Mark Akenside

This was Shakespeare's form; who walked in every path of human life, felt every passion; and to all mankind doth read more

This was Shakespeare's form; who walked in every path of human life, felt every passion; and to all mankind doth now, will ever, that experience yield which his own genius only could acquire.

This was Shakespeare's form;
Who walked in every path of human life,
Felt every passion; and to read more

This was Shakespeare's form;
Who walked in every path of human life,
Felt every passion; and to all mankind
Doth now, will ever, that experience yield
Which his own genius only could acquire.

Seeks painted trifles and fantastic toys, and eagerly pursues imaginary joys.

Seeks painted trifles and fantastic toys, and eagerly pursues imaginary joys.

And the veil
Spun from the cobweb fashion of the times,
TO hid the feeling heart?

And the veil
Spun from the cobweb fashion of the times,
TO hid the feeling heart?

At last the Muses rose, . . . And scattered, . . . as they flew,
Their blooming wreaths read more

At last the Muses rose, . . . And scattered, . . . as they flew,
Their blooming wreaths from fair Valclusa's bowers
To Arno's myrtle border.