THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES I L^TVv PATHETIC TALES, POEMS, S(C. B. Burford, Printer, Frith Street, Soho. ft THE "R 13 B E K l\: Foster 2>i>ij iiais ' PATHETIC TALES, BY J. B. FISHER, AUTHOR OF THE HERMITAGE, MORT CA8TLE, &C. &C. THE LESS THEY DESERVE, THE MORE MERIT IS IS your bounty." Shakespeare. LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR. And sold by MESSRS. LONGMAN, HURST, REES, AND ORME, PATERNOSTER-ROW. 1808. TO WILLIAM HARGREAVE, Esq. Sir, To you, whose fostering hand was ever wont to repair the injuries inflicted by misfor- tune ; whose commiserating aid has often chased the tear from the cheek of distress, and rescued merit from the dark cavern of despair I pre- sume to dedicate the following sheets. To lay at the feet of a friend and benefactor, this small tribute of my gratitude ; which, however trifling in value, will I hope, be considered as the humble effort of one, who laments his want of ability to render it more worthy of your accept- ance. S> r~ o o f~* it 6 That you may live long to enjoy the blessings -of deserved prosperity and that the dictates of your benevolent heart may never be restricted by fortune, nor wounded by ingratitude, is the unfeigned wish of, Sir, With great respect, Your most obedient, Most obliged, And devoted Servant, Lincoln" s-Inn-Fie'lds. THE AUTHOR. wfiscrtfiers* HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS OF WALES. HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUCHESS OF YORK. Most Noble Marquis of Hartixgto.v. Right Hon. Lady Morpeth. Right Hon. Lady Eliz. Foster. Right Hon. Lady Besborough. Right Hon. Lady Harriet Cavendish. Mr. S. Alden Mr. G. Atkins Mrs. Accum Miss P. Aston J. Bannister, Esq. Braham, Esq. Mr. Bishop Mr. J. D. Brown Mr. H. Brown Mr. Bristow Mr. Burford Mr. Bickner Mrs. Breach Miss Box Miss Boyce Miss Beetham Miss Blass Mrs. Benson Mr. J. C. Burckhardt, 2 copies Mrs. Butler Mr. Brough Cuff, Esq. Mr. Billing G. Cates, Esq. Mr. C. Burnett Mr. Chapman Mr. J. H. Bond Mr. Clermont Mr. Banks Mr. W. H. Cole Mr. J. Barkley Mr. Coker Mr. J. Breach Mr. J. Caulfield 8 SUBSCRIBERS. Mr. R. Chatterly Mr. W. Cubitt Mr. T. Cooke Miss M. Cooke Miss Clifton Mrs. Corri Mrs. Cuyler E. Danby, Esq. 2 copies J. D'Egville, Esq. Dowton, Esq. W. Dunn, Esq. Miss Duncan Miss Danby Mrs. panby Miss Dee R. W. Elliston, Esq. Mr. E. J. Eyre Mr. B. Evans Mr. H. Eastman Mr. J. Eason Mrs. Eastgate G. Feagan, Esq. Mr. Fox Mr. Foulkes Mr. Fitzsimmons Mr. Foster, 6 copies Mr. R. Fairbrother Mr. J. Fairfield Mrs. Furguson A. Graham, Esq. Mr. J. Graham C. Greenwood, Esq. Mr. J. Grimaldi Mr. Guest Mr. T. Greenwood Mr. J. Gibbon Mr. T. Greaves Mr. T. Gosden Mr. Germain Mrs. Greenwood W. Hargreave, Esq. 6 copies Mr. T. Hodgson, 3 do. Mr. F. Homan Capt. Hewitson Mr. Hardy Mr. Heady Mr. Heywood Mr. R. Hobbs, 2 copies Mr. Harrison Mr. F. Hartland Mr. Hixon Mrs. Hargreave Mrs. Hopewell Miss Henderson Henry Ibbetson, Esq. Mr. T. Jennings, jun. Mr. Johnson Mr. A. Johnston Mr. R. Johnston Mr. J. Johnston Mr. T. Johnston, 2 copies Mr. Irish Mrs. Irish Miss A. Irish Mr. Jones Mrs. King SUBSCRIBERS. J. Lynn, Esq. Master R. Lynn Mr. G. Lynn Mr. Leadly Mr. Lawson Rev. Dr. Lens Mrs. Lynn Miss Lynn Miss M. A. Lynn Mr. T. Milner Mr. J. B. Maffet Mr. Miller Mr. Maddocks Mrs. Mountain Miss Mellon Mrs. Mattenly Mrs. Millard Miss J. Milner Mr. G. Oliver Mrs. Outram R. Peake, Esq. Mr. R. Peake, jun. Mr. Putnam Mr. Penly Mr. C. Powell Mr. Purser Miss Pope Mrs. Presbury Mrs. De Ponte Mr. G. Quin J. R. Robinson, Esq. Mr. Raymond Mr. S. Russel Mr. E. Rae Mr. G. Ridgway, 3 copies Mr. R. Revell Mr. T. Rees Mr. T. Rice Mr. W. Rhodes Mr. W. J. Rhodes Mr. W. Rogers Mr. Rorauer Mr. Romer Mr. W. Roberts Mr. Roach Mrs. Richards Mrs. Raws Miss Raws Miss Rhodes Hon. Mr. Skeffington R. B. Sheridan, Esq M. P. T. Sheridan, Esq. Sutton, Esq. Mr. Staunton, 3 copies Mr. G. Smith Mr. Smith Mr. South Mr. Sturgess Mr. Seaton Mr. Spring Mr. Sparks, 6 copies Mr. E. Shone Mr. J. Stokes Mrs. Sheridan Madame Storace Mrs. Scott 10 SUBSCRIBERS. Mrs. Sowerby Mrs. Sparks Thos. Taylor, Esq. - Thorn, Esq. Mr. Treppass Mr. P. Tognerelli Miss Tidswell Miss Thompson Mrs. Townscnd Rd. Wroughton, Esq. T. T. Wethcrhcad, Esq. P. Weatherhead, Esq. P. Warburton, Rsq. Thos. Welsh, Esq. 2 copies Willoughby, Esq. Mr. H. Walther, 3 copies Mr. Wilson Mr. Wiber Mr. E. Weddall Mr. Werrington Miss Walker Mrs. Warburton. preface* Although countenanced by a respectable number of friends, who liberally consented to patronize my publica- tion, yet I feel myself in duty bound to apologize for the rough and incorrect state in which it will appear before them ; as also, to give some reason for presuming (with a consciousness of its demerits) to suffer it to appear at all. Being a victim to the caprice of fortune at the early period of my life, taught me patience under difficulties, I might otherwise have conceived insupportable ; and often, when the heavy hand of persecution {resulting from de- pendence on false promises) disturbed my repose, with ap- pearances, rendered terrific by the exaggerations of fancy I have crept from my pillow, and found serenity and re- signation from the ideal picture of distresses more poignant than my own. The produce of my nocturnal employment I submitted to the perusal of a partial few ; who assured me, that they considered them worthy of publication. Although the compliment was flattering, it would yet have proved insufficient to tempt me to the hazard, had I not felt the persuasive arguments of a more resistless advocate : and, while soliciting the candour and lenity of criticism, I declare, in the language of our immortal Bard, that " My poverty, but not my will consented!" J. B. F. CONTENTS. Introductory Address .Page 1 The Ring, a Tale of Romance 4 The Brothers, a Moral Tale 17 The Harper 35 The Robber, a German Story 43 An Acrostic 55 An Address to the Deity 56 The Italian 68 The Garden 86 The Maniac 88 The Storm King 92 The Suicide 93 Chahity's Residence 97 Inscription on a Grave-Stone 98 Lines, to the Memory of a late Naval Hero 99 An Elegy 101 The Casket 109 POEMS. " With all their imperfections on their heads." Shakespeare. INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. All hail subscription! 'tis to thee we owe The plenteous fruits, which from invention grow. Without thy aid, full oft the toiling bard Would lose, unpity'd, his deserv'd reward ; And genius languish in the cave of night, Nor dare look forward to the dawn of light : But sav'd by thee, the poet finds his way, Creeps from the shade, and ventures into day. Then hail, subscription! for 'tis thine to pour The ray of sunshine on the springing flow'r 2 POEMS. Of infant genius It is thine to guard With friendly eye, the blossoms of the bard ; Checr'd by thy fostering warmth, they thrive apace, And each new day presents increasing grace. When venal candidates, of narrow soul, Intreat your vote, your interest and poll ; Join unabash'd the lowest ranks of life, And with gay favours deck a cobler's wife ; The credulous, too easily misled By shining proffers, spurn the humble shed, 'Till by false expectation robb'd of bread, Too late are taught dependance on the great, And in the vale of sorrow mourn their fate. Go thou! who canst pursue this hated plan, And wound by falsehood all that makes the man, All tender ties, all sense of honor crush, Hence to thy closet hence ! and learn to blush ! Go, seek humanity ! her path explore, Nature will guide thee, but religion more. When such high men beneath their state descend, (Then most a foe, when seeming most a friend !) POEMS. Say, patient reader ! where's the mighty crime In this petition, from a man of rhyme? One trifling difference, worthy your regard, Exists between the candidate and bard, >Tis only this the one forgets his word, The other feels the benefits conferr'd. If you should blame my stile, I'll try to mend, And deem reproof the censure of a friend, Yet should loud scandal with her voice destroy My infant muse, my time-beguiling toy, Then farewell all those fancies of the brain, That like an opiate, lull'd the sense of pain ; With mirth's fair flow'rets strew'd my rugged way, And made the aspect of misfortune gay. POEMS. THE RING j OR RODOLPHO AND ADELA. A TALE OF ROMANCE. " In whatsoever character " The book of fate is writ, ; " 'Tis well we understand not it " Then ask not bodies doom'd to die " To what abodes they go, " Since knowledge is but sorrow's spy, " 'Tis better not to know." Davenant. A. Baron far fam'd for his prowess and might, And possessing an ample domain, Had a beautiful daughter, belov'd by a knight, And her sympathy lessen'd his pain. Their ages were equal, their souls were the same, When love 'gan their hearts to invade ; Ilodolpho (a knight of the cross) was his name, And Adelathat of the maid. POEMS. 5 To the baron the lover exultingly went, And entreated permission to take Fair Adela's hand, with a father's consent, But the baron no answer could make. He was gloomily sunk in apparent despair, And his countenance scowling with rage; Nor filial attempts could disburthen his care, Nor his heart- wounding fury assuage. Not a faint ray of hope e'en the baron could find, Nor no balm could his sufferings stay, For enchantment held power o'er body and mind, And tortur'd with merciless sway. 'Till at length his torn feelings an interval found, In reflection some moments he sat, Then he call'd for the book in the cabala bound, And entitled, the Volume of Fate. It was instantly brought, and where chance op'd the book, He studied the characters strange; But on no other section the baron could look. Nor sufier'd his sight was to range. 6 POEMS. This page, he proclaim'd in an audible tone, Describ'd well his sorrowful state, And told those afflicted with pangs like his own, Enchantment had goaded through hate. Yet a way to escape, in a fortunate hour, To avoid the result of the spell, And wholly to foil the enchanter's great pow'r, This magical volume did tell. " A, knight that was youthful, and generous as brave, " And of no evil daemon afraid, il Must descend, at the dead hour of midnight, a grave. " Where a bard's peaceful ashes are laid. From his time-decay 'd finger, a ring he must take, " And return to the castle with speed, ''Where the firstthat he meets, if the spell hewould break, " Must receive it, so fate has decreed. ; Tho' the gem is well guarded by magical aid, u And dangers the knight will oppress, ' Yet if courage unshaken support his true blade, " He the combat will end with success. POEMS. 7 To chastise the guilty, and aid the opprcss'd, Rodolpho had ever been us'd, And this lit as valiant a flame in his breast, As chivalry ever produced. " In me," said the hero, " a true knight behold, " Who'll gladly adventure his life ; " If successful, I'll ask not or honors or gold, " But fair Adela claim for a wife." " Your valour, sir knight, I admiring believe," The baron elated replied, " And if you this enterprize haply atchieve, " You shall Adela have for a bride. " And not to the gift of my daughter alone " Be my gratitude to you confin'd, " This spacious domain you shall then call your own, " As far as your eye-sight can wind." Where echo returns a soft murmuring tale To the brook that meanders along, In the neighbouring county, deep sunk in a vale, Was the grave of this master of song. 8 POEMS. The knight to the valley his course quickly bent, His strearaing-maned steed almost flew, Nor 'ere had he slacken'd his pace as he went, 'Till the tomb of the bard met his view. From the top of a mountain the spot he descri'd, In the midst of a desolate plain, And tall tow'ring hills encircled each side, Where the bard for two ages had lain. Now the sky was begirt in her star-spangled robe, That twinkled with radiance mild, The mantle of midnight half covered the globe, When he gain'd the sought spot in the wild. The approach to the tomb was by nature oppos'd With thick brambles that grew o'er the door; The knight soon remov'd them, as soon too disclos'd The vault he was doom'd to explore. The steps, he descending, now shrunk from his tread, And from dark murky holes in the ground He perceiv'd, by the light which the moon faintly shed, A circle 'of serpents spread round. POEMS. a Hence, agents of horror!" undaunted he cried, As his bright-gleaming falchion he drew, " My aim is to valour and virtue allied, " And I'll not be protracted by you !" In vain they assail'd him with green-venom' d tongue, His armour was proof 'gainst the sting, And his sword wide scatter'd, with agony wrung The reptiles that guarded the ring. Three sight-shocking goblins, each bearing a spell, Bad him yield to their master's dread rod ; But in blue flame they vanish'd, with horrible yell, When he call'd on the aid of his God. No longer impeded, approaching, he said, " 'Tis a palatine thus dares presume, " By his presence to break the repose of the dead, fi And alive to descend to the tomb. il But know, rev'rend ashes, not wanton the deed, (i To disturb thy sepulchre and thee, " 'Tis an action my fate has in wisdom decreed, u From an enemy virtue to free." 10 POEMS. The moon, as he spoke, cast a gleam all around, And shew'd by her pale silver light, The skeleton's form, pillow'd low on the ground, And the ring on its finger shone bright. But when that the gold-begirt joint he had seiz'd, On the instant it crumbled away, And the gem, from its ancient possesscr releas'd, At the foot of its new owner lay. He left with the prize, the abode of the dead, l At the early approach of the day, And homeward directing his steed's faithful head, The sun rose as he gallop'd away. When Rodolpho departed, the baron and train, 'Mid gold censors and blazing wax lights, In the chapel entreated a respite from pain, And 'till morning perform'd holy rites. The priest, in his holiest vestments array'd, Pray'd heaven their efforts to bless ; The domestics their zeal and religion display'd, By invoking each saint for success. POEMS. 