O could I flow like thee, and make thy stream My great example, as it is my theme! Though deep, yet clear, though gentle, yet not dull, Strong without rage, without o'er-flowing full. American Monthly Knickerbocker - Page 335 1840 Full view - About this book
...extended this wish to what became a classic statement about neoclassical versification and landscape: Oh could I flow like thee, and make thy stream My...theme! Though deep, yet, clear, though gentle, yet not dull, Strong without rage, without overflowing full. [1655, 1668: 185-92]™ The first version...