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Poem
September 9, 1773
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Bishop Berkeley's poem envisions a new golden age of arts, sciences, and empire in America, contrasting Europe's decay. It prophesies the westward progression of civilization, with America as the final, noblest act.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
POETS CORNER.
On the Prospect of ARTS and SCIENCES in AMERICA.
By the late Doctor Berkeley.
THE Muse, disgusted at an Age and Clime,
Barren of every glorious Theme,
In distant Lands now waits a better Time,
Producing Subjects worthy Fame:
In happy Climes, where from the genial Sun,
And Virgin Earth, Such Scenes ensue,
The Force of Art by Nature Seems outdone,
And fancied Beauties by the true.
In happy Climes, the Seat of Innocence,
Where Nature guides and Virtue rules,
Where Men shall not impose, for Truth and Sense,
The Pedantry of Courts and Schools:
There shall be Sung another Golden Age,
The Rise of Empire and of Arts,
The good and great inspiring epic Rage,
The wisest Heads and noblest Hearts.
Not such as Europe breeds in her Decay,
Such as she bred when fresh and young,
When heav'nly Flame did animate her Clay,
By future Ages shall be sung.
Westward the Course of Empire takes its Way;
The four first Acts already past,
A fifth shall close the Drama with the Day;
Time's noblest Offspring is the last.
On the Prospect of ARTS and SCIENCES in AMERICA.
By the late Doctor Berkeley.
THE Muse, disgusted at an Age and Clime,
Barren of every glorious Theme,
In distant Lands now waits a better Time,
Producing Subjects worthy Fame:
In happy Climes, where from the genial Sun,
And Virgin Earth, Such Scenes ensue,
The Force of Art by Nature Seems outdone,
And fancied Beauties by the true.
In happy Climes, the Seat of Innocence,
Where Nature guides and Virtue rules,
Where Men shall not impose, for Truth and Sense,
The Pedantry of Courts and Schools:
There shall be Sung another Golden Age,
The Rise of Empire and of Arts,
The good and great inspiring epic Rage,
The wisest Heads and noblest Hearts.
Not such as Europe breeds in her Decay,
Such as she bred when fresh and young,
When heav'nly Flame did animate her Clay,
By future Ages shall be sung.
Westward the Course of Empire takes its Way;
The four first Acts already past,
A fifth shall close the Drama with the Day;
Time's noblest Offspring is the last.
What sub-type of article is it?
Ode
What themes does it cover?
Science Progress
Political
What keywords are associated?
Arts Sciences America
Golden Age
Westward Empire
Berkeley Poem
Future Prophecy
What entities or persons were involved?
By The Late Doctor Berkeley.
Poem Details
Title
On The Prospect Of Arts And Sciences In America.
Author
By The Late Doctor Berkeley.
Subject
Prospect Of Arts And Sciences In America
Form / Style
Rhymed Couplets
Key Lines
Westward The Course Of Empire Takes Its Way;
The Four First Acts Already Past,
A Fifth Shall Close The Drama With The Day;
Time's Noblest Offspring Is The Last.