PGL A =^^= C A ^ -"-"-" i^^^^SS ^ JD ^ ^ ^^^^^S m ^^= O 6 ^BS^^ 2: S^^^^S x> 9 SS^^^S 33 9 SS^^S* > 33 ^^SSS! "*^ ^^^Si^S > <~) 7 ^^^^^^ S^^BSS -< ' 1 "4? THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES / THE B EAUTIES ow CA1RI.O-MA1RIA MAGGI, PARAPHRASED, THE BEAUTIES CarlO'i^laria iWlaggt, PARAPHRASED: TO WHICH ABB ADDED, S O :P^ N E T Ss MARIANA STARKE, Author of The Widow of Malahar ; The Tournament ; Lttttrt from Italy ; tfc. EXE TERs miNTED FOR THE AVTHOR, BT 8. WOOlMCRt IN THE PORE street; and sold bt longman, ri;rst ree<, and ORMB, U)NOOK ; and BT CFUAMj AND ALSO BT BARRATT, ATB. 1811. rq AHf-An c T. HE I*ocms of Carlo-Maria MAGotj an obsolete Italian Author, wlio flourished during (he latter end of the sevciitct-utii, and the beginning of the eighteenth century, happrnod, s<^eral years since, to fall into the hands of the Countess DoiVAcen SpEMCEKi who, nolwllhslariding the obscurity of the style, discovered in these Poems, so jnany benutirs, tliat she wa^ tempted, when resident at Pisa, to print a Scelta of his work ; some copies of which Scelta fhe Icindly gave to mc, saNiaj;, the Poems it contained, tho' generally speaking untiiiighed, might, if abridged in some parts, and considerably lengthened in others, make a better fij;ur<' iu the English, Uuiu they had hitherto done in the Italinn dress* Anxious to profit by this hint, I iramedia'ely translated Tte Sonnet to Hope, and imitated The Ode to KuriUa; adding, however, many ideas of my own* I then endeavoured to adapt to the situation of Italy, about the year 1794, The Ode on the destruction of Jerusalem : and, iu short, by degrees selected, what seemed to me, the chief beauties of the Scelta. 1 am -well aware that, in translations ("rom the greater Pcet< closeness is the grand desideratumt the sine qud non : but, in translations from those who are called minor Poets, it niay perhaps be less essential, I presume, therefore, to submit toth^ Public tlie following Par apuhask of the nEAnriES op CaksjO^ Maria Maggi : and if his idea?, mingled with my own, eImhiU ^ver chance to pour the li:;lm of Sympathy int the wauiidf Of AfSirtioii, my purpose will be answered. To the honour of Magci I i-ubjoin, that he isfreqnent1viare-> tioned,andas frequently admired, in a lecent publicatioo, entitled, " A Seriks uv Lettebs detavccn Mrs. EuzAsara 705353 Carter anb Miss CATHERmE Talbot." These Letters, indeed, speak of him as, " The most elegant, the most amiable, and the most useful of all the Italian Poets :" and by these Letters it appears, that Miss Talbot earnestly wished Mrs. Carter to undertake the office of introducing him in this Country ; an office which I, (though every way less qualified,) have attempt, ed to execute. MARIANA STARKE. ExtfouTH, 1811. onttnts. Pagb. Lines to the Countess Dowager Spencer - . 1 Ode to the Mon(h of May - .... 2 To Eurilla, in adversity . 6 The destruction of Jerusalem - .... 10 On the goodness of Providence . . .18 Evening, on the banks of the Sea > ii2 Cantata I. ........24 Cantata II. >.-.-... 28 On human Life ...... .30 From Anacreon ..---.-32 Sonnet - - I. To the Soul ..... 34 Sonnet - II. To a darling Friend . . - 35 Sonnet - III. To Sorrento . . . . - 36 Sonnet - IV, To ihe Cicala . . . .37 Sonnet - V. Written in Youth - - . - 38 Sonnet - VI. "Written in old Age . . -39 Sonnet -VII. To an unfortunate Friend, particu-> ^^ larly fond of Theatricals - J ^ Sonnet VIII. The Traveller .... 41 Sonnet IX. Against Despair > . .42 Sonnet X. To Hope ..... 43 Sonnet . XI. To Faith ..... 44 Sonnet - XII. To Charity . . . - . 45 Sonnet XIII. To Temperance . . - -46 Sonnet XIV. To Grief ..... 47 Sonnet - XV. To Apathy ..... 48 Sonnet XVI. To Sympathy ..... 49 Sonnet XVII. To Friendship ... 50 Souaet XVIII. To fame - .... 51 SENT WITH THE FOLLOWING POEMS, TO THE COUNTESS DOWAGER SPENCER ; WHEN SHE WAS OX THE POIVT OF QUITTING ItALT, U'HEB( THE Author remaived sume years afterward. \jJELl\ (thy pardou, if ihc strain offend !) My Guardian proudly let nie add, my Friend ! Whose fervent spirit, like our Magoi's lyre, Glows with refulgent sparks of heavenly fire ; O, hear thy Suppliant ! to her juit be kind, And, with a gleam of sunshine, cheer her luind I When thy lov'd Form no more shall bless my eyes, "VVhcn Alps and A penuine between us rise. Still, as thou view'st these artless lines, bestow Kind wishes on the heart from whicit they f)ow. For may we not, without presumption, trust Good Angels mark the wishes of the Just ; And waft them swift to Heaven's empyreal throne, Where, to be granted straight, they need but to be known \ * This line orij;inally began, ^^jingel ! Thy pardon, if the Mtrain offend''^ E'lt Laut Seenceil objected to the word captivate our every sense, And liarmouize our hearts to mirlh ? Ah, no! From GOD each blessing flovirs; His fostering love shines her* display'd ; These gifts his bounteous hand bestows, To cheer that World his goodness made. Then can we all unite to welcome Spring, Nor ouce exclaim ; "I blessmy heavenly King l Yon floweret, ting'd with Tyrian dyes. And spangled o'er with pearly dew^, Boasts every grace to lure the eyes ; Yet mine alone those graces view : That gracious GOD, who reigns Above, For my delight, then, plac'd it there ; And thus vouchsafes iiis tender love, His wondrous kindness to declare : Then, whilst I cull th' enamel'd flower, I'll sing In joyful strains; "I bless my heavbnly KinO." Now sally forth the fealher'd