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 .-■ 3r A

 
 COLLECTION 
 
 POEMS and FABLES, 
 
 Mrs. ISABELLA KELLY. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 PRINTED FOR W. RICHARDSON, ROYAL EXCHANGE ; 
 
 ). DEBRETT, PICCADILLY; AND J. BALFOUR, 
 
 EDINBURGH. 
 
 I 794-
 
 
 P R E FA C £. 
 
 -/ i£E writer of thefe verfes is aware ', 
 
 that when works are offered in a printed form 
 
 to the public, the authors muft lay their account 
 
 with receiving the wreath, or enduring the rod, 
 
 from the hand of Criticifm : and although the 
 
 J anguine partiality of a parent for its offspring 
 
 fcarcely affords her any expeBation of being 
 
 honoured with the former, JJ:e indulges a hope 
 
 that the circiunftances under which they have 
 
 come forth will exempt her from the latter, and 
 
 procure her an amnefiy for the many defects 
 
 which fie is free to confefs may be found iti 
 
 them. 
 
 Several of the pieces were written before Jhe 
 had yet reached her fourteenth year ; a?id the 
 reft under the preffure of a variety of domejlic 
 calamities, and the appropriate feelings of a 
 child, a wife, and a mother j for a- fat her in- 
 jured 
 
 764.492
 
 iv PREFACE. 
 
 jured and oppreffed by the unfeeling hand of 
 Power, a hufband neglected by thofe on whom he 
 had hereditary claims of protection, and a be- 
 loved child untimely fnatched away : moji of 
 them, (he owns, are founded on circumjlances 
 ?7ierely perfonal, and can therefore be but little 
 under/load by any but the parties concerned. — 
 Why then (it may be afked) offer them to the 
 public ? — "To this quejlion Jhe will give an an- 
 fwer, which has, at leaf, truth to recommend 
 it : — Inclined by nature, and con ft rained by fenti- 
 ments of gratitude, to yield to the wijlies of her 
 friends, fie has publijhed them folely at their 
 defire, and has chofen rather to run the hazard 
 of Criticifm, with all its terrors, than refufe to 
 her friends that compliance to which their kind- 
 nefs and good offices fo well entitle them. 
 
 NAMES
 
 NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 Duchefs Dowager of Athol. 
 
 Alexander, Efq; "\ 
 
 Mifs Alexander, f R , 
 
 Mifs C. Alexander, f Cam ' 
 
 Mifs I. Alexander, J 
 
 Mrs. Armitage, Chelfea. 
 
 Whalley Armitage, Efq; 
 
 Major Arnott, Marines, Fifefhire, — z copies. 
 
 Capt. Arbuthnot, Edinburgh. 
 
 E. 
 Wm. Balfour, Efq; Edinburgh. 
 
 Buchanan, Efq; ditto. 
 
 Mrs. Brown, George-fquare, ditto. 
 
 Wm. Bolderftone, Efq; ditto. 
 
 Doclor Barton, Salifbury. 
 
 Mr. Barmley. 
 
 Mr.Beffel. 
 
 Mr. Bradbury. 
 
 Mifs A. M. Baker, Streatham. 
 
 Mr. John Brown. 
 
 Mr. Samuel Burnett, No. 26, Ironmonger-lane. 
 
 Mr. Brymer, Queer.-ftreet, — 4 copies. 
 
 Mr. Brand, No. 21, Princefs-ftreet. 
 
 Lieut.-Col. Barclay, Marines, Plymouth. 
 
 Ja. Bartholomew, Efq; Fifefhire. 
 
 C. 
 
 Earl of Crawford, Edinburgh, — 4 copies. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Church. 
 
 Rev. Mr. T. Cook. 
 
 Mrs. Chippendal, Queen-ltreer. 
 
 Mr. Chafe, Kenfington. 
 
 D. Campbell, Efq; Sloan-ftreet, — 4 copies. 
 
 Mr. Codd, War-Oifice, — 4 copies. 
 
 Lieut.-Col. J. Campbell, Marines, Plymouth, — 2 copies, 
 
 Lieut.-Col. D. Campbell, ditto, Chatham, — 2 copies. 
 
 Mrs. Chriftie, Pali-Mall, — 2 copies. 5
 
 vi NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 Mr. G. Coombe, Admiralty. 
 
 Mrs. Colilein, — 4 copies. 
 
 judge Cruckfhan, Dablin, — 4 copies. 
 
 Mrs. Chichefter, Caverleigh, near Teverhan, Devon. 
 
 Mrs. Cole. 
 
 Charles Clayfield, Efq: — 4 copies. 
 
 Andrew Clinton, Efq; 
 
 D. 
 
 Right Hon Lady Harriot Don^-a copies, 7 Bcrwkk{hlre> 
 
 Sir Alexander Don, Bart. j 
 
 Mrs. M. Douglas, No. 85, High-flreet, Marybone, — 2 copies. 
 
 Mrs. Doug-las, 7 „- . 
 
 nrr t> 1 > Weymouth. 
 Mils Douglas, j J 
 
 Mifs Dillon, Dublin, — 4 copies. 
 
 Mr. T. Dods. 
 
 Peter Dunbar, Efq; Do&ors-Commons. 
 
 Mils Davidfon, Glafs-houfe-ftreet, Golden-fquarc. 
 
 Mrs. Deane, Bath. 
 
 Lieut.-Col. Duval, Marines, Plymouth, — 2 copies. 
 
 E. 
 
 Capt. Edwards, Mufeum Tavern. 
 Eyre Evans, Efq; Dublin. 
 
 F. 
 Gideon Fournur, Efq; F. R. S. 
 Mr. John Fordyce, Clement's-lane, — 4 copies. 
 Rev. Doctor Fordyce, — 2 copies. 
 Mifs Fordyce, Edinburgh. 
 Mr. Fenlayfon, Mufeum Tavern. 
 
 G. 
 
 Right Hon. Lord Adam Gordon, Edinburgh. 
 
 Mr. Charles Grant, — 4 copies. 
 
 Mr. j. Gray Gerrard, No. 47, Bafinghall-ftreet, — 4 copies. 
 
 John Graham, Efq; 
 
 Lieut. Gordon, Marines, Plymouth. 
 
 Mr. Galimore, Richmond-hill. 
 
 H. 
 
 Rio Jit Hon. Lord Kawke. 
 
 Right Hon. Ladv Hawke. 
 
 Capt. Hunt, Marines, Plymouth. 
 
 James Haey, Efq; Bcmerfide, Berwickfhire. 
 
 John Home, Efq; Bafendian. 
 
 Mrs.Buchan Hepburn, Edinburgh, — 2 copies. 
 
 Mrs. Hepburn, Sloane-ftrcet. 
 
 Mifs Hepburn, Campbell's-clofe, Edinburgh. 
 
 Mifs Hepburn, Humby.
 
 NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. yii 
 
 Mr. Howarth. 
 
 Mrs. Helm, Kenfington. 
 
 Mrs. Haifhvell, Richrnond-green. 
 
 Mifs Hargood, Rochefter. 
 
 Doftor Holman. 
 
 George Home, Efq; Edinburgh. 
 
 I. 
 
 Colonel Innes, Marines, Portfmouth, — 2 copies, 
 Henry Jones, Efq; New Inn, — 4 copies. 
 Mrs. Jones, Pill, Monmouthfture. 
 Mrs. Jeffries, Bath, — 4 copies. 
 Mrs. James, Somerfet-ftreet. 
 
 K. 
 Lieut. Kingfman, Marines, Plymouth. 
 
 L. 
 
 Mrs. Lawrence, Portman-ftreet. 
 
 Herman Leece, Efq; 
 
 Alexander Law, Efq; Edinburgh. 
 
 John Loyd, Efq; Dublin. 
 
 Mr. James Lyon, Jamaica Coffee-houfe, — 2 copies. 
 
 M. 
 Capt. Mackay, Royal Navy, Edinburgh. 
 Lieut.-Col. Macdcnald, Marines, — 2 cories 
 Mrs. Mackintofh, Kenfington. 
 Mr. Hugh M^cklenaith, Chatham-yard. 
 Mrs. Mackbraith, ditto. 
 Rev. Mr. Morgan, Abergavenny. 
 Mrs. Morgan, ditto. 
 D. Morice, Efq; Aberdeen, — 2 copies. 
 Mr. Mavnard. 
 
 N. 
 Peter Nouaelle, junior, Efq;— 4 copies. 
 
 O. 
 
 Rear Admiral Onflow, Poftdown, near Portfmouth. 
 Edward O'Shaugnefiy, Efq; Dublin. 
 
 P. 
 Lieut.-Col. Percival, Marines, Plymouth. 
 Lieut.-Col. Prefton, ditto, Valleyheld, Fife/hire, — 2 copies. 
 Mifs A. Prefton, ditto, ditto. 
 
 Mifs C. Prefton, ditto, ditto. 
 
 Charles Plonderleath, Efq; 
 Lieut. Pownall, Marino, Plymouth. 
 
 R. 
 
 Mrs. Rofs, Weymouth, — 4 copies. 
 Mrs. Cockburn Rofs, ditto.
 
 viii NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 T. Cockburn Rofs, Edinburgh, — 4 copies. 
 
 Mifs Rofs, ditto. 
 
 Mrs. Redward, Weymouth. 
 
 Lieut. -Col. Robertfon, North- ftreet, Weftminfter. 
 
 Mr. Edward Rogers, Waliham Lee Willows, Suffolk. 
 
 Ruffel, Efq; 
 
 S. 
 Mr. Severn, Queen-fbreet,— ^-2~copies. 
 Mrs.Stothrrt of Curgen, — 2 copies, Dumfries. 
 James Stark, Efq; Edinburgh. 
 Colonel Souher, Marines, Plymouth, — 2 copies. 
 Rev. William Souter, ditto. 
 Mifs Charlotte Swinton, Sloan-ftreet. 
 Mr. Simpfon, Portland-place. 
 Mifs Simpfon, ditto. 
 Mrs. Stokes, Kenfington. 
 Mrs. Soilieux, ditto. 
 Mifs Soudon, Bath. 
 Meflrs. Shilly and Ravard, ditto. 
 Mr. D. Sandeman, No. 17, London-ftreet,-— 4 copies. 
 Mr. Sanderfon, No. 9, Glafs-houfe-ftreet, Golden-fquare, 
 Mrs. Sanderfon, Fulmen, Bucks. 
 Rev. Mr. Sanders, Ufk. 
 Mrs. Shaw, Dublin. 
 Mifs Stackpole, ditto. 
 Lieut. Stump, Marines, Plymouth. 
 Mathew Sandilands, Efq; 
 
 T. 
 Mr. J. Thomfon, Clement's-lane, — 4 copies, 
 Mr. Tennant, — z copies. 
 Mr. John Tracy, Brompton. 
 Richard Tyfon', Efq; Bath. 
 Doftor Robert Thornton, Charing-crofs. 
 Mifs Todd, George-fquare, Edinburgh. 
 
 W. 
 Lord Wigton, Portland-place. 
 Capt. Waring. 
 
 Wm. Ad. Williams, Pen-park, Monmouthfliire, 
 Rev. John Williams, ditto. 
 Mifs Winthrop, King's-road, Gray's-inn. 
 Capt. Henry Weir, Marines, Plymouth. 
 Mr. Wright, Wallbrook. 
 Mr. Watts, New Broad-ftreet. 
 Wm. Wait, Efq; 
 Dr. Watkins, junior, Newport, Monmouthfliire. 
 
 A COLLECTION
 
 A 
 
 COLELCTION 
 
 OF 
 
 POEMS AND FABLES, 
 
 Mrs. ISABELLA KELLY. 
 
 TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 THE LAMENTED 
 
 Mr. ROBERT HAWKE K---Y. 
 
