I 
 
 
 n 
 
 n 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 1 

 
 THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES

 
 CLARA CHESTER; 
 
 A POEM.
 
 EDINBURGH : 
 
 PRINTED HY OLIVER «t BOYD, 
 
 HIGH STREET.
 
 CLARA CHESTER; 
 
 A POEM. 
 
 BY THE AUTHOR OF 
 
 " ROME," AND " THE VALE OF CHAMOUNI. 
 
 The world was sad, the garden was a wild. 
 And man, the hermit, sigh'd till woman smiled. 
 
 PLEASURES OF HOPE. 
 
 She was fair 
 
 As Poets picture Hebe, or the spring ; 
 Graceful withal, as if each limb were cast 
 In that ideal mould whence Raphael drew 
 His Galatea. 
 
 EDINBURGH, 
 
 PUBLISHED BY 
 
 OLIVER & BOYD, TWEEDDALE-COURT ; 
 AND G. & W. B. WHITTAKER, LONDON. 
 
 1823.
 
 
 DEDICATION. 
 
 When the eyes of youth and beauty explore with de- 
 light the memorials of Roman splendour, and maternal 
 love dwells with rapture on the dawning graces of those 
 far dearer objects, a blooming offspring, it can hardly 
 be expected that a lady, thus agreeably occupied, should 
 waste an hour in perusing the journal of a rambling 
 soldier : but as it was composed principally for the pur- 
 pose of suggesting some improvement in the system of 
 female education, in which that affectionate mother feels 
 so deep an interest, to whom can it be so properly in- 
 scribed as to her, who has reared those tender blossoms 
 from the bud — whose heart, superior to the temptations 
 of fashionable indolence, was too pure to trust the pre- 
 cious flowers to the nurture of a foreign bosom ; and 
 who has traversed the Alps and Appenincs, undaunted 
 
 817348
 
 vii DEDICATION. 
 
 by fatigue and danger, to invigorate their delicate frames 
 with health from the breezy mountain, and enrich their 
 minds with taste and science on the classic shores of 
 Italy ? 
 
 Impressed with these sentiments, the Author takes 
 the liberty of dedicating this last effort of his muse 
 
 TO 
 
 Mrs WRAY PALLISER.
 
 ERRATA. 
 
 For Page Line Read 
 
 Millenium, 5, 10, millennium. 
 
 Confituses, 18, 23, confitures. 
 
 Picture, 27, 28, pictured. 
 
 Lustre, 44, 271, lustres. 
 
 Proud, 87, 1494, pruned. 
 
 Trafficers, 109, 405, traffickers. 
 
 ToUage, 118, 671, taUage. 
 
 Hilloa, 140, 1309, holla. 
 
 Bloted, 149, 1572, bloated. 
 
 Commence, 167, 227, commenced. 
 
 Rhind, 192, 964, rind. 
 
 MUlenium, 242, 2368, millennium.
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 " Vive la joie ! Vive la bagatelle !'' I like a merry 
 preface ; it sounds like a joyous proclamation, announc- 
 ing peace and plenty (sometimes the forerunners of 
 poverty and starvation), or a chime of wedding bells, 
 ringing in the neighbours' ears the blissful anticipations 
 of the marriage morn, which but too often end in dis- 
 appointment and sorrow, A lively preface puts the 
 reader in good humour with the writer, and tickles his 
 palate like a goute of oysters before a French dinner. 
 I love the bright side of the world, and feel contented 
 with the splendour of the glorious sun, without peering 
 at his spots through a smoked glass. Every situation 
 in life can aiford enjoyment to those who take the 
 trouble of seeking for it. So little does human hap- 
 piness depend on external appearances, that I never 
 felt, before or since, such an exhilaration of spirits, as
 
 2 PREFACE. 
 
 when wading breast-higli through a South American 
 swamp, with aquatic birds whirring from the rushes ; 
 or reposing at night on the cold clover, with a knap- 
 sack for my pillow ; depending on the Lasso men for 
 daily food, the flesh and soup of an ox, which was kill- 
 ed, cooked and eaten in twenty minutes ; and in con- 
 tinual danger of being noosed by the Ladrones, who 
 watched with an angler''s patience for an opportu- 
 nity to fling their eel-skin snares round the neck of a 
 strago-ling soldier. In those wild regions we fancied 
 the Trojan age revived, when kings and heroes officiat- 
 ed as their own cooks. It was a scene of military ro- 
 mance, brilliant at the moment, but now more pleasing 
 when viewed through the softening mist of time. Old 
 times have ever been the subject of agreeable contem- 
 plation, and afford enjoyments more tranquil than the 
 brightest pleasures of hope ; but, alas ! these old times 
 were the days of youth and health, when all the world 
 Avas " couleur de rose ;"" it is the sweet power of me- 
 mory, which, like the departed sun, throws splendour 
 over the evening landscape ; and I feel now a charm in 
 the recollection of past fatigues and dangers, and of 
 those indescribable emotions which I felt, when first 
 standing on the shore of the Western world. In the 
 year 1807 it was my fortune to be employed in the 
 disastrous expedition to Buenos Ayres ; and though at
 
 PREFACE. 3 
 
 that period I had Utile idea of appearing before the 
 public in the character of an author, I took notes of the 
 first impressions made on my imagination by the new 
 and wonderful objects of the land and waves ; and it 
 has since often struck me with surprise that not one of 
 our thousand living poets has chosen them as the sub- 
 ject of his illustrations. It is a field worthy of a Byron : 
 how his noble genius would expand on those illimitable 
 Pampas, a sea of verdure without a shore ! How his 
 splendid language would paint, with the reality of a 
 picture, the majestic repose of the tropical landscape, 
 disturbed only by the rolling of subterraneous thunder ! 
 I see him, in imagination, standing on the shore of the 
 Caraccas, during one of those dreadful visitations, when, 
 according to his own sublime description, 
 
 " The mountains tremble, and the birds 
 Plunge in the clouds for refuge, and withdraw 
 From their down-toppling nests ; and bellowing herds 
 Stumble o'er heaving plains." 
 
 I see his eagle eye pursuing the flight of the condor, 
 till he becomes invisible above the flames of blazing 
 Cotopaxi ; or tracing the fire of the forest, that rolls 
 like a sea of blood over the crackling pine trees. In 
 those neglected regions every object is original, and 
 every appearance of nature sublime. The Peon, with 
 a silver spur on his naked heel, urges his flying steed
 
 4 PREFACE. 
 
 across the boundless meadow ; or breaks through a wall 
 composed of the horns of cattle, whose flesh is consider- 
 ed worthless from its abundance. Mares are used as 
 fuel, and lime is burned with the bones, and even flesh 
 of sheep and oxen. Packs of wild dogs fill the vault of 
 night with their howling, and millions of cattle and 
 horses range the savannah, obstructed only by the rich- 
 ness of the clover. The voyage and operations of the 
 troops, as far as the calamitous assault of Buenos 
 Ayres, I have composed from notes written on the spot. 
 It was not my good fortune to advance farther into 
 that interesting country, as we were allowed but two 
 months to evacuate Monte Video. I have therefore in- 
 troduced a few passages, illustrative of South Ameri- 
 can scenery, from the works of that enterprising tra- 
 veller, De Humboldt, whose stupendous intellect em- 
 braced the whole circle of arts and sciences, and who 
 united in his person all the various talents and acquire- 
 ments, which have raised individuals to the summit of 
 literary fame. Linking myself with De Humboldt, I 
 feel like a barnacle, that arrives safe in harbour, by 
 cleaving to the side of a majestic argosy. 
 
 To connect these scenes with the web of an agreeable 
 story is the object of the present effort. A poem purely 
 descriptive seldom fails to excite a sensation of ennui, 
 however meritorious the execution. To do justice to
 
 PREFACE. 5 
 
 the twofold object would require the charming facility 
 of narration, exemplified in the beautiful story of 
 " Gertrude of Wyoming/' the accomplished author of 
 which is by far too sparing of the treasures from his 
 rich and inexhaustible mines of genius. My kind 
 readers, however, will take the will for the deed ; and 
 I particularly solicit the indulgence of that gentle sex, 
 to whose fame and praise these humble pages are de- 
 voted. All charming as they are, I anticipate a more 
 glorious era, and look forward to a female millenium, 
 when women and angels will become synonimous terms. 
 It has long been a favourite maxim with me, that do- 
 mestic duties, fashionable accomplishments and heroic 
 fortitude, are all strictly compatible, and may without 
 inconsistency adorn the same character ; that a woman 
 may combine the useful with the agreeable, and possess 
 all the mild graces of her sex, with the spirit of an 
 Amazon. The history of nations, proverbial for levity, 
 has shewn invincible courage united to the purest con- 
 jugal affection, and exhibited to an admiring Avorld 
 the fair martyr, who, finding all her exertions unavail- 
 ing to save a beloved husband, has followed him to 
 the scaffold, and volunteered to share his death with 
 all the spirit and devotion of an Indian sacrifice. But 
 there are minor touches which still seem wanting to 
 complete the lovely picture. Tliose were golden
 
 6 PREFACE. 
 
 days when the daughter of a king thought it no dis- 
 grace to draw water at a well ; and in later times our 
 prudent ancestors pronounced a young girl unfit to 
 enter the married state till she was able to spin her 
 household linen. No event has caused such a revolu- 
 tion in society as the improvement in female education. 
 A century since, the fingers of ovir fair countrywomen 
 were employed in pickling and embroidery, while their 
 heads were little more than " a bulbous excrescence 
 between the shoulders.'' The consequence was, that 
 the rougher sex, finding their company mere mental 
 starvation, paid their court to the bottle, and a party 
 in the country resembled more one of the Bacchanalian 
 orgies than a feast of rational beings. We are now 
 in danger of running into the opposite extreme ; for 
 though it is impossible to cultivate the female under- 
 standing too highly, some attention should be paid to 
 those minor duties, without which woman is as useless 
 as a piece of ornamental china on her chimney-piece. 
 There are some, who devote their days and nights to 
 music, though nature has blest them with no better 
 voice than an owl ; they substitute mechanical skill for 
 natural taste, like Malliardet's Automaton, and where 
 we look for expression, they give us quavers. One of 
 these fair quavcrers treated me to such a succession of 
 trillos one winter's evening, that she threw me into a
 
 PREFACE. 7 
 
 fit of the shaking ague. There arc others afflicted 
 with the dancing mania, who, without paying attention 
 to either time or figure, literally swim along, being 
 drest in damp gowns, that cling tight to their bodies, 
 and shew the form to greater advantage ; and there are 
 pretenders to learning, who may be called walking- 
 indexes, and seldom dive deeper than the title-page. 
 One of these blue-stocking monsters, who despise all 
 domestic knowledge, after partaking plentifully of 
 vermicelli soup, inquired if it was made of fiddle- 
 strings. To cure this real or affected ignorance should 
 be the object of female instruction. For my part, I 
 believe women to be capable of any thing ; what 
 productions of wit, learning, and spirit, are lost to the 
 world from their defective education. We may judge 
 of their capacity from the brilliant effusions, that reflect 
 such honour on the sex, from the sweet harmony of a 
 Tighe to the eagle grasp of De Stael. All married 
 men will bear witness to their powers of oratory, and, 
 though a bachelor, I cheerfully subscribe to their 
 verdict. Pope Joan governed Imperial Rome as well 
 as any male successor of St Peter ; Semiramis, Boa- 
 dicea, and Elizabeth, have proved how kingdoms may 
 be ruled by a petticoat. What lawyer can state a 
 case, right or wrong, with the persevering eloquence of 
 woman ? Who so fit for a senior wrangler ? And what
 
 8 PREFACE. 
 
 a saving in time there would be in Chancery, if the 
 bench were occupied by a female, who would decide a 
 suit without hearing it ! The distinction of sex is un- 
 known among angels ; but there is one question that 
 sets the matter at rest : Notwithstanding all the miseries 
 which we suffer from these dear tormenting creatures, 
 how should we come into the world without them ? 
 
 There is one class of females for whom I feelja 
 peculiar interest, namely, the respectable society of 
 Old Maids, that Hortus Siccus of departed flowers, 
 many of whom preserve their virtues and agreeable 
 fragrance when the roses of youth are withered. But 
 dreary, indeed, is an old maiden's winter, when her 
 spring has past without cultivation, her summer with- 
 out blossoms, her autumn without fruit ; and she stands 
 solitary on the blasted plain with a crown of snow and 
 a heart of thorns ! These anomalous beings form a 
 distinct class in the animal kingdom, and are perhaps 
 the only creatures in it tliat enjoy real independence ; 
 they have neither hopes nor fears ; a surly husband 
 and a squalling child are to them matters of merri- 
 ment ; they are the civilest of beings, and feel grateful 
 for attentions, which are doubly welcome from their 
 scarcity. When oppressed by the contemptuous frowns 
 of scornful beauty, I always take shelter by the side of 
 an old maid, as I would liy a laurel-trcc in a thunder
 
 PREFACE. 9 
 
 storm, and am sure to meet with kindness and protec- 
 tion ; and I would recommend it strongly to my young 
 female acquaintances to consider seriously, before they 
 cast a smile of contempt on my worthy and antiquated 
 friends, that it is very possible in the revolution of 
 time they may become members of that highly respect- 
 able sisterhood. I mention this (en passant) as a good- 
 natured hint ; because I have known many, who antici- 
 pated the possession of some goose with a golden egg, 
 which proved as fabulous as that of Esop. 
 
 As some of my readers may like variety, I shall treat 
 them to a dramatic scene. My aunt Deborah is a 
 very good woman, but sometimes unreasonable. Jack 
 Hornet is a worthy fellow, but a cynical old bachelor, 
 fond of stinging the ladies, in revenge perhaps for 
 disappointed love. They both peeped into my study 
 the other morning. Jack's dry face peering over my 
 aunt's shoulder ; when perceiving a pen extended 
 between my finger and thumb, and my eyes fixed 
 on the ceiling, the worthy lady addressed me as fol- 
 lows : — 
 
 Aunt. — Ah ! nephew — at the old work, still scrib- 
 bling, while your tea is getting cold ; will experience 
 never teach you wisdom ? The critics say that your 
 " Rome"" is a dull enumeration of stones and brick- 
 bats, and that your " Vale of Chamouni'" set all their
 
 10 PREFACE. 
 
 tongues dangling like icicles. I hope your next will be 
 something better. 
 
 Autlior. — Their tongues were truly frozen, for some 
 of them paid me but cold compliments ; but I hope to 
 be on more friendly terms with them when we become 
 better acquainted. While the critics reposed on feathers, 
 I lay on a cold swamp, drenched with rain, having 
 passed the day without food, and with little prospect 
 of a breakfast on the morrow. I was sorry to find that 
 some, for whose opinion I entertain a high respect, 
 misunderstood my expressions. I never said a word 
 against candid criticism, but, on the contrary, asserted 
 that I honoured it ; and surely a philippic against 
 illiberal criticism cannot be considered a censure on 
 fair discussion ; as well might the " Tartuffe" be 
 called a satire on religion, whereas it is merely an 
 exposure of hypocrisy. 
 
 Jack. — I have heard that those cynics are particu- 
 larly severe on gentlemen of your profession. 
 
 Aidhor. — From the learned and the wise we are sure 
 of meeting with liberality and indulgence ; but there 
 are small dabblers in criticism, who pounce on a poor 
 officer, landing on his native shore, with his manuscript 
 under his arm, and mangle him as ravens tear the body 
 of a drowned mariner. Every little slip of the pen or 
 grammatical error they lay hold of, and bottle up for
 
 PREFACE. 11 
 
 exhibition like an abortion in vinegar. One of those 
 creatures, having imputed to me sentiments which I 
 never uttered, and bad grammar, the offspring of his 
 own, or his printer's ignorance, crowned all by asserting 
 that I appeared before the public " in forma pau- 
 peris.'' I was as much amused at this as Lord Byron, 
 when accused of taking a fee for writing puffs for 
 Warren's blacking. The editor of the ephemeral 
 work, to which I allude, should take a lesson of li- 
 berality from the New Monthly Magazine, that most 
 respectable of periodical publications, in which an au- 
 thor is certain of finding his compositions criticised 
 in the spirit of candour and the language of a gentle- 
 man. 
 
 Aunt. — You get warm, nephew. 
 
 Author. — True, madam, but not on my own ac- 
 count. I. write for my amusement ; not unambitious 
 of a little fame, and without the silly vanity of reject- 
 ing a sheaf of the golden harvest, should I stumble on 
 it at the foot of Parnassus. That pitiful scribbler can 
 do me no injury; and it is probable his small journal 
 has already passed away with the flies of summer, as 
 I never heard of its existence before or since. My 
 indignation was roused by the unmanly attacks on 
 female authors, of whom I knew nothing but from 
 their works ; and I consider myself professionally
 
 12 PREFACE. 
 
 bound to draw either pen or sword in defence of lovely 
 unprotected woman. 
 
 Aunt. — Bravo ! my bold champion. I never saw a 
 critic, but always had an idea that he was a tall, bony, 
 bilious man of fifty -five, with a black wig, bent brows, 
 sharp nose and double .spectacles. You are a desperate 
 man to speak your mind so freely to those dark in- 
 quisitors. But, as I said before, I hope your new 
 poem will be something better than yovir last. 
 
 Author. — I see, my dear aunt, that you echo the 
 sentiments of an unreasonable public. Do they sup- 
 pose that an author''s brain is like a pedlar's pack, from 
 the stores of which he can produce Spital-fields lace 
 to-day and Brussels to-morrow .'' Must every writer 
 possess the rich fluency of Moore, who scatters his 
 treasures with careless prodigality, like the mantle of 
 Prince Esterhazy, from which every elbow shakes a 
 shower of brilliants ? No, my dear madam ; we, poets, 
 are " the creatures of the elements,"" and must depend 
 on the weather for inspiration. On a fine May morning 
 (befoic the ladies come down stairs) I pledge myself 
 to write verses that will force you to smile either at my 
 wit or folly ; but in dark December, when the cranium 
 is damped by a cloudy atmosphere, my poetical nerves 
 are like wet fiddle-strings, from which the bow of a 
 Yaniewicz could extract no harmony.
 
 PREFACE. 13 
 
 Jack. — And so, by way of invoking the muse^ your 
 eyes were fixed on the ceihng : trust me, you may 
 cast your eyes for many a day on an Irish ceihng, and 
 find nothing there but cobwebs, which, after all, are 
 spun with more ingenuity than the plots of some of 
 your modern dramatists ; a spider*'s tail is more proli- 
 fic than a poet's head. 
 
 Author. — My dear Jack, nothing short of a gun- 
 powder plot can afford sufficient excitement to gratify 
 the taste of the present age. The public are become 
 bilious from luxuriating in the high seasoning of By- 
 ronian cookery, and have lost all relish for simple diet; 
 and the inexhaustible talent of the Scottish novelist 
 has brought the Caledonian slang so much into fashion, 
 that our ears are no longer sensible to the beauties of 
 plain English. But when the literary world is deluged 
 by a flood of immorality, why should I not cast my 
 pebble into the stream ? And if numbers would unite 
 in the sacred cause, though the stone of the stripling- 
 be too weak to hurl the Goliah to the ground, he may 
 feel encouragement from the ancient proverb, " Gutta 
 cavat lapidem, non vi, sed saepe cadendo." 
 
 We now adjourned to breakfast, and the good lady 
 attacked me on another subject. " Nephew,'' said she, 
 " let me ask you for the hundredth time, why don't 
 you marry .^'"
 
 14 PREFACE. 
 
 Author. — Becciuse, my tlear aunt, I never met with 
 my beau ideal. 
 
 Aunt. — Your beau whom .'' I really thought that a 
 beau was a man. 
 
 Author. — True, madam ; a simple beau is, or ought 
 to be, a man ; but a beau ideal is of the feminine 
 gender, a sort of imaginary piece of perfection, that 
 exists only in the poet''s fancy. We have no word in 
 our simple language to express this visionary being, 
 and are forced to borrow a phrase from our old ene- 
 mies, the French, though you know we can beat them 
 at every thing but expression. To realize this vision 
 of the brain, I have in contemplation a character, which 
 I shall introduce by the name of Clara Chester, com- 
 bining the opposite qualities of useful and agreeable, 
 and resembling one of those beautiful flowers, which 
 the botanists call " Monsters."" 
 
 Jack. — Your plan is impracticable ; there are but 
 two descriptions of women in the world, the one useful, 
 the other ornamental ; like the real and artificial pipes 
 of an organ, the latter of which are finely gilded, 
 highly polished and good for nothing ; while the 
 former, which produce all the harmony, lie unseen, or 
 are visible only to the fool that blows the bellows. 
 
 Author — I maintain that my plot is a good plot, 
 and take this opportunity of acquainting my female
 
 PREFACE. ]5 
 
 friends, that when I meet with a correct copy of this 
 fair original, I will marry her; that is, provided she 
 will have me. Such a character is not altogether a 
 poet's dream. This very moi'ning the living portrait 
 stood before me. A Rousseau's pen — a Titian's pen- 
 cil would fail in attempting to delineate the features of 
 her mind or person ; in every situation new, in every 
 one enchanting ; on a vernal morn attired in her blue 
 habit, seated gracefully on her light Arabian, with her 
 black veil floating on the breeze, the roses of youth, 
 health, and pleasure, blooming on her cheeks, vivacity 
 and sweetness in her eyes — in the evening drest in 
 vestal white, moving with the step of Venus in the 
 dance, drawing magical sounds from the piano, or 
 breathing music from her coral lips — and still more 
 charming on the Sabbath morn, surrounded by the 
 children of the neighbouring peasantry, and instruct- 
 ing their infant minds in the precepts of our holy re- 
 ligion. And thus she moves through life like a noble 
 river, that flows along in pride and beauty, refreshing- 
 fruits and flowers with its salutary waters, bearing 
 wealth and civilization to distant shores, and reflectino- 
 from its pure bosom the glories of heaven. 
 
 JacTi. — You are mounted on your Pegasus, and cut 
 so high a caper, that you have lost sight of the real 
 character of w^onian ; that strange animal is like a reel
 
 16 PREFACE. 
 
 in a bottle, wliich is sufticiently transparent to prove 
 the contents a mysterious puzzle. I have studied the 
 creature long and deeply without success, and if ever I 
 discover the enigma, I pledge myself to rush into the 
 street like Archimedes, drest or undrest, and proclaim 
 to the whole world " I have found it, I have found it." 
 The truth is, we must take these agreeable mixtures of 
 sweets and bitters as we find them ; those who seek for 
 perfection are like the adventurers, that went in search 
 of " El Dorado," and, instead of a gilded king, dis- 
 covered a troop of naked savages, perfumed with aro- 
 matic oils, and spangled with mica?. Both men and 
 women are better in a state of celibacy ; when joined 
 in matrimony, they are like the unatural combination 
 of venison and currant jelly, where two good things 
 spoil each other. A woman is like a polypus ; you may 
 clip her, and nip her, and turn her inside out like a 
 glove, and she will start up in some new attitude ; and 
 I verily believe that if you lopped off' her tongue, a 
 new member, equally sharp and polished, would spring 
 instanter from the root. 
 
 Atctho?: — And yet tliese slender creatures contrive 
 to incarcerate us with links, either imperceptible, or loo 
 precious to be broken ; and man, the Brobdingnagian 
 of the world, <inds himself chained to the earth by the
 
 PREFACE. 17 
 
 threads of Lilliputians. Woman is Nature's last and 
 fairest work — the paragon of her labour ; she created 
 man like a lonely pillar in the desert, solitary and help- 
 less with all his majesty and strength, till lovely wo- 
 man came like the graceful capital, and crowned the 
 column with beauty. 
 
 Jack.-—1 hope this fair lady will not be a blue-stock- 
 ing — a female Mendoza, who stops her antagonists 
 mouth with a quarto, or brains him with a folio ; for 
 we are of late so bitten with the literary mania, that I 
 expect shortly to hear of my groom writing sonnets to 
 his currycomb. 
 
 Author. — Learned she shall certainly be; for true 
 learning is always accompanied by modesty ; but there 
 are pretenders to it, who, swelled up by self-conceit, 
 like the young flying-fish, soar out of their native ele- 
 ment, and continue fluttering till they are swallowed 
 by an albatross. 
 
 Aunt. — I hope your heroine will not be too proud to 
 act occasionally as her own milliner. 
 
 Author, — The ornamental parts of dress she shall 
 make assuredly with her own fair hands ; and such is 
 the rapidity of fashion's revolutions, that she may 
 change her frills and trimmings agreeably to the exist- 
 ing mode. Nay, I will go farther — but how shall I ex- 
 press myself.? I will even allow her to cicatrize those 
 
 B
 
 18 PREFACE. 
 
 interesting wounds, which time, or the relentless thorn, 
 may have inflicted on the silken veils of beauty's tender 
 pedestals. 
 
 JacTc. — Ha ! ha ! ha ! I actually beUeve that Mon- 
 sieur le Poete means to say she must mend a hole in 
 her stocking. 
 
 Author. — Shocking ! shocking ! 
 ^wn^.— .Well — as for externals, they are matters of 
 secondary consideration ; the passion for dress is in- 
 herent in our nature ; and the heart of woman still 
 pants for beads and trinkets, from the tattooed savage 
 of Otaheite to the Dutchess at Almack's ; but there is 
 another point of more consequence ; she must positive- 
 ly possess some skill in cookery. 
 
 Author. — She shall be both a cook and a doctor ; 
 with respect to cookery, I mean of course the orna- 
 mental part of the science. Though I am no epicure, 
 I really think that a table, arranged with neatness and 
 taste, reflects much credit on the understanding of the 
 fair hostess ; and that some previous acquaintance with 
 the art is necessary to enable her to give orders to her 
 confectioner. I shall therefore dabble her pretty fingers 
 in .some little tiny kickshaws, such as " confituses au 
 citron,'"' conserve de fleurs d'orange, " petits biscuits," 
 " glaces aux framboises," or spun sugar. 
 
 I have ail old nurse, called Norry Notable, one of
 
 PREFACE. 19 
 
 those affectionate creatures who take hberties unknown 
 to our more pohshed neighbours of the east; and, 
 above all characters, prize a man who has written a 
 printed book. The poor Irish possess intellect, though 
 some wise legislators would class them with wild beasts ; 
 and as the worthy dame attended us at breakfast, she 
 seemed deeply interested in the subject of our conver- 
 sation, giving occasionally an assenting nod ; but when 
 I came to the raspberry ice and spun sugar, she lost all 
 patience. 
 
 Nurse. — Fiddle-de-dee ! froth and sillabub ! your 
 wife must study the solids ; she must pot herrings — 
 pickle mushrooms — fry pancakes, and prepare minced- 
 meat for Christmas pies. The lossit must be her throne, 
 and the rolling-pin her sceptre. There is no situation, 
 in which the mistress of a family appears so respectable, 
 as when, dressed in a dowlas apron, she moulds a sub- 
 stantial pudding, up to her elbows in paste and puffing 
 dust like a miller. 
 
 Jack. — Break her in at once ; on the very day of my 
 marriage, my bride shall scald a pig, and broil the tail 
 of it for her wedding-dinner. Domestic discipline is as 
 necessary in a house as subordination in an army. I 
 have a stick, that supported me on the ashes of Mount 
 Vesuvius, and I promise my pretty wife that she shall 
 often feel the warmth of it on her tender shoulders,
 
 20 PREFACE. 
 
 particularly if I see her blade bones exposed to the 
 waist ; and if she dare to daub her fair cheeks with 
 rouge, I will scrape it off with a carder. 
 
 Autlwr. — We know, my dear Jack, that this is all 
 love in disguise, and that, like a good-natured spaniel, 
 the worse you are treated by those fair tyrants, the 
 more you fawn upon them. You would form a better 
 opinion of the lovely sex, had you participated in the 
 charming society at Villa Nuova, where the stranger is 
 sure of enjoying the pure pleasures of refined conversa- 
 tion, polished wit, and elegant hospitality. 
 
 Jack. — Well — well — there is no rule without an excej)- 
 tion ; but your female readers will expect a little touch of 
 sentiment — something to excite their tender sympathies, 
 and give them an appearance of amiable sensibility in 
 the eyes of their lovers. 
 
 Author. — I would do any thing to please the ladies, 
 but fear that heroic sentiment is beyond my sphere. 
 I knew not, till lately, that a goose was subject to the 
 gout, or a chicken to the cpiinsy. I never saw a thrush 
 fall from a window-stool, nor shed tears over an expir- 
 ing tomtit : but I have encountered perils by land and 
 sea, and now make an humble attempt to describe what 
 has fallen under my personal observation. I fear, 
 however, that my poem will never become fashionable ; 
 for I write a plain, straight-forward narrative, without
 
 PREFACE. 21 
 
 either dwarf, dumby, witch, or fool, to season my simple 
 story. I shall introduce but two female characters — a 
 white woman and a black one, both of whom ai'e copied 
 from nature, though the portraits arc a mere shadow of 
 the lovely originals. In prose there might be some 
 chance of succeeding; but how am I to put all this 
 into rhyme ? Like Bonaparte's destin, some strange fa- 
 tality whirls me along in the train of the Muses ; for I 
 was born with such a passion for metrical composition, 
 that, were I condemned to undergo the solemn ceremony 
 of marriage, I verily believe I could scarcely refrain 
 from scribbling; verses on that awful occasion. But 
 rhyme is the chevaux-de-frise that impedes my heroic 
 march ; if my line end with " wife," the wicked Muse 
 offers me " strife" — for " young," tongue ;" for " old," 
 " scold ;" and for " marriage," " miscarriage." The 
 critics find fault with my rhymes, and seem to think 
 that a poor poet should strike a tuning key on his 
 elbow, and cock it to his ear, before he ventures on a 
 couplet. Must I sacrifice my best passages for a jingle, 
 like the crow in the fable, that dropped his food in 
 attempting to sing ? 
 
 Maudit soit le premier, dont la verve insensee 
 
 Dans les bornes d'un vers renfcrma la penspc, 
 
 Et dormant a scs mots une etroite prison 
 
 Voulut avec la rime enchaincr la raison. — Boileau. 
 
 These nervous lines of the French satirist awoke the
 
 22 PREFACE. 
 
 dormant Muse, and to the surprise of my Aunt De- 
 borah, and my testy friend Jack Hornet, I spouted, 
 extemporaneously, the following stanzas. 
 
 THE BARD IN DISTRESS. 
 
 What tyrant first in servile chains 
 The bard's aspiring pinions bound. 
 And screw'd his wild, impassion'd strains 
 With rivets to the sordid ground ? 
 
 Perhaps some stripling crost in love. 
 Who, roving round the convent's cell. 
 Invented jingling rhymes to move 
 The bosom of the captive belle, 
 
 Who, leaning from the lattice bar. 
 Drank deep the moonlight serenade. 
 As Florio tuned his sweet gviitar 
 To charm the Lusitanian maid. 
 
 Pei'haps some wand'ring JMuleteer 
 
 By Tejo's pure, romantic stream. 
 
 Who sought with tinkling chimes to cheer 
 
 The spirit of his droAvsy team. 
 
 Tight strapt and buckled up in rhymes, 
 With pain my laboiu'ed verses flow. 
 Like languid flowers of foreign climes. 
 When frost forbids the gem to blow. 
 
 Rhyme's like a Calvinistic boot. 
 
 Whose squeezing measure sorely pinches.
 
 PREFACE. 23 
 
 Which causes bitter pain to shoot. 
 And cramps the tortur'd feet to inches. 
 
 'Tis like the jailor's iron hand. 
 That shuts the light of cheerful day. 
 Or block of ice, or bank of sand. 
 That checks the towering vessel's way. 
 
 'Tis like the stocks that bind the feet, 
 The pillory that pains the head. 
 The " cul de sac" that ends the street, 
 Or torment of Procrustes' bed. 
 
 'Tis like a dam, whose folding gate 
 Obstructs the flow of mountain streams ; 
 A night-mare crushing with its weight 
 The splendour of poetic dreams. 
 
 This rhyming spell the muse o'erwhelms ; 
 Her ear is stunn'd, her eye is blind ; 
 Suppose I seek through British realms 
 The spirit of a luaster mind, 
 
 To guide the helm of nations fit. 
 Nor let the state's protectors rob it ; 
 Plain sense would point to Fox or Pitt, 
 But rhyme perversely answers C 1.* 
 
 * The French scholar need scarcely be infoniied, that this is a feeble 
 imitation of the witty lines of Boileau on the same subject : 
 
 Si je veux d'lm galant depeindre la figure, 
 Ma plume pour rimer trouve I'abbo de Pure ; 
 Si je pense exprimer un Autcur sans defaut, 
 La Raison dit Virgile, et la Rime Quinaut.
 
 24 PREFACE. 
 
 Or one to guard a kingdom's weal. 
 Palladium of our sacred Isle, 
 Reason says Liverpool or Peel, 
 But rhyme, the jester, cries C e. 
 
 The mighty bards of ancient times 
 Unfetter'd pour'd the copious song. 
 And scorn'd the aid of feeble rhymes 
 To tow their foaming barks along. 
 
 Those masters, rich in fancy's fires. 
 Drew tones from music's sweetest cells. 
 Nor need their deep, harmonious lyres 
 The jingle of poetic bells. 
 
 But we, poor poetasters, puzzled 
 
 To realize some gorgeous dream. 
 
 Feel like the brute with nose-bag muzzled. 
 
 That sighs to taste the dulcet stream. 
 
 How sweet the unbound minstrel sings. 
 How free the wings of fancy play. 
 Light as the captiv'^e's hand that flings 
 On dungeon stones his chains away ! 
 
 I, like distracted Romeo, tear 
 My locks, and like a maniac rave. 
 Yet find, when lost my wits and hair, 
 " The measure of an early grave." 
 
 Then why thus creep like wretched mite. 
 Whose spacious world's a cheese of Stilton r 
 Burst forth, and try a daring flight 
 On plumes of Thomson, Young, or JMilton.
 
 PREFACE. 25 
 
 Blank verse ! I hate the chilling sound ; 
 Long years I toil'd in martial ranks 
 To seize a golden prize, but found 
 My hopes and tickets turn vip blanks. 
 
 While some are deck'd in stars and crosses. 
 Who neither spun, nor toil'd, nor bled, 
 I reap'd', for all my pains and losses. 
 The honour of — a broken head. 
 
 What little wits I had slipp'd out ; 
 My pate's confused — these verses shew it. 
 And prove beyond dispute or doubt 
 The man of war a crack-brained poet. 
 
 I once had thoughts of writing prose 
 In flowing language, rich and mellow ; 
 But critics vow'd I'd make them dose. 
 And call'd me but a prosing fellow. 
 
 I'd rove o'er mountains, rocks, or valleys. 
 To find some new-born rhyme or measure. 
 Or toil like convicts at the galleys 
 To give my gentle readers pleasure. 
 
 The days are gone, when poets drank 
 Nectar from great Apollo's daughters ; 
 One cup of sherry's worth a tank 
 Of sweet Castalia's crystal waters. 
 
 The bards of old, to swell the strain. 
 The Muses' wat'ry fountain quaff'dj 
 Give me a bowl of bright Champagne ; 
 Rich wine's the true composing draught.
 
 26 PREFACE. 
 
 I tried the springs of Buxton, Bath, 
 Of INIalvern, Harrowgate, and JMallow ; 
 They drained my body to a lath. 
 And left my purse and cranium shallow. 
 
 But, rich or poor, still youth or age 
 Shall ne'er condemn one vicious line. 
 Nor curse the poet's wanton page. 
 That cast one cloud on virtue's shrine. 
 
 Should painful tears from beauty's eyes 
 Warm down the cheek of crimson roll. 
 Or shame's indignant blushes rise. 
 Fling to the flames the worthless scroll. 
 
 I envy not those lips, tliat breathe 
 O'er vice the sweets of orient bowers. 
 And mask the dark design beneath. 
 Like chimney-sweepers drest in flowers. 
 
 I curb my champing barb too tight ; 
 Fly, my bold steed, and scour the plain ; 
 Dash with the foaming torrent's might. 
 With hoofs of fire and flowing rein. 
 
 When disposed for a gallop, how gaily the bard 
 Slakes his thirst at Castalia's inspiriting fountains. 
 And springs with the life of tlie light-footed pard. 
 When pursuing his prey on the Ethiop mountains ! 
 
 High bounding and prancing he clatters along. 
 Gives a spur to the dunces, a smile to the lasses ; 
 Cheers the dull with his humour, the sad with a song. 
 And cuts at the critics, that grin as he passes.
 
 PREFACE. 27 
 
 At this pace how delightful and easy to slide, 
 To chatter and gossip like glib Caleb Quotem, 
 And to flirt with the Muse^ as I'd play with a bride. 
 With a whirligig, shuttle-cock, top, or teetotum ! 
 
 This measure is sweet, when the heart-stirring plume 
 Of a Moore, stored with passionate eloquence, showers 
 The sparkles of genius, and fresh-breathing bloom. 
 On his goblets of nectar and roseate bowers. 
 
 But the bard, who presumes on his pitiful reed 
 To ape the proud tones of Anacreon's lyre. 
 May count on a fling from his turbulent steed. 
 With a roll from Olympus to sink in the mire. 
 
 " Low ! low" — cry the dons of the critical press — 
 The Cynics ! I knew the last line would enrage 'em ; 
 They smile with contempt at the poet's distress. 
 Nor consider " Necessitas non habet legem." 
 
 For a rhyme to sweet Italy's language I fly. 
 When the lingo of Britain bewilders me " molto ;" 
 Suppose, for experiment's sake, I should try 
 My hand at the liberal " Verso Sciolto." 
 
 '* Romantic chivalry ! thy age is past ; 
 
 Time was, when thousands of avenging swords 
 
 Would from their sheaths have leapt, to save from harm 
 
 One hair of royal beauty." — Thus I cried 
 
 Indignant, in the warm, emphatic words 
 
 Of Ireland's Cicero, when, tired with all 
 
 The pomp of proud Versailles, one summer's eve 
 
 I wandered from the picture gallery. 
 
 The splendid terrace, and the jet that spouts
 
 28 PREFACE. 
 
 Cold from the marble dolphin, to those scenes 
 
 Of rural beauty, where the martyr'd queen. 
 
 Fair Antoinette, to peaceful shades retired 
 
 From all the brilliance of imperial courts ; 
 
 And in the boAvers of lovely Trianon 
 
 Tasted that pure enjoyment of the heart 
 
 So foreign to a throne. The little bai-k. 
 
 Which once iier delicate hands in sport directed. 
 
 Still floated on the bosom of the lake ; 
 
 The rustic cottage too in evening's beam 
 
 Still bloom'd with all its tender plants and flowers. 
 
 The fair creation of her gentle hand. 
 
 Oh, land of courtesy ! the princely seat 
 
 Of cultured elegance, and all those arts. 
 
 That o'er the toilsome path of rugged life 
 
 Strew fragrance, like the primrose on the rock ! 
 
 What cloud obscured thy sun ? What demon's hand 
 
 Has torn the tender veil, the mystic zone. 
 
 And those pure feelings of celestial stamp. 
 
 That link us to immortals, rudely rent, 
 
 Shatter'd the holy pedestal of peace. 
 
 And placed a sanguinary Moloch there ? 
 
 Thus I exclaimed, as, wrapt in solemn thouglit, 
 
 And roving through that wilderness of flowers, 
 
 I traced in shady walk, or green alcove. 
 
 Each sad memorial of a murdered queen. 
 
 Amidst the various monuments, that taste 
 And playful fancy with luxuriant hand 
 Had scatter'd through the groves, was one in style 
 And form pre-eminent — The Tomb of Love ! 
 Ingenious satire of a witty race. 
 Oh ! say, when blue-eyed INIercy rose to Heaven, 
 Did that sweet boy on downy jiinions fly.
 
 PREFACE. 29 
 
 Scared by the horrors of a bleeding land ? 
 
 Has anarchy mown down with sweeping scythe 
 
 The blooming ornaments of polish'd life. 
 
 And left a sad and lonely desert there ? 
 
 'Tis true, in fickle France, where words and thouglits 
 
 Float on the surface of a careless heart. 
 
 We seldom find the precious pearl beneath : 
 
 La politesse and courtly gallantly. 
 
 La Bienseance — douceur — folic — usurp 
 
 The holy name of Love : the rooted passion. 
 
 Built on the rock of friendship and esteem. 
 
 Ne'er flourish'd yet in fluctuating Gaul. 
 
 In British Isles that lovely plant is found 
 
 Firm as the steadfast oak, and breathing fresh 
 
 As vernal sweets ; nor blooms that flower alone 
 
 In jasmine arbours, or in myrtle groves. 
 
 The camp, all bright with sunny arms, the sea 
 
 Lash'd by the wintry storm, the rustic shed 
 
 Of hardy forester — have felt the power 
 
 Of all-subduing love. No swain I sing 
 
 Stretch'd in the towering elm's reviving shade : 
 
 No Strephon blubbers o'er a babbling stream, 
 
 Nor flings a wither'd rose-leaf to the wind. 
 
 No Lindamira, with a heaving heart 
 
 Full of sweet sentiment and wild romance. 
 
 Pours her imagined sorrows to the moon. 
 
 I sing a British seaman's manly love. 
 
 Pure as the bosom of unruffled waves. 
 
 And vivid as the rolling cannon's fire — 
 
 Of one, who ne'er to mortal bent the knee. 
 
 Till conquer'd by the gentle Clara's charms. 
 
 She, nurtured in the martial tent, imbibed 
 
 The hero's spirit ; yet in scenes of peace 
 
 No fawn, that sports along the dewy glade,
 
 30 PREFACE. 
 
 E'er moved with sweeter grace : when trials came. 
 Her fortitude, like valiant hearts in battle. 
 Rose with the storm ; but when the peril pass'd. 
 Subsided like the waves, the tempest o'er. 
 When evening gleams on ocean's glassy breast. 
 And Heav'n's pure image trembles on the deep. 
 
 In vain, alas ! on tottering stilts I stand 
 To raise my stature to that glorious band. 
 Whose laurels wave eternal and sublime. 
 Triumphant o'er the wreck of space and time. 
 That style, whose charm to lasting fame aspires, 
 Whose flow no music's melting close requires, 
 Demands a theme by Milton's pencil traced, 
 Sustain'd by genius, and chastised by taste. 
 No native powers my labouring bosom fill 
 To scale with inborn strength the mighty hill. 
 In youth's gay morn I trod the martial plain. 
 And march'd erect to music's lofty strain ; 
 The roll of thundering drum and cannon's fire 
 Drown'd lovely Poesy's impassion'd lyre. 
 To catch one smile from that bewitching maid 
 I fly to Rhyme's invigorating aid. 
 Tread with bewilder'd step enchanted ground. 
 And fill the vacant halls of sense with sound.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 BOOK I.
 
 CONTENTS OF BOOK I. 
 
 Address to Woman — A Veteran and his Daughter — Female Accomplish- 
 ments — Vicissitudes of Fortune — Death of a young and beautiful 
 Woman — A Prison — A liberal Jew — Cottage on the Banks of Avon — 
 A farming Soldier — Use and Ornament combined — The Ecilian Harp 
 — A Water Spaniel — Power of ]\Iusic — Farewell to Rural Life — Fleet 
 at St Helen's — Ships under Sail — ]\Iarlow Sidney — La Politesse Fran- 
 (joise — Definition of true Politeness — Sunset in the Tropics contrasted 
 with an English Evening — A Sailor in Love — Proposal — Phosphoric 
 Light on the Waves — Dramatic Readings — Jovial Companions — 
 Monkland — Evans — Colton — Hart — Sea Song.
 
 ————— Oh ! I have stood 
 Beside thee through the beating storms of life 
 With the true heart of unrepining love. 
 As the poor peasant's mate doth cheerily. 
 In the parch'd vineyjird, or the harvest-held, 
 Bearing her part, sustain with him tlie heat 
 And burden of the day. Siegf of Valencia.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 BOOK I. 
 
 Woman ! thou sweetest source of mortal bliss, 
 
 From the pure pressure of the mother's kiss, 
 
 That welcomes to the light her darling boy, 
 
 Through life's vicissitudes, through pain and joy, 
 
 Man's only treasure, solace and delight. 
 
 The beauteous star that gilds his wintry night, 
 
 Till o'er the tomb the shades of cypress wave. 
 
 And thy soft tears bedew his lonely grave — 
 
 What words shall paint thee, or what pencil's power 
 
 Can sketch one feature of that lovely hour, 10 
 
 When, blooming like the morn, the virgin stands, 
 
 Sweet, trembling victim, while the sacred bands 
 
 Of Hymen faithful hearts and hands enclose 
 
 In fragrant twine, as woodbine clasps the rose ? 
 
 Oh charm of wedded love ! the mystic wreath. 
 
 That shades the thorns of life with flowers, beneath 
 
 Whose beauteous garlands flow the gentle tides 
 
 Of tranquil and domestic joy, as glides
 
 36 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Some noble stream, in pride of svninner drest, 
 
 The water-lily floating on its breast. 20 
 
 Bereft of thee, no charm can wealth afford 
 
 To misers gloating o''er the glittering hoard ; 
 
 Nor can the king his lonely sorrow drown 
 
 In cups of gold beneath the blazing crown. 
 
