ILIER'S POEMS POETIC EFFUSIONS. BY MARY COLLIER. THIRD EDITION, WITH ADDITIONS. ' For me, I boast nor critic lore nor skill, " Nor classic laws for measured numbers know ; ' Enough to feel the bosom's raptured thrill " The tear that starts the heart's spontaneous DERBY : PRINTED FOR THE AUTHORESS, BY WM. BEMROSE. MDCCCXLVII. TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE LORD SCARSDALE THE Authoress, fully aware that her productions possess few, if any, attractions for the accomplished and classical scholar, but must rather present to his eye numerous and varied imperfections, is deeply sensible of her great obliga- tions to your Lordship's kindness, in condescending to take the effusions of her unlettered muse under the patronage and protection of your illustrious name. At the same time, she humbly hopes, that nothing will be found in the pages of her little Volume, in regard to sentiment, which will cause your Lordship to regret the countenance you have so generously afforded. That your Lordship may long be spared by Divine Providence to enjoy health, honour, and happiness in this world, and hereafter may become a partaker of the rewards of righteousness, is the sincere prayer of Your Lordship's Most grateful, most obliged, And humble Servant, MARY COLLIER. PREFACE. GBAY, in his beautiful and justly-admired Elegy, says " Full many a gem of purest ray serene, The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear ; Full many a flower is born to blush unseen, And waste its fragrance on the desert air." And no doubt the sentiment is correct. The candour and benevolence, however, of this country have seldom failed in patronising superior genius when modestly brought before it, and especially when genius has been placed in circumstances unfavourable to its cultivation and expansion. At the same time, it is true that accidental causes have in some instances prevented for a time that encouragement which it deserves. The Authoress of these Effusions has had no reason to complain of either unkindness or neglect on the part of the public. The first Edition of her little Volume was ushered into the world under the auspices of a very respectable list of Subscribers, as also was the second Edition, published in 1835, under the patronage of the late LOUD SCARSDALE j having for its frontispiece, " a sketch of the antique church TI PREFACE. adjoining his Lordship's magnificent mansion, chosen (as expressed in the dedication) not so much in regard to its beauty as a specimen of Saxon architecture, but as being the mausoleum of the good and great of his Lordship's ancestors." The pieces added to this Edition, and which form no inconsiderable part of the Volume, are, it is believed, equal, if not superior, to those already before the public. These, like the former, are the genuine productions of her own unlettered mind ; and though they may not claim a high place as poems, yet they contain beauties which the most cultivated minds will not despise ; and as to their defects, such will (considering the circumstances of the Authoress) no doubt generously excuse. The Authoress cannot but express her deep obligation and gratitude to the present LORD SCARSDALE, who, when she called upon him at Farnah, to solicit his permission to dedicate this Edition to him, with a kindness and urbanity for which his Lordship is distinguished, and which sheds a lustre on the brightest coronet, unhesitatingly gave his consent. In conclusion, the Authoress feels great pleasure in ex- pressing her gratitude to her numerous Subscribers for the patronage which they have so generously afforded to her humble efforts, and wishes them, in return, every blessing of time and eternity. LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. The Right Honourable the Lord Scarsdale The Honourable and Rev. Frederick Curzon Sir Henry Sacheverel Wilmot, Bart., Chaddesden William Evans, Esq., M.P. William Eaton Mousley, Esq., Mayor, Derby William Leaper Newton, Esq., Banker, Leylands William Mundy, Esq., Markeaton Park The Rev. Thomas Williamson Peile, D.D., Head Master of Repton School The Rev. Joseph Jones, M.A., Repton The Rev. W. Barber, Duffield The Rev. H, R. Crewe, M.A., Breadsall The Rev. J. E. Carr, M.A., Outwoods