m-m:/^/mm A g UTH ^m^\ NRE 3 ION 6 ? 4 LIB ^=^= IC 1 7 ARY 3 ? THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES A]AKKS. translation, need particular enumeration. Also a spirited but not strict version, dated London, 1804, and University Press, Edinburgh, 1807, Avitli the following appropriate dedication : — " To THE Martial Bands of the Britons, armed, and ARMING, to defend, ON BRITISH GROUND, THE HONOUR, THE Liberty, the Laws, the Hearths, and the Altars, OF the British Empire ; these MARTLVL EFFUSIONS ARE inscribed, WITH ARDENT AVISHES FOR SAFETY, SUC- CESS, AND Glory, by the Translator." In this warlike age, when tlie world abroad seems " bristling" (as the phrase is) -\\nt\i ncAV-fasliioned bayonets, and man's highest talents are strained to improve and invent the sA\Tftest, surest, and most powerful means for his own destiiiction ; whilst England, " calm as the glassy ocean" where she rides, eyesAvith confidence her great Premier : it was thought Avith much defer- ence that a more literal metrical version than has hitlievto appeared (and one adapted for the use of the elocutionist) might not prove unacceptable to ' ' the youth of England. " For " a manly determination to protect and maintain Avhat we have "* has entered the breasts of all, and not one is ambitious to exceed his simple duty. In this country where men "try to raise tlie level on which they stand, not by pulling others doA\n, biit by elevating them- selves, "+ it were needless to admonish or caution oiu- youth against too much imbibing " that military ardour and that high estimate of the dispositions and talents necessary to success in Avar, which, although they may never carry him into the field, will nevertheless engage his feelings, and even his opinions, in the support of a system of bloodshed. "J The expedition of the deputation from the Society of Friends to the throne of All the Russias presented an act more worthy of imitation than aught else which happened during the warfare which ensued. And * V. Times (Friday), Sept. 6, 1861. f V. Lord Palmcvston's Speech at Southam])toii. X V. Preface to Peace-Reading Book ; edited i>y II. C. Adamsj ISM. IMltuJJU'TUKV Klil.MAlilvS. 17 tho letter addressed uuire recently hy the Emperor of liussia himself to the Americau hosts was surely dictated hy a most hap]iy tone of mind. Even the act of the Five Liverpool Merchants, rife as it was with the highest iniproi^riety in respect of etiquette, though laughed down, will yet be designa- ted by the reflecting and right-minded man, as infinitely to be preferred to the doubtful glory of many a well-fought field. AVhilst obedient to the divine behest to " agree Avith thine adversary quickly," which is by no means incomiiatible with steps of precaution, and active and prudent measures for pre- vention of mischief, it may be well that the rising generation, and even a distant posterity likewise, remember with mingled feelings of Christian humility and national pride " that the l)riiiciple of arbitration which the British Government, to its great honour, was the first to conimend to the attention of the Paris Conference in 1854, through the mouth of Lord Clarendon, was recognized and ratified l)y the unanimous consent of that august body, and embodied in a resolution expressed in the following terms : — "The Plenipotentiaries do not hesitate to express, in tlie jiame of their Governments, the wish tliat States between Avhich any serious misunderstanding may arise, should, before appealing to arms, have recourse, as far as circumstances might allow, to the good offices of a friendly Power."* The i)rinciple, thus formally consecrated by tlie sanction of all the great Governments of Europe, having received the spontaneous and cordial homage of eminent statesmen of this country of various political parties, has been rightly designated as a "great triumph, a ])owerful engine on behalf of civilization and humanity. "+ " It recognises and estabbshes," to use the words of the Earl of Malmesbury, "the truth, that time, by giving place for reason to operate, is as much a preventive as a healer of hostilities." * V. Mciuoi'ial sent by llic Coniuiittcc of the Peace Society to Lord ralniorstoti. t Right Hon. W. Gladstone. 18 INTRODUCTOKY REMARKS. Much as the principle of war is to be decried (and our greatest generals have abominated it most), the feeling of patriotism, which has in all ages commanded the highest admii-ation of mankind, and been extolled, cannot be too Avarndy cherished. For a definition of this Avord ' patriotism ' no British lieart is ever at a loss when appealed to. And it is not in the writings of the ancients only that this glorious spirit shines. The accomplished reader will experience no diHicidty in discovering in the literary or oratorical" ]iro- ductions of his own country all that is calculated to awaken '• martial " or patriotic feelings : where the latter fail to ju'c- •loniiuate, the battle degenerates into a mere combat of tigers. Illustrative of martial minstrelsy, Ave shall only cite the famous " tScots Avha hae Avi' Wallace bled," &c., Byron's " Sons of the Greeks, arise," and the " Ithyfelgyrch Gav>t Harlech" (March of tlie Men of Harlech), Avitli its line Welch air, as sung at the present time to listening thousands, Avith marked en- thusiasm. In fine, be we or be Ave not " on the eve of great events," as it is worded, the Avorld will still perceive that, arisen as this Christian country has by arduous paths to its present unex- ampled magnificence and increasing poAver, pace has been kept Avith the requirements of the age, the poAverful ann hath been meted, our oavu shortcomings Aveighed. And a memorable opportunity has presented itself for making a brilliant display of love for 'fatherland.' Hapyn- is that Aolunteer, Avho from purely unselhsh ])atriutic motives "girded himself in his strength," and so enshrined himself in the hearts of the aged and of the beautiful of these isles ! Even happier is the sire, Avlio, liaAdng served his sovereign upAvards of fifty years since, noAV beholds Avith becoming pride his three (four 1870) sons in as many different corps of volunteers ! Posterity Avill not fail to appreciate the obligations under Avhicli she has been laid by ' Read that immortal speech deliTcrcd by Lord Lyndhursi-, which concludes with the ^^•ord5 " Vm rictis!" INTRODUCTOEV IlEMARKS. 19 the " rifle movement" of the present time, and will, doubtless, give it perpetuation. We, whatever betide, will unmistakenly hold sacred " deck and shore ; " and wisdom predominating (by His Divine Will) in all our counsels, there will be perceived in us no diminution of " martial " or patriotic ardour. ^ SUBSCRIBERS 1862. 1. The Most Noble Hiss Grace the DUKE OF Devokshiee, K.G., Chancellor of the University of Cambridge. 2. The Eight Hon. Lord Justice K. Bruce. Six Copies. .3. The Right Hon. the Earl of Claeexdox, K.G. 4. The Right Hon. Lord Elcho, M.P. 5. Tlie jNIost Hon. the Marquess of Lansdowxe, K.G. G. Tlie Right Hon. and Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of LOXDOX. 7. The Riglit Hon. Lord Lyndhurst. High Steward of the University of Cambridge. S. Tlie Right Hon. Lord MoxTEAGLE. Two Copies. 9. The Right Hon. Lord Viscount Palmerstox, K.G. 10. Sir RouXDELL Palmer, Deputy-Steward of the Uni- versity of Oxford. 11. The Right Hon. , the Earl of SHAFTESBURY. Sixteen Copies. 12. The Right Hon. the Earl of Zetlaxd. 13. Mr. Serjeant AVraxgham, The Rocks, Gloucestershire. Ten Copies. 1-1. Dixox RoBlxsox, Esq., Clitheroe Castle, Clitheroc. Tlircc Copncs. 15. Matthew Arxold, Esq., M.A., Professor of Poetiy, Oriel CoUcge, Oxford. IG. Very Rev. Hexry At>foed, B. 1)., Dean of Canterbury. 17= Rev, J. DoXD, M,A., Vic;n- of Weston ; near Bath. ]i. \\c\. Joseph lioswoinn, 1>. D.. rnir(-.s()i- of .\ii!j,lo. .Saxon. Cliii^t ('Inirch, O.vl'uid. Ill, TIenuv Callkv, Es(]., lUinlovoji I'aik, iie;ir Swimloii. Wilts. 20. John AV. Clark, E.sq. , M. A. , Trinity College, Caniln-idgc 21. N. H. Clifton, Esq., Islington. '" 22. Rev. Alexander Dyce, M.A. * 23. John Elliotson, Esq., M.D., Cantab. F.R.S. 24. Rev. John Glover, M,A., Liln-aviau of Trinity College, Cambridge. 25. Edwin Guest, LL.D., Master of Gouville and Cains College, Canilnidge. Two Copies. 26. J. H. GLfRNEY, Esq., M.P. Two Copies. "' 27. IIq\. R. W. Jelf, D.D., Canou of Cliri^st Clinrcli, and Princi])al of King's College, London. 2S. Rev. Benjamin Jowett, INT. A., Rtcgins J^ofessor of Greek, Balliol College, Oxford. Two Copies. 29. Rev. John Lamb, M.A., Hnlsean Lecturer, Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. Four Copies. 30. Very Rev. Henky G. LiDDELL, P.D., Dean of Christ Church, Oxford. 31. Rev. J. H. ^Lv.roR, D.D., Head ISIaster of King's College School. Four Copies. '- 32. Rev. G. F. INIortimei;, P.!)., Head Master of the City of London School. 33, C. A. Mackintosh, Esq. 'Two Copies. 34, Rev. AV. Martin, M.A., Vicar of Grantchcster, near Cambridge, " 35, James E. Boggis, Esq. Ttvo Copies. 36. Rev. T. Bootas, Aklborongh, near YuvV. 37. C. Burls, Esq. 38. E. Grant Burls, Es(|. Tk-o Copies. 30. W. SmITHERS, Esq. 40. .]. 11. .Maukland, D.C.L., F.R.8., .S.A., Bath. ■*4L Ilev. E.MiLli's NiciroLSON, Minsterly, Salop. 22 .si-iisci;ii;i:i;'^. 4"2. 'riiiipniiii s N until. siiN. l-',si|. 4."!. Samii:!. I^iiii.i's, Rs((., (':iiii)iil)Uiy. * 44. l'l■otV^^sol• I'RYME, C'iiinl)tiilL;c'. Six Copies. 4.'i. Itiv. .\.i).v.\i SEDiaviCK, .M.A.. Prulessor of Ceology, Trinity College, Caiuhridge. Two Copiet;. 4G. liev. E. J. Selwyn, M.A., Head Master of Blackheath ProiJ-'ietary Scliool. 47. Chaeles Tuckett, Esq. , British Museum. * 48. Edwakd TAYLor, Esq., Professor of Music, Gresham College. 49. IJev. W. H. Thompson, M.A., Kegius Professor of Greek, Trinity College, Cambridge. «S" The above jilmlaiix of names of illustrious and distinguished char- acters, who so condescondiugly noticetl the attempt to ^DRESS. Di'ead not to lioar on Iwyonet bayonet jar ; Retiring, scoi'n tliick deiit-lis by hand unseen ; If in the square ye mingle in tlie war, Remember what yonr ancestors have been, Unto the liarsh command obedience yield, Bo it to march into ihe vale of death, — Where grape and canister plough up the field, And chyraic art empoisons vital breath. 0, dire the oi^slaught, deep the wound should bo, Where'er invader lifts his haughty head ! Such caitiff, heav'n, thrust back into the sea, With monsters of the deep to make his bed. Our sacred hearths, our wives, our children dear, Our good intentions, all our hearts inspire ; And, Avhilst avc other nations' rights revere, Prompt us to animate our martial fire. ' Ye gentlemen of England, bold yeomen ! " What deeds of high emprize remain untold, The British race hath not achieved ? agen Whnt shall they not achieve then ns of old ? Say, who first carried sail the world around ? WIk) in the Arctic chme new passage sought? Wlio burst the prison gate, erst bolted found, And 10 onlighten'd Europe knowledge brought ? M.\l;'l'IM. VDDRKSi^. 