A3PCAUF0%. mm\ T-# ' i- '■'■'■•///. ~r ; S/ iK 5 5 3\ i £^ ""JfflAf^ JRRAr iTf ^''<^0d[nv3 t! i! MISCELLANEOUS <.ms. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. BY A YOUNG LADY. BATH: PRINTED BY RICHARD CRUTTWELL, ST. JAMES S-STREET. J 828. TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE LADY ANNABELLA M LEOD, THE FOLLOWING JStt;siceIlaneou0 ^oem]6> ARE RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY HER ladyship's GRATEFULLY OBLIGED AND HUMBLE SERVANT, THE AUTHORESS. 705343 PREFACE. In submitting the following pages to the perusal of m^ numerous Friends, I am not actuated by any wish of stand- ing forth a candidate for poetical fame, (to which I am well aware the present Work does not entitle me;) but pecuniary motives induced me to solicit the assist- ance of my liberal friends, for whose generous support I beg they will accept my most grateful thanks. The only apo- Vlll logy I can offer for the poetic faults of my verses is, — their having been chiefly written before 1 had attained tlie ao-e of seventeen. The a uthoress. ]X LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Anstey Mrs. M. 4 copies Acres John, esq; Acres Mrs. Acres Miss Acres Mr. John Annesley Miss, 2 copies Andrews Mr. Andrews Mrs. Andrews Miss Andrew Miss Brown Mr. 4 copies Brown H. esq; 4 copies Bunn T. esq; 2 copies Blackhood Mrs. C. Blackball Mr. Barrow Mrs. 2 copies Brickdale Miss Burge Miss Bates Miss Black Miss, 6 copies Bayard Miss Cockburn Sir Wm. bart. Cockburn Lady Cockburn Miss Cockburn — — , esq; Corbett Mrs.' Corbett Miss Crewe Miss Corsham Miss Cox Mrs. Cox Mr. R. Cox Mr. J. Cox Mrs. 4 copies Clarke Mrs. 2 copies Clarke Miss Clarke Miss E. Cookson Miss Cookson Mrs. 3 copies Cruttwell Mr. Dunn Mr. 2 copies Dunn Mr. Deacle Rev- T. Deacle Mrs. George R. esq; Down Miss, 2 copies George Miss, 2 copies Edwards Rev. W. 2 copies Hulbert Mrs. 4 copies Edwards B. esq; 4 copies Howell Mr. M. Edwards Mrs. Plutcliins Mrs. Hutchins Miss Friend, A, 6 copies Hobbs Miss, 4 copies Friend, A, 4 copies Hassell Mrs. 4 copies Friend, A, 2 copies Hassell Mrs. Wm. Farrant Mrs. Hassell Miss Fielder Mrs. Hassell Mr. J. Friend, A Hassell Mr. R. Friend, A Hawkins Miss Friend, A Hellicar Mrs. 2 copies Hellicar Mrs. J. Hellicar Miss Grace Sir Wm. bart. Hellicar Mr. V. Grace Sheffield, esq; LL.D. Hinton Mr. J. F. S. A. Hill F. esq; 4 copies Gunning Rev. Wm. Hill Miss, 2 ditto Gunning Mrs. Wm. Hume P. esq; 3 ditto Grenville Rev. C. 4 copies Hume Mrs. 3 ditto Gresley Mrs. A.M. 4 copies Hugh Miss Gunters Hugh Wm. esq; Gresley Miss Green Mrs. Kentish Miss, 6 copies Green Miss King H. esq; 2 copies Graham Mrs. King Mrs. 2 copies (iraham G. esq; King Miss, 2 copies George Miss Kavanagh Mrs. XI Lloyd Mrs. Lloyd Mrs. Lane Mrs. Lane Miss Lane Mrs. Lunell Mrs. J. E. Lax Mrs. R. Lax Mrs. J. Lassalle Mr. Long A. esq; 3 copies Lyon Mrs. Leonard Miss M'Leod, the Right Hon. Lady Annabella, 10 copies M*Leod John, esq; 3 copies M'Leod Miss, 2 copies Meyrick Rev. Wm. Mannering Mrs. Mannering Miss Miuray Mrs. Maye Mrs. Mount Mrs. Maitland K. esq; 2 ditto MaitlandMrs. 2 ditto Nerest Wm. esq; 3 ditto Nerest Miss, 3 ditto Parkyns Lady, 2 copies Parkyns Mrs. 4 copies Powell Mrs. 4 copies Pulfer Mr. Paine Mr. Peirce Mr. C. Prideaux Mr. Prideaux Mrs. G. Prideaux Mrs. F. Powell C. esq; 4 copies Powell Mrs. Powell Miss Russell E. esq; 2 copies Rigge Miss Roberts Mrs. Roberts Mrs. Row Miss Row Miss E. Selsey the Rt. Hon. Lady Smyth Lady, 2 copies Smyth Mrs. Smith Mr. R. Smith Mrs. E. Smith Miss, 2 copies Sill Miss, 2 copies Salmon Miss Salmon Mrs. Sayer Mrs. 2 copies Symons Miss Spry Mrs. G. xu Shaw Mrs- Shaw D. esq; 3 copies Skrine Mrs. South H. esq; 2 copies South Mrs. South Miss Soutli Miss M. South Miss G. Sterne Capt. 4 copies Sterne Mr. C. 4 copies Sterne