The Rev. Joseph Deans, Melbourne The Rev. Robert Greer, Burton The Rev. Richard Hope, Derby The Rev. J. Latham, Derby The Rev. T. W. Whitaker, Stanton The Rev. John Young, M.A., Melbourne The Rev. George Graham, Derby The Rev. N. Jones, Derby The Rev. Jones, Duffield The Rev. N. Peggs, Burton The Rev. J. Pulseford, Burton VIII Allen, Mr. George, Burton Abell, Mr., Derby Adams, H., Esq., Editor of "Derby Reporter" Ault, Mrs., Duffield Abbott, Miss, Mickleover Ambrose, Miss, Derby Alsop, Miss, Matlock Bath Alport, Mr., Little-Eaton Adams, Miss, Egginton Adlington, Mr. Robert, Derby Adams, Miss, Swarkeston Broadhurst, Mr., Ambergate Station Branson, Miss, Derby Balguy, B. T., Esq., do. Ball, Mr., do. Bemrose, Mrs., do. Bain, Mr., do. Bradley, Joseph, Esq., do. Basendine, Mrs., do. Borough, Charles, Esq., Sur- geon, do. Boden, Mr., do. Beresford, Mrs., Belper Bullock, Miss, Nottingham Bunny, Mr. W. do. Barton, Miss, Cromford Bailey, Mrs., Derby Bailey, Mrs., do. Bridgart, Mrs., do. Battelle, Mrs., Alrewas Beeson, Mr. Wm., Derby Burley, Mr. John, Burley Hill Barton, Mrs., Duffield Bramley, Mr. W., Derby Bradshaw, Miss, Holbrook Bower, Mr., Duffield Botham, Miss, Aston Butler, Mr., Derby Brearey, Mr. Rowland, do. Boden, Mr. John, Belper Bull, Mr. W., Egginton Bull, Mr. James, do. Bancroft, Mr., Derby Bagnall, Miss, Ashby Basendine, Mrs. Bradbury, Mr., Derby Carrington, Miss, Derby Collinson, Mr. S. Cockayne, Miss, Derby Clay, Mr. Thomas, Matlock Clarke, Mr. H., Wirksworth Coulson, Mr. Slater, Derby Collier, Mr., do. Cursham, Miss M. A., do. Cummings, Mrs., Derby Coulson, Mrs., do. Chadwick, Robert, Esq., do. Chapman, Mrs., Neasham Hill Collier, Mrs., Dunkirk Clark, Mr., Kedleston Cornewell, Mr., Little Eaton Cash, Miss, Mickleover Cash, Miss, Derby C , Miss, do. Coggan, Mr. Castle Donington Cummings, Miss, Matlock- Bath Campbell, James, Esq., Crom- ford Collingwood, H. S. J., Esq., Matlock Bath Cooke, Mr. Thomas, Grocer, Derby Chambers, Miss, Melbourne Crossley, Mr. Charles, Tick- nail Carruthers, Mrs., Ashby Cartlich, Mr. Thomas, Derby Dixon, Capt. Francis, Derby Duncan, Mr. Win., Stockton- on-Tees Dimmocks, Mr., Derby Denby, Miss, Duffield Dixon, Mr., Derby Day, Miss, Calke Hall Dun well, Mr., High street, Burton Dawes, Miss, Pistern Hills Dewes, C. E., Esq., Ashby Edwards, Mrs., Burton Etches, W. J., Esq. Eaton, Miss, Derby Ellis, Mr., do. Evans, Mrs., Matlock Green Eaton, Miss, Ashover Eldrige, Miss, Rock House Eyre, Mr. B., Island Place Evans, Mrs. S. H., Derby Eyre, George, Esq., Duffield Ford, Mrs., London Farmer, Mr. J. S., Burton Fox, Mrs., Melbourne Fearn, Samuel, Surgeon Ford, Mr. J. G., Bookseller, &c., Derby Forman, Mr., Jun., do. Frost, Mrs., Leyford House Favager, Miss, Duffield Road Ferneyhough, Mr., Derby German, G., Esq., Derby Graham, Miss Jane, do. Greaves, Mrs. A. G., do. Goodwin, Mrs., do. Gisborne, Mrs. H., do. Gleadah, Mrs., do. Gover, Mr., do. George, Mrs. T., Duffield Greaves, Edward Ley, Esq., Solicitor, Belper Goodwin, Mrs., Derby Green, Mr. George, do. Gisborne, Mrs. J., Willington Greaves, Mrs., MatlockBath Grimshaw, T., Esq., Derby Gregory, Miss, London Gregory, Mr. W., Little Eaton Goodwin, Mr. J., Hazlewood Godfrey, Mrs., Chellaston Grime, Miss, Tickenall Harrison, Mr., Derby Holbrooke, Miss E.,Repton Holbrooke, Mrs. F., do. Hackett, Mr., Derby Hewitt, Miss, do. Hart, Mr. Edward, do. Hollingshead, Miss A., do. Hoskins,E., Esq., Surgeon, Loughboro* Holmes, Mr., Derby Holmes, A. E., Esq., do. Henchley, Mrs., Chaddesden Hill Harrison, Miss, Little Chester Harvey, Mrs., Darley Abbey Henshaw, Miss, Holbrook Holbrooke, Mrs., Mansfield House, Alvaston Hewitt, Mrs., Derby Hudson, Mrs.,Kedleston Button, Mr., Derby Hepworth, Mrs., Castle Don- ington Hertford, Mrs., Derby Hunt, Mr. G., do. Hunt, Mr. T., do. Hopkinson, Mrs.,Wheatcrofts Hewitt, Mrs. T. P., Notting- ham Higgott, Mr. W., Branston Halladay, Mr. W., Derby Holland, Miss, do. Hewitt, Mr. G. A., do. XI Haimes, Mrs. Thomas, Mel- bourne Haywood, Miss, Melbourne Jones, John, Esq., Surgeon, Derby Jolley, Mr. J., ditto Johnson, Mrs. Jones, Miss, London Johnson, Mrs. "W., Derby Jones, Mr. Thomas, do. Johnston, Mr., Burton Jerram, Mrs., Mickleover Jacklin, P., Esq., Etwall Keeling, Miss T., Derby