&ir* B , ' *^f ;Y 4 ^*L . < ' * - ^ fc . . r:;^ .^ * ; THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES FREDERIC THOMAS BLANCHARD ENDOWMENT FUND V as tfieAct directs \J)ec'. '9 *i?/ WILLIAM MITFORD, Efq. SONNET. MITFORD, the candid Critic of my lays, Who oft when wild my carekfs Mufe would fing Smooth'd the rough note, and check'd her vagrant wing, Accept the humble gift {he grateful pays j Though now your thoughts to bolder heights you raife, By Hiftory's awful Goddefs taught to bring Celeftial flowers from Freedom's hallo w'd Spring To . To crown the Chiefs of GRE CIA'S happier days, Yet * how to harmonize the tuneful ftrain Your voice has (hewn AONIA'S liftening throng; J>Jor will you, though your nicer ear retain. What founds to pureft Melody belong, This tribute from a ruder Bard difdain, Proud to record your friendship in his fong, HENRY JAMES PYE, PARINGDON'-HOUSE, Pec. 18, 1786. *;.See EfTay upon the Harmony of Language, written by Mr, Mitfprd, and published by Robfon ? in the vc-ar 1776. . wcJJ CON. Q N T E T S OF THE FIRST VOLUME. Page ODE on the Divine Omniprefence, a College Exercife - J Ode on the Birth of the Prince of Wales ij Ode to Liberty _---,.-- ip Ode to Beauty - * * - r * - *$ Ode to Harmpny T - - , - - r 22 Sent to Dr. Hayes with the Ode to Harmony - 28 Verfes addrefled to a Lady - - - - 29 Epigram -, - - < - - - - 31 Written on a Lady's Fan - - - - -32 Sqng - - - - - ,. - - 33 Song - - T . - r - - - 35 Song . - - - 37 The Snow-Drop .-.-...^p Written in the Year 1779, when the Combined Fleets were off Plymouth - "?- 41 Epitaph on Charles D'Aufley, Efq. 44 Addrefs to Mr. Hayley, on reading his Epiftles on Epic Poetry .__,.. "45 Mr. Hay ley's Anfwer - . - ^ - - 40 Elegy I. written in the year 1761 . . - - - 50 T- II. written in the year 1762 ^ . III. written in the year 1763 rp -. IV. written September i, 1763 - - 63 T-: V. written June 1764. (56 r f VI. written in the Spring 1766 69 vi CONTENTS. Pag. Elegy VII. written May 1766, addrefled to a Pine-Tree 7* ' VIII. written at Minfted, in the New Foreft, fc Auguft 24, 1767 -' ?5 IX. Avon ; written during the Stratford Jubilee 78 The Myrtle and Bramble, a Fable . _ . g i Madnefs, an Epiftle ---___ g^ The Triumph of Fafhion, a Vifion '- -^ L ^ . 94 . Shooting, a Poem - -- - - -109 Aerophorion, a Poem - . ' -; x * . . . i^ On the Wreck of the Halfewell, a Fragment - - 162 The Parfonage Improved, a Poem " - ? 'ir ?*?''- . 169 Preface to the Olympic Odes of Pindar _> **- 1 _ j^^ The Fourth Olympic Ode. To Pfaumis of Camarina, on his Victory in the Chariot Race - ' - - 197 The Sixth Olympic Ode. To Agefias of Syracufe, on hisTidlory gained by the Apene, or Chariot drawn by Mules - - - - - - 205 The Eighth Olympic Ode. To Alcimedon on his Olym- pic Viftory; Timofthenes, on his Nemean Victory; and Melefius, their Preceptor - - - - 221 The Ninth Olympic Ode. To Epharmoftus of Opus, on his Olympic and Pythian Victories - - 235 The Tenth Olympic Ode. To Ageiidamus, Son of Archeftratus, an Epizephyrian Loaian, on his Vic- tory obtained by the Caeftus - - - . 256 The Thirteenth Olympic Ode. To Xenophon of Co- rinth, on his Mftory in the Stadic Courfe, and Pent- athlon, at Olympia ._---- 27* Two Fragments of Pindar's Threni, preferved by Plutarch. On the Situation of the Bleft - - 286 On the Immortality of the Soul - 287 A Greek Scolion, or Song, by Calliftratus, on Har- modius and Ariftogeiton - 289 A Fragment of Simonides * 290 O D ON T H DIVINE OMNIPRESENCE. A COLLEGE EXERCISE. I. f~\ Sacred Mufe! thy-aid impart, To rapture wake the founding lyre ! And kindle in my panting heart A fpark of more than mortal fire : With votive hands the lay confign To awful MAJESTY DIVINE, On whom all life depends, Whofe glorious form we wondering trace Through all the varied paths of fpace, Far as our bounded fight extends. VOL. i. B The i ODE ON THE DIVINE The fearch our dazzled reafon leaves behind, Exceeds all depth of thought, and mocks the human, mind. II. Whate'er on earth, in Teas, or air, Strikes with delight the roving eye, Proclaims aloud the ETERNAL'S care, And fpeaks a prefent DEITY ; Thofe who with aclive pinions cleave The yielding fky, the lucid wave In countlefs myriads throng, Or through the fylvan regions ftray, The infecl offspring of a day, The echoing forefl's vernal fong, More ftrongly than an angel's voice declare, "Where-e'er we turn our eyes, the GOD of Life is there,. Ill- OMNIPRESENCE. : III. Now beyond earth's contracted goal On Contemplation's wings arife, And mark the unnumber'd worlds that roll Their orbs ftupendous through the fkies. My eye the fplendid icene explores, And now my aBive fancy (bars; To other funs, which far away On diftant fyftems pour the blaze of day, Beyond where SATURN wheels his tedious flight Around our chearing fource of light. Forward in vain my reftlefs thoughts I fend, They rufh for ever on nor find an end, On every fide ftill open lie The boundlefs fields of vaft immenfity. - Could then my voice celeftial numbers fing, My hands ftrike rapture from the lyric firing-, B 2 Yet 4 ODE ON THE DIVINE, &c, Yet would my heart thofe numbers deem Unequal to the glorious theme ; Unequal to exalt his holy name, Whofe awful prefence guides the amazing frame Who, of all nature's wide extent the foul, Exifts in every part, and animates the whole. O D 5 ] ODE ON THE BIRTH OF THE PRINCE OF WALES, I. i. / g ^ H E fading beam of parting day Forfakes the weftern iky, Now fhines DIANA'S gentler ray With virgin majefty ; Her face with milder glory bright Illumes the dufky fhades of night, And brings the varied fcene to view. The glafTy lake, and bubbling dream, Again reflecl: the borrow'd beam, And take a filver hue. B 3 I. 2. 6 ODE ON THE BIRTH OF I. 2. From the deep (hade of yonder trees The fcreaming night-birds call, While floats on ZEPHYR'S balmy breeze The diftant waterfall : Sad PHILOMELA'S warbling throat Pours to the moon her plaintive note And charms the lay-refounding grove, Where, trembling at the gentle gale, The verdant beech, and poplar pale, With ruftling murmurs move. I- 3- What dreadful founds arife r TI e'e notes of rural muflc fink And ihrili-ton'd clarions rend the ikies; The air a voice of triumph chears, And lo! a form divine appears Qn CHER WELL'S fedgy brink; His THE PRINCE OF WALES, 5 His azure length of robe behind Loofely wantons in the wind ; Glowing like the vernal morning Beams benign his eye-balls (lied; CERES' wealth his brows adorning Shades his venerable head. Say heavenly vifion what thefe notes portend ? Sits white- wing'd Victory on BRITANNIA'S arms ? Does proud IBERIA to her legions bend, Or flies the GAUL at GRANBY'S dread alarms, Or ftalks on INDIA'S fun-burn'd coafts afar The force of conflict keen, and giant rage of war ? II. i. * Far hence,' he cried, c the tumult's roar * To diftant realms mall fly : * Mirth revels now on ALBION'S more With blythe feRivity. B 4 < Ye 8 ODE ON THE BIRTH OF ' Ye Mufes twine each fragant flower To crown the day, to crown the hour, * Which gave to GEORGE a blooming heir; 1 Ye Guardians of this favor'd ifle * On this your future monarch fmile, ' Ye Nymphs your wreaths prepare. II. 2. ' Come happy child ! delight the land c Where time (hall fix thy throne : ' O come, and take from Freedom's hand * A fceptre all her own : ' And when the facred lore of truth ' Difplay'd, fhall form thy ripening youth, ' May every joyful BRITON find c The foul of GEORGE'S godlike race, * With lovely CHARLOTTE'S fofter grace, ' Attemper'd, in thy mind. n. 3 . THE PRINCE OF WALES. 9 II. 3. c For thee on AFRIC'S fultry coaft c The BRITISH enfign proudly waves; c For thee by diltant tempefts toft c Our navies awe the GALLIC pride ' On every more, whofe hoftile fide ' The boundlefs Ocean laves. ' With nobler (kill, and fiercer fire, * Strike the rapture-breathing lyre. * Hark! from CAMBRIA'S cloud-top'd mountains c Mufic winds her ftrearn along, * As they flow the cryftal fountains * Liften to the jocund fong, c Lo radiant forms and glorious fhades appear, * Fair as the morn in faffron mantle dight ; ' But drains divine ill fuit the human ear, * And fleeting vifions mock. the mortal fight/ He faidj and ruihing from my wondering eyes, On volley 'd lightening borne, he fought his native fkies. ODE [ 10 ] O D T O B E R T Y. f^\ LIBERTY! celeftial maid! Where has thy vagrant fancy ftray'd ? Doft thou from ANDES' rifted brow- See boundlefs empires fpread below, See ORELLANA pour his ftream Through forefts vaft, where yet the beam Of garifh day could never come To penetrate the twilight gloom ? Doft thou thy glowing bofom lave In fliining PLATA'S fea-broad wave ? Or doft thou liften to the roar, Where the collected waters pour Their ODE TO LIBERTY. n Their dreadful courfe, and foaming fweep Down NIAGARA'S horrid fteep ? And (hall thy form no more be feen On ALBION'S hills and paflures green? W T ilt thou no more PLINLIMMON fcale, Or fport in CLUYD'S fertile dale? Wilt thou I ERNE'S plains forfake, And quit KILARNEY'S lovely lake? Shall we thy footfteps trace no more On CALEDONIA'S mountains hoar?