1 1 In devotion most fervent, fair Adela knelt At the shrine of her favorite saint, And avow'd the real anguish her bosom now felt, In accents affecting and faint. 'Twas dawn e'er she quitted the reverenced urn, And, eagerly fill'd with desire, On the battlements waited her lover's return, That he peace might restore to her sire. When lo ! 'mid the windings and turns of the wood, Rodolpho approaching she spied : And he, on the low turret's brow where she stood, Saw with rapture his woe-destin'd bride. Ilis bosom beat high as he spurr'd on his steed, 'Till he compass'd the battlement wall, When nearly exhausted with breathless fatigue, Not a sentence his lips could let fall. Fair Adela trembled with doubt and with fear, But quickly was alter'd her look ; He presented the ring on the point of his spear, Which, elated with pleasure, she took. n POEMS. The lover, o'erjoy'd at his fancied success, The baron in extacy sought, Saying, heaven was pleas'd his endeavours to bless, And a cure for his torments he'd brought. " I've prevail'd o'er enchantment, by beauty inspir'd, " And obey'd the injunctions with haste. " The ring is procur'd, as the volume desir'd; " In the hands of an inmate 'tis plac'd." Instead of an answer, with gratitude mild, Which his valour deserv'd to obtain, The baron was sullen, then frantic and wild, And labour'd with much increas'd pain. The eager domestics came, anxious to learn (Now the tomb of the bard was explor'd,) Its effects on their master, and hop'd to discern His happiness once more restor'd. " 'Tis an enemy sure who possesses the ring!" The suffering baron exclaim'd; il Or, faithful to promise, relief it would bring; " I demand the fell traitor be nam'd. POEMS. IS i: Sir knight! stand not silent, but instantly tell " To what fiend 'twas, you yielded the stone ? " For be sure 'twas some agent assisting the spell, " And their death for the deed shall atone. " For believe me Rodolpho, the viper shall die, u I swear by my knighthood 'tis true, " Though it prove my own daughter ; so quickly comply, li Or torture shall force it from you." Not a death-dealing thunder-bolt aim'd at his head, His soul with more horror could wound, Still Rodolpho stood silent, nor seem'd he to dread The terrors which rage drew around. Reluctant the servants obey'd their stern chief, And the engine of torture display'd ; But no word from Rodolpho entreated relief. Nor to 'scape from its torments cssay'd. Though writhing with agony, still the true knight His courage and constancy kept; 'Till at length, with a look that would pity excite. He sigh'd, and eternally slept. 14 POEMS. In a voice loud and shrill, " I've the mystery found !'' From a chamber adjoining was heard; " Why in magical spells still my father is bound, u And his sufferings are not transferr'd. u On the back of the leaf in the magical book. " That contains the prophetic command, " The ring it proclaims, haste my father and look, (i Must be ta'en from the minstrel's left hand ; fi FoV the one from the right creates mischief and harm, 6i And subjects you to anguish and hate; iC Thus Rodolpho, unconscious assisted the charm, 16 Which he eagerly sought to abate. " For well I remember that champion so brave, " Who shall ever esteem'd, be my knight, " When weary and breathless that pledge to me gave, " Made a sign that 'twas ta'en from the right." When these words from his daughter the baron assail'd, They smote his sore breast like a dart ; His colour forsook him, his utterance fail'd, Almost still w as the pulse of his heart. POEMS. 15 He was stung for the fate of the much injur'd knight, His error reproach'd him with force; With his garments he shrouded his eyes from the sight Of the murder'd Rodolpho's cold corse. An attendant the baron to Adela sent, Who the tidings most tragical bore; He related the whole of the fatal event, Why the knight of the cross was no more. She enter'd the chamber in haggard dismay, Distracted her tresses she tore, Then sunk on the wheel where her dead lover lay, And her eyes clos'd to open no more. 16 I feel torments too poignant, they must be repress'd!" The baron distractedly cried; Then plunging a blade to the hilt in his breast, With conscience tormented he died.' Since that hour in the castle sad solitude reigns, Now a ruin most drear and forlorn ; And many rich fragments now scatter the plains, While its turrets are skirted with thorn. 16 POEMS. And the way-wearied pilgrim, oft drops a tear : As he counts o'er his beads at their grave, And moistens the fiow'rets that fate seems to rear, O'er the maid and her lover so brave. Some say that grim spectres the curious affright, Who dare wander its ruins among ; And that lights more than mortal arc seen in the night. When the owl shrieks her ill-boding ?ong. POEMS. 17 THE BROTHERS. a $oral "Cale* - - " Resigned in every state, With patience bear, with prudence press your fate j By suffering well our fortune we subdue ; Fly when she frowns, and when she calls pursue. An hour will come, with pleasure to relate Your sorrows past, as benefits of fate." Drydes. Near a clear stream that flow'd within a wood, With ivy deck'd, an ample cottage stood: From storms protected by the clust'ring trees, That with their leafy murmurs check'd the breeze, And fann'd the curling smoke. Here Mas a spot, Where nature's bounteous gifts adorn'd a cot, And virtue dwelt, estrang'd from guile or strife, The happy sharer of the sweets of life. 18 POEMS. One stormy night, the drifting rain fast beat ; The supper ended, from a rural treat, The true-going clock had chim'd the hour of ten, To damp the embers of a wood fire then Fair Ellen rose: her father read a prayer, In gratitude to heaven for its care ; Who taught the worthy how to prove those joys, Riches can never purchase, pride destroys. Envy nor want awoke no sorrows here, To moan the woes of others, form'd the tear On pity's cheek. The traveller misled, Or houseless poor, found here both food and bed; Their wholesome store seem'd never sunk the less For being shar'd with hunger or distress. As night advane'd, the thunder louder grew. And frequent light'ning flam'd in azure hue : The grand and awful warring of the sky Alarm'd, with dizzy shocks, the aching eye. Mary, with broken voice and timid tread, CalPd her fair sister to retire to bed ; POEMS. 19 To seek if possible a sound repose, And shroud their frighted sight beneath the clothes. As Ellen rose -with terror from the floor, The latch was lifted of the cottage door: " Hark! dearest sister," said the pitying maid ; " One from without, perhaps by tempest staid, " In plaintive accents docs his wants unfold, " Do not the bolt with hesitation hold ; " The comforts Ave derive from doing good, " Will amply pay us for a little wood!" r List'ning, they heard a voice cry, " pity take, " Shelter a wretched youth for mercy's sake; 11 Cold blows the wind 'gainst limbs of cloathing bare, " While grief and hunger's racking pangs I share." " Nature no longer can resist the plea," The father cried, il of misery and thee ! " My Ellen, thine shall be the pleasing task, u To heal his woes, and tend the cheering flask ; 20 POEMS. " Thou shalt be mistress of thy blest desire, " While Mary helps me to revive the fire." The maid, whose haste her genuine pity told, Found at the door a youth, pale, wet and cold ; His ragged garb reveal'd his aching breast, And spoke misfortune, which the maid caress'd ; She welcom'd the poor youth, with speechless joy, And from the threshold led a sailor boy. } " Oh, gentle lady!" said the trembling youth ; u If e'er compassion strove to succour truth, " Then look with pity on the wretch you see, {i Sinking with hunger, cold and misery ; " And do not lady, deem my visit rude, " Three days are pass'd since I have tasted food ; u If on kind providence you want'a claim, ii Invoke its bless'd assistance in my name; u Appeal to God when you afflicted be, iC And he'll repay the good thou dost for me." His unfeign'd talc had helped him to succeed, And gain'd him in the end, a friend in need. POEMS. 21 With eager haste sheop'd the cupboard door, And on the table spread its cheering store ; Drew off his jacket, sat him near the fire, Took from her father's press some fresh attire ; In thick warm woollen wrapt his bleeding {ect y And cry'dwith pleasure as she saw him eat. The smart of hunger soon by food allay'd, His cheeks by warmth recover'd from their fade : Their kindness reil'd the terrors of the night, While pity spread fresh comforts to his sight; 'Till the late hour now warn'd him to depart, And pay the tribute of a grateful heart. u Next to my God !" said he, " to thee I owe '* My praises for the aid thou didst bestow : u That has preserved me from the brink of death, " And bought the blessings of my latest breath ! " Yet on your bounty I must not impose, ic Nor longer keep you from a calm repose ; " To some fresh shelter I'll explore my way, u And patient wait the dawning of the day ; 22 POEMS. " Then seek employment for a mind distressed, ii And find a harbour in some British breast." This said, he bent his head with rev'rence low, iVnd took his tatter'd jacket up to go. " Don't let him wander!" both the maidens cried ; Their father soon replac'd him by his side. " 'Till morning your departure pray defer, " To-night my lad," said he, " you shall not stir ; " The rain still beats, and would renew your woe! " Stay, I'll fresh cloathing and a bed bestow : " Tell me your story, it will amply pay " The kindness that shall greet your lengthen'd stay." The boy consented, and with tear-fill' d eye Began his sad relation with a sigh. " In death's cold cabin lay my parents dear, " Who dying left me to a brother's care, u Who undertook that pious charge Avith glee, " And proT'd a father and a friend to me; u With kindness calm*d my grief for those I'd lost, " And brought me up with credit at his cost. POEMS. 23 ii He was a man who trafiick'd on the sea, i; And earn'd the bounties of prosperity. u From his example, and a thirst for gain, " I soon became a venturer on the main ; li Hoping like him good fortune's rout to take, < In a deep forest's all embow'ring shade, Where nature's gifts in wild luxuriance grows ; And mid-day sun but a faint twilight made, By foliage hid, an humble cottage rose. There Ehvin, with his infant girl, had sought That calm repose, the busy world denied ; Their minds with virtuous inclinations fraught, They found their wants, and wishes all supplied. O'er her soft cheek a roseate bloom was spread, A hue that health and innocence confers, The locks of age were scatter'd o'er his head, While those of smiling youth encircled hers. POEMS. 