The nobler walks could ever yet attain, Unless I urged him proudly to aspire, And kindled in his breast poetic fire. 100 Belgia, without my aid, may tint the scene With golden hues, and mimic Nature's green; Immortalize the Peasant and his can, Without selection, imitating Man; Or through transparent veins life's tide may gush, 105 Tinging Venetian canvass with the blush Of glowing Nature; uninspir'd by me, The Rose of Merian may deceive the bee; At Rembrandt's touch the shining robe may flow, The diamond sparkle, or the ruby glow; 110 But he whom I inspire disdains such praise; The soul's emotions, ardent, he displays; Fearless he wields Invention's magic wand, Sprites, fays, and spectres rise at his command; Unveil'd, the Passions at his will appear, 115 E'en Heavenly essences he dares t' unsphere; As, from Promethean touch each image glows, And what the Poet thought the Painter shews. While 'midst Helvetia's native hills, before This foster-son of Britain sought her shore, 120 I mark'd the future promise in the child; The fire of genius, vigorous, and wild, Sparkled in infancy, in manhood blaz'd; You won his youthful fancy, as he gaz'd, Th' enthusiast strove your favour to attain, 125 And I propitious, smil'd, and pointed to your Fane. On Leban's brow the cedar tow'ring high Boasts not the lowly flow'ret's gaudy dye; Others may in the humbler parts excel, But, Queen, did ever artist think so well? 130 Is not the highest merit of your art, T' exalt the fancy, and to touch the heart? Then welcome the poetic Painter, Muse, Nor to my fav'rite deathless fame refuse!" She ceased; nor vainly pled the Heavenly fair; 135 Th' assenting Muse approv'd her sister's prayer: "Enter these realms," she cried; "th' award be thine, Amidst the sons of Genius here to shine, Where Envy's tongue no longer shall prevail: Hail Fuseli! Immortal artist, hail!" 140 Resounding acclamations, as she spoke, Burst on my ear, I started, and awoke. FOOTNOTES: [1] Those who may be curious to see Fuseli's early style in German, may consult the Life of Chevalier Hudlinger, in the preface to the translation of "Mengs' thoughts on Beauty;" and also a letter "from Switzerland to Winkelmann;" both of which were written by him without alteration, although they bear his father's signature. [2] At this time, Rösel's "Insects' Banquet" was his favourite study.