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NYPL RESEARCH LIBRARIES
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Mallet


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1
149
7746
J
A MYNTOR
Zu
AND
Fager
THEODOR A:
O R,
The HERMIT.
?
QUITA
Lat
A POE M.
DAVID
In THREE CANTOS.
Fortunati ambo fi quid mea carmina poſſunt,
Nulla dics unquam memori vos eximet aevo.
BY
E
MALLET.
***
THE SECOND EDITION.
LONDON:
Printed for PAUL VAILLANT, in the Strand.
MDCCXLVIII.
Price Two Shillings. )
VIRGIL
NCL
Mall


1. No mjest
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
312673B
ASON, LENOX AND
1.L.
NEZNANINNS
F
:
L


TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE
PHILIP DORMER STANHOPE,
EARL OF CHESTERFIELD,
ONE OF HIS MAJESTY's
PRINCIPAL SECRETARIES OF STATE.
HE author of this poem had devoted
T it, in his own thoughts, an offering of
eſteem to your Lordſhip, ſeveral years
before he was determined to make it public.
And now, my Lord, if a private man may be
pardoned for faying, what he feels the higheſt
fatisfaction in being able to fay with truth, he
takes this opportunity of owning, that no
change in your Lordship's fituation fince has
A
pro-
Landwire Me 3
•
1995


ii
The DEDICATION.
produced any alteration in his fentiments; or
left a writer, who wiſhes only to do himſelf
honor by the choice of his patron, at liberty
to think of another.
Tho you gave leave for this addrefs, af-
ter having peruſed part of the following
fheets in manufcript, yet he dares not avail
himſelf of that diſtinction, however agreeably
flattering, to befpeak his reader's favour. He
knows, my Lord, that the beſt Judges of
writing fometimes grant to perfonal kindneſs,
or the well-meaning vanity of poets, that in-
dulgence which ſhould be conferred on real
merit alone. But, whatever may be the cha-
racter, or the fate, of this performance, the
writer's views are not confined to himſelf or
it.
If we may judge, by daily and diſagreea-
ble proofs, it ſhould ſeem that we are relapfing
faſt into barbarifm, either from a failure, or
a ftrange mifapplication, of genius. The po-
liter arts, my Lord, which you muſt love,
1
were


The DEDICATION.
111
were it only out of gratitude, decline viſibly
thro all their branches: and muſt languiſh more
and more without fuch encouragement as may
adorn while it rewards them. In this crifis,
the eyes of mankind are naturally turned upon
One, who, by taſte as well as reflection, feels
and difcerns their Utility.
Cardinal RICHELIEU, amidst the mighty
ſchemes of ambition that employed his thoughts,
amidſt the domeftic and foreign wars that
perplexed his adminiftration, yet found leifure
to erect an academy for the French tongue;
which ſtill flouriſhes to the advantage of his
country, as well as to the peculiar honor
of his own name. A propofal, for an eſta-
bliſhment of the like nature here, was agreed
to by the late Treaſurer OXFORD: and a cer-
tain annual fum, for the fupport of it, was
certainly promiſed. How it happened that this
promiſe was never carried into execution, it
would be improper to enquire in this place.
But may we not flatter our hopes that ſome fuch
ſcheme, or one yet more extenſively uſeful, will
A 2
take


iv
The DEDICATION.
take place, fo as to be rendered effectual under your
Lordſhip's influence? and that, ages hence, thoſe
who are beſt fitted by their talents, to in-
ſtruct or entertain the public, will have cauſe
to remember, with gratitude as well as reverence,
the miniſtry of the Earl of CHESTERFIELD?
I am, with the utmoſt reſpect,
April 24th,
1747.
My Lord,
Your Lordship's
most faithful
and moft humble fervant.
DAVID MALLET,
cotemporary of Pope
Bolingbroke
зд


THE
PREFACE.
I
HE following poem was originally intended for the
Stage, and planned out, feveral years ago, into a re-
gular tragedy. But the author found it neceſſary to
change his firft defign, and to give his work the form it now
appears in; for reasons with which it might be impertinent
to trouble the public: tho, to a man who thinks and feels in
a certain manner, thofe reafons were invincibly ſtrong.
•
As the Scene of the piece is laid in the most remote and
unfrequented of all the Hebrides, or weſtern Iſles that fur-
round one part of Great Britain; it may not be improper
to inform the reader, that he will find a particular ac-
count of it, in a little treatiſe, published near half a century
ago, under the title of a Voyage to ST. KILDA. The Author,
who had himself been upon the spot, defcribes at length the fitu-
ation, extent, and produce of that folitary Ifland; Sketches out
the natural biftory of the birds of feafon that tranfmigrate
thither annually, and relates the fingular cuftoms that fill
prevailed among the Inhabitants: a race of people, then the
most uncorrupted in their manners, and therefore the leaft
unhappy in their lives of any, perhaps, on the face of the
whole earth. To whom might have been applied what an an-
1
tient


vi
The PREFACE.
tient Hiftorian fays of certain barbarous nations, when be
compares them with their more civilized neighbours: Plus
valuit apud Hos ignorantia vitiorum, quam apud Græcos
omnia philofophorum praecepta.
They live together, as in the greateft fimplicity of heart,
fo in the most inviolable harmony and union of ſentiments.
They have neither filver nor gold; but barter among them-
Selves for the few neceffaries they may reciprocally want.
To frangers they are extremely hofpitable, and no lefs chari-
table to their own poor; for whofe relief each family in the
Ifland contributes its share monthly, and at every feftival
fends them befides a portion of mutton or beef. Both fexes
have a genius to poetry, and compofe not only fongs, but
pieces of a more elevated turn, in their own language, which
is very emphatical. One of thofe Iflanders, having been
prevailed with to vifit the greatest trading town in North-
Britain, was infinitely aftonished at the length of the voyage,
and at the mighty kingdoms (for fuch be reckoned the larger
Ifles) by which they failed. He would not venture himſelf
into the streets of that city without being led by the hand.
At fight of the great church, he owned that it was indeed a
lofty rock; but infifted that in his native country of ST.
KILDA, there were others ftill higher. However, the ca-
verns formed in it (fo he named the pillars and arches on
which it is raiſed) were hollowed, he faid, more commodiously
than any he had ever feen there. At the ſhake, occafioned in
the steeple, and the horrible din that founded in his ears,
upon tolling out the great bells, he appeared under the ut-
moft confternation, believing the frame of nature was fall-
4
ing


The PREFACE.
vii
"
ing to pieces about him. He thought the perfons who wore
mafks, not diftinguishing whether they were men or women,
had been guilty of fome ill thing, for which they did not dare
to fhew their faces. The beauty and ftateliness of the trees
which he faw, then for the first time, (as in his own Island
there grows not a fhrub) equally furprized and delighted
him: but he obferved, with a kind of terror, that as he
paffed among their branches, they pulled him back again.
He had been perfuaded to drink a pretty large dofe of frong
waters; and upon finding himself drowsy after it, and rea
dy to fall into a flumber which he fancied was to be his laft,
be expreffed to his companions the great fatisfaction he felt in
To eafy a paffage out of this world: for, faid he, it is at-
tended with no kind of pain.
Among fuch fort of men it was, that AURELIUS fought
refuge from the violence and cruelty of his enemies.
The time appears to have been towards the latter part of
the reign of CHARLES the Second: when those who governed
Scotland under him, with no less cruelty than impolicy, made
the people of that country defperate; and then plundered,
imprisoned, or butchered them for the natural effects of fuch
defpair. The best and worthieft men were often the objects
of their most unrelenting fury. Under the title of fana-
tics, or feditious, they affected to herd, and of courſe per-
fecuted, whoever wished well to his country, or ventured to
Stand up in defence of the laws and a legal government.
I have now in my hands the copy of a warrant, figned by
king Charles himself, for military execution upon them with-
out


viii
The PREFACE.
"
out process or conviction: and I know that the original is
Still kept in the fecretary's office for that part of the united
kingdom. Thus much I thought it neceſſary to ſay, that the
reader may not be mifled to look upon the relation given, by
AURELIUS in the fecond canto, as drawn from the wanton-
nefs of imagination; when it hardly ariſes to ſtrict hiftori-
cal truth.
What reception this poem may meet with, the author can-
not forefee: and, in his humble but happy retirement, needs
not be over-anxious to know. He has endeavoured to make
it one regular and confiftent Whole; to be true to nature in
bis thoughts, and to the genius of the language in his man-
ner of expreffing them. If he has fucceeded in theſe points,
but above all in effectually touching the paffions (which as
it is the genuine province, fo is it the great triumph, of po-
etry) for other imperfections that may be found in this per-
formance, be dares rely on the candor of his more difcerning
readers.
•
AMYNTOR


30
R
AMYNTOR
DAV
T
AND
THEODORA:
O R,
rgy, in partiyasyong mga pa
MALLET:
www.
THE HERMIT.
by
MALLEIT
CANTO I.
1
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A MYNTOR
AND
THEODORA:
OR,
THE HERMIT.
CANTO I
AR in the watry wafte, where his broad wave
From world to world the vaft Atlantic rolls,
F
On from the piny fhores of Labrador
To frozen Thulè eaſt, her aery height
5 Aloft to heaven remoteſt KILDA lifts;
Laft of the fea-girt Hebrides, that guard,
In filial train, Britania's parent-coaft.
Thrice happy land! tho freezing on the verge
Of artic ſkies; yet, blameleſs ſtill of arts
B 2
That


4
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: 01,
10 That poliſh, to deprave, each fofter clime,
With fimple nature, fimple vertue bleſt.
Beyond Ambition's walk: where never War
Uprear'd his fanguine ſtandard; nor unſheath'd,
For wealth or power, the defolating fword.
15 Where Luxury, foft Syren, who around
To thouſand Nations deals her nectar'd cup
Of pleaſing bane that foothes at once and kills,
Is yet a name unknown. But calm Content
That lives to Reafon; antient Faith that binds
20 The plain community of guileleſs hearts
In love and union; Innocence of ill
Their guardian Genius: theſe, the Powers that rule
This little world, to all its fons fecure
Man's happieſt life; the foul ferene and found
25 From paffion's rage, the body from diſeaſe.
Red on each cheek behold the roſe of health;
Firm in each finew vigor's plyant fpring,
1
By