Keeling, Mr. George, Book- seller Lee, Mrs., Derby Lamb, Dr., do. Lancashire, Mr. G., do. Longdon, Mr., do. Lamb, Dr. J., do. Lucas, Mrs., do. Ling, Mrs., Little Chester Little, Mrs., Matlock Leigh, Mrs. Frederick, Os- maston Hall Leverette, Mrs., George, Ticknall Lamplough, Mr. Derby Meakin, Miss, Derby Mozley, Mrs. John, do. Moore, Mr. Henry, do. Milner, Geo., Esq., Editor of " Derby Mercury" Major, , Esq., Surgeon, do. Mansfield, Mrs., do. Mason, Mr. T., do. Morley, Miss A., do. Metcalf, Mr., Burton Mason, Mrs., Branston Morley, W. P., Esq., Derby Moody, Mr., do, Meakin, Mr. Wm. do. Mousley, Mrs. W., Etwall Morley, Mr. John, Derby Moseley, Robert, Esq. do. Nadin, Mr., Derby Or dish, Miss Harriett, New- ton Solney XII Ormes, Miss, Burton Peach, Dr. Langley Hall Panormo, Mr., Derby Panormo, Miss, Langley Hall Peach, Mr. Wm., Derby Percrval, Mrs., do. Poyser, Mr. J., Rowdish Farm Peach, John, Esq., Derby Poyser, Miss A., Duffield Poyser, James, Esq., Duffield Poznanski, Signor L., Derby Percival, Mrs. John, do. Panormo, Mr. W., do. Price, Mr. John, Architect, Peach, "VV., Esq., Wheat Hills Poole, Mrs., Alvaston Pountain, Mr., D:rby Peach, Mr. Charles, London Peach, Mr. Geo., Ironfounder, Derby Peach, Miss, Uttoxeter-road Poyser, Miss Dinah, Derby Poyser, Mr. Joseph, do Peet, Henry, Esq., Derby Pasteur, Miss E., Melbourne Potter, Mr. Joseph, Kensing- ton Peach, Mrs., Kensington Peal, Mr. P., Corn Market Quail, Mr., Colour-Manu- facturer Riley, Mr., Derby Ratcliffe, Mr. J. do. Rowbottom, Mr., Bookseller, Derby Robinson, Mrs. Roberts, Mr. T., Bookseller, Derby Radford, Miss, Little Eaton Roberts, Mr. Wolston, Derby Russell, Mr., Mackworth Rawlinson, Jas., Esq., Mat- lock Bath Richardson, J. Esq. Solicitor, Burton Radford, Mr., Derby Slator, Miss, Derby Sims, Mr. Jas., Jun., County Gaol Smith, Mr. Jas., Bookseller, Derby XIII Swinnerton, Mr. S., Builder, Derby Spencer, Mr. W. G., Derby Sims, Miss, County Gaol Smith, Mr., Duffield Spencer, Mr., Belper Snow, Miss, Derby Salt, Miss, Kedleston Shaw, Mrs,, Steeple Grange Smith, Mrs., Branston Swan, Mr. W. T., Guildables, Burton Smith, Mrs., Belper Somers, Mrs, J,, Repton Stokes, Mr. R., Schoolmaster, Burton Sheffield, Miss Selina, Tick- enall Sims, Mr., Governor of the County Gaol Tempest, Mrs., Burley Thelen, Mrs., Derby Thompson,, Mrs. J., Derby Taylor, Miss, Cromford Taylor, Geo,, Esq., Surgeon, Derby Tunaley, Mrs. Derby Taylor, Mrs.,Markeaton-road Topham, Mrs. J. C,, Belper Thacker, Miss, Shardlow Thompson, Mr. Geo., Builder, Derby Thornton, Mrs., Markeaton Tempest, Mr, John, Little Eaton Tabberer, Miss, Osmaston Hall Taylor, Mr. H, W,, National School, Burton Thornton, Mr. L. M,, Derby Underwood, Miss, Thurvaston Vickers, S., Esq., Willington Watts, Mrs, John, Repton Wedge, M. C., Esq., Derby White, Mr, John Mold, Heanor Ward, Mrs., Derby Ward, Mr., do, Walkerdine, Mr. Jesse, Derby Wood, Mr. John, Builder, do. Watts, Mrs., do. Wilkins, Messrs. George and Son, Booksellers, do. XIY Watson, Mrs., Derby Walkerdine, Miss, do. Woolley, Mr,, Allestree Woollat, Mrs,, Burley Whitehurst, J., Esq., Derby Winstanley, Mr. John, do. Wayte, Mr., do. Wade, Miss Matilda, Mickle- over Walker, Miss, Aston Warrington, Mrs., Derby Watts, Miss, do. Wheatcroft, Mr., Little Eaton Ward, Mr. R., Derby Williamson, W., Esq., Solici- tor, Littleover Wildgoose, Mrs., Matlock Wright, Miss, Lea Wheatcroft, Mrs., Cromford Wilson, Miss, Quarndon Whittaker, Mr., Breadsall Webster, Mrs., the Priory Winson, Mrs., Belper Webster, Mr. John, Little Eaton Woodford, J., Esq,, Solicitor, Derby Wheatcroft, Mrs., Cromford Wheatcroft, Mr. N,, do. Whittaker, Mr. A., Little Eaton W. E. W., Esq., Etwall Watson, Mr. John, Egginton Wayte, Mrs., Newton Solney Wilders, Mrs. John, Repton Ward, Mr. J,, jun., Burton Walker, Miss, Calke Hall Woodward, Mrs., Simsby Wayte, Mr. T., Bookseller, Ashby Yates, Miss Fanny, Kensing- ton POETIC EFFUSIONS. ON FARNAH, THE SEAT OF THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD SCARSDALE. HAIL, beauteous mansion ! whose majestic form Has caught the traveller's admiring gaze ; Whose fair erection, graced with many a charm, Forms a fit subject for the Poet's lays ! Oft have I viewed, when but in youthful days, The pleasing beauties of this stately dome ; Where taste and genius varied art displays, Blending the palace with the charms of home. And oft I've viewed these fair romantic scenes, When Phoebus' golden beams displayed their powers ; Watched their reflection on the crystal streams, And slowly traced the sweetly twining bowers. 