THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES THE MINSTREL'S TALE, ^nH mf\tv $Joem0, BY GEORGE MOORE. "Dejectedly and low he liow'd, • j And gazingf timij on the crowd, He seem'd to seek in every eye, Jf they approved his minsttelsy." Scott. LONDON: PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, REES, ORME, AND CO. J AND R. WILLIAMS, DEVONPORT. 1826. ?fl 5'o39 K\s/ PREFACE. 1 HE operations of the human mind are ever worthy our study, for by the various connexions of being, we are interested in whatever developes the character, or influences the heart. By the expres- sion of others' feelings, we are enabled to form a judgement of our own ; and whatever awakens a sympathy within us must tend to invigorate the in- tellectual faculties, and expand the sphere of our existence; blending soul with soul into one undivided being, having gratifications ever equal to the growing grasp of its conceptions. Education is but sympathy— a sense of others feelings and ideas, stimulating the dormant suscep- tibilities of our hearts and minds ; and begetting, not merely, imitation, but a similarity of sentiment, by which we really become new and improved creatures, provided the innate tendencies be pro- perly directed. The author therefore places his reputation, with perfect confidence, in the power of those who can perceive the purity of his intention, and although 922007 Ti PREFACE. there are critics who will rejoice to mangle the first production of early aspirations, the injury will be forgotten in the heart-hid satisfaction of pleasing one who reverences virtue, and is not out of love with nature and benevolence. Being aware that the public will not consider the circumstances under which some of the pieces were composed, as an extenuation of their imperfections, nor the youthfulness of the author as an excuse for his errors, he docs not endeavour to seek shelter from dishonour by pleading either. Tlie partial generosity of valued friends, whose encouragement induced him to publish, will ever be acknowledged with gratitude ; and, even if disap- pointment attend his ellorts, l)e remembered with complacent pleasure, as a flattering testimony of approval, from persons whose talents are as superior, as their esteem is desirable. Poetry must reveal its own meaning — but, as this work may fall into the hands of individuals who can- not perceive meaning where they feel no interest, it may be observed that tlie principle object of the leading poem was to prove the impropriety of allowing morbid sensibility to tyrannize over manly sentiments, while robbing the heart of rest, and the mind of reason. CONTENTS. TLe Minstrel's Tale 1 Ocean .67 The Minstrel 74 The Breakwater 81 The Hoe.— Plymouth 86 Written on Townsenil Hill, near Plymouth ... 93 A Death-Bed Dream. A Fragment .... 99 A Sketch 104 To I— 109 The Departed . . . . . . . .113 Plymouth Sound. A Moonlight Reverie . . . 116 The Suicide . . ' 120 A Retrospect 132 Written after hearing a Divine, who had been my School- master 139 THE MINSTREL'S TALE. Serenely bright, the eve of day Smiles on creation's rich array, And blended scenes of sea and land Around the ravish'd eye expand ; Where I was wont full oft to wander, O'er memory's retrospect to ponder. My last poetic ramble there. With passion'd thoughts impress'd my heart, And woke such deathless feelings rare, As never— never, can depart. B minstrel's tale. I saw a bark, with gentle pride, Magniflcent in beauty glide Upon tlie heaven-reflecting tide ; And like a living thing appearing. In gladness walking on the wave, A placid glow of smiles it gave : As if some influence endearing, Had made it love a scene so cheering. It pass'd away ; another came, Which, on the ocean's glorious verge, Seem'd, sprite-like, slowly, to emerge From the horizon's clouds of flame, Resting on the slumb'ring surge. While these gay scenes evanish'd fast, This fancy o'er my spirit pass'd : — MINSTREL'S TALE. 3 • The blandishments of hope decay, Like the pure glories of the day ; And all that's earthly of delight, As evening's tissue, fades away, In disappointment's gloomy night. Meand'ring minstrels love to stray, Beneath still twilight's glimmering ray, To commune with the source of song. In thoughts that glow with feeling strong ; And there was one in silence musing O'er heavenly themes sublimely sweet ; And God's own volume fair perusing, While his rapt spirit soar'd to meet Fresh gleams of glory from the throne Of him th' Eternal Secret One: — MINSTKEL'S TALE. • For oh ! how beautifully grand! How wond'rous in unseen command ! How strange, how vast, profound, and high, Is Nature's sacred majesty ! The soul-expanding worship wings The spirit o'er created things, — And, shunning shadows, grasps at him, Whose glory renders brightness dim ; Whose thought is power, which lives through space, And iills his boundless dwelling place. For in yon heaven, as in this earth. His will gives endless being birth. And guides and governs, as their soul, Worlds beyond worlds, that silent roll. Through quick infinitude extending, Without beginning — never ending. — minstrel's tale. But on the list'ning ear of night, A muruiur'd echo faintly fell, As if some melancholy sprite Breathed forth a wordless mystic spell. — And who is he, with tearful eye, And pallid cheek, and lofty brow, And jetty curls ? — a heart-fraught sigh Pants from his bursting bosom now. Hark ! hear you not his lab'ring breast Breathe forth its burthen to the breeze — Rest thee, faint wand'ring mourner rest. Behold a bower beneath the trees. — Ah ! it is known to thee, and there. The stranger minstrel lists thy strain, — He may perchance thy sorrows share. While thus thy tender words complain Of that which drcnch'd thy soul with pain. 6 minstrel's tale. "And must 1 ne'er again behold The form I still adore ? All no — wrapp'd in the grave so cold, She suns my soul no more. "Thy faith was firm, thy love was true, And boundless as mine own; And shall wo never more renew The bliss which we have known ? ** We shall ; though now, in realms above, Tiiou brcathest a purer sky. To live in thine eternal love, I only wait — to die." "Hear'st thou the sorrows that 1 speak ? See'st thou the tears which stain my cheek? minstrel's tale. O yes, thou see'st, thou hear'st ; and thou Forbid'st my heart to doubt, or bow." But here the stranger minstrel spoke. And thus abruptly on him broke ; — " I do ; — doubt not — for God above Is in himself the soul of love. — Man should not mourn, — you need not start, — You form'd an idol for your heart, And it is gone ; a child might mourn A toy but newly from it torn. Tell me your tale, nor thus forget That earth may hold some comfort yet." Awhile in silence both reniain'd ; But soon the startled mourner gain'd A kind of confidence, that cheer'd His midnight soul, though still he fear'd MINSTRlil.'S TALI. To trust a strauger ; — manly grief In secret passion spurns relief. But further sympathy, express'd In words of kindness, soothing came,- Like Pity's voice, too mild to blame, Or add to woe a sense of shame : The mourner then his soul confess'd, And thus that timely friend address'd. — " As when some sweet benignant star Bursts the black clouds, and beams from far, Upon a tempest-shatter'd crew. Their life-hope struggle to renew ; So on my soul a cheering gleam Of kindness fain would almost seem To promise e'en a wretch like me A brighter sky, and smoother sea. minstrel's talk. " There is a pleasure with that pain, Which prompts tlie soul to own its feeling When mem'ry mourns the transient reign Of dawning joys and visions vain ; When shades of sorrow arc concealing Aught that holds a brightness still To warm the heart, illume the eye, Or raise a flutt'ring wish to fill The darkened vacuum of the will, Or gender hopes, again to fly. Like meteors, o'er a sullen sky. " The cypress planted near the tomb. Where lies a loved-one's slumb'ring dust, In peaceful sadness, sheds a gloom O'er the pale marble's sacred trust; 10 minstrel's tale. And sighs with hollow dreary sound, When winds their wild command assume, And o'er the seeming groaning ground Hurl leaves, and flowers ot spring's best bloom. — My mem'ry such, and such the power That racks my soul in misery's hour. *' Now though unsuitable it be, My own misfortunes to narrate, You still must grant, that surely he Who felt their force can best relate ; Cut still, the story of my sorrows An interest of feeling borrows From ties of circumstance and place, Beyond the bounds of selfish sadness : And with slight touch I will retrace MINSTREL'S TALE. 11 The early steps of Nature's gladness, Ere Hope's bright blossoms all were blighted, Which from the youthful fancy grew ; And all, that e'er a soul delighted With fairy visions, ever knew : Within the backward scene I see The glory of the gushing flood Of raptures rich, that seem'd to be The promise of eternal good. Ah ! who can say, or who e'er saw, The danger of such daring dreams, As minds of fire must madly know. Which, like the lightning's glaring gleams, Careering in the startled night, With, thunder deep'ning as it rolls, May give sublimity's own light. To beings of poetic souls. 