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Poem
November 18, 1775
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Visionary poem by George Berkeley, written 50 years prior, prophesying a golden age of arts, sciences, empire, and virtue in America, as Europe's course of empire shifts westward.
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Full Text
POET'S CORNER.
On the Prospect of Arts and Sciences in
AMERICA,
Written fifty years ago, by the celebrated Dr. Geo. Berkeley,
Dean of Derry, and afterwards Lord Bishop of Cloyne.
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 seen 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 heavenly 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,
Written fifty years ago, by the celebrated Dr. Geo. Berkeley,
Dean of Derry, and afterwards Lord Bishop of Cloyne.
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 seen 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 heavenly 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
Patriotism
Political
What keywords are associated?
Berkeley
America
Arts
Sciences
Empire
Westward
Golden Age
Europe Decay
What entities or persons were involved?
Written Fifty Years Ago, By The Celebrated Dr. Geo. Berkeley, Dean Of Derry, And Afterwards Lord Bishop Of Cloyne
Poem Details
Title
On The Prospect Of Arts And Sciences In America
Author
Written Fifty Years Ago, By The Celebrated Dr. Geo. Berkeley, Dean Of Derry, And Afterwards Lord Bishop Of Cloyne
Subject
The Prospect Of Arts And Sciences In America
Form / Style
Rhymed Quatrains In Iambic Tetrameter
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.