1^411. ^..^-i ;J >. ,i^ THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES FREDERIC THOMAS BLANCHARD ENDOWMENT FUND tHfi POEriCAL WORKS o ? JANET L I T T L Ej T^?, SCOTCH MILKMAID, A I Rr PRINTED BY JOHN& PETER WILSON, , ]VI,DCC,XCH. €nteteti in ^taticnetjS' !pall L7^3rt/7 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE FLORA, COUNTESS OF LOUDOUN, THE FOLLOWING POEMS ARE WITH PERMISSION, MUMBtr INSCRIBED. BY YOUR LAD YS HIP'S] EVER GRATEFUL, AND OBEDIENT HUMBLE SERVANT, 7f ,^"^NfT LITTLE. j>'f.:±Kj>o >B^m* C N "T E N T 6'. 'K*raKSi«*»- Pile J 1 O Hope — — _ _ 27 O.i H.ippinefs — — — 32 Uoon a young Lady's leaving Loudoun Caftle -37 The fickle Pa^ir _ _ — — i 40 To a Lady, a Patronefs of the Mufes, on her Reco- vtvy from Slcknefs — 4:^ The Lottery Ticket — — — 4=; The Month's Love — -— 47 Damon and Philander — — 5^ Colin and Alexis — — — 5'^ Almeda and Flavia — — -' '* ^'2 On the Spring; — — — 7'^ William and JMary — — 75 Lotliarlo — 7*^ Amanda, an Elegy on the Dt-ath of Mrs. , perfonatinp her liufDanU 83 Celia and her Looking Glafa ^'6 The unfortunate Rambler — 91 liucina, an Elegy — — ^4 The envied Ivifs — — ' 9<> The young Mean's Refolutlon- — ico To a young Man under Sentence of Peath for Foi- gery, from his Mlilref^ . — ^^ - -^ On an unlocked for Separation from a Fnend ,. Wrluen January firil:, 1792 — io6 A ?. CONTENTS* On a Vlfit to Mr. Burns — Given to a Lady who ailcetl me to write a Poem Epiille to Nell, wrote from Loudoun Cadle — Nell's Anfwer ^ Page 1 1 1 i'3 117 120 122 125 129 Another Epiftle to Nell An Epiftle to a Lady — — From Snipe, a favourite Dog, to his Mafter — On the Death of J H~^ — , llfq. On the Eirth of ] H- — , Efq.'s Son On a Gentleman's pronofing; to travel 300 Miles to fee J-^-^ H— , Efq.'s Child 140 Verfes written on a Foreigner's vifiting the Grave of a Swifs Gentleman, buried among the Defcen- dents of Sir William Wallace, Guardian of Scotland in the thirteenth Century • -r— 142 From Philander to Eumenes — — 144 Sylvia and Armeda • 147 The captivated Soldier — , — ^ 150 On reading Lady Mary Montague and Mrs. Rowe's Letters — 153 Upon a young Lady's breakings Looking Glafs 155 An .^crollic upon a young Woman, written by her Lover 158 An extemporary Acroftic 159 An Epiftle to Mr. Robert Burns — 160 To my Aunty 164 On Halloween ^ 167 On feeing Mr. Pjaking Cakes 1,74 A Poem on Contentment 173 Alcanzar — — — 180 Aionzo to Delia — — — ~. 1 84 Delia to Aionzo — •. l85 FromTX'lia to Aionzo, who had fent her a flighting Epiftle — — — — 188 I'rom Fla-via to Ciirlns — 19! To Nell when at Moffat Well — 195 A young Lady's Lamentation for the Li fs of her bifter by Marriage — — — 197 The Puival Sv.-ains — — 20 2 Tq a La iy who fent the Author fome Paper, with a Reading of Sillar's Poems — — 2ox SUBSCRIBERS NAMES, A BOYD Alexander, Efq. of Southbar Mrs. Alexander, ditto Mrs. Alexander of Ballamile Mr. Robert Ainfley, writer, Edinburgh Mrs Aniot of Dalwhatfwood "' "^ Mrs. Auftine, Edinburgh Mr. Armftrong, Braikwoodlees Mr. William Armftrong, writer, Laftgholm Mr. John Armftrong, Eives Mr. John Armftrong, Wier ..^... Mr. John Aitchifon, Annan •"'« Mr. John Aitchifon, Newbic ^ Mr. Thomas Archibald, Ardry Mr. Francis Allwood, Shuttlefton Mr. Robert Allan, Catrine Mr. Andrew Anderfon, GlafgOTT Mr. Robert Allafon, ditto Mr. Agnew", Caftlewig Robert Anderfon, Efq. of Borland, Mr. William Andrew, Oldhull Mr. Thomas Aiton, Woodhead Mr. James Aitken, Cairn Mr. Alexander Ainfley, Prince' ftreet, Edinburgh Mr. James Alexander, Union Bank, Paifley Mr. William Alexander, manufadurer, ditto Mr. John Andrew of Coldftrc^i Dr. Adair, Edinburgh Mifs Adair, ditto A 4 8 Siibfcribers Nam^s, B t-IONCURABLE Mr. Boyle, Irvine Honourable Mrs. Boyle, ditto Sir John Hunter Blair T. Bovle, Efq. of Shouilfton Robert Baillie Efq. of May vill Mifs Lefly Baillie Mrs. Baillie of Canal-bank James BoJ'vvell, Efq. of Auchinleck Richard Boufiher, Efq. Bath William Blair Efq. of Blair Mrs. Blair of ditto Mrs Buihbie, Tinwaldowns, 2 copies Mifs Bufhbie Thomas Beattie Efq. of Cruvie Alexander Benton Efq. of Eamberton George James Bell, Efq^ advocate, Edinburgh James Biichannan Efq. Alexander Brown, Efq. Mr. A. Bljiir, -ViTiter to the fignet, Edinburgh Mr. David Balfour, writer to the fignet, ditto Rev. Mr. Thomas Briibane, Dunlop Mr. Hugh Breckenridge, of Daldarick Mr. WiUiam Bell, Argyle ilreet, Glafgow, 4 copies Mifs Bell, 2 copies ' Mr. James Bell, 2 copies Mr. William Balfour, Glafgow Mr. Blair, George' ftreet, Edinburgh Mrs. Balmain, Hill flreet, ditto Mifs Balmain Mrs. Buchannan, Sj^dorf, Hanover flreet Mrs. Bdl, Queen's Ilreet Mr. James Brown, Loudoun kirk Mr. James Bro\\Ti, Fenwick ' ' * Mr. John Begbie, Kilmarnock Mifs Bofland, Pailley /,' , ^ ^ / Mr. William Brown, writer, Eilmamock/n <«^*^ cJrtf^A^^'^/'tc^^ Mr. James Brown, Blacklaw • ' " Mr. James Brown, merchant, Kilmarnock Robett Borland, Efq Mr. William Babinf^on Mifs J. Brown of "^yaterhaufe Mifs M. Brown, iiitto Mr. Andrew. Brown, writer, Stewartoa, ^- John B«jg,Caini ' ' " Stibfcribers Names, Mr. James Bell, Ecclcfechen Mr. C, Baillic, Matterftain Mr. David Blackwood, Stewarton Mr. Robert Baird, Drumkelly ^!r. Richard Beattie, Lf^hmaben Mr. Stairs Beck, Charlesfield Mr. James Beck, Allenby Mr. John Burle, cotton manufadurer, Annan Mr. James Burnie, Kiinhead Mr. David Black, Longtridge Mr. Patrick Blackilock, Woodfide Mr. John Blacklcck, Cummertrees Mr. David Blair Mr. Thomas Buchannan, merchant, Glafgow Mr. James Buch-annan, merchant, ditto Mr. Robert Boyd, do Mr. John Baird, LIII. Regiment Mr. James Baird, Niddrie Mrs Catharine Beattie, Ballamlle .Mr. Robert Burns, Dumiries LADY Elizabeth Creichton, 2 copies Lady Mary Cameron Sir William Cmaningham ofRobertland Mils J. F. Crawford, 2 copies Mr Cameron Ronald Crawford, Efq of Frifky Mrs. Cunningham junior, of Auchenfkeitli Peter Clark, Efq, of Holms Mrs. Clark, ditto Artliur Campbell, Efq. of Auchmunnoch Colonel J. W. Crawford of Crawfordland George Ch-anftcn Efq. advocate, Edinburgh David Cathcart, Efq advocate, ditto Mils Jane Cathcart James Campbell, Efq. ditto John Carfe, Efq. ofGardrum Henrick Cape, Efq. Glalgow Mifs Carr, Edinburgh Mrs. Craigie, Hay ilreet, Edinburgh Mrs. Campbell of Nctherplace Mrs. Clark, Standingftoncj Cumberland Winifred Clark, ditto Ewan Clark, ditto lo Suhfcribers Names » Mr. James Cathcart, Queen's ftreet, Edinburgh S. Crawford, Tuland Mr. Cunnir-shani Corbet, Glafgow Mr. William Clydefdale, Gluigow Mr. William Currie, ditto Mr. John Crofs, ditto Mr, James Campbell, ditto Mr. Colin Campbell, ditto Mr. James Campbell, for D. Mr. James Carruthers, Moufwald Mr. William Caldwell of Middletoa Mr. Hume Cramlion, Edinburgh Mr. John Clark, XXXV. Regiment Mrs Cunningham, Langfiiav/ Mifs Cunningham, Glafgow Mr. Ceorge Chrillie, Paiilcy, 2 copies Mifs Chriftie, do. Mrs. Crofs, Greenlaw, do. Mrs. Campbell, Waterhaufe Mr. Thomas Corfan, Druggift, Kilmarnock Jklr. M. Cunningham of Seabank l^hr. Patrick Campbell, writer to the fignet, Edinburgh M^ Andrew Cromie , Mr. David Craig, Dunlop Mr. William Carlington, Caldwell Mr. William Cochran, Glanderfton Mr. Allan Cochrane • Mr. Tliomas Corfan, Lochryan Mr. John Carruthers, Brocklihearft Il'Ir. William Chalmers, bookfeller, Dumfries, 2 copses Mr. James Clindinning, ditto Mr. William Cleland, Glafgow Jifo. Carrutliers, Supplebank -Mifs J. Carruthers, Cummertrees My. Charles Ewart, Daltcn Mr. James Corbet Mr. William Carmichael, Craigie Mr. Robert Carb/le Mr. Walter Cook ^;r. John Cathcart, Moffat Mr. Charles Crawford, Killhead Mr. James Carruthers ^ Mr. Walter Cowan, Bygate Rlr. jardineCom.be, Ecclefechaa Subfcrilers Names, 1 1 Mr. Alexander Craig, Dumfries Mr. George Clapperton, furgeon, Annan Mr. Thomas Chalmers, Hannah D EARL of Dumfries, 2 copies Countefs of Dumfries, 2 copies Countefs of Dalhoufie Right Honourable Lord Dair, St, Mary's Ifle Lady Ifabella Douglas Lady Eleonora Dalziel Lady Douglas of Killhead, 2 copies Mrs. Dunlop of Dunlop, 7 copies Major Dunlop, 6 copies Mifs K. Dunlop, 7 copies Mifs A. E. Dunlop, 2 copies George Douglafs, Efq ; of Roadenhead, 2 copies Colonel Alexander Dundafs Mr. William Dundafs Mifs Dundafs of Dundafs James Dewar, Efq ; of Vogris Captain Dumbar, Douglas Mr. William Dalziel, writer to the fignet, Edinburgh David Douglas Efq; advocate Robert Davidfon, Efq; advocate Mr. James Donaldfon, fenior, merchant, Glafgow Mr. David Dale, junior, ditto Mr. James Donaldfon, junior, ditto James Duncafter, Efq ; Rev. 'vlr. -Jacol-) Dickfon, Moufwald Rev. Mr. David Dickfon, St. 'ungo Rev. Mr. James Dewar, Fenwick Rev. r. Duncan, ArdrofTan Mr. James Douglas, Loudoun Mr. Dalziel, Queen ftreet, Edinburgh Mr. James Duncan, furgeon, ditto Mifs Davies, Dumfries Mr. Matthew Dickie of KnockingdaU Mr. Robert Dunlop, A-.irthurby Mr James Dobie, Beith M r. John Dun, Loanhead Mr. James Du:bp of Loanhead Mr, Thomas Dunlop of Aiket I - Suhfcribers Names^ Mr. Abraham DIckfon, Harrington Mr. Thomas Dicklbn, Moufvvald, Mr. John Dalrymple, Branthat Mrs. Janet Deens, Hitchel Mr.'l'homas Dickfon, Annan Mr, Robert Dicklbn, ditto • • COUNTE S S Dowager of Err* .1 Governor Edmoiidion, George' ftreet, Edinburglj William Er/kine, Efq. advocate John Elliot, Efq. of Wliitehaugh Mr. David Ewart, Chancery oliicc, Edinburgh Mr. James Elliot, M. D. J/ir. J. Elliot of Flat- Mr. Elliot of Dunlie Mr. John Llliot of Park Mr William Elliot, George' fquare, Edinburgh Mr. James Eallon, lludeat of Divinity, Moulwald Mr.»Archibald Fldraonfton, Edinburgh Mr, Walter Ewen, njierchant, Glalgow COLONEL William FuUaiton of Fullarton, 2 copies Mrs. Fullarton S. iVi. Fullarton of Bartonholrrj ]Sir. FergulTon, Bcith Tvlrs. Ferguilbn, ditto Mifs H. Ferguflbn, ditto. James Fevgulfon Efq. advocate, Edinburgh, <; copies Robert FerguiTon, Efq, Tennant, 2 copies John Fletcher, Eiq. of Dowings Mr. John FerguiTon, Glafgow Rev. \lr. Jam.es Fofter, A. B. Fnglifli Chapel, Glafgow Rev. Mr. Peter Ferguilbn, Inch Mr. Alexander Fowlds, Kilmarnock ' Mr. FoRer, Pafterhead Mifs Filhcr, Dykemount Mr. James Fiiher, Minivc, 2 copies T. Ferrier, Efq. George' llrcet, Evlinburgh Mifs Ferrier, ditto Mr Archibald Fletcher, ditto Mr. Robert Flemen, ditto Suhfcribers Names,. 1 3 Mr. Allan Forfyth, ditto Mr James Fairly/ Cairn Mr. Alexander FerguHon, Stewarton Mr. John Fon-efl, Annan EARL ofGlafgow Countels of Glafgow Honourable Francis Grey, 7 copies General Gordon Lady Margaret Grierfon, Rochal George Greenlaw, Efq. of Hilton •John Gordon, Efq. of Carleton Archibald Grahame, Efq. Glafgow Alexander Gardiner, writer to the Signet Dr Robert Glafgow of St Vincents Rev. Mr. George Gordon, Sorn, 2 copies Mrs. Gordon, 2 copies Rev Mr. Greenfield, Edinburgh Mifs Guthry, Argyle fquare, ditto Rev. Mr James Grant, Libertone Mr. James Galloway, writer, Glafgow Mr. John Geddis, Glafswork, ditto Mr. James Gregg, writer, Kilmarnock Mr. Thomas GreenJhields, ditto Mr. John Greenfhields Mr. A Gillian, London Mr. A. Gillies, Edinburgh Mr. James Gibfon, ditto Mifs Graham, Dumfries Mr Archibald Gordon Mr Robert Grierfon, B.D Edinburgh, 2 copies Mr. William Grahame, Drumlanrig'Caille, 2 copies Mifs Charlotte Grant Mr John Graham Foxhall, Finifton, 2 copies Mifs Graham, Edinburgh Mrs Gordon, Greenlaw Mr George Gregg, Hoddam Caftle Mr George Grahame, merchant, Langholm Mr. James Gibibn, Ecclefechan Mr. lohnGlnver, Hillhcad Mr.