Mrs. 2 copies Sterne Miss, 2 copies Stone Mrs. Tribe J. esq; Tribe H. esq; 2 copies Tribe Mrs. Thome Mr. Thompson Mrs. Thompson Miss Trueman Mr. Trueman B. esq; Thomas Mrs. Thomas Miss Thomas Mrs. 2 copies Tugwell Mrs. R. Tugwell Mrs. Townsend Mrs. Townsend W. esq; Taylor Mr. J. Usher Mrs. 2 copies Wilson G. esq; 4 copies Wilson Mrs. Winbolt Miss Wright Mr. White Mrs. White Mrs. West Mrs. Williams Miss Williams A. esq; 2 copies Wilson Miss Wilson Miss M, 2 copies Welch Mrs. Welch Miss West Mrs. 2 copies W^allis Mrs. Wallis Miss Young Mrs. 2 copies Young J. esq: 2 copies Young Mrs. MY NURSE'S TALE. How sweet to think on chiklhood's happy hour, When varying life was like an April flower ! Now the young plant, oppress'd by sunny tears, Droops low its head, in fleeting care appears, Till the bright sun darts forth his genial rays ; Then smiles the landscape, and his love repays. Thus, thus, is Infancy : for trifling grief Quick heaves the breast, till tear-drops bring relief. Indignant and opprest, the infant flies To some kind friend, who gently soothes its sighs; 'Neath whose caress the little trembler's tears Glitter with smiles, as sunny dew appears. Oft, when with some wild talc of fairy pow'r, My Nurse has strove to cheat the weary hour, Breathless I've sat to list the visions told, And smil'd at golden dreams she'd bright unfold. Ah! yes, 1 do betliink me of one tale, To which I've list, with quiv'ring lip and pale, 'i<. With tearful eye, and throbbing breast and brow So deepl)'" felt, methinks I see thee now, " ^ Thou placid valley, and that quiet spot, ' So long unheeded, and so long forgot. ^oil Where stands the ruined cot, forsaken now, O'ershadow'd, skreen'd, by yonder mountain's brow, Liv'd two, who valued nought the world could give. Nor heav'd a sigh, while there content to live. ' Mary was hail'd the fairest of the fair ; Blithsome her step, her face devoid of care ; Artless her mind, her feelings kind and mild; E'en Virtue's self claim'd Mary for her child. Where sorrow heav'd a sigh, there Mary flew, And wept in s}Tnpathy and feeling true ; Where'er the child of poverty was known, Mary was there, with kind and tender tone, Upheld the aged, sooth 'd the sufferer's woe, Then left the grateful tear in peace to flow. Though small her means, yet still she'd give a part, And ne'er could steel with selfishness her heart ; And William, too, he always wish'd his power Could save the sufferer in misfortune's hour ; In manly kindness he would stay the tear, Or bid the smile of hope dispel despair ; 3 M^lieiie'er the storm arose and swept the shore, And l''ide the waves arise with hideous roar, Wi 1 JAM would wind his way amidst the clifl', An« .i-atch, with eager gaze, the coming skiff. His aid was lent with joy, proud, glad to save nv mortal from a wat'ry grave; And many a grateful lip would tell the tale Of William's valour to the cottag'd dale. Why rove I on, as tho' I dread the strain Which still afflicts my heart with fancied pain ? Why o'er your virtues linger, hapless pair ? Why shed for you the sad tho' useless tear ? Thus oft we rove amid a flow'ry green. And dread the rougher path in distance seen ; Bend o'er the flow'rs, and praise their varied hue, And wish for lasting spring they blooming grew. Tho' they must die, tho' beauteous flow'rs decay, And Winter's gloom usurps the smiles of May, Virtue must live, and soar to azure Heaven- There the imfading crown of glory's given. One sunny morn, to rob the dangerous seas, And scud before the health-inspiring breeze, William set sail ; his little bark was light, And soon was lost to Mary's anxious sight. a 2 4 Musing she stood, upon the shore intent, Whilst starting tears impede the glance she sent ; And then, as if reluctant, bent her way, Trembling, yet