Canto I.
5
The HERMIT.
+
By Temperance brac'd to peril and to pain,
Amid the floods they ftem, or on the ſteep
30 Of upright rocks their ſtraining ſteps ſurmount,
For food or paſtime. Theſe light up their morn,,
And cloſe their eve in flumber fweetly deep,
Beneath the north, within the circling roar
Of oceans raging round. But laft and beft,
35 What Avarice, what Ambition fhall not know,
True Liberty is theirs, the heaven-fent gueſt,
Who in the cave, or on th' uncultur'd wild,
With Independence dwells; and Peace of mind,
In youth, in age, their fun, that never ſets..
6
40 Daughter of Heaven and Nature, deign thy aid,
Aufpicious Mufe ! O whether from the depth
Of evening-foreft, brown with broadeſt ſhade;
Or from the brow fublime of vernal alp
As morning dawns; or from the vale at noon,
By


6
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
45 By ſome ſoft ſtream that flides with liquid foot
Thro bowery groves, where Infpiration fits
And liftens to thy lore, fpontaneous come!
O'er theſe wild waves, o'er this unharbour'd ſhore,
Thy wing high-hovering ſpread; and to the gale,
50 The boreal fpirit breathing liberal round
From echoing hill to hill, thy lyre attune
With anfwering cadence free, as beft beſeems
The tragic theme my plaintive verfe unfolds.
:
Here, good AURELIUS and a ſcene more wild
55 The world around, or deeper folitude,
Affliction could not find-AURELIUS here,
By fate unequal and the crime of War
Expell'd his native home, the facred vale
That faw him bleft, now wretched and unknown,
60 Wore out the flow remains of ſetting life
In bitterneſs of thought: and with the furge,
And


Canto I.
7
The HERMIT.
And with the founding ftorm his murmur'd moan
Would often mix-Oft as remembrance fad
Recall'd the mournful paſt; a faithful wife,
65 Whom love firſt choſe, whom reaſon long endear'd,
His foul's companion and his fofter friend;
With one fair daughter, in her rofy prime,
Her dawn of opening charms, defenceleſs left
Within a tyrant's graſp! his foe profeſs'd,
70 By civil madneſs, by intemperate zeal
For differing rites, embitter'd into hate,
And cruelty remorfelefs! Thus he liv'd:
If this was life, to load the blaſt with fighs;
Hung o'er its edge, to fwell the flood with te
75 At midnight-hour: for midnight frequent heard
The lonely mourner, defolate of heart,
Pour all the huſband, all the father forth
In unavailing anguifh, ftretch'd along
The naked beach; or fhivering on the cliff,
2
Smote


8
AMYNTOR and THEODORA : or,
80 Smote with the wintry pole in bitter ſtorm,
Hail, fnow, and ſhower, dark-drifting round his head.
Such were his hours; till Time, the wretche's friend,
Life's great phyſician, ſkill'd alone to cloſe,
Where forrow long has wak'd, the weeping eye,
85 And from the brain, with baleful vapours black,
Each fullen ſpectre chace, his balm at length,
Lenient of pain, thro every fever'd pulſe
With gentleft hand infus'd. A penſive calm
Arofe, but unaffur'd: as after winds
90 Of ruffling wing, the ſea ſubſiding flow
Still trembles from the ftorm. Now Reafon firft,
Her throne reſuming, bid Devotion raiſe
To heaven his eye; and thro the turbid mifts,
Dark-interpos'd, of paffion and of fenſe,
95 Adoring own the fole unerring CAUSE,
All-righteous Judge, who bids what ftill is beft,
In


Canto I. 9
A
The HERMIT.
In cloud or fun-fhine; whofe fevereſt hand
Wounds but to heal, and chaftens to amend.
Thus, in his bofom, every weak exceſs,
100 The rage of grief, the felneſs of revenge
To healthful meaſure temper'd and reduc'd
By vertue's hand; and in her brightening beam
Each error clear'd away, as fen-born fogs
Before th' afcending fun; thro faith he lives
105 Beyond time's bounded continent, the walks
of fin and death. Anticipating heaven
In pious hope, he feems already there,
Safe on her facred fhore; and fees beyond,
In radiant view, the world of light and love,
110 Where peace delights to dwell; where one fair morn
Still orient fmiles, and one diffufive ſpring,
That fears no ftorm and ſhall no winter know,
Th' immortal year empurples. If a figh
с
Yet


10
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
Yet murmurs in his breaft, 'tis for the pangs
115 Thoſe deareft names, a wife, a child, muft feel,
Yet fuffering in his fate: 'tis for a foe,
Who, deaf himſelf to mercy, may from heaven
That mercy, when moft wanted, aſk in vain.
The fun, now ſtation'd with the lucid Twins,
120 O'er every fouthern clime had pour'd profuſe
The rofy year; and in each pleaſing hue,
That greens the leaf or thro the bloffom glows
With florid light, the meek-ey'd May array'd:
While zephire leads the filver-footed dews,
125 Her ſoft attendants, o'er the bloomy ſcene
To ſhed freſh ſpirit and perfuming balm.
Nor here, in this chill region, on the brow
Of winter's pale dominion, is unfelt
The ray ethereal, or unhail'd the riſe
130 Of her mild reign. From warbling vale and hill,
With


Canto I. The HERMIT.
II
With wild-thyme flowering, betony and balme,
Blue lavender and carmel's ſpicy root
Fragrance and health impregnate every breeze.
But, high above, the ſeaſon full exerts
135 Its vernant force in yonder peopled rocks,
To whofe wild folitude, from worlds unknown,
The birds of paffage tranfmigrating come;
At nature's fummons their aëreal ftate
Annual to found. And fee! from hill to hill,
140 Whitening each funny cliff, or new-arriv'd
In file continuous or in leffening wedge,
Unnumber'd colonies of foreign wing,
Of various nations, in bold voyage fteer'd,
Safe thro the furges of the tracklefs air,
145 By heaven's directive fpirit, here to raiſe
C2
Their
Line 132. The root of this plant, otherwife named argatilis fylvaticus, is
aromatic; and by the natives reckoned cordial to the ftomach. See Martin's
Western Isles of Scotland, p. 180.


12
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
Their temporary realm; and form fecure,
Where food awaits them copious from the wave,
And ſhelter from the rock, their nuptial leagues:
Each tribe apart, and all on taſks of love,
150 To hatch the pregnant egg, to rear and guard
Their helpleſs infants, piouſly intent.
Led by the day abroad, with lonely ftep,
"And ruminating ſweet and bitter thought,
AURELIUS, from the weſtern bay, his eye
155 Now rais'd to this amufive ſcene in air,
ray
With wonder mark'd; now caft with level
Wide o'er the moving wilderneſs of waves,
From pole to pole thro boundleſs ſpace diffus'd,
Magnificently dreadful! where, at large,
160 LEVIATHAN, with each inferior name
Of fea-born kinds, ten thouſand thouſand tribes,
Finds endlefs range for paſture and for ſport.
Wak'd


Canto I. The HERMIT.
13
Wak'd reverence lifts the HERMIT's thought: he owns
The hand Almighty who its chanell'd bed
165 Immeasurable funk, and pour'd abroad,
Fenc'd with eternal mounds, the fluid ſphere;
With every wind to waft large commerce on,
Join pole to pole, confociate fever'd worlds,
And link in bonds of intercourfe and love
170 Earth's univerfal family. Now rofe
Sweet evening's folemn hour. The fun declin'd
Hung golden o'er this nether firmament;
Whoſe broad cerulean mirror, calmly bright,
Gave back his beamy vifage to the day
175 With fplendor undiminiſh'd; and each cloud,
White, azure, purple, glowing round his throne
In fair aëreal landſchape. Here, alone
On earth's remoteſt verge, AURELIUS breath'd
The healthful gale, and felt the fmiling fcene
180 With awe-mix'd pleaſure, mufing as he hung
In
I


14
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
In filence o'er the billows huſh'd beneath.
When lo! a found, amid the wave-worn rocks,
Deaf-murmuring roſe, and plaintive roll'd along
From cliff to cavern: as the breath of winds,
185 At twilight hour, remote and hollow heard
Thro wintry pines, high-waving o'er the ſteep
Of ſky-crown'd Apenine. The Sea-Py ceas'd
At once to warble. Screaming, from his neſt
The Fulmar foar'd, and ſhot a weftward flight
190 From fhore to fea. On came, before her hour,
Invading night, and hung the troubled ſky
With fearful blackneſs round; when fierce upfprung,
Thick cloud and ftorm and ruin on his wing,
The raging South; and headlong o'er the fea
195 Fell horrible, with broad-defcending blaſt...
Aloft, and fafe beneath a fheltering cliff.
Whence overheard the bending fummit frowns
gami cll as p apdaila Mal
Line 189. See Martin's voyage to St. Kilda, p. 58.
6
jas. On


Canto I. The HERMIT.
15
On the rous'd flood, AURELIUS ftood apall'd:
His ear affail'd with all the thundering main !
200 His eye with mountains furging to the ſtars!
Commotion infinite! Where
laft wave
yon
Blends with the ſky its foam, a ſhip in view
Shoots ſudden forth, ſteep-falling from the clouds :
Yet diſtant ſeen and dim; till onward borne
205 Before the blaſt, each growing fail expands,
Each maft afpires, and all th' advancing frame
Bounds on his eye diftinct. With fharpen'd ken,
Its courſe he watches, and in awful thought
That Power invokes, whofe voice the wild winds hear,
210 Whoſe nod the furge reveres, to look from heaven,
And fave, who elfe muft perifh, wretched men,
In this dark hour, amid the dread abyſs,
101
With fears amaz'd, by horrors compafs'd round.
But O ill-omen'd, death-devoted heads!
215 For death bestrides the billow, nor your own,
Nor


16
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
Nor others' offer'd vows can ſtay the flight
Of inftant fate. And lo! his fecret feat,
Where never fun-beam glimmer'd, deep amidſt
A cavern's jaws voraginous and vaſt,
220 The formy Genius of the deep forfakes:
And o'er the waves, that roar beneath his frown,
Afcending baleful, bids the tempeft fpread,
Turbid and terrible with hail and rain,
P
Its blackeſt pinion; pour its loudening blaſts
225 In whirlwind forth, and from his loweſt depth
Upturn the vext Atlantic. Round and round
The tortur'd fhip, at his imperious call,
Is wheel'd in dizzy whirl: her guiding helm
Breaks ſhort; her maſts in craſhing ruin fall;
230 And each rent fail flies fluttering looſe in air.
Now, fearful moment! in one ridgy fwell
Half ocean heaves, and o'er the foundering hull
A billowy curve with horrid ſhade impends
"
2
Ah!