- Ah! nor proud DELPHI'S rifing glade, Nor PISA'S confecrated (hade, Nor PINDUS' mount, nor ACADEME, Nor fam'd Eu ROTAS' trophied ftream, Could for an hour thy fteps detain When GRECIA bpw'd to Vice's reign: Nor could alas ! the fofteft gale That blows o'er rich CAMPANIA'S vale, Tempt ia ODE TO LIBERTY. Tempt thee to breathe the LATIAN air When Luxury exulted there. Far from bright PIICEBUS' genial light Thy wings indignant fhaped their flight To SCANDANAVIA'S frozen plain, Eternal Winter's drear domain ; Where ftrong with toil each ftubborn hord Joyful thy holy form ador'd : Though, where their tribes the earth o'er-ran, Fell defolation led the van, Though Horror midft their armies flood. And drench'd their fatal paths with blood; Yet theirs the unextinguifh'd" flame That glows at Freedom's facred name, Theirs the firm bread that joys to bleed For Independence* godlike meed. But fay, does ALBION haplefs groan Beneath a Tyrant's blor>cly throne ? Say, ODE TO LIBERTY. $3 Say, do her dauntlefs Patriots feel The fatal ax, and torturing wheel ? O'er her no cruel Tyrant reigns, No patriot blood her fcaffold ftains, 'Tis Luxury's infidious hand Spreading Corruption through the land; 'Tis Indolence whofe powers controul Each nobler purpofe of the foul ; 'Tis noify FaBion's felfifh aim, Difguis'd beneath thy fpecious name, Thefe are the fiends whofe fatal rage In every clime, and every age, Have overturn'd each noble pile Rear'd by thy hands with ufelefs toil : But where in hardfhip's rugged fchool Mankind have learn'cj themfelves to rule, , t Pale Slavery there may make* in Vain Her iron rod, and galling chain : No 14- ODE TO LIBERTY. No force the fearlefs foul can bind, Or bow the unconquerable mind. Scorn'd is the Tyrant's harih decree When inborn Virtue bids be free. ODE ODE T O BEAU I. Tr^NCHANTING power! whofe influence *- V bleft O'er Nature reigns with pleafing fway, Whofe mild command each gentler breaft Enraptur'd glories to obey : D give my ravifli'd fenfe to trace In every form thy polifh'd grace, Whether. thy footfteps deign to tread The level of the enamel'd mead, Whether j6 ODETOBEAUTY. Whether thou joy 'ft to haunt the dale, Or drink the mountain's ambient gale, Or, with a more ambitious aim, To animate the human frame, * ** **""* * " ' *V Bid tfie bright eye refiftlefs charm, The fnowy bofom fwell, or fhape the ivory arm. II. When at the ETERNAL'S dread command From Chaos rofe this fabric fair, He bade thy ornamenting hand O'er .all creation fp read it's care. By thee was Earth's maternal breaft Involv'd in verdure's radiant vefi, Heaven's fpacious arch thy tints embus With the deep azure's dazzling hue, O'er the bkak hill thy order bade The foreft fpread luxuriant made, Thy ODE TO BEAUTY. j Thy fingers through the irriguous mead The river's fhining current lead Till it's in creating. waters gain The unconfin'd expanfe of Ocean's vafl domain. III. Glows not a fhrub with vivid bloom Mid the recefTes of the vale ; Sheds not a flower it's rich perfume To fcent the pinions of the gale ; Waves not a beech it's leafy bough To made the mountain's hoary brow ; Bends not an ofier dank to lave It's branches in the paffing wave. Down the rude cliff's tremendous fide Pours not a ftream it's whitening tide, Nor arch'd by filvcr poplars, cool Spreads it's fmooth bread the lucid pool, VOL. i. C But i8 ODE TO BEAUTY. But every MUSE (hall read thy care, Shall trace thy vagrant ftep, and mark thy pencil there. IV. ,But in the lovely Virgin's eye And polifh'd form, and blooming face, Thy faireft luftre we defcry, And gaze upon thy pureft grace. Ah fay ! can all the mingled flowers Whofe rofeate leaves,, the circling hours On earth's green bofom lavifh fling, When genial Zephyr breathes the fpring, Pleafe like the maid whofe charms infpire The glowing wifh of young defire ? Though hlufli with varied dyes the trees, Though fweets ambrofial load the breeze, ' Flies every bloom, fades every green, Till female Beauty deign to crown the enchanting fccne. V. ODE TO BEAUTY. ig V. Beneath the fpicy foreft's {hade The INDIAN breathes his amorous vow, Where ice eternal binds the glade Thy power the frozen ZEMBLIANS know; For there thy beam with heavenly light Has chear'd the gloom of polar night. Where to the Eunuch's fervile care Luxury commits the imprifon'd fair, There o'er the defolated plains Stern Slavery unrefifted reigns, But where Love's gentle rights are known Which mutual freedom gives alone, There Courage dwells, ingenuous Shame, And Virtue's holy meed, and Glory's ardent flame. VI. But though the fmiling Landfcape fpread It's richeft views on every fide, C 2 Though 20 ODE TO BEAUTY. Though waves each oak it's folemn head In all the pomp of leafy pride : What pleafure fhall thefe fcenes impart, How foothe to reft the laboring heart, If malice fell, or black defpair, Or keen remorfe inhabit there ? And fay can all the charms that lie In HEBE'S cheek, or HELEN'S eye, Delight, if fcorn, or cold difdain, Or changes defultory reign, Or Jealoufy's tormenting fway, Ufurp the power of Love, or cloud his golden ray. VII. *Tis in the confcious mind alone That BEAUTY (hews her purcfi: beam, There Hands fecure her lading throne Not idly borne on Fancy's ftream : Though ODE TO BEAUTY. 21 Though the, rude blaft, and wintry ftorm, The blooming Landfcape's charms deform. Though withering time, or pale difeafe, Bid the wan cheek no longer pleafe, Yet if within the feeling bread Soft pity dwell a welcome gueft, If fmiling Peace, and Meeknefs fweet, And Conftancy there fix their feat; Then fhall thy charms defpife the rage Of winter's dreary frown, and mock the force of % age. C 3 O D ODE T O HARMON Y. SET TO MUSIC BY DR. PHILIP HAYES, AND PERFORMED IN THE MUSIC-SCHOOL AT OXFORD. I. "TM MORTAL Harmony! thy heavenly ftrain Coeval grew with fea, and earth, and fides. What lime from chaos' rude primeval reign The Almighty Fiat bade creation rife, The angelic hoft around applauding flood, And loud their golden lyres proclaim 'd that all was good. Thofe ODE TO HARMONY. 23 ' Thofe facred lays \vhofe voice fublime High heaven's eternal manfions hear, Amid the tranfient lapfe of time Shall never meet the human eatr, Till, torn the veil of flefh away, Stand to the foul confek'd the realms of endlefs day. II. Yet dreams from that immortal fource, Were not to mortal fenfe denied, On ISRAEL'S race with fwelling force Unbounded rufli'd the facred tide : JUDEA'S palmy groves around Re-echo to the hallow'd found. Now to the harp's refponfive firings i His plaintive hymn JESSIDES fings, Now with exulting rapture glows O'er dread JEHOVAH'S proftrate foes, C 4 - ISAIAH 24 ODE TO HARMONY. ISAIAH now with fiercer fire Strikes loud the bold prophetic wire, And treads, or feems in act to tread, O'er proud ASSYRIA'S vanquifn'd head. While now the lay pathetic thrills By BABEL'S willow -border'd rills, As from JUDEA'S captive train The viBor's taunting voice demands the choral ftrain. } j^f III. But hark ! what lays enchanting found Unroots the forefl from the ground ? By the perfuafive powers fubdu'd Charm'd from the prey the favage brood Attentive Men round. 'Tis he, the firft of GRECIA'S choir, 'Tis ORPHEUS flrikes the living lyre f And ODE TO HARMONY. 2 $ And fee ALc/Eus"flerner hand Appals pale flavery's trembling band, See rapid PINDAR loofely flings His fingers o'er the warbling firings, While, as the drama's potent art Or melts or terrifies the heart, More fighs arife, more forrows flow, As Mufic's aiding hand flrikes deep the fhafts of woe. IV. Nor yet amid the wreck of time The rapturous powers are loft : Soft breathe her airs on every clime, And vifit every coaft. What though HESPERIA'S funnier day Now boafl to wake the fweeteft lay ; Yet fure, if ere the throbbing bread Sweet Mufic's native voice confefc'd, To 26 ODE T,O HARMONY. To the foft meafures that proceed From CALEDONIA'S northern reed, No feeling bofom fhall deny The genuine claim of Melody. V. Though wild caprice with frantic hand Awhile may feize the facred lyre, While folly's Tons applauding ftand To hear her ftrike. the wire : O ALBION ! as thy polifh'd ear Will none but claffic numbers hear, So let thy voice propitious own Thofe thrilling notes that ftrike the heart alone. Whether the foft melodious lay In fimple meafures flow, Now warbling elegantly gay, Now tuned to placid woe. ' Or ODE TO HARMONY. 27 Or Harmony with choral fong Pour her impetuous ftream along, While loud the fwelling ftrains of rapture roll, O'ercome the captive fenfe, and make the aftonifh'd foul. Sent [ 28 J Sent to DR. H A Y E S, with the ODE to HARMONY. A 1 S Man's dull form inert and filent lay, A fenfelefs heap of unenliven'd clay, Till bold PROMETHEUS with ethereal flame Rous'd into life the animated frame, So fhall my torpid verfe a charm acquire From the bright touch of thy harmonious fire ; To thefe mute lays the voice of Mufic give, And by thy Genius bid my numbers live, Amid thy verdant bays this flow'ret twine, And make immortal, verfe as mean as mine/ I VERSES VERSES addrefTed to a LADY, f\ F toil you fay a moderate fhare In each purfuit fhould rife, Too much may make our hearts defpair, Too little we defpife : In every common cafe I own The juftnefs of the thought, A fly may be too quickly won, The world too dearly bought. , Not fo in Love ; his charms depend Upon himfelf alone, No foreign circumftance can lend A luftre to his throne : 8 Though * 3 o VE-RSES ADDRESSED TO A LADY, Though gain'd without one care, his joys High-valued muft remain, Are cheaply purchas'd when the prize Of Induflry and care. EPIGRAM. I 3' ] EPIGRAM. OMNIA VINCIT AMOR. y^~X Love, though VIRGIL'S lays afcribe Refiftlefs power to thee, Yet ftill I thought the happy tribe Of Dulnefs, ever free; Potent I deem'd her ample fhield Her favorite fons to fave, Though to thy foft dominion yield The virtuous, wife, and brave : But fince I fee, thy votary grown, Even PARIDEL obey, I find myfelf compell'd to own Thy univerfal fway. Written [ 32 .1 Written on a L A D Y's FA N. "TN ancient timeswhen like LA MANCHA'S Knight The adventurous Hero Tallied forth to fight, Some fage Magician famous in Romance Supplied the Warrior with a wonderous lance, With which through adverfe troops he forced his way, And won from giant hofts the doubtful day. But I more fatal arms to you impart, By VENUS forged to wound the human heart : This Weapon placed in your victorious band No cunning mall elude, no force withftand, Nor fhall the brave refill, or coward fly, But all Mankind fubmit, adore, or die. SONG. 33 1 O N T7* AT R D E L i A while each fighing fwain f Whofe heart your charms adores, Fills with his tender vows the plain, And favoring fmiles implores : My Wifhes varying from the reft Demand a different boon, And only afk this one requeft, The mercy of a frown. Ah ! far from me thofe witching fmiles Thofe