2.i Where doth tlio leLter, as hy magic, fall, Erecting tlio dark 'liuman form divine ? ' The nations round best know ; and, one and all, Witness in you the antique spirit shine. Hail, then, brave youths, Britannia's hopeful pride ! From Cambria, and from Scotia, ti'ooping come; . N'or let the seas lerne's love divide, — One VICTORY for all, or else one Tomb ! * I. MARTIAL FRAOMENT OF TVrtT.EUS. (P,.C. ()82.) TeOva/xevai yap KaXov k.t.X, DEATH Tif BE COURTED P.T THE VALIANT, How comely fall in the front 3\ank.'; the brave, Who for dear fatherland then' dear life sell I T3nt to abandon country will not save From indigence, of evils the most fell. Nor matron staid, nor thy good sire's g'reat age, Nor Infant pale, nor spotless wife's sad fnee, Shall screen thee from the hard world's hate and rnge, If Penury and grizzling Want have place. Such wretched wand'i'er lineage high doth shame. And noble form, whilst eveiy ill draws near ; Nor yearns his spirit now, dead to honest fame, To make the captive of the bow and spear. Tlien let us fight with all our might and main, Die for our sons, nor spare our heart's rich sti'eam. And 3'e, brave youths, close-marshal] "d on Ihe plain, Account base flight and fear an idle drenm, MAiriiAi. ii;\(;\ri:Ni of TVRT.F.US, tt Make yo a miglily heart, and varrous sonl b'eai' not in hnrtlino' witli the foe to bleed: And if the vetei-an in tlie diy diiat roll (Weak were his knees), bestride him in hi^ need. For, oh the shame, in the fore rank to find With snow-white head, and beard all lioary grey. The old man spoil'd, and, for ye lagg'd behind. Breathing, alas, liis gallant soul away ! Rweet Youth ! hard doom beseems thy flow'ry tide, Retaining yet soft fragrancy and bloom, By Valour courted, and by Beauty's pride, E'en lovelier still within the silent tomb. ^lARTIAL FRAGMENT OF TYRT.EUS. A\X ^ HpaK\')]0(i yap iivLKifrov /r.r.A. FIRMNESS IN ADVERSITY. Ne'er deom your avins grow weak, or hearts wnxM cold, Bui- right agaiust the fne advance the shiehl. Not yet doth Jove liis look averted hold, And great A.lcides' race ne'er leave the fielth Be dear alike, where issues fitful are, Death's murky gloom, or Day's bright goldeu beam : Fnll well ye know the teniper of grim War, And how exploits bo spT'ent wiili Sorrow's stream. lu full career of victory oft ye slew, And dire reverse oft number'd thick your slain, Again in conflict close, meu good and true. Dare side by side stout combat to maintain. Thus fewer fall, reai'-ranks in safety move, I'ike most imposing doili such valour show. Hnt whom death shakes, or da.nge]"S reereani ]>rove, lie (lire disgrnce, and cnuniless ills, shall k'now MAKI'IAL I'l; ACMI'LXr (11' I'vjri'.Kr.s. 2H Ab, ii'i'iet'I that I'oe sliould lacoriite beliiutt Tlie coward liide that flees on martial ground. All, shame ! that his dead corse the brave should find Exhibiting in front no glorious wound. Then stand, determination Hrm express'd, Fixed to the soil where Freedom loves to be. Each screen his thighs, legs, shoulders, and broad chest, Opposing buckler's wide convexity. Each in his right hand shake the thund'ring spear : Nod, di'eadful plume, on helm, nod high o'er all ! The lore that Mars can teach learn noav : nor fear To tread where arrows thickest whiz ov fall. Dare near approach, the foeman fiercely charge, And grapple with him for tbe mastery : Foot to fool, casque to casque, targe match'd with targe. Confront the caiiilf whcresoc'cr lie be. And ye, light-harness'd, for the skirmish meet, Ranged in lenglh, croucli'd 'neath the buckler bright. With pond'rous stones and darts the stranger greet, Fenced by the heavy phalanx niail'd in might. ^ in. MARTIAL FRAGMENT OF TYRT/EUS. Out av fjiV)]oiui; tu CallimufUii?. ;Vl MMJTIAI. rU.Ui.MKNT ASCIUBED TO CALLIMS. Aud siuco DETn comes to till, when lie Tvill come, And MANNE may not his stern decree eschew, Though gods he his progenitors ; such doom 'Count glorious on the hattle-field ; and rue Pale death at home. From clatter, arms, and scars, Escaped, seek not on couch to yield your breath : This brhigs no honour to the son of Mars, But Veneration weeps o'er gallant death. Grandly he falls in arms of victory. Whose godlike form aye watch'd at honour's post. A tower of strength he plainly secm'd to be, And, singly, oft bewray' d himself a host ! * ANCIENT GllEEK ARMOURY. FliOM ALOiEUS. FUAG. XXi\. Glittereth with brass tlie ample ball. Around, above — rafter and wall, All for the god of war bedight, Are set, arrayed In sheeny rows, "With helms, from whose dread summit floAvs, Or nods, the horse-hair plume so white, The noble ornaments which grace The heads of the heroic i-ace. Moreover upon hidden pegs Bright brazen greaves, of metal stout, Distributed lie round about, Strong fence 'gaints dart to martial legs ; And breastplates too of linen Avhite ; And slumbering in their heavy might Upon the ground the hollow shield. Chalcidian blades of temper fine. And numerous belts, close-order'd, shine ; And [staln'd with many a battle field] The tunic hangs, [whose hues of red On recreant foe dire terrors shed, Till CONSCIENCE scarce would let him stand ! These matters now we may not shirk, Since first \vc buckled to this work, And fkeedom's cal'.fT OKKF.CE.* B.C. CifX'a431. Beneath the column'd portico, Where myrtles breathe, and richly glow The brightest gems which summer's hand Showers in the lap of Tas'^ land, Radiant with joy, and grace, and licanly, A nolile yontli his task of duty Pursues, witli tablet and with style. He leans with lioyish love and boldness Against a fairy-form tlio while. Soem to upbraid him — as with coldness — Two delicate figures near ; and one The hour-glass sands bids faster run. Around a globe her fiiir arm pi'ess'd With cincture soft hath given it rest. The other holds a silken shade, ' A frontlet decks her tresses' braid. The game of live-bones, spoilt for boys, Old men, and girls, a third employs. And stealing forth, like drops of I'ain From April clouds, some wild notes straying From citharist's tuneful chords complain Of the hard task their sport delaying, Snwgortcd by the copy or n painting- by Schopiii, in tlio ?»rnnicli Cinllovy. AUiniAnF.s, 39 The mastery at lenj>'tli is made, The Samian's- drift right well siirvey'd, For which discovery "tis said A hecatoml), rich offering, bled ! The fair ones thus released and free, Or clap the hand with innocent glee, Invite the dance, or joyful cry Upraise — but one sings " victoet ! " And Echo answereth sweet " or i ! " And fainter yet " ay ! "— " ay ! " Who in the house of Pericles Toacheth with dignity and ease ; And, the deliglitful lesson done, Cuirass and helmet buckletli on ? Of men the wisest and the best ; The oracle him thus confess'd ! And who on knee so graceful bondiuo- Fastens the greaves with iron clasp ? The youth ! who, too, her aid is lending, Fixing the spear in burly grasp ? That fairy- form 'tis all the while ! The soldier-sage wins many a smile ; For th' young and artless avoo the light Of glory, heedless of its nicjlit}^ The hero thus bent on the field Adjusteth to his arm the shield ; \l.i IJilADKS, And r-laiiking sword, and marilal stride, Bewray a patriot's generous pinde. Sudden the grove that late was ringing With Nature's music, hush'd and still Becomes ; a rushing wind is bringing Tempest and dust o'er vale and hill. Th' Acropolis^ is snatch'd from view, Its temples, towers, and ramparts true ; And for the mist no man may spy The sacred vessel' sailing by. A flash succeedcth, dazzling bright ! And — hark ! Upon the mountains' hoi^'ht, The pealing thunders fast are roll'd, Hill echoes hill in answer bold ; The valleys slirink as t]\ elements scold. And seem to munniir " hold ! " At the first liill — token of peace, Thus speaketh Alcibiades : — " The anoTv bolt hath Aving'd its flight ! But vjJio hath mark'd its meaning bright ? TJnarm'd, though arm'd, Ave helpless stand Heaven's ire shall cease at no command. The timid and the bold alike, As in the battle's front are wending, And dread, without the power to strike. The flash willi fatal pDi'ce impending. .U.ClRiADKs. 41. But could man Oiunder back again, E'en Jove might hurl his bolt in vain. And whence are wars ? Spring they from pride, Self-love, or greed of havings wide ? Vainly inscribed, with letters great, On Delphi's temple's brazen gate, Is " KNOW THYSELF ! " Man ivill not Icnow. Else why his aspirations low ? Battling for self, and fidure pain. Or fidv/re guerdon, never heeding, He solely aims to cast a chain, And set all hearts witli sorrow bleeding I Grant but the power, ne'er lack'd the will To wrong, to trample, or to kill. Envy and jealousy each State Embarrass, and inspire with hate. So may I, should I live to fame, And sovereignty o'er Hellas claim, Teach the ambitions States to know Their interests in one channel flow, And that our arms should never go Save 'o-ainst the Common Foe ! " Answereth the man in armour bright : - '* son of Clinias, the light Of reason, like a ray divine. Upon thy generous breast woitld shine ! P 42 ALCIBIADES. Without a Icm-, without a ?(.•///, That bolt possess'd no power to kill ; But thousand bolts that yield no flashing, Careering noiselessly, but sure, Giving no outward wound, are dashing' — No shield to ward, or leech to cure ! — 'Gainst our frail natures. Wrapp'd in pride, Temptation's slave, man strives to hide Th' unwelcome truth. E'en thus, being wealc, To Kxow himself he dares not seek ; Thence ignorance, and its evil state : Knowledge sole good — but true and gi'eat ! Ah, did vain man in wisdom grow, E'en though he learn'd, we notlmig know,'' Few, sure, of idle pleasures dreaming Would e'er embark upon a sea, Where rays of light untrue seen gleaming Bide VIRTUE, which MAN'S AIM should be ! Heed we th' intelligible sign,^ Where'er it warn — our help divine ! Though mad ambition bolts doth fling More to be feared than Persia's king. Thus guided, may'st thou safely tread Each difficult path before thee spread ; • Thyself inform'd, teach States to know From PIETY and peater doth gi'ow, All that is great or good, and show Temptation the Grand Foe ! " \i.(:ini\DEs. 'I:! Siiines forth tho golden eye of day ; The scowling storm-cloud yieldeth way, Mutt'ring, like Pei'sia's host of old, O'er Marathon's plain in ruin roll'd ; Or as, at famed Thermoiiylse, ffibalia's* spear the invaders flee : Or as on Salaminian wave, WTiere Greeks 'gainst fearful odds are dashing. The foe, to shun a ^vatery grave, Flies from the brass-heak'd galleys crashing. Plat»a too, and Mycale, Scatter like chaff the enemy. Shines forth day's golden glorious eye, Lo, Iris in the humid sk}^ Painteth her variegated how. While Nature's tears are dropping slow, From bay, ft'om olive, and the vino ! Hist ! the blithe nightingale her song Uttereth full sweet ! — And forth are faring The famous fivo.^ Tliough hemlock strong, Thovigh fire impend, high deeds of daring Will be achieved. To foe from friend Alternate driven, yet one shall lend With cincture soft her soothing arm. His mighty pride seven chariots charm \^^ Though Parian marble grace his name And tomb abroad, he burns for fame ! For still that fairy-form on high Thnnteth the song of " VTnTORY ! " 44 *.!.! IKJ ADKS. And eelio answereth sharply •' try I " Then sadly sweet " ay ! "— " ay ! " (1) The ancient name of Attica. (2) Pythagoras is said to have sacrificed 100 head of cattle for joy, at his discovery of the irth proposition of the J^irst Boole of Euclid. (3) "The path of glory leads Imt to the trrave."