3.5 When ev'ning reign'd, succeeding summers daw Forth thro' the winding mazes they Mould rove: Both free from baneful passion's direful sway, Felt the real pleasures of the purest love. There wand'ring oft each rural scene among, He from the forest flowers example drew ; And proved from various themes in Poets song, The maid as beauteous and transient too. She then was fairest of the village throng, When pastime call'd its vot'ries to the plain ; To join the rustic dance in rural-song, And bid Arcadian pleasures bloom again. Nor could a thoughtof grandeur, e'er imbibe, A secret wish for greater pleasures felt ; 'Mongst all the friends, that form'd the social tribe. Which on the borders of the forest dwelt. 'Till a betrayer 'guis'd in friendships veil To -witness his false vows, call'd all above : She unsuspecting, listened to the tale, And fell the Victim of pretended love. 38 POEMS. Ye prudish dames ! who tremble at the thought Of vice! yc overchaste ! who know No tenets, hut what apathy has taught; A warning take by this sad child of woe. Of guilty passion, thoughtless youth beware! And learn 'ere conscience force you late, to rue; The shaft that wounds the poor deluded fair, Rankles the bosom of the parent too. While many an artful scheme he deeply laid, On ruin's precipice she tott'ring stood : Infatuated girl ! nor long delay'd, But hurried swiftly on the fatal flood. To quit her father's arms and peaceful cot, Together they the wily plan arrang'd ; And soon concerted, soon she chang'd her lo(. And innocence for guilty joys exchang'd. His daughter lost, oh ! how shall I rehearse, The racking pangs that rent poor Eiwins heart? Too complicated for my feeble verse, But fancy paints what language fail's t' impart. POEMS. 37 Now his sad mind in plaintive silence lowers, Nor sadder moments e'er could mortals prove ; For heavy seem the tedious, tardy hours, When hoping the return of those we love. At each soft cadence of the whistl'ing breeze, With rapt'rous warmth, he'd lend the list'ning ear; To catch among the shrubs and rustling Trees, The echoing pressure of her footsteps near. And oft would fancy at a distance shew In virtue's garb, her angel form advance; 'Till recollection's dart with deadliest bloAV, Would wake him from the dear deluding trance. Thrice had the sun his golden round perform'd, Aud now his rays begun to upward slope; But Elwin's bosom had not cheer'd or warmed, For disappointment banished every hope. A busy friend, declared the fatal truth, Which for his daughter realized his fears ; How she had sought the city with a youth, Of person Elegant, and equal years, r 38 POEMS. Sad El win issued from the cottage door, And onward went, nor cast one look behind ; Upon his arm, his once loved harp he bore, A means by which he hoped his girl to find. He fondly hoped, should his Eliza hear, Ah ! should she chance to hear the well known strain ; 'T would moist her eye with a repentant tear, And bring her back to virtue's path again. Fierce howl'd the winds, and darken'd was the sky, When forth he went, in maddening sorrow wild; A sight more moving, ne'er met human eye, A father, seeking his deluded child ! Once more in busy streets, behold him roam, Where all around from care, seem'd blithe and free ; With scorn some view'd him, and with pity some, He heeded not, for lost in grief was he. Now chance that oft unforeseen issue brings, Brought Elwin to Alphonso's fell domain ; With tend'rest skill he touch'd the obedient strings, And w.ak'd his lost Eliza's once lov'd strain. POEMS. 39 Each note vibrating caused a heartfelt pang, Scarce could the aged sire from tears refrain ; In plaintive majesty he sat and sung, He play'd and sigh'd, and sigh'd and play'd again. Lured by the promise of unceasing joys, The hapless maid, from home and parent stray'd - } And now bedeck'd with fashion's tinsel'd toys, Seduction seem'd in honor's garb array'd. Comparison enrich'd each gaudy scene That pomp had rear'd, to cheat vain folly's eye ; How far above the sports of fair or green ! From toil reliev'd, on perfum'd down to lie ! Thus thought Eliza, when by falshood led, She virtue barter'd for her gay attire, But reason taught her as the pageant fled, That honor's dictates, cost could ne'er require. Too late she found profession but a jest, Herself to lowly, for proud fortune's heir : Possession cloy'd, satiety confess'd, And golden dreams interpreted despair. 40 POEMS. Now recollection drew upon her mind, Urg'd by reproach, that raged within her breast ; Her aged father left to grief consign'd, Bereft by her of comfort-yielding rest. Shoek'd at the thought, by truth's upbraidings stung, She cast the source, whence flow'd contrition's tear ; Low on the ground, and lay with anguish wrung, When lo! a well known voice assail'd her ear! SliQlisten'd! wonder'd! heard the darling theme, 'Twas dulcet harmony's soft pleasing strain, And thought she slumber'd, and that in a dream Delusive fancy, strove to sooth her pain. But taught by certainty, she quickly rose, Rush'd from the chamber, and with frantic shriek ; Broke from the grasp that strove to interpose, Her eagerness, her penitence to speak. On a cold stone, hard as the owner's heart ! The Harper sat, expos'd to wind and rain ; For none had deign'd in pity to impart, The cheering morsel, Ire nor sought to gain. POEMS. 41 His tear fill'd eyes, like rivals to the show'r, Strove who shou'd first bedew his furrow'd cheek ; While prayer most fervent, begg'd the God of pow'r ! To shield his daughter from a night so bleak. She saw, and caught him to her throbbing breast ! Drying with costly robes his drenched head* He trembling found by whom he was carcss'd, And kneeling, blessed the hand by duty led. Brought by his wond'ring servants to the spot, The gay Alphonso gazed in dumb surprize : 'Till light reveal' d the tenant of the Cot, And then, from conscious guilt he veil"d his eves. Look here, Ambition ! and let virtue guide Thy active mind from sin's seducing sway ; For justice shall o'er guiltiness preside, And punish those, who shun her level way ! So thought Alphonso, as he viewed the Sire Speeding to heaven's tribunal with his wrong! Saw hoary worth, disgraced in poor attire, Expos'd defenceless to the gath'ring throng. 42 POEMS. The spark of honor kindling, warm'd his heart, He fed the flame lit by compassion's sigh : He felt! with rapture felt! the pleasing smart, And by atonement, dried afflictions eye I POEMS. 43 THE ROBBER. A GERMAN STORY. He withers at the heart, and looks as wan As the pale spectre of a murder'd man !"' Drydex. The raven had slunk to his nest, The owl reign'd the guardian of night, The rain beat, all was dark, save when lit by a flash From the loud pealing thunder, whose grand awful crash; Fill'd the timid with terror and fright. In a forest, intricate and drear, And unknown, to but few, stood a cave; There, the head of a band who infested the road, An outlaw'd foul robber, took up his abode, To rapine and murder the slave. 4 i POEMS. A traveller, lost by his guide, In this maze, he long sought to explore ; Gave the rein, to his weary and half drowned steed, He benumb'd with the cold, was unable to lead, His station till dawn to deplore. The storm ceased, assisting the gloom Of the dank dewy horrors around ; When near to the spot the loud blast from a horn, Rous'd the horse and his rider, from station forlorn. Both struck with surprize by the sound. From the hope of regaining his way, He uprais'd himself high from his seat, When some horsemen, whothreadingapaththro'thewood, Heard his hollo! with shouts, when he then misconstru'd, W'hile hoping an escort to meet. Nor was he from error reliev'd By the courteous replies of their chief, Who with proffers of shelter, to one then in need, Dimm'd the eye of suspicion, unlikely to read The dark, foul designs of the thief. POEMS. 45 The light which a lamp shed around, 'Woke alarm in the traveller's breast, When on ent'ring the cavern of riot and sin, He saw, unsepulchre'd, bones rotting within, Untimely consign'd to their rest. Astonishment widen'd his eye, As starting, he shrunk from the sight, When with voice loud andhoarse,and a dark scowling look Oneexclaim'd, "What your sorry our trade you mistook ? " Your weak fears will dispel with the night. (i You must smile at the terrors of death, " And our calling relentless pursue, " Since your own importunity shew'd you our cave, " And a fate, which from sharing, you'd wish us to save, u You must swear to be one of our crew." A prospect of means to escape, And a sure cruel death to prevent, Made him smother the shock that had wounded his breast, While dissimulation repugnance supprcss'd, As unwilling he bow'd an assent. 46 POEMS. This gruff son of plunder then led, The horror-struck stranger within : " Make room for a comrade!" he loudly exclaim'd, u He'll make one of a band for their valour far fam'd ; Then they hail'd him with clangor and din. Bright torches the cavern illum'd, And high seated the chief did appear, When approaching his footstool, an homage to pay, The unknown met a view (he'd not ta'en on the way) With a cry he fell back in his chair : But recovered, he instantly rose, And addressing his wonder-struck band, Said, 'the strong-mark'd resemblance the stranger had bore u To a friend long since dead, (he must ever deplore) " Caus'd the shock, as he fell by his hand ! Their feasting and revelry o'er, The stranger was led to repose, Close adjoining a cell far remote from the crew, Where their chieftain to rest had already withdrew, His conscience to lull in a doze. POEMS. 47 The dreary and dead waste of night Had arriv'd ; all was hush'd in the cave r When Wolfindolph, the captain, was rons'd by a groan Thrice repeated, which seem'd by its sad hollow moan, To come from a deep-yawning grave. By the aid of a glimmering light, Which a lamp thro' the gloom faintly spread, He starting with terror, beheld in the shade, A form like a spectre, in death's garb array'd, Approaching the foot of his bed. For a time he of speech lay bereft ; When the figure his garment withdrew, And to his left breast, which he now had lain bare, He pointed, exclaiming, "Thou base one! look there!" And expos'd a deep scar to his view. " Thou'rt the ghost of my much injur'd sire!" (Said the robber, appall'd with affright) li Come again to reproach me, for causing thy death, " For destroying the root that gave being and breath 11 To a wretch, whom no joy can delight! 48 POEMS. 11 The Daemon, my council and friend, " Cannot fail to protect me in sin : " Then avaunt! nor again by thy presence annoy. " A soul lost to pity : a rest you destroy, " If once more thy dread visits begin. u I fled to this cavern most drear, u To avoid thy upbraidings and sight ; " In hopes that thy spirit, appeas'd and at rest, 4i Might at length be co^sign'd to the realms of the blest, " And no longer make hideous the night!" ci Behold me, the agent of Peace," Said the figure, approaching more near, " If repentance can yet find a scat in your breast, " It will point out a way to restore me to rest, " And my spirit no more will appear ! " Or if promise of bliss still to come, " Can induce you my will to obey ; *' Then hasten with speed to the vault, where is laid %i My coffin, wherein lies the blood-crusted blade, " Which thy hand to my breast did convey. POEMS. 49 u This poniard, which you must remove, " Is the cause of my restless return. ci Discard the foul fiend, who thy soul would consume, u And let penitence guide thee to visit my tomb, " And the prospect of peace, you'll discern !" The dawn now begemming the sky, Thro' a cleft in the rock appear'd light : " Soft no more," said the figure, " I'm summon'd away, il I go ! but remember, my orders obey !" And then disappear'd from his sight. For a time he in agony lay, Debating what course to pursue ; 'Till at length he determin'd, whate'er the event, The commands of the spectre, shou'd meet his consent. And with caution he'd steal from the crew. Thus in restless reflection he toss'd On his rocky and comfortless bed ; When the bell of the cavern, loud rung an alarm, With a cry, frequent shouted, to rouse up and arm. For the foe to their calling had fled ! r 50 POEMS. When the cause of the clamour was found, To result from the stranger's late flight, Wolfmdoph commanded, without more ado, They'd return to repose, nor attempt to pursue The health-borrow'd form of a spright ! But a favor'd one chose from the baud, He requested behind might remain : And the cause of emotion, his reasons for flight, Why the mildew of fate seem'd his prospects to blight, He in confidence thus did explain. 