16 POETIC'.EFFUSIONS. ' *W6uid thaf my pen had skill and power to paint The raptur'd feelings which these scenes inspire ! Its feeble touches are too poor and faint ! They lack the genius of poetic fire, Or I would sing the grotto's calm retreat, Where Art, assisting Nature, charms the sight ; And thither tempt the stranger's wandering feet, Where freshening zephyrs would the Bard invite. There Taste her thousand graceful forms arrays, And mingled beauties weave a magic chain ; 'Tis there, the gurgling fountain gently plays, And Sylphs and Naiads hold their peaceful reign, POETIC EFFUSIONS. 17 LAMENT ON THE WANT OF EDUCATION. IT has been said by ancient sires, That man indulges base desires ; And that our nature's wants are few, If we their right proportion knew : With this assertion I agree, But one sad want is known to me. My soul would rise : and soaring high, Would claim the Poet's favorite joy, Gladly improve kind Nature's part With education's noble art ; But as this blessing Fate denies, She shrinks, and never hopes to rise. Much I admire those soaring minds, Where learning with good sense combines, Which can with equal ease and joy,^ Their every vacant hotir employ : Each rising sentiment improve, On Nature, Virtue, and on Love. 18 POETIC EFFUSIONS, With pleasure roam around the land, And as they rove, their minds expand By aid of Science ; they adore, And Nature's wondrous works explore ! On me, such lights have never glowed ; For me, such pleasures never flowed ! My Muse forgetful takes her flight, And rising with intense delight. She mounts on Contemplation's wings, In hopes to trace sublimer things : But while my anxious bosom burns, Alas ! she flutters and returns. Thus disappointment, care, and woe, Compel forbidden tears to flow. Yet while I mourn, with grief sincere, My fortune, cruel and severe, I see the heavenly Day-Star rise, Which points my passage to the skies ; Which reigns and rules within my breast, The seal of an immortal rest ! It was this brilliant ray of hope Which taught me first with Time to cope ; Which bade me on that Strength rely, That can each threatening storm defy ; POETIC EFFUSIONS. 19 Whose word can quench the powers of hell, And every earth-born fear dispel. And I'll adore redeeming grace, My Saviour's humble footsteps trace, Whilst I pursue with heartfelt joy, The sacred way-mark to the sky. MY BROTHER. ADDRESSED BY THE AUTHORESS TO HER BROTHER, WHO, AT PARTING, REQUESTED THAT HIS SISTER WOULD SOMETIMES THINK. ON HIM. O YES ! while sacred Memory reigns, And Reason owns her sway ; And kindred Love my heart enchains ; I'll sometimes think on thee, My Brother. In future years should woes combine, And fortune frown on me, While mingled miseries entwine, I'll sometimes think on thee, My Brother. B 2 20 POETIC EFFUSIONS* And when indulgent heaven smiles, And prospects pleasing be Then, while prosperity beguiles, I'll oft-times think on thee, My Brother. And should I e'er be doomed to roam, Far distant realms to see ; When wandering from my native home, I'll sometimes think on thee, My Brother. And when some 'luring syren's voice Would tempt thy heart 'gainst heaven's decree, Make virtue thy decided choice, And sometimes think on me, My Brother. And if by many a tender tie, Thy sister's dear to thee ; Thy every vacant hour employ To prove thou think'st on me, My Brother. POETIC EFFUSIONS. 