UC-NRLF ALVMNVS BOOK FVND VERSES, BY THE REV. R. N. FRENCH, it FOREMARK, DERBYSHIRE. SDerbp : PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, AND SOLD BY G. WILKINS, IN THE QUEEN-STREET. And may be had of the following London Booksellers: MILLAR, ALBEMARLE-STREET ; LONGMAN, HURST, REES, AND ORME, PATERNOSTEK-ROW; TFPPER, LEADENHALL- STREET; RIDGEWAY, PICCADILLY; CROSBY AND co. STATIONER'S COURT; STOCKDALE, PICCADILLY; ANB ALL OTHER BOOKSELLERS IN TOWN AND COUNTRY. 1808. GUSTAFUS KING OF SWEDEN; AS A SMALL TESTIMONY OF THE ADMIRATION AND ESTEEM DUE TO HIS LOLD, DIGNIFIED) MAGNANIMOUS CONDUCT, FROM EVERY REAL PATRIOT AND LOVER OF INDEPENDENCE, THE FOLLOWING TRIFLES 7 ARE RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED, BY THE AUTHOR. APRIL, 1808. GUSTAVUS ADOLPIIUS, KING OF SWEDEN. DISDAIN not GUILD OF HONOUR ! to receive This humble offering from a Stranger's Lyre, Who loves his Country, IOTCS the noble cause Of YirtUOUS Indcpcndoo $ and beholds With admiration's undissembled gaze Thy bold resistance of the general Foe, Thy noble scorn of his tyrannic threats, And firm adherence to thy antient league With the great Queen of Ocean : whilst around The shrinking Nations bow before his sword, And yield, a base submission to his will. Ti. Hence dost thou stand amid their crouching Kings, Like a tall Oak that braves the raging Storm, Arid stiU defies the fury of his strength, Whilst pliant willows bend before his breath, And spread their plumy crests along the ground : Hence, doth thy Croxvn with Star-like lustre shine Through the dark clouds that hang o'er Europe's realms, And dim the brightness of her antient Thrones. So, when in Heaven the Angelic bands seduc'd Fell from allegiance to the King of Kings, And with false Lucifer rebellious jonTd, The Seraph Abdiel firm and faithful stood, " *Amid the Faithless, Faithful only He." O brave and virtuous Monarch ! may Success Crown thy intrepid courage, with the plumes Amid the FaitMeis, &c." Milton'* Paradise Lo*t. vii. Of Victory's crest, as surely as Renown Shall with the truest Glory gild thy name : Glory, which shall, in History's deathless page, With spotless light outshine that STAR OF WAR Who wore erewhile, like thee the Gothic crown, The Groat, the Brave, the Unconquerable CHARLES- For wild Ambition and a mad desire Of Fame and Conquest urg'd His ruthless arm ; But THINE the Cause of Justice and of Right ; The Voiae of Nature, prompting Self-defence ; The Voice of Wisdom, monishing the Brave That HONOUR ever points the safest path ; - That proud Oppression grows by base compliance, rasps with a greedier hand the yielded treasure, And proudly tramples on the prostrate neck, Adding contempt to cruelty and wrong : That better therefore in a brave defence To fall with Glory, than survive with Shame ; till. Better in one great struggle to expire Victim of War, than, willing Slave of Peaee, In abject bonds to drag a loathsome life. Such the high thoughts that rule thy noble mind. All Hearts of Honour, to their Country true. Shall laud thy gallant daring, whilst thy Foes And they who hate thee Monarch ! shall revere. O may'st thou conquer ! and my gladsome voice Greet thy Triumphant Valour with the. Lay The Muse delights to sound in GLORY'S ear, "Hail CHILD OF HONOUR! CHILD OF FORTUNE too April, 1808. CONTENTS. PAGE. Ode, on the Death of Marshal Suwarrow, I Elegiac verses, to the memory of Dr. Darwin, 13 Ode on the Peace, 1802, 17 Ode on the National Defence, 1803, 21 Ode to a Little Girl, 28 The Myrtle, 32 Song, " Let Homer's," &c 36 Spring, a Pastoral Song, 38 Lyrical Stanzas, 40 Birth of the Rose, 41 Love, dreaming in the Bower of Sleep, 45 The 24th Ode of the 1st Book of Horace, 49 Sonnet, to the Hon. Mrs. V , 51 fe CONTEXTS. PAGE. Sonnet, sent with a box of Spring Howers, 52 Elegy, 53 Sonnet, written in time of Affliction, 59 Sonnet, sent in a box of Spar, 60 War Elegy, , 61 Lore aud Hope. 65 Lin?s presented with a wreath of Yew, 70 Lines, sent to Mrs. N , 72 Epitaph, 73 A Lover's Day, 75 Sonnet to Mr. Glorer, 79 Sonnet to Mrs. J,os. Strutt, 80 Sonnet to a Friend, 81 Sonnet to a Hyacinth, 82 Souuet to the Moon, 84 Sonnet to an Old Coat, 85 Lines on a Miniature Picture, 86* Lines, seat with Mavor'8 British Nepos, 88 CONTENTS. PAGE. Wreath of Sorrow, 95 Lines presented with a Necklace, &c 97 Elegiac Lines, to Miss R. C 101 Lines on leaving London, 104 The Snowdrop's Complaint, 107 Lines presented to a Lady leaving Scarbro', 117 Lady's Lay to her Harp, 119 The Wild Rose, 124 A Simple and Pathetic Tale, 130 Ghosts, 132 Lines, written in a Prayer Book, ,135 Invitation to a Landscape Painter, 136 Bouquet d> Amitie, 139 Lore and a Cottage, 143 Love and a Lord, 145 Epigram, 148 Edward, a Monody, 149 ERRATA. THE Reader is requested to correct the numerous omis arions and errors of the Press in respect of punctuation which but too frequently occur in the following pages and which were not detected till too late for amendment. PAGE 1 LINE 7 for u was" read cc is" 21 2 for " solutes" read " salutes" .... 72 .... 1 for u minic" read u mimic" .... 72 6 for " sprigg" read " sprig" .... 74 .... 10 for u ventured" in italics, read u Tentured" in rornan. 76 1 5 for " drops" rearf " droops" 77 5 for " wanted" read " wonted" 85 10 for u oftsoons" rcaJ " eftsoons" 88 -for "Grenville"read"Granville" .... 01 .... 4 for u radience" read u radiance" .... 91 9 for the pronoun " thee" read the article " the" 96 8 for " down read " drown" .... 99 5 /or " misdeam" r^arf u misdeem." VERSES, &c. ODE, tf j ON THE DEATH OF MARSHAL SUWARBOW. [1800.] I. JLr ARK clouds obscure the northern sky, And hark ! what means that piercing cry ? It is the Russian Eagle's scream ! Transported in poetic dream. On Inspiration's wing I soar, And scan the rugged Scythian shore. It was the Russian Eagle's scream ! Close by a funeral bier she flies, With flagging wings and languid eyes ; For sad she mourns the liyelong day, The buckler of her wide dominion, "iThe vigour of her towering pinion, By Death rcmorsless pluck'd away. Though fall'n thy crest, imperial Bird ! Thy glossy plumes tho' dimmM by sorrow. No less a grief that bier demands ; No less is due to great Suwarrow. II. But what are these that throng around. Invited by the mournful sound ? A various train of foes and friends, Pale Rumour to the funeral sends, From Earth, and Sky, and stormy Deep, Some to triumph, some to weep. Fleet is Vengeance, slow is Grief; His foes first reach the lifeless Chief. But, who so far outstrips the rest, With blood-stain'd robe, and throbbing breast ; Flashing ryes, and streaming hair, Joy gleaming over dark despair ? . 'Tis Ismael, I know her now, By the crescent on her brow ; The broken crescent, which thy blow, Stern Suwarrow ! laid so low.* Give the wretched Genius way : She may curse, if any may : But lo ! what sudden fear appals Her trembling frame ! See ! tamely falls That lifted arm her cheek how white ! Her tottering knees each other smite : Scarce dares she view yon lifeless form, Grim Semblance of a sleeping Storm , But hurries with averted head, To conceal her inward dread. Alluding to the capture of the city of Ismael, by the Russian armf Marshal Su\varrow and the slaughter and barbarities committed that occasion. Nor can she from his clay-cold corse The promis'd comfort borrow ; So terrible in death appears The visage of the stern Suwarrow. III. What veteran Warrior see I now, Scarr'd upon his rugged brow, With folded arms and eye severe, Gazing on the solemn bier ? The port of Cato, Brutus' soul, Mark the brave renowned Pole : *Kosciusko once again, Deigns to tread the paths of men ; Indulged by Pluto to behold, His Country's foe disgraced and cold. Hark ! he speaks Unveil the head, ]~-Thc Author at the time understood Kosciusko to be dead. " Let me look upon the dead." The trembling slaves his voice obey, Nor dare his awful form survey. " And is it thus ? is this the brand., " That ravag'd late my native land, Quench'd by a frown, and cast aside, " The victim of a tyrant's pride? " Yes, 'tis the righteous doom of Fate, " To such as prop a tyrant's state. u I, who undismay'd could meet, " Thy fury in the battle's heat, " And on thy flashing eye-balls gaze, < Red with War's destructive blaze, * ' Cannot without pity scan " Thy alter'd features, pale and wan. " I came to triumph ; but I go, u Fraught with undissembled sorrow : u Valour mourns the valiant foe, " Farewell injur'd brave Suwarrow ! IV. Now I see exulting France, Gaily to the bier advance ; Conquest flushing on her cheek, Her eyes a giddy triumph speak. Ah ! she comes not here to show Penitence or tender woe ; But in sounds of briskest measure, Vents her undissembled pleasure. u Great Barbarian ! 'twere in Tain " For me to wear the mask of sorrow - 3 " Fix'd is now my glorious reign, " I triumph by thy fall, Suwarrow ! V. Darker clouds the day o'ercast ; Harshly groans the northern blast : Lo ! from the descending storm, Stately steps an awful form ; The conscious Russians shrink dismay'd Tis Imperial Catharine's shade ! Return'd upon the stage of Time, In grief, and mingling wrath sublime. She comes, (ye slaves your faces hide,} Much to grieve, but more to chide. " Is then the glory I have won, " SoiI'd by my degenerate son ! * " Lo ! where my valiant Hero lies ; c Robb'd of Honour's dear-bought prize, ' Of all that can reward the brave, c He goes to an inglorious grave. " Disease had aim'd a feeble dart, " Ingratitude transfix'd his heart." We who tread the Stygian shore, May not vent in tears our sorrow, * It will doubtless be remembered that Suwarrow was disgraced by he Emperor Paul, which waa said to occasion the Veteran's death. 8 Else, eyes that never wept before, Should weep for injur'd, brave Suwarro^ VI. Next, in the sable garb of woe, With pensive head and footsteps slow, Italia comes with heartfelt grief, To mourn the mighty northern Chief, Whose sinewy arm had wrench'd the chains, That late oppress'd her groaning plains, Return, return, ill-fated power ! Nor give to Grief the little hour The little hour the Fates design That Peace and Freedom shall be thine.* And hark ! ev'n now the clang of War Sounds on the Southern gale afar. She hears, she starts from Sorrow's trance, 14 Italy, which had been delivered from the French by the Russian army under Suwarrow, was, soon after his death, reconquered by that power. And throws behind a fearful glance. When lo ! to blast her stiffening eyes. Aloft the Gallic standard flies ; That standard which the Furies wove Deep in their infernal grove ; When each her favourite colour chose. Fraught with guilt and fraught with woes. As round the direful work they stood, This dropped her serpent's crimson blood ; That cull'd the nightshade's sullen blue, Which by the Stygian waters grew ; And one, with her sulphureous breath, * Gave white, that mock'd the cheek of Death. This fatal flag Italia sees, Wide waving on the labouring breeze, And, forc'd by anguish and despair, Gave white.} Tt being one of the properties of sulphureous vapour to discharge colour, thU metaphor may be said to be cbsmisally correct. 10 With broken accents rends the air ; " What warrior arm shall aid me now ? " What sword, what buckler shall I borrow ? " Fall from the flaming crest of War, u One spark ! to rouse the cold Si>warrow !" VII. Well I know that matron's face, Placid brow, majestic grace, That, rising from the swelling main r Comes to close the various train ; Britannia, Mother ever dear, Whose mailed arm and generous tear In Justice' cause, the nations know, To striker pity, never slow : Britannia leaves her azure wave, To grace Suwarrow's honour'd grave. For well she knew the warrior's worth, And deem'd him scarce of mortal birth : 11 "Whom now she sorrows to behold, A clod of earth supine and cold. " Peace to thy shade, unhappy Chief! " Releas'd from every pain and sorrow ; " In Pluto's realms the Scythian ghosts " Shall joyful hail their own Suwarrow." VIII. 'Tis past the Pageant disappears - But sounds seraphic charm my ears. a Mortal ! thou whose favour'd eye " Did this shadowy scene descry, 4t A moral from the vision learn, " Nor unimprov'd to earth return. " If Ambition fire thy breast, " With many a restless wish possest, " And dreams of fame and grandeur rise, To dazzle thy deluded eyes, " And make Ihee think their gifts divine ; 12 -* c Oh, correct the vain opinion, " Cease to enry Fortune's minion, " Nor at thy lowly lot repine ! " Think whate'er she gives to-day, " The Goddess may resume to-morrow ; " Spurn then her capricious sway, =" And mourn the fate of great Suwarrow!" 13 ELEGIAC VERSES, * , TO THE MEMORY OF ERASMUS DARWIN, M. D. AUTH< a THE BOTANIC GARDEN." Supposed to be inscribed on the Pedestal of an 7rw, in Grove or Bower p , at the Priory^ NEAR DERBY. STRANGER! revere the Genius of this bower, And the pale urn that consecrates its shade. It stands sad proof of Death's resistless power, O'er one who oft his cruel shaft delay 'd. Sacred to Darwin is this simple urn, Darwin, immortal in the Muse's page ! Caast thou with Science think, with Genius burn ? Admire the Poet, and revere the Sage. 14 Ask'st thou by whom this modest marble came ? By whom was trac'd this tributary rhyme ? Unequal both to that illustrious name. Which long shall gild th' illumin'd path of Time. Know, what they could fond Gratitude and LOTC Did weeping on that honoured name bestow ; The lone Eliza, in this sacred groye, Rear'd this sad symbol of a widow's woe. Milcena's sotf in grateful verse repaid (O debt ! uncancell'd by his humble lays) The tender *strains that sooth'd a Mother's shade, And grac'd her memory with immortal praise. Straw.] ride the Botanic Garden for the beautiful and pathetic Lioes on the Death of Mrs, French, Part I. Economy of Vege- tation, Canto 3, line 297. 1.5 Round this lov'd spot fair Flora shall extend Her blossom'd shrubs, and plant her gay parterre ; Vhilst gauze-wing'd sylphs with venom'd darts defend 'he haliow'd plants, and tend the blooming year. n sparry cell beneath the rock-hewn base, !"he dusky Gnomes shall find a still abode ; d watchful from the sculptured marble chase slimy snail, and slow unsightly toad. ]*he loTely Naiad of the crystal spring li to yon basin lead her glittering stream ; Whilst flame-crown'd Nymphs from Heaven's pure ether bring L*O the smooth mirror their unclouded beam. lither the sons of Science shall repair, A.nd blend with praise their deep regretful sigh ; And hither oft shall Fancy's children bear ler tear-quench'd torch, and flowers of duskiest dye. 16 Receive, great Shade ! the homage of their lore ; Look from thy starry chair benignant down ! Still, as on earth, their virtuous cares approve, Whilst Vice and Folly shrink beneath thy frown. 17 ODE, OX THE PEACE CONCLUDED BETWEEN ENGLAND AND FRANCE, APRIL 1802. HUSH'D is the clangor of the Fight; The shouts, the shrieks of horror cease Lo ! breaking from a night of clouds, Shines forth the radiant light of Peace, Touch'd by the pure ethereal beam. Like Satan by Ithuriel's spear, How starts the Giant- Fiend of War ! How high his dragon-coursers rear ! ^ His cruel arm uprais'd on high. That fiercely shakes the gory lash, Hangs palsied in the sultry air ; His red eyes darken at the flash.* IS The mangled wretch, who writhing lay Beneath his chariot's scythed wheels, Joyful beholds the saving beam, And hope and lessening anguish feels. And hark ! a sweet celestial voice Pronounces u Peace" the magic sound Dispels the wild infernal race, That long had ravag'd earth around.* Fell Discord gathers up her snakes In haste into her hollow breast, Where coiling in their native ilames Full gorg'd with blaod at length they rest. The War-fiend sounds his shrill retreat, His hellish pack r. round him throng ; Despair and Famine, ghastly Fr Hatred, Distrust, airl " breathless Wrong."* Shabpcarc. If Glad Europe sees the savage group With horrid yell at once descend, Or to the sultry Western Isles Their dark destructive flight extend. Bound by the arm of jealous PoMer, Sad freedom, in Oppression's den, Hears the glad shouts of u Welcome, Peace !" And thinks of light and life again ; And dares to hope the monstrous shade, Which late her name, not likeness bore ? Dissolved into a bloody mist, Is vanish'd to return no more. Led by gay Hope, man's constant friend, Lo ! where advance a goodly band ; Fair Plenty shows her teeming horn, The Arts to Commerce give the hand. 20 Pleas'd Spring on purple clouds descends. And shrinks from paths of blood no more ; But smiling pours her fragrant blooms On verdant fields unstain'd by gore. Long may the olive-loTing Maid Beam on our isle her smile serene ! And long upon its circling wares Be her blue robes reflated icen ! ODE, ON THE NATIONAL DEFENCE BY VOLUNTEERS, AS IT WAS ORIGINALLY PROPOSED. AUGUST 1803. IS it the martial trumpet's blast, Which thus solutes my ear ? That blasf accustom'd to awake Destruction, Death, and Fear ? Oh whence hath it so strange a note, So sweet and thrilling found, That Peace herself hath snatch'd a sword, Enamoured of the sound ? 'Tis Justice blows the trumpet now, In self-defence she calls : Come forth, ye People of the land, From Cottages and Halls ! 22 Yon Gallic Tyrant's cruel eye Your ripening harvest sees, And boastful bids his hungry bands, Go revel where they please. They look to spoil your fertile fields, And reap the golden ears : But this the harvest they shall find, The iron growth of spears. The hand which now the* sickle grasps, Ere long shall grasp the sword : And Cores clad in shining mail, Shall guard her ample hoard. Though far yon vast Colossal Powec Extend its deadly shade, And Nations in the chilling gloom, Like flowers in darkness fade. Yet, Men of Britain ! shrink not ye- From this gigantic foe ; But what the fofce of armed Right, O let the Nations know I Remember how the Man of Gath Came boastful to destroy ; And what subdued his impious strength ? A pebble and a boy. His grim-eyed forehead kiss'd the ground Before a beardless youth ; Supported by the Lord of Hosts The God of Right and Truth.- To that same God ycmr prayers address^ The same your righteous cause : His arm shall aid the virtuous Land That loves and keeps His laws. Gird on thy sword, thou Man of might ! (Each youth of Britain, hear ! For mighty ev'n shall boys be found, And scorn ignoble fear.) Then think upon the glorious name Your great forefathers gave, And swear unstained for your sons, The high bequest to save. Let the firm phalanx of the land Collect the shores around, Then woe ! to that invading foot, That shall thereon be found. Oh how shall Gaul's deluded bands Their rash presumption rue ! How curse the wavos and treacherous breeze, That bore them o'er to you. 25 That bore them o'er, a sacrifice To that indignant Power, Which long hath mark'd their growing crimes^ And now hath mark'd their hour. Behold ! the destin'd victims come In battle's dread array, To make the triumph brighter shine Of Britain's proudest day. For Britain's Genius, like the rock Amid tumultuous waves, Unmov'd shall keep her antient state. Though fierce the tempest raves. Alike the thunder and the flash Her Island shall sustain ; And long fair Freedom's favorite throne, It shall, it shall remain. E 26 BIRTH-DAY ODE. TO JL LADY. WRITTEN IN MARCH. I'M told this is thy natal day. And ere its welcome light depart, Much do I wish in Terse to say (Would but the Muse inspire the lay !) Something affectionate and gay. Just like your own good heart. The blooming wreath and sweet bouquet, Of Summer or of Spring, Fain would I send too ; but the spray Not yet hath felt the genial ray, Since fierce winds tore the leaf away, Which May alone can bring. 27 Yet oh ! would Fancy but display Her blooming wild domain, And let me through her Eden stray Conducted by some Elfin Fay, Or left alone to lose my way, It should not be in vain. Thy gentle virtues to pourtray An emblematic wreath I'd find Of flowers that never should decay, Like those that deck inconstant May, But laugh at Time's despotic sway, His sun, his rain, his wind. /" But gather such I never may - Yet since you love the new and strangt Smile on this ode ! wherein I pray Long may this dawn a happy day t And only, Lady ! pass away To bring more welcome change ! 28 ODE, SENT TO A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE GIRL, OF THE AGE OF FOUR YEARS, With a garland of Evergreens, in return for her having zcish'd, the author " was playing with her," adding at the same time, " how she lov'd him." SWEET child thy wish sincere and kind For aye hath won thy French's heart. Whose simple reed and ardent mind Would fain his gratitude impart In costly gift or deathless lay, That might his tender love display. But this I TOW ; how long I live My love my lyre to thee belong. Take then, ('tis all thy bard can give) A garland and an artless song, 29 A garland to adorn thy hair A song to soothe thy Mother's care. I have not sent the blooming rose, Nor lilly fair, nor harebell blue, For well I ween that each of those Is ever, lovely child ! with you. Whoe'er beholds your cheeks and eyes, Must those inferior flowers despise. But I have sent the leaf so green, That freshest grows in wintry skies, Wherein this moral may be seen That virtue lives when beauty dieg : Nor scorn my holly's cluster'd slip, Though brighter red adorn thy lip. And should thy little wanton hands In gay caprice my garland rend, 30 Behold ! not one sharp thornlet stands To make thee smart and hate thy friend ; I cut them off, sweet child, to shew. Though scorn'd I ne'er could prove thy foe. Kiss, little girl, the myrtle spray, Which as I slipp'd from Venus' tree, I sigh'd to think I should be grey When myrtle would be dear to thee; And fondly wish'd that Time would wait, And let me sleep at Venus' gate, Till Susan thither should repair, To rob like me the plant divine ; Then might I wake and win the Fair, And my fresh leaf with her's entwine I Vain wish ! enough, if sober age Let me with Friendship offer Sage. 31 Though Time perversely hath contrived That we shall never, never meet In Venus' grove, and me depriv'd Of thy ripe love and kisses sweet, Yet crop who will the flower full-blown The tender bud be all my own ! The IOTC of Innocence like thine Hath charms for every feeling breast ; To me it seems the breath divine Of some protecting spirit blest ; And fancy paints thy lovely form The guardian Sylph that rules the Storm, And guides it from the favored head Ordain'd to share thy heavenly love. By thee my wandering steps be led Through life to reach the realms above t And ever may thy influence mild Shine on my fate, beloved child 1 THE MYRTLE. " WHY should we to the Myrtle pay Such veneration arid esteem ? And of its green white-blossom'd spray More highly deem Than that of other shrubs as sweet and gay ! Hapless Mortal ! dost not know ?" (I hear th' enraptur'd Lover cry) For not to know the reason why Of all the plants beneath the sky, The Myrtle is the first and best, Betrays a heart by warmth unblest, A heart of frozen snow. It is the plant to Venus giv'n The Queen of Beauty and of Lore ; From her Olympian bower 'twas riv'n And brought to earth by her own dove. And is of Love and Beauty too A happy emblem fair and true ; Its leaves and blossoms charm the sight Whilst day affords his garish light ; But oh! at night ? Beneath the still indulgent hour We feel its dear bewitching power Above contrauly Delicious odours then dispense > /-"" Which raise to extacy the sense And thrill the melting soul. And is that all ? enraptur'd Lover ! All thy mind can yet discover To celebrate the Myrtle's praise ? When thou shall't clasp thy Julia's urn, Or Damon's tomb in sorrow raise, Then shall thy aching bosom learn Another reason, whence to love The Myrtle every plant above. When wither'd on the ground shall lye Thy Myrtle garland pale and dry, Its fragrance shall unhurt remain As when it flourish'd on the plain. And haply then thy alter'd mind This emblematic sense shall find. When all its glossy green is flod, And every silvery blossom shed. The fragrance of the Myrtle's leaf Resembles much the tender grief, Which faithful Friend or Lover feels, When death the chcrish'd object steals. 35 Lore's better part survives the Tomb, Aud to its dark depressing gloom Something so sweetly sad imparts^ So dear to our afflicted heart*, From gawdy joys we gladly turn To seek the cold funereal urn ; And there how dear, though mournful, prov The memory of our former Love ; Which still a power to please retains And mitigates keen sorrow's pains, Still bidf the lover or the friend Oer cherish'd ashes fondly bend Slighting gay joys that bloom around To gather dry leave* from the ground. S6 SONG. LET Homer's deep majestic lyre To song of Gods and Men aspire, And thundering flash poetic fire, Let fame applauding shout it Around the earth and through the earth, About it and about it. Give me the thought, give me the line Of fancy born, and feelings fine, Which scorns by labour'd art to shine, Yet well can reach without it. Around the heart and through the hearf, About it and about it. 37 Come LOTC ! and Friendship ! in your turas, With rosy wreaths or funeral urns, ('Twas ye that taught sweet simple Burns Excelling art to scout it) Come to my heart, and tell my heart About it and about it. SPRING, A PASTORAL SONG, BY A CUMBERLAND SWAIN. Now white are the lambs on the side of the hill. And white is the thorn in the glen ? Now the gowan has raised up its beautiful head, And the warld's gaily green Lass ! again. If the spring of our joys with the spring of the year Would still with fresh vigour return, For the ravage of Winter I'd scarce drop a tear. Nor murmur a season to mourn. The bush which was strip'd of its blossoms and leataf, Now array'd in fresh beauty is seen, 39 But the heart which the cauid blast of sorrow hath smitten, The Spring, Lassie ! canna mak green. And since frosty sorrow will certainly come, Tho' we know not the how, where, or when ; To pass by the present bright days that are gnr'n Believe me Lass ! is not for men. Then whilst thou and I remain free from his gripe, Let our freedom in pleasure be seen ; Let us dance, sing and play with the Queen of the May, For the warld Lass ! is now gaily green. But Lassie! *think on, what the Priest said at Kirk, " In our joys we mun still keep a mean, And be innocent still, if we wish for to gang To a warld that will erer be green." * Think <>n to think ESQ, CLEAR was the lustre of thine eye Where sparkled Sense and Wit and Joy Undimm'd by partial Time, That only shed from pinions light Upon thy head a snowy white, Hale Winter's hoary rime. When in the social circle found With youth and gaity around So sportive could'st thou be ; So well in all their mirth engage, Youth peeping through the mask of Age Was but a type of thee. 41 THE BIRTH OF THE ROSE, AN ODE, MISS ROSE C 5 UPON HER BIRTH-DAY, DECEMBER, A JUFENILE PRODUCTION. OH ! had I Dryden's lyric power Or Darwin's polish'd Muse sublime, To celebrate this happy hour In golden Terse and deathless rhyme ; Then would I sing in heavenly strain O sweetest Rose ! thy heavenly birth, Which midst stern Winter's icy reign Adorned with vernal bloom the Earth. 42 Arch Cupid in a sportive mood Once aim'd at old December's breast ; The burning arrow thaw'd his blood And broke the torpid Dotard's rest. Just then the lovely Queen of Flowers Near him with airy footsteps mov'd, Around her danc'd the smiling Hours ; At once, he saw, he sigh'd, he lor'd. Lore gare to Age a transient youth, He flew to fold her in his arms, To seize the meed of faith and trutU, To revel in her radiant charms. The Goddess swifter than the wind Affrighted fled his cold embrace ; But left a blushing rose behind The hoary spoiler's hand to grace* 43 Whilst he exulting in his theft To earth the blooming treasure bears, Sad Flora of her pride bereft Bewails the loss with pearly tears. Yet as he goes the Spoiler cries " This flower shall deck my wintry snowf, u ~ Let Spring display her thousand dyei ic I only boast one matchless Rose. " Spring's transient wreath shall fade away u Scorch'd by relentless Summer's heat; c * But this blest rose shall ne'er decay, c * For ever blooming, ever sweet. " Nor shall it blighted and forlorn ci Shrink from the rigour of my reign ^ Emblem of virtue, it shall scorn " The blast, that ravages the plain. 44 " Yet weep not thus, sweet Queen of Flowers ! "H^ ** " 4 \ ' Which storm-tost in the lightning's glare Shines fearful ! ah ! it is Despair. 47 Go Fiend accurst ! go press alone Some bed of thorns or rugged stone ; There tossing howl thy curses deep ; But let sweet Lore untroubled sleep. Ah bootless wish ! her wither'd arms Already clasp the panting Boy, Whose bosom heaves with wild alarms As fades away the bloom of Joy. Convulsive shiverings shake him now, And cold drops start upon his brow : For now on Fancy's airy scene Dark clouds of horror intervene ; Black flows the stream, dim every leaf, Each closing floweret hangs thehead^ Each bower appears the den of Grief, The land the region of the dead. As o'er their head loud thunders roll Chill terror fills each lover's soul, 48 Awhile they gasp in mute amaze Whilst angry light'nings round them blaze. Three hideous forms from earth arise Discover'd by the lurid gleam, Tear from his arms their fainting prize, And bear her to the pitchy stream. In vain he wills the maid to save, They vanish thro' the opening wave. He shrieks ; then rushes from the brink, Resolv'd his Psyche's fate to share, And struggling all in vain to sink, Wakes in the bosom of Despair. 49 TIVENTY-FOURTH ODE OF THE FIRST BOOK OF HORACE. Ad Virgilium, " Quis Ah me ! what bounds can sorrow know Or in what measur'd cadence flow For one so lov'd so dear ? Teach plaintire Muse ! to whom is giv'n The lyre that charms the sons of Heav'n^ To sooth a mortal ear. Doth then the Power of endless Sleep " In his cold grasp Quinctilius keep ? Doth he remorseless bind The bold but unassuming youth Whose spotless faith unvarnish'd truth Have left no Peer behind ? 50 Wept by the yirtuous and the wise But most by thee O Friend ! he lies. Whose pious prayers in Tain From th unheeding Gods implor*, That they would to thine arms restore Quinctilius once again. Could'st thou the Thracian bard excel Whose magic Song enchanted Hell, Yet Tain were all thine art ! Life's ruddy flame would ne'er return To kindle in their marble ra The ashes of the heart. Nor could'st thou from the Stygian coast Recal the pale departed ghost From its relentless guide. >Tis hard but Resignation knows To sooth irreparable woe* And Fate's stern will abide. SONNET, SENT WITH A COLLECTION OF VERSES TO THE HONOURABLE MRS. T . As some young Indian wandering on his shores Strewn with the relics of the freighted tide With curious gaze the sandy beach explores, Where many a shining gem is scatter'd wide, And culls what most delights his simple eye From beds where glossy jet and amber bright Smooth shelli that shine with many a varying light, And coral sprigs in gay confusion lie ; Then bean the treasure to some noble dame A lowly tribute to her spotless fame : So I, fair Lady ! loitering on the strand Where sportive Fancy throws her sparkling wave, Cull'd these poetic toys, which humbly crave Benign acceptance from thy gracious hand. SONNET, SENT M'lTII A BOX OF EARLY FLOWERS AND SPRIGS OP SHRUBS GATHER'D AT FOREMARK, IN APRIL. WHAT Foremark is,- how verdant and how fair With springing foliage and expanding (lowers. What rising fragrance scents the vernal air And wooes the Zephyrs to sequester'd bowers Where the young leaves now spread a silky veil Of tenderest green, sweet messengers ! declare, Yourselves the vouchers of your simple tale. But wliat cnamour'd songs of birds delight, What white lambs sport along the pastures green. The fickle aspect of an April sky, Where clouds with sunshine wage fantastic fight And in strange shapes or changeful colours vie, Ye cannot tell, nor dare my pencil try In *cithcr art They must be 1 heard and seem. Either art sketching or versifying. ELEGY, occasioned by seeing a fragment of a stone seat or t able, formerly placed in a sequester' d and romantic spot on the bank of the river Caldew, by Josiah Relph, of Sebergham, Cumberland, who had been Schoolmaster and Minister of that village, and was the author of a volume of Poems of considerable merit, chiefly in the Cumberland Dialect. The stone fragment when seen by the author of this elegy, was removed from the ori- ginal situation of the seat and was lying in a neigh- bouring garden overgrown with weeds. The circum- stances of poor Relph' s life alluded to in the following lines are related in a short biographical memoir pre- fixed to an edition of his poems, published after Ms dzath at Carlisle, and sold also by T. N. Longman^ Paternoster-row, London* ELEGY. * NEGLECTED fragment of that rnstic seat Which Relph, the Bard of this sequester'd rate, Rear'd on yon shady bank, a calm retreat When strife domestic did his peaee assail ; And where, regardless of Night's chilling dewS, With light steps gliding by the crystal wave, He sought impatient the expecting Muse, Constant as Dian to Endymion's cave. Relic of ill-starr'd Genius ; doom'd to lie By weeds obscur'd, the insect's mossy home, Far dearer art thou to my pensive eye Than proudest column of the sculptur'd dome. For sorrowing Fancy there recorded finds That Virtue, Genius, Piety and Love Dwelt here unknown, afar from kindred minds Nor ever soar'd their native vale above. Yes ! as she muses, vocal by her art, Sad Fancy hears thee stone forlorn ! relate The mournful talc, and bid the swelling heart Sigh forth its tribute to the Poet's fate. Ah me ! that Peace denied to bless the lif The humble life his modest wishes chose, He shunn'd the busy town's tumultuous strife, Yet found not in obscurity repose. His glowing heart with best ambition burn'd To lead the careless rustics to their God, In mildest accents from his lipi they learn'd (More from his life) to kiss the chastening rod. - With patient industry he daily plyed, His useful labours in the Tillage school ; Studious the ruddy progeny to guide To classic lore, and Virtue's golden rulr. ~~ Born with that glowing tenderness of soul Which marks the Bard, the Lover, and the Friend, He groan'd beneath a Stepdame's stern controul. Skilful to freeze and vigilant to rend. 56 Nor for himself alone condemn'cl to griere : One much-loy'd Sister, partner in his fate, Claiui'd half his care. If pity could relieve, His gentle bosom sooth'd her sad estate. Oft would his swelling heart indignant burti, Till urg'd by wrongs he fled the hated roof; Yet still relenting yielded to return. And meekly still endur'd the sharp reproof. tor pure Religion triumph'd in his breast ; She bade him quell the rising serpent's pride, Her power charin'd down Resentment's liery crest. She cool'd his passions with her milky tide. To impious murmurs she forbade him yield, And shew'd each bolt malicious Fate could throw, Rebounding still from Resignation's shield Chang'd to a jewel for an Angel's brow. " Such sparkling diadem will soon be thine " Such," would she tell, " thy bright etherial form u As yon fair Sprite, whose silvery pinions shine " Soaring afar from Earth's tumultuous storm." On such high hopes the constant votary gaz'd ; In vain the Syren sensualist allur'd, 'n rain stern Fate the lash vindictive rais'd, le bow'd resign'd, and to the end endur'd. for long did Heav'n protract the final hour !*hat broke his shackles and dissolved in dust, Vhen his glad spirit sprang above the power 3f a fierce Stepdame and a Sire unjust. ! were I dweller in this peaceful vale, ?hou, mossy stone ! should'st know my daily care, from thy grassy bed I'd hurl the snail, noxious weed should shed pollution there. Sut there my hand should bid the lillies bloom. Emblems, O Relph ! of innoccnee and thee, There, early violets shed their sweet perfume, And there should flourish green the Poet's tree. On its light spray to hail the eye of Spring The thrush would haste*, and build its downy nest ; And wandering Pity bid her redbreast sing, Pausing on thee her wearied limbs to rest* BONNET. X WRITTEN UNDER THE IMMEDIATE PRESSURE O t r AFFLICTION. O heart ! thou labour'st in my throbbing breast Anil strik'st with quick perturbed pulse my side, Ho\v shall I lull thy feverish thoughts to rest ? Or how shall I thy ceaseless toil abide ? Oil ! could'st thou in the agonies of grief Through this resisting side a passage tear. Then should my spirit, like the fleet- wing'd dove, To yon blue region soar, far, far above The Foggy disk of this diurnal sphere ; And in thy bosom, Saviour ! seek relief. Presumptuous wish ! oppress'd with guilt and fear Would not its feeble pinions cease to move ? Oh ! rather let my chasten'd spirit pray For Patience, Faith, and Hope, to cheer my gloomy day I 60 SONNET, i ('RESENTED ENCLOSED IN A TRANSPARENT BOX OF ! VARIEGATED SPAR, Sent to a Lady in return for a volume of selections from, ROUSSEAU. LONG had I wish'd some token to present Of that warm friendship which the sweet Rousseau Came to assure me liv'd in Mary's breast. But nothing mean my wishes could content And to great cost my Poverty said " No." Yet nothing sending I could never rest. At length (believe,) a Goddess heard my plaint, And pitying, thus my ravish'd ear address'd, As from a watery cloud she look'd on things below. a No longer at thy lowly Fortuirc sigh, For Iris gives what Plutus could not buy."- She said, ami severed from her gorgeous bow This sparkling fragment, which with joy I seize^. Bi 1 thou more kind than Iris, oh be pleased ! WAR ELEGY. WHAT time to quell insulting Gallia's pride Atid break opprcss'd Batavia's iron chain, Indignant Britain o'er the swelling tide Sent her brave sons to Helder's sandy plain, A tender Father parted from his Son, A youth who ne'er had " flesh'd his maiden sword," Yet long'd to march where honour might be won And bravely glad his country's purpose heard. For he disdain'd to bear a Soldier's name In ease inglorious to repose at home, No let me win," he cried, a Soldier's fame " In well fought fields, where Death and Danger r,oam." 63 He goes. What fears the Father's heart assail ! Long on the parting youth his fond eyes rest. Then, where the Tirtuous only can avail, To Heaven his pious orisons address'd. "Oh quick, some warlike Seraph ! quick descend ! untam'd steed, Vow pauses basking in the sunny ray ? ! well I know by that bewitching smile, By the bright lustre of that yellow hair Hie cherub Hope, whose playful arts beguile 'ime of his san#, and steal his load from Care. K 66 Fair Spring to Fancy bore the lorely child. Whilst Reason aided at the happy birth ; The Gods themselves upon the Baby smil'd And almost envied for his sake the Earth. His wistful glance descries these blossom'd bowers.- And now, their light boughs wave above his head ; Springing he catches at the pendent flowers. And throws the white spray on yon mossy bed. There stretch'd at ease he scents its fragrant bells, And curious peeping with delighted eye To little birds in voice of music tells How red ripe fruits in every blossom lie. But what large wing the rustling branches heaves I -Ah me ! some Eagle, bloody bird of prey ! Insidious lurking in the sheltering leaves Now comes to bear the thoughtless child away* 07 Hush! 'tis no Eagle but, fair Venus*' child. His purple pinions in the sunbeams shine. As on the turtle's downy nest he smil'd Joyful he heard his playmate's voice divine. And sprang delighted at the welcome sound To peep if Hope indeed so near him lay. One glance suffices to the mossy ground V He leaps, and greeting tempts him forth to play. But thou fond Hope ! his treacherous sports beware. Trust not those borrowed pinions of the dove, For should'st thou but his fickle temper dare Fell as the pouncing eagle shall he prove. False are his words. The quiver at his back Contains no plumes to flap the insect throng ; But poison'd arrows fledg'd with raven black, That bow no toy nor weak that silken thong. 68 i. , Ah ! bootless warning, for that honied kiss Too sure the rash unhappy league shall seal. Go then tliou little fool ! to fancied bliss, Retur* in tears thy wretched bonds to feel. Now round thy willing neck he throws his noose, And bids thee course with him the flowery meads, Tir'd thou in vain shall 't struggle to be loose, Still must thou follow where thy tyrant leads. Through plashy mead, deep dell, and thorny brake, Thy soft limbs bleeding from the rugged brier Thee with malicious laughter shall he take, Or wheedling bid thee to yon hill aspire. There, as his false deluding promise iells, A goodly summer-house the vale commands, In garden gay where Lady Pleasure dwells, Who fruit and sweetmeats gives with liberal han4$. 69 Up that steep hill wilt thou believing toil ? Nor summer-house nor Lady shalt thou find. Pale Disappointment owns the blasted soil And ruin'd walls that shake before the wind. But such thy doom. ******* ********** 70 LINES. PRESENTED WITH A WREATH OF YEW. Written in a time of affliction ^ and addressed to a Lady whose health was impaired by mental suffering. To grace the fair Clarinda's cloudless brows Let happy youths the gayest garlands bring ; Twine fragrant myrtle with the blooming rose, Or cull the brightest blossoms of the Spring. Such is the tribute due to Beauty's shrine, And such the young and thoughtless still expect Far other wreath O Zayda ! shall be thine, Far other gift shall Friendship's hand select 71 111 would the pride of Flora's gay domain The blooming rose, or Venus' favorite tree Adorn those temples rack'd with ceaseless pain, III would such purple mockery come from me, Take what befits a wretch like me to give. And thee, the child of sorrow to receive. Take this dark chaplet of funereal yew, O'er thy pale brows its shadowy foliage bend Oh ! may it shed a soft Lethean dew ! And to thine aching eyes calm slumbers send ! LINES. SENT TO MRS. N - , ON THE DEATH OP HER FAITHFUL SERVANT MARY. WHILST venal Poets shed the minic tear O'er mortal Grandeur and the pompous bier. And weave with servile art the lying verse For death's proud pageant and the scutcheon'd hearse. Let me, O gentle Muse of sorrow ! crave One cypress sprigg for humble merit's grave. And to the honest feelings of my heart Thy mournful grace and melody impart ! Thou, Lady ! too, the artless reed attend That breathes its tribute to thy servant friend, And sad commemorates the hallow'd earth Where sleeps in death a maid of humble birth. EPITAPH. WHAT ! tho' nor wealth nor envied title grac'd Her lot, to whom this modest stone is placed^ Yet, reader, know that in her lowly state Such virtues shone as dignified her fate. Blest in her lot of servitude to find The wise indulgence of a liberal mind| So well her destin'd race poor Mary ran That love completed what respect began ; And bade the unaspiring Maid ascend To lose the name of Servant in the Friend. God saw her faithful service and to prove How dear to him the heart of honest love, Call'd her to change (O Virtue's bright reward ;) An earthly mistress for a heavenly Lord. 74 Reader of humble birth I this simple rhyni Tells thee (desiring loftier place to climb) That honour's paths in erery station lie, In the low Tale as on the mountain high. Act well thy part, be honest, kind, aad true, Nor doubt to gain the prize of honour due. But, if the eye of haughty Grandeur cliance On this plain stone to cast its careless glance, Oh let it pause ! and learn what virtue lies In the low race it ventured to despise ; And know how much a menial's honest fame Exceeds the sounding of an empty name. / LOVER's DAY. DESCRIBED IN FOUR SONNETS. Occasioned by an incident that occurred in a village IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. MORNING. FROM broken slumbers and fantastic dreams Rous'd by the earliest light of rosy dawn The lover starts ; and on the rising beams Delighted gazing, o'er the dewy lawn Speeds with the lightness of a sportive fawn. For now the bright'ning glories of the East, Earth's op'ning flowers, the minstrels of the grove Soothe his infected heart, and cherish love, And call gay Fancy to the dangerous feast Which Hope prepares for his delirious brain^ 76 Lavish of promise well she knows to charm The cheated heart and banish each alarm. Whilst artful Cupids forge the growing chain That shall inthrall it in unpitied pain. NOON. AND now the blazing chariot of the Day Had reach'd the zenith of a summer's noon : The wandering lover still pursued his way Musing on Ela's charms and beauty's boon, Nor faint nor shrinking from the sultry ray ; When lo ! dark sign of inauspicious fate, Clouds dash with sudden shade the smiling scene. Alas ! the love.sick heart's uncertain state ! Now quivering doubts and damps of cold dismay Rush on his troubled thoughts erewhile serene. Trembling he drops, and seeks the neighb'ring bower Where Love from ambush of a tufted flower Springs forth, and tittering with triumphant guile Dispels his sullen gloom with one bewitching smile. 77 EVENING. WITH hope renew'd the power of life returns, Again his cheeks resume their sanguine glow ; He trusts with equal flame his fair one burns, And faster speeds the maiden's mind to know. Her bower ere long receives the wanted guest, Whose faltering Toice bespeaks the lover true. - They sat till day had vanish'd from the West And dusky Twilight dimm'd th' etherial blue. When coldly rising, thus the cruel maid, Reserv'd no more, at length declar'd her mind, Sternly dcclar'd, nor longer parley stay'd, " I love thee not ; some other mistress find ; r brav'd on Cumbria's hills the hosts of air, When Boreas, Auster, Eurus, Zephyrus, Libs Poured their fierce broadsides on my meagre ribs. O ancient friend ! now must we part oftsoons, And thy lov'd place another coat supply ; Yet for thy loss the pensive Muse shall sigh, And memory on thy faithful service dwelJ ; O tarnish'd threadbare tatter'd thing ! farewell I LINES, On a miniature picture of Lad)/ W- , in the character of Hebe feeding the Eagle. PAINTED BY MISS BARRETT. BY fairy hands this tablet was dcsign'd ! For human art was never so refin'd ; The breathing beauty of that lovely face The Sylph Barretta's hand alone could trace : Fav'rite of Fancy, early child of Fame, From Fairy. land on venturous wing she came ; And more than mortal beauty to pourtray Stole from the rising Sun his brightest ray, Her pallet spread from Iris' gorgeous bow Whence such life-glowing tints could only flow : And thus prepar'd her magic skill avail'd Where less than such an artist must have faiPd. Hound each smooth limb receding into shade The blended tints in soft gradation fade, In shining braids the undulating hair Flows down a neck as Parian marble fair ; Such radient beams illuminate the eyes, That Art with Nature may contend the prize ; Pure Attic Taste conducts the graceful lines. And Classic Genius in the fable shines. W 1 more beauteous than the Queen of Love In Hebe's place attends the bird of Jove ; But whilst she offers with uplifted arms The golden vase 5| unconscious of her charms, The royal bird enamour'd seems to gaze, And his fierce eyes emit a soften'd blaze ; The golden vase in vain his taste invites, For sweet ambrosia now no more delights ; The lovely Stranger every sense enslaves, And smiles alone the food of Love A he craves. 88 LINES, PRESENTED WITH MAYOR'S BRITISH NEPOS, (A collection of the Lives of Celebrated Engli TO MASTER GRE5TVILLE Y . GRENVILLE ! if haply the historic page Thy studious mind with pleasing care engage, Let emulation glow along the line, Swell thy young heart, and in thine eyeballs shine ; Let great Ambition every thought inspire, And Truth, enlightening with ethereal fire, Teach thee to separate with discerning eye Her just applause from Fame's illustrious lie ; Bid thee with ardent energy combine What grac'd the Statesman, Warrior, or Di?inc. And from their noblest attributes to raise Thyself a model of unblemish'd praise. 89 If Themis lead thee to her solemn chair Let Coke and Blackstone know thy early care. And Bacon's Wisdom, but without his shame Direct thy judgment and exalt thy name. Of Courts if destin'd to the slippery maze May Cecil's Genius guide thy prosperous ways, Like him with honours crown'd at once to pro?e A Monarch's confidence, a People's IOTC. Sagacious Walsingham's great secret find To read the brow an index of the mind ; / Lnd by thy wisdom's penetrating beams Expose insidious Gkllia's hostile schemes. 'he strenuous guardian of a Nation's laws lay Chatham's eloquence enforce thy cause ! [is vigorous councils animate thy soul, Britain's glory spread from Pole to Pole. 90 If War but no be't * Edward's honest pride With Marlb'rough Victory's laurels to divide ; Let hardy f Frederic's matchless valour take The naval trophies from the tomb of Blake. For thee ! let Peace alone thy labours claim, Her milder arts shall yield thee better fame : The brightest wreath the plumed AVarrior gains Some sanguine blot> some tear of misery stains. * Edward, an elder Brother of Master Granville, at that tim intended for the Army. He afterwards preferred devoting hi* rare and highly cultivated talents to the study of a learned pro- fession, and his splendid, though alns! short career at the Uai- versity, proved the propriety of his choice. This promising and interesting Youth was prematurely snatched from the arms of hisi fond Parents and Relatives by a scarlet fever, and left only to all' who were acquainted with his amiable disposition, fine Gcniusi and unusual diligence, the melancholy consolation of imagining] what he might have been, had Heaven so permitted; an I of thinking (to apply the pathetic words of the dying NorvalJ, * fc Life only wanting to his Fame." f Frederic another Brother. 91 If to the Church thy serious wishes turn, If thy young heart with best Ambition burn An erring race with pious care to mend ; Though clustering names their starry radience lend, And shine illustrious on the track of Time To guide thee soaring to their heavenly clime ! Though virtuous Tillottson's expanded mind Lowth's classic lore recorded here we find, Yet, happy Youth ! thee needless volume closa And on thy Sire thy grateful eyes repose. For there but Truth withholds her glowing praise Lest Flattery's name should brand the humble lays. j Whate'er thy lot) whate'er thy station be, Still may the Patriot's virtues shine in thee ! And scorning fell Corruption's cringing tribe Like honest Marvel spurn each proffer'd bribe. But if again in Britain's evil hour Some future Monarch seek unlawful power, 92 Seek, like the treacherous Stuarts, to enslave A People loyal, generous, and brave, Like Hampden thou his wicked might withstand, Like him assert the birth-right of the land. Nor let his end nor noble Sidney's fate Deter thy efforts for the tottering state ; But rather think, who dies for virtuous deeds Worth honest envy, loveliest when he bleeds : Think that each Patriot's heart this preference claims To die with Sidney than to live with James. Yet oh ! to thee may gracious Heaven assign A happier lot ! to triumph, Boy, be thine! To sec fair Freedom by thy efforts rise, cc And read their history in a nation's eyes," Eyes that with grateful gladness shine on thee Whilst thy smooth brow reflects their honest g^ Yet not with factious demagogues combiu'd With furious / le the public mind, 93 Nor lead a frantic multitude to rush On Order's anticut Edifice, and crush Each solemn shrine and venerable bust In one vast heap of anarchy and dust, WhilstJIavoc o'er the wreck delights to stride, Lust, Murder, Plunder, raging at his side, No. Let thy firm but temperate voice demand A sure reform from Wisdom's cautious hand, And seek by well-weigh'd measures to restore The time-worn Pile to what it was before. These from my heart nor shall one wish be Tain i th of y^ars thy budding youth attain. " Gay Hope that waits upon the flowery prime" Foi.its io the bright-unfolding cloud of Time, AIM t'-.ere peruses with prophetic eye i lining honors that in embryo lie. Bur, if capricious Fortune should withhold e honours by the partial Nymph foretold. 94 And rob, regardless of Astraea's rules, . Thee of thy rights to crown unworthy fools, Oh ! scorn to purchase her unsteady smiles By Bacon's perfidy or Wolsoy's wiles ; But learn with pious Latimer to bear Her frowns, and deem beneath a good man's care. So shall fair Truth on her celestial throne In crystal tablets mark thee for her own, And 'midst applauding Angels graceful throw A radiant glory round thy mortal brow. THE IVREATII OF SORROW. A mournful rotary to the Tragic Muse Sought thro' the woods and fields a festal wreath Ills pensive eye cnquir'd the darkest hues That Nature wears, and from her baneful yews Smiling he pluck'd the livery of Death. the dark Cypress towering from the grove, Like a tall JEthiop 'midst Europa's sons, Fill'd his sad heart vvith reverential love; But he the Poplar's glittering foliage shuns. Hemlock and nightshade, and such dusky leaves As most delight the melancholy Queen, He culls, and weeping o'er his labour weaves The saddest garland that was ever seen. 96 A rose-tree blooming in the pride of May Displayed its full blown beauties to his eyes ; " Ah ! flower ! the fav'rite of the young and gay, " Tempt not my hand, the sad enthusiast cries. " Thy purple buds Anacreon's sons shall seize a And twine with myrtle in their crisped hair ; " Whilst the swift hours they give to mirth and ease, " And down in revelry the yoice of Care." " Give me the rose which Lucy's cheek displays, " The brilliant symptom of expiring breath ; " A rose which opens as the root decays " And blooms the brightest in the grasp of Death." 97 LINES, PREiENTED TO A YOUNG LADY WITH A NECKLACE COMPOSED OF YELLOW SEA- a iIELLS. ONCE as I wander'd on the rocky strand Where pleasant Scarbro' smiles upon the wave. And curious sought upon the pebbled .sand Some pencill'd agate, or some pearly shell, Which should to thee my grateful friendship tell When I should sleep in the oblivious grave, (So then I boded of impending fate, So melancholy taught my pensive mind,) Far mid the weed-strewn rocks I wander'd late, And-wearied with a fruitless search reclin'd In a lone cave the wintry wave had worn ; o 98 . Meet place for one whose lot it was to mount. - On the wide waves I fix'd my pensive eye, And u O green realm of Ocean!" did I cry, " Hast thou no treasure in thy Tasty deep " To yield for one so virtuous kind and fair ? < c Nought from thy stores of shining pearl to spare, u Which gentle Mary for my sake may keep ?": When from the swelling element arose To my true sight a daughter of the sea, Such as I vainly thought could never be, Though oft the Fairy legends do disclose The wodflrous truth and vouch their magic spell, And oft the classic Lyre doth sweetly tell Of Nereus daughters and their hall marine. Yet scoff'd I wKeft Simplicity believ'd, And deem'd it all but Fanny's shadowy scene, Till such plain proof my altcr'd mind rireiv'd. " Mortal !" with accent sweet and >mile serene The Mermaid cried, " I grant thy modest boon ; 99 Take this gay trifle to that virtuous maid, *' Who to the daughters of the Sea is dear, ** And ne'er shall lack their love and friendly aid, " For well doth she deserve our high esteem, *' Since she did never of our race misdeam Like thee, bu' ' '^ fear Her faith in Mermaids scaly to the waist, K With comb and mirror and bewitching strain, Of power to cal:c the wild tempestuous main, Hath oft preferr'd to us her pious pray'r Ere in the salt wave she hath ventur'd forth, And so hath she deserv'd our partial care, So willVe cherish htr trir.ismidant worth, " Whereof this little token bid her wear." Then from her own coerulian neck she took These yellow shells I'll swear it on the book " Bid her not doubt but that it hath a charm " To keep the chaste and gentle from all harm ; 100 a And can declare of every amorous spark " (Howe'er di>guis'd by eloquence and art fc They seem to play the faithful lover's part,) _\Vhi c h the mild Turtle, which the greedy shark - e( Nor can the wearer "vor be so frail " To change the Cod's head for the Salmon's tail."* She said then kiss'd her hand and bade adieu Stretch 'd her bright fins and furl'd her robes of blue, Veil'd in the limpid element her head And diving glided to her coral bed. M To change the rod'- head, &c." ride lago's ironical commen- daiion of Women Othello, Act 2d. 101 ELEGIAC LINES. SENT TO MISS R. C ? ON HER BIRTH-DAY. At a time when her Mother :rr/-; confined by a dangerous and lingering illness. OFT hath the Bard, to greet thy natal morn, Snatch'd from the sacred bays his golden lyre ; And once, when Darwin struck his magic shell, Flash'd from the sounding strings poetic fire. I too erewhile, with artless hand essay'd A simple strain, devoted to thy praise, And wooed with suppliant knee the Sisters nine To smile propitious on my grateful lays. 102 But now, no more such incense-breathing strains May hope regard from thy unheeding ear, Whilst a dear Mother's fever-weaken'cl frame Absorbs each sense in tenderness and f jar. Methinks I see thee bending o'er her couch, Noting her alter'd looks with pensive eye, Whilst the mute tear steals frequent down thy cheek And thy soft bosom heaves the stifled sigh. Therefore no more with tributary Terse I hail this morn, and sing thee ^ood and fair ; But, lowly bending at Ilygeia'.s shrine, Breathe from an honest heart this fervent prayer: " G uardian of mortal Life ! O Nymph divine ! " If filial sorrow thy compassion move, " Stretch thy strong arm, support yon sinking form, <( And save the object of a Daughter's love ! 103 [< With the pure lustre of thy sparkling eye so from her silent bower yon sickly gloom, f< And drive yon hideous Spectre from her gate, tt That borers there impatient for her doom. From the rich treasures of thy sparkling One pure inestimable drop bestow ! So shall her languid eyes resume their smiles, And her pale lips with fresh vermillion glow. Grateful to thee, a filial band shall kneel, Arid Wit and Youth and tteauty shall combine In choral Symphonies to hymn thy praise, And hang perennial garlands on thy shrine. w 104, LINES, OX LEAVING LONDON. FAREWELL the city ! oh farewell the scene Where Art triumphant keeps her gorgeous court, Midst domes proud swelling, minarets, and towers That pierce in stately groups the misty air. There, busy Commerce fills the crowded streets Gay with the rich profusion of her wealth, And waves her banner to the public gaze, Deck't with the trophies of each various clime* There Syren Pleasure gaily trips along A thousand fair ttmj tations in her train To lure the young and thoughtless to her toils, Day's gaudy pageants, Midnight's noisy revels, Masqiiing and Music, Dance and dainty Feast Yet not from t on constrained to part My heart reluctant yields its parting sigh ; 105 But that I leave the hospitable roof, Where Virtue, Love and Friendship dwell serene, Amidst the turmoil of the madding crowd. Thus haply might a pair of tender birds, Unfit to bear the sharp untemper'd blast, Desert the rustling grove and rural wilds, To seek, amidst the busy haunts of Men, Securer shelter and a warmer clime. There, in the stately edifice, they find Some " coin of vantage," some sequester'd nook, Formed by the jutting frieze or wreathed head Of lofty column crown'd with sculptur'd gold, And joyful build their simple small abode, Fair contrast to the gorgeous scene around. Thence, casting on the rude tumultuous crowd, That throng and wrangle in the courts below, A look of mild compassion and surprise And if, like me, with bold adventurous wiug, Some old companion of their rural life^ 106 That used to linger in their leafy bowser, And idly chirp the Summer suns away, Visit their City mansion oh what joy What twittering then ! what talk of former times I What social intercourse beguiles the hours, Till soon, too soon, the hasty footed time Brings, unexpected, the unwelcome point, When these fond friends must part oh then ! What sudden sadness damps the little group ! But most, I ween, the visitor ! for he Alone must travel the long weary night. But back he must ; imperious duty calls -, So from the fond endearments of his friends With heavy heart and faint reluctant wing Homeward he bends his solitary flight. And pours, like me, a melancholy strain, To sqothe the sadness of regretful thought. 107 THE SNOWDROP'S COMPLAINT. ADDRESSED TO A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE GIR1, THREE YEARS OLD. Sent in a box containing a, bouquet of 'Snowdrops, Aconite, and Black Hellebore, or Christmas Rose. BETWEEN the jutting moss-invested roots Of an old oak in Foremark's stately grove, We Snowdrops (heedless of the wintry storm That rustling swept along the wither'd grass And smote the groaning branches o'er our heads. Breaking the stillness of our deep repose) Sprang from tho leaf-strewn border and disclos'd Our silvery pendants, and our spiky leaves, Green and transparent as the emerald stone, To gratify the languid eye of Taste 108 Sick of pale Winter's dun and russet hues, Long spread o'er herbless meads and leafless woods. Beauty like ours, in such a season too, Without th? fault of overweaning pride, Might surely claim the gaze of admiration, And grateful incense ev'n from thankless Man, Fam'd as he is, of living things alone, For foul ingratitude, that worst of crimes And oh ! what part of Nature hath not cansft To curse its weak credulity, and rue All trust rcpos'd in that perfidious race ? But we, in the green innocence of youth, With fond impatience chid the tardy hours. That seem'd, to our solicitude, to creep, Till Man's wish'd presence should delight our eyes, And his lov'd praise our anxious minds regale. For oh ! above the Zephyrs balmy breath, Above the radiance of the glorious Sun, We prized the beams of Man's cnamour'd gaze, 109 We prized the fervent voice of Man's applause. At length our eager watchful eyes descried The upright form, that marks the lordly race ; Our chrystal veins with quick pulsations throbb'd, And our white petals flutter'd at the sight : For Love, and Hope, and Fear at once arous'd, With strange confusion shook our tender frames, Where every sentient nerve, too finely spun, Owns sensibility's resistless sway. But soon advanced within our nearer ken, Some little disappointment chill'd our souls, To find a train of old and wrinkled females, Vulgar in mien, and coarse in their attire. Yet still we own'd them of superior kind ; Endow'd with faculties to prize our worth, Lost on the little senseless brutal tribes, Squirrils and hares or minstrels of the grove, That wont to skip and hop and chirp around us. But oh ! what words our horror can express ! 110 When blundering on, with besoms in their hands, Grumbling complaints or bawling rustic scandal, They stop'd not to observe our lovely groups ; But, rudely plying, with ungraceful force And jerking arm, their harshly-grating brooms, At each fell stroke remorseless swept away The leafy covering from our slender stalks. Which bent and trembled, till they pass'd along, And left us gladder to hare scap'd destruction. Than sad and disappointed by neglect. Yet that neglect how hardly to be borne, From such vile mortals as these withered hags, When ihe, the brightest Daughter of the ski-s, Queen of the Night and Regent of the Woods, Chaste Dian, oft amid the eager chace Hath paused beside some thicket's mossy bound, And graceful stoop'd to pluck our favor'd flowers, Fair emblems of the virtue she protects. But haply, these despis'd her rigid laws, Ill Nor ever with unsullied fingers plac'd The Yotive offering on her crystal shrine. Next came there sauntering, one of gentler mien And nobler sex, (so boasted of them selves) A man well-known to Flora's blossom'd shrine^ And long a lover of her gay domain; llwoiild-be Poet too, that scribbles verse, And weaves sly flattery in fantastic rhyme. Hoping fair ladies with applausive smilei Will deign to recompencc his courtly lays* (From this Enthusiast, as he would be thought, This fine Idolater, who bends the knee With pagan piety to rural nature, On each green hill, in every shady grove, Deep bushy dell, by every sparkling stream, And rapt in .extacies, with spirit wild Invokes the guardian Genii of the place, Fauns, Dryads, Nymphs, and all the rural Gods, From him we doubted not we should receive 112 An ample recompence, for all the wrongs And saucy slights of those ill favor'd hags. Now, as 'tis said your human belles are wont When beaux approach and compliments begin, We look'd delightfully with all our might, This way and that our slender necks inclin'd, And nodding prettily our drooping heads, Display'd our airs and graces as he came. Nor vain our efforts ; soon his downcast eye Glanced on our beauty, and his eager gaze Mixt with surprise, announc'd his sudden joy ? And beam'd a pleasing presage to our hopes That he would greet us in poetic strains ; In sweetest sonnet or obsequious ode Bid our chaste memory bloom throughout the year, And claim attention from his fickle race, E'vn when gay roses flaunt on every bush, And gawky lilies charm the tasteless crowd. Awhile he secm'd in mute delight to hang 115 O'er our fair groups; then whining thus began : ** Welcome, ye earliest harbingers of Spring ! " Fair creatures ! welcome to my longing eyes ; " Fitly ye deck the cradle of the year, a Who, white and luscious as the milk that drops " From the full fond maternal breast, recall " To the mind's eye the Infancy of Man, " When drops like yours bestow'd the first delight. " Sweet the sensations which your gems revive, " And fair ye are, and lovely to behold ; t But, to my eye, most precious that you wake " The dear remembrance of a fairer fiowvr, " That blooms (sweet shelter ! ) in maternal arms, M And wins a Father's fond parental gaze " From public strife, or History's civic Lore, " To the mild duties of domestic love ; " Such sweet attraction hath a playfai child."- And here the insolent his haughty speech H4 Brought to conclusion. Know'st thou rival Fair! Know'st thou the pangs indignant beauty feels, When in her ears another's charms are told, Compar'd, and then extolled above her own ? Soon may'st thou know ! and in thy tortur'd breast Feel all the fierceness of the rage, which glow'd Almost to redness in a Snowdrop's veins ; Nor left us to our natural white restor'd, But faded to a dim and deadly paleness, Like our faint shadows in Elysian fields. So great our wrath, it choak'd our very speech, Else, with a voice like that illustrious rose,* Who a like wrong from like offender bore, We would have made the puny bardling rue His rash rude speech, and taught his lawless tongue. Henceforward, to respect the Rights of Snowdrops. The insulter gone, our rage began to cool, Helpt by the influence of a freezing sky. * Illustrious rose vide The Poet and the Rose," Gay's Fable llo But peace alas ! was banish'd from our hearts ; His words had left a bitter sting behind. And oh ! to make our wretched doom complete. The babbling breeze, that overheard our shame, Went gossiping along, in spite or wantonness, And whisper'd to each withered twig around, The slanderous tale, which these malicious neighbours Still with affected pity propagate, And with condolences revive our smart. To fly from these, and the desire we felt To know, if such complexion really bloom'd, A.S could expel, or be compared with ours, lath brought us hither, to behold thy charms ; Those boasted charms preferr'd before our own. Jut know, young Fair ! we came not unattended, For lo ! the Ministers of Flora's wrath, Black Hellebore, and deadly Aconite, With us are come to punish thy presumption, If thou shalt dare contest with us the prize. 116 Dread then, O bud of Beaufy ! our resentment ; And, wisely yielding us our natural Rights, No more dispute our claim to be the fairest Of Nature's blossoms ! But, content to rank The next, or equal to ourselves, enjoy A right so rare, and live a FADELESS FLOWER ! 117 LINES, PRESENTED TO A LADY LEAVING SCARBttO'. LADY ! ere yet thy graceful steps retire From the gay scene of Scarbro's spleasant shore, Take from an humble Poet's artless lyre A simple farewell ; he can give no more : But, would some pearl-crown'd Nereid teach the strain Arion sung, when he triumphant rode. Borne by the Dolphin, o'er the billowy main ; Or, scaly Triton, hymning Ocean's God, To me his smooth and twisted couch would lend ; Or shew me where to find another shell, Like that, whereon deft Hermes did extend The vocal string ; then, Lady ! would I tell The various beauties of this changeful scene, 118 Whereon delighted we were wont to gaze ; Whether the swelling waves of emerald green Leap'd up rejoicing in the raoontide blaze, And laughing spouted on the wave behind A shower of pearly dust, in wanton pride ; Or how, full swelling with the prosperous wind, The white-rigg'd vessels o'er the billows ride. This, and much more, should shine in splendid song, Lady ! for thec. But, fitly this to tell, Doth not to my unskilful Muse belong ; Nor suits her trivial reed So this one word, FAREWELL ! 119 LAY, Addressed by a Lady to her Harp, in celebration of domestic happiness and a circle of Friends. O HARP of mine ! if erer found To tender Lore and Friendship true, Now breathe, in sweet and simple strain, Each theme that I shall give to you. And first, the praise of wedded Iove 5 My pretty harp ! you must declare, And ti-.ll how Ellen's constant heart Her smiling Babes and Husband share. Then say 'tis Edward's happy choice His unambitious days to spend In rural elegance, content With tender Wife, and cordial Friend. 120 To colder hearts and giddier heads He leaves the vain parade of Courts, The midnight revels of the Great And Fashion's freaks, for rural sports. Well done my Harp ! as swoet as true Was breath'd the soft -melodious strain ; And never may thy moaning wires Of Grief, and dire mischance complain I Now, tell of this convivial ring, That fondly sit attentive round ; And first to Bertha, blue-ey'd maid, Sweet Harp ! devote thy silver sound. But lo ! methinks Affection's tear Those eyes with chasten'd lustre fill ; She blushes ev'n at Friendship's praise, And bids thee, flattering Harp ! be still. To mild Eliza softly say, How much her mind and manners charm ; And that it were great shame to hide Such graces, in a *rustic farm. And what will thy emphatic voice Convey to younger Mary's ear ?- Oh, well, my Harp ! hast thou eiprest We love the Maid of soul sincere. But come, in bolder brisker fone, Now, sprightly Tom's de^Ji'N bt-gin, And mark that clear unclouded brow, That speaks the careless heart within. * Rttit farm, This young lady had express'd a wish to spead her life upon a farm in rural retirement. K 122 Oh whisper that ingenuous youth, To keep each gay good humoured grace,. To charm us still, when India's clime His native northern bloom shall chase. Now, Harp ! thy wildest notes prepare, Through each extreme unfettered range, From frolic glee, to dismal dirge ; For, moody Robert asks the change. Haply the theme thy strings may suit, Since dear to thee the name of Bard ; But, let him pardon, if I own, For me it is a task too hard. Now cease For by that rarious strata, Thus much I think is understood, " His partial Friends overlook his faults, " Because they think his heart is good." 123 Farewell my Harp ! now take thy rest, No more of thee my hand requires ; Dear Edward ! bring yon mantle green, And gently veil its silver vrires. \ 124 THE WILD ROSE. A LOYER'S LAY. THE Lady she gather'd a sweet wild rose, And bade the Poet a Sonnet compose In praise of the blossom, and say something more Than ever a Poet had said before. Then the Poet was sad, and rued the hour That erer she gather'd that luckless flower, And wish'd in the hedge it had wither 'd and died, Or CTer she had the blossom espied : For well did she know how hard was the task, (But yet he must try when his Mistress did ask) To say of that wild rose something more Than ever a Poet had said before. >h ! what is the penalty if I should fail ? And what the reward say, if I prevail r ith the muse to vouchsafe me a fresh new thought, By Muse never sold, by Bard never bought. Just pluck'd from the Fountain's brink, and brought From dell where Mortal did never explore, Where it ne'er was descried by Poet before?" Fay, if you produce me a thing so strange, A thing as rare you shall have in exchange ; From a Maid of eighteen you shall urcly have this, 1 You shall have from her lips their virgin kiss ; Then, ask her of Love ; in her words you shall find true simple state of a Maiden's mind, it, if you should fail, your pursuits give o'er- And think of Love and the Muse no more." ' Methinks that condition is somewhat hard ; " But yet I will try," said the love-sick Bard. 126 Then he swore by the Muse's unbuckled shoe, By her unwashed gown, and her stocking blue, By the sacred ink on her fingers, he swore, To say of that wild Rose something more Than ever a Poet had said before. So, to it he set with all his mind Some thought that was new thereon to find, And knit his brows, and rumaiag'd his brain, As Poets are wont, but all in vain ; For nought that was new would the Muse bestow, Nor let one drop from her fountain flow To glitter upon that rose-bud, more Than ever a Poet had gotten before. * Oh if I should say, that the delicate bloom * Of its smooth velvet leaf, and its sweet perfume * Resembled your breath, and elegant blush, * I know you would chide me, and only cry ." Tusl 127 The hackney 'd strain now 'prythce gire o'er, Which a thousand Poets have humm'd before." Or, if I should say, ' that your mind, like the Rose, )oth a thousand alluring charms disclose, And hides, like the Rose, a thorny dart, To make the rash youth who would gather it smart : would you not scoff at such vulgar rhymes, And say, a you had heard them a thousand times, And bid me the arduous task give o'er, I 1 ' To say what a Poet ne'er said before ?' |* Oh ! whnf, shall I say ? I vow and declare * To reap the reward I almost despair. j* Oh sure it must be this bud of the Brier |* Was born to baffle my heart's desire.' Then, twirling it round as he heav'd a sigh, He bent on the flower a wistful eye ; When Ip '. as he look'd, there flash'd on his mind 128 A light from its leaves, but not of the kind Which Philosophers say from the mary-gold beams, Dispensing at eve its electrical streams ; This light from the rose, more subtle and fine, To the optics of Phantasy only could shine; Howe'er that may be, to the Poet it shew'd A simile apt or for sonnet or ode. And he fancied, tho' vers'd in poetical lore, 'Twas one that a Poet ne'er hit on before. " O now then," he cried, " I believe I have caught " The thing which I have so anxiously sought ; " So prepare, gentle Maiden ! your lips and your mint " To bestow the reward you so freely designed. a This little hedge-rose all blooming and wild, " Like lovely Maria, is Nature's own child ; u Unlike its fine cousins cncumber'd with state, " The stiff maids of Honour on Flora that wait, " Dress'd out in the bustling costume of a Court, " The wild blossom wears the light habit of Sport ; " And flatters and frolics with freedom and ease, " Nor fears the rude touch of a country-bred breeze; " Like Maria, it scorns the thick foldings of Art^ " And wears in its bosom a gay golden heart. 19 So sang the pleas'd Poet ; and Tauntingly swore, 'Twas what ne'er a Poet had hit on before ;" Then claim'd his reward, but whether he got it, If told in the ballad, is terribly blotted. So, whether the Lady was plcas'd he had won, Or wish'd him dead e'er his task it were done, And whether she told him her mind, and the rest, My fair gentle readers, by you must be guess'd : But if she spake honest and true, 'twas more I believe, than Maiden e'er did before. 130 A SIMPLE AND PATHETIC TALE, IN THE MOST ADMIRED MODERN TASTE. As I walked out the other evening late, My mind in serious thoughtful state, Brooding o'er inward joys, I saw upon a five-barr'd gate Three little boys. Yes, I am sure that there were three ; For, each of them did bow to me. Said I-" My little boys, 'tis late; What keeps you here upon this gate ? Have you no things wherewith to play ? Nor top, nor whip, nor bat, nor ball ? To make you busy, active, gay ?" " No Sir," said they," we're none at all." 131 Nor any thing," said I, " to cat ?" " No Sir," said they, " we've nothing yet ; For Mammy to the shop is gone, Till she comes back we can have none." All further question I forbore ; Then walked away, and mus'd the more ; But ah ! my thoughts had lost their joys, Because of these three That had nor meat, ghts had lost their joys, "\ tiree little boys, > t, nor drink, nor toys. J 9Adto'&&~ f . < 132 GHOSTS. A FRAGMENT. ******** LIST, whilst I tell Of guilty spirits, doora'd at shadowy eve. For crimes unpurg'd Death's deep repose to leave. When from the summit of some hallow'd tower Midnight's deep voice proclaims the awful hour., In their low beds they hear the stern behest, And start obedient from oblivious rest. In misty groups the mournful forms ascend ; Along the aisles with noiseless footsteps bend, Slow through the portal's yawning archway pass, And trail their white robes o'er th' unbending grass : Yet, onward as the restless wanderers roam, 135 Shivering they sigh for tljjir deserted home; But, doornM to wa ; :^eatial hpurs, They range pcrmi^d iU^p'f i.uguarded bowers; pproach the bed where Guilt is gtrcich'd alone, ,nd rouse to horror with sepulchral groan. Then, with rais'd arm remove the misty yell. That hides the well-known features ghast and pale ; With aspect stern the grave's dread secrets tell, And paint the flaming punishments of Hell. The trembling wretch restrains his gasping breath, Whilst his ear shrinks from hollow sounds of Death ; From his cold brow the fear.forced dew distills, Through his faint heart remorseful anguish thrills. But, some there ar, blest shades, by guilt unstain'd, By Love incited, not by Fate constraint, Who leave the oblivious slumber of the tomb By mild indulgence, not by rigorous doom. 134 As, when some faithful Lover's gentle shade Seeks the soft couch of his beloved Maid, Bends o'er her pillow, views her faded charms. And glides in silence to her passive arms, Inhales the sigh her lovely bosom heaves, And on her lips a kiss aerial leaves. 135 LINES, Written in a Prayer-book presented to Miss F. ON HER BIRTH-DAY. SWEET child ! already in thy lovely face The Cherub's bright resemblance we can trace ; This book, the offering of a partial friend, To that bright form a brighter grace can lend ; And soon, assisted by parental care, Thy rosy lips shall lisp each solemn pray'r. So learn, theclierub (which thou seem'st) to Be ; And, in thine orisons remember me ! 136 INVITATION TO A LANDSCAPE PAINTER. SEPTEMBER. WHILST Autumn yet preserves the leafy dower, Which amorous Summer left her when he died, Unshaken by the cold tempestuous shower, And now more gorgeous for the fipen'd pride Of ruddy fruitage, and the golden glow Of those bright hues, that variegate the groves, Yet shadowy with th^ oak's untarnish'd green Whilst, in their gloom the dark-ey'd Dryad roves. And Sylvan shy, that shuns the garish beam Of radiant Phccbus, Whilst fair Trenta leads Her silvery stream, beneath propitious skies Cloudless and blue, through sun-illumin'd meads, And glides as yet unsullied by the stains Of turbid torrents deluging the plains, 137 Hither O GloTcr ! turn thy gifted eyes, come ! and with thy magic pencil trace The lovely scene ; ere Winter's ruthless hand Despoil it of each dear deciduous grace, And spread blank sadness o'er the naked land. So, when imprison'd by that rugged Power, Opprest and sickening in his hideous gloom, 1 curse impatient his protracted hour, And grieve for suffering Nature's rigorous doom-, My mournful eye, and faint dejected heart,' May find sweet solace from thy precious art ; Which on the pictur'd pannel shall restore The much-lov'd landscape; and whilst fierce winds roar, I And clouds and tempests blacken o'er the sky, 1 With mimic sunshine shall salute the eye, Streams, woods, and mountains,, glowing in its light; As when some blessed vision of past joys . Gomes to the grief. o'erwhelmed wretch by night, 138 And with its sweet illusion charms his- soul. Yet, not like Fancy's fading pictures thine, Scarcely less bright, more permanent they shine, And ask no leave, like her aerial toys, Of rigid Reason, whose severe controul Checks that wild Wizard's far extended arm, Snaps her slight wand, and breaks her mystic charm : For Reason, all-enamour'd of thy skill, Yields to thy pencil's power her stubborn will : For once, a painted vision claims her care, Since, Truth and Nature shine reflected there. Come then ! and, if a simple Muse have power To win thine ear, be sure her grateful lay (All that sfie can to buy thy precious hours) Her fond, but artless eulogy, shall pay. BOUQUET o be fair. 141 vhich, with this fair innocent Snowdrop eombin'd, [ay pass for an emblem of Anne's gentle mind. bt the Myrtle, I know, you will love best of all ; fhich sacred to Venus we verse-makers call ; Lnd to Venus, no doubt, you prefer a sly pray'r, 'o make both your love and complexion Thich even that Goddess must own to esides too, you know you lately were told mother good reason the Myrtle to hold Q love and esteem, beyond all other leaves, 'or Death of its fragrance that plant ne'er bereaves ; | So, an emblem receive it of Love's better part, Which escapes from the tomb to survive in the heart. To blend with the Myrtle I'd fain send a Rose, !But, Health, Joy, and Mirth, and such gentry as those, ' With whom I have little acquaintance alas ! i Hare planted them all whither I may not pass : 142 So, you gentle Anne, must apply to your Lover This gay land of Roses to you to discover : And I think he may find it hard by too ; but hush ! I mean gentle Anne, in your own modest blush. Now last, to remind of Myself and my ways, Behold ! I have added a small sprig of Bays, * Which if planted in Ireland (arrah now do not quarrel) In time might grow up to a fine bushy Laurel; But in England, I fear me, that is not the plan, So, here's long life to Ireland and thee, gentle Anno ! * Planted in Ireland, &c. The Lady was born in Ireland. 143 LOVE AND A COTTAGE. A SENTIMENTAL SONG. OH ! may the Gods ordain our lot ! Beneath some little rush-roof 'd cot, Far off from noisy town ; Releas'd from Fashion's idle care, A neat mob cap I'll only wear, And linsey woolsey gown. Nor fowl, nor fish, nor butcher's meat Shall 'ere pollute our sylvan seat, With bloody slaughter cruel ; But Lettuce, Cress, and Peppermint, Our light repast, we'll never stint ; Nor frugal water-gruel : And should the gracious Powers above With twelve sweet children crown our love, 144 In Nature's ways we'll teach 'em To brave the wind, the sun, the rain ! Nor boys, nor girls, can then complain That we nor frock nor breech 'em. Beside some riyulet'g rushy brink ; Together we will sit and think ; But on no useful matter : To Fortune we will leave the care To wash and comb the children's hair, And fill their empty platter. Thus, undisturb'd our days shall pass, Beneath the bough and on the grass ; Then, write on our rude grave-stone " Here lies a Pair that never wrought, " Nor begg'd, nor borrowed, stole nor bought, " Content with Love alone." US LOVE AND A LORD. A SONG, IN REPLY TO THE FOREGOING, OH ! as for your cottage, And sour nettle pottage, I scorn them alike, do ye see ; A coronet gay With the diamond's ray, Is the only thing for me. A fig for the heart That follows a cart, And plods a' foot o'er the plain, Let him romp at the Fair With his rustic deap y I scorn such a yulgar swain, 146 A Lord, or a 'Squire, Is my heart's desire. And to ride in a gilded coach; At least let my Flirt Have a fine frill'd shirt, Bedeck'd with a gulden broach. Instead of your doTes > And naked loves, Without a rag to cloathe 'em, While Celia stitches Damon's breeches All prattling round, (I loathe 'em) My Cupid be drest In a silken vest ! For a naked brat would me shock ; Let his quirer be *filPt With arrows gilt, And his car be drawn by a Peacock ! * Filt forfill'd. PoeticilicentiS. 148 EPIGRAM. CZ.ARINDA, who thinks herself lovely and witty, JBy others is thought very pert, rather pretty ; But let her, if she is desirous to please, Of these terms of comparison change the degrees ; Ajad then, she perhaps may succeed as a flirt, When grown very pretty, and but rather peri. 3E D W A B, B, Heu 9 miserande Puer / si qua fata aspera rumpas Tu Mar cell us ens. manibus date liliaplenis : Purpureos spar gam fores, animamque nepotis His saltern accumulem, donis, etfungar inani Munere. 