5221 R4257An ty of California 3rn Regional try Facility (IaJJ ,v } THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES POETICAL SCRAPS. By THOMAS CLIO RICKMAN. VOL. L ,w<*- ^ .?:' -b POETICAL SCRAPS. BY THOMAS CLIO RICKMAN. AUTHOR OF THE EVENING WALK j LETTER TO MR. PITT J TO THE BISHOP OF LANDAFF, &C. &C. Vol. I. Off hand and various, as occasion leads, The bard's unstudied, devious theme proceeds: He scorns the line, however-smooth it flow, " That tends to make one honest man his foe." He, travelling life's eventful road along. Beguiles some moments with disportive song ; Whistles and sings his ardent breast to cheer. Thinks for himself,. ..dares laugh,. ..and be sincere. LONDON : PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, UPPER MARY-LE-BONE STREET ; And Sold, also. By Mr. Symonds, Pater Noster Row ; Mr. Fisher, at his Library, on the Steyne, Brighton ; Mr. Lee, Lewes ; Mr. Claris, Canterbury; Mr. Flower, Cambridge ; Mr. Watts, Gosport ; Messrs. Gore and Son, Liverpool; Mr. Co wdroy, Manchester; Mr. Rackham, Bury St. Edmunds, and all Booksellers. 1803. Printed by George Hayden, Russell Court, Cov. Garden, PR V. i NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS. HISROYAL HIGHNESS, GEORGE PRINCE OF WALES. jThE Right Honourable the Earl of Albemarle Mrs. Joseph Attersoll, Fulliam Mr. J, R. Austin^ London Mr. Joseph Ashby, Staines Mr. Thomas Atkins, Maidstone Mr. James Alexander, Maidstone Mr. Richard Attree, Laughton place Mr. William Attree, Brighton Mr. R. H. Attree, Brighton F. Annesley, Esq. M. P. Mr. J. Als, Glynde Bourne 1049497 SUBSCRIBERS. Miss Adams, Lewes Mr. Thomas Atkins, Deal Arbroath Library, North Britain L. Atkinson, Esq. Newcastle Mr. William Ashby, Battle Mr. James Andrews, Hamsey Mr. Thomas Andrews, Hamsey Mr. Edward Auger, East Bourne Mr. Allfrey, Fitzroy Street His Grace the late Duke of Bedford His Grace the Duke of Bedford Sir Henry Blackman, Lewes WilKam Borrer, Esq. West-town house Mr. Burns, London. ..4 sets Miss Burns. ..2 sets William Bosville Esq.... 2 sets Mr. John Button, Lewes Mrs. Britton, Upper Mary-le-bone Street Mr. Robert Bloomfield Mr, John Byass, Arundel Mr. William Brown, Newhaven Mr. John Baulcombe, Brighthelmstonf Mr, John Baker, Lewes SUBSCRIflERS. John Boys, Esq. Ashcombe James Bishop, Esq. Sedlescombe Mr. Beard, Rottingdean Mr. Randall Boxall, . London Mr. Boulton, London Mrs. Burrows, Bethnal Green Mr. P. G. D. Blake, Islaof Wight Morris Bcrbeck, Esq Mr. Bliss, London Richard Bush, Jun Esq. Wandsworth Mr. Burgess, Horsleydown Mr. Thomas Bayley, Deal Mr. William Bond, Lombard Street Mr. John Burt, Stockbridge Thos. Barnard, Esq. Mitchell Marsh, Hants Mrs. Benge, Lewes.. .2 sets Mrs. Bolton, Lewes Mr. William Bennet, Cheapside Mr. T. Bowman, New Bond Street Joseph Burn, Esq. Orton, Westmorland Rev. Thomas Bromfield, Napton Francis Blackett, Esq. South Shields Mr. John Blaker, Lewes Mr. John Berry, Westfirle 8UBSCAJBEAS. Joseph BlagravCj Esq. Lewes Mr. Joel Barlow, Washington, America Miss H. Beslee, Fletching Mr. William Brounger, Hounsditch John Bean, Esq. Clapham House Mrs. Brett, Hamsey Mr. Barlow, jun. Camberwell ^Mr. Robert Basden, Seaford Right Honourable the Earl of Chichester Right Hoixourable the Countess of Chichestei Right Honourable Lord George Cavendish Sir Thopaas Carr, Beddingham Lady Carr Mr. James Constable, Bermondsey Square Mr. CuUen, Windmill Street Mr. Enoc Child, Deal William Cooper, Esq. Lewes... 2 sets Rev. James Capper, Wilmington Mr. D. Constable, Brighton Mr. Richard Comber, Lewes Mr. Robert Chatfield, Ditcheling Mr. Chrysophilus Chitty, Lewes Mr. John Choppin, Beaumont Green SUBSCRIBERS. Mr. Michael Constable, Shad Thames Mr. William Coleman, Maidstone Mr. William CoUer, Deal Mr. William Choppin, London Mr. William Carder, Deal Mr. Compton J. Conway, Esq. Ringwood Miss Conway, Bridport Rev. Henry Chatfield, Balcombe R. Chase, Esq. Little Horsted N. Cutting, Esq, Paris Major Cook, I,ewes J. W. Chandler, Esq. London Mr. James Cowper, Ely Place Mr. Cosens, Tottenham Terrace Mrs. Clarke, Great Portland street... 2 sets Mr. John Chatfield, Stamford Hill J. E. Curties, Esq. Northiam Mrs. Chatfield, Lewes Thomas Chambers, Esq. Seafordi Mrs. L. Carter, Lewes J. M. Cripps, Esq. Stantons Mr. Chapman, Brighton Mr. J. CoUard, Brighton Mr. Robert Chester Cooper, Jun. Lewes SUBSCRIBERS. H. C. Campion, Esq. Danny... 2 sets Peter Crompton, M. D, Liverpool J. Cookson, Esq, Newcastle Mr. William Crockford, Lewes W. Cuthbert, Esq. Newcastle Mr. P. Cowdery, Wallop Mrs. Carless, Seaford Mr. Corder, Borough Her Grace the Duchess of Dorset Rev.,M. D'Oyly, Buxted Miss Diggins, Chichester John Dietrichsen, Esq. Newman -street Mr. S. W. Durrant, Le^^ es Mrs. S. W. Durrant Mrs Dunk, Smeethe...2 sets Mr. Edward Dean, Newhaven Messrs. Darton and Harvey Daniel Donovan, Esq. Cork Mr. W. Deblois, Havre-de-Grace John Dennett, Esq } Woodmancote Mr. C. Dennett, Soho Square J. A. Dalrymple, Esq. Gatehouse W, C. Daman, Esq j Romse/ Rev. J. Delap, D. D. SUBSCRIBERS. VU Right Honourable the Earl of Egrmont...2 sets Colonel Ethcrington, Albemarle-street Thomas Eldred, Esq ; Dr. Edwards, Castle Durham Miss Elgar, Lewes Mr. William Elphick, Lewes John Ellman, Esq ; Glyndc Edward Egles, Esq j Uckiield Rev. Thomas Evans, Seaford George Elphick, Esq j Newhaven Mr. William Elgar, Maidstone - Mr. Thomas Edgley, Greenwich Mr. Matthew Edis, Pudding Lane Captain Magnus Ekstrand, Gottenburgh Mr. Thomas Edmunds, Wycombe Mr, T. S. Evans, T. M, Bartholomew school Mr. Emmott, Little St. Thomas Apostle Mr. Edward Evitt, Wivelsfield Mr. G. Egles, Lewes Mr. W. Elliot, Chiddingly Mrs. Fitzherbert John Fuller, Esq. M. P...2 sets Mr. Francis, Maidenhead Mrs. C. Freeman, Lewes SUBSCRIBERS. Mr. Fisher, Brighthelmstone Mr. Henry Finch, Reading Mr. J. Frost, Ash wood Mr. T. C. Faulconer, Hoddern Rev. Robert Fellowes Trayton Fuller, Esq ; Ashdown House Mr. Richard Floyer, Strand... 