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 POETICAL 
 
 RECREATIONS. 
 
 BY 
 
 ANTHONY HARRISON. 
 
 A Clerk foredoomed his Father's Soul to cross, 
 Who pens a Stanza, when he should engross. 
 
 Pope. 
 
 With a pleasing scrcery could charm 
 Care for a while, and Anguish, and excite 
 Fallacious Hope, or arm th' obdured breast 
 With stubborn Patience, as with triple steel. 
 
 Milton. 
 
 Ionium; 
 
 PRINTED FOR R. FAULDER, NEW-BOJJD-STREET, 
 
 BY J. BRETTELL, 
 MARSHAIL-ETREET, GOLDEN-SQUARE, 
 
 1806.
 
 
 TO THE 
 
 LOVELIEST CLASS OF CREATED BEINGS, 
 
 Under whose kindling Glance these humble 
 Flowrets first germinated, under whose 
 cheering Smile they have gradually expand- 
 ed, and under whose persuasive Influence 
 they are now collected, and adventurously 
 exposed to the chilling Blasts of Public 
 Criticism, 
 
 TO THE 
 
 BRITISH FAIR, 
 
 This variegated Bouquet is, with all due 
 Gratitude, respectfully dedicated 
 
 By <he humblest, yet most devoted 
 of their Adorers, 
 
 A. H. 
 
 775455 

 
 3Hn SUpofoffp 
 
 FOR THE WANT OF A PREFACE. 
 
 or 
 
 ALL attempts to conciliate the Smiles 
 avert the Frowns of Criticism by Prefatory 
 Courtesy or Deprecation, are futile, imper- 
 tinent, and vain: for, should the fruits of 
 the Author's Connexion with the two Ladies 
 mentioned in the introductory Poem, be of 
 divine origin, they must intuitively demand 
 the Tribute of Homage, Admiration, and 
 Respect, and be gratuitously ushered by the
 
 VI11 
 
 enlightened High-Chamberlains of Literature 
 into the sublime Society of the Learned and 
 the Witty, the Sentimental and the Gay : 
 but should they, on the contrary, exhibit, 
 after rigid Examination, no Lineaments of 
 celestial Descent, but be found earthly, gro- 
 velling, and spurious, and it should appear 
 that their imprudent Father has, in his Dreams 
 of Inebriety, been seduced by two artful mere- 
 tricious Impostors, no Allegations on his part 
 can avail to rescue his miserable Offspring 
 from the Doom they deserve. With these 
 Apologetical Remarks, a fond but perhaps 
 too partial Parent, with trembling solicitude, 
 now submits his Progeny to the aweful Judge- 
 ment of the Critical Tribunal, to which he 
 must bow with silent deference, even though
 
 JX 
 
 the result should condemn his beloved Bant- 
 lings (after undergoing, pursuant to the Sta- 
 tute*, the merited Chastisement of Whipping, 
 &c.) to an ignominious Removal, as incorrigible 
 Rogues and Vagabonds, to their own Parish. 
 
 * Vide Stat. 17 Geo. II. c. 5. vulgb diet. y Vagrant Act.
 
 XI 
 
 INTRODUCTORY LINES. 
 
 " Seria mista Jocis, Animi lenire Dolorem." 
 The Dreams of Pindus and th' Aonian Maid 
 Allure the steps that long in Error stray'd. 
 Sunk in the dust, deserted, and alone, 
 I seize the Shell, to pour the plaintive Moan. 
 The heavenly Mose, attentive to my pray'r, 
 Soothes with her Smile the sadness of Despair. 
 Grateful, I hail the tranquillizing Beam, 
 And Rays of Hope thro' Clouds of Sorrow gleam. 
 These varied Strains may Sympathy peruse, 
 Nor as imaginary Plaints accuse ! 
 
 CONTENTS
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 OF THE FIRST VOLUME. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 X OETICAL Apology for preferring the Practice of 
 
 the Court of Apollo to that of Westminster Hall 1 
 
 Notes 41 
 
 Solitary Reflections, on crossing Kirkstone on foot, 
 
 on Christmas Eve, 1 804 45 
 
 Note 52 
 
 A Poetical and Metaphysical Illustration of the Asso- 
 ciation of Ideas . . 53 
 
 Lines to Miss A n on her Birth-day ; with Notes . 61 
 
 Retrospections. Hor. Ode 34, Book i 83 
 
 Elegiacal Stanzas on the Approach of Spring. Hor. 
 
 Ode 7, Book iv 85 
 
 Elegiacal Stanzas to Venus. Hor. Ode 1, Book iv. . 89 
 
 Against the Immoderate Indulgence of Grief. Hor. 
 
 Ode 9, Book ii 93 
 
 On the Cares of a Great, and the Blessings of a 
 
 Humble Station. Hor. Ode 1 , Book iii. ... 97 
 
 To my Countrymen in Arms. Hor. Ode 9, Book iii. 101 
 Tributary Ode on the late Victories and the Eutha- 
 nasia of Nelson 109
 
 XIV 
 
 PACE 
 
 On Fortitude; illustrated in the Example of Regulus : 
 
 Hor. Ode 5, Book iii U7 
 
 Against the enervating Tendency of Love. Hor. 
 
 Ode 8, Book i 123 
 
 A Reliance on general Providence, and the Superiority 
 
 of Virtue: inculcated in a Fragment from Lucan 125 
 
 Sonnet to the Memory of the Author's Father . . . 131 
 On the Miseries of Life ; with Consolatory Precepts. 
 
 Hor. Ode 16, Book ii 133 
 
 On the haneful Effects of Avarice, and the Blessings of 
 
 Contentment. Hor. Ode 16, Book iii. . . . 137 
 
 On Equanimity. Hor. Ode 3, Book ii 143 
 
 On Mediocrity. Hor. Ode 31, Book i 147 
 
 L'AHegro; or, Sanguine Reflections on Life. From 
 
 Metrode-rus 151 
 
 II Penseroso ; or, Sombre Reflections on Life. From 
 
 Possidippus 158 
 
 Inscription for a Medley Fire Screen 155 
 
 Maxims from Owen 159 
 
 Lines to Miss King, of Askham-Hall 165 
 
 Note 171 
 
 On the Consolation of Poesy. Hor. Ode 4, Book iii. 173
 
 It is hoped the Author's distance from the Press, will, in 
 some measure, apologize to the candour of the Reader, for 
 any trifling errata that may occur to him, in perusing these 
 Volumes.
 
 POETICAL APOLOGY 
 
 FO* 
 
 PREFERRING 
 
 THJt 
 
 PRACTICE OF THE COURT OF APOLLO 
 
 TO THAT OF 
 
 3fcc$tminjfter ^aU; 
 
 VOL. I.
 
 POETICAL APOLOGY, &c. 
 
 " Vester, Caracenae, vester in arduoa 
 
 Tollor Sabinos : 
 
 Vos lene consilium et datis, et dato 
 
 Gaudetis almae." 
 
 Hor. Ode 4. Lib. in. 
 
 WHEN gloomy Care transfix'd my brain, 
 And fill'd my throbbing heart with pain ; 
 When fell Despair uprear'd his head, 
 And thro' my breast his poison shed ; 
 When clouds o'er all th T horizon lour'd, 
 And ev'ry gladd'ning ray obscur'd ; 
 When round me lay a boundless wild, 
 With horrid thorns and crags defil'd ; 
 When anguish'd, helpless, left alone, 
 I pour'd in air my frenzied moan, 
 bS
 
 With gusts of furious passion tost, 
 Of blissful Hope the anchor lost, 
 My heedless dubious steps I bore 
 To Skinburnesa's shelvy shore, 
 And plunging in the briny wave, 
 Some respite to Affliction gave, 
 A few short hours of Woe beguil'd, 
 
 And, in despite of Sorrow, smil'd. 
 
 There blooming beauty bless'd my eyes ; 
 Beauty which I must ever prize ; 
 Beauty, w&ose mild, benignant smile 
 Can every gloomy thought beguile ; 
 Sweet lovely Woman, God's best plan 
 To tranquillize unhappy Man, 
 Whose accents thro' the bosom thrill, 
 And bid corroding Care be still ! 
 
 'Twas then, (the time I well remember 
 The twentieth day of mild September,
 
 When the bright Sun retir'd to rest, 
 Sunk in repose on Thetis' breast ; 
 When Luna, with attemper'd ray, 
 Did all her silv'ry charms display, 
 And with reflected splendour gave 
 Refulgence to the foaming wave ; 
 Whilst Stars, with feebler radiance, shone 
 Trembling around her azure throne ; 
 When mortals all retir'd to rest, 
 Save where the mind, with grief oppress'^ 
 Or the gall'd body, sufF'ring pain, 
 Robb'd Morpheus of his tranquil reign ; 
 When the full Tide's hij- surgesfloar, 
 Impetuous dash'd upon the shore, 
 And caus'd my throbbing heart to glow 
 With thoughts of tenderness and awe ; 
 When on my ruffled couch reclin'd, 
 I strove to soothe an anguish' d mind,
 
 6 
 
 Sudden, a bright and vivid ray 
 Pour'd on ray sight resplendent day, 
 And straight, advancing from the flood, 
 Two heavenly Nymphs before me stood : 
 But to describe their form and mein, 
 Which by my ravish'd eye were seen, 
 Demands a more descriptive pen 
 Than e'er was held by mortal men ; 
 Not Raphael's pencil could pourtray, 
 Nor Milton's Muse such charms display ; 
 My eye, then dazzled with the glare, 
 A feeble outline scarce can dare. 
 
 But since strict Duty's claims require 
 That I should to the sketch aspire, 
 To draw the Deities I try, 
 Just Gratitude may aid supply !
 
 The first, that caught my raptur'd sight. 
 Was Nymph bedeck'd in vestment white, 
 Which, lightly o'er her shoulders thrown, 
 Disclaims the rigour of the zone ; 
 With mingled negligence and care, 
 Leaves half the swelling bosom bare; 
 And thence, in folds correct and neat, 
 Lightly o'erhangs her tender feet, 
 Yet artfully festoon'd to shew 
 A taper limb expos'd to view, 
 Of which the neat and graceful turn 
 Suggests those charms we can't discern : 
 Purpureal socks her feet enfold, 
 Sparkling with gems and burnish'd gold : 
 Circling her lily arms, there shone 
 Bracelets of gold and precious stone : 
 Her form does not superior rise, 
 But somewhat of a lowly size,
 
 I 
 
 Yet in proportion so enchanting, 
 That to appearance nought is wanting : 
 Her auburn hair with ribbons bound, 
 Is with a wreath of roses crown'd ; 
 From whence the wanton ringlets stray, 
 And o'er her iVry forehead play ; 
 From the sweet braids distil perfume, 
 Diffusing odours thro' the room : 
 But all descriptive pow'r defies, 
 The magic of her azure eyes, 
 'Bove which the silken lashes play, 
 That check the fervour of their ray ; 
 As clouds oft shade Apollo's light, 
 That dazzles else th' enraptur'd sight ; 
 Those eyes that glow with liquid fire, 
 And joy and harmony inspire : 
 A nose, tho' short and wanting grace, 
 Yet adds an archness to her face, 
 1
 
 Two pouting ruby lips arc seen, 
 With teeth of pearly hue between : 
 Her dimpled cheeks the tints disclose 
 Of Lily white and vermeil Rose ; 
 Enrich'd with sweet bewitching smiles, 
 Where Cupids play in wanton wiles : 
 Her tuneful voice, with accents sweet, 
 No nightingale or lark can meet ; 
 Its dulcet harmony appears 
 To match the music of the spheres, 
 Th' enraptur'd ear enchanting charms 
 And each discordant thought disarms. 
 Before the Maid confounded fly, 
 Despair, and Doubt, and Jealousy ; 
 Her plaints no more sad Sorrow pours, 
 Nor canker'd Care the heart devours ; 
 Revenge resigns his iron reign ; 
 Nor horrid Madness gnaws his chain j
 
 10 
 
 Gladness her long-quench'd lamp relumes ; 
 Again reviving Nature blooms. 
 
 Such was the bland celestial Guest, 
 Who first upon my notice press'd. 
 But how describe the sober Maih, 
 Who next her modest charms display'd ? 
 
 A silken robe, of sable hue, 
 Veils all her stately form from view, 
 And graceful limbs, that shew disdain, 
 Envelopes with a sweeping train ; 
 Jet bracelets hex fair arms embrace, 
 Which radiant diamond-cords enlace : 
 Her feet, with satin buskins bound, 
 Tread with majestic pace the ground : 
 A silver zone, with saphires grac'd, 
 Closely enfolds her slender waist : 
 Her ebon hair, by nought confin'd, 
 Floats in loose tresses to the wind :
 
 11 
 
 Her arched brows and forehead high 
 Betoken Rule and Majesty : 
 Her full, dark eyes, suff'us'd in tears, 
 She oft to heav'n, in anguish, rears, 
 And oft, immers'd in thought profound, 
 In silence casts upon the ground ; 
 Eyes that in grief or transport roll 
 And shew the throbbings of the soul ; 
 That can infuriate Passions move, 
 Or Pity, Tenderness, and Love : 
 Her nose of graceful form was seen, 
 Such as adorns the Cyprian Queen, 
 In statue of unrivall'd fame, 
 That bears of Medicis the name : 
 Seldom her paly up display 
 Of cheerful Smiles the lambent ray ; 
 But such as Sadness may employ, 
 Implying Patience more than Joy ;
 
 12 
 
 Or such as injur'd Virtue wears, 
 Smiling; indignant thro' her tears : 
 No blooming roses deck her checks ; 
 No Cupid there an ambush seeks; 
 But faded, wan, and pale with Care, 
 She bears a sad and mournful air : 
 Her solemn voice, tho' deep yet clear, 
 Strikes with an awful sound the ear ; 
 Now, strong and vehement, and loud 
 As torrent wild, or foaming flood ; 
 And now its plaintive accents thrill, 
 As the mild brook or murm'ring rill ; 
 Now, as the clarion appals ; 
 Now, as the lute melodious falls. 
 Where'er the Maid majestic moves, 
 Adieu to idle sports and loves ; 
 Folly and thoughtless Laughter fly, 
 Or sicken at her frowns and die ;
 
 13 
 
 Silence and Thought assume their reign, 
 And rule triumphant o'er the brain. 
 
 Seen was the Nymph, whom next I saw, 
 With transport, reverence and awe. 
 
 Then in smooth accents bland and sweet, 
 Thus did the lively Nymph me greet : 
 
 u Arise, silly mortal, arise ! 
 
 And no more in distraction complain ; 
 Learn the blessings of Pleasure to prize, 
 
 Nor linger in Sorrow and Pain ; 
 Tho' dark clouds may the sun-beams obscure, 
 
 And life may be chequer'd with woe, 
 No rain can eternally pour, 
 
 Nor should mortals all pleasure forego.
 
