenly love, " Aloud I breathe this ardent sigh: "Ah! when to me will Nature's works unfold? " Through cruel Fortune, I "In canker'd rust may die, " If fled by thee, delsuive gold! "If fled by thee, delsuive gold!"