11 I'm the son of a Landgrave, and heir (i To estates, twice the worth of our spoils ; li And had virtue been fix'd in my sin-brooding breast, " I might have shar'd comforts by Providence blest; " Not been drove to seek shelter in wilds. " But now unavailing remorse, u For repentance, alas! came too late; " The vices of infancy ripen'd with guilt, " And to gain large possession, I wantonly spilt " The blood, that calls vengeance from fate ! POEMS. 51 ki My parent I thought was unjust, " In denying large claims on his store ; *'< When resolving no longer restriction to bear, " I in one fatal hour, urg'd on by despair, " Barter'd peace, which can charm me no more! " With feelings remorseless and base, u And loathing the cause of restraint ; " I murder'd my Father possess'd his domain, 11 And by riotous living, long sought to obtain, " Those joys, which the happy can paint. . a But vain was my hopes of content, (i And fleeting the moment of bliss : 11 The Ghost of my Father reproach'd me at night r " And hunted my conscience, estrang'd from delight, " I preferr'd an assylum like this. " Thro' a courage our comrades oft prov'd, " I was chosen their guardian and chief; " And from custom, expected to check the remorse, " That still with upbraidings, condemns my sad course, " And precludes, even hope of relief. 52 POEMS. " The form we last night saw appear " In the forest, and lately has fled ; " Commanded I'd hasten with undclay'd speed ' To yield it repose, and the way is decreed ; " I must visit the vaults of the dead! u Where entomb' d lies my Father's cold corse, il And from thence, at dead midnight remove, * ; The gore clotted weapon, a shock to my sight, t; What would virtue appall, and the guilty affright, " Are the horrors it doom'd me to prove!" Thus after proposing the means Of escape, by his aid from the crew ; Hid beneath the dark cowl of a monk lately dead, And leaving his friend the banditti to head, 'Gan his long dismal way to pursue. Nor staid he to rest, till arriv'd Within sight of his wealthy domain ; When by darkness hid, thro' a known private door, He enter'd the castle at night to explore, The spot that.gave respite to pain. POEMS. 53 The bell, in dull tones, had struck twelve, And his heart, puls'd with fear, beat his breast : He descended the vault thro' the damp awful gloom, By the aid of a lamp, soon discovcr'd the tomb With death's fleshless mementos dress'd. With a sin-palsied hand, he drew near, The pennance impos'd to perform He remov'd from the coffin the costly cloth'd lid, A ud drew back in amaze, when beneath he saw hid, A rude-modell'd image's form. At that instant a loud sounding gong, With its stunning rebound smote his ear ; And the door of a sepulchre op'd with a crash, From whence he perceiv'd, by the light's vivid flash, A form in dark mantle appear. But soon his still pulse was rcviv'dj When he found himself circled around By the arms of the stranger ; who to his warm breast, The wonder-struck Robber affectionate press'd r And thus broke a silence profound. 54 POEMS. (i Unhappy and misguided boy ! (l View the bounties Ave share from above " It rcscu'd my life from a paricide's hand. 11 And prevented the horrors he guiltily plann'd, " And restores him to parental love. " An old steward, most wprthy of trust, (i My recovery faithful conceal'd ; " He aided my schemes, when at midnight I strove, li By my death suppos'd visits, affrighting, to prove, u The contrition your conduct reveal'd. u Oh ! return but to virtue's smooth path, " And content will your moments beguile ; u Let repentance, the sense of past errors remove, u While deserving, you live to share fortune and love, u Promoted by Providence's smile!" The transition from horror to joy, Overcame a heart, broke with despair ; Round the knees of his parent, the penitent clung, While the big manly tear spar'd the use of his tongue, And he liv'd, to prove worthy his care. POEMS. 55 AN ACROSTIC ON MISS Accept, dear fair, a Brother's cordial lays, Nor think them lines of adulating praise ; No fulsome panegyric clogs the verse, Expressive truth, means only to rehearse. May'st thou enjoy, thro' life's full chequer'd course A mental heart, delighting pure resource ; Rich in possession, of the soul, and mind, In every action, elegant ! refined ! A specimen of woman, heaven design'd ! For what avails a dignity of birth, If virtue dresses not the clod of earth ? Secure in this, then every joy possess Heaven will smile, and such a being bless : Ever preserve this highly envied state, Receive here homage, be hereafter great ! 56 POEMS. an atforess TO THE D E I T Y\ *< To thee, great parent of existing form, Prime font from whence the stream of goodness flows In unexhausted purity ; to Thee My orisons belong. Let not the sin, The frailties of my youth, e'er yet the mind With sober judgment hold due conference, Exclude me from thy smile. Frequent my heart With gratitude expands, and silent thanks, Tho' latent from the world : for not alone Devotion sheds its sanctity of flame On outward adoration ; oft it beams * For the following Poem, I am indebted to the assistant*; of a friend. POEMS. 57 Its vivifying ray upon the breast Of modest privacy. When early morn Leads on the attendant hours : when highest noon Rides in the centre of the day, and eve Comes dress'd in shade, drawing o'er Nature's face Her adulating hand then swells my mind Replete with thee. Abstracted from the scene, O'er which terrestial speculation bends Her avaricious eye, full many a sigh In holy fervency to thee ascends, And through the curtain of opponent vice Breaks faithful, genuine. Accept, I pray, This tribute of my heart, 'till by degrees On virtue's everlasting base I stand Erect, and trample on the neck of sin. How then my breast with love divine will glow, Each mortal wish contemning, and each thought Adapting to thy will ! Transporting change ! That were a conquest worthy to engage Each human effort : richer than the spoil Snatch'd by the victor's hand, when gorged Death 58 l'OEMS. Stands satiate o'er the foe yet dearer far Than is the laurel nodding on his brow, Returning glorious from th' embattled field, In all the glare of pride, and faree of triumph. How lovely will the check of Nature look, Wearing the smile of constancy, when sin .Shall be exterminated. Satan then, Hopeless of future prey, amidst his flames Shall howl in solitary woe and once, Yet once again, shall angels visit earth With tears extatic, and commune with man. If nam'd with this, the sound of pleasure's dull, From low mortality deriv'd. Tis pain, 'Tis misery's extreme, if once eompar'd To joy like this, so lasting and sublime. But, oh! when I reflect how manifold, How countless man's transgressions are by Thee, By Thee alone recorded 'midst the rest, Mine, too, for ever in the roll of Heav'n Inscrib'd indelible. I think I pause Nor dare to ask remission. Conscious still POEMS. 59 In error I persist Yet thou art good. And from eternity didst reign supreme, Unutterably good. Uplift me, then, And place me near the sunshine of thine eye : My soul regenerate : for without thee, All strength is vain, and weak endeavour faints. Ungrateful man ! how long wilt thou pursue The step of syren pleasure ? And how long Her bitter sweets imbibe ? Say, canst thou live Unthankful on the blessing of the day, Count every moment, that abridges life, Of good productive, nor attune thy mind To moral sentiment r Not plaud thy hands Erected to Jehovah, nor his praise Resound with sacred rapture ? Wretch ! thou canst, Canst reap the treasure of the fertile plain, Made fertile by Omnipotence canst feel, Unmov'd, the rennovating orb of light, And eye with unconcern the broad extent Of love celestial how creation round Thrives by benevolence supreme. All this 60 POEMS. Inglorious canst thou do, nor mark the hand That fills earth's lap with vernal herb and llow'r, Autumnal fruit, and Ceres' golden grain, The hand that from thy seat of selfish pride Can instantaneous whirl thee to perdition. Perhaps thou fondly drcamst to sin sccuro Through his infinitude of love. Dream on, 'Till justice shall arouse, and bid thee wake To horror inconceivable : 'till guilt, Thine antecedent guilt, shall feel the rod Of irritated vengeance. Tho' she limp On lazy-pacing foot, yet shalt thou find She quickens by delay : yet shalt thou find Thou canst not 'scape her vulncrating arm. Then wilt thou rue, that erst in evil hour Thou welcom'st vice whilst Piety the tear Of tend'rest pity wept, as to her dome, With hand of consecrated innocence, The goddess pointed yet, to her return A faithful proselyte, nor dare provoke The sleeping thunder of all-righteous Ilcav'n, POEMS. 61 Where can I turn mine eye, but goodness beams Its influence omnipresent : In the deep It shines confess'd : for in the liquid world Whatever floats, existence draws from Thee, Great cause of all. Whatever through the air Stretches the plume, and ventilates its way : Whate'er the nutrimental herbage crops, Or crawls on earth submissive, lives sustain'd By bounty universal and divine. Were this remov'd, all nature then would faint, And drop to primal nought all order cease And earth, and sea, and air, become one viewless blank. What is this ingrate man, that thou on him Shouldst kindly lavish all thy bounteous store ? This supercilious wretch ! who, ere he gains The steep ascent of knowledge, measures half His brevity of being? Would he use His mental pow'rs aright, this spot of earth He would illumine with peculiar splendour, Clear as the brightest firmamental star, When all is peace, and not a busy cloud Spreads its obstructing sail athwart the air. 62 POEMS. But oh ! when retrospection shews the cross, Where, in atonement for the sins of man, Thy precious Son wept blood, and with a sigh, A duteous sigh, expir'd! redeeming then The forfeit souls of mortals how I marvel At this immensity of love! T weep Ungrateful as I am, I weep for oh ! Reflection prompts the penitential tear. Flow on 'tis grief celestial : if it springs Pure through the heart's contrition Faith has yet Comforts in store for me Her hand shall cleanse The earth-stain that contaminates my soul Thron'd in her safe asylum, on my brow Eternity shall fix the coronet of Heav'n. When in a nation's cause a hero falls, (Goaded, perchance, with mad ambition's rage.) How loud swift-pinion'd fame, with open mouth, His valiant acts re-bellows to the world ! For him the servile poet choicely culls Each mercenary laurel, and records His high atehievements in immortal verse ; POEMS. (Immortal, if the century of time Be immortality) and on the wall, The trophy M Mall of praise, a mimic life To him each rival son of sculpture gives. If this be worth the care of mortal minds- Much more that symbol of celestial love For human race apostate. Let us bend The knee of worship here here shed the tear Of prostrate penitence here let the heart Own its great debt. Obdurate sinner ! blush, Be Virtue's heir; repent, and be forgiven. Oh ! all-sufficient ! thou perfection sole Of love illimitable, in thy might Unbounded and stupendous ! how shall man, Straining thine excellence to comprehend, Climb up the precipice of thought. Alas ! In wonder he is lost, nor can the mind Pursue its travel further, than to see A part of thy amazing whole, and thence To rest convinc'd, and seeing, to adore. 64 POEMS. Hark ! how the wing'd inhabitants of air. In choral unison of nature's music, Pour forth their canticles of joy pour'd forth Their gratitude to testify. To me The bleats that echo from the fleecy plains, And the responsive lowings of the vale, Like a thanksgiving sound. From nature's feast Refresh'd they rise, and leave the rest to man. He reaps the surplus, and forgets the hand That plac'd the benefaction in his reach. Let memory for ever on my mind Impress the signet of thy fairest hour ; For, oh ! it was a blest one when thou said'st, Let there be light and at thy potent word, Omnific bidding ! straight yon globe arose, With dazzling super-eminence, and spread Its silver edging round the sable pall Of darkness. Hail, oh Sun ! in hailing thee, The hand that lighted up thy lamp I praise.' Without thy aid. what were the di'mond's blaze, POEMS. 