 14 
 
 " As late on the hill of Parnassus 
 
 Sage Apollo convened his court ; 
 (That sweet hill, not Olympus surpasses, 
 
 To all Gods the most pleasing resort ; 
 For Olympus is troubled with care, 
 
 With intrigues, and with matters of state ; 
 On its top, none true pleasures can share, 
 
 Even Gods can't be happy and great ;) 
 
 " Your sad lamentations were heard ; 
 
 The groans of affliction and grief, 
 That you no earthly pleasure preferr'd, 
 
 And look'd to the grave for relief; 
 That the Sun of your Honour was set, 
 
 And sullied with sorrow and shame ; 
 That in anguish you turmoil and fret, 
 
 And comfort for ever disclaim*
 
 15 
 
 " Apollo was touched with your case; 
 
 And 'tis needless, to you to rehearse 
 That, besides being God of the Chace, 
 
 He knows Physic, and Music, and Verse : 
 And he cried ; * Tho' the lad has done wrong, 
 
 * Yet he ought not to die in despair ; 
 ' As sure as I warble the song, 
 
 ' I'll take his case under my care ; 
 
 " * Thalia, come hither, my love;* 
 (That Muse, woe-worn mortal, am I ;) 
 
 * And swift from the regions of Jove, 
 
 ' Take your wings in an instant, and fly 
 
 * To a spot mortals call Skinburness, 
 
 ' In happy Britannia's Isle, 
 ' The youth with your presence to bless, 
 ' And solace his heart with a smile.
 
 16 
 
 ** The tricks of Mercubius I know, 
 
 * And all his vile practice can tell; 
 
 * He deceives under shadow of Law, 
 
 * Then ushers his vot'ries to hell ; 
 
 ' There are few can escape from his guiles, 
 
 * He is skill'd to despoil and deceive : 
 
 * Then bid him beware of his wiles, 
 
 * And attend to the precepts I give. 
 
 '* * The best Physic to comfort his brains, 
 ' Is a draught of good Ale and of Love ; 
 
 ' Let him practise Poetical strains, 
 ' And I will his studies approve ; 
 
 * Sweet Music enlivens the soul, 
 
 ' Than Woman no solace so sweet ; 
 
 * Drown care in a full-flowing bowl, 
 
 ' And then will his cure be complete.'
 
 17 
 
 " Thus spoke our Chief Justice Apollo ; 
 
 His SPanOamUjS I instant obey'd : 
 And you my instruction* must follow, 
 
 And purjfttt the Poetical Trade ; 
 On no writ of jSCi, & shall you venture ; 
 
 No quo mimi* shall puzzle your brain. 
 A 0oli prostqui I enter, 
 
 And grocer of ugtetfwnaim 
 
 " In charade, 'tis for you to Htdaxt, 
 And the intricate riddle propounD; 
 
 fyabm Corpora sue for the Fair, 
 Then shall no ignoranWS be found : 
 
 Should the world tuo tarranto require, 
 And give you a Kill* to j6&?fo <au*t, 
 
 You may Uoutf) the great God of the Lyre, 
 From whom Law in Equity flows. 
 
 VOL. I. C
 
 J8 
 
 *< Should a 38rit of fete* 3IU0gmei1t be brought, 
 
 And CrtOC be shewn on IStCorfl, 
 You shall make your (Eloign to the Court, 
 
 And atmttBment be made $ub accprfl ; 
 No ^Latitat then you require, 
 
 Nor #UDfta tueU demand, 
 When the Muses your pUaDingjS inspire, 
 
 Ne'er argue for Money or Land ; 
 
 *' For this I am free to confess, 
 
 On our Mount there are no golden mines ; 
 And our Vot'ry, good Fortune must bless, 
 
 Whenever he breakfasts or dines ; 
 Yet, what more true comfort imports, 
 
 He is free from the baneful alloy, 
 That with grasping Ambition consorts, 
 
 Prone to plunder, despoil, and destroy,
 
 19 
 
 " Then arise, mourning mortal, arise ! 
 
 To the call of Thalia attend ; 
 Despair's dismal dictates despise ! 
 
 And I will you ever befriend; 
 Seize, seize the gay moments that fly ; 
 
 Learn tranquillity, prudence, and truth ; 
 As to-morrow you sicken and die, 
 
 Ne'er waste in Affliction your Youth," 
 
 Such were the notes the smiling Maid 
 To my enchanted ear convey'd ; 
 But ere my fait' ring voice could frame 
 The thanks, her pleasing precepts claim ; 
 While yet on my enraptur'd tongue 
 The due and grateful tribute hung ; 
 From my 'rapt sight the Maiden fled, 
 And Ui' awful Ny mp u approach'd my bed, 
 With steady mein and solemn pace, 
 Of mingled majesty and grace ;
 
 20 
 
 And, while her bosom lieav'd a si^h, 
 Survey'd me with a tearful eye ; 
 In voice that adoration won, 
 Thus the celestial Maid begun : 
 
 " Bewild'reb Man, oppress'd by anxious care, 
 Who pour'st the frenzied accents of despair; 
 To thee I come, for Phcebus so ordains, 
 To soothe thy griefs and mitigate thy pains, 
 The Muse Melpomene ; in early age, 
 Who fill'd th' Athenian Bards' enraptur'd page, 
 Taught from their pens the sacred strains to flow, 
 Depicting Grief, and Misery, and Woe ; 
 The various ills that from Ambition spring, 
 The shrieks of Frenzy, and Remorse's sting ; 
 Drew from Jocasta's eyes the briny flood, 
 And from her filial-Husband's, tears of blood, 
 The parricide Orestes taught to feel 
 Tortures beyond the gibbet and the wheel j
 
 21 
 
 Of fell Medea fram'd the direful curse, 
 
 Cloth VI her revenge in animated verse ; 
 
 Of hateful Atreus bar'd the horrid crimes ; 
 
 And Phjedua's guilty love expos'd to future times. 
 
 " To ancient Rome I then impell'd my flight, 
 And shed o'er Sen eca a feeble light : 
 Yet no fix'd ray that moralist acquired, 
 But with the falling state, his glimm'ring beam expir'd. 
 
 " Years roll'd away in Folly's idle dreams, 
 Till this blest Isle enjoy'd my brightest beams ; 
 Of Avon's Bard I penn'd the fervid line, 
 (That bard the favourite of all the Nine,) 
 Taught him the soul's emotions to rehearse, 
 And pour with dignity the glowino- verse ; 
 To his impetuous mind I gave the rein, 
 And with resistless course, he scour'd along the plain.
 
 2 
 
 " With Jealousy's dire pangs, Othello burns, i 
 And his disastrous fate in anguish mourns, 
 When, by a villain's artful schemes beguil'd, 
 He slew a wife, most innocent and mild. 
 Convulsive tortures thro' the bosom swell 
 * Of him who lov'd not wisely, but too well.* 
 The guiltless murd'rer must compassion claim, 
 Who with repentant blood obliterates the blame. 
 
 " Who without sympathy can ever hear 
 Th' impassion'd ravings of distracted Lear, 
 When to high Heaven he pours the awful curse 
 Against his child, ungrateful and perverse ; 
 When on the hoary head the torrents fail 
 Of the * kind Father, whose fond heart gave all ;' 
 And sweet Cordelia, pious, just, and kind, 
 Strives, with endearing care, to soothe a parent's raind ?
 
 23 
 
 (t When half-distracted Hamlet mourns in palrtj 
 A mother stained and a father slain ; 
 When strong sensations his gall'd mind impel, 
 * Prompted to just revenge by Heaven and hell ;* 
 When poor Ophelia chaunts her ditties sweet, 
 And thro' her brain the madd'ning pulses beat ; 
 Each bosom shares the sympathetic glow, 
 And from the feeling eye gushing torrents flow. 
 
 " WTiat tender heart but must with sorrow move 
 At the sad tale of Romeo's hapless love, 
 When wrathful Tybalt's fierce, relentless ire 
 Quench'd the bright flame of Hymen's hallow'd fire ; 
 When two fond lovers, in life's jocund bloom, 
 Sink, the united tenants of the tomb ; 
 When rival houses close their deadly feud, 
 (Ah! Peace too dearly bought!) with their lov'd 
 children's blood ?
 
 24 
 
 *' What direful woes from full Ambition flow, 
 The Thane of Fife and ranc'rous Richard shew; 
 Duncan and Edward, at the murd'rer's knell, 
 ' After life's fitful fever' guiltless fell : 
 Not so the tyrants ; they, oppress'd with care, 
 Plung'd in remorse, anxiety, and fear, 
 At Dunsinane and Bosworth meet their crimes, 
 And infamous descend to all succeeding times. 
 
 ** What woes to Rome from anarchy befel, 
 The coxqu'rer of Corioli will tell. 
 Brave, noble, haughty, never to be bent, 
 * What his breast forges, that his tongue must vent;' 
 Exil'd by faction from his native land, 
 Prompt to revenge, he waves the gleaming brand ; , 
 But, when to punish he his arm upreas, 
 The victor falls subdu'd, by a lov'd mother's tears.
 
 25 
 
 ** What mingled scenes of honour, love, and hate, 
 In the bold tale of noble Cjesak's fate ! 
 Pride, Valour, Mercy in the Chief you scan, 
 Abhor the Tyrant, but respect the Man : 
 In fluent Antony, the ardent Friend ; 
 The rigid Cassius no allurements bend ; 
 But in the gentle Brutus, are combin'd 
 Th' exalted Friend of Rome, of Freedom, of Mankind ! 
 
 " WhentheEGYPTiANQuEEN'sresplendentcharms 
 Lure the fond Warrior from war's alarms ; 
 Sunk on the Syren's gay, voluptuous breast, 
 He lulls his Glory and his Fame to rest ; 
 Is, from his throne, by sage Octavius hurPd, 
 And Love subdues the Emp'ror of the World ; 
 In dire despair, the Lovers yield their breath, 
 And ' rush uncall'd to seek the secret house of Death !'
 
 26 
 
 " When the fond Mother pours her frenzied groan 
 For the sweet Boy from her for ever torn ; 
 When thro' the land, convuls'd with civil war, 
 Bloody Rebellion drives his iron car ; 
 When Britain's Lion droops th' avenging Lance 
 To trembling sink before the Bird of France, 
 He must possess of adamant a frame, 
 Where the impassion'd scene no sympathy can claim ! 
 
 * What frezing horrors, from his pen, you gain 
 In the imbecile Richard's hapless reign; 
 When haughty Bolingbroke the throne acquires, 
 And by a ruffian's hand his King expires ! 
 Yet Heaven avenges the audacious deed, 
 And dooms the land in civil war, to bleed ! 
 Thro' various reigns, the purple current flows, 
 What Line shall wear the Crown, the Red or Pallid 
 Rose.
 
 " At length, the conflict o'er, the torrents cease, 
 And the Eighth Henry rules the realm in peace : 
 Yet still Destruction lours upon the Great ; 
 You melt at Catharine and Wolsey's fate ; 
 The gentle Cath'rine, innocent and pure, 
 Falls, the sad victim of a tyrant's pow'r ! 
 And the proud Wolsey, all his laurels torn, 
 In dread despair expires, deserted and forlorn ! 
 
 " Such are the scenes that your attention claim ; . 
 Scenes which I drew, tho' Shakespeare shar'd the 
 
 fame; 
 Whilst my gay Sister (she who lately fled) 
 O'er the lov'd Bard, her lively influence shed ; 
 Her Wit and Humour his blest Pen pourtray'd, 
 And, round his laurell'd brows her sparkling lustre 
 play'd.
 
 28 
 
 " Jonson's learn'd page, instruction will impart ; 
 Tho' his cool head controll'd my fervid dart. 
 Fletcher and Massinger imbib'd my beam, 
 Tho' frequent clouds obscur'd the grateful gleam. 
 
 " Then I from France, no more my light conceal, 
 But pour my radiance round the great Corneille ; 
 For thought and sentiment, he thank'd the Muse ; 
 Sublime in all, but where his rhymes refuse. 
 Correct Racine's harmonious numbers flow*d, 
 When to his polish'd pen I bounteous aid bestow'd. 
 
 " Their fame to emulate, th' acute Voltaire 
 (Anxious the palm in ev'ry art to bear) 
 Arduously strove, and ofFer'd at my shrine : 
 Nor did I coyly his pursuit decline ; 
 But gave the boon with no reluctant hand; 
 And pour'd his glory o'er fair Gallia's land.
 
 29 
 
 " 'Twere well that Poet had not vainly strove 
 To blight his fame whom all the Muses love ; 
 Envious, he sought the Laurel Wreath to tear 
 From our sweet Bard, and that proud Trophy wear;. 
 But foil'd he fell, in catching at the Bays, 
 And tarnish'd, by th' attempt, his less melodious Lays. 
 
 " Britain, too long immers'd in gloomy night, 
 In Charles's reign reviv'd my vivid light, 
 When my licentious Sister gave support 
 To Wit and Humour, at his merry Court. 
 
 " Unhappy Dryden, doom'd to write for bread, 
 Reviv'd my ray, upon his hallow'd head ; 
 Yet, as green fruitage, gather'd ere mature, 
 His poverty-struck pen did half the ray obscure. 
 
 " Then tender Otwav, Sorrow's fated child, 
 Pour'd, from his artless pen, my Dictates wild,
 
 so 
 
 ** When harsh Prilli, with avcngement dread, 
 Denies his disobedient Daughter bread ; 
 When fell Rebellion rears his crimson'd hand, 
 To waste with sword and fire Venetia's land ; 
 When, mov'd by tears that all his firmness bend, 
 
 To save the State the Husband dooms the Friend ; 
 When the Friends fall, and Belvidera raves; 
 
 What iron bosom then, the strong impression braves ? 
 
 " When good Acasto's amorous, ardent race 
 Seek the sweet Orphan's honour to deface, 
 And the poor Maid, from violated trust, 
 Falls the sad victim of incestuous lust ; 
 When brave Chamont his sword, indignant drawi, 
 To vindicate an injur'd Sister's cause ; 
 Their mournful tale, from humble stations drawn, 
 Each feeling heart affects, with sorrow as its own !
 
 31 
 
 " O'er fiery Lee I strove to hold the rein, 
 Not to impel his genius, but restrain ; 
 Bold, wild, impetuous, turbulent, and loud, 
 His foaming steed around him rais'd a cloud, 
 When at the feast great Ammoh's warlike son 
 Lost, by intemperance, what, by arms, he won, 
 Roxana storms, the mild Statira sighs, 
 And the wide World's great Victor in distraction dies ! 
 
 " Then did my influence mellifluous flow 
 Around thy head, O silverrdiction'd Rowe ; 
 Taught by his pen, each tender Maiden proves 
 The dire result of faithless, lawless loves. 
 The proud Calista and the humble Shore, 
 By man deceiv'd, their wretched fate deplore ; 
 The firm Horatio, Lothario gay, 
 And tender Altamont, their traits display ; 
 Alicia raves, with wild remorseless fires, 
 But pious Shore exclaims, "forgive me !" and expires I
 
 32 
 
 " At Southern's plaintive scenes, your tears most 
 
 flow, 
 To view the wretched Isabella's woe, 
 When by a Brother's fraud, and want, subdued, 
 Her wedded hand she to another vow'd ; 
 Which Oronooko's bitter wrongs disclose, 
 And of his Princess plead the sacred cause, 
 Who, torn by villains, from their native land, 
 To save their honour, fall by their own desp'rate hand. 
 
