.\;,v.iuj /uiuiiij ^ 5, -^^ C^vll'" y-^v ORIGINAL POEMS. A woman caus'u the siege of Troy. False honour shall occaaion jars That terminate in endless wars. 10 HENRY AND EMMA. These maxims to elucidate, A simple tale I here relate. Twill brothers, to a leBgthen'd life, Abstain'd from all domestic strife. The elder, in contempt of ease, Sought fame and fortune on the seas ; Brother and son the only pair That seem'd to claim his constant care, For whose prosperity and wealth He freely saciific'd his health, Till so immense became his store He neither wish'd nor wanted more. All cares at rest but in one point. The gout, that rag'd in every joint, Perverse and peevish render would A disposition really good, And ev'ry way by will inclin'd To soothe the sorrows of mankind. HENRY AND EMMA. 11 At length a trifling quarrel rose. Made serious by officious foes, And Spleen, that ev'ry feeling smothers. Divides for years the loving brothers. Fortune or Fate, or both, inclined. The younger's comprehensive mind^ With zeal, to further each endeavour That tends to render Peace, for ever. His chosen and domestic guest. And faithful inmate of his breast ; If, haply, such a state depends On choice of place and choice of friends : A choice, that in a happier hour, Maintain'd an undivided power. Though now compell'd to seek content In limits of curtailed extent. In humbler prospects, and in scenes Proportiou'd to his slender means B 12 HENRY AND EMMA. A daughter's happiness and age His talents and his time engage ; The mother fled to realms of bliss Renders the pleasing duty his. The virtuous maxim to instil That shall preserve from future ill. Emma, whose perfect form and face Exhibit every female grace. Most interestingly appears The child of sorrow and of tears. The feud augmented to excess. Her parent leaves in deep distress. She mourns, with unavailing tears, A diff'rence now of sixteen years ; So long that young and elder brother Disclaim remembrance of each other, A martyr one to pain and care. The other yielding to despair. HENRY AND EMMA. 13 Each mourns his peace of mind destroyed. And sighs for that he once enjoy'd. Say what annoyance could inspire Such deep and long protracted ire ? Has reputation been arraigned ? Or either character distainM? Has strength on either part assaii'd ? Or guilt o'er innocence prevail'd? Proceeds this unforgiving spirit From right disputed to inherit The costly gifts that fortune show'rs ? No but a paltry bed of flow'rs. An acquisition of such note As scarcely merited a thought. So insignificant the claim 'Twas only known to them by name. For this ! shall anguish drain the eyes. For this ! the bosom heave with sighs. 14 HEN-RY AND EMMA. And sixteen years of piercing sorrow Make hateful each succeeding morrow ; That both, their agonies to save, Shall languish for an early grave. A friend, a youth of shining parts. Essays to reconcile their hearts. To arbitrate their mutual cause. And wrest it from the public laws. To represent their common woes As nurtured by designing foes, That merely to obtain their ends Assume the specious name of friends. To reconcile their mutual ire Is first proposed to Emma's sire ; Hut unavailing his endeavour. The twins, more obstinate than ever. Resolve th' event of law to wait. And thus prolong their wretched state. HENRY AND EMMA. 15 The youth, whose uncorrupted heart In Emma's sorrow shares a part. Employs each method of relief Xo soften or subdue her grief ; Combining every just eadeavour To gain her hand and heart for ever. All grace, but what his merit claims, The noble minded youth disclaims, The fancied power and conscious pride To wealthy arrogance allied. Or great connexion the effect. If ever felt, are instant check'd. The heart can never harbour pride That love and sympathy divide. And worthy only of disdain If made a sacrifice to gain, 1 ts pref Vence only should arise From feelings which itself supplies. 16 HENRY AND EMMA. From those which, far surpassing wealth. The heart contains within itself. Tims reason'd Henry, nor repress'd The virtuous passion in his breast. One motive, paramount, he feels. That for a time his birth conceals ; And just occasion may arise To make the resolution wise. Enough remains to furnish proof Of fair integrity and truth. Within the artless Emma's breast The ruder passions find no rest ; One so amenable and mild Might well be call'd the darling child Of modest merit Wisdom's Queen, With settled mind and cheerful mien. And heart all trivial cares above, Yet not insensible to love. HENRY AND EMMA. 17 Nor yet to pride that says " beware. That heart is but a heart of care. The youth's, from selfish motives clear, Requireth thine to be sincere ; Artless and open in its dealings. In contempt of all painful feelings." Such motives guiding the intent " Need not the aid of ornament." Her vows of constancy and truth Are pledges to the generous youth. That should a lucky moment sever Her's and misfortune's fate for ever, 'Twill be the signal for surrender Of all that's lovely, chaste and tender. Of all that gives contentment birth. And constitutes a heaven on earth. Thus pre-disposed and resign'd, Her firm and comprehensive mind 18 HENRY AND EMMA. Anticipates the joyful day That all her anguish shall repay ; That yet shall ultimately place Her kindred in a close embrace. The cherish'd feeling in her breast, ** In all its glory stands confess'd," AVhile, virtue every step impelling. She seeks unknown her uncle's dwelling ; Her flowing tears at length prevail. He patient hears her artless tale. And, slow relenting, by degrees Uplifts the virgin from her knees. Swears of all pleaders she's the best. And clasps her to his aching breast, "While sighs and sympathetic tears Proclaim a joy unknown for years. E'en while his sympathies impart Their raptures to the joyful heart. HENRY AND EMMA. 19 The news arrives, the Law decrees The Garden for his future ease. The claim their kindred souls divided Is.after sixteen years decided ! The long expected declaration Must surely merit approbation^ Perhaps the joy his heart contains May moderate his gouty pains, Whilst lime and patience, thus rewarded. Shall Emma cause to be discarded. ; For such inestimable news The bearer too should have his dues ; In vain th' afflicted vet'ran tries From off his cushion'd seat to rise. His pangs so unrelenting are He's fix'd a pris'uer in his chair ; Yet robb'd of Emma's warm embrace Resentment flashes in his face, c 20 HENRY AND EMMA, His ready crutch like lightning flies. And strikes the bearer with surprize, *' Begone," in thunder he exclaims, " And take the garden for thy pains," Then quick observes the maid's alarms. And once more clasps her in his arms. RelicTed thus from every care Hope instantly succeeds despair, . Her heart rejoicing, and revealing Her uncle's too alive to feeling ; With skilful hand she then proceeds To cleanse it from obnoxious weeds ; To prove their sad and lengthen'd woes. Fomented by inveterate foes. So well succeeds her artless pray'r He promises to take the air. And view, as circumstance may suit. The object of their long dispute. HENRY AND EMMA. 21 Nor yet suspicions of ber ends. Complies with all her heart intends ; Adroitly too her sire she woos. And reconciles him to her views. The twins unconscious of design. Observe the pre-determined time. To future happiness betray'd. They seek the garden's peaceful shade. The scene of all their long disgrace At length presents them face to face ; The ardent gaze, the sudden start. Betray the feelings of the heart. While uplift hands, and glist'ning eyes. Exhibit tokens of surprize. Till nature all their rage disarms. And locks them in each others arms ; Emma their willing hands unites. And manifests sincere delisrhts. 