Throng, And gaily greet reluming May; B 2 Each, warbling hU melodious soqg, In dulcet accents seems to say ; ** These verdant meads and tufted hills. These gentle zephyrs, cloudless skies, These shady groves and limpid rills. From GOD's free bounty all arise :'* And whilst the liquid air Ihey upward wing, Melhinks I hear them bless their heavenly KiHc. Shall then, perverse, degenerate Men, For whose enjoyment rill and shade, And every fragrant flower we ken, And every vocal bird was made ; Shall they neglect their Maker's praise. Less grateful than the feather'd tribe, W'ho thus, in Nature's tuneful lays. To GOD each precious gift ascribe 1 Tho' none beside the bouuden tribute bring Of praise to GOD, I'll bless my heavenly King. Kor are his countless gifts confin'd To earthly joys his fostering care Instructs and guides th' iinraortal mind, And plants each grace that blossoms there* For all these blessings nE bestows:. Has Gralitmle my heart imprest ? Yes from his gracious inSucncc flows That loveliest Impulse of the breast: He bids my conscience point it's friendly sting, When I forget to bless ray heavenlt Kiko. O, may that Monitor within Ne'er point it's friendly sting in vain ; Nor the seductive wiles of Sin Tempt me to slight that needful rein ! May grace divine my steps attend. Whilst thro' Life's mazy paths I stray; And, when my pilgrimage shall end, Wafl me to Realms of deathless day ! O, there may I, with Saints and Angels, sing Perpetual praise to GOD, aud bless my heavenly King ! TO E U R I L L A IN ADVERSITY. ALONE and pensive, in those wilds I stray, Where, save the featber'd Choir who carol gay. No sound obtrudes ; where Silence rears her throne. By mule Oblivion's poppies overgrown ; And with such sway despotic rules the soul As e'en the bursts of Sorrow to controul ; As e'en to bid the fears of Friendship cease. And make rae fancy all thy cares at peace. Yet, whercsoe'er my wandering footsteps tread, My thoughts, by some spontaneous impulse led, Fly fast to thee ; nor will I pause to own. Thou most art with me, when I'm most alone. But if my Muse, too sedulous t'impart The balm of Comfort to thy anguish'd heart. Have oft offended by officious zeal, And widen'd wounds she fondly hop'd to heal ; ^lore irksome now thou'lt deem th' obtrusive lyre, Whose notes I waken wilh encrcas'd desire Thy woes to sooth Forgive th' adventurous strain, )Vliich dares the rigour of thy fate arraign ; Which dares lament O, grant me pardon. Heaven! That Peace to thankless Apathy is given, Whilst Virtue's self in human form cnshrin'd. To dire, infuriate Warfare seems consign'd. ' Full-well I know reproach were vainly hurl'd Against th' unfeeling baseness of this World : Full-well I know how impotent each art To melt, with Pity's drops, the flinty heart ; To check the bitter taunts of scowling Pride, Make rancorous Envy throw her snakes aside; Compel curst Falsehood at Truth's shrine to kneel^ Or r^b the hand of Malice of it's steel. Yet the' thy woes, with my upbraidings join'd. In vain would strive to meliorate Mankind, Still are there means alt-potent to confound The iron Breasts thy suft'eriugs fail to wound; SliU to their power superior may'stthou rise. And every arrow of their wrath despise. Too just, too ample istliy cause for woe ; Then check not tears, but freely let them flow : Affliction's tide, by constant force reprcst. And closely pent within a single Breast, There rages fierce, with direst mischiefs rife, Dclliioning Kcason, aad o'eiwhcUoingLife, Then give it way ; and, to some kindred Heart, Thj every care, thy every thought impart ; For Sympathy, blest instinct of our Kind, Is purest opium to the tortur'd mind. Seek, then, some Friend who early learn'd to grieve At others' woe ; who lives but to relieve ; Some Breast so much in concert with thy own As, when thou smil'st or weep'st to joy or groan. With swee.t Mimosa* be her temples crown'd, By patient Prudence let her lips be bound; Of all thy griefs let her have felt the smart. And shew where once ihey rankled in her heart : Let her (rare gift I) possess the skill to know When to check tears, and when to bid them flow : Thus will her hand be competent to spread Uclvetidn roses o'er thy thotny bed. + But, once again, dSat suffering Saint, take heed This Friend be deck'd with Caution's choicest meed ; For Grief unlocks the soul, and brings to view Each thought, each merit, and each failing too. Seek, then, a Friend sage, cautious, faithful, kind - But bold ! I know the temper of thy mind The sensitive plant. ' -f The Ilelvetioo rose is uoarmed, or tbomleit. 9 If some good Angel sucli a Friend bestow' d. To rescue ihec from Grief's o'erwheluiing load, Thy soul would doat on her's and sliould'st thou lose This best of blessings Hold ! A.h, hold, my Muse! Nor paint a scene which Nature could not bear... Yes, seek a Friend ! a firmer Friend than e'er Inspir'd our mortal clay ; a Friend whose mind Not all the malice of this World combiu'd Can e'er wean from thee ; a celestial Guard, Who, from thy breast each stroke of Fate to ward, O'er Fate herself presides, o'er time, o*er space, And all the Myriads of the Human Rate ; Who knows no change, whose love will nerer cease, Whose voice is comfort, and whose paths are peace ; O, turn to Htm, to GOD ! the only Friend On whom thou may'st, without a fear, depend : And learn, that mid Adversity's dark maze, Or gay Prosperity's seductive blaze. He only knows our erring steps to guide Where spotless Truth and deathless Joy preside. 