— G/a.v. The brave and gallant Wolfe was heard to repeat this line several lirnen on the eve uf his glorious fall before Quebec. (4) The Citadel of Athena. (5) A ship sent annually by the Athenians to the sacred island of Delos with a mii-sion to perform thanksgiving to Apollo. (G) A common saying of Socrates was that he onh/ kneio this — that he knew ■notldnq. Hence the Oracle pronounced him u-ixeH, &c. Similar is Sir Isaac Newton's comparison of himself to a child collecting a few shells on the sea shore. (7) This alludes to the genius of Soci'ates, which directed him in the whole course of his life, (8) The ancient name of Lacouia. (9) Socrates and Alcibiades. The latter had a statue of marble placed over his tomb in Bithynia by command of the Emperor Adrian. (10) Alcibiades sent on one occasion seven chariots to contend in the races .at the Olympian festival, where he won the tirst, second and fourth honours. Such was his indomitable desire of pre-eminence in every thing. lap af ^rmt ^xiim, LAYS OF GKEAT BEITAI^^. A LAY FOR THE FREE. Bcueath the rugged rock, Listening tlie surgy shock, Where all breaks into foam, and retreats with a roar ; Marking the nnnumber'd smile Of rippling waves the while, — Sat the stern man of Song on the sandy shore. " Hath e'er the ho.stiIe sail Veer'd hither by the gale, To this land of the bold, of the beauteous, the free ? The sea yields not a trace Of the Phoenician race, That e'er rode in their galleys, Albion, towards theo Did e'er that captain bold, Who Rome's seven hills did liold, Seek o'er savages painted dominion to try ? 4S A LAS' Vitn ruE I'lir.i;. Ob, no ! that veteran great Ne'er left Ms liigh estate, With his own temples cliarm'cl, and Italia's sky. Were Saxon and the Dane Five hundred years otir bane ? [green ? And with spears did they move through our valleys so They came in friendly wise : Lo Avhere before our eyes [seen ! Their fair churches, though crumbling with eld, still arc Bayeux- doth repi-e^ent A tale that ne'er was meant ; [figlit. The pi'oud Norman with crossbow but taught how to Freedom hath ever been, E'en as yon wavy green, [might !" Which huth ruD'd, and still rolls, and shall roll in its As Folly wax'd thus strong, Deej) sighed the Son of Song, And there started a tear, through a smile, to his eye. He hath in mind to sin"- A great and noble thing, How our forefather's scorned not for freedom to die. Then spake the laurell'd Fame : " Seek not a poet's name. j melt. Though the rocks be made vocal, man's heart shall not Fond incredulity Hath greatest potency, Aud ^^lulll Jic'er heed the lesson till actuallv felt. A l,A^ i-(»i; riiK ikek. 4'J Oue uobic Jiei'o I'cll — Hark, 'tis a passing bell ! i tlice. Break thy liarp, — and rejoice, there are ^vorlluer tliiiii And know, a weapon new,'' To Art and Valour dne, Shall protect the pure homes of the fair and the i'roe ! " (i) TTOVTiwiv T£ KVjxaTUiv \ 'AvT^piOiwv ycAao'/xa, k.t.X. ^sch. Prom. Vinct. «9. (2) An engraving of the Bayeiix liipestr.y occurs iu Mrs. .^Ia^khanl's llisl. of linglaud. (3) The needle -gun ^ THE WARS 0¥ THE K06E;>. Beau til ul ilower, of all llowers Queen, Though next the lily may be seen, How hath thy fair and spotless name Attach' d to rolls of blood- stain' d fame Sweet symbol of our nation's pride (An emblem dear on either side) ; Round thee immortal lionours shine, And fi'agrance grows ; Perpetual youth is also thine. Old Eno-laud's hose ! "O Thy white and red, iu civil brawl, Where friend ai'ray'd 'gainst friend duth fall, For thrice ten years, thi'ough havoc torn, Caused many a gentle child to mourn. Maid, wife, and widow, wept to see, Though nine times flush'd with \-ictory, Tliy banner jwoud, thy banner tall, In thirteenth fight, On Bosworth's plain lor ever fall, Thou ){i'SK uf WHITE I Tin; \VAi;s or I'lii: ); II'i'/c/v. RELLISAMA ; OR, THE RIVEi: RTlinLE. /O Not Dirce or Ismenus, famed, of old In gorgeous stoiy bold, Affect the faucy with a mightier charm, Or keener spirits warm, Than Ribble rolling through fair Ribblesdale, With legend rich, and rife with fairy tale, " Where Pendle hill, and Penyghent, and little Ingle- borough, Peer three proud hills, their like not found, search ye all England through I " Nigh Wold Fell, Chroniclers tell How both Ure and Dee, With Eden bright, Springing to light. Scatter their waves through the valleys free. Braver niem'ries gleam Of the Ribble stream ; And its fairy dale Lights a beautiful tale. How ill the days when thick forests lay wide ; — When the dark morass Forbad to the savage chief his pass; When wolves aboundincc • Near villages ride ; And serfs but half-arm'd from the wild boar's trail Bring back the gored one all bleeding and jDale, 'Mid shrieks of matrons wild the corpse surrounding ; Rome's sturdv sons, foremost in warlike art, 7G r.ELTJS.VMA ; OK, THE TJIVEU IIIBCLK. To Albion's extreme part, Tlirougli slieTie and shadow, by vile prisoners' aid, Both stone and gravel laid. Then rose the temple in its marble pride, Tlie altar, villa, by that waterside, "Where Pendle hill, nnd Pennj^ghont, r»nd little Ingle- liorongh, 4- eer tlireo proud hills, their like not fonnd, seareh ye all England through ! " Tlie Dane's host Peopled its coast, Rearing tower and town ; And Saxon strife Ready and rife Raged in the valleys, and smoic nil down ; Walalega's* jolain, Beheld heaps of slain : Wada, traitor bold, There his Icing would liave sold.^' Edward, confessor, was lord of the vale ; Then the iron hand, That drove the fair cattle from the land, A stronghold founded, With park and with pale. Tlie Baron then bode in liis castle's strength, Prison'd with grandeur and pride — till at length In tyrant's ear sweet liberty lie sounded. Time-honour'd Lancaster, famed John of Gaunt, * Wliallfy, viz, Well-lield, or the Field ol' Wells. I5E1.LISA.MA ; ()J;, I'llK 1!J\1C); IIH'.IU.E. 77 Made Ribblesdale his haunt. Bruce scourged its banks ; aud after Worcester's iiglil, There rested Charles a night. And yet again against the Stuart's throne The tide of fortune turn'd, and it was gone, " On Ribble's banks \vhere hall, and church, aud statel;y abbey tall, Through foliage rich, in scenic beauty, grandly rise or fall ! " Far and wide Stonyhurst's pride Towers o'er lofty trees ; And Langridge Fell Witnesseth well Where lived the Sherburnes in gloriuus ease ; Wlien that heiress^ briglit All array'd in white, With her bridesmaids fair, At the altar's stair, Wedded her love in the third Edward's reiu'ii. He a chantry raised Near Hodder and Caldcr (heaven be praised !), Their streams uniting On Mitton's domain.^ And now though five hundred years arc tied, Seen are their figures/' their scrolls may be read, Rich blazonry impressive thoughts exciting ! But the two looods' declare that lover's name. 78 BICLLISAJIA ; OR, THE RIVER EIBBLE. Twofold, and yet the same ; For Oto thus, and Hugo thus, were called. Whose distant kin, inthrall'd. By civil strife, their lands confiscate, fly : Thus high become the Ioav, the low the high,^ "Where Ingleborough, Pendle hill, and lofty Penny- ghent, Peer three proud hills, the highest found, 'tween Scot- land and 'tween Trent." But no theme Brighter may gleam Ni"h the nibble's flow, Than Yule-tide, kept Where of old slept Roger and Ilbert,* of Clederhow Tyi\ant lords, whose sway In the olden day O'er the weak was strong; And it lasted long ! Wycoller Hall on its boards long and wide Goodly fare could show To vassal, to serf — to high or low. Grim boar's-hcad serving At merry Yule-tide. The ' Hill by the Waters ' hath won more fame : Children, grandchildren, twice twelve, thither came, Whose ancestors from loyal deed ne'er swerving, Shed honour thi-ough the holly-decked hall * Uoycr Jc Puituu, ;ui<.l llburt ilc Liui. BELLISA.MA ; OR, THE lUVEi; KIKIiLE. 79 Of gallant seneschal. On Christmas Day may many such a clan Through British Empire plan Happy reunion. With devotion mix'd Be merriment ! On both all hearts were fix'd, " Where Ingleborough, Pendle hill, and lofty Penny- ghent, Peer three proud hills, the highest found, 'twceu Scot- land and 'tween Trent," When the bowl Gladden'd each soul In that spacious hall, And faces bright Beam'd with delight, Music's soft melody charming all. Then a glorious tale Of the Aire's sweet vale, How an aged yew In the castle grew, Told of the warriors of Skip ton* array' d ; Next the converse fell On th' Talbots of Bashall — how not well In Waddington Hall A king was betray'd ! t The Montagues, Curzons, and Gusts were named, Lancashire's maidens for beauty [j] far-famed — Her men for courage, when great troubles fall. And now on loyalty the topic strays, * The Clid'ords. t K. llcii. VI. 1 LaiieaHliiiv luir Wdincii,— ii'cy's i'/''j(v,;*3. so I5ELL1SAMA; UE, THE KIVEK KIKHLK. And ends in woman's peaise ! How naught in ancient or in modern story Surpassetli the high glory Of DERBY'S COUNTESS, beautiful and true, Or the jiroud EARL,^ who honour's lesson knew ! Their fame on earth shall glitter bright, as long as Pendle stands, Or Truth resemble Kibble's stream, in watering the lands ! (i) ill the north of England, streams, scarcely large enough tu he ilesiguatcil rivers, are usually called 'becks.' — Dohson's 'liaMhh'uhij the Itihhle,' 2i-!>- (•I) " Pendle hill and Fenyghent and little IngleboroTigh, You'll not find three such hills, and search all England tliorough." " Inglehorrow, Pendle, and Peuigent. Are the highest hills between Scotland and Trent." — Old Cuuplels. (:i) The district about Clitheroc is not ■without traditions of civil -wars, even in days anterior to the Norman conquest, and the aer jiale Az. et Purp., an eagle displayed with two heads, Arg. confirms this hypothesis." — WMttnlcer's Hist. ofWhaUcy, p. /,(i7. (S) " Tlie low are descended from tlie high, and contrariwise the high from the low." — Camden. ('•• James Stanley, seventh Earl of Derby [" beheaded at Bolton, the l."th of October, 1651, for .strenncmsly adhering to King Charles II."], and Charlotte de la Treinouille, his Countess. Tliis illustrious laily was the daughter of CUiude, Due de ia Tremouille, one of the Huguenots who aided Henry IV. of France in his wars against the league. She was descended also from tlie royal family of France, licinggrand-chiughter to Charlotte Bourl)on, Princess of Orange, Her delence of Latliom House, in tlie absence of the earl, has been celebrated by L.E.L. This heroic woman on receiving a summons to give up her lord's liouse. replied — "When our strengtli and ju-ovisions are spent, we shall find a fire more merciful than Rigby ; and then, if the providence of God prevent itnot, my goods and liouse shall burn in his sight : and myself, childreri, and soldiers, rather tlian fall in his hands, will seal our religion and loyalty in the same flames." She lies interred in the Stanley Chapei, in Ormskirk, beside her brave and headless husband. There is a ]>ortrait of the earl and his lady in Knowsley H^ll, and an original by \'andyke in the collection of the Earl of Clarendon. ^ IX. GIBRALTAR. " Surrender !"'