Canto I.
The HERMIT.
17
Ah! fave them, heaven!-it burſts in deluge down
235 With boundleſs undulation. Shore and ſky
Rebellow to the roar. At once engulph'd,
Veffel and crew beneath its torrent-ſweep
AURELIUS Wept:
Are funk, to riſe no more.
The tear unbidden dew'd his hoary cheek.
240 He turn'd his ſtep; he fled the fatal ſcene,
And brooding, in fad filence, o'er the fight
To him alone diſclos'd, his wounded heart
Pour'd out to heaven in fighs: thy will be done,
Not mine, fupreme DISPOSER! as is meet;
245 But death demands a tear, and man muſt feel
For human woes: the reft fubmiffion checks.
Not diftant far, and where the winding bay
Looks northward on the pole, a rocky arch
Expands its felf-pois'd concave; as the gate,
Ꭰ
Line 248. See Martin's voyage to St. Kilda, p. 20.
Am-


18
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
250 Ample and broad and pillar'd maffy-proof,
Of fome unfolding temple. On its height
Is heard the tread of daily-climbing flocks,
That, o'er the green roof ſpred, their fragrant food
Untended crop. As to this cavern'd path
255 AURELIUS turn'd, and, buſy in his breaſt,
The paſt and preſent griev'd Reflection roll'd,
Struck with fad echoes, from the founding vault
Remurmur'd thick and fhrill, he rais'd his head:
And ſaw th' affembled Natives in a ring,
260 With wonder and with pity bending o'er
All-motionleſs on earth
A fhipwreck'd man.
He lay. The living luftre from his eye,
The vermil hue extinguiſh'd from his cheek:
And in their place, on each chill feature ſpred,
265 The fhadowy cloud and ghaftlineſs of death
With pale fuffufion fat. So looks the moon,
So faintly wan, thro hovering miſts at eve,
4
Grey


Canto I.
19
The HERMIT.
Grey autumn's train. Faft from his hairs diftill'd
The briny wave: and cloſe within his graſp
270 Was clench'd a broken oar, as one who long
Had ftem'd the flood with agonizing breaſt,
And ſtruggled ſtrong for life. Of youthful prime
He feem'd, and built by nature's nobleft hand;
Where bold proportion and where ſoftening grace
275 Mix'd in each limb, and harmoniz'd his frame.
AURELIUS, from the breathleſs clay, his eye
To heaven imploring rais'd: then, for he knew
That life, within her central cell retir'd,
May lurk unfeen, diminiſh'd but not quench'd,
280 He bid tranſport it ſpeedy thro the vale,
To his poor cell that lonely ſtood and low,
Safe from the north beneath a floping hill:
An antique frame, orbicular, and rais’d
On columns rude; its roof with reverend mofs
D 2
Light-


20
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
285 Light-ſhaded o'er; its front in ivy hid,
That mantling crept aloft. With pious hand
'They turn'd, they chaf'd his frozen limbs, and fum'd
The vapoury air with aromatic ſmells:
Then, drops of fovereign efficacy, drawn
290 From mountain plants, within his lips infus'd.
Slow, from the mortal tranſe, as men from dreams
Of direful viſion, ſhuddering he awakes :
While life, to quivering motion, faintly lifts
His fluttering pulſe; and gradual o'er his cheek
295 The rofy current wins its refluent way.
Recovering to new pain, his eyes he turn'd
Severe on heaven, on the ſurrounding hills
With twilight dim, and on the croud unknown
Diffolv'd in tears around: then clos'd again,
300 As loathing light and life. His limbs convuls'd,
His bofom heav'd, as when the fabled Hag
Sits huge and horrid on the fleeper's limbs,
Thus


Canto I. The HERMIT.
21
Thus from his lips in hurling accents wild
Diſtraction ſpoke: Down, down with every fail-
305 Mercy, fweet heaven---Ha! now whole ocean fweeps
In tempeft o'er our heads-My foul's laſt hope!
We will not part-Help! help! yon wave, behold!
That fwells betwixt, has borne her from my fight.
O for a fun to light this black abyſs!
310 Gone---loft---for ever loft! He ceas'd. Amaze
And trembling on the pale affiftants fell:
Whom now, with greeting and the words of peace,
AURELIUS bid depart. A pauſe enfu'd,
Mute, mournful, folemn. On the Stranger's face
315 Obſervant, anxious, hung his fix'd regard :
Watchful his ear, each murmur, every breath,
Attentive feiz'd; now eager to begin
Confoling ſpeech; now doubtful to invade
The facred filence due to grief fupreme.
Then


22
AMYNTOR and THEODORA : or,
320 Then thus at laft. O from devouring ſeas
By miracle eſcap'd! if, with thy life,
Thy fenfe return'd can yet difcern the Hand,
All-wonderful, that thro yon raging fea,
Yon whirling waſte of tempeft, led thee fafe;
325 That Hand divine with grateful awe confeſs,
With proftrate thanks adore. When thou, alas!
Waft number'd with the dead, and clos'd within
Th' unfathom'd gulph; when human hope was fled,
And human help in vain---th' almighty VOICE,
330 Then bade Deſtruction ſpare, and bade the Deep
Yield up its prey: that by his mercy fav'd,
A monument of wonder and of love,
That mercy, thy fair life's remaining race
May juſtify; to all the fons of men,
335 Thy brethren, ever gracious in their need.
Such praiſe delights him moft-
-
He hears me not.
Some


Canto I.
The HERMIT.
Some fecret anguiſh, fome tranfcendent woe
Sits heavy on his heart, and from his eyes,
340 Thro the clos'd lids, now rolls in bitter ftream-
Yet, fpeak thy foul, afflicted as thou art!
For know, by mournful priviledge 'tis mine,
My ſelf moſt wretched and in forrow's ways
Severely train'd, to ſhare in every pang
345 The wretched feel; to foothe the fad of heart,
To number tear for tear, and groan for groan,
With every fon and daughter of diſtreſs.
Speak then, and give thy labouring boſom vent:
My pity is, my friendſhip fhall be thine,
350 To calm thy pain, and guide thy virtue back,
Thro reaſon's pathes, to happineſs and heaven.
The HERMIT thus: and, after fome fad pauſe
Of mufing wonder, thus the MAN unknown.
23
What


24
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
What have I heard?-On this untravel'd fhore,
355 Nature's laſt limit, hem'd with oceans round
Howling and harbourleſs, beyond all faith
A comforter to find, whofe language wears
The garb of civil life! a friend, whoſe breaſt
The gracious meltings of fweet pity move-
360 Amazement all! My grief to filence charm'd
Is loft in wonder!-But, thou good Unknown,
If woes, for ever wedded to deſpair,
That with no cure, are thine, behold in me
A meet companion; one whom earth and heaven
365 Combine to curfe; whom never future morn
Shall light to joy, nor evening with repoſe
Deſcending ſhade.---O ſon of this wild world!
From focial converſe tho for ever barr'd,
Tho chill'd with endleſs winter from the pole,
370 Yet warm'd by goodneſs, form'd to tender ſenſe
Of human woes, beyond what milder climes,
4
By


Canto I.
25
The HERMIT.
By fairer funs attemper'd, courtly boaſt;
O fay, did ere thy breaft, in youthful life,
Touch'd by a beam from Beauty all-divine,
375 Did e'er thy bofom her ſweet influence own,
In pleafing tumult pour'd thro every vein,
And panting at the heart, when firſt our eye
Receives impreffion! Then, as paſſion grew,
Did heaven confenting to thy wiſh indulge
380 That blifs no wealth can bribe, no power beſtow,
That blifs of angels, love by love repaid?
Heart ftreaming full to heart in mutual flow
Of faith and friendſhip, tenderneſs and truth-
If theſe thy fate diftinguifh'd, thou wilt then,
385 My joys conceiving, image my deſpair,
How total! how extreme! For this, all this,
Late my fair fortune, wreck'd on yonder flood,
Lies loft and bury'd there---O awful heaven!
Who to the wind and to the whelming wave
E
Her


26
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
390 Her blameleſs head devoted, thou alone
Can't tell what I have loft---O ill-ftarr'd Maid!
O moſt undone AMYNTOR!-Sighs and tears,
And heart-heav'd groans, at this, fupprefs'd his voice:
The reft was agony and dumb deſpair.
395
Now, o'er their heads, damp night her ſtormy gloom
Spred, ere the glimering twilight was expir'd,
With huge and heavy horror cloſing round
In doubling clouds on clouds. The mournful ſcene,
The moving tale, AURELIUS deeply felt :
400 And thus reply'd, as one in nature ſkill'd,
With foft affenting forrow in his look,
And words to foothe, not combat hopeleſs love.
AMYNTOR, by that heaven who fees thy tears!
By faith and friendſhip's fympathy divine!
405 Could I the forrows heal I more than ſhare,
'I
This


Canto I. The HERMIT.
27
This bofom, truſt me, ſhould from thine transfer
Its fharpeft grief. Such grief, alas! how juft?
How long in filent anguiſh to deſcend,
When Reaſon and when Fondneſs o'er the tomb
410 Are fellow-mourners? He, who can refign,
Has never lov'd: and wert thou to the ſenſe,
The facred feeling of a lofs like thine,
Cold and infenfible, thy breaft were then
No manfion for humanity, or thought
415 Of noble aim. Their dwelling is with love,
And tender pity; whoſe kind tear adorns
The clouded cheek, and fanctifys the foul
They ſoften, not fubdue. We both will mix,
For her thy virtue lov'd, thy truth laments;
420 Our focial fighs: and ſtill, as morn unveils
The brightening hill, or evening's miſty ſhade
Its brow obfcures, each fair-unfolding grace,
Each charm freſh-opening in her face and mind
E 2
Shall


28
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
Shall be our darling theme. Then ſhalt thou hear
425 A tale of woes, in fad return from me,
So terrible---AMYNTOR, thy pain'd heart,
Amid its own, will fhudder at the ills
That mine has bled with---But behold! the dark,
And drowſy hour fteals faft upon our talk.
430 Here break we off: and thou, ſad Mourner, try
Thy weary limbs, thy wounded mind, to balm
With timely ſleep. Each gracious Wing from heaven
Of thoſe that minifter to erring man,
Near-hovering, hufh thy paffions into calm;
435 Serene thy flumbers with preſented ſcenes
Of brighteſt vifion; whiſper to thy heart
That holy peace which goodneſs ever ſhares:
And to us both be friendly as we need.
End of the FIRST CANTO.