10 DESTRUCTION of JERUSALEM : jtddressed to the Jlalian People, during that period of the laii t war, when the British fiiavij protected Italy. Say, royal City, what avenging arm Hath robb'd thy streets of population's charm; O'erlhrown thy altars, made thy walls decay, And thy proud dwellings dens for beasts of prey ? Prostrate on earth, unheeded, desolate, Like the lone Widow, thou bewail'st thy fate : No busy Citizen thy grief beguiles ; ^o Friend appears, io light thy face with smiles : By day, by nighl, thy plaints unceasing flow, While Silence onlv listens to thy woe. Nor trees nor shrubs within Ihy gates are found. Save the Wild-Rose, whose thorny branches bound Thy cluing SAviouii'sbrow peculiar doom ! Thy v^jry soil is Vcgetaliou's tomb. * * Mn. TiGME, in his learned and interesting Poem, entitled Tie. lios^, bays thai Wediclius supposes the liosa catiina, or "Wild Hose, to be the plant with which Cukist was crowned: and Mr. 'J^ohh adds, on tlie authority of Chandler, that no otlicr trot; nor shrub now grows witiiin the walls of Jerusalem- A rein:irki;l>le nccoinjiiisiinjent of the prophecies of Isaiah and IliioKA. Sec the former, V. 6. and xxxiv, 13 and the latter u. e. n Mistress of Nalions onrc; now direful stroke! Condeiun'd to (Irag degrading Slavery's yoke; Nay worse, if worse can be, to view in those ^'hoin mo5t she lov'd, her most determ'n'd Foes : Frieuds, Servants, Children, all forsake her side, Seize her rich coffers, and their spoils divide : The Impiou? sj;ill her blood, reverse her laws, Then scoff at miseries which their rigours cause; Till proiid Derision, r'arpj most accurst. Of all her various torments seems the worst. The grass-grown streets in solemn stillness mount No splendid pageants lo the Temple borne : The tender Infant piaes in galling chains; The frantic Parent e'en of Heaven complains ; While on carthJevcl'd spires and fragmenls vast Of stately fabrics in confusion cast, 1 he Anchorite and toil-worn Pilgrim stand. Gazing on works of Desolation's hand; Then, as Oblivion stalks in silence by, ' Speak ! all-triiimphanf. Queen, O, speak ! aiiey cry) "What piles are these, proud e'en amid decay ?''-^ She murmurs ; " Mine" and, reckless, turns away Judaea's Warrlours, dreaded now no more, Crowd swift for shelter lo a foreign shore ; 12 Confonnded, destitute, in flocks tliey fly, I>aikening the land, like locusts sent from High : Their harps, which erst with strains of triumph rang^ Now mute upon Euphrates' borders hang; While, weakly yielding to the strokes of Fate, Isral's fani'd Tribes, once valourous as great, Lost to all hope, their native firmness fled. Sigh for the torpor of th' unconscious Dead. Reft of each sapient Chief her course to guide, And stem, with nervous hand, Destruction's tide, Judaea bends beneath the Victor^s rod ; And thus displays th' avenging wrath of GOD ; Wuo bade fierce War assault the impious Train That durst his hallow'd sanctuary profane ; E*en while iiis voice, which makes Earth's basis 8hake> lu thunder 'gainst their guilty purpose spake. As thus, on Inspiration's glass pourtray'd, The Prophet saw his Country's glory fade ; *' Turn, Isralj turn ! (exclaimed the Heaven-taught Seer,) Renounce those sins ^vhich freeze my soul witli fear: Turn to that GOD WHOSfi mercy never fails. Where Penitence, meek Child of Faith, prevails!" 13 But tho' the Seer, with pious zeal, reprov'd Judsea's boundless crimes ; no heart was rnov'd To follow Virtue's course : th' obdurate Crowd, Of Satan's ignomiuious shackles proud, Vaunt their profancness, glory in their sliauie ; Nay dare, with Pharliaic guile, to blame Those hps ordain'd Heaven's mandates to repeat, For uttering useless truths, and censures iudiscreet. And tho' Adversity, with ruthless hand. Year folIowUig jear afflict the sinful land, Tho' Belus' Sons 'gainst trembling Zion pour Of iron deaths a tcrrour-kindling shower; Tho' Amoriles, Armenians, and tho Train Who bend before Sphinx-guarded Apis' fane, Scourge her with woes to wliich her crimes give birth. Till with such piteous plaints she fills tliis Earth Thai Mercy, loveliest Handmaid of the Sky, Pardons her sins, and bids her sorrows fly ; Yet, scarce are War's disasternus clouds o'erblowa Ere Vice usurps deserted Reason's throne, Despotic sway o'er every Tribe regains, And once more binds them fast in Satai^'3 ci)a!u. At length But how shall earth-born song rcheari^ Scenes only meet for Inspiration's verse ? 14 Atlenglli, to fear alike and virtue dead, Judaa's Sons their Lord, their Saviour led To Golgotha's curst field amazement dire, And stiftening horrour seiz'd llie heaveuly Quire. Affrighted Earth to her foundations quak'd. The graves were open'd, and the Sleepers wak'd ; The blushing Sun his head in darkness veil'd. When to the agonizing Cross was uail'd, 1 liataweful GOD who frecl}' died to save MaUj thankless Man, from an eternal grave. But Vengeance, in the Lallan garb display'd, Vengea ice, with power omnipotent arraj'd, ilurls hideous ruin on tlie guilty Train ; Bids ruthless (Jarnage o'er their Cities reign ; And spoils Jerusalem of every stone On which her prcstiue grandeur might have shone ; While her lost Sons, who 'scape the Victor's sword^ Wander thro' Earth, a famine-stricken Horde, Revil'd, detested, chas'd from land to land, And mark'd with Infamy's eternal brand. Cut whence this sadness which pervades