^Valter Graham, Powfoot V r. William N 'Farlane Mr. T. ?: 'Carter, Dr. JefFery's College, Glafgow ^■'r. Robert Montgomery of Bogfton 1,'r. William M'Niib, poftmalkr, Stranraer, 2 copies F'r. James M'Gown, furgeon Stow Lieut. Alexander '-'Donald, Rodenhead Mrs. J. Mitchell, Friendlelshead i'Y. J. Mnir, merchant Kilmarnock Mifs A. M'Langhlan, Paifley Mr. Thomas M'Culloch, Croach Mr. J. M'Key, Stranraer Rev. V'r. J. M'Kenzie Port Patrick Mr. P. M'Dowal, Cairn Mr. M'Whirter, do Mr. John Morton, Loudoun Caftle Mr Janles Mafon, Loudoun Kirk Mr. George M'Gill, Kilmaurs Mr. Thomas Muir, Millgate Mrs. Ni'Gill of Kingllngcleuch Mr John M'Kenzie, furgeon, A'auchline Mr. Matthew orrifon, do Mr. William M'Dowal, Glafgow Mr. James M'Nair, writer, do. Peter Murdoch, ; fq. Mrs. Jane Marlhal, Cockbtidgc Mr. Hugh V axwell, Dumfries Mifs Malcom, Vv/'efterkirk Mr. James V^offat, furgeon, Langholm Mr. "Thomas Murray, Whifgills Mr. James M'Kie, Gatterbie Mr. John Miller, Clayhoufe Mr. lames MofRit, Hightea Mlfs Eliza '* ''Claren, Kilhead Mr. Matthew Murray, merchant, Langholm V Mr. James Moif;:<, Ecclefechan Mr. William M^Nae, Sandbed Mifs Iv.'Cleod, George' itreet, Edinburgh Mrs. M'Kie, Hanover ftreet, do. Mr. George M'Intolh, Glafgow, 4 copies Mrs. M'Intolh, do. 2 copies Mr. Charles M'Intolh Mfs F. M'fntofh l^.ifs Polfon M'Intolh Subfcrihers Names, 19 Mr. John M'Intofli Mr. Andrew M'lntcfti Mr. John M'Clean, furgeon, Glafgow Mr. ames M'Clatchie, Dumfries Mr. William M'Dov/all, Buchannan flreet, Glafgow Mr John M'Naught, do. Mr Francis Murray, Trongate, do. Mr John Milligan, do. Mr. William IViitchell Mr William V;illar, Glafgow Mr. Samuel M'Caul, do Mr. Andrew Macaulay, bookfeller, do, 12 copies 1 N HONOURABLE Mifs Napier, Prmce' ftreet, Edinburgli Archibald Nifbet Efq. of Sornhill James Napier, 'Xq. Edinburgh Michael Nicholfon Stewart, Efq. of Carnock Mrs. Nicholfon, do. Mr. Andrew Nixon, Laneholm Mr. Thomas Nixon, Blinkbonny Mr. Neilfon Mifs S. Nicholis, Edinburgh O MRS. Ogilvie of BrooiriHe Alexander Ofburn, Efq Cuftomhoufc Mifs Orde, George' ftreet, Edinburgh Mifs Eri/,a Orde, do. Mr. J. Owen, fchoolmafter, Cummertrees Mr. Robert Orr, Paifley WILLIAM PARKER, Efq, of Corraith Mr. Parichon, London, 2 copies Profellbr Playfair, Edinburgh Captain Archibald Paton, Glafgow ^ r. Robert Purdon, do. Mr. Paifley, teacher, Carlille Mr. Andrew Pollock, A- Houftin's, Glafgow Mr. Alexander Pearfon, Hanover ftreet, Glafgow yiv, ], Parker, junior, Kilfmarnoek 20 Suhfcrihers Namsi-^ Mifs Faton, iNeilRon ^''r.-J. Piitdn, Clearmount T.I-. P. Philips, Ruthwell Mifi, Pnt^rfon, Gill Mr. David Porteous, OJdmiln Mr. Andrew Pickens, Shuttkfton R EOCTOR Rutherford, Edinburgh John Richnrdfon, Efq. of liufs, 2 copies XMlliani Rae, Elq. advocate, Edinburgh Nais Sophia Richaidfon, St<.nk IN'! r. Thomas Rynd, .Union Bank, Faiflej: James Flamfav, Efq. Mr. William Riddle, Glafgow Mr. Stephen RoM'an, do. Mr. Alexander Rough, Bal].imile Mr John Rankine, J^oghead 1^'r. John Rankine, Caldwell Mr. John Robercfon, do. Mr. '. Pvichmond, Londouu-kirk Mr. William Roxburgh, Finwick Mr. James Renie. Trongate, Glafgow Mr. R.eid of Adamton Mr. Alexander Ramfay, Glafgow Mifs P. Richardfon Mr. James Rf>rne, Ruthwell Mr. lames Pvae, Kiilhead Mr. William Rodgcifon, Dumfriev Tvlr. Reid, Mauchlinc S o " R j. Giiiclair of Ulfler . A.ady S. 8-nclair ( 'harles Sharp Efq. of Hodam Ivlrs. Sharp, do. ^'ifs Sharp, .dO' William Stewart, Efq. of Hillfide Mrs. Chaiico Stewart, N onteith, Clcfebumhall, 2 ccpic^j James vSte'.vai-t, l-fq. of Stewart hail Tohn Siiaw Stewart, Efq. of Greenock, 2 copies Mrs. Shaw Stewart, do. Subfcribers Names. 1 1 Mifs Secombe Dr. -"'mith, phyriclan, Bath John Scott, Efq. of HopcfiiJge Mils Scott of Ancrum Mrs. Stewart, Argyle ftreet, Edinburgh, :: copies John SvvAnfon, Efq. Glafgow John Stark, Eiq. do. ^ , Mr James Steven, junior, do« Rev. Mr. Steven, Catrine Rev Mr Smith, Cummertrees Rev. Mr. Smith, Gahl:on Mr. Robert peed, Edinburgh Mr. John -^'jnton, ditto Mr. Archibald Swinton Mr. WiUiam Staig Mifs Stevens, Edinburgh Mrs. Scott, Forge, Cannonby Mr David Scott, banker, Air Mr. Adam Smats, Weftburn Fl;i Mifs Stewart, Afhton, Edinburgh Mr, Charles Shaw, writer, Air Mils Somervile, Kenox Mr. E. Sheriff", Paifley Mr. Stewart, do. Mr. Slaiter, do. Mr. James Spence, Edinburgh Mr. Robert Spear, Templeton Mr. James Smail, Caldwell Mr. James Smith, Newmilns Mr. James Senier, Glafgow Mr Thomas Stevens, Whitby Mr. Alex. Scott, Glafgow Mr Thomas Scott, Langholm Mr. Francis Smith, Catrine Mr. Peter Stewart, do. Mr. Thomas Scott, Craiglockhart Mr. Mofes Steven, merchant, Glafgow Mr. James Steel, Alton Mr John Smith, Dunlop ]^.Iils Sked, Hunah FRANCIS TYTLFR, advocate, Edinburgh Air. Todd, Dean llreet, London :'• ■" Suhfcrlbcrs Karnes^ Mrs Toddy Dean ftreet, London Mr, Tames Thomfon, ftudent of divinity, Kilmtmcck Jvlrs. Trotter of Vlortonhall, 4 copies Mr. William Thomfon, teacher, Carliflc Mr. J. Torrance, Catrine Mr. JaiTies TurnbuU, t.dinburgh Mr. George Turner, Bolton gate Mr. James Thomfon, Cummertrees Mr. RoHert Turner, Ardry Mrs. Trotlier, Glafgow W SIR. John Vv^edderburn, Ballendeau Dr. Walker, Edinburgh Mr. J. Wiifon, junior, Glafgow Mr. James Wyllie, do. ^■ff. Williamfon, Edinburgh Mr. A Wachop, fenior, Niddry, 3 copies Mr. A. ^Vachop, junior, do. 3 copies Mifs M. Wachop, do. 2 copies T'vl lis Alice Wachop, do Mr. Robert Wight, KIngfknow Mr Robert Vfood C;ipt. Wallace of Cairnhill Mrs. Warner, Irvine Mr. Alexander Walker, Air Mr. Samuel Watfon, Edinburgh Mr. David Williamfon, do. Mrs. 'Watfon, Abbotfuich Mr. Wallace, Queen Ilreet, Edinburgh Mr Alexander Williamfon. Glafgow Mr. J. Woodburn Shawmiln Mr. Alexander W^ilfon, Paifley iMr. Thomas Wiifon, Stewarton Mr J Wightman Cummertrees Mrs Walker, Smailholm, 2 copies Mr Weir, furgeon, Edinburgh I^'r. William Wiifon, Birminghanv ' Mr. T. Vv^ood, Whitehall Mr. Dan W'ilkinfon Mr. John Wilkiafon ] Wiifon, bookleller, Kilmarnock P. Wiifon Subfcribers Namt V Mr Vance Agnew, 3 copies Mrs. Vance Agnew, 4 copies Charles Young, Ffq. Edinburgh Rev. '-'r. James Yorkfton,. Hoddani Mr. J. Young, merchant, Glafgow Mr. WiUiam Yates, Ardry Mr. William Young, Shuttlefton Mr. William Yeomati ERRATA. p. 44 1. 8. from tlie head./ir nor, re/rd or. v. 46. line 8 from the h tad, for dslulive, r({id decifire^ P.jt. laft line, /or Golanda, r^7(/ Golconda. P 54i line I, from the head, /or my, rcadhuy. P. 69 line 7. from tlje head, /or nor, read no. P. 81. line j. from the head, /or expanded, r^i/extended; P. 90. line 9. from the head, /or Claudia, read Claudius. P 139 line 9. from the head, fir the, read his. P. 159. line 4. for of, read or. P. 170. line 2. for game, rft7(i dance. TO THE COUNTESS OF LOUDOUN. 'ItTT'ILL gentle Loudoun deign to lend an ear. When nature fpeaks, and forrow drops a tear? Within your walls my happincfs I found Luxuriant flourifli, like the plants around : Blithe as the birds that perch on yonder fpray. In joyous notes, I pour'd the willing lay. Beneath your roof thefc humble lines had birth, Whofe honour'd Patrons now lie low in earth; ( 26 ) Or borne by Fate far from their native fliorc, With fmiies aufpicioas glad my heart no more. Here youth and beauty, innocence and love, I joy'd to fee, to ferve, and to approve: Here honoured Age to all around did fliow. That virtue^s paths alone can blifs beftow : Here moral lefTons fpoke from ev'ry part, And peace and kindnefs wrote them on my heart, Hoary inhabitants around the place, Whofe faithfal fer vices obtain'd that grace, 'Mid evVy comfort rural life affords, Shower prayers and bleflings on its former Lords. To you the young are taught to lift the eye- Mild morning fun of their unclouded iky. Bled in a lot left nothing to defirc, Thofe happy fcenes did future hopes infpu'e, That thus my life in careiefs eafe might run. My age fupported by my mafter's fon; ( *7 ) In him, that goodnefs, and thofe virtues find, Which grateful numbers meet in you com- bin'd. Ah ! like a changeful vilion of the night, Thofe fcenes are fled, and death appals mj fight ! Where'er I turn, lamented tombs appear, Or parting fails extort the bitter tear ! To diflant realms the darling child too gone; O guard him heav'n, and let me weep alone ! For evVy tear, let countlefs blefTmgs fall On thy fad mother in thy grandiire's hall ! Forgive, fair nymph, the didlates of defpair ; Grief flies, for comfort, to the tender fair. The good and great, we fondly think have pow'rs. Can charm to eafe our fad and anxious liours^ Fife why to you fhould I at Fate repine ? The friends I mourn, alas ! were doubly thine ! ( 23 ) For their dear fakes, bid lines they priz'd flill live, And grant that fhelter they no more can give. Yet, the fad verfe how fhould you patronize That wakes up anguifh in a heart at eafe ! For their dear fakes my pray'rs are ever thine. Nor can I more were your protedlion mine. T O HE PUBLIC. mmakC^l^^^il^JQSSi L ^7* ROM the dull confines of a country 111 ad e, A ruftlc damfel ilTaes forth her lays ; There flie» in fecret, foaght the Mufe's aid. But now, afpiring, hopes to gain the bays. 11. Vain are her hopes," the fnarling critic cries ] '* Rude and imperfetfl is her rural fong.*' G { 26 ) But fhe on public' candour firm relies, And humbly begs they'll pardon what is v/rong. III. And if fome lucky thought, while you perufe. Some little beauty flrikc th* inquiring mind ; In gratitude fhe'll thank th' indulgent Mufe, Nor count her toil, where you can pleafurc find. IV. Upon your voice depends her fhare of fame, With beating bread her lines abroad arc fent : Of praife fhe'U no luxuriant portion claim; Give but a little, and Ihe'U reft content. P E M S. T O II O P E, I. HAIL meek-ey'd maid! of matchlefs worth ! Oar bcft companion here on earth ; To thee fole pow'r is giv'n, T' illume our dark and dreary way. As through hfe's mazy path we ftray. And bend our fteps to heav*n. *Tis thine to fmooth Ihe rugged vale To ftem the trickling tear; G 2 2 8 POEMS. Thy whifpers, as the fplcy gale. Do drooping trav'ilers cheer. Incline thou, to ihine now Upon me as I go; Thy favour (hall ever Alleviate my wo. IL Thy prefence calms the raging feas, And to the throbbing bread gives eafc Amid the tempelVs howl, When waves appear as mountains high, AVhen fwelling furges dafh the jQcy, And foaming billows roll ; When danger, with uplifted hand, Proclaims th' approaching doom, Thou gently doll the (Iroke withftand, And diffipates the gloom. When caring, defpairing. And deeming all as loft. Thy rays will portray fiill The long expected coaft. POEM S. 29 III. Thou animates the hero's flame ; To him prefents a deathlefs name In the enfanguin'd field : Thou dofl his nerves with valour brace, Bids him, with bold undaunted fiice, De(\ru6live weapons wield. War's trumpet, breathing rude alarms, Strikes terror all around ; Thy voice of fame, and honour's charms, Outvies the direful found. When falling, appalling The tumults v/ild increafe. On wings then, thou brings then The harbinger of peace. IV. Thy power elates the fludent's views ; The paths of fcience kindly (Irews With never-fading flowVs. Deprived of thee, how lovers mourn C 3 36 POEMS* Dv°jecfled, refllefs and forlorn, In unfrequented bow'rs 1 Attending lUll on Hymen's rites, Thou decorates the chain ; Thy fmile the fprightly maid invites And lares the youthful fwain; Stiii eafitig, and pleafing, When ftern misfortune flares, 'JNlid ioir^s, and erodes, Thou lightens all their cares, V. From life's fair dawn to liart eve. We all thy flattVing tales believe, EnamourVi of thy art : Thy foft and fiilutary voics Gives birth to unexpecled joys. And foothes the blesdmg heart; And even at our latcft hour, When earthly comforts fly, Thou doft, by a fuperior Pow'r, Death's terrors all defy. F O E M S. 3^ Not grieving, vdicn leaving This fcene of dole and care, But viewing^ purfuing A more exalted fpuerc. G4 O N A P P I N E S S. HAPPINESS! where art thou to be found ? What bow'r is bleft with thy perpetual gleam ? From court» from cot, ev*n while they feck thy ftay, Oil thy fo£t pinions, rapid is thy flight. Thy name, not fubllance, is to mortals known. Repulfe from thee niakes drunkards (land aghaft, Who nightly revel o'er the flowing bow^l. In vain they feek thy progrefs to retard, A guefl too noble to be thus detain d. POEMS. 33 Thy q-r>ck elopement fiiews tlieir f;id mii^ take ; Baulks hope, and certain dirappointment bring?. Mifers for thee grope 'midfl their bags of wealth. Nor find thy relidence In golden ore : Fear, anxious care, bleak avVice, anddlftruft, Forbid thy accefs to the grov'ling foul. Not riches, though in gorgeous pomp ar- ray'd, V/irh all the dazzling fplendour of the ead, Scj'^re chce'monj^ftthe eay, fantaflic train. Pride and Anibition, vulture-like, appear, G I'li vccefs to the op'leut mailer's heart, A Aci bid defiance to thy facred charms, Now fwiftly baaifli'd from his fumpt'ous feat. Nor even the voice of honour can recal Thy hafty fteps : thee Pleafure fues in Vain ; A (Iranger to the gay, licentious crowd, ?4 POEMS. The giddy fluttVing fons of dance and fong. Thou to the libertine doft ever prove An airy phantom j mock'tt his eager grafp ; I^eaveshim to cruel difappointmeat's rage, Pwcmorfe, defpair, the inmates of his foul. In hopes to meet thee in fome diflant chme, The ardent warrior quits his native fhore, Inur'd to martial toil ; at danger ftniles, And unconcerned treads o'er the heaps of ilain : KIs en'mies fly before him ; at his feet Millions fall proilrate, and for mercy call : Yet ftill in vain he makes his court to thee ; Thou fcarce vouchfafes him one aufpicious fiiiile. See lovers too, in yon fequefterVi grove, Seek lonely walks, and fpend their fighs in vain, For thee! For what? for fome bewitching fair, Poems. , ^s Whofe finiles tlicy deem can boundlefs blifs fee ure : Their views coiinaQed would thee thus coa- fine. Nor art thou found in Hymen's facred rites, Though (liken cords of fweet affedion bind. A thoufand ills encompafs the fond pair, ;And mix their fweets with bitternefs and wo. Bent in purfuit, through many a devious track, All feen\ to fay, " Succefslefs is the fearch ; To noblerobjecis henceforth bend your view.'