 Thy presence adds fresh plumes to pleasure"'s wing, 
 
 And from pale woe extracts the venom'd sting — 
 
 The brightest gem where courtly splendour shines, 
 
 A cherub at the couch where sickness pines : 
 
 When rack'd with pain the babe implores for rest 
 
 What opiate sooths him like the mother''s breast .'' 30 
 
 When health returns, that sweet maternal eye 
 
 Reflects the glance of mutual ecstasy. 
 
 Nor, Adam, thee could Eden's joys inspire, 
 
 (Of all this breathing world primeval sire.) 
 
 Sad was thy lot, though flowers perennial crownM 
 
 Thy peaceful arbours, and the lulling sound 
 
 Of warbling nightingales from bush and tree 
 
 Charni'd thee with nature's purest melody. 
 
 Thy days in cheerless solitude were past. 
 
 Each pensive hour an echo of the last, 40 
 
 Hopeless and desolate thy morning rose. 
 
 And tears of anguish fell at evening's close ; 
 
 The brightest rose of Paradise was pale 
 
 Till woman bless'd thee ; and tlie balmy gale. 
 
 That bore luxurious fraorance on its wings. 
 
 The liquid murmurs of pellucid springs. 
 
 And sweet nocturnal music from the grove, 
 
 Were tasteless all, till crown'd by woman's love.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 37 
 
 Nor yet in brightest bloom and lustre shines 
 The world's fair paragon, when marriage twines 50 
 The holy wreath — a charm more soft and dear 
 Attends on filial piety : the tear 
 That flows from beauty at a father's pain, 
 The mantling cheek when Fortune smiles again. 
 More graceful seem than jewels that adorn 
 The queen of empires on her bridal morn. 
 List to a tale, in humble verse arrayM, 
 The simple story of an artless maid, 
 Whose feelings, thoughts, and deeds and passions, prove 
 The bright pre-eminence of filial love. CO 
 
 In that green valley, where the lucid stream 
 Of Avon glitters to the morning beam. 
 The Vale of Evesham, rich in all the stores 
 That Nature's hand in sweet profusion pours. 
 An aged warrior dwelt — his noble form. 
 Like the proud oak that struggles with the storm. 
 Shattered, but not subdued, still tower'd serene, 
 The glorious monarch of the sylvan scene. 
 But hostile swords, on many a hard-fought day, 
 Had scarr'd his manly breast ; his youthful May 70 
 Had pass'd with all its flowers ; and winter now, 
 Cold winter, lower'd upon his sadden'd brow 
 In all the mournful shapes of sickness, age, 
 And unrewarded merit : honoiu-'s staji'c 
 To him was closed ; he sigh'd a last farewell. 
 As o'er tlic scene of hojje the sable curtain fell.
 
 38 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 And few more painful objects claim our tears 
 Than this, the gallant officer, whose years 
 Were spent in martial toil ; whose youthful eyes 
 Beheld the glittering star of glory rise 80 
 
 Bright, cheering promise of a splendid eve ; 
 But saw the faithless hand of Fortune weave 
 Her golden garlands for some favoured brow, 
 Meed of the parasite"'s obsequious bow 
 And ceaseless importunity ; while pride. 
 That noble scorn, to modest worth allied. 
 Indignant shrank, return''d the idle blade. 
 And sigh''d unseen beneath the laurel's shade. 
 
 Still to the world by one dear object bound. 
 By Avon's stream the slighted soldier found 90 
 
 That solitude can yield unruffled charms, 
 Unfelt amidst the thundering clash of arms. 
 A richer boon than Fortune's golden showers, 
 One lovely daugher cheer'd his lonely hours. 
 Like some sweet star amidst nocturnal gloom, 
 An Iris in the storm, a rose-bud on the tomb. 
 
 Pale was young Clara's mild, bewitching face, 
 A field where Titian's glowing hand might trace 
 The lovely passions : when the painted wing 
 Of Hojie on dove-like pinions told a spring 100 
 
 Of blooming joys when wintry winds were past ; 
 When from the princely porcli the menial cast 
 The famish'd orphan ; or a tale of woe 
 Bade the pure fountains of the feelings flow.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 39 
 
 And stirr'd with touch, beyond the leeches' art, 
 
 Those deep, mysterious blood-springs of the heart — 
 
 Oh ! then — not Vesper's rosy beams, that light 
 
 The tropic waves, e'er shone so sweet and bright 
 
 As Clara's tender cheeks ; the holy calm 
 
 Return'd when Pity pour'd her soothing balm, 110 
 
 Like Ocean's smile when thund'ring tempest cease, 
 
 The shining surface of a soul of peace. 
 
 Brown was her glossy hair, of that soft hue 
 
 That Autumn's rich and golden fingers strew 
 
 Amidst the falling beech-leaves ; gently rose 
 
 Her forehead, like the swell of Alpine snows, 
 
 When the white mountain glistens to the day, 
 
 And Zephyr sweeps the curtain'd clouds away. 
 
 Her clear blue eyes, the mirrors of her heart, 
 
 Seem'd from each crystal surface to impart 120 
 
 Her inmost soul, and each sweet image gave 
 
 Distinct and pure as Leman's azure wave. 
 
 In Hagley's shady groves the dappled fawn 
 
 Ne'er trod with lighter step the dewy lawn. 
 
 Her airy form, resplendent and serene. 
 
 Moved with the lightness of the Paphian Queen, 
 
 When from her pious son the goddess flew, 
 
 Nor from the glittering herbage swept the dew ; 
 
 Those charms divine, that mortal robes conccal'd, 
 
 The step of graceful dignity reveal'd. 130 
 
 When her white teeth through lips of crimson gleam'd. 
 
 Parted by chaste, enchanting smiles, they seem'd 
 
 The kernels of the cherry; but the flow 
 
 Of her melodious voice, so soft and low,
 
 40 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Sank to the bosom like the distant fall 
 
 Of Terni's waters, when the golden ball 
 
 Of day sinks gently on blue Ocean's breast, 
 
 And sooths the stormy passions all to rest. 
 
 Not all the fire of fascinating eyes, 
 
 Nor teeth of lucid pearl, nor magic dyes, 140 
 
 That paint with tints of Heaven the lips and cheek. 
 
 To me with such warm eloquence can speak. 
 
 As that sweet tone, whose melting notes impart 
 
 Music of other worlds, the echo of the heart. 
 
 Within so pure a temple lay enshrined 
 
 A brighter gem, the jewel of her mind. 
 
 She was not cast in beauty's lifeless mould, 
 
 A statue fair, inanimate and cold, 
 
 Sprung from a Parian quarry, for the knees 
 
 Of connoisseurs to bend to — such may please 150 
 
 The purblind critic ; Clara's glowing form 
 
 Bespoke the soul within — a bosom warm 
 
 With holy charity — a tongue to pour 
 
 Peace on the breast that want or sorrow tore — 
 
 A gentle hand to raise the bruised reed. 
 
 And with the cup of joy the pining widow feed. 
 
 Such is the slight contour, the picture faint. 
 The bard's presumptuous pencil seeks to paint 
 Of Clara Chester, that endearing maid. 
 Who now retiring to Misfortiuie's shade, 160 
 
 To filial love her thoughts and feelings gave. 
 And sniootird a jiarent's passage to the grave.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 41 
 
 First on the Belgian plains she saw the light : 
 
 Amidst the tumvilt of disastrous flight 
 
 That tender flower a fainting mother bore, 
 
 And perishM on the field ; the awful roar 
 
 Of dread artillery and hostile cheers 
 
 First thunder'd in the helpless infant's ears. 
 
 No sweet maternal voice, nor downy breast, 
 
 Luird at life's stormy dawn the babe to rest. 170 
 
 Her father seized her with his trembling arm. 
 
 And bore the smiling Cherub, like a charm. 
 
 Safe through the bleeding ranks : in vain the soimd 
 
 Of rushing squadrons shakes the echoing ground ; 
 
 The voice of Nature still is felt to tower. 
 
 And pierce the bosom with triumphant power. 
 
 With pity's pulse the coldest heart to move. 
 
 And clear a passage for paternal love. 
 
 E'er since that awful morn, the father's care 
 Was centred in his child ; with her to share 1 80 
 
 Those treasures won by years of pain and toil, 
 Became his sole delight : the genial soil, 
 Enrich'd by nature, and improved by art, 
 With flowers and fragrance cheer'd the parent's heart. 
 Preceptors, skill'd in philosophic lore, 
 In depths of science and in classic ore. 
 He sought, and bade the polish'd image shine, 
 As springs the statue from the Parian mine. 
 The sightless bards of Greece and Albion poured 
 Their spirit in her soul : her fancy soared 190
 
 42 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 To regions where immortal Genius reigns, 
 Wrapt in the tempest of their lofty strains. 
 The language of Hesperia's golden clime, 
 The " Faithful Swain" and Tasso's song sublime, 
 Flowed from her tonoue familiar as the sound 
 First utter'd by her infant lips : the ground, 
 That mighty Shakspeare trod, to her was dear 
 As Mecca to the pilgrim : to her ear 
 The glorious melody, that rolls along 
 His page, was sweeter than the night-bird'^s song. 200 
 With those endowments of the cultured mind- 
 Were art's enchanting ornaments combined. 
 That shine like plumes above the warrior''s helm, 
 Or woodbine blossoms round the giant elm. 
 She from the solemn harp or thrilling wire 
 Drew magic tones, that like electric fire 
 Pierced through the heart : her feeling fingers drew 
 Each flower that sparkles in the morning dew 
 With touch so delicate, such graceful ease, 
 It seem"'d to flutter in the passing breeze. 210 
 
 With airy feet she wove the light quadrille ; 
 The fairy forms, that on the moon-light hill 
 Mingle in frolic dance, ne'er press'd the blade 
 With more elastic step ; and when arrayed 
 In robes of brightest azure for the chase. 
 She sat so sweetly, with such modest grace, 
 As o'er the fields her light Arabian flew. 
 She seem'd some flower that wanton zephyr blew 
 Swift o'er the sunny meadows : nor to these 
 Accomplishments and courtlv forms that ])lcase 220
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 43 
 
 The modish world were Clara's thoughts confined; 
 
 Domestic arts employed her active mind, 
 
 That sterling ore with outward polish blent, 
 
 And scoru'd the gloss of useless ornament. 
 
 And smile not, Fashion's slaves, whose worthless hours 
 
 Are past on downy Ottomans, in bowers 
 
 Of sloth luxurious, or the midnight ball, 
 
 O'er which Ennui expands her drowsy pall, 
 
 To hear that Clara's slender fingers bore 
 
 The stain of fruit, and from the garden's store 230 
 
 Cull'd the ripe peach, the cherry, and the pear, 
 
 While she, delighted, saw a father share 
 
 The food ambrosial. From the dulcet stream 
 
 Rose the light foam of pure, delicious cream. 
 
 She made refreshing salads, cool and sweet. 
 
 From tender lettuce and the scarlet beet. 
 
 Her taper hands prepared the snowy grain 
 
 Of rice, or threads from India's juicy cane, 
 
 Mellow and clear, as autumn's evening sun. 
 
 In corbels, spires or fairy castles spun. 240 
 
 Light as the leaves that vernal zephyrs blow, 
 
 She wove patisserie from virgin snow. 
 
 From the green berry purest wine she press'd. 
 
 And brimm'd the cup to cheer the evening guest ; 
 
 Nor could Tocay's imperial grape surpass 
 
 The luscious mead that sparkled in the glass. 
 
 Inventive elegance these stores displayed. 
 
 And temper'd flowery light with pleasing shade ; 
 
 Bright glow'd the fruits, with pink and rose })erfumcd. 
 
 Till on the board a mimic garden bloomed. 250
 
 44 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Though skilful thus in each domestic art, 
 
 A nobler impulse moved the virgin's heart. 
 
 As the rich capital with beauty crowns 
 
 The Parian column — as the rock, that frowns 
 
 In stern magnificence o'er Ocean's breast. 
 
 Bears sweetest flowers vipon its lofty crest ; 
 
 So Clara's bright accomplishments and grace 
 
 Rested on piety's immortal base. 
 
 That pedestal, that 'midst the blazing pyre 
 
 Shall stand serene when worlds are wrapt in fire. 260 
 
 Her life was practical — not idly spent 
 In speculation, nor with self-content 
 In fancied excellence, the lowly born 
 Humbling to dust with supercilious scorn. 
 She loved to share the treasures of her mind, 
 To pour the soul's effulgence on the blind. 
 To clear the mist of ignorance away, 
 And lead the faithless Pagan to the day. 
 Not in the courtly hall, with jewels bright, 
 Whose calm and native splendour dims the light 270 
 Of sparkling lustre — nor with plumes and flowers 
 Adorn'd, like gardens bathed in vernal showers — 
 Nor wafted by the courser's flying feet. 
 Shines youthful beauty with a charm so sweet, 
 As in pure charity's celestial cause 
 Em])loyed — explaining those eternal laws. 
 Framed in the spirit of Almighty love 
 To o'liidc frail moilals lo the reahns above.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 45 
 
 Lovely shone Clara on the Sabbath morn, 
 
 Above the scoifer's smile, or fashion's scorn, 280 
 
 Surrounded by her young and rustic train. 
 
 The little cottagers that tilPd the plain 
 
 Round her paternal mansion ; while the maid. 
 
 Patient, and with angelic smiles displayed 
 
 Those stores of wisdom, which the sacred page 
 
 Unfolds — the star of youth — the staff of age. 
 
 She seemM like Ceres on the barren field. 
 
 When first she taught the savage hand to wield 
 
 Those implements that tame the stubborn soil ; 
 
 With persevering industry and toil 290 
 
 To fell the giant forest — to invest 
 
 With waving gold the mountain''s stony breast, 
 
 Transform the dens of horrid brutes to bowers. 
 
 And spread a briery wilderness with flowers. 
 
 She was not one of that presuming sect, 
 PamperM with ghostly pride — the self-elect, 
 That trade in Heaven's monopoly — reject 
 As outcasts — renegades from mercy's throne 
 All castes, whose tenets differ from their own, 
 To Paradise exclusively aspire, 300 
 
 And brand their brethren with eternal fire. 
 She was a Christian — such as ancient days 
 Beheld, when shining with immortal rays 
 Derived from Heav'n, the blest apostles came, 
 The messengers of peace. With holy flame 
 Her breast was warni'd : like woodbine round the oak, 
 Tender and graceful, every act bespoke
 
 46 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Heroic spirit, joined to manners mikl, 
 
 A martyr's zeal, the meekness of a child. 
 
 Her works were built on faith, as fruit succeeds 310 
 
 The lovely blossom — as the dewy meads, 
 
 Where mingled grass and flowers luxuriant .shine, 
 
 Yield health and nurture to the roving kine. 
 
 Prepared for heav'n by deeds of virtue here, 
 
 She wove round all within her humble sphere 
 
 Those sacred links, that prince and beggar bind. 
 
 Peace, love, and charity to all mankind. 
 
 Seasons rolPd on — each fleeting hoiu* that passed 
 Disclosed some beauty brighter than the last, 
 Like dawning day : the father's bosom heaved 320 
 With silent joy ; nor yet his love believed 
 That dream of transient bliss could pass away. 
 But soon his wasted revenue's decay 
 Proclaim'd the sweet and splendid vision o'er : 
 Remorseless creditors besieged his door ; 
 With iron hand they stripji'd the pictured wall ; 
 The breathing sculpture from the courtly hall. 
 The harp, that echoed to her thrilling lay, 
 Her books and lyre became the vulture's prey. 
 The gorgeous equipage, the noble steed, 330 
 
 The doves her gentle hand was wont to feed, 
 The flowers she nourish'd with refreshing dew — 
 All — all were seized — her loved Arabian too, 
 Far from his well-known fields in triumph led, 
 Enrich'd the tyrant's spoils ; yet Clara shed
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 47 
 
 No unavailing tears ; her soul was calm ; 
 
 Trust in all-gracious Heav'n a soothing balm 
 
 Pour'd in her heart ; but when with felon grasp 
 
 They seized her noble sire, as serpents clasp 
 
 The lion in their folds, the tears repressed 340 
 
 In torrents bathed her palpitating breast. 
 
 Then from her tender hands the rings she tore, 
 
 The bracelets that her sainted mother wore, 
 
 When the meek pastor bless'd the blooming bride — 
 
 Those little ornaments that harmless pride 
 
 For Clara, yet unborn, a parent wove. 
 
 The dear memorials of maternal love — 
 
 She gave them all — the reptiles grasp'd the prize. 
 
 Yet mocked her beating breast and streaming eyes ; 
 
 Cold-bosom'd Avarice can smile at pain, 350 
 
 While age implores, and beauty kneels in vain. 
 
 And thus the goods of fickle Fortune fly 
 
 Like April clouds across the changeful sky, 
 
 Nor can the jewelPd crown, nor rosy bloom 
 
 Of youth escape the vmiversal doom. 
 
 Oh ! transitory world — Oh ! fleeting hovu" 
 Of beauty's prime, that like the virgin flower 
 Peeps from the wintry bosom of the vale. 
 Born but to smile, and perish in the gale ! 
 Oft in the glittering ball, where nimble feet 360 
 
 Flew like a feathery shower of mountain sleet. 
 And circling groups appeared, in fancy's dream, 
 A wreath of roses floatino- on the stream ;
 
 48 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 In pensive mood I marked the current fly, 
 
 Health on the cheek, and rapture in the eye, 
 
 And shed amidst that festive scene a tear, 
 
 To think perhaps within one Httle year 
 
 Cer some sweet form the dismal grass shall wave, 
 
 And careless childhood dance upon her grave. 
 
 The charms of youth and sparkling beauty pass 370 
 
 Like leaves that glitter on the frosted glass. 
 
 How sweetly pure on cool December''s morn 
 
 Those tender webs the flowery pane adorn ! 
 
 The swallow's bosom, glancing to the light, 
 
 Ne''er shew'd a plume more delicate and bright ; 
 
 Such careless elegance ! Such matchless grace ! 
 
 Not Flora''s light and rosy hand can trace 
 
 More lovely forms — but mark the glowing sun 
 
 Beam on the film by fairy fingers spun ; 
 
 The spell dissolves, the charming di-eam is oVn-, 380 
 
 And winter"'s pictured garden blooms no more. 
 
 Snatch'd prematurely from this mortal scene, 
 
 As the scythe lays the blossom on the green, 
 
 One victim of remorseless death impressed 
 
 The solemn truth more deeply in my breast. 
 
 Each Sabbath morn, when bells with mellow sound 
 
 Invite the Christian to that holy ground, 
 
 Where the broad branches of the lime-tree bend 
 
 O'er the lost parent, sister, child or friend, 
 
 I pause in sorrow at one silent tomb, 390 
 
 That shrouds the wreck of beauty's faded bloom. 
 
 She, who beneath that mound of chilly clay 
 
 Now sleeps, was once the gayest of the gay :
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 19 
 
 Her sylph-like form, as light as zephyr's wing 
 
 Bounded to joy with life's elastic spring. 
 
 Whene'er she came, the tear of sadness flew 
 
 Chased by her smile, like sunshine on the dew : 
 
 She loved the merry dance, and sparkled there 
 
 UnrivalPd 'midst the graceful and the fair : 
 
 She wedded — but the peal had scarcely rung 400 
 
 Joy to the old, and promise to the young, 
 
 When pale disease insidious stole unseen 
 
 Like the cold mildew on the waving green, 
 
 And the sweet splendour of the nuptial rose 
 
 Was shortly doom'd in wintry death to close. 
 
 Now moans the wind amidst the rustling weeds. 
 
 And at each gust the wand'ring fancy leads 
 
 From pleasure's halls, where once she shone so bright. 
 
 To that low cell beneath, where, quench'd in night, 
 
 And free from mortal hopes and earthly pain, 410 
 
 Repose the last remains of sprightly Jane. 
 
 And, next to death, the spirit bends to thee, 
 The warrior's victor, dread captivity ! 
 The pond'rous key, the fetter's chilling sound, 
 Level the bravest bosom to the ground. 
 Hard is the trial, when the prison door 
 Grates on its horrid hinges to the core 
 Of youth's high-throbbing heart ; when bolts and chains 
 Ring through the cold, damp gallery, and strains 
 Of mirth fictitious from a breast of care 420 
 
 Mingle with moans, and shrieks of mad despair. 
 
 D
 
 50 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Poor, weeping maid ! what agony was thine, 
 When from the rich saloon, wliere kistres shine 
 With rays that emulate the morning's beam, 
 From meads of fragrance and the warbling stream, 
 The dungeon's floor received thee, and the damp 
 Of naked walls, that to the flickering lamp 
 Gleam'd like the tears upon thy pallid cheek, 
 Chiird thy young bosom, and thy father, weak 
 And bent with misVy that subdues the brave, 430 
 
 No utterance to tortured feelings g-ave ! 
 His calm and silent sorrow pierced thy heart 
 With deeper anguish than the Indian's dart. 
 
 All night upon the chilling stones she lay. 
 And watch'd his slumbers till the dawning day 
 Smiled through the prison bars : with spirits light 
 She rose ; for hope with visions pure and bright 
 Her solitary meditations fill'd ; she saw 
 The noble Chester on his couch of straw 
 Luird in the arms of kind oblivious sleep : 440 
 
 No time, thought Clara, now to watch and weep, 
 When duty calls, and vigour may restore 
 My sire to freedom : soon the grated door 
 She pass'd, and with the speed of eagles flew 
 To find some alley where the rav'nous Jew 
 Plied his dark trade ; a rich and brilliant wreath 
 Of purest gems, that lay conceaFd beneath 
 The modest lawn upon lier gentle breast. 
 Escaped the spoilei-'s hands ; and now she bless'd
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 51 
 
 Her faithless memory that saved the prize. 4-50 
 
 She told her plaintive story, while the eyes 
 
 Of avarice alternately were cast 
 
 On costly stones and beauty that surpassed 
 
 The priceless treasure : such the magic power 
 
 Of lovely innocence, that like the flower 
 
 That blooms on Alpine rocks, and sheds around 
 
 Delicious fragrance on the barren ground ; 
 
 Or like the splendour of the vernal beam 
 
 Piercing the surface of the frozen stream. 
 
 The coldest bosom feels the transient charm ; 460 
 
 Its cherub smile arrests the miser's arm. 
 
 And opes the griping hand of Mammon's slave. 
 
 His iron heart was melted, and he gave 
 
 With prodigality, and scarcely told 
 
 The ringing music of his cherish'd gold. 
 
 Light was her bosom, as with flying feet 
 Young Clara moved her mourning sire to greet 
 With joyful tidings : morn had just unseal'd 
 His lids, and with ungrateful beams reveaFd 
 The naked horrors of his lonely cell. 470 
 
 " Visions of glory, wealth, and peace, farewell !" 
 The vet'ran cried, — " Adieu the solemn roar 
 Of battle's thundering voice — these ears no more 
 Shall list with rapture to the clashing spear. 
 The rush of squadrons and triumphant cheer. 
 Spirit of Mars ! be still within my breast. 
 Nor break the solitary captive's rest. —
 
 52 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Clara ! thy hand, thy gentle hand to raise 
 
 These feeble limbs ; we still must kneel and praise 
 
 That gracious Power, whose will vuierring moves, 480 
 
 That Power, that chastens most whom most he loves." 
 
 He rose, and cast his anxious eyes around 
 
 The cold and dripping walls ; but when he found 
 
 Himself sole tenant of the mournful cave, 
 
 The hardy soldier, who on land and wave 
 
 Stood like a rock in peril's awful hour, 
 
 And bared his bosom to the leaden shower, 
 
 Burst into tears — " and must I weep alone ? 
 
 Has Clara too, the faithless Clara, flown ?" 
 
 " Oh ! no, my father,'" joyous Clara cried, 490 
 
 As with Hght step she hastened to his side ; 
 
 " I come to bear thee from the dungeon''s gloom 
 
 To blessed freedom ; from the dreary tomb, 
 
 Where cold and dark the lonely captive sighs, 
 
 To fields of fragrance and to clieerful skies : 
 
 For lo ! this dread and potent charm I bring, 
 
 This magic talisman, that opes the spring 
 
 Of nature in the miser's flinty breast. — 
 
 Immortal Gold ! the power that lulls to rest 
 
 The brain of vengeance — nerves tlie trcmbhng hand 
 
 For deeds of blood, when o'er the felon band 501 
 
 The stars of Heav'n with lurid splendour glare. 
 
 And conscience cries in vain ' Forbear, forbear !' 
 
 The spell, that breathes o'er age's wintrv snows 
 
 The bloom and charm of l)eauty"'s living rose. 
 
 Unbolts the bar, and breaks the captive's chain. 
 
 When justice pleads, and sorrow wee])s in vain.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 53 
 
 Come then, thou author of my hfe, oh ! haste 
 
 Beneath the bright and azure heaven to taste 
 
 That glorious freedom, which the bitter tear 510 
 
 Of sad captivity makes doubly dear." 
 
 She led him forth ; the breeze was fresh and sweet ; 
 
 The splendid sun's invigorating heat 
 
 Revived his bosom : now on every spray 
 
 The tuneful songsters pour'd their matin lay : 
 
 The cold, mute tenants of the sparkling stream 
 
 Sprang up, and glitter'd in the morning beam ; 
 
 All nature bloom'd as lovely and as bright 
 
 As Eden's groves in first-created light. 
 
 " Whither, my father,"" asked his gentle guide, 520 
 
 " Wilt thou retire ? To some sequestered side 
 
 Of lucid river, hill or shady wood. 
 
 To taste the charms of rural solitude ; 
 
 Or shall we in the city's dusty cloud 
 
 Conceal our sorrows 'midst the bustling crowd ? 
 
 To me alike were court or cottage dear, 
 
 Could Clara's love suppress a father's tear." 
 
 " Angel of peace ! the heartless town was made 
 
 For smiling courtiers : thee the silent glade 
 
 Best suits, which Nature's hand has softly drest 530 
 
 In flowers, pure emblems of thy guiltless breast. 
 
 Oh ! lead me to some sweet and tranquil scene, 
 
 Distant from faithless man, where pastures green 
 
 Yield to the browsing herd ambrosial food. 
 
 Where no proud creditor with clamours rude 
 
 Shall break our slumbers, nor the silent tear 
 
 Shall flow at cold compassion's venom'd sneer."
 
 54 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Long time they roved through jfield and flowery dell, 
 
 Till from the woods the lengthen'd shadows fell, 
 
 And beaming bright in evening's crimson close 540 
 
 High o''er the vale enchanting Malvern rose. 
 
 They scaled the hill with weak and weary feet, 
 
 And quaffd the stream whose waters bubbling sweet, 
 
 Pure as the fount on rich Sicilia's shore, 
 
 To health and joy the fainting frame restore. 
 
 Far as the eye could span the scene around. 
 
 They saw the Severn's lovely borders crown'd 
 
 With opulence and beauty ; golden grain 
 
 Waved on fair Worcestershire''s delicious plain ; 
 
 Beneath, green Hereford her orchards spread 550 
 
 Of yellow pears, and lusty apples, red 
 
 As rustic virgin's cheek : tlie verdure told 
 
 Where the clear stream of classic Avon roU'd, 
 
 And to the drooping flower and herbage gave 
 
 Refreshment from his sakitary wave. 
 
 On its green banks a charming cottage peep'd 
 
 Through wreaths of scarlet woodbine ; mowers reaped 
 
 Ripe grass and clover on the sunny lawn ; 
 
 Aloft the swift-plumed pigeon saiPd; the fawn. 
 
 Light as the breeze that o'er the meadow blew, 560 
 
 Scattered from blade and blossom glittering dew. 
 
 All seem'd the fair creation of a mind 
 
 Attuned to rvu'al elegance, refinetl 
 
 By cultured taste, and to the core imbued 
 
 With deepest love for sylvan solitude. 
 
 The daughter's eye discern'd, though unexprcst. 
 
 The wish that laboured in a father's breast,
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 55 
 
 Though Caution whispered in her ear " forbear, 
 
 Nor reap for present joy long years of care ;" 
 
 In vain cold, calculating Prudence strove 570 
 
 To check the fervid zeal of filial love ; 
 
 To see that being blest who gave her life — 
 
 To see him rescued from the jarring strife. 
 
 That like a tempest on the rocky shore 
 
 Rages, and steeps a battling world in gore. 
 
 Was all the maiden's wish ; " that cot shall be 
 
 Our haven from the wild tempestuous sea; 
 
 In that sweet bower thy future home behold, 
 
 If pride or avarice will bend to gold." 
 
 Ere the last beam of rosy Vesper fled, 580 
 
 Beneath the flowery vestibule was spread 
 A rural banquet, such as Eve prepared 
 To feast her heavenly guest ; and Chester shared 
 That inward joy, that makes the simplest home 
 Richer than palaces or Parian dome. 
 Clara's quick intellect and spirit bright 
 Ne'er slumber'd, but like Heaven's all-piercing light 
 Explored the deep recess with cheering ray. 
 And turn'd the mourner's wintry night to day. 
 The patron of those lands on foreign shores 590 
 
 Had breathed his last ; his young successor's stores 
 Wasted by negligence demanded aid 
 From present gold ; the proffer quickly made 
 With joy the heir accepted ; and that hour 
 Saw Clara mistress of the sylvan bower.
 
 56 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 In Chester's heart tranquiUity now reign'd ; 
 Protracted wishes leave, when once attainM, 
 A charm more lasting than the sudden fall 
 Of Fortune's favours. Now his copious stall, 
 Well primed with mellow corn, refreshing food COO 
 To steed and oxen gave : the fallow, rude 
 With rambling thorns, he plough'd, and spread the plain 
 With wurzel, vetch, and waves of rustling grain. 
 Nibbling the blade along the sloping field 
 Wandered in careless groups those flocks that yield 
 The soft Iberian fleece : the thirst of gold 
 Allured his heart ; and Chester now behold 
 A Farming Soldier, full of airy schemes. 
 Of projects wild and visionary dreams. 
 What pleased the father charmed the duteous maid ; 610 
 To all his plans she lent her cheerful aid ; 
 And now the lovely Pastorella, drest 
 In rustic bonnet and in simple vest, 
 When the lark warbled in the morning air. 
 To sweetest pastures led her fleecy care. 
 When genial summer pierced the thirsty soil, 
 And the ripe meadow claimed the reaper's toil, 
 With graceful arm th' indented rake she drew, 
 And spread the grass, all bright with balmy dew, 
 To drink the sunbeams — but the painful bee, 620 
 
 That buzz'd around in boding agony, 
 She spared, nor would for Cntsus' wealth molest 
 The golden stores of her ambrosial nest.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 57 
 
 Alas ! how soon the fairest prospects fade 
 In the proud city, or the lowly glade ! 
 Sorrows and joys in swift succession pass 
 Like rain and sunshine o'er the April grass ; 
 And see brave Chester's airy fabric stand 
 On the vain speculator's base of sand ! 
 The robber ranged his fenceless fields by night ; 630 
 His harvest perish'd in the mildew's blight ; 
 His barns to rat and weasel were a prey ; 
 Showers, thick descending, drench'd his new-mown hay ; 
 His reeking stacks were burnt ; the rapid tide 
 Swept his young crops ; his famished cattle died — 
 Sad warning to the brave, when trumpets cease. 
 And laurels droop beneath the sun of peace. 
 Who load their bosoms with the farmer's care. 
 And turn the sword of honour to a share ! 
 The dark-brow'd creditor, whose heart ne'er felt 640 
 One touch of mercy, though a daughter knelt 
 In tears the monster's kindness to implore, 
 Grasp'd the small remnant of their little store ; 
 And those, who feasted in their plenteous hall, 
 Now foremost came, and gloried in their fall: 
 They came like stormy petrels on the flood, 
 Or ravens brooding o'er the field of blood. 
 Death's heralds ! croaking in a direful strain 
 The last sad summons from the bed of pain. 
 Once more of all bereft, in deep despair 650 
 
 The soldier stood : he tore his silver hair, 
 And now too late deplored his visions wild, 
 That steeped in poverty his hapless child.
 
 58 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 But not so Clara — her prophetic eye 
 
 Could still some gleam amidst the storm descry ; 
 
 Calm Christian fortitude sustained her soul, 
 
 While one faint drop still linger''d in the bowl. 
 
 " Grieve not, my father ! brighter days will dawn ; 
 
 Though round our fate misfortune''s hand has drawn 
 
 The sable curtain, still to Heaven's high throne 660 
 
 We look for aid when mortal friends have flown, 
 
 And trust that Power, that from the winter's tomb 
 
 Bids the sweet violet and the primrose bloom. 
 
 Though stripped of all those shadowy joys, that please 
 
 The slaves and victims of luxurious ease, 
 
 The mind"'s tranquillity and blooming health 
 
 Flow best and purest from vmpurchased wealth, 
 
 And all that simple nature needs, the field, 
 
 The woolly flock, and cultured garden yield. 
 
 Our piunder''d cottage stands, a naked shed — 670 
 
 But Clara's hands shall glean the forest's bed, 
 
 And from the spoils of wintry storms prepare 
 
 The rustic table, and the willow chair. 
 
 Some tender lambs, that, sheltered in my bower, 
 
 Escaped the sweeping grasp of ruthless power, 
 
 I hear with bleating voice and mournful cry 
 
 Their mothers call, like helpless infancy : 
 
 When, nursed with care, their slender forms increase, 
 
 I'll weave soft raiment from their snowy fleece ; 
 
 Nor shall these mild and harmless creatures bleed 680 
 
 To yield a sanguinary feast : the seed 
 
 Of sweetest pulse, in nature's bosom cast. 
 
 Shall spring in pearly dew, a pure repast
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 59 
 
 Afford, and labour's hardy sinews clieer 
 
 With food still varying through the circling year." 
 
 Now Clara smiled to see on Chester's face 
 Soft tears of love the streams of sorrow chase ; 
 Her soothing words, like music's melting lay. 
 Sunk in his soul, and charm'd his grief away. 
 She tried each little, dear, ingenious art, 690 
 
 Best known, and only known, to woman's heart, 
 To cheer his lonely days ; the scanty food. 
 Which oft her solitary tears bedewed, 
 She varied so, and dress'd the little hoard. 
 It seem'd that wealth and plenty crown'd the board. 
 Her taste transform'd their cottage to a bower, 
 Worthy of Paradise ; each modest flower. 
 That paints sweet Worcestershire's enamell'd fields. 
 Each herb that Malvern's lovely mountain yields. 
 She train'd to decorate the lowly hall, TOO 
 
 Or spread their garlands on the trellis wall. 
 The daffodil, that braves the winter's cold, 
 Rear'd on the lawn its cup of living gold : 
 The silver snowdrop raised its cheerful head 
 Like hope that dawns on pain's distracted bed : 
 Around the porch the cherish'd woodbine hung 
 Bells of Ambrosia : breathing roses flung 
 Their fragrance to the winds : the violet lay 
 Unseen, like modest worth that shuns the day, 
 But sent delicious odour from the shade, 710 
 
 A pleasing picture of the blue-eyed maid.
 
 60 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Amidst her green- house, where the graceful stands 
 Bloom''d with the flowery spoils of foreign lands, 
 With Flora's rare and costly treasures stored, 
 The goldfinch and the sweet canary pourM 
 Their song melUfluous, and tasted there 
 The freedom of the pure and balmy air. 
 With ample space to spread the painted wing, 
 To woo their loves, to flutter, and to sing. 
 
 Her shell-house glitter'd like some fairy scene 720 
 Told in Arabian story ; marbles green 
 ]Mingled with crystal from the rocky caves. 
 Scollop and muscle polish''d by the waves. 
 Arranged with matchless taste, in splendour bright 
 As crowns imperial sparkled to the light ; 
 And round the rustic door a knotted tree, 
 T^vined by fantastic nature, wild and free, 
 Melodious when the wanton zephyrs blew. 
 With sylvan grace the fluttering branches threw. 
 
 " But whence such luxuries of fashion came .'''" 730 
 I hear the murmuring cntic's tongue exclaim, 
 " Presumptuous poverty's absurd pretence, 
 To ape the modes of high-born opulence !" 
 My answer's simple — little know the proud, 
 Who never pined beneath misfortune's cloud. 
 What stores inventive genius can command : 
 More rich resources from one slender hand. 
 Guided by taste and perseverance, flow, 
 Tlian wealth can grasp, or monarchs can bestow.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 61 
 
 Those bright acquirements, which in halcyon days 740 
 
 Wrung from pale Envy''s lips unwilling praise. 
 
 Put all her vain competitors to flight, 
 
 And fiird the candid bosom with delight. 
 
 Now in adversity's dark hour the maid 
 
 Produced, more brilliant from surrounding shade. 
 
 She scorn''d the pride, that will not bow the crest 
 
 To lighten anguish in a father's breast. 
 
 With cheerful labour for the public mart 
 
 Osier and rushes with ingenious art 
 
 She twined, and from the hop, and nettle's bed, 750 
 
 Spun fibres finer than the flaxen thread. 
 
 With playful smile she turned her humming wheel, 
 
 And blithely caroll'd to the whirling reel. 
 
 Jonquille and rose her graceful pencil drew ; 
 
 Swift through the lawn her nimble needle flew, 
 
 Creating blossoms on the field of snow 
 
 As if by magic wand — with passion's glow, 
 
 Warm as the bard inspired, she pour'd a strain 
 
 Vivid and sparkling from the virgin brain. 
 
 And set her lyric lays — the song — the glee— 760 
 
 With inborn taste to purest melody. 
 
 These various arts, with care and toil pursued, 
 
 Enrich'd with gold their dreary solitude. 
 
 How Clara's heart rejoiced when Chester smiled, 
 
 Cheer'd by the labours of his darling child, 
 
 With him the goods of bounteous Heaven to share, 
 
 And pay with soft return a father's care ; 
 
 To mark the soldier's pallid featui-es shine 
 
 Once more witli cups of renovating wine !
 
 62 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 And sweet to him to see his Clara bloom 770 
 
 In robes hght woven from her simple loom. 
 
 In neat and artlesss elegance attired, 
 
 Her cherub face and graceful limbs required 
 
 No mincing milliner's fantastic aid ; 
 
 By her own pure, ingenious hands arrayM, 
 
 Her fairy form in snow or azure moved, 
 
 Those tender colours that her father loved, 
 
 Bordered with mimic rose or primrose sweet. 
 
 Till Flora blushVl to view the fair deceit. 
 
 Chapeaux cle paUle she wove with airy grace, 780 
 
 Light as Livorno's boasted web ; and lace, 
 
 Transparent as the net of Indian fan. 
 
 Floating like filmy folds of Abrovan, 
 
 Whose slender links on blade or blossom lie 
 
 Clear, yet invisible to mortal eye. 
 
 In a small casement, where the lulling wind 
 Blew sweetly, where perennial roses twined 
 Their scarlet branches through the lattice bars, 
 Blushing amidst the fair, resplendent stars 
 Of fragrant jessamine, had Clara placed 790 
 
 That airy instrument, whose music chaste 
 And free from earth-born mixture, seems the soimd 
 Of warblinfT anjjels : when the leaves around 
 Heaved to the fluttering of the zephyr's wings, 
 Enchantino; 'twas to hear tiie breathine: strincfs. 
 The H(]uid murmurs, and the rising notes 
 Like the lark's morning melody, that floats 
 High in the clear blue heaven; till now the breeze 
 Rushes tumultuous, and the swell of seas
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 63 
 
 Appears far distant on the rocks to roar, 800 
 
 Or die in music on the moonhght shore. 
 
 What mortal voice can mingle with those strains ? 
 
 Cecilia"'s soul must revel in the veins 
 
 Of her, whose tongue accords with that sweet lyre, 
 
 Wanders with zephyr o'er the quivering wire, 
 
 Nor mars the bright illusion : from the well 
 
 Of music in the bosom — from the cell 
 
 Where Echo's wild and awful accents breathe 
 
 Like heavenly choirs, or mermaid's song beneath 
 
 The rolling sea, that spirit must proceed : 810 
 
 And such was Clara's soul — the tender seed, 
 
 Cherish'd within her breast by pity's showers. 
 
 Now rose and flourish'd in spontaneous flowers. 
 
 One eve, when all the peaceful vale was still, 
 
 And Luna's blush was dawning on the hill, 
 
 To chase a father's silent grief away. 
 
 She pour'd this wild and unpresuming lay. — 
 
 Spirit of air ! oh ! gently breathe 
 
 From chambers of the golden west. 
 
 Soft as the slumb'ring child beneath 820 
 
 The shelter of its mother's breast. 
 
 Float lightly as the willow leaves. 
 That o'er the crystal Avon fly, 
 Or web the flying spider weaves, 
 Scarce visible to mortal eye.
 
 64 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 But hark ! the fluttering breezes play 
 Still sprightlier on each filmy thread. 
 Clear as the lark's adoring lay, 
 When springing from his dewy bed. 
 
 Still rolls the stream ; my bosom feels 830 
 
 The strings a richer chorus yield, 
 Bright as the trumpet's lofty peals. 
 Harmonious on the martial field. 
 
 And louder yet the rushing lay 
 My heart with awful tremor fills. 
 Like thunder rolling far away 
 O'er echoing woods and cloudy hills. 
 
 And oft a single, tender note 
 
 Sounds harping in the stormy strife. 
 
 Like love, whose downy pinions float 840 
 
 Along the dusky waves of life. 
 
 It dies ! the zephyr's whirring wings 
 Have flown in mournful music past, 
 Leaving amidst the whispering strings 
 One strain — the sweetest and the last. 
 
 'Tis silence all — that viewless form 
 No longer weaves the magic spell — 
 Adieu ! thou genius of the storm — 
 Spirit of purest air, farewell !
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 65 
 
 The song had ceased ; the renovated sire, 850 
 
 Charni'd by the soothing voice and breathing lyre, 
 Clasp'd the sweet minstrel to his beating breast. 
 " Oh ! beyond all Imperial treasures blest," 
 He cried, " is this bright hour, when thus I fold 
 My Clara to this heart, which, faint and cold. 
 Warms to the spirit, and the cheering ray. 
 That pour a radiance on my setting day."" 
 
 There was no mortal witness to this scene 
 Of filial and paternal love : the screen, 
 That shades misfortune from the public view, 860 
 
 Shuts out the train of hollow friendship too. 
 Still there was one, though not of human form. 
 That ne'er forsook in shipwreck or in storm 
 His master's fortunes — Neptune still was kind ; 
 For gratitude in golden links can bind 
 The brute, when fawning friends perfidious fly, 
 And leave the exiled wanderer to die. 
 He was a noble spaniel of that breed, 
 Whose spirit bounds to dare the desp'rate deed, 
 From murder's gory arm the weak to save, 870 
 
 At home alike on earth or foaming wave. 
 Young Clara nursed him ere the cheerful light 
 Pierced the dark curtains of his early night. 
 To Clara first he turn'd his grateful eyes 
 Swimming with joy ; each morn beheld him rise 
 To greet his mistress with that murmuring sound. 
 The voice of pure affection ; and to bound 
 
 E
 
 06 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Before her path along the flowery glade, 
 
 Till slanting sunbeams cast a lengthen'tl shade ; 
 
 And when her task of pleasing toil was o"'er, 880 
 
 That faithful sentry at her chamber-door 
 
 Lay couch''d, the wakeful guardian of her sleep, 
 
 Till bright-eyed morn rose blushing from the deep. 
 
 Oh ! think not that abstracted joy or pain 
 In these our mortal breasts exclusive reign : 
 Say not imperial man alone can feel ; 
 For oft, when seated at their homely meal, 
 If Neptune''s longing glance young Clara spied. 
 The creature turnM his downcast head aside, 
 Conscious how oft the feeling girl had spared 890 
 
 The morsel, that her mute companion shai'ed. 
 Nor say that human forms alone can shew 
 Bosoms alive to music''s melting flow. 
 He felt the magic of harmonious sounds ; 
 And see ! while o'er the flowery green he bounds, 
 He stops — and listens with attentive ear 
 The thrilling of that airy harp to hear ; 
 Then murmurs soft, as with presuming pride 
 To mock the stream of that melodious tide. 
 
 Through Nature's realms mysterious music flows, 
 In woods, in waves, in every gust that blows, 901 
 
 From the sweet buzzing of the golden bee 
 To solemn ocean's thund'ring harmony. 
 No creature dwells on eartli, in air or bower. 
 But feels the pulse of music's magic })ower.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 67 
 
 The sober herd, that crop the dewy plain, 
 List to the minstrePs fascinating strain, 
 Forsake their pastures, and collect around 
 In silent groups, to drink the lulling sound. 
 The serpent issues from his dusky cell, 910 
 
 Enchanted by the charm of music's spell. 
 In spiry dance his painted volume twines. 
 While his sleek skin with sunny splendour shines. 
 When the proud war-horse in the battle"'s storm 
 Feels to the madd"'ning charge his spirit warm, 
 And the brave blast of martial trumpets hears, 
 He bounds undaunted on the hostile spears, 
 In dust and gore expends his latest breath, 
 And springs with joy to victory or death. 
 Oh ! Music — sweetest source of pleasing pain, 920 
 
 In courtly hall, in camp, on sylvan plain, 
 Whate''er thy shape — from groves or echoing caves, 
 From midnight storms, or lapse of shining waves ; 
 From larks, whose airy tongues salute the morn, 
 Soft flutes, soul-thrilling harps, or hunter's horn ; 
 From thundering peals, that oVr the welkin roll. 
 And shake the solid earth fx-om pole to pole- 
 Still sweet, still pure, majestic and sublime, 
 The charm of every age and every clime — 
 The voice of angels ! concord of the spheres ! 930 
 
 Sole language pleasing to immortal ears ! 
 Methinks I hear thee on that awful day. 
 When stars and flaming suns have past away, 
 Inviting those, beloved of Heaven, to share 
 Eternal joys, when mortal pain and care
 
 G8 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Fly like the wintry clouds on stormy wing, 
 Chased by the rosy breath of genial spring. 
 