65 Or what the ruby, whence the sight derives The rays of crimson tinge ? Within the lap Of night, invisible, they rest conccal'd, As pebbles, indiscriminate. Thy flame Their sparkle kindles, and thy lustre beams The proud distinction on the raptur'd eye. Hail to thy genial fire, that o'er the morn Streams gladness inexpressive. All things Avear The smile of sympathy, when night resigns Her ebon sceptre to thy golden sway. Thro' thee the earth brings forth. The laughing flow'r Its breast expands, inviting all thy rays, And courting air to idle on its sweets. Wert thou eclips'd, how would the visual nerve In slumber sink.* No longer, then, the sight Of human face divine can charm. The bloom Of beauty fades. Deformity may claim An equal privilege to be admir'd. Where art thou, seraph Gratitude ? Come down, Down from the rock of virtue, and to man, V Rob'd in the vestment of humility, Stand forth reveal'd. 'Tis she shall teach my tongue 66 POEMS. Her note celestial, in my throbbing heart Her balm infuse, and bend my stubborn knee. Oh ! infinite of mercy ! What but love To man, ineffable, and patient suff'ring, Thy wrath can supersede ? E'en while I speak, Thy pow'r, as quick as thou art slow to punish, Can blot me from existence, and for ever, Tremendous thought ! torment, or bless my soul. But how unfit I am to meet thy sight Full well thou know'st. Thy pity bids me live, To preparation live. Come, then, my heart, Thus ever let my lips pour forth thy song. (i For me, the circling seasons of the year i( Shall find me hymning my Creator's name. li When Spring, in vest of purest aether clad, li Creation's womb impregnates : and when Sol u Gives heat to summer months : Avhen Autumn smiles " At Ceres' plenteous horn, and gladsome bends a Beneath Pomona's kind, oppressive load : " When shiv'ring Winter o'er the lazy flood " His gelid arm imposes, and entwines POEMS. 67 Each weeping Naiad with his icy chain : i Or whether on the earth's contracted bed " He spreads his ample sheet of snow, or shakes " The hill-top, yielding to his potent breath : " At every revolution, long as life " My bosom warms, to note of holy praise il My harp will I attune, and celebrate w The God of goodness, and the God of pow'r." 08 POEMS. Che Italian. "My sad soul ! " Has form'd a dismal melancholy scene ; * Such a retreat as I would wish to find : '* An unfrequented vale, o'ergrown with trees, " Mossy and old, within whose lonesome shade " Ravens and birds ill-omen'd only dwell : " No sound to break the silence, but a brook <" That, bubbling, winds among the weeds ; no mark " Of any human shape, that had been there ; " Unless a skeleton of some poor wretch, " Who had, long since, like me, by love undone, " Sought that sad place out to despair and die in." Rowe. On a smooth grassy plat, 'side a murmuring stream, That dullness invok'd by its sound ; When the warm mid-day sun, with his life cheering beam, Richly tinted the verdure around. A Recluse, faint and weary, depress'd and forlorn, To the smart of" sore conscience a prey, Thus the pangs of a heart, prob'd by misery's thorn, He express'd, as despairing he lay. POEMS. 69 ''" Ye dull senseless hearers of sorrows sad tale, " Trees" (said he) " dead to feeling and grief; " May be taught by a breeze, my sad fate to bewail, u And to pity display, drop a leaf. " The gift, tho' a small one, will shew that e'en you ! " May be mov'd by the force of my sighs ; " And with foliage, all cover'd with tears, by the dew, " A sympathy, affluence denies. " Gone by are the days, when with pleasure employ 'd, " Content deck'd each room in our cot, ' But 'tis past, for misfortune her bounties dcstroy'd, " And she left me, to pine at my lot. " Then oh! kind oblivion, magical sweet ! " Thou sure balsam in life's thorny road ! " Hear my 'plaints, and oh ! guide a poor wanderers feet " To the bourn, thou hast made thy abode. " But I sink with fatigue, and my thirst wou'd invite " Me, to damp my parch'd lips in the stream :" This said, he his shell fill'd to drink, when the sight Of a stranger, concluded his theme. 70 POEMS. Ho gaz'd with surprize, as he knelt by the brook, On the well-dress'd unknown, by his side, And demanded his mission, with sorrowful look, When the stranger, most courteous, reply 'd : Like the dull moaning bird, that still all the day long wi To the grove, tells its sad woe-fraught tale; Say why you coraplaiu ? from what source can have " sprung " The woes, which thou seem'st to bewail ? i l Hast thou felt from thy friends some unmerited wrong r " Or art thou, a sad martyr to love? " If to anguish like mine thou could'st ever belong, " I'll console, what my wealth can't remove; " I'm akin to affliction, and know how to feel " For the sorrows, the abject endure: " Then refuse not, I pray thee, those griefs to reveal, " Which, perhaps, I can help thee to cure." The recluse shook his head, as he check'd the deep sigh That had strove for a pass from his breast ; For a time, seem'd determin'd the wish to deny, And, reluctant, his sorrows confess'd ; POEMS; 71 i; Near the Pyrenees mountains, there yet stands the cot, " Wherein dwelt a most kind loving pair ; u And the warm sun of plenty long shone on a spot, " It had strove to make blest, by its care. " Then the morning was welcome that peep'd o'er the hill, " Not a whisper was heard on the plain ; " Save the murmuring sound of some bubbling rill, li By the echo resounded again. il From his thatch-cover'd hut, father rose to his toil, " With contentment and health in his face ; " While his lov'd lisping young, wou'd his labours beguile, u By their prattle and eager embrace. " From the bounties of fortune 'twas, largely we drew, " While our cottage seem'd shunn'd by all strife ; " And only the name of affliction, we knew, " For joy slop'd our path-way thro' life. " 'Till chance, whom we welcom'd, grew pregnant with care, " Then that friend, we all thought, to our kin, u When the moment arriv'd for our grief (o prepare, " To our cottage she came to lye in. 72 POEMS. " My sister, whom nature had forra'd to delight, " Was by villany lur'd from her home ; u And the death-wounds she gave by her indiscreet flight, " Causes me, a sad pilgrim, to roam. {i Distracted with sorrow, my father exclaim'd, " 'She is fled, all the joy of my age!' " Then he'd weep, 'till his manhoodof tears grewasham'd, " And then storm, in the frenzy of rage. *'' My mother, to soothe him, her fears all conceal'd, tc For the maid, she pray'd heav'n to save ; " 'Till the poison she smother'd was too soon reveal'd! ' ( And she follow'd despair, to the grave. Ci In our garden, we bury'd this emblem of worth, " Where our tears help'd to moisten the mould ; 11 And the flowers that bloom o'er her remnant of earth, " Can the dear sainted spot now unfold. " To the grave of my mother, my father oft went, u There, to offer his sorrowful prayer ! u For his daughter's return, 'till, with grief become spent, il He would faint, with the weight of his care. POEMS. 73 " I in vain, strove to comfort a mind thus distress'd, " To remove him, one evening I try'd ; (i ( Would you tear me,' said he, ' from a prospect of rest ? ci When I die, lay me close by her side ! " Hark! thy mother, boy, calls! see, she beckons me hence, " Stay, I follow, thou angel !' he cried, " Then he star'd like a maniac lost to all sense, " Hugg'd her grave, gave a groan, and thus died! li Nearly broken with woes, too acute for my years, " I fulfiird the afflicting demand ; " I re-open'd the grave, which I wet with my tears, " And plac'd virtue and worth hand in hand ; " And the jessamine, twining around the thin stems " Of the vi'lets more delicate frame, " I have artfully planted a trophy to gems, " And in flowrets, decypher'd their name. 4i By industry's aid, I now hop'd to provide, " 'Gainst the sad piercing calls of distress ; " Was by Providence taught, in her smiles to confide, " Who ne'er yet left the virtuous unblest. H 74 POEMS. " I rejected the fears that my state would excite, " ThroAvn adrift, on the ocean of life ; a For while peace,wrapt my couch in her curtain at night , " I defy'd all the daemons of strife. Ci But, the calm of contentment forbidden to share, " I, too soon, was surrounded by woe: u And may others, from my sad example, beware, " Of the terrors, revenge can bestow. "'One cold winter's night, I went early to bed, " Where in vain I attempted to sleep ; li When a voice spoke its anguish from misery's shed, " Where unshelter'd distress, scem'd to weep; " With a heart prone to pity, I listen'd with care, " When, from wishing to comfort, I cried, A s I rose from my bed, ' answer quickly, who's there ?' " And a voice from without thus replied : ei 'Oh! spurn not the wretchedness stretch'd at your door, " Whose cold threshold hath pillow'd my head ; i: For no greater compassion my wants dare implore, " Save the peace that is promis'd the dead.' POEMS. 75 ; This index to woe was a probe to my heart, " And I ran to the door with a light ; ''- But the shock I receiv'd sure no tongue can impart. " Nor express what I felt at the sight. " A form, faint and lifeless, lay stretch'd to my view, " Whose loose tresses had veiled her face, " And the sad seat of hope, whence her misery grew, " Her torn robe then expos'd, through the space. " Her bosom, thus bare, seem'd convuls'd as in death, " As I strain'd every nerve, to assist her, " She reviv'd by my aid, and recov'ring her breath, " Drew her hair back, and shew'd me my sister ! u For a time I stood lost, between pity and rage, ii While she kneeling, in tears, did implore, " I would deign with my pardon, the pangs to assuage, "Of the wretch, I saw curst, at my door. 11 Then, embracing my knees, she with eagerness gaz'd " Round the room, like one frantic, and cried, " ' Do my parents still live ?' in a tone like one craz'd, u Whom to soothe, I in terms thus replied : 76 POEMS. il ' From the sound of your voice,thcy both hurried away. " To the garden, 'midst darkness and dew; " Where 'tis like they have found, 'side some hillock of clay, i( A concealment, to shield them from view. " ' Be advis'd, on the morrow, go fall at their feet, " Let contrition assist the intent, " Thus forgiveness from two injur'd parent* entreat, " And their silence will speak their consent.' t " Worn with hunger,remorse,and the bleak piercing wind, " She obey'd the ambiguous request; " Bow'd her head, clasp'dmy neck, gave a heart-rending sigh, " And in silence retired to rest. <' But the morning, so dreaded, arriving, I told li With a tenderness due to her state ; " After reason's kind aid had her anguish consol'd, " Her parents' lamentable fate. " But description now faulters, denying her aid, " The sad moving scene to display ; " For since grief's grown an inmate, tho' often essay'd. " She forbids me her force to betray. POEMS. 77 " When composure had yielded her balm to the breast, " Oft bedew'd with a penitent's tear, " I enquir'd the cause of her being distress'd, " Of her flight, from her parents kind care. (i She strove, for a time the big drops to restrain, " That from two swollen eye-lids, quick ran ; " Wrung her hands, tore her hair, and from visible pain, li Gave a groan, and thus weeping began : " < Was not Paradise lost by poor list'ning Eve, " Thro' a serpent's most plausible talc ; " Who, admiring the fruit, and too prone to believe, " Found her ruin, in sin's rich regale ? " Thus in innocence bred, and from artifice free, il I felt not the pangs love bestow, a I knew no affliction, but with unrestrain'd glee, " I derided his arts and his bow. " But Iioav dear was thatdaring, how vain was that sport ! " The dread hour, the date of my woes, 11 Came too soon and convine'd me, that bliss was Kit short u And I wak'd from a dream of repose. 78 POEMS. u The despoiler of innocence, treacherous man ! " Found me artless, a dupe to his snare ; " First he spread the vile lure, that should virtue trepan, (l Then expos'd me, a prey to despair. " Cloy'd with fondness unwish'd, and restrain'd by my " care, " From pursuits that induc'd him to roam, " While barbarity help'd him, his hate to declare, " He depriv'd me of honor and home. t " Abandon'd to ruin, and stamp'd with disgrace, u A victim to want and remorse ; " I have wander'd heart-broken, yet met Avith no place, li That could comfort or stay my sad course. '< But, ah ! why such mishap should a true passion prove ? " Torn with anguish, estrang'd from all joy ; " For, alas ! had I known 'twas imprudent to love, " I had fled from those hopes that destroy. u When night's awful stillness, had aided her gloom, " When the moon broke the clouds with her glare, " I've sought shelter and rest in some time-hollow'd tomb; " Yet my sorrows, alas! found me there. POEMS. 79 " But when death's icy hand 'gan to spread round my heart " A numbness, that fetter'd my feet; " I determin'd, ere life's quiv'ring lamp should depart, "My parents to seek, and entreat i4 They would pardon a wretch, whose sad torments beiow, " Had requited her indiscreet love; a On a penitent convert, that blessing bestow, u Which should waft me to regions above. Cl For the shrill bird of omen, with incessant scream, " Bids me hope the glad moment is near ; " That shall droAvn all my woes in oblivion's stream^ " And in death dry up misery's tear.' " Here she brought to conclusion her sorrowful tale, " Thus dcclar'd her abuse and her shame; " When disgust for, her treatment no longer could veil " The hatred, that made me exclaim : " ' Shall a av retch lost to feeling, still bask in delights " He has stol'n from Credulity's shrine ? " Shall he still plan the ruin, that honor affrights, " And glory in virtue's decline ? 80 POEMS. u No, thou poor injur'd girl, do not droop, do not cry, " In his death shall your wrongs be redrcss'd, " I will find out the villain who causes that sigh, " And a poniard convey to his breast.' u She conjur'd me to stifle the horrible thought, u To leave him to conscience and heav'n ; " And the man who, so basely, her ruin had wrought, li She implor'd might by me be forgiv'n. u Her prayers were in vain, for my parents sad fate u Help'd the hasty resolve to complete; < I sought this despoiler, this cursed ingrate, " Whom I stabb'd one dark night in the street. "'* 'Twas the vengeance that arm'd me, assisted the aim, " And he fell to the earth with a groan ; ; ' And while rage steel'd my heart, Iexpected from Fame. " Her trophy, for what I had done. * But when reason return'd to its seat, which despair ' And revenge, had usurp'd in my breast ; u It shrunk from the pangs that were rankling there, " Which continue to rob me of rest. POEMS. 81 ci Thus by conscience tormented, I fled from the place " Where my sister has found a retreat; fi And the lifewhich her sorrows have made her embrace, " Is with penance and prayer now replete. ;i In a convent, she nurtures the canker-worm grief, " Which assists her fair frame to consume; u In treating the saints to afford that relief, " She can only expect in the tomb. {i Forme, with upbraidings, that spring from remorse, " I in solitude, wear out the day; " And still hunted by conscience, pursue my sad course, 11 Thro' many a briery way. " And thus while my guilt, doth with terrors surround " A heart, nearly broken with care ; " I seek, while the blood tracks my path on the ground, (l An asylum for woe and despair." " Stay your course," cried the stranger, who laid bare his breast, u From this moment your sorrows shall cease; (l I'll erase the foul crime, that has broken your rest. " And this scar shall restore you to peace. 82 POEMS. u I caus'd all the ruin that fell on your heads, " That laid waste all your ripening joy ; u And like the vile mildew, that pestilence spreads, u By a blight, could their blossoms destroy ; u Was the guilty promoter, of all the distress, " That hath tortur'd thy sister and thee; " By the stab I receiv'd, I now swear to redress, " All the wrongs she has snffer'd from me. li Then lead me, my brother, with speed to the cell, " Where Jacintha is pining with woe, u I will make her my countess, your sorrows dispel, u And on both love and fortune bestow. li You shall doff that disguise, and no longer conceal i( A young face in that reverend hood , " For thy person in splendour bedect, shall reveal, il A mind that ennobles thy blood." " That I'm guiltless of murder!" the Pilgrim exclaim'd, In a tone that denoted his joy ; " Is a happiness greater than any you've nam'd " Is a happiness, time cannot cloy. POEMS. 83 < For the world, I despise it, tho' few are my years, " I have seen, try'd, and prov'd its deceit, " I'll accept no profusion, attended by cares, " But my days end in virtue's retreat : " I saw justice subservient to infamy's bribe, " Compassion, to affluence no kin, ii I found honesty beggar'd by oppression's tribe, " Who found wealth only gain'd by the sin ! " I've seen virtue an outcast, and spurn'd from the door " Of the prude, who told beads at her shrine; " I've seen friendship a mask, which the base often wore! u And honor in misery pine. " Like a wild flow'r possessing an odoarous sweet, " Bent to earth by some mischievous tread; a I've seen merit half naked, cxpos'd to the street, (i And bare-foot, imploring for bread! " Thus your offers I scorn, tho' I thank the intent, 4i Seek my sister, restore her to glee ; " And if no dire mischance should the meeting prevent, " Make her happy, as yon have made me. 34 POEMS. 44 But if in the earth her dear ashes are laid, " Don't exult in the death-wound you gave ! " Cut, relenting, confess that the love-martyr'd maid. " Was thro' perfidy, doom'd to the grave. " Thou, the chief boon propitious that Heav'n bestows, li Content ! all my sorrows shall cure : 44 While I taste in retirement, that bliss and repose, 44 Religion and truth shall insure." 44 TJhesc romantic thoughts ill accord with thy youth,'' Said the marquis, " so pr'ythee give o'er ; 44 Thou shalt help me bestow upon sorrow and truth. 44 And Jacintha those blessings in store. 44 Without thee, thy sister would grieve for a loss, 44 Do not then for seclusion contend ; 44 You shall share all the joys, which your absence would 44 cross, 44 As my brother, nay dearer, my friend.'' 44 'Tis in vain, (cried the Pilgrim), the world hath no joy, 44 That could tempt, or with riches ensnare 44 A mind, which thy kindness would only annoy, 44 That's devoted, to penance and prayer." POEMS. 8* ****** The Pilgrim has found his desir'd retreat ; Jacintha is bless'd with her love ; And the joys that assist their delights to complete, Is the much-envied gift from above. POEMS. MORNING. THE GARDEN. ei *The sun gilds the meadow, the birds leave their nest. " To warble salutes to the dawn ; " Its warm rays, with splendour, illumines the cast, " And brightens the dew on the lawn. tl Whilst the sons of high life, to indulgence give way, " And idle the prime of their hours, ii Let us, my dear Fanny, the garden survey, li And admire the growth of the flowers. " The tall gaudy tulip, observe as you walk, " How sumptuous the gloss of its vest! " How grand ! and how proudly it rocks on its stalk, " In beauty's diversity drest ! POEMS. 87 i( From the rose, the carnation, sweet-briar and clove. " What odours, most exquisite, spring ! ki The zephyr rich essence transmits to the grove. " When he brushes their leaves with his wing. " Aloof from the rest, in her purple array, u The violet lowly retreats ; " In modest concealment she peeps at the day, " Tho' none can excel her in sweets : u So humble, that tho' with unparallel'd grace, " She might e'en a palace adorn ; '' She oft in the weeds hides her innocent face, " And blooms at the foot of a thorn. " So beauty, my Fanny, is doubly refin'd, " When modesty heightens her charms; " When meekness, like thine, adds a gem to her mind, " Who'd not wish to be held in her arms." 88 POEMS. EVENING. THE MANIAC. a Why weeps yonder female ?" said Harry and John. As they saunter'd one eve thro' the park ; " She's seated dejected, with no bonnet on " Drench'd with rain ; let us halt there and mark. " Her raiment, tho' tatter'd, may shelter a breast, " Untainted by poverty's smart ; " Let's with modest attention, learn how she's distrcss'd, 11 And, if possible, comfort impart." A time they sat silent, 'till, meeting her eyes, Red and swollen with grief's briny tear ; When in pity they begg'd, she'd calm her deep sighs, And believe their compassion sincere. POEMS. 89 " Is it kindness that prompts you !" she wildly replied, " To sooth a heart bursting with grief? lt Or are you in wantonness come to deride " A poor wretch, that don't ask your relief? ' I've no home ! I've no father ! relation nor friend, " Save an infant; my heaven, my all ! " It lies dead, free from harm, in security penn'd, '' And my raiment, at night, is its pall. " For 'tis then that the wind makes me shiver and shake, " When I hug the pale lamb to ray breast ; li But death lulls his slumber, and wont let him wake, " Or my noise sure would injure his rest. li But the straw that he lies on, is tasscl'd with gold, " And his blanket bedeck'd with rich lace ; 6t I shall bathe him to-night, for the water is cold, " And bring colour again in his face. " If you guess where I've hid him, don't tell ; will you, say ? " If you do, my sore heart-strings would bleed : ' " For some unfeeling robber, might steal him away* " And then, I'd go frantic indeed ! 90 POEMS'. " For d'ye know, 'cause my tears arc deceitful, and tell " That I'm dry tho' they moisten my lip; u The people do stare so they think I'm not well ! " But I laugh ! and away from them trip." This said, she rose up, and adjusting her dress, Whose torn remnants were spread to the wind ; She curtsied, and wishing that God might them bless, Fled with speed, often looking behind. " Alas ! she's insane," said the youth with a sigh, " And despair seems to rage in her breast ! " I wish I could heal it, or knew how to try " Any means to restore her to rest. (l Perhaps in her mind, tho' neglected, were sown " Seeds of worth, from rich nature's supply; " Which, nurtur'd by kindness and care, might hare " grown " To perfection, and rayish'd the eye : " Or e'en the calm sunshine of parental care, " Her sad heart, with its warmth, ne'er impress'd ; " III treatment might doom the poor maid to despair, " And check virtue, tho' ripe, in her breast. POEMS. 91 " Like the shoots of a flower-bud, brighten'd by day, " 'Till in bloom all expanded appears ; li Its colours soon fade, all its beauties decay, " And time blights, what the nursery rears. u But 'tis Heav'ns decree, and its dictates are just, " Ordaining events for the best ; (i And this poor wretched being hereafter, I trust, " Will find peace, in the realms of the blest," 92 POEMS. THE STORM KING, jl SONNET. Heard you the wailing scream, at midnight hour, Of the Storm King ? Heard you the rattling show'r Pour down the steep ; while, thro' the dismal gloom. The bird of darkness chaunted from the tomb ? Heard you the neighb'ring monks despairing cry, As, fir'd by lightning, blaz'd their monast'ry ? Heard you the dead men's mouths move to and fro, And ghastly grin, and chatter tales of woe ? Heard you the trav'ler's agonizing shriek, Tost by the roaring tempest, from the peak ? Heard you all nature shudder with affright, Fearful her reign was clos'd in endless night ? 'While the fierce Storm King rode wild thro' the sky. Those horrors heard you ? No ! No more did I. POEMS. 93 THE SUICIDE. TINES, SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN WRITTEN BY A YOUTH, WHO DESTROYED HtMSELF DY POISON. tit V hat's here? writing! [reads] "When I am seen by my owner, he will restore you your gold." What mystery is this ? When I am seen by my owner ! Where shall I find him ? how shew it to him ? Ah ! I have it : I will wear it yes, wear it in a conspicuous situation, and perhaps chance may place me in his view. Caleb. Do so, Yamira I like the thought [she fastens the miniature on the outside of her turban]. And now prepare for pleasure beyond hope. I hare found a friend indeed t one who has given proof of his sincerity look on these [shews the jewels] ; and, as you admire the gift, forget not to praise that Providence, who in our utmost need has not forsaken us. Yamira. Gracious Alia ! Who? tell me who! Caleb. A stranger, whose visit and departure was alike mysterious but we shall not long remain in doubt; to-night he promised to return, and then explain his reasons for his apparent strange behaviour. Yamira. Do you think that he will be true to his appointment ? Caleb. Yes : he promised faithfully ; rely on it he will Why ? Yamira. A thought has struck me ! It shall be so. [aside.] My dear father, I have thought upon a way to be revenged upon the amourous ingrate, and that base reliever of oppression : but seek not to know the means, 132 THE CASKET. my plot must be my own ; and if it fail, be ir.:ne the consequences, only give me your promise to abide by my directions. Caleb. Freely. Yamira. You will not interfere with my design. Caleb. So firm is my reliance on your prudence, that I shall not hesitate to grant whatever you de- sire. Yamira. Dearest father ! Be yours the task then to prepare for the reception of this generous stranger, whom you expect to-night ; much is to be done by then, if iri your way you meet Zemena, send her to me. Caleb. Our prophet be your guardian. [Exit. Yamira. These worthy gentlemen I will inveigle hither, and expose before our guest to-night, who may become a supporter of my cause in the Divan to-morrow, where I shall appeal to that justice, which is the charac- teristic of the throne ! Ejiter Zemena. O ! Zemena, I have business for you here, take this purse ; [gives a purse] go to a joiners, aud pur- chase me two trunks, each large enough to contain a man, and have them privately conveyed with speed hither. Uemena. Conclude it done, madam. [going. THE CASKET. 