—" What ?"—" Your arms !" Thus spoke The enemy : a ghastly joke ! For volley upon volley roll'd, The answer — " Take them ! " griaily told. So be it to each, and so to all, Who by cajoling, and deep wile, Do seek thy capture, and our fall, Or tempt our weakness, 'neath the smile And guise of flatt'ry ; as erst 'tis said Happ'd to the Lion, Avho the Maid, His awful teeth, and rending claw, Suffer'd to clip, suffer'd to draw (I ween his error soon he saw). But be our counsels firm at home. No harm to us, or thee, shall come ; For, wrapp'd in tire, thy deathful shock No foe may brook, gallant Rock ! Well doth our great and Christian land War's fatal dealings understand. Tax'd e'en the bread to labour given, — Tax'd e'en the blessed light of heaven. GIBEALT.Vn. 83 Our fathers born to humble state Cursed the dire cause with bitter hate ; Pouring their blood in foreign land At selfish tyrant's proud command ; Pitted against vile slaves, who knew No air of freedom, and who drew Swords to uphold worse tyrants' might, That bi-ake all laws, and strangled right ; And gagg'd the press, the peoples' light ! Though medall'd, maim'd, escaped the field, Our sires again their ploughshares wield, For but to few, the pets of Fame, Fall stars, a palace, and A name ! Mountain of Taric,* 'tis for thee Our hearts beat high I Thou art the key Of midland seas from th' ocean wide. Into thy port securely glide, Its freedom sharing, one and all. Vessels from every clime that trade. Stands thy invulnerable wall The strongest curb to hostile raid. In peace or war a post of power, — A refuge in tempestuous hour, Rock, in thy fortress rend'ring free The navigation, nations see England's superiority. Rock of the Straits, dear to friends' eyes. But dreadful unto enemies, * Gubal Turk sigiiilicb iii Arub'ii.' the Muuiilaiii of Taiic. 84 ciBliAi/iAi;. Thou signal'st to the ocean blue A mistress, glorious, great and true ! In millions sunk let British gold N'aval supremacy uphold : And be this tower of strength our pride, Since COMMERCE tlius can safer ride ; For Bi'itons, born in island home, Loving to madness ITeptune's foam. Great in the field, move greater far Upon the wave m iron car ! This city — fortress — colony — Guard with strong hand and watchful eye ; And where four sieges fail'd befoi-e, Foil'd by one hundred cannons' roar, Seven hundred point their levell'd bore ! Thus, far from home, our old ally, Morocco's king, shall yield supply, And States that border on the wave, Clasp the strong arm that lives to save. By capture first, and lapse of powers, Became Gibraltar's ' pillar ' OURS, Next Utrecht's treaty fix'd the right lucontrovertibly. But Might, Gambling in nations' blood, scarce heedeth Cession in perpetuity. Alas for man ! From whence proeeedeth Unrest in " th' gods of th' earth ?" May we Hold on in faith, and firmness, bent To use that well which hath been lent : GIRRALTAR. 85 Mind an enslaved world to awe, Poiver to break tli' unscrupulous claw, Gold favouring truth, and aiding law. Thus ceded to great Britain's crown, Though envy scowl, and malice frown, This Rock for the nations' good, be told, For three half-centuries Ave hold ! Vast " column of the inner sea," Ilpheav'd by wondrous agency ! Though on thy eastern cliff the sand Shelves in a sparkling mass, her hand Fair vegetation doth not close. Climb the geranium, and the rose, Clematis, aloe, o'er each steep ; The almond, orange, palm-tree peep O'er stony boulders ; whilst on high The soaring eagle, mocks the sky. Kens in th' dim distance far away, Beyond thy broad and deep blue Bay, Atlas his snowy caps display ; And starts as yon white smoke below Doth with some anger foi'ward go. As England's duteous son* hath hurlM Good morn, or eve, unto the world ! * The British ;ii tilleiymau on tlif R(xk battery. X. OUR COLONIES. Wliero'er the glittering- hand of INForn Unbars the golden day, It waves above a loyal land, That owns the British sway. In every region of the globe Dwells a community, Who speak one language, great and grand, The language of the free. There manly hearts, and bold. As from one strong sire, hold The charter of their freedom bright ; Hourly increase their treasures and their might. As England's ships across the watery glass To the four quarters pass ; And in their noble bosoms glow Faith, zeal, and love for Britain's Crown, that doth rich gifts bestow. The sons of toil oft have a task, Too hard for man to bear — To Ijattle for their daily bread. An insufFieient f^ire : OUR f'OT.ONTES. 87 So forth in seai'ch of liomes they leave, With aching* heart and head, The srlorious land that srave them birth, And yet denied them bread. Then the good anchor cast, And make with cable fast The friendly shore, whose harbour wide, Receives the emigrant with stately pride ! No wasting war, contrived by Statesman cold, Shall lay him in the mould ; But he shall ^vorh, and working groir, Great in himself, then faithful found, nrs master he shall know ! British supremacy ! retain The symbols of your poAver, Wherever British Colonist With good work fills the hour. If selfish Senator withhold His sympathy and love. That will not England's people bold. Whom gallant efforts move. Then, men-of-war, sail out, With ironclad so stout, And turret-ship — whose funnels low Scarcely above the foaming surges show ; From future nations ward the sudden stroke, For to no foreign yoke Will British Colonist, in fear Submit, more than his sire of old, or England's proudest peer ! 88 OLfli C'OI.ONIES, Thus rise a strong confederacy, To woi'k the world some good, Like magic girdle with blazed words, " Now shed ye no more blood ! " For Drake and Hawkins labour'd, men Of mighty enterprise, "With other chiefs, scarce next in rank, And built by conduct wise An emiylre, mighty, vast, To flourish, and TO last ! Tighter be drawn with links of gold Tlie love, which still the colonist should hold — Though 'neath new skies, 'cross Neptune's billowy roar, — To mother-country's shore ; Enough at home to ' do or die,' God speed alike those o'er the wave, and may they 'multiply ! ' ^ XI. NEPTUNE. King Neptune iu liis chariot rode Along tlie boisterous sea, And said, " What think these islanders. And how say they of me ? That 'steam' hath ' bridged' the ocean wild, That yoke yet never bore ? I wot not that old ocean's child Spake thus in days of yore. When Spain her grand Armada sent, To trample Freedom's shore ; My trident through the heaven's went, And set the seas in roar. E'en so when mightiest Julius came, Whose troops might not be lost. His empty galleys, anchor'd hard, I rent and tempest-toss'd. If ' steam ' hath nations closer knit, Then science heed the more. Nor rail against old ocean's king, Who guardeth still thy shore ! " G 90 NEPTUNE. He said, and no one saw him frown, Or smile, tliough seas were calm, When bathed in gold the sun went down, And starlight's glories charm. But ere Morn's earliest levell'd ray- Strike on the highest mast. The match for all the fleets i' th' world, The " CAPTAIN " shall be pass'd ! Five hundred hands shall sink below, The bravest of the brave, No eye to see, or heart to know, Nor helping hand to save. Yet in Old England's cause they die, Unstain'd by smoke and gore. Be ours Fame's sparkling wreath on bigh, And their''s Elysium's shore ! ^ XII. THE SEARCH IN THE ARCTIC CLIME. Naught is there to th' undaunted mind Impossible — if souglit aright ; Though rock resist, though darkness bind The effort, yet at last to light, As tiny twig compels a way, Springs forth success, and claims the day. But oh, for man's weakness in this noble strife. And the briefness of his life, That one, or two, Or e'en three, shall scarce go through With the project, which his genius bright First read aright ! Then, forward ! for the sharp winds blow ; 'Neath Alpine heights a road doth run ; Through Suez sands the blue waves flow ; And in the regions 'neath the sun The source of Nile, long sought, is found. E'en time and space contract their round. Yet who — tell me who, that is of mortal mould. Though proof to winter's cold. Can brave the shock Of that ice-bound polar lock ; Who may knock and live, and firm await Th' unbarring Gate ? 92 TITK SEARCH IN THE ARCTIC CLIME. " The flag of England must be borne, Where high emprise invents the way ! A rugged passage must be torn Where the walrus hides, and white whales play, Where glaciers clash, and icebergs roam. And the Boreal light doth go and come. Search yet for the North- West passage ; search and find ! Grod is before ! behind ! Tn faith press on ; To hope's anchor cling ! All won, Pass'd the snow-storm's rage, and billows roai", Hail, England's shore ! " So from Her Majesty's Government, Who the ' Erebus ' and ' Terror ' fitted, To Sir John Franklin word was sent. The sails before the fair winds flitted. On board there was a gallant crew — Yet sweet return they never knew ! " I hope my dear wife and daughter will not be O'er anxious, if we Should not return By the time they have fix'd on."* Sad last words ! then to that fatal bourne Steer'd ocean's son ' * * * * " I hope my dear wife ami daughter will not be over anxious, If we should not retiiru by tlie time they have fixed on." — Lust recorded words of Sir J. F. XIII. THE COTTAGE BY THE WAY. In a cottage by the way, Clad in rustic garment grey, Twirling at the spinning-wheel, Winning thus a slender meal, Sat a lone one ! Would you seek A rose ? Then look on either cheek ! A lily ? View her forehead fair, Shaded by her lovely hair ! A diamond, daughter of the mine ? Her two eyes thus brightly shine ! 