23 HENRY AND EMMA. The uncle now, his joys begun, Requests her for his only son, Protests he'd sacrifice his life To purchase for him such a wife. A stranger offer'd to her arms Excites a thousand wild alarms. Love, as her filial cares depart. Is solely sov'reign of her heart. Each rival feeling now suppress'd. He reigns triumphant in her breast. Experience proves the plighted youth A pattern of excelling truth. If fate her hopes of him destroy, The world contains no other joy. Thus thought the maid, while Love inclin'd And spread his empire o'er the mind. Her sire observing, silent guess'd The settled purpose of her breast. HENRY AND EMMA. 23 He then each circumstance relates. And sad regret once more creates. The disappointment and its cause Produce a momentaiy pause, A vast abatement and alloy Of all their late and general joy. At length the sailor silence breaks, And thus his honest meaning speaks : * To see the girl my Henry's wife " I'd cheerfully resign my life ; *' But while I've hand, or heart, or voice, " As free. as air shall be her choice, ** Whoe'er shall merit her regaid, " The same her virtues shall reward ; " Reserving still for son and self, " More than sufficient store of wealth, * From this time, henceforth, I declare ** Her worthy of an equal share. 24 HEXRY AND EMMA. " Tho' for her loss I yet must feel *' A sorrow I can ill conceal." Whilst thus indulging hopes and fears. The youth most opportune appears. In previous confidence directed. And but by Emma now expected : Her sire with grateful heart and voice Presents him as his daughter's choice ; As if by sudden inspiration The vet'ran's fix'd in admiration, New transports through his bosom run While he exclaims " My Son ! my Son !" As lightning quick, the blissful sound Diffuses happiness around, The motive that so long conceal'd His name and birth is now reveal'd, A stranger's kindness might have done More than the nephew or the son, HENRY AND EMMA. 25 His independeut spirit proffer What near connexion could not offer. The just and friendly explanation Excites repeated admiration. Father and daughter, son and brother, With joy congratulate each other, The nuptial bond 'tis then decreed Shall cancel every hostile deed. Shall constitute their joy's increase. And prove a bond of lasting peace. A rattle purchas'd at a fair. Becomes a child's peculiar care. Till other vanities arise. And new the place of old supplies. Proud man, with all his wealth and state. Is but a child of longer date ; A garden feud sufficient is To chequer all bis earthly bliss, 26 REPTON ACADEMY. Succeeding trifles play their part, To pain his mind and plague Jiis heart. To no fix'd purposes confiu'd, But fluctuating as the wind. 2^tptott ^catftms* Where Trent his settled course pursues. And constantly imparts His fixed and accustom'd dues To Commerce and to Arts. Under whose auspices aie found A happy population And smiling vicinage, around. The fruits of application. REPTON ACADEMY. 27 Some furlongs from his silver stream, Sequester'd, there appears. With aspect peaceful and serene. Made venerable by years, A fair assemblage of retreats. Where fancy freely roves Through sylvan shades, arcadian seats. And academic groves ; Beneath whose consecrated grounds The proofs 'tis said remain. That where intolerance abounds Religion pleads in vain. The spacious vault, the arched roof. And subterranean cell. Afford, at least, contingent proof That here she erst did dwell. D 28 REPTON ACADEMY. From worldy exercise remote. By persecution driven. Here superstition might devote Her sullen rites to heaven. Austerity's mistaken zeal Impel the bloody knife To seek, in aid of heaven's weal. The wretched victim's life : Mistaken test of love divine ! Infatuated notion ! Profaning- mercy's sacred shrine. Burlesquing true devotion. If thus dark bigotry invade The mind's reflecting ray. As Heaven's bright luminaries fade "VV'hen clouds obscure the day, REPTON ACADEMY. 29 Then sweet tranquillity farewell. See discontent and care Thy heav'n converting into hell, Thy triunnph to despair. Now change the unpropitious scene. Behold th' allotted space. Instruction, cheerful and serene. Surveys with smiling face. Ye youths of Britain hither haste. Your grateful tribute bring. Come unrestraint and freely taste Of the Pierian Spring." The admonition now attend. The heart's sincere advice. Consider learning as a friend . Beyond all power or price. 30 REPTON ACADEMY. Fix'd, and immutable as fate. The principle regard. That virtuous knowledge can create Its own and best reward. The academic labour o'er. The happiness begun. Shall cause the intellectual store To reach from sire to son. To generations yet unborn The blessing shall descend. And thus prospectively adorn The hizsbaud, father, friend. The ancient pile, the rural shade. Peculiar charms dispense ; All here are instrumental made. To humanize the sense. REPTON ACADEMY. 31 Science, th' interpreter sublime Of nature's sovereign law. And advocate from early time. The happy union saw. JIark'd in the record of her brain The combination down. Of wood and water, hill and plain : Then claim'd it as her own. O may her sons, whose happy lot Secures from worldly fears The guardians of this favour'd spot, Increase their fame with years ; May bright examples of their art. Their care and circumspection. To all posterity impart The fruits of their perfection. 3a MARY ANNE. For me, could I attnne the lyre. Could I command my lays. My every feeling should expire In songs of endless praise. Affection fond, to memory true, Brings thy lov'd image to my view ; Thy tender, helpless state Renders the woe, that's truly mine. Such as no language can define. Nor circumstance abate. Words, the intei-preteis in part. And vague transcribers of the heart, Demand a sokmn pause 3IARY ANNE. 33 'Ere they attempt to copy mine, Or the ascendency define Of nature's sov'reign law s. Oft have thy pleasing infant powers Reliev'd the many anxious hours That adverse fate attend. When distant far appear'd relief, 3Iidst outward want and inward grief I've found in thee a friend. Through all the histrionic art Thy youthful talents bore a part. On each succeeding night. Thy energy and youthful grace, Thy interesting form and face. Combined to delight. 