In such a tow’r Philosophy, heav’n born, Hath here, by glimpse of chaste Diana’s ray, Outwatched the “Bear” with optic glass till morn, When Lucifer’s bright forehead dawned the day. Such drew the Tuscan artist to survey Th’ etherial field, discoveries new t’ unfold, Which Pythagoras early led the way, Hence Copernicus drew his system bold, And proved the central sun, round whom the planets roll’d. CLXXXIII. “Plato divine, so call’d, the learned great, From such an elevation thus could scan The concave heav’n;--make known a future state, A Being vast supreme define to man, As far as reason of an heathen can, That hath not Revelation’s light to guide, Unknown to him redemption’s mighty plan, Eke hid from Cato, Socrates beside, Bless’d truth revealed to man, in which he can confide.” CLXXXIV. Thus spake the bard with sweet digressive speech, That from his lips like Hybla honey fell, On whom his list’ners hung as he did teach With winning voice that seemed to please them well; Not fair Calypso, from her grotto cell, With more endearment drew Ulysses’ son, Or did enforce, like Mentor, grave counsel In wisdom, science’ walks, delightful shown, As his recital gave, and charmingly made known. CLXXXV. Ascending, then, its frowning battlement, From which the field of space they did command, Wide as from Pharos seen for bold extent-- Ocean and sky, and point of farthest land; There upward pointing rose from lofty stand, Like Herschel’s telescope of mighty pow’r, Whose pond’rous tube surprised the gazing band, And more amazed when told how vast its tour, That compass’d rolling suns, planets, and stars obscure. CLXXXVI. See! Hesperus now leads the starry host, With silver-zoned Diana, goddess fair, Who love-enamoured came to Caria’s coast, To Latmos mountain nightly did repair, Endymion boy to kiss with glossy hair, Fabled in youthful loveliness to sleep; And Orion, whom pale Phœbe’s love did share; There glitt’ring Pleiades calm watchings keep, That bid the sailor steer in safety o’er the deep. CLXXXVII. Full orbed the moon, “Luna” yclep’d in heav’n, See how she parts the silv’ry skirted cloud, That o’er her pathway wends by winds fast driv’n, And doth her form of beauty oft enshroud, ’Neath yon pavilion as her head she bow’d, Or mounting soars once more the azure night; Not fairer her whom robed as Isis show’d, Egypt’s fair queen in her adornment bright, That drew the Roman’s gaze and love-entranced sight. CLXXXVIII.