my soul ? A sadness Reason vainly would controul. For thee, my Country, e'en than life more dear, For thee my anxious bosom thxobs with fear ; 15 hest thy omissions with thy crimes conspire To rouse o'erwhelming storms of heavenly ire. Ofi hare I pondered on that joyous time When, distant far from Manhood's feverish prime. On thy maternal lap I careless trod, With infant- feet that scarcely press'd the sod ; While the sweet thought of blameless pleasures past Each day became more pleasing than the last. But now, like some fond Mother who with dread Beholds the Child her fostering cares have bred, Heedless and gay, with young-ey'd Hope elate, Disporting near the ulmost verge of Fute ; As down her chei-ks big drops of angiish flow. Thus, from my eyes, gush copious streams of woe, Whene'er on thee I gaze, my native Land, Whose Song full-oft, impell'd by Folly's hand, Plunge deep in Errour's tide : and tho' thy crimes, Compar'd with Salem's guilt in elder times, Weigh but as gosamer, still, still repenf ! O, mark the woes on Disobedience seut ! To Conscience, heavenly Monltress, attend. And take Repentance as thy bosom-friend ; The one instructs us from each bane to fly. The other quickly fits us for the Sky. Iff But see ! In Fancy's lints, what scenes appear I What clouds portentous fill the troubled air ! From Gallic shores, for deeds of blood accurst. The ruiu-breathing tempest seems to burst. LlvoRNO's sainted Guardian shrinks with dread; * Firenze's Lily droops her blushing head ; f Parthenope's sweet strains no longer flow : t And Rome's imperial Eagles shriek wi(h woe. While reft of Mariners, each eflbrt fails By which Ausonia fain wou'd stem the gales That rend her feeble bark. Pale lightnings flash. And furious wares her shatter'd vessel dash 'Gainst dire Destruction's rocks. Appal'd she stands* Imploring quick relief from foreign Hands : Nor impotent her cries -for Britain's Train, All-conquering Lords of Ocean's vast domaiO) With eagle-swiftness to her aid resort, And steer her sinking vessel safe to Port, The tints grow pale the strong illusion flics- Yet still; alas, methinks yon western skies Saint JoLiA. + A red Lily is the arms of Florence. J Naples was anciently called Parthenoptf| V The ancient name of Italy, Frown on Ausonia's shores. My nalive Clime, O, heed tliy Poet, and repent in time ! Earth's utmost force, opposed to Holl-born might. Full-oft is balfled in th' unequal fight : Turn then to GOD ; omiis support rely ; Upborne by him, thou niay'st this World defy : His power alone can vanquish Satan's plan. And change each Gallic IMonster back to Man. * It should be recollected that this Poem first wore it's Eng- lish dress during the reign of the Terrourists. 18 ON THE GOODNESS OF PROVIDENCE. Peace, throbbing heart ! restrain the rising sigh ! Ileiicc, thou big tear-drop, trembling in my eye ! Can Christians doubt the goodness of that Power Whose arm protects them from their natal hour ? Can they, to him and to themselves unjust, Tempt HIS dread anger by unmeet distrust ? Ah, no ! If GOD impel me to the fight. Where Passions fierce display their Giant-might, He on my brow Salvation's helm will place. My breast in Righteousness' strong armour case. Teach me the Spirit's flaming sword to wield. And make invulnerable Faith my shield. Then, Fear, farewell ! Let Satan's Host draw nigh ; Their craft I scorn, their deadliest rage defy ! Nay, if that Power who bids the tempest reign, And tdrns to mountains Ocean's liquid plain, If his unerring hand my vessel guide, Unlerrified HI brave the boisterous tide ; Unterrificd Pll meet the loudest storm, And challenge Death in every dreadful form. Yes, let the tempest roar, tlie -whirlwind rise, And the fork'd lightning dim my siirinking eyes; Let dire Destruction ride the gathering wave ; Th' ALMIGHTY, still, my slialter'd bark can save ; Yes, at HIS word, the ruthless storm shall cease. And every raging billow sink to peace. *Tis our*s, then, not to murmur, but obey ; And tho' willi sharpest thorns he plant our way, Tho' Slander's vcnomM brcalli our fame destroy, Tbo' rank Disease empoison every joy ; Nay, tbo' that keenest of all pangs we prove, The loss of those whom more than Life we lov^ Tis cur's to kiss the hand which holds the rod, And own the Father in the chastening; GOD. How wretched he who slights tliat love divine Whose l^ight effecis thro' all creation shine ; And madly chasjujg meek-ey'd Hope away, To fierce Despair submits, a willing prey ; Questions the grace to contrite Sinners gireo, Aud thus offends the Majesty of Heavem ! c2 In tliat dread hour wlien Death's relentless dart Shall point, teriiBc, at the palsied heart ; (When human care and liuman skill are vain T' exempt the spirit, or the flesh, from pain,} In that dread hour, O, whilher will he turn ? Where will his soul one cheering ray discern. To gild her passage Ihro' the dreary tomb To the dark confines of a Life to come ? Bui can we 'gainst Conviction veil our eyes ? Can \\v contemplate ocean, earth, and skies, Nor view, in all, that PoAVEa whose boundless sway Myriads of planetary Worlds obey ? Can we behold the blessings he bestows, From the proud cedar to the modest rose, Nor instant feel our rebel-hearts subdu'd By the soft touch of humble Gratitude ? Tho' short our ken, yet, e'en on Earth we find Sorrow oA proves a med'cine to the mind : And when the clouds which dim our mortal sight Shall yield to Immortality's