 
 X* AIR breaks the morn o'er yonder eaftern fides, 
 And bright'ning hills in pleafing prefect rife; 
 But who can fay, ferene the day will end, 
 The fun unclouded to its depth defcend ? 
 Such dear departed infant was thy dawn, 
 But gloom o'erfhades the eve my hopes had drawn. 
 Oh, thou ! fo late my child — my hope and pride, 
 Who ever pleas'd, until the hour thou died, 
 in mournful {trains let now my fad heart tell, 
 How I my darling boy could bid farewel ! 
 Angelic brightnefs ! oh ! look down and fee 
 What bitter pangs thy parent feels for thee ! 
 
 B If
 
 [ * ] 
 
 If thy pure lhade can know what pafTes here, 
 Accept the burfting figh — the gufhing tear ; — ■ 
 And thou, fo foon enthron'd in realrfts above, 
 Forgive the murmurs of maternal love ! 
 Severely kind was that all-facred day, 
 When thy fweet form did ev'ry pain repay : 
 Thy angel beauty did my hope engage, 
 That thou mouldft bleis my life, and chear my age 
 And thou, fair fpirit, now remov'd from pain, 
 Haft taught my humble heart, that life is vain : 
 Yet, what is this that ftruggles at my breaft 
 For thee, my child ? — it will not be fuppreft : 
 Thy fpotlefs innocence — thy foul fo pure, 
 From fcorn could not thy guiltlefs clay fecure. 
 What tho' diftinguihY'd by that honor'd name 
 Which gain'd to Britain glory, wealth and fame. 
 That fwift deftrudion o'er her foes has hurl'd, 
 And liv'd the pride of an admiring world ; 
 What tho' defcended from that foldier's breait, 
 Who reigns * a hero, worfhipt in the Eaft, 
 Whofe gallant deeds adorn Indoftan's page, 
 And thou the lateft darling of his age ; 
 Did it avail thee, honor, worth, and grace, 
 Gave brilliant luflre to thy mother's race, — 
 
 * Col. K y was then living, high in reputation as in rank — ■ 
 
 commanding the centre armv in the Carnatic.
 
 [ 3 1 
 
 A noble race, where all the virtues glow, 
 
 Adorn'd with all that monarchs can bellow ? 
 
 Ah, no! tho' thus diftinguifh'd by thy birth, 
 
 Thou waft deny'd a little fpot of earth ; 
 
 Tho' foft humanity exalts her creft, 
 
 And in Britannia reigns an honor'd o-ueft, 
 
 Yet cruel C-~b--w-l refus'd a grave *, 
 
 The laft retreat thy lovely form could crave 
 
 But if unhallow'd was thy clofing fcene, 
 
 Thou angel innocent art now ferene -, 
 
 And tho' no coftly marble e'er may grace 
 
 Thy low-repofing bed — thy refting-place — > 
 
 Yet (hall the faireft flowers the fpot adorn, 
 
 Cherifh'd with pureft tears of early morn -, 
 
 And angels guard thy guiltlefs deeping clay, 
 
 Till thou awakeft to eternal day. 
 
 How fweet thy reft ! from ev'ry evil free ! 
 
 " The world is left to wretchednefs and me." 
 
 Oh, why ! — but foft — be ftill, my murm'ring bread,- 
 
 My little angel's gone to endlefs reft ; 
 
 With kindred fpirits, far remote from pain, 
 
 He waits the hour when we (hall meet again. 
 
 * Neither clergyman nor fexton were in the church-yard — and 
 the corps obliged to be carried back till next day. 
 
 b 2 n
 
 [ 4 3 
 To the MEMORY of ELIZA F E 
 
 AN EXEMPLARY MOTHER. 
 
 IF worth departed e'er deferv'd a tear, 
 
 Sacred to merit, pay the tribute here > 
 
 Repos'd beneath, to rife to life again, 
 
 Unfpotted worth, which never knew a ftain, 
 
 A tender mother, and a virtuous wife, 
 
 A noble patern of unfuliied life -, 
 
 Honor'd in age, lov'd and admir'd in youth, 
 
 Here reft in peace thy piety and truth. 
 
 The Chriftian virtues in her bofom reign'd, 
 
 The poor and friendlefs were by her maintain'd ; 
 
 The widow bleft her charitable dome, 
 
 And wand'ring orphans found a fheit'ring home ; 
 
 More thran her little pow'r allow'd, fhe gave, 
 
 Nor ever knew that virtue hew to fave ; 
 
 The bright example of a virtuous mind, 
 
 Is all the dow'r this parent left behind ; 
 
 Few were her comforts in this varying (late, 
 
 A painful pilgrimage her weary fate -, 
 
 Few were her joys on earth while doom'd to dwell, 
 
 So fmiling died, and foftly faid, Cf I'm well." 
 
 Fair fainted ihade ! forgive this darting tear, 
 
 fi haplefs daughter ftill would wifli thee here, 
 
 But
 
 [ 5 ] 
 
 But heaven, more juft, more gracious, deem'd it hard, 
 
 That worth like thine fhould wait a late reward, 
 
 So gently mov'd thee to that peaceful more, 
 
 Where pleafure reigns, and anguiih is no more. 
 
 Sweet be thy reft, dear venerated clay ! 
 
 Whofe guardian care once watch'd my erring way ; 
 
 Ere thy pure fpirit gain'd its native fides, 
 
 Thou taught'ft each fair idea how to rife ; 
 
 Supremely bleft thy mourning daughter, 7, 
 
 By thee taught how to live, and how to die ; 
 
 And by thine own example, fhew'd the way, 
 
 That leads to peace, and never-ending day. 
 
 Still deign to guide me, ever-honor'd lhade ! 
 
 In that clear path thy mining virtues made ; 
 
 O thou ! fo tried in fad affliction's fchool, 
 
 That made the Chriftian Leader's life thy rule. 
 
 Oh, while I live may I diftinguiih'd be, 
 
 By ftill revering, imitating thee ! 
 
 Serene with kindred faints in pureft air, 
 
 Now fmile in triumph at thy late defpair. 
 
 The CHOICE; or, DULL HOUR PAST. 
 
 llEIGHO! I'm wond'rous dull; in truth I'm wond'rous 
 
 fad- 
 Little amufement, and the weather bad ; 
 
 3 What
 
 [ 6 ] 
 
 What fhall I do ? IT write — Come, ready friend-— 
 
 I mean my pen — Good folks, I pray attend : 
 
 Still at a lofs, I do not wiih to teaze j — 
 
 My mufe, afiift me — teach me I ow to pleafe — 
 
 My thoughts are free — then, fancy, take thy range — 
 
 I'll write my wifh — no choice — pfhaw, how I change ! 
 
 Critics, be dumb — I will the thought impart, 
 
 That fome kind youth may bid for Anna's heart : 
 
 He who afpires this little heart to gain, 
 
 Some decent mare of merit mull attain j 
 
 Serene religion muft his acYions guide, 
 
 Bright truth, nice honor, o'er his mind prefide ; 
 
 Prudence to guide him thro' life's bufy fcene, 
 
 Never extravagant, nor ever mean -, 
 
 Let him have fenfe defigning men to fee, 
 
 Enough to rule himfelf, and govern me -, 
 
 To feel for human kind — a generous foul, 
 
 To me devoted, but polite to all ; 
 
 His temper kind — of that I muft be fure — 
 
 A hufband's frown I never could endure ; 
 
 To female weaknefs mild reproof impart, 
 
 But with indifference never chill the heart j 
 
 'Nofcoli/h fondnefs lhould he ever fhew, 
 
 But love refin'd, within his bofom glow $ 
 
 His manner eafy, gen'rous, void of art, 
 
 Let ev'ry word flow candid from the heart j 
 
 His perfon pleafmg, in his tafte refin'd, 
 
 A face the index of an honeft mind ; 
 
 T«
 
 [ 7 ] 
 
 To jealoufy he never muft give way, 
 
 Truft to my honour, and I'll not betray j 
 
 No flatt'ring fribble mall my hand obtain, 
 
 Where much is laid, there little can remain ; 
 
 A man for riches I can never prize, — 
 
 Let kindnefs grant what adverfe fate denies -, 
 
 I wifh not wealth, nor titles do I claim, 
 
 Only let goodnefs mark his honeft name ; 
 
 To little errors I will kindly bend ; 
 
 His wifh, my law, I never will contend ; 
 
 And, fhould he ftray (as none can faultlefs be) 
 
 Prudence fnall veil it ; for I will not fee : 
 
 A youth like this to fhare the cares of life, 
 
 Shall find in me a kind and faithful wife. 
 
 Ambitious females in their wealth may glee, — 
 
 Love, worth, and honor, form the heart for me. 
 
 Mcthinks ye frown — I hear ye loud exclaim, 
 
 c< To hope fo much a female is to blame ; 
 
 • c In modern days, do you expeft to find 
 
 " Grace, worth, and goodnefs, with firm honor join'd ? 
 
 fC But if fo high are your pretefions, tell 
 
 " What do you boaft ? in what do you excel ?" 
 
 In great fincerity I now ftep forth, 
 
 Confefs my merit humble as my worth j 
 
 I boaft no beauty — I no graces claim, 
 
 And all my portion is, a fpotlefs name j 
 
 Sincere and artlefs — Man exert your (kill, 
 
 With prudent fondnefs make me what you will. 
 
 Blulhins:
 
 [ » ] 
 
 Blufhing, methinks, I hear it faid, cc No more ! 
 " No other claim ! — -truly your merit's poor" 
 Yet, in life's varying maze, I hope to meet 
 Some kindred heart, unpraeliis'd in deceit. 
 To prove the tender friend — companion — wife, 
 Will be the fweeteit care of Anna's life ; 
 With temper mild, and innocently gay, 
 Submiffive gentlenefs fhe'll ever pay. — 
 My friends, adieu ! — my hour is pail away. 
 
 MIRANDA and the RED-BREAST 
 
 A FABLE FOR THE LADIES. 
 
 1 HE vain Miranda long had fhone, 
 
 In faihion's brilliant fcene j 
 Each heart confeft her pailing fair, 
 
 And hail'd her beauty's queen, 
 
 Unrival'd long Miranda liv'd, 
 
 Of Britifh maids the toaft, 
 And with tyrannic fway me reign'd, 
 
 A celebrated toad ; 
 
 Till
 
 [ 9 ] 
 
 Till brighter Emeline appear'd, 
 
 Fair as the opening morn, 
 Then Myra only fwell'd the groupe 
 
 Sweet Emma did adorn. 
 
 The haughty maid, that ne'er could brook 
 
 Ev'n one neglecting eye, 
 With burfling pride beheld her charms 
 
 Unnotic'd now paft by. 
 
 Conflicting pafTions tear her breaft j 
 
 To diftant fcenes fhe flies, 
 To feek in folitude that calm 
 
 Reflection ne'er denies •> 
 
 But ah ! in vain, the venom'd dart 
 
 Within her bofom lay, 
 And pride repreft can ne'er bellow, 
 
 Of peace the fainteft ray. 
 
 One filent eve fhe reach'd a grove, 
 
 There to lament her fate, 
 Where modeft Robin penfive fung, 
 
 And chear'd his little mate : 
 
 With fcorn fhe heard the plaintive lay, 
 And, with difdainful look, 
 
 Pre-
 
 [ w ] 
 
 €( Prefuming feeble wretch," fhe cried j 
 The little redbreaft fhook : 
 
 cc Chirp not, thou vain, thou forry thing, 
 " Hark Philomela's flrain ; 
 Unworthy thou to ihare her haunts, 
 <c The meaneft of her train : 
 
 r< Be ever dumb, aflfuming bird, 
 <c Dar'ft thou e'er hope to pleafe, 
 
 « { When larks falute the early morn, 
 " And thruihes fing from trees ? 
 
 <l Ambitious thing, I fay give o'er ; 
 
 " The blackbird's warbling fong 
 tc In juft contempt will fink thy notes - 9 
 
 " For ever ftop thy tongue." 
 
