ARGUMEN T. The Nymphs who prefide over fprings and rivulets are addreffed at day-break in honour of their feveral functions, and of the relations which they bear to the natural and to the moral world. Their origin is deduced from the firft allegorical deities, or powers of nature; according to the doctrine of the old mythological poets, concerning the generation of the Gods and the rife of things. They are then fucceffively confidered, as giving motion to the air and exciting fummer-breezes; as nourishing and beautifying the vegetable world; as contributing to the fulnefs of navigable rivers, and confequently to the maintenance of commerce; and by that means, to the maritime part of military power. Next is reprefented their favourable influence upon health, when affifted by rural exercife: which introduces their connection with the art of phyfic, and the happy effects of mineral, medicinal fprings. Laftly, they are celebrated for the friendship which the Mufes bear them, and for the true infpiration which temperance only can receive: in oppofition to the enthufiafm of the more licentious poets. HY M N TO THE NAI IAD S. 'ER yonder eaftern hill the twilight throws With bright Aftræa feated by his fide, Trace with your fleeting steps; who all night long Repeat, amid the cool and tranquil air, Were Love and Chaos. Love, the fire of Fate; And And spotless Vefta; while fupreme of fway And tuneful Aganippe; that sweet name, Daughters of Tethys: liften to your praise. You, Nymphs, the winged offspring, which of old Aurora to divine Aftræus bore, Owns; and your aid befeecheth. When the might Along |