21 TO DONALD, WHO, ON PARTING WITH A YOUNG LADY, REQUESTED HER NOT TO FORGET HIM. FORGET thee ! No ! I said farewell ! But never shall the pang depart ; Tis like an ever-tolling knell, Impetuous sounding at my heart. Forget those rural scenes of joy, Once to my heart intensely dear ; Another maid thy care employ And I ne'er drop the pensive tear ! That heart to tender feelings prone, Such coldness never can partake ; I live to love but thee alone, Or yield to die for Donald's sake. The tongue of slander, whose fell pow'r Once sought thy gentle heart to move, Succeeded in a fatal hour, And banish' d me from life and love. 22 POETIC EFFUSIONS. Yet, though I'm doomed to mourn in vain, And we, alas ! are forced to sever ; Forget, forgive ; thy truth maintain, And, Donald, let us love for ever. ADDRESS TO A FRIEND, FROM MY SICK BED. AND must our friendship cease, though death shall sever ? No ! Fanny, soon we shall the more unite : And must it cease? Tho' worlds dissolve! No, never! In union we shall walk with Christ in light. There, free from pain, from anguish, and from woe, We'll gladly join the happy choir ahove ; Enjoy the warmth of friendship's sacred glow, Till friendship ripen to celestial love. The NOW INVISIBLE we then shall see, And chant the wonders of redeeming grace ; For there the great I AM shall ever be, Without a cloud before His gracious face ! POETIC EFFUSIONS. 23 TO LORENZO. WRITTEN FOB A YOUNG LADY TO HER LOVER WHO HAD ABANDONED HER. TELL me, Lorenzo, in those busy scenes, Viewing the palace and the lofty tower, Can you forget, while sacred memory reigns, The rural walk and oft frequented bower ? Can you, while reason lends her friendly aid, Forget the calm and solitary grove ; Where oft, in sweet retirement's pleasing shade, You vowed eternal constancy and love ! And, Oh! I listened with unconscious joy, And thought my breast incapable of pain ; While every feathered tenant of the sky Appeared to join you in the ardent strain ! 'Twas you who lighted first love's ardent fire, And formed the fond emotions of my heart ; You bid each anxious troubled fear expire, And then, bade every blooming hope depart. 24 POETIC EFFUSIONS. INVOCATION TO THE MOON. WRITTEN AT TWELVE YEARS OF AGE, IN MEMORY OF A SCHOOL-FELLOW AT SEA. ILLUSTRIOUS lamp ! commissioned from on high To chase the gloomy terrors of the night ; Bright ornament of the ethereal sky, Visit my Henry with thy cheering light. In yonder distant country where he roves, Where peace and hope forsake his wayward breast ; For ever banished from the maid he loves, With deadly anguish and with care opprest ; Oh ! that thy presence would impress his soul ; Would bid him every earthly fear resign : With soft persuasion and with fond control, Would raise his pensive mind to things divine. POETIC EFFUSIONS. 25 STANZAS IN RETIREMENT. As oft at evening's silent hour, Led by the gentle breeze, I seek some shady lonely bow'r Amid the woodland trees ; And musing there on passing scenes, In solitary mood, Where pensive Meditation reigns And loves alon to brood ; I sadly think on future wo*s, Or those long past away ; Reflection whispers to the Muse, With hope inspiring lay. " Ah ! why," she says, " the heavy sigh ? " Or why that dark despair ? " Since every mortal bom to die, " Has joy with grief to share. 26 POETIC EFFUSIONS. " As equal light o'er every land " All-bounteous heaven bestows ; " So equal blessings from its hand, " To every creature flows. " Then think not to be nobly born " Can make us blest alone ; " For oft the monarch's breast is torn " With anguish not its own. " Full oft beneath the sparkling brow, " Where sense and wit are seen, " Is lodg'd the Deadly weight of woe, " With sorrow dark and keen. " Yet 'neath t\e roof of humble swain, " With aspect mean and low, ft Though pressed with poverty and pain, " May solid comforts flow. " There is a charm of magic power, " To no estate confined ; " A charm beyond the present hour, " A calm confiding mind !" POETIC EFFUSIONS. 27 May I this lovely prize obtain, E'en in my lowly cot ; I'll cherish sweet contentment's reign, And bless my humble lot. TO ROSA. AH ! Rosa, if endearing smile Was e'er intended to beguile, 'Twas that which dwelt upon thy mien, Where every sparkling grace was seen, This favoured morn ; It was as though some transient cloud, That veiled thy beauties as a shroud, Was then withdrawn ; And thus revealed to genial light, They shone with brilliant splendour bright, Like something heaven-born ! 28 POETIC EFFUSIONS. TO MISS **** ACCEPT, dear madam, from a grateful mind, Emotions that would gladly be expressed : The sigh, the tear, the genial wish combined, With mingled incense rising from the breast. I would be grateful, would express my joy, And every tender sentiment reveal ; But still your presence does this power deny, And secret silence in my bosom seal. And shall I fear that noble graceful mien, Which friends have oft beheld with sweet delight ? Yes, dazzling bright, 'tis like the angel's gleam, When Parnell's Hermit wondered at the sight. POETIC EFFUSIONS. 