 While Clara now beheld her sire rejoice 
 To hear that soothing lyre's impassion"'d voice, 
 A letter came — " Oh ! may its lines impart 940 
 
 Some blissful news r — with high and beating heart 
 He broke the seal : it spoke of war's alarms. 
 Of distant shores subdued by hostile arms. 
 Of fleets prepared to cross the western seas, 
 When fortune gave the first propitious breeze, 
 With brilliant hopes of glory and of gold 
 To all within the martial line enrolPd. 
 
 And now a charming contest rose — the sire 
 Felt in his bosom all the glowing fire 
 Of youthful days revive — his trusty blade 950 
 
 He drew, and thus addressed the trembling maid : 
 " Thou solitary star ! whose cheering light 
 Pours comfort on the soldier's wintry night ; 
 Dear relic of a sainted mother's love ! 
 Welcome as music of th{^ murmuring dove. 
 When Avith the branch of peace he flew to bless 
 The tenants of the wat'ry wilderness. 
 When o'er the deep the flag of death was furl'd. 
 And rose the floating remnant of a world ! 
 Behold this blade, that on the tented plain 9G0 
 
 Ne'er knew the mark of foul dishonour's stain, 
 But now in dark, inglorious rust appears, 
 Tarnish'd by sighs, and dimm'd by hopeless tears :
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 69 
 
 For thee it glitter'd on the sultry shores 
 
 Of Indus ; and in western realms, where roars 
 
 The thunder of Niagara ; for thee 
 
 Through frost and blazing towns and foaming sea 
 
 It led my path ; and though the flying wheel 
 
 Of fortune mock'd my grasp, this trusty steel 
 
 Once more shall pierce the flaming line, and place 970 
 
 Thee, lovely scion of a luckless race. 
 
 Above a world's indignant scorn to bloom. 
 
 When waves the cypress on thy parent's tomb. 
 
 I feel the soldier's spirit droop with shame 
 
 To mark the labours of thy gentle frame, 
 
 When Chester's idle arm the sword can wield, 
 
 And reap one harvest more on glory's field." 
 
 " Oh ! not for Clara," cried the weeping maid, 
 " Shalt thou, my father, from the peaceful shade 
 To scenes of carnage fly ; these hands shall toil, 980 
 And from the fertile bosom of the soil 
 Draw nature's sweetest fruits ; when vernal showers 
 Brighten the blushes of the dawning flowers, 
 I'll range the dewy hills at morn to weave 
 A wreath for thee ; when summer sunbeams cleave 
 The scorched earth, my jasmine bower shall spread 
 Clusters of blossoms o'er the mossy bed 
 To guard thy noontide slumbers ; when the beam 
 Of richest autumn throws a golden gleam 
 Soft o'er the mellow woods, the orchard's store 990 
 Shall all its vegetable treasures pour
 
 70 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 To cheer thy spirits ; and when winter cold 
 
 Sweeps from the shivering tree the branch of gold, 
 
 The social fire shall spread its influence warm, 
 
 And calm thy bosom in the midnight storm. 
 
 Or if these scenes can yield no charm to thee — 
 
 If to the lands beyond the Western sea 
 
 Thy fate once more propitious stars shall guide. 
 
 War's rugged brow, with Clara by thy side. 
 
 Will lose its terrors; in the dusky night 1000 
 
 My sweetest songs shall sooth thee ; in the fight 
 
 My fervent prayer to gracious Heaven shall rise 
 
 To shield thee when the blazing volley flies. 
 
 And if a wound upon the dreadful plain 
 
 Should lay thy honoured form 'mid heaps of slain. 
 
 With eye more piercing than the bird of Jove 
 
 Shall Clara find thee, and a daughter's love 
 
 The glorious scars with fond affection heal. 
 
 And from thy breast the thorn of anguish steal." 
 
 " Come to my heart, thou cherub, sweet and fair, 
 Whose blessed aid the powers indulgent spare 1011 
 To throw, like evening's soft and golden ray. 
 One beam of gladness on my closing day ; 
 Dear as the music of the gushing spring- 
 On Lybian sands, or earliest swallow's wing,: 
 That lightly glancing o'er the shivering mast, 
 Proclaims the storms of dreary winter past ! 
 Together shall we range the land and wave, 
 When zephyrs breathe, or thuntPring tempests rave;
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 71 
 
 Nor dread the lightning's flash, nor roaring tide, 1020 
 Hope our bright star, and Providence our guide/' 
 
 There was an aged man, whose feeble arm 
 Their garden tilPd, and who their little farm 
 With nightly watch protected ; morning's dawn 
 Beheld Cornelius on the dewy lawn. 
 Leading their lambs to taste the tender blade ; 
 And, when the towering elm's extended shade 
 Proclaim'd the day's decline, he paced around 
 With careful step his benefactor's ground. 
 To chase each vagrant from the wicker door, 1 030 
 
 And guard from felon hands their little store. 
 To his direction and protecting care 
 They left their small possessions — " Oh ! beware," 
 Said Clara, " when the winds of winter blow. 
 When beats the rain, and falls the chilling snow, 
 Let not the tempests tear my blooming bowers. 
 Nor frost nor hail deform my tender flowers ; 
 Nor let my bleating lambs implore in vain. 
 When fades the herbage on the M'ither'd plain ; 
 Hope whispers to my heart, once more we meet 1040 
 To taste the joys of this beloved retreat. 
 To rest serene, when storms of battle cease, 
 In the calm haven of domestic peace." 
 
 And now on Clara's tender arm reclined, 
 Chester moved cheerful on ; yet oft behind 
 They cast a painful glance where waved the trees 
 Round Woodbine cottage, as the morning breeze,
 
 72 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Sporting with bright Aurora's earliest beam, 
 
 Freshened the surface of the classic stream. 
 
 The faithful Neptune, bounding by their side, 1050 
 
 Bark'd with tumultuous joy ; now scamper'd wide 
 
 O'er heath and dewy fields ; now panting stood 
 
 With eyes that spoke his lively gratitude. 
 
 When some few days of painful march were past, 
 
 Above th' horizon rose the stately mast 
 
 And fluttering pennant, where the shores of Ride 
 
 Repeird the foaming billows of the tide. 
 
 In silent pomp the gallant vessels rode, 
 
 A forest on the waves — with splendour glow'd 
 
 Their polish'd keels, like Cynthia's golden light 1060 
 
 Floating in azure through the fields of night. 
 
 The hollow gun with momentary gleam 
 
 Flash'd through the smoke like lightning's vivid beam 
 
 In stormy clouds ; brave Chester smiled to hear 
 
 Once more the well-known sound ; a joyful tear 
 
 Stole down his cheek, as o'er the liquid plain 
 
 He mark'd the towering monarchs of the main, 
 
 Those dread Leviathans, that range the deep. 
 
 And from the wat'ry world the foes of Albion sweep. 
 
 And now the flag of azure, pierced with white, 1070 
 Summons all hands on board ; clear ocean, bright 
 With sinuiy sails ; the helm and waving plume 
 Of gallant .soldiers, and the rosy bloom 
 Of cheerful maids enliven ev'rv l)reast. 
 High foam the billows with triumj^hant crest ;
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 73 
 
 The yards are manned ; the jovial crew appear 
 
 Thick as departing swallows, ere the year 
 
 Fades into winter : now the windlass plies ; 
 
 From beds of sand the grappling anchors rise. 
 
 The stately barks with white and flowing sail 1080 
 
 Expand their swan-like bosoms to the gale. 
 
 Swift the light seaman scales the netted shroud ; 
 
 Loose flow the sheets ; the boatswain pipes aloud. 
 
 Now foams each prow along the stormy way, 
 
 Like the proud lion roaring for his prey ; 
 
 As the sharp keels the glassy plain divide, 
 
 Hoarse fly the foaming murmurs of the tide ; 
 
 The sailor climbing on the mighty mast 
 
 Swings like a fluttering sea-bird in the blast. 
 
 Cheering and glorious was the splendid scene ; 1090 
 
 The floating castles moved in pomp serene. 
 
 With martial music mingling with the sound 
 
 Of ocean's thunder, while the shores around 
 
 On every gale that o'er the billows blew 
 
 Poured forth the parting blessing and adieu. 
 
 The pulse of life beat quick, and bosoms heave 
 As the brave barks the briny surges cleave. 
 With flags and pennants streaming in the skies, 
 Proud pageant for the free-born Briton's eyes — 
 Those walls of oak, the bulwarks of his shore, 1100 
 Impregnable amidst the deaf'ning roar 
 Of winds, and waves, of hostile cannon's fire. 
 And vengeful Gaul's hereditary ire —
 
 74 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 The guardians of tliat sole, and sacred land, 
 
 Where freedom, laws, religion, virtue stand 
 
 Firm as the Lybian pyramids — the home 
 
 Of exiled kings — the universal dome, 
 
 Where the pale emigrant to shelter flies. 
 
 Nor mourns the splendour of his native skies ; 
 
 Beneath whose canopy in holy peace 1110 
 
 All sects unite, and cries of discord cease ; 
 
 No shivering victim feeds the bigofs fires, 
 
 And Persecution's gory torch expires. 
 
 Proud at the helm the pilot stands sublime, 
 The monarch of the waves ! the stormy clime, 
 The shattered ice-berg ; and the boiling seas. 
 Beneath the dread Sirocco's burning breeze. 
 To him are pastime : in the starless night 
 lie guides his floating world's tempestuous flight : 
 While the mysterious magnet ])oints the way, 1120 
 He steers vmerring through the pathless spray : 
 Let thunder roll or arrowy lightnings glare. 
 He ploughs the billows with his giant share 
 Till looms the destined sliore, his sails are furl'd, 
 And rests his anchor in the Western world. 
 
 Green Wight's luxuriant fields are swiftly past ; 
 The Needles fly, and from the reeling mast 
 Seem sentries stationM in the breakers' roar 
 To guard from wave and storm that lovely shore. 
 LaunclVd in tlie vast Atlantic, now the gale 1130 
 
 Fills the broad Ijosom of each loftv sail ;
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 75 
 
 O'er the dark ocean glittering crests appear 
 
 Like the white plumes upon a virgin's bier ; 
 
 As in the distance spire and forest fade, 
 
 The soul too feels a momentary shade. 
 
 When the last mountain of our native land 
 
 Sinks on the wave ; when rolling seas expand 
 
 One shoreless circle to the meeting skies, 
 
 Chiird is the hardest breast ; the straining eyes 
 
 Swim with unbidden tears; the dropping heart 1140 
 
 Feels struck by sorrow's hebetating dart. 
 
 But soon aloft the buoyant spirit springs, 
 
 And to the winds the pensive murmvu* flings ; 
 
 The quick'ning gales, that on the billows play, 
 
 Sweep from the soul the gloomy clouds away, 
 
 And beauty's cheek, revived by sunny beams. 
 
 Once more with health and rosy pleasure gleams. 
 
 As the red petals of an April flower 
 
 Glow brighter from the transitory shower. 
 
 There was a youthful, jovial crew on board, 1150 
 A gallant band, whose gen'rous spirits soar'd 
 Above those jealousies and petty strife, 
 That pour their poison on the landsman's life. 
 To them the wrangling of the peevish bar, 
 The bitter contest and conflicting jar 
 Of rival candidates for power and gold, 
 Seem'd fables : cast in Nature's manly mould, 
 Their hearts to honour's lofty shrine they gave. 
 And sought for glory on the swelling wave.
 
 76 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 The wealth their valour tore from peril's arms 1 160 
 Allured them not with meretricious charms ; 
 Free as the wind, that sweeps the glittering spray, 
 Heedless they flung the worthless dross away. 
 Or saved the treasure for their native land 
 To pour in sorrow's supplicating hand. 
 
 Their Chief seem'd born for high command ; to bind 
 In chains of concord with the master mind 
 Those fiery spirits and the daring soul, 
 Whose wild vivacity demands control. 
 Bright was his piercing eye, and sprightly too, 1170 
 With glance to subjugate a lawless crew, 
 Or win a fair one''s heart : serene and clear. 
 Like the calm front of matchless Belvidere ; 
 Valour, that ne'er to mortal foe could bow, 
 Shone like a sunbeam on his candid brow ; 
 Yet mildness tempered the commanding ray, 
 As dawns the day-star on a morn of May, 
 His limbs like proud Apollo seem*'d to stand. 
 Chastened by symmetry's harmonious hand. 
 When raved the tempest through the whistling shrouds, 
 And the wild billows mingled with the clouds, 1181 
 His voice, like thunder in the echoing skies. 
 Was heard above the warring winds to rise ; 
 Yet could he pour in beauty's ravish'd car 
 Those magic tones, that force the silent tear 
 To flow from love or pity's precious mine, 
 And fall an offcrin": at Music's shrine.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 77 
 
 Stampt on his form and in his manners, shone 
 
 The British Gentleman, whose breast alone 
 
 Contains the true pohteness of the heart, 1190 
 
 And scorns the trickery of GalHc art. 
 
 Not from the bow, the smirk, or doff 'd cJiapeau, 
 
 The sterHng feelings of the bosom flow ; 
 
 These may be prized amongst that fickle race, 
 
 Whose life''s a farce and manners are grimace ; 
 
 Where chattering fops the scales of fashion hold. 
 
 And pass their tinsel for substantial gold. 
 
 Politeness, consort of good taste and sense, 
 
 Springs from the source of pure benevolence. 
 
 To sacrifice the selfish thought; to scorn 1200 
 
 The brightest flash of wit that plants a thorn 
 
 In sorrow's breast ; to raise the downcast eye 
 
 Of vmobtrusive, bashful poverty ; 
 
 With kind, attentive courtesy to cheer 
 
 The modest stranger, whom the haughty sneer 
 
 Of purse-proud insolence to earth had bowM, 
 
 And wrapt his struggling spirit in a cloud ; 
 
 From mauvaise honte relieve the silent guest. 
 
 That like a nightmare on his bosom pressM ; 
 
 To bid his streams of elocution glide 1210 
 
 Serene, self-gratified with honest pride ; 
 
 To free the wings of genius ; to unrol 
 
 The mines of thought, the treasures of the soul, 
 
 Till o'er the pompous dunce''s sordid stores 
 
 The mind's supremacy sublimely soars ; 
 
 Birth, rank and titled splendour to conceal. 
 
 Whose contrast makes the poor dependant feel
 
 78 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 The mortifying distance ; firm and true 
 
 The lofty path of honour to pursue. 
 
 Yet mild, and ever to indulgence prone, 1220 
 
 To those whose maxims differ from our own ; 
 
 But chief the heart of charming w'oman spare, 
 
 Nor seek a rude, unmanly triumph there ; 
 
 The pain unseen is felt, though not exprest. 
 
 And tortures to the core the gentle breast ; 
 
 Oh ! spare the blushes of the tender maid ; 
 
 Cast not the sun of beauty in a shade, 
 
 Nor with loose wit the feeling cheek abash. 
 
 Though Rabelais might prize the brilliant flash. 
 
 This is trxie jpoUtessc — an empty name 1230 
 
 On foreign shores, where prince and beggar claim 
 
 With shrugs and capers and distorted face. 
 
 Exclusive title to that charm.ing grace. 
 
 I've roam'd where France her purple nectar yields. 
 
 Through fair Italian's courts and classic fields, 
 
 0*'er Spanish hills and Lusitania''s plain, 
 
 Yet sought that bright accomplishment in vain ; 
 
 Till, after years of pain and fruitless toil, 
 
 I found it flourish on the British soil. 
 
 And none more deep that pleasing art possess d 124<0 
 Than Marlow Sidney : when his lovely guest 
 To guide her steps lean\l on his aiding arm 
 With trembling confidence, he felt the charm 
 That weakness on the tender sex bestows, 
 As the sweet blossom of the scarlet rose
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 19 
 
 Cherish''d still more in blushing beauty shines, 
 
 When round the proud, protecting elm it twines. 
 
 His manly tenderness assurance gave, 
 
 And calm''d the terrors of the foaming wave. 
 
 He taught her all the wand'ring seaman's lore ; 1250 
 
 What daring mariner from Europe's shore 
 
 To Western wilds the phantom, glory, chased, 
 
 And sought new worlds beyond the wat''ry waste ; 
 
 Who weathered first the Lybian cape, and steer'd 
 
 Through seas unknown, till o'er the prow appeared 
 
 The golden coast where rich Golconda shines, 
 
 And robb'd proud Venice of her orient mines. 
 
 He shewed each fix^d or planetary light. 
 
 That guides the seaman through the stormy night ; 
 
 Explained the needle's dip, and proved the power 1260 
 
 Of art mysterious at the noontide hour — 
 
 Those magic instruments, whose mighty span 
 
 Measures the pathless heavens, enables man 
 
 Through wildest waves his steady course to keep. 
 
 And make each star a Pharos o'er the deep. 
 
 When constant now the welcome trade-wind blew. 
 
 And eased the labours of the gallant crew, 
 
 They smoothly sail'd before the faithful breeze 
 
 O'er the bright bosom of the tropic seas ; 
 
 The glowing clime a richer lustre gave 1270 
 
 To Heaven's high glittering host, and azure wave. 
 
 Exulting Nature smiled : her works fresh-born 
 
 Seem'd sprung from Chaos on Creation's momi. 
 
 And bore as clear as at their natal hour 
 
 The stamp and splendour of Almighty power.
 
 80 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 In the cold north the lingVing orb of day 
 
 Slowly retires, and still with fond delay 
 
 Pours the vermilion beavn on mountain rill, 
 
 On blooming orchard, or on pine-clad hill. 
 
 But here the globe with quick gyration turns ; 1280 
 
 The golden sun with purer brilliance burns, 
 
 And swift as bolts of thunder, that proclaim 
 
 The wrath of Jove, and shake this earthly frame, 
 
 Drops on the waves a ball of living flame. 
 
 One burst of glory then illumes the skies, 
 
 Splendid, but transient ; soon the vision flies, 
 
 And all the streams of gold and purple light 
 
 Sink, like the dreams of Hope, in dusky night. 
 
 One lovely eve, on Sidney"'s arm reclined. 
 When the proud bark before the steady wind 1290 
 Seem\l scarce blue ocean's fluid glass to break. 
 As sails the cygnet on some azure lake, 
 With rapture Clara markM the sun retire 
 And light the deep Avith transitory fire : 
 But when the burning beam like lightning flew, 
 And darkness swift the sable curtain drew. 
 Pensive as Niobe's pale form appears, 
 She sigh'd, and shed involuntary tears. 
 " Why weeps my Clara ? Say, can Sidney pour 
 Balm on thy sorrows, and to peace restore 1300 
 
 Thy gentle bosom P Can my jovial band 
 Lull the remembrance of thy cherishM land. 
 And clear the clouds that o'er thy fancy stray 
 With sportive dance, or music's melting lay ?
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 81 
 
 Can pure affection, or inventive power 
 
 Devise some charm to cheer the lonely hour ?" 
 
 " Oh ! no, my honour''d friend ; this bosom feels 
 
 With gratitude the generous hand that heals 
 
 The exile's anguish ; oft to Heav'n I bend 
 
 To bless my noble guardian, and defend 1310 
 
 His bark, though warring elements conspire 
 
 With the dread thunder of the battle's fire. 
 
 And Heav'n will guide thee to the peaceful shore 
 
 Through hostile fleets, dark waves, and tempest's roar. 
 
 If the benignant Power in mercy hear 
 
 A father's prayer, or view a daughter's tear. 
 
 It was a passing thought of early days 
 
 That touch'd my soul, as fled the golden rays. 
 
 And o'er the deep an instantaneous gloom 
 
 Lower d like a mournful cypress on the tomb. 1320 
 
 I love the sunset on the British main. 
 
 When the red orb beneath the glassy plain 
 
 Sinks like a bleeding martyr ; round are spread 
 
 Circles of glory from his sacred head ; 
 
 With pious trust in Providence he dies, 
 
 With new-born beams in distant worlds to rise. 
 
 Oh ! then what loved obscurity succeeds. 
 
 Whose charm to holy contemplation leads ! 
 
 Sweet to the soul is twilight's soothing hour. 
 
 That calms the bosom with its pleasing power ; 1330 
 
 It seems like plaintive music, that recalls 
 
 The days of youth and joy — the festive halls. 
 
 Where careless childhood sipp'd the rosy stream. 
 
 Whose nectar flow'd from Fancy's idle dream."
 
 82 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Deep in the seaman's heart those accents fell : 
 No bark can fly from CupicVs magic spell ; 
 He climbs the mast, he roves o>r hills and plains, 
 And binds a captive world in flowery chains. 
 " Clara ! thou angel ever fair and sweet. 
 Thou guardian spirit of my roving fleet, 1340 
 
 Sent as a blessing by Almight}'^ power. 
 As on the waste the manna''s welcome shower ! 
 Forgive a sailor"'s speech ; untaught and rude 
 My youth was past on ocean's solitude ; 
 Far from perfidious courts, no polished art 
 E'er tuned my tongue to mask a faithless heart ; 
 Wild as the breeze, but as the needle true, 
 Sons of the wave, our wand'ring steps pursue 
 Those gems that shine on fleeting glory's car ; 
 The point of honour is our leading star ; 1350 
 
 Yet would I fame's alluring path resign 
 For rural joys, were gentlest Clara mine. 
 Faint is ambition's sun, or glory's prize. 
 To one consenting glance from Clara's eyes. 
 Say, wik thou trust the treasure of thy charms 
 To Sidney's love, to Sidney's faithful arms ? 
 To meaner souls the suitor might unfold 
 Ingots and clasps of fascinating gold. 
 Diamonds, and wreaths of pearl, and ruby chain. 
 The scoin of wisdom — idols of the vain ! 1360 
 
 For such has smiling Fortune shower'd on me, 
 The warrior's harvest on the stormy sea ; 
 But worthless all Peruvian mines can yield 
 To lier who triumphs in a nobler field ;
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 83 
 
 Nor gem, nor pearl, nor Mammon's tempting lure 
 
 Can charm that heart, so innocent and pure. 
 
 I promise all devoted love can give, 
 
 With thee in wealth or penury to live, 
 
 To read thy wishes in those crystal eyes. 
 
 Ere to the lips the bosom's thought shall rise ; 13T0 
 
 To guard thy health, as misers watch their gold, 
 
 Nor let the scorching heat, nor Winter's cold 
 
 Impair the roses on thy tender cheek ; 
 
 Or should pale sickness come, for thee I'll seek 
 
 The genial clime, the salutary springs. 
 
 Whose power restores the spirit's drooping wings. 
 
 Say, can my Clara's gentle breast approve 
 
 These rude expressions of a seaman's love ?" 
 
 The proud coquette's or prude's fallacious art 
 
 Ne'er wove a veil round Clara's open heart; 1380 
 
 Pure as the pearly globes that rise, and spread 
 
 Their crystal from the virgin fountain's bed, 
 
 The mantling blush her innocence bespoke. 
 
 And from her lips the voice of Nature broke. 
 
 " Noblest of men ! forgive these falling tears ; 
 
 They spring not from a timid virgin's fears ; 
 
 From gratitude's deep source the current flows ; 
 
 On Sidney's breast my future hopes repose 
 
 In firmest confidence ; my heart relies 
 
 On thee for all those fond endearing ties, 1390 
 
 That link the husband to the happy wife ; 
 
 Lord of my bosom ! partner of my life !" 
 
 He could not clasp her in his arms, nor steal 
 
 One kiss of rapture, love's delicious seal ;
 
 84 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 For eyes observed them ; but the charming thrill 
 
 Of hands spoke volumes, though the lips were still. 
 
 " Yet," said the pensive virgin, " one alloy 
 
 Chastens the spirit of thy Clara's joy : 
 
 Should my dear father cheer us with his smile, 
 
 And bless our nuptials, shall his native isle 1400 
 
 Once more receive him, and affection's ray 
 
 Gild the calm evening of his stormy day ?" 
 
 " Thy father shall be mine," the youth replied ; 
 
 " This faithful dog that gambols at my side, 
 
 And all my gentle Clara loves shall share 
 
 Her Sidney's tenderness, her Sidney's care." 
 
 Oh ! joy, more brilliant than those orbs that burn 
 With Heav'n's own flame — the love that meets return ! 
 Oh .' bliss beyond the proudest monarch's boast ! 
 Dear at the present hour, yet prized the most 1410 
 When o'er the past remembrance softly throws 
 Her charmed mantle ; and the vernal rose, 
 That bloom'd so sweetly on the genial morn, 
 Droops pale and wither'd on the wintry thorn. 
 Now arm in arm along the deck they roved, 
 And talkVl of all they hoped, and all they loved. 
 The palace of immortals seem'd with light 
 More pure to consecrate that blissful night, 
 Six halos, splendid as an Iris, shed 
 Rich streams of orange, azure, green and red, 1420 
 Ring within ring, around the silver moon, 
 In regal pride ascending to her noon.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 85 
 
 Fair Cynthia saiFd amidst that lofty sea, 
 
 Where scattered shone in careless majesty 
 
 The rubies of the heav'ns ; the deep too glow'd 
 
 With rival splendour ; far astern there flowed 
 
 A stream of gems along the liquid glass, 
 
 Clear as the globules on the dewy grass ; 
 
 And where the prow advanced through murmuring spray, 
 
 Flinging the foam and breasting surge away, 1480 
 
 It seem'd as if the bark's majestic head 
 
 Ploughed up the pearls from ocean's briny bed. 
 
 The light-finn'd albacore with fiery sweep 
 
 Sprang like a blazing rocket from the deep ; 
 
 And sparkles, sprinkled by nocturnal gales, 
 
 Stream'd from the painted dolphin's glittering scales. 
 
 Ye sages, versed in Nature's secret lore. 
 
 Reveal from whence, from what volcanic store 
 
 Ascends the flash electric, swift and bright. 
 
 The scintillation of phosphoric light ? 1440 
 
 Whence spring these spangled mica? of the waves ? 
 
 Dwells there a mine within th' vmfathom'd caves 
 
 Of dreadful ocean, from whose fertile source 
 
 Storms submarine, or deep convulsions force 
 
 These treasures to the surface, where they shine 
 
 Rich as the galaxy ? or doth the brine, 
 
 Impregnate by prolific suns, produce 
 
 Myriads of sea-born insects for the use 
 
 Of all those rolling monsters of the deep ? 
 
 Whate'er the cause, when o'er the surges sweep 1450 
 
 The sparkling oars, sublime the midnight scene. 
 
 To mark like meteors tlnouoh the blue serene
 
 86 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 The burning blades, or swimmer's sinewy frame 
 
 Dash the cold billows with his arms of flame. 
 
 Clara and Sidney watched with pure delight 
 
 These miracles of nature ; splendid night 
 
 With all her glittering orbs majestic rolPd, 
 
 Till from the kindling East a streak of gold 
 
 Bespoke the coming of the god of day ; 
 
 Quick faded star, and moon, and fiery spray, 1460 
 
 As the bright morn, in crimson robes array 'd, 
 
 Cast all nocturnal glory into shade. 
 
 The seaman now the hand of Clara pressed. 
 
 And thus the partner of his soul addressed — 
 
 " Retire, my love ! this sharp anil chilling air 
 
 111 suits that form so delicate and fair ; 
 
 May cherubs guard thy slumbers, and impart 
 
 Dreams pure and peaceful as thy gentle heart !" 
 
 Moons swiftly pass'd ; the gallant Sidney tried 
 Each pleasing art his floating world supplied 1470 
 
 To charm with grateful change ; the page sublime 
 Of Shakspeare, " glass of every age and clime,'''' 
 Unroird its treasures ; Otway''s tender muse, 
 "Whose plaintive lay the coldest breast bedews, 
 And polish''d Sheridan their stores displayed ; 
 With easy art accomplish''d Monkland bade 
 The passions rise, or tears of sorrow fall ; 
 Terror and pity answered to his call. 
 As with poetic fire he pouFd along 
 The lightning of the bard's majestic song. 1480
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 87 
 
 Lo ! poor Monimia mourns, and all around 
 
 Hearts throb responsive to the thrilling sound ; 
 
 Macbeth in horror, with a maniac's glare. 
 
 Starts at the viewless dagger in the air ; 
 
 Othello casts the ja'ccious pearl away, 
 
 Or wild Ophelia sings her soul-enchanting lay. 
 
 Nor less with comic humour blest, he drew 
 
 Each freak of folly's ever-shifting hue 
 
 In faithful semblance — Hal, that prince of mirth, 
 
 Banter'd the moving mass of moistened earth, 1490 
 
 The sack-primed FalstaiF; Lingo charmed the ear 
 
 Of simple Cowslip ; or the new-made Peer, 
 
 The slave of custom, mourned his counter's loss. 
 
 Though proud and polish'd by the sage Pangloss. 
 
 These various scenes, with matchless skill portray'd. 
 Still doubly charm'd, combined with music''s aid. 
 Evans, whose soul was tuned to sweetest measure. 
 With touch that woke the secret chords of pleasure. 
 Or thriird the bosom with delicious pain, 
 Pour'd through his plaintive flute the melting strain. 
 No lovelier note at evening's pensive close 1501 
 
 From hawthorn branch or blooming orchard flows 
 When the clear blackbird sings, and all around 
 The bloss' ms quiver to the dulcet sound. 
 Poor, careless Evans ! deep on ocean's bed 
 Thy corse lies bleaching ; and the lips that shed 
 Those lays harmonious are for ever mute : 
 Who now shall warble on that magic flute.
 
 88 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Revive the spirit of tlie minstrel flown, 
 
 Or breathe one echo of its dying tone ? 1510 
 
 Colton to all the charms of land and wave 
 New elegance and cheering splendour gave. 
 He with his pleasing pencil, chaste and pure, 
 In landscape — portrait — lovely miniature, 
 Sketched to the life proud castles, rocks and towers. 
 Mountains and valleys, streams and vernal bowers ; 
 And, still to taste and simple nature true. 
 In tints of brighter, sweeter fancy drew 
 The rosy virgin''s bloom, her smiling face, 
 Her flexile form, and fascinating grace. 1520 
 
 And far more precious than the painter's art 
 The virtues of that sound and manly heart — 
 Calm prudence — deep and uncorrupted source, 
 Whence fame and honour take their splendid course — 
 Sterling integrity — a noble mind, 
 Where solid sense Avith genius was combined, 
 As the rich branches of the orange shoot. 
 Yielding at once both flowers and luscious fruit — 
 And Friendship, still at morn, in dreary night. 
 Glowing and steady as the vestal light. 1530 
 
 I ask forgiveness — but the pleasing dream 
 Unbidden mingles with the poet's theme. 
 These were companions of my youthful hours, 
 When life's sweet garden with inifading flowers 
 Seem'd ever-l)lo()n)ing — IJattle's gory arm 
 Circled the patriot's scnil with nameless charm,
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 89 
 
 And firmer still, as peril stalked around, 
 The holy bonds of sacred friendship bound. 
 
 One jovial messmate must adorn my lay, 
 Young Harry Hart, the witty and the gay ; 1540 
 
 A true-born optimist, whate'er befel 
 On land or wave with joyous Hart was well ; 
 " Hope at the prow"" he left dull care behind, 
 And cast all sorrow to the passing wind. 
 With cheerful anecdote and social glee 
 He chas'd the pallid form of cold Ennui ; 
 When fair winds shifted to the lowering west. 
 He calm''d the grumbling pilot with a jest ; 
 And oft with songs the gloomy night beguiled, 
 Till on the bowl the beams of morning smiled. 155(1 
 Those scenes, though mournful years have roU'd away. 
 Still cheer my heart on many a lonely day, 
 And murmurs still, harmonious in mine ear, 
 One jovial strain his messmates loved to heai\ 
 
 Let the sons of soft indolence loll on their pillows, 
 To the sweet serenade of the nightingale sleep ; 
 Give me the loud tempest, the dash of the billows. 
 And the chorus that breathes from the fathomless deep, 
 
 What flowers of the valley, besprinkled with dew, 
 All drest in their beauty and vernal attire, 1560
 
 90 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Can compare with yon concave of heavenly bkie, 
 With the stars and the planets of glittering fire ? 
 
 What jewels, that gleam on the breast of the bride, 
 E"'er issued so bright from their orient cave. 
 As the sparkles that float on the foam of the tide, 
 The braids of the mermaids, the gems of the wave ? 
 
 While the graceful young Clara benignantly smiles. 
 Old Neptune may roar, and old Boreas whistle, 1568 
 Kerens a health to the fair of Britannia's green isles. 
 To the lads of the Shamrock, the Rose, and the Thistle. 
 
 END OF BOOK I.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 BOOK II.
 
 CONTENTS OF BOOK II. 
 
 Dancing — Old Customs — The Petrel — Flying Fish — Nautilus — The 
 Shark — Fucus Giganteus — Canine Sagacity — Arrival at St Jago — 
 The Palm Tree — A female Slave — Beautiful Goats — Tropic Fruits — 
 Le Premier Baiser de I'Amour — Pleasures of Vicissitude — Porpoise 
 — Marine Polypus — Ceremony on crossing the Line — A Proctor 
 ducked — Naval Engagement — Female Heroism — A Ship on Fire — A 
 noble Dog — Humanity of a Slave — Devotions at Sea — An Anthem— 
 An Explosion — A female Physician — Hypocrisy rewarded — Arrival 
 at St Helena — An Imperial Exile — The Telegraph — Lord Anson's 
 Tree — Passion for Dress — The Tea Fever — IWiseries of a Seafaring 
 Life — Departure— A Spaniard in Love — Arrival in the River Plate.
 
 Dusky like night, but night with all her stars, 
 
 Or cavern sparkling with its native spars — 
 
 The sun-horn blood suffused her neck, and threw 
 
 O'er her clear ebon skin a lucid hue, 
 
 Like coral redd'ninj,' through the darken'd wave, 
 
 M'hich draws the diver to the crimson cave. TJie Island.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 BOOK II. 
 
 Thus pass'd the midnight hours ; the merry crew 
 
 Partook sometimes of courtly pleasures too : 
 
 For not alone in Almack"'s blazing hall 
 
 Shines the seducing splendour of the ball ; 
 
 The sons of Neptvme love the charming glance 
 
 Of youth and beauty in the graceful dance. 
 
 One eve, when Cynthia pour\l her pleasing light, 
 
 And all the lustres of the gorgeous night 
 
 Shone brilliant in the heav'ns, the seaman gave 
 
 The signal to the minstrels of the wave 10 
 
 To touch the vioFs sprightly strings, and sound 
 
 The soul-subduing horn : with lively bound 
 
 Sprang the young Caledonians to the ring 
 
 To sport their light limbs in the Highland fling, 
 
 Or Scotia's wild, intoxicating reel : 
 
 Not Mercury with swift and feathered heel 
 
 E'er flew more buoyant from the realms above 
 
 To bear to distant worlds the will of Jove.
 
 96 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 That jocund whirl's exhilarating maze 
 
 The sinewy limb and agile form displays, 20 
 
 And warms, as twirling quick the dancer flies. 
 
 The high-toned pulse of health and exercise : 
 
 But seldom graceful elegance is found 
 
 In that gymnastic figure's ceaseless round. 
 
 Some mental charm should decorate the dance ; 
 
 How cold the tricks of pantomimic France — 
 
 The petticoat like broad umbrella spread — 
 
 The pirouette, that turns the dizzy head — 
 
 To twist the taper leg, and Flora's charms 
 
 Exhibit clasped in fluttering zephyr's arms ! 30 
 
 In the wild waltz, by fervid youth embraced. 
 
 Each hand a girdle round the virgin's waist ; 
 
 Roused by the stimulus the heated blood 
 
 Swells the full veins with one lascivious flood ; 
 
 Warm passions flush the cheek, and graces die. 
 
 Lost in the vortex raised by ecstasy. 
 
 Long may the waltz and all its wanton train 
 
 Flourish in foreign courts, but seek in vain 
 
 A patron here, or taint liritannia's air. 
 
 The chaste quadrille best suits the British fair ; 40 
 
 And none more light than Clara knew to tread 
 
 The fascinating measure : Sidney led 
 
 The blooming girl to join the cheerful ring, 
 
 Fresh as the first-born gem, when breathing Spring 
 
 Comes smiling on the world, and pours aroinid 
 
 Fragrance and beauty o'er the frosty ground. 
 
 It was her father's natal day ; and dear 
 
 To Clara's heart, when each revolving year
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 97 
 
 The joyful season brought, was that bright hour, 
 
 That found him braving, Hke the wintry flower, 50 
 
 The tempest fury, strong in hardy heakh : 
 
 She prized beyond the pride of rank or wealth 
 
 Those sweet and holy festivals, that move 
 
 The sacred fountains of domestic love. 
 
 Alas ! how fashion's cold and heartless forms 
 
 Have marr'd the joys of nature ! waves and storms. 
 
 Rushing from sea and sky with hollow roar, 
 
 Ne'er spread such ruin o'er the peaceful shore 
 
 As artificial life ; those ancient rites. 
 
 In which untutor'd innocence delights, 60 
 
 Now to the scornful court plebeian seem. 
 
 And loved romance has vanish'd like a dream. 
 
 The harmless pastimes of exulting youth 
 
 Have flown for ever ; calm, relentless truth, 
 
 Link'd with cold science, has exchanged the rose 
 
 Of life's sweet poetry for sordid prose, 
 
 And from the charm of bright Arabia's tale 
 
 Rent the rich folds of fiction's ffolden veil. 
 
 Can all the pomp of thrones one pleasure yield 
 
 So pure as virgins on the flowery field 70 
 
 Taste while they dance around the streaming pole ? 
 
 That rite, that still as circling seasons roll 
 
 Through the long lapse of centuries proclaims 
 
 The last, fair relic of the Floral games — 
 
 Or those wild charms the hands of fancy weave 
 
 So dear to youth on cherish'd Hallow eve— 
 
 The twirling apple, which the rosy boy 
 
 Snaps with his ivory teeth, and bounds for joy —
 
 98 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 The true nut blazing on the burning bar, 
 
 Of constant love the bright, propitious star — 80 
 
 The egg in strange and fairy forms congeal'd, 
 
 Till Fortune's frowns or favours stand reveal'd ; 
 
 Or lead dissolved, and hissing in the pail. 
 
 Changed to a mitre-crown, or martial mail. 
 
 As fate ordains that Bishop — Hero — King — 
 
 Shall bind the virgin with the holy ring. — 
 
 The mystic holly-bush on Stephen's day. 
 
 With lovers' knots and snowy ribbons gay, 
 
 Where sleeps the little wren, that piped that morn 
 
 Merry, though cold, beneath the frosted thorn. — 90 
 
 And that red flame, when sultry June returns. 
 
 That still in city, camp or village, burns. 
 
 Shade of a sacrifice in days long past. 
 
 When with fanatic zeal the Druids cast 
 
 Devoted victims on the gory pyre. 
 
 And Stonehenge shudder'd, as the sacred fire 
 
 Rose from the giant altar ; these remain 
 
 The harmless sports of childhood on the plain. 
 
 And now with awe some nameless pleasure blend. 
 
 Thus from antiquity's dark mists descend 100 
 
 Fragments that float along the stream of time. 
 
 Relics of joy or sanguinary crime ; 
 
 As, when the thund'ring storms have ceased to roar. 
 
 Some sad memorials wafted to the shore. 
 
 Rudder and boom, that restless billows bear. 
 
 Prove what majestic barks have perish'd there.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 99 
 
 But chief the birth-day charms ; by nature placed 
 A beacon-hght, a landmark on the waste. 
 How bounds the mother's heart on that sweet morn 
 To mark some new and manly grace adorn 110 
 
 The hero of the feast ! in stature grown, 
 With sparkling eyes, and voice of firmer tone. 
 Like the clear dawn, that gives with crimson ray 
 The pleasing promise of a glorious day. 
 And Chester now, as in his native isle. 
 Beheld his Clara with exulting smile 
 Blooming in beauty and in tasteful dress, 
 A blossom in the watVy wilderness. 
 No flowers or pearls adorn'd her dark-brown hair ; 
 Rich in its sunny gloss, the Graces there 120 
 
 Loved those sweet undulating folds to twine. 
 Smooth as the polished ringlets of the vine. 
 A robe of shining pink her lovely lunbs 
 Infolded, as the parting svmbeam swims 
 On waves of foam. Or morning's rosy light 
 Pours warmth and splendour on some statue bright 
 Of Parian marble ; round her neck a chain 
 Of rich Mosaic, like some snowy plain 
 Sprinkled with Alpine flowers, and finely wrought 
 With all the artist's skill, or poet's thought, 130 
 
 Shew'd in sweet miniature each lofty dome. 
 Each tower and temple of imperial Rome. 
 No step was visible ; she glided o'er 
 The polish'd deck, as on the Lybian shore 
 The Queen of Love : yet music's lively strain 
 Beat quick and true through every feeling vein.
 
 100 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 There is between the soul and sounding lyre 
 
 A deep, mysterious sympathy : the fire, 
 
 That trumpets, horns, and thund'ring drums impart, 
 
 Warms to the core the warrior's bounding heart : 140 
 
 The solemn organ calms the stormy breast. 
 
 And earthly pride and passions sink to rest : 
 
 Sweet flutes with magic influence can move 
 
 The selfish, clay-cold apathist to love ; 
 
 His iron bosom melts to music''s stream 
 
 As ice dissolves beneath the morning beam. 
 
 But chief the clear-toned vioPs lively measure 
 
 Pours through each quivering nerve, attuned to pleasure, 
 
 Responsive spirit ; beauty's breast returns 
 
 The sweet vibration ; chaste and lovely burns 150 
 
 Her crimson cheek, as through the ring she flies, 
 
 Flush*'d by the glow of healthful exercise. 
 
 Thus Clara moved and charmM ; the spell-bound crew 
 
 Gazed at the fluttering vision as she flew ; 
 
 Tears from their swimming eyes were seen to course 
 
 From nature's deep inexplicable source ; 
 
 The hardy tars were mute ; her airy form 
 
 They deem'd some spirit sent to chase the storm. 
 
 Some sky-born sylph, ordain'd by Heav'n to bless 
 
 Their labours on the pathless wilderness. ICO 
 
 Yet not alone amidst the starry night 
 Can skies or heaving ocean yield delight. 
 Through long and cheerless days the cultured mind 
 Can still new stores of harmless pleasure find.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 101 
 
 All nature is a blank to vacant souls ; 
 
 In vain the surges swell, or thunder rolls 
 
 For him, whose breast she ne'er has tuned to feel 
 
 One deep emotion at that awful peal. 
 
 On hearts of taste the beam of morning sheds 
 
 A sun-bright influence, and ocean spreads, 170 
 
 As bounds the bark beneath the torrid clime, 
 
 One floating picture, endless and sublime. 
 
 Light skims the petrel o'er the glassy wave. 
 
 And scarcely seems his milky breast to lave : 
 
 He lives for ever 'midst the billows' roar, 
 
 Nor rests his plume on mast or rocky shore : 
 
 The watchful pilot marks with troubled eye 
 
 That phantom's flight, that tells the storm is nigh. 
 
 Now spring bright myriads of that scaly breed 
 That vie with air's inhabitants ; decreed 180 
 
 By fate remorseless o'er the sounding main 
 To lead a ceaseless life of fear and pain. 
 Raised by the buoyant vesicle within. 
 Whose light balloon sustains the fluttering fin. 
 When through the yielding waves the dolphins chase. 
 Shoal after shoal that persecuted race, 
 Streaming with pearls on quivering webs they rise ; 
 Swift as the lightning's flash the dolphin flies. 
 And in the breeze devours the trembling pi'cy ; 
 Or if perchance above the briny spray 190 
 
 Their flight eludes the bounding fishes' spring, 
 Lo ! the dark albatroswith rushing wing
 
 102 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Comes like a storm, and breaks the glittering line ; 
 
 Wide o'er the deep their dewy membranes shine, 
 
 Till the hot sun each lingering drop exhales ; 
 
 Then droop the flaccid fins; the silver scales 
 
 Their humid splendour lose ; on ocean's breast 
 
 They languid sink ; but there no welcome rest 
 
 Awaits them ; with the piercing eagle's sight 
 
 The quick bonito marks the stragglers"' flight, 200 
 
 And in the bosom of the yawning wave 
 
 The poor exhausted wanderers find a grave. 
 
 Light floats the nautilus in gentle gales ; 
 O'er the smooth sea the tiny vessel sails 
 With airy tackling rigg'd from prow to poop, 
 By turns a ship — a gallant brig — a sloop : 
 Its feet are oars, its arms a living mast — 
 Its tail a rudder : when the raging blast 
 Breaks the bright mirror, deep in ocean's caves 
 It sinks, nor rises till the settled waves 210 
 
 Once more reflect the sky's unruffled blue. 
 From this small prototype the seaman drew 
 The model of his bark ; first learn'd to sweep 
 With blade or canvass o'er the boundless deep : 
 Thus from an acorn oaks gigantic tower ; 
 Thus from a shell-fish springs Britannia's power. 
 