'Neath the thatch, o'er lattice light, All around her cottage white. Mingled with the lily, blows, Red and white, the fragraat rose. But of diamonds she hath none ; Ribbon blue for her hath done All that diamonds — rubies rare, For the wealthiest of the fair ! Somedeal steep'd in age, to pull Snowy thread from ball of wool. Striving at the spinning wheel. Earning thus an honest meal, 94 THE COTTAGE BY THE AVAY. Sat the loidow at her door ! Years she had on her three score, But upon her gentle brow Lightly press'd the ' foot of crow.' Up at break of earliest light, On her couch at fall of night, Sweet the voice of chanticleer Fell upon her listening ear ; Or the lay of nightingale Haply, by its plaintive wail, Told of days no more — the light Streaming in from Phoebe bright — Whilst old Time each warning tells, To the chime of village-bells. Who may be this widow mild. Speaking soft to every child Pacing by that cottage door, Offspring of the good and poor, Slate and satchel wistful bearing. Little for hard letters caring ? Who may be this widow old. Whom the villagers behold Toiling at the spinning-wheel, Winning thus a scanty meal, By that quiet cottage door, Rich in peace, in garments poor ? Point a moral doth her story : — She the child of Truth, not Glory, From a bud became a flower ; THE COTTAGE BY THE WAY. 95 Love then came, and spent his liour, Feasted, danced at Nature's ball, Flew — at martial trumpet's call ! Short the annals of the poor, Sitting by their cottage door ! The gay ribbons flutter' d bright Ending sad in Walcheren's fight ; All amid the cannons' roar. Love his homestead knew no more. Tears at home full fast were falling : — But the past there's no recalling ! Pause we at this cottage door, Where abode the widow'd poor. Here were peace, not murm'ring found ; And THE VOLUME, plainly bound, On the homely table lay. In that cottage by the way. England all her glorious might Bases on that book op light. Throughout village, tower, and town. From the cottage to the CROWN ! ^ XIV. FAIR ROSAMOND. King Heniy knelt in fair Rosamond's bower. — What king liath been proof to love's conquering power? From tlie thorny brier the loveliest flower i He hath pluck'd, and set upon Beauty's breast. From the cares of a crown he would gladly rest For one short hour ! For goaded to madness the human mind Flees like a child to softness kind ; E'en the hand that hath struck the enemy low Will moisten the pale lip, and wipe the sad brow ; And the ruggedest warrior, with conscience of steel, Will step short that the worm 'scape his iron heel. Thus shall not a king whom anxieties bind, In the charms of sweet converse a refuge find For one short hour, In fair Rosamond's bower ? She reached a missal — resplendent and gay With jewels and gold — and she bad him pray ; But the dazzling clasps he push'd away. With a Chronicle writ by the Saxons old, Wherein regal achievements are rudely told, She thought to stay The pain of his mind — but it might not be : Such is the doom of tyranny ! To a harp then love's captive meekly essay'd To sing how a loved one,'* by Saracen maid From a prison in Palestine bravely set free. With tvjo magical words 'cross the foaming sea * Gilbert, father of Thomas a Becket. FAIR ROSAMOND. 97 Pursued, was united to Saracen Lreast ! — But the music though sweet, gives the king no rest For one short hour In fair Rosamond's bower ! The Ladye paused — and a sorrow-drop bright Slid down like an angel from tower of light. And enhanced that Rose's beauteous might. But the clergy's rights, and the barons' hold, So engross the king's mind he seemeth full cold. " Who shall own right, Priest, baron, or king, English hearts to sway ? " Such was the strife for jjoifer that day ! Then a fowling Avitli falcon trimly array'd Both ride o'er the wide fields, where fetter ne'er laid Its impression on mind, Ifow though sovereign and lord. Yet await him sharp penance, and knotted cord.f 'Tis past — ages fly ! Of the miax children tell, When they offer you drink — as you rest by th' luell For one short hour JS'ear fair Rosamond's bower ! t An instance of rt-yal flnggellation for the gratilication of the uiiliohler.s of the gi'ossly misunderstood 'Spare the rod,' kc Equidly inisinteri.ireted 7uf/iefto has been Horace's 'sublime' wliip. Tlic Epitliet does «o< mean 'raised on liigh to give greater force to the hJow.' fSee Vivg. G. 2, '299. Snmma fiagella the highest parts of tlie shoots of a vine.] Subjoined is an attempt to render tliis elegant and phti/ful ode. FAREWELL TO LOVE. Once I lived companion meet | For the sweetest of tlie sweet, | Girls !— with Avliom in Cupid's coiu't | Not without some fame 1 fought. | Now with bow and spear and shield, | No more will I to the licdd ; | But my arms, my lyre, my all, | Hang discharged upon this wall, j Where the sea-born Venus bright I Peaceful guards them on their right. | Here— ah ! here deposit sad, I Flambeaux, spar, which lover mad | Used 'gainst doors, which barr'il in spite I Sweet admission in the night. | O thou goddess heavenly fair, | Blissful Cyprus owns thy care, | Memphis too thy love doth know, I Free from cold Sithonia's snow : \ Queen of Love, regard my prayer, | Smartly touch that haughty fair, | Chloe, onvc, with silken tip 1 Of thy ivory- handled whip '.~Hor. Ode III. :X. XV. GRANTA. Hinc lucem et pocula sacra. — Virff. What sound of cliapel-bells tlius sweetly ringing,' — What sight of pinnacles and fanes is bringing The memory of the past From the melodious caverns of old time, Still vocal with the rhyme Of the illustrious gone ? Why beats so fast The heart, as o'er th' enchanted ground The many-twinkling footsteps sound Of British youth, in sm'plice white Courting with zeal the soul's delight, Fair PIETY ? What magic power here binds With veneration e'en untutored minds ? Gkanta her seat here holds ! embower'd sweet Mid ancient trees, which high o'ei-arching meet. Where winds the far-famed cam his sedgy way, And the nine muses play ! Then hail ! for here Hope bloometh, young and golden, Here is rich thought by happiest models moulden, Here rise the good and great, GRANTA. 99 Though fortune (fickle) holdeth not to all Her glittering, orbed ball. Here princes, nobles, commons, rise to state, Bold SCIENCE here hath rise. Nor earth, nor air, nor seas, nor skies, Nor fire, nor space, have here confined The ever-penetrating mind ! What power of language, or what reach of thought,- Granta, shall tell the good that thou hast wrought, Fair emulation beckoning on thy young To pluck bright honour's guerdon high uphung, In physic, law, divinity to shine, And, Gkanta, be called thme ! No longer cowl'd, in silent cloister pacing. Each liberty of thought from mind erasing. And from God's own bless' d light Immuring self, as smit by secret woe, Unto his cell doth go The bookish monk ; but ever-flashing bright Truth after truth amasseth gains To scripture-searching student's pains. Th' immovable and central sun By earth's dim speck around is run ; Nor that alone, the glass — whose vision peers Through spangled vista of a million years — Astounding mirror of eternity ! — Past the remotest spark man's eye can see. To the same law wed five hundred times as far. Proclaims as bright a star ! 100 GRANTA. How knowledge her fair eyelids liatli uplifted ! Tet in that age called dark, men highly gifted Preserved, mid vigil, fast, And works, " th' Eternal City's" classic page, Through time's or man's worst rage ; But error creeps o'er human things at last, E'en as the vellum's gold and paint, Adorning face of beauteous saint, Old text oft hides— where th' cuttle's shell Decay's sad havoc favour'd well. And institutions both of Church and State Flourish or fall, as meet them love or hate. Now ere the press had burst on mortal sight, And the great bible pour'd a flood of light, Ahol[s]\ dfirst-fmiis shook the foreign power. In the third Edward's hour. Thus on, and on— to one spot constant never, The stream of incident flows past for ever. The English mind, awoke. Rent superstition's veil with angry might. And rushing to the light Its galling fetter saw, and flercely broke. Then gentle Literature had birth, That lifteth man from ofl* the earth ; WycliflPe, the sire of English Prose, And Chaucer, morning-star, arose. When, crash, the glorious Eastern Empire fell! And spirits, who Learning's cause since served so well, Scatter'd through Russia, Italy, and Spain, fiRANTA. ' 101 Dispersed Athente's ricliest fruits for gain. Lo where the hook to Ptolemy once more The seventy hand o'er ! Isis and Cherwell, crown'd witli gorgeous towers, Fair entertainment made in peaceful bowers : There, as from fountain-head, Famed Grocyn pour'd the pure delicious stream : The students' high thoughts gleam With love, as they drink deep, to Fi'cedom wed. Now scatt'ring terror through the land, Despoliation's ruthless band On monastery, park or glade, Its hands unsanctified laid ; For ill with good still struggles to keep pace ! Should then the seats of Learning have no place ? Christ's Church Cathedral auswereth full well ; And ' Holy Trinity ' shall grateful tell. Long as her students brave aspire to fame. Of Eighth King Harry's name I (1) " The venerable fathers erased tlie best works of Greek and Latin authors in order to transcribe the lives of saints or legendary tales upon the obliterated velliun. " — Astle. (2) "Our classical studies help us to interpret the oraeles of God, and enable us to read the book wherein man's moral destinies are written, and the means of eternal life are placed before Iiim." — Prof. Sedgiuicl: XVI. KING EDWARD III. THAT thy Spirit, all of heavenly fire, Heroic Muse, would enter this weak ' shell,' And burning words inspire, The Third and greatest Edward's deeds to tell In lyric measures well ! Then wide o'er England would I hurl one dart Of flaming poesy. Illumining each mind, ennobling every heart ! For what were crowns of England and of Fi-ance — Whose golden lilies Edward strove to unite ; And what the brazen lance At Crecy, Poictiers, if a king shall light His own ambition bright Or shatter' d spear, or casque, or peoples' woe ? His own felicity [know! A happier source should trace, a higher fountain Obedience is divine ! in every age, In every clime, — for name or lucre small, Love-smit, or cross'd with rage. At country's or caprice's wanton call, The hero — MAN will fall ! "How long, Lord," the oppressed peoples cry, In hopeless agony, [die ? " Must we our brother kill — for tli' few the many Yet war's shrill clangor stirreth up thoughts grand. Dearer seems country, though it yield no home. And in a stranger land KING EDWARD III. 103 Keenly those links that never press will come Across the mind, and roam. And Baliol's crown, and Hainanlt's martial dame, Old England's archery, [to fame ! And ' spurs' and 'feathers three,' still tempt men on Yet all is naught, if man no fruit derive From fighting for his country or his king, — If he not peaceful live ! For freedom's banner proud her shade should fling O'er each beloved thing ; And woman's master sole her conscience own In virgin purity ; [throne ! Each home hath then its king, who sits on rightful For unto God, and not to sinful man, The English matron shall confess ; her mind Untied by human span : On her fair intellect hath science shined, Higher career to find ! But Edward's once proud mind to Alice bends, And son's mortality ; In sadness and in gloom alone his days he ends. Lo, where the hero of the garter sleeps ! He Windsor's fortress to a palace turn'd ; Near him philippa keeps, Faithful in death, in silent state in-urn'd. Where funeral lamps have burn'd. There crowds religion's purest form admire, In transports — eagerly. [lyre ! And foreign chiefs approach to hear King David's XVII. ENGLAND'S OAK. The king of the forest, majestic and strong,', Had reign'd in Ms glory and peacefulness long ; Abroad high in air his tall branches he flung, And 'neath their kind shelter the sweet birds sung. Oh ! mJiat was their song ? When the moon shone bright. They caroll'd a hymn to the Author of light ; I' the noon-tide blaze they were silent awhile, But burst forth afresh at the evening's smile. When Spring in her beauty unfolded her vest. When Summer in blossoms her sweetness express'd ; In Autumn and Winter they folded their wing- Beneath leafy tents of their grand old king. They builded their nests, and they cherish'd their young. The truthful song for ever was sung, As each generation successively pass'd ; Of freedom their first song, of freedom their last ! So may we unfetter'd, industrious, and free, Harmonious live on, underneath our old tree ; To bow to another still thinking it scorn, By tempest and time though his branches be shorn. people of England, if still you Avould hold Your charter, renew'd oft with blood and with gold, Of foes, — but not foreign, have heed and beware. That seek your sweet youmj ones to net and ensnare ! \ af %m% n LAYS OF LOYE. LOVE'S VOYAGE, Young Love prepared a gallant bark, Across the sea to o-o ; And many a blossom' d wreath did mark His sail of purest snow. And sparkling lay the sun's bright ray Along the wavy green : Love vow'd 'twould prove the fairest day That ever eye had seen. But soon, too soon, the sky grew dark, The rains began to flow ; A hurricane o'ertook the bark, And beat her to and fro. 