*T Henry, A Rebus (sages) *U Poem http://www.iment.com/maida/familytree/henry/writing/poetry/sages.htm *U Grammar http://www.iment.com/maida/familytree/henry/xmasresearch/grammarhenry.htm#sages *U Search http://www.iment.com/maida/familytree/henry/xmasresearch/searchablehenryspoems.htm#sages *C MSS p44-45, written 1786, Unpublished Take the name of that planet which sages declare Has the guidance of madmen, the seas & the fair. The monarch whose sway with the globe was extended And yet on his favour no mortal depended. The flow'r whose tints in yr cheeks sweetly glow And the word maidens mean when they faintly cry no! The region which FREEDOM has called her own Where her standard high waves o'er her deep-rooted throne Where the maidens are constant & faithful the swains And the cadence of rapture is rung o'er the plains. That period when Phoebus to meet keener fires Down! down to his Thetis in glory retires And the sage whose great soul rang'd thro ether on high Scann'd ev'ry far planet & measur'd the sky. That part of creation the fairest & best Who gives to the whole all its flavour & zest. The prince of the fairies that fanciful sprite Whose empire begins & decays with the night. That feeling ecstatic which heav'n design'd As the greatest & best of its gifts to mankind. The country whose elegance, beauty & science Have signed a bond of perpetual alliance. Where Captains & lawyers & jurymen join To establish the rights of the people divine. The mountain where Jove as recorded in story Sits wrapt with his eagle & Juno in glory. That goddess refulgent whose ray thro the gloom Of error's dark midnight can light up a noon. Then close the enigma by adding the name Of as jovial a creature as sings on the plain. Joy laughs in his breast - health lives in his eye And sorrow flys scowling whenever he's nigh.