 Meek Robin, in the fweeteft flrain, 
 
 With fofteft accents fpoke, 
 Shelt'ring his partner with his wings, 
 
 Thus, trembling, filence broke : 
 
 " Pardon, bright fair ! I know not pride, 
 
 u Foe to ambition I ; 
 " Humbly poor Robin owns he n e 'er 
 
 <c With thrum or lark can vie ; 
 
 Indeed
 
 " t " ] 
 
 f< Indeed I try to imitate 
 
 " Sweet Philomela's lay, 
 " And to the warbling blackbird's fong 
 
 " Sincereft homage pay; 
 
 <c And when that wintry ftorms defcend, 
 
 " Each vernal beauty feize, 
 <f When they retire till milder hours, 
 
 cc Poor Robin tries to pleafe ; 
 
 " 'Tis then with timid hope I ftrive 
 
 " To foothe the liflening ear, 
 " My bright reward, a little food, 
 
 " Thefe hours of want to chear : 
 
 <f Then hear, ye fweetefl birds of air, 
 
 <c The humblefb of your throng ; 
 ff 'Tis when ye will not deign to chear, 
 
 <c Poor R.obin gives his fong : 
 
 " Hence learn, Miranda, bright and fair, 
 
 (C Let meeknefs pride difarm ; 
 " Vouchfafe to learn from little me, 
 
 " Heaven gives to each a charm." 
 
 To hear a moral from a bird, 
 
 Abafh'd Miranda flood, 
 Return'd to town, fought Emeline, 
 
 Was happy, kind, and good. 
 
 C 2 This
 
 I la ] 
 
 THE REFORMED MAN OF FASHION, 
 TO HIS FRIEND. 
 
 X$LEST under that domeftic roof 
 
 I once contemptuous view'd, 
 When gay and thoughtlefs like thyfelfj 
 
 I varied blifs purfued. 
 
 The rnodefl manfion, woods, and ftreams, 
 
 Could then no peace afford 
 To that loft heart which borrow'd hope 
 
 From " feven's the main, my Lord." 
 
 Reflection then was death to me, 
 
 In vain I figh'd for reft ; 
 It fled the diflipated fcene, 
 
 And the polluted breaft; 
 
 Deep funk in fafhion's giddy round, 
 
 Far loft in folly's maze, 
 When a kind parent's anxious care 
 
 Reform'd my erring ways ; 
 
 The filent tear of fond regret 
 
 Stood trembling in his eye ; 
 His meek, his unreproving voice 
 
 Sunk in the pitying figh. 
 
 Awoke
 
 [ '3 ] 
 
 Awoke that dormant filial fpark 
 Which ftill inform'd my foul, 
 
 Soften'd that proud, ungovern'd heart 
 Which never brook'd controul j 
 
 Led by his kind directing hand, 
 
 I turn'd from error's way, 
 And fo-jght thofe guiltlefs, happy fcenes, 
 
 From which I ne'er can flray ; 
 
 For charming Anna met my glance, 
 
 Confefs'd a mutual flame, 
 Accepted vows which bleft a heart 
 
 With all a heart could claim. 
 
 In her foft breaft, where virtue dwelt, 
 Where confeious honour fhone, 
 
 I view'd the bleflings of a life, 
 The contrail to my own. 
 
 So pure her life, fo fair her truth, 
 To think, her fweet employ j 
 
 To view the pafi, brought fmiling peace, 
 The future, hope and joy : 
 
 And now reflection chears my foul, 
 A nd at the clofe of day, 
 
 When
 
 t 14 ] 
 
 When confcience ev'iy deed approves, 
 Emits a brighter ray." 
 
 Come then, my friend, and kindly fharc 
 
 Our peaceful, frugal fare ; 
 'Twill foothe thy forrowing heart to view 
 
 The pleafures dwelling here. 
 
 Meek mercy keeps our humble gate, 
 The welcome's modeft want ; 
 
 The poor and friendlefs blefs the mite 
 Our little ftore can grant. 
 
 Far from ambition's fhrine we live, 
 Remote from pride and ftate •, 
 
 Our harmlefs wifhes Heaven grants, 
 And chears our humble fate. 
 
 From happinefs then who would rove, . 
 
 Pofiefs'd of all that's fair ? 
 For I can call my home an heav'n, 
 
 An angel dwelling there •, 
 
 A little fmiling, prattling race, 
 
 Juft opening into day - } 
 Their mother's purity and worth 
 
 Their infant charms difplay i 
 
 So
 
 [ >5 ] 
 
 To deck their minds with modeft worth, 
 
 Which time aid death defies, 
 To guide the flippery paths of youth, 
 
 And train them for the fkies. 
 
 This is my Anna's chief delight, 
 
 This is my glad employ ; 
 Her lovely daughters claim her care, 
 
 And mine my blooming boy. 
 
 Our hours by bounteous Heaven thus bleft, 
 
 We, at the clofe of day, 
 With love, with gratitude, and truth, 
 
 United homage pay. 
 
 To ARTHUR. 
 
 vxO, artels lay, and if thou canft difclofe 
 The foft effufions which this breaft enclofe, 
 Go, humble lines, and tenderly impart 
 The dearefl willies of a grateful heart; 
 But neither tongue nor pen can e'er reveal 
 The warm emotions I mufl ever feel ; 
 
 Then
 
 [ i6 ] 
 
 Then fancy all thy own kind lips would lay, 
 Think all efteem— -love--- gratitude can pay. 
 Had I the fweetnefs of an angel's tongue, 
 The charm of numbers, and the power of fong, 
 Harmonious grace mould flow in ev'ry line, 
 When offering gratitude at friendfhip's fhrine ; 
 But fince no mufe will deign to aid this lay, 
 Let feeling dictate, and let truth difplay ; 
 Oh ! form'd with all that can the heart endear, 
 A temper generous, and a foul fincere, 
 With kind acceptance grace the offer'd line, 
 
 Where true regard and friendfhip mildly fliine ; 
 
 Then take, my Arthur, from thefe trembling hands 3 
 
 The trifling tribute which thy love demands. 
 
 Aufpicious hour ! when nature fram'd thy mind 
 
 To blefs and dignify the human kind j 
 
 Gave thee a heart to feel for others woe, 
 
 A generous tear for worth deprefs'd to flow ; 
 
 Imprefs'd thy foul with virtue's facred laws, 
 
 And firmeft honour to fupport her caufe, 
 
 Soft emanation fparkling in thine eyes, 
 
 Like thofe bright worlds that fhine in evening's Ikies j 
 
 But what / think thee, cannot be expreft, 
 
 My future conduct will unfold it beft ; 
 
 Each rifing morning, and each evening's clofe, 
 
 " I'll afk of Heav'n thy undifturb'd repofe," 
 
 That peaceful fcenes thy {lumbers may difplay, 
 And joy ialute thee each returning day. 
 
 And
 
 [ '7 ] 
 
 And fhould again thy country claim thine arm, 
 To guard our rights, or fhield our land from harm, 
 Amid the din of war, and martial ftrife, 
 I'd foothe the dangers of my foldier's life ; 
 With all the foftnefs in a femrde's power, 
 Beguile die languor of each painful hour ; 
 No frown" mould cloud my brow, I'd happy be, 
 Nay feel it pleafure, being fhared with thee -, 
 Or fhould (which Heaven avert) fome fated blow 
 Come arm'd with power to lay my Arthur low, 
 Fate would be kind to guide me to my reft, 
 My deareft home, my foldier's faithful breaft, 
 To clafp his fainting form, clofe his dead eye, 
 Blefs his lov'd name, and breathe my latefl figh : 
 Ne'er e'en in death my Arthur I'll refhjn, 
 Be all his faTerings, all his forrows mine ; 
 But mould fome fweet retirement be thy fate, 
 Far from ambition's path, far from the great, 
 To humble fhades contented I'll defcend, 
 With thee, my hufband, my protecting friend ; 
 The chearful day ferenely will I fit, 
 Learn from thy goodnefs, and admire thy wit ; 
 Whilft I delighted in my blefl employ, 
 /Tor hours of innocence are hours of joy) 
 And when the evening warns thee to thy reft, 
 Peaceful repofe upon thy faithful breaft : 
 Thus rich in innocence, fecure from wrong, 
 We'll blefs the moments as they glide along ; 
 
 D The
 
 E '8 ] 
 
 The bled above will view our peaceful fate, 
 And fmile to fee an emblem of their itate ; 
 Be this our meed, kind fovereign of the fky ! 
 We'll live in innocence, in triumph die. 
 " All-giving Power !" great fountain of reward, 
 From perfect blifs Oh ! deign me thy regard •, 
 And if fuch worth can need my humble prayer, 
 Oh ! make my Arthur thy diftinguifh'd care ; 
 Let thy good angels all his fteps await, 
 And ftiield his bofom from the ftorms of fate ; 
 Around his couch let nightly guardians 'tend, 
 And from each unfeen ill my love defend ! 
 But in this erring, ever varying fcene, 
 Should darker clouds o'erihade our ftate ferene, 
 Oh ! thou great Pov/er, omnipotent and wife ! 
 Teach us thou fendeft bleflings in difguife ; 
 And when arrives that laft important hour 
 When every pleafure lofes every power, 
 When the laft fpark of vital fpirit fails, 
 And peaceful confcience over death prevails, 
 Thou beft of Beings ! all our fteps uphold, 
 To fmooth the paflage heavenly fcenes unfold, 
 And fafely bear our fainted fpirits high, 
 To fome bright manfion in our native fky : 
 Thus may our guiltlefs pleafures ever bloom, 
 And rife fuperior o'er the filent tomb. 
 
 To
 
 t '9 T 
 
 TO the Memory of the late 
 
 Captain T. H. Abbott. * 
 
 respectfully addressed to the officers of 
 
 the artillery. 
 
 r ROM dreary fcenes low proftrate on the ground, 
 Where anguifh rages with a gloom profound j 
 Where poverty in ev'ry form appears, 
 To chill a wretched prifoner with fears, 
 A fpirit fled j the brave, undaunted mind 
 Smil'd at defpair, and left its load behind ; 
 Oh ! Henry, muft thou undiftinguim'd lie, 
 Sunk, unremember'd all thy virtues die ; 
 And will no friend whom all thofe virtues made, 
 Pay a juft tribute to thy parting made ? 
 Yes, I'm that friend •, accept the pitying tear, 
 The kindeft offering of an heart fincere ; 
 Oh ! take it then from her you once approv'd, 
 The friend you honour'd, and the maid you lov'd ; 
 Benignant made ! Oh ! yet one glance beftow, 
 I'll guard thy memory, and indulge my woe j 
 How hard thy fate ! from peace, from pleafure torn, 
 Doom'd to imprifonment, in want to mourn ; 
 
 * This officer was imprifoned for money laid out on account of 
 Government, when he commanded in Florida. About an hour be- 
 fore his death an exprefs arrived with the news of his having fuc- 
 ceeded to 800 1. per annum. 
 
 D 2 On
 
 [ 20 ] 
 
 On the damp earth expos'd, thy gallant bread 
 
 With ficknefs, anguim, pining care oppreft ; 
 
 Too proud for pity, confcious of the paft, 
 
 Forgot, unlieeded even to the laft, 
 
 Thou found'ft no friend to clofe thy dying eye> 
 
 To anxious watch the unrepeated figh ; 
 
 No gentle hand thy latefl wants reliev'd, 
 
 Nor cordial drop thy clofing lips receiv'd ; 
 
 But loft, neglected, unrewarded died, 
 
 A man in whom the virtues did refide : 
 
 Ye brave companions of his happier days, 
 
 Oh ! aid my feeble voice to fpeak his praife ; 
 
 He once was leader of a chofen band, 
 
 And carried conqueft thro' a foreign land ; 
 
 Lov'd by his equals, to his foldiers dear, 
 
 To each forgiving, to himfelf fevere ; 
 
 His mild companion chear'd the wretch's fate, 
 
 But unregarded was his fuffering fate, 
 
 Till death, more kind than country, friends, or king, 
 
 Shelter'd his forrows with his fable wing : 
 
 Pardon, ye brave ! long, long did ye protect 
 
 That injur'd worth his country did neglect ; 
 
 Then join with me the kind embalming tear, 
 
 For Henry's fate deferves a pang fincere ; 
 
 And may thy reft be fweet, thou good and brave I 
 
 Bright honor rear her itandard o'er thy grave ; 
 
 And though no marble may adorn the fpot, 
 
 A name fo honor'd cannot be forgot ■, 
 
 Dear
 
 [ 21 ] 
 
 Dear to the foldier, by the good approv'd, 
 Sacred to friends, and by relations lov'd. 
 And Oh ! bleil fpirit ! gracious and benign, 
 O'er all my ways Oh ! let thy influence fliine 
 Pure, unimpafiion'd now thy care extend, 
 And be my guardian, comforter, and friend : 
 Direct the good, the fhafts of ill repel, 
 Till I fhall bid each earthly blifs farewel ; 
 Then may thy fpirit welcome mine above 
 To the bright regions of feraphic love. 
 