wishing, for the close of day. Soon evening came, but darken'd was the sky, And clouds in sombre anger seem'd to fly ; Low growling thunder mutter'd o'er the rock, Then burst with nearer and a louder shock ; Vivid the lightning's flashes in their might, Bright lit the awful deep, and neighb'ring height; Flash after flash, they lend their aid in vain. For nought was seen upon the troubled main ; Voice after voice, inquiring for their friend, Lamenting tears and heartfelt pray'rs they send. But where was Mary ? To the beach she'd flown ; Her beauteous features seem'd to marble grown ; She spake no word ; with arms outstretch'd she stood, And seem'd to court in vain the rolling flood. But now the flashes, in their awful light, Display'd a bark to Mary's anxious sight; On wave upborne it seem'd to reach the shore. Again the swelling waves it backward bore. All aid was vain; 'twas William's form they knew, And scarce their breath the anxious crowd they drew, Another wave has brouglit him to the beach- He leaps on shore— life seems u-ithin his reach; Poor Mary ruslies frantic in her haste, And lifeless sinks within his fond embrace ; Struggling, he tries to rush beyond the wave, Which roaring threatens with a wat'ry grave. Vain, vain attempt, his life or her's to save; They sink entomb'd beneath the foaming wave. A shriek of horror burst from all around, The rocks receive and echo back the sound ; Mournful they stand, each feels the grief his own, And seeks with tearful eyes his sadden'd home. G THE MORNING'S DAWK All ! how I watch'd the morn's bright ray, As gliding o'er the sky ; 1 hail'd with joy that blushing day, Yet hail'd it with a sigh. I bent to catch the sweet'ning breeze As it play'd o'er my face, And danc'd amid the quiv'ring trees, Anfl felt my spirits brac'd. 1 listen'd to the tow'ring lark, Its faintest tone to hear : And strain'd with anxious eye to mark The flight it took afar. I niark'cl the valley, which below The inountaii)'s ledge half hid ; J listen'd to the torrent's flow, 111 forest shade amid. The dawn's dark mist was melting fast, And new birth seem'd to spring, As if a latent spell was cast Upon each living thing. The early labourer winding round The wood-capt mountain's base ; 1 listen'd to liis song's gay sound, And mark'd his cheerful face. I thought me on the cottage scene Where health and peace reside ; And then I scann'd my own sad dream, And sought my parent's side. I turn'd me from the morning's light, And bent my anxious gaze — But yonder what a chilling sight. And what woe-pangs they raise ! 8 All niglit I watch'd beside that bed, With throbbing heart and brow; And fancied e'en amid the dead, 'Twas silence — such as now. Soft slumber clos'd the sufferer's eye, Gentle as infant's sleep; And not a murmur, not a sigh, Broke on that silence deep. Sometimes my spirit rais'd above. But not a sound was heard ; It was a pray'r of trembling love, A pray'r unspoke by word. And such a pray'r I often raise, When th' heart's too full to speak ; A pray'r of sorrow, or of praise. Or mercy 1 would seek. I drew me near that mournful bed. And stood a moment there ; I bent mc o'er the slumb'rer's head. To still the rising fear. Breathless I bent : she breathes not now, Her spirit's flown away ! Ah ! surely death is on that brow — But art thou gone ? speak ! say ! Unconsciously the tear-drop fell And bath'd that marble cheek — But can I ? oh ! I cannot tell That thrilling glance so meek. She woke — she woke : no frenzy now Was added to that look ; But calm and placid was that brow,— - And fever had forsook. My child ! — that word — my beating heart, Throbb'd wildly — throbb'd with bliss, As if my swelling breast would part, With too much happiness. 