12 MinSTUEL'S TALE. The spirit-fire's electric force — In its mysterious light-like course. Displays the same sublime careering, — All its brightness, all its veering. All its power, as strange, or stranger, All its wildness, all its danger ; The fierce red flame's confounding crash Seems to rend the earth asunder ; The sudden sound, and startling flash, Fill all they spare M'ith dread and wonder. The fitful tempestfi of thf? mind Leave far more horrid wrecks behind, Than warring elements of fire, And flood, and storm, when all conspire To shake creation in their ire. MINSTRKL'* TALE. 1^ " As disappointments on me met, See sadness settled on my brow ; Though years have not prepared it yet For all that makes the spirit bow — There is a freshness on it now; But not a freshness which is felt — Reflection long within lias dwelt, And when I listless stroll the fields. Nor sight, nor sound, nor breeze, e'er yiekU The buoyant bliss of careless life, To snatch me from my spirit's strife. O'er yonder hills, whence flow soft rays, With radiance clothing all around, Oft have I walked in happier days, And glow'd with life in rapture found ; And many an eve, when earth and sky 14 MINSTREL'S TALE. Were all enchantment to the eye, In heavenly hues of every dye, Has my glad soul the tints partook, Of that on which the eye did look, And while conceiving all of heaven, Forgot that Care to man was given. " Soft was the scene, and scarce a motion Disturb'd the burnish'd breast of ocean, And glory trembled on the sight, Reflected from celestial light ; — • When forth I wander'd to express, In consciousness of sweet controul, That wordless worship of the soul, Whose source and end is happiness. Oh, once I tasted bliss supreme ! MINSTREL'S TALE. 15 For life's first freshness was confess'd In one deranged continued dream, By Fancy and by Passion dress'd With all delusive loveliness : On it the mind will often rest. And wait not e'en for Hope to bless,. Though tears she may not now suppress. O thoughts, how exquisite are ye When Fancy cheats fond Memory ! It is as if the damn'd could see Through hell's black concave into heaven, And, fix'd in gaze, transported be, Till all its bliss to them were given. On this loved spot I lingering stray'd, Till eve's rich robe of light decay'd. And solemn night serenely threw 16 MINSTREL'S TALK. His dusky pinions o'er the earth, And from their surface sprinkled dew, As thVough the air he calmly flew, Bringing peculiar charms to birth. — "The sky from cloud was free, The moon was brightly beaming Soft splendour on the sea. Which in repose was seeming. As its glad waves were dreaming, So glorious was the gleaming Their gentle tremor made ; And many a star was streaming A ray athwart the glade ; And all the scene was teeming With mingling light and shade : MINSTREL'S TALE. 17 No breeze that night did blow — No motion save the sea's — ^ And streamlet's quiet flow : In ocean, earth, or air, Was seen no living thing ; But Rapture's self was there, In my imagining. " At such a solitary time, t The soul above terrestrials soars. And with serenity sublime, In pure devotion's dread explores The depth of darkness that conceals Creation's charm from vagrant thought ; And while Imagination feels Confounded with the spirit caught • c 18 - :minstrel's tale. From meditation's holy fire. On wings of wonder will aspire, Till, resting on Unceasing Might, The soul is overwhelm'd in light. *' Unto my startled ear a sigh Betray'd a burthen'd bosom nigh ; For though alone I scem'd to be, There yet was one who deem'd that he, Unheard, unnoticed, lived to look, Till of the scene his soul partook ; And swelling with diviner sway, As if it could no longer brook Confinement in a thing of clay, Pour'd forth this sweet soliloquy Unto the list'ning night and me. minstrel's tale. 19 " ' O lioly Moon, whose heavenly rays Beaming on the breast of ocean, Illuminate the soul, and raise The spirit of devotion ; Thy magic smile enchants the scene, And makes the mind, like thee, serene. " *I gaze upon thy tranquil power, Amid the azure arch above, Where countless gems of glory shower A lustre like the eyes of love — To render distant worlds as this, Or fit them for abodes of bliss ! " ' I gaze in ecstacy supreme. Till Fancy wafts me to thy sphere, 20 minstrel's tale. And ill Imagination's dream, The worlds of light afar appear A calmly glowing canopy Of seraphs still admiring thee. •' * While yet one sense alone can live. And all the soul seems form'd to see ; While every object smiles to give A flood of feeling warm and free ; Filling each void of heart and mind. Nor leaving memory behind. " 'While yet fair Nature seems to feel A visionary slumber seize Each portion of her power, and steal, Like perfume, on the fainting breeze ; minstrel's tale. 21 And aspen leaves in stillness sleep, And silence settles on the deep. — " •' There is a strange creative might, A world directing influence, That gives to thought its instant flight. And on its wing transports me hence, Beyond the visible extent Of that pure star-roof d firmament. " *0 Mind of minds! to thee, to thee, Whatever is directs the soul ; Thy Secret Mightiness, we see. Conceives and regulates the whole : — O, ovcrwhelm'd in worship now, Let all my being to thee bow !' " 22 MINSTREL'S TALli. "Oft had my soul with fervour pray'd To find a friend with such a heart, Who might my mental struggles aid. And in each passion take a part. " O child of thought, who lonely livest Within thy own creative mind. If with no feeling friend thou givest The interchange of joys refined ; O dare not, dare not to express, To aught but Nature, the excess Of love and pleasure she inspires,-— Thy ecstacies btitfew can feel; O dare not, dare not to reveal The surging ocean of desires, Bounding and boiling in thy breast, minstrel's tale. 23 O'er which thy thought may dove-like flee. But bring no olive-leaf to thee, To promise e'en a hope of rest. O dare not, dare not to confess Nor wish, nor woe, nor happiness ; The world will worry thee with fears, And break thy heart witli soul-less sneers. *' We saunter'd in the calm moonlight, With converse suited to that night, Sucli as accordant spirits feel, Who know not aught they would conceal. But the next eve — O Memory, why Wilt thou but live to prompt the sigh ? Why, when Imagination glows, And sheds oblivion o'er my woes — 24 MlNSTRbl.'S TALE. Why wilt thou burst upon her dream. And prove earth's jojs but merely seemi "The eve I speak of is not past, — It lives as long as life can last; — Then, then, an image of desire Was graven on my heart with fire; — Then, then, the demon of despair Sat laughing at my rapture there : For soon, he knew, his blasting breath Would scathe my soul with living dt^ih; — Then, then, the lightning of a look, Its course athwart my spirit took, And flashing, dazzling, darting flew, Until wild thoughts, like thunder too, As if reyerberating, shook My frantic nerves with feelings new. minstrel's tale. 25 Percliancc eternity may take Pain from the eve of which I spake. "Then first my spirit felt the (lame, That roused each feeling, and became A secret energy, a part Of every passion of my heart — A deep intensity, the source Of dreadless fury to their force. Amid a calm embow'ring spot, Sweetly secluded is that cot, Where piety with peace might dwell. And bid anxiety farewell : If piety on earth could rest, To render blessed and be blest. 26 MINSTREL'S TALE. Its clay-buill walls with ivy clad, From distant view seem darkly sad ; But when within the flowery nook, The perfumed air redeems that look. For glowing roses blush so brightly, And silent forms there breathe so lightly, Not the fairies on the blossoms Feel them heave their beauteous bosoms ; The silver flowers of jess'mine peep, Like stars reflected on the deep, And honey'd woodbine climbing round, Trails from the windows to the ground, Luxuriant in its careless neatness. With buds of various bloom and sweetness. The polish'd poplar palely green, And formal lir, and ash serene. Mid which the sturdy oak is seen, MINSTRELS TALE. 27 Thickly entwining branch with bough, Mantle the hills from base to brow; Except one barren rock — a rude And cheerless mass of solitude. All these beauties richly blent In shapes and shades magnificent. Acquire such mellow tints of light, To charm and cheat the raptured sight, When tranquil evening's glorious train Glows over heav'n, and earth, and main, That, fraught with ecstacy, each sense Is lost in pure intelligence ; For nought to come, and nothing past. Is thought of while such moments last. The thrush, with his impassion'd lay, Warbled from the loftiest spray. 28 MINSTUEI/S TAl.E. Appears to feel his tune above All hut true happiness and love ; And to the ocean, bright between The woody headlands of the scene, Moaning flows the modest river, Seeming to say 'twould linger ever. I speak as if these beauties were Still mingling magically there, Though now, alas ! that murm'ring stream Is as the mem'ry of a dream, Recalling raptures that are o'er, To make their absence torture more. Tn speechless woe, when others sleep. Oft must I wander there to weep ; — O ask not why I love that place. Or why 1 strive its charms to trace ; minstrel's tale. 29 Or why I drop a fruitless tear O'er fancies now so vainly clear : There dwell the friend who form'd my soul And ruled me with unthought controul, And she whose charms enchanted me, And all I saw, — and all [ see, — That tender heing I ador'd. And unto whom my spirit poiir'd A homage too sincere to give, A promise on which Hope could live :- But all that held my heart is fled — The inmates of that cot are — dead !" That last, that spirit-quenching word, Smother'd in heart, could not he heard. "There first my kindling eye met hers, Whose softly potent glance confers 30 minstrel's tale. A ilroaniy spell on memory still — Love soothing Reason to fulfil The pure wild passion of his will. Her pearly brow serenely shone With glory from the sinking sun, Who seem'd delighted to delay The fading of his richest ray, To mingle with her wavy hair. In amorous ringlets o'er her eyes, Glowing like gorgeous clouds so fair, Mid the deep azure of warm skies. She had a spiritual look, As if her tranquil soul then took A voyage to its heaven. And was such beauty to her given To breathe its charms away on earth ? Such unexceptionable worth, minstrel's tale. 31 As from above it had its birth, In that more worthy world will live ; And she, in heaven's eternal bliss, Again to me, to me, will give More love than lives in this. Young hearts, all passionate and true, Enraptured with the transient hue Of Love's warm wing so brightly new, Will always palpitating feel Tender Imaginations steal Fluttering o'er the spirit's view — So wildly strange, and strangely fair, Ah who would deem such danger there ! Ah who would deem Love gender'd Care ! *' From such deep visions, poets gain The spirit of each magic strain, 32 MINSTREL'S TALE. MMiich on the memory will retain, Like glorious dreams, an endless reign. Fain would I fondly now repeat The dazzling char^ of Love's deceit — But most have known — perchance you know The multiplicily of woe. And matchless joys, from thence that flow — Enough ! — wo mingled souls and sighs. And spake our spirit with our eyes. Such sweet enchantment lasts not long — Affection mourns, for Fate is strong : Love's tears have tarnish'd all his glow, And drench'd his seraph wing in woe; No more he soars, but inly sighs O'er his remember'd paradise. For we to doubt alas were doom'd, Till on my heart despair assum'd minstrel's tale. 33 A dark and desolating sway, And forced me from my home away ; For nought was left to oheer me there — But all was deep despair — despair! " Thou sigh'st, but dost not shudder yet, — Thou hatest murder ! — "murder ! " — No — I meant not murder ; I forget — The multitude but deem'd it so. — • A curse, a curse of blood I feel ! — Though guiltiness is not that curse, Its cowering gloom could scarce be worse : In yon wild glen I drew the steel, And plunged it in a heart that beat With jealous passion's fiercest heat. — Alone, he burst upon me there, — D 34 MINSTREL'S TALE. A moonbeam flash'd upon his sword, It gored my side without a word: — He conquers death, who death will dare.