34 MARY ANNE. Dear object of my ardent love ; may the power that rules above. Through all succeeding years Direct thy steps in paths of peace. Through life promote thy joy's increase, And mitigate thy fears. Whate'er may prove my future lot. Think not that thou canst be forgot In sickness or in health ; Of all that dwells within my heart, Thou art the living, vital part, Incorporate with myself. TO A YOUNG LADY. 35 Co a Poung Eairi), WHILST DRAWING A FLOWER. All avocations are of use To rectify the mind's abuse. The simple pattern you are drawing (^ontains a lesson worth the knowing : That elegant and blooming rose A truth of some importance shows. Observe its glowing tints and shades. Then sigh to think how soon it fades. 'Twas sure by Providence design'd To fix iostruction in the mind, E 36 TO A YOUNG LADY. To manifest that beauty's pow'r Is transient as this fading" flow'r. And in due season like it must Wither and mingle with the dust. Who could withhold their approbation, Or gaze unmov'd by admiration ? Whoever saw its fai design. And did not trace the Hand Divine ? Of life and substance the Creator, And skilful Architect of Nature. As emblematic of youiself. You've drawn the rose in ruddy health, Like you appearing to dispense Each charm that captivates the sense. Yet, as the flower fades away. Those charms must wither and decay : The blush that overspreads your cheek A few years hence in vain you'll seek; TO A YOUNG LADY. 37 The brilliant lustre of your eyes No sooner sparkles than it dies : Time, envious of your finished grace. Shall wrinkle, like his own, youi face. Then quit this perishable scene. For prospects bright and ever green. And seek in time those fertile fields Where each its blooming fragrance yields ; Improve the intellectual soil, The produce shall reward your toil. You'll roses find whose light and shade And perfect beauty never fade. That, water'd by the heavenly dew. Retain an everlasting hue. Refulgent as the solar ray That night transforms to living day. AVhate'er this fruitful soil adorns Is free from all obnoxioas thorns. 38 HEIGHO. The tranquil joys that here are found. Do now and evermore abound With shady bowers and cool retreats That yield a "a paradise of sweets," While each succeeding day shall see The blossoms hang on every tree. PS^isDo* The lettered Logician and learned Divine Their doctrines may preach and their maxims define, From vague speculations the inference draw. The pupil of nature, bred up in her schools, Unfctter'd by art or untrammell'd by rules. Will volumes express by a doubtful Heigho I HEIGHO. 39 Ou the pinions of fame erudition may fly. The wonders of earth and of heaven descry. Her infinite knowledge and wisdQm to shew ; Yet sad disappointment oppresses her heart. Her labour'd researches succeed but in part. And finally end in a mournful Heigho / The heart of true feeling, the sensitive breast. That the sigh of calamity's often repress'd. By painful experience, must certainly know How frequently hope, expectation, and joy Are reduced to a state of unworthy alloy. That often occasions a gloomy Heigho ! The Patriot regardless of power and place. The Hero preferring a tomb to disgrace, In numberless ways contribute to shew 40 HEIGIIO. The perishing triumphs that honour decrees ; The prospects of future enjoyment and ease ; Are subject jn turn to a painful Heigho ! Love's rapturous feelings inherit a share Of trouble, produc'd by vexation and care. Of vainly imagin^l unmerited woe. The faith that in forfeited honour confides. The stroke that affection for ever divides. Are aptly express'd in a heartfelt Heigho f O could I but banish from all I hold dear The sigh of affliction, or misery's tear. And happiness permanent on them bestow, No longer my feelings should truly denote A practical comment on what I have wrote, Or force from my bosom a single //c?i,''//o / LINES. 41 Eine-sf, ON IieARIVGIT ASSFRTED THAT THE I.ATE TUMULTS IS SHEFFIELD WERE THE EFFECTS OF GOU's PECULIAR DISPLEASURE: Presumption down, thyself to earth confine. Can humat) Reason fathom the divine ? Should'st thou be guilty of a thought so vain, Unlink'd for ever be thy sacred chain. Know thy own limits, if others thou profane. Discredit then attaches to thy name ; Objects reflected by the visual ray. Have been thy tutors to the present day, The diff'reuce 'twixt the dark and cheerful green, Thou had'st not known, if yet thou had'stnot*ee/i. 42 LINES. Tho' exercis'd on earth's affliction's rod, Yet call it not the enmity of God ; If human woes originate on high. Sweet hope adieu ! injustice rules the sky ; Man, who alone prepares the hated rod. Fearless ascribes the obloquy to God ! Shall I the present hour load with abuse. Who know not what the future may produce Or shall my feeble and defective sight Attempt to penetrate the realms of light, Vainly the mind eternal to make known. While yet so blind and ignorant my own ? Shall God become the arbiter of strife And all the feuds that appertain to life ? Descend from off his everlasting throne To make thy petty discontents his own } Accommodate the first and fix'd design To all the strange vicissitudes of time ? LINES. 43 Down indignation, while to heav'n I raise A note of grateful and eternal praise, That tho' one general ruin spread the land, Thy everlasting purpose yet shall stand. Go then thou vainest of the human kind. Ascend, and penetrate Jehovah's mind. Examine Fate and ascertain the cause Of all thy recently discover'd woes ; See what pervades this perishable scene That's undetermined or unforeseen. Or if the Almighty Machinist provide Or constitute a power he cannot guide. If he's compell'd new eirors to unfold. Reluctant to redeem, or screen the old. To carry devastation far and wide. His past imperfect management to hide; Is that right arm that forth from Chaos huii'd A solid, glorious, systematic world ! F 44 LINES. That yet the mighty fabric can sustain, (Nor feels the labour, nor endures the pain,) That guides unerringly through countless years The complicated movements of the spheres ! Is that right -arm so nerveless and unstrung 'Tis past completing what it has begun ? Or is the mind eterial so diseas'd *Tis even reft of power to be pleas'd ? To gratify some humour of the brain, Must Famine rage whilst Hecatombs are slain ? And human blood be made to flow iu seas. The wild and angry spirit to appease ? Man first must credit this, however strange, Before he can believe that God can change. Or prove the permanent and fix'd design Subservient only to the use of time. Hail thou diviner of the certain cause. Reason, and origin of human woej?. LINES. 45 Ou points so intricate to be assur'd. How wonderful tliy knowledge ! how matur'd ! For thee it was reserv'd, at length, to prove The Deity no longer sway'd by love. That patience, suffering, mercy, and the rest Of his fair attributes, are but a jest. Thy new theology can plainly shew. And manifest him Man's relentless foe, No longer now from angry passions free. But subject to their sway like thee and me. Not Jove presiding at the siege of Troy Did represent a more capricious boy. Liable to error, open to disgrace, A fit companion for the heath'nish race. 