AMYNTOR
AND
THEODORA:
O R,
THE HERMIT
CANTO II


C
1.


ΑΜΥΝ ΤΟ R
OR
AND
THEODOR A:
OR,
THE HERMIT.
CANTO II.
N
O W midnight roſe, and o'er the general ſcene,
Air, ocean, earth, drew broad her blackeſt veil,
Vapour and cloud. Around th' unſleeping Iſle,
Yet howl'd the whirlwind, yet the billow groan'd;
5 And, in mix'd horror, to AмYNTOR's ear
Borne thro the gloom, his fhrinking ſenſe appall'd.
Shook by each blaſt, and ſwept by every wave,
Again pale Memory labours in the ſtorm:
Again from her is torn, whom more than life
His


32
AMYNTOR and THEODORA : or,
10 His fondneſs lov'd. And now, another ſhower
Of forrow, o'er the dear unhappy Maid,
Effufive ſtream'd; till late, thro every power
The foul fubdu'd funk fad to flow repoſe:
And all her darkening fcenes, by dim degrees,
15 Were quench'd in total night. A pauſe from pain
Not long to laft: for Fancy, oft awake
While Reaſon fleeps, from her illufive cell
Call'd up wild ſhapes of viſionary fear,
Of vifionary blifs, the hour of reft
20 To mock with mimic fhews. And lo! the deeps
In aery tumult fwell. Beneath a hill
AMYNTOR heaves of overwhelming feas;
Or rides, with dizzy dread, from cloud to cloud,
The billow's back. Anon, the fhadowy world
25 Shifts to fome boundleſs continent unknown,
Where folitary, o'er the ſtarleſs void,
Dumb filence broods. Thro heaths of dreary length,
5
Slow


Canto II.
The HERMIT.
3:3
Slow on he drags his ftaggering ftep infirm
With breathlefs toil; hears torrent floods afar
30 Roar thro the wild; and, plung'd in central caves,
Falls headlong many a fathom into night;
Yet there, at once, in all her living charms,
That brighten'd with their glow the brown abyſs,
Roſe THEODORA. Heavenly in her eye
35 Sat, without cloud, the tender-fmiling foul,
That, guilt unknowing, had no wiſh to hide.
A ſpring of ſudden myrtles flowering round
Their walk embower'd; while nightingales beneath
Sung fpoufals, as along th' enamel'd turf
40 They feem'd to fly, and interchanged their fouls,
Melting in mutual foftneſs. Thrice his arms
The Fair encircled: thrice fhe fled his grafp,
And fading into darkneſs mix'd with air----
O turn! O ftay thy flight !---fo loud he cry'd,
45 Sleep and its train of humid vapours fled.
F
.
He


34
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
He groan'd, he gaz'd around: his inward fenfe
Yet glowing with the vifion's vivid beam,
Still, on his eye, the hovering fhadow blaz'd;
Her voice ftill murmur'd in his tinkling ear;
50 Grateful deception! till returning thought
Left broad awake, amid th' incumbent lour
Of mute and mournful night, again he felt
His grief inflam'd throb freſh in every vein.
To frenzy ftung, upſtarting from his couch,
55 The vale, the ſhore with darkling ſtep he roam'd,
Like fome drear ſpectre from the grave unbound:
Then, ſcaling yonder cliff, prone o'er its brow
He hung, in act to plunge amid the flood
Scarce from that height difcern'd. Nor reafon's voice,
60 Nor ow'd fubmiffion to the will of heaven,
Reſtrains him; but, as paffion whirls his thought,
Fond expectation, that perchance eſcap'd,
Tho paffing all belief, the frailer fkiff,
To


Canto II. The HERMIT.
35
To which himſelf had bore th' unhappy Fair,
65 May yet be ſeen. Around, o'er fea and fhore,
He roll'd his ardent eye; but nought around
On land or wave within his ken appears,
Nor ſkiff, nor floating corſe, on which to ſhed
The laft fad tear, and lay the covering mold!
70
Tho now, wide-open'd by the wakeful hours
Heaven's orient gate, forth on her progrefs comes
Aurora fmiling, and her purple lamp
Lifts high o'er earth and fea: while, all-unveil'd,
The vaſt horizon on AMYNTOR's eye
75 Pours full her ſcenes of wonder, wildly great,
Magnificently various. From this ſteep,
Diffus'd immenfe in rowling profpect lay
The northern deep. Amidft, from ſpace to ſpace,
Her numerous ifles, rich gems of Albion's crown,
80 As flow th' afcending miſts difperſe in air,
F 2
·
Shoot
}


36
AMYNTOR and THEODORA : or,
;
Shoot gradual from her bofom: and beyond,
Like diftant clouds blue-floating on the verge
Of evening fkies, break forth the dawning hills
A thouſand landfchapes! barren fome and bare,
85 Rock pil'd on rock amazing up to heaven,
Of horrid grandeur: fome with founding aſh,
Or oak broad-ſhadowing, or the ſpiry growth
Of waving pine, high-plum'd; and now beheld
More lovely in the fun's adorning beam,
90 That fair-arifing o'er yon eaftern cliff
The various verdure tinctures gay with gold.
Mean while AURELIUS, wak'd from ſweet repoſe
That Temperance bids in timely dews defcend
On all who live to her, his mournful Gueſt
95 Came forth to hail; as hofpitable rights
And virtue's rule enjoin: but firſt to HIM,
Spring of all charity, who gave the heart
With


Canto II.
37-
The HERMIT.
With kindly fenfe to glow, his morning-vows,
Superior duty, thus the fage addreft.
100
Fountain of light! from whom yon rifing fun
Firſt drew his fplendor; Source of life and love!
Whoſe fmile now wakes o'er earth's rekindling face
The boundleſs bluſh of fpring; O Firſt and Beſt!
Thy effence, tho from human fight and ſearch,
105 Tho from the climb of all created thought,
Ineffably remov'd; yet man himſelf,
Thy loweft child of reaſon, man may read
The maker's hand, intelligence fupreme,
Unbounded power, on all his works impreſt,
110 In characters coeval with the fun,
And with the fun to laft; from world to world,
From age to age, thro every clime, reveal'd.
Hail univerfal Goodneſs! in full ftream
For ever flowing from beneath the throne
Thro


38
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
115 Thro earth, air, fea, to all things that have life:
From all that live on earth, in air and ſea,
The great community of nature's fons,
To thee, firft Father, ceafelefs praiſe aſcend!
And in the general hymn my grateful voice
120 Be duely heard, among thy works not leaſt,
Nor loweft; with intelligence inform'd,
To know thee and adore; with free will crown'd,
Where virtue leads to follow and be bleft.
O whether by thy prime decree ordain'd
125 To days of future life; or whether now
The mortal hour is inftant, ftill vouchfafe,
Parent and friend, to guide me blameleſs on
Thro this dark ſcene of error and of ill,
Thy truth to light me and thy peace to chear.
130 All elfe, of me unafk'd, thy will fupreme
With-hold or grant: and let that will be done.
.....
4
This


Canto II.
39
The HERMIT.
145
This from the foul in filence breath'd fincere,
The hill's ſteep fide with firm elaſtic ſtep
He lightly fcal'd: fuch health the frugal board,
135 The morn's freſh breath that exerciſe refpires
In mountain-walks, and conſcience free from blame,
Our life's beſt cordial, can thro age prolong.
There, loſt in thought, and ſelf-abandon'd, lay
The man unknown; nor heard approach his hoft,
140 Nor rais'd his drooping head. AURELIUS mov'd
By foft compaffion, which the favage ſcene,
Shut up and barr'd amid furrounding feas
From human commerce, quicken'd into ſenſe
Of ſharper forrow, thus apart began.
O fight, that from the eye of wealth or pride,
Even in their hour of vaineft thought, might draw
A feeling tear! Whom yeſterday beheld
By


40
AMYNTOR and THEODORA; or,
By love and fortune crown'd, of all poffeft
That Fancy, trans'd in faireſt viſion, dreams;
150 Now loft to all, each hope that ſoftens life,
Each blifs that chears; there, on the damp earth fpred,
Beneath a heaven unknown, behold him now!
And let the gay, the fortunate, the great,
The proud, be taught, what now the wretched feel,
155 The happy have to fear. O man forlorn,
Too plain I read thy heart, by fondneſs drawn
To this fad ſcene, to fights that but inflame
Its amorous anguiſh-
Hear me,
heaven! exclaim'd
160 The frantic Mourner, could that anguiſh, riſe
To madneſs and to mortal agony
I
yet
would bleſs my fate; by one kind pang
From this fierce form, theſe keener pangs of thought
For ever freed. I am weary of the fun.
165 To me the future flight of days and years.
4
Is
--


Canto II. The HERMIT.
41
Is darkneſs, is deſpair---But who complains
Forgets that he can dy. One duty paid,
grave,
One tear of ſoftneſs ſprinkled on the
My part in life is o'er. O fainted Maid!
170 For fuch in heaven thou art, if from thy feat
Of holy reft, beyond theſe changeful ſkies,
If names on earth moſt facred once and dear,
A lover and a friend, if yet thoſe names
Can wake thy pity, dart one guiding ray
175 To light me where, in cave or creek are thrown
Thy lifeleſs limbs; that I---O grief fupreme !
O fate unequal! was thy lover fav'd
For fuch a taſk?---that I thoſe dear remains,
With maiden-rites adorn'd, at laſt may lodge
180 Beneath the hallow'd vault; and weeping there,
O'er thy cold urn, await the hour to cloſe
Theſe eyes in peace, and mix this duft with thine!
1
G
Such


42
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
Such and fo dire, reply'd the cordial Friend
In pity's look and language, fuch, alas!
185 Were late my thoughts. Whate'er of deep-felt woe
Can anguiſh human thought, grief, rage, deſpair,
Have all been mine, and with alternate war
This bofom ravag'd. Hearken then, good Youth,
My ſtory mark, and from another's fate,
190 Pre-eminently wretched, learn thy own,
Sad as it feems, to ballance and to bear.
In me, a Man behold, whoſe morn ferene,
Whoſe noon of better life, with honor ſpent,
In virtuous purpoſe or in honeſt act,
195 Drew fair diſtinction on my public name,
From thoſe among mankind, the nobler few,
Whofe praiſe is fame: but there, in that true ſource
Whence happineſs with pureft ftream deſcends,
In