 " Prompt at my call, conflicting passions rise, 
 The Lover triumphs, then despairing diesj 
 Hate, Pity, Tenderness, successive move, 
 The gust of Fancy or the breeze of Love. 
 Of wily Zanga, see the rane'rous rage, 
 And dire revenge, in Young's impassion 'd page ! 
 When jealousy impell'd the Lover's knife, 
 Against his dearest friend's and Leonora's life. 
 
 o 
 
 1
 
 33 
 
 " The patriot Stoic rais'd his steady hand, 
 'Gainst his own life, at Honour's stern command ; 
 Yet in the rolls of Fame his glories bloom, 
 For Addison has deck'd his honour'd tomb. 
 Of Conoreve, I and my sweet sister Muse, 
 With the mix'd chaplet, dignified the brows ; 
 In each department, he his genius tried, 
 In Mill am ant the gay, and thesad mourning Bride. 
 
 " Luxur'ant Thomson, like his circling year, 
 In notes harmonious, drives his proud career. 
 When Sophonisba quaffs the poison'd bowl, 
 What direful terrors thro' the bosom roll ! 
 When sage Siffredi, anxious, strives to move 
 The Youth, for Empire, to disclaim his Love, 
 Th' o'er-cautious Statesman, in his schemes beguil'd, 
 Mourns, with repentant tears, his pupil and his child ! 
 
 VOL. I. D
 
 S4 
 
 " When for her long-lost Lord, Matilda weeps, 
 Presumes her babe below the billow sleeps ; 
 What anxious transport all the Mother feels, 
 When Fortune to her sight her Child reveals ! 
 Short gleams of joy does that discov'ry gain ; 
 The gallant youth is, by a villain, slain : 
 With anguish torn, she then abhors the light, 
 And, in the foaming flood, descends to endless night ! 
 
 * The humble Lillo's plain, unvarnish'd tale 
 Depicts what ills Intemperance assail ; 
 Lur'd by a strumpet, Barnwel* plung'd in woe, 
 Resigns his life to violated Law : 
 AndmoralMooREhasbar'dtheGAMESTEit's crimes, 
 A dread example to succeeding times ; 
 When Beverley, involv'd in Vice's lair, 
 By his own hand expires, in frenzy and despair !
 
 35 
 
 " But since Britannia's vitiated taste 
 Leaves the rich Lawn, to batten on the Waste ; 
 Since Ot way's and my Shakespeare's Flowers sublime 
 Bow to Exotics of Germania's clime; 
 And where my Garrick charm'd th' attentive ear, 
 Stuff'd Elephants and dancing Dogs appear ;- 
 Sick of the scene, I now my Light conceal, 
 And blushing, hide the Ray 'twere useless to reveal. 
 
 " Yet I exempt from general dispraise 
 The late Effusions of a Maiden's Lays : 
 Too long to Man I partially assign'd 
 To paint the fervid Passions of the Mind ; 
 As tho' the strong emotions of the breast, 
 By tender Woman could not be express'd. 
 Lo ! Baillie's hand now strikes my mournful lyre, 
 Blest with a splendid beam of Shakespeare's hallow'd fire. 
 d 2
 
 36 
 
 M The dark tempestuous Tumults of the Soul, 
 When thro' the brain they all their Billows roll, 
 I erst pourtray'd in energetic verse : 
 But she shall trace the Torrents to their source ; 
 Display the germs of Passion's dreadful storm, 
 That Nature's purest mould too oft deform ; 
 Shall teach to curb each impulse at its rise, 
 Lest Virtue overchafg'd, should end in baneful Vice. 
 
 " In gallant Basil's fatal fall, you prove 
 What dangers flow from unrestrained Love. 
 The dreadful conflicts of malignant Hate, 
 Observe in proud De Mont ford's horrid fate. 
 Ethwald, endow'd with Nature's noblest seeds, 
 With Virtue fraught, and Valour's glorious deeds, 
 Scorch'd by Ambition's wild remorseless fires, 
 In treason , blood, and spoil, his Country's curse, expires.
 
 of 
 
 " Such are the scenes that from my influence flow, 
 To teach the heart in Sympathy to glow ; 
 Scenes that to you Instruction will impart ; 
 That soften, cherish, and expand the heart. 
 A mind to its own selfish views confin'd, 
 That feels no interest in all mankind, 
 Cold must remain to every human tie, 
 And toad-like, in its cell, will useless crawl, and die. 
 
 " The Man, elate with Insolence and Pride, 
 Triumphant launch'd on Life's tempestuous tide, 
 Heedless regards its horrid rocks and shoals, 
 Or what dire fate his neighbour's Bark befalls ; 
 Thoughtless pursues his devious career, 
 Whilst Vanity arid Vice the Vessel steer ; 
 When Tempests roar, and furious Storms arise, 
 Then the rude Winds his feeble Bark despise, 
 That shatter'd, bulg'd, and torn, a dreadful ruin lies.
 
 38 
 
 " The prudent Man, in Life's most prosp'rous Gale, 
 Aware what Dangers may his course assail, 
 Cautious observes, with cool, collected eye, 
 The treach'rous Shoals, that all around him lie ; 
 Will know what Shocks his Vessel can sustain ; 
 Before he tempts the Tumults of the Main, 
 The Charts laid down by others, will explore ; 
 Then stand to Sea, or creep along the Shore : 
 And if a Wretch is, in his course, descried, 
 Tost by the Storm or drifted by the Tide, 
 Will gen'rously bestow a helping hand 
 To tow th' endanger'd Mariner to land. 
 In a close Convoy, all should ever sail, 
 Nor, single, tempt the Dangers of the Gale ; 
 The Proud, the Great, the Affluent, and the Gay, 
 Should never from that Convoy run astray ; 
 But one and all, their mutual Efforts lend, 
 In the rude Sea, their Neighbour to befriend ; 
 Then, with a prosp'rous Gale, their Voyage will ever end.
 
 39 
 
 '* Should unforeseen Distress your Vessel tear, 
 Indulge not then, the dictates of Despair ; 
 Nor raise to Heaven a vain rebellious cry, 
 And, to avoid your Torments, droop and die. 
 Ev'n tho' you be of ev'ry Hope forlorn, 
 And all your Sails may be for ever torn, 
 Still may the fatal Course that you have run, 
 Others induce the dang'rous Shore to shun ; 
 Though not a pleasant, habitable House, 
 Still, as a Beacon, you may be of use ; 
 Then will no future Age your Memory accuse. 
 
 " Observe Batavia's Cultivated Plains, 
 Once dank and marshy, chok'd with Sands and Rains ; 
 Once with deep Bogs and rushy Fens disgrac'd, 
 Where Vegetation never could be trac'd; 
 Yet Art and Industry, that Toil defy, 
 Dike off the Ocean, and the Marshes dry ;
 
 40 
 
 The Waters, once, that all chaotic ran, 
 Canals and Aqueducts are made by Man ; 
 And Swamps, that Toil, less resolute, defied, 
 Are now that Nation's Profit and its Pride. 
 
 Let this instruct : Those bitter tears, that flow, 
 
 In barren Frenzy and intemp'rate Woe, 
 
 By you controll'd, may change their idle stream, 
 
 And rays of Sunshine thro' the Clouds may gleam ; 
 
 By you restrain'd, your once disgraceful rage 
 
 May then instruct, in the Poetic Page, 
 
 And ev'n your fatal Faults befriend a future Age." 
 
 Here ceas'd the Maid her precepts bland ; 
 Then wav'd with dignity her hand ; 
 And, while my deep-entranced sight 
 Survey'd the Goddess with delight ; 
 Ere, from my falt'ring tongue, could move 
 The homage of respect and love,
 
 41 
 
 The graceful Maid benignant bow'd,- 
 Then vanish'd, in an orient cloud. 
 
 NOTE. 
 
 WiTft the exception of the Allegorical Machinery, the 
 preceding Poem is, in its principal circumstances and their 
 consequences, prosaically true. It was in September 1804, 
 when the Author, under severe mental depression, acciden- 
 tally strayed to Skinburness; and when there, he casually 
 adventured the composition of Charades and other levities: 
 Vide Skmburnesiana, This suggested a new channel (when 
 all others were for a time dried up) of Recreation and Em- 
 ployment. He from thenceforth became an Apprentice to 
 the Muses, and, jf the pursuit has answered no other useful 
 purpose than the beguiling some fleeting hours of Reflect 
 tion and of Sorrow, the Author's time has not (in his own 
 estimation) been misemployed. 
 
 " Ego Adolescentulus initio, sicuti plerique, studio ad 
 Remputlicam latus sum; ibiuue mihi advorsa multafuere :
 
 48 
 
 nam pro pudore, pro abstinentia, pro virtute, audacia, 
 largitio, avaritiavigebant. Qua; tametsi animus aspernaba- 
 tur, insolens malarum artiumj tamen inter tanta vit'ia, 
 
 imbecilla actas ambitione corrupta tenebatur. Igitur ubi 
 
 animus ex multis miseriis atque periculis requ>evit, et mihi 
 reliquam setatem a Republica procul habendam decrevi, non 
 fuit consilium secordia. atque desidia bonum otium con- 
 terere. " 
 
 *' Atque ego credo fore, qui, quia decrevi j>rocul a. Re- 
 publica. a?tatem agere, tanto tamque utili labori meo 
 
 nometi inertias imponant: Qui si reputaverint -pro- 
 
 fecto existimabunt, me magis merito, quam ignavia, judi- 
 cium aninii mutavisse; majusque commodum ex otio meo, 
 quam ex aliorum negotiis Reipublica: venturum." 
 
 Sal lust. 
 
 It has been objected by a critical friend (a married man, 
 by the way), that the speech of Miss Melpomene above 
 reported, is too luxuriant, and redundant, and ought to be 
 pruned of many exuberant excrescences before submitted 
 
 to the fiery ordeal of the public inquisition. My answer 
 
 was: " Your strictures, my dear sir, may, for ought I 
 jtnow, be perfectly correct ; but remember that ' nee meus
 
 43 
 
 hie sermo ;' I merely discharge the humble duty of a re- 
 porter: and if the Lady is pleased to indulge in the undoubt- 
 ed privilege of her sex, it would ill accord with my senti- 
 ments of gallantry to controul even the aberrations of her 
 
 Eloquence." " Very fine!" he replied, " but recollect 
 
 sir, my prediction! unless you check the tautologic torrent 
 of her tongue, depend upon it, the less gallant public inqui- 
 sitors will silence yours." " My dear friend," I rejoined, 
 
 looking him significantly in the face, " even supposing your 
 dreadful denunciation verified, I shall not be the first pauvre 
 diable that has suffered from the overcharged Eloquence of 
 a Female Tongue, whether covert or sole, You know too well 
 the resistless power of the Fair, to lightly hazard their dis- 
 pleasure, and must admit that ' with all their faults we love 
 them still."' My friend was unable to parry this home- 
 thrust of the argumentum ad hominem, but hung his head in 
 silence. But maugre his humiliation and my then affected 
 indifference, his remarks excited some serious alarms, 
 which now- induce me to insert this note of our conversaV 
 tion.
 
 SOLITARY REFLECTIONS, 
 
 ON 
 
 CROSSING 
 
 KIRKSTONE, 
 
 ON FOOT, 
 ON CHRISTMAS EVE, 1804.
 
 SOLITARY REFLECTIONS, &c. 
 
 JTlAVE sixteen winters flown, since last my limbs 
 Travers'd this Mountain ; since the jocund time, 
 When, the Vacation come, a happy Home, 
 Welcom'd with unfeign'd rapture, I approach'd, 
 Free from all present and all future cares ? 
 
 Then felt I not, the Schoolboy's Task perform'd, 
 Merely mechanical, a fear beyond ; 
 Nor, when the time approach'd, torn from the tie* 
 Of dear Relationship and those I lov'd 
 With filial feeling, of return to School, 
 Did I a sorrow share ; but as the Snow 
 Before an April sun, speedily fled,
 
 48 
 
 And left a cloudless Sky, and genial Air. 
 Then delightful Hope, loveliest of inmates, 
 Gilded this breast, and piercing thro' the veil 
 Of dark Futurity, conjectur'd Bliss, 
 In its most radiant colouring ; painted scenes 
 Of Fame and Honour, when with patriot Zeal, 
 (Kindled by what I read in Classic lore,) 
 I trusted that my Name might stand inroll'd 
 In~no inglorious light, 'mong Britain's sons ; 
 To raise the Weak and succour the Distress'd, 
 To smite the Guilty and redress the wrongs 
 Of suffering Virtue, were my happy dreams. 
 Fondly I dreamt, with soul attun'd to Love, 
 Of some enchanting (then ideal) Fair, 
 Whose tender Heart should unto mine respond, 
 And share, thro' life, its Sorrows and its Joys ; 
 (That Fair, no sooner realiz'd, than lost !) 
 Then little dreamt I of the various storms,
 
 49 
 
 Rocks, shoals, and sands, that shatter and obstruct 
 Life's feeble Bark, Envy, Deceit, and Shame, 
 Av'rice and Pride, and thou destructive syren, 
 O soul-subduing Sloth ! then if my walk 
 Led by some care-craz'd man, whose frame and mind 
 Were shatter'd in life's conflict ; him I pass'd 
 With cold neglect, perhaps with taunting scorn, 
 As suff ring sorrows, I should never feeL 
 
 O horrible reverse, but just return ! 
 What I ne'er felt for others, now I know : 
 Care, for me hath pour'd her bitt'rest cup, 
 Which I am doom'd to drink, ev'n to the dregs. 
 The Rose and Myrtle, which, in Spring of life, 
 Luxur'ant bloom'd, and promis'd lasting joys, 
 In Summer's dawn, their bloom and fragrance fled, 
 Leave but a faded and a blasted stem, 
 Where nought but rust and horrid thorns remain. 
 
 VOL, I. E
 
 50 
 
 As a rash Merchant, lur'd by sordid gain, 
 From Nile's sweet banks, where gladd'ning Nature 
 
 spreads 
 Her most delicious banquet, seeks the sands, 
 That horridly surround that favour'd shore, 
 In gladsome hope to reach the golden climes 
 Of Mecca or of Bagdad ; in the parching waste, 
 Dire ills await him, that he ne'er forebode ;- 
 The murd'rous Arab tracks his anxious step ; 
 Hunger and thirst, and desolating storms, 
 The hot Sirocco and the fell Tornado, 
 Invade his tortur'd frame, till faint, perplex'd, 
 Careless of life, the victim of Despair, 
 Prostrate he lies, and thanks the sandy Cloud, 
 That shrouds him in its bosom. Such my fate, 
 In wand'ring thro* the desert vale of Life, 
 Without a Guide to aid my devious steps.
 
 51 
 
 my lov'd Father ! thou who never knew'st 
 An act, or thought, but virtuous and true ; 
 Whose Life was spent in honourable Deeds, 
 In healing Bodily and Mental Ills, 
 And now, in Heav'n, receiv'st thy bright reward; 
 How is thy Fav'rite fallen! He, alas ! 
 Who lately bask'd in Fortune's brightest beams, 
 Disgrac'd, disconsolate, now restless roams^ 
 An outcast from the world and from himself; 
 WTio'd meet Annihilation's dark Retreat, 
 Ev'n court it as the Summit of his Hopes ! 
 Whose sole, tho' wretched, Solace here remains, 
 To soothe those Sorrows, which no Time can heal ; 
 To steal an hour, from Misery and Woe, 
 In idle Rambles, or in idler Verse !
 
 52 
 
 NOTE. 
 