clear light. Then shall we learn the cause of every woe Which caaker'd our uuslable joys Below ; 1 Then causes and effects alike will prove Blest emanations of a Saviour's love. But Man, neglectful Man, ne'er looks on High, To read the mystic wonders of the sky ; Or, if he read, too soon doth scepticleaven Taint all his budding confidence in Heaven. And tho' calm Reason speaks tiiis World design'd To try, but not to recompence Mankind, Still he repines at every stroke severe Which fills the eye of Nature with a tear; Unheedful that each tear, so shed, may shine A blazing diamond in a crown divine. Insensate ! Suffer still, and still complain ; Essay all eariiily balms, and prove them vain ! Too late thou'lt learn his conflicts ne'er can cease Who wilful shuns the only path to peace: Too late thou'lt find thy every hope must idCiQ, If plac'd on human, not celestial aid. EVENING, ON THE BANKS OF THE SEA, Sol sinks embosom'd in the saffron main ; Thro' Jleavcu's wide concave balmy breezes reign ; Inviting weary Man from toil to cease. And taste the rich rewards of rest and peace. Slovp let nie press, in meditating mood, The quiet margin of the briny flood; In whose clear mirror objects wc descry Which oft with dreams th' excursive soul supply. Here, while the stars, by Heaven's appointment, keep Kind watch o'er Mortals in ttte hour of sleep; Here, while the lucid waves supinely rest, Reflectiug bright those Mansions of the Blest, Those Realms on which to ponder deep they seem^ No more I'll make this nether World my theme ; This World, now fading fast from mortal sight Beneath the jetty mantle of the night : Here, while no stormy Passions dare obtrude. Here, taught by Innocence and Solitude, 23 Of pious lliouglits the never-failing spring, Here will I muse on Heaven's etehnal King : Here with yon firmament resplendent join To laud HIS mercy and his power divine Which, Ihro' Creation's wondrous fabric shine hine. j 24 CANTATA T. SCEKEt AH VJXFttEQVEKTED ISLAND TIUEy DA r-BRBAK, Sequestbr'j> Is!c ! of Peace the smiling cell, "Wiiere birds, and Flowers, and Zephyrs, only dwell ; Enchanling spot ! rich in Seclusion's charms ! Here, far remov'd from Folly's wild alarms, Compass'd with waves, unseen by human eye, Methiuks I range a Tenant of (he Sky. No more, by Passion's chains, bound down to Earth, My towering soul asserts her heavenly birth; Views mercies numberless around her shine, And soars to claim her heritage divine. But see I the sable shades of Night retire Th' horizon blushes deep with crimson fire AUBORA rises from the sparkling floods, Au J thus salutes tlie Tenants of the woods. AURORA. Birds, begin your dulcet lay ! Flowers, your various sweets disclose ! Zephyrs, see, 'tis dawn of d ly ! Banbh, banish, dull Repose ! 9 BIRDS. Lovely Goddess of the Morn, Who, on dewy pinions borne, Com'sl to chase Night's shadowy gloom. And these choral woods relume With renovating li{;l)t : Again thou giv'st us to behold Fields of ether, ting'd with gold ; Boundless tracts, where sportive we, Bless'd with love and liberty. May wing our joyous flight. AURORA. Wherefore, Flowers, your praise with-hold > Haste ! Your fragrant leaves unfold I Haste to glorify that Power Who, after Midnight's torpid hoiir, Renovates your faded hues. And feeds you with ambrosial dews. FLOWERS. When thy torch, with dazzling light, Puts the modest stars to flight ; We, Lilies, Vi'lcts, Eglantines, Daisies, Snowdrops, Jessamines, 96 Breathe to thee oar thankful song ; The listening Hoars the strain prolong, As, round the radiant car of Day, Swift they wend their sjwrtive way All our joys of thee are horn, Bounteous Goddess of the Morn ; And to thee alone we raise Melody of grateful praise* AURORA. Mirthful Zephyrs, ye, who fly To wake the tardy Hours; Rouse the feather'd Mmstrelsy, And ope the fragrant Flowers : Ye, whom toil-worn Mortals seek, "When sultry heats appal, n^rken ! Hear Aurora speak. And answer to her call. ZEPHYRS. Breath of yonder shimhering Sea, And lender sighs from Heaven ate fre ; Sent, celestial Nymph, to shed Delicious odours round thy head. CHORUS. We, Zephyrs, Birds, and opening Flowers, Join our voices, strain our powers, To hail llie swii't-approachiiig Day, To pour the tributary lay. Hail, Aurora, bounteous Fair ! Hold! The pealing notes forbear! See \ while yet we sing, she flics, To spread her light o'er distant skies. 88 CANTATA II. As thro* smiling vallies I stray, Remorse follows fast on my trace ; Eyery plant that enamels the way. But proves me unthankful and base. The bounty of GOD I descry In each perfect production of Earth ; Yet uor these, nor yon day-star on High, In my bosom give thankfulness birth. Pride whispers ; " Such gifts are thy due ; As a tribute receive them from Heaven : The talent of Poesy, loo, Thy pleasures to heighten was given." Insensate ! Let Shame dye my cheek ; Sweet Poesy's harp I'll resign, Or make the lov'd instrument speak In praise of it's Donor divine. Hail, then. Nymph, with ardent eyes, Fix'd ever on thy native skies; Hail, seraphic Gratitude i 39 By Uiee inspired, I'll sweep Ihe siring, To Nature's great, aINbounteous KINO, In strains of praise, sincere tlio' rude : And while I chant uis mercies here Below, While yet encuniber'd with this mortal clod, Shall my rapt soul the joy of Angels know, The bliss of holding converse with it's GOD. 50 ON HUMAN LIFE. Hope's cheering beams, Health's freshest flowers, Ambition's sweets, and Pleasure's bowers, Life's opening paths adorn ; Enraptur'd with the luring maze, The youthful Pilgrim fearless strays, IS or heeds each lurking thorn. With forests drear, with rivers vast. With mountains never to be past, Heaven's narrow road seems barr'd ; But if, by Constancy inipell'd, Along this road our course be held, How bright is our reward I As sable shadows fade away Before the glorious orb of day. E'en so, before our sight, Each Doubt, each Fear, each Danger flies. Till aiding Angels bless our eyes With Realms of endless light. 