Canto II. The HERMIT.
43
In home-found peace and love, fupremely bleſt!
200 Union of hearts, conſent of wedded wills,
By friendſhip knit, by mutual faith fecur'd,
Our hopes and fears, our earth and heaven, the fame !
At laft, AMYNTOR, in my failing age,
Fallen from fuch height, and with the felon-herd,
205 Robbers and outlaws, number'd---thought that ftill
Stings deep the heart and cloathes the cheek with ſhame!
Then doom'd to feel what Guilt alone fhould fear,
The hand of public vengeance; arm'd by rage
Not juſtice; rais'd to injure not redreſs,
210 To rob not guard, to ruin not defend :
And all, O fovereign REASON! all deriv'd
From POWER that claims thy warrant to do wrong!
A right divine to violate unblam'd
Each law, each rule, that by HIMSELF obferv'd,
215 The GoD prefcribes, whoſe ſanction KINGS pretend!
G 2
O


44
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
O CHARLES! O monarch! in long exile train'd,
Whole hopeless years, th' oppreffor's hand to know
How hateful and how hard; thy felf reliev'd,
Now hear thy people, groaning under wrongs
220 Of equal load, adjure thee by thoſe days
Of want and woe, of danger and deſpair,
As heaven has thine, to pity their diſtreſs!
Yet, from the plain good meaning of my heart,
Be far th' unhallow'd licenſe of abuſe;
225 Be far the bitterneſs of faintly zeal,
That hid behind the patriot's name prophan'd
Maſques hate and malice to the legal throne,
In Juſtice founded, circumfcrib'd by laws,
The prince to guard---but guard the people too;
230 From heaven their equal claim: chief, one prime good
To guard inviolate; that ſum of bliſs,
Fair


Canto II. The HERMIT.
45
Fair Freedom, birth-right of all thinking kinds,
Reaſon's great charter, from no king deriv'd,
By none to be reclaim'd, man's right divine,
235 Which God, who gave, indelible pronounc'd.
This to fecure, to cheriſh and exalt,
By guardian-ſtatutes, plans of generous care,
While Peace bears high her olive; or when War
His righteous fword unſheathes, in lifted fields
240 Th' invaded rights of mankind to affert,
Thro danger and thro death---for this alone,
This great imperial charge, were KINGS ordain'd,
Scepter'd with power, with purple ftate emblaz'd,
And lawrel'd with renown; while kneeling worlds
245 As fovereigns reverenc'd whom as fires they lov'd,
Patrons and friends of virtue and of man I
But


46
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
;
But if, diſclaiming this his heaven---own'd right,
This firſt beſt tenure by which monarchs claim
If, meant the bleffing, he becomes the bane,
250 The wolf, not ſhepherd, of his ſubject-flock,
To grind and tear, not ſhelter and protect,
Wide-wafting where he reigns---to fuch a prince,
Allegiance kept were treaſon to mankind;
And loyalty, revolt from virtue's law.
255 For fay, AMYNTOR, does juft heaven enjoyn
That we ſhould homage hell? or bend the knee,
In worſhip, to the peftilence or ftorm?
The earthquake or volcano when they rage,
Rend earth's firm frame, and in one boundleſs grave
260 Engulph their thouſands? Yet, O grief to tell!
Yet fuch, of late, o'er this devoted land,
Was public rule. Our fervile ſtripes and chains,
Our fighs and groans refounding from the ſteep
Of
I


Canto II. The HERMIT.
47
Of wintry hill, or wafte untravel'd heath,
265 Laft refuge of our wretchedneſs, not guilt,
Proclaim'd it loud to heaven: the arm of Power
Extended fatal but to cruſh the head
It ought to fcreen; or with a parent's love
Reclaim from error, not with deadly hate,
270 The tyrant's law, exterminate who err.
In this wide ruin were my fortunes funk :
My felf, as One contagious to his kind,
Whom nature, whom the focial life renounc'd,
Unſummon'd, unimpleaded, was to death,
275 To fhameful death adjudg'd; againſt my head
The price of blood proclaim'd, and at my heels
Let looſe the murderous cry of human hounds.
And this blind fury of commiffion'd rage,
Of party-vengeance, to a fatal Foe,
280 Known and abhorr'd for deeds of direft name,
Was


48
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
Was given in charge: a Foe, whom blood-ſtain❜d zeal
For what---O hear it not, all-righteous heaven!
Left thy rous'd thunder burſt---for what was deem'd
Religion's caufe, had favag'd to a brute,
285 More deadly fell than hunger ever ſtung
To prowl in wood or wild. His band he arm'd,
The fons of havoc, mifcreants with all guilt
Familiar, and in each dire art of death
Train'd ruthleſs up. As tygers on their prey,
290 On my defenceleſs lands thoſe fiercer beafts
Devouring fell: nor that ſequeſter'd ſhade,
That ſweet receſs, where love and virtue long
In happy league had dwelt, which war it felf
Beheld with reverence, could their fury ſcape,
295 Defpoil'd, defac'd, and wrapt in waſteful flames :
For flame and rapine their confuming march,
From hill to vale, by daily ruin mark'd.
So, borne by winds along, in baleful cloud,
Embody'd


Canto II. The HERMIT.
49
Embody'd locufts from the wing defcend
300 On herb, fruit, flower, and kill the ripening year :
While, waſte behind, Deſtruction on their track
And ghaftly Famine wait. My wife and child
He drag'd, the ruffian drag'd---O heaven! do I,
A man, furvive to tell it? at the hour
305 Sacred to reſt, amid the fighs and tears
Of all who faw and curs'd his coward-rage,
He forc'd unpitying from their midnight-bed,
By menace, or by torture, from their fears
My laft retreat to learn; and ſtill detains
310 Beneath his roof accurft. That beft of wives!
EMILIA! and our only pledge of love,
My blooming THEODORA !---Manhood there,
And nature bleed---Ah! let not buſy thought
Search thither, but avoid the fatal coaſt:
315 Diſcovery, there, once more my peace of mind
Might wreck; once more to defperation fink
H
My


50
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
My hopes in heaven. He faid: but O fad Muſe!
Can all thy moving energy, of power
To ſhake the heart, to freeze th' arreſted blood,
320 With words that weep, and ſtrains that agonize;
Can all this mournful magic of thy voice
Tell what AMYNTOR feels? O heaven! art thou---
What have I heard?---AURELIUS! art thou He?---
Confufion! horror !---that moſt wrong'd of men!
325 And O moſt wretched too! alas, no more,
No more a father---on that fatal flood,
Thy THEODORA---At theſe words he fell :
A deadly cold ran freezing thro his veins
And life was on the wing her loath'd abode
;
330 For ever to forfake. As on his way
The traveller, from heaven by lightning ftruck,
Is fix'd at once immovable; his eye
With terror glaring wild; his ſtiffening limbs
In marbly rigor bound: fo ftood, fo look'd
The


Canto II. The HERMIT.
51
335 The heart-fmote parent at this tale of death,
Half-utter'd, yet too plain. No figh to riſe,
No tear had force to flow; his fenfes all,
Thro all their powers fufpended, and fubdu'd
To chill amazement. Silence for a ſpace
340 (Such diſmal filence faddens earth and ſky
Ere firſt the thunder breaks) on either fide
Fill'd up this interval fevere. At laſt,
As from fome vifion that to frenzy fires
The ſleeper's brain, AMYNTOR waking wild,
345 A ponyard, hid beneath his various robe,
Drew furious forth-Me, me, he cry'd, on me
Let all thy wrongs be vifited; and thus
My horrors end---then would have madly plung’d
The weapon's hoftile point. His lifted arm,
350 AURELIUS, tho with deep difmay and dread
And anguiſh ſhook, yet his fuperior foul
Collecting, and refuming all himſelf,
H 2
·
Seiz'd


52
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
Seiz'd fudden : then peruſing with ſtrict eye,
And beating heart, AMYNTOR's blooming form;
355 Nor from his air or feature gathering aught
To wake remembrance, thus at length beſpoke.
O dire attempt! Whoe'er thou art, yet ſtay
Thy hand felf-violent; nor thus to guilt,
If guilt is thine, accumulating add
360 A crime that nature ſhrinks from, and to which
Heaven has indulg'd no mercy. Sovereign Judge!
Shall man firft violate the law divine,
That plac'd him here dependent on thy nod,
Refign'd, unmurmuring, to await his hour
365 Of fair difmiffion hence; fhall man do this,
Then dare thy preſence, ruſh into thy fight,
Red with the fin, and recent from the ſtain,
Of unrepented blood? Call home thy fenfe;
Know what thou art, and own his hand moſt juſt,
Rewarding


Canto II. The HERMIT.
53
370 Rewarding or afflicting---But fay on.
My foul, yet trembling at thy frantic deed,
Recals thy words, recals their dire import :
They urge me on; they bid me afk no more-
What would I aſk? My THEODORA's fate,
-
375 Ah me! is known too plain. Have I then fin'd,
Good heaven! beyond all grace---But ſhall I blame
His rage of grief, and in my felf admit
Its wild exceſs? Heaven gave her to my wiſh;
That gift Heaven has refum'd: righteous in both,
380 For both his providence be ever bleft!
By ſhame reprefs'd, with rifing wonder fill'd,
AMYNTOR, flow-recovering into thought,
Submiffive on his knee, the good man's hand
Grafp'd cloſe, and bore with ardor to his lips.
385 His eye, where fear, confufion, reverence ſpoke,
Thro fwelling tears, what language cannot tell,
4
Now


54
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
Now rofe to meet, now fhun'd the HERMIT'S glance,
Shot awful at him; till, the various fwell
Of paflion ebbing, thus he faltering fpoke:
390
What haft thou done? why fav'd a wretch unknown?
Whom knowing even thy goodnefs muſt abhor.
Miſtaken man! the honor of thy name,
Thy love, truth, duty, all muſt be my foes.
I am—AURELIUSs, turn that look afide,
395 That brow of terror, while this wretch can fay,
Abhorrent fay, he is---Forgive me, heaven!
Forgive me, virtue! if I would renounce
Whom nature bids me reverence---by her bond
ROLANDO'S fon: by your more facred ties,
400 As to his crimes, an alien to his blood;
For crimes like his
ROLANDO'S fon? Juft heaven!
Ha! here? and in my power? A war of thoughts,
All-