 Kirkstone is a mountain on the road from Penrith to 
 Hawkshead, in Lancashire; where the author passed many 
 years of gay but thoughtless infancy at school. 
 
 Permit him here to add, that, though the preceding re- 
 flexions were, at the period alluded to, the genuine dictates 
 of uncontrollable feeling; yet that (by the blessing of God) 
 time, philosophy, and more mature reflection, have materi- 
 ally effaced the sable hue of the mantle he then wore. To 
 this auspicious change, the celestial or terrestrial visitants 
 mentioned in the Introductory Poem have in no slight de- 
 gree contributed.
 
 A POETICAL AND METAPHYSICAL 
 ILLUSTRATION 
 
 OF THE 
 
 ASSOCIATION OF IDEAS.
 
 A POETICAL ILLUSTRATION, &c. 
 
 JL HRO' the wide range of suffering Mankind, 
 Misfortunes past still actuate the Mind. 
 As the blood follows from the poniard's wound, 
 And drags th' enfeebled body to the ground ; 
 As with'ring Palsies on the members seize, 
 And leave the crippled carcase to Disease ; 
 So Corp'ral Sufferings, Sorrow, and Disgrace, 
 With iron pens their deep Impressions trace, 
 Subdue the Vigour of the struggling soul, 
 And all its active Energies controul. 
 The Nerve, once felt the cauterizing steel, 
 A trembling Terror will thereafter feel ; 
 And tho' no Wound the body may retain, 
 The past Sensations vibrate thro' the brain.
 
 56 
 
 Let the cool mind attentively survey 
 The varied Mass of animated Clay, 
 Whether by Reason or by Instinct mov'd ; 
 And this position will be clearly prov'd, 
 That no Idea insulated stands, 
 But mix'd with others in connected bands, 
 As in a chain th' associate links unite, 
 And give the whole solidity and might ; 
 Let accident or error break the chain, 
 Discord, Dismay, and Desolation reign. 
 
 To train the gen'rous Horse to shine in arms, 
 And bound exulting to dire War's alarms ; 
 Fierce, unappall'd, to bathe his hoofs in blood, 
 His groom gives Martial Music with his food ; 
 When provender is to his manger borne, 
 He hears the Drum and Clarion's echoing horn.
 
 57 
 
 The clanging notes at first his Nerves astound ; 
 But soon aecustom'd to the Martial Sound, 
 A glad sensation from the Music flows, 
 Associate to the joy his food bestows ; 
 From War's dire shock he fears no future Pain, 
 But bounds with ardent course, along th' ensanguin'd 
 plain. 
 
 The patient Camel, dragg'd from Asia's sands, 
 An idle spectacle in Europe's lands, 
 That he may feel the pipe and tabor's sound 
 And in fantastic dances beat the around. 
 Is forc'd on heated iron plates to tread ; 
 And as he burns, the lively music 's play'd. 
 The tortur'd animal, to ease his pain, 
 And from his pangs a slight relief to gain, 
 Will move alternately his anguish'd feet, 
 And the hot ground in hasty measure beat.
 
 53 
 
 Thereafter tho' no fires his feet assail, 
 
 His former Suff'rings o'er the Sense prevail 
 
 Whene'er he hears the pipe and tabor's sound, 
 
 His tortur'd Limbs respond, again they beat the ground. 
 
 But these examples are to Brutes confin'd ; 
 We now illustrate from the Human Mind, 
 That Mind so mutable, deceitful, wild, 
 Bold and resentful, timorous and mild, 
 On Reason's wings in Empyrean flies, 
 Now grov'ling in the dust degraded lies ; 
 With ardent thought partakes the heavenly feast, 
 Now preys on garbage like the vilest beast ; 
 Benignant, temp'rate, virtuous and just; 
 Rapacious, cruel, slave of Vice and Lust ; 
 As Education, Reason, Passion rule, 
 Now soars a Newton, and now sinks a Fool.
 
 59 
 
 Why does the Man most_happiness enjoy 
 In scenes that bless'd his senses when a Boy ; 
 Whether in parch'd Arabia's sterile plains, 
 Or in Helvetia's tefnpest-rock'd domains, 
 On the bleak wastes of Caledonia's isles, 
 Or Iceland's shores where Nature never smiles? 
 'Tis that in festive days of blooming Youth, 
 His bosom beam'd with Innocence and Truth ; 
 Had then not felt of Care the canker'd thorn, 
 Or been by dire conflicting Passions torn : 
 Then Joys unsullied bless'd his dear abode, 
 True to himself, his Country, and his God. 
 The pleas'd rememb' ranee gladdens ev'ry view, 
 Gives to each scene an animating: hue : 
 His heart exults, with transport, at the sio-ht, 
 And all is Bloom and Joy, and Gaiety and Light. 
 
 When the fond Mother mourns her darling Child 
 O'er whom she once in pleasing transport smil'd ;
 
 60 
 
 That Child engulph'd within the watry main, 
 
 Once her Delight, is now a source of Pain ; 
 
 The foaming Waves, once grateful to the view, 
 
 Now seen, her agonizing thoughts renew ; 
 
 The stately bark, with full-expanded sail, 
 
 Suggests the Loss she ever must bewail ; 
 
 That Bark, erewhile a gratifying sight, 
 
 With shudd'ring horror will her Mind affright, 
 
 As, in the Waves, her Boy is sunk to endless Night. 
 
 These instances abundantly will shew 
 Th' associate springs of Pleasure and of Woe. 
 Once analys'd, the Feelings of the Breast 
 By cool Philosophy are soon repress'd : 
 Med'cine is futile, impotent, and vain, 
 Unknown the Seat and Organ of the Pain : 
 The Source explor'd, infus'd the healing Balm, 
 Th' infuriate Storm subsides, again the Mind is calm.
 
 LINES 
 
 ADDRESS8D TO 
 
 Miss A ; N, 
 
 ON HER BIRTH-DAY, 
 
 WHEN SHE ATTAINED THE AGE OF TWENTY- 
 ONE YEARS.
 
 Aut protest vohmt, au* delectare Poet*, 
 Aut simul et jucunda et idonea dicere viti. 
 
 Horat. De Arte Poetica, lb. 333, 334. 
 Some Bards to pleasure, some to profit tend; 
 Whilst others meditate the noblest end, 
 And moral truths with grateful numbers blend.
 
 PROLOGUE. 
 
 WHEN Isabella claims a lay- 
 To celebrate her Natal Day, 
 Can I, in gratitude, refuse 
 The Tribute of my humble Muse ? 
 Ah ! No, though lowly be my Lyre,! 
 The Subject may elicit fire, 
 Prune my rude Notes, with anxious fear 
 To meet the nice, harmonic ear 
 Of her, who, since I first essay'd 
 My Pen in this Poetic Trade, 
 Hath chasten'd with benignant skill 
 The Flights of my poor, feeble Quill ; 
 Who, with the freedom of a Friend, 
 Can censure, polish, or commend : 
 Too modest e'er to write herself, 
 Cool, can correct the scribbling Elf; 
 O'er those the slipp'ry path have trod, 
 Can aweful, hold the Critic's Rod :
 
 64 
 
 That Rod I boast my proudest bliss 
 And, with devotion, bow to kiss ! 
 And humbly the sweet Maid implore, 
 With clemency to use her pow'r. 
 
 As youngling larks first try the wing 
 Ere they on soaring pinions sing ; 
 This as a Prologue I indite, 
 Before I take a bolder flight, 
 To regions where the Muse requires 
 Sublimer Notes to aid her Fires.
 
 DIDACTIC ADDRESS. 
 
 Twenty-one winters now have trac'd their round, 
 
 Her Parents' hopes since Isabella crown'd ; 
 
 Hopes then alloy'd with some chastizing fears 
 
 For their Child's welfare, in maturer years. 
 
 For Riches, Health, and Beauty's charms they pray'd ; 
 
 Yet higher gifts for the unconscious Maid, 
 Wisdom and Virtue, Wit with Worth combin'd, 
 
 And all th' Endowments of enlighten'd Mind ; 
 
 Gifts that will still with lustre be display'd, 
 
 When Pers'nal Charms shall tarnish, droop, and fade. 
 
 Did Heav'n then grant my Parents all their prayer ? 
 I will not flatter, but it gave your share ; 
 
 VOL. I. *
 
 66 
 
 Since what you have, most Maids would render vain* 
 
 My present wish is, what you have retain, 
 
 For all the various purposes of life,- 
 
 Th* accomplish'd Maiden and the useful Wife ! 
 
 Mere filial Duties yet you have essay'd, 
 
 The time now comes you're summon'd from the shade J 
 
 In the wide World you now must take your part, 
 
 That World which opens or contracts the Heart ; 
 
 Where you in Fame and Happiness may rise, 
 
 Or be the wretch that may itself despise ; 
 
 Where those, most happy, leaving Virtue's rules, 
 
 May fall degraded, e'en the scorn of fools. 
 
 Deem not, presumptuously I now impart 
 The serious counsels of a Guardian's part ; 
 Though young in years, I may have had my slur* 
 Of worldly Wisdom and my lot of Care ;
 
 67 
 
 Do not refuse my admonitions heed, 
 Since your Adviser " recks not his own read *.'* 
 He, who Temptation never hath withstood, 
 Claims but the Fame of negatively good ; 
 He, who hath fall'n, may venture to advise, 
 And by his Fall, his Neighbour learn to rise ; 
 And streamlets of Instruction pure may flow, 
 Though they may issue from a heart of Woe. 
 
 The first great failing (foe to ev'ry Sense 
 That blesses life) is torpid Indolence, 
 
 -But good my brother, 
 
 Do not as some ungracious pastors do, 
 Shew me the steep and thorny path to Heaven, 
 Whilst like a puft and reckless libertine 
 Himself the primrose paths of dalliance treads, 
 And recks not his own read. 
 
 Ophelia; Hamlst. 
 
 F2
 
 68 
 
 That viper, which, with undermining sway, 
 Saps ev'ry Virtue, as in trifling play ; 
 Twines round the heart its fascinating bands, 
 To which who listens, never long withstands 
 The baneful poison, that, without a smart, 
 Deadens the head, and soon corrupts the heart ; 
 As by the Bas'lisk, the poor bird 's surpris'd, 
 By Syren Sloth, are Mortals paralys'd. 
 Should such approach you, drive it from your soul, 
 Nor dare to taste of the Circaean bowl : 
 Be active, bustling, idle, if you will, 
 Or oh ! be any thing but lying still ; 
 Like your own Needle, an allusion trite, 
 'Tis Use and Exercise must make you bright : 
 Neglected left, the Eye is choak'd with du6t, 
 The point is blunted and deform'd with rust. 
 Should e'er Sloth's vot'ry dare to be your mate, 
 Oh ! drive him from you, and without debate,
 
 69 
 
 Though many Virtues for your favour call, 
 This fatal clog will counteract them all. 
 This Vice I'll blast, while Nature yields me breath, 
 As fraught with Ruin, Misery, and Death. 
 
 The next is Vanity or Affectation, 
 To female minds of most assum'd relation ; 
 Yet I dare add there's scarcely one in ten 
 But feels its poison e'en mong haughty men. 
 Sound your mind's depth and still exact your due, 
 But ne'er affect a talent that 's not true. 
 Should you presume in higher flights to soar, 
 Than Art and Nature have allow'd you power, 
 The jest of fools, the pity of the wise, 
 You fall, like Icarus, no more to rise. 
 Pride you may have, and that without disgrace : 
 Be vain not ev'n in fans, or gloves, or lace !
 
 70 
 
 This in a moment cowardly will fly, 
 
 Struck by the beams of Modesty's mild eye. 
 
 Scandal, comes next ; a female passion still j 
 Tho', change the name, we Men can take our swill 5 
 Envy and Malice, merely different names 
 For that vile passion, ev'ry person blames. 
 Analyse scandal, 'twill be no surprise, 
 If, from the subject, these base passions rise, 
 Merely smooth'd down, to use a passage trite, 
 * e That hell may not be nam'd to ears polite." 
 Before you e'er expose your Neighbour's shame, 
 Ask your own Heart the motive of the blame. 
 If to reform or to instruct the Age, 
 Proceed with ardour in your virtuous rage ; 
 But oft the heart tells truths you can't disown, 
 You sink your Neighbour's fame, to raise your own ;
 
 7\ 
 
 Under this view may Scandal ne'er belong 
 To the sweet accents of a Female Tongue ! 
 For vicious acts a due abhorrence shew, 
 But ne'er insult Infirmity or Woe ! 
 Yet still on those your indignation pour, 
 Who talk mere scandal to fill up an hour. 
 
 But you may say, " He, who our joys regards, 
 " Refusing Scandal, must allow us Cards !'* 
 Truly I will, but in a mod'rate way, 
 Not to devote incessant hours to Play ; 
 Cards for a time may recreate the Mind, 
 By much abuse they stupify it, blind, 
 Sink, and enervate, render it unfit 
 For Wisdom, Truth, Vivacity, or Wit, 
 And, what's a dire effect by all allow'd, 
 Will o'er the loveliest Features cast a cloud ;
 
 72 
 
 Will of good-humour oft the mind disarm, 
 And rob your Sex of its securest Charm.' 
 Dealers in Cards, to worth have no pretence, 
 Sunk in one pit of baneful Indolence. 
 
 Cards lead to Av'rice, form indeed a shoot 
 Of that vile Weed, of most tenacious root ; 
 Sure e'en in Folly, 'tis a strange mistake 
 To love mere Money for the Money's sake ; 
 Almost an idiot can this truth adduce, 
 That Gold is but desirable for use. 
 When Av'rice in the heart assumes command, 
 And o'er the portals lays his chilling hand, 
 Love, Truth, and Sympathy, are all shut out, 
 And Human Nature sinks below the brute. 
 
 Yet, while the grasp of Avarice you shun, 
 See from the Prodigal's loose hand to run !
 
 73 
 
 Economy and Prudence are the school 
 To form a firm and independent soul ; 
 Relax the Rein, in running Pleasure's race, 
 You meet Dependence, Penury, Disgrace. 
 
 The greater pests, I think, are now outlin'd, 
 That ravage and deform the Human Mind ; 
 Should some remain uncensur'd, as there may, 
 These we postpone until a future day. 
 
 Yes ; one there is, that, with a torrent's force, 
 O'erwhelms a host of Virtues in their course ; 
 Where this prevails, and hath its sceptre sway'd, 
 The feebler Virtues sink into the shade ; 
 In Art and Nature of a doubtful kind, 
 
 A WEAK, UNSTABLE, UNCOLLECTED MlND. 
 
 When Difficulties rise and Sorrows flow, 
 Which few escape in the wide World of Woe ;
 
 74 
 
 Then let your mind with dignity be seen, 
 Cool, firm, collected, temp'rate and serene ; 
 With self-possession, you securely brave 
 TV assaults of Zealot, Profligate, and Knave ; 
 That bulwark lost, no station stands secure, 
 Weak all its Barriers, feeble all its Pow'r ; 
 Sapp'd in its Base, defenceless in its Walls, 
 In Shame and Infamy, the Fortress falls. 
 Ne'er let your cunning Head corrupt your Heart ; 
 And, what is yet a much more arduous part, 
 Ne'er let that feeling Heart seduce the Head, 
 Not one commanding, be both equal bred t 
 When these in mutual harmony unite, 
 And tell the conscious Soul her course is right, 
 Pursue the Track, tho* Mountains bar the way. 
 And Heaven will guide you to eternal Day ! 
 
 Thousands of minor Blemishes remain, 
 To cloud the radiance of a Maiden's reign ;
 
 75 
 
 These to attack, I never take the field, 
 For you can combat with a greater Shield. 
 She, who, fair Maid, this very day you bore, 
 Revolving one-and-twenty winters o'er, 
 Yet lives, and still in her your Guardian find, 
 With precept and example, both combin'd ! 
 And, as the latter higher Meed obtains, 
 So her Example far exceeds my Strains. 
 In her you'll find, in ev'ry stage of life, 
 The pious Daughter and obedient Wife : 
 The careful Mother, Sister's tending love, 
 With ev'ry Charm bland Excellence can prove. 
 Look on your Mother ! try to her excell ! 
 Then I'll proclaim, that you have acted well : 
 If, in the race, you cannot, tho' you would ; 
 Then I'll forgive you, tho' you're but as good.
 
 76 
 
 Now to conclude; my dearest Maid, adieu! 
 With this short precept," To yourself betrde :" * 
 Maxim concise, that in itself contains 
 Th' essential Oil of many thousand Strains ; 
 A splendid Truth, which, rightly understood, 
 Would make frail Mortals as serene as good ; 
 A golden Rule, which from th* immortal Pen 
 Of our great Bard, the most sublime of men, 
 Is by his Sire on young Laertes prest, 
 As, of all Precepts, wisest and the best ; 
 For, soon or late, we all repentant know 
 That paths of Vice are always paths of Woe ; 
 Though Pleasure may expand her silken Sail 
 And Aromatic Breezes form the gale, 
 
 * " This above all; To thine ovvnself be true; 
 And it must follow, as the day the night, 
 Thou can'st not then be false to any man." 
 
 Polonius; Hamlet.
 
 77 
 
 If in the course incautiously you stray, 
 
 And Honour, Truth, or Conscience disobey, 
 
 Be well assur'd, that, in the end, you gain, 
 
 For Days of Pleasure, equal Years of Pain ! 
 
 Guilt and Remorse, Vexation and Disgrace, 
 
 Will mar the Features of the fairest Face ; 
 
 The honey'd Bev'rage from the cup will fall, 
 
 And turn to Wormwood and the bitfrest Gall ; 
 
 Clouded with Grief and agonizing Care, 
 
 You'll court the Grave, to shroud you from Despair ! 
 
 By storms of Fate and Difficulties prest, 
 The beams of Virtue ever gild the breast, 
 Though Beauty, Fortune, Friends, and Kindred, fail, 
 And corp'rnl Ills your feeble Frame assail ; 
 Tho' in the Dungeon's darkest gloom immur'd ; 
 Those great Misfortunes still may be endur'd ;
 
 78 
 
 If your own Conscience suffer no reproach* 
 The gloomy Dungeon shames the gilded Coach ; 
 Virtue in Rags will happier far be known, 
 Than purpled Vice upon a Monarch's Throne. 
 
 These staple Rules I anxious recommend, 
 And will remain, till fleeting life shall end, 
 Your Poet, Cousin, Counsellor, and Friend I
 
 EPILOGUE. 
 
 As at entrance a Prologue you had ; 'tis your due* 
 At the exit, to have a short Epilogue too ; 
 As a relief from the Serious Didactical Strains, 
 Thatperchancemaytoomuchhavebemusedyourbrainst 
 Therefore now, my dear Tib, pray let us be jolly, 
 And away with all Sorrow and black Melancholy ! 
 There are times when we ought to be merry and gay* 
 And dull Care from our bosoms, drive boldly away : 
 And, when once I can get on her weather-gage side, 
 Like a Sailor on horseback, I fearlessly ride, 
 And say, " Catch if you can ;" nor it boastingly say, 
 For the Beldam can ne'er again catch me that day ; 
 Tho' perhaps in the night, when, cast anchor,I'm napping, 
 The old She-dog may then on my brain-pan be tapping ! 
 For, say what you will, I've a frolicsome heart, 
 And was only made moping and sulky by Art ; 
 Ae I deem it no less than the highest of Treason 
 'Gainst Nature, to sigh and be sad without reason. 
 Therefore bring the Madeira, and fill up a Glass ! 
 And I'll heartily pledge thee a Bumper, my Lass.
 
 80 
 
 Here's your very good Health and a Husband to boot, 
 A good one I mean, or you're better without ; 
 Tis much wiser to live a poor Spinster for life, 
 Than of Knave or of Fool, or of Sot, be the Wife ; 
 For old Maidens will never, as scoffers may prate, 
 In hell be of apes Gouvernantes of State ; 
 I'm sure they r'e of very great use to the Nation, 
 Tho' not strictly in what may be called Generation ; 
 And we need not go further to find an example, 
 Than your Maiden Aunt Mary, an excellent sample ; 
 Who for years has most notably manag'd the House, 
 And been to your Mother of excellent use ; 
 And so active and dext'rous, she bustles about her, 
 O' my conscience, you ne'er could have manag'd with- 
 out her. 
 Here, she goes, may she live both in health and good 
 
 cheer, 
 'Till her tontine 's at least a cool thousand a year ; 
 Ten years at least more than the age of her Mother, 
 An old Lady so canty you'll scarce find another, 
 So kind-hearted and mild, without any rebuff, 
 Who would gladly bestow the last Pinch of her Snuff;
 
 1 
 
 Here 's her Health, and long in good heart may she live, 
 
 And many good Pinches of Snuff to me give ! 
 
 A bumper now fill to my sweet Cousin Jane ; 
 
 One-and-twenty arriv'd, she will challenge a strain, 
 
 When I must in duty deliver a lesson 
 
 Her footsteps to lead in the paths of Discretion ! 
 
 Here's her health, and young Mary's who's always in 
 
 tune; 
 For her equal to find, you must search in the Moon ; 
 With the Discords of Life may never she meet, 
 And her Music and Temper for ever be sweet ! 
 But sure, to good. Manners we should play a trick 
 Not to kindly remember my fat cousin Dick : 
 May he steadily follow his course in the Law, 
 And his goodness of humour ne'er suffer a flaw ! 
 But to drink all single-handed we'll never be done ; 
 Here 's sage Hal, lively Eldred, and honest lile John. 
 A Bumper to each might set us by th' ears ; 
 Therefore all, in one Bumper, we'll drink in three 
 Cheers ; 
 vol. i. o
 
 82 
 
 In their trade in the world, may they keep a good Plan, 
 Each an happy, and healthy, and good, honest Man ! 
 And now to conclude ; " In Prosperity reign 
 Till our next merry Bout at the Birth-day of Jane !"
 
 etto#pection. 
 
 HORACE, Ode 34. Book I. 
 
 AD SEIPSUM. 
 
 Parcus deorum cultor et infrequens;" &c. 
 
 X, who late wand'red far astray, 
 Thro' Folly's dark and devious way; 
 Polluting Wisdom's sacred Name, 
 With deeds of Madness, Guilt, and Shame ; 
 In trackless fogs of Error lost, 
 By ev'ry gust of Passion tost ; 
 Now weep the past with vain regret, 
 By all the Ills of Life beset, 
 Nor dare to look to Heav'n for aid, 
 Where ne'er before I homage paid ; 
 g 2
 
 84 
 
 My shatter'd Vessel now must steer 
 Her backward course, with toil severe, 
 And strive the long-lost port to gain 
 Thro' paths of Misery and Pain ; 
 For Reason, with resistless sway, 
 Hath flash'd, from Heav'n, her vivid ray, 
 And with a Pow'r, beyond controul, 
 Shot lucid lightning thro' the soul ; 
 Rous'd with a vengeance, prompt and fell, 
 Remorseful Passions, worse than hell, 
 And caus'd my long-averted eye 
 Its own Deformity descry ; 
 Reason, the choicest gift of God, 
 Who rules the Nations with a nod ; 
 Who haughty Man, with pride elate, 
 Sinks to the lowest, vilest state, 
 And teaches modest Worth to rise, 
 By virtuous Deeds, to kindred Skies !
 
 ELEGIACAL STANZAS, 
 
 ON THE 
 
 APPROACH OF SPRING. 
 
 HORACE, Ode 7. Book IV. 
 
 " Diffugere nives, redeunt jam gramina campis#' 
 
 OTERN Winter, wrapt in angry Storms, is fled ; 
 
 The chilling Snow deserts the cloud-capt Hill ; 
 The River flows, within a narrower bed ; 
 
 The melting Ice unlocks the murm'ring Rill. 
 
 The Tree again its budding honours bears ; 
 
 Thro' the green sward, the modest Daisy springs; 
 Her blooming tints reviving Nature wears; 
 
 Again the Lark his cheerful carol sings.
 
 86 
 
 The frugal Bee now feels the genial ray, 
 
 And humming, culls the half-expanded flow'r ; 
 
 Ye tender Lambs, pursue your thoughtless play, 
 Sportive enjoy your short and fleeting hour ! 
 
 The changeful Seasons of the circling Year, 
 To erring Man this lesson may impart, 
 
 That anxious Life, the sport of Hope and Fear, 
 Mus* yield to Death's inexorable dart. 
 
 The hardest Frosts, to balmy Zephyr yield ; 
 
 The temp'rate Spring flies Summer's ardent heat ; 
 Soon mellow Autumn decks the fragrant Field, 
 
 Whom hoary Winter forces to retreat. 
 
 Yet waning Moons again refulgent shine, 
 
 And rise refresh'd, from out the Eastern Wave ; 
 
 When Man shall once his fleeting life resign, 
 He sinks, for ever, in the silent Grave !
 
 87 
 
 In Fortune, Pawer, and Happiness, elate, 
 
 And gay, in jocund Health's luxuriant bloom ; 
 
 Ere morrow's dawn, condemn'd by cruel Fate, 
 He falls, the clay-cold tenant of the Tomb ! 
 
 Then what avail, of Wealth the boasted hoards, 
 The Pride of Ancestry, or splendid Fame ! 
 
 No more its solace Flattery affords ; 
 
 And all his Titles end, an empty Name ! 
 
 Then this great Question strikes the feeling mind : 
 How were the hours by bounteous Heav'n bestow'd, 
 
 Exerted, or to bless or curse Mankind, 
 In acts of Virtue or of Guilt they flow'd ? 
 
 Whether, in just and honourable deeds, 
 
 He us'd the talent trusted to his care ; 
 Or, chok'd with Vice and Folly's baneful weeds, 
 
 He fell, the victim of deserv'd Despair ?
 
 88 
 
 Tho' Spring again her verdant garb assumes, 
 And wanton Zephyrs in her tresses play, 
 
 No genial Warmth my hapless breast relumes; 
 Our Spring-time lost, we meet no second May. 
 
 "Visions of Bliss, that once enchanting smil'd, 
 Delusive Hope and heart-alluring Love, 
 
 This harass'd Bosom, which you long beguil'd, 
 Your fairy Phantoms ne'er again must move ! 
 
 To me no more the Winter's social bowl, 
 Or smiling Spring, a solace can afford ; 
 
 The Summer's Sun, no more must glad my soul; 
 Delicious Autumn spreads, in vain, the board; 
 
 Fled the gay Seasons, that I once have known, 
 When ev'ry Hour unfolded scenes of Joy ; 
 
 The Rose has budded, flourish'd, and has flown, 
 And left the Worm to canker and destroy !
 
 ELEGIACAL STANZAS 
 
 TO 
 
 VENUS. 
 
 HORACE, Ode 1. Book IV. 
 
 " Intermissa Venus diu ;" &c. 
 
 oPARE, smiling Queen of soft Desircs,- 
 Spare, nor relume the am'rous Fires 
 That once allur'd my Heart; 
 That Heart, subdu'd by Sorrow's steel, 
 Love's bland alarms no more must feel ; 
 In vain he points the Dart. 
 
 Believe me, laughter-loving Dame, 
 Your late Adorer 's not the same,
 
 90 
 
 A* when Amanda reign'd ! 
 Already Time has thinn'd his hair, 
 And, round his brows, corrosive Care 
 
 Hath all your Myrtles stain'd. 
 
 Fly me, and seek some happier Youth, 
 Endued with Constancy and Truth, 
 
 Who courts your gentle reign ; 
 O'er Florio's breast exert your sway, 
 Floris the just, the brave, the gay, 
 
 Who can your rights maintain. 
 
 He, blest with Competence and Health, 
 Above the rivalry of Wealth, 
 
 Will pour the tender Lay ; 
 Then will the Flute and Viol sound, 
 Whilst mystic Dances beat the ground, 
 
 And all your Joys display.
 
 91 
 
 My breast, alas ! no more must move 
 In sympathy with Joy or Love, 
 
 Or share the social Bowl ; 
 No lovely Nymph, with accents sweet, 
 Must me with bland endearments greet, 
 
 To soothe my anguish'd soul. 
 
 Yet why, Aurelia, tell me why, 
 Still heaves this bosom with a sigh > 
 
 a 
 
 Why starts this trembling tear ? 
 Ah ! why, when wrapt in pleasing Sleep, 
 Thy Charms still, o'er my senses, creep ? 
 
 This argues Love, I fear.
 
 AGAINST THE IMMODERATE INDULGENCE 
 
 GRIEF. 
 
 HORACE, Ode 9, Book II. 
 
 TO VALGIUS. 
 
 " Non semper imbres nubibus hispidos ;" &c. 
 
 IN O Rain, in ceaseless torrents, flows 
 To deluge, with its Flood, the Plain ; 
 
 No furious Tempest alway blows 
 
 To swell, with rage, the foaming Main. 
 
 No chilling Frosts the placid Lake 
 Perpetual lock, in icy bands ; 
 
 No Winds the Oak, for ever, shake ; 
 No widow'd Elm still leafless stands.
 
 94 
 
 Then why, my Friend, with bitter tears, 
 Unceasing mourn thy fallen State ? 
 
 Why waste in Elegy thy Years, 
 
 Those fleeting Years of glimm'ring Date ? 
 
 Polonia does not ever mourn 
 
 Her Honour, Fame, and Freedom fled ; 
 
 Her lands, by foreign tyrants torn, 
 For which her Patriots vainly bled. 
 
 Not Gallia ev'ry hope forebore, 
 When doom'd, to Anarchy, a prey ; 
 
 When Worth and Genius sunk in gore, 
 Beneath a monster's iron sway. 
 
 Then cease to weep less fatal Woes, 
 And rather pen th' energic Line ; 
 
 Indignant smite fair Freedom's foes, 
 And light thy torch at Virtue's shrine.
 
 95 
 
 Or Britain's Martial Pow'r proclaim ; 
 
 What gallant deeds adorn her Youth : - 
 Inspire her Sons with Glory's flame, 
 
 With Honour, Fortitude, and Truth ! 
 
 Or pour to Love the tender Lay, 
 And celebrate Aurelia's Charms ! 
 
 Then Peace will shed her gladd'ning ray, 
 A nd Comfort repossess thy arms I
 
 ON THE 
 
 CARES OF A GREAT, 
 
 AND THE 
 
 BLESSINGS OF A HUMBLE STATION. 
 
 HORACE, Ode 1, Book III. 
 
 " Odi profanum vulgus, et arceo." 
 
 ix VAUNT, ye servile, sordid crew; 
 My sacred Strains are not for you : 
 
 Let solemn Silence reign! 
 O, let my Song our Youth inspire, 
 Fraught with divine celestial fire, 
 
 Now glowing thro' my brain ! 
 
 Tho' Monarchs rule, with sovereign sway, 
 O'er all the fleeting Sons of Clay ; 
 
 VOL. I. H
 
 98 
 
 Dread Monarchs bow to Jov2^ 
 The God supreme of azure Heaven, 
 To whom Omnipotence is given, 
 
 Whose nod the Globe can move, 
 
 Tho' one may boast a wide Domain ; 
 Another Civic Honours gain, 
 
 Or Valour's glorious meed ;- 
 Nor Pomp, nor Patronage, nor Power, 
 Can save from Fate's revolving hour, 
 
 To high and low decreed ! 
 
 When o'er the impious Head, the Glaive 
 Of trembling Damocles shall wave, 
 
 No rich voluptuous Board, 
 No heavenly Harp's harmonious Sound, 
 No Bird's melodious Warbling round, 
 
 Can sweet Repose afford.
 
 99 
 
 Yet sweet Repose will not disdain 
 To bless the humble Shepherd Swain ; 
 
 Within the lowliest Dell, 
 Will seek the shaded murm'ring Stream ; 
 O'er hoary Mountains shed her Beam, 
 
 And in a Cottage dwell. 
 
 He, who can sordid Thoughts restrain, 
 Ne'er dreads the tumults of the Main ; 
 
 Tho' wintry Torrents fall, 
 The treach'rous Farm tho' Tempests beat, 
 Now drown'd with rain, now chok'd with Heat: 
 
 No Fears his Mind appal. 
 
 See, where, with ostentatious Pride, 
 Yon Lordling's Palace stems the Tide, 
 
 Its Owner scorns the Land ; 
 The Fish are struck, with strange surprise,
 
 100 
 
 To view Corinthian Columns rise, 
 Triumphant, o'er the Strand ! 
 
 Yet ranc'rous Hate and trembling Fear 
 Pursue the haughty Owner here, 
 
 Convulsive Passions tear. 
 In vain, from Woe, we restless run, 
 No Steed can 'scape, no Vessel shun 
 
 The sable shaft of Care 
 
 Then since nor Gems nor purple Vest 
 Soothe the sad sorrows of the Breast, 
 
 No Wines can Care disarm ; 
 Say, why should I, with pride elate, 
 Seek the proud Dwellings of the Great, 
 
 And leave my Sabine Farm ?
 
 TO 
 
 MY COUNTRYMEN IN ARMS.

 
 TO 
 MY COUNTRYMEN IN ARMS : 
 
 % partial <>&e* 
 
 Dulee et decorum est pro Patria mori : 
 Mors et fugacem persequitur virum ; 
 Nee parcitimbellisjuventa; 
 
 Poplitibus, timidoque tergo." 
 
 Hoa. Ode 2. Lib. iii. 
 
 THAT Britain still may rule the Wave, 
 Nor stoop, rapacious Gallia's Slave ; 
 Studiously train her gen'rous Youth, 
 In paths of Fortitude and Truth ; 
 Teach him the rugged Rules of War, 
 And all the Storms of Fate courageously to dare ! 
 
 Then, with resistless, conqu'ring Arms, 
 He strikes the Foe, with dire alarms ;
 
 104 
 
 The Gallic Matron heaves the sigh, 
 The gushing tears o'erflow her eye, 
 When, by the British Lion, slain, 
 Her hapless husband's blood distains the azure Main. 
 
 Britain, within herself, secure, 
 Superior scorns the tyrant's pow'r, 
 Needs not the aid of Foreign Sands, 
 Safe in her own intrepid Bands, 
 Nor, like the wretch, with terror torn, 
 Flies, as the feeble chaff, in furious tempests borne. 
 
 The Patriot, his lov'd Land to save, 
 With firmness, grasps th' avenging Glaive ; 
 And should the fatal Blow be sped, 
 That lays him with th' illustrious Dead, 
 In Glory's smiles, resigns his breath, 
 Whilst, with embalming Tears, his Country mourns his 
 Death.
 
 105 
 
 In Valour's arms, lo ! Nelson dies ; 
 Cold in the Grave the Victor lies ! 
 Yet shall the Warrior's deathless Name, 
 Emblazon'd in the Rolls of Fame, 
 In pure eternal Radiance bloom, 
 Whilst gratefulBritons guard theirHero'slaurell'dTomb. 
 
 Not all the Coward's wily Art 
 Shields him from Death's impending dart ; 
 With shifting Schemes, he tries to save 
 His recreant Carcase from the Grave ; 
 The Bullet stops his speediest Flight, 
 His glaring Eye-balls set he sinks in endless Night. 
 
 With Terror pale and wild Affright, 
 See Austria's Eagle shuns the fio-ht! 
 The vain ferocious Bird of Gaul 
 Can Mack with trembling fear appal,
 
 106 
 
 Disgrac'd, despoil'd the Craven yields ; 
 The Nations curse his Name, no Time his Baseness 
 shields. 
 
 True Valour never fears to die, 
 But seeks, by arduous Deeds, the Sky ; 
 Disclaims each base and grov*ling Art, 
 That rules the Coward's pallid Heart, 
 Who, with Contempt and Scorn, is driv'n 
 From Walks of worthy Men, and all th' Abodes of 
 Heav'n. 
 
 Britannia now the Faulchion draws, 
 To guard her Liberty and Laws ; 
 T' assert her Empire o'er the Main, 
 T' avenge her jrallant Nelson slain ; 
 Ee then each sordid Thought represt, 
 LetVenpeance nerve his Arm, and five the Briton's Breast !
 
 107 
 
 Sons of the North ! O, fan the Flame, 
 And emulate your Father's Fame ; 
 Brigantia* Freedom's Foes withstood, 
 And drench'd her Plains with Roman Blood ; 
 Indignant seize the gleaming Lance, 
 And strike, with Patriot Zeal, the Slaves of haughty 
 FranceJ 
 
 * The Brigaktes inhabited the Northern Counties of 
 England, and made the most formidable stand against their 
 Roman invaders : for, in the eloquent page of Tacitus-, the 
 patriot Galgacus exclaims ; " Brigantes, Femina Duce, exu- 
 " rere coloniam, expugnare castra, ac nisi Faelieitas in Secor- 
 " diam vertisset, exuere jugum potuere." " The Brigantes, 
 under a female leader, destroyed their colony, stormed their 
 camps, and, had not Prosperity induced Indolence, had 
 thrown off their yoke." May the Posterity of the Bri- 
 gantes imitate the valour of their Ancestors, untainted by 
 their Sloth !
 
 JOS 
 
 I, tho' unskill'd the Sword to wield, 
 Or share the Glories of the Field, 
 Will strike the heart-inspiring Shell, 
 And all unmanly Fears dispel ; 
 Will cry, with animating breath, 
 Your Country's Call obey ! ok ! victory or 
 
 DEATH ! !
 
 TRIBUTARY ODE, 
 
 ON THE 
 
 LATE GLORIOUS VICTORIES 
 
 AND 
 
 <utFmna$ia of $clgtm. 
 
 * PART1AL ,MITATI * op THE FouflTH 
 
 OF THE FOURTH BOOK OF HORACE.
 
 TRIBUTARY ODE, &c. 
 
 Qualem ministmm fulminis alitem; <!ec. 
 
 As the" dread Thunder-bearing Bird, 
 (Who aweful, rules the Realms of Air, 
 
 Of Jove the Minister preferr'd 
 For bearing Ganymede the Fair,} 
 
 An Eaglet first the aire leaves, 
 
 By youthful innate Vigour driv'n ; 
 
 And rudiments of Flight receives 
 In vernal Gales of placid Heav'n ; 
 
 But soon on stronger Pinions bold, 
 Advent'rous dares superior Flights; 
 
 And darting o'er the bleating Fold, 
 The watchful Shepherd, fierce, affrights;
 
 112 
 
 Till, more and more intrepid grown, 
 Eager for Food and glorious Fight, 
 
 The Serpent, in his talons borne, 
 He soaring tears in airy Height : 
 
 So NELSON urg'd his Course subline, 
 Resistless in his Country's Cause ; 
 
 And ev'ry Age and ev'ry Clime 
 Shall pay the Tribute of Applause : 
 
 Europa's dire ferocious Foe, 
 
 (His haughty dreams of Conquest fled,) 
 Now humbled, feels th' avengeful Blow 
 
 Of Britain's Sons by Nelson led. 
 
 Controll'd, he now is taught to fear 
 Birth and Instruction both combin'd, 
 
 In Youths who feel the guardian Care 
 Of an enlighten'd Leader's Mind.
 
 113 
 
 What Thanks to Nelson, Britons owe, ' 
 Abouker's Bay and Finland's Shore, 
 
 And that auspicious Day, will show, 
 
 Thatstain'dTuAFALGAR's Flood with-Gore : 
 
 That glorious Day which roseate smil'd, 
 When Gallia's shatter'd Navy fled, 
 
 With dire Dismay and Terror wild, 
 Or sunk beneath the briny Bed ! 
 
 Yet Britons long shall weep the Fate 
 Of him who deathless Fame acquir'd, 
 
 And mournful Mem'ry long relate 
 He fought he conquer'd and expir'd ! 
 
 Yet why, for Nelson, heave the sigh, 
 Who sleeps serene in Honour's Breast; 
 
 Who sets in Glory's cloudless Sky, 
 " By all his Country's Wishes blest?" 
 
 VOL. I. I
 
 114 
 
 Safe-anchor'd now, his Fame shall last, 
 Secure from Slander, Guile, and Hate ; 
 
 From baneful Envy's withering Blast, 
 And all the Storms of doubtful Fate ! 
 
 Does selfish Int'rest prompt the Tear, 
 As robb'd of his protecting Arm ? 
 
 Dismiss the rain, superfluous Fear; 
 No Cause remains for base Alarm : 
 
 For, tho" the Victor seek the Skies, 
 (His Race of radiant Glory run,) 
 
 Great Warriors from his Tomb shall rise, 
 As th' Orient meets the Setting Sun ! 
 
 Ere yet the Moon, whose Crescent pale 
 
 Upon the dying Hero shone, 
 Hath fill'd her Horns, the swelling Gale 
 
 Shall tell of high Achievements done.
 
 115 
 
 See, Sthaciiak grasps th' avenging Glaive, 
 
 Impetuous in the Course to shine; 
 And offers up at Nelson's Grave 
 
 Four Gallic Vessels of the Line! 
 
 From that Great Day, inroll'd by Fame, 
 
 Success shall crown Britannia's Bands; 
 Eternal blooms great Nelson's Name, 
 
 Eternal Britain's Glory stands! 
 
 Like Deer, we furious Wolves essay ; 
 (The crest-fall'n Corsica* exclaim'd;) 
 
 Should we escape their destin'd Prey, 
 We well may deem a Conquest gain'd ! 
 
 -Protected by their Wooden Walls, 
 
 They check my Pow'r, my Threats despise; 
 
 <* And tho' their fiery Chieftain falls, 
 
 Yet others from his Ashes rise.
 
 116 
 
 ** Like to the vig'rous hardy Oak, 
 
 ** They firm sustain the Hatchet's Blow ; 
 
 " And, lopp'd and wounded by the Stroke, 
 " From Loss still more luxuriant grow. 
 
 ** To Paris now no more, elate, 
 
 " Exulting Messengers I send ; 
 " My Navy lost, I yield to Fate, 
 
 '* My Fortune, Fame, and Hope must end/' 
 
 What may not Albion's Race perform, 
 Shielded by Heaven's propitious Care ; 
 
 Who fearless, bjare the angry Storm, 
 And 'vantage gain from deep Despair !
 
 ON 
 
 FORTITUDE: 
 
 ILLUSTRATED 
 JN THE EXAMPLE OF REGULUS. 
 
 HORACE, Ode 5, Book III. 
 
 " Coelo tonantem credidimus Jovem 
 " Regnare:" &c. 
 
 WHEN the red Light'ning's awful Glare 
 
 Darts hurtling thro' the troubled Air, 
 
 And the terrific Thunders roll ; 
 
 The God, confest, affrights the Soul. 
 
 Augustus all must deem Divine, 
 
 When Conquests on his Legions shine ; 
 
 Britain and Persia own his Sway 
 
 And, prostrate, his Behests obey. -
 
 118 
 
 The troops of Crassus, (dire Disgrace, 
 No future Age can e'er efface !) 
 The Marsian and Apulian Band, 
 Forgetful of theit ancient Land ; 
 Their Freeborn Rights, their Martial Fame ; 
 Eternal Vesta's sacred Flame ; 
 Imperial Rome, no Foe can move, 
 Her Capitol the Seat of Jove ; 
 Grow old in arms (disgraceful stain !) 
 Beneath a barb'rous Parthian's Reign ! 
 
 That Shame must from Dishonour flow, 
 The prudent Regulus foresaw ; 
 Who, firmly, abject terms withstood, 
 As baneful to his Country's Good ; 
 Who thought our Youth should rather bleed, 
 Than be, by recreant Ransom, freed.
 
 119 
 
 " I saw," th' indignant Chief exclaim'd, 
 Our Arms with hostile Blood unstain'd, 
 And Roman Standards, now disgrac'd, 
 Trophied o'er Punic Altars plac'd ; 
 Of Roman Citizens the Hands, 
 Retorted bound in hateful Bands ; 
 The Gates of Carthage open thrown 
 And Fields by Roman Soldiers sown, 
 Where once triumphant Arms they bore, 
 And shed perfidious Punic Gore. 
 By captiv'd Soldiers, when reliev'd 
 By Gold, can Glory be retrieVd? 
 Or Infamy be Honour made, 
 When a base Commutation 's paid ? 
 The tinged Wool, from Crimson Stains, 
 No more its pristine White regains : 
 When once true Valour feels Disgrace, 
 It scorns to fill a lower Place.
 
 120 
 
 If from the Toils the Stag you save, 
 
 And, tim'rous once, he turns to brave ; 
 
 Will he hereafter bolder grow, 
 
 Who yields to a perfidious Foe ? 
 
 Will he again the Combat dare 
 
 And wage avenging bloody War, 
 
 Whose Arms have felt the Pinion 's Thong, 
 
 And trembling in vile Fetters hung ? 
 
 He who, perplex'd to save his Life, 
 
 Confounded Peace with deadly Strife ? 
 
 Oh ! Shame, Oh ! monstrous, hateful shame, 
 
 That thus degrades the Roman Name! 
 
 Carthage will now exult elate, 
 
 O'er Rome's disgrae'd and fallen State !" 
 
 Then the illustrious Chief, 'tis said, 
 Sternly reclin'd his manly Head ;
 
 :&i 
 
 Turn'd from his modest Wife's embrace, 
 
 And Children, smiling in his face,- 
 
 As one unworthy 'ere to prove 
 
 A Husband's Joy or Parent's Love, 
 
 Till the bold Vote, he constant mov'd, 
 
 The wav'ring Senators approv'd. 
 