* All hail, Religion ! thou celeftial power ! Thy force alone can foothc the anxious bread, And quite difpel the folitary gloom, Thefe fullen fliades that (teal upon the foul. O let me hear thy falutary voice ! Thy facred didates let me ftill revere ; And ever prone in virtue's fleps to tread, My hopes, my wijlies center'd all in' Him, Whofe hand omnipotent the wo: Id did frame. 36 POEMS. O Thou, great Source of all fupreme de- light! Vv ithoiit reluclance may I ever prove SubmliTive to thy providential fway, To know and to obferve thy laws divine, My fole folicitiide. How mean foe'er my humble ftation be, Content, and calm ferenity oi mind, Shall pave my paths along the rugged vale; And when the vain delulive vifion's paft, Then happinefs* in all its vaft extent Unmeafurajble, ignorant of bounds, Shall through eternal ages be my lot ; The lot of all whofe hope is nx'd on thee. UPON A YOUNG LAD Y*S LEAVING LOUDOUN CASTLE. WHAT means this filent, folitary gloom ? All nature in her diiliabille appears ; Contraded flow'rets yield no fweet perfume, And ev'ry grove a difmal afpecl wears. Nor do the joys of Autumn glad our plains ; Our landfcapes are in fable weeds arrayVl ; No jocund fou(id is heard among the fwains, And nought but lighs from each dejeded maid. 3S P O E M s. Rude Eurus echoing through the diftant woods. With harfli, discordant note, augments our wo ; While rains, impetuous, from the burlling clouds. Our verdant walks and pleafure-grounds o'crflow. Incumbered by their foliage now, the trees, With leaves, untimely dropped, beftrew the ground : Becaufe Matilda's preience does not pleafe, All bleak and difmal feem the fields around. Her placid looks befpoke a mind ferene, Each feature wore an unaffeifled fmile ; Her*s was the pow'r to beautify the fcene. And fweetly gay the languid hours beguile. Her countenance milder than an April morn, When Phcebus fir ft emits his infant rays ; More radiant beauties do her mind adorn, Than ere were brightened by his noon-tide blaze. r o E M s. 39 Fair Virtue, cloth'd in all it's native fweets, Celeftial precepts in her bread inlaid ; And oft, as friendly intercourfe invites. In fofteft accents from her lips conveyM. But now {he's gone, a fullen fadnefs reigns 1 Abforb'd in grief we (till her abfence mourn. Or beg that heaven would fmile upon our plains, And grant d, blefling in her fwift return. - 1* -^ -^-<' -v* -?*• -i* -^ ^- "^ ^" -^ ^ '^ ^ ''^ "^ '^- ^ *^ '*^" THE •FICKLE PAUL ANION and Phillis, "totlier day, To Hymen's altar lia(len*d; lliey talk'd of love along the way, And wifn'd the knot well faften'd. A church the wiHingpair perceiv'd, With portals wide expanded ; The priell a fpeedy audience cravM, And in the bride was handed. When lo ! a tremor feiz'd the fair. In marriage robes adorned ; She left the youth perplex'd with care, The rites yet unperformecu POEMS. 41 Wall QRp-er Reps he fwift purfa'd The ohjed: of his wlHies, And with redoubrd ardour woo'd Ker to complete his bUlRs. The maid, reludlant, turn'd again, Some glances kind beflowing ; And well refolv'd appeared the Twain, Though with refentment glowing. ^ Kind Hymen heav'd his torch, while they Re- entered both together; But Cupid illly took his way, And went — they knew not whither. The bridegroom next — but what of that. No bride his abfence mourned ; He play'd his charmer tit for. tat; He went but ne'er returned. Philander kindly fill'd his place; To Damon Chloe confented. That night they wed, O woful cafe ! And ere next morn repented. T O A LADY, A PATRONESS OF THE MUSES, ON HER RECOVERY FROM SICKNESS, 'yrWTHlL'E fickneis, madam, on your vitals prey'd, The fympathetic iiflers fhar'd your pain : I mark'd them then in fable weeds array'd, In concert fad alTume the plaintive flrain. From Elly*s * Land was heard the harp of wo ; A fhepherd, once the blithefl of the throng, Did mirth infpiring, fportive notes forego, And fteep'd in tears the melancholy fong. * The Relldence of the celebrated Poet, Robert Burns* I POEMS. 43 From Irvine s verdant banks, a doleful lay Re-echoM .through the p^roves and ^.-lOrnt dale ; Each vocal throat vvns filTd wuh dire difmay^ And heart-felt ii^ub |jic-ciaiin'd lIi' unwel- come tale. Quick and unflahle are the turns of Fate ; Twixt well and wo are thin partitions rear'd : 1 mark'd the drooping choir with hearts elate. Exulting o'er the ills fo lately tear'd. When brooding on the verge of deep defpair, A gladd'ning voice did through the groves refound ; Loud acclamations iiU'd the ambient .air. And joy and pleafure triumph'd all around. Health, blooming goddefs, re-afTum'd her fway, And did the tender, captive frame releafe ; All feem'd intent the tidings to convey, In notes more grateful than the whifpViag breeze. D 2. 44 p o '£ M §. Some greet a patronefs, all hall a friend, Whofe bofom feels ferapliic virtues glow; Nor further, madam, do your fmiles extend ; Vice dreads your frown, and fhuns you as a foe. Long may you live admir'd by all, and lov'd, The honour of a long illuilrious race j Your worth innate, by Envy's felf approved. Which time nor licknefs never can efface. 'M^r^»V"a«vapamn*c^v<^'^ O E M S. 1 What liie pofTelFes yields mod folld joy, ] Since bags of wealth my pleafures ne'er caii ; cloy. '; Thefe beauties catch; they fet my heart on ^ fire ; * \ Her farm, her flocks, are all I do admire : \ Her darts are powerful, of a yellowifli hue, More fierce than thofe the fam'd Alcides 1 threwi Her ftriking beauty in full bloom appears^ At the dull period of full fifty years : ) Then Delia will no admiration claim, But dear Lucretia ever is the fame, J DAMON. • .] 1 For this yoa love her; now I truly find, ; That none but gilded cords your heart can ' bind ; ;| Nor wit nor beauty can obtain your vow ; j At Mammon's fhrine you flill devoutly bowi PH IL AND ER» Vain would th' attempts of either be to hold My am'rous heart, w^ithoiit the force of gold: POEMS. C» Beauty an empty trifle lUll I deem, A chiklilli toy, unworthy of erieein. Its gaudy foliage may attrad the eye; But as the tulip it will fade and die : The glowing cheek enamour'd fops may prize. But men of fenfe can ruby lips defpife. And what is wit? a giddy flutt'ring thing. Which can no real fatisfa(5lion bring. A thouHmd ills attend his wretched life, Whofe dear companion is a witty wife : Still flie is right, and ever in the wrong, Such elocution dwells upon her tongue. But if affifled by the Mufe's fkill. He fure may dread the poifon of her quill j She with keen fatire laihes all around, And with the reft her hufband feels the wound. Should poverty, by fudden threats alarm, Can wit with all its power now prove a charm ? The faired flowers ParnafTus ere could boafl. Yield to the treafares of the golden coaft. The maid who comes fraught with that pre-- cious ore, Brings virtue, wit, and beauty all in (lore ; ^6 r o E M s. This gives the paUd cheek a crimfon glo'vV, The tawny fkiii the tiudlure of the fnow. This makes the dwarf complete in ev'ry part; She wounds moft fure who throws the gol-^ den dart. Short of one foot, diHorted of one eye, Struck by its luftre, no defe(5ls I fpy. DAMON. Thus does Philander wafte his wits to prove A happy marriage defiitute of love- Gold, curfed gold, the banc of ev'ry blifs, ^\\v fummuni bomim^ all thy happinefs. Say, to what purpofe do thy words avail ? Beauty and wit to give us joy may fail. Wit ceafe to pleafe, and beauty may decay Riches make wings and fwiftly fly away ; Depriv'd of all, what will Philander fay ? But to fecure thee of thy darling's charms, Go to the mines, and lodge within her arms; Enfold thy miilrefs in a fond embrace, Por ever baniHi'd from the fliepherd race* 1? O E M s. 57 Nor quit thy manfion till tliou breathe thy lart : Such fordid fouls no fecial joys fhould taftc. Bleft with my Delia on this happy plain, Where peace and pleafarein perfection reign, I'll more ferenely pafs life's hours away, Than without her, though crown'd with princely fway. To pleafe my charmer all my care fliail be; Can I be wretched when (he fmiles on me ? But we mufl go, our fleecy charge attend. Farewell, Philander, I am ftill thy friend. The maid whofe real charms the heart can hold, Mufl not he deem'd one whit the worfe for gold. t COLIN AND ALEXIS^ OW from before Aurora's rays, Stern darknefs with its horror iiles j The mountain tops begin to blaze. And Phcebus gilds the eaflern Ikies. See glid'ning dew drops on the bufii, Reviv^ing odours cheer the morn; The warbling blackbird and the tliruGij, Make vocal ev'ry blooming thorn. Alexis join tlie rural lay, Give welcome to the opening fpring. Why figh'fb thou thus thy hours away ? Come take thy pipe, and foftly (ing. i? O E M s. 59 Alexis. Beneatii tliefe ivy mantled trees, Allow me, Colin, to comp^a"p. No murm'ring brook, nor whifp'ring breeze Can in the lead divert my pain. The maid, whofe charms I oft have fnng, Has left the plain, 'twas what I fear'd^ And o'er her fhoulders, carelefs hung, A Caledonian plaid appeared. Of ancient note on Scotia's plain, And by her grand am ofcea wore^ its crimfon hue was free from Aain, Which made Calilla fliine the more» Yea dill fhe fliines; her radient eyes Add luftre to the brighteft day ; Each feature firikes with new furprife, i^nd various beauties flill difplay. 6o POEMS. Bat why fliould I recount them Hill ? 'Tis only to increafe my pain. She bids thefe verdant fields farewell. And goes to feck a richer fwain. Califta, with thy rapid flight, Is vanifhM each delightful gleam. Can Drife's fair banks give more delight. Than Eckles' gently winding flream ? Do fvveeter fcents perfume the grove, Or fairer flow'rs adorn the vale ? Do comelier fwains now talk of love. And cheer thee with their am'rpus tale? More fprightly youths may feel the fmart, t And court thee with afliduous care ; But none of all who feek thy heart Avows a pafTion more fincere. Then haPtC Califta, fave the fwain, Who in thv ab fence ever fiajhs ; Add freflier btuuties to the plain, And bid more pleaf ng profpecls rife. POEMS. 6 1 Give to the flowers a livelier hue ; Thy prelence makes all nature gay. O lovely maid ! when blell: with you, .Each feafon feems the month of May, The warblers now, with plaintive note. Seem to accord with ev'ry figh ; The flaepherds have their fongs forgot, And laid their pipes in fileuce by. Since thy retreat, O charming fair ! Day after day my hopes deftroy. O fave Alexis from defpair, And crown fucceeding fcenes with joy. £ 3 ALMEDA AND F LAV I A, F L A V I A. "^"^THILE dufliy fliades eclipfe the folar ^ ^ ray. And fanning zephyrs *mong the branches play, Where varied beauties deck the verdant groves, Let us recount the ftory of our loves. Say, dear Almeda, why this pcnfive mood, Which does thy wonted pheerfulnefs exclude \ A L ]^vl E D A . The caufe of this to Flavia I'll reveal: It is a youth whofe power I can't conceal. Tis Strephon, who long fince obtain'd my heart, "^Vhen artful Cupid gave the killing dart. POEMS. 