10 FAREWELL, MY NATIVE SHORES! Farewell ! farewell ! thou envied spot, With thy blue waves dancing round thee Ah ! yes, it is a glorious lot To love, to live, and die for thee. Once more farewell ! I see thee now, Thy lowly cot, and lofty hall. Thy rocky base, and woody brow, Thy deep blue lake, and waterfall. Farewell ! those hearts of gallant pride, Wliich beat with all a patriot's glow ; Who yet would perish by her side, Rather than yield her to the foe. 11 I iove thee, and thy beauteous shores ; But 'tis a heart which breathes thy praise, That trembles, as she daring soars, To name thee in its humble lays. There is a spot — oh ! can I say Farewell, farewell, to that lov'd home ? My trembling lips will scarce obey To speak the word, ere yet I roam. Weep not for me, shed not the tear, Ah ! let not sorrow fade that cheek; But yet how soothing, and how dear, The tear when grief forbids to speak. Weep, then, for me, — a mother's tears Fall holy on a daughter's head ; Belov'd by thee, I have no fears, They're flown before the tears you shed. Protected by an arm above, I leave my native shores and thee ; Tho' waves divide, tho' forc'd to rove. He can preserve by land or sea. 12 Once more, farewell ! In hnmble trust I lift my anxious heart above ; In pray'r each earthly sorrow must Sink 'neath a Heavenly Father's love. 13 WRITTEN FOR AN ALBUM. Ah! prithee, wand'rlng Stranger, stay. And drop a flow'ret by the way ; Assist my task, for hard I find To please each youthful artist's mind. I fain would gather simples here, But much the critic's satire fear. Yet tho' the theme's the Golden Age, Or Nature's picture fills the page ; Tho' flow'ry spring, in all her pride, Blooms here as tho' she ne'er had died, 'Mid verdant lawn ; or poet's verse, Which oft a hero's deeds rehearse ; Tho' freshest flow'rs or chaplets gay, And many a verse of sprightly fay. Shall charm the sense or speed the hour; Still each soft dream must lose its power, 14 Unless witli kind and lib'ral hearts You throw aside satiric darts. Lose not your time in pryini>- o'er To find the faults of modern lore, But musing look, 'twas meant to pass An hour for laddie or for lass. Then as you please shall speed along. Ah ! lend your aid in prose or song. 15 REMEMBRANCE. In expectation's sanguine hour How many dreams of fancied joy, Lilve to tlie new-blown vernal flow'r, Awake our senses to decoy ! So are my thoughts when turn'd to thee : Hope sometimes leads my mind astray, Yet to remembrance let me flee, Like to the sun at dawning day. 16 CONTENT, n m^tovah What maul is yon, with brow so fair. Her auburn ringlets waving bright, Her step so gay, so free from care ? E'en her appearance gives delight. Content is yonder maiden's name. And bright her eye, and sweet her mien ; Unknown she lives from bustling fame. In rural cottage mostly seen. She aids the weary lab'rer home. Spreads with delight his humble board ; But seldom seen 'neath palace dome, — Yet by all ranks she is ador'd. 17 Then come, Content, and be my friend, To humble scenes with thee I fly ; In grateful homage to thee bend, Then come, and check the rising sigh. 18 THE SUN'S LAST BEAM.* Ah ! how my heart expanded wide, The evening Sun was glowing. Its ray fell by the lake's blue side, — To view, we ceas'd our rowing. Its faint beam brighten'd as it fell. Its glory round us playing ; It burnish'd mountain, plain, and dell — On the bank's green side 'twas laying. Its last light quiver'd o'er the scene, Methought its radiance bright — An Angel wav'd his glorious beam Amidst his heavenly flight. * Written during a boat excursion. 