'Twas bitter cold — the thunders roll'd, As they the seas would whelm ; But Love, a pilot skill'd and bold, Sat stifflv to tlic helm. 108 love's voyage. Rough tempests not for ever last, And smiles shall tears ensue ; The sun broke forth, the storm flew past, A beauteous isle in view ! Love shook his wings, and sweetly sings Whilst glad he nears the shore — " Past pain but tempers sweetest things. And makes them loved the more ! " ^ 11. SONG OF THE FAIRY. Oh ! tell me, I pray, in what beautiful bower My mistress soft slumbering closes her eyes ; How daintily cradled, in what lovely flower, Or under what leaf my bright fairy-queen lies ? Oh ! tell me — for I am possess'd of a treasure ! On earth there hath naught of like value been seen. How shall I exult ? with what exquisite pleasure Present with this gift my own dear fairy-queen. It is not a star I suatch'd out of the sea, It is not a diamond all glittering brightly, It is not the glow-worm that's riding with me, — But yet to my bosom I hold it full tightly. The waters I've search'd, and earth's caverns explored, Through fire have I dived, through the air I have been ; But ne'er did my pains meet so glorious reward As this — which I hold for my bright fairy-queen. While up to a cloud's moonlit edge I was hying. To gather some pearl for my lady so fair, 110 SOKG OF THE FAIRY. I spied where an angel all weary was lying Asleep, with this goblet, unwatch'd by his care. I seized on the jewel, — and, rapidly hasting, Come seeking my love o'er mount, forest and green ; One sip of this drink gives ns life everlasting, — But the first sip's reserved for my sweet fairy-queen. Hark, hark, the lark wakens ! Oh ! what have I done ? See, see where it falls, and to pieces is shatter'd ! And into the ground the bright liquor has run, I hoped to escape death — fond hopes, how ye flatter'd' Ah ! now we may never immortal be made, Till first with earth's dust we are mingled, I ween : All glories of mortals but linger to fade ; And thus must it be with my bright fairy-queen ! •i< III. ETHELDREDA'S LAMENT* How still the moone on hisfh. How still her silver beam, How still is all the sky ; The stars — how still they seem ! How still is every tree, How still every bird ! Shaketh leaf but gentlye, The which can ne be heard. Plow still is every blast, How still is every gale ! Sleepeth all sound and fast, Sleepeth the hill and vale. But I no sleep can find, For sad, alas ! am I ; And here my course I wind. And seek me where to die. * Set to Music by Frank D'Alquin, Esq; 112 etheldreda's lament. The one I loved is dedd, Alas ! and turn'd to clay, And clay must be his bed, Until the last great day. To HIM, to HIM I fly, Farewell, ye sacred groves ; Witness in him I dy ! — Such end had their true loves. «< IV. THE KNIGHT TO HIS IMPRISONED LADYE. Wake, dearest, wake ! for I must leave thee ; The dawn is breaking ; — do not grieve thee : To scale the castle wall 'tis hard ; Strict sentinel keeps watch and ward. " Light of my life, and my life's lord, I gird thee with thy valiant sword ; I pine for thee the livelong day ; — But Phosphor shines ; away, away ! " Yet I shall come again — the Fates On high proclaim, and glory's gates Set ojDen wide, that all who will Enter, of joy may take their fill. With beauty and with chivalry Begirt, in glorious majesty, The battle won, thy knight shall see Restored to ancient rights and thee. THE SQUIRE'S RENEWAL OF SUIT TO HIS LADYE-LOVE. Fair maid, again I write to thee. Fortune to friend, with much ado, At length I have discovery Made of your hiding-place, and you : And moved am, once more, my true And honest passion to advance ; Beseeching, lady, thee to rue Upon my pain, which like sharp lance Tormenteth me, and each day doth entrance. Pity is in thy breast, ywis, Then pity me who love you well ; And there is bounty, or I miss The truth by much, that there doth dwell : Give me kind looks, then ! need I tell ? Alas, alas, I see thee not ; And yet I see thee : thou the bell Of beauty bear'st away, thy lot. sweet perfection, never be forgot ! THE squire's renewal OF SUIT. 115 But if tliou'lt rue, rue soon ; too late Is ne'er to do. ITot distant far Am I from tliee ; there humbly wait My destiny, or make or mar. Preposterous it were to war With fate, or wage unequal strife ; All live not under happy star : Yet, heav'ns directing, happy life Will I still hope Avith thee : but if my wife Thou must not be ; cold marble if thou prove, If thou wilt show thyself of rocky spright, Unused to melt — but well I know thy love, Whoso it wins is gentle ; as the light Of springing day, — as Cynthia fair and bright: If thou my suit unkindly do repel. Yet shall my jjrayer at morning and at night Thy name remember ; but with love I'll mell* No more : and heavens thee bless : So hail, and fare thee well ! * Meddle. "With holie father fits not with such things to mell." Spenner, VI. THE SQUIRE'S PLAINT FOR HIS LOST LADYE-LOVE. Was never one so cross'd as I By tyrannous adversity ; On whom fell fortune's rage and might Have spent the utmost of her spite ; Whom death, long time since, down had thrust, And crumbled into fulsome dust, But sweet religion lent her hand. And whisper'd of another land : Another land, not like to this. Where all is innocence, and bliss ; Where treasured bide the meeds of those Who well have met and borne their woes. But my heaa:-t bleeds ; and all to-tore,* The pain increaseth ; ay, and more, The bitterness of keen annoy Bereaveth me of every joy. In grievous torment I bewail. And hard endure the large assail. * Toru in pieces. THE squire's plaint, ETC. 117 Absence of her, who aye is lost, Puts direful travail to my ghost : Furies me lash, and stern despair "Would drive me — heaven knoweth where. Long wake at nights, and little sleep, A baleful coil within me keep : By day sad thoughts, and wishes vain Me from felicity restrain. Ay ! naught it hooteth to repine ! She never, never will be mine : — Not in this vjorld ; but if sweet love E'er veil celestial spirits above (As sure it doth), mote I aspire, Once more I would thy love desire, And woo thee in the heavenly field : — But, hold, vain ecstasy, and yield ; Thou lookest on the flowery side, Wor scann'st, fond shade, the dreary desert wide. •{• VII. THE NEW YEAR. 1869. " Open tlie door, And give to the poor, Let in the young, and turn out the old ; With goodly cheer The New New Year Will enter soon with footsteps bold." Open the gates, A warrior waits, Helm'd is his head, and mail'd is his breast ; His infant face Seems fill'd with grace, Betokening love and placid rest. All ! who is here ? The New New Year ! Why, dcclc'd with myrtle, in armour clad ? 'Gainst every foe Thus should we go : Our rrndiness shall make us glad. THE NEW YEAR. 119 Should bugles sound, He'll look around : Heeded sliall be this infant bold ; For be is good, And scenes of blood Matcb not with the branch, which he doth hold ! Throw wide the gate ; Enter in state. Hail to the young, and hail to the old ! The New ISTew Tear Must enter here. Farewell, Old Year, thy sands are told ! ^ VIIT. SAINT VALENTINE'S DAY. Saint Valentine ! Saint Valentine ! What crowds do bend before thy shrine ! The young, the old, the dull, the gay, With welcome greet thy joyous day. And who wert thou, Saint Valentine, That so great honour should be thine ? For from the Cottage to the Crown Sweet is thy name, fair thy renown. Tradition says that on this day Each little bird, that sits on spray, Its love-song sings, with heart elate. And chooses for itself a mate. From this, we deem, the youthful sort The custom practise, first in sport, Of choosing on thy festal day A mate — perchance a love for aye ! But sure — seeing that a martyr's meed Thoii'st \Yon — thou for the truth didst lilced. SAINT valentine's DAY. 121 And for tliy true love being far-famed, And charity, thy Day 'twas named. Search, all, then, ' Cnpides kalendere,' And choose your ' choyse,' as year by year The ' usaunce ' comes, to typify A principle, and mystery ! The ' holly boy,' young maids, prepare ; The ' ivy girl,' fair youths, forth bear ; Each burn your uncouth effigy, — Though none may name the reason why ! Yea ! to the pillow pin the leaf That to the Bard gives joy or grief, And dream of one, or far, or near, — 'Tis innocence, and draws no tear. What flowers the season yields suspend, True lover's knot blue ribands lend. Now draw the lots : — firm Valentines May each pair prove, who read these lines ! Saint Valentine ! we fain would be In bliss so close allied to thee : Our homage, virtue, take as thine, And bless'd be thou, Saint Valentine ! ^ IX. THE WAITS. Twice twenty years with varied plume Have wing'd their solemn flight, Since, startled by sublimest strains In deepness of the night ; Prom soft repose np I arose, By pious fears inthrall'd, And unto thee, with bending knee, My sire, I fondly call'd : — " Sweet music sounds from heav'nly gates ! " But, father, thou didst only say, " Have faith, my boy, drive fear away : We hear the Christmas Waits ! " Now comes again the dulcet strain In stillness of the night ; I clasp my hands, and breathe a prayer Unto the Lord of Light, Who did me save from many a wave Across life's troubled sea — Twice twenty years, with joys and tears, A stern reality ! THE WAITS. 123 And ne'er my love for tliee abates, Wlio sootliecl ray boyisli fear ; but gone Art tliou before, and now alone I hear the Christmas Waits ! I ponder on twice twenty years, The hopes, the fears, the sorrow ; But murkiest cloud hath sun-lit edge. Dark night brings forth bright morrow. The gift of song remaineth strong, And charmeth every woe ; — Whate'er have wrought, in deed or thought, False friend, or secret foe. What madness to upbraid the fates ! All have their sufferings ; and none know Each feeling fine, as, waking slow. They hear the Christmas Waits ! ^ X. THE LAST DAT OF THE TEAR. The longest day, the shortest day, Arrive — as round the year Rolls on, and snatcheth far away Much that we hold most dear, — Yet ne'er awake the feelings keen, Or that sensation fine. Which Memory's page, with gold and green Inscribed, shall cause to entwine With solemn thought, by stillness brought, Whene'er approacheth near, With dulcet swells of hallow'd bells, The last day of the year. ' But every day may be a last, Or herald of a New : Full well we know in periods past Man's measurement untrue. Ah ! 