6;^ When Srrephon's near, no anxious cares mo- left, Nor accefs find to my enrapturM breaft ; But when he's gone, his abfence ftill I mourn, And fpend my hours in figlis till he return. » r L A V I A. You kindle into rapture at his name ; Be wife in time, and guard againft a flame, Which cherifli'd, hopelefs, will your charms efTace, And rob your featured of each blooming grace. The dear Caftalia taught my heart to prove The foft'ning charms and pleafing art o£ love. Witnefs ye rural walks and verdant vales, How charm'd I've liften'd to his melting tales ; While he, unfl^iU'd in flattVy, did impart, In flowing ftrains, the didates of his heart. Blind was my pafTion, long it bore the fway, Supprefs'd at lafl by the enlivening ray E 4 04 P O E M S. ^ Of Reafon wak'd, by fome celeilial pow'r, To my relief, in an aafpicious hour, Willi opeiiM eyes 1 did the charmer viewj Deaf to his accents, from his prefence flew. Obferve, my precepts are with prudence fraught, What heart fo fliubborn would reniain un- taught? ALMED A. Command the briny waves no more to flow, Bid fouthcrn breezes ever ceafe t6 blow ; Say to the llowers, no more your fragrance yield, Nor Ceres crown with joy the fertile field ; Bid Phcabus ccaic to gild the opening morn. And Cynthia be of all her beauty fl^.orn : Would thefe obedient as thy valfrds prove ? No more can I, dear Flavia, ceafe to love. A youth poifefl^'d df evVy moving art, Quick accefs gains to tlic fecureft heart. W^hen he appears, to cheer the drooping plain, pach nymph enamour'd fpcnds her fighs in vain : *» O E M S. 65 And when in foftefl llrains he tunes his lay, Kach flieph^rd, envious, throws his lute away. In him all radiant virtues are combin'd, True greatnefs centers in a humble mind ; Truth, candour, juflice, in his gen'rous bread. Firm fortitude and foft compaffion reft. Nor can the gods on mortals more beftow, A bright example of their works below. Young Strephon's charrns, no tongue could .e'er exprefs ; I may be filent, but can't love him lefs, FLA VI A, Enough is faid, Almeda dear, to prove No fault is feen in thofe we truly love. Ti.j fon of Venus, by a magic art. Deceives the fight, foon as he wounds the heart. Blind as himfelf does all his vot'ries make. Extremely happy in their own niillake. In all his charms I have young Strephon feen, Yet never by the youth have wounded be?a. 66 P O E M s. Yet were he, as you paint him, thus complete, And fond to lay his garlands at your feet, Sure young men's minds flill fubjeifl are to change, Though from our plains he were not doom'd to range. A change of fcenes may, with diflorted brows, Pour fwift contempt on all your former vows. But let indiif 'rence lodge within your breall. Nor Strephon's abfence e'er your mind mo- left j The more his charms, the furer he'll ilicceed ^Mong pow'rful rivals^ whom you now may dread. A L M E D A. I know liis cliarms the gentled dame iTiighc move, But he'll admit no rival in his love: My image ftill remains v/ithin his breaft, • True to that hour I iirfl my love confeft. This pleaiing hope will foothe my anxious foul, Nor let flern cars its peaceful fvvay controuJ, POEM 3. 67 Dlffafe into my heart its foft relief, Difpel my fears and dixTipate my grief. I'll fay the youth, for me by heaven dcfiga'd, Is good, as lovely, conflant, as he's kind ; So fmoothly Ihall the fcafons glide along. Till Strephon's prefence animate my fong, Then fliall my pleafure as my love abound, 'Till Hymen's rites with purefl joys be crown'd. FLAVIA. So may you fmg, and figh your years away, With flatt'ring hope, perch'd on the feeble fpray Of Strephon's faith, the efforts rend'ring vain Of fuch as would eiTiy your love to gain, Till his own choice, or fome difafler fhow, Your promis'd pleafares vanifli'd like the fnow. Your charms are fled, no lover then in view, The paths of difcontent you will purfue. That you defpis'd Philander then you'll mourn, Nor gave Lothario's fuit a jufl returri;; 6S - POEMS. Or for Alonzo figh when 'tis too late, And with reki(5lance meet your deftin'd fate. This will your (lighted lovers laugh to fee Almeda then a maiden old will be. ALMEDA. The paths you paint I will not tread alone, While Flavia lives Ifliall be fure of one. Then hand in hand we'll fmooth the rugged way, And ligh for figh fhall bear our griefs away. FLAVIA. Why fliould we figh ? In fmiles we will conr- tend, And laugh at what we have no power to , mend. Should fate deprive me of my darling fwain. Some braver youth perhaps may grace the plain, And make me hanpy by the nuptial band. When cheerfully he gives his heart and hand^ Or if defpis'd and unadmir'd I reli. Til call my own fad defliny the bed. POEMS. 6(; ril bl'ifs the fate t oft have fought to (liun. And fcorn the fool v/ho would to wedlock run. See Nature now in contrail with thy grief; The warbling fongfters feem to chant rehef j Their notes are cheerful, nor with fighs de- prefs'd ; In concert join and foothe your cares to reft. * ALMEDA. Nor warblers can give me delight, How mournful and penlive their flrain § Nought fweet can appear to my fight, Since Strephon's forfaken the plain. With joy I thefe banks did furvey, With pleafure I've por'd on the liream i Young Strephon then with me did flray, And of nought but delight I could dream* While he by my fide did recline, The flowers feem'd to brighten their bloom j The fun with more luftre did fliine, And fragrance the fields did perfume. 7<^ POEMS.* Still pleasM with his whifpers of JoVe^ Still charm'd with his amorous tale J Now beauty's forfaken the grove, And his abicnce I'll ever bewail. How gloomy and difmal the tliade, Where Strephoa was wont to appear, Where oft his addrefTes he made, And his accents delighted my ear. Thofe pa-ths I reviiit in pain ; Yet love them without knowing why» When fortune no favour will deign, I deem it a pleafure to figh. In vain have my vifitants drove My woes to divert by a fmile ; Though I feem'd of their jeft to approvCj My heart was withStrephon the while. Society, fpoil'd of each charm, Without him no pleafure can give 5 In folitude cares will alarm, In his abfence 'tis painful to live. POEMS. 71 «. When Sol, from the watery main, Afcends to illumine the iky, My thoughts to the lovelieft fwain. More fwift than the lightning can ily, I mufe on his charms all the day ; The theme feems enchantingly fweet, Nor ends with bright Phcsbus's ray ; In dreams I my wilhes repeat. Ye angels that fuccour the brave, Prove guardians to the fweet youth ; Still may he with honour behave, Integrity, wifdom and truth. While through diftant climes he may rove, His image is fix'd in my view ; Let Strephon be conftant in love, And Almeda will ever be true. ON ^HE SPRING. 'OW winter, reluctant, tKe fway Reiigns to the genial fpring 5 Sol fheds an enlivening ray, And warblers delightfully fmg. Frefh verdure adorns the gay plains, So lately o'er-mantl'd with fnow; The rivers^ releas'd from their chainsj Do now with foft murmuring flow* The lark and the linnet unite, The Guckow too joins in the lay 5 All nature's profufe of delight. And foft fanning zephyrs now play » P O E M y. y •J How charming the garden appears ? Sweet primrofes paint the gay vale : Its head now the dafFodil rears, The fweeteft of feafons to hail. His team now the hind drives along ; Quite cheerful he ploughs the rude plain. He hums his love's praife in a fong, Or whiflUng forgets her difdain. The feed in the furrow he throws, Indulged by bright Phcebus's rays ; Rich Ceres vaft increafe beflows, When Autumn her bounty difplays. The lambkins now fport on the mead ; They Ikip round the heath-cover'd hill: Their dams how fecurely they feed By the fide of yon murm'ring rill ? Near Damon appears with his lute, And wakes the melodious lay ; The fongfters, attentive and mute, Are perch'd on the wav'ring fpray, E 74 POEMS". As Pliillis traverfes the grove, All nature more charraing appears i Leander's foft ftories of love, Still touchingly found in her ears. They hand in hand trip o'er the plain ; No couple more cheerful and gay : She counts him theloveliefl fwain; He calls her the Queen of the May. Of each others hearts they are fure; The arts of no rival they dread. From minds fo unfulli'd and pure^ No treachery e'er can proceed. Few princes partake of fuch joys, Remov'd from all faclion and flrife Sure riches and honours are toys, But theirs the endearments of life. WILLIAM AND MART. YOUNG William once the blitlieft o£ the fwains, That grac'd the flow'ry bank, or trode the plains ; Not rudicj but from afFediation free, Still courteous, kind, and afF?ble was he. Of gentkft manners, ever form'd to pleafes His mind unrutH'd, ever bled with ^|e ; His mien engaging, fweet beyond compare 5 Ixis breath delicious as the fragrant air ; His nature prone, attrad;ive fweets t' impart,, Good without fhew, and lovely without art. Each nymph him priz'd, and oft they fought, in vain. The noble conqueft of his heart to gain^ F 2 76 ? O E M S. Their gentlefl arts unable were to movf. His foul ferene, yet undifiurb'd by love. Ah! traniienthappinefs ! how fliort thy fway ! How fwifc thy flight 1 how fadden thy decay 1 Thy abfence now the youth, deje L UC IN A. =:3 AN ELEGY. DIREFUL indeed are thy efFe(5ls,0 love! When Reafon's voice deferts thy fran- tic fhrine ; * Platonic leflbns no afylum prove ; His dictates mud obfequious yield to thine. Religion, in majeflic form array'd, Attempts to foothe the wild, diforder'd breaft. Alas ! too often fails the promis'd aid, Nor can procure one tranquil moment's reil. The wife, fubdu'd by thy tyrannic fway, Thy cruel and malignant influence feel ; Compell'd to acfl by thy delufive ray, As humble vot'ries at thine altars kneel. POEMS. 95 The Prince, the Peafant, drag an equal chain, N M- high, nor low, thy fabtle darts can brave. Lucina felt the agonizing pain, Then hopelefs funk amid the rapid wave. She was of 4nnon's lovely nymphs the grace, Of charms fuperior to the crowd pofFefs'd : Her lliape was faultlefs, matchlcfs fair her face, Her virtues bright, by Envy's felf confefl. Of all the fprightly youths that fought to gain The envi'd conqueft of her virgin heart, Philander prov'd the dear diflinguifli'd fwain, Arm'd with the cruel, unrelenting dart. He in foft accents urgVl his ardent flame, And v>^hen Lucina would liis fuitdeny, HcV beating bofom would aff^rt his claim — Her modeft biuih, and more expreflive eye. A: lad her tongue, the purpofe cf her heart Unto the youth convey'd, in tender drain : 'I'hen mutual joy each whifper did impart, So great thetranrport,neltherdreaai'd of pain. G 4 9^ I' O E M S. But All ! their joys were foon for ever lofl, Her fire, enrag'd, forbid the nuptial tie, Becaufe Philander no rich ilores could boaft ; Charms moft attractive to a parent's eye. The injur'd youth was by refentment fvvay'd ^ To this his fofter paillon foon gave way : Too raui, alas ! he fought another maid. And left Lucina to defpair a prey. From ev'ry hope, from all her wiflies torn, Dcpriv'd of what alone could give relief, 1 he lovely fair, dejected and forlorn, Some time in heavy lighs did vent her grief, The nymphs aflem-bling us'd their utmofl art, The fad Lucina*s forrov»rs to beguile : Vain was th' attempt to eafe her bleeding^ heart, Cr from her eve extort a cheerful faiile. At latefl hour, when eacli aufpicious light bc-ui a hid in chaos — Cynthia's filyer beam Withdrew its luftre on that fatal night, Mqv Drefs'd the fliade, nor wanton'd in the iireain. t» O E M s. 97 Her aubiirne locks the mournful maidea tore, Her dov/ny pillow could afford no reft ; She wander'd where the fwelling furges roar. In wild defpair fne beat her fnowy breaft! From Annon « cliff, flie view'd the breaking wave J Philander was lier laft, her darling theme ; No hand w^as near the frantic maid to fave. And, Sappho-like, love*s vicftim (he became! Ye rigid parents, with attentive ear, Inftrudion learn from this fad tale of wo : Ye heedlefs maids, in time th^ danger fear. That wrought Lucina's fatal overthrow. jIMjHg'g <■■ » 'JUL* w J 1 W i | "1 H»m T" i ^ w itfjumi ' .■.w.>— i jifLamu ■> mw i ii ijw p ^. TiCn to cat.cn. POEMS. 107 On Ills right hand a lovely dame, In robes of crimfon hue ; Her eyes ovir admiration claim. Her foim attracls out view 5 DIftant her air, (laid, fiipient, mild^ A figure flue and tall ; By Wifdom ov^^n'd, her legal , Who did her Prudence c?IL With vermil lips, in accents iVee Soft as that falling fnow, Thefe words I heard, the iiympi: repeatj Addrefs'd to all below ; " In Virtue*s caufe exert your pow'rs. Let her your a<5lions fway ; Employ with fpeed the pafllng hourSj Nor trull another day.'* x On his left hand, with tardy pace^ Here Walks a maid forlorn; Lank hunger painted on her face. Her fcanty raiment torn : ^ H 2 loS POEMS. Rich Luxury her father deemM, Idle her dam confeis'd j . * In public by no man efteem'd, In fecret much carefs'd. With fmirking fmile, and fpeeches fair. She does us kindly greet ; But fag-e l*.,-iperience cries, " Beware ! She'll p!Ove an arrant cheat.'