19 A FRAGMENT. The Warrior is come, the battle is o'er, And Victory waves her red wing o'er the shore ; The martial notes sound o'er the castle's high walls, And the hero's lov'd name resounds tliro' his halls. The fair maidens advance, the song is resounding, And garlands of flowers are strewing around him. Hark ! hark ! to that shout — he is near ! he is come ! The Warrior once more is return'd to his home. From his foam-cover'd steed he essays to alight, But chill'd, chill'd is his heart, and dim, dim grows his sight. From the gash on his brow the blood is descending. And low, low on his breast his head it is bending. His Marian rushes in woe's frantic haste. And the Warrior sinks in her tender embrace. He is gone ! he is gone ! but his last look was love, And his spirit has flown to the regions above. 20 WHAT LOVE YE? Oh ! love ye not to list the Breeze, As it sighs across the lake, And kisses low the quiv'ring trees, And whispers thro' the brake ? And love ye not the Moonlight Hour^ When its ray is o'er the sea. And tinges bright thy lonely bow'r. As it smiles o'er the lea ? Oh ! love ye not the Watery Spray, As it dashes to the sky. And, shining in the moonlight ray. Like silvery stars they fly? And love ye not the Brealvers' roar, Wlien the moonbeam's flitting by. When the waves roll lightly o'er the shore, And the wind is sighing nigh? 21 And love ye not the early Morn, When the dew is glitt'ring bright, And the drops [sparkling on the thorn, And all is peaceful, calm, and light ? And love ye not sweet Nature's sounds In the still, quiet, ev'ning hour, When the dim ray each scene embow'rs, And Eve has clos'd each flower ? When the sounds come stilly thro' th' air, And the herds are lowing low, Ah ! that's the time to banish care, And light, lightly think of woe. When the balmy breeze is sweeping by, Then muse on some lost friend, And fancy 'tis their spirit's sigh. As from the skies they bend. 9> A FRAGMENT.. I've 8at entrauc'd beneath the starry rays, And mus'd on former and on happier days, When the light spirits, peaceful in their mirth, Thought only on those joys which live on earth ; Thought not of ills, of lov'd ones banish'd far, Nor dreamt of ought this blissful scene could mar. Chang'd is that dream : alone I bend my way, When eve draws o'er the scene her shade of grey, To yon dark rock ; in pensive thought I rest, And still the wild emotions of my breast. Alone I listen to the night-wind's sigh. And think on all the joys of infancy; List to the wild wave breaking o'er the shore. And glad my spirit in the wat'ry roar. Ah ! yes, I've sat, and thought on friends and home ; Thought on those lov'd ones, M'ho were forc'd to roam; 23 Thought on those forms once grae'd with health and youth, Whose hearts I honour'd for their matchless truth ; And then the wild thoughts come, and cloud my brow. And whisp'ring grief will ask, where are they now ? Too quick the answer : rest my throbbing heart — Who bade those lov'd ones and thyself to part ? One ! One ! who knows alone whate'er is right, In mercy hides the future from thy sight. This world is not a world of happiness ; Tlie other is a world surpassing bliss. Then would I keep them here ? Ah ! no : farewell ! Lie still my heart, nor dare thy grief to tell. Tho' all are gone, one thought forbids despair ; I look to Heaven, and hope to meet them there. 24 SAY, DID HE FALL UNWEPT? Beneath a foreign clime lie died, With not one kindred near ; Nought mourn'd around his humble bed, Or sooth'd his lowly bier. There was a sigh went sweeping on, And bent it o'er his tomb ; 'Twas but the wild wind whistling by Amid the nightly gloom. There was a smile gleam'd o'er that grave. And pensive play'd around ; And it lit with a mournful light That lonely spot of ground. Oh ! 'twas but the moonbeam smiling, To think his soul had rest; For his heart was pure and guileless, And Jionour fill'd his breast. •^5 There was a drop that fell beside That low and lonely mound ; It seera'd as though some mourner wept Upon that mossy ground. Was it a tear? Ah! no! 