29 TO MY HUSBAND. OCCASIONED BY SOME FAVORITE PLANTS OP HIS WHICH I HAD SET OUT FOB THE BENEFIT OF A SHOWEB, BEING OVEBTHBOWN AND DESTBOYED BY A SUDDEN GUST OF WIND. EXCUSE me, love ; those tender trees Though they were favorites of thine : For sure that rough unfriendly breeze, Was a decided foe of mine. If e'er my bosom heaved a sigh, Or e'er an ardent wish expressed, 'Twas that no blooming hope should die, That once was cherished in thy breast. And though, like willows by the stream, They seemed to flourish every day ; Their beauty's fled, and, like a dream, Thy hopes are vanished far away. 30 POETIC EFFUSIONS. Oft have I seen thy anxious care, And now behold thy blighted joys : Yet HEAYEN shall hear my constant prayer, And give that hope which never dies. This sacred flower shall ever bloom, In desert wild shall seem more fair ; This, can no mortal power entomb, No northern winds can e'er impair. This brilliant star shall ever shine Shall shed its lustre clear and bright - Shall yield the heartfelt peace divine, E'en in the darkest gloom of night. POETIC EFFUSIONS. 31 VERSES WRITTEN IN A GARDEN. WAS e'er enchantment framed by Nature's power, 'Tis midst the mazes of this sylvan scene ; Did Heaven e'er grant to me one favored hour, 'Twas where these verdant beauties smiled serene, Along these devious walks I love to stray, And hear the gentle river's murmuring roll ; It seems to steal each woe-born thought away, And sooth the pensive sadness of the soul. The mingled charms by taste and genius wrought, With secret raptures cheer the wondering sight, Exalt the mind, inspire each virtuous thought, And fill the ravished senses with delight. c 2 32 POETIC EFFUSIONS. THE MUSE'S WISH. WHERE would the Muse delight to roam ? Where fix her favorite future home ? Not in the crowded scenes of life Where ev'ry hour gives birth to strife : Not in the lonely village, free From noise, yet bound in tyranny ; Some knight or squire there holds the reins, And peasants live 'neath galling chains : Not in the dungeon's gloomy cell, Where none but slaves in anguish dwell, Where light of day hath never shone, Where dreadful darkness reigns alone : But in some wood, some rural wild, Where peace and plenty always smiled ; Where Nature's blooming beauties grow, And health and peace around bestow. Here the free tenants of the air With sweetest strains beguile our care, And here through all the vale is rung In wood-notes wild the shepherd's song. POETIC EFFUSIONS. 33 Here stands the poplar towering high, Whose summit seems to touch the sky ; With fair majestic beauty graced, Beside the shady elm is placed ; Here too, in sweet profusion, view Flowers of the wildest form and hue ; To grace the Muse's peaceful seat, The myrtle finds a loved retreat ; Here Nature proves her genial power, And circling woodbines form a bower : Here, would the Muse enraptured reign, And bound by only Friendship's chain, And taught by Nature's purest laws To shun the search of vain applause, Would taste the hermit's humble joy : Joined in affection's tender est tie, Here, with one loved companion blest, She'd take no care for future rest, But think the sweets of mutual love A foretaste of the joys above. 34 POETIC EFFUSIONS. ELEGIAC STANZAS, WRITTEN AT THE REQUEST OF A YOUNG MAN, ON THE DEATH OP A YOUNG WOMAN TO WHOM HE WAS ENGAGED. FAREWELL, Maria ! long shall memory dwell On innocence, as pure as new-born light ; Long shall the Muse in tenderest accents tell Her woes, while thou shalt bloom in regions bright. And shall we mourn in ceaseless, fruitless woe, The loss of virtues gentle and refined ? Yes, echoing back in strains of anguish flow F orbidden sorrows from the afflicted mind. Yet would we bow to that superior power Which raised this star to regions all divine : He that transplanted hence the lovely flower, Has placed it where immortal beauties shine. POETIC EFFUSIONS. 