Canto II. The HERMIT.
55
All-terrible ariſing, ſhakes my frame
405 With doubtful conflict. By one ftroke to reach
The Father's heart, tho feas are ſpred between,
Were great revenge !-Away: revenge? on whom?
Alas! on my own foul; by rage betray'd
Ev to the crime my reafon moft condemns
410 In him who ruin'd me. Deep-mov'd he ſpoke ;
And his own ponyard o'er the proftrate youth
Sufpended held. But as, the welcome blow,
With arms difplay'd, AMYNTOR feem'd to court;
That fight th' impending ſteel a moment ſtay'd.
415 A moment, wrath and mercy doubtful ſtrove:
The next, reflection pity'd and forgave.
Now as, in act to ſpeak, his head he rais'd,
Behold, in ſudden confluence gathering round
The Natives ftood; whom kindneſs hither drew,
420 The Man unknown, with each relieving aid
Of love and care, as antient rites ordain,
To


56
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
To fuccour and to ferve. Before them came
MONTANO, Venerable fage, whoſe head
425 The hand of Time with twenty winters' fnow
Had fhower'd; and to whoſe intellectual eye
Futurity, behind her cloudy veil,
Stands in fair light difclos'd. Him, after pauſe,
AURELIUS drew apart, and in his care
430 AMYNTOR plac'd; to lodge him and ſecure ;
To fave him from himſelf, as one, with grief
Tempeſtuous, and with rage, diftemper'd deep.
This done, nor waiting for reply, alone
He fought the vale, and his calm cottage gain'd.
End of the SECOND CANTO.


AMYNTOR
AND
THEODORA:
O R,
THE HERMIT.
CANTO
C A N T O III.


"


ΑΜΥΝ ΤΟ R
Ꭱ
AND
THEODOR A:
OR,
THE HERMIT.
CAN TО III.
W
HERE Kilda's fouthern hills their fummit lift
With triple fork to Heaven, the mounted fun
Full, from the midmoſt, ſhot in dazling ſhower
His rays direct. And now, in lowing train,
5 Were feen flow-pacing weftward o'er the vale!
The milky mothers, foot purfuing foot,
And nodding as they move, their oozy meal,
The bitter healthful herbage of the ſhore,
I 2
Around


60
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
Around its rocks to graze : for, ſtrange to tell!
10 The hour of ebb, tho ever varying found,
As yon pale planet wheels from day to day
Her courſe inconftant, their fure inſtinct feels,
Intelligent of times, by Heaven's own hand,
To all it's creatures equal in its care,
15 Unerring mov'd. Theſe Signs obferv'd, that guide
To labour and repofe a fimple race,
(For art the fubtle flight of time to mark,
By founding bell, or ſhadow fliding round
The figur'd plain, or filent-ſtreaming fands,
20 Is here unknown) theſe native figns had warn'd
To due repaſt at noon the temperate Iſle :
All but AURELIUS. He, by nature's call
Solicited in vain, nor hour obferv'd,
Unhappy
Line 9. The cows often feed on the alga marina: and they can diſtinguiſh
exactly the tide of ebb from the tide of flood; tho, at the fame time, they are
not within view of the fhore. When the tide has ebbed about two hours, then
they ſteer their courfe directly to the neareſt ſhore, in their ufual order, one af-
ter another. I had occafion to make this obfervation thirteen times in one
week. Martin's Western Isles of Scotland, p. 156.


Canto III. The HERMIT.
61
Unhappy man, nor due repaſt partook.
25 The CHILD no more! the MOTHER's fate untold!
Both in black profpect rifing to his eye!
'Twas anguiſh there; 'twas here diſtracting doubt!
Yet, after long and painful conflict borne,
Where nature, reafon, oft the doubtful ſcale
30 Inclin'd alternate, fummoning each aid
That virtue lends, and o'er each thought infirm
Superior rifing, in the might of HIM,
Who ftrength from weakneſs, as from darkneſs light,
Omnipotent can draw; again refign'd,
35 Again he facrific'd, to heaven's high will,
Each foothing weakneſs of a parent's breaſt
The figh ſoft memory prompts; the tender tear,
That, ftreaming o'er an object lov'd and loft,
With mournful magic tortures and delights,
40 Relieves us, while its ſweet oppreffion loads,
And, by admitting, blunts the fting of woe.
4
As


62 AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
AS REASON thus the mental ftorm feren'd,
And thro the darkneſs ſhot her fun-bright ray
That ſtrengthens while it chears; behold from far
45 AMYNTOR flow-approaching! On his front,
O'er each funk feature forrow had diffus'd
Attraction, ſweetly fad. His noble port,
Majeſtic in diftrefs, AURELIUS mark'd;
And, unrefifting, felt his bofom flow
50 With focial foftnefs. Strait, before the door
Of his mofs-filver'd cell, they fat them down
In counterview: and thus the YOUTH began.
With patient ear, with calm attention, mark
AMYNTOR'S ſtory: then, as Juſtice ſees,
55 On either hand, her equal balance weigh,
Abfolve him or condemn-But O, may I,
A father's name, when truth forbids to praiſe,
4
Unblam'd


Canto III. The HERMIT.
63
Unblam'd pronounce ? that name to every fon
By heaven made facred; and by nature's hand,
60 With honor, duty, love, her triple pale,
Fenc'd ſtrongly round, to bar the rude approach
Of each irreverent thought. Theſe
Theſe eyes, alas!
The curs'd effects of fanguinary zeal
Too near beheld: it's madneſs how extreme;
65 How blind it's fury, by the prompting prieſt,
Each tyrant's ready inftrument of ill,
Train'd on to holy miſchief. Scene abhorr❜d!
Fell cruelty let looſe in mercy's name.
Intolerance, while o'er the free-born mind
70 Her heavieſt chains were caft, her iron-ſcourge
Severeft hung, yet daring to that Power
Appeal, whoſe law is meeknefs; and for deeds
That outrage heaven, belying heaven's command.
Flexile


64
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
Flexile of will, misjudging tho fincere,
75 ROLANDO caught the fpred infection, plung'd
Implicite into guilt, and headlong urg'd
His courſe unjuſt to violence and rage.
Unmanly rage! when nor the charm divine
Of BEAUTY, nor the MATRON's facred age,
80 Secure from wrongs, could innocence ſecure,
Found reverence or diftinction. Yet, fuftain'd
By conſcious worth within, the matchleſs PAIR
Their threatning fate, impriſonment and ſcorn
And death denounc'd, unfhrinking, unfubdu'd
85 To murmur or complaint, fuperior bore
With patient hope, with fortitude refign'd,
Not built on pride, not courting vain applaufe;
But calmly conftant, without effort great,
What reafon dictates, and what heaven approves.
But


Canto III. The HERMIT.
65
But how proceed, AURELIUS? in what founds.
Of gracious cadence, of affuafive power,
My further ſtory cloathe? O could I ſteal
From harmony her fofteft-warbled ſtrain
Of melting air! or zephire's vernal voice!
95 Or philomela's fong, when love diffolves
To liquid blandiſhment his evening-lay,
All nature ſmiling round! then might I ſpeak;
Then might AMYNTOR, unoffending, tell,
How unperceiv'd and fecret thro his breaſt,
100 As morning rifes o'er the midnight-ſhade,
What firſt was ow'd humanity to both,
Affifting piety and tender thought,
Grew ſwift and filent into love for one:
90
My fole offence-if love can then offend,
105 When virtue lights, and reverence guards its flame.
K


66 AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
O THEODORA! Who thy world of charms,
That foul of ſweetneſs, that warm glow of youth,
Soft in thy eye, and funny on thy cheek,
Unmov'd could fee? that dignity of eafe,
110 That grace of air, by happy nature thine!
For all in thee was native; from within
Spontaneous flowing, as fome equal ftream
From its unfailing fource! and then too, feen
In milder lights; by forrow's fhading hand
115 Touch'd into power more exquifitely foft,
Intender'd by diſtreſs, by tears adorn'd;
As feen thro tempering dews the beams of morn!
O fweetneſs without name when Love looks on
With Pity's melting eye, that to the foul
120 Endears, ennobles Her, whom fate afflicts,
Or fortune leaves unhappy! Paffion then
Refines to virtue: then a purer train
Of


Canto III. The HERMIT.
67.
Of heaven-infpir'd emotions, undebas’d
By ſelf-regard, or thought of due return,
125 The breast expanding, all its powers exalt
To emulate what reafon beft conceives
Of love celeſtial; whofe prevenient aid
Forbids approaching ill; or gracious draws,
When the lone heart with anguiſh inly bleeds,
130 From pain its fting, its bitterneſs from woe!
By this plain courtſhip of the honeſt heart
To pity mov'd, at length the gentle Maid
My pleaded vows, with unreluctant ear,
Would oft admit; would oft endearing crown
135 With ſmiles of kind affent, with looks that ſpoke,
In bluſhing ſoftneſs, her chafte bofom touch'd
To mutual love. O fortune's faireſt hour!
O feen but not enjoy'd, juſt hail'd and loft
Its flattering brightness! THEODORA's form,
K 2
Event


68
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
140 Event unfear'd had caught ROLANDO's eye:
And love (if wild defire, of fancy born,
By furious paffions nurs'd, that facred name
Profanes not) love his ſtubborn breaſt diſſolv'd
To tranfient goodneſs---But my thought ſhrinks back,
145 Reluctant to proceed: and filial awe,
With pious hand, would o'er a parent's crime
The veil of filence and oblivious night
Permitted throw. His impious fuit repell'd,
Aw'd from her eye, and from her lip ſevere
150 Daſh'd with indignant ſcorn; each harbour'd thought
Of foft emotion or of ſocial ſenſe,
Love, pity, kindneſs, alien to a foul
That bigot-rage emboſoms, fled at once:
And all the favage reaffum'd his breaſt,
155 'Tis juft, he cry'd; who thus invites diſdain,
Deſerves repulſe: he who, by flave-like arts,
Would meanly ſteal what force may nobler take,
And,