* This now the lazy warrior finds, His fword with ruft adorn'd ; Half [^jlann'd as yet his dire defigns. His conquefts unperform'd. She'll fpoil the politician's fcheme. The patriot's gen'rous toil ; For Sloth is the impoilor's name, O deign her not a fmile. -She whifper'd in young Strephon's ear, Vv'Iien Delia feem'd to frown, That foon fhe'd change that lock fevere^ And all his wiflies crown. r o E M s. 109 LuU'd in her foft, alluring chain, His faccefs did prevent ; Till Delia found an a(5live f wain. And left him to lament. Poor Chloe's comrade, air and late. While pow rs (he had to charm; Thofe gone, (he feels the fad deceit, And gives the loud alarm. In vain each fpecious art flie tries ; Vain the cofmetic aid : She muft be what all ranks defpife, An old forfaken maid. Sloth, of fociety the peft, Of ev'ry blifs the bane, May we the latent ills detefl, Which form thy direful train. Our helm let Prudence ever fleer ; She'll fliield us from the blaft ; And ev'ry new, revolving year,. Remind us of our laft. H3 no POEMS. Direct our courfe to yonder fliore, , Where virtue ever reigns ; Where time and feafons are no more Where death is bound in chains, r Unvaried there the blifsful fcene, 'Mid feraphims above, All pure, all placid, and ferene. All harmony and love. « i w— nff » Ki .u i. wvm ' i","! ' "^ '^'^"T? ON A VISIT TO Mr. burns. IS 't true ? or does fome magic fpell My wondVing eyes beguile ? Is this the place where d^igns to dwell The honour of our iuc ? The charming Burns, the Mufe's care, Of all her fons the pride; This pleafure oft I've fought to fliare. But been as oft deni'd. Oft have my thoughts, at midnight hour, To him excuriions made ; This blifs in dreams was premature. And with my {lumbers fled. H4 112 P O E M S. ^ 'Tis real now, no vllion here Bequeaths a poignant dart ; ni view the poet ever dear, Whofe lays have charm'd my hieart. Hark ! now he comes, a dire alarm Re-echoes through his hall! Pegafus * kneel'd, his rider*s arrn Was broken by a fall. The doleful tidings to my ears Were in harfh notes convey'd ; His lovely wife flood drown'd in tears. While thus I pond'ring faid : » ^* No cheering draught, with ills unmixM, Can mortals tafte below ; All human fate by heav'n is fix'd, Alternate joy and wo." With beating breaft I viewM the bard ; AH trembling did him greet: With fighs b^wail'd his fate fo hard, Whofe notes were ever fweet. * The name of the Poet's horfe. GIVEN TO A LADY HO ASKED ME TO WRITE A P O E M, YN royal Anna's golden days, -*- Hard was the tafk to gain the bays \ Hard was it then the hill to cHmb : Some broke a neck, fome loft a limb. The vot'ries for poetic fame, Got afF decrepit, blind, an' lame: Except that little fellow Pope, Few ever then got near its top : An' Homer's crutches he may thank, Or down the brae he'd got a clank. Swifr, Thomfon, Addifon, an' Young Made Pindus echo to their tongue, 114 i* O E M S» In hopes to pleafe a learned age i But Docl^or Johntlon, in a rage, Unto pofterity did fhew Tiieir blunders great, their beauties few. But now he's dead, we weel may ken ; For ilka dunce maun hae a pen, To*'write in hamely, uncouth rhymes; An' yet forfooth they pleafe the times. A ploughman chiel, Rab Burns his name, Pretends to write ; an' thinks nae fliame To foufe his fonnets on the court ; An' what is (Irange, they praife him for't, Kx^en folks, wha 're of the higheft (lation, Ca' him the glory of our nation. But what is more furprifing ftill, A milkmaid mufl: tak up her (juill ; An^-jQbd will write, fhame fa' the rabble! That think to pleafe wi' ilka bawble. They may thank heav'n, auld Sam's aflecp i For could he ance but get a peep, He, wi' a vengeance wad them fea' A' iieadlong to the dunces' den. POEMS. I I'5 Yet Burns, I'm taiild, can write wi' eafe. An' a' denominations pleafe; Can wi' uncommon glee impart A ufefu' leiTon to the heart ; Can ilka latent thought expofe. An' Nature trace whare'er fhe goes i Of politics can talk wi* fkill, Nor dare the critics blame his quill. But then a ruftic country quean To write — was e'er the like o't feen ^ A milk maid poem-books to print ; Mair fit file wad her dairy tent ; Or labour at her fpiiining wheel. An' do her wark baith fwift an' week Frae that fhe may fome profit fhare, But winna frae her rhyming ware. Does {lie, poof filly thing, pretend The manners of our age to mend ? Mad as we are, we're wife enough Still to defpife fie paultry ftufF. Il6 P O E M S. " May (he wha writes, of wit get mair. An' a' that read an ample fliare Of candour ev'ry fault to fcreen, That in her doggVal fcrawls ar,e feen.''^ All this and more, a critic faid ; I heard and flunk behind the ihade : So much I dread their cruel fpite. My hand dill trembles when I write. ^> - EPISTLE r NELL, WROTE FROM LOUDOUN CASTLE. T~XEAR Nell with your long filence grlev'd^ -^^^ Your welcome mifllve I receiv'd. And have in hade tane up the pen, Some incoherent rhyme to fen' : As time for ftudy is but fcarce, Accept extemporary verfe. To Loudoan Caftle well I got ; It is a mod delightfu' fpot. The houfe, tho' built before the flood, Remains as yet both firm and good : J I 8 POEMS. The more to decorate the place. Our parents do the portals grace. There Adam (lands, a comeiy man. Eve wi' the apple in her han' : In Eden's yard the frnit was fweet, But here (he has not got it eat. A garden Iarge> and hedges high, O'er whiclj an eagle fcarce could fly j Cdorif 'rous flowers of vari'd hue/ In ilkabord'ring walk we view. Trees in full bloom, whofe fruits excel, When ripej the rofe's fragrant fmell ; The plains a pleafing profpedi yield, And plenty decks the fertile field. Each beauteous arbour forms a fliadCj As if for contemplation made. The trees in (lately rows appear, And ev'ry thing feems charming here 5 -Did not the hungry raven's throat So far outvie the blackbird's note ; Did not the ill forboding owl, ;\t midnight, from dark caverns howl. POEMS. ; . But Nell, in liuman life you kno\v, Our fwects are ever niixVi with wo. In vain for happinefs we fue, While as the meteor keeps in view, With hearts elate, we grafp the prize ; The charm is fled, the phantom dies ! What ftock foe'er the mifers have, The heart will ever fomething crave ; Which, when pofTeH:, not foothes the mind, But leaves an anxious blank behind. What tho' no bags of gold we've. got? We may be happy in our lot ; And with our little ilill content, Our all perhaps will ne'er be fpent : And while we fomething have in ftore. Why lliould we ligh or pine for more ? NELL'S ANSWER, WHILE you, my friend, in beauteous, rural lay. The ancient pile, and circling fcenes difplay, Enthufiaftic rapture fires my foul, And admiration reigns without controul. Methinks, while I your charming theme pur*' fue, That Loudoun caftle rlfes to my view. I fee, or is it fancy that portrays? The profpecfl fcand before my ardent gaze: Surpris'd I fee a new Elyiium rife, In pomp auguft, before my wond'ring eyes* With joy I view tlie fweetly, vari'd fcene. The winding vale, and groves of vernal green* The garden will my fancy long detain. And thofe fair fields that wave with yellow grain. P O F. M S. 121 The blooming trees thacfortn a fylvaii fliade, And tliofc fvvecit bow'rs for contempiation made. Would fome propitious powV but grant my boon, Send fome kind genii with an air-balloon ; Take me aloft, and fafe convey with care. Straight to the bonny blooming banks of Air 5 To Loudoun caflle loon I'd bend my way. And all its beauties joyfully furvey. The gothic (lru6lure, and its fair domains, Moft amply would compenfate all my pains. With you, dear Jenny, I would pafs fome hours, Amongll its (hady walks and fragrant bow'rs. Of poetry and poets talk by turns, And pleasM make comments on the far- fam'd Barns. I ANOTHER EPISTLE TO NELL, "^TTHILE Phcebus did our fummer ar- i hours cheer, ] And iovs Autumnal crownM our circling ' year; \ Even then my thoughts to you excurfions ; i made, I And ardently the bypaft fcenes furvey'd ; j Where oft we met in Eccles* peaceful bow'rs, \ While focial pleafure mark'd the pafllng hours. I From thefe fweet fcenes I found mvfelf re- ] mov'd, \ I fear'd no more remember'd or belovM. I POEMS. i 2 -; l^\)r2C)t by Nell, whofe frienclfliip fcem'd fin- cere, Sucli cold negle6l, who -andifturb'd could bear ? Miici Autumn now refigns to rougher flvles, And frightfal florms, in wild commotion, rife. The tcmpefl howls, while dark December reigns, And fcatters defolation o'er the plains. Juft as the fun burils from the wintry cloud. Which oft does nov»^ his native glory flircud, Your welcome letter cheers my anxious foul; For humour, w^it, and friendfhip grace the whole. "Well pleas'd I find you on Parnaflas' hill; The more I read, the more I prize your flvilL The Mufes coy, you feem to catch with eafe^ And unfatigu'd attain the art to pleafe* Go on, dear Nell, the laureate- wreath pur- In time perhaps you may receive your due. I 2 124 POEMS. . i i ] We'll beat the buflies for the ruftic mufe. Where ev'ry dunce her irifphation fues. \ 'MongO: the vafl crowd, let you and I afpire j To fliare a little of Apollo's fire. i If Fortune prove, like Cupid, ever blind, i We may perhaps fome petty favour find ; j But if no more we gain by thefe our lays, ] We'll pleafe ourfelves with one another's i praife. ^ AN EPISTLE "X A LADY. November^ I'J^g. WHILE Morcliam does your much lov'd piefence fliare, AndLydia*6 health claims your maternal care, O Madam, deign with candour to perule A ruftic lay, prefented by the Mufe. From Loudoun's plains Ihe now awakes the lyre, And gladly would to arduous feats .afpire. On the fmooth margin of the ftream rcclin'd, She fondly hopes to pleafe a tafte refin'd. What tho' Ihie boaft of no peculiar charm, That would the critic of his force difirm ? She humbly deprecates your doom ievere, And fain would wifhto find you partial here* I 3 12.(5 POEM S. The Mafe alone docs this indulgence claim, i Elfe it were impious fucli a thought to frame. > Would you from Morcham cafl vour men- i tal eye, ! And the rccelFes of our caftle fpy, < You'd fee Honoria, in her elbow chair, I A mind at eafe, thoughts unperplex'd with I care ; i i "VVith afpe(5l mild, explore the facred page, Guide of her youth, and comfort of her age: i In conducft prudent, and in counfel wife ; i Her friendihip ev'ry virtuous mind miuft ] prize. i Then view the pair, in bonds of Hymen bled, \ With little Cupid's fluttering round their \ bread. The blifs that's mutual, all their thoughts ; I employ, ! Whofe focial hearts partake no felfilh joy. \ . .. v.- . .cafe each other proves their contlant ] ami, ; " . .1 While ev'ry acl endears the tender claim, i r o E M s. 127 Matilda too, your notice mud demand ; To paint would here requue a Raphael's hand : To trace the radient beauties of her mind, Shall be a tatk for nobler pens affign'd. I'd rather far her little foibles fcan, Though ilrid infpedion finds no more than one. Such anxious care on others flie beflows, She quite forgets what to herfelf fhe owes. Vouchfafe the charming Celia next a look, Her mind ferenc, and in her hand a book: Eyes, which at will, can pleafure give or pain, On ilupid Humphry Clinker Ihine in vain. As through the hall and kitchen now you pafs, Pray deign to peep among the lower clafs : The cook's at work j but, madam, who can know "Whether her hands or tongue more fwiftly go ? They're nimble bothj but difF'rent is th' ef- fed; One merits praife, the other difrefpedl. I 4 128 POEMS, Poor Mary figlis beneath a load of woes, Hard and uneafy ev'ry turn (lie does : How light foe'er the tafli, llie'll pondVing fay, ** Ah ! Is there not a lion in the way ?" Will feems in hade his niafter's boots to clean, Old James is driving Turkeys o'er the green^ Our crazy-pated dairy-maid juft now Is fcribbling o'er thefe fenfelefs lines, to you. Hark ! there's a call, pardon what I've penn'd ; I'm fare you're glad my letter 's at an en4. " J — FROM SNIP E. ^. FAVOURITE POG, TO HI^ MASTER. May^ 1 79 1. BEST of good mafters, your mild dii^ pofition Perhaps may induce you to read my petition: Iklieve me in earned, though adling the poet. My bread feels the fmart, and mine a(5lions do fliew it. 13'' P O E M'S. At morn v/hen I rife, I go down to the kitchen, Where oft Tve been treated with kicking and fwitching. There's nothing but q^uiet, no toil nor vexa- tion, The cookmaid herfelf feems polltfs'd of dif- cretion. The fcene gave furprife, and I could not but iove it, Then found 'twas becaufe (lie had nothing to covet. From thence to the dining-room I took a range fir, M7 heart fweik with grief when I think of the chan^ e t'.ere; No difhes well drelsM, with their, flavour to charm me, Nor even i'o mr.ch.as a fire to war^n me. Tor bread Iranfack ev'ry corner withcaution Then trip down the ftairin arrr:'ihlepa{rion. i go with old James, when the iois ib a dcahng, But brutes are voracious and void of all feel- 1 1") rr . p OEMS. 131 They quickly devour't; not a morfel they leave me, And then by their growling ill nature they grieve me. My friend Jenny Little pretends to refpe(5l me, And yet {irat meal-time fhe often negletfls me: Of late fiie her breakfall with me would have parted, But now eats it all, fo Tm quite broken hearted, O hafie back to Loudoun, my gentle good mailer, Relieve your poor Snipy from ev'ry difafter. A fight of yourfelf would afford me much pleafure, A fhare of your dinner an excellent treafure, Prefent my bed wiflies unto the good lady, Whofe plate and potatoes to me are ay ready: When pufs and I feafted fo kindly together ; But now quite forlorn we condole with each other. i^S . P O E M S» No more I'll infift, left your patience be ended ; I beg by my fcrawl,fir, you'll not be offended; But mind, v^^hen you fee me afcending Par- naffiis, The need that's of dogs there to drive down the Aifes. ON THE DEATH OF J . H . Es^ JUNE, 1790. RE Phoebus' beams exhal'd the pearly dew, While hoary moifture all the fields o'erfpread. Where ozier cyprefs, and the drooping yew, Had form'd a mafing melancholy fhade. Belinda fat, bedew'd with briny tears. The echoing grove her deep-fetch'd fjghs re- tain ; Her plaintive noted'flrefsM mylifl'ninp^ ears, While in low accents thus flie did complain. 