ARGU M E N T. The Nymphs who preside over Springs and rivulets are ad dressed at day-break in honour of their several functions, and of the relations, which they bear to the natural and to the moral world. Their origin is deduced from the first allegorical deities, or powers of nature ; according to the do&trine of the old mythological poets, concerning the generation of the Gods and the rise of things. They are then successively considered, as giving motion to the - air and exciting summer-breezes; as nourishing and beau tifying the vegetable world; as contributing to the fülness of navigable rivers, and consequently to the maintenance of commerce; and by that means, to the maritime part of military power. Next is represented their favourable influence upon health, when asisted by rural exercise : which introduces their connežtion with the art of physic, and the happy effects of mineral, medicinal Springs. Lastly, they are celebrated for the friendship which the Muses bear them, and for the true inspiration which temperance only can receive : in opposition to the entbusiasm of the more licentious poets. |