'tis not that : we are not prone To quarrel, where alike Heart-chords are tender, or their tone Softj though a stone may strike. THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR. 125 So each and all, whate'er may fall, Has fall'n — or there — or here — Pensive and gay, heed well this day, The last day of the year. Let us each look in Memory's book ; Peruse it to the end : Happy are fchey who well can say Relation or a friend That have not lost, by sorrows toss'd, Since the old year was young ; And that they strove aye to improve Each moment, as it sprung. Enclasp the book, and forward look. With faith, with hope, with cheer ; Oft-times may we, more saintly, see The last day of the year ! ^ XL THE PROMISE. In Memory of D. N. J., Ob. May 23, 1865. A SIMPLE child, that sweetly smiled, Sat on its father's knee ; And softly told — " when thou art old, I will be good to thee. For I shall live a million days, If His hio-h will it be : And that will ample time allow, To reach prosperity." " A million days, my gentle child, Thou dost not comprehend ; For backwards to old Homer's time That period would extend. How short a span then falls to man, Thou may'st full well survey ; And hence we are styled ' ephemeral,'- The cbildren of a day." THE PROMISE. 127 The good child slept, the sad sire wept, Gone was his only stay : But from his breast, no power shall wrest The promise of that day. Bless'd be that child, father mild, Who was so good to thee, A million days, a million years, — Unto eternity ! ^ XII. THE QUESTION". " How didst tliou grow," sweet Cyril said, " Into a father dear ? " To him revolved with five fair moons Four times the circling year. " And wert thou once a little lad, And fit to run, like me. Where fields, and flowers, and trees look glad. And birds sing merrily ? " " Yes, tender pet, I ne'er forget When I, in company With one who anxious watch'd, ran fast, A little lad like thee." " He too, before a father dear, Had gambol'd in his time ; That father dear had done the same In childhood's early prime. Thus back and back, my boy, we turn Until the world began — Until we reach to — Whom ? — you know ! To Adam, the first man ! But like a book the world goes on, With pages ever new : E'en thus, you see, successively, Son into father grew." XIII. THE SLAIN* Throw out your crumbs, The sparrows are dying ; See where their dead All frozen are lying. Look through the rails, "Where late the flowers bloom'd : Heard ye the wails Of those that were doom'd ? Wrapp'd in their snow-shrouds, Ah ! now they lie scatter'd ; Unto this big world Their deaths little matter'd. " Do the birds die ? " Dear Cyrilla says : See where they lie Among the fern sprays ! Each had a mother, Sweet, tender, and true ; A sister — a brother — Even as you. Jan. 7th, 1871. 130 THE SLAIN. Throw out your crumbs then, And fear not the frost ; Kindness will warm you — It seldom is lost ! Throw out your crumbs ; Crabb'd winter is stern. Wealth was not meant to Sleep in an urn. Feel for the feather'd : Lo, when our time nears, Storms may be weather'd — Fewer our tears ! Help the poor hirds ! And ne'er will you shame, God's image to use With goodness the same. Oh ! but what crumbs Of comfort shall we Throw to the shivering, Over the sea ? Gasping and bleeding Upon the white snow, Kindliest help needing, Thousands lie low. All are our brothers ; And error is vain : To us, repentance ! God's peace to the slain ! XIV. SONNET I. Hail, fairest object of my yonthfal fire ! Art thou unfriendly to the Muse's lyre ? List to the passion which these lines convey, Eepose in calm, and banish scorn away. Your beauties bright, impress'd upon my heart, With morn return, nor with the eve depart. Say, canst thou then obdurate still remain, All-proof to love, nor heed thy suffering swain ? Accept the assurance of affection sweet ; Truth knows no change, in truth all blessings meet. Let fickleness or falsehood have no room Even in thought, where purity should bloom — Love reign supreme. So, beauty's peerless grace, Mistrust's dim veil remove from off thy face. XV. SONNET II. SACRED gold ! wliicli slialt with happy band Encii'cle the fair finger of my love, When we before glad Hymen's altar stand ; What hopes, what fears, what joys alternate move My throbbing heart ! A thousand visions rove, And flash before mine eyes, well dazzled nigh, Of that divine perfection, which they prove, Who enter wedlock's sweet felicity. Thou emblem of affection, whilst I gaze Upon thy polish' d figure's golden round, Full fervently my soul to heaven prays For her, to whom my heart so fast is bound. Source of each other's bliss, oh, may we be ; And endless in our love, ring, like thee ! XVI. BALLAD. On the Four Little Boys who were Drowned at Hove, NEAR Brighton, on August 29th, 18G6. Ye little boys at scliool who bide Far from your mother's eye, And ye who 'neath parental roof The path of learning try ; And oh ! likewise, ye little girls Who far from native place, Beneath the rule of matron sage The line of virtue trace : — Though natural timidity Your safeguard well may prove, Yet equally ye both shall be Objects of care and love. Dear boys are venturesome and bold, Their tiny hearts beat high ; In them doth England's greatness hold Pledge for futurity. They climb the tree, they mount the cliff, The Alps they would ascend ! 134 BALLAD. But, happily, none grant tlie means, Nor quite the money lend. And let them mount, and let them climb, And pluck the top-most star — Of such as these, that climb the trees, Old England's greatest are ! The gardener's care doth bind the stem That seems inclined to stray ; Droops there one rose or lily pale, A moment he will stay. So doth the boy, who, roving wild. Culls childhood's budding flower — More bent on butterflies than self. Demand a watchful power. Alike at home, alike abroad, The roisterer tasks our care ; Close we our eye, away he'll fly, — Alas ! we know not where ! And so have flown four little souls — There was no power to save. The circumstance the danger brought — Not treach'rous was the wave ; For bars of sand, though easily cross' d, Yet on the northern side Deep falls contain, — when rapidly Rolls in the azure tide ! Now dangers fell beset us all, Alike by sea and land ; BALLAD. 135 But here hath been disaster keen, Through ignorance of the sand. Stern lesson ! oh ! keep watch and ward, As well as watch and pray, And rest not, for we know not who Next may be snatch'd away. They said their little prayers that morn, And rush'd down to the wave, And, flushed with health, and joy, and hope, Sank in a watery grave ! Now, parents, place your hope on high, For there is One to save ! Sore though ye weep, they shall not sleep Eternal in the grave ! ^ XVII. THE BOY ON THE BEACH. Little brown boy, on the beacli, Lip of cherry, cheek of peach, Hair of raven down are thine, And thy blue eyes brightly shine. Show me what thy scrip contains,— And this copper for thy pains, Dropp'd into thy well-turn'd hand, Shall some Httle want command. Shells and sea- weed ! baskets fine, "Wrouffht with 2:rass and silken twine ! What are these that lie below ? Tracts — the way to heav'n to show. Speed thee well, my pretty boy ; Noble is this same employ, Scattering seed on sandy shore, That shall live for evermore ! Stay ! this piece of silver take. Soon may'st thou thy fortune make ! Lonely though thou roam'st the shore, One thy weal aye watches o'er. XVIII. CORNELIA, MATER GRACCHORUM. A LAY OF ANCIENT ROME.^ B.C. Circa 147. Cornelia, mother of the Gracchi, graced With comely loveliness, and passing fair. Great Scipio's daughter, her fine figure placed Upon an ebon chair, Within Serapronius' hall. At her soft call A beauteous slave doth delicate viands bring, Rich pears, or Phrygian figs, or downy peach, And sets within her reach. Sweet smiles, kind words and looks their influence fling, And shed as 'twere A sunshine through that mansion fair. Where noblest feelings fine Clasp and entwine ; And captivate the mind that needs no telling Here peace and love have dwelling I A brave Campanian lady was her mate, Of lofty soul, but by ambition fired. And, held in sweet converse, at table sate ; * Suggested by a copy of Schopin's ' Tomelia' [Munich Gallery]. K 138 CORNELIA, MATER GRACCHORUM. And fondly she desired A lay of ancient Rome. How safely come Througli reeds of Tiber cradled babies twain ; How Mai's, fell bridegroom, woos the Vestal fair ; How the bold Romans share The Sabine women, and what Sabines slain ; How by the well Within the Sacred Grove, men tell That Numa* met each night By pale moonlight The Nymph — of her to learn mystei'ious laws, In stern religion's cause. And of ' The Sibyl's Prayer ' she sought the lay : How beauty's darling gain'd the gift of years, Unnumber'd as the grains of sand which stray (Exchanged too soon for tears !) Through tapering fingers light. The priestess bright Forgot to ask not that which she had not, But what she had — youth, vigour, bloom, and health ! And now on worldly wealth The gentle converse turns, and waxeth hot, Semproniaf speaks ! " Sweet cousin, who great riches seeks, An onerous load must bear. Be it mine to share * OUi respondet suavis sonus Egeriai. Dnniua. t A name common to the female branches of the Sempronii, Gracchi, and ScJpios. CORNELIA, MATER GRACCHORUM. 139 A moderate state, nor high, nor yet too low, Lest anxious cares should grow ! " " but this string of pearls — behold it well ! Soft to the touch, and pleasant to the eye." She stoop'd her jewell'd head, and graceful fell Round the rich ivory Of her fair neck, and roll'd, The necklace' fold. The outer circle on the bosom staid, Where, set in gold, i' the matchless cameo's face ' Carthage destroy'd ' you trace. Or ' Venus' Chariot,' 'bove the fastening made. From casket rare Withdraweth next that lady fair A bracelet, gemm'd with light. And golden bright. " This surely, my Cornelia, tempts your eye, By its own brilliancy ! " As one who, baffled, though of pux-est aim. Hard press'd, yet conscious of a noble mind. Feels, from respect for guest, a sense of shame, And scorns a word unkind ; Who would not plant a sting, But rather bring The loveliest rose that ever bloom'd on brier. Sweet offering on fast Friendship's altar fair, That bosom rich and rare : 140 CORNELIA, MATER GRACCHORUM. So that sweet lady fared, whom nigh a tear Had well betray'd ! For that Campanian mate hath made Sore trial of her pride ; But misseth wide, Pleased, and intent to please, and soft, and kind, Cornelia's jewell'd mind ! " Oh ! would you hear a lay of ancient Rome, In broken numbers, such as handed down ? Wretched are we, alas ! we have no home, Only we have renown, That decks our foreheads' bright With laurels light. We have no home, for lovely woman, where Like wild beasts we repose, the battle done. Her place hath not yet won ; She neither beats the couch, nor spreads the chair. "- " Alas, I hear. The clashing of the shield aud spear ! The virgin's piercing shriek Hath become weak. Lo, far away Rome's eagled warrior bold His virgin wipe doth hold ! " Kins: Tatius rose- — the blood was in his cheek — " Ye Sabines, arm, and let us take the field. For daughters stolen hottest vengeance wreak ; Sabines will never yield ! Our daughters, young and gay. Were wont to stray (JORNELIA, MATER GRACCHOKUM. 