134 POEM s. " And is the plealing fcene, alas ! no more! Corrofive grief now on my. vitals prev ! Diftrefs'd, in fighs I fpend the heavy honr. Nor feel of comfort one aufpicions ray ! Now gloomy viiions hover round my bed. More fadd'ning thoughts my waking hours employ ! Hope's balmy whifpers are for ever fled, And far remov'd is ev'ry gleam of joy 1 My former days can never more return ; Each future profpeci darkens on my view j Life's rugged paths feem dreary and forlorn j No kindly hand does there fweet flow'rets ilrev/. Alas \ on life's tempefluoas ocean toft, Become a prey to each high fv/elling wav My ev'ry hope of happinefs is loft — — Laid in the filent, folitary grave ! -'^7 No more, O death ! thy pointed fhafts I dread !' Thy keeneft darts I hourly wiih to fliare ; Since my lov'd Henry's number'd with the dead, No light in this world can now engage my caret. r o s M s. 1]^ Ah! what to me avails the radiant flcy, The verdant meadow, or the vocal grove? No knid companion lliares the melting jo}% And tunes his lute to melody and love. He was but oh ! no language can ex- prefs What my lov'd H enry ever was to me : My joy in health, my fupport in diftrefs, My lover, friend, and tender hufband he. For me a parent's love he did forego, With all the pleafures of his native lliore : On me alone did ev'ry care beflow j He favv^ nie happy, and he wifli'd no more. Keen recolle(5llon animates my pain, And all my pleafures pad augment my woes ; Yet fond remembrance ili all thofe joys retain, While vital life within this bofom flows." Thus fpdke Belinda, on the turf reclinM ; No rav of hone her fidd'ninn- fancv cheer'd: When from a thicket, as by heav'n deiign'd, A nymph celeftial in her fight appeared. 1^6 POEM S. Her flowing robes wav'd in tlie ambient ait ^ A iiow*ry wreath her modefl temples grac'd 5 Her prefence kindly fmooth'd the brow of care, And all the horrors of the fcene efFacM. Array'd in heav'nly fmiles fhe onward came ; Vain phantoms her fuperior pow'r confeft : She viewed the fad, dejedled, mournful dame, And thus in foothing accents her addrefs'd. '' Do not Belinda at thy fate repine, Nor by thy tears augment the pond'rous load ; The lovely youth mud be no longer thine : He's gone, fnch is the fov'reign will of Gop. He's gone to fiourifh in a fairer foil, A plant too noble for this noxious clime : Where virtue mufl triumphant ever fmile, He'll Ihare of joys estatic and fublime. Vain arc thy forro ws, vain the iighs of thofe. Who did his favour or his friendfliip fhare: He's gone beyond the reach of human v7oes. Above the weight of ev'ry worldly care. . -i POEMS. 137 pure were the virtues center'd in his breaft. With unaflaming reditude they fway'd : His tongue the dictates of his heart exprefs'd| While his mild manners more than words conveyed ! But human blifs is of a tranfient date, Nor permanent thy woes, tho' nowfeveres Soon fliall you meet in a celeftial ftate, And then no more the pangs of parting fear? K ON THE BIRTH OF J . H-—, Es^s SDK NOVEMBER 15, 1790. lEAR lovely babe, with hearts elate, We hail thy natal hour ; Here does the Mufe impatient wait. Libations kind to pour. Upon a theme fo new, fo fweet, She now attempts to fmg : No foreign aid flie needs invite, To touch the vocal firing. But while with anxious thoughts on thee^ And ardent look, I gaze, Can I the valiant hero fee. To animate my lays ? The plodding philofophic eye, Shall 1 attempt to kan ? Or in thy infant fmiles defcry The politicians plan \ POEMS. 139 Too hard the taflc, my humble mufe Can boaft of no fuch art ; Though hope, on flutt'ring pinions does All this and more impart. While fondl'd by a mother kind, Thou checks the falling tears, When thy lov'd father to her mind In cv'ry charm appears. The features fweet, attradive, mild, Each foft, each winning grace. She does in thee, her darling child. With fond remembrance trace. And that the virtues he pofTefs'd May in thy bofom glow, She does indulgent heav'n requefl, Who mitigates her wo. May he, on whom her hope relleSj Proted thy lovely form, While fudden blafts impetuous rife In life's tempefluous llorra. K 2 140 POEMS. ] For thee, be calm the rolling flood, ; Be ftill the blufl'rine wave : May'fl thou be blefs'd with every good ; A mother's heart can crave. ] ■1 •* ON A GENTLEMAN'S PROPOSING TO TRAVEL 300 MILES \ TO SEE J . H . Es^s CHILD, TS it true ! does Alonzo from London pro- \ ■*■ pole si A vifit to Scotia's bleak plain, \ > Ere the beams of bright Sol have difperfed j our fnows, 1 Or the warblers enliv^'d their ilrain I i POEMS. 141 Does the ci'-y prove irkfome, infipid the ball, Nor the theatre claim a delay ? Is it friendihip or int'reil: that uiliers the call, Which he feenis in fuch hafte to obey ? I aflc'd, and ill whifpers, by Fame I was told, That his heart was by intVeft unmov'd, That the ties of pare friendihip were ilronger than gold. And it's exGuifite charms he had prov'd. But ah ! he is gone, whofe reception fo kind. Would have fully compenfate his toil! Can the fight of a babe give folace to his mind, Or reward the fatigue by a fmile ? Let the trifling vain clamours of ftoics be mute. While friendihip diredeth the fcaks : Let them wonder, but never attempt to dif- pute, While felf o'er their feelings prevails. In vain let them guefs what Alonzo muft know, Since friendihip each aclion iafpires ; His prefence wall tend to alleviate wo, That done, it is all he defires. FERSES WRITTEN ON A FOREIGNER'S VISITING THE GRAV5 OF A SWISS GENTLEMAN, BURIED AMONG THE DESCENDENTS OF SIR WILLIAM WAL- LACE, GUARDIAN OF SCOTLAND IN THE THIRTEENTH CENTURY. ^^^JJR regal feat to Edward fallen a prey, ^-^ Our Chief's infaltedcorfe his vitlimlay; Our ruia'd land no monument could raife ; Yet grateful bards ilili fung his heart-felt praife. Long ages hence her hero flill flie'li mourn; Still her brave fons with emulation burn. His fpirlt guarding Uill our native place, Proclaims this man date to his lateft race: Let ficred truth bid living* fime be thine ; " Ne'er truil for honour to a fcuhjtur'd fhrine. ^' Thofemodeil merits marbles ne'er impart, " LoTe writes them dcepcfl on the human r o E M s. i4'> > Thus mid thy race did their lovVl Henry dwell, Whofeduftfliall mixthv memorv with Tell*: Truth, honour, fpirit, animate that form, Which beauty, grace, and fymmetry adorn. Here that rich bloilom dropp'd, fcarce fairly blown ; The friend, the hulband, father we bemoan! Wail by the grave a mother's checrlefi throes. And (hare a widow's agonizing woes ! Dear youth, thy name tolateH: time defc^n/^s, Where gentle virtues made mankind thy friends. From no vain marble need you borrow fame ; Truth, love and friendihip, here embalm thy name. A parent's filver hairs beftrew thy fhrine ; Her griefs were mortal, but her joys fublime : « In tears we mourn the body laid to reft ; 8he hails thy fpotlefs foul 'mid angels bleft. * A famous Swifs chief K 4 I ■mm IMIIIIIII W IM MPWI 1 IBII IIM M I I I H W—IW — lIlMWII—WW—yHIWI— Bm FROM :philander toeumenes. ITIi pleafure I your welcome letter read, While Cnpid for a little from me fled. "With freedom write, difpel your trivial fears j There's nought prefumptuous in your fong appears ; Tho' flrartzie tlr ideas which vou now con- vey. While you our loyely females thus portray. No doubt, there are, in the promifcuous crowd J The wortiileis lair, the virtuous and the good j The haughty nymph, the maid of humble mind ; T\i imperious, yea, the gentle and the kind j P O E M 8. 145 Such as an adamarxtine heart could charm, And furious tygers of their rage difarm. In all vicilTitudes of human life, Man's greatefl bleffing is a virtuous wife : licr fiiiiles can't fail to footli his anxious br^aft, DifFa{in^<^ joy, while various cares molell : Her prudent counfel fwifr relief can bring, As Abigail appeafed Ifr'el's king. Nor need I thus the facred annals trace, In Britain's lile they claim the higheft place i When dire oppreilion, with uplifted hand. His yoke extended o'er our native land. Our iires to abjecfl flaverv were doom'd, / Our mothers all their ancient claims refum'd: You'll fay my fpeeches do me partial prove, And £0 afcribe the cruel caufe to love. Are you alone exempt from fuch a guefl? Are you of every antidote poiTefs'd T' effect a cure, or mitigate the pain? Then may the archer cad his fhafts in vala. Of late dear friend I did fuch valo'ur boaft 3 |3ut by one fatal glance the field was lofl. 14^ POEMS. While you are free of dangers, ftlU beware ; Be V7arn'd by me, and iliun tli' alluring fa are. It is by foine deena'd cowardice to fly, But fur^ it more ignoble is to die : To die, I'm frantic, fir ; what did I fay ? P^eafon once more refume thy wonted fway ; Kind heaven defend us from fuch dire alarms j Who would a vidlim fall to female charms ? I find I'm better whde vour lines I read, I'm almoll: from my Gallic fetters free'd. As you alone were partner of my grief, Pray now congratulate my quick relief. I would not by prolixity oflend ; Both bound and free, Philander is y ourfricnd. m mu ^mr I m m a um^mmi^m STL VIA AND AR ME D A. ARMEDA. HY doflthou Sylvia penfivefit ? Why hangs that cloud upon thy brow ? Oft haft thou cheer'd us by thy wit, Why thus referv'd and fallen now ? Haft thou thy little lap-dog loft? Can Cilia's drefs excite envy \ Is Flavia now the fav'rite toaft, Or doft tliou for a lover figh \ Sylvia. Be Flavia ftill the toaft of beaux ; Such trifles ne'er could give me pain : But know the caufe of all my woes, The dear Alonzo's left the plain. 148 POEMS. His mufic oft has charm'd the grove ; So foft his pipe, fo fweet his air : None heard, bat feh the power of love, 'Mong all the nymphs alTcmbrd there. Not Philomel's delightful drain Could fuch extRtic joys impart, As did thy notes, O darling Iwain ! Which vv^ell can cheer the anxious heart. His countenance as Aurora bright, His fmiles gave joy to all around: In virtue, wit, and all that's right, Alonzo's eaual ne'er v\^as found. To Anna's banks, alas ! he's gone ; To Eccles fam'd for maidens fair ; And, to augment my grievous moan, i dread fonie powVful rival there. Armed A. O Sylvia, all your fears are vain ; I've feen the nyuiphs difplay their art, To captivate your charming fwain ; But none can there engage Lis heart. POEMS. 149 Infenlible he Teems to grow; Defies the Uttle armed boy : From his lov'd horfe, a fatal throw Does more his anxious thoughts employ. Than Cupid's arrows more fevere, The wounds he got his cares now prove: Can Sylvia think it ftrange to hear Alonzo quite forgets to love ? Sylvia. Forgets to love ! that mud not be ; Sure Sylvia would be wretched then, Alonzo, when depriv'd of thee, Rough winter dill deforms the plain. O haften and difpel my fears ! The birds with thee more fweetly ling, O crown with joy revolving years I Thy prefence gives perpetual fprin^. n t »l IM ^B I iPil Wl ll W W — !