 But see the shark with rapid fin divide 
 The briny flood ! while faithful at his side 
 The pilots to the sun their spots display. 
 And steer the sea-born mcJnster to his prey. 220
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 103 
 
 Swift on his back he turns, with rav"'nous eyes 
 
 Gloats on the floating bait, and grasps the prize ; 
 
 His bleeding jaws, deep perforated, feel 
 
 The griding torture of the barbed steel ; 
 
 Then flash his fins ; along the frothy main 
 
 He rollsj and tugs for liberty in vain. 
 
 Beneath his streaming gills the seamen slide 
 
 The fatal noose, and from the gory tide 
 
 Drag up the tyrant ; then his sinewy tail 
 
 He slashes furious, as with sturdy flail 230 
 
 The thresher smites the corn : then distant keep 
 
 From that fell member, whose tremendous sweep 
 
 Would crash a giant's bone : in safety stand 
 
 Till the strong carpenter's unerring hand 
 
 Severs with cleaving axe the dreadful limb ; 
 
 Then weak his heaving muscles seem, and dim 
 
 The vengeful flashes of his blood-shot eyes ; 
 
 He gives one shudder, and convulsive dies. 
 
 Nor yet their lost and murder*'d king forsake 
 
 Those jackals of the waves ; the vessel's wake 240 
 
 The pilots follow still, and hope once more 
 
 To steer their monarch through the billows"' roar. 
 
 Not on wild hills alone, nor balmy shores 
 Fair Nature spreads her vegetable stores : 
 Aquatic plants along the restless seas 
 Stream like the waving willow to the breeze. 
 Rooted in ocean's deep and viewless bed 
 The giant fucus rears its leafy head
 
 104 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 In verdure softly floating ; far below 
 
 Those shelving- banks, where coral gardens grow, 250 
 
 Its fibres grasp the ground ; a thousand feet 
 
 Through foaming waves the stems arise, to meet 
 
 The grateful light of Heaven, and there display 
 
 The polish'd petals to the sunny day. 
 
 O miracles of Nature ! dimly seen 
 
 By purblind man through forest, hill or green. 
 
 Though every blade that springs, or flower that blows, 
 
 Omnipotence in every tendril shows ; 
 
 And all the wonders of the starry sky 
 
 Roll in celestial pomp unheeded by. 260 
 
 Wave follows wave, the tides ascend and fall ; 
 
 Round its firm axis whirls this earthly ball, 
 
 Unfelt by mortals, though with cannon''s speed 
 
 The planet flies ; from custom thus proceed 
 
 Coldness and apathy for works designed 
 
 By Jove — the labours of th' immortal mind. 
 
 But wlien the wand*'ring comet comes, and steers 
 
 His fiery train 'midst heaven's unmoving spheres, 
 
 Behold the sage intent with optic glass 
 
 To mark the strange and splendid meteor pass. 270 
 
 Thus on the shadowy deep, when Flora weaves 
 
 A floating wreath of buds and humid leaves, 
 
 All eyes are charm'd to view the magic flower, 
 
 And man submissive owns Almighty power. 
 
 In Clara's heart these wonders of the waves 
 Were treasures for a future day ; when raves
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 105 
 
 The wintry storm, how sweet to draw around 
 
 The sacred hearth, to hear the rushing sound 
 
 Of howhng winds, and showers of pattering rain 
 
 In volleys dash against the crystal pane, 280 
 
 While all within is peace ! to travel o'er 
 
 Those scenes of peril past, whose frown no more 
 
 Appals, but like Arabia's pleasing tale 
 
 Shines soft and calm through memory's misty veil. 
 
 One morn, when musing o'er the sounding seas. 
 She mark'd her faithful Neptune snuff the breeze, 
 Gaze in her face, and all his art employ 
 To see the maid participate his joy. 
 Far to the south she turn'd her anxious eyes, 
 Yet nought appeared but waves and azure skies. 290 
 " What means my Neptune ?''"' quick the answer given 
 Proved the mysterious instinct drawn from Heaven. 
 " Land !"" cried the seaman from the rocking mast ; 
 Swift through all ears the cheering sound was past. 
 And all the toils and perils of the deep 
 Were soon committed to oblivion's sleep. 
 Dear as the spring amidst the shifting sands 
 Of sultry Mecca, when the fainting bands 
 Of thirsty pilgrims look aloft in vain 
 For one sweet shower of cool, refreshing rain, 300 
 
 Is land to him, who mournful moons has spent 
 In struggles through the stormy element. 
 
 A mass of bare and rugged rocks it seem'd, 
 Bereft of vegetable life ; there glcam'd
 
 106 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 No casement in the sunbeam, nor appear^ 
 
 Garden or bower by social man endearM. 
 
 Such in the distance — but on closer view 
 
 Barancas bright with shrubs of various hue, 
 
 Delicious fruits, rich maize and dewy blade, 
 
 And roofs of palm-leaves glitter''d in the shade. 310 
 
 And thus in life — the brow of distant care 
 
 Seems like the precipice abrupt and bare ; 
 
 But near approach the mourning stranger brings 
 
 To fertile valleys and refreshing springs, 
 
 That still lie scattered through the rugged soil, 
 
 To quicken hope, and cheer the pilgrim's toil. 
 
 The neutral flag of Lusitania towVd 
 
 Above the little fort, whose cannon pour''d 
 
 A welcome peal, and soon the rocky shore 
 
 Echoed from cave to cave the hollow roar ; 320 
 
 And now the fleet, with streaming banners gay, 
 
 AnchorM in Porto Praya's crystal bay. 
 
 No classic monument, nor ivied tower. 
 
 Stood the proud renmants of departed power ; 
 
 But nature's simplest forms will ever please 
 
 The heart dispirited by tiresome seas. 
 
 Straight from the sand the stately palm-tree rose, 
 
 On whose green plumes the milky cocoa grows ; 
 
 Bare as a mast the stems gigantic shoot. 
 
 Then spread in feathery leaves and luscious fruit ; 330 
 
 Nor to the thirsty palate yields delight 
 
 Alone this vegetable treasure ; bright 
 
 As olive's purest sap the dulcet oil 
 
 Sparkles to cheer the peasant's midnight toil,
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 107 
 
 And as amidst the gloom clear flames arise, 
 
 Each shell a lamp, eacli fibre wick supplies. 
 
 Thus through all nature man's attentive eye 
 
 Can Heav''n''s protecting providence descry ; 
 
 The rock, the desert, and the sandy plain. 
 
 Prove to his heart that nought was made in vain. 340 
 
 Now through the yielding waves the gallant barge 
 Flew swift, as Sidney with his lovely charge 
 Hastened to touch the soul-reviving shore ; 
 For Clara long'd to see her sire once more 
 Taste those sweet fruits of garden, wood, or field, 
 That tropic climes so rich and tender yield. 
 With wild impatience, plunging in the spray. 
 Her sprightly Neptune led the liquid way. 
 Then on the sandy margin took his stand. 
 And with loud barking welcomed her to land. 350 
 
 But Clara's eyes were wet with pity"'s dew. 
 For lo ! a mournful object met her view — 
 A female slave, with galling fetters bound. 
 In sorrow bendinof o'er the burning; g-round. 
 Chained to a palm's rude trunk, her tender feet 
 Felt from the stones the sun's refracted heat. 
 While all the fury of the tropic skies 
 Flash'd on her beating temples ; deem'd a prize 
 Too precious to repose in cooling shade, 
 Here on the sultry beach the weeping maid 860 
 
 Was shewn for sale ; in naked beauty glow'd 
 Her polish'd limbs ; the Lybian clime bestow'd
 
 108 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 That ebon tint that mocks the raven's plume ; 
 
 For not to iv^-y skin, or roseate bloom 
 
 Is beauty's charm confined ; her smile can please 
 
 From features bronzed by Congo's fiery breeze. 
 
 In realms of light the fairest cheek will fade, 
 
 As in the solstice shrinks the tender blade," 
 
 While jetty bosoms stand the piercing stream 
 
 From Afric's sands, or India's glowing beam. 370 
 
 To her white teeth new gloss her colour gave, 
 
 As the foam glitters on the dusky wave, 
 
 And like nocturnal gleams from northern skies 
 
 Flash'd the quick splendour of her sparkling eyes. 
 
 Ne'er from Canova's living chisel sprang 
 
 A lovelier form ; nor raptured minstrel sang 
 
 Features of sweeter mould in maid or bride, 
 
 Though deck'd in roses' and in lilies' pride. 
 
 Her tale was one, so oft in anguish told, 
 
 That hearts are lock'd, and Pity's pulse is cold. 380 
 
 Torn from her native woods, their shrieking prey 
 
 Rapacious pirates bore ; and far away 
 
 From Lybia's crystal brooks and golden plains 
 
 Dragg'd to the bark of misery and chains. 
 
 She saw her parents, lover, friends expire, 
 
 Her fields laid waste, her cottage wrapt in fire. 
 
 Bereft of all, no tie remain'd to bind 
 
 One passion, thought or feeling to mankind, 
 
 And there she sat in noon's oppressive air, 
 
 The lonely, silent picture of despair. 390 
 
 One look from Clara spoke to Sidney's heart 
 
 Clear as the brightest blaze of Tullv's art :
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 109 
 
 What plume can cleave the breeze, what shaft can fly 
 
 So swift as love's all-penetrating eye ? 
 
 " Thine be the act,*" he cried, " the heavenly deed 
 
 To save one trembling wretch, when thousands bleed ; 
 
 With sweeter grace fair Charity appears, 
 
 When Beauty'*s bosom shares the captive's tears ; 
 
 From thee, my Clara, let the blessing flow ; 
 
 This worthless dross in freedom's cause bestow, 400 
 
 And prove that, quicken'd by that holy flame. 
 
 There lives one female Wilberforce to shame 
 
 A mercenary world." The maiden flew 
 
 To seek the leader of that horrid crew — 
 
 The trafficers in blood : with iron hold, 
 
 Close as the vulture's grasp, he seized the gold. 
 
 Light she returned, the harbinger of peace, 
 
 To strike the painful fetter off", release 
 
 From years of woe that poor, distracted maid. 
 
 And balk the planter's lash ; she gently laid 410 
 
 Her hand upon the trembler's arm, unbound 
 
 Her fervid limbs, and raised her from the ground ; 
 
 Then led her to the shade ; the liquor clear 
 
 That brims the cocoa's hairy cup to cheer 
 
 The thirsty peasant of the tropic climes. 
 
 The golden citron's juice and piercing lime's, 
 
 Within the maiden's burning lips she pour'd, 
 
 And with the plantain's mealy fruit restored 
 
 Her drooping senses : she on bended knees 
 
 (Such reverence are bondsmen taught to please 420 
 
 The Christian savage) shew'd by gestures rude 
 
 Her joy, respect, and boundless gratitude.
 
 110 CLARA CHESTER, 
 
 But Clara blusli'd that mortal form should pay 
 
 That holy rite to one of kindred clay ; 
 
 " Rise, my poor girl, or pray to Him above 
 
 In grateful accents of adoring love ; 
 
 ©■"er mountain, valley, wave or rocky isle, 
 
 All share the universal Father's smile^ 
 
 God of the Lybian, Indian, Jew, and all 
 
 The tribes that wander on this earthly ball, 430 
 
 His mercy flows in pure impartial streams 
 
 As yon bright sun, the shadow of his beams : 
 
 A slave no more, thy future days shall pass 
 
 Free as the zephyr on the watVy glass ; 
 
 Nor gold, nor power, can force one serf to toil 
 
 Or bend the knee on Britain's sacred soil. 
 
 From this green tree, whose branches yield thee shade 
 
 And pleasant fruit, I name my Lybian maid ; 
 
 Be Tamha calPd ; and whether fate decree 
 
 That thou shalt share a lowly lot with me, 440 
 
 Or to thy natal shores thy steps sliall bend, 
 
 Still look to Clara as thy faithful friend." 
 
 She in her young protector's lips and eyes 
 
 Read her sweet words ; for nature well supplies 
 
 Amidst th' unlettcr'd race the powers of art 
 
 By glance or smile, the index of the heart ; 
 
 And more she utter'd by one grateful tear 
 
 Tiian all the skill that charms the cultured car. 
 
 Her fair preserver charged the gallant crew 
 
 To shiL'ld the helpless maid ; then softly drew 450 
 
 Her arm within her Sidney's to explore 
 
 The sights and wonders of the foreign shore
 
 CLARA CHESTER. Ill 
 
 Ere yet they reached the httle town, was seen 
 The pensile goat amidst the herbage green 
 That ghtter'd on the rocks ; or through the plain 
 The bearded monarch led his subject train. 
 High o'er his brow fantastic horns arose, , 
 
 Like the bare branch above the wintry snows, 
 Rich as the antler'd elk, whose bones are found 
 Deep in the heart of Erin"'s swampy ground : 460 
 
 His skin shone glossy, delicate and clear, 
 Dappled in beauty like the graceful deer ; 
 And not a fawn on Hagley's flowery mead 
 E'er moved with lighter elegance or speed. 
 
 Strange was the scene, when first the rovers'" feet 
 Enter'd the mart in Praya"'s busy street. 
 Naked as Eve, the sooty children play"'d 
 With apes, baboons and monkeys, in the shade. 
 One kindred family in gesture, face. 
 Expression, posture, chatter and grimace ; 470 
 
 And Sidney smiled to mark that social crew. 
 That seem'd to prove Monboddo's fable true. 
 Fruits of sweet odour and delicious taste 
 Perfumed the breeze, in osier baskets placed 
 Round a rude obelisk ; the juicy lime, 
 The keen Nepenthe of that sultry clime, 
 The plantain's yellow capsules, that infold 
 A mealy substance, bright as burnish'd gold, 
 And rich as melting pears — the cocoa's shell 
 Brimming with milk — the gourd's luxurious swell-— 480
 
 112 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 The seedy guava — figs of luscious blue, 
 
 And sliced pomegranates of the coral's hue. 
 
 These treasures of the tropic world with care 
 
 Clara selected, and the welcome fare 
 
 Despatch''d on board, new vigour to impart 
 
 To toil-worn tars, and cheer a father's heart. 
 
 Round the fair stranger now the natives pressed, 
 
 Gazed on her form, her noble dog caressM. 
 
 They were a simple race — the rich — the free 
 
 Were deck'd in gorgeous, tasteless finery — 490 
 
 The dark hair circled by a turban white, 
 
 With tinsel, beads, and glittering spangles bright ; 
 
 Necklace of scarlet berries, tawdry gear. 
 
 And gold drops dangling from the dusky ear. 
 
 Graceful they moved, unsAvathed by fashion's bands, 
 
 Lioht as the wild goat on their native sands. 
 
 The slaves and menials round the slender waist 
 
 A cincture wore, that proved those feelings chaste 
 
 That Heaven implants within the breasts of all 
 
 In savage hut, as in the courtly hall : 500 
 
 But legs, and arms, and glowing bosoms shone 
 
 Bare, bright and polish'd, in the flaming sun. 
 
 Now from the bustling town to balmy hills 
 Roved the young lovers ; sweet and gushing rills 
 Burst from each crevice in the rocks, and flew 
 Light on the breeze in showers of pearly dew. 
 High on the crags were playful monkeys seen, 
 With features black, and coats of lively green :
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 113 
 
 Pebbles and fruits the sportive mimics flung, 
 
 And drownM wild Echo with the chattering tongue. 510 
 
 Gallinas fluttered in the grassy vales, 
 
 Mingled with countless flocks of piping quails, 
 
 And from the maize, in golden richness bright, 
 
 The red-legg\l partridge took his tardy flight. 
 
 How bounded Neptune with bewildered eyes 
 
 To mark the feather"*d multitude arise 
 
 In rushing clouds, that shadowed all the land 
 
 Thick as dark locusts on the Lybian sand ! 
 
 Along the cool Baranca now they strayM, 
 
 Cheer"'d by the palm and plantain's pleasing shade. 520 
 
 Sweet in the lofty cocoa's waving crown 
 
 The zephyrs breathed : the cotton's milky down, 
 
 Mingled with moss and leaves, a sylvan seat 
 
 Inviting spread ; and, languid from the heat, 
 
 Clara on that green bank her limbs reposed, 
 
 Luird by the spring that warbled near — enclosed 
 
 From all the world that cool, sequester 'd shade 
 
 Seem'd for love's mysteries by nature made. 
 
 It was a scene of peace — from bush and spray, 
 
 Opening their golden plumage to the day, 530 
 
 Birds flutter'd through arcades of balmy flowers, 
 
 Tame and familiar as in Eden's bowers. 
 
 The green latanier spread its fans around, 
 
 And Sidney's hand his Clara's veil unbound, 
 
 And cheer'd her with its fluted leaves ; the rose 
 
 Revisited her tender cheeks, as glows 
 
 Pale heav'n, enlighten'd by the morning beam ; 
 
 Her gentle eyes diff'used a mingled stream 
 
 H
 
 ]14 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Of gratitude and fear ; her heaving breast 
 
 Betray'd what virgin modesty suppressed ; 540 
 
 And now, ye prudes, of taste and heart bereft, 
 
 Exclaim not at the daring seaman's theft. 
 
 When from her sweet and crimson Ups he stole 
 
 One burning kiss, that thrilPd him to the soul ! 
 
 It was a kiss of virtuous love — a ray 
 
 Of light preceding Hymen's glorious day : 
 
 But Clara softly from his arms withdrew. 
 
 Blushing, though not in anger, for she knew 
 
 His noble heart, and cried " Impatient youth ! 
 
 Oh ! trust to Clara's constancy and truth, 550 
 
 Nor ask these trembling lips her faith to prove. 
 
 Till holy hands have sanctified our love." 
 
 " Whate'er proceeds from thee still more and more," 
 
 Said Sidney, " sinks within this bosom's core ; 
 
 Deep in that fair and tender breast I see 
 
 The sterling stamp of true nobility, 
 
 Honour and sacred feelings richly blent 
 
 With pure affection ; nor could warm consent 
 
 More rapture to the daring victor yield 
 
 Than now I taste, though vanquished in tlie field. 560 
 
 Retire, my love, preserve thy spotless name, 
 
 To me more precious than the star of fame. 
 
 Nor let us give censorious venom room 
 
 To stain the rose, that smiles in vernal bloom." 
 
 He led her by the hand, in conscious pride 
 
 Self-gratified ; and soon the swelling tide 
 
 Rose to their view : the grateful Tamba stood 
 
 Impatient on the margin of the flood,
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 115 
 
 And welcomed them with tears of joy, that flowed 
 
 More sweet and bright than proudest tongue that glowed 
 
 With Grecian eloquence ; they quick repaired 571 
 
 On board, and Clara's heart that pleasure shared 
 
 That temporary absence yields : the shore 
 
 Had now supplied them with refreshing store 
 
 Of fruits, and water from the gushing stream ; 
 
 The topsail, flapping in the golden gleam 
 
 Of eve, proclaimed the Caesar*'s jovial crew 
 
 Prepared the path of glory to pursue. 
 
 And now once more to sea — the fresh'ning gale 
 
 Sweeps the broad wave, and fills the shivering sail ; 
 
 The anchor heaved, the vessel ploughs the main 581 
 
 Free as the captive, who the galling chain 
 
 Tears from the tortured limb, and gaily flies 
 
 To sunny meads and renovating skies. 
 
 The sprightly seaman, ever fond of change, 
 
 Delights again the stormy surge to^range ; 
 
 No Siren warbling on the flowery shore 
 
 So dear to him as ocean's hollow roar ; 
 
 Up the light shrouds and mighty mast he springs. 
 
 And o'er the yard-arm spreads the canvass wings ; 
 
 One strain of harmony pervades the fleet, 591 
 
 For life's vicissitudes are ever sweet. 
 
 And man, like Rasselas, still loves to fly. 
 
 Nor quits the " Happy Valley" with a sigh. 
 
 Can thus the transit from luxurious ease 
 
 To toil and pain the restless mortal please ? 
 
 'Tis even so ; the prince vv^ith jewell'd star — 
 
 The victor riding in his laurell'd car —
 
 316 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 The youth, of all his wildest hopes possest, 
 
 The priceless treasure of one faithful breast, 600 
 
 Still pant for something more than earth can yield, 
 
 The sceptre, virgin, or the conquering field. 
 
 And thirst, while perishable pleasures cloy, 
 
 To taste the fountain of immortal joy. 
 
 Deep in the ancient's heart this feeling dwelt, 
 
 Pledge of eternity ! the Heathen felt 
 
 Its awful power — the calm, prophetic eye 
 
 Of heav''n-taught Socrates could still descry 
 
 The banner of the future God unfurPd 
 
 Through the dim shadows of a cloudy world ; 610 
 
 And retribution with tremendous knell 
 
 Struck the proud atheist"'s breast ; his spirit fell, 
 
 As trembling conscience through nocturnal gloom 
 
 Pictured those awful realms beyond the tomb ; 
 
 Till o'er the darkened orb arose the light 
 
 Of blessed revelation, pagan night 
 
 To chase like mist before the sun, and prove 
 
 This tangled web one scheme of endless love. 
 
 Now merrily the barks with shining keels 
 Clove the blue billows : dolphins, sharks and seals, 
 Sported around, or Hew in terror past, 621 
 
 Scared or attracted by the giant mast. 
 The grampus, rolling on his azure bed. 
 Spouted the glittering brine ; the porpoise led 
 His tumbling Hocks, that slowly rose and fell 
 With sleepy motion, as the lofty swell
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 117 
 
 Of foaming waves alternate sank and raised 
 
 Their sable backs, that seem'd with crystal glazed. 
 
 All ocean was alive ; the mimic sail 
 
 Of lucid polypus before the gale 630 
 
 With oar and rudder glisten'd in the sun ; 
 
 When caught — a mass of shapeless jelly shone ! 
 
 In those clear regions ev''ry object glowed 
 
 With startling brilliancy : the liquid road^ 
 
 Ploughed by the barks, appeared, in distance lost, 
 
 One fair and floating field of sparkling frost. 
 
 The glassy convex of the heaving brine 
 
 Shrank to a narrow lens ; th' horizon's line 
 
 Contracted seem'd ; and heav'n, in jewels drest, 
 
 Stoop'd from her throne to bathe on ocean's breast. 
 
 Now in the zenith flamed the god of day, 641 
 
 And pour'd with heat intense his piercing ray ; 
 
 O'er the equator roll'd the boiling wave ; 
 
 No latitude the silent quadrant gave ; 
 
 High on the glowing deck an upright spear 
 
 Produced no shade ; with warm and hearty cheer 
 
 The sons of ocean hail'd the joyful sight ; 
 
 For now arrived their season of delight, 
 
 The sailor's carnival, by custom placed 
 
 One sunny spot amidst the wat'ry waste. 650 
 
 Who ne'er has crost the flaming Line must now 
 
 The tributary rite perform, and bow 
 
 To Neptune's high command ; when noontide came, 
 
 Hear the shrill trumpet's Stentor voice proclaim 
 
 The king's approach — " What ship, a hoy .?" he cried ; 
 
 '' Who dares disturb the monarch of the tide .^"
 
 118 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 The boatswain answered, " Sire of winds and waves ! 
 Britannia's pride, the gallant Caesar, craves 
 Admittance to your realms." — " The captain who ?" 
 " Sidney, the father of his roving crew, 660 
 
 And terror of the Gaul." — " I know him well, 
 And could full many a deed of glory tell. 
 Unheard by fame ; his flag was oft unfurl'd 
 Within the borders of my wat'ry world, 
 And oft his thunder in the noble chase 
 Has rock'd my crystal palace to the base. 
 I know his hardy tars, and greet them all ; 
 Their features many a dreadful day recall 
 Of fight and storm ; but some fresh faces here 
 Amidst my brave and sun-burnt friends appear. 670 
 No smuggler dares, from tax or tollage free, 
 Presume to pass the barriers of the sea ; 
 Each bold intruder, soldier, priest or tar, 
 Must pay the toll to cross the mystic bar," 
 He said ; and swift emerging from the flood. 
 Proud on the deck the son of Saturn stood. 
 He held a flesh-fork in his horny hand, 
 The royal staff*, the trident of command : 
 An old tin kettle, sharply notch'd around, 
 Composed the cap, with which his head was crown'd ; 
 Streaming beneath his chin a swab appeared, 681 
 
 Which form'd the mighty Hugh's majestic beard ; 
 His robes were sail-cloths, in long service worn. 
 To graceful shreds by wind or battle torn ; 
 And down the tatter'd folds a torrent flow'd 
 Fresh from the fountains of his salt abode.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 119 
 
 Tritons with forked tails, and skins of sheep, 
 FlockVl round the lofty ruler of the deep. 
 Glaucus and Ino on his right were placed ; 
 His left Palaemon, Thetis, Phorcys graced. 690 
 
 With pride the monarch view'd his splendid train — 
 Those ushers, grooms and courtiers of the main ; 
 And, while the deck with conch and trumpet rang, 
 He thus with lungs Stentorophonic sang. 
 
 I come from ocean's deepest cell, 
 
 Where the green-hair'd mermaids dwell ; 
 
 My throne is in the coral caves, 
 
 My canopy the crystal waves ; 
 
 When the rude wings of Boreas sweep 
 
 The surface of the rolling deep ; 700 
 
 When billows, swift as lightning's blaze. 
 
 Fly thund'ring o'er tlie earthly ball, 
 
 My trident on the surge I raise, 
 
 And lo ! the liquid mountains fall. 
 
 I hear unbidden strangers glide 
 
 Presumptuous o'er my wat'ry glass : 
 
 What vagrant dares in hardy pride 
 
 This sacred barrier to pass ? 
 
 Well may the gallant Sidney claim 
 
 From sea-born gods a welcome here ; 710 
 
 On earth or wave no brighter name 
 
 E'er crown'd the hero's proud career.
 
 120 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 And yon sweet maid witli azure eyes 
 
 My court with lively pleasure hails ; 
 
 Behind her path the tempest flies. 
 
 And softly breathe propitious gales. 
 
 For oft the blade her valiant sire 
 
 Has flash'd where wildest ocean roars, 
 
 And rear'd aloft, in smoke and fire, 
 
 His standard on my stormy shores. 720 
 
 But strangers all must now prepare 
 
 A votive wreath for Neptune's shrine — 
 
 Come hither, lads and lasses fair, 
 
 Who neY^r have crost the magic line. 
 
 My toilet's rude ; my razor's rough ; 
 
 Of marlinspikes my pins are made ; 
 
 Yet no friseur with comb and puff 
 
 More science, taste or skill displayed. 
 
 And when my painful duty's o'er, 
 
 You'll all admit (I hate professing), 730 
 
 That no young belle or fop on shore 
 
 Has e'er received so good a dressing. 
 
 There was a wretch on board, by name Paul Test, 
 
 An Irish proctor— one whose flinty breast. 
 
 Cold as the polar ice, and faithless too, 
 
 Ne'er felt one drop of pity's healing dew. 
 
 To him the mourning widow knelt in vain, 
 
 And roofless hamlets pour'd the famish'd train 
 
 Of helj)less children ; bent with age and toil, 
 
 The nation's pride, the tiller of the soil, 740
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 121 
 
 Implored the favour of one little day, 
 
 One hour, the bailiffs iron hand to stay. 
 
 Deaf as the storm, that with the murky skies 
 
 Mingles the waves, he heard his victim's cries. 
 
 The last remaining cow, whose milky store 
 
 Was all their treasure, from the cottage door 
 
 He drove relentless, while the dismal air 
 
 Was fiird with shrieks of hunger and despair. 
 
 He stood between the pastor and his flock 
 
 Like the dark summit of the hanging rock, 750 
 
 That flings its lurid shade o'er vale and stream. 
 
 And intercepts bright Heav'n's reviving beam. 
 
 His board with pride and luxury was spread. 
 
 His menials, parasites and cattle fed 
 
 With all that sloth's distempered palate cheers. 
 
 While the pale curate's crust was bathed in tears. 
 
 A white-eyed hypocrite, with saintly face. 
 
 He seem'd the meekest of the Christian race, 
 
 Drew from the orphan's store one day in seven, 
 
 And robb'd the poor, with looks upraised to Heaven. 
 
 Detection drove the reptile to the sea 761 
 
 To save his worthless life ; by fate's decree 
 
 Was Pest enroll'd amongst the Caesar's crew ; 
 
 But well those honest tars the viper knew. 
 
 And mark'd for Neptune's sport. " What saint is here 
 
 With lisping tongue, lank locks and holy leer .f"' 
 
 The monarch cried — " Such face I ne'er have seen. 
 
 Nor think my waves can wash the leper clean ; 
 
 Prepare the toilet for this ghostly man." 
 
 With heart-felt glee the merry Tritons ran 770
 
 122 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 For brush and bowl : his rolling eyes they bound 
 
 So tight, the wafry world seem'd whirling round. 
 
 Across a tub of brine was placed a plank, 
 
 On this they seated Paul ; his visage lank 
 
 Was di'awn to frightful longitude ; pale fear 
 
 Wrung from the Avretch his first — his selfish tear. 
 
 They bound with whip-cord knots and fetters sore 
 
 Those hands behind, that ever robb'd before. 
 
 Their razor was a rusty iron hoop, 
 
 Hitched to a saw ; they scraped the chickens' coop. 
 
 The yard, the mast, the rope, the greasy tin, 781 
 
 To form a lather for his bristly chin — 
 
 The brush a broom — his sable locks to rack, 
 
 A shark's sharp teeth, and dolphin's bony back ; 
 
 With soot for powder, slush to wash his face in. 
 
 And crock of smoking pitch the barber's basin. 
 
 " Proceed, my maids," cried Neptune, " and if shame 
 
 Forbid not, saintly sir, pray what's your name ?''"' 
 
 " P P ," he stammer'd with a dismal note — 
 
 Pop went the besom down his gurgling throat ; 790 
 
 And thus at each response they fill'd his jaw 
 
 With tarry foam ; they drew the jagged saw 
 
 Sharp through his grisly beard, till rage and pain 
 
 Sent his long bowlings o'er the trembling main, 
 
 " Holy St Patrick !" roar'd the shivering Paul — 
 
 Said Neptune, " Aye, thy guardian spirit call ; 
 
 O'er winds and waves thy saint has no command. 
 
 Nor shew'd much wisdom in thy native land ; 
 
 He banish'd snakes, and all the serpent kind, 
 
 And left a reptile, such as thou, behind." 800
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 123 
 
 " Oh ! Judy, Judy ! couldst thou see me here 
 In this sad pickle." — " Yes," cried Nep, " a tear 
 Of joy would trickle from thy Judy's eye, 
 To see her love in this sad pickle lie."" 
 Then slipt the plank — and lo ! Paul Pest supine 
 Lay drench''d and flound'ring in the tub of brine. 
 They pour'd salt buckets on his hanging locks 
 Swift as the wild waves lash the weedy rocks, 
 Then, tired with sport, his saintly eyes unbound, 
 And shew'd him all the merry faces round ; 810 
 
 In silent sulks he slowly slank away, 
 And stored his vengeance for a future day. 
 
 Next came the youthful tars, who ne'er before 
 Had heard the equinoctial billows roar : 
 All these the merry maids of Neptune dress'd, 
 But more in mirth than mischief: surly Pest, 
 Well duck'd and scarified, the joyous crew 
 Contented, and the golden moments flew 
 In dancing, feasting, songs and sea-born glee, 
 Flashes of wit and thundVing revelry. 820 
 
 Alas ! how swift the rich and transient gleams 
 Of pleasure fly, like evanescent streams 
 Of light, that o'er the Boreal landscape glow — 
 Vanish, and leave one cheerless waste of snow ! 
 While thus the hours in mirth and music sped. 
 The seaman on the giddy main-mast head 
 Cried out, " A sail !" The Cfiesar far behind 
 Had left the squadron struggling in the wind ;
 
 124 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Lightly she swam along the foaming seas, 
 
 Like the white cygnet floating on the breeze, 830 
 
 And gaily for the destined harbour stood, 
 
 Sublime in ocean's awful solitude. 
 
 As the mild beams of Cynthia's orb emerge 
 
 Peaceful and silent from the billows*' verge ; 
 
 Faint from the clouds her cold, reflected light 
 
 Through mist and darkness gems the robe of night ; 
 
 But rising clear in Heaven's empyreal way, 
 
 Pure from the zenith flows the gladsome ray, 
 
 And o'er the bosom of the swelling brine 
 
 Translucent gleams of chasten'd glory shine. 840 
 
 So came the stranger on — at distant view 
 
 A buoy — a fisher's boat on ocean blue ; 
 
 But soon the spirit of the freshening breeze 
 
 Bore the proud frigate on the bounding seas, 
 
 And o'er the straining yard and snowy sail 
 
 Iberia's flag flew fluttering in the gale. 
 
 Now " Clear for action !" gallant Sidney cried ; 
 
 " This hour the Caesar shall subdue the pride 
 
 Of haughty Spain ; within that costly bark 
 
 Glitter Peruvian dust and diamond spark ; 850 
 
 Bright in her hold the golden ingot shines. 
 
 Rent from the veins of rich Potosi's mines ; 
 
 And each bold tar the fates benignant spare 
 
 Partakes with Sidney an impartial share ; 
 
 The victor shall his days serenely pass 
 
 In wealth and ease, and wed his rosy lass. 
 
 Chester ! my brave, my noble friend, retire. 
 
 And screen my Clara from the hostile fire :
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 125 
 
 To guard that gem, more precious to these eyes 
 
 Than all the treasures of our future prize, SCO 
 
 My crew shall bid Iberia's laurels fade, 
 
 And cast all former glory into shade. 
 
 The winds and billows form our proud domain ; 
 
 We toil and combat on the wat'ry plain ; 
 
 Wild ocean's murmurs and the cannon's roll 
 
 Are martial music to the seaman's soul : 
 
 But thee, my friend, has fair Britannia sent 
 
 To battle on a calmer element ; 
 
 La Plata's strand shall see thy flag vmfurl'd. 
 
 Waving victorious o'er the western world ; 870 
 
 Oh ! then reserve, while naval thunders roar. 
 
 Thy strength and daring spirit for the shore." 
 
 " No, my brave youth," the soldier quick replied, 
 
 " Chester shall fall or conquer by thy side ; 
 
 Our swords are destined for the noble cause 
 
 To guard our country's liberty and laws. 
 
 And lead through Glory's path, on land or wave, 
 
 To' Fame's immortal temple or the grave : 
 
 But this dear maiden would unman me now. 
 
 And stamp the coward on her father's brow ; 880 
 
 Clara ! my heart — descend till echoing cheers 
 
 Of splendid victory salute thine ears ; 
 
 Retire with Tamba from this stormy scene. 
 
 Till o'er the waves the sun of peace serene 
 
 Proclaim that Fortune has thy Sidney blest ; 
 
 Then clasp the conquering hero to thy breast." 
 
 Vain was the caution of her anxious sire ; 
 
 In Clara's soul hereditary fire
 
 12G CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Lit by the star of purest honour glowed ; 
 
 Rich in her veins the martial spirit flowed, 890 
 
 And thus broke forth in words — " To share with thee 
 
 The landsman's fate, the perils of the sea, 
 
 I came, my father, from the peaceful bower ; 
 
 And all the terrors of this awful hour 
 
 Will serve, I trust in Providence, to prove 
 
 The truth and fervour of thy daughter's love." 
 
 No time for conference — in towering pride 
 
 The Saragossa roU'd along the tide, 
 
 Gigantic more and more — and swiftly too. 
 
 To meet her foe, the gallant Caesar flew. 900 
 
 As rush two lions on the Libyan strand 
 
 In dread encounter, and the glittering sand 
 
 Tear with their horrid talons, shedding round 
 
 The foam of rage and madness on the ground. 
 
 The hostile vessels plough'd the stormy way, 
 
 Flinging from keel and prow the roaring spray. 
 
 But all within Avas hush'd in deep repose ; 
 
 No vaunting cry from British bosoms rose ; 
 
 And like that awful calm, that oft precedes 
 
 The flood when Etna's burning crater bleeds, 910 
 
 And pours volcanic rocks and liquid fire. 
 
 Till from the flames Sicilia's waves retire. 
 
 The silent warriors stood — the voice of Spain 
 
 First spoke in thunder o'er the echoing main. 
 
 A storm of roiuid and grape came rushing past, 
 
 Thick as a sand-shower in Arabia's blast ; 
 
 But still the British seamen, cool and slow, 
 
 Rein'd their proud spirits till the daring foe
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 127 
 
 Came within bow-shot — then the fire supprest 
 
 Burst Hke a blaze from Hecla's frozen breast. 920 
 
 The whirring shot in fatal volleys sped, 
 
 Swift as on crackling panes, or peasant's shed. 
 
 Clouds of bright hail pour down the pattering stones ; 
 
 The pealing cannon, and the dying groans 
 
 Of seamen struggling in the bloody seas, 
 
 Mingled in horrid concert on the breeze. 
 
 Each flash came glimmering through the smoky pall 
 
 Sudden as lightning strikes the temple's ball. 
 
 Or meteor gleams with transitory light. 
 
 Lost ere the pilot marks the phantom's flight. 930 
 
 Above the ceaseless roll, and sounding cheer. 
 
 Rose Sidney's manly voice, distinct and clear — 
 
 " Bravo ! my lads ; the day will soon be won ; 
 
 Reserve your fire, and load each empty gun — 
 
 Now pour a broadside" — swift the volley flew — 
 
 Dark silence follow'd — but when breezes blew 
 
 The veil aside, the Spanish ship was seen 
 
 Deep on her beam-ends resting ; waves between 
 
 Lifted the rolhng corse, so thickly strewn. 
 
 The bodies form'd a floating bridge ; but soon 940 
 
 The vessel rose with renovated pride, 
 
 And pour'd her thunder in the Caesar's side. 
 
 Like the dark hurricane, that o'er the plains 
 
 Of Western India sweeps the shatter'd canes. 
 
 The planter's harvest ; lays the forest bare, 
 
 And hurls the rocks like pebbles in the air. 
 
 Swift through the shrouds the iron tempest pass'd. 
 
 Rending the streaming sail and groaning mast.
 
 128 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 When at his post the bleeding sailor fell, 
 
 And cheer'd his messmate with a last farewell, 950 
 
 Brave Chester fill'd his place — with steady hand, 
 
 And clear, cool eye, accustom"'d to command, 
 
 He spurr''d the tardy, and repressed the warm, 
 
 A calm, presiding genius of the storm. 
 
 Close by his side appear''d the gentle maid, 
 
 Too weak, alas ! for what can woman's aid 
 
 Avail in battle's wild, tempestuous hour, 
 
 When time and tide demand a giant's power ? 
 
 But still she stood, in robes of purest white, 
 
 Like some sweet spirit in the dreamy night, 960 
 
 That comes soft smiling to the couch of pain, 
 
 And bids the mourner wake to joy again. 
 
 In vain her sire implored ; she heard him not — 
 
 " Perhaps some falling mast, or fatal shot. 
 
 Might scar his sacred form ; some ruthless spear 
 
 Lay the brave soldier on the wat'ry bier ; 
 
 Perhaps — Oh ! horror — ere the pulse of life 
 
 Were yet extinct, amidst the madd'ning strife 
 
 Some careless hand, when wild the battle raves. 
 
 Might cast my bleeding father to the waves !" 970 
 
 Thus argued filial love — collected, calm, 
 
 She stood with bandage, and with healing balm. 
 
 To clear the sight, with pain and anguish dim, 
 
 To staunch the wound, or bind the fractured limb. 
 
 And Tamba too, the faithful Tamba there 
 
 Rejoiced her dear preserver's fate to share ; 
 
 For gratitude, the purest and the best 
 
 Of mortal feelings, in the sable breast
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 129 
 
 Impetuous runs, and kindles like a flood 
 
 Of solar fire, unknown to northern blood. 980 
 
 Now Sidney mournM to see his heroes fall 
 Like blades of grass beneath the coward ball ; 
 He watcli'd the moment in the bloody fray, 
 When stern to stern the hostile vessels lay ; 
 Then, springing lightly as the mountain roe. 
 Flew through the cabin-window of the foe — 
 Thence to the deck — the poop — the staff that bore 
 Iberia's ensign seized, and bravely tore 
 The flaunting streamer down — the Caesar's cry 
 Of cheers exulting thunder'd to the sky, 990 
 
 As, rear'd victorious o'er the Spanish sail, 
 The flag of England floated in the gale. 
 Now glow'd the battle with redoubled ire : 
 The vessels grappled, and through showers of fire 
 Sidney amidst his brave companions sprang — 
 " Hurrah ! hurrah !" from deck to topmast rang — 
 " Board them, my lads !" — the crews were mingled now 
 Close as an ivy's tendrils with a bough 
 Of sturdy elm — with grasp and sinewy hand 
 Pouring the lightning of the mortal brand. 1000 
 
 Bright through the smoke with transitory gleam 
 Flash'd the keen cutlass, like the glittering stream 
 That fitful plays amidst the lurid night 
 On Solfatara's breast — pursuit and flight 
 Alternate, as the human torrent flowed 
 From ship to ship, and Death insatiate mowed 
 
 I
 
 130 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 His bloody harvest, long in doubtful scales 
 
 The fate of battle held : the shattered sails 
 
 Seem'd o'er the dreadful scene below to wave 
 
 Like the torn banners o'er a warrior''s grave. 1010 
 
 Deep on that morn was Chester's sabre dyed 
 
 With Spanish gore : he stemmVl the rushing tide 
 
 Like Codes, when Etruria's host dismay'd 
 
 Flew from the hero's solitary blade. 
 
 Now mark'd the leader of the yielding foe 
 
 The gallant arm that laid his seamen low, 
 
 And levell'd, with demoniac rage possest. 
 
 The fiery tube to pierce his aged breast. 
 
 But Clara rush'd between — and, spreading wide 
 
 Her snow-white arms, in thrilling accents cried — 1020 
 
 " Oh ! spare my father" — at that holy name, 
 
 And sight of that beseeching girl, that came 
 
 Like some sweet vision of departed days. 
 
 The Spaniard paused — and ere his arm could raise 
 
 Once more the deadly gun, with speed of light 
 
 Tamba sprang in, and grasping with her miglit 
 
 The mortal weapon, flung it to the deep. 
 
 The conquer'd host, despairing now to reap 
 
 War's lofty laurels, or their gold retain, 
 
 Struck to that towering flag that rules the main. 1030 
 
 Time now was precious ; for the shatter'd prize 
 Seem'd sinking in the waves ; desponding cries 
 Rose from the captured, as the Britons bold 
 Drew the rich coffers from the brimming hold —
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 131 
 
 The topaz, shining hke an evening beam — 
 
 The ruby, like the lava"'s ruddy stream — 
 
 The purple amethyst in tints array 'd 
 
 Pure as the sweet-lipp'd violet in the shade; 
 
 And diamond brilliant as the living light 
 
 Of fire-flies glittering in the dewy night, 1040 
 
 Or that bright ray, in beauty's eye that burns. 
 
 When from the wars her faithful lord returns. 
 
 All these from ocean's grasp the captors bore. 
 
 With dust and ingots of Peruvian ore 
 
 Of priceless value : now, when all was clear'd. 
 
 Swift to the south the bounding Gaesar steer'd 
 
 With cheerful gales, and blue, propitious skies. 
 
 And through the billows tow'd her crippled prize. 
 
 Gaily they danced along, but ere the close 
 
 Of crimson eve, reversed and sad arose 1050 
 
 The signal of distress, and o'er the seas 
 
 The cry oijire was mingled with the breeze. 
 
 Quick from Iberia's bark in fury broke 
 
 Torrents of flame, and clouds of sable smoke : 
 
 A choice of death the dreadful moment g-ave — 
 
 To burn, or perish on the whelming wave. 
 
 Now from the deck the lusty swimmer sprang ; 
 
 To mast or slippery spar the feebler clang 
 
 With desperate tenacity ; the sound 
 
 Of thund'ring guns their cries of anguish drown'd. 1 060 
 
 But Sidney's heart, to finest feelings warm, 
 
 A lamb in peace, a lion in the storm, 
 
 Felt more impress'd by Pity's pleading eye 
 
 Than all Bellona's proudest pageantry ;
 
 132 CLx\RA CHESTER. 
 
 (Courage and mercy ever yet possessed 
 
 Witli equal power the British seaman''s breast.) 
 
 Prompt were his orders, prompt and cheerful too 
 
 The toil and peril of his daring crew. 
 
 The boats were mannM, oars, planks, and cordage flung, 
 
 To which the cold and panting swimmers clung. 1070 
 
 What succour now can woman"'s beating heart. 
 
 Her sighs, her unavailing tears, impart ? 
 
 The Beauty, cradled in luxurious ease,~ 
 
 Scared by the cannon's roar and boiling seas, 
 
 Might wring her useless hands, and softly weep, 
 
 While shrieking thovisands perished in the deep : 
 
 But Clara'^s soul a new-born strength display 'd, 
 
 And cheered their breasts with unexpected aid — 
 
 " Off, Neptune, off!" the maiden quickly cried ; 
 
 Her faithful spaniel, springing from her side, 1080 
 
 Plunged in the foaming waves ; with lion'^s grasp 
 
 He seized the swimmer, when the mortal gasp 
 
 Proclaimed that Nature's task was nearly o''er ; 
 
 Then to the boat the streaming body bore. 
 