Canto III. The HERMIT.
69
And, greatly daring, dignify the deed.
When next we meet, our mutual bluſh to ſpare,
160 Thine from diffembling, from baſe flattery mine,
Shall be my care. This threat, by brutal ſcorn
Embitter'd, terrible alike to both,
To one prov'd fatal. Silent-wafting grief,
The mortal worm that on EMILIA'S frame
165 Unfeen had prey'd, now deep thro all her powers
Its poyſon ſpred, and kill'd their vital growth.
Sickening, the funk beneath this added weight
Of ſhame and horror.---Dare I yet proceed?
AURELIUS, O moſt injur'd of mankind !
170 Shall yet my tale accumulating give
To woe, new anguiſh? and to grief, deſpair——
She is no more-
O providence ſevere !
AURELIUS fmote his breaft, and groaning cry'd:
175 But curb'd a ſecond groan, repell'd the voice
of


70
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
Of froward grief; and to the Will fupreme,
In juſtice awful, lowly bending his,
Nor figh, nor murmur, nor repining plaint,
By all the war of nature tho affail'd,
180 Eſcap'd his lips. What! fhall we from heaven's grace
With life receiving happineſs, our ſhare
Of ill refufe? And are afflictions aught
But mercies in difguife? th' alternate cup,
Medicinal tho bitter, and prepar'd
185 By Love's own hand for falutary ends.
But were they ills indeed; can fond complaint
Arreft the wing of time? Can grief command
This noon-day fun to roll his flaming orb
Back to yon eaſtern coaft, and bring again
190 The hours of yeſterday? or from the womb.
Of that unfounded deep the bury'd corſe
To light and life reſtore? Bleft pair, farewel!
Yet, yet a few ſhort days of erring grief,
4
Z
Of


Canto III. The HERMIT.
71
Now, gentle Youth,
Of human fondneſs fighing in the breaſt,
195 And forrow is no more.
And let me call thee Son (for O that name
Thy faith, thy friendſhip, thy true portion borne
Of pains for me, too fadly have deferv'd)
On with thy tale. 'Tis mine, when heaven afflicts,
200 To hearken and adore. The patient Man
Thus fpoke: AMYNTOR thus his ftory clos'd.
As, dumb with anguiſh, round the bed of death
We kneeling wept, her clofing eyes to mine
Feebly ſhe rais'd; then fixing, in cold gaze,
205 ON THEODORA's face---O fave my child!
She ſaid: and, ſhrinking from her pillow, ſlept
Without a groan, a pang. In hallow'd earth
I faw her fhrouded; bid eternal peace
Her fhade receive, and with the trueft tears
210 Her duft bedew'd, that ever duty paid.
What


72 AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
What then remain'd for honor or for love?
What, but to fly ROLANDO's fatal roof?
That ſcene of violence, with guilt profan'd,
And terrible with death. Late at the hour,
215 The duſk dead hour, when o'er this nether orb
Deep fleep and filence reign, the waining moon
Afcending mournful in the midnight ſphere;
On that fad ſpot, within whoſe cavern'd womb
EMILIA fleeps, and by the turf that veils
220 Her honor'd clay, alone and kneeling there,
I found my THEODORA! Thrill'd with awe,
With holy horror fhook, which both the place
And time infus'd refiftlefs, I too bent
My trembling knee; and lock'd in her's my hand
225 Acroſs her parent's grave. By this dread fcene!
By night's pale regent! by yon glorious train
Of ever-moving fires that round her burn!
By


Canto III. The HERMIT.
73
By death's dark empire! by the fheeted duſt,
That once was man, now mouldering here below!
230 But chief by her's, at whoſe nocturnal grave,
Reverent we kneel! and by her nobler part,
Th' unbody'd ſpirit hovering near, perhaps,
As witneſs to our vows! nor time, nor chance,
Nor aught but death's inevitable hand,
235 Shall e'er divide our loves.---I led her thence :
But oh ! in evil hour, with heaven averſe;
For fudden round in rolling fogs aroſe
A deep-dy'd gloom, extinguiſhing the moon
With broad eclipſe; while, glimmering on our left,
340 Its ftreamy blaze the fearful night-fire wav'd :
And to our eyes, as dazling fancy deem'd,
Pale in the church-yard path a ſhadowy ſhape,
That ſwept athwart, diſclos'd. With all theſe ſigns
Of unconſenting fate, our ready bark
345 Was launch'd---But, O my Father! can I ſpeak
L
What


74
AMYNTOR and THEODORA : or,
What yet remains ? yon ocean black with ſtorm!
Its uſeleſs fails rent from the groaning pine!
The ſpeechless crew aghaft! and that loft Fair!
Still, ftill I fee her! feel her heart pant thick!
250 And hear her voice, in ardent vows to heaven
For me alone prefer'd; as on my arm,
Expiring, finking with her fears the hung!
I kifs'd her pale cold cheek with tears adjur'd,
And won at laſt, with fums of profer'd gold,
255 The boldeft mariners, this pretious charge
Inftant to fave; and, in the ſkiff fecur'd,
Their oars acroſs the foamy flood to ply
With unremitting arm. I then prepar'd
To follow her---That moment, from the deck,
260 A fea fwell'd o'er and plung'd me in the gulph.
Nor me alone: its broad and billowing ſweep
Muſt have involv'd her too. Myfterious heaven!
My fatal love on her devoted head
4
Drew


Canto III. The HERMIT.
75
Drew down---O fearful thought! the judgment due
265 To me and mine: or was AMYNTOR fav'd
For its whole quiver of remaining wrath?
For ftorms more fierce? for pains of fharper fting?
And years of death to come?Nor farther voice,
Nor flowing tear his high-wrought grief ſupply'd:
270 With arms outfpred, with eyes in hopeleſs gaze
To heaven uplifted, motionleſs and mute
He ſtood, the mournful femblance of defpair.
The lamp of day, tho from mid-noon declin'd,
Still flaming with full ardor, ſhot on earth
275 Oppreffive brightneſs round; till in foft fteam,
From ocean's bofom, his light vapours drawn,
With grateful intervention o'er the ſky
Their veil diffuſive fpred; the ſcene abroad
Soft-ſhadowing, vale and plain and dazling hill.
280 AURELIUS, with his gueſt, the weſtern cliff
L 2
Afcending


76
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
Afcending flow, beneath it's cavern'd roof,
From whence in double ftream a lucid fource
Rowl'd founding forth, and where with dewy wing
Freſh breezes play'd, fought refuge and repoſe,
285 Till cooler hours arife. The ſubject-Iſle;
Her village-capital, where health and peace
Are tutelary gods; her fmall domain
Of arable and paſture, vein'd with ſtreams
That branching bear refreſhful moiſture on
390 To field and mead; her ſtraw-roof'd temple rude,
Where piety, not pride, adoring kncels,
Lay full in view. From ſcene to ſcene around
AURELIUS gaz'd; and fighing thus began.
Not we alone; alas! in every clime,
295 The human race are fons of ſorrow born.
Heirs of tranfmitted labour and diſeaſe,
Of pain and grief, from fire to fon deriv’d,
I
All


Canto III. The HERMIT.
77
All have their mournful portion; all muſt bear
Th' impos'd condition of their mortal ſtate,
300 Viciffitude of fuffering. Caft thine eye
Where yonder vale, AMYNTOR, floping ſpreads
Full to the noon-tide beam its primroſe-lap,
From hence due eaſt. AMYNTOR look'd and faw,
Not without wonder at a fight ſo ſtrange,
305 Where thrice three Females, earneſt each and arm'd
With rural inſtruments, the foil prepar'd
For future harveſt. Theſe the trenchant ſpade,
To turn the mold and break th' adheſive clods,
Employ'd affiduous. Thofe, with equal pace
310 And arm alternate, ftrew'd it's freſh lap white
With fruitful CERES: while, in train behind,
Three more th' incumbent harrow heavy on
O'erlabour'd drew, and clos'd the toilfome taſk. ?.
XAS
Behold!


78 AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
Behold! AURELIUS thus his fpeech renew'd,
315 From that foft fex, too delicately fram'd
For toils like theſe, the task of rougher man,
What yet neceffity demands fevere.
Twelve funs have purpled theſe encircling hills
With orient beams, as many nights along
320. Their dewy fummits drawn th' alternate veil
Of darknefs, fince, in unpropitious hour,
The HUSBANDS of thoſe widow'd MATES who now
For both muft labour, launch'd, in queft of food,
Their island-ſkiff adventurous on the deep.
325 Them, while the fweeping net fecure they plung'd
The finny race to fnare, whofe foodful fhoals
Each creek and bay innumerable croud,
As annual on from fhore to fhore they move
In watry caravan; them, thus intent,
330 Dark from the ſouth a guft of furious wing,
Upfpringing


Canto III. The HERMIT.
79
:
Upfpringing, drove to fea and left in tears
This little world of brothers and of friends!
But when, at evening-hour, disjointed planks,
Borne on the furging tide, and broken oars,
335 The wreck, before furmis'd, to fight reveal'd
With fatal certainty; one general groan,
To heaven afcending, fpoke the general breaſt
With ſharpeft anguiſh pierc'd. Their ceaſeleſs plaint,
Thro theſe hoarſe rocks, on this refounding fhore,
340 At morn was heard : at midnight too were ſeen,
Difconfolate on each chill mountain's height,
The mourners fpred, exploring land and fea
With eager gaze---till from yon leffer Ifle,
Yon round of mofs-clad hills, Borera nam'd---
345 Full north, behold! beyond the ſoaring lark,
Its dizzy cliffs afpire, hung round and white
With curling mifts---at laſt from yon wild hills,
Inflaming the brown air with fudden blaze,
And


80
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
And ruddy undulation, thrice three fires,
350 Like meteors waving in a moonleſs ſky,
Our eyes, yet unbelieving faw diftin&t ;
Succeffive kindled, and from night to night
Renew'd continuous. Joy, with wild exceſs,
Took her gay turn to reign; and nature now
355 From rapture wept: yet ever and anon
By fad conjecture damp'd, and anxious thought
How from yon rocky priſon to releaſe
Whom the deep ſea immures (their only boat
Deſtroy'd) and whom th' inevitable fiege
360 Of hunger muſt affault. But hope fuftains
The human heart: and now their faithful wives,
With love-taught ſkill and vigor not their own,
On yonder field th' autumnal year prepare.
AMYNTOR
Line 363. The author who relates this ſtory, adds, that the produce of grain
that feafon was the moft plentiful they had feen for many years before. Vide
Martin's defcript. of the Western Isles of Scotland, p. 286.