■ ll'iU'l I I " w i n II I lip — THE CAPTIVATED SOLDIER, E fwalns unacquainted with love, Attend to my pitiful lay : My pipe fhall refound through the grove, And my vi^oes in fad accents difplay. Long time I with freedom did range ; With indifF'rence I gaz'd on the fair : Now my heart, how afFec^^ing the change ; Matilda has caught in the fnare. Ah me! how unlucky the day, When thoughtlefs I haften'd to view? A w^edding was coming this way, Nor dream'd I of what did enfue. POEMS. T Matilda appearM in her charms ; Her cheeks with fott blufhes did glow : My bofom was fill'd with alarms, Nor knew I who wounded me fo. Her fhape it is hand Tome ; her air Excels all the nymphs of the town : Her eyes may with diamonds compare; Her locks of the lovelieft brown. She fwift from my prefence did fly, I call'd, but fhe anfwer'd me not : She fear'd that fome danger might be Sly lurking beneath the red coat. If red will afFrighten my dear, I'll drefs in the good rufllt grey, Abandon my fword and my fpear, And cad my bright armour away. Or No more I'll attend to the drum ; But take up my fhuttle and weave : From that fure no danger can come, Such clowns have no art to deceive. % 152 r O E M s. No razor (hall come on my face, Nor powder be feen on my hair r ril walk at no regular pace ; In brogues to my love I'll repair. O then, will {he hear my foft tale ? O then, will Matilda prove kind? If ruflics with her can prevail. The ruftic in me Ihe fhall find. -|u .. I _.ii im I] ._. «i .iniipi ^iiji^^ip ^tt^9mm.wm.\ WW— i— — fl—T— ■! !, JJ t l ' i um. ' ! W l- ON READING LADY MARY MONTAGUE and Mrs. ROWE'9 LETTERS. As Venus by night, .fo Montague bright Long in the gay circle did fhine : She tun'd well the lyre, mankind did admire; They prais'd, and they call'd her divine. This pride of the times, in far diftant climes, Stood high in the temple of Fame : Britannia's fliore, then ceas'd to adore, A greater the tribute did claim. 154 POEMS. To fue for the prize, famM RowE did arifc, More bright than Apollo was (he : Superior rays obtained now the bays, And Montague bended the knee. O excellent Rowe, much Britain does owe To what you^ve ingen'ouily penn'd : Of virtue and wit, the model youVe hit; Who reads muft you ever commend. Would ladies purfue, the paths trod by you, And jointly to learning afpire. The men foon would yield unto them the field, And criiics in lilencc admire. UPON A rOUNG LJDT^S BREAKING A LOOKING-GLASS. AS round the room, with tentlefs fpeed, Young Delia tripp'd it finelyj A looking-glafs, fo Fate decreed, She broke, but not defign'dly, A looking-glafs of ancient date. Its fall the belles lamented ; But all their farrow prov'd too late, Its ruin none prevented. When Anne the BritKh fceptre fway'd, 'Twas plac'd in firm poiition ; Nor did a forward chamber-maid E'er alter its condition. 156 POEMS. No mirror better could defcry Th' embrio of a pimple ; The rheum on a neglecled eye; The hoary hair or wrinkle. Long time it did the chimney grace, So awkward now and empty ; Its with a vengeance changVl its place. And broke in pieces twenty. O Delia ! mourn thy direful fate, A thoufand ills portending ! Black omens now thy ftars await, 'Gainll which there's no defending. Poor Delia now, bedew'd with tears And piti'd by acquaintance, RefolvM to fpend full fifteen years. In doleful, deep repentance. Do tears thefe lovely cheeks diflain. By thoufand charms furrounded ! Thefe eyes from weeping do refrain ; Their glance have many wounded. POEMS. 157 T' alora thy more acco npliili'd mind, Each radient grace confpirt s : Hence dread thou not their dark dehgn, Though rage each demon fires. Let hope difFufe a gentle ray, Thefe magic fpells defying : Let prudence Deha's footfteps fway, On virtue Hill relying. But know the rakeVs alluring fmile, The heedlefs fair bewitches : Let no fond youth your heart beguile, By foft enticing fpeeches. And if good counfel aught avail, Attend Diana's clafTes : For mind our fex is ever frail, And brittle as our glalTes. 1-3 A N ACROSTIC UPON A YOUNG WOMAN, WRITTEN BT HER LOVER, ■\ HAIL fweeteft charmer of the rural plain, Accept the tribute of a humble fwain ; Nor frown, tho' he prefumpt'ous would efTay ; No mufe your match lefs beauties candifplay. All thatis fei-gii^d of the fair Cyprian queen. Here in this lovely damfel may be feen. In her fair form is ev'ry grace combined ; Virtue and modefly adorn her mind. If Milton's eloquence did grace my lays, Sure it w^ould fail, and fpeak but half her praife, O Cupid fix an arrow in her breafl ! No more I'd wi%, were I or her poiTefs'd. It I AN EXTEMPORART ACROSTIC, MY Mufe, once more, thy aid I humbly claim ; Refufe not now to grace my ruftic lays. Johnflon or Pope might well befit che theme Of Grecian bards, wha ever merit praiie. How dares my humble hand aflume fo high? No common charaifler infpires my fong, ^ His growing fame long fince has reach'd the iky ; All I can fay but does his virtues wrong ; Let then my blund'ring pen in filence reft ; Lo, filent admiration paints them beft. L '4 s«« AN EPISTLE TO Mr. ROBERT burns. 17' AIRF /^' the honeTl ruftic fwain , -^ The pride o' a' our Scottifh plain j Thou gi'es us joy to hear thy ftrain, And notes fae fweet; 01d Ramfay's fliade, reviv'd again, In thee we greet. Lov'd Thr.ir.a, that delightful mufe, Scem'd long (liut np as a reclufe : To all ilie did her aid refufe, Since Allan's day, POEMS* i6r Till Burns arofe, then did ihe choofe To grace his lay. » To hear thy fong, all ranks defire ; Sae well thou flrik'll the dormant lyre. Apollo, wi' poetic fire, Thy bread did warm, An' critics filently admire Thy art to charm, * CxCav an' Luath weel can fpcak ; 'Tis pity e'er their gabs lliould fteek : They into human nature keek, An* knots unravel ; To hear their ledlures ance a week, Ten miles Vd travel. Thy dedication to G H > In unco bonny, hamefpun fpeech, Wi' winfome glee the heart can teach A better leflbn, Than fervile bards wha fiiwn an fleech, Like beggar's mcffin. l62 r O E M s. When flighted love becomes thy theme, An' woman's faithlefs vows you blame. With fo much pathos you exclaim, la your Lament, But glanc'd by the moft frigid dame, She wad relent. The daify too, you fing wi' fkill ; An' wee! ye praife the whifky gill. In vain I blunt my fecklefs quill, Your fame toraife, While echo founds, frae ilka hill, To Burns'js praife. Did Addifon or Pope but liear, Or Sam, that critic moft fevere, A plough-boy fmg, wi' throat fae clear. They, in a rage, 1 heir v«'orks wad a' in pieces tear An' curfe your page. If I {hould Arain my rupy throat, To raife thy praife wi' f welling note, POEMS. l6j My rude, unpolifli'd ftrokes wad blot Thy brilliant fhine, An' evVy paiTage I would quote Seem lefs fublime. The tafk I'll drop j wi' heart fincere To heav'n prefent a humble prayer. That a* the blefTings mortals fl:iare May be, by turns, Difpeas'd with an indulgent care To Robert Burns. Ji* ' t At laft the charmer gives confent ; Then Hymen does them both torment, With nameltfs ills unknown before, x\nd ev'ry month augments the fcore. May (lars propitious guard your life From all the mis'ries ot a wife: Poor Delia's flghs and tears next prove The pains of ill requiteti love. She danc'd, had wit, was wondrous fair. And feeni'd Alonzo's heart to fnare. True love and conftancv he vow*d : But this by all muil be aliow'd, That young men's tongues do not impart The real language of their heart. Hewed another, fad to tell! And bad the mournful maid farev^'el. O Janet, may you never know The pangs that lovers undergo. Cordelia too, with look demure, Contentment wiHies to eiifure. M4 iy6 r o E M s. She flattering Cupid wont believe: She knows that Hymen can deceive j But fondly hopes in veiTe to fliine, AfTifted by the tuneful Nine ; To call their treafures all her own. E'en in defpite of fortune's frown. But weak, alas ! is her pretence ; Her fong proves deftitute of fenfe, Each cavilling critic does her vex, And ev'ry c^nfure fore perplex. O may you never feel the pain, Wc heedlefs fcribbling fools fuftain. A thoufand more from various views, The gliding meteor fwift purfues. The Patriot toils, in penlive mood. For honour and Britannia's good. The Courtier deems his Sov'reign's fmile Would all his anxious cares beguile. O Janet, fliun the coxing tribe, Who barcer virtue for a bribe. The Coxcomb's care we well can guefs ; He thinks the charm confifts in drefs, POEMS. 177 Pomatum, powder, linens white, Wafli-balls, perfumes, and mirrors bright. The Mifer hopes his joys to hold, F;i(l lock'd within his bags of gold : Thieves, moth and ruft, corrupt his reft ; May all his forrows be your j eft. The plodding fage long years has fpent In fearching for the gem content, Which often does, I know not why, In heaps of ruftic riibbifli lie. And may my honeft friend juft now, Without much queft be found by you ; May your old ilioes, your ftafF and plaidy, Be always for the journey ready: And blithly may ilk neighbour greet you ; May cakes, and fcones, and kibbocks meet you; And may they weel ilk pocket cram, And in your bottle flip a dram. May your wee glafs, your pipe and fpecks, Be ay preferv'd frae doleful wrecks. May your wee houfe, baith fnug and warm, Be fafe frae ev'ry rude alarm I7§ POEMS. Of wandering lovers, whoM eflliy To make foft innocence their prey : Or ruffians, cad in rougher mould, Whofe fordid bofoms beat for gold. Content grows joy, in meeting there The little, lovely, blooming fair, Who makes thy cot and thee her care ; Whofe gentle, generous, noble mind, Tho' great and rich, can here prove kind ; Whofe footileps mark her path with peace^ Whofe fmile bids ev'ry forrowceafe; For age and want, and wo provides And over mifery preiides. Her father's worth, and mother's charms Efteem and fond affecl^ion warms, While kind D — f— s, with rapture fpies, The fighing breail: and fwimming eyes j Whofe rays Iiave f^'und in James and thee, The melting charm" oi mifery. That charm much more the chemb moves, Than did his gift of cooing doves;. POEMS, 179 Whofe hearts, lefs tender than her own, Breathe forth their ever pleafmg raoan. Sweet innocence, in her we find ; Bright truth illuminates her mind : Each a(5lion fays, for her to give It is more joy than to receive. Let James and you for Loudoun pray, Whofe charms have lur*d me from my lav. Janet farewel, you've lint and tow, O keep your rock ay frae the low; Tho' turmoils torture land and fea, Content may fmoke a pipe with thee. AL CAN ZAR. "^^THEN fiiH: Alcanzar to the town did • ^ come. The people all beiiev'd that he was dumb: , In troops, with haily Heps, to him they went; To get their fate prefag'd was their intent. The man well vers'd was in the myftic art. And quick as thought could wondrous things impart. WlK)ever were with anxious cares opprefs'd, Or on account of abfent friends diftrefs'd, Unto Alcanzar fwiftly did repair, Each of his purle did amply make him fliare. It matters not how great the dillance be, A ihip is rear'd, he wafts him o'er the fea : Tho' in didrefs, them frees from ev'ry pain; Dead or alive they now mud crofs the main : ' Bedaub'd with lace, of gold they've got great {lore, And fwift he lands them on Britannia's {liore. P C E M S. l8l The nymphs and fwains do next his aid demand ; He ties them all in Hymen s (ilken band : He does young Strephon^v ith lovVi Delia blefs, Tho* wont ere while to Ihun his fond ad- drefs. Sly Sanders too, who loves and woos for gold, Sees Sufan's charms down on the table told : Cows, calves and horfcs, plac'd before his fight, A widow rich will well his love requite. Poor Celia next, who, for fome fickle fwain. Spends days in forrow, and whole nights in pain : It was his ab fence caus'd the maid to mourn, But fam'd Alcanzar made him foon return. His antic geftures did the fair one cheer, And home (lie went, releas'd from every fear. Old Elfpa now comes trembling for.her fate ; She would be wed, but fears it is too late : Her locks, alas! are filver'd o'er with grey; Yet to Alcanzar fwift ihe takes her way. )82 V O F. M 3. She gave a iixpence; Ladies mark the reft, She's with a hulband and five chiLlreii blefl. Here maids of fifty, widows of fourfcore. May all get marriM for a penny more. But is the man like. as his merit priz'd ? Ah no! he is by empty fools defpisM. A crafty youth, Will Watfon was his name, Did ftrive to ruin great Alcanzar's fame. He drefs'd himfelf all in a maid's array, Gown, (lays and petticoat, extremely gay ; A muflin head-drefs, with a large toopce j Few of our Ladies Icok'd fo fine as he. Up flreet he walk'd with a majeflic air, And to Alcanzar's lodgings did repair. Firfl gave a penny, then he Hiew'd his hand, And did with down cafl eyes dejed^ed ftand: But who can tell the fequel without tears ? Alcanzar's chalk too foon a cradle rears. Who wont bewaU this maid's fad deftinT ? .4 She pregnant proves, her love. ,^one to fea. Now all around upon the yor.di did ga, e, Such difmalfigns had iill'd them with amaze. POEMS. 183 Will gave a penny more ; the fage did bring The lover home, and wed them wuth a ring. Eight children too, he placed before their fight Willfeem'd well pleasM, and bade them all good night. This might have pafs'd, had he the fadl conceal'd ; But O 'twas cruel ! Willy all reveal'd. He thought indeed, but all his thoughts were vain. The fam'd Alcanzar's chara(5ler to flain. for one fpoil'd difli who would a meal de- fpife ! Or for one fmall miftake condemn the wife ? ■■■H^— I — *»— WWM FROM ALONZO 7(9 DELIA. TO ycu my fair, the emprefs of my heart, I Tm urg'd to vent my pure, untaimed flame ; • Tho' language faintly can my thoughts im- ) part, j. My fwelling fighs, your kind attention claim. •' See Venus felf outrival'd by your charms : ^ Vain my attempt thy virtues to portray ' O come my darling haflen to my arms i Within my bofom ftill you bear the fway. \ ! Life without thee no pleafore can beflovv^ ; j O might my fuit thy tender pity move ! i No mufe can paint the ills I undergo ; I And nought can cure them but my, Delia's \ love, f O E M ^ l8? No bold ambitions views inrpire my bread: And what is honour but an empty name? While Delia fcorns, I never can bo bleft, Though founding heralds did my praife pro- claim. Know, lovely charmer, that our ancient. fire Did languilh, tho' in liden's fragrant bow'rs; Till the firfl: nymph bade love his bread in-^ fpire, And by her prefence chcer'd the ling'ring hours. But Adam^s love could never poual mine, Nor did bright F.ve fuch rati -ent !:>eauty fliare. O come, my darling^ heart aiid har.d refignj And ev'ry mufe fliall hail the happy pair* 1^ jmujiwa J J. w ill HU M I IM P II Kt^aw w g tt f-gjcjHgr^r--* «M«t«----?«jiH(iLWnBWj iiw*"! ep erudition fwells your lays : N 3 igo POEM s. You feem the laureate of our days i And all the nine, Your mighty charader to ralfe, Do now combine, 'ris pity, fir, that fuch as you Should agriculture's paths purfue, Or deflin'd be to hold the plough On the cold plain 5 More fit that laurels deck'd the brow Of fuch a fwain. Yet Homer's parts few did commend^ Till death his doleful days did end ; Then ieven cities did contend A right to claim ; Each vowM from thence he did defcend, So great his fame. Perhaps, fir, in fome future age. Struck with the beauties of your page, Qld Scoua's chieiLams may engage Your name to raife ; POEMS. 191 More have they to excite their rage, Than Homer's lays. But I muft drop the pond'rous theme, Left you my weak attempts fliould blame ; So fure your title is to fame, Who runs may read ; Of fuch your merit to proclaim You have no need. Know then, that love within my bread, Has never yet been known to reft ; Nor would I harbour fuch a gueft, To give me pain : I wifh you, iir, fo much diftrefsVl, Soon well again. N4 V R M FLAVIA ro CARLOS: • ""^TTfiTirWrr- — EAR fir, accept this mlflive fent From one whofe mind's fincerely bent, On ever ailing fo with you. As fliall evince her f riendihip true. But how iliall Carlos really know, That friendiliip in her bread doth glow } A friend is more than empty name : Few juflly can the title claim. "Were Flavia born in flation high, Her friendiliip foon you would defjry : Her op'lence quickly would reveal, What pen'ry bids her now conceal. Then Carlos would her favour boaft, Nor be fo much by fortune crofs'd. POEMS. 193 Thus riavia talks of her efteem, As heroes conquer in a dream j Or as a culprit, doomVl to die, la dungeoa where he's forc'd to He, Might "boatl of what he could CiTcd, Were kings attentive to his beck. You laugh, dear Sir, and pray what then, Mud Flavia call you bell of men ? Mud high encomiums grace her lays. And all her notes be fwell'd with praife? Know Sir, when friendfhip does commence, All flatt'ry muft be fpurn'd from thence: No real friend fl^.ip can exift, In the difembling flatt'rer's breaft. What can poor Flavia then beflow, But wiih you dill may better grow ? Your wit flill more and more refine. And all the beauties of your min', With radient ludre ever fliine ; In virtue's paths, flill on to tread, Which to the fair Elviium lead : May every a(51ion juflly claim The Poet's wifli, that thin^ call'd Fame. 1^4 POEM S. As through life*s winding vale you rove, May ftill your ftars propitious prove, And richefl bleiTings on you (liow^er ; May fweet contentment grace your bower; By love and fortune ever crown'd, May honour all yourwifhes bound* Nor accefs find within your bread, One thought your friend would \viili fup- preft ; And may they foon .at Tyburn fwing, Who iTould not lign what here I fing. . jl . l l,,»., l »i II i i I " IIIII W IP— i^^— — WH. Iiil i i li^) TO NELL WHEN AT MOFFAT WELL ^N the delightful banks of Mein, The mufe laments in peniive drain j The nymphs afTembrd on the green, Of Nelly's abfence all complain. Our rural fwains no joys can find, But flill in penfive filence mourn'; With heads upon the turf reclin'd They ligh, and wifli your fwift return. Oft have they curs'd fair Moffat town. With all the virtues of the Well ; The fprigluly Beau, and ruftic clown, Of Nelly's charms delight to tell. l()6 POEM S. Dear maid, it is- for you alone, They ipend whole days and nights in [ighs; And will you difregard their moan, And all their plaintive notes defplfe ? 'Tis Autumn now, the fertile neld, Ri'ch Ceres decks with yellow grain ; With joy we would our (ickles wield-, it Nelly dcign'd to grace the plain. Come now and of our labours fliare ; None better can that weapon ply j O mitigate Philandcr's care, Whofs toil feems Icfs when you are nigh. Once more, dear Nell, I'd wiih to f:c You cheerful ioin the rural thronq;; Your prefence would enhance our glee, And fvveetly animate my fong. ■*m^ III I— n i l 9» rouNG L/inrs LAMENrA-noN FOR TH2 LOSS OF HER SISTER BY MARRIAGE. Siiiaiti-ntuM' W HAT tongue can half my Vv-oes ex- prefs ? What force of eloquence can tell? ^i' nri 1. he caufes of my deep diftrefs Are fuch as ever feem to fwell. My parents not ignoble were; My father once a merchant famM ; But now in a fuperior fphere, ^"iong^ la72ded gc?itleme7iht\ nam*d. My mother, of no mean extrad : The famous Freyburgh gave her birili With wit and prudence dill flie'll ad ~ None more accomplifhed on earth. 19^ P O E M S. My brethren all for valour f<\vad^ Their merit great, what pen can fliow j Their praife has been by flime proclaimM, While juftly in efleem they grow. I had one only fifler dear ; Our parents' joy and pride were we; Our charms attractive did appear To men of high and low degree : Who often times, in foft addrefs, Did flrive our favour to obtain, While we of fortitude pofTefs'd, Refus'd their offers with difdain. They vow'd \re would their ruin provCg . Perfifting in our cruelty ; But we were wont to laugh at love, And little Cupid's darts defy. We ever arm'd w^ere cap-a-pee; IndifTrence was our favourite flTiield } Bat by fome fatal deftiny, My fifter languilh'd in the field. POEMS. 199 Deprlv'd of all defenfive arms, (1 figh, my tears begin to flow) And llain by a fea captain's charms, She married was a month ago. In an unlucky moment he, From Plutus fare had learned the art, Made his empoifon'd arrows flee, Till one of them did pierce her heart. She did not wiili to fmd relief, But an ignoble vidim fell, Which filfd our parents' hearts with grief; Their forrows great what tongue can tell? The balfaiT! of advice was brought, With drops of frridl authority ; Prefcriptions (lill tp fhun (lie fought, Nor would the medicines apply. With water of forgetfuh efs. She oft was bid to bathe the w^ound - The fearch was vain, fliedid pro: eft This water never could be found. 2CO POEMS. It griev'd us much thus to behold Our counfels flighted with difuain : His featherVl darts weretipp'd with gold, Which reiider'd every effort vaia. But cohfclous that our parents dear Could not beheld the fatal blow, To make the Rroke feem lefs fevere, She at a didance met the foe. Her peerlefs charms flie there refign'd, Gompeird by love's fupreme command j A clown by travels much refia'd Did eager clafp her beauteous hand. I will lament a filler loft. Ah! ladies hear my piteous moan, Depriv'd of what I once could boafl, I now mud keep the field alone. What though I no afTiftance have, I hope to ad courag'oufly. The fubtle foe ftill to outbrave. And man*s feducing^ art& defy. P O E M 8. 501 The rich, the poor, the proud, the (lave, The fop, the clown, the low, the t^ll. The gay, the gidd}', or the grave, I [coriifully defy them all. O ^ •m t rr^Mt mbm— ■^■eta^— ^afcgiMt.i^^^ THE RIVAL S7FAINS. HILE o'er the plains Hern winter ^^7HILE o'er the pi * * bore the fway, And Sol from Capricorn difFus'd his ray, Nigh Bolton Gate, beneath a hawthorn Ihade, Two rural fwains fad lamentations made: Each for an abfent damfel feem'd to mourn. While throbbing breads did figh for ligh return. Young D y's notes and T — 's fond praifes prov'd, That D h T- r was the maid belov'd. Says D — k, " O had I thefe fweet hours again, Fve fpent with her; but ah ! I wifh in vain. POEMS. 40J The nympli Is fled; to Maac'neder file's gone, Nor heeds my figlis, nor yet regards my moan : Her cruel aunrs did contribute their aid. To baniili from my fight the lovely maid. O Uttle Cupid, choofs two fatal darts, And with a vengeance, fend them to their hearts ; ^'lay they endure the agonizing pain Of love, yet ever unbelov'd remain ; And, wdien far hence, by death they're doom'd to go, Then let their taflc be leading apes below. YounT D h was the faireil on the plain, AdmirM and lov'd by cvVy wond'ring fwain. Her charms exterior might a hero bind ; But ah! the beauty that adorns her mind. To paint does far exceed my Mufj's fkill. To you, dear T — I'll now reilgn the quill.'' Says T — , " On her the Graces feem to wait ; Her form, how fair ! enchanting is her gait, O 2 204 F O E M ?. ] Her youthful charms, no tongvie could e'er exprefs ; Nor does her abfence render them the lefs. The fofc imprefilon with me ftill remains ; I'm captive, yet I glory in my chains. With fond delight I retrofped the day, When we to E n took our way, With hearts elatfe, to view the Scottiffi fair, LovM D- — -h fweeten'd all the pleafures there. ^Blefl with her company upon the road, How charming feem'd each rugged path we trode? Nor could the Scottifli fair fuch charms dis- play ; My darUng relgn'd the emprefs of the day. But ah ! refledion animates my pain, Such happy days I'll ne'er behold again. Alas ! I languifh now in deep defpair ; O that I could forget my abfent fair! ! While thefe two youths rehears'd their plaintive talc, A third came flalking o'er a diftant dale: P O I^ M ?. 20J R n his name, "wliofe anxious looks did lilOW, His beating hofoni niLich opprefsM with wo. Of J y's charms, be in loft concert fung; J y tlie gay, the beauteous, and the young; She who of late, with parfon F r ftay'd, In the low ftation of a dairy-maid. Yet there it was fhe gain'd young R n's lieart. And in her abfence nought can eafe his fmart. O haplefslads! can nought allay your pain. Till thefe two charming maids return again ? Is there none elfe can eafe your tortur'd mind? None elfe fo fair, fo virt'ous and fo kind ? So may you think, and thus in fighs lament, Till Hymen's fetters make you all repent Better bewail an abfent love for life, Than be tormented by a fradlious wife. It. il tJB I UUlW^ W aJ M TO A L A D r WHO SENT THE AUTHOR SOME PAPER. WITH A READING OF SILLAR'S POEMS. EAR madam, -with joy I read over your letter; Your kindnefs dill tends to confirm me your debtor ; But can't think of payment, the fum is fa large, Tho' farthings for .guiaeas could buy mj difcharge. But, madam, the Mufes are iled far away, They deem it difgrace with a milkmaid to flay. POEMS. 207 Let them go if they will, I would fcorn to piirfue, And can, without fighing, fubfcribe an adieu. Their trilling mock vifits, to many fo dear, Is the only difafter on earth I now fear. Sure Siilar much better h-ad banifh'd them thence, Than wrote in defpite of good manners and fenfe : With two or three more, whofe pretenfions to fame Are flight as the bubble that burils on the ftream. And left with fuch dunces as thefe I be num- ber'd, The talk I will drop, nor with verfc be in- cumbered ; Tho' pen, ink and paper, are by me in ftorc, O madam excufe,for I ne'er lliall write more. FINIS, University of California SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 305 De Neve Drive - Parking Lot 17 • Box 951388 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90095-1388 Return this material to the library from which it was borrowed. FEB 1^ QUE 2 V ILL- I JUL 2 7 DUE 2 WKS FROM DATE RECEIVED UCLA ACCESS 'n^srnorary Loai 11' '.'n«vers»f JAB REC'U ED •:cES .^orrh Library cAsq^-^^-"*^"^ 004 SflRVICES ;arch Library ^1575 L723A17 Little, J^net- Potj'tic i il works L 006 832 100 9 ucsouTHrnrj i?iml'n,^5 LIBRARY ^^ 000 339 618 PR i;889 L723A17 .V- iJS''.i>*«h,. .:*N,i.,«;^v*^ I ■*