133 Yamira. Stay ! follow me to my chamber : I shall there write two billets, which you must deliver with great address ; come ; and on the way I will instruct you in a plot, wherein you must greatly assist me. Now for my amourous gallants '.Kind fortune be my second ! [Exeunt. END OP THE FIRST ACT. 134 THE CASKET. ACT II. SCENE I. A Grand Saloon, richly ornamented in the Oriental Style! A Carpet spread with Fruits, Cushions, &c. Enter Y amir a, meeting Zemexa. Yamira. Well Zemcna! how thrives our plot! Zemena. Just as you would have it, madam ; I have delivered the two billets with equal success, as these tokens will hear witness. [shews two purses. Yamira. How were they received ? Zemena. First, transported with the unexpected summons stood the Doctor ; I saw him, as I entered, press the paper to his lips, in seeming extacy ; on ob-| serving me, he drew his purse with the air of a gallant ; said I had brought his passport to the Heavens ! and bade mc tell the Houri, my mistress, he would not fail ! Yamira. Well said, Doctor. THE CASKET. 135 Zemena. The Governor, next, was seated in state, leaning on the balance of justice; the trembling culprit stood invoking his mercy ; while he, in conversation with the rich complainant, turned the deaf ear to the abject criminal ; seeing this, I broke through the crowd, and gave the judge your note he read with eagerness the contents, then, " take this purse," said he, " for your intelligence the party by nine o'clock to-night, will be at liberty to thank you :" and then , he wore a cheerful countenance; and thus good hu- moured, gave the poor prisoner pardon. Yamira. Mahomet be praised ! And the trunks ? Zemena. . Are here; and placed behind the tapestry, as you directed. Yamira. * Thanks, faithful Zemena Successful as my plot appears, yet the nearer the moment of trial ap- proaches, the more I feel alarmed Oh, Zemena ! I fear my spirits will fail me Mahomet ! grant me thy as- sistance, and strengthen me for this important task. Zemena. Nay, madam, silence your fears ; they run into the snare too eagerly, to suspect the bitters that may follow. Is my master at home ? Yamira. Yes, preparing for the reception of the stranger I told you of.-Oh, I had nearly forgot : you must lead the Doctor up the back stairs ; I ap- pointed him to attend at the garden gate, to prevent his meeting the Governor. 136 THE CASKET. Zemena. I shall, madam. [a knocking heard. Yamira. Hark ! some one knocks : this must be the Doctor ; be attentive to my signal, and keep within hearing. Here, bring me my lute I am sadly fright- ened ! Now help me to seat myself [knock again] there, go admit him [ Exit Zemena.'] My feelings are up in arms, but my cause has virtue for its advocate ; and sure the protection of Alia will assist her dictate*. Now for the mask of a coquette. [strikes the lute. Enter Doctor Aboulcacim. i Doctor, [walks affectedly up to Yamira.'] Light of my eyes ! thou violet among a bed of thorns ! do I live to be lit by thee, from the dark passage of despair ?-.- "Why are you so kind? eh, pretty one! See, you little rogue, I have brought ah ! I have brought something that will please you [throws a bag of gold at her feet"] but may I not hope I have something else, that will recommend me to your liking ? eh ! ah ! um ! [stands in an affected attitude] [Yamira rises] Do permit me to salute the hand that did invite me hither and with this embrace unite me to your arms. [attempts to em- brace Yamira) shedrazcs back, and he stumbles.] Ah ! do not turn away, thou pile of loveliness ! Yamira. Be not impatient, my good sir suppress your transports for a little partake of the entertainment THE CASKET. 137 I have provided, and be satisfied with the assurance that I do not hate you. Doctor. Ay! what! don't you ? say so again again repeat the fond assurance, and let me die your slave ! Yamira. It is in your power to add greatly to my esteem, by submitting to my wishes. Doctor. Eh ! what's that you say ? esteem ! what shall I do ? how shall I oblige you ? Yamira. Swear never to betray my weakness ; and that you will confine your admiration to me alone. Doctor. Oh, delight! she's jealous! [aside]. I swear, bright sun among the stars of beauty ! not all the lures thrown out by the bewitching fair, shall ensnare my affections from you ! Hear, genius of love ! be wit- ness to my vow ; thy favourite Aboulcacim gives him- self to Yamira. Yamira. Your goodness overpowers me. Doctor. O, do not look so lovingly upon me ! I can't bear it I can't bear the lustre of those eyes ; they are too much for me ! I never was so happy in my life sure I am departed from the regions of strife, and partake of the felicity that belongs to a true believer. [Pulls of his turban, and sits bare-headed. Yamira. My lord, I drink to you. [drinks. Doctor. My adoration ! bright excellence ! [drinks.] Eh ! what have you got there ? a lute ! sing me a song, sweet bird of Paradise ! 138 THE CASKET. Yumira. It is impossible for me to refuse any thing to one, it shall be my future study to oblige. [Sings. Pleasure is a short liv'd flower, Quickly blossoms, quickly dies : He who laughs for joy this hour, Ten to one the next he sighs. So bright Sol doth cheer the morn, With his life-inspiring smiles ; Yet e'er mid-day comes a storm, And the beauteous prospect spoils. Doctor. Oh ! what a charming voice. [goes to embrace her. Yamira. Nay, sit I conjure you You do not seem to relish this first course ; but I have a better pre- paring for you. Doctor. Ah, you dear little angel I know you have You mean to hide me Yamira. In a chest. [aside. Doctor. In your arms, and call me your delight. Come, then, lead on to happiness extreme. [rises. Yumira. Stay, I protest you shall sing to me ; so sit still awhile, and be not too impatient ; you cannot sure do less, when yon are told it will oblige me. THE CASKET. 139 Doctor. Em ! oblige you ! ah, you little flatterer ! I'll sing to be sure, but, as I am a mussulman, I don't know what [aside] here goes, however. [Sttigs. Amours I have had by the score, But I never was blest so before ; When I first saw that eye ! Tho' I cannot tell why, I felt such an odd kind of smart ! Soon the cause did appear, Young Cupid sat there ; And he shot a large spear thro' my heart ! Since you to my wishes are true, No mortal such pleasure e'er knew; I am mad with delight To think of this night, O, how 1 could caper and sing ; And supper so neat, I confess that the treat Is a banquet too rich for a king. There, how do you like that ? Yamira. Indeed, my lord, your composition di- verts me. Doctor. Eh ! ah ! to be sure I don't know how to divert the fair sex, eh? but come, we 140 THE CASKET. waste the precious moments let us retire, my lore, to [Yamira waves her hand, and then Enter Zemena. Zemena. Oh, madam ! madam ! [affrighted. Doctor. What's the matter ? have you seen a ghost ? Zemena. My master's at the gate ! Doctor. Eh ! what ? [a knocking heard. Yamira. Hark ! I hear him knock ; what will be- come of me ? Doctor. What will become of you ! What will be- come of me ? I'm a dead man ! Yamira. Nay, then I am undone-^lost for ever ! can I survive the death I have brought upon you ! [weeps. Doctor. Oh, Lord ! don't say so death ! I am frightened out of my senses. Yamira. Can't we hide him ? but I fear that will be impossible. Zemena. A lucky thought, [runs and discovers a chest.] To save the Doctor, madam, let us hide him here. Doctor. Ah, do, for mercy's sake I'll creep any where hide me any where. [knocking increases. Yamira. Make haste ! get into the trunk, and when my father retires, I will restore you to liberty and your deserts. THE CASKET. 141 Doctor. Help me in help me in. [gets into the trunk.] O, thou she devil, ill luck ! if you ever catch me in a snare again, leave me no box to creep into that's all : [noise without.] Mahomet grant my cough may not discover me oh, dear ! Yamira. Down, down! He's here, [she fastens the trunk, lets down the arras, and comes forward.'] Now thou art safe, thank Heaven ! Carry my thanks to All, who has so well assisted us ; but first, get all in readiness for the Governor ; he will doubtless soon be here [a knocking heard] nay, this is being punctual with a witness. Go haste, admit him. [Exit Zemena. One struggle more, and then [she seats herself. Enter Governor. [Gov. stalks proudly up to Yamira, and takes her hand.] Fairest daughter of the East, this unexpected pleasure is a proof of your wisdom ; it has exalted you in the opinion of the Governor of Bagdat, who thinks it no degradation to honour you with his esteem. Yamira. Pardon, ray lord, the weakness of a wo- man, whom timid bashfulness had blinded to your merits : but let this compliance with your wishes, O mighty and just ruler of the faithful ! convince you, I have learnt how to estimate so undeserved a courtesy. 142 THE CASKET. Guv. Sweet enough ! your wisdom is equal to your beauty ; and doubt not both shall meet their reward. Henceforth, pleasure shall be your inmate: consent but to be mine, and I'll transplant you from this humble soil, to gardens of the sweetest verdure. . Yamira. How conspicuous, sir, your accomplish- ments must appear, when they have wrought such a change in me ; what else could ever have led me from the path of virtue, to reflect disgrace upon the best of fathers ! Gov. He has possessed too Jong the luxury of your society ; unworthy of such a treasure, he knows not its tf ue value : his days have been inconsiderately con- sumed in festivity, to the injury and ruin of your for- tune. But leave him to the beggary he merits, and live with me in happiness and splendour. Yamira. And is this your advice? you that are the representative of Justice ! Then may I brave the fear of secret reproach, and boldly err, when Justice leads the way ? [rarcasticuUg. Gov. Does he deserve such perfection, who could subject it to penury ? who is there, that has a right even to pity him ? Yamira. Those who once basked in the sunshine of his prosperity ! You, sir, was formerly his associate, surely you pity him ! Gov. Why this emotion ? name him no more I beg. What is it moves you thus ? THE CASKET. 143 Yamira. 'Twas but the struggle with my duty 'tis over. I have gone too far, and reflection conies too late ! Come, worthy sir, taste of the repast I have provided, and in the mean time I will endeavour to di- vert you with a song. Gov. Do so, I beseech you ; and with your angelic voice, bind still faster the bewitching chain, your charms have woven about me. [Yamira sings. Tho' keen's the pang that-hopeless lovers From broken vows and faith complain ; Yet time's never-failing balsam Heals the wound, or soothes tlie pain. Foil'd ambition, injur'd honor, May awhile the bosom tear ; Soon they yield the scat to reason, And the bubble breaks in air. But if friendship aim the dagger, Spite of reason, spite of art ! Soon, too soon ! the point envenom'd ! Rankles in the tortur'd heart. Gov. Transporting rhapsody ! Thanks beauteous Yamira. Yamira. I am over-paid in having pleased you, sir. . Zemena [Enter Zemena.] My lord the Go- 144 THE CASKET. vornor does not appear to relish the first course ; bring in the desert, and surprize his appetite with an unex- pected fare. [Exit Zemena. Gov. Lovely Yamira ! all the viands collected from the luxuriant gardens of Asia, would appear insipid to the banquet of your charms. Let us retire, and there Enter Zemena, hastily. Zemena. O, madam! madam! Ill-fated chance has man :'d our joys with accident unlooked for. Yamira. Speak on. What's the matter ? Zemena. My master is at the door talking to our malignant neighbour Sidi. He saw the Governor enter and declared it to your father who doubting his assertion, is actually coming here to be convinced ; I overheard it all and hastened hither to provide you for the discovery. Yamira. Oh Mahomet! what shall I do ? Gov. Be not alarmed, I'll threaten their suspicions with my resentment, and bind them down to peace. Yamira. Alas ? my lord, you may, while you are present, hold off the storm, but being gone shame and dishonor will expose me to the just indignation of an injured father, and crush my hopes of happiness to come. THE CASKET. 