ADDRESS. A PREFACE would be fuperfluous in this place. The PARNASSIAN GARLAND, as every one knows who has been a Reader of the Monthly Vifitor, forms the poetical department of that work, and is collected into its prefent fhape according to the plan of the Publication. But to those who have contributed to this part of our undertaking, and who are otherwise unconnected with us, we cannot but express, in fome degree, a due fenfe of the obligations which we owe to their independent and ceaseless exertions. We forbear to particularize names. Thofe who have thus obliged, and honoured the Proprietors of this Mifcellany, must be fufficiently conscious of their labours to take to themselves that that kind of reputation which it is impoffible even for envy to withhold. We have endeavoured (and we make no merit of the endeavour) to deserve the continuance of their favours. ODE FOR THE YEAR, 1797. BY MR. R. DAVENPORT. O! to his task, the infant year L Comes forth; no boding frown fevere Scowls on his brow, but fmiling mild, No angry blafts around him rave :- He fleeps. Still wakes a fiercer far, And the wild grilly forms of luft and rapine glare. Frantic each breathlefs coife he fpurns, His ardent eye with fury burns. Scar'd by his lurid frowns, the choir B Far from the battle's horrid yell, In peace and folitude to dwell, No fhriek, no dying groan, hangs heavy on the gale. But, with firm gaze, the deathless muse, She turns from fields of blood, and seeks a milder clime. How long, alas! muft nature mourn And calls on heav'n for aid, and frenzied wrings her hands. When fhall again, at dawning day, Bleft once more in his lowly cot, To clafp his wife belov'd, each gloomy care forgot? Soon may ye dawn aufpicious hours! Then bright-ey'd pleasure crown'd with flow'rs, Shall to the laughing gale his fnowy banner spread. |