'Twas left for thee our judgment to direct. And prove the cause to follow the effect. The power creative now alas is fated Its impulse to receive from power created, 46 LINES. The ancient aud undeviatiug plan To be reversed by the schemes of man. Who to the future is himself so blind, He knows not what tc-morrow is designed ; Too selfish, proud, and ignorant to trace In angry aspects lineaments of grace, Too weak to penetrate the veil that hides What yet for all his happiness provides. In darkness long accustom'd to bemoan lie welcomes night, nor hails the coming dawn. He who pervades and animates all space, Derives no honour, suffers no disgrace, Tbat which he was before all woilds were made, 8uch he'll remain when systems are decay 'd. Inexplicable to all discovered rules, And but pronounc'd demonstrative by fools. Tho' tempests threaten, and tho' storms surround, Unchang'd the everlasting will be found. LINES. 47 Dispensing M'ith a just and liberal hand, A general Providence through every land, Nor yet a partial preference maintains For this of freedom, or for that in chains. Both are the product of his mighty skill. And both their destinies fated to fulfil. Preparative to that tremendous hour "When he shall manifest redeeming power. Where virtue shall receive its great reward, Ileav'ns just approval and supreme regard. The scale of Providence who rightly sees. Knows good and evil constitute degrees Alike essential to the general plan That gives on earth supremacy to man ; 'Tis but in minds corrupt and worldly wise The vain distinction ever could arise, A perfect principle can never know Nor feel the odds 'twixt happiness aud woe. 48 LINES. Such knowledge with perfection to unite Would darkness be to reconcile with light. What appertains to evil, or to good, Must first be felt before 'tis understood ; God's omnipresent and omniscient eye. That comprehends earth, ocean, air and sky, Beholds his Providence performing still The settled purpose of his sacred will, As instrumental to the final close Ordained by his pre-existent laws'; That eye of purity and pristine health Reflects perfection back upon itself, For glory still shall crown the solar ray. Though shadows intervene and cloud the day. Thou who can'st God's peculiar anger see. Observe his fix'd, immutable decree. The eveilasting code no time can change, Ts^o act impair; no circumstance derange, LINES. 49 By which all Nature's institutes subsist, And worlds, innumerable as stars, exist. On whose eternal base for ever stand All properties of ocean, air and land; 31 ark its particular or general use. What combinations purpos'd to produce. How well adapted to the change of clime. And all the fleeting vanities of time, Mark, the fix'd purpose for to comprehend, How each on all, and all on each, depend. How in the vast, immeasurable, chain All must be perfect, or all must be vain ; Mark the auxiliars, aiding the design. Still unimpaired by circumstance or time. Correct in practice, vigorous and gay, As though their office had commenc'd to-day, Performing every function to the last Effective as for ages gone and past. 50 LINES. Behold the seasons in succession roll. Imparting as they speed from pole to pole, In due obedience to their first employ. The vital energies of life and joy ; Through God's eternal dispensations range. Then ask thyself if God can ever change. Yetcouldthy reason stretch throughout all space. All modes and systems accurately trace. Closely inspect with microscopic eye All that exists in earth, or air, or sky. Or (proving the attempt no longer vain) The countless stars correctly ascertain. Could Man's intelligence at once pervade Whatever God's eternal wisdom made. The source of all would yet be undefin'd ; The power that plann'd, establish'd and combin'd. An undefined principle contains That mocks his labour, and confounds his pains. LINES. 51 A feebleness, to ignorance allied. Is what restrains Man's vanity and pride. Each project to promote his future joy Contributes still the present to destroy. Till sad perplexity from day to day Wastes imperceptibly his life away. Thou mere ephemera, of the present hour, First learn to estimate thy feeble power. And comprehend wliat appertains to Man 'Ere the Almighty thou presura'st to scan; Thy en iug judgment and imperfect mind To fathom Heaven's never were design'd, Who thinks th' Almighty's counsel to define. Degrades his attributes and power divine : 'Tis like the worm eddeavouiing to scan The secret thoughts and purposes of man ; Let that we see, and that we know, suffice To prove Him just, beneficent and wise, G 52 YES AND NO. To all that merits gratitude incliii'd And free from passions that debase the mind : Let Man his knowledge to its means confine, And what is human fancy not divine. Yt^ antr Ko* Exempt from every dire mishap. Say, were you nurs'd in pleasure's lap, Rear'd up in earthly bliss ? Have you through life a stranger been To every incidental scene Of wretchedness ? " Yes /" YES AND NO. 53 Did no misfortune e'er impress Yonr mind with subjects of distress. Or cause your tears to flow ? Have you the transport ever known, Of making other's woes your own But to relieve them ? " No /" In luxury's meridian rays You've pass'd the zenith of your days. Nor dream'd of aught amiss ; So truly happy your retreat. That flowers spring beneath your feet Where'er you tread ? " O Yes /" Pure feeling never yet inclin'd Your thoughtless, gay and happy ioaiiid To seek the iouse of woe, 54 YES AND NO. Compassion's sigh for ling'ring pain, For horrors that distract the brain. You never felt ? *' O No /" Should Fate, possessing sov'reign power. In some unthought of luckless hour. Destroy this fancied bliss. By methods not to be express'd Plant thorns of anguish in the breast. Would you not weep ? *' O Yes /" But should some tender, pitying heavt^^ By sharing of your woes a part. Forbid your tears to flow. That kindness you could not expect. Would you disdainfully reject And undervalue ? '* iVb /" . YES AND NO. 55 Reflect then, 'ere it be too late. Nor trust the UDcertainty of fate. No longer be remiss. The Providence that jet protects. In proof of gratitude expects You to reply "O YesT' Of want, destroy the dreadful fear. To pain, extend compassion's tear. Relieve the heart of woe ; Should grief depress or madness rage^ To mis'ry's call in every stage Reply no more " O No /" 56 THE SMILE. tt ^mile. The purpose internal that governs the heart, A token external shadl often impart, Distinguishing also the Tirtuous and vile. If, haply, by nature intended to please, Or promote the enjoyment of comfort and ease, 'Tis odds but you see it expressed in a Smile. Should humanity enter but misery's cell. The rude habitation wherein she doth dwell. Of sorrow one moment the heart to beguile^ THE SMILE. 