91 No Mind, how weak soe'er it be, Arm'd by resistless Constancy, Shall fail those Realms to gain ; But when, by dazzling meteors led, la Pleasure's treacherous paths wc tread. Each step's progressive paiu. The rose, so lovely in the raorn. At even only bears a thorn To lacerate our hearts ; Ambition's dreams soon cease to please; Health yields his sceptre to Disease^ And Hope herself departs. JROM ANACREON. At this Pjrapbkjss was written mantf years sinctf in Italyt the Author had not the pleasure of reading, ^tilt after her return to England, MoouE'smastirli) translation of the thirty, third Ode of Anjcrbos ; on reading this translation, however ^ she teould have suppressed ti'ie following Poetny had not MAaoi''s love of moralizing induced him to deviate from AwACBEON at the close of the Ode. Night her sable pall hath spread O'er each weary Mortal's head ; Morpheus, Friend of Human-Kind, Bathes, in Lethe's stream, the mind ; Whilst I alone condemn'd to weep, Vainly court balsaciic sleep. Hark ! what sounds assail my ear ? Hark ! a suppliant Toice I hear ! Ope, (it cries) ah, ope thy door ! Friendly shelter I implore. Yield relief ! I sink, I die, Drown'd by torrents from the sky I" 33 Swifl I grant the Stranger's prayer; And, tho' darkness fill the air, By the splendours of his face, Cupid's witching form I trace. Pleas'd I fan my fading fire ; Quick I dry his wet atlire ; And, by warmth and generous wine^ Kenovate my Guest divine. When, grasping. his redoubted bow ; " Fain (exclaims the Boy) I'd know If this string have lost it's power. From the late tremendous shower." Th' elastic bow he instant tries Strong the whirring arrow flies ; Aim'd, alas, ungrateful part ! Aim'd at my defenceless heart ! Thus, by those whom most we aid. Thus arc benefits repaid ! n SONNET 1/ 6 HE S V L iMMORTAB^btfl 1 blest offspring of the Sky t Bestow'd I* exalt to Heaven the Sons of Eartb ; "Why sleep, when envious Passions ambush'd lie. To rob t^bec of fliy precious rights of birth ? Awake, and khow thyself! thy firmness prove ; Essay to put tiiis wily Train to flight : Awake, and see with whak impatient love GOD fain would bear thce back to Realms of light ! For tho' wilh Victory's deathless chaplet grac'd, Tho' dimpled Peace, best earthly good, were thine. Felicity's pure cup thou cculd'st not taste, But in the bosom of thy Home divine. Tl)en, rouse thee Slumber not mid circling Focs-i- In^Icavcu alone thou lafely niaj'at repose. SONNET II. ^ DJRLIJVG FRIEJ^D* Ere Man Life's transitory breath receiv'd, Or GOD from chaos bade creation rise. Unclothed by a corporeal garb we liv'd, Associates fond and faithful, in the Skies. Now, dooniM to wander thro' this World, (the seat Of ills which from Man's disobedience flow,) Again, by Sympathy hnpell'd, we meet. With Friendship's shield to blunt the shafts of Woe* And, like lorn Exiles, forc'd for years to roam. Companions in Life's toilsome paths weMl stray ; While hope at length to view our native Home Shall renovate our strength, and smooth our way. To Realms (beyond the terrour-breathing tomb,) Where first our love took root, where, deathless may it bloom, * 7bis Sopnet was addressed, by Maqgi, to L. A. McsAxoBf^ 2 SONNET Ilf. To SORRENTO. Dear, classic soil, whence fame-crown'dTASso sprang j Well-nani'd Syrentum ! * with such charms endu'd Tha^, when I seek thj shades, where erst he sang, No thoughts to prompt the deep-drawn sigh obtrude* Or, if^Remembrance picture sorrows fled. No more I view them with Affliction's eje, As scorpions on the lap of Nature spread, But as benignant warnings from on High. Here, Life's illusions shall no more betray. Nor Passion's gales too strong for Reason prove 3 But white-rob'd Innocence direct my way To the dread confines of the Courts above ; "Whose Porter, Death, at sight of such a Guide, Shall, smiling, ope the gale, and throw his shafts aside^ Sorrento, anciently eallcd Syrentum, from It's enchanting situation, is the coolest and most healthy summer-abode in tlie southern part of Italy ; and famous for cootaiuing the paterusl nansioD of the immortal T4S8O. 37 SONNET IV. TO THE CICALA* Favour'd Cicala! f lliou, whose transient days Th' ambrosial tears of baliny Mora sustain ; Contented on thy native woods to gaze, No thoughts aspiring ilil thy breast with pain. As Cerbs' Herald, conies thy artless song, With welcome sounds the Peasant's ear to greet i And when thou rov'st tlie yellow vales among, No Sportsmen rude dare rifle thy retreat. Thou scorn'st Pomona's treasures to destroy j To prey on others' wedlth ne'er gave thee joy. Vocal, abstemious, unoftending Fly ! Blissful tbou liv'st, while summer -suus appear ; Peaceful thuu di'st, ere wintry storms be near ; A death so tranquil scarcely is to die. * Marqi appears, in this Sonnet, to h^ve imitated the thirty- fourth Ode of Anacreon. + The Cicala, which somewhat resembles our English Chafer, is saiid to live only durins; the hottest tnoiitlis ursiiiiiiner, and to fcd entirely upon air : it sits on a tree, singing all day, in fine Weather ; and with a voice so loud, as to astouis^ every Pe^sul^ IgflioseeB tb^diiaiQutivesiz^ of this insect. SONNET V. WMTTB!