35 EPITAPH ON MARIA. THIS stone is placed where sleeping virtue's laid ; We mark the spot and shed a tender tear : Her memory lives, though in the silent shade She sleeps, nor courts this feeble tribute here. Flown is her spirit from the scenes of woe ; And may that Light Divine which blest her way, Shine o'er our path and lead us to pursue Her heaven-directed steps, to an eternal day. ON A LITTLE GIRL, WHOSE NAME WAS ROSE. HAIL, little flower ; by heaven designed To flourish fair in future years ; Thy name and nature so entwined A sweet and near resemblance bears. 36 POETIC EFFUSIONS. When first this little bud was seen, An infant smile of magic power Play'd o'er her face of gentlest mien A sunbeam o'er its kindred flower. The mighty power who gave her birth, Has stamped an index of her mind ; So sweetly boding future worth, She seems as for her name designed. STANZAS. AH me ! reflection starts with anguish wild, And bids my tears responsively to flow ; Reminds me of the days when prospects smiled, And every breast was warm with friendship's glow. And when reflection's racking pains Around my heart entwine, I mourn that fearful darkness reigns Where Hope alone should shine. POETIC EFFUSIONS. 37 That glittering star's refulgent light, Which happier mortals see, Still with transcendent lustre bright, Is ever dim to me. But I'll implore that power supreme, Which gave me first such heartfelt joy, To yield once more its guiding beam, The brilliant way-mark to the sky. Then shall that powerful magnet shine, And point the course I should pursue Make me each earth-born care resign, And keep the sacred end in view. 38 POETIC EFFUSIONS. ON THE DEATH OF A LITTLE GIRL. FAREWELL, blest Ellen ! long thy spotless name Shall deep imprinted on our memories live ; Long on the records of unsullied fame Thy lovely innocence a charm shall give. Farewell, thou little floweret of the shade, Just born to blossom, like thy kindred rose ; Early transplanted where no thorns invade, To flourish fair in regions of repose. POETIC EFFUSIONS. 39 STANZAS. WHILE some, amid the busy scenes of life, Pursue its pleasures on each rising day, Be mine reflection, free from anxious strife, As thus I pensive tread my lonely way. Here the fond Muse, in meditation's flight, Wings her high-soaring passage through the air, Neither surrounded by the shades of night, Nor yet distracted by corroding care ; Inspired by heaven, and blest by fate supreme, Here would I wander at the break of day, Feeding alone on fancy's favorite dream, While love and hope maintain their equal sway. No blighted prospects shall the bosom pain, While nature's beauties charm the admiring sight; No deadly sorrow in the memory reign, Calm like a spirit in the realms of light. D t 40 POETIC EFFUSIONS. ON THE AUTHOR'S WEDDING-DAY. As oft as rolling time shall chance to bring Back to my mind remembrance of that day, 111 hail the breeze that bears it on its wing, And mourn its flight whene'er it's passed away. That day gave birth to many a rising sigh, And planted in my bosom many a fear, The secret tumult of my soul beat high ; But, ah ! the tie was tender, strong, and dear. Bright was that sun whose lovely cloudless brow, With radiant lustre on my path did rise ; Bright was that aspect, solemn was that vow, That pledged to me what most on earth I prize. Nor was my heart inspired by sordid views No sigh for riches, no desire for fame ; That secret peace which from affection flows Was all my hope, and all I wish'd to claim. POETIC EFFUSIONS. 41 ON A FINE PEACOCK, WHICH, WHILE DISPLAYING ITS PLUMAGE, WALKED BACKWARDS TILL IT FELL INTO A POND. ONE morning, early in the birth of spring, When Nature first her infant hope reveals, When tuneful birds their wildest wood-notes sing, And every Poet secret rapture feels ; Attentively^! watch'd each passing scene, For meditation was my Muse disposed, When 'neath the radiant sun's refulgent beam, A feathered king his majesty disclosed. By nature graced with all that charms the sight, With conscious pomp he backward bent his way, Spreading his plumes before the azure light, Proudly exulting in a monarch's sway. Each gentle breeze that blew but more revealed The brightest colours of his noble train ; His regal power and beauty were his shield, No danger threatened his despotic reign. 