57 The feelings of joy, and the accents of praise, That gratitude offers in numberless ways. Is a tribate more welcome if paid with a Smile / The fear that affection for ever attends. The misapprehension of lovers or friends. Or pangs of suspicion may torture awhile. But ah ! what a transport the feelings impart Tu the credulous mind and the comfortless heart, If the mutual mistake terminate in a Smile ! Could I for a moment my wishes obtain. To realize all the conceits of the brain, And carping contraries at once reconcile ; No motive for hatred, suspicion or fear. No sorrowful reason should ever appear To limit the pleasing effect of a Smile / 58 THE SMILE. The infant with tenderness priz'd and caress'd. From the fountaii^of life, the mother's fond breast, Receives an assurance of love without guile, The Power that infantine innocence guards. Her sorrow repays, and her labour rewards, If it do but embellish the cheek with a Sir.ile/ When evening's come, and the labour is o*r 'Itiat joyfully adds to the provident store And credit of him no tongue can revile; His cot is more happy, more welcome his meal. If innocence lisp, or duty reveal Their feelings of grateful content with a S'HuVe / Nay even poor TraJ/, that his master attends, His trusty companion and truest of friends. That's followed him many a weaiisome mile, THE SMILE. 59 A secret enjoyment appears to possess, A satisfied meaning he tries to express, If but for a moment caress'd with a Smile ! 'Tis a tribute to friendship, to all that is deai-, A paramount feeling, the wish most sincere, A sentiment malice can never revile ; That the anguishing heart, and sorrowful eye. The mind of despair and misery's sigh. May never supplant nor banish a Smile ! 60 THE LOTTERY, f)t %oittxu* FoETUNE aware that life and healtli Are oft' irapair'd by sudden wealth, Announces her intention T4iis year (her credit to redeem) To institute a Lottery Scheme Of new and rare invention ; And anxious for the Public Weal, No longer can her pride conceal,. Of meriting their thanks, THE LOTTERY. 61 Determines, as a present proof Of future honesty and truth. To abrogate all blanks. From one of her establishM rules, That money oft' increases fools, A supposition rises : That good and evil intermix'd In time may constitute the fix'd And beneficial prizes. Further to recommend her plan. And justice do 'twixt man and man As far as in her lies, She means, while dealing out each gift, For reasons palpable, to lift The bandage from her eyes 63 THE LOTTERY. E'en Mouarchs in repute may thrive. And from this Institute derive Internal approbation. If wisdom, while she guides the man. Conducts the equitable plan Of his administration. The Minister whose might and zeal Contribute to the public weal, Fortune can ne'er requite ; The blessing of a heart at rest, AVill ever constitute his best Enjoyment and delight. Yet if his avarice and pride Spread devastation far and wide, His selfish heart to cherish. THE LOTTERY. 63 For turpitude of such degree. E'en Fortune's self might wish to see Her only minion perish. How pleasing, tho' it oft deceives. Is the appearance of lawn sleeves. The courtly, smooth, address. The pure and self regardless vows. The modest scrapes, and humble bows. No language can express. The Goddess to these sons of sloth, Has been so liberal of both Her new and stale devices. She'll think it needless to impart To them her sable colour'd art Of varnishiug her vices. 64 THE LOTTERY. When Justice lifts her awful scales. If interest evermore prevails The balance to destroy, To every evil fortune hath Be added heav'ns eternal wrath, To blast her selfish joy. The wise expounders of her laws. With all who -advocate her cause Or modes of controversy. Might each, by making the appeal. Procure from her exhaustless wheel A stock of useful Mercy ! Should Galen's worshippers produce, By their professional abuse, Contempt and hearty curses ; THE LOTTERY. 65 Or, wholly mindful of their gain, Prolong the wretchedness of pain To renovate their purses : Such life tormentors need not fear At fortune's footstool to appear. Or dread increasing ills. There's not a vice in all her store. Can constitute or render more Corrupt their selfish wills ; But he whose lib'ral heart and head Dispose him for to ease the bed Of sickness and of pain. Need not depend on her decree, His own humanity will be His everlasting gain. 66' THE LOTTERY. The brave and resolute in war, " Who pluck bright houor" from afar. Their fortune here may try. Should pity be the proffer'd grace. She renders lovelier valour's face. When beaming in the eye. Should thus the dame her scheme pursue, Repairing old, imparting new Principles of duty. She may around the wedded shrine A wreath of constancy entwine. To grace its fading beauty. Lovers of tither sex may gain A panacea for their pain Distill'd fioni cooling reason ; THE LOTTERY. 67 The patriot wisdom to refute The learn'd and logical dispute That calls religion, treason. Adventurers of all degrees May try their fortune, if they please, Her everlasting store, Humility for the rich contains. Or pride, a substitute for brains, And patience for the poor.. 68 ON POVERTY. @n ilob^rti^* Whence thy original explain ? Nor fear the sons of earth, For be assur'd there's none will claim The honour of thy birth. Britain, with all her wealth and state-. Her fallow, pasture, mead. Could surely never propagate A monster of thy breed. ON POVERTY. 69 Thy pallid cheek and hollow eye. Thy uncouth matted hair, Proclaim at once thou aft a nigh Relation to despair, A thing so wretched and forlorn 1 So intimate with shame ! That men and ages yet unborn Shall execrate thy name. Let not the pamperM sons of earth Behold thy wretched plight. But hence, and all thy miseries hide In everlasting night. The motive that inspires the breast To deeds that live in story. Thy chilling hand hath oft repress' d And robb'd of all its glory^ 70 ON POVERTY. The heart that pants for living fame. That honour makes its throne, A coward turns, whene'er thy name Is coupled with its own. Well may the world thus from thee fly, Abandon thee to chance. View thee with half averted eye. Or jiroud, disdainful glance. " Cease, cease reproof, reproaches spare, " Let pity warm your breast, " Like your's my prospects once were iair, " Like you was I caress'd. " The energies of hope and joy . " That youthful minds create, " I ouce thought time could ne'er destr-oy, " Nor circumstance abate. ON POVERTY. 71 " Light as the gossamer in air *' My buoyant spirits rise, ** While each succeeding day a share ' Of happiness suppUes, *' Science, displaying all her charms, '* My ardent soul inspires, ' Her every smile my fancy warms, " And kindles all my fires. "Ah, now the sad reverse I feel ; " Affection's fondest kiss '* I then imagined the seal " Of all my earthly bliss : *' But lifted was the hand of fate, " To crush my best endeavour, ' To interrupt my envied state, *' And blast my joys for ever. 72 ON POVERTY. *' A blow, no wisdom could avert *' No vigilance nor care, ** Must everlastingly convert *' My hopes to sad despair, " Almost to animals allied ; " I hear no friendly voice * To animate my drooping pride> ** Nor bid my heart rejoice, ** All that my hopes and joys include, ** All sympathies, alas ! *' But serve to constitute a rude * And heterogeneous mass, The once partakers of my grace, " That now forget my name, ** My courtesies, and eke my face, "By me are free'd fjom blanje. ON POVERTY. 73^ * For nature, in her wise decrees, *' Bids mankind mis'ry shun, " While all she ever form'd agrees ** To greet the rising sun, ** All, all, you say my form despise, *' All disavow my birth, ' Then pitying stranger close my eyes, * And lay me in the earth. " Have mercy on my few short days, ** Receive my parting breath, ** Then register^ shall be your praise " In characters of death." 