'twas nought, Nought save the dashing spray, Which, wafted by the evening breeze. Upon its bosom lay. But did that wand'rer fall unwept, And was he mourn 'd by none ? Was there no tear-drop shed for him. And did he die alone ? He died alone: no kindred hand Was there to soothe that hour; But joy to tell, he died in peace, He knew not sin's sad pow'r. Yes ! there are hearts which weep for him ; They feel — not show their grief. His memroy is by far too dear For tears to bring relief. And there are lips which speak of him, But not to stranger's car ; For strangers cannot feel for him, Although they shed the tear. 2ii And though he died so far away, Though Eastern gales around him play ; Yet there are hearts which weep his doom. And sighs which cannot reach his tomb. And there are thoughts which round him wait. And hopes which will not bend to fate. Oh ! no ! those hopes are plac*d on high 1 They reach beyond the boundless sky, And dream, amid this cheerless earth, Of a far happier, brighter birth. 27 MEMORY, Hail ! Mem'ry : oft a soother of my woe, Thou bidst these phantom scenes around me flow. *Tis true thou raisest visions to the eye, Dreams of lost friends, which oft create the sigh. And yet I love these dreams of parted bliss Mem'ry calls forth, and fancy aids to dress These scenes where friendship once with tender gaze Allured my wand'ring thoughts, and blest my days. Blest, did I say ? Alas ! the tear will rise Uncheck'd, unbidden, heaves my breast with sighs. Friendship ! that name — I honour it far more Than all the brilliant dross of worldling's store. But not that friendship, which but breathes to-day, Expands too soon, then sinks into decay. That friendship I would prize must live for years ; Must soothe in sorrow, and e'en smile 'mid tears. Such, such was Emma's. Oh ! forgive, my friend^ These falling tears which friendship's visions send. Come, Mem'ry, then, to me, delightful maid ; On hov 'ring wing attend, and lend thy aid. And Fancy, too, with Pity's tender tear, Soothe, soothe me, whilst I weep on Emma's bier. Recall each word, each tender look and tone, And Emma's image raise, now Emma's flown. For ah ! thy seraph spirit soars on high, Too pure for earth, a blossom from the sky. Go, then, I bid thee go, friend of my heart ; To know thee blest, robs sorrow of her dart ; And if permitted here on earth to glide, Rouse me from sin, and ev'ry folly chide. ^ THE EXILE'S FAREWELL. Oh ! Ellen, how vainly I thought My love and affection to show, And once imagined that nought But death could divide us below. Vain thoughts, they are fading like day, So sunk are my visions of bliss ; And fast, fast is melting away Each smile of my lost happiness. My home and my Ellen were all I fondly imagin'd was mine : The brightest star often must fall, And its rising be clouded like mine. 30 The sun which shines bright through the day, Sinks gently to shimbery rest, While far, far, is painted its ray, — It bends to the ocean's caress. So calm, and so placidly mild, Smiles the Baby, as ev'ning draws nigh : Ah ! happy and innocent Child, Sleep unruffl'd by tear or by sigh. The moonbeam shines bright from above, And silvery tips o'er the trees; Each scene seems contentment and love, As hush'd by the whisp'ring breeze. But what is the snnshine to me ? Its set or its rise is the same ; No lov'd one admiring will see, And join in far wafting its fame. The moonbeam so softly may smile, And shed its mild ray o'er the lake, And add charms to yon ruin'd pile, Wliich silently bends to its fate. 31 But what is the moonbeam to me ? Alone shall I watch and admire Its quiv'ring ray o'er the tree, And shades in fantastic attire ? The ivy still clings to the wall, The waters still sigh at its base, Each seems to lament for the fall And the pride of that once gallant race. Farewell to the pride of Glenmore ; Ah ! soon must that ruin decay : No longer its shelt'ring door The wandering minstrel will pay. No more will the harp he so priz'd, Resound to the echoing touch ; Whilst his voice, as it trembling dies, Yields alone to the praises of worth. But who will lament for my fall ? Say, say, who will weep o'er my bier? Does merriment sound in my hall ? Is my absence bewail'd with a tear ? 