145 Gov. Let him reproach I'll take you from his sight. [during this time Zemena dratbs up the tapestry $ and discovers the other chest. Zemena. Madam, here is an empty trunk, placed by kind chance, a way for our escape. Gov. A trunk ! what then ? [noise without. Yamira. [kneels.] Let me conjure you to con- ceal yourself within, but for a few short moments ; and in so doing, save my reputation and my life. Gov. Get into a box ! I shall be stifled. [noise increases. Yamira. They are coming do not, I entreat you, refuse me this one proof of an affection, you have pro- fessed so largely. Gov. Nay, if thou weep'st [gets reluctantly into the chest.] But for a few moments ? Yamira. A few moments, my dear lord, and then Gov. That then will make a man do any thing ! [Noise without ; she locks the trunk, while Ze- mena drops the arras. Yamira. Lie still my heart, my fears are over. Zemena. Madam, the guests are come, attended by your father ; they are on their way hither. Yamira. How did you contrive to delay them ? Zemena. Ali formed a pretext, and waits my signal to admit them. [she strikes the lute. Yamira. Thev are here; do you attend. 146 THE CASKET. Enter Caleb Hassan, Stranger, and Attendants. Caleb, [takes the hand of Yamira.] If truth and virtue e'er adorned a fair, behold it here the richest boon of fortune. [Stranger starts at sight of the picture. Stran. By Mahomet ! the very miniature I [aside. Caleb. And you, my Yamira, behold the bene- factor to whom I owe so much. [pointing to Stranger. Stran. I'll wave my enquiries for a fitter opportu- nity [aside.'] Spare me sir ! To know that I have been instrumental to the happiness of a fair one so de- serving, is a sufficient compensation for the exertion of my utmost ability. Yamira. Noble sir! my merits are much below your estimation. I beseech you sirs to sit. [they seat themselves. Stran. The sight of this instrument [takes up the lute~\ induces me to suppose you are a master ; might I be indulged with the melody it breathes, from being ably touched, it would infinitely oblige me. Yamira. My ready compliance, sir, shall help atone for my want of skill. [takes the lute from Stranger^ and sings. Guardian sylphs in air that fly ! See that no intrusive eye Rudely steals upon our joy ! THE CASKET. 147 Watch o'er this eventful hour, Charms and spells upon it shower; Guard it with thy magic power! So shall joy jour care repay, Each enriching new born day, With a merry roundelay ! Stran. Your performance, madam, has exceeded my hopes, and makes me your debtor for the pleasure it procured me. Well, my friend, [to Caleb] what say you ? shall I entrust you with my merchandise, or will you go, and share with me the profits of my journey ? Caleb. See what must prevent me : [pointing to Yamira] to leave her friendless, to the mercy of an un- pitying world, must embitter those moments, you would in vain endeavour to divert. ' Yamira. Friendless! Indeed father I have more protectors about me than you are, perhaps, aware of. Stran. What does she mean ? [aside. Caleb. Protectors ! Yamira. Aye, I have both Gratitude and Justice ; and doubtless the one, will insure the protection of the other ! Caleb. But, from the example you had this morn. ing, you cannot, I fear, form any reliance upon either. 148 THE CASKET. Stran. You allude to the perfidious magistrate, I suppose. Be not surprized, madam ; [to Yamira] your father has made me acquainted with his baseness ; which, pardon me, I must confess I am loth to credit. Yamira. I thank Heaven, my lord, I have evidence that shall do away your scruples [Doctor calls out.]- So they begin to tire. [aside. Slran. Hark ! what noise was that ? Yamira. What, my good lord ? Slran. I thought I heard some one call out. Yamira. Eh! call out? oh! some lover of his coun- try, 'perhaps, who is loud in the praise of liberty. [noise again. Caleb. What is all this ? [to Yamira. Yamira. You promised not to interrupt me ! [aside to Caleb. Caleb. I remember she talked of a plot ; perhaps her project works, [aside.'] [the noise increases. Slran. What interruption is this. Yamira. Be not surprised, sir ; you appeared to doubt the perfidy of our chief magistrate; and my skill in necromancy enables me to bring him, with the un- worthy doctor, here before you : to have a proof of this, you must allow me to dismiss the light ; and do not speak, I charge you, lest the spell is broken, and the guilty vanish as they came. THE CASKET. 149 Stran. What mystery is this? [aside].' We pro- mise to abide by your directions. Yamira. Attend then in silence. [music plays the lights are extinguished. [Yamira accompanies the music zsith her lute, and sings.] Ye Sylphs ! obedient to my will, This instant fly ! my wish fulfil ! Within my magic circle place The old ingrate, and law's disgrace, [music plays. The charms wound up, now all's prepar'd ! And let the ensnarers be ensnar'd ! [During the music, she, assisted by Zemena, draws up the tapestry, and unlocks the trunks music ceases. Yamira. Now come forth, my amourous lord ! [softly. [She seats herself beside her father ; Doctor and Governor rise up at the same time, and both comeforzcard. Doctor, [softly.]- I'm all in the dark fair star! where are you ? Gov. Here ! [softly. Doctor. Ill-natured darkness ! where shall I find my lore ! [softly. Gov. Here ! [softly t 150 THE CASKET. Doctor. Where ? charming creature ! [softly. Gov. Here! [softly. [ They run violently against each other. Doctor, [loud.] O Lord ! I've dislocated my shoulder. Gov. I'm betrayed! what voice is that ? Doctor. Oh, Mahomet ! who are you ? Gov. My authority will protect me. [aside.} Lights! Doctor. Aye, let me see danger by lamp-light ; it will help me to run away Lights ! lights ! [Zemena and All enter with lights ; on seeing the company, they stand in postures of sur- prize; after a little time, the Doctor comes forward to Caleb. Doctor. Ah ! my dear friend, I came to pay the sequins you so kindly lent me. Caleb. Wretch! [frowns} And pray sir, what was your errand hither ? [to Gov. Yamira. Only to receive the reward demanded for the execution of his office. Caleb. O base ! base ! beyond conception vile ! Stran. Monument of excellence ! triumphant virtue ! [aside. Gov. I will this instant quit your house, and medi- tate revenge. [going. Stran. Stay sir ! Guard the door [to his Attend- ants.^ [they stand before the door.] You, sir, [to the Doctor] owed this merchant three hundred sequins ? THE CASKET. 151 Doctor. Eh ? yes ! I came to pay him. Strati. Or, like a robber, to steal away his last re. maining jewel! [scornfully J] And you, sir, [to Gov.] was applied to for justice on this miscreant ; and re- fused the exertion of your authority, unless the fair suppliant, urged by her necessities, would submit to your base desires ! Gov. And who's the slave that dares correct my conduct ? Stran. A monarch ! injured by his representative!! [Throws off his disguise, and appears the Sultan : they all stand in postures of surprise, except the tico Attendants, who now appear to be his Grand Fisiers.] Is justice, then, so hard to be obtained, that injured poverty must pay the price of virtue, ere it gains that, which to the lowest slave is but a common right ? Go, sir, from an office you have disgraced ; while I to one more worthy entrust the regal sword : and learn, when ministers pervert the sacred trust in them reposed, 'tis injured majesty receives the stab, and thus may suffer for the wrongs he knows not. [Gov. hides his face. Yamira. [kneels.~] Pardon, dread Sire, that I have presumed to make light of an affair, which I intended to- morrow for your investigation, ignorant of the unde- served honour you have done us 5 in being at once the witness, and the judge. 152 THE CASKET. Sultan. Rise, my fair" friend ! and take thy Sultan's thanks for a lesson it shall henceforth be his study to remember that merit may pine in obscurity ! and vice flourish under the mask of legal authority! And now, charming Yamira! tell me how you came by that minia- ture, and why you wear it in so public a situation ? Yamira. Mighty sir, hoping to find the original^ who will no doubt acknowledge the pledge he left in trust for two thousand sequins the secreted legacy of the best of mothers. Sultan. Then view him here. [Yamira and Caleb starti] 'Twas I that robbed you of your wealth. One evening I had strolled unattended into the forest, and, crossing a path that leads to a receptacle for the dead, I observed a female closing a hole she had dug at the foot of a tree, curiosity induced me to wait until she had quitted the spot, and then to seek for what she had hidden there; and to my surprize, I found a casket containing two thousand sequins, and this inscription : 11 Let prudence teach you to value the gift." Desirous of exploring this enigma, I took away the money, leaving a picture in its room ; hoping by that means to find the owner, and so to satisfy my en- quiries. Yamira Sf Caleb. Good Heavens ! THE CASKET. 153 Sultan. Hearing by accident of your undeserved losses, I determined to visit you, and prove, in the dis- guise of poverty, your fortitude under affliction ; the result has crowned ray hopes, and helped me to find a friend. Enter All Alt. There is a prisoner without, guarded by some soldiers, who begs to be admitted to Caleb Hassan. Sultan. Who is it ? [to Caleb. Caleb. Great sir, I know not. Sultan. Admit him. [Exit All. Enter Mustafha guarded. Caleb. Ah, my poor friend, is it you ? What have you done ? why do I find you thus ? Musta. I rescued another's neck at the expense of my own, and found out a way to be hanged at the public expense ! Caleb. How so ? Musta. I changed dresses with a robber, as it ap- pears, who made me believe that, by wearing this gown and turban, I should become related to the Governor of Bagdat, by marrying his daughter A desire of mend- ing my broken fortune, blinded me to the consequences of the imposition : but no sooner had I got them on, 154 THE CASKET, than these soldiers surrounded me, and would hare dragged me to execution, had I not prevailed on them to enquire of you how I came by this purse. [shews a purse. Caleb. That purse was mine, and given by me to him ; I am sure he is innocent ; 'tis his credulity alone that has marred his fortune. Sultan. Then he shall marry the Governor's daugh- ter to mend it See it done sir ; [to Gov.] it shall lessen your further punishment. [Governor bows. Musta. BylVIahomet ! 'tis the Caliph himself; I shall be exalted then at last. [aside. Yamira. PKnfy, my father, once more lays her horn at our feet; [to Caleb.] and that affliction may never pine in the presence of a monarch, dispel, mighty sir, the gloom of sorrow from the brow of penitence, and make contri ion blessed by your forgiveness. Sultan. 1 have a boon first to ask of you ; grant me that, and all your wishes are fulfilled. Yamira. Have I a grant I could deny my king ? Sultan. Accept the hand of him you have ena- moured, and share, as my Sultana, my throne and love ! Yamira. My lord ! Father ! Sultan. Your blushes seal, with their consenting smiles, the contract those vouchers are sufficient.. For you, [to Doctor Sf Governor] your errors are THE CASKET. 155 forgiven ; and learn to emulate that virtue, that makes a king the parent of his people. And now let the sports begin, [to his Fisiers.] Conduct the dancers hither, who attend without. We'll close the night with re- velry ; and the morning sun shall light us to the altar, where I'll add a jewel to the wreath of virtue, and wear it in my crown. [Visiers exit, and re-enter with Dancers, #c. [After a Persian Dance, the Principals, assisted by a chorus of Nobles and Attendants, sing.] Of diadem and sceptre vain, The monarch on his regal seat Exults and swells with proud disdain On prostrate thousands at his feet ! But at triumphant beauty's side, He lays the gorgeous trappings by ; And words of pomp, and looks of pride, Are lost amid festivity. THE END. 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