 Then, thro' obstructing, weeping Friends, 
 
 His exil'd Steps the Hero bends, 
 
 Tho' well aware, what cruel Fate 
 
 And Tortures his Return await; 
 
 With Look erect and tranquil Mind, 
 
 Kindred and Friends he leaves behind ; 
 
 As if, Forensic Business done, 
 
 The Tumult of the Town to shun, 
 
 He sought, secure from Noise and Harm, 
 
 His Sabine Vill or Tuscan Farm.
 
 THE ENERVATING TENDENCY 
 
 OF 
 
 LOVE. 
 
 HORACE, Ode 8. Boqk I. 
 
 TO LYDIA. 
 
 " Lydia, die, per omnes" 
 W HY, Lydia, let thy Love destroy, 
 Syb'ris that once aspiring Boy ? 
 Why shuns he now the parched Plain, 
 Form'd to endure the Sand and Rain ? 
 Disclaims the glorious martial Meed, 
 Nor tames the wild impetuous Steed ? 
 In Tiber's Flood no longer laves, 
 Nor proud athletic Conflict braves ? 
 His sinewy Arms forget to wield 
 The pond'rous Jav'lin, Spear, and Shield ?
 
 124 
 
 Those Arms that once the Discus threw, 
 And Jav*lin to the Target true. 
 Why like the Son of Thetis hide, 
 Bereft of Honour, Shame, and Pride ; 
 Nor will th' avenging Sword unsheath 
 To strike the Foe with instant Death ?
 
 A RELIANCE ON 
 
 GENERAL PROVIDENCE, 
 
 AND THE 
 
 SUPERIORITY OF VIRTUE; 
 
 INCULCATED IN 
 
 A FRAGMENT FROM LUCAN, 
 
 BOOK IX. Line 549. 
 
 " Comitesque Catonem 
 
 Orant," &c. 
 
 1 HEN * his Companions, with urgent instance, 
 Implore their Leader to consult the Fane, 
 In Lybian lands, so greatly eminent ; 
 And prove the Truth of its far-fam'd Renown. 
 
 * When traversing, after the fatal Battle of Pharsalia, 
 the Deserts of Lybia, in which was the celebrated Temple 
 of Jupiter Amnion.
 
 126 
 
 Foremost to urge th* Oracular Research 
 Was Labienus. " Now our route affords," 
 Anxious he cries, " a golden opportunity 
 T' explore the secret Destinies of Heav'n, 
 And freely share the Counsels of the God ; 
 Under Jove's guidance, we may know our Course 
 Thro' these deep Deserts, and our Fate in War : 
 To whom will Heav'n unfold the sacred Veil 
 With less reluctance, than to virtuous Cato ? 
 Thro' Life distinguish 'd for Religious Duties, 
 With pious confidence, approach the Fane, 
 Seize this occasion to confer with Jove ! 
 Enquire the Destiny of impious Caesar ; 
 What Doom awaits our agitated Country ; 
 Whether we rise to Liberty and Rule, 
 Or sink in Slavery and Civil War ; 
 Let sacred Impulses inspire thy Breast, 
 The pure Adorer of enduring Virtue ;
 
 127 
 
 Demand what Virtue is, and ask from Heav'n 
 Confirming signs of Piety and Truth !" 
 
 'Twas then the Hero, as inspir'd by Heav'n, 
 And his great Soul had shar'd the sacred Beam, 
 Pour'd from his Bosom a sublime Response, 
 Worthy the Tripod and the hallow'd Fane. 
 
 " What Questions, Labienus, would you ask ? 
 Whether I shall in Freedom's Arms expire, 
 Or view Rome sink beneath a Tyrant's Yoke ? 
 If longest Life be but of small Account ? 
 Or Bliss consist in long-protracted Years ? 
 If any human Pow'r can harm the Good ? 
 If Fortune's Frowns will feebly fall disarm 'd, 
 When once oppos'd to firm, exalted, Virtue ? 
 If just Pursuits M'sfortune can degrade,
 
 128 
 
 Or Guilt derive a Value from Success ? 
 
 These Truths are known, nor need the confirmation 
 
 Or ampler/iff/ of Omniscient Jove. 
 
 In Heav'n we trust : tho' Oracles be mute, 
 
 We feel Jove's impulse : to enforce his Dictates, 
 
 Th' Almighty needs not casual intervention : 
 
 At our first Birth, the Author of our Being 
 
 Freely imparts whate'er we ought to know, 
 
 Nor to the Dwellers in a sterile Sand 
 
 Will partial Providence bestow its Boon, 
 
 And gen'ral Truths confine to desert Lands. 
 
 " To know the Seat of Jove, observe the Earth," 
 The Ocean, Air, exalted Heaven, and Virtue. 
 Where the Eye ranges and the Footsteps tread, 
 Seek not the Deity in narrow'r Bounds ! 
 Let timid Minds the Oracle explore,
 
 129 
 
 And hesitating, court its dark Responses! 
 No Oracle relieves my Mind from doubt, 
 But certain Death ; The Brave and Base must 
 
 die, 
 What other Counsel need we ask of Jove ! 
 
 VOL. I.
 
 SONNET, 
 
 TO THE 
 
 fl^emorp of tfje 3Uutf>or'g father* 
 
 " Quis desiderio sit pudor aut modus 
 " Tain chari Capitis ?' 
 
 Hor. Ode 24. Lib. i. 
 
 \J, pour, fond Memory, the pious Tears ; 
 
 Let from my Pen, the sacred Tribute flow 
 For him, whose Precepts form'd my youthful Years, 
 
 Now doom'd, by Death 's inexorable Blow ! 
 His Voice, no more, the ling'ring Patient hears; 
 
 Disease, his min'string Aid, no more, must know, 
 His gladd'ning Smile, no more, Affliction cheers, 
 
 No more my Breast, at his Applause shall glow ; 
 Exalted Virtue wept his fated End ; 
 
 I mourn the Loss of his sustaining Arm, 
 K 2
 
 132 
 
 The Father, Brother, Counsellor, and Friend, 
 To guide my Steps from all impending harm. 
 
 Yet, to Heaven's Will, with Patience, all should bend, 
 And soothe the Woe no Prudence can disarm J
 
 ON THE 
 
 MISERIES OF LIFE; 
 
 WITH CONSOLATORY PRECEPTS, 
 
 HORACE, Ode 16. Book. II. 
 
 TO GROSPHUS. 
 
 " Ot'mm divos rogat in patenti " &e. 
 
 Jl or Ease, the watchful Sailor cries, 
 When lurid Clouds obscure the Skies 
 
 On Biscay's stormy Seas ; 
 The ruthless Cossack, train' d to War ; 
 The Arab wild and fierce Hussar, 
 
 All, anxious ask for Ease ; 
 
 That Ease which not a Monarch's Throne, 
 Nor Judge's Robe, nor Bishop's Lawn,
 
 134 
 
 To Pow'r can e'er impart ; 
 Useless to save the Mind from Care, 
 From Doubt, Disquiet, and Despair, 
 
 Or soothe the throbbing Heart. 
 
 He shares the purest Joys of Life, 
 Who, free from fell Ambition's Strife, 
 
 A temp'rate Board can spread ; 
 "Whose tranquil Sleep no Fears perplex, 
 Nor Dreams of sordid Gain can vex, 
 
 Tho' on a lowly Bed. 
 
 Why should our few, uncertain Years, 
 Be spent, in anxious Hopes and Fears, 
 
 In Schemes of wide extent ? 
 Why various Climes unceasing range, 
 Since Minds cannot, with Stations change, 
 
 Nor fly from Discontent ?
 
 1$5 
 
 From Care, no copper'd Bark can steer, 
 Nor fleetest Horse, nor nimble Deer 
 
 The Fiend can leave behind ; 
 Care, that, with rapid Pinions, flies, 
 Quick, as the Arrow, cleaves the Skies, 
 
 Or, as the swiftest Wind, 
 
 Let not the Mind, in blest Estate, 
 Fate's future Frowns anticipate, 
 
 But seize the present Hour ; 
 And should some casual Sorrow flow, 
 (As nought is perfect here below) 
 
 With Smiles disarm its Pow'r. 
 
 Not all the Warrior's pow'r could save 
 The great Achilles from the Grave ; 
 
 To Age, Tithonus bow'd ; 
 And I, tho' hapless, press'd with Care,
 
 136 
 
 May yet some balmy Moments share, 
 When you are in your Shroud ; 
 
 Tho' you, a rich and prosp'rous Heir, 
 Each gladsome Gift of Fortune share, 
 
 In Fame and Honour rise ; 
 I, with no Farm, and scarce a House, 
 With Solace of the grateful Muse, 
 
 The Worldly Wretch despise,
 
 ON THE BANEFUL EFFECTS 
 
 OF 
 
 AVARICE, 
 
 AND THE BLESSINGS 
 
 OF 
 
 CONTENTMENT. 
 
 HORACE, Ode 16, Book III. 
 
 " Inclusam Danaen Turris ahenea " &c. 
 
 JMlSS Danae, from her brazen Tow'r, 
 With triple Locks and Iron Door 
 
 And watchful Mastiffs barr'd, 
 For ev'n the vig'rous youthful Zeal 
 Of Am'rous Irishmen to steal, 
 
 Had been a Task too hard. 
 
 But when the prudent, love-sick Jove, 
 Supported by the Queen of Love,
 
 138 
 
 Call'd Plutus to his aid, 
 The Golden God no sooner knocks, 
 Than, spite of Bolts and patent Locks, 
 
 A Turnpike- road is made. 
 
 Gold can the strongest Fortress storm ; 
 Thro' Rocks of Adamant will worm, 
 
 That Lightning cannot break ; 
 With sly insinuating Art, 
 Can melt the most obdurate Heart, 
 
 And thro' a Keyhole creep ! 
 
 By Gold, the haughty Spaniards fell ; 
 For Gold, the Dutch their freedom sell, 
 
 In Ships and Station strong ; 
 The World, with conqu'ring sway to rule, 
 In Gallia's Diplomatic School, 
 
 *' Ilfaut leaucoup <? Argent"
 
 139 
 
 To prove my Case, no need to roam, 
 In search of Facts, so far from Home ; 
 
 For, by a Golden Treat, 
 In Parliament, without Pretence 
 To Virtue, Wisdom, Wit, or Sense, 
 
 An ass may gain a Seat. 
 
 Tho' gorg'd, with Gold, up to the Throat, 
 As tho' not worth a single Groat, 
 
 You anxious ask for more, 
 The Thirst for Gain, without Repose, 
 By Drinking still more ardent grows 
 
 To swell the shining Store. 
 
 'Tis wiser not to touch the Brink, 
 
 Than of the pois'nous Stream to drink ; 
 
 Beware the Syren's call ! 
 He, who am Avarice restrain,
 
 140 
 
 From Heav'n will happier Gifts obtain, 
 Nor crush'd in Ruin fall. 
 
 Ambition's Ranks no more I trace ; 
 There Ruin lurks with dire Disgrace ; 
 
 Experienc'd now I fty 
 To join the humble, temp'rate Band, 
 Who, firm, each sordid Wish withstand, 
 
 And Avarice defy. 
 
 He, who can Opulence despise, 
 In Happiness will higher rise, 
 
 Than if from India's Shore, 
 Laden with Hoards of gorgeous Wealth, 
 Procur'd by Plunder, Rapine, Stealth, 
 
 His swelling Course he bore. 
 
 A small and cultivated Farm, 
 
 Well water'd, wooded, snug, and warm,
 
 141 
 
 More real Bliss can gain, 
 Than Wealth, from rich Plantations won 
 By Sweat of Afric's sable Son, 
 
 Across the Western Main. 
 
 Altho' I share no sumptuous Treat, 
 Nor Venison nor Turtle eat, 
 
 Nor drink luxurious wine ; 
 Content, I frugally regale 
 On Bread and Cheese and humble Ale, 
 
 Nor will at Fate repine. 
 
 He who can vain Desires confine, 
 Needs not Potosi*s golden Mine 
 
 To pour the splendid Store ; 
 The Man who craves, must always want 
 To me, may fav'ring Heaven grant, 
 
 Nor to be rich nor poor !
 
 ON 
 
 EQUANIMITY. 
 
 HORACE, Ode 3. Book II. 
 
 TO DELIUS. 
 
 " jEtJuam memento rebus in arduis " &<N 
 
 O Mortal Man, in each extreme, 
 
 Be firm, collected, and serene : 
 
 And meet the Winter's stormy Day 
 
 As jocund, as the Vernal May ! 
 
 When Fortune frowns, my Friend, beware 
 
 Of Doubt, Disquiet, and Despair ; 
 
 And when she smiles, with tempting lure, 
 
 Still deem her Favour insecure ; 
 
 Nor those, to whom her Boon 's denied, 
 
 Insult, with Arrogance and Pride !
 
 144 
 
 An equal Mind, in every State* 
 Is far the choicest Gift of Fate ; 
 Whether the adverse, angry Pow'r 
 Shall cloud, with Woe, thy fleeting Hour; 
 Or smiling, from her ample Store, 
 Profusely ev'ry Blessing pouf, 
 Reclin'd beneath the Lime-tree's Shade, 
 By murm'ring Rill or hoarse Cascade, 
 Secluded, from the World's Uproar, 
 By Derwent's sweet, romantic Shore. 
 Then bring the Bowl, the Music bring, 
 And seize the Roses in their Spring ! 
 Whilst Wealth and Youth and Life remain, 
 Convert the present Hour to gain ! 
 For Death will come, without Reprieve, 
 When all must their Possessions leave ; 
 Those dear Possessions, few will share, 
 May pass to an unthankful Heir :
 
 145 
 
 Then what avail, tho' you may trace 
 Your Noble Blood, from Howard's Race ; 
 Or, base-born, poor, be left to die, 
 Beneath the bleak, inclement Sky ? 
 Each meets the strict, impartial Doom 
 Of the dark Confines of the Tomb; 
 Each must alike his Passage take 
 Across the sad and silent Lake ; 
 All, in the Grave, will equal lie, 
 Tho* blest as You, tho' poor as I ! 
 
 vol. I.
 
 ON 
 
 MEDIOCRITY. 
 
 HORACE, Ode 31. Book 1. 
 
 TO APOLLO. 
 
 " Quid dedicatum poscit Apollinem 
 " Vates?" 
 
 Yv HAT shall the tranquil Bard require 
 Of him, who bears the Golden Lyre ? 
 What Boon beseech him to bestow, 
 When from the Cup Libations flow ? 
 Not the rich Crops, that clothe the Plains 
 Of fruitful Cumbria's wide Domains ; 
 Not the innumerous herds, that feed 
 By silver Eamont's flow'ry Mead ; 
 Not the sweet Vales and tow'ring Woods, 
 Thro' which dark Lowther pours his Floods; 
 1,2
 
 148 
 
 Not Gold and Gems, a splendid Store, 
 
 From ravag'd India's spicy Shore ; 
 
 Let others train the am'rous Vine, * 
 
 And quaff luxurious, racy Wine, 
 
 By vent'rous Merchants, sought, with Pain, 
 
 Across the wide Atlantic Main, 
 
 By Heav'n preserv'd, who plough the deep, 
 
 And thence a plenteous Harvest reap. 
 
 No splendid Gifts will I require, 
 
 Above Ambition's wild Desire. 
 
 Phoebus, to me benignant give, 
 
 Content, on frugal Fruits, to live ; 
 
 A temp'rate, modest Board to spread, 
 
 A single Joint, with Household Bread ! 
 