141 By glassy river, or in flow'ry mead ; Ifow their soft hands no fragrant garlands bring, N^or sacred song they sing, N'or gentle victim in procession lead. Home is not home, For by our hearth no more they roam. Their mother hath no rest, For from the nest No longer is the cry of young birds calling, — So fast her tears are falling ! " A dreadful battering-ram beats at Rome's Gate, The scaling ladder grappling w^ith the wall ; A thousand Sabines all impatient wait, To see it break and fall. But no ! as firm as Fate Remains that gate. King Tatius listens at the Gate by night. For there a virgin's voice him calleth clear : " What your left arms do bear Give me, and I will ope — so enter right ! " " virgin fair, A bracelet's double band I wear. Haste, quickly ope the Gate, And take thy plate — And with the plate our shields ! Seal'd be thy doom, For thou betray' st thy home ! " Cornelia ended, and the imperfect end Was noted by that mild companion sweet : " How Sabines entered, and how forward bend 142 CORNELIA, MATER GRACCHORUM. E'en to the Forum's seat Their ranks, 'mid slaughtei', ire, And raging fire, The antique lay forgets ; and how at last, 'Mid tears, and 'mid embraces of theiv found, They settled on one ground, Sabine and Roman, and forgot the past. — Bub come," said she, '* Have I not shown ? now show to me The jewels you possess, For, as I guess, A Roman matron hath a goodly store, — To see I long the more ! " , How doth simplicity embellish life. And to those hours, which some call idle hours, Add grace ! Cornelia, shunning worldly strife, Prefers to scatter flowers. Though coui'ted by a king, Though VIRTUE bring Its meed unto the living, and there stand Unto Cornelia marble pure, which says ' Mater Gracchorum ' ; praise She sought not, nor assumed an air more grand. Now while she eyed Her husband's laurel'd shield, the pillar's pride, *' Sweet, all the jewels I hold Are these, behold ! "* She said ; and with affection nearer drew Her noble children two ! * "En, hffic ornamenta mea simt ! " FRAGMENTS FROM THE WRITINGS OF GREEK COMIC POETS. TRANSLATED INTO ANTIQUATED ENGLISH VERSE. An. set. 17. I. CRATINUS. A WORDY POET. Phcebus ! what streames of wordes boune !^ The fontes with many waters soune -? Forth fro his mouthe twelve springes renne f Ne doubt, Ilysse in his throte ben. What other word shulde I spek moe ? Gif' some one (I wol that ye know) Shulde fail belive to stente^ his mouthe, Alack ! for pity, and for routhe ! He wol have with his vearses queinte Al this world lorne,^ and al men dreinte !^ (1) Abound. (2) Sounil. (3) Ruu, flow. (4) If. (5) Instantly to stop. ((i) Lost. (7) Drowned. 144 LYSIPPUS.— MNESIMACHUS. II. LYSIPPUS. GREAT LONDON. If London* tliovi ne sawest, tliou art fool ; If that thou, have, delightless eke, it seen, A lob, a lout, a very ass, bi Poule ! But if fulfilled of all joy thou been, Whan thou it have in glorious distant ken, Yet wol it leave, a beast mote fardels bear. For this city be English ! myzty queen, And empresse of al odhers, al her fear ; And reason too : her like mow not be found. Her like ther nis no wher, God wot, on worldes ground ! * Athens in original. (See page 153.) III. MNESIMACHUS. A GOODLY DINNER. Herken my word ; wote thou, leve^ brother mine, Thou shulde in certaine thys dale wyth us din. Bright swerdes and eke browne our vittaile been ; Torches we glot^ for sowle,'^ that fyerie bren. Eftsone the page doth sette upon our bord, Yfette'* fro Crete, kene arvves" long and broad ; No fetches do we ete, but speres shente,^ MNESIMACHUS.— EPICHARMUS. 145 That gadred ben fro blood ydrencbed beute.'' The silver targe, and perced habergeon,^ Been that, whan sonne is set, we lig^ upon. On bowes reste our fete whan that we slepe, With katapultes crownde, so heie hem clepe.^*^ (1) Dear. (2) Devour. (3) Auy thing eaten with bread. (4) Fetched. (5) Arrows. (6) Shattered. (7) Side of a hill. (8) Coat of mail. (9) Lie. (10) They them call. IV. EPICHARMUS. AT SUPPEK. First gif ye him espyed at soupere, Parde,^ awaped^ ye shulde die for fere. Por sothe to sain, his throte most breme^ doth rore, And his huge jawes twey^ clash ever more. Sounen his tuskes griP and horrible ; Eke wyth his teeth he grinteth^ terrible. His nosethirles'^ also, that wide to see, Hisseth with hideous noyse, a benedicite ! And his broad eares platt^ do move and quappe,^ As doth the four-fote beast, that hight tetrappe. (1) Pardieu. (2) Astonished. (3) Furious. (4) Two. (5) Dreadful. (6) Grindeth. (7) Nostrils. (8) Flat. (9) Quake. 146 PHILEMON.— ANTIPHANES. PHILEMON. TEARS. If tears were leech ing^ of owre liertes pain, And one that wep his dole couth^ ever stay, To yeven^ gold for teai's we wold be fain. But swiche lyk gere* wo hedeth never day ; Ne ever, cozen, to swich thynges may Turnen aside ; and wepen we or not, Ther helpeth naught, it goth that ilke* way. Experience thilk^ techeth, as. I wot, What vayleth it than ? nouzt ; for unto wiere,''' As fruit unto a tre, pertains the pearlie teare. (1) Healing. (2) Could. (3) Give. (i) Such like trifles. (5) Same. (6) This. (7) Grief. The original has been rendered into Latin verse by Muretus, Grotlus, Gesner, Hertelius (p. 177), Morel (p. 37), Ratallerus,Clericu3 {p. 32S), &c. VI. , ANTIPHANES. MODERATION IN GRIEF. Wel ought US mone, accordant to resone, Nat overgret, leve^ kindrede from us gone : For lo ! heie ben nat ded, but sterte afore On the ilke gate,^ that al must take ; no more ! Than we at last wend to thilk hostelrie,^ Aye^ ther to live in hir swote compagnie.^ (1) Dear. (2) They. (3) Same road. (4) The same inn. (5) For ever. (6) In their sweet company. MENAKDER.—MOSCHIO.— PSEUDO-MEN ANDEK. 147 VII. MENANDER. KICHES A CLOAK, To helen^ many sinnes wele2 be a gite.^ I wot Menandros spekotli here aright. (1) Cover. (2) Riclies. (3) Garment. VIII. Moscmo. THE HOLY DEAD, See nat the holie ded for to diflfame, Upon the quik, nat ded, go pass thy blame. IX. PSEUDO-MENANDER. ' KNOW THYSELF. Whan that thou woldest ken thyselfe and preve,^ On churchehawe^ monimentes caste thine ee.^ Ther, moulinge'* into duste as light as leve," Liggen^ the bones of kings and princes hee,'^ Phylosopheres, and swiche^ as formerlee Wold on^ hir noble kyn and gould hem^° pryde, Or renome,^^ or hir excellente beautee. 148 PSEUDO-MENANDER.— ALEXIS. Lo, tlaer nas^^ none of hem that eld couthe byde,^^ But suffred deth, the end of brotel^^ man. Now muse in silence sade,^^ and ken thee, giffe^^ thou can. (1) Prove. (2) Churchyard. (3) Bye. (4) Mouldering. (5) Leaf. (6) Lie. "(7) High. (8) Such. (9) Their. (10) Them. (11) Renown. (12) Ne was, viz. was not. (13) Could endure. (14) Brittle, frail. (15) Sad, grave, serious. So Shakespear, in A Midsummer Night's Bream, " Then, my queen, in silence sad trip we," &c, (16) If. X. ALEXIS. WE ARE FIVE. Thaees min auld man a quistron,! me Ana crone, and douchtir bricht of ble ;2 And mie sweit bairn quhat hevin did gife, And thilke chaist may f al makand fife. Three of the quhilk beth sette at meit ; The odher twaine, as mickle treit, We, of a bannock hard ybake. With tham, no leesing thilke, pertake. Also we mak maist waifu' mane, Quhen that of meit we maun ha' nana. Owre heawe bisydes bicomith pale, Quhen hungred we. Now oure vittaile, And lyf sustnance I quhil thee eche ; Benes, lupyns, knolles, and the fetche. ALEXIS.— EPIGRAMS, ETC. 149 Rhubarb of monk, navew, we seke, The bitter vetch, vetchlings, and eke Acornis, and the onyon mild, Cicada, chickpea, and pears wild, And och ! our modheris care,* The heavin-sent boon of fyggis dryde, Of Phrygian tre product and pride. And maist delicious fare. (1) Beggar. (2) Complexion. (3) Maid. (4) Viz : The invention or discovery of Ceres. EPIGRAMS, &c. I HAVE a favourite flower ! For it I build a bower, Safe from harm to keep. Who dares break it down ? Who dares touch mine own ? By Old England's crown. He shall wail and weep ! Like to a flower. Or one short hour. Or shorter still seems life. Ere we are born. Like springing corn We fall — by Fate's keen knife. 150 EPIGRAMS, ETC. Tlien, mortal man, Strive all thou can Bright honour to attain ; And if heaven give One day to live, Achieve eternal gain ! ON" TWO RIVALS. Two goodly trees are planted side by side They grow upright, and stretch their branches wide Their bark is smooth, their laurel leaves are green. And naught but good companionship is seen. They both increase ; the gentle zephyr comes, From leaf to leaf, from branch to branch it roams ; Witness the dire effect : the bark is worn, The tender verdure of each leaf is torn. To save the other, one must be cut down. Fate, or Fortune ! thus on friends dost frown ! Here's my decanter, rouser of my mind, When comfort's nowhere, — it in him I find ! FROM THE GREEK. A BLIND man one day bore upon his back Another, who the use of his legs did lack. " A good exchange ! " an observator cries, " For loan of legs to grant the use of eyes." RIDDLE.— ANTIQUE rROniECY, 151 RIDDLE. FROM THE GREEK. One father,* and twelve sons ;t to eacli of whom Twice thirty daughters,^ varied beauties, bloom. Some in pure white, in sable some array'd ; Immortal all, yet fast away they fade ! • The year. f The twelve months. i Thirty days and thirty nights. ANTIQUE PROPHECY. ON A MISERLY COUPLE. He and you, A hog and a sow, Woll live in a sty, Until ye die. Who treateth me Indifferently, The same may know I scorn him too ! 152 THE SETTING SUN. THE SETTING SUN. Behold the glorious sun, Setting in the west ; His joyful course is run : Now his rays are best. With gold he paints the sky ; Then he sinks to rest ; And bids us a ' good bye,' — Setting in the west. The good man hath such end ! If pure life hath run, He noblest rays doth lend. As his days are done. Yea, by his cheerful face, At his setting bright , He'll rise again in grace, Crown'd with glory's light ! ^ COM. GR. FRAGMENTA I. CEATINUS. ^flva^ "AttoWov, tcov eVwy rojv pevfiurcov Kava^ovcrc Trrjjai' BcoSeKciKpovvov aro/xa' 'JXicrcro? ev (fxipvyyt' rl av e'cTroifil aoi ; lu jxr] ryap eTTL^uaei Tt9 avTov TO aro/jta, " AiravTa ravTa KaraKXvaet Troujfiaatv. II. LYSIPPUS. El ixrj reOiaaai Ta9 ^A6/]va<^, crriXe^o^ el' El 8e TeOiaaac, /x?) 6vapeaTt]aa<; 8', ovo'i' El 8' evapeaTMV aTrorpe-^eis, Kav97]\io9' AviTj TToX.L'i ea6' 'EX\'r]vl7] Kova 'AvSpMV jSacnXeciiv kol ivpdvvwv koL croc^wf, Kal /uiija cj)povouvro)V eVl fyevet Kal ^p?;/xao"it', AvTcou re 80 ^y, kuttI KaXXei acofidrcov. Kal ovSev avTMV rcoi/S' eTrijpKeaev y^povo^. Koivov Tov aSrjv ea'^^ov 01 irdvre'i ^pojol. TIpo^ rav6' opSiv v ourcov riyveraL oo-x^pov ra p^eprj 8' t)p.wv X' ?} avvra^t<; tov ^lotov 'K ^ iqp. Form L9-100m-9,'52(A3105)444 THE LIBRARY dMIYVRSITT OF CALIFOBUHB ■^ LOS ANGELES h0U9 Bl3i3 1 Bailey - Lays of Great Britain PR hOh9 B153 1 3 1158 00599 2382 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY AA 000 364 739 3