- We fought, he fell- he raged in death ; He cursed me with his gasping breath: That black deep curse is on me still. And, groaning utterance in my ear, Hangs heavy, panting words of fear. My very inmost sense to chill. ' If but the damn'd have fiendish power To torture others with the whole Of their fierce pangs, this very hour Let hell receive my ripen'd soul, — I'll suffer all to torture thee, Thou demon of despair to me. May horror rest upon thy heart, Blast thy affections, and impart minstrel's tale. 35 A darker bouniHes.sness of woe, Than even I shall ever know ! May hurling passions' stormy hell Thy struggling spirit still compel To dare worse deeds than fiends conceive, That so thou may'st thy soul bereave Of light, of rest, of hope, — and still Be plunging deeper into ill !' " To be suspected murderer! To lie in darkness, doubt, and chains!— To forfeit all I could prefer To wav'ring life ! — To pine with pains Unwhisper'd, save to self-despair ! To list the wretch, — ah ! who could dare ? For rival love had blood been spilt. And all of me seem'd guilt —guilt— guilt! 30 minstrel's tale. " I stood tlie public shock of eyes, And stated truth without disguise ; But nought could prove or false or true, And doubt on doubt still stronger grew. Acquitted — in the speechless gaze, A horrid loneliness I stray'd, — By Love still harrass'd, though betray 'd- The hissing whisperers to amaze, With looks that never look'd afraid. " Darkness envelops earth and sky. The murmuring blast now hurries by, The seer leaves rustle o'er the ground, The gathering tempest broods around, The hoarse sea growls a broken roar ; The lawless band is on the shore, — minstrel's tale. 37 They wait to waft me o'er the wave, Which seems to promise many a grave ; But death for daring's sake they brave. I haunt the stream at night's mid hour — Here oft I felt soft Rapture's power ; But why, in darkness, do I hear The struggling stream complaining near? Why dream of that dear angel voice, Which could my being's self rejoice ? Why linger here with fancies vain ? — • It is to list that voice again. But all I hear are faint wild strains Of lonely harpings, dark and lorn ; No voice in unison complains, To teach the sighing air to mourn ; 3)5 MlNSlKKL'a TALE. '1'Ih; heart i.s iu thcni, sorrows' soul Wakes the strings to trembling life The wountled spirit's sad controul, And djing sounds from passion's strife, "Adieu — adieu, a long adieu ! — Adieu to love, and hope, and home! Adieu to all! — To Ellen too? Adieu, dear Ellen, all but you, — You still are here, where'er I roam. " Restless as hell, wild Oeean heaves His struggling surges round the shore ; Which the frail bark reluctant leaves, To reel amid the sullen roar And boiling wrath she boundeth o'er. minstrel's tale. 39 " Rage on, rage on, thou ruthless sea ; Are not thy billows hushless — dread — In their dark turbulence, like me ? Are not the storm-clouds, o'er my head, Bright, to the gloom within me spread ? " No more my early step shall wake The sprightly lark to greet the light; Nature no more, for me, shall take Glad hues at eve, morn, noon, or night, With fresh enchantment to the sight. "Love, friendship, power, and pride, and fame, Indignant fly from woe and me. Can demon curses blast my name ? Rage on, rage on, thou troubled sea, — May not the wretched rest in thee ? 40 MINSTREL'S TALE. " The moonlit haunts of love and bliss, Anil llutt'ring hearts, and raptured c^es; Are these exchanged tor this, for this, — The hopeless weariness of sighs, — For such delights as heaven supplies ? " Strike, strike bold bark ! — behold a rock. Black bursting from a sea of foam ! — Better to perish mid the shock, And rot in some huge monster's homo, Than with Despair and Memory roam. " In varied climes, o'er raging seas, I wander'd with my mind's disease ; tn scenes of splendor, where the sky Was truly heaven to the eye. Transcendent charms are vainly glowing. While, o'er the heart's recesses flowing, Floods of treasured sorrow burst: MINSTREL'S TALE. 41 And vainly Nature seems bestowing Smiles that meet Creation's wooing. When fond Imaginations curst, And doubts, by disappointment nursed. And dreams, like ghosts of days gone by, Haggardly ^haunt the memory. " E'en Beauty's choicest forms of grace, In mould of limb, and thought of face. With eyes of laughing gladness — blue, And deep, and sunny, as the view Of the warm skies o'er which they glanced — Before my sicken'd vision danced. But vain are choicest charms below, While Memory chains the heart to Woe, And vain — glad smiles, and gifts, and graces, Sylph-like forms, and angel-faces, — 42 . MINSTRKL'S TALE. While thought conveys a cloud between All that may be, and what hath been. As on black night the lightning glows. Impending horrors to disclose; As peerless brightness may appear To render darkness still more drear ; So Memory o'er my spirit flew, Deepening the solitude 1 knew. " O what are warmer lands to me, All glowing splendid though they be, With softly gilded azure sky, And vernal freshness ever nigh, llich mellow verdure to supply. And glad the earth ! Are such mild charms so pure — divine — As the deep sturdincss of thine, — Land of my birth ? minstrel's tale. 43 In thee the soul strong virtues dwell, Such as sublimed the patriot Tell, AfFections firm, in dauntless breast, — A Sydney bled, and Hampden fell — Though tender too as Pity's own ; Except by tyranny oppress'd, Its stubborn daring never shown. " Isle of free men and daughters fair, Domestic bliss and pious care, And homely worth; Sedate-eyed Liberty's own land, Of giant grasp though fond command — Land of my birth ! Dear native land ; approaching thee. In vain I sought thy shores to see ; 44 minstrel's tale. Tor thickly on my heart-blood rnsh'd AVikl phantoms of what yet might be. Till blinding tears restrainless gush'd, And all the train of memory Housed their deep energy in me. Sweet birth-place of each ardent hope ! — ■ 1 thought of green hills' gradual slope, — Of flowery dell, and tuneful stream, Sprinkled, in sunset's heavenly beam, With many a sparkling golden gleam, — Of hoary oaks' majestic shade, — Of freshness breathing o'er the glade,' — Of sacred haunts of solitude. In Devon's fair vales and moorland rudc,- Of jagged rocks, and beetling cliffs, — Of cheerful sailing white-wing'd skiffs, — minstrel's tale. 45 Of patient Industry's content, — Of autumn evenings' merriment, — Of sabbath peace, — of village love, — And oh ! of her, now blest above ! 1 thought of early friendships broken, — Of burning words in fondness spoken, — Of every heart-recorded token Of all that's past!— Deep, deep, and dreadful was the thought Of never finding what I sought — A, home at last ! " Oh ! little deem'd I love could make Dear Ellen sorrow for my sake. And all her playful folly rue. Till vain regret to madness grew: 46 MINSTREL'S TALE. E'en tliat sad thought had been relief, To my intensely selfish grief, " She knew me not; though still I prcss'd Her sighing bosom to my breast, AVhile o'er her pallid cheek a rush Of thought-warm'd blood convcy'd a blush. And lit her sunken eye, so blue, With wild confusion, as it flew. Her scatter'd locks hung loosely down ! In silken, wavy, glossy brown ; And on them feeling's gems of soul Escap'd my burning eye-lids roll. And trembling glitter gladly there. Like dew-drops on Diana's hair. And then she wander'd forth with me. The scenes of vanish'd bliss to see. — MINSTREL'S TALE, 47 'Twas when the fervid sun had set, And Cynthia's crescent ray had met Yon mountain's rugged breast of rock, So bear to battle every shock Of Time and Tempest as they fly; — A billowy gloom had partly clouded. And with mysterious darkness shrouded Its jagged summit, wild and high, Like an old cistle mounting to the sky. "How beautiful is night!