* IN YOUTH, VTiiEREare the fancied joys which erst could showit On this young head ineflFable delight ? Where are the fancied woes whose freezing poittr The opening bloom of Happiness could blight ? Where are those hopes which led nae to desire Love's rosy chain, or Glory's prond array ? Awhile they flam'd, a fierce and dangerous fire, Then, like the transient whirlwind, died away. Strong-piniou'd Fancy, hence I delude no more ! My brightest hopes were nought but fragile glass ; No longer their destruction I'll deplore. But, of the scatter'd fragmet^ts, form a roa^, Which, in the furnace of Experience join'd, Shall prove, heoceforlh, a mirror forgny mipd* 39 SOxSNET VL WRITTEM IN OLD A G E^ Slow beats my pulse ; and Passion's ferTid ray, Cool'd with satiety, fades hour by hour ; Sure sign that Life hastes swiftly to decay ; For waning suns each moment lose tlieir power. Then, Memory, hail ! th' important task be thin, Ere down Life's rapid tide I sail no more, T* Acaniine well what precious jewels shine Amidihe freight my vessel wafts to shore. Ah, no ! Mute Warner, hence ! For, taught by thee, Tlio' long I've toil'd, of cruel storms the sport, Gemlcss, alas, iny lading seems to be ; Worthless the vessel I conduct to Port. Hold, hold ! rash Muse for still my cables bear Hope's heavenly anchor, gem beyond compare ! 40 SONNET VII. TO AN UNFORTUNATE F R I E N D^ PASTICKLARLT FOND OV THEATRIClLf. Why, luclilcss Friend, why boasts the sccoic tale A charm which tunes thy mind to Pleasure's tone ? Joy'st thou to hear the buskin'd Hero wail Worth unrequited, fate too like thy own 1 Or doth Thalia, laughter-loving Maid, Chace from thy sight the grisly Spectre, Care, When, by her magic Crook's transforming aid. She shews Life's thorny vale as Eden fair ? Then view, in Fiction's varying vestments gay, A World whose fallacies fall-oft inlhral ; But, as the Hearers soon forget the play, Learn thou to feel, ere Life's great curtain fall. Alike indifferent to the joy or woe Qf those who fill our shitting scenes Below. 41 SONNET VIII, THE TRAVELLER, The Ictter'd Sage, who unknown realms explores, Each wondrous tale In Nature's book to read ; No sopner sees again his native shores Than anxious Relatives to greet him speed : They ask, what roads least rugged he hath found l What climes most soft, and lovely to the view 2 What favour'd spots in comfort most abound? What course he'd counsel others to pursue ? *' The mountain-path, to Man's aspiring mind, Gayest and goodliest seems ; (the Sage replies :} The lowly vale less slippery oft we find ; Yet there, full-many a bog in ambush Ues. Shun each extreme, would ye securely tread ; Tiie middle-course I took, by Wisdom led," 42 SONNET IX. AGAINST DESPAIR. Ah, why, my soul> why yield to dire Despair, Tho' Conscience sting thee with severest blame ? GOD claims our love; to slight his claims beware ! For are not lore and confidence the same ? Think of those guerdons, rich in grace divine, Which thou, a Mile in Being's wondrous scale, May'st still aspire to share, if Faith be thine, And teach thee o'er bad Angels to prevail. Then with the heart's sweet incense. Gratitude, Accept each grace to contrite Sinners given ; Kor be with Misery's biller drops imbu'd The manna shower'd, by Mercy's hand, from Heaveiu Weep for thy errours ; give Repentance scope j But let the scalding tear engender Hope. 43 SONNET X. TO HOPE. BesiGNAXT Hope, best blessing from Above ! Friend to the Wretch who owns no Friend beside j Parent of Comfort, gentle Nurse of Love, On Earth our treasure, and to Heaven our Guide ! Thou who, wlien Conscience dooms my guiltstain'd soul To the dark cavern of the Fiend, Despair, Can'st all my anguish, all my fears controul, And bid me trust a Saviour's grace to share : Thro' feverish Life protect roe, Guardian-Power I Nor trembling flee in that porlenlous hour When Death's inverted torch shall meet my sight j But bear thy Suppliant to the Realms of Day j Nor quit me, till thy semblance fade away Mid aweful Certainty's unwavering light ! There is a line somewhat similar to this, in Miss BownLBR^t brautiPul Ode to Hope. Many AVriters, however, are uninten- tional Plagiarists ; as w^, in Uie present instance, the AuUir ol Ibis PABAPVfUSS. 44 SONNET Xly TO 9 A I T II. iPtis Sonnet and those which follow are not embellished wilh ok^ of Maggi''s idcqs. Heu flaunting banner solf-plum'd Pride unfurls ; Swift from her palace pour a Gianl-Train ; Donbt, double-lieaded, leads the van, and hurls His darts destructive at Reliijion's fane. On Truth's firm rock this glorious fabric stands, By Reason rais'd ; yet Reason's efforts fail To guard it 'gainst the sacrilegious Bands Who, goaded on by Pride, it's walls assail. See, from the fane, ^ maitial Maid advance I Her adamantine shield a Cross displays ; Her helm a soaring dove ; her beamy lance Discomfits Doubt, and his Associates slays, ^is Faith! Lo, Augels to her charge have given Tho^e key; which ope to Man the Courts of Ucavcu \f 45 SONNET Xir. TO CHARITY. How Weak, how wan, that lovely Maid appears, Who shuns the garish day ! With look benign. From Earth's cold lap a faniish'd Wretch she rears. And weeping cries j " Thy want surpasses ininel Take my last crust In worldly wealth I'm poor ; Not so in pity Eat ^Thy pangs I feel" She faints Who Famine's tortures can endure ? She dies to save another dies O, zeal Transcendent, godlike ! Hah! Behold ! Her head Shoots forth bright flames Those eagle-pinions secj Which o'er her ruby-mantle graceful spread ! To second life she wakes 'Tis Charity ! From Earth she vaults on High Heaven's portals ope i* Lo, there she rests enlhron'd, 'Iwixl Faith and Hope! .