74 VERSES. IJtrssegf OCCASIOXZD BY THE UNEXPECTED APPEARAKCE OF A FRIEND. What joy to see the solar laj. Through clouds that long obscure the daj. Once again reflected ; So pleasures in this world below Increase of happiness bestow. The more they're unexpected. The joyful feelings that attend The presence of a valued friend. Most frequently arise VERSE*. 75 From circumstances that impart. At once to both the soul and heart. Sensations of surprize. The sources that promote the birth Of human happiness on earth. Anticipation drains. The art in which she's most expeit. Is often practised to convert Her pleasures into pains. So trivial the distinction is 'Twixt present woe and distant bliss, Tis hard to be defin'd. Suspense itself is ling' ring pain, Design'd and doomed to maintain An empire o'er the mind. K 76- fERSES. Expectancy is but a cheat That doth its ptirposes defeat ; Concern'd but for the future. The present good, whate'er it be- Love, friendship or fidelity. Is constituted neuter. With all occasions that arise To take the feelings by surprize. One principle's connected : Never doth pleasure so invite. Nor human happiness delight. As when 'tis unexpected. JONN BROWN & NANCY GREEN. 77 Sofitt l^btott $c Kancg reen* & WELL KNO-VTN FACT, ASH ONE THAT OCCURRED IN THE EXETER FAMILT, FURNISHED A SUBJECT FOR THE FOLLOWING LINES. Kear yonder hill, whose ample slope The lofty pine or stately oak (That elemental warfare scorns) At ouce enriches aqd adorns. And serves from northern blast to screen The dwelling house of Farmer Green, Where many a rose bush rears its head. The ancient pile to overspread. 7S JOHN BROWN & NANCY GREEN. In union with the fraitful vine. The hawthorn and the eglantine. Whose tributary dues display Their rural beauties to the day. And seem in unison to strive Arcadian pleasures to revive ; A fragrance fresh and ever fair Diffusing through the circling air. That sportive seems to waft on high Ambrosial odours to the sky. The mellow'd and luxuriant stiife Demands the well-tim'd pruning knife. The leafy and umbrageous shade The window now had useless made. And scarcely could the solar beam Through its wide aperture be seen, ^'or yet the spacious fertile vale. Or river winding through the dale. JOHN BROWN & NANCY GREEN. 79 IMiere meadows fair and pastures lie The joys of plenty to supply. And scattered herds and flocks are seen. To cheer the hopes of Farmer Green, And, dearer to him than his life. Those of his daughter and his wife. For never yet were known a pair More worthy man's peculiar care. Nor ever in the world was seen A lonelier girl than Nancy Green, As fair her face and breath as sweet As roses shading her retreat, Her mind as innocent and bright And spotless as the liUy's white. That never yet a thought supplied For affectation or for pride ; If pensive she appear or smile, She doth the fancy so beguile ^0 JOHN BROWN k NANCY GREEN. Adoring hearts her homage pay. And lips their tributary lay. But Where's the language to express Her modesty and mild address, That fascinate while they impart A charm to captivate the heart. Ye Belles who fill the courtly scene Instruction learn from Nancy Green, Your formidable stare behold. Your carriage free and manners bold. The sure antipathies display From which affection turns away. While love is ever lurking nigh Her blushing cheek and downcast eye. And mouth, that knows no female guile, And ruby lips and dimpling smile. Let Nancy join the festive dance, 'Tis then the frown or envious glance, JOHN BROWN & NANCY GREEN. 81 Her merits to the world proclainii And add unconscious to her fame. John Brown, when such occasion offer' d His humble service ever proffer'd ; Though not so well as Naucy Green, John knew to trip the mazy scene ; And tho' you might account John Brown A mixture of the Gent, and Clown, Of wit don't think him so bereft As not to know his right and left.^ Attracted by the sylvan scene, John pass'd his time with Farmer Green^ From some unknown but eonstant hoard Paid lib'rally for bed and board. Nay would at certain times dispense His gifts with such munificence. That some would scruple not to say John sure must rob on the highway- 82 JOHN BROWN & NANCY GREEN. Though plain his manners and his dress. As humble language can express, A sort of dignity" appear'd That some admir'd and many lear'd; His searching eye and judgment nice Would penetrate the depths of vice. Beyond what multitudes conceive. Or rustic neighbours could believe. For though his words were plain and few. Experience prov'd them sound and true. And well adapted as design' d To flash conviction on the mind. Yet never man was more sincere In aiding country sports and cheer. At Deighb'ring festival, or fair, John Brown was certain to be there,. And none so happy if but seen In cempany with Nancy Green> JOHN BROWN & NANCY GREEN. 83 While boys and girls the steps attend Of him they oft' have found a friend. And deep in supplication skill'd, To have again their pockets fill'd With nuts or toys or gingerbread. Invoke a blessing on his head. From sorrow's tale or mis'ry's tear John never turn'd an eye or ear ; Distress, if nndeserv'd and real. Would manifest his heart could feel. Such knowledge to such worth allied. Had render'd him the Hamlet's pride, 'Tis even said the Priest and Squire Had manifested a desire. On deep and doubtful points, to know If honest John thought so and so ; Such deference to his person shewing. That once or twice, without the knowing L 84 JOHN BROWN & NANCY GREEN. Apparently vhat they were at. Have both been seen to move the bat. For John did never yet neglect To treat their worships with respect. And gen'rally maintained their creed. Though not in ev'ry point agreed ; For xinconstrain'd by power or wealth, John thought and reason'd for himself. But what philosophy could screen Him from the attacks of Nancy Green, Or who, if present but an hour. Had firmness to resist her power. Or could her loveliness behold. And yet be unconcern'd and cold ; If any thus their eyes could feast, John Brown was not the man at least ; To have her evermore in sight. Was constituting his delight. JOHN BROWN & NANCY GREEN. 85 And though he neither sigh'd nor knelt. But spake exactly as he felt, 'Twas plain and easy to be seen. He'd won the heart of Nancy Green, Intending, if God spar'd his life. To make the lovely girl his wife. And soon the Parson ratifies A wish so nat'ral and so wise. Then gentle reader would'st thou knov? A joy from whence all others flow, 'Tis represented fresh and fair In the alliance of this pair, AVhere modesty and grace are join'd To manliness and lib'ral mind. Nor was there lack of wedding cheer, John through the hamlet every where, Not calculating on expences. His gifts so lib'ially dispenses. 86 JOHIV BROWN & NANCY GREEN. That neither Parson, Squire, nor Clown, Will hesitate to drink John Brown. Thus link'd in matriuronial ties John meditates a new surprise. And fixes suddenly his fancy On an excursion with his Nancy, Who, blythe as Midsummer or May, Makes preparation to obey. Nor even contradicts in thought His wish with fond affection fraught. Already's past a day and night, When lo ! a mansion comes in sight. According to the Bride's perception AVorthy a Lord's or Duke's reception. John, in his plain and humble guise, Away unto the mansion hies. The outer gate himself unlocks. And lustily at the inner knocks. JONN BROWN & NANCY GREEN. 