 And dash'd again, importunate to find 
 
 What sinking wretch his feeble hold resigned. 
 
 And Tamba proved in that appalling hour 
 
 That not on iv'ry breasts alone the shower 
 
 Of pity falls — the sable bosom too 
 
 Participates the sweet and sacred dew. 1090 
 
 She, nin-scd where Lybia's hot and piercing beam, 
 
 Invites the swimmer to the pearly stream. 
 
 Amphibious, half her golden simimcrs spent 
 
 Sporting within the crystal element:
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 133 
 
 And now she rush'd with more than dolphin's speed, 
 
 While Britons, wondering at the daring deed, 
 
 Mark'd her surmount illuminated seas 
 
 Light as the fluttering sand-lark on the breeze. 
 
 Undaunted by the cannon's deadly fire, 
 
 That flash'd like lightning from the floating pyre, 1 100 
 
 Swift to the flaming bark she swam ; received 
 
 Within her nervous arms the wretch that cleaved 
 
 Hopeless and frantic to the burning mast ; 
 
 Then to the boats her helpless burden cast ; 
 
 Return'd — the waves — the hissing volley braved, 
 
 And toil'd, untired, till ev'ry soul was saved. 
 
 Yet this was one, from tribes of Afric born, 
 
 That proud philosophers hold up to scorn. 
 
 And fancy still the brand of Cain impress'd 
 
 On the dark forehead, and the inky breast. 1110 
 
 This matchless maid the bloody merchant tore 
 
 In tears and anguish from her natal shore. 
 
 And doom'd to lead on Cuba's thirsty plains 
 
 A life of ceaseless misery and chains. 
 
 Blush, Britons, blush ! the sacred charm behold. 
 
 That binds the breathing world in links of gold ; 
 
 See how the stream through all creation runs 
 
 From globes of dust to stars and flaming suns ; 
 
 And learn those holy sympathies that move 
 
 To deeds of social charity and love, 1120 
 
 That Heav'n to brute — to man — to angel gave. 
 
 From one poor spaniel and a Lybian slave !
 
 134 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Both these with cold, and glorious labour spent, 
 Clara received with soothing blandishment ; 
 And now her noble dog the maid caress'd, 
 Now strain'd the shivering Tamba to her breast ; 
 Within their lips reviving cordials pour'd, 
 And soon their strength and bounding health restored. 
 
 The contest o'er, the work of mercy done, 
 With rays of golden splendour sank the sun 1130 
 
 On ocean's bosom ; quick the glittering sky 
 Display ""d her gemm'd and awful canopy. 
 Bright shone the stars amidst noctvu-nal gloom. 
 Like showers of fire from Adrian's ancient tomb ; 
 When Sidney call'd his gallant tars to bend 
 To Heav'n in prayer, and with their triumph blend 
 Thanksgiving to that dread, mysterious Power, 
 That saved their bark in battle's stormy hour. 
 Not from beneath the proud and sculptured dome, 
 Or marble temples of imperial Rome, 1140 
 
 The voice of purest gratitude j)roceeds ; 
 The spirit of the meek-souTd Christian needs 
 No Angek/s or Titian's magic art 
 To kindle zeal, or elevate the heart. 
 Religion, calm and unobtrusive flies 
 To scenes of peace from pompous pageantries ; 
 From halls, where mercenary vergers stand 
 To grasp the shining silver from the liand 
 Of opulence — then smiling march before. 
 And on the bashful stranger slap the door ! 1150
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 135 
 
 Oft has the simple village church displayed 
 
 Scenes of primeval piety : the maid, 
 
 When warmly clasping to her faithful breast 
 
 Her rustic swain, in all her wishes blest — 
 
 The mother, smiling o'er her little wealth, 
 
 Her only child, restored to joy and health — 
 
 Breathe from the bosom to the throne above 
 
 Spontaneous accents of adoring love. 
 
 And see that aged cultivator lead 
 
 His rosy group o'er stile and flowery mead, 1160 
 
 While Sabbath bells along the cheerful breeze 
 
 Are sweetly ringing ; round the porch he sees 
 
 Memorials of some dear and honourd name, 
 
 Whose unpresuming virtues live, though Fame 
 
 Ne'er from her hollow trump their deeds has blown, 
 
 Nor carved fictitious praise on Parian stone. 
 
 Beneath that dark-leaf'd yew, where softly blows 
 
 The lulling wind, his ancestors repose. 
 
 For centuries the giant boughs have spread 
 
 Their waving arms to shield the hallow'd dead ; 1170 
 
 And every sigh, as low the branches bend. 
 
 Seems the mild whisper of a long-lost friend. 
 
 Tranquil and sweet, the place — the day conspire 
 
 To raise devotion's pure and holy fire ; 
 
 And not a silent prayer, or simple strain 
 
 Of sacred song, ascends to Heav'n in vain. 
 
 Thus Sidney and his brave companions jx)ur'd 
 Their orisons ; and Clara's heart adored
 
 136 CLARA CHEvSTER. 
 
 That gracious Providence, whose mighty power 
 
 Saved her dear father in the fiery shower. 1180 
 
 No fretted canopy of gorgeous mould 
 
 Spread its rich concave, bright with burnished gold ; 
 
 But Nature well the void of art supplied, 
 
 And rear'd her splendid temple o'er the tide. 
 
 Aloft in heav'n the starry dome displayed 
 
 Living; mosaic — azure skies inlaid 
 
 With brilliants glittering like a dewy wreath. 
 
 Soft gleaming in the wat'ry glass beneath. 
 
 No music from the sweet harmonious plains 
 
 Of Italy ; nor Handel's lofty strains 1190 
 
 Inspired them ; but along the moonlight sea 
 
 The breezes swept unearthly melody ; 
 
 And from the deep the solemn ocean gave 
 
 The diapason of the thund'ring wave. 
 
 It was a glorious scene — the hands, that bled 
 
 That morn in Britain's cause, now calmly spread 
 
 In grateful homage, and the prostrate forms 
 
 Of heroes, whom the lightning's flash, and storms 
 
 Prophetic, like the raven's voice, of death, 
 
 Ne'er daunted, now like gentlest woman's breath 1200 
 
 Pouring thanksgiving, reverence, and praise. 
 
 Solemn and clear was Sidney heard to raise 
 
 His manly voice : as in the battle's tide, 
 
 They follow'd still their true and gallant guide, 
 
 Humble to God — amidst the cannon's roar 
 
 Invincible ; and when the sacred task was o'er, 
 
 Clara, as if inspired, with artless tongue 
 
 This unpremeditated anthem sung.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 137 
 
 As to the golden orb of day 
 
 The Persian's knee, untutor'd, bends ; 1210 
 
 To thee, dread Power ! this simple lay 
 
 In fervent gratitude ascends. 
 We learn from thee, with Faith's prophetic eyes. 
 To seek the living God beyond the starry skies. 
 
 Father of all ! when rushing loud 
 
 Sweep the dark pinions of the wind, 
 
 And flashes from the fiery cloud 
 
 The pilot's ball of vision blind, 
 Thy hand can teach us still our course to keep. 
 And steer our reeling bark along the dusky deep. 1220 
 
 When battle rears his gory crest ; 
 When streams of pure and gen'rous blood 
 Swift gushing from the seaman's breast 
 With crimson dye the seething flood. 
 Thy voice can bid o'er dark Iberia's slave 
 Thy free and favour'd isle's immortal standard wave. 
 
 As now in this victorious hour 
 
 All hearts and hands are turn'd to thee, 
 
 Oh ! grant that neither pride nor power 
 
 May quench the soul's humility ; 1230 
 
 But pious deeds and grateful bosoms prove 
 
 Our deep remembrance of atoning love.
 
 138 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 As springs the hart, that Asia's sultry beam 
 
 OppressM, exulting from the limpid stream, 
 
 The warriors rose refreshed ; for prayers impart 
 
 A cheering cordial to the pious heart ; 
 
 And Clara's voice, impassioned, sweet and pure, 
 
 Covdd with resistless charm the mind allure 
 
 From mundane joys to bliss beyond the grave. 
 
 Now Sidney to the war-worn seamen gave 1240 
 
 Salubrious viands, and the brimming bowl, 
 
 To nerve the limb, invigorate the soul. 
 
 The Caesar's prowess on that glorious day 
 
 Became the theme of many an artless lay ; 
 
 Yet still a sigh was ming-led with the strain 
 
 For those who slept beneath the restless main. 
 
 While now they pass'd the cup, an awful sound 
 
 Shook their tall bark, and swelPd the billows round. 
 
 Bursting from smoke, and blazing to the skies, 
 
 Arose the fragments of their Spanish prize ; 1250 
 
 The dread explosion scattered on the gale 
 
 Tackle, and shiverVl mast and burning sail, 
 
 Tliat dropped like stars from heaven's aerial steep. 
 
 Their transient sparks extinguish'd in the deep. 
 
 Yet long tlie flaming keel with liorrid light 
 
 Lay hissing on the waves ; tlie orbs of night 
 
 Seem'd pale, as floating o'er that fiery mass 
 
 They faintly glimmcr'd in the ocean's glass — 
 
 Ere morning dawn'd, amidst the billows' roar 
 
 The giant cauldron sank, to rise no more. 1260 
 
 Now all retired ; and when some tranquil liours 
 Of soothing sleep rec ruitcd nature's powers,
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 139 
 
 The indefatigable Clara rose 
 
 To aid her bleeding friends — her vanquish\l foes ; 
 
 For she, like Caesar, saw no purpose gain'd, 
 
 While unperform"'d one glorious act remain^l. 
 
 She scorn"'d the puling sentiment, that sheds 
 
 Tears o"'er fictitious sorrow, and on beds 
 
 Of drooping lilies weeps, while, weak and old, 
 
 The famish'd beggar shivers in the cold. 12T0 
 
 She knew each simple on the flowery field, 
 
 Whose sweet and salutary juice can yield 
 
 A balm to sooth the weary couch of pain ; 
 
 And oft on Malvern's hill, or Evesham's plain, 
 
 She glean'd the magic leaves with chemic art. 
 
 Drew from the poison'd herb the purest part. 
 
 In vials screened them from polluting air, 
 
 And stored her treasures with a miser's care. 
 
 And now she sped, with Tamba by her side. 
 
 From birth to birth ; the healing salve applied 1280 
 
 To fretful wounds ; the shattered member bound 
 
 With bandage, and with lulling opiates drown'd 
 
 The sense of present pain ; when, weak and slow, 
 
 The vital current scarcely seem'd to flow, 
 
 She gave, ere death had spread his awful shade. 
 
 Religion's sweet, consolatory aid ; 
 
 And pointed to the heavens, when thunders cease 
 
 To roll — the harbour of eternal peace ! 
 
 The seamen bless'd her ; and the closing eye 
 
 Still linger 'd on her form — the parting sigh 1290 
 
 Was breathed for her, who o'er the waste of death 
 
 Strew'd manna ; and the last, expiring breath,
 
 140 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Proclaim^, when scarce the clay-cold tongue could move, 
 Unutterable gratitude and love. 
 
 Sidney, meantime, the remnant of his crew 
 Summoned on deck ; 'twas sad to count the few 
 That weather'd out the storm, with toil opprest, 
 Limping with fractured limb, or bleeding breast. 
 Now silent in the melancholy roll, 
 
 The chasm of heroes lost depress^ the soul. 1300 
 
 But one was missing; — " Where's our messmate Paul .'' 
 Who saw that formidable champion fall ?''"' 
 " Invisible to feeling as to sight" 
 Was Paul, since first commenced the glorious fight ; 
 They searched in vain where ropes and sails were roU'd 
 In heaps ; at length when groping in the hold, 
 Coil'd in the bottom of a seaman's chest 
 They found that man of war, the brave Paul Pest ! 
 " Proctor, a-hoy ! hilloa ! my lad, what cheer ? 
 What, in the name of Neptune, do'st thou here .'"' 
 He answer'd not — as jugglers drag a snake, 131 1 
 
 Nestled in thorns beneath an Indian brake. 
 They drew the reptile out — his standing hair 
 Seem'd like a wild boar's bristly back to stare ; 
 Pallid his visage as the chalky coast 
 Of Britain's isle, or Evelina's ghost : 
 He shook his ears, and wildly glanced around, 
 Scared by the fancied cannon's awful sound. 
 And startled when a Spaniard's sallow face 
 Met his, proclaiming him of hostile race. 1320
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 141 
 
 " Courage, my boy ! tlie battle's lost and won ; 
 
 The day is ours ; and ere the setting sun 
 
 Shall stream in splendour from the western skies, 
 
 All hands on board, but Paul, shall share the prize." 
 
 Of both his eyes the white appeared alone, 
 
 Fix'd as the rayless orbs of sculptured stone ; 
 
 And shivering thus he spoke — " The sinful trade 
 
 Of war was not for holy churchmen made ; 
 
 We wrestle with the flesh, but love to find 
 
 Friendship in foes, and peace through all mankind ; 
 
 My conscience smote me when the bullets flew ; 1331 
 
 To scenes of massacre I bade adieu : 
 
 I would not shed the blood of man for gold ; 
 
 The Scripture saith, that " whoso sheddeth"" — " Hold ! 
 
 Preach to the fool, thou hypocritic knave ! 
 
 On shore a tyrant, on the deep a slave 
 
 To dastard fear — Ho ! boatswain, quickly bind 
 
 His saintship to the shrouds, and lash his rind, 
 
 Till tender as his conscience it appears." 
 
 " Ay, ay, sir" — then, with universal cheers, 1340 
 
 The boatswain laid, with many a hearty smack, 
 
 A tough rope''s end across his coward back. 
 
 He growl'd, and mutterM, " on an early day, 
 
 Revenge in blood shall wipe this score away." 
 
 Sweet as mild evening's sunshine on the green 
 The calm that follows battle's stormy scene 
 With gentle gales along the glittering main 
 The vessel moved ; and many a joyous strain
 
 142 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 From Harry Hart the weary hours beguiled, 
 
 And Evans' flute, that, hke the warbling wild 1350 
 
 Of fabled Sirens on the moonliglit sea, 
 
 Pour'd on the breeze delicious melody. 
 
 The wounded too could soon the pastime share. 
 
 Revived by Clara's unremitting care ; 
 
 She was their only hope — a fatal ball 
 
 Had pierced the cockpit — surgeon — mate, and all 
 
 Those servitors, that tend the sick man's bed. 
 
 At one fell blow were numbered with the dead ; 
 
 And lovely woman stood their guardian now, 
 
 Felt the weak pulse, and wiped the streaming brow — 
 
 Woman — our cheering star through every stage 1361 
 
 From helpless infancy to trembling age ! 
 
 Thus sailVl they merrily, till evening's smile 
 Far to the south display'd a dreary pile 
 Of barren scoria, that seem'd to rise 
 In pride and menace to the lofty skies, 
 Pointing its fractured pinnacles — its form, 
 Stamp'd with the print of dread convulsion's storm. 
 Cast from the waves by struggling nature's shock, 
 Proclaim'd that shore the sad and lonely rock 1370 
 Of Saint Helena, parted from the world, 
 Amidst the main, as if at random hurl'd 
 Midway between two hemispheres — a speck — 
 A beacon on the desert sea — a wreck 
 Of ocean's bed ejected from the deep ; 
 Not, as in after times, the dungeon keep.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 143 
 
 Where, reft of freedom, crowns, and boundless sway, 
 
 Th' Imperial Exile closed his wintry day. 
 
 Oh ! curst Ambition ! whither dost thou lead 
 
 Thy spell-bound votaries ? By fate decreed 1380 
 
 To raise a prostrate kingdom from the flood. 
 
 Where anarchy had steep'd her shores in blood, 
 
 To glory's zenith — blest with talents rare, 
 
 With matchless energy, and soul to dare 
 
 Those deeds, from which inferior spirits shrink ; 
 
 To snatch the golden prize from perifs brink — 
 
 On thee, stern Despot ! Fortune's favour^l child ! 
 
 In calm and storm the powers benignant smiled. 
 
 And bade thy hand above the laurelFd grave 
 
 The branch of love, the peaceful olive wave ; 1 390 
 
 But lost for ever was the glorious hour 
 
 In cold revenge, and thirst of lawless power. 
 
 Those slaves, that led thee to the lofty spire, 
 
 Perisli'd in pathless snows, or Moscow's fire. 
 
 Unwept by thee — for when did pity's stream 
 
 Soften ambition's sanguinary dream. 
 
 That, like the gorgon, turns the heart to stone, 
 
 And counts each corse a ladder to a throne ? 
 
 Amidst these dreary sands the spirit pined. 
 
 Whose dawn foretold a blessing to mankind ; 1400 
 
 And o'er that autocrat's inglorious urn, 
 
 Lo ! the dark branches of the cypress mourn. 
 
 Now, as they near'd the land, in floods of flame 
 
 The peal of martial salutation came 
 
 From embrasures, that roar'd with hollow sound, 
 
 Scoop'd from the bosom of the stony mound.
 
 144 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 High o'er the rocks the telegraph displayVl 
 
 Its mystic fingers, oft, alas ! arrayed 
 
 In sorrow's emblems, that from hill to hill 
 
 Gleam like death's awful harbingers, and fill 1410 
 
 The virgin's eyes with tears, ere yet the gale 
 
 Or flying courier waft the dismal tale. 
 
 Ingenious art ! that o'er the foaming floods. 
 
 The trackless desert, and the tangled woods, 
 
 Annihilates the bounds of space and time, 
 
 Swift as the meteor of the polar clime ; 
 
 Through stormy elements a summons sends 
 
 With light's rapidity — the bosom rends 
 
 With more than mortal anguish, or imparts 
 
 Tidings of peace and joy to bleeding hearts. 1420 
 
 The Briton starts on that wild shore to hear 
 His native language murmur in his ear, 
 Reviving days of bliss, or nights of pain, 
 By deep association's wondrous chain. 
 Refreshing were the shrubs of lively green, 
 Where from the bosom of the cool ravine 
 Arose the village spire of glittering white. 
 And James Town, gaily bursting on the sight, 
 Smiled in the yawning breach : the rocks around, 
 Bristled with batteries, terrific frown'd. 1430 
 
 Fort Mimden stood the guardian of the pass ; 
 And Ladder-hill, that tower'd a pointed mass 
 Of rugged lava, seem'd the wild retreat 
 Of ])ir(ls, impassable to human feet ;
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 145 
 
 Yet signals fluttered in the middle air, 
 
 And proved laborious man had triumphed there. 
 
 Impregnable was all that barren shore, 
 
 Fearless of hostile cannon, or the roar 
 
 Of restless ocean : and the tranqviil scene 
 
 Within that barricade with joy serene 1440 
 
 Fiird evVy bosom ; where the rocky veins 
 
 Had yielded to the rush of tropic rains, 
 
 Green herbage glitter'd, fruits and flowery trees 
 
 CooPd with their tremulous leaves the sultry breeze. 
 
 In James Town square a beauteous plant appeared — 
 
 The tulip-tree, by noble Anson rear'd. 
 
 When round the circling orb, enrich'd in fame 
 
 And Spanish gold, the brave Centurion came, 
 
 He on these barren sands his anchor cast, 
 
 And raised this sweet memorial of the past. 1450 
 
 Proud as the laurel, o'er the graveUVl bed 
 
 The flowing branch and glossy leaves were spread. 
 
 The rind was polished as the shining bell 
 
 Of lotus, or the chesnu^s satin shell. 
 
 And from the blossom's cup, that on the gale 
 
 Poured dewy fragrance, freshening all the vale. 
 
 Stood spears, light trembling, lovely to behold, 
 
 Of crimson tipt with vegetable gold. 
 
 In pensive mood, beneath its pleasing shade, 
 
 Sidney in silence with his gentle maid 1460 
 
 Remarked the solemn wreck of mountains piled 
 
 Like fractured pyramids in Lybia's wild. 
 
 From whose green fissures and romantic dells 
 
 The pearly spring in streams salubrious wells.
 
 146 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 That, like the camel in the desert, yields 
 Refreshment on wide ocean's pathless fields. 
 
 Now all was mirth along the bustling street ; 
 The flags aloft proclaimed an Indian fleet 
 Standing for shore ; with songs and hearty glee 
 The natives hail'd the coming jubilee, 1470 
 
 Their golden harvest, when the gorgeous East 
 Pours her rich stores, and spreads a tempting feast 
 Of shawls and glittering silks, that beauty's eyes, 
 Whether in covn-t, or rural hamlet, prize 
 Beyond all earthly treasures ; boundless rage 
 For dress, the madness of the passing age, 
 Pervades all ranks, on ocean, rock or green. 
 From the plain milkmaid to the sceptred queen. 
 For this the fair mechanic oft resigns 
 The plenteous meal, and with pale hunger pines; 1480 
 ]\Ienials the painful forms of fashion ape. 
 And sacrifice all-precious health to shape. 
 In that dread vortex fame and morals drown, 
 And l)arter life and honour for a gown ! 
 
 Another passion strides with rapid pace 
 To hin-ry to the grave the lowly race — 
 The love of tea — that fatal leaf, that pours 
 A deleterious draught on Britain's shores, 
 Worse than the fabled upas — taints the spring 
 Of young existence like the scorpion's sting, 1490 
 
 And through the mortal vessels works unseen, 
 'i'ill the nerves shiver like a mandarin.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 147 
 
 That furor runs through ev'ry stage of hfe 
 
 From the proud dutchess to the dustman's wife, 
 
 Breathing from China's pestilential tree 
 
 Hysterics, qualms, and mental atrophy. 
 
 Mark Lady Languish fluttering like a leaf, 
 
 All tremor, terror, ecstasy or grief ! 
 
 She shrieks at passing shadows on the wall. 
 
 And faints to see the harmless spider crawl. 1500 
 
 On sofas lolling all the listless day 
 
 She dreams in spasms her worthless hours away, 
 
 Like the cold corse, whose members wildly start. 
 
 Roused to convulsion by Galvanic art. 
 
 From rich to poor behold through ev'ry class 
 
 The passion for that subtle poison pass. 
 
 See that old sempstress creep with sloven's streel. 
 
 With ragged petticoat and shoeless heel, 
 
 Soil'd cap, rough-tangled locks, and loose attire. 
 
 And long, lank spindles, mottled by the fire. 1510 
 
 That wretch has left her helpless babes — her home, 
 
 In search of beggar's charity to roam ; 
 
 Neglected honourable toil to crave 
 
 The stranger's alms, nor has the heart to save 
 
 One crumb to still her famish'd infant's cry ; 
 
 And now she waddles through the lane to buy 
 
 Her ounce of congo — grasps with shrivell'd hand 
 
 The paper pyramid, and, mix'd with sand. 
 
 Her dust of sick'ning sugar — see her stuff 
 
 The treasure in her poke with pipes and snuff; 1520 
 
 Then totter back, her nose with Hollands blue, 
 
 In haste her copper beverage to brew.
 
 148 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 The tea-pot is her httle world — the whine 
 
 Of singing kettle harmony divine. 
 
 Cozy and warm the selfish beldam sips 
 
 The black infusion through her quivering lips, 
 
 While the pale children, crawling from the bed. 
 
 Extend their little hands, and ask for bread ! 
 
 Nor could this solitary rock escape 
 The dread contagion — exiles love to ape 1530 
 
 Each new-blown fashion of the mother isle ; 
 And here, rejoiced to see the sailors pile 
 Chest upon chest of China''s precious teas, 
 That pour'd inviting fragrance on the breeze. 
 They brought their little wealth from plain and tree, 
 And bartered sure for transient luxury. 
 Now came the meagre kine, and feeble flocks. 
 That nipp''d their scanty pasture on the rocks. 
 With bones sharp prominent, and ragged fleece, 
 Turkies, and gabbling ducks, and gouty geese, 1540 
 Both starved and pluckM, of flesh and feathers bare. 
 The sorry merchandise of James Town fair. 
 But all Vvcre welcome — novelties were these 
 To tars accustomed on the sultry seas 
 To junk, stale biscuit, pork, and rattling peas. 
 Oh ! that all pampered epicures were bound 
 To sail, one year in ten, the world around ; 
 To swing, as oft has been the poet'^s lot. 
 In the tight hammock, or the restless cot, 
 Wiiile sonic young wag, with health and spirits gay. 
 Cut from tile elects the tackling cords away, 1551
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 149 
 
 And poet's knob, nigh severed from the neck, 
 
 Popp'd hke a pumpkin on the ringing deck ! 
 
 To count the stars, to trace the moon's pale hght 
 
 Tlirough the cold mid-watch all the dreary night— 
 
 To hold the nose, and drink with ghastly grin 
 
 Thames water from a leaking tot of tin — 
 
 To bite hard biscuit, that would need an axe 
 
 To cleave it, till the tortured grinder cracks — 
 
 To stand for hours, like marble statue fixVl, 1560 
 
 To see stale rum, or odious toddy mix'd, 
 
 Or cook with ladle serve the hungry crew 
 
 From copper boiler, reeking with burgoo — 
 
 To find no resting-place by night or day 
 
 From flapping sails, dun smoke or briny spray — 
 
 To feel, when nestled in some snug retreat. 
 
 The bucket splash against the streaming feet. 
 
 Or filthy swab — to fly in search of soap, 
 
 And sit tight pasted on a tarry rope ! 
 
 Could but the landsman, lapt in downy ease, 1570 
 
 Behold these teasing torments of the seas. 
 
 The bloted alderman, inclined to roam. 
 
 Would rest, and cherish his neglected liome ; 
 
 Learn at life's minor miseries to smile, 
 
 And boast no more of fashionable bile. 
 
 As idly thus I wander from my theme. 
 Time on swift pinions, like a summer's dream, 
 Unheeded flies — deluded by the sound 
 Of magic numbers, o'er enchanted ground
 
 150 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 The poet strays, and still some measure sweet 1580 
 
 Invites to distant shores his roving feet : 
 
 Before his path the bright horizon flies, 
 
 New landscapes dawn, and azure mountains rise ; 
 
 Wild thoughts to unexpected beauty lead, 
 
 As flowers spontaneous spring from scatter'd seed ; 
 
 And one small note can swell his breathing lyre, 
 
 As from a flint the casual sparks aspire, 
 
 Till Etna bursts in thunder and in fire. 
 
 Then haste we on, nor quit our humble road 
 
 For flights of wit, or tempting episode ; 1590 
 
 Who apes the course that lofty Byron steers. 
 
 Begins in vanity and ends in tears : 
 
 His soaring spirit wave and storm commands, 
 
 That rend the lowly skiff* and dash it on the sands. 
 
 The Caesar now her fluttering wings displayed 
 Fresh from the wounds that wind and battle made ; 
 Revived by water from the virgin spring, 
 And wine that prompts the dullest drone to sing. 
 Hark to the merry seaman in the shrouds, 
 With heart that care or sorrow never clouds, 1600 
 
 Carol to constant love the melting lay. 
 Which soon the passing breezes puff" away ! 
 With joyous visions bounded ev'ry breast, 
 Their land of promise in the golden West, 
 Where fair Columbia spreads her brilliant stores. 
 Her fields of plenty, and her balmy shores ; 
 And soon, along the foaming surges tost, 
 That dreary isle to keenest sight was lost.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 151 
 
 Adieu ! thou dismal rock — unnoticed now ; 
 
 But fame shall stamp upon thy barren brow 1610 
 
 A seal, that rolling time can ne'er efface ; 
 
 Historians, yet vmborn, to thee shall trace, 
 
 From Moscow's flames across the pathless deep, 
 
 The grave where glory, pride, ambition, sleep. 
 
 In future days all eyes shall turn to thee, 
 
 Scene of a despot's last captivity — 
 
 The boast — the shame — the wonder of an age I 
 
 That like the shackled lion in his cage. 
 
 Though bound his talons, and his tusks no more 
 
 Can revel in a prostrate victim's gore, 1620 
 
 Still shakes the distant forest with his roar. 
 
 As o'er the simmering waves the vessel flew, 
 One lonely form amidst the bustling crew 
 Lean'd in abstraction o'er the lofty side. 
 Watching the sparkling bubbles of the tide. 
 That like a diadem the billows crown'd ; 
 Insensible to all the mirth around 
 Pensive he mused through dark and chilly night, 
 And scarcely mark'd the morning's rosy light 
 Blush on the deep — 'twas he, whose flag had Ijow'd 
 To Britain's thunder ; who beneath the cloud 1631 
 Of blasted hopes and lost ambition pined, 
 Of wealth and glory scatter'd to the wind — 
 By name Alphonso — gallant, bold, and free. 
 Full of hauteur and high-born courtesy. 
 Those blended shades of arrogance and grace. 
 That mark the proud Castilian's noble race.
 
 152 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 But not for gold or blighted fame he mournM ; 
 
 Within his breast a sweeter passion burn'd ; 
 
 The God of Love had aini'd his arrows there, 1640 
 
 And pierced his heart with anguish and despair. 
 
 That lovely vision, that in battle's fire 
 
 Rose like a seraph, when her gallant sire 
 
 Stood mark'd for death, still spread her tender arms 
 
 To fancy's view, and with bewitching charms 
 
 Haunted his frantic dreams ; and what dull ear 
 
 Could that sweet girPs melodious accents hear ; 
 
 What eye could witness all her graceful deeds — 
 
 Her smile, like sunshine o'er the flowery meads, 
 
 Diff'using life and joy — her spirit bright 1650 
 
 With amazonian fire, nor feel delight 
 
 Steal through the senses to the inmost heart .'' 
 
 The Spaniard, scorning all insidious art. 
 
 Though conscious of a rival in her breast, 
 
 In manly tone the pensive maid addressed. 
 
 He spoke of boundless wealth, of feudal power. 
 
 His Moorish palace, and his orange bower ; 
 
 Of fleet Arabians flying o'er the lawn, 
 
 T^ight as the breeze, and gentle as the fawn— 
 
 The gay Bolero's fascinating dance ; 1660 
 
 Green-waving woods, the region of romance ; 
 
 Fruits dropping nectar from the golden grove. 
 
 Unfading pleasures and eternal love. 
 
 With candid modesty the virgin gave 
 
 Her unaffected thanks ; his heart to save 
 
 From Hope's delusive dream, she told the power 
 
 Of Sidney in her breast — tiie bridal hour
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 153 
 
 Delay'd till war should hide his thirsty spear 
 
 In wreaths of blossoms, like the vernal year, 
 
 That strews ambrosial sweetness on the plain, 1670 
 
 And heals the scars of winter"'s stormy reign. 
 
 Silent and proud the brave Castilian heard 
 
 Her frank and artless speech ; but not deterr'd 
 
 By female blushes, or repulsive frown, 
 
 That cast the stripling's bashful spirit down, 
 
 He bow''d with courteous deference, and, fired 
 
 With hopes of final victory, retired. 
 
 Swiftly the Caesar spun before the gale. 
 Now softly sinking in the glassy vale, 
 And now triumphant on the billows'" crest, 1680 
 
 Like the young courser, that with panting breast. 
 Spurning the rocks and mountain streams behind. 
 Scatters his foam indignant on the wind. 
 At length the waves their blue transparence lost ; 
 Thick flow'd the flood, as, when with numbing frost 
 Obstructed, rivers work with struggling pain 
 Their slow and heavy passage to the main. 
 Some current seem'd to stem the laVring tide — 
 " Quick ! heave the lead," the wary pilot cried ; 
 The sounding plumb on slime and shelly sand 1690 
 Rested, but yet no loom of cheerful land 
 Rose o''er the waters ; wide and lofty seas 
 Still dash'd in hostile rage against the breeze. 
 " Let go the anchor," with exulting voice 
 Sidney exclaim'd ; " my gallant friends rejoice !
 
 154 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 This night repose in calm, unruffled sleep, 
 
 And dread no more the perils of the deep ; 
 
 La Plata, monarch of the streams that pour 
 
 Their mighty tribute to the eastern shore 
 
 Of these wide realms, expands his waves around ; 1700 
 
 Fill the rich bowl, and let each glass be crown'd 
 
 With rubies of th"" immortal grape" — the cry 
 
 Of exultation thundered to the sky. 
 
 That cheerful eve the toil-worn seamen spent 
 
 In tales, and songs, and roaring merriment : 
 
 But Clara, stealing from the bustling scene. 
 
 Looked to the heavens, now brilliant and serene. 
 
 And, centering all her deep affections there, 
 
 Pour'd her heart's gratitude in fervent prayer. 
 
 END or BOOK II.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 BOOK III.
 
 CONTENTS OF BOOK III. 
 
 To the Spirit of Columbus — The Pintada— rArrival at Monte Video — 
 Sail for Ensenada Bay — Landing at Barragen — March across a 
 Swamp — Luxuriance of the Pampas — The Peon — I\Iethod of catch- 
 ing Wild Cattle with the Lasso — Apostrophe to War — Storming of 
 Buenos Ayres — Sir Samuel Achmuty — General Burne — Chester's 
 Gallantry — Capture of the Light Brigade — Retreat to the Placa de 
 Toros — Sidney's Heroism — A Virgin carried off — A wounded Vete- 
 ran — A Chase — A I^over's Importunity — The Vampire Bat — 
 Boundless Savannahs — Hum of Insects at Noon — Fire-flies and 
 Glow-worms — Forest of Palm Trees — Delicious Fruit — A Forest in 
 Flames — The Mammoth — Electric Eels — A Tiger — Tivitivas — The 
 Cow-tree — A Rattlesnake — Lovers' Meeting — A Rescue — A Croco- 
 dile — Death of a Hypocrite — Turtles — Evening — The Turtle Feast 
 — Graham Henry — A Brace of Weddings — Dinner on the Table- 
 Dreadful Accident — The Soldier's Return — Parting Admonition.
 
 He spurn'd the poor adventurer from his throne, 
 
 Who came to give half earth's encircling zone ! 
 
 Say, did not Europe hail and kings caress 
 
 His dauntless mind, whose powers ensured success ? 
 
 Ah ! no — sent home in galling shackles bound, 
 
 Vespusius names a world — Columbus found ! — Colton.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 BOOK III. 
 
 Spirit of him, who first with fearless heart, 
 And giant soul (restrained by infant art) 
 Ploughed the unknown Atlantic's awful plain. 
 And sought an India on the western main ! 
 Breathe o'er my song, and lend some partial fire 
 To warm my breast, and light the poet's lyre : 
 For now no more, by Rhone or Tiber's stream, 
 I sing an ancient world's exhausted theme ; 
 I fly to scenes, where minstrel ne'er before 
 Has strung his harp to wave or whirlwind's roar — 10 
 That mighty hemisphere, where all is grand. 
 Vast and sublime, as if by Titans plann'd, 
 Bearing in torrent, hill, and giant tree, 
 Primeval nature's stamp of majesty — 
 Rivers like inland oceans — mountains white 
 With everlasting snow, that seems the light 
 Of fleecy clouds, and more in heav'n than earth- 
 Oaks, that from silent ages date their birth,
 
 160 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Whose stems have braved the dehige and the blast, 
 
 While crowns and laurels to oblivion pass'd — 20 
 
 The thund'ring earthquake — hurricanes that sweep 
 
 Temple and tower like foam along the deep — 
 
 The solemn cataract, that rocks the ground, 
 
 And soars aloft with more than earthly sound — 
 
 Rapids, that swift as winged lightnings fly, 
 
 And drown the solitary fisher"'s cry. 
 
 As whirPd along, and launched in middle air 
 
 To death, he shrieks in horror and despair ! 
 
 Thou wondrous world ! in native splendour drest. 
 
 With young creation's virgin seal imprest ; 30 
 
 No mortal hand with meretricious taste 
 
 Has marr'd thy beauties ; solemn, grand, and chaste. 
 
 The landscape spreads her bosom sweet with flowers 
 
 Bright as if Heav'n, had scatter''d them in showers ; 
 
 The palm's green branches murmur in the breeze, 
 
 Melodious as the lapse of moonlight seas ; 
 
 And brilliant as above the rosy wreath 
 
 Shine the rich treasures of the world beneath. 
 
 Those awful regions of eternal cold. 
 
 The glorious Andes, o'er the mine of gold, 40 
 
 Like guardians of some fair, enchanted land, 
 
 Their proud and glittering canopy expand. 
 
 And still more precious than the balmy bower, 
 
 Or sparkling gem, the herb of healing power — 
 
 The bark, that when hot fever swells the vein. 
 
 And rolls in fire and madness to the brain. 
 
 Subdues the tyrant, nerve and .sinew strings. 
 
 And pours a flood of joy in life's exhausted springs.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 161 
 
 Yet from the treasures of thy fertile shore 
 Flows wealth to some, and misery to more. 50 
 
 Evil and good like rain and sunbeams fly 
 Alternate through the world's inconstant sky. 
 As in those lovely lands by nature blest 
 With smiling beauty, from the mountain's breast 
 Thunders a mass of liquid flames that sweep 
 Hamlet and palace to the boiling deep — 
 As in the chequered scene of social life 
 Pleasure and pain are mixed in warring strife — 
 So midst the flowers, that on thy bosom blow. 
 Are scatter'd seeds of misery and wo. 60 
 
 That ore, that issued from thy golden veins, 
 Flow*'d like a torrent o'er Iberia's plains. 
 Of pride and glory sapp'd the solid base. 
 And steep'd in apathy a noble race. 
 Wars, endless wars, have bathed the burning sands 
 Of Africa in blood ; ferocious bands, 
 Raging with vampire thirst for human gore, ' 
 Have ravaged all that once pacific shore 
 To till thy rich plantations — son and sire, 
 Mother and infant, rushing from the fire, 70 
 
 Escaped from instant death to waste long years 
 Of weary life in servitude and tears. 
 
 Yet not the less to thee, proud chief ! we owe 
 Unbounded gratitude ; our bosoms glow 
 With admiration at thy lofty name. 
 Pre-eminent amidst the ranks of fame.
 
 162 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Thee, great Columbus ! not the frown of kings, 
 
 Sedition"'s wild, distracted niurmurings. 
 
 Nor stormy elements could daunt ; thy bark 
 
 Still struggled through the billows, while a spark 80 
 
 Of hope, invisible to vulgar sight, 
 
 Gleam''d in the vista with consoling light. 
 
 The floating vessel, carved by savage hands, 
 
 BloAvn from the West, proclaimVl those flowery lands 
 
 Thy soul prophetic sought ; thy cultured mind, 
 
 Ere yet the dawn of science blessed mankind, 
 
 Foretold what hour the solar beam should fade. 
 
 And noonday splendour vanish in the shade : 
 
 The prostrate Indian then adored in thee 
 
 Some unknowTi world's presiding deity ! 90 
 
 What fame, what honours have that hero crownM, 
 Who, spurning earth's imaginary bound, 
 Explored those mighty regions .'' Say, what showers 
 Of wealth and glory on his evening ho\us 
 Were scattered by the princely hand, to prove 
 A grateful kingdom's reverence and love .'' 
 Alas ! to thee, Columbus, courtly smiles 
 Were like the siren's song ; the crafty wiles 
 Of Bovad'dla blasted to the core 
 
 The blooming promise of thy toil, and tore 100 
 
 The laurels fi'om thy splendid brow ; thy hands 
 Were bound with ignominious chains ; the lands, 
 That should have raised thee to immortal fame 
 Through endless ages, bear another's name ; 
 And those memorials of a kingdom's shame,
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 163 
 
 The fetters, that a thankless tyrant gave, 
 Still rest thy cold companions in the grave ! 
 
 Sweet is the sprightly morn on hill and dale, 
 When rosy milkmaids with the brimming pail 
 Trip o'er the primrose field on dewy feet 110 
 
 With panting heart the faithful swain to meet. 
 Bright is the splendour of the dawning day, 
 That calls the sportsman to the downs away 
 To chase the timid hare, that doubles round. 
 Baffling the mettled steed and flying hound. 
 But still more grateful is that glowing hour 
 To him, who pants to scale the lofty tower 
 Of glory, and of laurel boughs to weave 
 A garland for the soldier's peaceful eve. 
 
 Now shone the bosom of La Plata's stream 120 
 
 With liquid gold ; the soul-reviving beam 
 Chased with the spirit of celestial light 
 The dubious forms and phantoms of the night. 
 All hands rose hearty from refreshing sleep, 
 " Quick ! heave the anchor" — from the slimy deep 
 The windlass swift the barbed iron drew, 
 And o'er the yards the fluttering canvass flew. 
 Breasting the current with propitious gales 
 The Caesar thunder'd on with sounding sails, 
 Like lava rolling down Sicilia's shore, 130 
 
 Whose torrent stills retiring; ocean's roar. 
 With graceful motion o'er the glistening flood 
 The light pintada swept ; now buoyant stood
 
 164 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 On simmering foam ; now, fleet as zephyrs blow, 
 
 Humoured the billows' undulating flow : 
 
 Alternately its spotted plumage, bright 
 
 With sea-dew, rose and vanished from the sight ; 
 
 Large in the distance ; but to nearer ken 
 
 Its tiny form diminished to a wren ; 
 
 A muff of feathers clasp'd the body round ; 140 
 
 For, rarely resting on the solid ground, 
 
 These wand'ring tenants of the shoreless seas 
 
 For months lie floating on the waves or breeze. 
 
 To all that dwell in ocean, land, or air. 
 
 Such is impartial Heaven's protecting care. 
 
 Th^ unwieldy whale along this river too 
 Spouted his sparkling jets of briny dew ; 
 And rolling porpoises in firm array 
 Marshaird in black battalions, seem'd to play 
 A mimic game — to march — unite and part, 150 
 
 A lively mockery of warlike art. 
 
 Now dark and muddy toil'd the heavy stream ; 
 Dense fogs their course impeded ; and the gleam, 
 That casual pierced the misty curtain, gave 
 One transitory glimpse of sky and wave. 
 They work'd in cheerless gloom that dreary night, 
 Till rising clear in morninji's crimson lieht 
 High in the west a conic hill appeared 
 Crown'd by a Pharos ; now the land they near'd, 
 And marked a tower tlie Britisli flag display, 160 
 
 A grove of masts with streaming jjcnnants gay ;
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 165 
 
 And Monte Video, rising o'er the tide, 
 
 Shew'd her dark batteries in martial pride. 
 
 Collected there, in gleaming armour bright, 
 
 Britannia's warriors panted for the fight ; 
 
 From land and ship, from morn to evening's close. 
 
 The joyful note of preparation rose; 
 
 There Sidney and brave Chester grasp'd the hands 
 
 Of long-tried friends, that now in warlike bands 
 
 Assembled on Columbia's lonely shore 170 
 
 To twine round England's brow one laurel more. 
 
 Swift o'er the waves the gliding pinnace flew, 
 As with light oars the Caesar's merry crew 
 Row'd Clara to the beach ; a gloomy scene 
 The coast presented ; no reviving green 
 Of field or forest cheer'd the weary sight, 
 Nor garden glittering with rosy light ; 
 A sandy wilderness was spread around, 
 And vegetation scorn'd the barren ground. 
 Across the roads the slaughter 'd cattle lay, 180 
 
 Till famish'd blood-hounds bore the prize away ; 
 Troops of those savage dogs their victims chased 
 From eve till morn, and howl'd along the waste. 
 No hedge-rows smiled, in balmy flowers array 'd ; 
 Of bones and horns the crumbling walls were made. 
 Alone the sweet durasno cheer'd the gloom 
 With beauty from its leaves of crimson bloom. 
 They enter'd now the dismal town, with feet 
 Wading through slime along each narrow street.
 
 166 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 That seem''d a mass of prisons — iron grates 190 
 
 Barr'd the dark windows ; and the ponderous gates, 
 
 Harsh creaking with a melancholy sound, 
 
 Proclaini'd the fear of savage tribes around. 
 
 The proud Cabildos marchM with solemn pace, 
 
 DegenVate offspring of Castilian race, 
 
 With dangUng small-swords, chains of shining gold. 
 
 And velvet robes with many a sable fold. 
 
 In richest silks, of pure and glossy jet. 
 
 With stately step behold the bright brunette 
 
 Moving unconscious of her lover's gaze, 200 
 
 Though still an inborn pride her form displays. 
 
 When her dark eyes, like arrowy lightning dart 
 
 The sidelong glance, that pierces to the heart. 
 
 With deepest pleasure Sidney's bosom glow'd ; 
 
 The contrast, that his blooming Clara showed 
 
 To those brown nymphs, convinced him more and more 
 
 That vestal purity on Britain's shore 
 
 Triumphant reigns ; her sweet, expressive face. 
 
 Her mild, blue eyes, and unpresuming grace, 
 
 Glisten'd, as on a gorgeous bed, all bright 210 
 
 With golden lilies, shines the virgin white. 
 
 But hark ! the signal gun, loud pealing, calls 
 To deeds of glory ; from those dismal walls 
 Well pleased the seaman and his future bride 
 Return'd to scale the trusty Caesar's side. 
 Gay shone the warriors in their burnish'd arms — 
 Trumpets, and doubling drums, and all that charms
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 167 
 
 The youthful hero's breast, united there 
 
 In one full chorus, drowned the voice of care. 
 
 The sea's diminished influence now gave 220 
 
 The river scope to pour his mighty wave. 
 
 Long time they struggled with the tow'ring swell, 
 
 That wind and ocean's tide could scarce repel. 
 