151 ED WARD. A MONODY, the death of an accomplished youth of great talents^ who unfortunately died of a Scarlet Fever, AT CHRIST CHURCH COLLEGE, OXFORD, IN FEBRUARY, 1806. I. O for that Lyre, whose sweetly flowing strain Did for young Lycidas' dear loss complain In sweetly flowing numbers, that still charm The ear of Time, and shall for aye prolong Of that loy'd Youth the grief-remember'd name* Such the strange virtue of immortal Song, That can e?'n Death of half his power disarm, And to the blighted bloom secure the fruit of Fame. II. O for an equal Song ! an equal Theme, (For such ev'n Envy must young Edward deem) 1 In merit equal and in love, demands The Lyre awakened by a Milton's hands, To bid, in swellings of sublimest verse, Young Edward's name with Lycidas' endure, And, as the lofty strains his praise rehearse, Soothe the deep sorrow which they may not cure* So, though with sudden rage in evil hour DEATH, ruthless Spoiler, cropp'd Hope's lovely flower And bore her garden's glory to the tomb, Snatch'd by the MUSE from blank oblivion's gloom, And in bright hues of Poesy array'd, The rescued blossom never more should fade. III. But now, in vain, th' enquiring eye looks round ; Alas ! No second Milton may be found, In the rich setting of whose dt-athless Lays Thy memory. Youth ! might live to distant days, Mute therefore shall each meaner shell remain ? And drooping silence only shew we grieve ? Oh ! what forbids the meanest to complain, If his weak notes a sorrow can relieve ? Or why the World's too rigid censure fear If the fond praise can sooth a Parent's ear ? When hush'd the choicest minstrels of the grove, The mellow Throstle and clear Nightingale, Not unattended doth the R^d-breast sing. Not undeliglited is the listening Vale ; His simple strain can touch the tender heart, Tears all his praise, as pity all his art. IV, Come, and the Lay inspire r ye tun-jful X'n: ! For the lor'd Youth claim'd all your care diviue ; If worth with talents your protection share, Nor GOODNESS less than GENIUS be your care. Both were young Edward's ; in his spotless mind The fire of Genius shone with flame refin'd. Of passions glowing and affections mild Ye early mark'd and calPd the lisping Child ; Ye kiss'd his infant lips, and bade them thirst For those bright streams that from your Pindus burst - And pure as was the spring from whence he drew, So pure his mind preserved the sacred dew. Thus, when from rock-o'ershadow'd source the stream Impels its waves to meet the Day-star's beam, If through clear sands they wind their sparkling way, O'er sparry beds or marble channels play, Pure as they come the limpid waters go, And only borrow brightness as they flow. V. Where were ye, Muses ! on that fatal day When the red Pest o'ertook him on his way, Shook her fell torch o'er his unconscious head, , And number'd youthful Edward with tbe Dead ? And oh ! when tidings of that cruel blow (Tidings, that every flattering hope laid low) Arriv'd from distant Isis' classic bowers To howl despair in *Rosa's peaceful towers, Did ye not hear the Mother's frantic shriek Half mingling with the Father's bursting groan ? Did ye not mark the marble of her cheek ? And eyes so dim, like eyes congcal'd to stone ? As high she toss'd her arms with g&iture wild, Exclaim'd " O God ! must must I lose my child ?' Then fainting sank into her husband's arms. The Husband and the Father Oh ! what tongue * ROM'S peaceful twers." RK Castle, near Carlitlc. 156 ' speak his anguish^ or the dire alarms, Which, doubling then, o'erwhelm'd his sinking heart ?- Norconld he pairgs like those encounter long, jBut that her precious comforts to impart, J:i sorrow's sharpest moments came the Friend Who ne'er deserts the good man in his need; RELIGION came the stubborn clay to bend And sootk the wound she yet allow'd to bleed. VI. Ah ! where was Isis in that evil hour, When first the fell contagious Pest began To claim its victim in her peaceful bower Commissioned by some envious Foe to Man, Who in the blooming promise of the Boy Fear'd the rich fruit of his maturcr age, And, urg'd by hatred dire and fiend-like rage, Ei-solr'd the goodly harvest to destroy Ah 1 where was Isis then ? in what lone cave LtillM to deep slumber by her classic wave ? Did she not hoar the lamentable cry- That swell'd the gale along her cloisters dim, The shriek of terror, and the deep-drawn sigh Of those who fear'd themselves or griev'd for him ? Yes, she dIJ hear ; and from her oozy bed Starting alarm'd, ungirt, unsandaH'J came: Portentous sight ! with wild dishevell'd head She rush'd half frantic at the well-known name. As mute with anguish she beheld the boy, Too well she road fh' inevitable doom ; Whilst the sad Leech did all his art employ, In vain, to snatch him from an early tomb. Ah ! could her hcrb-fring'd banks no leaf afford, Unknown to man, possess'd of sovereign charm ? Had she beneath her waves no secret hoard To aid the youth she lov'd in hour of harm ? Or none she had, or, lost in wild despair, The Nymph had brought no Sovereign balsam there. 158 i VII. Muses ! ye hung around the bed of death, Muses ! ye enter'd the dark house of woe ; Weeping ye caught the Boy's expiring breath. And shriek'd as fell the irreparable blow. Ye lack'd the power his cherish'd life to guard. Nor could your love the stern behest retard : But, (all ye can) the last sad duties pay, And teach aright to frame the mournful lay. For oh ! strange state ! behold my doubtful mind, With various views distracted at the sight, Nor dares to grieve, nor knows to be resigned, And waits perplex'd for your directing light. Passion, by Reason check'd, now wipes her tear, And bows submissive to the heavenly will ; Now, wildly questions that angelic Ser, And wrests his arguments with subtle skill, To prove, 'tis reason only to deplore, And Goodness rules this wretched ball 110 more. 159 For, shall we see the blossoms of the Earth The fairest blossoms wither'd in their birth, Whilst vilest weeds in dark luxuriance shoot, And scatter o'er the land their baleful fruit ? Shall these things be ? and shall the Reas'ner say " Child of Mortality I resign'd obey, " For perfect Wisdom reigns, and Goodness bends " All earthly evils to the best of ends ?"- No flow my tears ! ye bitter fountains flow ! When Virtue falls, there's wisdom in our woe. Then placid Reason re-assumes her reign, And bids mine eye survey Life's chequer'd plain ; There, as in fatal ambush I descry Dark hosts of Evil roll the cruel eye, And for each passing traveller prepare His shaft of anguish, or his load of care ; Which though the hardy and the bold endure, They find in patience but a sickly cure ; 160 Whilst they of tender nature, feelings warm, Shrink from the blast, and fall before the storm ; - Or drag a wounded spirit maim'd and sore, That eyes with wistful glance Death's misty shore,. Where waits the bark to waft them to repose, Where all their sufferings in the grave shall close. Oh ! who that knows those sufferings shall complain- When D^ath prevents a pilgrimage of pain, And leads his captives to the realms above All pure in innocence, all bright in love ; No stains to lose ere Angels' wings can grow, No spirit to renew, ere fit to blow Their golden trumpets and chaunt forth the strain, u Glory to God, and Peace on Earth to Men !"- Muses ! your sentence guides my doubtful choice ; Ye join with Reason's, with Religion's voice. r- Yes virtuous Choi! I own the high behest ; U GoD'i WILL BE DONE ! THAT WILL IS EVEB BEST.*' 161 VIII. Thus, in the solemn still sequester 'd shade Of Foremark's antient grove, the Bard essay'd To mingle melody with grief and praise, And sooth affliction by his tender lays. Meanwhile, the grey-ey'd Evening o'er the skies Her dusky stole, unfolding gradual, spread, And gather'd darker shadows round her head. Now, from the neighbouring stream dim mists arise, In thickening crowds, to meet pale Dian's reign, And swell the shadowy pageant of her train. But, the fond eye of Poesy could deem Legions of Spirits these, from deep repose Wak'd by his shell, to join tlm Pop.t's woes, And thither brought, by Trenta's friendly stream, To honour with their sighs his mournful theme ; For such the hallow murmurs of the breeze Seem'dj as it swell'd amongst those antient tree$> 164 So, still he Jinger'd in the thick'ning gloom, His rapt eye fix'd upon one glimmering star, Which through the opening branches of an oak, (Against whose mossy trunk the bard reclin'd) Glanc'd its pale streamy radiance from afar, And with its beams the growing darkness broke. -'Twas thought of old, the planets in their course Shed mystic influence on tcrresnhii things, And strangely could attract the musing mind, Which, on Imagination's wings of flame Borne upwards to their high celestial spheres, Could through the paths of light range unconfin'd, Unbound, unshackled by low earthly care. 163 And sure 'tis so. For up the slanting team Of that same star the Poet's soul did climb. And saw those Jappy regions of the sky Where the pure spirits of the virtuous dwell, Lost in a blaze of light to our dim, earthly ken, There, seated with the Seraphim, he saw, Tuning his golden harp, in fair array, (Like silvery moonbeams woven for a robe,) And crown'd with lilies of such dazzling white As no similitude of earthly flower Could e'er express, Edward, the sainted boy !- His bright and open countenance of truth (So ever when on earth) now brighter shone, With joy ineffable; and the expansive mind Now perfect made, of wond'rous knowledge full a All film and cloud remoy'd from its clear eye, Each talent purified from earthly dross, And polish'd, as the crystal floor of Hearcn. A bloom of freshness, such as mortal cheek Wore never, on Earth's low and vapoury orb, Glow'd on his beaming face, which yet preserv'd Resemblance of the form he once had worn, That they, who saw the Seraph, might discern The youth they knew on earth. Such Edward seem'd, Such in the Poet's vision he appeared, As graceful stepping forth with look benign From th plum'd choir, he hail'd the well-known bard, And thus in sweetest accent mild address'd. " Thanks for thy grateful descant, gentle friend ! For not unheard thy tributary song, Ev'n in these seats celestial ! Know, whatever Of Friendship, Tr*l, amd Charity is born, However mean and trivial be the work, Mounts hither by instinctive natal right, Which from its parent virtue is deriv'd. Since from high Hearcn, the seat of perfect goodness, 165 All that is good on earth to man first There sown by God's all-gracious liberal hand,- The goodly fruit that precious seed brings forth Must unto Heaven, its native soil, return. So, hath thy humble dirge, of kindness born, For kindness sake, found gracious welcome here ; Where shines, an offering pure and acceptable. The Widow's mite whilst many a gorgeous heap Of lavish'd wealth, the sacrifice of Pomp And earthly Vanity, neglected lies, A heap of dross, outside these holy walls, Unfit to bear the assaying Angel's eye, Rejected with the suppliant's fruitless prayer. So also, many a sweet and festive song That hath on earth obtain'd Fame's trivial wreath. And noisy triumph of her clamorous praise, Here enters never, of these walls forbid ; For when of Virtue not inspir'd the lay 166 In earth's low clouds the earthy sounds are lost. Learn this of me, who now in perfect know What e?'n below in part I guess'd must be. Nor unrequited deem thy friendly strain By this instruction, which, I charge thee, keep Impressed for aye upon thy heedful heart. For aye inscribed upon thy cherish'd Lyre, The key to tune its melody. Now go My Friend! and so thy destin'd race pursue, So duly thy allotted task perform, That the good Angel of release from pain (Not He, the sternest of the angelic host In terrors clad, who strikes the wicked man, And summons him *hnnrl,r to his doom, But He, with downy wings though dark, the Comforter, Who smooths the good man's pillow when he comes,) May gently lead thee to this happy place, Here to renew with me, on better terms 167 And everlasting, our regards of old, And though such wreath as mine thou may'st not wear, The wreath of spotless innocence, yet such As heavenly Mercy's bounteous hand bestow* On Man's imperfect but essaying virtue, A crown of glowing amaranths, be thine ! - And now, Farewell ! Thou, to thy solemn shades, And pleasing care to tune thy sylvan lyre ; I, to my glorious and thrice blissful charge, To join with these bright minstrels of the sky. Kneeling before the ever radiant Throne, To strike our golden harps, and joyful hymn Eternal goodness with eternal praise." Then clos'd the heavenly Vision ; and again To earth's dim shades the Poet's spirit fell. So sinks some glittering Meteor, which awhile Suspended in the azure vault of Night, Seems to Man's cheated eye a radiant Star, 168 That in the heavens its fixed station holds, Or circles with the Planetary train ; , Till sudden hurl'd from its usurped place, To the dank fen from whence it haply sprang Headlong it falls, in dark oblivion quench'd. [ G. WILK1NS, PRINTER., DERBY. ncn Verses DEC 30194(i YC150829