— When from some romantic heiglit. While quiet lulls the world asleep. To view the moon ascend the steep. And as her rays serene from clouds emerge, A line of lustre, o'er the slumb'ring deep, Reach, like a gold-paved path, to heaven's verge — 48 MINSTREL'S TALE. When stars appear in beauty bright, And earth assumes a shadowy lights And solemn stillness holds the air, Save the slight murmur of a rill. In distance dashing down a hill; — Oh then how beautiful is night ? — 'Tis then that Fancy takes her flight. And, raptinvisions, drowns the soul in bliss. — 'Twas such a season, such a night. With ocean, earth, and air as calm as this. And then her cheek acquir'd a glow, And then a sigh escap'd her breast. And then a tear began to Dow, Which Virtue's self might fain have bless'd^ And claim'd it as the purest gem, To deck her heavenly diadem. minstrel's tale. 49 An awful grandeur seem'd to dwell Around the spot, but who can tell How potent its deep charm might be, On love-awaken'd memory ? Her madden'd mind its power confess'd. Although with weighty woe oppress'd, But of far different kind from that Which lately on her features sat ; No bended brow, and fixed stare-r- No portrait of a cureless care. Her placid sorrow seem'd to find Some recollection in her mind, Of happiness her heart had known, Beyond the reach of feeling flown. Oh ! who can siy the reason why She breath'd that single heavy sigh, K 50 MINSTRELS TALE. Or what should bid the glistening tear Like a pure pearly drop appear? " O'er this same path we saunt'riog walk'd, While of her dream-like woes she talk'd. In accents musically sweet ; Such as when sounds seraphic meet, And some fair finger strikes the strings ; Till on the ear rich sorrow rings, And winged words, with magic fraught, Centre the soul thus spell-like caught, — And hand, and heart, and lips are taught To heal the wounded, — wound the hale, Like some sweet spirit on the gale ; While in the maiden's eye, so clear, Her soul's true rapture holds a tear, minstrel's tale. 51 Cerulean-colour'd, calm and bright, With that full flood of living light, So deeply, spiritually pure. As if it were embodied thought, From that celestial fountain brought, Where woman's spirit beams secure. In words conveying thus she spake : — ' Will memory ever mournful make The fond poetic-fancied train, And fill this heart with ceaseless pain, Where oft, careering with delight, Exulting hopes, and visions bright. Have held extatic reign 1 " * Yes — now I feel my mind so given, That if 1 were in highest heaven, 52 MINSTREL'S TALE. Beyond the sight of tbat mild star, Which purely burns so fair — so far, 1 should not have one thought of joy. That giant grief would not destroy. E'en now ray spirit's casual ray, Free, unencumber'd, flits away To that dark mountain's misty brow ; And seems to sit in silence now, On that light cloud, so calmly cold. Which, like a throne begirt with gold. Stands in the midst of those like snow. Serenely worshipping below. I see, I see him in that bower — There oft we pass'd a fleeting hour; Like one swift ray of light we seem, Like that^which now, with trembling beam, Breaks o'er the sky in mystic gleam. minstrel's tale. 53 And' *' She knew rae — and, with magic might, Truth burst upon her spirit's sight ; A flash of thought to view reveal'd All that her madness had conceal'd. No startling word, and scarce a look, Betray'd the feeling that then shook Her trembling frame;— a fainting sigh, A sudden lightning in her eye, A sob convulsive, and opprest, Her inward agony express'd : And then she fell upon my breast, As though it could afford her rest. " What madness seized my burning brain! What rapture shiver'd through each vein! 54 MINSTKEL'S TALE. But oh ! 'Iw as scarcely joy that gave My quicken'liss of wedded love, Far other fate was doom'd above. — Consumption deadly dread disease. Oft the companion of the wise, O'er her fine features threw disguise ; So mildly threw a glow to please The soul that saw its ruthless sway, And watcli'd its victim pine away. — Oh ! how intensely passionate Were the wild thoughts that love inspired ! And Hope, she smiled at frowning Fate, And almost promised all desired ! Her vivid eye's serene expanse Peculiar energy express'd, And, with a strange resistless glance. Begat emotion in my breast, — 56 MINSTREL'S TALE. A purely avful joy, that nought Can compreliend hut heart-deep thought. Impassion'*! eager fantasy, With lightning-hurry, pour'd such flood Of fervent thoughts on my young hlood That Rapture breathed on Agony. " Oh ! I beheld her beauteous frame Possess'd by fever's hectic flame, — And mark'd the thrilling blood's quick track, In purple 'neatli her snowy skin, Which oft, as if the power to speak. That felt Death's silent strife within, RusL'd into scarlet on her cheek, And on herpantinglieartthen slowly flutter'd back. Each coming day new Lope supplied, Till she and hope together — died ! minstrel's tale. 57 " Oft liatli my soul been rapt by visions bright, Glowing and glorious as an angel's dream, — Earthly, but richer than celestial light, Which mantles with magnificence supreme, The chaste-eyed harbinger of ancient night, When warmly calm, like pure seraphic themes, AU-hued effulgence o'er creation beams. *' But oh, surpassing, spiritually sweet, Is the devotion of a lovely saint. Such as I saw — in whom, commingling meet, Charms which e'en Raphael might despair to paint. Meekly she knelt, — formality's deceit Ruled not her humble attitude of prayer, — 'Twas Beauty worshipping her Maker there ! i68 minstrel's tale. " She lookM like Faitli personillorl to pray, Having invisibility in view; While tears extatic glitter'd in the ray, Which round the room a sacred lustre threw, From the deep glory of incipient day, — Like smiles benignant of delighted heaven, To whom impassion'd prayer and praise were given. " In silent sanctity the charmed air Hush up its breathing, fearing to offend, — As if it wonder'd that a form so fair. And seeming sinless, should so lowly bend, — Not to a crucifix of sculptured Care — The presence of Omnipotence she felt, And to his manifested mercy knelt. minstrel's tale. 59 " And all was stillness, as profound as death, Except that eager lips appear'd to part, Though silv'ry voice awoke not, for her breath Was but the v/ordless incense of her heart ; In faint vibrations, for a little space, Her auburn hair betray'd it trembling through. And then hung motionless before her face, — For to her God both breath and spirit flew. Oh ! that my spirit thus may wing its flight. And thus be blended with eternal light. " Where dwells her sire?" the stranger said. " My friend, her father too, is dead : He dwells within the turf-thatch'd grave, O'er which the sable yew-boughs wave ; And where the weary are at rest For lonely age is surely best." 60 MINSTREL'S TALE. " And does her mother yet remain ?" " She lived — till every hope was vain; Nor could her Ellen close her eye And wake in pain hut find her by : o Her aged hand all aid supplied, And oft, in trembling woe, she tried A gushing tear in vain to hide. — Oh ! may such mother fond be near. Whene'er I die, to drop a tear ; — Oh ! may such tenderness supply The last frail aid whene'er I die ! — *' Like some sweet flower, in beauty born. By sudden blast untimely torn, — Like leaves that form'd its sheltering bower, Crush'd by the self-same tempest's power, — MINSTREL'S TALE. 61 At once the parents and their pride Lie lowly mould'ring side by side ; Their dust to dust at once was given — Their spirits mingling met in heaven '. " An outcast on the world behold ! A lonely wretch with heart all cold Since none can look in love on me And smile away my misery." * You had a friend I thought, — ^a youth Whose heart appear'd the home of truth !' " A friend I had, — but now — have not. That friend, that friend was not forgot : He lingers on a foreign shore Or perhaps on nature looks — no more! — 62 MINSTItKL'S TALE. Oil, it his faitliful lieart were iiigh. The clomls that chill my soul would fly !" The stranger's arms extended Hew — ' Behold him here still thine, still true !' — The mourner's memory, whicli had slept, Woke with that voice,— his friend he knew, * And fell upon his neck, and wept.' — " ' Though proudest hopes young life can bring, Shadow'd by Time's, relentless wing, Shed darkness on despair; Though the deep joys of love betray, — Though all of worldly pride decay, — Though thoughts engender care, — Though nature's smiles hy tears be hid, — Though fondness still thy heart forhid minstrel's tale. 03 To leave the silent sod ; — Know there is comfort yet for thee — Submissive kiss the rod, And with the eye of patience see, That blessings wait for thee — for me — In friendship and in — God." Such words, with midnight stillness blended, As o'er the dewy plain they wended. — Those friends are brother minstrels still, And oft they sit on that sweet hill. And, harp in hand, give feehng voice, Until the raptured air rejoice, — And waft impassion'd breathings round. Mingling soft sorrow with glad sound, THE END. POEMS. " O Nature ! whose £l>Mun scenes disclose His bright perfections at wliose word tliey rose, Next to that power vvlio forin'd thee and sustains, Be thou the great inspirer of my strains." OCEAN. 67 OCEAN. The Lord is upon many waters. I LOVE thee, Ocean, in thy every form — Cahn in repose, or raging in the storm ; When on thy hosom smi!es the god of day, And trembling glory lives on thine array : Or when in darkness hoarsest thunders sound, As from the rocks thy boiling waves rebound. Sublime art thou in all thy varied views, When night descends, or when the sun pursues C8 OCEAN. 'I'lirougli heaven's blue arch his high ethereal way. Delighting Nature with efFulgent day; Or when, in eve, enamelling the sky, His beams combine in tints of every dye ; And, adding grandeur to the glory given, Thy burnish'd billows seem another heaven ; And when the Empress of the silent night, Crown'd with the lustre of her sacred light. Enthroned on golden clouds, in sov'reign state, As if with conscious beauty's pride elate. Sheds on thy surges visionary beams^ Like the soft splendour of elysian dreams : Then thy glad waves, in mingled motion shine. And murmur praises to that Power Divine, Which bade that moon enchant the midnight hour. And o'er the earth her rays of radiance shower. OCEAN. 