 To an Unborn Infant. 
 
 15 E dill, fweet babe, no harm lliall reach thee^ 
 Nor hurt thy yet unfinifh'd form ; 
 
 Thy mother's frame mail fafely guard thee 
 From this bleak, this beating ftorm. 
 
 Promis'd hope! expected treafure ! 
 
 Oh ! how welcome to thefe arms ! 
 Feeble, yet they'll fondly clafp thee, 
 
 Shield thee from the leaft alarms, 
 
 Lov'd already, little bleffing, 
 Kindly cherilh'd, tho' unknown, 
 
 Fancy
 
 [ M ] 
 
 Fancy forms thcc fwect and lovely 1 , 
 Emblem of the rofe unblown : 
 
 Though thy father is impriibn'd, 
 
 Wrong'd, forgotten, robb'd of rights 
 
 I'll reprefs the rifing anguifh, 
 Till thine eyes behold the light. 
 
 Start not, babe ! the hour approaches 
 That prefents the gift of life ; 
 
 Soon, too foon thoul't tafte of forrow 
 In thefe realms of care and ftrife : 
 
 Share not thou a mother's feelings, 
 Hope vouchfafes a pitying ray j 
 
 Tho' a gloom obfcures the morning, 
 Bright may fhine the rifing day, 
 
 Live, fweet babe, to blefs thy father, 
 When thy mother {lumbers low ; 
 
 Softly lifp her name that lov'd him, 
 Thro' a world of varied woe. 
 
 Learn, my child, the mournful ftory 
 Of thy fuffering mother's life s 
 
 Let thy father not forget her 
 In a future happier wife. 
 
 Babe
 
 [ *3 ] 
 
 Babe of fondeft expectation, 
 Watch his wifhes in his face ; 
 
 What pleas'd in me, mayft thou inherit, 
 And lupply my vacant place. 
 
 Whifper all the anguifh'd moments 
 That have wrung this anxious bread, 
 
 Say, I liv'd to give thee being, 
 And retir'd to endlefs reft. 
 
 WRITTEN IN VERY DEEP AFFLICTION.. 
 
 JLiOW on affliction's gloomy bed, 
 
 Where forrow holds her reign ; 
 Where pleafure never deigns a glance, 
 
 I pray for peace in vain : 
 
 Far, far remote from joy, from hope, 
 
 No foothing voice I hear ; 
 Nor doth fair friendfhip lend one gleam, 
 
 My fainting heart to chear. 
 
 Ah fortune ! ever varying (hade ! 
 
 Falfe, difappointing fhrine ! 
 To lure the young, believing heart, 
 
 How bright thy profpects fhine ! 
 
 Con-
 
 [ 2 4 ] 
 
 Contentment once illum'd my breaft, 
 
 No anxious care had I ; 
 Sereneft {lumbers, fweeteft reft, 
 
 With dreams of peaceful joy. 
 
 Returning morn new pleafures gave, 
 
 I woke to fofr delight j 
 But now my ev'ry bleiiing's Med, 
 
 Day finks in horror's night. 
 
 Be ftill, fome fpirit whifpers, ceafe, 
 
 Thy fuffering foon lliall clofe ; 
 I come to guide thy wandering feet 
 
 To undifturb'd repofe. 
 
 Why Itart at death's approach, — drear fhade 4 
 
 It leads to purer air, 
 Immortal joys that never fade, 
 
 No ill approaches there ! 
 
 Come, fear me not ; tho' cold and pale, 
 
 I now afTert my claim : 
 No guilt thy finking foul alarms j 
 
 Why trembles then thy frame ? 
 
 But hark ! fome angel whifpers, flay, 
 Hope humbly that reward 
 
 Pro,
 
 [ *5 ] 
 
 Promis'd to purity on earth, 
 From Heaven's bright regard. 
 
 Then faife thy poor dejefled heart ■, 
 Remember there's a Power 
 
 That gave thee being to be bleft, 
 But wifely hides the hour : 
 
 In faith, hope, virtue, perfevere, 
 Nor yield to black defpair ; 
 
 For thy great Parent's arm will guide 
 Each daughter of his care. 
 
 Then let thy foul fecurely reft 
 
 On that Almighty word 
 That gracioufly difpenfes good, 
 
 And comfort will afford. 
 
 E
 
 [ *6 ] 
 
 Extempore after a Dispute at 
 
 DuNKERQUE. 
 
 All ! why fhould pafilon rend a generous breail, 
 Or tears of anguifh dim a chearing eye, 
 
 When gentle means could charm ev'n thought to reft y 
 Soothe ev'ry care, reprefs each rifing figh ? 
 
 Or why let cold indifference chill that blifs, 
 Defign'd by Heaven to blefs the human kind, 
 
 Or bleak neglect avert the peaceful kifs, 
 The fweeteft offering of a yielding mind ? 
 
 Then now let love, let peace their home regain. 
 And meek-eyed mercy fay, " thou art forgiven," 
 
 A.nd mutual o'er our ruder paffions reign, 
 Until they guide us to their native Heaven. 
 
 To
 
 [ *7 ] 
 
 To a Wandering Husband, from 
 a Deserted Wife. 
 
 OAY, where is that charming repofe 
 
 That fo lately illumin'd my breaft, 
 Like the fan that fo chearfully fhone, 
 
 And at eve footh'd me kindly to reft ? 
 
 Alas ! it no longer is mine, 
 
 No more on my morning it beams ; 
 Defpair now pofTefTes its place, 
 
 And pre (ides even over my dreams. 
 
 Why did my fond credulous heart 
 
 Give delufion fuch eafy belief; 
 Why liften with rapture to vows 
 
 Now forgot, and devote me to grief? 
 
 Alas ! whenfoe'er I attempt 
 
 A refpite from anguifh to find, 
 From the world and its fcorn I retire, 
 
 Still, ftill it adheres to my mind ; 
 
 The admoniming fpirit within 
 
 Thy confcience mull w.iifper, beware ! 
 
 E a Haft*
 
 [ 28 ] 
 
 Hafle — reftore a fond wife to delight, 
 A mother preferve from defpair. 
 
 The foft fouthern gale as it blows, 
 Appears with my forrows to mourn ; 
 
 Gentle echo with pity replies, 
 
 " Mary's peace ne'er again can return.'' 
 
 Tho' religion's meek aid I implore, 
 
 Ye-t the fofteft ideas arife ; 
 And this heart, tho' difdain'd, (till adores 
 
 What my reafon no longer can prize. 
 
 Rut alas ! could the error be mine ? 
 
 Say, could it e'er fpring from my mind, 
 When fo fondly thou often hail faid, 
 
 Mary's bofom is chafte and refln'd ? 
 
 Still triumph — my wrongs are unknown ; 
 
 Oh ! torture be hufh'd, be reprefl j 
 To be pitied I yet am too proud, 
 
 And thy fame is Mill dear to my bread ; 
 
 Ever dear ! yet be warn'd by my love ; 
 
 Retribution's bright morning will rife, 
 And thofe wrongs, unremember'd by thee, 
 
 Some angel will waft to the fkies. 
 
 Farewel
 
 [ »* J 
 
 Farewel to each bleffing below, 
 My moments to care I refign ; 
 
 Though I die, may thy pleaflires increafc i 
 Thy Mary will never repine : 
 
 To the grave thy fond wife will retire, 
 It will fhelter — will yield her repofe ; 
 
 Its coldnefs will chill her warm heart, 
 Free thee — and her forrows compofe. 
 
 Extempore in the garden of a convent belongingt$t 
 Les Soeurs Noir, a Bourburg. 
 
 XTAIL bleft retirement ! to this calm retreat 
 The forrowing wretch may turn her weary feet j 
 Here hopes, and fears, and willies, fink to reft, 
 And, here, ferene becomes the tortur'd bread ; 
 No anxious cares can here the mind alarm, 
 No hope for pleafure, nor no dread of harm ;
 
 [ 30 ] 
 
 Far from temptation's wiles thefe faints refide, 
 Heaven their purfuit, and innocence their guide ; 
 Wrong-judging world ! that deem thefe cells the tomb, 
 And think thefe walls conceal defpairing gloom, 
 Approach and view the inmates cf this place, 
 Their peaceful manner, tranquil, fmiling face ; 
 Approach, and learn from thefe fo truly good, 
 Where Heaven refides, nor difcontents intrude, 
 Where true religion, unaffected truth, 
 The conflant guide of their unerring youth, 
 At length mall lead them to the bleft abode 
 Of kindred faints, their Saviour and their God. 
 
 To a Brother, on entering the Army. 
 
 /jlCCEPT, my Charles, from thy ftill anxious friend; 
 Some ufeful counfel by affection pen'd ; 
 To my advice you oft have deference paid, 
 Which bids me hope this laft will be obey'd ; 
 Nought but your good could force me to expofe 
 The humble talents which I now difclofe ; 
 Then, my dear brother, kindly plead excufe 
 For ev'ry error of vour filler's mufe : 
 
 Firfl,
 
 [ 3i ] 
 
 Firft, my young foldicr, let me recommend, 
 
 In life's fair fpring to make your God your friend -, 
 
 That Power you in the bloom of youth engage, 
 
 Will ne'er defert you in declining age ; 
 
 In danger's hour he'll prove the trueft friend, 
 
 On him fjr all you want and wifh depend ; 
 
 Unto your parents every rev'rence pay, 
 
 'Tis God's command their precepts to obey; 
 
 Be duteous, open, tender, and fmcere, 
 
 Support their age, to their advice adhere ! 
 
 Let ftricceft juftice every action guide, 
 
 And truth with honor o'er your mind prefide ; 
 
 Be firm in friendfhip, fcorn all mean difguiie, 
 
 Nor fuffer mean refentment to arife ; 
 
 On your iuperior's favour ne'er prefume, 
 
 Nor, to inferiors, haughtinefs anume ; 
 
 Reprove with firmnefs, rule with gentle fwayj 
 
 Thro' love, not fear, teach foldiers to obey ; 
 
 Watch o'er yourfelf, to them be not fevere, 
 
 They then will love you, and your worth revere ; 
 
 Beware of pafiion, it unmans the foul, 
 
 If once indulg'd, it never brooks controul ; 
 
 Thro' all the varying fcenes of this frail ftate, 
 
 'Tis temper {hades the colour of our fate. 
 
 Temp'rance, dear youth, I warmly recommend, 
 
 In fumes of wine too oft is loll a friend ; 
 
 Oh 5
 
 I 3* ] 
 
 Oh ! fly the phrenzy like contempt or fcorn, 
 
 Though mad at night, reflection comes with morn : 
 
 Duels avoid, if you with honor can, 
 
 It breaks thro' laws prefcrib'd by God and man ; 
 
 Alas ! too late the deed you may repent, 
 
 Be warn'd ! the pangs of dire remorfe prevent; 
 
 Trembling, I charge thee, fatal gaming fhun, 
 
 A dangerous vice that thoufands has undone ; 
 
 It lures the heart with fmiles, oh ! fad deceit, 
 
 And ne'er forfakes till ruin is complete. 
 
 Never be rul'd by fafhion, but by fenfe, 
 
 Neither be apt to give or take offence j 
 
 Be not ambitious riches to attain, 
 
 For truft me wealth is not exempt from pain ; 
 
 Aim at a competence with credit blefl, 
 
 In every point we find the medium bell. 
 
