O bid our vain endeavors cease, Revive the just designs of Greece, Return in all thy simple state, Confirm the tales her sons relate!

115

Still as they run they look behind, They hear a voice in every wind, And snatch a fearful joy.

40

THOMAS GRAY (1716-1771)

ETON COLLEGE

Gay hope is theirs by fancy fed, Less pleasing when possessed; The tear forgot as soon as shed, The sunshine of the breast: Theirs buxom health of rosy hue,

45

And lively cheer of vigor born; The thoughtless day, the easy night, The spirits pure, the slumbers light,

That fly the approach of morn.

50

20

25

30

The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep.

dust,

Or Flattery soothe the dull cold ear of Death?

He passed the flaming bounds of place

and time:

The living throne, the sapphire-blaze,
Where angels tremble, while they gaze, 100
He saw; but blasted with excess of light,
Closed his eyes in endless night.
Behold, where Dryden's less presumptuous

car,

Wide o'er the fields of glory bear
Two coursers of ethereal race,
With necks in thunder clothed, and long-

resounding pace.

105