2 sets Mr. Frost, Irfjndon C. Fourdiinier, Esq J London Mr. John Fuller, Lewes Mr. Thomas Fawcett, London Mr. J. Fuller, Uckfield Mr. Faulkner, Lewes John Fuller, Esq; Parkgate...2 sets Rev. Dr. Frewen, Brighton Mr. J. Fisher, London Mr. 1, Finch, Staines Mr. I. Farncombe, Bishopstone His Grace the Duke of Grafton The Right Honourable the Earl of Guildford The Right Honourable Lord Viscount Gage The Right Honourable Lady Viscountess Gage The Right Honourable Lord Grantley SUBSCRIBFBS. XI Mrs. Walker Grey ..2 sets Mrs. Gorham, Marsham Mr. Giles Gimber, Sandwich Charles Gilbert, Esqj Eastboiyne Mr. James Gell, Westham Mr. Gregory, Brighton Mr. John Gell, Lewes Mr. John Godlee, Lewes Mr. Thomas Gorring, Battle Mr. Thomas Groom, Steyning Lewis Goldsmith, Esq. Joseph Garland, Esq ; Pool George Garland, Esq ; M. P. Pool Mr. Giles, Oxford Road Mrs. Gravely, Robertsbridge Rev. W. Gwynne, Hertford Col. Oxford Miss Gregory, Gosport Mr. W. Godwin Mr. Thomas Griffiths, City Road Mr. Francis Gell, Wouldham William Green, Esq. Lewes G. E. Graham, Esq. Chailey Mr. Charles Groom, Steyning Mr. Gibson, Brighton SUBSCRIBERS. The Rev. Diones Geere, Heighten Mr. J. Galton, jun. Lyon-street The Right Honourable Lady Viscountess Hereford The Right Honourable Lord Holland The Right Honourable Lady Holland Mrs. Hopcr, Marlborough-street Mr. John Hodgkin Pentonvillc Mr. Robert Home, Arundel Mills Mr. William Hack, Chichester Mr. Daniel Hack, Brighton Mr. John Hall, Brighton T. Bowyer Hurdis, Esq ; Collector of Revenue, Din- digull, East Indies Mr. Thomas Hardy, London Mr. Henry Hobbs, Chichester Joseph Hayling, Esq. Mr. Thomas Hill, Lewes Mr. Charles Hammond, Deal Mr. John Hoppe, Minories Mr. George Hammond, Whitechapel Mr. J. F. Hilditch, Holborn Henry Harben, Esq. Mile End Mrs. Hill, Lewes SUBSCRIBERS. Mr. G. B. Hoey, Lewes Rev. Thomas Hudson, Brighton Mr. N. Hall, Southwick William Franklin Hick, Esq j Lewes Mr. Thomas Hodson, Surgeon,, Lewes Mr. Walter Harris Christopher Hull, Esq. John Hoper, Esq 3 Lewes Mr. Joseph Haydon, Guilford Mr. Horwood, Liverpool Mr. John Hulbrook, Deal W. N. Harvey, Esq ; Sloane-street Mr. Jacob Hitchen, Old Bailey Benjamin Henshaw, Esq ; Hoddesdon Mr. George Hayden, Russell Court Rev. Horace Hammond Middleton Hewitson, Esq ; Shields Mr. J. Hargraves, Brighton T. H. Harben, Esq ; Seaford Mr. C. Hannington, Hurstperpoint Mrs. Howell, Brighton Mr. Hamley, London Mr. R. Hart, Palmer Mr. J. Hanishar, Rottingdeati Xll SUBSCRIBERS. Mrs. A. J. Herring, Greek-street Mr. Robert Higham, Brighton Mr. R. Hurly, Iford Mr. William Holbrook, Deal M. Hewitson, Esq ; Newcastle Mrs. Hewitson, Newcastle H. Hewitson, Esq. Newcastle... 2 sets Mrs. G. Hudson, Manchester Mrs. Harvey, Paris Filmer Honey wood, Esq j M. P. ' Mr. Hughes, Hatton Garden Miss Iggulden, Middle Deal House Mr. Ingram, Rottingdean Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States of America Henry Jackson, Esq j Lewes. ..2 sets Mr. Henry Jeffrey, Salisbury Mr. Judge Mt. Johnson, Kensington Mr. Jackson, Shad Thames Mrs. Johnston, Lewes Mr. Benjamin James, Finsbury Pla^e SUBSCRIBERS. Mr. E. Johnston, Stamford Hill George Jenner, Esq i Lincoln's Inn Fields Mr. Johnson, Mile End Mr. Jones, Paternoster Row- General Kosciusko Thomas Kemp, Esq; M. P.... 2 set* Nathaniel Kemp, Esq ; Ovingdcan Miss Kingsford, Barton Mills , Messrs. Keys, Abchurch Lane Mr. Kelly Mr. John Kennard, Lewes Mr. Thomas King, Ealing Mr. Thomas Kitchener, City Road Mr. Joseph Kendrick, Upper Mary-le-bone-street Rev. Mr. Kendall, Warwick Mr. Richard Knight, OfFham Mr. Kendall, Lewes Mr. C. Kell, Lewes Mr. J. Kidgell, Gracechurch-street J. P. Kensington, Esq ; Putney Right Honourable Lord George Lennox Honourable General Lennox, M. P. XIV SUBSCRIBERS* C. S. Lefevre, Esq. M. P. Capel Lofft, Esq. Troston Hall Joseph Lowten, Esq. Miss Lloyd Mrs. Leach Mr. William Long, Hailsham Mr. Thomas Letchworth, Reading Mr. William Lucas, Millbank Mr, Edward Lawrence, Strand Mr. Arthur Lee, Lewes Mr. W. B. Langridge, Lewes John Lisle, Esq. New York Mr. John Lambert, Deal Mr. William Lee, Lewes Mr, Legrand, London John Lyall, Esq. Mr. William Lashmar, Chiddingly Miss Elizabeth Lashmar Mr. H, Lang W. Linskell, Esqj Tynemouth Lodge Mr. J. Lincoln, High Holborn Lady Anne Murray, Brighton Sir Charles Mill, Bart. Mottisfont Castle SUBSCRIBERS. XV Martin Maddison, Esq. Southampton Mr. Morley, Jun. Broad Street Miss Morgan, Brecon, South Wales Mr. J. Mowle, Deal Mr. Mott, Brighton Rev. James Middleton, Ringvvood H. Manning, Esq. Southover Mr. James Martin, Battle Philip Mighell, Esq. Brighton Mr. Robert Mason, Maidstone Mr. Joseph Molineux, Lewes Mr. Thomas Massey, Newhaven Mr. Charles Marshall, Steyning Mr. J. Moore, Oxford Street Reverend Mr. Metcalfe, Chichester Mr. Thomas Mocket, Deal Mr. Williara Moore, Portland Street Mr. Miller Cornhill Mr. William Moon, Ripe Mr. J. C. Michell, Brighton Mr. Martin, Chilton . Miss C. A. Martin D, Morten, M. D. Howland Street SUBSCRIBERS. Mr. R. Norris, Deal Mr. George Noakes, Deal Mr. G Nicholson, Harabro' Coffee House Mr J. Neavse, Fish Street Hill M. Joseph Xeatby, Lewisham Mr. James Newman, Harebeaton Mr. R. Newman, Harebeaton Mr. Thomas Nichols, Southampton Mr. John Nobes, Swindon Henry Noyes, Esq. Reverend A. Nott, Little Horsted Mr. Norris, Havre de Grace Mr. William Nailor, Deal Mr, Stephen Norris, Deal Mr. Nanns The Right Honourable the Earl of Oxford The Right Honourable the Countess of Oxford Dennis O'Bryen, Esq. Mr. R. Oak, Pool C. Offley, Esq. J. Offley, Esq. W. Offley, Esq. Mr. W. Olive, Chailey SUBSCRIBBRS. The Right Honourable Lord Viscount Palmerston The Right Honourable Lord Pelham The Right Honourable Lady Peiham Lady Amelia Pelham "William Phillips, Esq ; Grosvenor Pl^ce ' - Mrs. Mary Popham, Frisham J. Poore, Esq ; Redbridge Mr. Charles Pitt, Lewes Miss S. Purcell, Rickmansworth Mr. Parkes, Horsleydown Mr. (Jeorge Poppleton, Alton'a Mr. Phillips, Caruaby market Mr. James Phillips, London Mr. Panther, Oxford Street Mr. Thomas Poppleton, Pimlica Mr. Caleb Pearee, Uckfield Mills J. Paine, Esq ; Patcham Mr. John Pierce, Billingsgate Mr. George Page, Blackfriar's Road Mr. Phillips, St. Paul's Church Yard Reverend Doctor Parr . Porter, Esq 5 Argyle Street H. Porter, Esq. Hoe Lodge Mr. Pooley, Portland Street SUBSCRIBEKS. Thomas Paine... 2 sets Rev. D. Pape, L. L.B. Mr. Richard Page, America Square Mr. James Payne, We.it Square Mr, Thomas Payne, Wells Mr. Thomas Parks, Battle Mr. Peckham, Lewes Thomas Partington, Esq ; Offliani Mr. John Penfold, Fish Street Hill Mr. John Phillips, Edinburgh Mr. Richard Poune, Brighton Mr. W. D. Price, Surgeon, London Mr. J. Palmer, Chelsea Mr. W. Poulton, Maidenhead His Grace the Duke of Queensberry The Honourable D. Ross, Calcutta- Charles Rand, Esq. Brighton Mr, Thomas Ross, Wandsworth Mr. Samuel Rickman, HeUingly Park Mr. R. P. Rickman, Lewes... 2 sets Mr, John Rickman, Lewes Mr. J. Rickman, Jun. Craven Street Mr. Caleb Rickman, Offham SUBSCRIBERS. Mrs, Thomas Ricknaan, Lewes Mr, John Rickman, Gamsford Street J. Ritson, Esq. Gray's Inn Mr. Rushton, Harp Lane James Royer, Esq ; Berners Street Mr. William Rowed, Winsley Street Mr. Thomas Rees, May's Buildings Mr. Heqry Roscorla, Lewes Mr. Reserson, Barcelona Reverend E. R. Raynes, Lewes Mr. C. Roland, Dieppe Miss Ann Richards, Lewes Mr. Thomas Rogers, Kingston Mr. N. Rickman Mr. Rice, Southwick Mr. Raymond, Academy, Lewes Thomas Robinson, Esq 5 South Shields T. L. Rogers, Oxford Street Mr. James Randall, Piccadilly Mr. William Rathbone, Liverpool William Roscoe, Esq ; Liverpool T. Rutherford, Esq 5 Newcastle The Reverend Thomas Rickman, Christchurch John Rickman, Esq ; New Palace Yard Mr, J. Ridge, Stock Exchange SUBSCRIfiEBS Miss Frances Rickman, Lewes f/ihi Rand, Lewes Mr, R. Rankin, Upper Holloway Mr. Ridge Bonner's Hall The Right Honourable Earl Stanhope The Right Honourable Countess of Stanhope Sir G. A. W. Shuckburgh Evelyn, Bart. M. P, Charles Sturt, Esq j M. P. Mr. William Sale, Lombard Street Mr. Thomas Smith, Jun. Crown Court Miss Stevens Thomas Sayer, Esq; Highwood Mr. D. Stuart,... 2 sets Mr. J. Shaft, Arundel Mr. T. Shaft, Arundel Mr. Smith, Brighton Mrs. S. Scrace, Brighton Mr. Sicklemore, Brighton Josias Smith, Esq ; Lewes Mr. William Sharp, Titchfield Street Mr. John Saunders, Stanwell Mrs. Spence, London Mr. EmmottSkidmore, Rickmans worth... 2 sets Mr. Henry Sealer, Maidstone SVBSCRIBEKS. XXi * ' , . Mr. James Smithj Maidstone Mr. R. O. Stone, Mayfield Mr. W. Stevens, Berwick M. L. Smith Esqj Hungevford T. Shelley, Esq 9 M. P. Field Place W. Smith, Esq ; Southampton William Scott, Esq ; Sergeant's Inn R.T. Streatfield, Esq ; the Rocks Miss Starck, York Place M. A. N, Starck, Esq5...2 sets Henry Shelley, Esq ; M. P.. ..2 sets Mrs. E. Shelley, L<-wes George Shiffner, Esq ; Combe Place Mr. Saxby, North Ease Mr. Soper, Lewes Mr. Thomas Shadwell, Mr. Edward Scrace, Broyle Place Mr. Edward Scott, Brighton William Shadwell, Esq j Hastings Mr. Simpson, Mr. George Sparks, Guildford Miss Sparks, Gosden Mr. H. D. Symonds, Pater-noster-row...25 se^ Rev. James Sayer, Eythorne Rev. William Shepherd, Liverpool SVBSCRIfiERS. Mr. H. Scrimshaw, Bernard Street Mr. W. Scrase, Alborny Place, Sussex Mr, J. P. Stevens, Aldersgate Street J. Shadforlh, Esq ; Newcastle John Home Tooke, Esq.; Mr. Turner, 'Change Alley , Mr. Thompson, Fenchurch Street Mrs. Taylor, Russell Place Mr. R. A. Turner, Lewes Thomas Tourls, Esq ; Cliigwell Hail Mr, F. Turner, Fenchurch Street W. Taylor, Esq } Mary-le-bone Terrace Mr. Thomas Tilt, Brighton Miss Tiercelin, Piccadilly Mr. Robert Thompson, Deal Mr. Charles Gustavus Tapp Mr. Tilly, Steyning M. Tallien, Paris Thomas Tourle, Esqj Landport Mr. Benjamin Tilstone, Brighton Simon Ternple, Esq ; Shields Miss Tutt, Hastings Miss Tutt, Hailsbam Mr. William Tate, Findon SUBSCKIBERS. Miss Tourle, Lewes Mr. George Tate, New Shoreham W. TurnbuU, A. M. liondon J. G. Vernon, Esq ; Hereford Street Mr. Charles Verral, Seaford Mr. Edward Verral, Lewes Miss Verral, Newick Mr. Plumer Verral, ClifFe Right Honourable Lord Whitwortb- Colonel Whitworth The Reverend Gilbert Wakefield, Mr. Thomas White, Rochester Mr. John Wichelo, Brighton F. Whitfield, Esq ; Lewes Mr. Thomas Wilmhurst, Brighton William Wheeler, Esq ; Lewes Mr. Walter, Brighton Mr. J. Wilkinson, London Mr. G. Wainewr^ht, Lincoln's Inn Mr. T. W. Wheeler, Lewes Richard Lemon Wichelo, Esq ; Sen. Brighton Mr. S. Waller, Cuckfield SOB-SCRIBERS. Mr. Jnmes Whittle, Fleet Street Captain Winkworth, Royal Na\y Mr. A. Wills... 2 sets Reverend Harr)' West, Lewes Miss Wright Colonel Wentworth James Wood, Hickstead Mrs. Woodgate, Mr. Frederick Willard, Lewes Mr. Wigney, Brighton, Mr. Stephen Weller, Lewes Miss Webb Miss Mary Webb Mr. R. Wigney, Guildford J. R. Webb, Chertsey Mr. Richard Wichelo, Brighton Messrs. Walkden and Darby, Shoe Lane Mrs. Young, Henley on Thames SUBSCRIBERS. Received too late FOR ALPHABETICAL INSERTION- jj^IGHT Honourable Lord Sheffield Right Honourable Lady Sheffield Right Honourable the Earl of Moira -Right Honourable Lord W. Russell Right Honourable Lord F. Cavendish James Carr, Esq. Siera Leona Mrs. Otto R. B. Sheridan, Esq. M. P. Rev. W. Johnston, Bishopgate-street Mr. G. Kitcatt, London Mr, John Greig, Pentonville Mr. P. Martin, Dean Street Mr. J. Emerson, Berwick upon Tweed Mr. John Steed, Erith James Fisher, Esq. Inner Temple Mr. C. Fisher SnSSCBIBERS. Boyce Combe, Esq. Wansted Mrs. Ross, Greenwich D. Singer, Esq. Brockhurst Mr. D. Singer Jun. Greenwich Rev. R, Shiells, Hampstead James Barwell, Esq. Sunning-hill Mr. John Elson, Poole Mrs. Hall, Howland Street J. M. Uniache, Esq, Kerminshara Lodge Yorick, Poole Mr. James Robinson, London Miss Scott, South Shields Mrs. Iredel, Glynde Mr. J. Hards, Dartford Mr. J, C. Wachsel, Inoculating Hospital Wm. Hayley, Esq. Mr. Giles Russell, Maiden Lane Mr. T. Brown, H. M. S. Windsor Castle Mrs. Stevens, Portsmouth A Sussex friend Mr, Johnson St. Paul's Church yard Mr. B. Flower Cambridge Mr. Thomas Rickman, Cliffe, Lewes Mr, W. Smart, Tichborne-street. jrUST PVBLISBBD, WRITTKM Y THOMAS CLIO RICKMAN, The Fallen Cottage, a poeni, in quarto, with an elegant vignette, and engraved title page... Price 2s. 6d. The Evening Walk, a sentimental tale, inter- spersed with poetic scraps. Written at seventeen years of age.... Price 3s. 6d. A select collection of Epigrams, many of thent original.... Price 2s. in boards, or 4s. in elegant fancy bindings. Mr. Pitt's Democracy Manifested, ...Price Is. 6d. Observations on the Income Tax, in a Letter to Mr. Pitt... .Price Is. 6d. By whom also is Just Published: A Familiar Epistle to the Right Honourable William Pitt, on his Apostasy, &c. &c.... Price Is. The Farmer's Boy, a rural poem, in four books, by Robert Bloomfield.... Price 18s. 10s. 5s. Memoirs of the Year Two Thousand Five Hundred Price.... 4s .6d. 5s. Considerations on National Independence, suggest- ed by Mr. Pitt's speech, on the Irish Union.... Price Is. 6d. Emigration to America.... Is. 6d. Thomas Paine's Discourse in favour of Deism.... Price 6d. Rights of Discussion, or a Vindication of Dissenters of every denomination.... Price 2s. 6d, Sydney, a monody, occasioned by the loss of the Viceroy packet.... Price Is. 6d. Guide Pratique a Part de traduire du Frangais en bon Idiome Anglais, par le moyen d'une traduction interlineaire. A Londres, chez T. C. Rickman, No. 7. Upper Mary-le-bone street. Chez F. Perthes, W. Remnant, A, Campe et H. L. VUIaiune, Libraires a Hambourg. A Paris, chez Debray, liibraire, Maisoa Egaliti, Galleries dc bois, au Grand Buffon. Naval Triumphs, a song with music... .Price Is. Man's Rights Through the World, ditto.... Price Is. The Nightingale, ditto. Is. A correct portrait of George Fox, the founder of the sect of the people called quakers....This portrait is engraved from the original painting of him, by Honthurst, (in the year l654, and in the 30th year of Fox's age), now in tlie possession of the Pub- lisher,... Prints 7s. ()d. ...Proofs 15s, An exact and high-finished portrait of Thomas Clio Rickman, from a full-size painting, by Hazlitt. Size 10 inches by 8.. ..The price 7s. 6d.... Proofs, l5s. By the King's Royal Letters Patent, PATENT SIGNAL TRUMPET, FOR INCREASING THE POWER OF SOUND, Sold only by the Patentee, Thomas Clio Rickman, Bookseller and Stationer, Upper Mary-le-bone Street : Where all Periodical Publications arc regularly served, and News- papers franked to any part of England. Copper-plates elegantly engraved. Printing and Bookbinding done in the best manner An extensive Circulating Library. speedily will he puhlishedf. CORRUPTION, A SATIRE. BT THOMAS CLIO RICKMAJf. :* ?"i.'J.. ..^i:i "'i' ^ ',t- -n; TO THE READER. " There is but one way I know of conversing fairly *' with all men, that is, not by concealing what we say, " or do ; but by saying or doing nothing that deserves to " be concealed." Pope. " The man who dares traduce, because he can, ' In safety to himself, is not a man-" Cowper. Most of the poetical pieces which follow were written very early in life, and many of them have been separately published and circulated. It is long since I have cultivated poetry, or applied myself to it ; more important pursuits, as I conceive, have demanded my talents and exertions. Mine has been the study of men and manners, of truth instead of fiction and this for some years b PREFACE. past, has led me away from poetry ; who, like her sister eloquence, has too frequently been the handmaid of error, sophistry, and nonsense. To oblige partial friends, to have, together for their, for my own, and family's satisfaction, that matter which has long lain scattered about, and to prevent its sharing the fate of much I have written, (being quite lost,) are the principal rea- sons for publishing this collection of poetry.* To the candid animadversions of a friend, I am ever attentive 5 of professional criticism I am en- tirely regardless, as far as it affects myself, but on * The Author here only alluded to occasional little losses ; but lie is extremely sorry to acquaint his readers, that since writing the above, a most serious misfortune has befallen him that of having had his writing desk stolen, with fome hundreds of choice and cu- rious manuscripts of his friends and others, together with much of his own (and he is sorry to say his best and latter) poetical produc- tions. By this, to him, most afflicting circumstance, the labour of many years of his life is destroyed, and an invaluable collection lost or ever. PREFACE. Ill it, cannot refrain from making the observations which follow J the matter of which I have so much at heart, that I harp upon it, as Hamlet did on the daughter of Polonius, and continu- ally make it the subject of my conversation and correspondence. Most men conceive some great, real, or imagi- nary evil, upon the removal of which, hang their notions of amendment, and advantage to society ; and as far as a^ects literature, I have mine. I think every man should put his name to every thing he writes, whether it be only a line, or a folio ; and that anonymous writing, or ani- madversion, should not be suffered on any pre- tence whatever. "Why should not an obligation to this be enforced, as well as to having the printer's name to all printed matter, which in England is the case ; the good arising from this regulatiorik would be infinitely more than from that. IV PREFACE. To all that a man writes conscientiously, that is true and proper, and that he is not ashamed of, why not put his name ? any thing the reverse of this, and to which he is ashamed to put his name, should not be published at all. It is perpetually observed, that it matters not so much what is said, or how, as by whom ; and it is most certain, that the name of a writer to a book would frequently lead to the elucida- tion of its matter, and that the names of writers of criticisms and remarks on books would be- tray the why and the wherefore of approbation, or disapprobation, more than the criticisms and remarks themselves. Indeed, it is absurd and most unfair, that, to a book that Tom puts his name, the anonymous reply or animadversion of Will should be suf- fered ; especially when the exposure of Will's name, might at once account for the criticism, or animadversion. PREFACE. V If this just plan of rejecting anonymous wri- ting of any sort was to be adopted, the impor- tant and imposing words of us ! we ! our ! &c. might be dropped; those mighty we's would sink if known into very contemptible I's, who have seen very little, and know very little; and before our view would appear those, ** Whose praise is censure, and whose censure's praise." In this case, by examining the life, education, principles, party, politics, religion, advantages, and intellectual powers of the critic, we should know at once the reasons (if reasons they may be called) that prompt criticisms and animad- versions ; and how far his prejudices and know-> ledge make him a fit man for his office, and how far, if at all, any thing he says is to be regarded.* * A humourist of my acq laintance has an odd whim about re- views he has for many years Sought the books condemned and censured iii them; and he hoasts he ha?, by this means, more wis- VI PREFACE. There has been for some time past a volume of characters pubhshed yearly, a great volume : conceiving this work. to be got up to answer the purpose of sale, more than any thing else, (which is the case with publications in general) anil never liking to trust to delineations of this sort, I have not read it, but 1 certainly would peruse it, if the name of the writer of each cha- racter was placed with it : for it must be very entertaining, and instructive, to trace the motives for all that is said, for and against a character ; to obser\'e how little the delineater could know of the one he was drawing, and how little calculated he was for the task ; and this the characteriser's name, would generally ascertain to a nicety. I can hardly conceive any thing more divert- ing and laughable than it would be to have the real names of reviewers and newspaper animad- verters, to their various matter. dom, truth, and good sense, in his library, than if he had selected books they have recommended and applauded. PREFACE. Vll ' ' To know the names, the characters, the men- tal endowments, and acquirements, of those, who us IT ! WE IT ! and our it ! who des- cant and decide on the sciences, Hterature, po- litics, state and private affairs, in, and out of Europe ; to examine such peoples pursuits, abi- lities, and opportunities of information; and to compare the fitness of these for the matter they decide on, would be a greater source of humour- ous and entertaining reflection and satisfaction, than reading all the newspapers and reviews put together. I find it so, as far as I know, or can guess at these persons. Personal, or other observations in the absence of those, about whom they are made, are always considered as unmannerly, illiberal, and dishonest; and, surely, the anonymous attacks of writers are still more reprehensible, and unpardonable. I was talking to an eminent and fine writer lately on this subject, he objected to my plan, and used this curious reason against it, that if Vlll PREFACE. critics, reviewers, newspaper writers, and others, were obliged to put their names to their matter, it would be a check on the freedom of their ani- madversions ; they would be liable to be called upon, and might occasionally be answerable, or get a good thrashing, &c. My reply was, that as fair, honest, and ho- nourable men, they should not write anonymous- ly; they conceal (I added) their names then, that they may write, what they would not dare openly to do in the face of the person attacked, and of the world, '* they are not bold enough to be honest, nor honest enough to be bold." Your objection. Sir ! to my plan is another reason, and a very strong one too, for the adop- tion of it. As to the people called reviewers, admitting that they are not made up of jacobins, anti-jaco- bins, deists, trinitarians, government, anti-go- vernment folks ; church-goers, dissenters, or of PREFACE. IX any party or faction, either in religion or poli- tics,* which will necessarily have an influence, more or less, on their criticisms ; will induce them to approve, or condemn, a work, as their views, interest, or prejudices may suggest ; (which will account for their animadversions, whatever they may be, and render them totally unworthy attention.) Admitting I say, that this is not so, still there is only one thing can be said of criticism : (if the writer has no public or private biass whatever) it is only one man's opi- nion OF ANOTHER man's BOOK ! and if the man who passes his opinion on the works of Others, would put his name to such opinion, we should be able to judge between them, and to know if the critic's knowledge extended to what he affected, or entitled him to any sort of notice. For my part I do know some of those who criticise the works of others, who assassinate * It is curious and laughable to observe how two reviews, of .different parlies, will deify and bedevil the same book. X PREFACE. anonymously, and wound in the dark; and I can generally trace (if I also know the writer tD be beguilt or bedaubed) step by step, the private and public reasons for the criticisms, whether favourable or not. Amidst all this, truth is lost or violated ; and it is much to be wished either that no such things as reviews or newspapers existed, or that the writers in them, as well as all other writers, should put their names to their productions. This would be a manly, open, and just procedure ; would prevent much illiberallity and mischief; and advantage greatly the cause of truth and jus- tice. There cannot be a greater satire upon reviews, than the having them called by party names. The review here particularly alluded to is pub- lished by Wright, Piccadilly, which bears in the title, and on the face of it, malice, faggot, and fire ! and the matter of which bespeaks cor- rupt pay. Its malignity is constantly directed PREFACE. XI against great talents, virtue, truth, science, and all that is, and all that are noble and good ; and the constant employment of which is to traduce all that ought to be valued, approved, and che- rished. Having acquitted myself to myself, by hint- ing thus much on my scheme of doing good in this way, I have only to say, I write this without the least animosity against any man, or set of men, whether reviewers or not, (for i know NOT WHAT ANIMOSITY IS AGAINST ANY BODY) and I shall quit the subject in this place. The very place, a prudent man would suggest, where you ought to have said nothing about it j for here you are flying in the face of the critics. But I am not a prudent man, (according to the general acceptation of the phrase) and I am under no apprehension about it, so that it does not prevent the reviews noticing my poems j and this I should regret, as it would deprive me of an extensive and unexpensive advertisement, of mv little volumes. \ Xll PR"EFACE. One thing I ought to say in justice to myself, that none of these remarks arise from having received the lash of the reviewers ; (that is the censure of some anonymous individual, writing in a publication called a review,) for my Fallen Cottage, published in 1785, received their high approbation ; and a little novel of mine, and a political pamphlet or two since, have not been so criticised as to arouse in any degree these hints. T am not influenced by such motives I cannot be but by a firm conviction of the truth of these observations, and the great benefit which would follow the adoption of them. To conclude, authorship is neither my pro- fession nor pursuit; I love good books, and wish their free circulation and increase ; and as to nine-tenths of what is called literary matter, the world would be wiser and better, if it existed not : and as to nine-tenths of those, who are en- titled literary people, they, like orators and speech- ifying folks, have not half the g(jod and useful information, right thinking, and judgment, that PREFACE. Xlll the mass of their fellow men and women possess, who live in the quiet unassuming walks of life. In a word, the non-possession of talent is in- finitely to be preferred to its prostitution in any way : and the cool consultation of reason and the judgment sober decision, uninfluenced by pay, interest, sophistry, rant, eloquence, and the " seeming fair" the giving up upon conviction, and a steady adherence to truth the possessing a mind daring to espouse what the judgment warrants, and the adoption of a correspondent conduct are more to be prized, infinitely more, than all the blazon of learning, the mummery of superstition, the eloquence of sophists, the splen- did " unbought graces" of life, and the plausible cant of those who desire the continuation of con- cealment, mystery, error, and imposition. CLIO RICKMAN. CONTENTS THE FIRST VOLUME. Pag*- The Pen, an ode X Stanzas, on St. Catharine's Hill in Normandy 5 Sonnet, on a distant view of Windsor Castle Q Sonnet, written at Old Sarura 10 The elegant fair one, a song iX Petrarch to Laura, a fragment 13 Lines written in a friend's window in the New Forest 15 Epitaph, on Aloses Kean, the imitator ... l6 The Fall of the Leaf, an ode 17 Epitaph, on David Garrick 22 Picture of Paris, written there, 1802 23 Lines in a friend's garden, to Miss Daman ... 25 The junction of Bacchus and Venes, a song 27 II CONTE>fTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME. Page. Epistle to the bishop of Salisbury 2g An anacreontic, to Laura 31 Epitaph on Lowth bishop of London 32 The Lancet, a prize piece 33 Marsellois hymn, freely translated 3/ Epigram, at Barcelona ... ... .. 40 Familiar epistle to my wife 41 Epitaph on Cyrus king of Persia 44 The Rose and Cowslip, a fable 45 Ode on the first of January, 1786, to a friend 4g The connoisseur, painter, and coxcomb, a fable 5 1 Elegy, onMrs. Ann Jeffrey 53 Song, addressed to a lady 58 A vision, at Gibraltar 59 Epigram 62 Ode to Miso 63 To the sheriff of Sussex 65 Sonnet, Petrarch to Laura 68 Verses to Mr. Choppin on his gift of a pen . QQ Epigram on the Gorgon of 44 guns ... ... 72 A fragment, up the Mediterranean 73 Ode to fortune 75 On lord Chesterfield's letters 77 An ode to Laura 79 CONTENTS OF THE FIRST VOLtItME. Hi Page. Mira, a poetic tale 81 The Soldiers, for recitation ., ... 97 Sonnet to a bird ... ... 101 Elegy, on Miss Taylor 103 Epitaph on William Cowper ... ... ... 106 Sonnet to Thomas Paine 107 Elegy, written at the Bank 109 Epitaph on Miso 113 The Branch, for recitation 115 Sonnet, at the grave of Charles Churchill ... 120 Pleasure an ode ... ... ... 121 Epigram ': 124 The Palace, for recitation 125 Against Pride, an ode 129 To the French Republic 139 An epigrammatic pun ... 140 Prologue .c 141 Impromptu on Miss Verral ... 143 Epitaph on Mrs. Choppin 144 The World, a song 145 Elegy on admiral Kempenfelt 147 Extempore, in Winchester Cathedral 152 Familiar letter to Maria 153 Impromptu, on losing a volume of Nature Displayed ,. 159 IV CONTENTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME. Page. Lines, in Thomson's Seasons 159 A thought, from Quevedo 161 Pastoral verses at Barcombe-mill l6S Lines at Portsmouth \66 Free version of the 14th ode, 11th book of Horace 167 Reflections on waking l6g Extempore, on Thicknesse, at Barcelona ... 172 Elegy on Thomas Sutton, Esq 173 POEMS, THE PEN. O For a muse of fire to sing In numbers meet to hail the Pen ! It's charms innumerous to rehearse. And bid its various value grace my verse ; Then would I tell the sons of men. Whence all their greatness, blessings, virtues, spring. Immortal theme ! ev'n Shakspeare, wild. Nature and poesy's own child. Who made thee most subservient to his sway 5 - Who wielded thee with magic grace. And outrun all in fancy's race j Ev'n he would sink beneath the important lay : Yet shall the humble bard pursue the strain. And trusts his efforts will not be in vain. VOL. I. A 2 THE PEN. By thee, blest Pen ! the mariner with ease Directs his course thro' unknown distant seas j Girdles the world, and, by thy happy aid. Obtains the land again, from which he long has stray'd. Aided by thee, our Newton. soar'd on high. Left earth-born cares, and sought his native sky > Unfolded, wonderful ! each planet's bound. And pointed out the comet's blazing round ; Through worlds on worlds with matchless know- ledge run. And was himself, of intellect, the sun. Through thee, immortal Rousseau's charming page Shall teach simplicity to many an age ; Shall point out truth, and purity, and love. And raise mankind each selfish view above j Shall show them virtue's, nature's, Heaven^s laws. And make them live aright, or die in freedom's cause ! Aided by thee, in grand poetic lore, Darwin each art and science see explore j With nicest skill each mental grace impart. And store the head, and meliorate the heart. THE PEN. 3 Then hail immortal Pen ! and long May'st thou to truth and virtue vigour give. And never, never, may'st thou form the song ' "Where ignorance, and vice, and folly live. Bright may'st thou blazon all that's good and wise, a But never sophists aid, and nonsense patronize, l Or deal in subterfuge, duplicity, and lies. j By thee, sweet poesy, on Albion's shore. Excels tlie Grecian, or the Roman lore ; Witness that god-like bard, to whom 'twas given To sing the wars the immortals fought in Heaven ; Whose rich romantic fancy never tired. Whom every grace adorn'd, and all the muses fired. By thee, our Thomson soar'd in lofty song. Descriptive bard, harmonious, soft, and strong ; 'Twas his, the country's various charms to sing, The unfolding beauties of prolific spring ; The summer, fruitful autumn, too, he sung. And all the horrors which on winter hung ; His thundering numbers like the winds appear. When angry nature frowns, and storms deface the year. a2 4 THE PENT. And Gray and Goldsmith, masters both of rhyme. Through thee, shall reach the farthest bounds of time. Immortal Dryden, too, whose deathless name. Has most deserved, and reach'd the highest fame. O could my muse but catch one spark of fire. Which warm'd your breasts, and did your lays inspire > Then should to future times Thy glorious power be shown j And my recording rhymes To future days be known !... Then should the Pen to distant ages live. And have itself a fame, itself alone can give. STANZAS, WRITTEN ON THE HILL OF ST. CATHARINE, ABOVX ROUEN, IN NORMANDY. AJDORESSED TU MBS. S. JOHNSOK. Jb ROM the bustle of Paris, and noise of its town. Here loiter, sweet Sarah, awhile j Now Sol is near vanishing over yon down. And the rustic returns from his toil. All glowing the Seine, wild meandering along. Reflects the sun's lingering ray ; And, deep from the valley, hilarity's song Chears the dancers, who foot it away. A3 A thouaand delectable views charm the eye... The vineyard, the forest, the mead y Here glows on the mountains each roseate dye. And beauties on beauties succeed. Broad and bold in its course, crown'd with rock and with shade. While its surface sweet islands bedeck. Through a scenery by nature most splendidly made, Mark the Seine's silvery waters smooth track. Cool blow from its waves the breezes of eve. While the bark floats majestic along ; And the shipping at distance half hid 'midst th^ trees. Glide the isles of its current among. At our feet the high turrets of Rouen are seetf. As they catch the departing sun's ray ; And innumerous vessels its quays lie between. Bright waving their flags to the day. Ah ! who o'er these tuiTcts can tearlessly look. And not the calamities mourn. As tyrants alternate their citadel took... The Charles's and Henrys in turn ? STANZAS. - t . , , _ And who, fairest maid,* can thy lot but lament. Here given alive to the flames ? Sure despots and priests were purposely sent. To bring misery, mourning, and chains ! Delectable France ! dear garden of charms. May blood cease to flow o'er thy soil j Nor demagogues alternately furious in arms. All thy beauties and comforts despoil. Return to the wisdom of Brissotine days. Lay drums and coercion aside ; Let knowledge enlighten thy land with its rays. And freedom and peace be thy guide. Now slowly the prospect declines on tlie sight. The mountains, the vineyards, the groves ; The Seine with its islands so richly bedight, ^it haunt for the graces and loves. a4 * Joan D' Arc... the Maid of Orleans, who was burnt here the {4(h June, 143 1, and of whom there is a fine statue at Rbuea. 