 To wedlock's Hate I dare but little fay, 
 
 The youthful heart in general takes its way ; 
 
 I only raife to Hymen's throne my voice, 
 
 That he may lead you to a happy choice ; 
 
 Dear as you are, detefted be your name, 
 
 Should e'er you bring the innocent to fliame ; 
 
 E'er Haiti the honor of a virtuous race, 
 
 Or bring a helplefs female to difgrace ; 
 
 Scorn to their ruin any aid to lend, 
 
 For man was born their honor to defend. 
 
 When we're apart, you on feme di leant more, 
 
 Remember Anna, and thefe lines read o'er; 
 
 3 They
 
 [ 33 3 
 
 They are her counfels, breath'd with love fincere, 
 My only brother ! then to them adhere ; 
 So will your conduct ftill unclouded fhine, 
 Your fame ftill brighten as your days decline. 
 
 Extempore on arriving in the Countb.y« 
 
 L-AN filent pleafures give my love the Cmile 
 Of fweet content, of happinefs Cerene ? 
 
 Can Anna's care, her tenderneCs beguile 
 The languor of a folitary Ccene ? 
 
 Yes, for with anxious love I'll watch his eye. 
 His will, his wifhes in his features trace j 
 
 With Cond impatience to prevent them fly, 
 My fweet reward, a fmile from his dear face. 
 
 I*
 
 [ 34 ] 
 
 In the blank leaf of Lord Lyttelton's Works. 
 
 1 IS thine, great Lyttelton, to raife the foul, 
 And every low idea to controul ; 
 To form the manners, to enrich the mind, 
 To guide each paflion, and to read mankind : 
 The rude, the unreform'd by thee are taught 
 To drefs exprefiion, and refine the thought ; 
 To act with dignity, converfe with eafe, 
 And teach that happy art — the way to pleafe : 
 To human kind thy genius fure was given, * 
 A bounteous bleffing from indulgent Heaven : 
 Tho' now in darkncfs death thine eye hath clos'd, 
 Thy facred relics in yon tomb repos'd, 
 Enlightened ignorance fhall blefs thy name, 
 The yet unborn immortalize thy fame. 
 
 Lines
 
 [ 35 3 
 
 Lines for the blank leaf of my Prayer Book: 
 written on a sunday. 
 
 WHILST wanderers, deftin'd here on earth to ftray, 
 
 This facred page will point the better way ; 
 
 'Twill foothe each care, 'twill chearful faith impart, 
 
 Amend each error, and direct the heart ; 
 
 Teach, with fair profpects not to be elate, 
 
 Nor fainting fink beneath the frowns of fate j 
 
 Nor ever murmur at what Heaven denies, 
 
 But think each crofs a bleffing in difguife. 
 
 When pleafure's maze difplays alluring charms, 
 
 When ills and dangers fpread their dire alarms, 
 
 Thefe lines were by kind Providence defign'd 
 
 To clear illufion, and compofe the mind. 
 
 All gracious Power ! vouchfafe to hear my pray'r ! 
 
 Guard me, and guide me with thy kindefl care : 
 
 Each rifing morn fweet gratitude I'll pay, 
 
 For the dear bleffing of this facred day. 
 
 Fa T%
 
 [ 3* ] 
 
 TO THE MEMORY OF THE HONORABLJ 
 
 Miss CAROLINE CAMPBEL. 
 
 XiOW foft the morn ! how fweet the early day ! 
 What blooming tints the opening clouds difplay ! 
 Delufive fhades ! the bleakeft ftorms oft rife, 
 And cloud the brightnefs of the pureft fkies. 
 In blufhing fpring the budding leaves may fall, 
 And ye, you fair, receive an early call ; 
 Ah ! Caroline ! how promifing thy bloom ! 
 How chang'd, how fad, how funk in forrow's gloom ! 
 How fair thy profpecl:s ! charming maid, how bright, 
 Which death relentlefs veils in endlefs night ; 
 Blights thofe fweet hopes admiring friends had form'd, 
 Chill'd that foft friendfhip which thy bofbm warm'd. 
 Why did not pitying powers thy virtue fave, 
 Preferve our hopes from difappointment's grave ? 
 Form'd with each grace that could enrich the mind, 
 With wit, with fentiment, and fenfe reftn'd ; 
 The gentleft foul inform'd her glowing breaft, 
 Heaven's meekeft image on her form impreft j 
 The fofteft mercy, purity, and truth, 
 Adorn'd her name, gave luftre to her youth : 
 Heaven, that with virtue did her heart endow, 
 Sent her a pattern for her fex below. 
 
 Yq
 
 [ 37 ] 
 
 Ye fair companions of her opening bloom, 
 Weep o'er her dufr, and profit at her tomb j 
 She once was all the human kind adore ; 
 " Now view her relics, and be vain no more.' 
 What now alas ! avails her noble birth, 
 Her eafy manners, her didinguifh'd worth ! 
 Silent and cold as yon pale marble bud, 
 Reduc'd her honors to unconfeious duft. 
 And fhall no more thy friends behold thy face, 
 No more be charm'd by thy perfuafive grace ! 
 And mail no more thy accents chear the maid, 
 Who no-iD invokes thy lov'd, thy honor'd fhade ? 
 Tranfporting hope ! in realms of brighter day 
 Thy foul fhall gain that fpark, that quick'ning ra 
 To wake, re-animate thy deeping clay. 
 Extatic thought ! in thofe bright realms above 
 I'll hail thy virtues with an angel's love ; 
 When a few fleeting years mall fet me free, 
 My foul, unfhackled, then fhall fly to thee ; 
 But if on earth I longer muft refide, 
 Oh ! then bleft Caroline be ftill my guide ! 
 And mould thy fpirit know what paffes here, 
 Oh ! deign to dry the haplefs Mary's tear ; 
 Be that, fweet maid, thy facred, foft employ, 
 Till fhe fhall meet thee for eternal joy. 
 
 • 7 
 
 Ri-
 
 [ 38 ] 
 
 Retired Thoughts to a Departed Infant, 
 
 CjtO, firft, fweet hope ! to thine own Heaven fucceed, 
 
 While here thy mother's heart muft ever bleed, 
 
 Muft ever mourn, till that aufpicious day 
 
 That lays me where thy much-lov'd afhes lay. 
 
 This lonely hour my forrows reach no ear. 
 
 This lonely hour no eye beholds this tear ; 
 
 My angel ! thou from thy relplendent throne 
 
 Oh ! take this moment, it is all thine own ; 
 
 Spite of religious aid my wifhes rife, 
 
 Ah ! me ! how weak to wiih thee from the fkies ! 
 
 Sometimes (delufion flrong) I fee thee fmile, 
 
 I hear thy lifping voice my cares beguile, 
 
 And fancy wandering (how remote from truth) 
 
 Surveys thee blooming in the pride of youth ; 
 
 Beholds thee all a mother can implore -, 
 
 Reafon returns, and fays, thou art no more ! 
 
 Ah ! fad remembrance, why exert thy power, 
 
 Why, why recal the pall endearing hour, 
 
 When thy fweet frame upon my bread repos'd, 
 
 And opening beauty every look difclos'd ? 
 
 Each happier mother, vain of her delight, 
 
 5 till, ftill obtrudes her darling on my fight, j 
 
 Theq
 
 [ 39 ] 
 
 Then in the harmlefs fmile, the feeble cry, 
 I hear thy voice, I fee thy languid eye : 
 Oh ! ftill my child, if in thy perfect ftate, 
 Thou haft a knowledge of my fuffering fate, 
 In gentle dreams thy beauteous form difplay, 
 And bring me tidings from the realms of day ; 
 Tell thy fad mother when the hour draws near, 
 That we mail meet, nor other parting fear j 
 And Heaven, ftill gracious to the mourning kind, 
 Oh ! deign to fend me peace, a will refign'd ; 
 Save me from murmurs at thy high decree, 
 And teach my heart, that's beft that pleafes thee, 
 
 On* the right honorable General C y 
 
 losing his Election for Bury St. Edmund's. 
 
 /\N humble mufe prefumes thy worth to boaft, 
 
 Says D 's conquer'd, and that C y loft ; 
 
 Still thou doft triumph in the nobleft part, 
 Still doth preferve the generous patriot's heart \ 
 Thy principles, great Chief, exalt thy fame, 
 And ever fhail immortalize thy name ; 
 For ever lov'd, diftinguifb'd muft thou be, 
 For brighteft virtues ever fhone in dice •, 
 
 2 Thy
 
 [ 4^ ] 
 
 Thy noble acts arc well in Britain known, 
 And generous friendfhip marks thee for her own ; 
 
 Then glory, C y in this feeming fall, 
 
 Thou rifeft flill fuperior over all : 
 The day will dawn when Britain's fons mall fee 
 Their nobleft privileges prized by thee ; 
 Thou like the fun in yonder weftern fkies, 
 Only declin'ft, more glorioufly to rife. 
 
 Epitaph on a favorite tame Chicken, 
 
 BENEATH this ftone a chicken's laid, 
 
 Her miftrels named her Befs, 
 Six months fhe tenderly was nurfed, 
 
 Yet flill fhe grew the lefs. 
 
 In fairy hill poor Befs was hatched, 
 
 If there fhe had but ftaid, 
 She might have had a verdant grave, 
 
 And not in dull been laid. 
 
 But haplefs chick, like this world's fools, 
 
 Mult wander far from home, 
 And by a lady's fciffars fell, 
 
 And here mull fix her tomb. 
 
 Farewell !
 
 [ 41 ] 
 
 Farewell ! my little favourite Befs, 
 
 Thy fate why mould I mourn ? 
 Since kings and queens the fame muft Ihare, 
 
 And unto duft return. 
 
 'o the Memory of an Honest Man, Mr. B. D. 
 
 ADDRESSED TO HIS WIDOW. 
 
 WHEN wealthy, proud, or tided fools expire, 
 (Thofe fplendid trifles which the vain admire,) 
 The flatterer's pen, the fculptor's curious art, 
 May ftrike the eye — but feldom reach the heart ; 
 Tho' gaudy trappings did not grace his birth, 
 And undiftinguifhed, fave, by honeft worth, 
 Tho' polifhed marble do'nt record his praife, 
 Nor humble fortune, monument can raife ■, 
 Tho' his low grave can boaft no featured buft, 
 Celeftial guardians watch his (leeping duft ; 
 And Heaven hath fpared his memory one friend, 
 Who knew his goodnefs — viewed his peaceful end ; 
 Then thou pure fpirit deign one glance to fee, 
 How fvveet the tafk to utter truth of thee ; 
 And thou fad mourner, take it from my hands, 
 This boon thy friendfhip from my pen demands ; 
 
 G Nor
 
 ] 
 
 C 42 ] 
 
 Nor mourn thy want of power to fave his name, 
 By means, which only wealth or pride can claim, 
 Accufe not fate, but vanity defpife, 
 His humble afhes will as fafely rife, 
 And claim asjuft a title to the fkies 
 As thofe whofe marbled hiltory proclaim 
 The only title they e'er had to fame. 
 He knew no guile, to pleafe his chief delight, 
 Serene his confeience — his intentions right j 
 His fentiments fuperior to his ftate, 
 Too noble minded for his lowly fate ; 
 Since upon earth none are from error free, 
 Why mould I blum to own a fault in thee ? 
 From prudent caution thou didft widely roam, 
 Nor once remembered want might vifit home j 
 In this wife age, well practifed how to fave, 
 Wealth will condemn what generous pity gave } 
 Who now will foothe thy lonely widow's care ? 
 Give her, what oft thy little ftore did fpare. 
 Prefumptuous pen ! be calm foreboding mind, 
 Heaven will be ever bounteous, good and kind - 3 
 In Mercy's annals are his deeds enroll'd, 
 The first of beings will reward unfold. 
 And now dear mourner will you condefcend 
 To accept this offering from a conftant friend ? 
 Ah ! ceafe to weep thy fainted partner's fate, 
 Who, placed above this fublunary ftate, 
 
 Mult
 
 [ 43 ] 
 
 Muft now condemn the tender flowing tear, 
 Wonder who loved fo well, could wifh him here ^ 
 Or cou'd thy forrow, cou'd thy pining grief, 
 Reftore thy hufband, or bring thee relief, 
 Could gufhing tears recall the fpirit fled, 
 Or burfting fighs awake the fleeping dead ; 
 Or could thy mourning bring him back to woes, 
 Say — could thy love difturb his fweet repofe ? 
 Ah no ! in realms of blifs remote from pain, 
 He waits the hour, to re-unite again ; 
 But be reminded, (deem it notfevere)^ 
 'Tis the reward of patient fuffering here; 
 Farewell, my friend ! in Heaven's gracious time, 
 Thou'lt meet thy hufband in a purer clime ; 
 Where boundlefs joy awaits the truly good, 
 And no rude ftorm can ever more intrude. 
 