^'^^t: 49 150NNET Xllf. Hark tbat allikHlc Nymph, who sternl_y throws A rein o'er miscliiefJoving Cupid's head! Vainly the Boy her pvrpose would oppose ; Behold iiini, like a steed, in IraniiDcls led ! See, uowshe breaks in twain theneclar'd bowl, And bids her Hand-maid,. Health, a draught pr.ori4e From the pure rill and now, with mild coDtroul, Draws all her Sister- Virtues to her side. Lo ! at her feet his riches Mammon spreads AVilh sparing hand slie takes ; then, instant flies ; And reckless, on Alcina's roses treads* 'Tis Temperance : caressing Health, she cries; *' My Child, ray Joy ! insensate must they be IkVho ought prefer, on this side Heaven, to thee ! Alcina is the name given, by ARiosTO,to sensual Pleasure, fee Orlando Furiuso; 13uoks YI, and X. 47 SONNET XIV. TO GRIEF: WRITTEN IM TBB CtttltpO'SantOt OR ANCIBNT BURIAL^ GROUND, AT PIlA.* Stbucturk unmalch'd ! which braves the lapse of lime ; Fit cradle the reviving Arts to rear ! Light as the Paper.Nautihis appear Thy ardies, of Pisa.vo's woks the prime. FamM Cainpo.Santo! where the mighty Dead, Of elder days, in Parian marble sleep, Say, who is she that ever seems to keep Watch o'er thy precincts, save when mortal tread Invades the solemn stillness of the scene ? Then, struggling to suppress the heavy sigh, And brushing tlie big te^r-drop from her eje. She veils her face, and glides yon tombs between. 'Tis Grief! by that thick veil the Mai J I \ico. Which hides 'her from th' unwelcome gaze of Men. * Arch-Bishop UbaldoLavphanchi, who was contemporary with HiciiARD Cceiir de lion, and his IJrother-Warriorinlhe Holy Land, brought to Pisa a large quantity of earth, fiom Mount Calvary, and deposited it on the sp)t round which the walls of the Campo-Sanlu are now erected: he is, therefore, supposed to have given the first idea of this building, in 1'200: and, eighteen years after, the present beautiful edifice was com- menced , under the direction of GiotannIj Pia^No ; wbu Jlinished it iu 123. 48 SONNET XV. TO APATHY, Nymph, on whose breast the gem'd Ficoides* beam?^ By thy Torpedo-touch, my cares subdue ! For, where thou corns' t, fade Fancy's troublous dreamS, And real sorrows lose their sable hue. Preservative 'gainst wounded Friendship's tear, AnJ the loud storms of ill-requited Love ; Sure antidote to every pang severe The way-worn Pilgrim, Man, is doom'd to prove J Whose purest feelings, Iho' awhile they take Sweet Pleasure's form, or shine in Virtue's dress, A Captive of deluded Reason make, And cheat her with the name of Happiness. Then, welcome. Apathy ! he finds not rest Who fails to own thee Sovereign of his breast. The Ice-plant, properly called, the Diamond-Ficoides; 40 SONNET XVT. s r M p A T a K Enchantress, whom i\liiuosa- wreaths adorn, And mantle of Cameleoii's changeful hues ; Sweet Sympathy, forsake thy beil of thorn. And all tiy magic thro' my veins diiFuse! Give roe thy bliss Hold ! Is it bliss to feel. At thy command, alternate joy or woe One moment stab'd by Sorrow's keenest steel, Another, blest with Rapttire's brightest glow ?--i. To be with Friendship's holy flame inspir'd, (Foretaste, perhaps, of Heaven's supreme delight ;) Tho' oft the heart our fancy hath attir'd In Virtue's fVobeSj wUh wrongs that flame requite ? Yes for where'er thy waud exerts it's powers The Aiiacampser<* shts qp and fk)w-ers. The Anacampseros is a magic herb, said to pos?ess the power of restoring lost Friendship ; and to live, though plucked ap b/ th roots. See FusxBook xxiv, Chapter IT. * 50 SONNET XVir. TO FRIENDSHIP. Thron'd on huge rocks, behind whose hoary heads You day-star hastens swift, a Nymph I view ; At Misery's groan, Compassion's tear she sheds, And scatters heartsease thick as morning dew. A bellowing Bull draws nigh ; she grasps his horn ; In tain the Savage struggles to get free, And trample on her Dog, already torn Heroic Fair ! say, art thou Constancy ? Housed in ber bosom lies a timid Dove Tis Venus' self! I know her by that sign Hold ! ^Does the witching form of beauteous Love Grow, as she grows, upon the sun's decline 1 No Friendship only, as Life's sun descends. Like evening shadows, strengthens and extends, ^-i. 51 SONNET XVIII. TO F A M E, Air-borne, behald, a beauteous Nymph appears, Whose brows about the Amaranthus twines ! Her strong right-hand an ample mirror rears ; Bright, in the left, a gorgeous chaplet shines. She speaks and quick cngendcr'il by the sound Laurel, and bays, and ilex, deck the plains *Tis Fame ! And lo, a thousand echoes round Repeat, <' from Indus to tlie Poles," her strains ! Refulgent Pbanlooi, at thy feet I kneel O, let that dazzling diadem be miue ! My history in thy mirror clear reveal, And Life itself I'll offer at tliy shrine ! Unfruitful prayer ! Caprice, with tyraut-sway. Hath chas'd the visionary Form away. WOOLMKK, PltlNTER, EXKTBR. . ,6 Where ,.e,(i."c.,rs, read pWs^n^ p, e U, line ^-^;;^/^^,, ,.ad ,ossa,ne. 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