languid eyes remove, Whofe charms my fenfes might furprife, And tempt my heart to Love ; VOL. i, D The 34 SON G. The chilling frowns of cold difdain I'll patiently endure, Content to bear a tranfient pain My freedom to fecure. SONG. t 35 3 O N H E flowers of the Spring that enamel the vale, Give their dyes to the meadows, their fweets to the gale, From the fun-beam, the fhower, and the foft-falling dew Receive all their treafures of odour, and hue. When Winter extends his tyrannical reign, Fades every gay bloflfom that painted the plain, And all the bright offspring of funfhine and fhowers Shrink up at the blaft of DECEMBER'S ftern hours, -D 2 Though 36 SON G. Though Love's gentle power can more fweetnefs difclofe Than the vi'let or woodbine, the jafmine or rofe, Yet none of them holds fo precarious perfume, A texture fo tender, fo fleeting a bloom. All it's fweetnefs it draws like the Daughters of MAY From Pity's foft dew, and from Kindnefs' mild ray, Like them it will fhrink from the froft of Difdain, But never like them will it bloffom again. SONG. C 37 O N O. T ET no Shepherd fmg to me The ftupid praife of Conftancy, , Nature bids her fubjefts range, All creation's full of change. See the varying hours difplay Morning, Evening, Night, and Day, See the circling feafons bring Summer, Winter, Autumn, Spring. Shall the river's current full Idly deep a ftagnate pool, Shall the pedant's mandate bind The rapid wave, the fleeting wind. D 3 Thus 3* SON G. Thus I fung when CHLOE'S eyes Made my vanquifh'd heart their prize, Where's my paffion now to range, Love of Freedom^ love of Change. Still my breaft retains it's views, Still variety purfues, Happy in one Nymph to find Every charm of Womankind. i THE C 39 THE SNOW-DROP, TTJAI L earlieft of the opening flower*! Fair Harbinger of vernal hours ! Who dar'ft unveil each filken fold Ere SOL difpels the wintry cold, And with thy filver leaves difplay'd Spread luftre through the dreary glade. What though no frgarance like the rofe Tinfluring the ZEPHYR as it blows, Thy humble flowers from earth exhale To fcent the pinions of the gale ; What though no hues of gaudy dye Strike with their dazzling charms the eye, D 4 Nor 4 o THE SNOW- DROP. Nor does thy fober foliage mew Each blended tint of IRIS' bow; Yet in thy meek unfullied grace Imagination's eye mall trace The glowing blofToms that appear Proudly to paint the vernal year, And fmiling MAIA'S blufhing dyes, And jocund Summer's cloudlefs fkies, And Autumn's labors which fucceed To bid the purple vintage bleed, Our hopes anticipating fee Led on in radiant train by Written Wrjtten in the Year 1779, when the COMBINED FLEETS were off PLYMOUTH. WHEN the keen axe remorfelefs laid The woods of EDGECOMBE low, Left now their leafy fkreen fhould aid The approaches of the foe ; Aftonifh'd from their dark retreats The frantic DRYADS rove, And ECHO fhrieks of woe repeats Through all the wafted grove : Muft we/ they cry, ' fo long who dwelt On this wave-cin&ur'd fteep, < Who each rude blaft unfhrinking felt * That heaves the ATLANTIC deep, ' Muft 42 ON THE COMBINED FLEETS ' Muft we forfake thcfe folemn fhades 4 To diftant regions driven, ' Or view expos'd our foreft glades f To every beam of heaven ? * But ah ! what horrid fcenes are thefe !- * Lo BOURBON'S hoflile train ' Here fpread their canvas to the breeze, ' And darken half the main : BRITANNIA'S bloody crofs no more ' Aloft triumphant flies, ' For fee by this infulted fhore < The GALLIC lilies rife! Speed then, oh fpeed your eager toil f * And on this lofty fteep c Tear every fapling from the foil ^ And launch them on the deep. 3 ' To BEING OFF PLYMOUTH. 43 To you we lifters of the wood c At once our charge refign, Ye fea-green daughters of the flood, < Old OCEAN'S NEREID line. So fhall they to this threaten'd place ' A barrier firm extend* And fhores their fhade was wont to gracf a Their thunder fhall defend.' EPITAPH [ 44 ] EPITAPH O N CHARLES D'AUSSEY, ESQUIRE, IN HOLY-ROOD CHURCH, SOUTHAMPTON. T T 7 H E N Pomp, when Wealth, when Great- nefs fink to duft, Though Vanity adorn the fplendid buft, Sincerer drops of tributary woe O'er the lone urn of modeft Merit flow. And tears as true as e'er embalm'd [he dead Shall D'AussEY ! o'er thy humble tomb be fhed, For though thy frugal temper ne'er fupplied The felfifh calls of Luxury and Pride, Yet ^Pity's gentle voice thy heart purfu'd, And felt the Luxury of doing good, While Want reliev'd by filent bounties given, Wafts with her grateful prayers thy foul to heaven. Sent C 45 Sent to MR. H A Y L E Y, on reading hi* EPISTLES on EPIC POETRY. T T T H AT blooming garlands fhall the MUSES twine, What verdant laurels weave, what flowers combine, To crown their favorite Son whofe generous heart Has check'd the arrogance of Critic Art, And fhewn that ftill in their exhauftlefs mine The pureft gems of radiant Genius fhine, To grace the venturous Poets who explore The unfun'd treafures of their facred ftore ? Nor this the Syren note of flattering praife, Or the fond tribute partial friendfhip pays ; 46 ADDRESS TO MR. HAYLEY. A voice unknown to fame, to thee unknown, But wak'd by thy fuperior worth alone, Attempts, perhaps with too officious zeal, Thy thoughts awhile from higher cares to fteal, And in prefumptuous numbers dares effay To hail the glories of thy matchlefs lay. O faireft hope of BRITAIN'S tuneful Choir! \Vhy yield to. other hands the Epic Wire ? Say who of all her Bards like thee (hall fwell To drains of extafy th' Heroic fhell ? When the long feries of connecting rhimc Denies the raptur'd flight or march fublime Who mall the interval fo well beguile With -each rich ornament of poliftYd ftyle ? Who o'er the thrilling heart fuch forms mail throw Of frantic horror, or pathetic woe ? Or ADDRESS TO MR. HAYLEY. 47 Or when the notes from Freedom's clarion blown Chili the pale Defpot on his trembling throne, What manly fon of BRITAIN'S warbling throng Shall join the PAAN with fo bold a fong ? And if inventive Fancy love to ftray 'Mid the wild tra&s of Fiction's faery way, Say who fhall mate thofe magic powers that ftole The nightly vifion o'er SERENA'S foul? Then let, iiluftrious Bard! though rude her voice, A MUSE of humble mien divert thy choice. With timid hand fnatch no reflected grace i From the fweet * Maniac of HESPERIAN race. Since Genius' keeneft rays thy bofom fire 6 ftrike with native force the BRITISH Lyre, * Dante. That 4 8 ADDRESS TO MR. HAYLEY. That, while fuch virtuous chiefs adorn thy ftrain As GREECE and ROME lhall emulate in vain, ALBION may confecrate thy deathlefs name, And found her Epic pride on HAY LEV'S fame. MR, C 49 ] MR. HAY LEY's ANSWER, T Xwasat xa.hy.tlui/, Ixaro^Cci ii/;tx.owv. HOMER. O FARINGDON'S illuftrious Hill On which PARNASSIAN dews diftil Ye fouthern MUSES bend, ' And there falute with proud acclaim , In him who gave that Hill to fame The Poet and the Friend : Tell him in his applauding voice ] Your EARTH AM'S echoing groves rejoice^ And with new pride expand, Tell him his gifts your votary chear, For laurel wreaths are doubly dear From a fraternal hand. Eartham, Auguft 9, 1782. \OL. i. -E EL fi. [ 5 ELEGY I. WRITTEN IN THE YEAR 1761. f~*\ HAPPINESS-! thou wifh of every mind, Whofe form, more fubtle than the fleeting air, Leaves all thy votaries wandering far behind, Eludes their fearch, and mocks their anxious care* What diftant region holds thy fair retreat, Where no keen look thy footfteps may furprife? In what lone defert haft thou fix'd thy feat, Far from the curious fearch of mortal eyes ? Amid ELEGIES. 51 Amid the jocund race, fay, art thou found, Who pafs in mirth the dreary hours of night; Or in the dance with pliant finews bound, Till fades the taper at AURORA'S light? Ah no ! when Reafon reaflumes her fway, And the tamed blood in calmer current flows, Thefe joys, like fairy ^vifions, melt away, And leave the bofom prefs'd with ferious woes. Or, doft Thou dwell with regal pomp and power, Rever'd and honor'd by the wife and great ? Ten thoufand cares on fcepter'd fplendor lower, And bend the weary monarch with their weight. Or, mall we feek Thee through the ranks of war, Where bold Ambition leads her daring train; While the fhrill clarion, founding from afar, Calls the flow warrior to the purple plain ? E 2 Alas 52 ELEGIES. Alas not there! though conqueft grace his fword, Though proudly wave his banners in the air, By legions guarded, the vi&orious Lord Shall find no arms to fhield his heart from care. Doft Thou refide in the gay youth's fond brcaft, Who bends obedient to the power of love ; Who, by the fair one he adores carefs'd, May all the joys of mutual tranfport prove? With paffion fraught, though fmiling now ferene, In foft endearments flow each tender hour; Too foon, alas ! muft change the blifsful fcene, When time's cold blaft fhall blow on beauty's flower. And oft, amid the blooming days of youth, Inconftancy afferts her fickle reign ; Or pale-ey'd Jealoufy, with venom 'd tooth, Cankers the golden links of Hymen's chain, AH ELEGIES. 53 All calm and fafe the tide of love appears, The youthful poet's ever darling theme; The venturous pilot there no quickfands fears, But launches boldly down the flattering ftream, Till on his bark the warring furges break, And every billow feems to threaten fate : The voice of Prudence then begins to fpeak, But ah, the voice of Prudence fpeaks too late ! Is blifs fmcere then no where to be found, The vain creation of the Enthufiaft's mind ? Or, if (lie deign to dwell on mortal ground, Where may we hope her fair abode to find? The fweets of pleafure, and the pomp of power, In Luxury's enchanting femblance drefs'd, She flights with deepeft fcorn ; nor will refide But in the precincls of the virtuous breaft. E 3 The 54 ELEGIES. The virtuous bread, in confcious honour bold, Will want and pain and death itfelf defpife : Will from each trying woe, like heated gold, With greater fplendor, greater merit rife. There fhe has ever fix'd her firmefl throne ; There fcorn'd the bolts by rage and malice hurl'd , And, found by wifdom, and by worth alone, Mock'd the vain labors of a vicious world. ELEGY ELEGIES. ELEGY II. WRITTEN IN THE YEAR 1762. 55 1^ TOW the brown woods their leafy load refign And rage the tempefts with refiftlefs force ? Mantled with fnow the filver mountains fhine, Arid icy fetters chain the rivulet's courfe. No p leafing objeft charms our wearied view, No waving verdure decks the dreary glade, Save that o'er yonder tomb the mournful yew Projects an awful folitary fhade. Short is the Spring, and fhort the Summer hour, And fhort the time that fruitful Autumn reigns ; But tedious roll the days when Winter's power Afierts it's empire o'er our wafted plains. E 4 As, 56 ELEGIES. As fwiftly wears our Spring of life away, As fwiftly will our jolly Summer go; But, ah ! when Winter clouds our chearlefs day, Again the vernal breezes never blow ! Mark this, and boaft your fancied worth no more, Ye great, ye proud, ye learned, and ye brave ! With hafly lapfe fome circling years are o'er, And lo, ye (lumber in the filent grave ! Why views the fage fair Pleafure's tranfient charm, And all her votaries gay with fcowling eye ? Alike he (loops to Fate's fuperior arm, Alike he fuffers, and alike mud die ! Say, what avails it then with brow fevere- The filken bands of Luxury to defpife ; To bring by thought the day of horror near, And view the tempeft ere the clouds arife ? Better ELEGIES. 57 Better with laughing nymphs in revels gay To give the hours to VENUS, wine, and fong; And, fincc the rapid moments never (lay, To catch fome pleafures as they glide along. Deluded man ! whom empty founds beguile, What tranfports here await thy anxious foul ? Know, love abhors the venal harlot's fmiie, And hell-born fury rages in the bowl. Seek Virtue to be bleft ; but feek her far, Far from thofe gloomy fons of letter'd pride, Who 'gainft the paffions wage eternal war, And, foes to Nature, Nature's dictates chide. Let mirth, not madnefs, crown the temperate feaft ; Let love and beauty joys refin'd impart : Though mere fenfation charm the groveling breaft, 'Tis mutual paffion fires the generous heart. The $8 ELEGIES. The various bleffings bounteous Heaven beftows With gratitude and charity repay, Relieve thy fuffering friend, or {hare his woes, But from his failings turn thine eyes away. So, when the wintry dorms of death are pafl, In brighter fkies, and ether more ferene, Thy wither'd boughs fhall bud again, to laft For ever blooming, and for ever green. ELEGY ELEGIES. 59 ELEGY III. i WRITTEN IN THE YEAR 1763. / \ H E dewy morn her faffron mantle fpreads High o'er the brow of yonder eaftern hill ; Each blooming fhrub a rofeate fragrance flieds, And the brifk fky-lark fings his carol fhrill. Not all the fweets that fcent the morning air, Not all the dyes that paint the vernal year, Can from my breaft divert it's weighty care, Can from mypale cheeks charm the tricklingtear. Here-, where the willows to the rivulet bend, That winds it's channel thro' the enamell'dmead, I'll o'er the turf my waining form extend, And reft on fedges dank my liftlefs head. In 60 ELEGIES. In vain the flream o'er pebbles glide along, And murmurs fweetly-lulling as it flows ; In vain the flock-dove chaunts her gurgling fong, Inviting flumber foft and calm repofe. 4 How at the fragrant hour of rifing morn Would eager tranfport throb in ev'ry vein, To hear the fwelling fhout and jocund horn Invite the hunter to the fportive plain ! But, ah, the gay delights of youth are fled ! In fighs and tears my fading life I wear; So the pale lily hangs it's drooping head, When frofts untimely blaft the opening year, Philofophy, thou guardian of the heart, O come in all thy rigid virtue drefs'd ! With manly precept eafe my killing fmart, And drive this tyrant from my wounded breaft. Oft ELEGIES. 61 Oft would my eyes, difdaining balmy fleep, The awful labors of thy fons explore, Fathom with reftlefs toil each maxim deep, And hang inceflant o'er the facred lore : Alas ! oppos'd to love how weak, how frail Is all the reafoning of the unfeeling fage ! No forceful arm can o'er his power prevail, No lenient hand the wounds he gives afiiiage. Yes, tyrant, yes ; thou muft retain thy power, Till my torn bofom yields to flronger Death : Still muft I love, even in that fatal hour, And call on DELIA with my lateft breath. And when all pale my lifelefs limbs extend. And fate has feal'd the irrevocable doom, May then my memory find a faithful friend, To write thefe votive numbers on my tomb :. Here 6i ELEGIES. * Here refts a youth, who Love and Sorrow's flave, ' Gave up- his early life to pining care, ' Till worn with woe he fought, in this calm grave; * A fafe retreat from comfortlefs Defpair.' So, when the ftone lays o'er my clay-cold head, If ch'ance fair DELIA to the place draw near, With one fad figh fhe may lament me dead, And bathe the fenfelefs marble with a tear. ELEGY ELEGIES. . ELEGY IV. WRITTEN SEPTEMBER i, 1763, WHEN the Hill Night withdrew her fable fhroud, And left thofe climes with fteps fedate and flow ; While fad AURORA, kerchief'd in a cloud, With drizzly vapours hung the mountain's brow ; The wretched bird, from haplefs PERDIX fprung, With trembling wings forfook the furrow'd plain, And, calling round her all her liftening young, In faultering accents fung this plaintive ftrain : * Unwelcome morn ! too well thy lowering mien. * Foretels the (laughters of the approaching day ; * The gloomy fky laments with tears the fcene, * Where rage and terror reaflume their fway. 2 < Ah, 64 ELEGIES. ' Ah, lucklefs train ! ah, fate- devoted race ! ' The dreadful tale experience tells believe; e Dark heavy mi'fts obfcure the morning's face, ' But blood and death (hall clofe the dreary eve. ' This day fell man, whofe unrelenting hate ._ L. ' No grief can foften, and no tears afluage* ' Pours dire deftruclion on the feather'd flale, * While pride and rapine urge his favage rage. 1 I, who fo oft have Tcap'd the impending fnare, c Ere night arrives, may feel the fiery wound; c In giddy circles quit the realms of air, * And (lain with ftreaming gore the dewy ground." She faid, when lo ! the pointer winds his prey, The ruftling Hubble gives the fear'd alarm, The gunner views the covey fleet away, And rears the unerring tube with fkilful arm. In ELEGIES. 65 In vain the mother wings her whirring flight, The leaden deaths arfeft her as fhe flies ; Her fcatter'd offspring fwini before her fight, And, bath'd in blood, fhe flutters, pants, and dies. VOL. i. F E L E GY 66 ELEGIES. ELEGY V. WRITTEN JUNE, 1764. THEE, fad MKJ.POMENE, 1 once again ; Invoke, nor afk the idly plaintive verfe : Ouit the light reed for forrow's fober drain, And hang thy flowerets on my DELIA'S herfe. Oft by yon lilver fountain's fedgy fide, Or through the twilight fhade I us'd to rove, Have fung her beauties to the liftening tide, Andfili'd with notes like thefe the echoing grove: r Ye fragrant rofes, bow your blooming heads; * For can your fweetnefs with her breath compare ? ' Ye envious lilies, wither in your beds, ' For is your boafted whitenefs half fo fair ?' Vain ELEGIES. 67 Vain was the lay ; for O ! heart-breaking thought ! Thofe heavenly features ne'er again mufl charm That form divine, with each perfection fraught, Is {truck by Fate's inexorable arm. Thus far, O Death, thy cruel reign extends ! Before thy fickle falls each blufhing flower; But Virtue on ethereal wings afcends, And fmiles difdainful on thy boafted power. Guided by her (for Virtue's facred lore Was ever dear to DELIA'S gentle breaft) She to the endlefs realms of peace fhall foar, The facred manfions of eternal reft. Nor thefe the wreaths that love and fancy twine Around the tomb, where refts fome fiatter'd maid; But honors, due to merit's hallow'd fhrine, By faithful truth with unfeign'd forrow paid. F 2 The 68 ELEGIES. The fmalleft gleam of hope I ne'er could boaft; And raptur'd love in that dire moment fled, Which fhew'd my deareft wifli for ever loft, Which gave my DELIA to a rival's bed. Yet mail thy memory, dear departed made, In this fad bread a place for ever find ; For in thy fqrm each beauty was difplay'd, ( To charm the fenfes, and to fix the mind/ O ! were I .{kill'd the immortal note to raife, , And down the ftream of time to waft thy name ! Then would I fing thy worth in matchlefs lays, Bright as thine eyes, and fpptlefs as thy fame. But, though the Mufe fuch arduous flights denies, JSIor .bids with fire divine my fancy glow, Thefe plaintive numbers nobler truth fupplies, Tlx: .4nlcfs voice of uaafFecled woe. ELEGY E L E G I E S. 69 E L E G Y VI. WRITTEN IN THE SPRING, 1766. ^V T O W has bright SOL fulfill'd his circling courfe, Again to TAURUS roll'd his burning car, Since, cruel Prudence, thy refiftlefs force Tore me from happinefs and CYNTHIA far. How did I then, or penfively complain, - Or in the maniac's frantic accents rave ! How often vow to prove refiftance vain, And, fpite of prudence, live my CvNTHiA'sflave ! Her much-lov'd form did every thought employ ; My daily with me was, and nightly dream; My aking bofom hop'd no dearer joy; My raptur'd fancy own'd no nobler theme. F 3 No 70 ELEGIES. No more I wifh'd, whejre Is is' clear waves flow, To pluck frefh laurels from the mufe's (hade : I long'd to climb the CAMBRIAN mountain's brow, SinceCAMBRiA'smountainshidmyfavoritemaid. In vain from cruel love's tyrannic reign To friendfhip and to wifdom I appeal; tor fuch my fufferings, that the amorous pain Nor wifdom could afTuage, nor friendfbip heal. Now three revolving moons had roll'd away, Still faded forrow bent my drooping head; In flothful reft my nobler pafiions lay, Each fire extinguifh'd, and each virtue dead : When forced to feek a more laborious field, And mingle chearful with a focial train, To toil and mirth thofe woes began to yield, Which thought and care had combated in vain. In ELEGIES. 71 In other fcenes I now delight could find, And, far from CYNTHIA, found my heart at reft; Till love at length the dubious ftrife declin'd, And reafon fix'd her empire in my breaft. Then, as by facred truth's unflattering light, I faw the follies of my former flame, I turn'd indignant from the hateful fight, Struck with remorfe, and mortified with fhame. I found imagination's magic wand Had all my C Y N TH i A'S dazzling charms fupplied, And love, misjudging love, with partial hand, Had given thofe beauties nature's touch denied. A vifionary fhape my Fancy drew, In the fair form each polifh'd grace difplay'd; Then like the fabled artift amorous grew, And lov'd the image which itfelf had made. F 4 EL E GTT ELEGIES. ELEGY VII. ADDRESSED TO A PINE-TREE. WRITTEN MAY, 1766. /' a "* H E ruffian North has fpent his favage power, Colle6ls his winds, and quits the moun- tain's fide; And AUSTER mild, with many a genial mower, Renews the laughing meadow's graffy pride. The aQive fwallow wings her rapid flight In fportive circies through the ether bland, And in luxuriant foliage proudly dight The verdant fathers of the foreft fland. No ELEGIES. 73 No more beneath thy hofpitable fhade The fhepherd fwains their amorous defcant fing, Each wanders forth amid the blooming glade To hail the new-blown daughters of the fpring. Yet, while yon elms, who now fo gaily fpread Their leafy honors to the vernal gale, Stood naked to the wintry winds, that fned Their fcatter'd glories o'er the wailed vale; Thy limbs alone, of all the dreary wood, Could brave the fnowy drift, and chilling blaft; Againft the mingled ftorm uninjur'd flood, And mock'd the howling tempeft as it pad. For this, while all the jocund fwains around The blooming feafon praife with youthful glee, I'll teach the nodding coverts to refound A verfe that's due to gratitude and thec. I'll 74 ELEGIES. I'll rove^here opening flowerstheir fwects combine, Where blofToms fair their varied odours breathe ; Then with afiiduous hand a garland twine, And on thy branches hang the votive wreath. So, while in honor of the fmiling year, Echoes each hollow dale and every grove, Thy venerable {hade a lay fliall hear, Sacred to friendfhip firm and conftant love. ELEGY ELEGIES. ELEGY VIII. WRITTEN AT MINSTED IN THE NEW IQREST AUGUST 24, 1767. Rifing Sun ! on this aufpicious day With brighter beams gild every hill and grove ; Ye feather'd fongfters, breathe a fweeter lay ! And fill the echoing woods with joy and love, And, honor'd MINSTED, in thy green retreats Let every tree a prouder foliage wear ! Let' every floweret fcatter livelier fweets, And vernal perfumes fcent the autumnal year ! Now has the Sun one annual circuit paft, Since in thy happy fhades thefe longing arms Receiv'd the choiceft bleflings man could tafte, MARIA'S virtues, and MARIA'S charms! Yet 76 E L .E G I E S. Yet witnefs every lawn, and every fhade 1 ! So dear a blifs my bofom could not know, When to my breaft I clafp'd the yielding maid, As now her wedded fondnefs can beftow. i Let other youths, by vice or folly mov'd, For each new object change their former flame ; ; And blufh to own they love what once they lov'd, Left virtue mould approve, and idiots blame. The fcorn of fools I ever (hall defpife; For ever pleas'd, when by my conftant fide MARIA'S beauty meets the public eyes, At home my pleafure, and abroad my pride. Where gold, not fondnefs, guards the nuptial chain, Weak is the parent's will, the lawyer's art: Blafpheming priefts thofe hearts would join in vain, Whom GOD and G O D's vicegerent, NA- TURE, part. But, ELEGIES. 77 But, oh ! may we, whofe hearts affe&ion join'd, Preferve the bleffing till the clofe of life ! She in the hufband ftill the lover find; I ftill enjoy the miftrefs in the wife. ELEGY 8 ELEGIES, ELEGY IX. AVON. WRITTEN DURING THE STRATFORD JUBILEE. R O M the clear ftream that o'er her grotto flows The filver-flipper'd AVON flowly rofe, And penfive on her cryftal urn reclin'd, Pour'd forth in notes like thefe her anxious mind. 4 What frantic train is this whofe noife invades < The accuftom'd ftilnefs of my tranquil (hades, * Whofe fwelling clamors float my banks along, * And drown the fweetnefs of each rural fong> Fill ELEGIES. 79 * Fill all the woods around with feftal roar, 'And fright the peaceful halcyons from my fliore ? > c And fee ! from ITALY'S degenerate clime f The mottled hero fam'd in Pantomime, Leads his exulting crew with impious tread c To foil the duft that pillows SHAKESPEAR'S head: * With midnight founds they break his facred fleep, ' And near his tomb opprobrious vigils keep, ' Refounding axes give the folar beam < To fcorch the borders of my lucid ft ream, ' And, while around the weeping Dryads bleed, * The fons of riot praife the fatal deed: ' Them it becomes to praife : but 'midft the throng * What honor'd voice is that which joins the fong ? ' Canft thou whofe powers could give this wonder- ' ing age * To fee the foul of SHAKESPEAR grace the ftage, < Canft 5o ELEGIES. Canft thou misjudging, praife each cruel blow ' That lays the fhade by AVON'S current low, * Canft thou approve thofe trees untimely doom ' That wave their foliage o'er thy SHAKES? EAR'S c tomb, ' Or view the motley Tons of Mafquerade c Infult thy patron's venerable (hade ? c But hark ! loud riot fwells On every fide, e And orgies dire pollute my virgin tide ; ' Ah ! let my ear the unhallow'd revels fly, ' Nor drink the founds of midnight ribaldry/ She faid, and plunging in the filver wave, Sought the calm refuge of her filent cave. THE t 81 ] THE MYRTLE AKD BRAMBLE. A FABLE. T UXURIANT with perennial green A Myrtle young and lovely Hood, Sole beauty of the wintry fcene, The faireft daughter of the wood : Clofe by her fide a Bramble grew, Like other Brambles rude with thorn, Who ficken'd at the pleafing view, Yet what fhe envied feem'd to fcorn : Full oft to blaft each hated charm She call'd the fiery bolts of JOVE ; But JOVE was too polite to harm Aught facred to the Queen of Love : VOL. i. G Yet 82 THE MYRTLE AND BRAMBLE. Yet was her rage not wholly crofs'd, BOREAS was to her wimes kind, And from his magazines of froft He fumnaon'd forth the keeneft wind. A thoufand clouds furcharg'd with rain. The ruffian god around him calls ; Then blows intenfe, and o'er the plaia A fleecy deluge infta-nt falls : No more the Myrtle bears the belle,. No more her leaves luxuriant mew,. The thorny Bramble looks as well, Powder'd, and perriwig'd with mow- Sure fome gray antiquated maid, x The very Bramble of her fex, To each invidious power has pray'd, Our eye's and fenfes to perplex. i F am ion THE MYRTLE AND BRAMBLE. 83 Fafhion with more than BOREAS' rage A univerfal fnow has (lied, And given the hoary tint of age To every lovely female's head. O break thy rival's hated fpell, Kind Nature ! that where'er we ramble, Thy work from COURTOI'S we may tell, And know a Mvrtle from a Bramble. G 2 M A.D- C *4 } MADNESS, AN EPISTLE: WRITTEN IN THE YEAR 1763. DIXERIT INSANUM QJOI ME, TOTIDEM AT7DIET, ATQ.UE RESPICERE JGNOTO DISCIT PENDENTIA TERGO. HoR. ~\7" E $, yes, my friend, I quit the fond pre- tence To cool reflection, and unbiafs'd fenfe ; Your hands have torn away the thin difguife Which hid my follies from my partial eyes. Mad fince I am, why fhould conceited pride, Deny that weaknefs which it cannot hide ? Why blufh to own the follies of my mind, When kept in countenance by half mankind? Who MADNESS. 85 Who from the paths of Truth and Senfe will ftray Where Reafon lights, and Virtue guards the way, After thofe meteors treacherous beams to rove, Ambition, Avarice, Vanity, or Love. Nor while the foul contending paffions goad E'er once regret they left the fafer road, Proud of their fhame, and happy in their woe, Will foil the {kill of BATTIS and MONRO. Miftaken GURIO, form'd alone to pleafe In the calm circle of domeflic eafe, Muft quit the placid joys of private life For public honors won in public ftrife : No liftening Senate'-s plaufive notes attend The gay companion, and the faithful friend. He'll mew the world combin'd with STANHOPE'S wit 7"he flow of TOWNSHEND, and the fire of PITT. G Now 86 M A D N E S S. Now with fuccefs he gets the Eleclion o'er And gives ST. STEPHEN'S one pert blockhead more ; Pretends with fchemes of Wifdom fraught to rife. Declaims on libels, penfions, and excife, ' f And, while loud laughter burfts on every fide, Pours forth his nonfenfe with a patriot pride, Till mark'd at length by public ridicule A brainlefs Coxcomb, and a babbling fool, To all mankind poor CURIO ftands confefs'd The fenate's fcandal, and the nation's jeft. Mark yon ftarv'd wretch who views with eager eye The heaps of ufelefs gold that round him lie ! That man when Fortune lefs profufely gave Enjoy 'd her fcanty gifts, nor wilh'd to fave, What me beftow'd with chearful hand he fpent, Nor wanted millions while he had content; His M A p- NESS. 8; His pleafures leffen as her fmiies increafe, Till wealth immenfe completely blafts his peace; Now to himfelf each comfort he denies That public care to poverty fupplies, , Lets his drcar rf m ( anfion totter o'er his head, And 'mid profufion dies for want of bread. Lo SYLVIUS ! once beyond defcription bleft, Calm were his joys, and peaceful was his bread, His youth he fpent remote from Camps and Courts In rural labors, and in rural fports, High forefts rofe obedient to his hand, And waving plenty crown'd his fertile land, With good old Port his focial vaults were ftor'd, And frequent firloins fmoak'd upon his board. But ah ! when fifty winters fhould have fhed A wifer influence o'er his hoary head, 4 ' What 88 MADNESS. What time BRITANNIA bade her happy plains Pour forth in arm'd array their native fwains, His heart began with childifh zeal to doat On the bright honors of a fcarlet coat; The homely garb he wore muft now give place To the filk fafh, and regimental lace, The queue adorns his back with pendent pride, And the broad falchion dangles by his iide. When thus equip'd, a Country Squire no more, SYLVIUS muft learn to dance, and game, and whore, In every vice, with every rake he vies, Scorn'd by the gay, and pitied by the wife, Plung'd in excefs, and deaf to prudence' call, His lands are mortgag'd, and his forefts fall, Till feiz'd at laft by penury and fhame, A jail rewards him for his martial flame. MADNESS. 8 9 Oh HAMMOND ! form'd by Nature to difpenfe The charms of courtly eafe, and manly fenfe, Each Grace that burfts fpontaneous from the mind By learning temper'd, and by tafte refin'd, Though many a tedious year has roll'd away Since Death's ftern mandate ftopp'd thy plaintivelay, Though many a tuneful Bard to BRITAIN dear, Has paid thy fhrine the tribute of a tear, Let not thy made this votive verfe difdain Though late I fing, and humbly flows my drain. In vain for thee contending MUSES wove The choiceft garlands of the AON IAN grove., In vain thy heart, by ancient lore infpir'd, With holy Freedom's pureft flame was fir'd, On one difdainful maid for ever hung The Poet's fancy, and the Patriot's tongue, And talents form'd a troubled ftate to guide, Fell a fad facrifice to female pride. Since 90 MADNESS. Since in fuch garbs of horror often drefs'd The Fury Paffions rend the human breaft, Since now by Vice, and now by Folly led, To fome vain Idol ftill we bow the head, O blame not, if my vagrant Fancy chufe The fweet delirium of the harmlefs MUSE. Though far below proud Glory's towering height Humbly fhe wing her unambitious flight, Yet oft her friendly voice with placid lay Has cheer'd the fad, and charm'd the tedious day, Driven every dark idea from my breaft, And footh'd my troubled foul to peaceful reft. Oft has {he ftopp'd her own difcordant lyre To mark how real Genius wak'd the wire, When GREECE and ROME refiftlefs pour'd along The fervid energy of glowing fong, Or ALBION'S Bards the genuine laurel claim, And mare than emulate their mailers' fame. Then MADNESS. gi Then as the lines in varied meafures flow, I rack with forrow, or with tranfport glow : Now if the lay fome mournful theme rehearfe, I figh refponfive to the plaintive verfe, Now, wak'd to fury by the martial drain, My aftive Fancy views the tented plain, Hears fhouting fquadrons join with eager force, Arms clafti with arms, and horfe encounter horfe> Till fir'd with ardent rage and fierce delight, She breaks from reafon's rein, and joins the ideal fight. Here fome grave Man whofe head with prudence fraught Was ne'er difturb'd by one eccentric thought, Who without meaning rolls his leaden eyes, And being ftupid, fancies he is wife, May 92 MADNESS. May with fagacious fneers my cafe deplore, And urge the ufe of reft, and Hellebore. When in my heart contending paflions roll, When rage, or malice, fwell my guilty foul,. If e'er I proftitute my venal lays To pour in Folly's ears the balm of praife, If ever party zeal mould warp my youth From the ftrift rules of Juftice, and of Truth, And urge me with intemperance of rage To ftain the boafted candor of my page, Here let my friend ! your keeneft cenfures fall, And ftrike with Reafon if you ftrike at all ; To cenfure's honeft fcourge my faults I'll truft, Nor deem you cruel, while I know you juft. But if you too feverely deem a crime The love of numbers, and a thirft for rhime (Happy MADNESS. 93 \ (Happy beyond the race of man is he Who boafts a heart from greater foibles free,) O let me ftill the fweet delufion prove, Still keep the Folly which fo much I love, Nor ever try, with ufelefs Wifdom, kind, To tear this favorite Error from my mind. THE C 94 3 THE TRIUMPH OF FASHION, One moment alters, what the lafl had done. Numbers each art to gain her favor try, And watch the varying motions of her eye ; At her command employ their utmoft fkill, And yield their minds, and bodies, to her will ; Lay health, and fame, and fortune, all afide, To follow blindly where her mandates guide. Let but the worfhipp'd Goddefs give the word, No toil feems difficult, no fcheme abfurd. Pale Sicknefs tries each art that can avail, To make her faded features yet more pale ; THE TRIUMPH OF FASHION. 97 While rofy Health's capricious fingers fpread, On her frefli blooming cheeks, a foreign red* The weakly (tripling, fainting with the pace, Urges o'er hill, and dale, the breathlefs chare; While the flout brawny youth, in languid drains, Of tender frame, and fhatter'd nerves, complains* Nobles, whofe fires for freedom bravely flood, Or feal'd her facred charter with their blood, Glory their country's honor to have fold, And proftitute their dearefl rights for gold; In BRITAIN'S caufe while patriot Porters cry, And Butchers bellow, WILKES and LIBERTY ! As at this motley fcene, in wild amaze, On every fide with wondering eyes I gaze, Sudden, methought, I heard the clarion's notes; Loud on the wind the martial clamour floats I- VOL, i, II The 98 THE TRIUMPH OF FASHION. The embattled legions glitter from afar, And threaten FASHION'S dome with fatal War. Panting with rage to break her tyrant laws, Here fprightly WIT his light-arm'd cohorts draws; REASON, and SENSE, with VIRTUE by their fide, In clofe array, their firm battalions guide ; And BEAUTY leads in graceful order on, Her radiant filesj that glitter in the fun. The Goddefs faw, and through the enamel'd red A flufh of rage her glowing features fpread : Then, frowning, thus : ' l)o thefe allies prepare To wage with x troops like mine unequal war? Soon fhall my veterans o'er the purpled plain, ' With force fuperior, drive the rebel train. * Though WIT, and SENSE, their various bands f combine, c And VIRTUE'S powers with BEAUTY'S fqnadrons c join, The THE TRIUMPH OF FASHION. 99 c The boldft of their tribe fhall mourn, too late, ' The rafh refolve that tempts them to their fate, c And bids them urge a hod to warlike deeds, ' Which DULNESS marfhals, and which FOLLY c leads.' She fpoke, and while her voice the war defy'd, Aflembling myriads croud on every fide ; Undaunted to the field of death they go, And frown amazement on the approaching foe : With dreadful mock the- encount'ring armies meet, And the plain trembling, rocks beneath their feet. Ye NYMPHS of PINDUS ! firing my feeble lyre, And in my bofom wake M^ONIAN Fire! So (hall my fong, in equal drains, relate, The bleeding horrors of this field of fate. H 2 Firft joo THE TRIUMPH OF FASHION. Firft WIT'S impetuous train the fight began ; Full on the foe, with aftive force they ran. The hardy fons of DULNESS bear the (hock, Suftain the onfet, and their ardor mock. Secure from wounds they fight, no hoftile reed Can make the facred fons of DULNESS bleed: CONCEIT, (whofe tenfold fhield's the fu re ft fence 'Gainft all the fire of WIT, and force of SENSE; In which, when held before the warrior's heart, No weapon finds a vulnerable part, But from it's temper'd verge the arrows bound, Nor leave a mark, but blunted ftrew the ground.) CONCEIT, propitious hovering o'er their heads, ' Before this favorite band her buckler fpreads ; Behind h*s ample round they fafely lie, And fcorn the {hafts of Satire, as they fly. Weak are the attempts of REASON to fuftain The lhatter'd force of WIT'S 'defeated train; Alike THE TRIUMPH OF FASHION. 19l Alike his baffled legions quickly yield, And flill victorious DULNESS keeps the field. But different far the martial fcene appears, Where her triumphant banner BIAUTY rears. FOLLY, and VICE, in vain their powers oppofe, Wide o'er the field her car exulting goes; Before her bands the hoftile legions fly, And round her fhining chariot myriads die : Even DULNESS learns to tremble at the fight, Draws off her conquering fon^, and (huns the fight. The trembling Goddefs, feis'd with deep difmay, Beheld the fatal fortune of the day : Yet one remaining band fome hopes afford, To fnatch the victory from her rival's fword. From various regions drawn, a troop fhe had, Of forms uncouth, in drefs fantaftic clad, H 3 The 102 THE TRIUMPH OF FASHION. The trueft flaves of FASHION'S potent reign, The keeneft foes to BEAUTY'S gallant train. A thoufand arms they wield, and arts they know, Deftru&ive all to their triumphant foe : Here AFFECTATION, drefs'd in fell grimace, Diftorts each feature of a lovely face ; Here MILLINERS and MANTUA-MAKERS join Their cruel fkill, to hide each form divine; Above the reft, here dire FRISEURS prepare Their horrid engines, and provoke the war : Ten thoufand puffs advanc'd with dreadful power Againft the adverfe hoft their powder fhower ; The rifing duft obfcurcs the doubtful fight, And hides the ftruggling armies from the fight ; Wide o'er the foe the gathering mift extends, Full on their fronts the fnowy cloud defcends. No more, by artful braidings imconfin'd, The flaxen hair flows wanton in the wind; No THE TRIUMPH OF FASHION. 103 No more the auburn treffes loofely break, In curls luxuriant, o'er the fnowy neck; Alike the fable locks their luftre lofe, And golden ringlets, fung by many a MUSE. O'er the fair train the clouds of powder fall, And univerfal whitenefs covers all. Her alter'd legions BEAUTY fcarcely knows, And fhrinks aftonifh'd from her fhouting foes. So when on fam'd PHARSALIA'S fpacious ftage The world beheld her rival chiefs engage, While ROME'S luxurious youth, on POMPEY'S fide, Shining in arms, the ftrokes of death defied, CAESAR no more againft each dauntlefs breaft, But to their eyes, his glittering fpears addrefs'd : Thofe who could death in freedom's caufe embrace, Struck with the terrors of a mangled face, From the difputed field inglorious fly, To 'fcape the horrors of deformity, H 4 Now io 4 THE TRIUMPH OF FASHION. Now FASHION'S breaftwith eager tranfport beats, While BEAUTY flowly from the field retreats: But foon her warriors blaft the fhort delight, Aflame frefh courage, and renew the fight. Each wily flratagem is us'd in vain To vanquifh, or deftroy, the lovely train ; Though every drefs to hide their charms they wear, Diftort their features, and deform their hair; To every drefs fuperior ftill they rife, Still darts the living lightning from their eyes! FOLLY beholds her fainting fquadrons yield, And baffled DULNESS quits at length the field. Now, FASHION, fhame had veil'd thy haughty head, And BEAUTY reignM triumphant in thy ftead: But, lo ! auxiliar armies bend their way, To refcue from her force the hard-fought day. Thefc THE TRIUMPH OF FASHION. ie Thefe foreign aids, in four divifions drawn, With fteady footfteps march acrofs the lawn. Two drefs'd in fable garbs their fquadrons fpread, Two like BRITANNIA'S legions clad in red. Amidft their ranks four frowning kings appear, And four fair queens their beauteous foreheads rear. The embattled warriors round, a dreadful fight, Pant for the conflict, and demand the fight, c Now haughty foes !' (exulting FASHION cries) * Now learn my potent empire to defpife ! ' Though the difaftrous mock of former arms ' Had left ye blooming in your native charms; ( No rouge had fpread, no powder fall'n to fhrqud * Your dazzling luftre in a dufty cloud; * Not all your vaunted power mould ever boaft One laurel ravifli'tf from yon veteran hoft. * Elate io6 THE TRIUMPH OF FASHION. * Elate in arms, and foremoft in the field, See mighty PAM his mafiy halberd wield ! Where-e'er, by victory led, the hero goes, ' What daring arm, undaunted, fhall oppofe ? * Or who, with fearlefs eye, the plain explores Where dreadful march yon fable MATADORES ?* The Goddefs faid. Impatient to engage, Onward the legions rum with (bouts of rage. In vain fair BEAUTY calls her faithlefs band, And bids each chief the fierce attack withftand; The apoftate warriors yield without a bloWj Throw down their ufelefs arms, and kneel before the foe. In triumph now to FASHION'S ample fane The jocund vi&ors march acrofs the plain ; And BEAUTY, haplefs viftim of the \var ! Is chain'd a captive to her rival's car. Now THE TRIUMPH OF FASHION. 107 Now joy tumultuous fwell'd the Goddefs' breaft, And thus her voice the conquering train addrefs'd : * Hail, happy chiefs ! whofe fteady zeal alone * Has fav'd from ruin FASHION'S tottering throne, ' Whofe arms have taught my ftrongeft foes to yield, * And chas'd refiftance from yon fanguine field : * For this exploit, your ever-honor'd band, c As guards perpetual, round my dome mail ftand. ' And founding FAME, who at my palace gates, Obedient on my will, for ever waits, * Shall with her trumpets teach the echoing wind To bear this happy tale to all mankind, That in each clime where-e'er my awful fway, And high behefts, the race of man obey, * Your facred names, to all my fons endear'd, * Shall, as my own, be worfhipp'd and rever'd. 6 < SENSE, io8 THE TRIUMPH OF FASHION. SENSE, VIRTUE, WIT, and PRUDENCE, all * combin'd, c No more fliall win the reverence of mankind, * COURAGE, and WORTH, no longer honor boaft, * But GLORY follow whom you favor moft : O'er BEAUTY, PAM fliall reign defpotic ftill, CUPID refign his arrows to SPADILLE, ' And all who bow to FASHION'S dread awards, c Confefs the univerfal power of CARDS/ SHOOT- C 109 } SHOOTING. A POEM. VOLANS LIQUIDIS IN NUBIBUS ARSIT, SIGNAVITQJTE VIAM FLAMMIS VIRGIL. ~\1T E fylvan mufes ! as my flep invades The deep recefles of your hallow'd (hades, Say will ye bid your echoing caves prolong The harfher cadence of your votary's fong ? Not anxious now to ftrike the trembling wire, Sweetly refponfive to your vernal choir; Or from the treafur'd ftores of earth to bring The fragrant produce of the rofeate fpring : Mine the rude tafk, while fummer's fading ray To yellow autumn yields the fhortening day, And no SHOOTING. And all the variegated woods appear Clad in the glories of the withering year, With dogs and fiery weapons to profane The peaceful fabbath of your rural reign ; Your defolated regions to explore 'Mid the wild tempeft, and the feafon frore; Deftru&ion on your feather'd race to pour, And add new horrors to the wintry hour. 'Twas thine, immortal SOMERVILLE ! to trace The livelier raptures of the joyful chace, O'er hills and dales to urge, with eager fpeed, The hound fagacious, and the panting fteed ; And guide the labors of the enthufiafl throng With all the extatic energy of fong. Severer care thefe calmer lays demand, And Fancy curb'd by fage Inftru&ion's hand : Yet, SHOOTING. in Yet, for the Mufe fome fcatter'd charms mail gleam 'Mid the rich chaos of this copious theme ; - Yet, here (hall Glory view with generous aim, The riling elements of martial fame. As from the chace BRITANNIA'S youth mail learn The docile fteed with ready hand to turn ; O'er the rude crag his bounding fteps to guide, Or prefs his ardor down the mountain's fide, Till, rufhing to the field with fierce delight, She fends forth other * LINDSEYS to the fight : So mall the fteady train, of careful eye, Who wound th' aerial offspring as they fly, Whofe limbs unwearied keep the conftant way, From morn's firft opening dawn, till parting day, Manly and firm, an unexhaufted race, With hardy frames the fhining phalanx grace ; * This gallant Officer, who was killed in one of the de- fcents on the coaft of France, during the war before laft, was very inftrumental in firlt forming the Light Horfe of this country; With 112 SHOOTING. With fteps, by labor unfubdu'd, fhall know Inceflant to purfue the fainting foe ; Shall, 'midft the rocks and woods, with active toil Hang o'er his march, and all his movements foil ; Their clofe platoons, with cool and certain aim, Shall fend deftruftion forth in vollied flame : Or o'er the field difpers'd, each mot they pour Shall mark fome hoftile victim's fatal hour. Of old, ere man with imitative (kill, Taught mimic thunders to obey his will, Train'd by fuperior care, the elaftic yew With finewy arm, our Englifh bowmen drew : The warlike art exulting ALBION faw Protected by the foftering hand of law; Attentive * fenates watch'd, with anxious zeal, This martial bulwark of the general weal ; * See 33 Hen. VIII. ch. 9. The SHOOTING, i * The rules they order'd, or the prize they gave, 1 Compelled the flothful, and inflam'd the brave; And oft her archer- fons would trophies wear From GALLIA'S crofs-bow won, and SCOTIA'S fpear.- , Nor let the frown of literary pride, Or falfe refinement's facer/ my labors chide: Not all are form'd with unremitting view Pale ftudy's reftlefs labors to purfue : Not all their hours are dull enough to wafte In the void round of famionable tafte ; Nor can the gentle airings, which engage The fainter wifh of languor, and of age, From his purfuits the fanguine votary draw Of wealth, of joy, of wifdom, or of law, Till flow difeafe demands the leach's Care, Sad fubftitute for exercife and air ! VOL. i. I The i-4 SHOOTING. The impatient youth, whom manly vigor fires, Ruddy with health, and flung by wild defires; By aftive fports alone can foothe to reft The boiling fervors of his panting breaft. Nor jfhall BRITANNIA'S patriots blame the caufe, To woods and fields her wealthier chiefs that draws. Let GALLIA'S fons to rural fcenes refort Only when exil'd from a partial court, Whofe deareft hopes a Monarch's favor crown, Rais'd by his fmile, or blafted by his frown; But ALBION'S freer lords muft try to gain The unbiafs'd fuffrage of her ruftic train. And every tie that binds her nobler band, With dearer love, to their paternal land, Her yeomen (hall behold with grateful eye, A furer pledge of wealth and liberty. i Coma SHOOTING. u s Come then, ye hardy youths, who wifli to favc By generous labor powers that nature gave ! Who fly from languor, hufli'd in dread repofc Beneath the leaves of floth's enchanting rofe, Glad on the upland brow, or echoing vale, To drink new vigor from the morning gale; Come! and the Mufe fhall fhew you how to foil By fports of {kill the tedious hours of toil ; The healthful leffons of the field impart, And careful teach the rudiments of art. When the laft fun of Auguft's fiery reign Now bathes his radiant forehead in the main, The panoply by fportive heroes worn Is rang'd in order for the enfuing morn ; Forth from the fummer guard of bolt and lock Comes the thick guetre, and the fuftian frock ; J 2 With ii6 S H O O T I N G.' With curious {kill, the deathful tube is made Clean as the firelock of the fpruce parade : Yet, let no polifn of the fportfman's gun Flafh like the foldier's weapon to the fun, Or the bright fteel's refulgent glare prefume To penetrate the peaceful foreft's gloom ; But let it take the brown's more fober hue, Or the dark luftre of the enamell'd blue. Let the clofe pouch the wadded tow contain, The leaden pellets, and the nitrous grain ; And wifely cautious, with preventive care, Be the fpare flint, and ready turnfcrew there; While the flung net is open to receive Each prize the labors of the day fhall give. Yet oft the experienc'd (hooter will deride This quaint exaftnefs of faftidious pride ; In SHOOTING. TI7 In fome old coat that whilom charm 'd the eye, Till time had worn it into flovenry, His dufky weapon, all by ruft conceal'd, Through rainy fervice in the fportive field, Ke ifTues to the plain, fecure to kill, And founds his glory on fuperior {kill. The night recedes, and mild AURORA now Waves her gray banner on the eaftern brow ; Light float the mifty vapors o'er the fky, And dim the blaze of PHCEBUS' garifli eye; The flitting breeze juft flirs the ruftling brake, And curls the cryftal furface of the lake ; The expectant fportfmen, urg'd by anxious hafte, Snatch the refremment of a fhort repaft, Their weapons feize, their pointers call around, And fally forth impatient to the ground. I 3 Here iiS S H O O T I N G. Here where the yellow wheat away is drawn, And the thick ftubble clothes the ruflet lawn, Begin the fport. Eager and unconfin'd As when ftern VOLUS unchains the wind, The aftive pointer, from his thong unbound, Impatient dafhes o'er the dewy ground, With glowing eye, and undulating tail, Ranges the field, and fnuffs the tainted gale ; Yet, 'midft his ardor, ftill his matter fears, And the reftraining whittle careful hears. So when BRITANNIA'S watchful navies fweep, In freedom's awful caufe, the hoftile deep, Though the brave warrior panting to engage, And loofe on ENGLAND'S foes his patriot rage, The tempeft's howling fury deems too flow To fill' his fails, and waft him to the foe ; /' Yet, 'mid the fiery conflict, if he fpy From the high matt his leader's fignal fly, T* SHOOTING. 11 To the command obedience inftant pays, And martial order martial courage fways. See how exaft they try the ftubble o'er, Quarter the field, and every 'turn explore; Now Hidden wheel, and now attentive feize The known advantage of the oppofing breeze, At once they flop ! yon' careful dog defcries Where clofe and near the lurking covey lies. His caution mark, left even a breath betray The impending danger to his timid prey ; In various attitudes around him ftand, Silent and motionlefs, the attending band. So when the fon of DANAE and JOVE, Crown'd by gay conqueft and fuccefsful love, Saw PHINEUS and his frantic rout invade The feflive rights by HYMEN facred made, 120 SHOOTING. To the ruc!e BACCHANALS his arm outfprcad The horrid image of MEDUSA'S head; Soon as the locks their fnaky curls difclofe, A marble ftiffnefs feiz'd his threatening foes ; Fix'd were the eyes that mark'd the javelin thrown, And each ftern warrior rear'd his lance in ftone. Now by the glowing cheek and heaving breaft Is expectation's fanguine wifh exprefs'd. Ah curb your headlong ardor ! nor refufe Patient to hear the precepts of the Mufe. Sooner fhall noify heat in rafli difpute The reafoning calm of placid fenfe confute ; Sooner the headlong rout's mifguided rage With the firm phalanx equal combat wage, Than the warm youth, whom anxious hopes in- flame, Purfue the fleeting mark -with fteady aim. SHOOTING. 121 By temperate thought your glowing pafiions cool, And bow ihe fwelling heart to reafon's rule; Elfe when the whirring pinion, as it flies, Alarms your ftartled ear, and dazzled eyes, Unguided by the cautious arm of care, Your random bolts fhall wafte their force in air. They rife! they rife! Ah yet your fire rs- ftrain, Till the fcar'd birds fecurer diftance gain ; For, thrown too clofe, the fhots yc-ar hopes elude, Wide of your aim, and innocent of blood ; But mark with careful eye their leffening flight, Your ready gun, obedient to your fight, And at the length where frequent trials fhew Your fatal weapon gives the furefl blow, Draw quick ! yet fteady care with quicknefs join, Left the fhock'd barrel deviate from the line ; Se 122 S H O O T I tt G. So mail fuccefs your ardent wifhes pay, And fure deftruclion wait the flying prey. As glory more than gain allures the brave To dare the combat loud, and louder wave ; So the ambition of the fportfman lies More in the certain mot than bleeding prize. While poachers, mindful of the feftal hour, Among the covey random (laughter pour; 'And, as their numbers prefs the crimfon'd ground, Regardlefs reck not of the fecret wound, Which borne away, the wretched victims lie 'Mid filent (hades to languim and to die. O let your breaft fuch felfifh views difclaim, And fcorn the triumph of a cafual aim : Not urg'd by rapine, But of honor proud, One objeft fmgle from the fcattering croud 3 So, SHOOTING. 123 So, when you fee the deftin'd quarry down, Shall juft applaufe your fkilful labor crown. If your {launch dogs require no inftant toil To refcue from their jaws the fluttering fpoil. Re-load your fatal piece with prudent zeal, While glows with recent flame the fmoaking fteel ; So the black grain fliall kindling warmth acquire, And take the flinty fpark with readier fire ; Or if fome fcatter'd bird, that lay behind, Sudden fhould rife, and fleet away on wind, You check her rapid courfe, nor murmuring ftand, Your empty weapon ufelefs in your hand. Now fome obfervant eye has mark'd their flight, JHk And feen difpers'd the weary 'd covey light; Soon to the fpot the ranging pointer drawn, Explores with tender nofe the tainted lawn, Where, 124 S. H O O T I N G. Where, to his nicer fenfe, their fumes betray The fecret ambufh of the fearful prey. With cautious aftion now, and ftealthful pace, His careful fteps purfue the running race ; Now fix'd he (lands, now moves with doubtful tread, Stopp'd by their paufe, or by their motion led, Jill, rooted by the flickering hedge, his feet Declare the trembling victim's laft retreat. But as, with beating breafts, on either fide The impatient youths the pleafing tafk divide, And in the row between, the lurking game Lies hid from fight, ah, careful be the aim ! Left, fkreen'd and parted by the thorny moimd, The erring fhots fhould give a fatal wound, And change the jocund fportfman's verdant wreath For funeral weeds, for mourning, tears, and death. In SHOOTING. 125 In LYDIAN plains, where rich PACTOLUS roll'd Through groves of perfume, and o'er fandscf gold, CRCESUS, of ASIA'S lords the proudeft name, Shar'd every gift of fortune, and of fame ; So wide his empire, and fo vaft his ftore, That avarice and ambition afk'd no more ; Though biefl in thefe, the dearer blifs he knows With which a parent's happy bofom glows, For not the faireft image ever drefs'd In the fond wifhes of a father's breafl, By flattery fwell'd, could mate the virtuous praife To ATYS' worth that truth unbiafs'd pays. At war's loud clarion if the nations bled, Conqueft his armies crown'd if ATYS led; If the rude waves of civil difcord broke, Hufh'd was the rifing ftorm if ATYS fpoke; His lenient voice bade loud rebellion ceafe, And charm'd contending factions into peace : Nor 126 SHOOTING. ^ Nor lefs his care domeftic knew to bring Joy to his fire, than fafety to his king ; Nor was the patriot's glory priz'd above The dearer charity of filial love. While profperous fcenes the monarch's thoughts beguile, Too little warn'd of Fortune's tranfient fmile, 'Mid the dark moments of the boding night A horrid vifion feem'd to meet his fight, With dying mien his ATYS flood confefs'd, Transfix'd by horrid fleel his bleeding breaft - Swift from his couch he fiarts, while wild defpair Contracts his eye-balk, and uplifts his hair. In vain the orient morn's reviving power Chas'd the pale phantoms of the midnight hour; The recollected fcene his peace annoys, Sinks in his heart, and poifons all his joys; Around SHOOTING. 127 Around him vifionary falchions gleam In aft to realize his dreadful dream; And if by chance loud rumor wafts from far Uncertain clamors of intended war, His laboring bread foretels the fatal deed, And fees in fancied fights his ATYS bleed. What mail his fears invent, or how control The generous ardor of the hero's foul ? His mind to gentler thoughts he tries to move, And conquer ftfong renown by ftronger love. The faireft maid of LYDIA'S glowing dames, Whofe beauteous form the manly youth inflames, With eaftern rofes crown'd, is bluming led In Hymeneal pomp, to ATYS' bed. To cares of empire, and to toils of fight, Succeed the feftal day, and genial night : Soft 128 SHOOTING. Soft Pleafure fpreads around her blooming flow'rs, And wanton CUPID leads the laughing hours. Amid thefe joys, from MYSIA'S fubjecl; plain, Before the throne, behold a fuppliant train ! c O mighty prince!' they cry, ' we now repair c To claim the aid of thy paternal care ; c A favage monfter of portentous fize, c Whofe cruel flrength our utmoft force defies, c Ranges our fields, fpreads devaftation round, c And'roots the unripen'd harveft from the ground. c O, let thy youths, to range the woods who know, ' Attend with faithful dogs, and twanging bow; c In his dire haunts the fierce invader brave, * Repel his fury, and thy fubjecls fave. e Perhaps the prince/ The eager monarch, here, Urg'd by the influence of parental fear, Arrefts SHOOTING. 129 Arrefts their fpeech : c My arms, my youths {hall ' go, * Your terrors quell, and check this favage foe ; * But for my fon, him other cares employ, t And the foft fcenes of Hymeneal joy, ' Nor mufl the rugged chace, or dubious fight, * Mar the fweet tranfports of the nuptial rite.* He ceas'd; attentive round the MYSIAN band, Pleas'd with the promis'd aid, fubmiffive Hand. Not fo the prince, his ardent bofom glows To burft the filken bands of {till repofe. ' Ah ! what, my fire/ he cries, ' has ATYS done ? ' What fad diftruft awaits your haplefs fon, ' That thus immers'd in floth you keep him far * From fields of glory, and from toils of war ? * For love's foft raptures though the hero burn, ' Yet fame and danger claim their wonted turn. VOL, i, K < How j. 3 e S H O O T I N G. * How fliall I meet, involv'd in this difgrace, ' The indignant murmurs of your warrior race ? * How will, with tears of filent fcorn, my bride ' Her alter'd lord's inglorious fafety chide ! ** Q give my wifhes way, or let me hear ' The hidden fource of this injurious fear/ This earneft prayer the fmother'd fecret draws, And the fad Monarch owns the latent caufe : When ATYS, fmiling: How mail I reprove ' The fond exceffes of paternal love, * Though for my undeferving life is mown * A nice regard you never p'aid your own ? ' But mail the heir of CROESUS' martial name * Inglorious life prefer to glorious fame ? * Life is a blifs, when crown'd by virtue's meed, * And death a prize, when honor bids us bleed ; 4 Omens SHOOTING. 13? * Omens and dreams in vain the purpofe (lay * When duty calls, and glory points the way. * Or grant fome god the vifioh fent, yet here c Vain are your cares, and ufelefs is your fear; ' Transfix'd by fleel my bleeding bread yoti faw, * Not torn and mangled by a beftial jaw; c Then let me go, and \vhen you meet your foa * Clad in the fhaggy fptiils his arms have won, * The fhaddwy phantoms of the night fhall ceafe * To haunt your (lumbers,, and difturb your peace." The Monarch hears, and with felu&ant eyes Gives the confent his boding heart denies; His brow a placid guife difTembling wears, While Reafon vainly combats ftronger fears. It chanced a youth of PHRYGIA'S royal train, His hand polluted by a brother (lain, K a Exil'd 132 SHOOTING. Exil'd by vengeance from his native ground, In CR