3-2 The sun will resume its bright course, The moonbeam will smile in its pride, \Mien low, low is buried my corse. And the hoarse mnd howls shrill by my side. 33 FRAGMENTS. I. Welcome, sweet Fancy, to my youthful breast ! Be ever near me when my heart's opprest. With thee, I wander o'er the flow'ry lawn ; ^^'^ith thee, I greet the blithe return of morn ; With thee, I trace the rich bespangl'd sky ; With thee I pause upon the night-wind's sigh. How oft I 've listen'd to the pealing bell, AVhose silv'ry tone sweet echoes thro' the dell ; Then, lost to worldly cares and worldly thought,' Pensive the lonely thicket's side I 've sought ; [ Mus'd upon aught which wayward Fancy lent, And felt, O bliss ! the blessing of content. When Ev'ning's veil in gentle pace descends, And list'ning Silence o'er the valley bends, Then, then, 1 wind my way through yonder wood, Whose tow'ring trees have through flown ages stood ; D 34 Whose spreading arms still court the breath of Heav'n, And bend in thanks for ev'ry zephyr giv'n. Calm, soft, and still the air, till odorous scent Is wafted round, by balmy breezes lent. Where, where, is Fancy ? still I court her aid, And welcome to my arms the gifted Maid. How oft, when seated on the mossy ground, And all, save Nature's sounds, are still around ; The breeze soft whistling through the leafy spray, The pebbl'd waters dancing in the ray ; With eager eyes I 've rov'd o'er ev'ry scene, And follow'd quick through Fancy's busy dream ; Thought of each legend and repeated tale Of lofty castle, and of lowly dale, Which oft in childhood's hour I lov'd to hear — The tale which caus d the secret, pleasing fear ; Sat till each scene in soft delusion bound, And Fancy almost fairyliz'd the ground ; Till feelings flow'd too quick to be defin'd, And Fancy's flights o'erpowVd the reasoning mind ; Sat, till each sense in fanci'd bliss confin'd, Till starting tears reliev'd the swelling mind. 35 II. The Moon soft smiling into rest Upon the billows' silv'ry breast, And Nature seems serenely sweet : ' ris such a nio-ht as Fairies meet. The spangled sky, expanding wide, E'en brightest jewels might deride; The lowly bleating of the herd, The soft, melodious, midnight bird, The tall, majestic, silv'ry trees, As slowly bending to the breeze. Admit the light of yon blue sky; Again the spot in shadows lie. Ah ! 'tis a charm that swells my breast, And bids conflicting passions rest; And pride's warm glow, and sorrow's chain, Ah ! would they'd ne'er usurp again. III. What, when ling'ring o'er the mountain, Decks the smiling landscape bright ? Or, reclining hy the fountain, Gilds the scene with pure deliglit? D 2 33 What tips the clouds with azure gold, When the sun reclines to rest ? When ev'ning sheds her ample fold, And sinks upon the ocean's breast? Methinks, 'tis Fancy's lovely form Turns each scene to magic bright ; Rejoic'd, with her I'll breathe the morn, And enjoy each rural sight. IV. Come, Hope ! thou fearful, tender maid, To cheer my heart, ah ! lend thy aid. Dispel the sadly gath'ring tear ; Thy presence to my soul is dear. When friends are gone, and I'm alone. And all my comfort 's from me flown, Oh ! then, to Hope I'll wing my way — My sorrows from my heart she'll stay. Hope from my breast shall drive despair ; With Hope I'll breathe a fresher air, And forward look o'er all my grief. For Hope shall bring me glad relief. 