 At length the jocund morn the bay disclosed 
 
 Of Ensenada ; there the fleet reposed ; 
 
 The soldiers' toil on Plata's southern shore 
 
 Commence, and weary seamen's task was o'er. 
 
 Now Chester's beating bosom rose ; the day 
 Was come his martial spirit to display, 
 To soar to fortune from his lowly state, 230 
 
 And burst the barriers of adverse fate. 
 But sad the scene, when clasping to his breast 
 The weeping Clara, thus the sire address'd 
 That jewel of his heart — " Dear, gentle maid ! 
 More precious than the pearly stream, or shade 
 Of balmy groves by whispering zephyrs fann'd, 
 To pilgrims fainting on Arabia's sand — 
 In thee my soul finds shelter ; far from thee 
 I stand all lonely like the blasted tree. 
 Bereft of fruit and flowers ; but fate ordains 240 
 
 That purest pleasures flow from partial pains. 
 In some few days, if Heav'n a father hear, 
 The smile of joy shall chase this parting tear. 
 Wild swamps, of unknown depth, are spread around 
 These realms, and torrents intersect the ground ;
 
 168 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Cold damps at midnight, and the castle''s storm, 
 
 But ill accord with beauty's tender form. 
 
 I leave thee to the noble Sidney^'s care — 
 
 One kiss, and then farewell !" — Her flowing hair 
 
 Streamed on her dewy cheeks — she sobVd aloud, 250 
 
 O'erwhelm'd by sorrow's unexpected cloud ; 
 
 For she had hoped to shield her valiant sire 
 
 Through warring elements and battle's fire. 
 
 She strain'd him to her bosom — " Now, adieu ! 
 
 My father — glory's lofty path pursue ; 
 
 But think, when rushing to the martial strife, 
 
 Oh ! think on thine depends thy Clara's life."" 
 
 Hark to the signal ! springing to the shore 
 
 Appeared the British heroes — Sidney tore 
 
 The weeping virgin from her sire's embrace ; 260 
 
 But long she sought, with tearful eyes, to trace 
 
 His form across the boundless field, till night 
 
 Mingled the dubious shade with starry light. 
 
 No towering pine-tree, nor majestic oak, 
 The landscape's dull and weary sameness broke ; 
 Far as the sight could o'er the waste extend, 
 A clover'd plain, a meadow without end, 
 Spread like an ocean ; wand'ring herds were seen 
 Browsing at freedom on the herbage green, 
 And, wild with nature's spirit, raced the steed, 270 
 Snorting and prancing o'er the fenceless mead. 
 A fort, dismantled by the flying foe. 
 Gave shelter for the night — at morning's glow
 
 CLARA CHESTER. lt>i> 
 
 From Barragen the merry troops again 
 
 Resumed their march across the boundless plain. 
 
 But now a dreary swamp, with rushes crown'd, 
 
 Their course impeded ; gloomy miles around 
 
 Was stretch'd that muddy marsh ; the slender sprays 
 
 Of yielding sallow guided through the maze 
 
 Their wavering steps ; but still with pain and toil 280 
 
 Feeble and cold they trod the sinking soil. 
 
 The soldiers, slipping on the slimy bed, 
 
 Waded, with pouch and musket o'er the head. 
 
 Breast-deep in splashing waters — Tyros strong 
 
 In youth and vigour dragg'd the ,weak along. 
 
 Aquatic birds of various form and hue, 
 
 Scared at the sight of man, wild screaming flew. 
 
 And vanished in the clouds : the solid ground 
 
 Attained, they ranged savannahs without bound — 
 
 Illimitable Pampas, where no trace 290 
 
 Of mortal power deform''d the healthy face 
 
 Of awful nature ; through the verdant blade 
 
 Clover and flowers of sweetest balm displayed 
 
 Their bright luxuriance ; listless and supine 
 
 Lay 'midst the bloom the saturated kine. 
 
 Oh ! my poor country — could thy exiled sons 
 
 Behold these shores of luxury, where runs 
 
 The stream of amber o'er enamell'd fields, 
 
 Whose bosom rich, unfading pasture yields 
 
 To grazing myriads, ever new and bright, 300 
 
 Brimming with beauty, splendour, and delight ; 
 
 Fresh as young Paradise at Eden's birth. 
 
 The opulence of pure and virgin earth ;
 
 170 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 As if the mines beneath, by Flora drained, 
 Flow'd through the vegetable sap, and stain'd 
 The leaves with emerald, the cups with gold — ' 
 No more Canadian mountains, bleak and cold, 
 Nor sands of Lybia, desolate and bare. 
 Should see thy children perish in despair. 
 
 Knee-deep in herbage, that no sun embrowns, 310 
 The warriors wander'd o'er the trackless downs ; 
 And when their weary hearts demanded food. 
 Appeared the swarthy Peon, wild and rude. 
 A ponclio wrapp'd his limbs of giant mould ; 
 His hardy form, his visage dark and bold, 
 His lank, black hair, and harsh, unpolish\l tongue. 
 Proclaimed the source from whence the savage sprung. 
 In native pride he scorn'd the worthless steel ; 
 Spurs of pure silver from his naked heel 
 Projected; horse and ragged housings bore 320 
 
 Rich, unwrought ornaments of precious ore. 
 He sat with careless and untutor d grace 
 Firm as a centaur ; in the swiftest chase 
 Lock''d to his steed, as if from mother earth 
 Both horse and rider drew tlieir common birth. 
 He grasp'd a lasso in his tawny hand, 
 A thong of eel-skins, twisted like a band 
 Of braided hair ; the roving cattle knew 
 The mortal weapon, and in terror flew 
 Wide o'er the meadows ; quick as darting light 330 
 The keen-eyed Peon reach'd them in their flight ;
 
 CLARA CHESTER. I7I 
 
 And, singling one of noblest form, in air 
 
 Waved his lithe lasso, and the fatal snare 
 
 Flung round the branching horn ; with rein-deer's speed 
 
 Courser and ox still bounded o'er the mead : 
 
 But now his noose a second Peon cast 
 
 With wondrous skill, and loop'd the victim fast 
 
 Beneath the pastern — swift to left and right 
 
 The horsemen gallopp'd, straining with their might 
 
 The quivering cord ; while languid on the green 340 
 
 Trembled the brute, his ruthless foes between. 
 
 Then one dismounted, while his steed well-train'd 
 
 Stood like a rock — the Peon quick attain'd 
 
 His prize, arrested by the double line. 
 
 And plunged his reeking dagger in the spine. 
 
 The soldier's palate, piercing as his blade. 
 
 Requires no spur from gastronomic aid ; 
 
 Rich sauce and spices of the orient please 
 
 The bloated victims of inglorious ease ; 
 
 But warriors scorn that culinary art, 350 
 
 That swells the veins, and hebetates the heart. 
 
 Braced by pure exercise and cheerful air 
 
 The troops now feasted on their homely fare, 
 
 While scarce the space of thirty minutes flew, 
 
 Caught — ^kill'd — skinn'd — cook'd and carved, and eaten 
 
 too. 
 All night they lay on grass and dewy flowers 
 Soft as the Paphian nymph in myrtle bowers ; 
 While some young epicures, elate with pride, 
 In clover slept between a doubled hide.
 
 172 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Morn dawn d, as on the waves of glassy green 360 
 Aurora's fingers ope the gorgeous scene ; 
 No towering mountain cast an awful shade, 
 Nor forest's gloom the welcome beams delay Vl ; 
 Clear from the Pampa rose the god of light, 
 Fresh splendour pouring ; and the dews of night, 
 That on the sweet and rosy blossom lay 
 Like tears on beauty's cheek, he brush'd away. 
 Now from their grassy couch the soldiers sprang, 
 Shook from their arms the pearly drops, and sang 
 Blithe as the soaring lark ; they march'd again 370 
 Through richest pasturage ; at length a fen, 
 Whose depth no spear could fathom, block'd the way : 
 Their blankets form'd a bridge : with spirits gay 
 They trod the slight ponton ; small, glittering streams 
 Oozed through the meadow like embroidered seams 
 Of silver on a robe of brightest green ; 
 Through these the wading multitude were seen 
 Deep struggling ; while the lingering train behind 
 Filed o'er the plain a firmer path to find. 
 Cold — cold it was upon the marshy ground 380 
 
 That dreary night ; with faint and simmering sound 
 TJie fig's green branches, hissing at their feet. 
 But tantalized with mockery of heat. 
 Chilly they rose ; but glorious prospects cheer'd 
 Their hearts, when o'er the dusky plain appear'd 
 Convent and spire, soft gleaming in the rays 
 Of early morn — that goal, to which their days 
 Of pain and nightly visions tended all. 
 " Soon shall the crest of that proud city fall,"
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 173 
 
 They cried, as on the burnish'd arms they laid 390 
 
 Their sinewy hands, and now prepared to wade 
 
 The deep Chuelo ; strong the current flow'd ; 
 
 But every breast with British ardour glow'd, 
 
 And stemm''d with ease the torrent — soon the roar 
 
 And flash of thund^-ing cannon proved the shore 
 
 Contested by the foe — with steady speed 
 
 The light-arm'd troops, loud cheering took the lead, 
 
 Rush'd on the battery, and scatterYl wide 
 
 The hostile bands— their corps elite, the pride 
 
 Of transatlantic Spain, in terror fled ; 400 
 
 The brave M'Leod his gallant Rifles led, 
 
 Pour'd on the trembling rear a shower of balls, 
 
 Defied, and chased them to their coward walls. 
 
 The night was mournful ; dark and chilling rain, 
 
 Mix'd with sharp ice, descended on tlie plain. 
 
 Thunder was mingled with the savage yell 
 
 Of chain-bound dogs ; the distant convent bell 
 
 Toird heavily, and lightning's quivering fire 
 
 Shot on alternate pools of blood and mire, 
 
 Where man and steed, that on that morning bled, 410 
 
 Lay gasping midst the dying and the dead. 
 
 Oh War ! thou demon with alluring charms, 
 Banners, and bounding drums, and flashing arms— 
 In painted beauty, with insidious guile. 
 Like that fell serpent, whose bewitching smile 
 Tempted our mother to the fatal tree. 
 What scenes of wo, what horrors flow from thee !
 
 174 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 In that dread lottery, while valour dies, 
 
 Behold the recreant snatch the glorious prize ! 
 
 Some sleep in dust, some mount the laurelPd car, 420 
 
 And thousands bleed, that one may wear a star. 
 
 When, rous'd by art to counterfeited rage. 
 
 The mimic warrior treads the lofty stage ; 
 
 When Kemble soars with more than Pindar's wing, 
 
 The mirror of the hero and the king. 
 
 Our hearts, wild throbbing when the tyrant falls. 
 
 Swell to the storm where mighty genius calls. 
 
 Fair Sculpture, and her lovely sister too. 
 
 Lend their deceitful charm, but shade from view 
 
 The medaPs sad reverse — the merry bells, 430 
 
 Whose every peal some deed of glory tells ; 
 
 The cannons roaring from the ancient tower, 
 
 Heralds of victory ""s ecstatic hour, 
 
 Raise to the zenith with resistless force 
 
 The British bosom ; honour's splendid course 
 
 Dazzles the reason, and attracts all eyes. 
 
 Like the proud eagle soaring to the skies ; 
 
 While his bright orbs defy the god of day, 
 
 Beholders mark his iron pinions play, 
 
 Nor think with sorrow on the plundered nest, 440 
 
 Nor see the ringdove's blood upon his breast. 
 
 Blest sons of Albion's dear and sacred isle, 
 
 That ne'er, subdued by valour, gold or guile. 
 
 Has seen, though round the world the battle roars. 
 
 One hostile foot pollute her lovely shores ! 
 
 Alas ! ye know not War's funereal train — 
 
 The bleeding soldier, freezing on the plain ;
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 175 
 
 Stiff with his fester'd wounds, the moon's cold beam 
 
 Shews him the surface of the ghding stream, 
 
 That mocks him with its murmuring sound — he sips 
 
 The dewy grass to bathe his burning hps ; 451 
 
 When lo ! some wretch, that hoverM round the field, 
 
 Now by the dusky robes of night conceaPd, 
 
 Steals on the victim with his dagger keen, 
 
 And stabs him to the heart ! the mournful scene 
 
 That follows when the battle's bright array, 
 
 Colours, and martial horns, have past away, 
 
 Is still more awful — See the sparkling fire 
 
 Rise from the village ! mother, child, and sire. 
 
 Rush from the flames along the barren shore, 460 
 
 While licensed robbers grasp their little store : 
 
 Impeird by famine, see the group return 
 
 To scrape the ground where beams and rafters burn ! 
 
 Rooted by sympathy to that dear spot, 
 
 In the black ashes of their former cot 
 
 They kneel, and from the cold and clammy floor 
 
 The passing stranger's charity implore. 
 
 Nor less in cultured life the cries of wo 
 Resound, and streams of bitter anguish flow. 
 The dread Gazette, that some with gladness cheers, 470 
 Fvdl many a beauteous bosom bathes in tears. 
 Oh ! say what solace to the virgin's breast 
 Can pealing bells afford, or windows drest 
 With glittering laurels, when the ruthless dart 
 Of death has pierced the partner of her heart ?
 
 176 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Or to the lonely widow, counting o'er 
 
 The sad — sad hours, till on his natal shore 
 
 Her son, her last, her only hope, shall land ? 
 
 And now behold the mourner''s trembling hand 
 
 The fatal sheet unfolding — quick as hght 480 
 
 The tale of horror meets the mother's sight ; 
 
 She shrieks — she falls — the mortal pang has riven 
 
 Her swelling: heart — she meets her son in heaven ! 
 
 With pallid aspect rose the lingering day, 
 Dash'd with dim clouds, and flung his slanting ray 
 Cer many a valiant bosom doomed to bleed, 
 And many a cheerful eye, that morn decreed 
 To view his beams no more — ^in silence deep, 
 As lions stealing on a courser's sleep, 
 They march'd, but started oft, with horror cold, 490 
 To mark in heaps the bleeding bodies roll'd 
 Of mutilated soldiers, gash'd and crush'd 
 By coward vengeance ! On the warriors rush'd 
 With rage indignant ; not the faintest sound 
 Of war yet issued from the hostile ground : 
 To catch in toils their unsuspicious prey 
 The wary host in treacherous ambush lay : 
 All was enveloped in mysterious gloom ; 
 The long, straight streets were silent as the tomb ; 
 Each house, a castle, seem"'d to brave the power 500 
 Of mortal arm, or cannon's deadly shower. 
 Small parapets coneeard the lurking foe 
 Stretched on the level roofs ; strong gates below
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 177 
 
 Were ribb"'d with iron bars ; that barricade 
 
 To burst the troops gigantic efforts made. 
 
 When hearts are raised aloft in battle's strife, 
 
 Nerves dormant spring to momentary life, 
 
 And daring deeds are done, that strike the bold 
 
 With fear and wonder when the blood is cold. 
 
 And now receding, with redoubled force 510 
 
 To rush, like rival racers in the course, 
 
 A phalanx sprang, with strength unfelt before, 
 
 And crash'd the panels of the ringing door. 
 
 Chester was first to mount the roof, and wave 
 
 The British standard : as the echoing cave 
 
 Returns the thunder of the stormy sea, 
 
 Hark to the cheers, and shouts of victory ! 
 
 Alas ! too soon — for now the dreadful hour 
 
 Was come, to fall or struggle with a power 
 
 Invisible as fate — the shaft of death 520 
 
 Sped viewless as the pestilential breath 
 
 Of Java's blasting tree ; from roof and spire 
 
 Volleys of stones, and shells replete with fire 
 
 In showers descended ; down the crowded street. 
 
 Where Britons rush\l the dastard foe to meet, 
 
 Thunder''d a storm of grape and leaden hail, 
 
 Sweeping whole ranks like chaff before the gale. 
 
 Helpless they fell, as scatter'd leaves are found 
 
 At autumn's close along the withering ground, 
 
 When winds with wintry roar to splinters tear 530 
 
 The stubborn oak, and leave a forest bare. 
 
 And how can valour stand, when thus assail'd 
 
 By powers impalpable ? the bosom maiPd 
 
 M
 
 178 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 In chains of brass, or adamant, must yield, 
 
 When hghtning, launch'd from darkness, strikes the 
 
 shield. 
 Yet deeds were done on that eventful morn, 
 Whose long-forgotten splendour might adorn 
 Our later annals — Wellesley's towering star 
 Has, like the lustre of Apollo's car, 
 Quench'd all inferior lights, and raised the name 540 
 Of soldier to a rank with Nelson's fame. 
 Yet brave Achmuty still shall share the crown, 
 And waft the trodden wreath of laurel down 
 To ages yet unborn ; through volleying balls — 
 Portcullis — trench — and o'er the bristled walls, 
 He storm'd the blazing battery, the post 
 Of all their proud defences prized the most, 
 The strong Ret'wo — thence his heroes led 
 To that wide amphitheatre, where bled 
 Beneath the keen knife of the Matador 550 
 
 The mighty bull ; but now with human gore 
 Discolour'd ; quick the Britons clear'd 
 The broad arena, and that standard rear'd, 
 That still has waved, on land or restless main, 
 The hope or terror of distracted Spain. 
 
 Nor less shall gallant Burne exalted shine 
 Amidst the brightest names on glory's shrine. 
 Steady and calm in battle's wildest storm, 
 The fire, that levell'd legions, seem'd to warm 
 His breast to nobler deeds ; serene he stood 560 
 
 Like the clear Pharos o'er the rolling flood,
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 179 
 
 That glows through cloud and tempest, and the shore 
 
 Of safety points amidst the billows"* roar. 
 
 To win those smiles, that meaner souls delight, 
 
 He scorned to act the creeping parasite ; 
 
 His modest gallantry, to courts unknown, 
 
 Ne'er stoop'd with bows to supplicate a throne. 
 
 Ne'er sought for titles with obsequious art ; 
 
 He wore the " star of honour" in the heart. 
 
 On that disastrous morn he saw expire 570 
 
 His noble troops beneath a galling fire 
 
 From viewless cannon — calm through flame and smoke 
 
 He rush'd — through trench and stony barrier broke. 
 
 And spiked the blazing engines 'midst the sound 
 
 Of shells and balls, that shattered all around. 
 
 And Chester too, though bent with honoured years, 
 Shook off" that morn the load of age — with cheers 
 The vanguard led, and to their castle hewVl 
 A passage through the flying multitude. 
 But what can spirit do, or valour's hand, 580 
 
 When thousands press a solitary band ? 
 As now he storm'd the gates, a fatal ball 
 Pierced his brave breast — behold the hero fall ! 
 Yet still he waved his glittering sword, and cried 
 With fainting voice, as flow'd the crimson tide, 
 " Scale — scale the walls — and think of me no more !" 
 Alas ! a volley, deep as Etna's roar, 
 That instant levell'd all their plumed pride. 
 And laid the bleeding ranks by Chester's side.
 
 180 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Meantime the Spaniards with o'erwhehiiing force 
 Pour'd down ; arrested in their brilhant course 591 
 The hght-arm''d infantry, and circled all, 
 Helpless, within Domingo's massive wall. 
 The guns were primed to burst the convent's gate, 
 When, vainly struggling with resistless fate, 
 Oh ! faithless war's humiliating hour — 
 The Britons, bending to superior power, 
 Indignant flung their useless arms away. 
 And march'd to chains, a haughty victor's prey. 
 
 Now all was lost ! the remnant of the brave, 600 
 Marking Achmuty's lofty standard wave 
 Above the Place de Toros, rush'd to find 
 Support and shelter there ; but still behind 
 lloll'd the loud cannon : at each awful sound 
 Of shells and grape new victims press'd the ground ; 
 And those, whose limbs propitious fortune bore 
 From streets of carnage, left their tracks in gore. 
 
 While thus on land these scenes of horror pass'd, 
 High o'er the wave appear'd the tow'ring mast 
 Of Sidney's bark ; from Ensenada bay 610 
 
 He work'd through wind and tide his tardy way, 
 Impatient with a seaman's honest zeal 
 To share the laurel : when the hollow peal 
 Of ihund'ring batteries first struck the ears 
 Of tender Clara, — oh ! what hopes and fears 
 Alternate fill'd her palpitating breast ! 
 " Perhaps my father now surmounts the crest
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 181 
 
 Of yon proud citadel, and tears in scorn 
 
 Iberia's standard down — perhaps the morn, 
 
 That rose with dawning glory, now declines, 620 
 
 O'ercast with clouds, and 'midst the blazing lines 
 
 Circled by foes, beneath the fatal fire, 
 
 With none to aid him, bleeds my valiant sire !" 
 
 But Sidney calm'd her fluttering heart, and gave 
 
 Assurance firm that Heaven would shield the brave. 
 
 " Rest thee, my love ! a little while in peace ; 
 
 I fly to bid yon deep-moutli'd cannon cease ; 
 
 For see ! the torrent sweeps whole lines away." 
 
 He manned his barge, and through the foaming spray 
 
 Dash'd to the battery — the foe dismayed 630 
 
 Flew from the terror of the hero's blade ; 
 
 When, seizing guns and tumbrels, down the steep 
 
 He roird the silent engines to the deep. 
 
 Clara with beating bosom, and with eyes 
 
 Glist'ning with tears of joy, beheld the prize 
 
 Of valour won ; the snowy lawn she drew 
 
 That screened her breast, and o'er the cheering crew. 
 
 Clinging to slippery shrouds, exulting waved 
 
 Love's precious signal ; peril now she braved, 639 
 
 Though round her shower'd the whistling balls ; serene 
 
 With trust in Heaven — when lo ! some hand unseen 
 
 Grasp'd her white arm, her brows with fillets bound 
 
 So quick, the careless seamen ranged around, 
 
 With anxious eyes directed to the shore. 
 
 Saw not the deed — the lurking robbers tore 
 
 Her fiiiffers from their hold — her slender waist 
 
 Rudely encircled, and with savage haste
 
 182 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Deep in a boat their trembling victim cast. 
 
 They hoisted sails, and soon the rising blast 
 
 Bore them beyond the musket's range ; in vain 650 
 
 The sailors storm'd ; around the wafry plain 
 
 No barge appeared ; and should their cannon sweep 
 
 The waves, she too might perish in the deep. 
 
 Is this, poor Clara ! this the mournful end 
 
 Of all thy toils ? to weep without one friend 
 
 To share thy tears, and o'er the wilds to rove, 
 
 Torn from a husband's — father's tender love ? 
 
 Oh ! no — there still was one, whose grateful heart 
 
 Was centred in thy fate — thou couldst not part 
 
 Unheard, unseen by her who owed to thee 660 
 
 More than life's blessing ; ere the sails were free 
 
 To scud before the wind, had Tamba sprung 
 
 Amidst the yesty billows — long she clung. 
 
 Imploring, to the vessel's side — the blade 
 
 Was raised to gash her hands — the captive maid. 
 
 Starting to hear the well-known accents, spread 
 
 Her arms in speechless agony, and shed 
 
 Such tears of anguish, tl.at the savage breast 
 
 Was melted at the scene : received a guest 
 
 In sorrow's bark, that faithful girl behold 670 
 
 More blest than pleasure's slaves in halls of gold ! 
 
 But where was Neptune ? where the guardian true 
 
 When danger summon'd ? well the villains knew 
 
 The brute's devotion, coax'd him from her side, 
 
 And chain'd him in the hold — when Clara cried, 
 
 Unheard by man, that watchful creature tore 
 
 The deck, and stain'd the fetters with his gore;
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 183 
 
 With lion's strength he burst his bonds — but vain 
 
 His desp'rate spring the felon band to gain ; 
 
 The hatch was closed, and when the yelling sound 680 
 
 The seamen reach'd, he ranged the bark around 
 
 As if in madness, and a long, deep moan 
 
 Utter'd, whose peal would melt a heart of stone. 
 
 Meanwhile on church and tower the flag of peace 
 Proclaimed that battle's trumpet tongue should cease ; 
 And Sidney hurried through the slippery street, 
 Wading in blood, surviving friends to meet. 
 And learn brave Chester's fate — too swift, alas ! 
 On eagle wings misfortune's tidings pass, 
 While joy is seen on tortoise limbs to creep, 690 
 
 Though rack'd with doubt desponding millions weep. 
 A bleeding wretch the mournful tale disclosed. 
 How Chester, by resistless power opposed, 
 Expired in glory's arms — " Lost friend, farewell ! 
 Peace to thy ashes — Oh ! what tongue shall tell 
 The news to Clara ? How shall Sidney speak 
 The fatal words, that o'er that smiling cheek 
 Will strew death's pallid flowers, and bend that form, 
 As yields the virgin lily to the storm ? 
 But soft ! perchance beneath the bosom stain'd 700 
 With gore some latent spark of life remain'd ; 
 For oft on battle's wild, promiscuous bed 
 Slumber in trance the living with the dead." 
 He hasten'd on — explored each roof and s([uare, 
 And raised to light the fractured bodies tliere ;
 
 184 CLARA CHESTER, 
 
 At length before the castle gate he spied 
 
 The form of Chester ; prostrate by his side, 
 
 That morn replete with life, now senseless clay. 
 
 Faithful in death his brave companions lay. 
 
 The sword still glittered in his sinewy hand, 710 
 
 Pointed aloft, in token of command, 
 
 To where the standard of Britannia's foes 
 
 Above the citadel triumphant rose. 
 
 Now Sidney from the crowd the soldier drew. 
 
 And bathed his temples with the fountain'*s dew : 
 
 He held a sabre to his lips — the blade 
 
 Of polish''d steel, discoloured by a shade, 
 
 Proclaim^ the vital breath ; rich wine he pour'd ; 
 
 The potent juice the lingering spark restored — 
 
 Behold the hero live ! — he cast around 720 
 
 His swimming eyes, and soon the features found 
 
 Of faithful Sidney — dropped his sword, and grasp'd 
 
 His hand in speechless gratitude, and clasp'd 
 
 The noble seaman to his bleeding breast ; 
 
 But Sidney sought a calm retreat to rest 
 
 The warrior's feeble frame — a convent stood 
 
 Tranquil and cool beside La Plata''s flood ; 
 
 Thither he bore him in his arms, and bared 
 
 His streaming wound ; the holy sisters shared 
 
 The work of charity ; with wondVous art 730 
 
 And pious zeal performed the leeches'" part. 
 
 Infused those drops that wand'ring sense recall. 
 
 And from his bosom drew the flattened ball. 
 
 But sweeter still than herb or opiate's power 
 
 Were Sidney's soothing words — " Within this hour
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 185 
 
 I left thy Clara blooming as the dawn ; 
 
 I saw her wave aloft the snowy lawn 
 
 To greet me on the shore ; to her I fly 
 
 To calm her fears and check the struggling sigh ; 
 
 A httle while, farewell ! these holy maids 740 
 
 Will tend thee ; and, ere evening's mellow shades 
 
 Soften the horrors of this bleeding land. 
 
 The cup of joy shall flow from Clara's hand." 
 
 They parted with a glance that utter'd more 
 
 Than lips can speak ; now gaily from the shore 
 
 The sails bore Sidney to the Caesar's side, 
 
 Herald of gladness to his promised bride. 
 
 No welcome from her gentle voice — no cheer 
 
 Of cordial greeting charm'd the seaman's ear ; 
 
 The tars around abash'd and silent hung 750 
 
 Their mournful heads — the faithful spaniel's tongue 
 
 With low and murmuring sound proclaim'd alone 
 
 That all he prized on earthly worlds had flown. 
 
 But Sidney roused them from their trance, and drew 
 
 The fatal secret from their breasts : a crew 
 
 Of bold Hibernians, never known to pause 
 
 In peril's path, or lovely woman's cause, 
 
 Stepp'd forth, and volunteer'd on sea or land 
 
 To rescue Clara from the robber's band. 
 
 " Swift, man the pinnace" — scarce the word was said. 
 
 When Neptune bounded to the boat, that spread 761 
 
 Her white wings to the breeze, and dash'd arovuid 
 
 The foaming water with the cannon's sound. 
 
 With sails, that swept the gunwale on the wave. 
 
 They flew with dread rapidity to save
 
 186 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Tlie precious moments lost — when glow'd the west 
 BriUiant and sweet, in bkie and crimson drest, 
 They touch'd Colonia's strand, and sprang ashore 
 To seek their plunder''d treasure, and explore 
 Each hill and forest in the trackless wild, 770 
 
 Till on their toils benignant Fortune smiled. 
 
 While Sidney now consumes in fruitless chase 
 The golden hours, the Muse returns to trace 
 The path of Clara ; by her Tamba's side 
 She lay in darkness, till the rolling tide 
 Far from Colonia bore them to the land. 
 To aid her doubtful steps a trembling hand 
 Softly clasp'd hers, her humid eyes unbound, 
 When, kneeling ""midst the robbers ranged around 
 She mark'd Alphonso ! that Iberian proud, 780 
 
 Whose spirit to victorious Sidney bowed 
 In love and war — " Forgive me, gentlest maid ! 
 Impeird by madness, when that tongue forbade 
 The faintest gleam of distant hope to rise, 
 I tore from rival arms- the matchless prize. 
 Pardon the rudeness of untutorVl hands, 
 Train^'d to perform a corsair s bold commands ; 
 These savage men amidst the billows' roar 
 Have furl'd the sail, and tugg'd the dashing oar ; 
 On the rough sea their stormy lives were past, 790 
 
 Nurst on the surge, and cradled by the blast ; 
 Unknown to them, a wild and lawless crew, 
 The courtesies to charming woman due.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 187 
 
 But now, from vain pursuit and peril free, 
 
 The pirate"'s stubborn heart shall bend to thee ; 
 
 And he, the patient victim of thy scorn. 
 
 At eve, in dusky night or cheerful morn. 
 
 Shall still in zeal, in word, and action, prove 
 
 A Spaniard's honour and devoted love. 
 
 Amidst those isles, that like green jewels stud 800 
 
 The crystal breast of Oronoko's flood. 
 
 My sires a princely castle built ; the walls 
 
 Of precious marble, and the lofty halls 
 
 Adorn'd with plumes and gold, by valour won 
 
 From costly domes and temples of the sun, 
 
 Where Montezuma reign'd ; rich groves of palm 
 
 With crowns umbrageous shed a holy calm 
 
 Above the torrent ; flowers of glowing hue 
 
 And sweetest odour, ever bright and new. 
 
 Springing spontaneous from the virgin ground, 810 
 
 A web of pure mosaic weave around — 
 
 Of all the charms of that romantic scene 
 
 Shall Clara reign the sole, despotic queen. 
 
 Thither we fly — and when long months are o'er 
 
 Of patient servitude, I ask no more 
 
 Than pity prompts that gentle heart to give, 
 
 When Clara's smile shall bid Alphonso live." 
 
 " Oh ! never," said the maid, " while glows one beam 
 
 Of holy spirit in this vital stream. 
 
 Shall Clara faithless to her Sidney prove ! 820 
 
 Prepared o'er rocks and thorny dells to rove. 
 
 With trust in Heaven I feel an inward charm. 
 
 That shields a virgin's fame from mortal arm.
 
 188 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 A train of noble mules, of Spanish breed, 
 Stood ready on the beach — with eagle's speed 
 Was Clara borne along the pampa wild, 
 Till evening on the sea of verdure smiled. 
 On the sweet grass a snowy tent was spread. 
 And flowers of clover gave a balmy bed ; 
 Fruits and rich wine, in cups of cocoa pour'd, 830 
 
 To life the captive's languid pulse restored ; 
 And Clara, on her blooming couch reclined 
 In peace, to gracious Providence resigned. 
 Now as bright Cynthia pour''d her silver ray 
 On the dark group, that round in slumber lay, 
 Tamba's keen eye discerned one pallid face, 
 Oft seen before, with lips that bore the trace 
 Of vengeance gratified, as laughter broke 
 Through stormy dreams, and savage smiles bespoke 
 The traitor"'s task fulfilPd : the watchful maid 840 
 
 With wringing hands implored Alphonso"'s aid 
 To save the virgin from that monster''s steel ; 
 And Clara''s heart was cold, as lambs will feel 
 Instinctive terror when the wolf is nigh. 
 " The venom'd shaft shall through his bosom fly,'' 
 The Spaniard said, " if e'er his coward hand 
 Be raised to harm thee ; blackest of the band 
 Of daring outlaws, he it was that first 
 Proposed the desp'rate deed, to slake his thirst 
 Of dark revenge — 'tis he — the robber Pest ! 850 
 
 Long rankling in his deep, satanic breast. 
 Hatred to Sidney link'd him with this corps 
 Of wandVing pirates, wlio for worthless ore
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 189 
 
 Have seized a living treasure, that contains 
 A heart more precious than Potosi''s veins. 
 By honour bound I lead them to those fields, 
 Where nature's bosom in profusion yields 
 Unlabour''d wealth ; and trust that tranquil hours, 
 Pastures, and bleating flocics, and balmy flowers. 
 May with sweet power their savage lives reform, 860 
 And calm succeed to passion's wintry storm. 
 But should one wretch offend my captive maid 
 In gesture, word, or act, this trusty blade 
 Shall pierce him to the earth ; repose in peace ; 
 Alphonso guards thee ; when the moon shall cease 
 To fling his borrowed beams on wave and shore, 
 We tread this weary wilderness once more." 
 Clara sigh'd deeply ; but with steady trust 
 In Him, whose guardian wings protect the just 
 Through night and storm, in sleep oblivious lay, 870 
 Till matin birds proclaim'd the dawning day. 
 
 But ere the morn arose, the mules were found 
 Helpless and struggling on the dewy ground. 
 Lo ! on each brute a rav'nous monster spread 
 His grasping claws and wings of dvisky red — 
 The vampire bat, that o'er the pampa flies 
 In flocks of raven gloom that shade the skies. 
 These to the panting beasts tenacious clung, 
 And suck'd the bleeding veins with thirsty tongue ; 
 And through the flesh with piercing talons tore, 880 
 Ere man could chase them from their feast of gore.
 
 190 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 With tardy pace along the grassy plain, 
 Enfeebled by the loss of blood and pain, 
 The mules their burden bore ; the solar beam 
 Shot fiery down — nor shade, nor warbling stream, 
 Cheer'd them with sounds harmonious ; chaplets cold 
 Of humid weeds and bells of flowery gold 
 They wove, and twined around the hair to chill 
 The rage of Phoebus ; wild and mournful still 
 The green savannah, like a shoreless sea, 890 
 
 Spread to the meeting clouds its dread immensity. 
 
 When Nature scattered with majestic hand 
 Gigantic features o'er this wondVous land, 
 Pour'd amazonian waves, to which the Nile 
 A streamlet seems, and rear'd the mighty pile 
 Of Chimborazo, monarch of the chain 
 Of snow-capp\l Andes — on this awful plain 
 She ceased from toil ; and 'midst these balmy flowers 
 Refreshed in verdure her exhausted powers. 
 Like a tempestuous morning's crimson close, 900 
 
 Splendid in storms, but lovely in repose. 
 Thus the calm evening of a noble life. 
 Spent in distracting cares and martial strife, 
 That prince of patriots, who held in scorn 
 Ribbon and star that meaner breasts adorn. 
 Immortal Washington serenely pass'd, 
 Glorious at dawn, and brilliant to the last. 
 At noon, when all the languid world around 
 Seem'd wrapt in sleep, a soft and murmuring sound
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 191 
 
 Floated mysterious in the viewless air. 910 
 
 The crack'd and dusty soil, the mountain bare, 
 The wave, the blasted tree, the smiling rose. 
 All teem with life ; the hum of insects flows, 
 Like sweet and distant waters, on the breeze ; 
 And breathing myriads o'er the solemn seas. 
 Though too refined for mortal vision, prove 
 The ceaseless action of eternal love. 
 
 When eve declined, the golden dusk was seen 
 A globe of fire above the boundless green ; 
 The grass, illumined by his dying rays, 920 
 
 Seem'd trembling with a momentary blaze, 
 And pearls were dropping from the flowers of dew. 
 As o'er the waste melodious zephyrs blew. 
 At night, when glow'd the heavens with starry gems, 
 Baldrics, and rings, and glorious diadems. 
 Beneath, bright shoals of phosphorescent flies 
 Copied on earth the splendour of the skies. 
 On humid grass the shining glow-worm lay. 
 As on green ocean gleams the midnight spray ; 
 While the wing'd Indole in quivering flight 930 
 
 Shower'd on the gloom his sparks of living light. 
 
 Long days they wander'd o'er the level soil. 
 Thirsty and faint from heat and ceaseless toil ; 
 At length above the far horizon's rim 
 A stately forest dawn'd — how sweet to him, 
 Whose tedious hours on plains or cheerless sea 
 Have pass'd, the music of the waving tree.
 
 192 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 The tremulous leaves, the lapse of lucid stream, 
 
 And shades impervious to the burning beam ! 
 
 Nor less the brute enjoys the grateful sound ; 940 
 
 The mules, by instinct with vivacious bound 
 
 Sprang like the free-born stag, and scorn'd the rein, 
 
 Panting that sylvan paradise to gain. 
 
 They reach'd, ere eve, a dark, majestic wood 
 
 Of Cucurito palms — each column stood, 
 
 With soft plumes waving, like a mighty mast, 
 
 Whose flags and streamers flutter in the blast. 
 
 Forest on forest seem'd to rise, and shoot 
 
 Aloft the feathery crown and milky fruit. 
 
 Lianas crept around the barren stem, 950 
 
 And mingled with the cocoa's diadem 
 
 Their graceful flowers; from branch to branch they wove 
 
 Arcades of verdure ; and the silent grove. 
 
 Where those sweet rambling plants were seen to bloom. 
 
 Screened the blue heavens, and spread nocturnal gloom. 
 
 Dear was the shelter of that calm retreat ; 
 A bed of golden moss refreshed the feet. 
 Ductile as eider down ; a virgin spring, •■ 
 
 WandVing around in many a crystal ring. 
 With nature"'s nectar cooPd the thirsty tongue, 960 
 Purer than juice from grape or berry wrung. 
 Train'd in the Lybian woods the branch to mount. 
 Where flows rich gum as from an amber fount, 
 Tamba embraced the cocoa"'s naked rhind 
 Firm as an oak with ivy clasps intwined.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 193 
 
 Climb'd like a squirrel to the plumy crown, 
 
 And shook the vegetable treasure down. 
 
 Scoop'd from the clean, cool shell, and dripping sweet 
 
 With lucid milk, amidst oppressive heat 
 
 How pleasing was that fruit ! and Clara drank 970 
 
 The liquor from the brimming bowl, nor sank 
 
 Despondently beneath the frown of care : 
 
 She was not one to tremble in despair, 
 
 In peril's face to close her eyes and ears. 
 
 To pine and pipe in solitude and tears. 
 
 Her spirit, like the pine-tree on the rock, 
 
 Tower'd in the tempest ; wave or thunder's shock 
 
 Threatens in vain, and lightning hurtless flies 
 
 To her, whose hope is anchored in the skies. 
 
 Long wander'd they beneath the cool arcade, 980 
 Where no keen sunbeam pierced the grateful shade. 
 Pleasant it was to see the playful tribe 
 Of chattering monkeys, full of jest and gibe. 
 Swinging from branch to branch ; where distant hung 
 The waving boughs, with clasping tail they clung, 
 And, pendulous, attained the neighbour tree 
 By ceaseless oscillation ; wild and free 
 From man's oppressive bondage : parrots bright 
 With golden plumage glitter'd in the light ; 
 And hoarse macaws with croaking voices drown'd 990 
 The moaning gale, and palm-tree's solemn sound. 
 
 I seek not here by geographic scale 
 Their path to measure ; over hill and dale— 
 
 N
 
 194 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Through tangled forests never trod before 
 
 By mortal feet — across the rapid's roar 
 
 On slight canoes, or swinging bridges twined 
 
 Of pliant osier, waving in the wind, 
 
 Their vagrant journey lay ; the bending trees, 
 
 Whose broad boughs yielded to the tropic breeze. 
 
 Served as a compass — awful was the scene, 1000 
 
 When scorching sunbeams burn'd the rustling green. 
 
 And, rolling from the brown savannah's bed, 
 
 A casual spark to crimson torrents spread. 
 
 One night, when slumbering on the parched ground. 
 
 Their ears were startled by the sea-like sound 
 
 Of rushing flames ; a billowy tide on high 
 
 Of blood seem'd floating in the vaulted sky ; 
 
 Beneath, the crackling palms and pine-trees glow'd, 
 
 As the wide stream of fire incessant flowM. 
 
 When the loud wind on whirring pinions broke 1010 
 
 Through the dense curtains of the sable smoke. 
 
 The forest flashM intolerable light, 
 
 Vivid as flames, that burst in lurid nijrht 
 
 From Etna's bosom ; dreadful was the roar. 
 
 Deep as hoarse ocean on the stormy shore ; 
 
 And oft in cloudy heaven some giant beam, 
 
 Rent by the fulminating power of steam, 
 
 Shot burning to the stars, and left behind 
 
 A showery train, bright quivering on the wind. 
 
 Far from the scene with hurried steps they flew 
 O'er blazing bi'anches to the pampa's dew, 1021
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 196 
 
 Where, shivering beneath the midnight blast, 
 
 Till morning dawn"'d the weary hours they pass'd. 
 
 The light shone glist'ning from an awful cave, 
 
 A tomb of tribes extinct — a mammoth's grave ! 
 
 The tibia, tusk and joint enormous proved 
 
 What monsters o'er these wild savannahs roved 
 
 In ancient days ; the ribs gigantic lay 
 
 Scattered through stones and indurated clay 
 
 Like petrifactions buried in the core 1030 
 
 Of firm-bound granite, or the stormy shore 
 
 Strew'd with the fractured rock, with boom and mast 
 
 In thund'ring peals from ocean's bosom cast. 
 
 Perhaps, ere human hands the grass had stain'd 
 
 With gore, the quadruped despotic reign'd 
 
 O'er these wide realms, and this, the prince of all 
 
 Those tyrant brutes that trod this earthly ball, 
 
 The lordly mammoth, ranged the desert here, 
 
 Trampling the lama, bear, and antler'd deer, 
 
 Till the Great Man, as old tradition says, 1040 
 
 Pour'd from the mountain rock the lightning's rays. 
 
 And blasted all their tribe, save one, the sire, 
 
 A mighty bull, that shook the forked fire 
 
 From his broad front, and still in madness roars 
 
 Along the wild Ohio's lonely shores. 
 
 Pierce a dark fissure of the shatter'd globe ; 
 Strip its torn bosom of the flowery robe ; 
 Deep in the caverns of the hollow ground 
 Fossil remains, gigantic bones are foimd.
 
 196 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Colossal beasts that subject earth o'erran, 1050 
 
 But not one remnant of imperial man. 
 
 Could all this glorious firmament — the light 
 
 Of cheerful day — the gems of starry night — 
 
 The clouds, that hang like pictures from the sides 
 
 Of azure heav'n — the stream that sweetly glides 
 
 In wat'ry music — woods and crystal seas — 
 
 The fruit nectareous on the bending trees— 
 
 The new-born verdure of ambrosial spring, 
 
 And flowers, that from their painted censers fling 
 
 Delicious fragrance — could all these have sprung 
 
 From nature's bosom to regale the tongue, 1061 
 
 The sight of senseless brutes ? Wild dreams, avaunt ! 
 
 That like a dim, heart- chilling spectre, haunt 
 
 The brain of cold philosophy — this world. 
 
 Clear as the banner of a god unfurl'd, 
 
 Unfolds a scheme for nobler man designed, 
 
 A page to elevate th' immortal mind. 
 
 By gradual steps along these blooming plains. 
 
 As the young dove the patient mother trains. 
 
 To lead us from this transitory shore 1070 
 
 To brighter joys that Heaven has yet in store. 
 
 They still their desultory track pursued 
 O'er the savannah's cheerless solitude. 
 And through a dismal swamp laborious strain'd, 
 Whose shaking sin-face scarce their feet sustain'd ; 
 When lo ! a shock beneath the muddy stream. 
 Swift and resistless as the lightning's beam,
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 197 
 
 The mules arrested ; palsy-struck and cold 
 The leader fell, and down the quagmire rolFd 
 Baggage and rider ; now the pirates knew 1080 
 
 The source from which the flash electric flew, 
 And rein'd their steeds, ere that mysterious power 
 Had stunn'd the springs of life ; the fiery shower 
 From thundVing cannon, or the feather''d reed 
 From Indian quiver, ne''er with deadlier speed 
 Their victim struck, than that tremendous eel. 
 The dread gymnotus ; like conducting steel, 
 That shoots to earth the phosphor of the skies, 
 Through the dark wave the mystic volley flies. 
 Blasting young myriads of the scaly breed, 1090 
 
 And paralysing man and lordly steed ; 
 This, like the chill torpedo's touch, congeals 
 To ice the fervid blood ; the victim reels 
 Convulsive, and the charger's noble heart 
 Sinks thunderstruck beneath a pigmy's dart. 
 Wide was the marsh ; no bending osier stood 
 With weeping boughs, a landmark in the flood ; 
 All cold and desolate the fens around 
 Trembled as if an earthquake rock'd the ground. 
 Must beauty perish thus — the young — the fair 1100 
 The fate of brutes and drowning robbers share .'' 
 Oh ! no— kind Heav'n with inborn power supplies 
 That lovely sex, whose strength in weakness lies, 
 And woman's slender form can laurels gain 
 Where Hercules might wield his club in vain. 
 When Clara's mule first shudder'd at the blow. 
 That laid him helpless in the weeds below,
 
 198 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 She sprang, and rested on the turf beneath 
 
 Light as the cygnet on a flowery wreath, 
 
 That clasps sweet Severn's breast; from sod to sod 1110 
 
 She flew, and on the tender cresses trod. 
 