69 At such an hour, — when Summer's breath of bliss, So sweetly wafted, warmly came to kiss The calm cool surface of thy bosom deep, And Nature seem'd so dreamingly asleep ; My sympathetic soul, inspir'd by thee, Was first betray'd to love of minstrelsy. O boundless image of a boundless God ! Thy far-spread seas, obedient to his hod, Stretch'd out their arms to clasp the growing earth. When first his mandate spake it into birth ; Thy new-made waves acknowledged his controul, From utmost arctic to antarctic pole ; As their dark depths his freezing frown confess'd. And their rude billows petrified to rest. And form'd th' eternal axis of the world, On which revolving still through space 'tis hurl'd : 70 OCEAN. Thy wratliful waters tremble at his will, And feel the silent power that makes them still. O'er earth prevailing, though it bounds thee now, Thy marshaU'd surges made the nations bow, Ere o'er thine empire flew the restless dove, And Death below, and Silence reign'd above: Dread still subdues man's rebel heart whene'er Danger and fury in thy paths appear ; Yet oft, weak mercenary man, for strife, Or trade or pleasure, trusts thee with his life ; And oft, some demon, envious of thy charms. Affrights thy billows with combined alarms ; Fate-vving'd with thunder, threat'ning horror flies, And winds confound thy waters with the skies, — Portentous meteors blaze with startling gleam, And livid lightnings o'er thy surges stream. OCEAN, m As ou they rush, with ruin in their rear, Till Hope expires beneath the frowns of Fear ; And Devastation laxighs in scorn, to scan The wreck and wretchedness of man's and man. When the beholder marks proud Britain's boast, Sailing superbly oIF the length'ning- coast. With light'ning flash it strikes the mental sight, That thus precarious passes man's delight. — • All-ruling Heaven commands the raging storms, Hushes dread Ocean, or his face deforms — If reason's magnet point its index true. By Heaven's bright guidance wo our track pursue; Then, when distress appears with tempest dark, O'er life's rough seas we steer the laboring bark ; And reach a haven of delight at last, Rendei-'d more happy I)y the dangers past. 72 OCEAN. I love thee, Ocean, in thy every form, Calm in repose, or raging in the storm ; In thee 1 view the myst'ries of his might, Whose name is Wonderful, whose throne is light,— Whose power is limitless, whose will command, Whose nature — what? — we ne'er can understand : Too high for thought, for angels too supreme, For aught but worship, endless praise their theme. Man knows enough to join their grateful songs, To him, to whom whatever is belongs : Man knows enough to feel that God is good. And more than that need not be understood. Then, O my soul ! while gazing on the sea. Caught on Devotion's wing, to him we'll flee ; While roaming round the rude romantic shore, I hear the murmur or the sullen roar, OCEAN. 73 A lid see, perchance, the melancholy rays Which the mild moon religiously displays : When the dark clouds a silver edge assume, And partial lustre aggravates the gloom, 1 worship him whom Nature owns her sire. And strike the strings of rapture's heavenly lyre, In purest praises to the God who lives In every object which his bounty gives ; At whose command poetic beauty glows. And the firm rocks in rugged charms arose ; Whom Ocean learn'd instinctive to obey, When first he said, these rocks thy pride shall stay! 74 THE MINSTREL. THE MINSTREL. My dream was both of sound and sight, Of glowing words and visions. bright. It seem'd I saw a minstrel straying, In earth's most heavenly haunt, to muse ; While the rich dawn was yet arraying The clouds with colours painters choose : Starlight and sunshine mingling threw O'er his high brow a mellow hue, And on his jetty eye and hair, Like Mercy beaming on Despair. THE MINSTREL. 70 A soul-form'd tear essay'd to flow Down his fine features, pale with woe ; And heart-sighs panted from his breast, As if by agony oppvcst. But soon the prospect, on his soul, Shed a more genial controul; For Nature's smile alFords relief To every bard's intensest grief. Upon a fragrant bank he stood, N'car a green, bow'ry, wavy wood ; Where muse-lov'd murmur svvcet was heard, With matins mix'd of every bird ; And whence, in prospect pride, were seen The wide expanse of Ocean's sheen; And hills that hove their heads on high. Blending their blue mists with the sky. 76 THIL MINSTREL. Ije rolls his rapid oyc around, And feeling maddens at the sound Of music's voice his harp supplies. As o'er its chords his finger flies, And wafted words like tljese arise : — Awake! awake my harp and heart; Awake my soul, awake and sing; The clouds that chill'd thy strength depart— My spirit pants for rapture's wing To fan its flame, this holy hour, To seraph's warmth and seraph power. For man — for man, too long, in vain, O harp, hath trembling seized thy strings ; His deeds no more deserve a strain — To Nature's self, thy music flings THE MINSTREL. 77 Its soul of sound upon the air, And eclioes Nature ! Nature ! there. The snowy bloom of balmy thorn — The diamond dew on em'rald blade — The flush and freshness of the morn — The gladness breathing o'er the glade, — And all that day in glory brings, And all from heaven and earth that springs. The dewy tints of sparkling flowers Blushing at the Sun-god's smile, In all the hues of radiant showers, 'Mid which his Iris glows awhile ; And gorgeous pomp of eventide, O'er prospects wild in barren pi'ide. 4 78 THE MINSTREL. The grandly varied shapes and dyes, TLc light-apparcl'd clouds assume, ^\\\\\v. all-hued Evening struggling flics, Before dark Might's approaching gloom, When shivery gleams of sunset's glow Recline on glassy waves below. The ceaseless gush of mountain streams, O'er rocks and roots, 'mid leaves and boughs, All softly silver'd with moonbeams, Whenever the changeful queen allows Her floods of placid smiles to flow, And charm her subject sea below. O thou vast murderer, ruflian deep ! " Can rest so sooth thy treacherous brow? THE MINSTREL. 19 Conscienceless Innocence asleep, Has not a calmer charm than thou, When Autumn's breath, so warmly bland, Enchants thy breast, and glads the land. I love thee, e'en in roughest mood — For thou like me art all alone, A friendless waste of solitude. With fretful rage and mystic moan ; But still bright skies can brighten thee, And scenes like this enrapture me. Oh the deep majesty of view ! When sullen storms give anger vent, With thoughtlike hurry flashing through The thunder-startled firmament ; 80 THE MINSTREL. When madden'd waves, wild winds before, Rush toan\ing on the rugged shore. Tliese,;these, are Nature's charms sublime, Delighting liim, whose vagrant thought Can gild the heedless wing of Time, With glorious gleams that come unsought,- Vividly dazzling with emotion, Like lightning on thy waves,— O Ocean. How wond'rous is this world, how fair '. The mental images of sense Burst on the soul, as if they were Bright shadows of Omnipotence ; Whose will bade Nature's self appear? The God— the God '. is near ! is near! THE BREAKWATER. 81 THE BREAKWATER. How awfully sublime the roar Of waves that dash around the shore, Fast weltering from afar ! While ridge-like, as of drifting snow, The wind-whirl'd foam is seen below, 'Mid wild commingled war. A poet here absorb'd might stand, Soul-seized by Rapture's strong command, And rich in rushing thought ; o 82 THE BREAKWATER. While stormy sea, and howling blast, Anil thundering surge, and sky o'crcast, Appear with horror fraught. See how the waters bounding fly. Extending, to the raptured eye, A line of light along ! Behold, afar, where breakers rise, Like hoary mountains to the skies. The subject of my song! Through parting clouds a splendour streams, Which in u burst of glory beams Athwart the misty spray,— Giving a grandeur to the sight. As richly varied, and as bright, As Fancy can display. THE BREAKWATER, 83 'Mid tlic dread thunders of the deep. Stretch'd, like Leviathan asleep, The mighty structure stands ; The wonder of the waves that roll. With rapid and confused controul, To lash the rocky strands. The mandate of Almighty Mind, By firm-based boundaries, confined The swelling surges pride, Whose force is form'd to overthrow What from usurping man may grow. But there it seetiis defy'd. For now they boil with ruthless rage, And unavailing warfare wage. Against the rock-made isle ; 4. 34 THE BREAKWATER. And flashing beat with furious force, While rudely rusliing on their course, Intent to crush the pile. But it extends its giant length, As if quite conscious of its strength. O'er Ocean's secret beds ; And breaks the billows' width of weight, While, mounting to enormous height, They heave their monstrous heads. Rage on, rage on, thou madden'd sea, I love thy wild sublimity, And myst'ry so profound — When soul-storms lower, thou hast a charm lo snatch me from their dire alarm, By sense of sight or sound. »' THE BREAKWATER. 85 But if the tempest o'er thee fly, Or if thy face reflect the sky. On this dear spot I stand ; For here, when wind-gods strive with thee, Or when thy proud repose we see, Thou still art greatly grand. 