42 POETIC EFFUSIONS. Yet storms will rise, and clouds obscure the days Of haughty monarchs, as our histories tell ; Then wonder not, whilst proudly courting praise, Into a pond the high-plumed tyrant fell. Ah me ! I thought of human pomp and show, Just blighted in the moment of their bloom : How oft are mortals' towering hopes laid low, And proud ambition prisoned in the tomb ! ON THE DEATH OF A FAVORITE DOG. IF to obedience and assiduous care, One single tribute from the Muse is due, Then Tiny must this little favor share ; Belov'd in life, in death lamented too. Pride of her mistress, and her master's joy ; Their faithful guardian both by night and day : No more on Tiny must their hopes rely ; To Death, fell tyrant, she's become a prey. POETIC EFFUSIONS. 43 STANZAS, SUGGESTED BY A BIRD WHICH FOLLOWED THE AUTHOR AS SHE WAS GOING TO BE MARRIED, AND UTTERED UNCEASINGLY ITS PLAINTIVE NOTES. WHAT gentle voice was that I heard Soft "breathing in the air ? Methinks it was that little bird, With boding notes of care. It seemed to follow me with pain, Like some foretelling sprite, As if 'twould say, with mournful strain, Thy prospects are not bright. Why did it leave its lonely bower Where nature's beauties grow, To tract me in this happy hour, And chirp of future woe ? I will not fear its 'boding plaint, I'll not indulge despair ; Why should I present blessings taint With thoughts of future care ? D 2 44 POETIC EFFUSIONS. STANZAS. WITH secret pleasure shall I oft rehearse The first unfolding of my infant views, When first I lov'd to frame the humble verse, And unaffected wooed the feeble Muse. Nor did I wish that any eye should see, Nor hope that any bosom should admire ; 'Twas nature's wild ungarnish'd boon to me, The smallest portion of poetic fire. For oft I would, when but in childhood's years, Ere reason had begun to hold her reign, In rhyming accents tell my hopes and fears, And lisp my woes in melancholy strain. Twas mine to love retirement's rural joys, And all the sweets which solitude bestowed, The world was only dear from friendship's ties, No thought of public praise within me glowed ; POETIC EFFUSIONS. 45 Till generous bosoms, fired with ready zeal, With one consent, bestowed th' indulgent smile, Set to my work the sweet approving seal The kind reward of all my studious toil. LINES WRITTEN AT A VERY EARLY AGE. WHEN rambling on a rural plain, Early in morning dew, I met a youthful wandering swain In garb of ancient hue : He cast a wistful look on me, With gladness on his mien, And asked me if my home might be On yonder rural green. " Yes," I exclaimed, " I there retire, " And with my mother too ; " But why a stranger should inquire, " The cause I do not know." 46 POETIC EFFUSIONS. I thought he looked like RatclifFe's son, But spoke in language smoother ; He said " A little stranger's come, 66 To a Friend, on Returning a Volume of Poems, 67 On a Bullfinch, 68 Kedleston Church, 69 Kedleston Hall, 70 From a Wife to an Unsympathising Husband, 71 On a Religious Change in my Father, 73 CONTENTS. Pag Kecollections of Matlock, 74 On visiting Matlock, to procure Subscribers, 1847, 76 The Loves of Edward Browne and Ellen, of Scoresby Hall, 77 To Mr. L. M. T., on reading his Sacred Poems, &c., .... 86 Lines on the Death of my Eldest Brother, 87 To Mr. and Mrs. B., on the Death of their beloved Daughter, 88 To my Sister, Mrs. T., on the death of her Husband, .... 90 On Hope, 92 On seeing a Beautiful Young Lady with a Blighted Flower in her Hand, 94 On a Lady leaving her Home, 95 Edwin and Alinda, 97 Henry and Ellen, 99 To a Friend, 103 His Reply, 104 Stanzas to a Friend, 106 His Reply, 108 Stanzas in Reply, by Mrs. Collier, 110 On the death of Mrs. S., 113 Stanzas, addressed to Mr. B., 115 Reflections on Autumn, &c., 117 To the Authoress, on the Death of her Eldest Daughter, by a Friend, 120 To Mrs. P., on the Death of her Infant, 121 An Eulogium, 123 To a Benevolent Lady, 125 On a Snowdrop, 126 The Land of the Blest, , 127 CONTENTS. Page To Miss C., written for her Lover, when in dying circum- stances, 129 To Miss P., the Authoresses Cousin, 131 On the Death of the Authoresses Uncle, 132 To Mrs. W., 135 To Mrs. P., an esteemed Friend, t 136 On Friendship, 137 1 935 916905 THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY