& CP CL^ G^e THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES 1 1 i h VISIT OF INNOCENCE, AND OTHER POEMS, BY E. M. E. TORQUAY: PRINTED AND PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR, BY E. COCKREM. 1830. entnrfc at J-tatiancrs' ?i?all. "1 1 Vg COX TENTS. Page. Visit of Innocence to the Region of Genius 1 Lines on the New Year, given to a friend in an Almanac 32 The Coronation of George the Fourth, July 19, 1821 35 On my Mother's Wedding Ring 38 The Voyage of Life 42 Farewell to my Harp — A Vision 47 The Winter Rose 52 To a Friend who wrote, Saying — 65 The Spring Chaplet 58 Christian Hymn to the Sun 60 Head and Heart : or which is Best 63 11 Pa<.r. The Rising and Setting Sun of Life 66 The Choice 69 Love 73 To a Friend with some dried Everlastings 76 Death , written on recovery, from a dangerous Illness 79 On My Mother's Tomb 87 Hymn for Sunday Morning 88 Prior to attending the Sacrament at the Caledonian Chapel 90 Our Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy Name 92 THE VISIT OF INNOCENCE TO THE REGION OF GENII'S. One day as walking o'er the strand That bounded in my native land, Mewing with watchful eye each wave That did the sea-girt Island lave ; Well pleased I east an upward eye On the pure expanse of the sky, Where not a cloud rose on the sight, But all was calm, serene, and bright. Then as my downward eye did bend, There seem'd of ocean's bounds no end, Which as a lucid mirror lay, Reflecting the declining day. No mortal form did there appear, No human accent met the ear ; Scarcely was heard Tide's eddying rill, But all around was hush'd and still — B A THE VISIT OF INNOCENCE All nature tasted sweet repose, And not a rustling wind arose To break the sacred, peaceful calm : Fearless of danger and alarm, But solitary arid alone, I stood, Deep musing on the ebbing flood. When lo ! a wonder rose to view, A rock mis-shaped of blackest hue Appeared, amid the foaming tide, Whose angry billows washed its side, And vainly sought with sternest rage On it its fury to assuage. But still in vain, for firm it stood And braved the terrors of the flood, Whose billows dashed o'er it in vain ; Still did the awful form remain, Deep-rooted, raised it's shaggy side, And frowning scorned the maddening tide. Bleak was its prospect, wild and bare, And black and murky was the air That in chill blasts blew rushing round This dark, inhospitable ground. From this tremendous awful sight. The screeching sea-gulls took their flight TO THE REGION OF GENIUS. All things proclaim'd a coming storm, When feeling I was left forlorn, I turn'd to trace my homeward path, T' avoid the tempest's threaten 'd wrath ; When reaching now a deepen'd pass, Once more I turned to view the mass Whose lofty head near reach'd the sky Standing in solemn majesty — Amazement seized and thrill'd my heart, For now upon the eastern part Of the black atmosphere's deep shade A gleam of rising sun-beam played, Which onward hastening, to my sight Revealed a wond'rous vision bright. I saw a youth in life's first dawn, Whom all the graces did adorn j His vivid eye shot wild and keen, And in his changeful face was seen Expression's ever varying form, — He seem'd the " Genius of the Storm ;" For tho' as minist'ring Angel fair, Yet wild and fitful was his air ; Now mild and gentle was he seen, Then fiery, rash, and bold his mien ; Yet still in every shifting turn, Such brighten'd glories seem'd to burn, d3 4 THE VISIT OK INNOCENCE Iii the full orb of his dark eye As clear proclaimed divinity — • First deep en wrapt in robes of snow, He seem 'd on downy wings to go ; Now gold and speckled was his vest, Then in the emerald's green he's drcst ; Next in the lustre of the dawn A saffron cloak did him adorn ; Then blue, bright yellow, flaming red, By turns around his form were spread ; And purple gleaming from afar In all the pomp of wageful war : And lastly in the rainbow's light, Of varied hue, the youth was (light, Quick was each various colour found To flit upon his form around — Two wings of silvery azure hue Hose beauteous to beholder's view, Whilst on his arm a lyre was flung And on his back a quiver hung : On radiant brow a wreath he wore So lovely ne'er was seen before, Of every flower that drinks the dew, Of sweetest scent and brightest hue.; While passing onward with swift wing, He shed abroad the breath of spring : TO THE REGION OF GENIUS. 5 And as he past he raised his voice — " Rejoice ye sons of men, rejoice, " Von steril rock shall own my power " And bloom and blossom from this hour ; " For on its brow I'll place my throne, " Where kings shall come and bow them down, " And own the power of Genius' vast, " And that it shall for ever last. Now soon I view'd with glad amaze The alter'd scene, that to my gaze Appear'd, for now was cheering seen Herbage of liveliest, freshest green, To deck the arid rock around ; Whilst on its pointed tufts were found Each painted flow'ret of the year That serves the summer's day to cheer, Gay smiling o'er the mead; meanwhile The sun with bright unclouded smile Look'd joyous on o'er hill and dale, And rich impregn'd each odorous gale Soft wafted on the fragrant breeze ; While songsters sweet among the trees Chaunted in tuneful and full band The pleasures of that happy land ; — As now presiding up on high On flowery top well nigh the sky, 6 THE VISIT OF INNOCENCE The Genii smiling blissful sate With joy and happiness elate — Soon did ray heaving bosom warm With anxious wish to taste each charm, My eager glance with rapture viewed That seem'd so wondrous fair and good. And earnest round I cast my eye Some little floating bark to spy, To waft me to that happy place Which every pleasure seem'd to grace. When lo ! not far but near at hand, A little skiff approached the land ; No sail it had, no rudder, oar, And soon 'twas driven on the shore. Light bounding o'er the shining strand With steps that scarcely prest the sand, My hasty hand soon seized the prow, And my raised foot prepared to go Bold and unguided o'er the main ; Nor thought of dangers on the same, Nor once did to myself repeat The perils of the unfathom'd deep ; But wild, impatient, dauntless, I Dared all it's horrors to defy. — TO THE REGION OF GENIUS. When as I paused — a hand clasped mine — Turning, I saw a Form Divine, Whose matron look of placid worth Proclaimed she was no child of earth ; But whose bright raised heavenly eye Told her a daughter of the sky. Her voice harmonious, soft and clear Thus in sweet accents met my ear. " Rash maid ! ah whither would'st thou go, u Fearless and dreadless of a foe ? " Say can thy weak unskilful hand " The stormy ocean's waves command ? " Or can'st thou hope the billowy surge " Will cease thy downward fate to urge, " Where thousands like thee have been lost " Amid the eddying whirlpool tost, " Or wreck'd upon yon dangerous coast, " Sad victims of each raging wind "Whilst I their guard was left behind. " Tho' fair the form, thou see'st there, " E'en as effulgent spirit fair, " Trust me he is a fickle boy " WTio ever lures, but to destroy, " Unless I lend my needful aid " To guide the footsteps of each maid. " Though man more bold may sometimes dare " The tempest's awful rage to bear, 8 THE VISIT OF INNOCENCE " Yet woman ever must be lost, u > " Unless I guide her to yon coast " Where Genius holds his sovereign rule- " E'en he without my help's a fool ; " 'Tis I that point his feathery dart, " And my high influence impart " To make him truly great and wise, "And he who scorns me, doth despise " The power of Genius self, and is " Unworthy all bright gifts of his." — Awe struck, adoring did I stand, Then begged to know the high command Of one, on whose fair brow did shine A radiant glory most divine — And much I urged her name to know, That I to her might lowly bow, And duteous meet her high behest, Fulfilling what to her seem'd best — Either to go, or stay, as might Seem wisest to her justcr sight. Mildly attentive to my speech, Thus did the lovely female teach, And with soft, clear, unclouded ray, Approving thus to me did say — " Since thou'lt accept my proffer'd aid, " And wilt be guided by me maid, TO THE REGION OF GENIUS. ' I take thee to mv sovereign care, ' Thou my soft tenderness shalt share ; ' But first learn thou my sacred name, 'And pay obedience to the same — ' Pieta am I called above, ' In the realms of heavenly love ; ' Religion is the name on earth, ' liy which men sanctify my worth; ' For he who owns me in his youth ' In age ne'er doubted yet my truth, ' But owns me just, and still will find ' I'm steadiest friend to all mankind — ' Who early seeks and owns my power, ' I ne'er forsake to latest hour, ' But on the bed of peaceful death ' Receive his tranquil final breath, 'And bear him upward to the skies, ' A pure accepted sacrifice. ' But come, since thou dost even still 'Aspire to climb yon fertile hill, ' And long'st to sec that wond'rous land { Where Genius holds his high command; 'Attendant on my steps shall thou ' Free and unharmed from evil go, ' And safely stationed at my side ' Shall cross the dangerous foaming tide, 10 THE VISIT OK INNOCENCE " Whose lofty billows shall obey " My mild and gentle, yet firm sway. " Guided by Truth, who does attend, tk My faithful servant and my friend. Now quick approached a Pinnace gay, That at a little distance lay ; Lightly it rose, and softly fell With every dashing wave's quick swell ; But still it buoyant held its way, Above the raging billow's spray, And with brisk motion came to land ; Where calmly waiting 1 did stand Supported by my Angel friend, To whose soft voice 1 did attend, While she unfolded to my view Lessons of wisdom ever new. Now seated at the helm I saw A form inspiring love and awe ; A youth so beauteous and divine, That in his face did clearly shine, The settled majesty of truth, That stampt with regal pride his youth— In spotless robe of white arrayed, Which lightly and transparent played, With every passing breath of air ; Which as it waved, seem'd to declare, TO THE REGION OF GENIUS. II No thought infirm could ever dwell Within his heart, he dared not tell, And dauntless would avow, secure That all within was just and pure. A wreath entwined from myrtle shade Did ornament his sacred head, Whose constant green did full proclaim, That truth's unchangeably the same And knows not the deep subtil art, To act a double guileful part ; But on his open front we see Pure undefiled sincerity. He with light feathery oar did guide His vessel thro' the foaming tide, Athwart the boiling whiten'd surge ; Nor ceased his dauntless course to urge, Nor once he stopt, but with full sail He seized on each propitious gale, To waft him onward on his way, And his loved mistress to obey : Till safe in port with active hand He drew .his vessel safe to land, And anchor'd it within a cave Secure from every rising wave. And now with form and head erect, Yet with a slow and cautious step, c3 12 THE VISIT OF INNOCENCE Our shilling guard did lead the way, Lest we erroneous far should stray From the right path that upward led, Unto the mountain's fertile head. Then thus lie whisper'd in our ear, " Come follow me devoid of fear, " Rely upon my faithful arm " To guard ye safe from each alarm ; "For my far seeing watchful eye " Can distant danger soon descry ; "To my quick sight's all radiant beam " Each shade of guile is plainly seen, " And swift before its searching ray, "They lade and vanish far away, "And flying, leave to truth revealed " YVhatc'er was meant to he concealed ; " Or glossed with falsehood's baleful wile, "The falt'ring footstep to beguile. — " E'en thou oh sacred heaven-born maid, " Without me ne'er could tread the shade, "Free and unharmed from error's snare, " But thro' my watchful fost'ring care ; " For 1 was sent thy guide to be, " And serve thee with fidelity — " And thou the tender and loved care " Of this celestial beauteous fair, TO THE REGION OF GENIUS. 13 " Bright innocence in spotless vest, " Whom Heaven's own partial hand lias drest " In every charm we love on earth, " Meek sense, mild virtue and true worth ; " And oh ! above all glories rare, " Who ne'er has strayed in sinful snare ; " Advance ! no evil canst thou dread, " 13y faith sustained, by truth still led ; " And with observant eye behold " Those wonders Genius will unfold. — Now hand in hand with agile tread "We followed as our guardian led, Till rounding soon the mountain's base AW- gained an ample landing place ; "Where to our wondering sight pourtray'd "Wander'd full many a thoughtful shade ; Who flitting past with scornful eyes, Seem'd to proclaim, their's was the prize, That Genius richly docs bestow On those who to his power do bow ; But who by vanity deceived, "Where only by themselves believed, So highly gifted to be loved, And by bright Genius self approved. " Behold ! our guardian wisely said, " Nor be of these frail forms afraid j 14 THE VISIT OF INNOCENCE " Those airy nothings that pass by " Look askance with mocking eye, ". They with false Genius do pervert, " And turn e'en wisdom to their hurt : " For these are they, who prone to ill " Do still oppose their Maker's will ; " And seek by blasphemy and shame, " To ridicule his sacred Name — " More boldly wicked still, they dare " To disavow his sovereign care, " By setting up the Demon "Chance" In whose feign'd name they dare advance Whatever folly they may chusc, Whilst they substantial good refuse. Till puft with effront'ry and pride Each holy mystery they deride, a ct a ({ a " And boasting say, that they alone " Are not to superstition prone ; " But raised above this lower sphere " In them true genius does appear, " Whose open and expanded mind " Can leave gross errors far behind, Disdaining to be longer bound, By those weak bonds the world surround. " But truth unveils their vain pretence " And shews they want e'en common sense. To THE REGION OK GENIUS. 15 " Now brisker let our footsteps move " To gain that platform up above — "There dullness does for ever reign, " Tho' hundreds ceaseless urge their claim " To Genius' sovereign, high regard, " And say their fealty meets reward. " 'Tis true he mildly, more benign " Does on their feeble efforts shine, " Than on th' abhorr'd below, who dare " To use his name, to blast the air " With anathemas, 'gainst " God's" name " As Deists, Atheists, for they're the same. " Compared with these the fool is wise, " And dearer's dullness in Genius' eyes, " Than all the lustre can reflect " From vast and polished intellect, " If thro' an evil heart we find " They cast religion from their mind. " But haste we now our upward flight, " Unto the headland's utmost height, " Where Genius does himself preside " With Wisdom and with Faith allied. Now with a swift and eager course We hasted on with untired force 16 THE VISIT OF INNOCENCE Till on the lofty brow arrived, Truth turning came, and joined my side ; Religion, Truth, on either hand, We moved a firm and radient band ; Till near the Genii's shining throne We lowly bent to bow us down. " Forbear he cried, nor homage pay, " I prostrate should before ye lay ; " Religion, Truth, and Innocence, " Can never bend but with offence : u (( (( Firm ye may stand, while Genius must " Bow down observant to the dust, " And humbly thro' their aid alone " May hope mankind his power will own. Say will ye deign with me to stand, High seated at my own right hand, " Whilst to your sight shall be displayed " Those efforts Genius has essayed, f * In a dark age to ignorance given, " Steril, but for this spark from heaven." Now at the Genii's aweful call Behold unnumbcr'd people fall, Lowly submissive to his sway, And instant to his voice obey. Here they, who in the darkest, night Of ignorance, by Genius' light TO THE REGION OB GENIUS. 1" Held forth a bright and shining ray To guide them to a better way ; And with ingenious art did shew To man bcwilder'd here below, Each needful art within the reach Of that rude age to man to teach — Shewed the mechanic's wondrous power To save rough labour's harshest hour, — Here, 'fore mine eyes was full displayed, The first formed models in each trade — That Genius' needful aid did give To teach men comfort whilst they live. Here too was seen the first form'd bark — (Taken by invention from the ark) And taught upon the waves to go At first with timid action slow. Doubtful and fearful nigh the coast, Dreading to be by tempests tost, But soon adventurous dared to brave The utmost fury of each wave — To after age did give the thought Of those vast bulwarks, which we're taught Do proudly rule the raging sea, And guided by Providence do free Our native land from foreign foes, And bid our country calm repose. D 18 THE VISIT OF INNGCENC > Here too is found each peaceful art That cheers and blesses man's lone heart. Here lies display'd the Painter's skill, That does our minds with wonder fill j When fair we see to sight pourtrayed Each mingling tint of light and shade ; That imitative man has caught From those bright lessons nature taught. Till scarce we can discern the hue Which, Nature, or fair Science drew. Here the first press to learning given To spread its stores far as the heaven ; While books to all convey delight, And chase away the gloom of night. But pause we here, and leave untold The winders Genius did unfold : Unequal I, the task to tell, Of what beneath my eyesight fell ; 'Twas wondrous all— but ah ! much more My soul admiring did adore, Those noble men who did assign Their learning to make virtue shine ; Who now in full and endless band Before the throne of Genius stand— The Historian, Poet, and the Sage, Of every climate, every age. TO THE REGION OF GENIUS. 19 With rapture did my heart expand, To see my loved, my native land Was not inferior in true worth To any region on the earth j But stiil with any might compare, And boast e'en higher genius rare Than to one single nation fell ; Which were I now disposed to tell, Might shame full many a larger state Not favoured with such happy fate — Amid the unnumbcr'd Host, my eye Discerned some favourites seated high, Whose glorious works full oft had power To while away a leisure hour, That thro' them richly was possest, And by their aid with wisdom blest. First Newton, whose capacious mind, Was not by Earth's small bounds confined : But whose great soul did soaring rise, Nor stopt at aught beneath the skies, But with a radiance quite divine Did like his " Solar System" shine, And tracing thro' the heavens his way, Bent mildly to religion's sway ; And as he shew'd those heaven's bright laws Taught men to glorify their cause. d3 20 THE VISIT OF INNO( EN< B Here Thomson, who in prison pined, Now roams at large and unconfined ; He who did ne'er one action frame .Alight sully his fair spotless name, Now blooming like his own sweet year, Each " Season" now does smiling cheer ; While still his grateful soul does raise His tribute to his Maker's Praise. Now as my raptured eye did dwell On the bright band, on Young it fell ; Young, whose high energy has taught The utmost stretch of human thought. Wisdom's immortal favourite bard, To whose high soul it seem'd not hard To scale the steeps of heaven's own height Sustained by virtue in his flight. Yet gentle, mild, we with him mourn, And make his kindred griefs our own ; With him we weep Narcissa's fate, And f. el his poignant sorrow's weight, When he sad, secret, and alone, units to earth her beauteous form, Denied by superstition's gloom Tor her poor shade a lowly tomb. With him admitted to the room Where good Philander meets his doom, TO THE REGION OF GENIUS. 21 We sympathize with his deep woe, Yet does our nature inly glow To view a scene so nobly great, As where the good man meets his fate ; Erect we stand, with stedfast eye, And feel it is not hard to die ; Say, while we view his fleeting span, How great how glorious still is man. Handel, whose never dying strain To Choirs Angelic might pertain, And doubtless will be sung above In scenes of harmony and love, Now charms my captive-taken ear, With th' extatic music of the sphere. To Milton we do debted stand For glimpse of Paradise, fair Land : He, by whose dark orbs were seen A brighter and more beauteous scene Than this fallen earth can now e'er boast, Since thro' man's fault it first was lost ; He with a pencil most divine Has boldly dared to trace the line Where " God" himself did fix the bound That settled the firm rooted ground : And by his sovereign voice did sway And bid the raging sea obey — 22 THE VISIT OF INNOCENCE Milton has dared to trace that road The high creating word, once trod ; Unveiled the " Godhead" to our ken, And pointed to the view of men Imperial Heaven's high-stationed Throne And Him that's seated there upon — Then with a lower steadier flight Has fair unveiled to our full sight Man, as he first came from the hand Of his great Maker's firm command ; Has traced our nature bright and just Tho' mingled with the lowly dust, And thus has taught us that we are Tho' fallen, objects of "God's" care.— Locke, whose deep searching anxious thought From labouring brain has hap'ly brought The vastest stores of human mind, And seems not to have left behind One single ore to Genius new, Who still his footsteps must pursue, To shew like him the mind of man, In all its God-like noble plan. Shak.spcare whose vast and ample mind Scanned all the follies of mankind ; Whose faults pertain'd to the dark age In which he dared to tread the stage; TO THE REGION OF GENIUS. 23 When by unlighten'd people rude Decency scarce was understood, But lively wit and sterling sense However cloathed ne'er gave offence : Oh ! hadst thou lived in better days, Thine had been the untarnished bays — Nor must I pass with careless eye Harvey who in Genius' Court stands high ; He teaches wisdom from each thing That can instruction to man bring, From the sweet flowers that annual bloom, To man's last study, — his own tomb. And from the sculptured stone does teach Truths solemn and within man's reach. Pope, whose mellifluous verse is sung As sweetest in our native tongue ; His dulcet numbers softly fall As honied dew, and give to all The varied subjects of his song The praise that does to him belong, Whether descriptive he does lead Our footsteps, Windsor, o'er thy mead ; Or seats us deep within thy wood That fringes o'er Lodona's flood ; Or gives with full and lavish hand, As present to his native land, 24 THE VISIT OF INNOCENCE Those stores that Homer heretofore Expended o'er the Grecian shore ; But now by Pope's bright Genius drest Shines brighter far than first exprest ; Si ill equal pleasure thou dost give \Vho to fair Poesy do live, Can taste her charms, her raptures know, And feel for her their bosoms glow ; Thy Essays too, do plainly shew The noblest work of " God" below, And the bright crown of his vast plan An honest and an upright man — But let me not forget to note That brightest thing thou ever wrote, Amidst thy works, most noble, rare, That pattern for each Christian prayer ; Universal be it, as in name, Immortal as its Author's fame — Thou too, our Addison, whose mind Was dear to all of human kind ; Firm and correct, in duty sure, And with Angelic sweetness pure ; Tho' gay thy fancy, strong thy sense, Thy want of decency ne'er gave offence j The chastest eyes might read thy page, Nor feel indignant anger rage, TO THE REGION OF GENIUS. 2") For talents misapplied and lost, And mid thick clouds of error tost ; Thou ne'er did'st feel wit gave pretence To violate each decent sense ; Or that bright Genius without fear Might wound the modest and chaste ear ; Ah no ! thy higher spirit knew Far better what was just and true ; Taught thee true wisdom ill agreed With impure thought, or vicious deed ; This made thy life and writings one, Both bright in kindred virtues shone ; Consistent, equal, just, and right, Thy works will ever give delight ; "Whilst those who viewed thy life might say, Be like our Addison's our day — And when thou wert summon'd from on high, Who would not wish like thee to die. As stretched upon the bed of death, Thy falt'ring accents, fainting breath, Still did the same instruction give As when in health thou once didst live, And those high truths thou living taught Still occupied thy latest thought — " Go fetch my Son, bid him attend, " The death-bed of his parting friend ; 126 THE VISIT OF INNOCENCE " Approach young man, and draw you near, " You will not meet with slavish fear;" — Then grasped his hand with upraised eyes, " Sec with what peace a Christian dies." — Here Johnson whose gigantic soul Embraced of literature the whole — Who with the roughest outward rind, Had yet a sound and virtuous mind ; Ne'er lost his dignity, tho' poor, Whom wealth itself could never lure From that intrepid dauntless mind, That yielded not to mortal-kind. But see (cried Truth) sweet Cowper's shade Approach to claim thy notice, maid, — Soft as thyself, gentle, and mild, Of Genius the much beloved child ; His task so pure, and so refined, As fails not to instruct each mind, Where dwells the genuine love of all We virtue and fair science call ; His gentle soul for earth too pure Could not a harsh rough world endure ; With every tender feeling torn Long reft of reason lay forlorn ; Then winged his passage far away, And sought again the realms of day. — TO THE REGION OF GENIUS. 27 Lo ! Porteous comes, among the few Who dared what duty bade to do ; He whose great, firm, and manly mind Sought the true good of human kind ; Who in a lax apostate age Did brave the Infidel's fell rage, Confuted ail his subtile art, And dared to shew he had at heart The cause for which his master bled ; And tho' he wore a mitred head, Still meek Disciple of his Lord, In deep humility adored, Still lived the Christian and the Sage, Bright pattern to a sinful age. Nor less a Poet did he shine, With rapture we peruse each line Of that majestic and bold verse, In which he dared "Death" to rehearse ; Held up its terrors to man's view But shewed it had its comforts too ; Which fully his pure spirit tried As smiling in his chair he died — Firm and unshaken in his trust Shewed Death has no terrors for the just. But whose is that meek beauteous shade, That wears the semblance of a maid ? e3 28 THE VISIT OF INNOCENCE 'Tis Smith, to feeling hearts most dear, Who early graced her mournful bier — Soft, timid, gentle, and refined, Yet had a strong and powerful mind ; Skilled in each deed of tender love, Mild unpretending as the Dove ; Tho' blest with manhood's stronger sense, Her learning never gave offence ; For modesty still veil'd each charm, And gave to none cause of alarm ; For still she scem'd the most afraid To make of knowledge vain parade ; Jn her was joined, assemblage rare, 1 [igh genius with each virtue fair That serves to adorn the female mind, And stamp its lustre on her kind. In her shone beauty, learning, truth, With all the tenderness of youth — Early mature in wisdom's way, She lived a life in her short day ; Then felt her task was hap'ly o'er, And slept, to wake on earth no more : Leaving a pattern "jof true grace To stimulate each future race, To walk in that bright path she trod, Approved by Man, by Saints, and " God." TO THE REGION OF GENIUS. 29 But now by feebleness oppressed My wearied frame required rest ; My heavenly guard beheld me droop, And thus compassionate did stoop To cheer my over-tasked mind, With gentle mein, and accent kind. " Sweet maid cheer up a little while, '• Whilst I thy downward path beguile, " With friendly converse cheat the hour, " And blest instruction on thee pour. " These wonders thou hast seen on high, " Revealed by Genius 'fore thine eye, " Are little worth unless / lead, " And teach thy footsteps where to tread. — " Knowledge is dark and wisdom frail " Unless I o'er the mind prevail ; " Teach truest wisdom in each art <{ Serves but to purify the heart ; " To make it lowly, meek and mild, " Free from the rage of passions wild ; " Nor puff it up with paltry pride " That shall thy weaker friend deride ; " Well knowing that thy utmost power " Still leaves a vast and boundless store, " Beyond thy utmost stretch to obtain ; " Nor canst thou hope her palm to gain, 30 THE VISIT OF INNOCENCE c. (t Wisdom like happiness below Can only shine with partial glow ; " Their sun irradiates a sphere " Beyond the scene thou viewest here ; " And man must still contented wait, " To reach that higher purer state, " To which I lead with step erect, " If I his actions here direct. " Then will he knowledge real obtain " And full perfection surely gain." — The widcn'd pathway now proclaimed That we the shore once more had gained ; Truth towed his little bark in view, Whilst we to Genius bade adieu ; Who still did on our steps attend To pay observance to his friend. We crost calm ocean on our way That as a lucid mirror lay, Reflecting the declining day, And sought again my little cot, Blest and contented with my lot ; Whilst humbly thus I formed my prayer- " Take me religion to thy care, And grant, that whilst on earth I live, I ta^tc those joys that thou dost give. } TO THE REGION OF GENIUS. 31 a (t ft a a Still guide my actions, night and day, And hold o'er me unbounded sway j Till my wrapt soul with bliss elate Enters a purer holier state : Where joys abound that never end " Given thro' Thee, Angelic friend. " Eye has not seen, nor can the ear " Those rapturous transports ever hear, Reserved for those who own thy power, As Crown of Glory, 'gainst that hour When all thy Servants meet reward, Before a just and righteous Lord ; Who then shall ten-fold blessings send To those, who did to Thee attend, Sought humbly still to walk thro' faith, And guide their footsteps in thy path. LINES ON THE NEW YEAR, GIVEN TO A FRIEND IN AN ALMANAC. Tell me my friend — and truly say, Canst thou the opening leaves display, The coming year to show ? Say, will it bright in beauty shine, Or in the shades of sorrow pine ; Light in joy, or dark in woe ? Ah ! who can weave the fairy spell, Or who this mystr'y search and tell And mark its varied hue ? 'Tis a mixt tissue at the best, Made up of labours and of rest, If we would guess it true. 33 Like other years 'twill pass away, In varied scenes, from day to day, Still changing as it flies : To mortal hand it is not given T'unseal this sacred book of heaven, Or read it with our eyes. To God alone the future's known — One only way it is our own, By us'ing it aright ; Then will it bright in beauty shine, Nor need we fear it will decline, Unblest in our glad sight. Remembrance of a virtuous course Shall in our closing day have force, To blunt the stroke of fate : Soon the redeemed soul will rise, To claim her portion 'bove the skies, And Angels round her wait. Then calmly let us pass away Of this new year each coming day, And on our " God" depend ; Secure he'll order all for good, By Him alone best understood, If He is but our friend. F 34 Each trial \vc are called to prove Will be the proof of his firm love, And are in mercy given : Whilst every joy that crowns our days, Should raise our hearts in songs of praise Anticipating heaven. 35 ON THE CORONATION OF GEORGE THE FOURTH, 19th July, 1821. Rise up ye Sons of England ! rise and sing A welcome song to your beloved King — See, see he comes in regal splendour drest ; Majestic in himself, above the rest, His Royal Person shews his high command, Above his highest Noble in his land. He comes to ratify before high heaven The sacred charge that by high heaven is given. Ye Sons of England ! 'fore your King appear — Hail him with filial love devoid of fear. He bears no Despot's Sword, no Tyrant's Rod, But is the chosen Delegate of " God," f3 36 To rule his people with paternal sway ; And e'en himself must freedom's laws obey. The true-born son of him your hearts enshrine, Of George the good, may he in goodness shine. He claims the love ye bore his sainted Sire, Let not that love within your hearts expire ; But to his Son that faith and truth extend, And hail that Son your Sovereign and your friend. Rise up ye Sons of England, rise and sing A welcome song to your beloved King. — Thou Royal George approach with sacred fear, And to the altar of thy Ci God," draw near — There bend in deep humility of heart Before his face, whose delegate thou art — As first in dignity, be first in worth, And shew a bright example here on earth. A Christian King — be pure religion thine, Let every Christian virtue in thee shine ; Thou must be faithful to the general trust, And keep each law with heart resolved and just, The Guardian, not the Tyrant of the land, Thy life must set the stamp to thy command. Bear then the sword of Justice, from the Lord, But let mild mercy temper that bright sword — ■ Wear thou the Ruby-ring, as signet sign, Thou by the hand art led by Truth Divine ; 37 The Consecrated Oil that's o'er Thee shed, As balm of blessing, guard thy sacred head, And teach thy heart sad misery to remove By balm of Charity and Christian love. Put on thy regal robes of brightest hue, To show thy people they shall in thee view The rich habiliments of Princely worth Clad with each virtue that shines bright on earth — And may the crown that binds thy temples round. In scenes of righteousness be ever found ; Its brightest gems be but the semblance faint Of those high virtues that thy life will paint, Then after years of glory spent on earth, Translated to a throne of richer worth ; Whilst thy frail body rests upon its bier, Gemm'd with rich Jewel of thy people's tear j Thy soul shall reign a King in realms above, Where Death can nevermore thy Crown remove; And the bright Sceptre shine within thy hand, Whilst round thy Throne admiring Angels stand. 38 ON MY MOTHER'S WEDDING RING. View well this little simple thing Thou say'st it is a common ring — But ah ! how little dost thou know, It is my treasure here below. With it what gifts can e'er compare ? The orient Pearl is far less rare, Less pure the Ruby's glowing gem, Or Emerald set on richest stem ; Fainter the Sapphire's azure eye, Or purple Amethyst's dark dye ; The yellow Topaz is less bright, Less brilliant is the Diamond's light ; Mixt Topal hides its streaky head, And Garnet that for love has bled ; The veined Cornelian I despise, No Longer lovely in my eyes; 39 Less rich the banks of Coral grow Where Ocean's waves do proudly flow — All these to me are far less rare, Less precious, beauteous, and less fair ; Than thou oh little circlet art That twines so firmly round my heart — In thy small simple golden round What joys and pleasures do abound — Thou dost contain all that can cheer And render life a blessing here ; Thou dost on us each joy bestow, Each rapture that we know below. To thee indebted we still live For every good this world does give : Bound by thy little golden band, In sweet relationship we stand, "Taste all the Charities of Life," Of child and parent, husband, wife, Of friend, of sister, and of brother, And tasting learn to love each other. Tho' thou appear'st in simple dress, Large is thy power sweet ring to bless ; True image thou of virtue here, That oft is seen in plainest cheer ; But to the feeling thoughtful mind, Simplicity is e'en combined 40 With elegance devoid of art, And finds sure passage to the heart. Then thou canst more enrich our ground, Than all that's in Potosi found, If thou'rt permitted still to stand, And grace for years our mother's hand. And inay'st thou never meet our eyes, Without that sweetest sacrifice, Her children's prayers, to heaven addrest, That she may long by heaven be blest. And when at length thou'rt doomed to grieve, And her loved cherish'd hand to leave ; With fond regret we will thee keep, And o'er thee we her offspring weep ; Guard thee as sacred solemn trust, Till we too mingle with the dust. Nor e'en with life shall end our care, From us descend from heir to heir, While each shall claim thee as their prize, And view thee with affections eyes — And when the last refining fire Shall raise thy value higher and higher ; Thou shall survive a burning world, Whose greatest treasures shall be hurled Far from the light of cheerful day, Melting in fervent heat away — 41 Thou shalt survive, thy little round Shall open circling to surround Her brows, upon whose virtuous hand Thou thro' long years did firmly stand ; And as thou wert a pledge on earth Of all that was in woman worth ; So shalt thou be in realms above, A token of celestial love. G 42 THE VOYAGE OF LIFE. Behold yon little Pinnace gay, Light floating on the stream of life I Blithely it holds its onward way, Unmindful of stern ocean's strife. Bright 'neath a pure and cloudless sky, Its waving sails are all unfurled ; And on its topmast mounted high Its Ensign ! " To command the world." Joyous and reckless of all change Mid song and dance it ploughs the main ; Secure that in its boundless range It still in safety will remain. 43 But soon the adverse gales do rise, The raging billows swell and roar, Dark tempests blacken o'er the skies, And lash and beat the vexed shore. Where now the confidence so bold ? Where now the thoughtless vacant jest ? The jocund tale is left untold, And blank dismay 's by all confest. Careless and heedless of all harm Full many a heart had thoughtless been ; But now recalled by dread alarm, Their powers and energies are seen. Roused into action by distress, Their strength and vigour now is known ; " Let go the sails, and cease all press, " Down with the anchor, lower it down. " And now all hands a strict watch keep, " We'll wait with hope for rising sun ; " Then may we 'scape the angry deep, "And into harbour safely run. g3 44 " Yet, yet we'll weather out the gale, "Still firm and manful we will stand; So shall we o'er the waves prevail, And see again our native land. a And now with an experienced eye The Pilot guides the Bark along ; O'er raging billows rising high, Or downward does his course prolong. Till in the wished for Haven moored, He sees the ship in safety laid — Then hears his wisdom sage approved And all his cares are overpaid. Thus in life's voyage feeble man Securely slumbers on the deep ; Fears no dread tempest to alarm, Or break his calm and tranquil sleep. Gaily he stems each circling wave, Jocund he steers his vessel on ; With health and youth, thinks he can brave Those rocks that others split upon. 45 But when misfortune's adverse wind Blows keen and heavy on his sail j Presumptuous hope is left behind, And truth and wisdom then prevail. His Canvass lower'd, his Pennon gay- Is thrown with humbled hand aside ; Reflection comes to guide his way, And help him thro' the boiling tide. — He sees life's ocean circling round And fears the dark tempestuous hour ; Looks for some surer, firmer ground, And seeks for shelter higher power. — Religion points unto high heaven, Where he may fix his anxious mind ; He grasps her anchor, seeks her Haven, Nor throws one lingering look behind. Now with the Christian's Port in view, Casts forth encumbering ballast's weight: Well knowing he can never rue The loss of his once valued freight. 46 Patient he strains his every nerve And does his utmost strength employ ; Content, if he his life preserve, And reach the scat of peace and joy. There and there only can he drink The cup of happiness complete — There from no future tempests shrink, Or fear again to meet defeat — 4/ FAREWELL TO MY HARP— A VISION. Farewell to thee my tuneful harp — The hour is come when we must part, And I thy sweetest charms forego ; Severer studies claim each day, And I must the behest obey, Nor strike again thy chords below. For life's too short to let one day In joy and pleasure waste away, Too fleeting are its passing hours ; No longer dare I give to thee One vacant hour's sweet minstrelsy, Or cherish thy soft soothing powers. Yet tho' strict duty must obtain, That I resign thy much loved strain, Still may I grieve from thee to part : And bid to thee as sweet farewell, As ever did thy full notes swell, To soothe my deeply wounded heart. 48 And sure I am when evening grey Shall veil the flaunting eye of clay, Its breeze o'er thee shall waft a sigh ; And its soft tear descend in dew, To gem those charms 'twill in thee view, And tell that thou my harp art nigh. Low breathing o'er thy floating string, The midnight air shall softly sing, And mournfully to thee reply, Till morning comes to hush thy strain, Tell thee thou must no more complain, And bid thy numbers sinking, die. Now weeping I do o'er thee stand, For the last time take thee in hand, And strike thy golden strings once more j Thou leav'st my hand — the task is done, Upon yon ancient willow flung, The painful conflict now is o'er Mournful and not without a sigh, I hung my tuneful harp on high, Then laid me down resigned to sleep ; Vowing no more a note I'd raise, Nor ever more the Muses, praise, Or Poet like my vigils keep — 49 And soon I felt sleep's genial power, Shed its mild influence o'er the hour, And lull nay saddest cares to rest ; When sudden glory round me spread, A Form Celestial raised my head, And with soft voice my soul addrest. Say not, no more a note Thou 'It raise, Ne'er sing again the Muse's praise, Or all their beauties fair rehearse j Say not, thy life docs fast decay, Quick flying as a summer's day, Too short, to spend in soothing verse ;• Too short, to waste in fancy's dream, Too short, to spend in fairy theme, That higher tasks thee now demand, For time well used can spare a space, To give to Genius, taste, or grace, But listen to my high command — " Still let thy vocal sounding Lyre " Virtue and goodness but inspire, " Nor fear that the soft strain is vain, "That leads one heart to virtue's road, Or brings one willing soul to "God;" But strike the sounding string again. a H 50 " Until the half convinced mind, " No longer flags, or hangs behind "With doubtful and half wavering soul ; " But let thy simple notes prolong " The strain of virtue in thy song, " And truth shall gain its sure controul. " And if thou hast the power to win " One erring mortal sunk in sin, % " And lead him back to worth again ; " Oh, bless the Giver of all good, "And let it well be understood, "From him proceeds thy sweetest strain. a OZolian airs shall round thee play, " Angelic spirits join their lay, " To the full melody divine ; " And lightly fingering touch thy wire, " If thou pure virtue dost inspire, " And make religion brighter shine.' *D* Here ceased the vision, and on high I saw her car ascend the sky ; She rose, soft smiling still on me : I seized my harp and sounding lute, No longer were their loved strings mute, I struck their notes my " God" to Thee. 51 Full flowed the symphony O Lord, High swell'd the enraptured sacred chord ; Whilst sweetest praise my lips employed : Obedient dared my voice to raise In hymns of grateful, thankful praise, And purest heartfelt bliss enjoyed. h3 52 THE WINTER ROSE. Sweet flower, that from thy bed of snow, Does raise thy blooming head on high ; And mid stern Winter's storm does blow, Unmindful of a frowning sky. I hail thee with each lucid gem, That on thy leaves so brightly shine ; For 'neath thy frost is beauteous seen My rose, a glowing heart is thine. Veiled in a mist, thou seem'st to sigh, Oi weeping slied'st tho pensive tear; .\> il remembrance to thy eye Shewed memory of a happier year. 53 When other flowers their sweets deny, How precious do thy buds appear ; Sweet as to sorrows weeping eye The presence of the friend most dear. True image thou of friendship's power, Thou bidst the lonely heart not fear ; But in life's sharp and bitter hour Does doubly bless, and doubly cheer. Unlike the world, thou'lt not forego The wretch whom fortune's storms annoy ; No Summer sunshine friend art thou, Attendant on the hour of joy. No, in the dark and cheerless day, A softer fragrance thou wilt give Than rose did ever yet display, When it in summer pride did live. Too oft bright Summer's glowing child Still wears a thorn to wound the breast, Whilst thou art gentle, soft, and mild, Nor owns one dart to banish rest— 54 In grief 's dark season doubly kind, Thou smiling cheers the drooping heart ; Bids it in thee past pleasures find, And sorrows canker'd sting depart. Tis thus that friendship's sov'reign power, Can chace away affliction's tear ; And e'en in Winter's keenest hour, Shed roses for a brighter year. Oh ! when my life draws near its end, And Youth's gay flowers no longer bloom j May I possess one faithful friend, As " Winter Rose" to deck my tomb. 55 TO A FRIEND WHO WROTE, SAYING— " TJiat although time had deprived her of Youth and Beauty, yet she trusted he had not with his unmerci- ful Scythe robbed her of all power of pleasing, where she felt disposed to please. ,, — c«o»s«o» What's this my friend, surprised I hear thee say, " That youth and beauty now does fast decay j " That Time with his sharp scythe does bid depart " Each transient grace, that once could warm the heart." Believe it not — for thou must still be fair, Whilst excellence is Heaven's peculiar care ; While sense and feeling in thy eyes appear, How canst thou dread the circuit of each year ? Think'st thou there is no intimation given, Where dwells a fair inhabitant of Heaven ? And can dull matter shroud from mortal sight, That beauty's self is but effulgence bright 5fl Of fairer soul — and loud proclaims and tells, " Within this shrine, a fairer spirit dwells." Then think not age itself can e'er destroy That frame, where radiant Angel dwells with joy. But should Time (cruel spoiler) dare to chase Each lingering charm from thy poor fading face j Still friendship's pencil shall the tint revive, And bid each cherished beauty still survive ; Fond memory cry, thou still more lovely art Unto a genuine friend's true faithful heart : While soft remembrance shall fondly say, Thou now are dearer than in youthful day, For recollection dwells on deeds of love, And years but served thy virtues to approve. Thy friend will say, tho' now thy head is gray, I once did see thy auburn tresses play ; That eye now dim, is still lit up by truth, And beams affection, as it did in youth j That tongue that ever spoke the heart sincere, Can still pronounce thy friend to thee is dear. Sweet sacred accents, how oft on them I've hung And listen'd to the music of thy tongue ; Or on thy sparkling eye how oft have gazed, Can never be from my fond heart erased. 5/ For still I view thee Math affection's eye, Fair, as when courting youths for thee did sigh ; Yes thou art fair, still fair unto thy friend, And in her eyes thy beauty cannot end — For she can trace loved Catherine in thee still, A guileless soul most ignorant of ill ; A heart untainted, and a conscience pure, A steady mind in paths of honour sure ; Affections keen that still did ardent love, The chosen few, who did thy friendship prove j Tender compassion too for all that grieve, And Truth that never — never can deceive. While these rich gifts of nature still are thine, How dar'st thou say thy Person does decline ? With all these charms of mind, how can'st thou say, That youth and beauty now are flown away ? Believe it not, while worth has power to warm, Thou still each virtuous soul will please and charm $ For they will feel that they in loving you, Give but to goodness its acknowledged due. 58 THE SPRING CHAPLET. Why fearful timid girl to send, And make thy harmless wishes known ; Wer't thou afraid thy mother's friend, Would pause to make that wish thy own. Yes, I will weave each dewy flower, To form a garland for thy head, Of each soft bud Spring's genial power, Does o'er the opening season spread. The Snow-drop with its drooping form, The Lily folded in its leaf, The Violet with its scented breath ; And Primrose of Spring's flow'rets chief. The Crocus and the Polyanthe, The Daisy with its blushing head ; The Wallflower and Auricula, Shall form thy Chaplct gentle maid. 59 Dear Anna, these Youth's emblems are, And in these simple flowers you'll find ; Each virtue, and each grace, that should, Adorn the timid maiden's mind — Soft, bashful, gentle modesty, In Snowdrop and the Lily live ; By Violets scented breath we feel, The sweets, that virtuous actions give. Gay fancy in the Crocus blooms, Joined with the Daisy's milder charms ; Whilst Wallflower with its rich perfumes, Our hearts to sterling virtue warms. Entwine these flowers on Myrtle stem, Unchanging in its verdant green ; So in your life let Faith and Truth, Still pure and constant e'er be seen. Oh ! wear these treasures in your breast, Implant them deeply in your heart j So will you be in beauty drest, And act wiih dignity your part. x3 60 CHRISTIAN HYMN TO THE SUN. ♦oto«o»o- Hail to thee bright and glorious sun, Great work of high Creating Power j Hail to thy beams that plainly show, The might of Him our souls adore. Let Eastern Magii, bow them down, Before thy altars, Sun, each day ; Hail lowly prostrate on the earth, The opening of thy rising ray : But let each Christian doubly low Bow down obedient to the dust; For far above thy radiant form, The " God" they serve and love and trust. 61 All glorious us thou art, bright orb, The source of life, and cheerful light ; Veiled be thy beams in utter night, Before hib brighter, purer sight. Thou Creature of his forming hand — Thou emblem but of saving love ; The Sun of Righteousness is ours, That shines refulgent high above. He shall enlighten our sure path, And lead us on from day to day ; Guide us in safety here on earth, With his unerring steady ray. As thy bright beam enlightens round Creation's large and ample space ; So shall his shin'ing law reveal, A wider, boundless realm of Grace. And soon wher'ere thy rays disperse — Their stream cf golden light is known : His Gospel shall acknowledged be, And all mankind their Saviour own. 62 Then shall the day — spring from on high Pour Grace, and brightest glory round ; Whilst joyful, to Creation's verge, The Christian's grateful hymn shall sound. " Peace and good- will, to man on earth," « Glory and Might to " God" most High :" " Messiah reigns, Hail him O Sun," " And all beneath thy brighten'd sky." G3 HEAD AND HEART j OR, WHICH IS BEST, -