8G THE HOE. THE HOE— Plymouth. Is there a bard who loves to see The varied charms of Nature\s face — The rude, the mihl, The calm, the wild. In mingled beauty richly free ? This lovely, sweet, enchanting place Presents each scene to meet his mind. Each grand diversity combined, Of Earth's green mantle — greener sea, And all that he could wish to find To raise his soul's poetic power, In Rapture's full impassion'd hour. THE HOE. 87 The verdant view, the watery way, The hills afar, the fortress near, The rocky shore, The thund'ring roar. Of cannons', or of surges' play ; And Britain's bulwarks, which appear To woo the winds, and smile at fear, As o'er the waves they grandly glide, Seeming in scorn to stem the tide, And dash away the silv'ry spray, Proud of their banners and array. Fix'd like the monuments of age, See the Leviathan of art. Firm as a rock. Resist the shock. And break the water's rudest rage. 80 THE HOE. It seems from out the deep to start, With more than Neptune's own command ; To bound (he billows in their pride. And bid the bohl, insulting band, Depart in peace on cither side ; And then, like vassals, gently go. Paying obeisance as they flow. Supremely charming, when the sun Toward the western hills descends; Or when, in morn, His beams adorn The clouds and seas he shines upon : As now his lovely light he lends, To gild the earth, the waves, the sky ; And crimson rays of radiance fly, THE HOE. 89 And flash fantastically by, Mingling with tints of every dye, — The soul, enraptured, seems to dream, O'ercome by visions so supreme. The rude romantic heights afar Receive the sun's last farewell smile, And seem to feel The rays that steal Along their brows from his bright car. That fortified and friendly isle. By Nature's hand, is planted there, To guard this region of her care, — And Ocean clasps her in his arms, As if enamour'd of her charms ; And round her rocks the billows play, To kiss her shores, and die away. 90 THE HOE. IJeliolil yon westeru woody mount, Whose fringe of firs appears on fire, And skies, and sea, Which scera to be A liiiuiil lustre from the same rich fount ! — What other heaven can man desire, While gazing at a scene like this ? We seem a part of what we see — We feel partaking in the bliss Of spirit and sublimity ; And find that thus our dreams are made Of heavenly joys which never fade. Here first I felt the worth of love, — When the mild moon began to soar, And spread her light, 111 beauty bright, THE HOE. 91 On all below, and all above ; And throw a line of lustre o'er, From Ocean's verge, to ocean's shore : The breeze blew then as now it blows, — With healthful pleasure on its wings ; And, like a babe roused from repose, In softest breathings of tlie Spring, The sea was gently murmuring. In calm or storm, at day or night, When lovely hope gilds every thought — To roam around This magic ground, By sun's, or moon's appropriate light, Affords me more than can be bought For all Peruvia's mines of gold — Affords mo more than can be told. ^2 THE HOE. Of that clear dream of real delight. Which nionarchs oft in vain have sought ; And which I would not change with them, For bauble wealth or diadem. While sense of Love, or Beauty's power. Shall hold a seat within my soul ; While Nature's boon, Or Sun, or Moon, Or Iris glowing in the show^er; While waves in threatening thunders roll, And breezes blow, and tempests lour, And still retain their strong controul, Bestowing that poetic joy, Which wealth gives not, nor can destroy ; — If memory live, in weal or woe, Still treasure all thy scenes— O Hoe ! TOWNSEND HILL. 93 WRITTEN ON TOWNSEND HILL/ NEAR PLYMOUTH. 'Tis here, 'tis here I love to stand, When Spring with verdure clothes the land ; And Heaven above, and Earth below. Receive the morning's richest glow ; When first the warbling lark's delight Persuades his (luttering wings to flight, As if aspiring to express His worship and his happiness ; 94 TOWNSEND HILL. For now my soul expanding feels The splendour which the scene reveals, And breathes the rapture of the hour, With Nature's own poetic power. 'Tis here, 'tis here 1 love to think. And from the spirit's fountain drink Large draughts of feeling, which inspire The mind with true seraphic fire. 'Tis here 'tis here, I love to look On the bright page of wisdom's book, And watch the glorious god of day Spread o'er creation that array, Prepared in looms deluding sight. And dyed in pure prismatic light. No rocks in rugged grandeur rise. Mounting majestic to the skies ; TOWNSEND HILL. 95 No cataracts, in awful pride, Foam thmulcring down the mountain's side ; No glens of glooms, no groves appear. Shedding romantic beauty near ; No rudeness o'er the prospect reigns ; No ruins slumber on the plains ; But all is silent and serene, Within this ever-pleasing scene : And through yon dale the loitering stream So softly glides with many a gleam ; It seems reluctant, as it flows. To break " the rapture of repose." Amid embowering hills of green, A liquid plain is partly seen, — So calm, so beautifully bright, Like a pure lake of living light; 9« TOWNSEND HILL. And as the distant dazzling sea Glows in that sweet sublimity, Which by reflected glory's given, It seems a brighter part of heaven :— The clouds magnificently rest Upon its coolly placid breast,— Mountains on mountains climb the sky, Hichly enamell'd with each dye. And form a back-ground boldly grand. For verdant hills on either hand ; ^ And in their mingled tints of shade. So aiding each, so softly made. They seem from such a scene as this, The path-way to the realms of bliss ! The buildings ranged on either hill, Beside the mirror, near the mill, TOWNSEND HILL. 97 Upon the water's glassy face. Reflected gain a grander grace ; And heaven, and earth, and water, seem Confused together in a dream. The fir-fringed mount, and neighbouring isle. By which the burnish'd billows smile ; And laughing lawns, and heights of brown. And yonder congregated town ; The soft gradations of the ground, Blending the magic landscape round ; — All, all, the vagrant eye surveys, Within the soul conspire to raise A bliss for language too refined, A voidless ecstacy of mind. The boundless bounty of the might. That bade such beauties bless the sight, H 08 TOWNS LND HILL. Aud suits the soul ot man to seize Sublime enjoyments sueh as these ; By all religion's light can find, Demands acknowledgement of mind. Can man feel less, can man feel more, Than deep devotion, and ad ore ? A FRAGMENT. 99 A DEATH-BED DREAM. A FRAGMENT. " O mother do not weep !" — - And fairy dreams then seized my slumb'ring sense, Immortal images of things too deep ' For casual minds, — conceptions, too intense For vigilance to feel while roused by strife Of sight, and sound, and taste, and touch, that wake The jarring agonies which teach us life ; With doubts, and daring fears, and thoughts that make Us denizens of flesh and frailty shake. 100 A FRAGMENT. Methouglit 'twas day, with light, hut not like this Glaring and gleaming ; and I felt all sight. Without aught seeming as its source, for bliss A sunny mellowness of smiles infused. With influence sweeter, milder, and more bright, Than love e'er look'd, or woman ever used. When, beaming soul and purity, her eye Fix'd a fresh spell upon her lover's sigh. A vernal feeling breathed along the vale Where stray'd my soul, 'mid heavenly forms and hues. Beautiful beings, gem'd with solid dews. Radiant as rainbows, and as fair as love, Sail'd on the balmy pinions of the gale. That fann'd refreshing incense from a grove. Where sighing perfume halo'd many a flower ; And music whisper'd from each trembling bough. A FRAGMENT. 101 Whose kissing leafy verdure seem'd a bower Living with melody and holy power. And ok! — I feel their silent witch'ry now — How many a pure-one bathed her curl-crown'd brow, In fountains fabling Fancy cannot reach; Richer than starlight on the blue sea's breast, Or vivid glories blazing from the west. While tuneful ripple sparkles on the beach. Then came dim dreaminess of death, and fright, And voices heard in darkness ; while between, The recollected features of the dead Athwart my vision, with an instant flight, Flash'd, till my spirit was o'erwhelm'd with dread Of those that ere its very bliss had been. A gradual splendour then its magic shed. And modestly illumined scenes, that seem'd As fresh and fadeless as the light that beam'd « 102 A FRAGMENT. Upon their beauty — Lo ! n vision bright, — Brighter by far than aught I yet had drcam'd — Soft as the soothing majesty of night. When o'er green hills the peerless moon is seen, 'Mid starry grandeur richly rob'd, the queen Of heaven and earth, and mistress of the main — ■ So tranquil on my fascinated sight An angel being rose : a gloomy train Follow'd her flight; but with a smile she threw A galaxy of glory whore she flew. My heart-pulse gladden'd into rapture while Her eye was on me ; as she nearer drew, Accents of promise panted through the air, Which e'en the soul of Horror might beguile. Make Want an Eden, and transform Despair. A silver lily graced her whiter hand. And trembled as she breathed upon its bloom ; A FRAGIvIENT. 103 And all-liued flowers, from some elysian land, Fell as she pass'd, and — wither'd on a tomb. She smiled on me, and then upon the sky ; While a meek bird, with eyes like her, a dove, Took from her hand the flower, and soar'd on high : " My name is Hope," she said ; " I come from heaven. To point thee thither, O my wayward boy ! Mercy's my mission, and my message love ; By me all visionary charms are given, As emblematic of eternal joy : Mercy, who sent me, waits for thee above. Leave the dull earth, without a thankless sigh, Death is thy life, but I with thee will die." Smiling, he breathed his spirit with these words, And selfish Grief would fain have wept for him. e J04 A SKKTCH. A SKETCH. The lazy clouds were laughing at the Sun, Slow-sinking amid glory of all hues, Such as the ripening Autumn, in his pride, When most ambitious to make earth a heaven, From the warm lustre of his wing reflects. The young year's ample promise was fulfiU'd — The reaper's joy was partner of his toil, And Nature, glowing in abundance, felt The animating bliss that, smiling, springs Pure from the Fountain of Benevolence ; "While, (lowing o'er with freshness which inspires, A SKETCH. 105 Creation's rapture gave each sense a zest. A rich embower'd hill, so blandly cool, The palace of the prospect shed its shade ; And a tall poplar nodding in the breeze. Its smooth leaves glitt'ring in a crimson light, To the calm covert now invited me. Lorn in such loveliness, a man I saw. Whom Time had blighted with his hurried breath. And o'er whose soul, with world-destroying wing, Diffused a shadow, deep'ning as he flew. He sat half-leaning on a wither'd bough, And look'd like Winter frozen at the heart, ■ Amid luxuriant Autumn's mingled charms. His hoary head's exuberant array, In reverend antiquity appear'd ; Such as a painter with a poet's soul 306 A SKETCH. Might place on Mentor's majesty of brow. A treml)Ung tear stood shining in his eye, As if its source were thawing at the sight — So on an icicle a bright drop hangs. Seeming uncertain or to freeze or fall ; Jiut fall it did, and that too where it should — On the warm bosom of a faithful friend. Yes ; that poor dog more sympathy express'd Than man can show with all his boasted art. The tremor of full feeling and of age Was in the hand then raised to its caress : — Ah ! 