 The Vision". 
 
 1 HE moon had joined the fplendid height, 
 
 The world retired to reft, 
 When William waked to weep the night, 
 For cares difturbed his breaft. 
 
 Eliza's
 
 [ 44 3 
 
 Eliza's lofs he mourned in vain, 
 
 For death her eyes had clofed, 
 Silenced that tongue which foothed his pain, 
 
 And every grief compofed. 
 
 Oh ! baneful death he Hill would fay, 
 
 Why did'ft thou torture me ? 
 My peace had never known decay, 
 
 Fell tyrant, but for thee. 
 
 My bleft Eliza ! ftill he cries, 
 
 Thou haft thy forfeit paid ; 
 When lo ! before his wandering eyes, 
 
 Appeared the confcious made. 
 
 Celeftial charms adorned her face, 
 
 The fmile of peace me wore ; 
 And whifpered with angelic grace, 
 
 " My William mourn no more. 
 
 cc Nay, ftart not love ! difpel all fear, 
 
 <c The meffenger of peace, 
 <c I come to flop the guihing tear, 
 
 " And bid thy mourning ceafe. 
 
 " Did'ft thou fuppofe relentlefs death, 
 f{ Wou'd not his claim affert ? 
 
 O
 
 [ 4J ] 
 
 " Or did'ft thou think the fleeting breath, 
 <c Wou'd never leave the heart ? 
 
 ff Oh ! ceafe to weep, to mourn forbear, 
 
 Cf From forrow I am free, 
 " And fmile at every earthly care, 
 
 <f Except the care of thee. 
 
 " The gentle pafMon which we knew, 
 " That cheers the guiltlefs mind, 
 
 " Exalted ftill I feel for you, 
 <c In purity refined. 
 
 " In thofe bright realms remote from woe, 
 
 cc Where funs eternal mine, 
 <( Imperfect blifs I only know, 
 
 <c While you for me repine. 
 
 <c I did not take a long adieu, 
 
 cc Thou wilt not long feel pain, 
 " Thy friends muft mourn, muft weep for you, 
 
 Cf And we mall meet asain. 
 
 'O 
 
 fC O'er all thy ways I kindly wait, 
 " I ward each threat'ning ill -, 
 
 Cf I'll guide thee in this erring ftate, 
 <c Thv guardian ano;el ftill. 
 
 And
 
 [ 46 ] 
 
 ,c And when thy foul is gently fled, 
 " To thofe fine realms of day, 
 
 * c Some guardian fpirit of the dead, 
 <c Shall watch thy (leeping clay. 
 
 u Thou'ft'not forgot the awful hour, 
 " When death affailed my heart> 
 
 <c When fternly he denied the power, 
 " My wilhes to impart. 
 
 " Then hear me now, protect our race, 
 " 'Tis thine to guide their youth 3 ; 
 
 <c With love like this my memory grace, 
 cc Let this difplay thy truth. 
 
 fc But fee — the gates of light unclofe, 
 
 " My love, a laft adieu, 
 <c I go to undifturbed repofe, 
 
 " There wait to welcome you. 
 
 An
 
 [ 47 1 
 Answer to the Song of "Trust not Man," &c, 
 
 I'LL not truft, nor man deceive me, 
 
 I'll elude his deepeft art; 
 He fhall wed and be deferving, 
 
 E're I give my much loved heart. 
 
 I don't want thee kind advifer, 
 
 Man fhall never me perplex ; 
 I fhall ftill continue prudent^ 
 
 And defy the faithlefs fex. 
 
 I never truft an artful ftory, 
 
 Ever to my heart take heed ; 
 To me they mail be always humble. 
 
 Or they never fhall fucceed. 
 
 Nor like a bird I'll be deluded, 
 Virtue ftill fhall guard my heartj 
 
 'Till I find a faithful lover, 
 It and I fhall never part. 
 
 Os-
 
 [ 43 ] 
 On beholding Arthur asleep. 
 
 OWEET be thy deep my only love ! 
 
 Serene and fofc thy (lumbers be ; 
 But (hould thy fleeping fancy rove, 
 
 Guide it ye pitying powers to me ! 
 
 Difclofe my image to his view, 
 This faithful bofom true and kind ; 
 
 Whifper, my prefent fmiling care, 
 Can ill difplay my anxious mind. 
 
 Long may my arm fupport his head, 
 Or kinder ftill this beating bread, 
 
 His flumb'ring hours to fondly watch, 
 When waking charm his foul to reft. 
 
 With filent pleafure I will wait, 
 With duteous, tender care attend 
 
 Thy gentle (lumbers, bufy hours, 
 
 My guide, my love, my huiband, friend ! 
 
 Ye powers ! but I may fpare the prayer, 
 Such worth good angels will employ, 
 
 The fweet reflection of a life fo pure, 
 Infures my Arthur dreams of peaceful joy. 
 
 Ye
 
 r 49 i 
 
 Ye ever bright, celeftial ihining train, 
 
 That guide the actions of the good and brave, 
 
 Oh deign ! to aid my fond, yet feeble power, 
 To blefs that life, I pray kind Heav'n to fave* 
 
 On a Child's Birth Day. 
 
 OMILING bleflings, pleafures gay, 
 
 Grace fweet Shirley's natal day, 
 
 Brighten {till her opening fcene, 
 
 Ever be the day ferene ! 
 
 May each virtue grace her mind, 
 
 Her temper meek, her fenfe refined, 
 
 Be her gentle, guiltlefs breaft, 
 
 The fair abode of peace and reft ! 
 
 Innocence her fleps await, 
 
 And fhield her from the ftorms of fate ; 
 
 Virtue be her darling pride, 
 
 And guardian angels be her guide -, 
 
 May kind Heaven's protecting power, 
 
 Shield her to her late ft hour ! 
 
 Deign to aid a parent's care, 
 
 To make her good as Jjie is fair ! 
 
 And may fweet Shirley (till inherit, 
 
 Her mother's virtues, father's fpiric ! 
 
 H To
 
 [ jo ] 
 
 To the Memory of Lieut. James Abernethte,- 
 Lost on board the Glorieux, 1782. 
 
 IjACH weeping mufe afliftrny mournful pen. 
 To praife a foldier, and lament a friend ; 
 Loft to the world in life's gay early bloom, 
 The clouds his mourners, and the deep his tomb ; 
 No gentle friend received his parting breath, 
 No friend to foothe the bitter hour of death ; 
 Tho' dreadful waves, and high temoeft'ous wind 
 Raged round his head, yet he was calm within : 
 For he was pure as is the mountain fnow, 
 Mild as the fouthern breezes when they blowj 
 His early virtues blafted in their prime, 
 The blooming youth was loft at twenty-nine ; 
 Ye unavailing tears forbear to flow, 
 I'll fay what truth doth to his memory owe. 
 Born with a noble, with a generous heart, 
 lie knew no wifti but what he might impart : 
 A friend fmcere, his parent's hope and pride,- 
 His brother's comfort and his filler's guide ■, 
 Each manly virtue graced she gentle youth, 
 4C The foul of innocence, and pride of truth." 
 Worth, honour, candour, were in him combin'd, 
 An angel's form, but more angelic mind ; 
 With generous love his youthful bofom glow'd, 
 \Yith generous, fentiments his heart o'crflow'd : 
 
 And
 
 C 5' ] 
 
 And tho' he Cumbers in his wat'ry tomb, 
 His memory will to latent ages bloom : 
 To youth furviving he hath left behinJ, 
 The bright example of a fpotlefs mind ; 
 Thou dear departed friend a long farewell ! 
 Upon thy worth my thoughts mail ever dwell ; 
 Still to thy made fweet youth I'll drop a tear, 
 And ever mourn thee, with a heart fincere ; 
 E'er yet I clofe, bleit made ! if in thy power, 
 My guardian be, in each eventful hour, 
 From thy bright realm:, oh! kindly condefceni, 
 To guard thy faithful, thy lamenting friend, 
 Still watchful of thy charge, bleft fpirit be ! 
 For fuch an office I'd have done for thee -, 
 That ilation keep, until I reach that fhore, 
 Where we mall meet, and death can part no more, 
 
 Reflections after viewing a scene of Distress. 
 
 i EACH me, all gracious Power, to be concent! 
 
 To blefs my lot becaufe ordained by thee -, 
 Ne'er mourn for that, thy wifdom hath not lent, 
 
 But deem it good becaufe thy great decree. 
 
 H z Then
 
 [ Si ] 
 
 *Then ceafevain heart to mourn the want of power, 
 Juit Heaven will view, accept the willing mind •, 
 
 Will give reward in retribution's hour, 
 To all who felt the ills of human kind. 
 
 What tho' I can't beflow the wifh'd fupply, 
 Nor cheer cold poverty's obfcure abode ; 
 
 Ne'er read the. language of a grateful eye, 
 Nor guide the helplefs penitent to God. 
 
 I often wifh the uninformed to teach, 
 To give to orphan infancy its bread, 
 
 To foothe the forrow of declining age, 
 
 And give that pittance which I yet may need. 
 
 Be hulked complaint — be never murmured more, 
 Arraign not that great plan to Heaven known j 
 
 Perhaps endowed with fplendour, wealth and power, 
 The kinder feelings had not been my own. 
 
 With pleafure circled, proved fecnre from fear, 
 Perhaps I ne'er had breathed a pitying figh ; 
 
 Might never offered others woes a tear. 
 But lived a flranger to each fofter tie. 
 
 Then 'tis in mercy wealth hath been denied, 
 For now — a foul that feels for all is mine, 
 
 I vet
 
 [ 55 ] 
 
 I yet can foothe the ills offufFering worth, 
 And pray the bad their purpofe to refign. 
 
 And I can cheer the modeft with appiaufe, 
 Kindly fupport the weak, the forrowing mind, 
 
 Can plead, unblufhing, virtue's injured caufe. 
 Conceal the failings of my erring kind. 
 
 The voice attuned to foftnefs may reprefs 
 
 The anguimed flgh — relieve the doubting heart, 
 
 A pitying look will often foften pain, 
 A mite to penury will joy impart. 
 
 A friendly fmile can welcome modeft fear, 
 
 A chearful word beguile the gloom of age - 
 Hence then defpcndency — hence difcontent, 
 
 I ftiil have worth which partial friends engage- 
 Yes — thefe are mine, and thefe the good approve, 
 
 Moft gracious power ! that all thofe gifts bellow, 
 In mercy, ftill withhold the means of iil^ 
 
 And let me all unto thy mercy owe. 
 
 Then while on earth I'll thy great name adore, 
 And fink with fwcet compofure to the dull ! 
 
 Biffs thy pail mercies — •" humbly hope for more/' 
 From thee my Gop, protector, guide siuItrusi
 
 [ 54 ] 
 
 The Hawk, the Magpies, and the Pigeons. 
 
 A Fable > very refpeft fully addreffed to the Hon, Mrs, 
 E—tzv—k. 
 
 1 RUTH oft in fables is convey'd, 
 And morals too in talcs difplay'd ; 
 And what difcretion won't exprefs, 
 Fiction may veil in pleafing drefs - y 
 Thus I, when prudence dare not plead, 
 I make a bird my fermon read. 
 Ye who the modeft highly prize 
 Attend a Pigeon in difguife, 
 And learn each chatterer to defpife ■> 
 For ah ! too oft the chattering tongue, 
 The heart of innocence hath Itung ■„ 
 And had the hero of my tale, 
 Permitted {lander to prevail, 
 A helplefs, difappointed pair, 
 Had now been victims of defpair. 
 Some years ago a hawk expired, 
 Dreaded by foes, by friends admired; 
 To gain Britannia's deathlefs fame, 
 And immortalize his own great name, 
 Glory he made his early aim ; J 
 
 He lived unequalled, died revered, 
 To every bird was Flawk endeared ; 
 
 He 
 
 ! 
 
 I
 
 [ ss 1 
 
 He left a Ton, his deareft care, 
 His hope, his blefling, honour's heir : 
 III him each milder virtue fhone, 
 For goodnefs marked him for her own ; 
 His kindnefs friendlels birds redreft, 
 His fheltering wings the orphan bleft ; 
 To fay the whole, his worth maintain'd, 
 The glorious name his fire had gained. 
 This noble Hawk to mod endear'd, 
 Beneath his wine; a pis-eon rear'd : 
 From India's clime to Britain's made, 
 The infant ftranger was convey'd, 
 To early learn that genuine worth, 
 Which mould diftinguifh birds of birth; 
 Hawk " took it up a little flowery' 
 And placed it in a kindly bower, 
 Saved him from each inclement norm, 
 His tender years fecured from harm, 
 His infant mind with virtue dreft, 
 A bright example taught the reft; 
 Thus happy, honoured, much improved^ 
 Our Pigeon lived by Hawk beloved ; 
 But when the years of reafon came, 
 (Alas .' what age fecure from blame r) 
 Love triumphed, and he took a wife, 
 More dear than liberty or life; 
 The worthy Hawk in wonder loft, 
 Perceived his views, his willies croft; 
 
 Yet
 
 [ 5<5 ] 
 
 Yet dill bellowed his guardian care,' 
 And frmied delighted on the pair ; 
 The Pigeons thoughtlefs, gay and young, 
 Believed each fmoothe, betraying tongue ; 
 They trulled hope, they banifhed fear, 
 Nor ever dream' t a danger near, 
 'Till indiscretion's train advance, 
 The effects of vain extravagance : 
 Behold them then, to want expofed, 
 Each error heightened— then difclofed ; 
 Regretted follies, bitter thought, 
 The leffon of experience taught. 
 Their foft complaints, their burfling fighs, 
 The tears that trembled in their eyes, 
 The Hawk with pitying glance furvey'd, 
 And fent the mourners liberal aid. 
 Far from his heart, though near his neft, 
 There lived a race to birds a pelt ; 
 The magpies named, a chattering crew., 
 On mifchief bent, about they flew ; 
 The worthy held them in difdain, 
 Hawk fpurn'd them from his honeft train ,- 
 But though they ne'er approach'd his ear, 
 They (till contrived that he mould hear, 
 Each folly of the humble pair, 
 Thefe favor'd pigeons of his care ; 
 They tried in- vain with varied art, 
 Taroufe fome pafiion— - turn his heart j 
 
 j Cries
 
 [ 57 3 
 
 Cries one — " it moves me even to rage, 
 
 cc That Pigeons mould a Hawk engage ! 
 
 " How better deck'd his board had been, 
 
 <c Had he thefe pigeons never feen ; 
 
 Cf His plumage ftill had been more gay, 
 
 cc But for the gold he gives away ; 
 
 cf This, Hawks may think benevolence, 
 
 " But Magpies deem it want of fenfe." 
 
 " Not too fevere," a fage one cries, 
 
 <l The virtues of a Hawk I prize ; 
 
 u Wou'd he the voice of prudence hear, 
 
 cc So good a bird we muft revere 5 
 
 Cf Or wou'd he liften to our tale> 
 
 " Permit his reafon to prevail, 
 
 <c And let his gold diftinguifh worth, 
 
 <c His favour grace a Magpie's birth ; 
 
 " With gratitude our breafts ihould glow, 
 
 " What praifes mould our tongues beftow ! 
 
 cf But ah ! my friends we fpeak in vain, 
 
 <c He ever treats us with difdain ; 
 
 " The Pigeons faults will ne'er appear, 
 
 " He blots each folly with a tear." 
 
 " But," adds another, <c fling his pride> 
 
 tc Say Hawks and Pigeons are allied * 
 
 Cf To prove they have not any claim, 
 
 * f (For they muft fuffer all the blame), 
 
 " He'll ne'er again their faces fee, 
 
 " Which may make room for thee or me." 
 
 I But
 
 [ 53 ] 
 
 But oh ! they little knew his mind 
 
 Was generous, noble, good and kind ; 
 
 It forrowed for the poor accufed, 
 
 To hear their pleading ne'er refufed ; 
 
 And with great fentiments infpired, 
 
 He reafoned thus at eve retired : 
 
 <f 'Tis true the Pigeons may be wrongs 
 
 " But I'll not truft a magpie's tongue ; 
 
 Cf All that e'er breathed to error's prone, 
 
 ff In pitying theirs I veil my own ; 
 
 " An unforgiving heart mould be, 
 
 €c Itfelf from imperfection free ; 
 
 " Then mercy for the pair mall plead, 
 
 sc T'will fhield myfelf in hours of need ; 
 
 c< The days of youth are full of harm, 
 
 " Each pleafure wears a tempting charm; 
 
 " And when it can old birds allure, 
 
 " How can young Pigeons be fecure ? 
 
 sc And if to give deferves fuch praife, 
 
 " Such feelings to the heart conveys, 
 
 <f How blefTed every mite that's given, 
 
 " So honoured here, approved by Heaven I 
 
 <c What pleafure in an added dim, 
 
 iC Or robe I neither want or wifh j 
 
 <{ Or where the merit to beftow, 
 
 " Vbat which brings joy they ne'er can know; 
 
 " Then I refolve the pigeon pair, 
 
 <c Shall full my kind protection fhare." 
 
 He
 
 [ 59 ] 
 
 He then retired to peaceful reft, 
 
 With an approving confcience blefti 
 
 Oh may his reafoning ftill impart, 
 
 A leflbn to the human heart ! 
 
 And thou bright fair ! v/hofe worth, and truth, 
 
 So lately bleft a favoured youth, 
 
 And thou oh ! E — tw — k fo elate, 
 
 How kind thy ftars, how bleft thy fate ; 
 
 That gave thee in the fpring of life, 
 
 The accomplished friend, the charming wife; 
 
 Accept the offering of a breaft, 
 With warmeft gratitude impreft ; 
 And oh ! vouchfafe, bleft pair to hear, 
 The wifhes of a foul fincere ; 
 Long may ye bloom, and fee each grace, 
 Reflected in a lovely race ! 
 And as too often cares intrude, 
 On the kind bofoms of the good, 
 May fweet domeftic peace beguile, 
 And make the face of furrow fmile ! 
 And when that love no more can warm, 
 Efteem mall lend a milder charm ■, 
 Enliven'd friendfhip ftill engage, 
 And cheer the wintry hours of age j 
 Long may ye live in joy to fee, 
 An offspring from each error free ; 
 And in the lengthen'd honoured line, 
 
 A H ke's diftinguifhed virtues fhine ! 
 
 I 2 The
 
 [ 6° 3 
 
 The Eagle, the Kite, and the Cocjc. 
 
 An Emblematic Fable, moft refpeclfully addrejfed to the 
 
 Right Hon. General C y. Written in the year 
 
 1788. 
 
 IN former days when birds could fpeak, 
 
 And held their courts three times a week, 
 
 Nay, had their councils — held debate — 
 
 Had Lords and Commons, Church and State j 
 
 With gentle fway an Eagle reign'd, 
 
 His charity the poor maintained ; 
 
 So mild — benignant — that his mind, 
 
 To heaven-born clemency inclined ; 
 
 Mercy and juftice prop'd his throne, 
 
 His deeds are through Britannia known ; 
 
 But to fum up this Eagle's praife, 
 
 Our Royal George his worth difplays ; 
 
 But as the bed of Eagles may 
 
 By evil birds be led aftray, 
 
 He placed his confidence — delight, 
 
 In a diffembling, cruel Kite ; 
 
 From Hatfield's woods the tyrant came, 
 
 Nay, Hatfield fhill can tell his name ; 
 
 The generous heart is foon deceived, 
 
 The Kite profeffed, his King believed ; 
 
 And fatal tarnifh to his reign, 
 
 He named the Kite, L — d C b n; 
 
 * It is not to be fuppofed this alludes to the prefent mofi. noble 
 Marquis of S y. 
 
 i Then
 
 [ 6r ] 
 
 Then all that had a claim, or right, 
 Mud pay obeifance to this Kite ; 
 But to pourtray his wily deeds, 
 Attend the faft that now fucceeds : 
 In Eagle's court there dwelt a Cock, 
 That rear'd a numerous happy flock ; 
 For nineteen chicks his dame did brink, 
 Fifteen he meant to ferve their Kino;; 
 And gentle partlets worth and grace, 
 Adorned the little guiltlefs race j 
 This Cock the Eagle's fire had ferved, 
 And of the fon had much deferved j 
 He fought their battles, fpilt his blood, 
 Yet to his poll he firmly flood \ 
 But when returned, he deemed it hard. 
 Never to fhare the leail reward ; 
 But with his partlet meek and kind, 
 In fad obfcurity he pined ; 
 To raife their pretty helplefs flock, 
 Solely employed the valiant Cock ; 
 'Till chance his piteous tale conveyed, 
 To charming R — 1 — y's peaceful made j 
 Where dwelt a bird of noble race, 
 His mind was fraught with every grace, 
 His heart to worthiefl deeds inclined, 
 He felt the woes of all his kind ; 
 And acting for the general good, 
 Refolved to quit his favourite wood -, 
 
 The
 
 [ 6* ] 
 
 The wider to extend his fway, 
 To Eagle's Court he winged his way; 
 To blefs a nation's ample round, 
 The monarch's confidence he found; 
 When near the throne, in power high, 
 He viewed our Cock with pitying eye ; 
 His Godlike mind, on blefling bent, 
 A gracious mandate quickly fent ; 
 And thus our injur'd bird addrefs'd : 
 fc Thy wrongs by me fhall be redrefs'd ; 
 fc Repair with fpeed to Eagle's court, 
 fc My intereft fhall thy caufe fupport." 
 The Cock obey'd, his grateful brood, 
 With tears of joy his hands bedew'd. 
 Behold him placed to ferve his King, 
 
 Beneath the made of C y's wing ; 
 
 His heart was loyal, actions pure, 
 
 Poor bird ! he deem'd his blifs fecure ; 
 
 His partlet happy, chickens good, 
 
 He hoped no griefs would e'er intrude; 
 
 But ah ! how blind to human fate ! 
 
 Between the ins and outs of date 
 
 There role, alas ! a firern debate. 
 
 How fatal to our Cock's repofe, 
 
 'Twas then his baleful planet rofe ; 
 
 His noble patron — guardian friend, 
 
 No longer would at court attend. 
 
 The Eagle. cried (his friends then few) 
 
 t ( And wilt thou leave me, II d, too r" 
 
 Hr
 
 [ 6 3 1 
 
 He look'd, he figh'd, to Eagle bow'd, 
 (The fofteft thoughts his memory croud) 
 <c I've ferv'd thee long, my gracious Sire, 
 <c My honor bids me now retire -, 
 <c I cannot league with thofe that fawn, 
 
 " H d's retirement marks their dawn ; 
 
 fc Thy name I blefs, thy worth revere, 
 " Nought but my confcience half fo dear. 
 " Beloved Liege ! thefe truths receive, 
 " And now with prayers I take my leave." 
 'Twas then the Lords, with courtly grace, 
 
 Tried to fucceed to H d's place ; 
 
 Though many tried, not one could boaft 
 
 Thofe charms the King in H d loft ; 
 
 At length the Kite the Eagle pleas'd, 
 And fwift the envied ftation feiz'd ; 
 His fpecious manner, artful fmile, 
 The unfufpecting foon beguile. 
 The Cock, not loweft in his train, 
 Wifhes his friendfhip to obtain ; 
 For his dear chicks (even birds afpire) 
 He wifh'd to rife a little higher; 
 With winning grace the artful Kite, 
 Promis'd to aid the foldier's right ; 
 He faid, <c a council fits on high, 
 fc I'll bear thy wifhes to the fky; 
 tc Eagle will ne'er reject thy prayer, 
 " Soldiers are children of his care j 
 
 I'll
 
 [ 64 ] 
 
 " I'll bring his gracious pleafure doWn, 
 " And may fuccefs my efforts crown !" 
 The Cock he crows — with hope elate, 
 In triumph views his future fate ; 
 To partlet and her groupe he flies ; 
 " My love, my deareft chicks, he cries, 
 " The generous Kite fupports my claim, 
 <c Be ever bleft his honor 'd name !" 
 Meek partlet weeps — the chickens dance, 
 And think in life they'll have a chance : 
 Ah ! blind to fate ! the ftorm impends, 
 That blights thy hopes, deftroys thy friends ; 
 The gloomy power from ebon throne 
 That birds and beafts, even man mull own, 
 Aim'd at poor partlet's breaft a blow 
 That laid her and her wifhes low : 
 The widow'd Cock reclin'd his head : 
 Deprefs'd with forrow, reafon fled j 
 His chicks exert their fofteft powers, 
 To foothe their parent's languid hours ; 
 But all their filial duty fail'd, 
 His wild delirium ftill prevail'd -, 
 A doctor then, with folemn face, 
 Declar'd the Cock's a doubtful cafe ; 
 
 And to the C b n did fend 
 
 His oath, that he could not attend : 
 'Twas in that fad, that anguifh'd hour, 
 The Kite exerted cruel power ■, 
 
 The
 
 [ 65 ] 
 
 The loyal Cock next day difgraced, 
 
 Another in his room was placed ; 
 And birds there were (perhaps too bold) 
 Declar'd, Lord Kite the place had fold ; 
 Mean time the Cock held lingering ftrife 
 Between the powers of death and life -, 
 And when returning realbn came, 
 K.emembrance faint, he could not name 
 The Kite, but cried, cc my chickens dear, 
 Cf He is my friend, I need not fear ; 
 cc For your dear fakes I'll life endure j 
 Cf While I exift, your bread's fecure ; 
 u Ye are too young your food to gain, 
 " Or ftorms of winter to fuflain ; 
 f£ And more — without a father's care, 
 <c What will not birds of prey oft d: r~ !" 
 Languid and weak, no more he faid, 
 But meek reclin'd hi: drooping head ; 
 Fondly then view'd his children near, 
 And foon difcern'd the flarting tear ; 
 For long his chicks their grief reprelt, 
 At length itb urft their fufferinsj breaft ; 
 That cruel Kite, detcfted name ! 
 Had him depriv'd of bread and fame , 
 Lie trembled, look'd, his heart grew fick, 
 Yet thus addrefs'd his eldefl chick : 
 <f Sweet emblem of my partlet's worth, 
 " Child of my love from early birth, 
 
 K ' "Thy*
 
 [ «« ] 
 
 " Thy widow' d parent's fate behold, 
 " Now loft, expos' d to want and cold, 
 " The victim of contempt and fcorn, 
 " Of treachery too ; all me forlorn ! 
 " Survey thefe chicks of tender age ; 
 " Let theie thy every power engage ; 
 cc Go feek the Kite, o'er him prevail, 
 " The plea of innocence can't fail -, 
 c{ He will not perfevetre in wrong, 
 " But liften to thy guiltlefs tongue ; 
 " Exert thyfelf, a parent's need 
 " Will teach a daughter how to plead." 
 The chick replied, her tears fuppreft, 
 While varied pafiions tear her breaft, 
 " Beloved parent ! fwift I go :" 
 She flopt — her tears began to flow : 
 Then wildly to the Kite fhe flies, 
 With drooping wings and languid eyes j 
 The ferving birds, in order ranged, 
 Believ'd the chicken much deranged ; 
 Denied her entrance — faid that he 
 Would never any ftranger fee : 
 She gasp'd for breath, fhe tried to fpeak, 
 She look'd — yet flill the look was meek j 
 Her meeknefs pleas'd — her looks prevail, 
 For when did ever meeknefs fail ? 
 They let the litde chicken in, 
 And thus the trembler did begin : 
 
 " Pardon
 
 [ 67 ] 
 
 " Pardon, great Lord ! nor think me rude ; 
 
 <f For mercy — juftice — I intrude ; 
 
 u The daughter of the injur'dCock; 
 
 lC I come from him — from all his flock ; 
 
 " Low at thy feet a victim fee ; 
 
 (< She prays for him that trufted thee : 
 
 " Be gracious then — the Cock reitore ; 
 
 " Indeed I never begg'd before ; 
 
 " Let mercy plead — fome pity lend 
 
 <c To one who never could offend !" 
 
 Proud of his llate, the Kite look'd down 
 
 With a malignant, fcornful frown ; 
 
 Saying, Cf thy race I do not know, 
 
 " Nor could I deign to be thy foe ; 
 
 Ci But thou the Cock, I think, didft name ; 
 
 c ' I recollect — he merits blame : 
 
 iC Prefuming thing ! I fay begone ; 
 
 c{ Thy father's arts are not unknown; 
 
 ' c Dare he e'er hope for my fupport, 
 
 11 That for his poft did gold extort 
 
 ' c From my brave major — worthy friend ? 
 
 k ' And yet the Cock did ne'er offend ! 
 
 " The King the fhameful deed fhall know j 
 
 ct Go home, rafh chick, and tell him fo." 
 
 [ Ere I proceed, I muft premife, 
 (My tale would fuffer from difguife) 
 The bird, the Kite alluded to, 
 Was a poor, lazy, dull cuckoo ; 
 
 K 2 That
 
 [ 63 ] 
 
 That, like his race, to birds a pelt, 
 
 Crept meanly to another's nefr ; 
 
 But ftill he could not but allow, 
 
 And on his honour muft avow, 
 
 His patron's falfehood to defy, 
 
 And accufation to deny; 
 
 For that, fo far from giving gold, 
 
 He hever did the Cock behold ; 
 
 Nay, wrote for every bird to view, 
 
 The Cock he never even knew. 
 
 Benignant reader ! I digrefs ; 
 
 Pardon : 1 will no more tranfgrefs. ~\ 
 With honeft pride, indignant eyes, 
 The aftonihYd chick with firmnefs cries, 
 " My father's fame mall brightly mine 
 tc When fhame mall cover thee and thine ; 
 " Even now, detefted tyrant, now, 
 " They curfe thy deeds that lowly bow ; 
 <c And learn, proud Lord, tho' greatly placed, 
 " With filming honor highly graced ; 
 cc A juft, a gracious Power reigns, 
 u That falfehood even in Lords difdains ; 
 l< In retribution'' s awful hour 
 11 Thoul't feci that vengeful Being's power; 
 (C lie'll aim at thy bafe heart a blow, 
 " With kindred fiends, to lay thee low; 
 
 Nor
 
 [ (>9 ] 
 
 * c Nor hope for mercy — never pray ; 
 " Juflice o'er thee prefides that day ; 
 iC But fnouldft thou dare — remember'd be, 
 <c Almighty Powers ! his deeds to me. 
 " My parent pray 'd-— he was abufed ; 
 " I kneel for mercy — am refuted : 
 " Adieu, thou bafe, deftructive Kite !" 
 Thus faid, the took an inftant flight. 
 I'll veil her meeting with the Cock, 
 The mutual tears of all the flock ; 
 Oh ! wou'd I alfo cou'd conceal 
 Thofe ills each honeft bird mud feel ; 
 The gallant Cock, to griefs a prey. 
 The varied ills of power difplay, 
 Expos'd to forrow, want, and debt, 
 With duns and poverty befet, 
 Each morn he wakes to guiltlefs fear, 
 No friend to aid, no hope to cheer ; 
 The pledges of his much-lov'd wife, 
 More dear to him than fame or life, 
 Scatter'd, neglected, hopelefs driven, 
 By bleakeft blafls of angry Heaven, 
 To feek beneath an humble Ihed ; 
 To fhield the weary, languid head, 
 And gain the hard-earn'd daily bread ; 
 Their beauteous plumage all deranped, 
 Their virtues hid, their friends eflranged ; 
 
 I 
 
 They
 
 [ 70 ] 
 
 They pine— -they mourn-— but do not live $ 
 Can righteous Heaven the Kite forgive ? 
 Daughters and fons of human kind, 
 Whom bright benevolence doth bind, 
 Accept this fable ; it conveys 
 A fact which real life difplays, 
 A mournful truth of courtly ways j 
 It reprefents a foldier's fate, 
 Sinking beneath oppreffion's weight ; 
 His claims rejected—robb'd of bread, 
 Without a home to fhield his head 
 From the rude world's inclement ftorms, 
 From poverty in direft forms ; 
 His children fcatter'd and diflrefs'd, 
 Their worth neglected— hopes deprefs'd ; 
 To honor born— in affluence bred, 
 Behold them now— each blefling fled : 
 
 They cannot beg a noble race 
 
 Remember'd, flufh the pallid face; 
 They every fentiment refine, 
 And, victims of regret, they pine ; 
 The fole diftinction they can boaft, 
 Is, that they have not virtue loft, 
 Ye Great ! in fortune's favour high, 
 Vouchfafe to bend a pitying eye ! 
 Should e'er this family be known, 
 Or on your goodnefs e'er be thrown, 
 
 Be
 
 [ 7i ] 
 
 Be kind— protcft a parent's age, 
 
 In his defence, ye good, engage ! 
 
 Survey his mild perfuading form, 
 
 And fave his guiltlefs groupe from harm. 
 
 Ye highly placed, fupreme in power, 
 
 Should ye e'er find a vacant hour, 
 
 Oh ! deign this little tale to read, 
 
 Your hearts will for a ibldier plead ; 
 
 And then of adamantine foul, 
 
 Whom jujiice never could controul, 
 
 Shouldfl thou this little fable fcan, 
 
 And conlcience cry Cf thou art the max,' 
 
 Receive the warning offer'd here, 
 
 A daughter pleads, and Heaven will hear : 
 
 But thou to whom thefe lines I fend, 
 
 Thou Jirft of mortals — firmed friend, 
 
 Thefe fad, fad truths fo often heared, 
 
 Thy heart hath pitied — bounty cheared ; 
 
 Thy mercy was the kindly ray, 
 
 The ftar that chear'd the gloomy way ; 
 
 Still deign thy gracious aid to lend, 
 
 Thy powerful influence extend ; 
 
 Supported by thy liberal hand, 
 
 Thefe lines will all I wifh command : 
 
 Oh ! thou lov'd excellence revered, 
 
 So lionor'd, and where known endeared j 
 
 J-ong
 
 i i* ] 
 
 Long may thy virtues mend the mind* 
 And blefs the hours, of human kind j 
 Then, when this dream of life is o'er, 
 Thy fame mail bloom for ever more, 
 And gratitude with pride proclaim 
 The worth that graced a C y's no"mc. 
 
 F I N I S.
 
 
 U( j SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 
 
 31 9 
 
 A A 000 079 
 
 
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 f 72 ] 
 
 "Long may thy virtues mend the mind, 
 And biefs the hours, of human kind • 
 Then, when this dream of life is o'er' 
 Thy fame mall bloom for ever more' 
 And gratitude with pride proclaim 
 Hie worth ehat graced a C~ 4 -y' s n , me .) 
 
 
 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY 
 
 Los Angeles 
 This book is DUE on the last date stamped below.
 
 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 
 
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