87 The man, at first so debonair. Assumes a more obsequious air. And John submissively attends To where the lengthen'd gall'ry ends. And scenes of wonder and surprize On ev'ry side draw Nancy's eyes. Whose speechless tongue, or eager gaze. Her fix'd astonishment betrays. That's yet to be increased soon By stately hall or grand saloon. Where John his silent partner seats. And then in joyful haste retreats To practise on her more conceits. 'Ere could be calm'd her hopes and fears, In courtly dress her Lord appears, A person offering to her view. Fairer thau e'er Apelles drew. 88 JOHN BROWN & NANCY GREEN. While gazing on th' embroidei'd vest One thought her wond'ring soul possest. Is John what he doth really seem ? Or do I nothing more than dream ? The riddle how shall I define. If he be human or divine ? A kiss as hearty and sincere As ever banish'd pain or fear. That could not be misunderstood Tor aught but honest flesh and blood, Conveys unto the doubting sense A charm that dissipates suspense. And renders worthy the ador'd JVo more John Brown but now my Lord ; The fading colour on her cheeks. Alternate hope and fear bespeaks, But ev'ry symptom of dismay's No sooner seen than done away, JOHN BROWN & NANCY GREEN. 89 The "welcome home" her troubles banish. And all her apprehensions vanish. The smile resumes its wonted place. Attended by each female grace. Visions of bliss her mind employ. And all is happiness and joy. Her Lord each circumstance relates. That now in transport terminates : The better for to know mankind His state and title he resign'd. But now his happiness is found In doing good the world around; With like propriety and grace. The lady dignifies her place ; While " bless the day," is still the theme, * ' When first John Brown saw Nancy Green." 90 DESCRIPTIVE STANZAS. i3e!E(n1ptibe ^taniajsf, eN THE OPENING OF A CAMPAIGN. The battle rages fierce and loud, Wing'd with death the bullets fly. Every warrior's heart has vow'd To bravely conquer or to die. From flank to flank, from front to tear, True to the signal understood, Unsheath'd is every sword and spear. Eager to bathe itself in blood. DESCRIPTIVE STANZAS. 91 The warlike instruments contend. Drum's and trumpet's clangour vieing, Pity a moment to suspend, Useless pity, for the dying. The charge is made, shouts fill the air. The adverse hosts to fear a stranger, Or rendered furious by despair, Defiance bid to every danger. The horse, with martial pride elate. Against the well directed spear His breast opposing, meets a fate Ts sacred honour doubly dear. Now front to front the columns meet, And carnage stalks in solenin mood. Earth, while she trembles 'neath his feet, Luxuriant banquets on his blood. 31 9-2 DESCRIPTIVE STANZAS. Whilst from the cannon's flaming throat. To many a heart with conquest vain, A sad but sure discharge is brought From present woe and future pain. The victor leads in bonds his prize. The weak for godlike mercy sues. The stubborn resolutely dies. The swift his flying foe pursues. Till Justice, trembling on her throne. Bids Fate the equipoise prepare. That makes, throughout her limits, known, A. Nation's triumph or despair. The scale descends, the favour'd host Renews the battle's eajjer rasre. The feeble voice of pity's lost 'Mong shrieks of youth and groans of age. THE STAGE. 93^ The glitt'ring sword waves high in air. The standard's dyed in floods of gore, Mercy in vain prefers her pray'r, \ad thousands fall to rise no more. Cfte ^tage. While some to glory sound the lyre, And pregnant with poetic fire In Honour's cause engage. Be it, in imadorned verse. My humble province to rehearse The triumphs of the Stage, 94 THE STAGE. On what foundation it doth rest, By what authority caress'd. Or wise or weakly plann'd. Its local or its general use Mow far obnoxious to abuse. Few think or understand. The richest gem within the Mine, The fairest or the best design That ait or nature made. Are perfect only in degree ; E'en Light would inconvenient be, Divested of its shade. To snatch a grace beyond all art, The utmost polish to impart. To captivate the sense. THE STAGE. 96 Are the professional decrees, A. double S. aud L. L. D.'s Dramatic Laws dispense. Who shall the fabric overthrow That Otway, Massinger and Uowo Contributed to raise ? Or who in judgment dare to sit On Congreve's point, or Johnson's wit. In our degen'rate days ? He who for information draws On Nature, and on Nature's laws;, Her wonders to explore ; Pursues her steps through every clime. Eternity as well as time. To banquet on her store : 96 THE STAGE. His spirit shall the Pile protect. Of which it is the architect. The corner stone and base. As long as language can proclaim Great Shakspeare's reverential name, Shalt thou maintain thy place. Long as the wonders of his pen Sliall merit the esteem of men. Or infants lisp his name. The proud preeminence be thine To sound through all succeeding time The trumpet of his fame. Say, is the difference of States ? The misery that War creates ? The blood ensanguined plain ? TOE STAGE. 97 The widow's tears ? the orphan's sighs ? Objects less ignorant, or wise ? Less righteous, or profane ? If Fortui>e act by inverse rules, Debase the wise and cherish fools. If all proceed in error. Of such inordinate abuse, 'Tis still thy privilege and use To \ye a faithful mirror. The friends, I ween, if not the foes Of order and of order's laws. Who date their first dominion From the auspicious era when 'Twere politic, in liberal men. To toleiate opinion. 98 THE STAGE. Will know how far the Public State. Thy service should appreciate, Should cherish and protect, What harsh impressions of the mind The Stage is obviously design' d To soften and correct. Murder, whose blood-stain'd guilty hand Strikes terror through th' affrighted land, May view his lost condition ; The speechless horror, fix'd despair. And throbs of anguish, pregnant are With useful admonition. Here too Rebellion's hydra head. By rapine and by murder led To "black perdition's brink. THE STAGE. 99 May, ere he ventures to advance. Be taught to weigh the doubtful chance. And on the danger think. Offenders too of less degree Their own delinquency may see Expos'd to reprobation. Ambition, avarice and spleen. Derive from the instructive scene The seeds of reformation. Traffic, whose close and selfish dealings Maintain a war with all the feelings Accustomed to impart The social and sincere design. That's calculated to refine And humanize the heart, N 100 THE STAGE. Will contemplate the Drama's laws As detrimental to the cause That elevates her station, And frowns on humble merit, while On bloated wealth, her changeling smile Descends to adulation. For though necessity's thy plea. Yet learn this awful truth from me : Of temperance bereft. Humbled in spirit may'st thou bow. Since of the human virtues thou Hast not another left : for liberal as thousands are. To whom thou art a leading star, " A tried and valued friend," THE STAGE* 101 'Tis a departure from thy plan And principle, whenever roan His bounty doth extend. That heav'nly intellectual sign Words cannot name, nor terms define, The soul dissolving charm ; The mind's admonisher and guest. That's competent the frozen breai^ Of apathy to warm. Well tutor'd in compassion's laws. May plead its never failing causcj Dissolving pity's eye. The power its energy imparts. Extort from adamantine hearts The long suppressed sigh. 102 THE STAGE. For who, to unconcern a prey, iSees mis'ry languish but a day. Yet checks the starting tear ? Who, to indifference so prone. But hears the deep convulsive groan With sorrow most sincere ? On whatsoever purpose bent. On lofty pride or low content, A nation's rise or fall. If such proclaim the deep intent. The Stage supplies an argument And moral for them all. VERSES. 103 'Utrsie^ OCCASIONED BY THE ASSASSIJIATION OF THE LATE PREMIER. I ASK of envy and of hate. Of malice, if they'll tell, I ask of this trinmvirate And power supreme of Hell If e'er assassination made With them a joint alliance. Or in contempt of mutual aid Maintain'd a self defiance ? 104 VERSES, Conscious his unrelenting soul. His dark vindictive mind. Hell had not power to controul, Nor principle to bind. Or was the monster even there In such abhorrence held ? That all the furies interfere. Pronouncing him expell'd ? In penance for superior crimes. Perhaps condemn'd to roam Through earthly continents and climesj A wand'rer from his home. The Nations subject to his fears. Before he hither came. As now from history appears. Are Italy and Spain, VERSES. 105 Where vice snch proselytes obtain'd, That had at once all Hell come, Not one would ever have disdain'd To bid their Fiendships welcome ; Where, but if envy rear'd its head. The victim then must feel The woes that wait the murd'ring lead. And dark assassin's steel. Surrounded by a host of friends To Britain need he roam. When such impunity attends His damning deeds at home. His murd'ring hand and heart, inflam'd With rage for human blood. Have, in fate's evil hour, profan'd The temple of all good. 106 VERSES. Truth and integrity of mind. Honour and fame excelling. With love and charity combin'd. Had long made it their dwelling. Behold a Nation's joy and pride ! A Monarch's elevation ! No sooner by the monster spy'd^ Than raz'd to the foundation, A fabric beautiful and fair. As ever virtue grac'd ! Thus in a moment of despair Laid desolate and waste ! Britons, let not your party zeal Humanity suppress. But manifest your heart can feel For virtue in distress. DYING CONSCRIPT. 107 Convince the world, ^tho' diflF'ring still On principles of state. Provoke, the assassin ever will. Your justice and your hate. Buing CJon^c ript to i^uonapam, ON THE FIELD OF SLAUGHTER. Once of my parents the delight and pride. Scarce sixteen youthful years had roU'd away. When war's shrill clarion call'd me from their side And thy stern mandate forc'd me to obey o 108 DYING CONSCRIPT. Affection even now doth fondly trace. And well remembers in her eager clasp The ardour of my mother's last embrace. The ferv(wir of my father's parting grasp. Was it for this they rear'd my tender frame, Convey'd instruction to my youthful mind. That I might load with obloquy thy name, And brand thee as a foe to human kind. To thy ambition and insatiate pride. Behold the victims that around me lie. Haply to better prospects once allied. Yet now esteem it happiness to die. Ah ! cast but now thy conscious eye around. Whilst dying groans invade the frighted ear, And say, if all thy hopes with conquest crown'd Can compensate for anguish so severe. DYING CONSCRIPT. 10^ This bed of carnage thus with cnmson dy'd, From whence I'm fated never more to rise. E'en now thou contemplat'st with seeming pride. And looks that scarcely indicate surprise. Yet at the mention of this scene of woe. Of unexampled sufferings and toils, Where'er compassion's tide doth ebb and flow. The senses sicken and the heart recoils. Whilst thy contented apathy surveys And guards the feeling that would interfere, Scorning alike the pity or the praise, That claims acknowledgment or costs a tear. The thousands that bedew this hostile plain. With blood that's less polluted than thine own, No more shall warn the suffering world in vain. Of thy sunk Majesty and tottering Throne, 110 DYING CONSCRIPT. Europe again her glory shall redeem, lUum'd and aided by a '* northern light," Auspicious stars re-animate the scene. And her bright sun emerge from cloudless night. Some consolation I shall taste in death. Some recorapence for what I now endure. In thus pronouncing with my latest breath, " Thy doom is certain, thy destruction sure." Surrounding spirits of the brave and just. Whose bodies strew this blood ensanguin'd plain. Left, like my own, to mingle with the dust, No longer let me supplicate in vain ; Weary your kindred spirits, who preside O'er man's frail destiny and life of woe. The dart of fate unerringly to guide. That sends the Tyrant to the shades below. IMPROMPTU. Ill impromptu N HAVING BEEN SHEWN A LADY'S PORTRAIT. Limner ! I own thy happy ait. Conspicuous in each feature. Doth most successfully impart The lineaments of nature. Correct in aspect, air and grace. The Person is desigu'd. Could I but as correctly trace. The beauties of the Mindy 112 IMPROMPTU. I'd say the placid mien and eye. All nature's works excelling, Are mirrors, where thou may'st descry Humility's fair dwelling. I'd say too that the modest blush Most clearly indicates The disposition to be such As prudence regulates. Then, as with admiration fond I on the semblance gaze. Pronounce the original beyond Thy painting or my praise. TIMIDITY. 113 immtn INSEPARABLE FROM A STATE OF DEPEXDEMCC, Where dwells it not ? or where's the stoic breast That has not shelter'd the intruding guest. That never felt the impotence of fear At frowning fate's victorious career ? The latent spark, sure presage of a mind To deeds of no mean origin inclin'd. By freedom's birth enkindled into flame Shall brighten all the avenues of fame. Thro' her wide precincts spread a blithsomc ray, Night's gloom converting into cheerful day. 114 TIMIDITY. Not so where chilling- oblig^ations bind. Or check the glowing- impulse of the mind : A moment though I bid adieu to fears. Lose sight of earth and mingle with the spheres ; Though I to fancy listen with delight, And through her airy regions wing my flight ; Breaking the fetters that impede her course. Restrain her efforts and subdue her force. Till, as the cloudy aspect clears away. Brighter and brighter beams the mental day, 'Tis yet a sickly flame the spark emits. Sublime by starts, exalted but by fits. Dependence shall eclipse the feeble light. And cheerful day convert to gloomy night. ++++++++++++ + +- :J: THEEND. 1 + + W.loJii, Primer, ShcffieliJ. /^ /% f^ THE TTB'T'i^Y UNWERSTTY OF " V\ r TpoRNIA LOS AI-^ ~-r f " '^ iK/j^ ) I 7*/ UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY AA 000 073 782 5 '^''..,,M ..c> ,\i^n ]\^ '^'oiuiiivj-jo ^Iff i I P3!.^Y ^AKYO^ ;' r,