1 have seen it on the flaxen curls Of his son's son, whose round and ruddy cheek, And speaking eye, secured the love of all. But most of thee, old man ; though now, alas ! A SKETCH. 107 His voice of cliildish cheerfulness no more Begets soft rapture in his mother's breast — Giving a grandeur to the yew-tree's shade ; The sun now weaves a splendour o'er their grave So silent, so neglected, save by thee — Her husband's heart laments not there its loss, For now it rests a tenant of the same. Gay in the sunniness of life he lived. As a strong tree, by some sweet vine embraced ; But from his rooted rest by tempests torn. Quickly he fell — and sever'd by the shock. His once fair partner, with'ring, waited death, And left thee thus to solitary woe. I think I see thee — as I oft have seen — Thine eye fast flashing with thy spirit's fire, And seated on thy knee that fav'rite boy. 108 A SKETCH. Lisping in innocence of little pranks : — How thou didst smile at his delight. And part his locks, loose flowing o'er his brow, Like sunny clouds upon a snow-clad hill ! Where are the health and happiness of look— The calm contentedness of hopeful thought ? Thy heart is now their dreary sepulchre. Where is the mother of thy buried son ? Laid in the lowly grave, expecting thee ! To I — . l:).') TO 1 *• Prom tlie wreck of tlie p^st ivhicli hutli perisli'ij , Tints much ! at least may recall, It hath taught me that wliat 1 most cheiish'tl, Deserved to be de.irest of all ; ill the desert a fuuntaiii is spriugiiijj. Ill the wide waste there still is a tree; And a bird, ill I be solitude siii^iug. That speaks to my spirit of thee." When wandering in poetic thought. My mind will oft revert to thee : And with sweet dreams of feeling fraught Imagine thou dost think of me ; And then, forgetful of all care. 110 TO I—. 'J'lu- earth no desert seems to be — Each scene assumes an aspect fair, Though, like the restless dove, I flee From all that once my soul had hless'd And seek repose within thy breast. And oft I feel a genial glow, Eise like a fountain of delight, Dill'tising freshness in its flow, Which seems my bosom to requite, For all the pangs which it must know, From foes, disdain, or friendship's slight; And life, that without thee, is woe. Presents sweet prospects to my sight, Whene'er my soul can fly to thine. And feel thy spirit blend with mine. TO I — . Ill And Fancy makes, with Memory's aid, A fairy-land of ecstacies; And Hope, with airy robe array'd, A glorious galaxy supplies, Through which my soul, by her convey'd, With soft enchantment sv/eetly flies; While oft in Iris light display'd. Rich visions of the future rise. Like undefined immortal gleams Of dazzling bliss in heavenly dreams. But every charm which thus I feel, While Hope serenely o'er me throws Her brilliant mantle to conceal The sable source of human woes. From that delightful memory springs 112 TO I — . The holy riiptiire of my soul ; When first Love's bright imaginings Assumed their magical eontroul ; And from thine eyes of azure hue, His sense-subduing spirit flew. THE DEPARTED. 113 THE DEPARTED. My being still is link'd to thine, By holy thoughts that haunt my heart, Like gleams of glory which recline On evening clouds, ami there impart A sober charm of calm delight. Gilding the gloom with beamings bright. But darkness gathers on ray soul. And blots my spirit's brightness o'er ; And dreamy sounds, with dread controul. Whisper of joys that wake no more, — 114 THE DEPARTED. And smiles of heart-frangbt fondness dear On fancy flash — and all is drear. But why does mem'ry darkly weep ? And why is earth a desert now ? My love, thou sleep'st a dreamless sleep, And stillness rests on thy cold brow — That lip of smiles, that soul-lit eye. With silent death in darkness lie. The spell that spake in thy sweet roice No more shall sooth my soul with dreams Of potent richness, and rejoice My panting heart with glowing themes — What delicate delights supplied My heaven of hopes, that with thee died ! THE DEPARTED. 115 And does thy spirit watch me here ? Oh, yes, thy presence deep I feel ; Thou look'st into my heart, and there Behold'st what I could ne'er conceal — Thy image throned in love and light — A sacred shrine in memory's sight. O ! be my guardian angel still, For thou didst love me while on earth — At best this world is drench'd with ill — Then what, without thee, is it worth ? Soon may my spirit wing away, And blend with thine in ceaselees day. 110 PLYMOUTH SOUND. PLYMOUTH SOUND. A MOONLIGHT REVERIE. Are seraph wings more richly bright, Though living with a liquid light; More pearly and more chastely white. Than that clear cloud on yonder height ? — While palely smiling, heaven's fair queen Sheds modest glory round her throne. Making e'en this rude world serene, And Solitude itself less lone : — I love to wander by this shore — To muse on mystery, and adore — 1PLYMOUTH SOUND. 117 To ruminate on days gone by — To dream of bliss, and yet to sigh. A ruleless liberty of thought, Ecstatic still, and undefined, With more than Hope's own visions fraught. Bursts strangely o'er my restless mind — When, on the water's glowing breast, A golden shower of light descends, And yon sweet mount's high flr-form'd crest With moonlight clouds so brightly blends : — When stars seem floating on the waves. And, on the billow-beaten beach. The playful ripple gently laves Each polish'd pebble it can reach : — When scarce a single sound awakes The cavern'd Echo to reply. And earth of heaven's repose partakes, And Ocean seems another skj ; 118 PLYMOUTH SOUND. Ami, gleaming ou the distant verge, A silver'd sail appears to glide. Like feathery foam upon the surge. When sparkling radiance gilds the tide. The stirless shadows on the shore. The ice-like calmness of the sea, The frequent plash of light-tipp'd oar, The almost silent melodj ; The beacon beaming from afar. The mild effulgence of Love's star. The rock-built fabric's slumbering length. The frowning fortress' guardian strength. The whiten'd tower, the fort-crown'd isle. So cheerful in the calm cool light; And that sweet tranquillizing smile, Which all assumes on such a night. — So fit to form poetic theme. PLYMOUTH SOUND. 119 / Are these commingling charms to me, And in their majesty they seem The very home of Poesy. When murmurs musically deep, While hushing Nature's self to sleep, At such a softly awful hour, Speak to the soul with mellow power ; And prompt imaginings supply O'erwhelming wonder with a voice That whispers of Eternity, And seems to say — rejoice, rejoice! — It is prophetic of a heaven. Which blissful quietude shall fill. Where spirits, that with storms have striven, No more shall dread the warring will. 120 THK SUICIDK. THE SUICIDE. " Howling amidst the niidniBlit storm -On the ridgy steep Of some loose hanging Tock.' " Quoeque a te morte rcveili Ueu sola poterat, poterit nee morte revelli." Angel of brightness! I behold thee now ! — A cloud has pass'd between thine eye and mine ; I see its lingering shadow slow dissolve, While on thy beauty still it partly hangs. Cheating my gaze. Come to my bosom — come ! — With eager rapture I would rush to heaven. And art thou gone ? Desert me not again ! Be still, my anxious heart! my brain, be still ! — THE SUICIDE. 121 Why whirl me in a vortex of chaotic thoughts, With endless multitudinous desires, That like a living ceaseless-raging sea, With stormy clamour would devour my soul, Drown its quick senses, and obscure sweet Hope, In the dark horrors of its sleepless depth ? I feel — T feel — indeed my love, I feel Thy soothing presence on my spirit now. Oh! such it has been in thy lovely land. Where all smiled sweetly like our love, so pure. That calm bright moon beheld our early bliss, Wrapt in each other ; and approving heaven Pour'd down a flood of happiness on earth Till all we saw, felt, heard, conceived, Seera'd sympathetic with our hearts' delight. This world is surely beautiful in vain, 122 THE SUICIDI-. If we no more enjoy its loveliness Of rapture, visible and eloquent, That lives in Nature's silent features, where We view the bliss we feel. — The mind makes all Of joy or woe, of brightness or of gloom, And binds our beings to the love of life, And blends our sympathy with all that is — Inanimate, or hanging on a breath. E'en all the sunny majesty above, And fair creation's paragon of charms. In rich luxuriant Italy — by day Or night; at dewy dawn, when Nature wakes And finds herself bedeck'd with heaven's own pearls ; Or Eve in variegated glory clad, Ush'ring tranquillity and sober shades, THE SUICIDE. 123 To give the world repose— are merely void Without the mind's creative presence felt. Seen, acknowledged there. The senses seize Whate'er of zest in perfume or in taste, In thrilling touch or magic melody, In spirit-stirring sights or selfish hope, From the quick soul with which our vivid minds The varied objects of their grasp endow. But surely all is beautiful in vain, If we no more its loveliness enjoy. Our happy beings, to each other all Of wish and satisfaction, that resides On earth, so sweet in sympathy of love. Can clothe the universe with sentient charms. And unimaginable ecstacies. Come ! — shall we wander for fresh happiness? 124 THE SUICIDE. Lend mc the witch'ry of thy voice, my love; — I hear thee not— and yet, I tliink 1 do, — List I in vain ? — Why art thou silent, love ? The music of thy harp hath slept of late ! Sadness belongs not to a form so fair — Thou shalt not hide thine eyes and weep, for I Could shed no tears of sorrow. Be not sad, Though, I in deep-felt silence, have been so. Is not the cherub image of thyself Smiling delighted in thy happy arms ? Press him with fonder fervour to thy breast, And smile again, like heaven on the sea. Though it be restless in its dreamy sleep; — And when he rouses into memory, With reinvigorated zest for life ; And when his soul drinks rapture through his eyes, THE SUICIDE. 