 Till rushes spread their aiding spears no more; 
 
 Then Tamba"'s circling arms the virgin bore 
 
 To life and freedom on the solid shore. 
 
 A long detour the sad survivors made 
 To clear that fatfil swamp ; when evening's shade 
 Came, like autumnal softness when the flood 
 Of fiery summer's past, they reach'd a wood 
 Where juicy grapes in purple beauty clung 
 Round elms, and offer'd to the thirsty tongue 1120 
 Refreshing nectar ; there the wand'rers closed 
 That day of peril, and in peace reposed. 
 Through these vicissitudes, in storm and calm, 
 Clara was still resign'd ; that healing balm, 
 Active employment, panacea true 
 For all those visionary sprites that strew 
 Health's rosy path with tliorns, or mental pain, 
 Cheer'd her on lonely hill or burning plain. 
 At sultry noon, when deep in slumber lay 
 The weary pirates, from the lofty spray 1130 
 
 She struck the pretty cardinal, or breast 
 Of golden parrot on his airy nest : 
 Yet not in sport she saw the songsters fall. 
 Nor wanton cruelty ; a ductile ball 
 Of cotton tipp'd her arrows ; or the gun. 
 With harmless water charged, that served to stun
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 199 
 
 But not destroy, the flatterers to her feet 
 
 Brought gently down ; she loved the plumage sweet 
 
 Of tropic warblers, in whose brilliant dyes 
 
 Shone rose and gold, as if from crimson skies 1 1 40 
 
 And ore, that glitters in Peruvian springs, 
 
 They stole the tincture of their splendid wings. 
 
 All these with mildest art she tamed, and fed 
 
 With seeds and fruit, till round the virgin's head 
 
 They flew delighted ; and at evening's fall 
 
 The little humming-bird, the queen of all 
 
 Those animated jewels, softly came 
 
 And nestled in her bosom, bright as flame 
 
 Of sparkling ruby, and till dawning day 
 
 In that sweet paradise luxurious lay. 1150 
 
 Where streamlets wander'd through the shady grove 
 She sought the flexile ticMe-moth, and wove 
 Light bonnets from its polish'd stem : the blade 
 She platted, and impervious baskets made, 
 Where crystal water floated in the grass 
 Compact as closest grain of horn or glass. 
 She tapp'd the juicy maple's rind, and drew 
 Its dulcet sap ; the liquid sugar flew 
 In copious currents from each bleeding pore, 
 As if a prophet's wand had touch'd the core. 11 CO 
 
 She search'd the clefts of hollow rock or wood. 
 Where wild bees treasured their ambrosial food. 
 And from their balmy cells of golden gleam 
 Extracted sweet Metheglin's lucid stream.
 
 200 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Those pleasing arts, that once in woodbine bowers, 
 Pursued for pastime, cheer'd her careless hours, 
 Now in the desert came like long-lost friends 
 To sooth and charm ; the maid, who wisely blends 
 Use and bright ornament, may laugh to scorn 
 Ennui, weak nerves, and passion's rankling thorn. 1170 
 
 The pirates oft, when fail'd their seasoned store, 
 Chased the fleet roebuck or the bristly boar. 
 While Clara and her faithful Tamba spread 
 The rustic board, and dying embers fed 
 With balmy cedar ; thus employed one eve. 
 So mild, that zephyr"'s wing could scarcely heave 
 The light mauritia, hark ! what thundering feet 
 And wail forlorn disturb this calm retreat ? 
 From the dark thicket, like a rushing wind. 
 Bounded a bleeding tiger ; far behind 1 1 80 
 
 The hunter''s horn resounded ; streams of gore 
 Stain'd the green herbage as the savage tore 
 Through shrubs and brambles ; running by her side 
 A wounded cub with yells terrific cried. 
 What could, alas ! two helpless virgins do. 
 When those ferocious beasts in phrensy flew 
 To mangle and devour ? But Clara shew'd 
 The blood of heroes ; — where the faggots glowed 
 She rush"'d intrepid — seized a burning brand — 
 Fronted the tyrant, and with steady hand 1 1 90 
 
 Held to her horrid jaws the dazzling fire : 
 She started back ; and ere the monster's ire
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 201 
 
 ReturnM, had Tamba with a poison'd dart 
 
 Pierced through her brinded bosom to the heart. 
 
 But now the cub with double fury raged, 
 
 And sprang on Clara — See the brute engaged 
 
 In conflict with that tender arm, that ne'er 
 
 Had hurt an insect, but with soul to dare 
 
 Deeds amazonian ! woman"'s spirit now 
 
 Rose to the zenith ; and the blazing bough 1200 
 
 She thrust within his gnashing tusks : the flame 
 
 Drove him to madness ; but Alphonso came 
 
 Ere beauty's breast one precious drop had shed. 
 
 And through his eyeballs sent the whistling lead. 
 
 Ghastly in death, the monsters on the green 
 Lay cold ; the pirates now with sabre keen 
 Stripped from each stiffened corse the speckled hide, 
 Which soon the beams of sunny morning dried ; 
 The Spaniard then to each intrepid maid 
 The spoil presented — " When with golden braid," 
 He cried, " these housings are adorn'd, the steed 1211 
 Shall bear this trophy of the matchless deed. 
 That links young beauty with the brightest name 
 Of splendid chivalry ; the spire of fame 
 Henceforth shall man with gentlest woman share. 
 And both participate the laurels there." 
 
 Again to horse — o'er deep and swampy ground 
 With many a mazy turn the party wound. 
 The summits of the lofty palms that night 
 Flash'd with red volumes of mysterious light ; 1220
 
 202 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Along the boughs quick lightning seem''d to play 
 
 Vivid and tremulous ; at dawning day 
 
 Those magic fires they hurried to explore ; 
 
 When, strange to tell — the bending branches bore 
 
 A living colony — that roving race 
 
 The Tivitivas, who from place to place 
 
 Wander for blessed freedom when pursued 
 
 By savage man — the sylvan solitude 
 
 Is their proud temple, and the towering tree 
 
 The standard of an exile's liberty. 1230 
 
 When rivers, swelPd by equatorial rains, 
 
 Spread like an ocean o"'er those boundless plains, 
 
 They form thick mats of sedge and ropy grass. 
 
 And o'er the meshy surface lay a mass 
 
 Of viscous earth ; on these securely burn 
 
 Their household fires ; till wintry waves return 
 
 "Within their wonted channels, they suspend 
 
 Their hammocks from the noble palms, that lend 
 
 Those outcasts from the world, who claim the wood 
 
 Their home, both shelter and refreshing food. 1240 
 
 A shelly fruit the green mauritia yields, 
 
 And farinaceous pith ; the plumage shields 
 
 Its inmates from nocturnal dews ; it sheds 
 
 Sweet liquor from the juicy core; and threads 
 
 Of hempen strength are woven from the rind : 
 
 Thus in that wondrous plant the pilgrims find 
 
 Those precious gifts that nature's hand bestows, 
 
 Subsistence, raiment, freedom, and repose. 
 
 Blush, sons of opulence ! luxurious slaves. 
 
 Tost on the world like feathers on the waves, 1250
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 203 
 
 On rock or shoal at fashion"'s mercy cast, 
 
 Jest of the wise, and sport of every blast ; 
 
 Victims of sloth and visionary fears, 
 
 Who bathe the couch of down with listless tears, 
 
 Who tread on thorns within your marble halls. 
 
 And sigh, encompass'd by your palace walls, 
 
 Denied life's salutary storms to share, 
 
 Whose sole misfortune is the want of care — 
 
 Behold a race, of kindred blood and bone, 
 
 With feelings — passions, vivid as your own, 1260 
 
 Of peace and glorious liberty possest. 
 
 And in the bosom of a palm-tree blest ! 
 
 Cords from the cocoa''s stringy husk they twine. 
 And from the lofty boughs suspend the line 
 From ants and worms the tender seed to save ; 
 Secure from reptiles and the sapping wave, 
 Form'd of a carvel's keel, or light canoe. 
 These hanging gardens, as the breezes blew, 
 With balmy pulse and breathing blossoms crown'd. 
 Like censers flung ambrosial fragrance round. 1270 
 
 With hospitable smiles that tribe received 
 The toil-worn strangers, and with fruits relieved 
 Their drooping spirits ; milk of flavour sweet. 
 Fresh as if brimming from the living teat, 
 They pour'd in vessels by ingenious art 
 Composed of palm leaves ; from the cow-tree's heart 
 They draw that juice nectarious, and confine 
 In flasks of sylvan mould the dulcet wine.
 
 204 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Unfetter''d by the Avorld's cold forms, they gave 
 
 An honest welcome ; long inured to brave 1280 
 
 The bitter elements, to them unknown 
 
 Those airy graces that adorn a throne ; 
 
 Envied enjoyment ! sung in lofty strains 
 
 By bards who soar above these sordid plains 
 
 On condor's plumes, yet still their glittering chains 
 
 Enamoured clasp ; with adamantine hold 
 
 Coerced, the spirit bends to fame and gold ; 
 
 For who for freedom to the forest flies. 
 
 Though all in theory the blessing prize ? 
 
 Strange inconsistency ! the minstrel sings 1290 
 
 Of brooks and warbling birds, yet fondly clings 
 
 To purse-proud patronage and halls of state, 
 
 Though menials spurn him from the palace gate, 
 
 Where garter''d mendicants besiege the door, 
 
 And beggars, crown'd with pensions, kneel for more. 
 
 I would not, for a princely star, be bound 
 
 To drudge and languish in a weary round 
 
 Of courtly pageantries — to mark the wiles 
 
 Of cringing parasites, and faithless smiles. 
 
 That rise like bubbles from a fount of gall, 1300 
 
 Where, like a slave within the cloistered wall. 
 
 While the gay ploughman whistles o'er the lea, 
 
 The fetter'd monarch sighs for liberty. 
 
 While thus the free-born monarchs of the wood 
 Feasted the strangers with luxurious food, 
 Forth from the covert of a thorny brake 
 Issued with rattling sound a hideous snake ;
 
 clara;,chester. 205 
 
 His tawny skin, with stripes of sable hue, 
 
 Shone fresh with youth, and glossy in the dew ; 
 
 His tongue of aconite and eyes of fire, 1310 
 
 Like stars malignant, shot vindictive ire : 
 
 On Clara first his fascinating'glance 
 
 Was fix'd ; behold his burnished scales advance 
 
 Convolving like the billows of the main, 
 
 Wave after wave ; but ere his tusk could gain 
 
 The flying virgin, Tamba swiftly tore 
 
 A pointed rock, and with the monster's gore 
 
 Steep'd the rank herbage ; now convulsive rang 
 
 His clattering tail, and with envenom'd fang 
 
 He sought to rend her cheek ; but undismayVl 1320 
 
 She, a devoted victim, stood to aid 
 
 By noble sacrifice her Clara's flight : 
 
 While thus engaged in dread and hopeless fight. 
 
 Her darts all flown, her strength nigh pass'd away. 
 
 And the fell savage gloated on his prey, 
 
 A negro sprang with more than panther's speed. 
 
 Poising an Esmeralda's polish'd reed. 
 
 And with one thrust transfix'd him to the ground ; 
 
 With agonizing folds he twined around 
 
 The dreadful sarbacan, but writh'd in vain, 1330 
 
 The griding spear had pierced through tongue and brain. 
 
 Now Tamba knelt, with clasped hands, to thank 
 
 Her brave preserver ; but the negro sank 
 
 O'erpower'd with joy and wonder — Tamba's eyes 
 
 Wander'd alternately from earth to skies. 
 
 Uncertain whether some delusive dream 
 
 Had mock'd her vision, or a golden gleam
 
 206 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Of Lybla''s streams and balmy woods arose, 
 
 Which after death repays the captive's woes, 
 
 (Her country's wild tradition), but the kiss 1340 
 
 From burning lips awoke to living bliss 
 
 Her rambling senses — to her fervid breast 
 
 She held her lover — him, whom long at rest 
 
 She deem'd with sister, mother, friend, and sire, 
 
 Who bled and perish''d in the robbers' fire. 
 
 Long was the fond embrace, and sweetest tears 
 
 Bedew'd their cheeks, ere Tamba's ravish'd ears 
 
 Could list distinctly to Anziko's tale : 
 
 'Twas short and mournful ; in his native vale 
 
 Amidst his murder'd relatives he lay 1350 
 
 W^ounded and senseless ; with returning day 
 
 A band of plunderers, who came to strip 
 
 Each bleeding corse, perceived his quivering lip 
 
 Yet warm with life, and bore him to their bark, 
 
 Where ocean's breeze revived the latent spark. 
 
 And his first glance was cast on cord and chain ; — 
 
 " I will not tell thee of the negro's pain, 
 
 Bound by the fair-skinn'd savage, thou, alas ! 
 
 Poor maiden, to the dregs that bitter glass 
 
 Perchance hast tasted ; but the thoughts of thee, 1360 
 
 Lost virgin ! deeper anguish gave to me 
 
 Than lash or fetters — still some voice within, 
 
 Mysterious, cheer'd me, and the horrid din 
 
 Of torture soften'd ; when the western shore 
 
 We near'd, I plunged amidst the surges' roar. 
 
 And reach'd the strand unharm'd, though fiery showers 
 
 Swept the surrounding billows ; weary hours
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 207 
 
 I wander'd in the woods, till spent with toil 
 
 And famine, towering o'er the swampy soil 
 
 I mark'd the Tivitivas' midnight flames, 1370 
 
 Whose light to persecuted man proclaims 
 
 Freedom and charity : with them I range 
 
 The forest, nor for jewelFd crowns would change 
 
 This blessed liberty, had not the powers, 
 
 That strew the waste with unexpected flowers, 
 
 Ordain'd that, poor Anziko's perils o'er. 
 
 His arms should clasp thee to this heart once more." 
 
 Clara was witness to this tender scene, 
 
 Charm'd with the graceful form and lofty mien 
 
 Of Tamba's lover ; she in brief express'd 1380 
 
 What debt was due to her, whose bounty bless'd 
 
 The slave with freedom, and the grateful swain 
 
 Knelt down and kiss'd the virgin's feet : with pain 
 
 Alphonso mark'd those joys to him denied ; 
 
 Stung with impatience and indignant pride, 
 
 He hurried them to horse : Anziko bade 
 
 A last farewell to those, whose timely aid 
 
 Preserved him in the desert ; swiftly now 
 
 They clear'd the forest, scaled the mountain's brow. 
 
 And rested on a lonely river's bank ; 1390 
 
 There on a bed of rushes Clara sank 
 
 Exhausted ; but the wakeful Tamba cried 
 
 " Rouse thee ! and hark to joy's returning tide ; 
 
 The spoiler's reign is o'er ; — relief is near ; — 
 
 The voice of Sidney strikes my startled ear." 
 
 While thus slie spoke, the hills and valleys round 
 
 Rang to the rushing sqiia(h-on's trampling sound :
 
 208 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Through clouds of dust the flash of sabres bright 
 
 Like meteors gleam'd with momentary hght. 
 
 The cheers of champions thundered on the breeze 1400 
 
 Loud as the billows of the dashing seas ; 
 
 With stormy speed they flew ; — the pirates stood 
 
 Undaunted ; but when brave Hibernians blood 
 
 Wells from the gen'rous heart, and nerves the hand 
 
 In woman's cause, what corsair can withstand 
 
 The whelming tide ? Like grass the robbers fell 
 
 Hewn by the scythe — not one survived to tell 
 
 The fatal story ; Tamba's ringing bow 
 
 Laid with each shaft a bleeding ruffian low ; 
 
 Anziko with resistless valour plied 1410 
 
 His thirsty sarbacan, and deeply dyed 
 
 With gore the herbage ; but the miscreant, Pest, 
 
 To glut his vengeful bosom sprang to wrest 
 
 The prize from Sidney ; where the trembhng maid 
 
 Stood faint and pale beneath a plantain''s shade, 
 
 (While groans of dying men assail'd her ears 
 
 Her spirit droop'd ; forgive a virgin's tears ; 
 
 The flame, that for a father's safety burn'd. 
 
 Expired, and woman's gentle soul returned). 
 
 Furious he rush'd, and 'midst the battle's roar 1420 
 
 Swift to the flood his helpless burden bore. 
 
 Resolved to hurl her headlong from the steep, 
 
 To ])ierce her breast, or drown her in the deep. 
 
 " Help ! help ! oh heavens !" distracted Clara cried ; 
 
 Her prayer was heard — quick dropping from her side 
 
 The villain's arm, arrested by a grasp. 
 
 Writhed as if tortured by the boa's clasj) ;
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 209 
 
 Her champion, nimble as the hghtning's beam, 
 Dragged the pale wretch, and dash''d him in the stream : 
 He struggled long in slime and wat'ry weeds, 1430 
 Snatch'd at thin air, and seized the slipping reeds ; 
 When lo ! a crocodile, that lurking lay 
 In floating sedges, sprang upon his prey ; 
 Through quivering flesh the crackling bone he ground, 
 And mix'd his life-blood with the billows round ; 
 In vain the victim, shrieking on the wave. 
 Implored that mercy which he never gave ; 
 The ruthless hypocrite, besmeared with gore. 
 Sank in the bubbling stream to rise no more ! 
 
 And he, who rescued thus from instant death 1440 
 A weeping virgin, now with panting breath 
 Sprang o'er the dead the long-lost maid to seek. 
 Clung to her knees, and lick'd her pallid cheek. 
 While the long murmur, that spontaneous broke 
 From nature's source, his ecstasy bespoke. 
 Clara shed tears — " And is it thus from thee. 
 My faithful Neptune ! on the stormy sea 
 Or Indian wastes, that man must learn the ties 
 Of love and gratitude ? Can shrieks or sighs. 
 Or eloquence that flows with warmth divine, 1450 
 
 Display devotion, friendship pure as thine ?" 
 While now the maid caress'd with patting hand 
 Her bounding favourite, with flaming brand 
 Sidney o'er bleeding corse and courser flew 
 To fell the leader of the ruffian crew.
 
 210 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Alphonso met him ; prompted by despair 
 
 To pierce his rival's bosom, or to share 
 
 His cold companions' fate. As on the shore, 
 
 Where Alpine brutes descend with savage roar. 
 
 Two famish'd wolves in dread encounter meet, 1460 
 
 (In conquest life — destruction in retreat) 
 
 Gnash their sharp tusks, and rend the echoing sky, 
 
 While the contested lamb stands trembling by — 
 
 So rush''d the brave competitors ; both skilPd 
 
 Alike in battle's murderous art, and filPd 
 
 With passion's flame ; bright sparks of living fire 
 
 Sprang from each sabre, as with desperate ire 
 
 The rivals all the hero's heart displayed. 
 
 And clashed alternately the ringing blade. 
 
 But justice triumphed in that awful hour, 1470 
 
 And nerved the Briton''s arm with magic power 
 
 Unknown to guilt ; one swift and whelming blow 
 
 Shatter'd the Spanish brand, and laid the foe 
 
 Extended on the field — his glory past. 
 
 His tow^-ing hopes all flown, Alphonso cast 
 
 One parting glance on her his soul adored. 
 
 And bared his bosom to the victor''s sword. 
 
 But Sidney scornVl to strike; he bade farewell 
 
 To vengeance, when his helpless victim fell ; 
 
 And Clara like a spirit stood between, 1480 
 
 Sheathed with her gentle hand the falchion keen. 
 
 And raised Alphonso from the bloody ground. 
 
 " Fortune has now,"" she cried, " my Sidney, crown'd 
 
 The labours of thy love ; the pirates slain 
 
 Press with their mangled limbs the slippery plain ;
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 211 
 
 And he, whose vengeful bosom plann'd the deed, 
 
 Has perish'd in the waves — by fate decreed 
 
 To wander lonely in this shadowy vale, 
 
 Thy rival lives- to tell the mournful tale; 
 
 His heart is honour's seat, though passion's power 1 490 
 
 Sullied its pride in one distracted hour. 
 
 Through the dark wilderness my steps he led, 
 
 Watch'd the coiPd serpent, and the tiger's tread ; 
 
 With sweetest fruits refreshed my feeble frame, 
 
 Lord of my life, yet guardian of my fame ; 
 
 Nor could the favoured suitor"'s soul express 
 
 More noble truth, or manly tenderness. 
 
 Henceforth let rival feuds and discord end ; 
 
 Receive a grateful penitent and friend." 
 
 She placed his hand in Sidney's — frank and free 1500 
 
 The seaman graspVl it ; but the Spaniard's knee 
 
 Now press'd the ground — " UnequalFd pair," he said, 
 
 " Youth of undaunted heart, and matchless maid ! 
 
 Designed by Heaven, ere yet the blazing sun 
 
 Had from chaotic night his covirse begun. 
 
 To bless each other's arms ; may blissful years 
 
 Roll on through flowers, and joys unstain'd by tears 
 
 Rise like the morning star each dawning day, 
 
 And cloudless shine till life has past away. 
 
 Forgive a wretch, in love and glory crost, 1510 
 
 Fame, honour, beauty's smile for ever lost ! 
 
 And think, when Hymen's torch serenely burns. 
 
 Forlorn Alphonso in the desert mourns. 
 
 I fly from man and all the cultured race 
 
 To join the lonely savage in the chase.
 
 212 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 And drown those thoughts, that sting me to the core, 
 
 In the dark hurricane, or torrent's roar."" 
 
 He joined their hands, and sprang upon his steed ; 
 
 The courser bore hinx with the rein-deer's speed ; 
 
 And long they traced him by the evening's hght, 1520 
 
 Till the receding speck was lost in night. 
 
 Of all his wildest dreams of joy possest, 
 
 Now Sidney clasp'd the virgin to his breast : 
 
 She shrank not from his loved embrace ; the heart 
 
 Of virtue scorns the prude's dissembling art. 
 
 But 'midst her smiles one shade of transient gloom 
 
 Flew, like a shower, across the rose's bloom. 
 
 " My father" — scarce the tender word in tears 
 
 Was utter'd, when, to calm the maiden's fears, 
 
 Sidney exclaim'd, " The noble Chester lives, 1530 
 
 Enrich'd with all that fame or glory gives. 
 
 Bright laurels, that with towering splendour move 
 
 The rival's envy and the soldier's love. 
 
 He was to ev'ry manly soul endear'd. 
 
 The star — the magnet, that to honour steer'd 
 
 Through the cold billows in the stormy night 
 
 Till hope came cheering with returning light. 
 
 'Tis true, that on that fatal morn, when showers 
 
 Of fire descended — when the viewless powers 
 
 Wrapt in assassin's gloom, the firm and brave 1540 
 
 Scatter'd like mighty shipwrecks on the wave. 
 
 He too, the foremost of the daring band, 
 
 The peril shared ; some dark and coward hand 
 
 Aim'd at his gallant breast the deadly ball, 
 
 And sliouting cravens saw the hero fall.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 213 
 
 Weep not, my Clara ; Heaven's impartial laws 
 
 Shield him who suffers in his country's cause : 
 
 Ere touched the bosom of thy valiant sire, 
 
 On earth or stone the bullet spent its fire ; 
 
 Death's semblance o'er his pallid features spread, 1550 
 
 Senseless he lay on battle's gory bed ; 
 
 But timely care revived him ; pity pour'd 
 
 The cup of balm, and languid life restored. 
 
 I left him tended by those holy maids, 
 
 Whose mercy penetrates misfortune's shades. 
 
 Who seek no recompense nor glory here, 
 
 Save peace of conscience, and the grateful tear — 
 
 Sisters of charity ! immortal name ! 
 
 Brighter than princely pomp, or victor's fame. 
 
 No bigot zeal, to caste or sect confined, 1560 
 
 With arms of love embracing all mankind, 
 
 Spanning both wave and shore through stormy night 
 
 With one pure galaxy of living light ! 
 
 Thy sire composed, I hurried to impart 
 
 Glad tidings to my Clara's boding heart : 
 
 But oh ! what words can paint the wild alarms, 
 
 The soul's distraction, when from Sidney's arms 
 
 The raging tars confess'd that pirates bore 
 
 My helpless virgin to some distant shore ? 
 
 I follow'd thee, as eagles seek their young 1570 
 
 Torn from the plunder'd nest ; and fondly clung 
 
 To hope, as sinking swimmers in despair 
 
 Stretch their pale arms, and grasp at empty air. 
 
 By wanton sport, or dark design misled, 
 
 I sought thee on the pampa's sea-green bed ;
 
 214 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Pierced the deep forest, climb"'d the towering pine, 
 
 And mournful traced the faint horizon's hne. 
 
 Oft in the distance, hke a captive's dream, 
 
 That cheers the soul with freedom's lovely beam, 
 
 I mark'd the pirates' red, nocturnal fire 1580 
 
 Glow with delusive splendour — and expire. 
 
 Reserving for this last, momentous hour, 
 
 Those precious grains, that imitate the power 
 
 Of thund'ring Jove, we saw the briery lands 
 
 Peopled with game that mock'd our feeble hands. 
 
 This faithful dog procured us daily food 
 
 In swamp, on mountain, or in tangled wood, 
 
 Sprang on the mallard in the marshy spring. 
 
 And seized the screaming curlew on the wing. 
 
 One eve I mark'd with many a mazy round 1590 
 
 And quivering nerve he snuff'd the dewy ground, 
 
 Gazed in my face, and with mysterious cry 
 
 Proclaim'd the close of toil and sorrow nigh : 
 
 We follow'd where tlie path his instinct traced, 
 
 As Israel's sons the pillar on the waste ; 
 
 Unerring as the trembling magnet leads 
 
 The rolling bark, o'er hills and grassy meads 
 
 He steer'd our footsteps to this lonely dell. 
 
 Where virtue triumph'd and the robber fell. 
 
 Some winter's eve we'll count our perils o'er 1600 
 
 When Heaven shall waft us to our natal shore ; 
 
 Enough that now I strain thee to my heart ; 
 
 No power, but Death, that levels with his dart 
 
 The rich and poor, the monarch and the slave, 
 
 Shall more divide us — on the Ijounding wave,
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 215 
 
 To spare thee from the morning's burning beam 
 And midnight dews, we'll reach La Plata's stream. 
 And thou, poor Tamba ! grateful, tender maid — 
 Faithful in joy's high noon, or sorrow's shade ; 
 Be this embrace my pledge that wealth and peace 1610 
 Shall crown thee when our toils and danger cease." 
 
 Now from that field, with mangled bodies strewn, 
 Where gleam'd the red grass to the pallid moon, 
 Sidney with gentle hand his Clara led ; 
 Of softest moss he laid a balmy bed, 
 And wove aloft of flexile shoots a bower 
 To screen her from the penetrating shower 
 Of night's cold dew ; with patient love he stood 
 Her guardian spirit, till the rosy flood 
 Of morning flowing through the forest glade 1620 
 
 Oped the sweet eyelids of his slumbering maid. 
 A tear stole down her cheeks as Clara press'd 
 Her Sidney's hand — " And hast thou, robb'd of rest. 
 The long and chill nocturnal hours for me 
 Past in the shades of dread obscurity ? 
 Oh ! heart of sterling honour — still the same 
 On wave or desert — still the virgin's fame 
 Protecting as the mother guards her child, 
 Torn from the world, and helpless on the wild. 
 What poor return can Clara make to thee 1630 
 
 For these deep proofs of matchless loyalty ? 
 Can gratitude till life's departing day 
 Her Sidney's love — his tenderness repay ?"
 
 216 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 " Sole treasure of my heart !" the seaman cried, 
 
 " To see the bloom of ioy''s returning tide 
 
 Once more revisit that fair cheek is all 
 
 That now I ask ; let dark oblivion's pall 
 
 Shroud thy past sufferings, and pleasures new 
 
 Spring in thy path, like blossoms in the dew. 
 
 Long used to mark the aspect of the skies, 1640 
 
 Where the light scud through viewless ether flies, 
 
 I feel, though circled by the forest here, 
 
 Instinctive proof that ocean's flood is near. 
 
 Come then, my love ! while morning cool and sweet 
 
 Smiles cheeringly, ere yet the burning heat 
 
 Has scorcli'd the verdure of this flowery land, 
 
 We'll range the field, and seek the breezy strand." 
 
 With heart at ease, her lover by her side. 
 See Clara now, in youth and beauty's pride. 
 Exulting, as when erst in Evesham's vale 1650 
 
 Her own Arabian spun before the gale. 
 A brisk and bounding barb, that Sidney led 
 For this anticipated hour, and fed 
 With richest grain, the lovely virgin bore ; 
 Bravely his breast through briers and brushwood tore : 
 They soon the forest clear'd ; her noble steed 
 Flew like a shaft across the level mead. 
 Ere noon tlie spirit of the fresh'ning breeze 
 Came o'er the meadow, and the lofty seas 
 From hill and rocky promontory shone 1660 
 
 Like heaving silver ; with the trumpet's tone
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 217 
 
 Sidney's clear voice o'er sounding billows hail'd 
 
 A skifF, that through the creeks and shallows sail'd 
 
 In search of turtle : 'midst the western isles 
 
 Those creatures stand in long and martial files 
 
 By thousands, with extended necks, to mark 
 
 The lurking tiger, or approaching bark ; 
 
 When all is calm on wave and shelly strand. 
 
 With crooked claws they dig the burning sand, 
 
 And in the bosom of that sunny nest 1 670 
 
 Their eggs deposite ; through the night they rest 
 
 Brooding with care maternal, but retire 
 
 When morning dawns, and trust the solar fire 
 
 To act the mother's part : with anxious eyes 
 
 The Indians watch their tardy march, surprise 
 
 The tribes unwieldy as to rocky cell 
 
 Or sea they move ; reverse the pond'rous shell 
 
 And leave them helpless ; or with barbed spear, 
 
 When softly diving in the waters clear, 
 
 Pierce the testaceous crust, o'er which a wain 1680 
 
 With trampling buffaloes might roll in vain. 
 
 Intent on sport, and deafen'd by the roar 
 Of wind and surf, the fishers from the shore 
 Heard not the sound, nor saw the kerchief play, 
 But, careless whistling, slowly sail'd away. 
 Sidney, with heavy heart, the virgin led 
 Beneath a dark and hanging rock, that spread 
 An awful canopy : the day-star now 
 Flash'd from the zenith, and the dusky brow
 
 218 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Of Tamba, thougli to Phoebus"' fiery stream 1690 
 
 Long seasoned, melted to the blazing beam. 
 
 They rested there till, sinking in the west, 
 
 The king of splendour flung o"*er ocean's breast 
 
 His gold and crimson mantle ; far and wide 
 
 It flowed in glory on the glittering tide. 
 
 Like fields of roses in Arabian vales, 
 
 Blushing in dew, and fluttering in the gales. 
 
 Thee, charming evening ! in the flowery spring 
 
 Or winter wild the bard delights to sing ; 
 
 The day's sweet Sabbath — sorrow's soothing balm — 
 
 Season of social joys, of pleasures calm, 1701 
 
 Gathered affections, and domestic love ; 
 
 Dear as the coming of the welcome dove 
 
 When storms were past ; or music on the shore 
 
 Of Leman when the vintage labour's o'er. 
 
 How fondly to the world would mortals cleave, 
 
 Were man's existence one eternal Eve ! 
 
 Oft on presumptuous wing my fancy flies 
 
 Through rosy vistas to those tranquil skies, 
 
 Where martyr'd saints in bowers of bliss repose, 1710 
 
 And that pure light for ever softly glows. 
 
 Oh ! could a limner's hand those streams arrest, 
 
 That flow in brilhance from the flaming west, 
 
 Like him who stay'd the splendid sun's career, 
 
 To mould those cloudy forms in colours clear. 
 
 To sketch the transient beam and awful shade 
 
 Of those red fringed curtains ere they fade ! 
 
 But swift the vision passes from the green. 
 
 As on the mimic stage the shifting scene.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 219 
 
 Ere the last glimmer of that glorious ray 1720 
 
 Set on impassioned Rousseau''s closing day, 
 
 " Raise me," he cried, " while yet Apollo swims 
 
 On ocean's verge ; oh ! bear these languid Umbs 
 
 To yon bright casement ; let these eyes behold 
 
 Once more those draperies of floating gold 
 
 And azure, that in youth's ecstatic hour 
 
 FilPd me with rapture !" — Such the magic power 
 
 Of lovely sunset, that the failing breath 
 
 Implored one parting gleam to gild the porch of deatli ! 
 
 Now from that arch of rock the youthful pair 1730 
 Came forth, allured by vesper's balmy air. 
 Pensive they wander'd on the lonely shore 
 To mark a sail, or hear the dashing oar ; 
 Clara was silent ; but a tear, represt 
 In vain, fell trembling on her gentle breast ; 
 When, soft ! a liquid flute, harmonious, clear 
 As lucid fountains, murmuring in the ear 
 Like melting music breathing on the wave 
 From siren hps, a charming prelude gave ; 
 And soon a well-known voice with mellow sound 1740 
 Woke the sweet echoes from the caves around ; 
 And, as they stood entranced in pleasing pain, 
 The viewless minstrel pour'd this joyous strain.
 
 220 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Justice Gullet would sigh, with a tear in his eye. 
 
 Could he hear of the tar''s recreation ; 
 Tliis four-footed fish were an epicure's dish 
 To the hps of a whole corporation. 
 Oh ! this dear little turtle ; 
 This tender voluptuous turtle ; 
 Callipee, callipash, sweetly float in the hash 1750 
 
 Of this lively, delicious, fat turtle. 
 
 I see them unbuckle, and smilingly chuckle, 
 
 Preparing to feast on a mock fish, 
 That's like this no more than a pig to wild boar, 
 A turbot or sole to a stock-fish. 
 
 Oh ! could they see the green callipee 
 Of this oily, rich, unctuous turtle. 
 They would eat till they split with a savoury bit 
 Of this luscious, unguentulous turtle. 
 
 At St Patrick's desire, that all snakes should retire 
 
 From the fields of my own little island, 1761 
 
 Viper, adder, and toad all left their abode 
 In the valleys of Erin's green island. 
 
 But oh ! he'd have spared this fine turtle. 
 This quadruped creeper so frisky ; 
 His disciples would fast on rich fat to the last. 
 And wash the sin down with old whisky.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 221 
 
 But still folks will swear there are toad-eaters there, 
 
 And parasites smiling as cider, 
 That will bubble sweet notes while theyVe cutting men's 
 throats, 1770 
 
 And reptiles that crawl like a spider. 
 Oh ! my poor little island ! 
 All hubbub on water and dry land ; 
 Between Captain Rock and the falling of stock 
 There's no rest in that dear little island. 
 
 We have Hock and Madeira ; if Sidney and Clara 
 
 Could share the delights of this meeting, 
 How gaily the glass round the circle would pass, 
 In feasting, and songs, and in greeting I 
 
 Oh ! this mellow Madeira, 1780 
 
 That slips down so soft and so neatly, 
 To my organs auricular London pai'ticular 
 Bubbles from bottle less sweetly. 
 
 In the absence of friends, as dame Fortune still blends 
 
 Our joys with the salt tears of sorrow. 
 We'll drink to them now, and clear the sad brow 
 In hopes of success on the morrow. 
 
 Then here's to our captain, gay Sidney, 
 A sterling brave tar to the kidney ; 
 And here's to his bride, and all lasses beside, 1790 
 
 That are worthy the heart of a Sidney.
 
 222 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Now, as resounded o'er the strand and sea 
 
 The Britons' jovial cheer of three times three, 
 
 Beneath a cool pavilion's pleasing shade, 
 
 By rambling vines and green lianas made, 
 
 Sidney his merry messmates found, all gay 
 
 With lusty health, and sparkling as the spray 
 
 Of their own element ; on mossy beds 
 
 They lean'd like Roman epicures ; their heads 
 
 With clusters of the purple grape were crown'd, 1800 
 
 And brows with bacchanalian ivy bound ; 
 
 Their table was a level rock ; their glass 
 
 The cocoa shell ; nor could a court surpass 
 
 The richness of their wines and luscious fare. 
 
 Hart, whose bright spirit never bow'd to care, 
 
 Their joyous president, the bumper pour'd. 
 
 And sent, with mirth and music, round the board 
 
 The soul-inspiring toast ; and one, whose name. 
 
 Yet unrecorded, from the bard must claim 
 
 This late remembrance, o'er the festal scene 1810 
 
 Strew'd, hke a vernal sunbeam on tlie green, 
 
 New life and lustre ; on Iberian strands. 
 
 On Lusitanian hills and burning sands, 
 
 I shared the painful march, the dews of night, 
 
 With Graham Henry ; from the morning's light 
 
 Till evening's shades together have we prest, 
 
 With weary feet, the mountain's rocky breast, 
 
 And through the joyless hours of darkness lay 
 
 In the cold bivouac on swampy clay. 
 
 Form'd of those happy elements, that blend 1820 
 
 The cheerful messmate with the steady friend,
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 223 
 
 In all those scenes that try the sterling ore 
 
 Of heart and temper to the mmost core, 
 
 Henry was still unchanged, and o'er the bowl 
 
 Or battle proved the sound Hibernian's soul. 
 
 Like the clear sun, that o'er Hesperian isles 
 
 Rises in brilliancy, and sets in smiles. 
 
 From dawn to dusk his spirit, ever gay. 
 
 Chased from the bosom sorrow's clouds away. 
 
 And to misfortune's deepest shadows gave 1830 
 
 New joy, like sparkles on the midnight wave. 
 
 If e'er this idle strain his eye shall meet 
 
 In fields of glory, or the calm retreat 
 
 Beneath his well-earn'd laurels, days long past 
 
 May rise in soft remembrance, and the blast 
 
 Of war's shrill trumpet from Mondego's shore, 
 
 Mellow'd by time, salute his ear once more. 
 
 While now they waved their cocoa cups, and sang 
 Till rock and cave with roaring music rang, 
 Sidney, with Clara smiling by his side, 1840 
 
 Before them like a spirit stood, and cried 
 " What cheer, my lads .?" that voice, whose thund'ring 
 
 sound 
 Oft warm'd them when the god of battle frown'd. 
 Silenced their revels with electric tone, 
 And each wild Bacchus seem'd transform'd to stone. 
 But soon the cordial grasp of Sidney woke 
 The statues into life, and shouts bespoke 
 Their honest joy ; around the blushing maid 
 They danced like satyrs, ecstasy display 'd
 
 224 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Which none but jovial sons of Neptune feel ; 1850 
 
 And, ere one lip was sufferM to reveal 
 
 Their strange adventures, to the plenteous board 
 
 They led their smiling guests, profusely pour'd 
 
 All fruits that glow beneath the burning line 
 
 On dewy leaves, and brimm''d with rosy wine 
 
 The sylvan chalice ; Neptune frolic'd round, 
 
 Greeting with speaking eyes and lively bound 
 
 His old companions ; young Anziko shared 
 
 Their gratulations, and with Tamba fared 
 
 Luxurious on the rural feast ; when now 1860 
 
 Keen hunger slackened, and each gUstening brow 
 
 Reflected joy untarnisli'd by a shade, 
 
 Henry thus spoke, " I see that gentle maid, 
 
 Though silent, panting with impatient love 
 
 To hear a father's fate ; the Powers above, 
 
 Guardians of piety and martial fame, 
 
 Have heard her prayers, and ere the living flame 
 
 Of yon bright orb shall vanish from the west, 
 
 Chester shall clasp her to his glowing breast. 
 
 Those charitable sisters soon restored 1870 
 
 The hardy veteran ; the bosom gored 
 
 With honourable scars their balsam heal'd ; 
 
 But deeper stung the dart, when tongues reveal'd 
 
 His Clara*'s loss ; the soldier's hope alone, 
 
 That withers not till life itself hath flown, 
 
 Sustained his spirit : when those promised lands, 
 
 The Western Paradise, to hostile hands 
 
 Returned, and glory's splendid dream was o'er. 
 
 We saird dejected from that fatal shore.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 225 
 
 Where all, but honour, perished in the grave. 1880 
 Along La Plata's melancholy wave 
 We slowly moved, explored each creek and bay, 
 PourM a loud peal of signal-guns by day ; 
 And, like the southern cross, with streams of light 
 Our floating Pharos glitterM through the night. 
 We sent the Peon on his flying steed 
 To pierce the woods, and range the trackless meadj 
 With brilliant promises of tempting ore 
 To him who first successful tidings bore. 
 We swept wide ocean and Brazilian land 1890 
 
 From Maldonado to the golden strand 
 Of rich Janeiro ; but the father's love 
 No more could brook delay ; a sheltered cove 
 Now holds the Caesar, where thy valiant sire, 
 Fair maiden, filPd with all the pristine fire 
 Of lusty youth, prepares at morning's dawn 
 To search the flood, the forest, and the lawn. 
 To trace the robber, and his darling child 
 Once more embrace, or perish on the wild. 
 To this small inlet has the gracious hand 1 900 
 
 Of Heav'n our course directed ; we, a band 
 Of hearty volunteers, and champions bold 
 In beauty's cause and honour's ranks enroU'd, 
 Came hither to recruit our scanty store 
 With fruits and pulse on this luxurious shore : 
 But, thanks to Providence, our cares are vain ; 
 Spring, my brave tars, and dash the sounding main ; 
 Adieu to pirates, swamps, and war's alarms ; 
 Come, lovely maid, and bless a father's arms." 
 
 p
 
 226 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Tears of pure gratitude the virgin shed, 1910 
 
 Then followed where her trusty pilot led ; 
 
 But Hart, the jovial soul, a turtle spied 
 
 Supine and panting for the coming tide ; 
 
 " Thou swimm^'st not here, my turtle-dove," cried he, 
 
 " Nor shall wild Indians taste thy callipee." 
 
 With thong and buckle then the living pack 
 
 He bound, and strapp'd him on his bending back ; 
 
 Monkland and Colton seized a lusty brother, 
 
 And Henry^s nervous arms embraced another ; 
 
 As thus, half men, half fish, they march'd along, 1920 
 
 The merry minstrel cheer'd them with a song. 
 
 I am like an old hack, with a load on my back, 
 
 That would puzzle a porter to carry ; 
 A lad might as well pull the Muscovite bell. 
 
 Draw stones, row the galleys or marry ! 
 
 Oh ! what a life a man with a wife 
 
 Must lead when he's pinion'd for ever ; 
 
 Cold, hunger, and thirst I can brave to the worst, 
 But Harry will marry—oh ! never. 
 
 If thus a fair bride on my shoulders were tied, 1930 
 How she''d sing in bass, altos, and trebles ! 
 
 How her sharp tongue would clatter, and knuckles 
 would batter 
 My brains like a sledge on the pebbles !
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 227 
 
 The fish has soft paws, and the woman keen claws 
 That would tear me and scratch me for ever ; 
 
 It were wiser to carry a grampus than marry 
 A spouter, that holds her tongue never. 
 
 I would rather thus bend with my four-footed friend, 
 Though his pressure may give the lumbago. 
 
 Than sink to the ground with the heart-piercing sound 
 From the lips of a two-legg'd virago. 194)1 
 
 A bachelor sails, unruffled by gales 
 
 That Hymen's frail tackle soon sever ; 
 For a Benedict's life is an ocean of strife, 
 
 Where he's tost, duck'd, and pickled for ever. 
 
 The careless youth, who thus in merry strains 
 
 Chanted the freeman's joys, and wedlock's pains, 
 
 Ere long was noosed, and with the nuptial kiss 
 
 His recantation seal'd ; the selfish bliss 
 
 Of lonely bachelors he sings no more, 1950 
 
 Snared in the trap like many rakes before. 
 
 Who can his mystic horoscope divine ? 
 
 Such fate, perchance, young reader, may be thine, 
 
 Though now incredulous — alas ! or mine. 
 
 Gaily with feathering oars they swept the spray, 
 And from the bosom of an opening bay 
 The Caesar's mast arose in streaming pride ; 
 Clara, with fluttering heart, her father spied
 
 228 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Pre-eminent amidst the martial throng ; he stood 
 
 With telescope in hand, and o'er the flood I960 
 
 Impatient gazed to mark the boat''s return. 
 
 Torn by the rowers'* blades, now seem'd to burn 
 
 The sparkling billows ; swift as solar light 
 
 The pinnace flew, and ere the veteran's sight 
 
 One feature of the crew distinctly traced, 
 
 The faithful spaniel sprang on board, embraced 
 
 His long-lost master, and with mellow roar 
 
 Proclaimed that friends were joinM, to part no more. 
 
 Clara with trembling feet and beating breast 
 
 The steps ascended ; now in silence prest 1 970 
 
 To that paternal heart, whose ruddy stream, 
 
 No longer glowing to ambition's beam, 
 
 But flow'd for her, with feeble voice she cried 
 
 " My father !" — Nature's crystal source supplied 
 
 Passion and eloqvience, and tears, that speak 
 
 Mysterious language, glitter'd on her cheek ; 
 
 Her sinking frame required a soldier's aid — 
 
 " Welcome, my Clara ! sweetest, gentlest maid ; 
 
 Welcome to Chester's bosom as the light 
 
 Of dawning day to him, whose wintry night 1980 
 
 Through dreary moons has linger'd on the shores 
 
 Of icy Lapland — as Peruvian ores 
 
 When first the sparkle of the golden vein 
 
 Cheers the despairing miner ; lo ! I strain 
 
 Once more my rescued child ; bereft of thee. 
 