Canto III. The HERMIT.
81
AMYNTOR, who the tale diſtreſsful heard
365 With fympathizing forrow, on himſelf,
On his ſeverer fate, now pondering deep,
Rapt by fad thought the hill unheeding left;
And reach'd, with fwerving ftep, the diſtant ftrand,
That hoarfe-remurmurs to the rifing furge.
370 Above, around, in cloudy circles wheel'd,
Or failing level on the polar gale
That cool with evening roſe, a thouſand wings,
The fummer-nations of theſe pregnant cliffs,
Play'd ſportive round, and to the fun outſpred
375 Their various plumage; or in wild notes hail'd
His parent-beam, that animates and chears
All living kinds. He, glorious from amidſt
A pomp of golden clouds, th' Atlantic flood
Beheld oblique, and o'er its azure breaſt
380 Wav'd one unbounded bluſh: a ſcene to ſtrike
M
Both


82
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
Both ear and eye with wonder and delight!
But, loft to outward fenfe, AMYNTOR paſs'd
Regardleſs on, thro other walks convey'd
Of baleful profpect; which pale Fancy rais'd
385 Inceffant to her felf, and fabled o'er
With darkeſt night, meet region for deſpair!
Till northward, where the rock it's fea-wafh'd bafe
Projects athwart and ſhuts the bounded ſcene,
Rounding it's point, he rais'd his eyes and faw,
390 At diſtance faw, deſcending on the ſhore
Forth from their anchor'd boat, of men unknown
A double band, who by their geſtures ſtrange
There fix'd him wondering: for at once they knelt
With hands upheld; at once, to heaven, as feem'd,
395 One general hymn pour'd forth of vocal praiſe.
Then, flowly rifing, forward mov'd their ſteps:
Slow as they mov'd, behold! amid the train,
On either fide fupported, onward came
4
Pale


Canto III.
83
The HERMIT.
Pale and of piteous look, a penfive Maid;
400 As one by waſting ſickneſs fore affail'd,
Or plung'd in grief profound---Oh all ye powers!
AMYNTOR ftartling cry'd, and ſhot his foul
In rapid glance before him on her face.
Illufion! no---it cannot be. My blood
405 Runs cold: my feet are rooted here--- and fee!
To mock my hopes, it wears her gracious form.
The Spirits who this ocean waſte and wild
Still hover o'er, or walk it's ifles unſeen,
Preſenting oft in pictur'd vifion, ftrange
410 The dead or abſent, have yon ſhape adorn'd,
So like my love, of unſubſtantial air,
Embody'd, featur'd it with all her charms-
And lo! behold! it's eyes are fix'd on mine
With gaze tranſported---Ha! fhe faints, the falls-
415 He ran,
ran, he flew his claſping arms receiv'd
Her finking weight---O earth, and air, and fea!
M 2
'Tis '


84
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
:
'Tis fhe! 'tis THEODORA ! Power divine,
Whofe goodneſs knows no bound, thy hand is here,
Omnipotent in mercy! As he spoke,
420 Adown his cheek, thro ſhivering joy and doubt,
The tear, faft-falling, ftream'd. My love! my life!
Soul of my wishes fav'd beyond all faith!
Return to life and me. O fly, my friends,
Fly, and from yon tranflucent fountain bring
425 The living ftream. Thou dearer to my foul
Than all the fumleſs wealth this fea entombs,
My THEODORA, yet awake; 'tis I,
'Tis poor AMYNTOR calls thee! At that name,
That potent name, her ſpirit from the verge
430 of death recall'd, the trembling rais'd her eyes;
Trembling, his neck with eager grafp entwin'd,
And murmur'd out his name: then funk again;
Then fwoon'd upon his bofom, thro exceſs
Of bliſs unhop'd, too mighty for her frame.
C
The


Canto III. The HERMIT.
85
435 The rofe-bud thus, that to the beam ferene
Of morning glad unfolds her tender charms,
Shrinks and expires beneath the noon-day blaze.
He, in this dread fufpenfe, while bufy round
The ſtream with cool aſperſion on her face
440 Theſe men officious caſt, beheld amaz'd,
In them beheld, diſtruſting even his eyes,
His friends! the very band! th' adventurous few,
Who plac'd her in the ſkiff! whoſe daring ſkill
Had fav'd her from the deep!-As o'er her cheek,
445 Rekindling life, like morn, its light diffus'd
In dawning purple; from their lips he learn'd,
How to yon Ifle, yon round of mofs-clad hills,
Borera nam'd, before the tempeft borne,
Thefe Iflanders, thrice three, then priſon'd there,
450 (So heaven ordain'd) with utmoſt peril run,
With toil invincible, from fhelve and rock
4
Their


86
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
Their boat preſerv'd, and to this happy coaſt
It's prow
prow directed fafe---He heard no more:
The reſt already known, his every ſenſe,
455 His full-collected foul, on her alone
:
Was fix'd, was hung enraptur'd, while theſe ſounds,
This voice, as of an angel, pierc'd his ear.
AMYNTOR! O my life's recover'd hope!
My foul's deſpair and rapture!—can this be?
460 Am I on earth? and do theſe arms indeed
Thy real form enfold? Thou dreadful deep!
Ye ſhores unknown! ye wild impending hills!
Dare I yet truft my ſenſe ?---Ọ yes, 'tis he!
'Tis he himſelf! My eyes, my bounding heart
465 Confeſs their living lord! What ſhall I ſay?
How vent the boundleſs tranſport that expands
My labouring thought? th' unutterable bliſs,
Joy, wonder, gratitude, that pain to death
The


Canto III. The HERMIT.
87
The breaſt they charm---AMYNTOR, O fupport
470 This ſwimming brain: I would not now be torn
Again from life and thee; nor cauſe thy heart
A fecond pang. At this, dilated high
The fwell of joy, moſt fatal where it's force
Is felt moſt exquifite, a timely vent
475 Now found, and broke in tender dews away
Of heart-relieving tears. As o'er it's charge,
With ſheltering wing, folicitoufly good,
The guardian-Genius hovers: fo the Youth,
On her lov'd face, affiduous and alarm'd,
480 In filent fondneſs dwelt; while all his foul,
With trembling tenderneſs of hope and fear
Pleaſingly pain'd, was all employ'd for her;
The rous'd emotions warring in her breaſt,
Attempering, to compofe, and gradual fit
485 For further joy her foft impreffive frame.


88 AMYNTOR and THEODORA : or,
O happy! tho as yet thou know'ft not half
The blifs that waits thee! but, thou gentleft mind,
Whoſe figh is pity, and whoſe ſmile is love,
For all who joy or forrow, arm thy breaft
With that beſt temperance, which from fond exceſs,
495 When rapture lifts to dangerous height it's powers,
Reflective guards. Know then-and let calm thought
On wonder wait---fafe refug'd in this Ifle,
Thy god-like father lives! and lo---but curb,
Repreſs the tranſport that o'erheaves thy heart;
500 'Tis he---look yonder---he, whoſe reverend ſteps.
The mountain's fide deſcend !---Abrupt from his
Her hand fhe drew; and, as on wings upborne,
Shot o'er the ſpace between. He faw, he knew,
Aftoniſh'd knew, before him, on her knee,
505 His THEODORA! To his arms he rais'd
The loft lov'd fair, and in his bofom prefs'd.
490
My
1


Canto III. The HERMIT.
89
My father!-- my child ---at once they cry'd :
Nor more.. The reft ecftatic filence fpoke,
And nature from her inmoft feat of fenfe
510 Beyond all utterance mov'd. On this bleft fcene
Where emulous in either bofom ftrove
Adoring gratitude, earth, ocean, air,
Around with ſoftening afpect ſeem'd to ſmile ;
And heaven, approving, look'd delighted down.
515
Nor theirs alone this bliſsful hour: the Joy,
With inftant flow, from fhore to ſhore along
Diffuſive ran: and all th' exulting Ifle
About the new-arriv'd, to hope long loſt,
By miracle regain'd, was pour'd abroad.
520 In each plain boſom love and nature wept :
While each a fire, a huſband, or a friend,
Embracing held and kifs'd.
Now, while the fong,
N
The
312673B


90
AMYNTOR and THEODORA: or,
The choral hymn, in wildly-cadenc'd notes,
525 What nature dictates when the full heart prompts,
Beſt harmony, their grateful fouls effus'd
Aloud to heaven; MONTANO, reverend Seer,
Whoſe eye prophetic far thro time's abyſs
Could fhoot it's beam, and there the births of fate,
C
530 Yet immature and in their caufes hid,
Illumin'd fee, a fpace abftracted ftood:
His frame with ſhivery horror ſhook, his eyes
From outward vifion held, and all the man
Entranc'd in wonder at the rifing ſcene,
535 On fluid air, as in a mirror, feen,
And glowing radiant to his mental fight.
They fly! he cry'd, they melt in air away,
The clouds that long fair Albion's heaven o'ercaft!
With tempeft delug'd, or with flame devour'd
540 Her drooping plains: while dawning rofy round
A


Canto III. The HERMIT.
A purer morning lights up all her ſkies !
He comes, behold! the great deliverer comes!
Immortal WILLIAM, borne triumphant on,
From yonder orient, o'er propitious feas,
545 White with the fails of his unnumber'd fleet,
A floating foreft, ftretch'd from ſhore to ſhore!
See! with ſpred wing Britania's GENIUS flys,
Before his prow; commands the ſpeeding gales
To waft him on; and, o'er the Hero's head,
550 Inwreath'd with olive bears the lawrel-crown,
Bleft emblem, peace with liberty reſtor❜d!
And hark! from either ftrand, with nations hid,
To welcome in true freedom's day renew'd
What thunders of acclaim! AURELIUS, man
555 By heaven belov'd, thou too that facred fun
Shalt live to hail; fhalt warm thee in his ſhine!
I fee thee on the flowery lap diffus'd
Of thy lov'd vale, amid a ſmiling race
3
·
91
From


92
AMYNTOR and THEODORA.
From this bleft Pair to ſpring; whom equal faith,
560 And equal fondneſs, in foft league fhall hold
From youth to reverend age; the calmer hours
Of thy laſt day to ſweeten and adorn :
Thro life thy comfort, and in death thy crown!
THE END.
•
M











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