 With the Potatoe's humble Root ! 
 
 More sumptuous Food I'll live without. 
 
 But add to these the mod' rate Use 
 
 Of, Barley, thy fermented Juice ;
 
 149 
 
 A sound collected Mind, at Ease ; 
 A Body, free from dire Disease ; 
 Old Age, devoid of base Desire, 
 Crown'd with the Solace of the Lyre ! 
 O'er others, shed an ampler store ; 
 O, grant me these, I ask no more !
 
 L'ALLEGRO; 
 
 OR 
 
 SANGUINE REFLECTIONS ON LIFE. 
 
 FROM METRODORUS. 
 
 LlFE'S splendid Book you ope, my Boy, 
 
 Delicious Dawn of Hope and Joy. 
 
 The Tillage of the fruitful Field 
 
 Will Health and Food and Raiment yield : 
 
 If you disclaim the World to roam, 
 
 Content and Ease you meet, at Home : 
 
 Expand the Sail and plough the Deep, 
 
 And thence a plenteous Harvest reap : 
 
 Aspire to tread the Paths of Law ; 
 
 Thence Honour, Fame, and Glory draw :
 
 152 
 
 Should Fortune grant a golden Store, 
 
 Enjoy Respect, Esteem, and Pow'r ; 
 
 But should she Affluence deny, 
 
 Know Safety dwells with Poverty : 
 
 On Wedlock, purest Joys await, 
 
 A lovely Offspring, tender Mate : 
 
 If no Connubial Joys you share, 
 
 You shun an anxious Husband's Care : 
 
 Should Progeny not bless your Years, 
 
 You share no doubtful Parent's Fears : 
 
 Robust and hale is ardent Youth ; 
 
 Age fraught with Learning, Skill, and Truth. 
 
 Such are the gladsome Gifts of Life, 
 
 With ev'ry Bliss and Comfort rife ; 
 
 Her Joys, with Gratitude, receive ; 
 
 Seize the gay Hour and learn to live !
 
 IL PENSEROSO; 
 
 OR 
 
 SOMBRE REFLECTIONS ON LIFE. 
 
 FROM POSSIDIPPUS. 
 
 SAY, what is Life? A gloomy Vale of Tears, 
 Vile Mass of Cares, Calamities, and Fears. 
 Should Rural Thoughts your anxious mind employ, 
 Blights, Rains, and Drought th' uncertain Crop destroy : 
 Repose at Home; becalm'd you then are seen, 
 The Slave of Indolence, Disease, and Spleen : 
 The Dangers of the Deep advent'rous dare, 
 Storms, Rocks, and Shoals, your feeble Vessel tear : 
 On Law's Pursuits disastrous Ills await, 
 Tumult and Fraud, and Perjury and Hate : 
 What are the boasted Hoards of splendid Wealth ? 
 The prey of Envy, Robbery, and Stealth :
 
 154 
 
 Pale Poverty Afflictions dire assail, 
 Hunger and Thirst, the Almshouse and the Gaol 
 Should Fate malignant join you to a Wife, 
 Expect Deceit, Anxiety, and Strife : 
 Remain a Bachelor, belov'd by none, 
 You wander friendless, helpless, and alone : 
 Children are found ungrateful and perverse ; 
 And Childless Age is still a heavier Curse : 
 Luxuriant Youth is violent and vain ; 
 And Eld experiene'd, useless in the Wane. 
 The first great Wish is, Never to draw Breath ; 
 The second, seeks a prompt and early Death.
 
 FOR A 
 
 MEDLEY FIRE-SCREEN. 
 
 THE SCREEN'S ADDRESS. 
 
 W HAT are the Stars and splendid Vest, 
 That deck the haughty Statesman's breast? 
 
 What can the Pageants mean ? 
 Too oft they hide a rankling Heart, 
 Fraught with deceit and baneful Art, 
 
 The cringing Courtier's Screen. 
 
 When dashing Demagogues declaim, 
 And Liberty's lost Rights proclaim, 
 
 Their ravings oft are seen, 
 The mere pretext to gain a Place ; 
 In Patriot's Promises, we trace 
 Ambition's guileful Screen.
 
 156 
 
 When Calvus heaves a doleful sigh, 
 And casts to Heaven a streaming eye ; 
 
 Think you his Bosom clean ? 
 Ah ! no ; the Cassock and the Cowl 
 May shroud a dark deceitful Soul, 
 
 Of Hypocrites the Screen. 
 
 Say, why does youthful Julia wed 
 Yon palsied Form and hoary Head ? 
 
 The wanton's wish I ween 
 A speedy Death and splendid Dower, 
 Perhaps, that she may sin secure j 
 
 Her Marriage but a Screen. 
 
 Thro' Life's wide Sea to safely steer, 
 Be firm, consistent, and sincere, 
 
 Benignant and serene ! 
 Let Heart and Head together move !
 
 :o7 
 
 Then, blest with Harmony and Love, 
 You need no skulking Screen. 
 
 Since I protect, from Heat and Cold, 
 The ardent Young and feeble Old, 
 
 From me Instruction glean! 
 Of Cold and Heat beware Extremes, 
 And Vanity's delusive Dreams ; 
 
 And thank your humble Screes, 
 
 Aug. 25, 1805.
 
 FROM OWEN 
 
 JVARAPHRASED.
 
 MAXIMS PARAPHRASED. 
 
 THE Gift of Age (riot Death) most Men would 
 
 please ; 
 Not the Physician, but the dire Disease. 
 
 GREAT Talents oft to form the Knave combine; 
 As sourest Vine gar 's from sweetest Wine. 
 
 FOR present Ills alone, lament your Fate ! 
 
 For future, you r'e too soon ; for past too late.' 
 
 THE credulous deceivM, distrustful are: 
 
 From sanguine Hope springs comfortless Despair. 
 
 YOL. I. M
 
 162 
 
 WEALTH is with Fear, and Want with Hope com- 
 bin'd; 
 
 Fea* is a hateful, Hope a pleasant Guest : 
 Yet in the present case, how few we find 
 
 Who'd rather take the latter to their breast ? 
 
 Nee temere nee timide. 
 IN all Affairs, with cautious Prudence doubt ; 
 
 With steady Firmness ever boldly hope : 
 Cool Circumspection shuts each Error out; 
 
 With ev*ry Danger, Fortitude will cope. 
 
 Festina iente, 
 VIRTUE, like Vice, expands by slow Degrees ; 
 
 In virtuous Paths e'en moderate your Pace : 
 Who rushes headlong, never Danger sees, 
 
 Correct and correct in the dangerous Race.
 
 163 
 
 IN Sleep, the counterfeit of Death, 
 Most Happiness I gain : 
 
 Then boldly I'll resign my Breath, 
 Nor fear, at parting, pain. 
 
 NOT fearless, nor fearful, with Caution proceed ; 
 Not too soon, nor too late, but with regular speed ; 
 By Prudence, the timid will soon become brave ; 
 He who guards against Terror, is never its Slave,
 
 LINES 
 
 ADDRESSED TO MISS KING, 
 
 OF 
 
 ASKHAM HALL.
 
 LINES, &c. 
 
 Vr HERE rapid Lowther pours his Floods, 
 
 Crown'd by majestic, shadowing Woods, 
 
 A Mansion stands we rudely call 
 
 By barb'rous name of Askham Hall : 
 
 Barb'rous I deem, Name unpoetic, 
 
 Unfit for Elegy or Epic ; 
 
 Name, that no Harmony combines, 
 
 Lightly to glide, in liquid Lines. 
 
 But tho' the Name don't Fancy hit, 
 
 Within, you've Beauty, Wisdom, Wit ; 
 
 Without, romantic Nature smiles, 
 
 And Gloom to Gladness reconciles. 
 
 There Nymph resides, well known to Fame, 
 
 Who proudly bears a Monarch's Name :
 
 J (58 
 
 But, tho' she Monarch's Title bears, 
 She suffers not the Monarch's Cares : 
 A Monarch rules, by cruel Guiles ; 
 She, by the Sweetness of her Smiles : 
 A Monarch awes, by Swords and Spies ; 
 She, by the Lustre of her Eyes : 
 A Monarch sways, by Tricks of Art ; 
 She, by the homage of the heart : 
 Monarchs, by fear, Obedience move ; 
 She, by the grateful Bonds of Love. 
 Tho' some won't Monarchy obey, 
 All bow to Beauty's sov'reign Sway. 
 
 Then, Nymph, ne'er anxiously preserve 
 That Name, when any else may serve ! 
 A rose (from Shakespeare I repeat) 
 " By other Name, will smell as sweet;" 
 Tho' lost the Name, retain the Pow'r, 
 Nor reign the Sovereign of an Hour,
 
 169 
 
 For Time will come, (a mournful Tale !) 
 When Beauty's Beams, alas ! must fail ; 
 Fell Time will cruelly erase 
 The Features of the fairest Face ; 
 Will dim the Radiance of that Eye, 
 Where wanton Cupids ambush'd lie ; 
 Will mar the Music of that Tongue, 
 O'er which, the Ear enraptur'd hung; 
 Will bow that Form and graceful Mein, 
 That now may rival Beauty's Queen ; 
 And paralyse that lily Hand, 
 That equals Sceptres in Command. 
 Then you, no more, must Pow'r retain,- 
 Resign'd, to other Belles, the Reign, 
 Unless, serene, benignant, kind, 
 You seize the Empire of the Mind. 
 The Charms, evanish'd from the Eye, 
 Permit fond Mem'ry to supply,
 
 170 
 
 Allow th' admiring World to trace 
 Your Beauties, in a future Race ; 
 To Children, let your Throne descend, 
 And rule, till Time shall have an end. 
 
 NOTE. 
 
 Vrov my reeiting tbe preceding Lines to a Politic*! 
 Friend (an Anti-Jacobin Reviewer), be exclaimed; " Sir, 
 I little expected, from one of youi approved Loyalty, so 
 seditious, so Jacobinical, and s dangerous an Effusion ! t 
 trast you will pay greater regard to the general Interests of 
 Society, as well as to your own Reputation, than give pub- 
 lic birth to a Poem so affronting and derogatory to Royalty ! 
 ' There's such Divinity doth hedge a King, it ought not 
 ' to be sported wifch ;' and if in defiance of my Remon- 
 strance, you suffer this combustible Composition to form 
 part of your Poetical Cargo, I shall deem it my boundea 
 Duty to bring the Case before our. Critical Tribunal;
 
 171 
 
 and you shall be blown up in our next Review, as an Enemy 
 to your King and Country. And indeed, you may thank 
 your Stars, if that is the worst consequence to arise from 
 sueh Disloyalty j for, I am persuaded, impartial Justice 
 will require Hie Majesty's Attorney-General to commence 
 a Criminal Prosecution against you (on the Stat, of Edward 
 III.) as guilty of Constructive Treason." 1- 
 
 Alarmed and shocked at this tremendous Anathema, my 
 first impulse was to have sacrificed my poor Babe to the 
 Flames, lest it should hereafter become a Parricide t but 
 (whether luckily or not, time must determine) a Pinch of 
 Snuff, applied at the moment, allowed time for Parental 
 Affection to come to the aid of the Defendant, by suggest- 
 ing that a Bill of Exclusion, or rather a Saving Clause, 
 tacked to my Child's Skirts, might atone for its birth, 
 blunt the edge of my Friend's Criticism, and avert the 
 Damnation denounced. 
 
 Le voila 1 
 Provided always nevertheless, and I do hereby declare, 
 that nothing in these Presents contained shall apply, or be 
 construed to apply, or shall by any Inference, Innuendo, or 
 Implication, be tortured, deemed, or taken to apply, to the 
 Sovereign of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
 
 172 
 
 Ireland, (whom God preserve !) but that the Anti-Monar- 
 chical Reflexions herein inserted, shall only apply and ex- 
 tend, and be construed to apply and extend, to certain 
 Monarchs, otherwise Despots, ruling out the Dominions 
 aforesaid; and shall most especially and emphatically he 
 directed against a certain Emperor and King now auda- 
 ciously usurping the blood-stained Throne of the Bourbon*, 
 and ferociously wearing the Iron Crown of Lombardy; any 
 thing herein contained to the contrary thereof in any wise 
 notwithstanding.
 
 ON THE CONSOLATION* 
 
 OF 
 
 POESY. 
 
 &OB.ACE, Ode 4, Book III. 
 
 TO CALLIOPE. 
 
 " Descende Coelo, et die, age, Tibia." 
 
 FROM Heaven descend, melodious Maid ! 
 
 And strike the trembling Lyre ! 
 Assist me with thy vocal Aid, 
 
 Or let thy Harp inspire '. 
 What thrilling Notes invade my Ear, 
 
 What sacred Frenzy calls ! 
 Harmonious Sounds I seem to hear, 
 Thro' hallow'd Groves my Footsteps steer, 
 Delicious Breezes blow, the Streamlet murm'ring falls.
 
 174 
 
 *Tis said, when in my Infant Years, 
 
 Allur'd by childish Play, 
 Awake to no intrusive Fears, 
 
 I wander'd far astray ; 
 As on the sultry Mountain's Brow, 
 
 I sunk fatigu'd to rest, 
 The gentle Doves around me flew, 
 And Leaves, fresh cull'd from ev'ry Bough, 
 With pleasing labour strew'd,upon my Head and Breast. 
 
 A Tale more strange was never told 
 In Devon's smiling Plains, 
 
 Romantic Cumbria's Summits bold, 
 Or Lincoln's low domain* ; 
 
 That I should 'scape from fell Despair 
 
 And Slander's poisonous Tooth, 
 
 And Myrtle Wreaths and Laurels wear, 
 
 As made the Muses' fav'rite Care, 
 E'en in the early Dawn of wild and thoughtless Youth.
 
 175 
 
 Yoa still, Celestial Maids, I bail, 
 
 On Skidbaw's stormy Brow, 
 In silver Eamon's balmy Vale, 
 
 Or Kirkstone's chilling Snow ' 
 You me preserved, when o'er my Head 
 Dark Horror stood reveal'd ; 
 The Shafts of Care turn'd from my Head, 
 You sav'd me from the Ocean's Bed, 
 To you my Life I owe ; you are my Guardia% Shield ! 
 
 Protected by your fost'ring Hand, 
 
 I '11 dare the Billows' Roar, 
 Will traverse Syria's burning Sand, 
 
 Or Afric's barb'rous Shore ; 
 The infuriate Tartar fierce and wild, 
 
 Who quaffs his Horse's Blood, 
 I'll visit as benign and mild, 
 Cince o'er my Fate the Muse has smil'd, 
 And unappall'd explore the Danube's hostile Flood.
 
 176 
 
 To blunt Affliction's angry glaive 
 
 And give the Breast repose ; 
 
 O, seek your cool Pierian Cave, 
 
 Whence Recreation flows ; 
 
 Your heavenly Counsels chaste and kind 
 Unsullied Joys impart, 
 
 Your Precepts harmonize the Mind, 
 
 In you we Consolation find, 
 You soothe the Wretch's Woe and meliorate the Heart J 
 
 END OF VOI^. I. 
 
 J. Brettell, Printer, 
 Marshall-street, Golden-square.
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY 
 
 Los Angeles 
 This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. 
 
 L9-100m-9,'52 ( A3105 ) 444
 
 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 
 
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