 Like the bhnd pilot on the stormy sea, 
 
 I drifted on the rocks and faithless sands, 
 
 Or like the pale, mvstcrious stork, that stands
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 229 
 
 All lonely on the Lusitanian spire, 
 
 An alien from the world, the stirring fire 1990 
 
 Of glory quench'd, I gazed on all around 
 
 In listless vacancy ; but thou art found, 
 
 My soul's dear treasure ! and this brilliant hour, 
 
 An iris, shines through fortune''s bitter shower." 
 
 With honest cheers the circling seamen came 
 To greet their blushing favourite ; the flame 
 That burns within the fond, maternal breast. 
 Is scarce more pure than that which now possess'd 
 The bosoms of those brave, untutored tars 
 For her, whose tender hand had heal'd their scars, 2000 
 And golden vistas shewn beyond the grave : 
 But night now spread her pinions on the wave. 
 And Sidney with afFection''s piercing eye 
 Saw from his Clara's cheek the roses fly. 
 It is not when the passions' lofty tide 
 Swells to the tempest of indignant pride 
 Of glory, that material organs feel 
 Toil or depression ; sharp excitements steel 
 The nerve for noble deeds, and heroes warm 
 To trump and cannon in the battle's storm, 2010 
 
 Like the proud condor soaring to the sun. 
 But sink exhausted when the day is won ; 
 And Clara now, of all her hopes possest, 
 A pensive mourner seem'd, and sigh'd for rest ; 
 'Twas deepest joy in nature's language told, 
 Though heartless tongues may call the feeling cold.
 
 230 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 " She thanks you all,"" the grateful seaman said, 
 As from the deck her faltVing steps he led ; 
 " Wake not the slumbering maid this peaceful night, 
 And mirth shall dawn with rosy morning's light."" 2020 
 
 Sweet is the vernal blossom's tender bloom 
 On earth's green carpet, when the winter's gloom, 
 Tempest and bitter frost have pass'd away, 
 And hawthorns tremble to the blackbird's lay ; 
 Sweet to the mother's eye the crimson streak 
 That sparkles on her infant's pallid cheek, 
 A pledge of health return'd ; but sweeter far 
 The glorious beam of day's imperial star. 
 That gilds the marriage morn ; in rays of gold, 
 As bursts the turnsol from its dusky fold, 2030 
 
 O'er ocean's brim the splendid orb appear'd. 
 And from the rocks and glassy bUlows clear'd 
 Nocturnal shadows ; fluttering streamers flew 
 From yard and towering mast, as softly blew 
 Melodious zephyrs ; on the living sea. 
 Whose pulses throbb'd with deepest harmony 
 In unison with Clara's heart, the waves 
 Spread their white bosoms, warbling to the caves 
 In wat'ry music ; now like sportive girls 
 Dash'd their bright arms, and scattcr'd dewy pearls 
 On beds of crystal, or with polish'd hands 2041 
 
 Glided harmonious to the glowing sands. 
 With steps of cheerful confidence, array'd 
 In vestal purity, the blue-eyed maid
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 231 
 
 Came forth as brilliant as the first-born light 
 
 That smiled on chaos ; Hymen's holy rite, 
 
 To some a sacrifice, to more a jest. 
 
 With tempered joy inspired her candid breast ; 
 
 No trembling limb suspicious dread bespoke, 
 
 Nor from the cheek deceitful blushes broke ; 2050 
 
 No tears were shed ; (I love not bridal tears, 
 
 That flow from fountains of prophetic fears. 
 
 Or tutor'd affectation, damping all 
 
 The bridegroom's bliss, and flinging sorrow's pall 
 
 O'er beds of blossoms : woman's cordial heart 
 
 Should on the nuptial morn become a part 
 
 Of him, to whose warm hand she trusts her own, 
 
 And smile a gem upon her husband's throne.) 
 
 With honest joy the gallant Chester gave 
 
 His treasure to those arms, that on the wave 2060 
 
 And wild her fame protected ; proudly heaved 
 
 His bosom, as the noble youth received 
 
 That sacred pledge, and rapture lit his brow. 
 
 When beauty's lips pronounced the solemn vow. 
 
 Silent the breathless seamen stood around. 
 
 But when the ring her snowy finger bound. 
 
 The mystic ring, which powers immortal wove, 
 
 That little circle of eternal love ! 
 
 From cave and forest of the rich Brazil 
 
 Hark to the echoes of the thund'ring peal ! 2070 
 
 The cannon woke the tiger from his lair ; 
 
 On plumes of iron through the troubled air 
 
 Rose the majestic condor ; o'er the dew 
 
 Glided the startled snake, and Indians flew
 
 232 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 In terror from the woods ; but Sidney cried 
 
 " Avast ! my lads — here's yet another bride • 
 
 To grace our festive morn ;'"' with modest mien, 
 
 Decked in the splendour of an eastern queen, 
 
 Tamba stepped forth ; Anziko's glowing hand 
 
 Clasp\l hers, and there before the Christian band 2080 
 
 They both abjured their Lybian rites, embraced 
 
 The blessed Cross, and firm reliance placed 
 
 For mercy in redeeming love : no tongue 
 
 Of fire-denouncing missionary wrung 
 
 The faithless lips' assent ; their piercing eyes 
 
 Discerned the light, that needs no dark disguise ; 
 
 Conviction flash'd through feeling, sight, and sense, 
 
 And reason proved its practick excellence. 
 
 Their hands were join'd, and to the sounding shore 
 
 Another peal the happy tidings bore. 2090 
 
 Swift flew the winged hours ; but merry Hart 
 
 Displayed that morn his culinary art ; 
 
 " Gadzooks," cried he, " my toil must now begin, 
 
 Tuck this soft napkin underneath my chin ; 
 
 My cares commence where bride and parson end ; 
 
 Bring hither, cook, my fat, amphibious friend ; 
 
 No hand, but Harry's, shall one atom dash 
 
 Of pepper on my noble callipash." 
 
 I know no sound in music, prose or fable, 
 So thrilling sweet as " dinner's on the table" 2100 
 Let Butler Tom his rosy face display, 
 And lo ! the solemn circle melts away.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 233 
 
 The host, in winter, Uke a hero bold, 
 
 May poke the fire, and vow the weather's cold ; 
 
 Alas ! in summer who can say or sing 
 
 One magic word to break the dreadful ring ? 
 
 All tongues are locked ; all hearts deplore with wonder 
 
 Silence more awful than the crash of thunder. 
 
 While Time, the drone, on leaden pinions flies, 
 
 All watch the door with wet, beseeching eyes ; 21 10 
 
 Good Justice Paunch looks thin — the parson thinner — 
 
 Cheer up, my ducklings ! hark ! the call to dinner, 
 
 That charms alike all sexes, ranks, and ages. 
 
 Kings, soldiers, doctors, bishops, fools, and sages : 
 
 The stern philosopher looks wondrous wise ; 
 
 But sharp observers pierce the thin disguise ; 
 
 Unwieldy aldermen with sprightly bound 
 
 Spring like a roebuck to the joyous sound ; 
 
 Old maids unbend, and (wondrous to relate !) 
 
 Stir their stiff bones, and start to win the plate ; 2120 
 
 No more the smerking miss in window lingers, 
 
 Pouting, but circles with her dainty fingers 
 
 The captain's elbow ; all are smart and merry, 
 
 Light as a shuttlecock, and brisk as perry. 
 
 The feast was spread ; with Sidney by her side 
 Sate, like a new-blown rose, the happy bride ; 
 And Tamba too with young Anziko there, 
 Caress'd by all, partook the nuptial fare. 
 The soul of Clara soar'd above the forms 
 Of narrow prejudice ; the stream that warms 2130
 
 234 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 The negro''s heart, though Ethiopian skies 
 The skin have stain'd, to her impartial eyes 
 Was pure and precious as the ducal blood, 
 That flow"'d through titled robbers since the flood. 
 She prized intrinsic excellence, though drest 
 In sable robes ; beneath an inky breast 
 She saw the mine, as Nature in the core 
 Of rugged rocks conceals her richest ore. 
 
 But who is this, with copper vessel bending, 
 The double task of cook and butler blending ? 2140 
 With Stentor voice young Harry, ever gay. 
 Cried " Fhaig an bailie" — alias, " clear the way !" 
 He placed the smoking cauldron on the board 
 Brimful of turtle's luscious soup, and stored 
 With soft, green fat ; the parson's jolly face 
 Glow'd at the sight — then first he utter'd grace — 
 Smiling he dipp'd the polish'd spoon, when lo ! 
 (So near is mortal happiness to avo) 
 The festal table, of Norwegian oak. 
 Sank on its tott'ring pedestals, and broke 2150 
 
 With awful crash — " O Dom'ine Sanctissime,'''' 
 The chaplain cried, " we'll lose the callipee ; 
 Save the sweet turtle — murder ! treason ! arson !*" 
 Hart grasp'd the cauldron — Henry seized the parson ; 
 All roll'd together, but with wondrous art 
 The jovial cook preserved the better part. 
 Chester and Sidney hail'd Avith hearty cheers 
 The turtle's rescue ; and when Clara's fears
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 235 
 
 Subsided for the panting priest, she too 
 
 Joined in the laughter of the joyous crew ; 2160 
 
 Pure was her soul, but not of mould too fine 
 
 A joke to relish ; now the sparkling wine 
 
 Flowed copiously ; " Amidst this merry throng 
 
 Can none," cried Sidney, " weave a nuptial song ? 
 
 Harry''s our cook ; on this auspicious day 
 
 What minstrel chants the bridal roundelay ?'' 
 
 Henry sprang up, a social volunteer. 
 
 And caroird thus in manly tones and clear. 
 
 CottW "^a&te to t!)c 5133tctilims. 
 
 Come haste to the wedding — but where are the lasses 
 With bosoms of lily and levres de rose ? 2170 
 
 No matter — we''ll brim with a bumper our glasses. 
 Drink health to our friends, and oblivion to foes. 
 Pass round the bowl, each jovial soul ; 
 Drain to the bottom the flask of Madeira ; 
 
 Let not a tear in the crystal appear. 
 While we fill to the joys of brave Sidney and Clara. 
 
 In merry Westmeath a gay wedding begins 
 With a cake, stuck with nine pins and ribbons all over ; 
 But we play with nine-pounders, and not with nine pins ; 
 A cannon's the voice of the maritime rover. 2180 
 
 Pass round the bowl, &c.
 
 236 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 No May-poles are here, the green meadows commanding; 
 No queen of the spring, with her nymphs dancing 
 
 round her ; 
 But look to the mast like a pyramid standing, 
 That never has bent to a forty-two pounder. 
 Pass round the bowl, &c. 
 
 No bagpipe, nor fiddle, nor dulcimer's twidle 
 Is heard, and no bonfires bituminous burn ; 
 But hark to the roar of our guns on the shore, 
 Which the rocks of Brazil in loud thunder return ! 
 Pass round the bowl, &c. 
 
 A bumper, my lads, like the wave's foaming crest ; 
 Let the dew of the vine bathe the olive of peace ; 2190 
 May Sidney and Clara for ever be blest. 
 And ere nine moons are past may the blessing increase ! 
 
 Pass round the bowl, while carronades roll ; 
 Fling to the billows the flask of Madeira ; 
 With love-verses fill it, and let a sweet billet 
 Fly post through the ocean for Sidney and Clara. 
 
 Thus, like wild blossoms on the mountain earth. 
 
 Amidst my solemn scenes I scatter mirth ; 
 
 Hard is the task to hit each reader's fancy ; 
 
 Mary's a pensive soul — wit pleases Nancy ; 2200 
 
 We, bards, must labour like a rogue in chains, 
 
 To meet with poor compassion for our pains !
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 237 
 
 The merry dance, the harmless jest, the glee 
 Combined in streams of cordial harmony ; 
 Monkland the strains of ancient bards applied, 
 Or apt effusions flowing in a tide 
 From his rich mind with classic treasures stored ; 
 And Evans' warbling flute new measures pour''d 
 That blissful evening ; whirring rockets flew 
 Replenishing the vaulfs transparent blue 2210 
 
 With showers of stars ; the silver waves beneath 
 Spread to the glittering heav^is a rival wreath 
 Of living pearls ; and Cynthia's peaceful light 
 Smiled o'er the scene, and bless'd the nuptial night. 
 
 Once more wild ocean's crystal fields we plough, 
 Spurning dull care behind, with gallant prow 
 Pointed to merry England ; " blow, fair breeze ! 
 Waft my sweet bride across the torrid seas 
 To home and joy" — the winds blew fresh ; the mast 
 Bent like a Dofrine pine-tree to the blast ; 2220 
 
 Beauteous it was to mark the glassy waves 
 Swell'd into mountains — ^hollow'd into caves, 
 While roll'd the gallant ship, her steady line 
 Preserving still, victorious on the brine ; 
 An arch of emerald, with diamonds crown'd, 
 Moves with majestic march and solemn sound, 
 Denouncing ruin in the thund'ring peal, 
 But sinks, and softly glides beneath the keel. 
 And oft, when struggling in the midnight storm, 
 Arose serene the Ca?sar's fearless form, 2230
 
 238 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Proud as the Vatican's imperial dome, 
 
 And charged, hke warrior''s stead, through fire and foam. 
 
 Short was the voyage ; one dehcious night 
 
 Gleam'd to the moon the shores of lovely Wight ; 
 
 The heart, that never on a foreign strand 
 
 Has panted for the lost, the native land, 
 
 Can faintly feel that joy that fills the breast, 
 
 When Albion's cliffs exalt their silver crest 
 
 Above the billows ; sweet sensations then 
 
 Rush to the bosom, and the tongues of men 2240 
 
 In that loved language, which from infant years 
 
 We utter'd, bathe our cheeks with holy tears. 
 
 Sad was the scene, when Clara bade adieu 
 
 To all those gallant tars ; the pearly dew 
 
 Swam in their eyes, as each brave hand she press'd, 
 
 Thank'd them for all their kindness past, and bless'd 
 
 Their future labours ; gold their spirit scorn'd ; 
 
 But ringlet, plume, or ribbon, that adorn'd 
 
 Her mild and graceful person, shone to them 
 
 More precious than a costly diadem. 2250 
 
 Hart and his gay companions promised soon 
 
 To seek her rural paradise ; bright June 
 
 Had now enrich'd Britannia's fields with flowers. 
 
 And strewn the hedge and hawthorn branch with showers 
 
 Of milky blossoms, when to that dear shore 
 
 The Caesar's barge the pensive party bore ; 
 
 The roll of echoing cannon, and the swell 
 
 Of cheering warriors spoke their last farewell.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 239 
 
 It was a lovely evening, cool and calm, 
 When Clara first inhaled the breathing balm 2260 
 
 Of woodbine cottage ; Neptune wildly sprang 
 To meet Cornelius ; hall and garden rang 
 With cries exulting, as the old man came 
 With beating bosom, though with bending frame. 
 To greet the father''s and his child's return, 
 " No longer shall my trusty steward mourn,"" 
 Brave Chester said, " in sorrow and distress, 
 If gold can purchase mortal happiness." 
 " The roving sailor is a thirsty soul," 
 Cried Sidney — " bring, my friend, a foaming bowl 
 Of British wine, by Clara''s fingers made, 2271 
 
 Sweeter to me than rich Tokay, display'd 
 On boards imperial, and my bride shall pass 
 In circling harmony the jovial glass. 
 I know thy faithful services ; on thee 
 Shall wealth descend, as Heav'n shall prosper me. 
 Cornelius from his secret cupboard drew 
 A store of cordials ; brisk as soda flew 
 The sparkling gooseberry ; Metheglin clear 
 Stream'd in transparence like the lucid tear 2280 
 
 Of vin de goutte, and all a double zest 
 To Sidney gave, by beauty's hands exprest. 
 For Tamba first the brimming cup she pour'd ; 
 *' Welcome ! thrice welcome to thy Clara's board, 
 My life's preserver ! long may thou and thine 
 Share at my table sweetest fruits and wine, 
 And all that Sidney's bounteous heart bestows ; 
 A cottage stands where silver Severn flows
 
 240 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Through greenest pasture ; there shall Tamba find 
 
 Repose and shelter, should the fates unkind 2290 
 
 E'er frown on Clara ; bleating lambs shall feed 
 
 Along thy dewy downs, the sprightly steed 
 
 Range through rich meads of clover ; wealthy kine 
 
 Shall stock thy fields : thy blooming gardens shine 
 
 With golden fruitage, and thy future cares 
 
 Henceforth be needless ; to Anziko's heirs 
 
 My husband shall bequeath them ; far at sea 
 
 This plan our gratitude arranged for thee. 
 
 But Woodbine Cottage still shall be thy home ; 
 
 If thy free will incline thy steps to roam 2300 
 
 Round these fair shores, to Clara ever dear 
 
 Shall Tamba find a cordial welcome here." 
 
 Sobs choked the Lybian's utterance ; but eyes 
 
 And heaving breast, whose language well supplies 
 
 All dearth of eloquence, her feelings told ; 
 
 But young Anziko''s bosom could not hold 
 
 His joy tumultvious ; he clasp'd her knees. 
 
 And bless*'d the gales that o'er the tropic seas 
 
 Bore that bright cherub in a mortal form 
 
 To save his shipwi-eckM Tamba in the storm 2310 
 
 Now Clara filPd the sparkling glass for all ; 
 Music and mirth resounded through the hall ; 
 Her plaintive harp was sighing in the breeze ; 
 Her flowers, fresh blooming, from the roscid trees 
 Dropped nectar, and her grateful spaniel's eyes 
 With pleasure glistened. Morning's crystal skies
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 241 
 
 Smiled on her path ; the golden moments flew 
 
 Like rose-leaves on a river ; o'er the dew 
 
 Of Worcestershire's ambrosial fields once more 
 
 That airy form her loved Arabian bore. 2320 
 
 Her lambs, though fully grown, remembered still 
 
 The hand that fed them ; o'er the balmy hill 
 
 And blossom'd valley were the creatures seen 
 
 Her steps attending ; brilliant and serene 
 
 Brave Chester too the sun of fortune bless'd. 
 
 Gilding, though late, the hero's drooping crest : 
 
 When Fame's loud trump to Britain's king reveal'd 
 
 The worth that noble modesty conceal'd, 
 
 Titles and gold, and glory's brighter ray 
 
 Graced the calm sunset of his splendid day. 2330 
 
 To Clara now was ev'ry blessing given 
 That mortals taste, anticipating heaven — 
 Friends, sweet companions, blooming girls and boys, 
 External honours and domestic joys — 
 A garland which the hands of angels wove 
 For filial piety and matchless love ! 
 
 ^^artms ^trmonitton. 
 
 Woman ! with thee began this simple lay ; 
 
 What brighter theme can close my setting day ? 
 
 For now, enchanted by the magic spell 
 
 No more, I bid a long, a last farewell 234-0 
 
 To lovely Poesy, that soothing })ower. 
 
 That oft has cheer'd the solitary hour, 
 
 a
 
 242 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 StrewVl flowers, wlien tliorns were rankling in the brain. 
 
 And conquer^l real by fictitious pain. 
 
 Through the vast realms of ocean, earth and air. 
 
 The temple, forest, camp, and desert bare, 
 
 The bard his various song incessant weaves, 
 
 And careless scatters, like autumnal leaves, 
 
 His mystic numbers ; hark I to every note. 
 
 From the hoarse croaking of the raven's throat, 2350 
 
 Through each gradation — twitter, pipe and swell, 
 
 To the sweet thrush, and lovely philomel : 
 
 And hear the dark, mysterious Byron sing 
 
 In words and thoughts of nervous power, that wring 
 
 The bosom like a vice ! while he, and more 
 
 Of fame inferior, rushing from the shore 
 
 Through towering waves in storm and thunder sweep, 
 
 My little skiff must perish in the deep. 
 
 But, ere I sink in cold oblivion's sea. 
 
 The muse shall breathe one parting lay to thee, 2360 
 
 Of Nature's works the sweetest and the last ! 
 
 We meet no more — forgive all errors past. 
 
 If e'er my pen, to weave some idle strain, 
 
 Sprinkled one drop to give an angel pain. 
 
 Oh ! blot from memory the careless line — 
 
 'Twas but in jest — my heart was ever thine. 
 
 An era dawns to cheer and bless mankind, 
 True golden age — millenium of the mind ! 
 Progressive Science now expands her store. 
 Brightens the gloom, and gladdens ev'ry shore. 2370
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 243 
 
 See where the steam- wrought bark serenely gUdes 
 
 Through cahn, through tempest, and opposing tides, 
 
 Ijike a leviathan subdues the main, 
 
 While rage the battling elements in vain ! 
 
 Through polar ice the naval hero steers ; 
 
 The tongues of northern worlds salute his ears, 
 
 And Parry reaps beneath a Brunswick's reign 
 
 The laurel, while Columbus hugged a chain. 
 
 The steed no more, inglorious in the team 
 
 Tugs the dull barge against the foaming stream ; 2380 
 
 His limbs shall now, for nobler use design'd. 
 
 Leave on the course the whistling breeze behind. 
 
 Exulting spring victorious in the race. 
 
 Or bear young beauty in the glowing chase. 
 
 The wretch that now in cold and darkness pines. 
 
 Buried, a sleepless mole, in shafts and mines. 
 
 Or in the burning glass-house wastes away 
 
 The sap of life, henceforth in sunny day, 
 
 Free as the wandVing tenants of the air, 
 
 May light, and joy, and mental glory share. 2390 
 
 While man thus shines, shall lovely woman still 
 
 Plod the dull round, and tread the weary mill ? 
 
 Were those fair hands by Providence designVl 
 
 To cut and shuffle, knots and nosegays bind, 
 
 To dress a doll — a prating parrot feed — 
 
 To tickle wire, or string a worthless bead .'' 
 
 Forbid it. Heaven ! the female heart contains 
 
 More strength than revels in a giant's veins — 
 
 Spirit and promptitude, that never bow 
 
 To fate, though lightnings flash from periFs brow ;
 
 244 CLARA CHESTER. 
 
 Presence of mind in hours of awful need, 2401 
 
 When man, the despot, trembles like a reed ; 
 And patience, never worn, that tends the bed 
 Of anguish, till the fatal shaft has sped. 
 
 Rouse the deep energies, that dormant lie, 
 And soar resplendent to your native sky ; 
 Snatch, or divide, the wreath of deathless fame, 
 Which proud competitors exclusive claim ; 
 Assert your bright prerogative, to cheer 
 With smiles the pilgrim's lonely journey here, 2410 
 And lead the path to purer realms above 
 With heart of innocence and winffs of love. 
 Search the rich classics in their native ore ; 
 The depths of Plato''s mighty page explore — 
 Maro's harmonious strains — the song of Troy — 
 Be man's adored companion — not his toy. 
 Design each tendril, plant, and breathing flower. 
 That crowns the rock, or blossoms in the bower. 
 From the dark pine, that braves the northern gale. 
 To Scotia's bell, the primrose of the vale, 2420 
 
 To mountain weed, or blade of trodden grass. 
 Peruse the heavens through HerschePs awfid glass ; 
 See, where the flames of glimmering orbs expire. 
 The comet pour new cataracts of fire ; 
 And through all space eternal concord hear 
 With mortal organ, or with mental ear. 
 From the deep chorus of tlie thundVing sea 
 To those bright spheres' mysterious melody.
 
 CLARA CHESTER. 245 
 
 Look to De Stael, fair, unrivaird star ! 
 
 Whose spirit, like Columbus, burst the bar, 2430 
 
 That screened a glorious world from human sight. 
 
 And brought the mines of woman's soul to light. 
 
 Tread in her lofty steps, and prove that more 
 
 May grasp the wreath her splendid temples wore. 
 
 Fling tinsel to the winds, and seize the gold ; 
 
 Then shall the partner of thy joys behold 
 
 The lustre of the mind from beauty's eye 
 
 Sparkle like sunbeams through an azure sky, 
 
 And view once more, as at creation's birth. 
 
 Angels commingling with the sons of earth, 2440
 
 NOTES.
 
 NOTES TO BOOK I. 
 
 Page 62, Line 783. 
 
 Floating like Jihny folds of Abrovan. 
 There was a sort of muslin, called Abrovan, which was 
 manufactured solely for the use of the emperor's seraglio, 
 which, if spread on wet grass, was scarcely visible. The 
 Emperor Aurung Zeb was angry with his daughter for 
 shewing her skin through her clothes ; whereupon the 
 young princess remonstrated in her justification that she 
 had seven jamaks, or suits, on. Another story was, that a 
 weaver was chastised, and turned out of the city of Decca, 
 for his neglect in not preventing his cow from eating up a 
 piece of the same sort of muslin, which he had spread, and 
 carelessly left on the grass. 
 
 Lord Lauderdale on India. 
 But all those exquisite specimens of oriental art are sur- 
 passed by the Munich cobweb, which has the virgin and 
 child worked in it, and wrought to such an unrivalled 
 pitch of delicate fineness, that the figures it contains cannot 
 be discerned without a microscope. 
 
 Page 63, Line 824. 
 Or web thejlying spider weaves. 
 Mr Knight relates the following anecdote of this curious 
 insect. " I have frequently placed a spider on a small up-
 
 250 NOTES TO BOOK I. 
 
 right stick, whose base was surrounded by water, to ob- 
 serve its most singular mode of escape. After having dis- 
 covered that the ordinary means of retreat are cut off, it 
 ascends the point of the stick, and, standing nearly on its 
 head, ejects its web, which the wind readily carries to some 
 contiguous object. Along this the sagacious insect effects 
 his escape, not, however, till it has previously ascertained, 
 by several exertions of its whole strength, that its web is 
 properly attached to the opposite end." 
 
 Dr Lister informs us that the flying spider ascends the 
 top of a wall or tree, and turning its head towards the wind, 
 ejaculates several threads ; and rising from its station, com- 
 mits itself to the gale, and is thus carried beyond the loftiest 
 towers — they catch minute winged insects in their progress, 
 and descend by contracting their limbs, and gradually dis- 
 engaging themselves from the thread which supports them. 
 
 Page GG, Line 889. 
 The creature, tmii'd his downcast head aside. 
 Some of my readers will smile at the idea of a dog's 
 modesty ; but I have witnessed it a thousand times, and 
 seen that sensitive creature hang down his head, and look 
 another way, seemingly abashed, when surprised in the act 
 of watching his master at meals. 
 
 Page QQ, Line 894 
 
 He felt the magic of harmonious sounds. 
 We frequently liear dogs liowling to the sound of bells 
 and bugles, and it is difficult to determine whether they 
 receive pain or pleasure from the music ; but undoubtedly 
 some of them have a correct ear for harmony. I had a 
 spaniel, whose ear was particularly affected by one key.
 
 NOTES TO BOOK I. 2ol 
 
 and indifferent to all others. I often played a tune on the 
 flute in various keys, without his taking the least notice of 
 it ; but the moment I began on two flats (the softest key 
 on the flute) he raised his head, and commenced with a 
 low murmur, rising gradually in unison with the instru- 
 ment, till the notes ascended too high for his compass, 
 when he gave a bark of vexation, and waited till the return 
 of the low notes, which he again accompanied. I tried this 
 experiment at various times, and with different tunes, and 
 always with the same effect. 
 
 Page 79, Line 1257- 
 
 Afid robb'd proud Venice of her orient mines. 
 Before the discovery of the Cape of Good Hope by Vasco 
 de Gama, Venice inonopolized nearly the whole trade of 
 India. 
 
 END OP NOTES TO BOOK I.
 
 NOTES TO BOOK 11. 
 
 Page 100, Line 153. 
 
 Thus Clara moved and charm' d — ■ 
 I ATTEMPT not to delineate a piece of puritanical perfection, 
 like Lucilla Stanley ; my heroine is no controversialist, nor 
 do I consider the most pious Christian less amiable for the 
 possession of graceful accomplishments. I have represent- 
 ed Clara as skilled in the art of dancing, because I conceive 
 it to be a healthy and innocent amusement. There are 
 precise pastors, Avho, undoubtedly with the purest inten- 
 tions, hurl their anathemas from the pulpit against the most 
 harmless pleasures. If those spiritual legislators would en- 
 lighten their minds by travel, they would find that vice 
 invariably flourishes most where innocent recreations are 
 proscribed. The Christian religion, in its purity, is dis- 
 tinguished from all others by its cheerfulness ; the mens 
 conscia recti is always cheerful ; gloom and despondency 
 are the companions of guilt. Dark must be the soul of 
 that puritan, who can frown on his blooming daughters, 
 employed in the harmless pastime of the dance. Cold is 
 the heart, that can witness unmoved the peasant girl of 
 Provence dancing under the elm-tree, after toiling all day 
 in the vineyard, and enjoying that wholesome exercise by 
 way of rest from her labours. When relaxation is forbid- 
 den, the weary spirit will seek some powerful stimulus to
 
 NOTES TO BOOK II. 253 
 
 recruit exhausted strength. In the tropic climes, when the 
 air is rarified by heat, the storm rushes in to restore the 
 equilibrium. Some visionary fanatics of the present age 
 have thrown such a gloomy veil over the lovely face of Re- 
 ligion, that one is almost tempted to believe they are athe- 
 ists in disguise, and whetting their daggers against crowns 
 and altars under the cloak of sanctity. The madhouses 
 are peopled with the victims of spiritual delusion. Our 
 evangelical Lycurguses, full of 
 
 " Cold, dead freedom, and of dull, sad pride," 
 
 have bent the human passions to the ground, till the spring 
 must either break, or recoil with double force ; and the con- 
 sequent reaction will naturally lead us to an age of licenti- 
 ousness, similar to that of the profligate Charles II., after 
 the whining hypocrisy of Cromwell. We want another 
 Hudibras to overwhelm the torrent of cant with the powers 
 of ridicule ; and it becomes the duty of every man, who 
 possesses the command of pen, pencil, or chisel, to exert 
 his wit, learning, or genius, in the cause of true religion, 
 and to strip the mask from those Tartuifes, who worm 
 themselves into credulous families, and disturb the peace of 
 innocence. I would say then to the guardians of youth, 
 " Proscribe not harmless recreation ; for nature abhors a 
 vacuum, and the intervals of toil and study must be filled 
 with rational amusement, or with something worse : let 
 your daughters dance and sing, and thank Heaven if they 
 have no deeper crimes to repent of." 
 
 Though an advocate for dancing, I am no admirer of 
 ■what the French call, with their ludicrous pomposity, La 
 declamation de,s Jambes ! I have seen the first opera dancers 
 in Europe, and felt no more gratified by their unnatural
 
 254 NOTES TO BOOK II. 
 
 antics, than by the movements of a dancing dog. The only 
 theatrical dancer I ever saw to please me, was the fasci- 
 nating IMiss Foote, in the character of Fair Star ; her grace- 
 ful performance was the true " poetry of motion ;" and I 
 have seen the child and the philosopher derive equal plea- 
 sure from the beautiful Arabian story, of which she was 
 the brightest ornament. 
 
 Page 108, Line 375. 
 
 Ne'er from Canovas living chisel sprang. 
 Ye compounds of lilies and roses ! hide your diminished 
 heads ; this poor slave, black as ebony, was, with one ex- 
 ception, the most perfect beauty I have ever seen. 
 
 Page 111, Line 457- 
 High o'er his brow fantastic horns arose. 
 Many of the goats in the Cape de Verd islands have four 
 horns, and some six ; which is effected by splitting them 
 with a knife, Avhen young and tender. 
 
 Page 112, Line 489. 
 They were a simple race — 
 As a proof of the simplicity of the females, I asked a 
 respectable shopkeeper at Porto Praya if she had any chil- 
 dren ; she replied, in Portuguese, that she had one boy, 
 whom she was nursing ; and to explain herself with greater 
 perspicuity, she uncovered one of her breasts, and, squeez- 
 ing it with both hands, squirted the balm of life in my 
 face across the counter !
 
 NOTES TO BOOK II. 255 
 
 Page 117, Line 629. 
 
 All ocean was alive — 
 Those brilliant coruscations in tlie tropic seas seem to be 
 satisfactorily accounted for by M. Labillardiere, author of 
 the voyage in search of La Perouse : he preserved some 
 bottles of sea-water, taken up during its phosphorescence ; 
 the water, poured in a glass, was set in motion in the dai'k ; 
 he immediately saw luminous globules similar to those 
 which appear when the waves are agitated ; he strained 
 the water through a piece of brown paper ; some mole- 
 cules, very gelatinous and transparent, remained in the 
 strainer^ and from that time the water lost all its phospho- 
 rescence, which he restored at pleasure by throwing there- 
 in the little molecules. It was necessary not to leave these 
 diminutive animals exposed long to the air, for they soon 
 lost all their phosphoric properties. 
 
 Mr Scoresby calculated, that a single tkop of water, 
 taken from the surface of the Greenland sea, contained 
 26,450 animalcules. 
 
 Page 145, Line 1446. 
 
 The tulip-tree, by noble Alison rear'd. 
 The botanists may exclaim against this description of 
 a tulip- tree ; but it was so called by the natives, and I 
 have sketched it graphically from notes written on the spot. 
 I was once telling a story to a shrewd Frenchman, and be- 
 gan my narration with ' J'ai vu" — *' I love XhaX, j'ai vu," 
 said he, " it carries more conviction to my mind than all 
 the theories of the academicians." In fact, I have caught 
 from the cabin window scores of fish, that would puzzle a 
 BufFon or Linnajus, and resembling nothing to be found
 
 250 NOTES TO BOOK II. 
 
 in books of natural history ; and it would be an advantage 
 to science in general, if every traveller would describe what 
 he has seen in^ plain English, and leave technical terms to 
 the fireside philosophers ; and particularly omit such vague 
 expressions as suave ruhe7ite, and suave olente, which are 
 no more characteristic of a tree than they are of a jack- 
 pudding. 
 
 Page 147, Line 1507- 
 See that old sempsti-ess creep — 
 For the sake of variety, I have attempted a few lines 
 a la Crahhe ; a poor imitation, I confess, of his admirable 
 style of Dutch painting ; but, with all due respect for the 
 original talents of Mr Crabbe, his unrivalled graphic deli- 
 neations of homely scenes, and fearless fidelity to nature, 
 I do not conceive that he has been happy in his choice of 
 poetical subjects ; he brings us too near the painful truth, 
 like the waxen image of a departed friend, which is dis- 
 agreeable in proportion to its minute resemblance. Gold- 
 smith has given us pictures of rustic poverty, equally for- 
 cible and true, without one unpleasing image. The beau- 
 ties of painting and poetry consist, not so much in a faith- 
 ful representation of natural scenes, as in a selection of 
 those objects which are most agreeable to the imagination ; 
 whicli are calculated to touch the heart without shocking 
 the feelings. We view with pain and commiseration the 
 body of a bleeding soldier, but contemplate with delight 
 the statue of an expiring gladiator in polished marble. 
 The charming illusion of some theatrical scenes proceeds 
 from an invisible curtain ; and the spell of Mokanna was 
 dissolved, when the mystic veil was torn from his unsight-
 
 NOTES TO BOOK II. 257 
 
 ly visage. Had Mi- Crabbe always written in the style of 
 " Sir Eustace Grey," these observations would appear 
 equally unnecessary and presumptuous. 
 
 Page 153, Line 1684. 
 
 At length the ivaves their blue trajisparetice lost. 
 For poetical effect, perhaps I should have represented 
 La Plata and the ocean meeting like a brace of curly- 
 headed bulls, and bellowing to the clouds. There are poets 
 and orators in my country, who, in a strain of metaphorical 
 madness, would have painted Neptune in the act of thrust- 
 ing his foaming head into the river's jaws, like a cauliflower 
 into a boiling cauldron ; but plain truth is worth all the 
 flights of the muses ; the fact is, that we were sailing for 
 two days up that immense river, without perceiving any 
 difference between it and the sea, except by the coloin* of 
 the water. 
 
 END OF NOTES TO BOOK 11.
 
 NOTES TO BOOK III. 
 
 Page 165, Line 180. 
 
 Across the roads the slaughter'd cattle lay. 
 There is such an abundance of cattle in the province of 
 Buenos Ayres, that the natives kill them for the hides, and 
 allow wild dogs to carry off the meat. Such is the indo- 
 lence of the inhabitants of JMonte Video, that a cow and a 
 pound of butter bear the same price — one dollar ! During 
 the siege of that city, they killed four thousand head of 
 cattle for the purpose of making sand-bags of the hides. 
 
 Page 168, Line 270. 
 
 And, wild with nature's spirit, raced the steed. 
 We employed the Peons to catch wild horses at a dollar 
 a-piece ; but when the officers had saddled those untrain- 
 ed animals, and strapped their boat-cloaks on them, they 
 frequently broke loose and set off at full speed, when the 
 soldiers fired a volley after them, in hopes of saving those 
 precious articles, which perhaps some of them carried to 
 their death. 
 
 Page 175, Line 465. 
 
 In the black ashes of their former cot. 
 In the track of IMassena's retreat near Llei'ia, I saw 
 numbers of women and children begging for bread, and 
 kneeling in the ashes of their former habitations.
 
 NOTES TO BOOK III. 259 
 
 Page 177, Line 509. 
 With fear and wonder when the blood is cold. 
 At the capture of Ciudad Rodrigo, the storming party 
 crossed a deep trench and scaled a part of the wall^ seem- 
 ingly inaccessible — a feat, which appeared as incredible to 
 the gallant survivors next morning, as it did to the specta- 
 tors, who were drawn there by curiosity. 
 
 Page 178, Line 556. 
 
 Nor less shall gallant Burne exalted shine. 
 Major-General Burne, who commanded the 36th regi- 
 ment in every quarter of the globe ; the standard of the 
 soldier and the gentleman — a man, whose gallantry in the 
 field is equalled only by his modesty in retirement. When 
 seated by the side of that vinpresuming veteran, in his 
 plain uniform, how some of our titled ciphers and parlia- 
 mentary heroes must blush at the stars and crosses that 
 adorn their poor persons ! His character may be well de- 
 scribed in the emphatic words of Sheridan, when speaking 
 of Lord Lyndoch, " There never was a loftier spirit seated 
 in a gentler breast." 
 
 Page 188, Line 824. 
 A train of noble mules, of Spanish breed. 
 La Perouse remarks, that the introduction of two do- 
 mestic animals into America has had the most striking in- 
 fluence upon the manners of all the tribes ; they no longer 
 follow any of their ancient customs ; they no longer live 
 upon the same fruits, nor wear the same garments^; and 
 they have a much stronger resemblance to the Tartars, or 
 the borderers upon the Red Sea, than to their ancestors of 
 two centuries past.
 
 260 NOTES TO BOOK III. 
 
 Page 189, Line 875. 
 His grasping claws and wings of dtisky red. 
 Dampier mentions a bat, whose wings extended as far as 
 his outstretched arms. 
 
 Page 190, Line 890. 
 
 The green savannah, like a shoreless sea. 
 There exist in the pampas of Buenos Ayres twelve mil- 
 lion cows and three million horses, without comprising the 
 cattle that have no acknowledged proprietor. 
 
 De Humboldt. 
 
 Page 195, Line 1040. 
 
 Till the Great Man 
 
 A tradition among the Ohio Indians. 
 
 Page 197, Line 1087- 
 
 The dread gymnottis 
 
 The gymnotus shoots the electric fire from the bottom 
 of the waters, and benumbs the fisherman through his 
 wetted line — it kills small fish at a distance, by giving 
 them a shock through the water ; it gives no shock when 
 wet sealing-wax is applied to the organs, l)ut violent 
 strokes when excited by a metallic rod. 
 
 Page 198, Line 113(5. 
 
 With harmless water charged 
 
 La Vaillant, to preserve the plumage of African birds un- 
 injured, fired at them on the summits of the trees with a 
 charge of water, which was separated from tlie po ivder by 
 a waddinff of wax candle.
 
 NOTES TO BOOK III. 261 
 
 Page 203, Line 1273. 
 — — Milk oj flavour sweet. 
 The cow-tree, jmlo de vacca, yields abundance of a glu- 
 tinous milk, of an agreeable and balmy smell. Incisions 
 are made in the trunk; the natives recognise, from the 
 thickness and colour of the foliage, the trunks that yield 
 the most juice, as the herdsman distinguishes, from exter- 
 nal signs, a good milch-cow. 
 
 Page 205, Line 1327. 
 Poising an Esmeralda's polish'd reed. 
 The reed of the Esmeralda, of which the sarbacans are 
 made, is 17 feet long, without a knot. 
 
 Page 217, Line 1681. 
 
 With trampling biifl'aloes might roll in vain. 
 Turtles have been found of the enormous vv^eight of 480 
 lbs., and strong enough to bear 600 lbs. on their backs. 
 
 Page 225, Line 1880. 
 
 Where all, hut honour, perish'd in the grave. 
 
 I have cautiously abstained from making any remarks 
 
 on the conduct of the unfortunate commander of the ex})e- 
 
 dition ; he has been tried and sentenced by the laws of his 
 
 country. 
 
 Page 228, Line 1986. 
 Like the blind pilot on the stormy sea. 
 This alludes to that awful instance of retribution, when 
 some hundreds of slaves were seized with the ophthalmia, 
 and the monsters who captured them flung the unprofit- 
 able cargo into the sea ; but the disease had spread amongst 
 the crew, and a passing sliip beheld the blind murderers 
 rolling at the mercy of the winds and waves !
 
 262 NOTES TO BOOK III. 
 
 Page 229, Line 1989. 
 All lonely on the Lusitanian spire. 
 The stork is regarded with superstitious veneration in 
 many countries, particularly in Portugal, where laws are 
 enacted for its preservation ; a custom which probably ori- 
 ginated with the Egyptians, as those birds are useful in 
 destroying the young serpents on the banks of the Nile. 
 I have never seen a more striking example of solitude 
 personified than one of those revered creatures standing on 
 the summit of a spire in a Portuguese village, dui'ing a 
 calm summer evening, when all nature was at rest, and he 
 looked down from his throne in proud security, as if de- 
 spising the idle world beneath him. 
 
 Page 230, Line 2036. 
 
 Whose pulses throhh'd with deepest harmony. 
 These lines are versified from a passage in the pleasing 
 novel of Ringan Gilhaize, by Mr Gait. 
 
 Page 232, Line 2084. 
 Of Jire-denmincing missionartj wrung. 
 
 In the "Conquesta de Almas," the Spanish mission- 
 aries killed all who made resistance, burned their huts, 
 and carried away the old men, women, and children, as 
 prisoners ! De Humboldt. 
 
 I have no doubt that tliere are many of our British mis- 
 sionaries, who set out on their sacred errand, inspired 
 with all the fervour of apostolic zeal ; but they appear to 
 me too sanguine in their expectations of the miraculous 
 interference of Providence, when they have neglected all 
 rational means of success ; their labours commence where 
 they ought to end; they should educate, civilize, and
 
 NOTES TO BOOK III. 263 
 
 shew those children of ignorance the practical effects of 
 the Christian religion, before they attempt to explain mys- 
 teries, which are above all human comprehension, to a 
 troop of naked savages. 
 
 Page 243, Line 2391. 
 While man thus shines, shall lovely woman still. 
 As an instance of the advantages arising from an im- 
 proved system of education, I cannot resist the pleasure of 
 noticing a miniature debate, which lately afforded the 
 highest gratification to a crowded audience in my native 
 place. It was an exhibition of parliamentary eloquence 
 by the pupils of a preceptor, who is more a companion 
 than a master among his scholars, forming a striking con- 
 trast to the pedagogue of former days, when schoolmaster 
 and tyrant were considered synonimous terms. There 
 was an excellent band, in which the pupils were the sole 
 performers ; and, at an age when a few years since the 
 fingers of youth were employed in chalking their knuckles 
 to play marbles, the choice orations of Pitt, Fox, and Pon- 
 sonby, were recited in a style of animation and classic ele- 
 gance, which have rarely been surpassed in the British 
 senate. 
 
 I have already transgressed too long, and now, courteous 
 reader, I make my farewell bow ; for the field of poetry is 
 at present occupied by such a phalanx of heroes, that a 
 poor tyro, like myself, can only expect to be sent to the 
 rear with the heavy lumber, with tlie mortification of 
 hearing the shouts of victory echoing from hill to hill in 
 the distance, and cheering the hearts of the fortunate com- 
 manders. I therefore retire, and pledge myself, if ever I
 
 264 NOTES TO BOOK III. 
 
 again intrude on the public, to appear before them in the 
 garb of humble prose, which it is probable some critics 
 will say is the only proof of good sense to be found in my 
 pages. I part with my muse as I did with my ship after 
 a fourteen months' voyage, thanking her for the many 
 pleasant hours which she afforded me, and hoping most 
 sincerely never to see her face again. But in thus taking 
 a formal leave of my readers, I expose myself to a retort 
 similar to that which a modern hero received, on taking 
 the command of an invading army — " Soldiers," said he, 
 " I arrive amongst you ;" when a wag provokingly Avhis- 
 pered " Who the devil cares ?" 
 
 THF, KNl). 
 
 EDINRURfin : 
 PniNTKl) HY OLIVER ii BOYD. 
 
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