125 Give him to me, — I shall participate The laughing eagerness of his bright glance, Uninterrupted in its searching power And ceaseless curiosity. — Why not? Thou'knowest not what secret pangs of heart; What soul o'erwhelming agonies intense. Have hurried on, in dreadful loneliness, Thy passion'd husband through a hell of thought; Like a fierce comet in its endless haste, Flying^ — but still, within it and around, Attendant fires still quickening by its flight. Why hide the energy of thy bright soul, And veil the speaking sympathy alive In all thy lovely lineaments of face ? Why cease to hold soft communings of heart ? Surely thy husband's love is still tlie same — 126 THE STTICIDK. And art thou changed? — Speak! wlieret'orc art thou sad ? Reason is with me now. — Though love for thee, With wild intensity of anxious dreams, Had robb'd my soul of regulated light, The intellectual sun again appears. Opening the day, and dissipates all clouds, Save that on thee. — Come then, rejoice, rejoice ! Dost thou not feel all gladness which l know ? Joy and thy presence are the same to me. If only thou canst smile, — Come then, rejoice ! Touch, gently touch, with exquisite command. Thy harp-strings, waking harmony divine, Like that rich rapture, which then thrill'd ray heart, When first I felt the air alive with sound That own'd communication intimate THE SUICIDE. 127 With all the nervous elements sublime Of thy own sensitive seraphic soul. Replete with eager influence of thought, Glancing impassion'd on from theme to theme, Like lightning on the clouds, dazzling dull night. The air itself, as waiting for thy words. Hushes its breathing, listens now to learn The sounds of soul and melody that fall With trembling ecstacy upon the heart, Lide dewy perfume on the dying calm Of summer eve, dissolving with delight. Let rapture burst upon the midnight hour, And charm the moon ! Awake thy harp my love, And I will tell thee what a dream has driven My startled spirit through tempestuous pain. Some undiscoverable hope to seek. 128 THE SUICIDE. Why was it silent in my moody woe ? Its lightest note would wake my soul to joy, And love, and mingling life, and thee, and thee ! Wilt thou first hear the horrors of my dream ? Methought thy guardian presence was my pride, Upon thy hosom lay our fair-hair'd boy, And I was gazing fondly on thy form ; When, suddenly, a darkness seized my sight, And strange forgetfulness o'ershadow'd me. A voice of terror shriek'd, — and it was thine. A murderer held thee, but I could not see ; And then the nightingale began his lay. And woke my soul to Fancy's witchery. A grove of balmy myrtle bloom'd around — I saw thee seated in a rosy bower, 'Midst sweet enchanted and enchanting hues. THE SUICIDE. 129 The very blossoms seem'd to list thy strains Of undulating: melody, that flow'd, Like living magic, from thy coral lips, Entrancing Nature. With unconscious power, The mellow richness of thy varied soul Begat the rapture that it inly felt ; And thy susceptible and tender lyre Acknowledged sympathy with thy rapt touch, And spake the influence which that touch convey 'd. Till earth was still, with wonder and delight. The lovely flowers all hung their listening heads, To catch the sound and mix it with perfume ; The ravish'd air, still panting with thy kiss, Sigh'd in its trembling eagerness of joy ; The birds were silent, and the sky was bright ; The clouds, in Fancy's view, appcar'd to bear, K 130 THE SUICIDE. Upon their splendid variegated wings. Angels, array'd with liquid light serene. Attracted by thy harmony, until They half forgot their errands to mankind. A diamond tear then trembled on thy cheek, And in an instant all M'as dark again. Soon, 'mid the niaddcn'd surges in the night Without a star, tost by the tempest on. Like whirling foam upon the breaking waves, I seem'd to fly. Then, in my clasping arms, A Hash of lightning shew me that I held A stiffen'd corse — a lifeless form of joy — An ice-cold marble image of Love's pride ! Horror on horror ! suicide was mine ! And I was doom'd with an eternal speed To search a universe of worlds forlhec, — In vain — in vain. E SUKflDE. 131 O God it is no dream ! And I am desclate, and she is dead. Her voice now whispers my impatient soul — 'Tis but this body that obstructs my flight, Or I could follow through the azure heavens And blend in being as we blend in love. I come — I come ! — though happiness may wait, Yet will I catch her rather as she flies. Horrorbring joy— I come — 1 come— I come! 132 A laiTROSPECT. A RETROSPECT. Sweet to the youthful lover's eye. Is all that nature can supply, — When in his breast begins the glow Of dear delights which hopes bestow: 'Tis then his mind Becomes refined, And glories in poetic pleasure — That source of soul, that secret treasure, A RETROSPECT. 133 The full extent of which he feels, Whose soul's inspired to seize each gleam Of vivid thought, which gaily steals, Rapid as fancies in a dream, Across his mind's creative sight, In images as boldly bright As those which Fancy can descry. Where polar lights fantastic fly, And dazzling flash athwart the sky, Mysterious mazes mingling in their flight. From Love I gain'd the magic power Of gilding many a passing hour — In thoughts retired from all around, With colours caught from rainbow hues;, Of such rich lights and I'-lowing views 134 A RETROSPECT. As in felt poetry arc found, And in Elysium abound. That power it was which sway'd my soul, When to the lovely vale I stole, Where dwelt the centre on which tiirn'd The blissful dreams of which I learn'd To form my mind's revolving will, And Fancy's heaven with hopes to fill. The hour was Eve's, and silence stalk'd, With placid pleasure, where I walk'd ; But hope, that in my bosom dwelt. Begat the rapture which I felt — For soon I thought that eye to meet, So brightly calm, so softly sweet. Oh ! there was poetry around. In every sight, in every sound ; , A RETROSPECT. 135 And Silence listen'd as she heard The warbled worship of each bird, Which from the distance faintly fell, In mellow music's sweetest swell. At that calm hour such scenes I love — When all around, beneath, above, Assume new shapes ; and Nature glows And a rich flood of glory flows. Till clouds, and hills, and plains, and sea, Blend in supreme sublimity: When all that vision can command, Becomes magnificently grand ; And light, prismatically given, Reflects on earth the hues of heaven ; When Evening, clad in radiant robe. Stops in her journey round the globe ; 13(J A RETROSFliCT. Or seems to stop, and seems to smilo. As if man's worship to beguile. That place appears for lovers made, When in the west the glories fade ; And enelotliM clouds with various liirht. So brightly beautiful, take flight; And, in their stead, the stars appear, Amid ethereal depths so clear. Like spangled spots on night's array. Ere Cynthia dares her charms display, Lcss'ning the lustre of tlie ray. Which Venus, Love's directing star, — 'Mid purple gloom a diamond bright. Soft beaming on the brow of Night — Sheds in mild influence from afar. 'Twas there 1 fondly whisper'd thee, And there thy smiles enchanted me : A RETllOSPECT. 137 There I the tender talc did tell, And there I look'd, and sigh'd farewell — When the dear hope thine eye exprest Inspired the same within my breast. O^ lovely idol of my heart. Thy words, thy looks, will ne'er depart! On earth there is a heavenly feeling — A niix'd commotion, which destroys All sense of things but those revealing The brightest hopes and liveliest joys : 'Tis when two souls in love combine, With ties of being too divine For sensual grovellers to enjoy — Of which they only have a thought, Who are with kindliest feelings fraught, And in imaginings employ That llame of soul from rapture caught. 138 A llETROSPECT. A bliss like that with thee I knew — A bliss which oft my thoughts renew : For Fancy fully brings to view The gloomy glens, the murmuring rills The woods extending o'er the hills ; And all the varied shades of green, Mantling the emerald vale between And oft, in dreams, I seem to see The mingled magic of that scene ; For all of it, and all of thee, Must live the pride of Memory. AFTER HEARING A DIVINE. 139 WRITTEN AFTER HEARING A DIVINE, WHO HAD BEEN MY SCHOOLMASTER. Tameless and vivid as the vagrant eye Of the sad eagle shut from earth and sky, Which wanders still, as if it still could view The varied freedom that it lately knew, When soaring heaven-ward, 'mid the azure air, Through clouds sun-gilded, rolling grandly there ; Withjlightningjglance, on earth's mapp'd scenes helow Rich vales of verdure, mountains crown'd with snow ; 140 AFTER HEARING A DIVINE. So my wild spirit reckless spurn'd the rule, The art-forged chains, the discipline of school. Books could not teach, and words could never show The voidless rapture Nature can bestow ! Oft have I hail'd, with flushing fond delight. The day that gave her treasures to my sight, And oft have stolen a solitary hour Of giddy worship to her soul-fraught power. But my strange heart confess'd its folly still. And mourn'd to wrong another's worthier will : It felt that eye so anxious to perceive Mine bent on learning — and it could but grieve. Wilt thou forgive the pain I gave thee then ? Boyhood is wayward — now we both are men, — The light of thunder's llash'd upon my mind, Storms of young life have left mc wreck'd behind. AFTER HEARING A DIVINE. 141 Deep floods of feeling, eloquently strong, Rush on my heart and bear my soul along ; The nervous majesty of thought's command, Sublimely passion'd, and serenely grand, With Learning's magic, rules my spirit now ; I hear with wonder, and with praises bow, And deem not wisdom yet beyond my reach, Since I could ever learn, if thus you ever teach. FINIS. Wn.I.IAMS, PRINTER, DEVONPORT. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. m 2 6 I960 orm L9-32w-8,'57(,C8680s4)444 TO15 LIBRAITP ^^^^, j^HEBNREGIONPjL UBRABVfftCL PR I..oore - 5039 I'instrol'p tale ( 000 38370^^ Lolrn JAFJ 2 6 PR 1.039 li-' ;ll!l