37 TELL, WHERE IS JOY? Tell, where is Joy ? beneath the blooming bow'r ? Say, does she live in Beauty's laughing eyes ? Ah ! no, she sinks from thence, like faded flow'r, And, like the summer breeze, takes wing, and flies ! Beauty must fade, the brightest bloom decay, And laughing eyes grow dull with pain and care ; And all the graces swift will flee away, And blithesome spirits own the fiend Despair. Tell, where is Joy ? Lives she in Music's sphere ? Say, does she dwell in Science' lofty dome ? Dwells she in soft Compassion's trembling tear ? Does tender Pity claim with her a home ? 38 Grandeur invites her to his sparkling hall, Whose golden dome reflects a thousand sides ; She hears, but heeds not, his repeated call, And scorns the oft'er of his jewell'd bribes. Where, where, is Joy ? Lives she in lovers' sighs, In vows of faith, in interchange of hearts, In maidens' blushes, and in youths' bright eyes ? Ah ! no ; for e'en from them she soon departs. W^here does she dwell ? In dark monastic gloom, Whose tow'ring walls preclude the light of day ? There, where the prison'd wretch pines o'er his doom. Whose sick'ning soul sighs, sighs, to soar away ? Ah ! no ; from tlicncc with eager speed she flics, As if contagion lurk'd within the halls ; And, trembling, glances with averted eyes; And, shudd'ring, scans those dark entombing walls. Seek, seek, her not on earth : 'tis all a dream. Her visits short, how transient, and how few! Bright, gay, and sparkling as the summer beam, Or as the glitter on the morning dew. 89 WRITTEN ON SEEING A BUTTERFLY EARLY IN SPRING. Say, thou little beauteous stranger, Wherefore on thy airy wing ? Dost thou court the coming danger Of the scarcely blooming Spring ? Breezes rough will play around thee, Aided by the sudden rain ; Partial sunbeams but deceive thee, And I watch thy flight with pain. Heedless childhood soon pursues thee, Canst thou 'scape that youthful hand. And swift, with thoughts instinctive flee, From that little playful band ? 40 And if thou dost, a few sliovt days Will bliglit thy beauteous glow; Will banish all thy sparkling rays, And bring thy vaunted colours low. Ah ! thus is our short day of life Scarcely op'd to blooming spring, Ere 'tis set with care and strife j For each morn its dangers bring. What supports us midst the trials Which around our flight are plac'd, Where our wishes meet denials From those pleasures scarce we taste? It is Eternity's bright ray,' Where the soul will freely roam ; It is that everlasting day, Wliich conducts us to our home. Bright, bright, above the skies we'll range, In immeasurable joy ; Ah ! say, my soul, then would'st thou change With this rich, but fleeting toy ? 41 For this must vanish, when the day Shall close upon its sparkling wing ; But my soul sliall soar away To where the Seraphs ever sing. 42 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. Moon, wherefore dost thou nighlly rise? To show the glory of the skies. Bright Sun ! who made and bade thee shine ? The One alone who is divine. Speak, Truth, where is thy dwelling-place ? Before the Heaven's awful race. Say, Flowers, wherefore live and die ? To show 'tis vain for life to siffh. Fair Stars, why do ye sparkling shine ? Because we were the Saviour's sign. 43 Waters ! why do ye ebb and flow ? The Hand that made us bade us so. Who plac'd the Rainbow in the sky ? The One whose Word will never die. Speak, Death ! what lies beneath the tomb ? The brightest day— or, darkest gloom. 41 ODE TO SPRING. All hail ! to Spring's delightful hours, Her glowing charms, and budding bow'rs, And streamlets wand'ring slow ; The meadow drest in verdant green. And every living object seems In richer charms to