Hagley

Introduction by Hester Thrale

From this place [Hagley] we went to the Leasowes, where while Mr Johnson & Mr Thrale went up to have a nearer View of the Waterfall, I sat by the Root House, and wrote the following Verses...

1

To Shenstone in his Grot retired
      My truest praise I’ll pay:
And view with just Contempt inspired
      The glitter of the Gay.

2

From Keddlestone’s offensive Glare
      From Chatsworth’s proud Cascade;
From artful Hagley I repair
      To thine and Nature’s Shade.

3

When Rubens thus too fiercely burns,
      When Lucan glows with Rage:
The Soul to softer Guido turns
      Or Virgil’s pastoral Page.

Written by Hester Lynch Thrale.
Published in Thraliana entry dated Aug to Sept 1777 Hester Thrale's spelling, grammar and capitalisation, some of which may not conform to today's standards, are reproduced faithfully throughout.