The National Republican And Ohio Political Register

FOR THE NATIONAL REPUBLICAN.

I.

'Tis said, and I believe there was a time;
In this renowned and much admired city,
When the devotees of song and rhyme
In every paper furnished ode or ditty:
But reader, mind, I do not vouch the chime
Was very perfect, or the subject witty;
My object now is merely to inquire,
Why sleeps of late, unstrung, the western lyre?

II.

For surely Poets cannot want a theme
On which to write, when moral good, and evil,
In every day's events transpire; and seem
To stand so much upon a perfect level,
That but the Poet's fire can shed a beam
That can distinguish Virtue from the devil,
Who oft assumes her garb; and may deceive
Some modern belle—as once the spotless Eve.

III.

Then strike again! ye western bards, the lyre;
O strike again! for haply you may save
Unquenched, a spark of Virtue's lingering fire
In wayward bosoms, folly may deprave—
Make guilt to tremble—honest worth admire—
Award the wreath of glory to the brave,
Let satire's lash wave harmlessly if heeded,
But send the pointed dart direct when needed.

JUAN.