8 STANZAS. See softer each fmt glows on every hill. And deeper the shade in each dale ; Embrown'd are the woods hanging over the rill. Indistinctly is seen the far sail. Less bright the broad Seine rolls its translucent tide ; Spires and chateaus are fading from sight j And the curtains of evening progressively hide Each exquisite scene of delight. Farewell, Cathaeina ! thy summit so grand. We oft in idea shall gain ; Oft sigh that each blessing may crown thy gay land. And peace dwell with thee, and remain. SONNET. SONNET, WRITTEN IN A CHAISE, ON A DISTANT VIEW OF WINDSOR CASTLE. Yes, o'er yon lofty woods thy loftier head I see ; but not as erst I us'd to see. When thy first peep thro' all my system spread Anticipated joy, and love, and extacy ! Ah ! then thy flag proud wav'd o'er that dear seat. Where lov'd Maria liv'd...and she was mine !... Where oft from far I hasten'd all to meet. And hail'd thy lofty towers, and felt divine ! But she is dead ! and I have wander'd wide ; Heard the winds whistle, and the surges roar ; Have rode tremendous on the threat'ning tide j And" many a trj'iftg scene have pass'd on shore. All this have firmly met : but once again Thy lofty towers to see awakes severest pain ! iO SONNET. SONNET, WRITTEN AT OI-D SAKUM, IN WILTSHIRE. J^ OW o'er yon upland lawn, the sun, scarce seen. Crimsons the whole horiion in the West ; The distant sheep-bells tinkle from the green. As the blythe shepherd drives them to their rest. Now, along Avon's bank, the whistling boy Returns elated with his oxen team ; Deep in the valley sounds the voice of joy. And over Salisbury's spire, peeps Luna's beam. Here, where erst Sarura's glorious city stood. Now sober evening holds her tranquil reign ; Here let me " hold high converse" with the good. Here learn to pity ev'n the bad and vain. For idly still, contemplative we rove. If not the heart to mend, to cherish boundless love. THE ELEGANT FAIR ONE. A SONG. iVritten as a Parody on that of the Race Horse. See the ball-room thick crowded, the dance is begun, Hear, thro' the bright circle, what soft murmers run j A thousand gay characters float in the maze. Lords, gamblers, fine ladies, all keep up the gaze : While, with neck like a swan, and with high beating breast. With waist nicely taper'd, and form'd to be press'd. Scarcely touching the floor, full of frolic and game. The Elegant Fair One first challenges fame. Now the park's thickly throng'd, the high phaeton see. The delicate hunter, gilt coach, vis-a-vis. Each grace, and each charm, every party displays. And fashion peeps forth in a thousand sweet ways j 12 THE ELEGANT FAIR ONE. While alike fitly bred for the ball-room or course. The phaeton to drive, or to curb the fleet horse ; By this time fair virtue's an obsolete word. And the Elegant Fair One's a whore to a lord! Grown stale, somewhat aged, unfit for ray lord. Devoid of all passion, her appetites cloy'dj While beaux and box-swellers her pedigree trace. Tell whose she has been, from the groom to his grace. And what style she has liv'd in with pleasure counto'er. As they loiter their time at some bagnio door ; While with poverty sunk, and diseases weigh'd down. The Elegant Fair One's a girl on the town. At length from St. James's to Wapping she strays. Her blood all polluted, her system decays ! On straw, at some hunter's, she gives up her breath. Or in some filthy kennel's arrested by death ! Who so lately each pomp, and each gaiety knew. Is left a most horrible sight to the view } Her relics, a pitying crowd now behold. And the Elegant Fair One to the surgeon is sold ! PETRARCH TO LAURA.* A FKAGMENT. JIN ages past, men travers'd wide. Thro' distant lands, and stem'd the tide ; Rough oceans pass'd, and deserts drear. To find things excellent and rare 3 But I need seek no distant shore > All that is excellent and more. Are in those eyes that I adore. When the raging tempest storms. And night has wrapp'd the world in shades ; When gloom the face of Heav'n deforms. And horror all the sea pervades ; * From the Italiao, } 14 PETRAUCH TO LAURA. As then the pilot lifts his eye. Toward the spacious vault on high. To have his course directed right. Through all the terrors of the night ; So thro' the tempests of my mind. Those eyes, my polar stars I find ; They are my never-failing guide. And over all my steps preside. Yes, charming Laura ! in your eyes Beams light which guides me to the skies -, Points out the path, and shows the road. Which leads to Heaven's blest abode. 15 LINES, WRITTEN WITH A DIAMOND, On a Friind's Parbur fVindoiv, in the Ne-w Foretty after some years absence. M.ELEAS'D from danger, death, and daggers. And all that human firmness staggers, I hail once more my King's retreat. And with true joy his friendship raeet. Blest retreat !...here may he have (The proudest bliss this side the grave,) Domestic charms and rosy health. Peace and plenty, but not wealth. Blest retreat ! here may he find. Alike enriched the head and mind ; Here may each intellectual grace And all her hand-maids have a place j And here may Clio, years to come. Freed from persecution's gloom. Still see delicious hours advaiKe, As time performs his yearly dance ; Nor here alone, but may he see. The world united, blest, and free i 16 EPITAPH ON MOSES KEAN, THE CELEBRATED IMITATOR. S)EE, death hath mark'd friend Moses for his own. And seiz'd innumerous characters in one ; Yes, leveller death ! who deals an equal blow. Has clos'd with Kean to act at his own show 3 A motley groupe his theatre contains. Each acts his real part, and no one feigns. Here Moses thou wilt find that most, like thee, Play'd off thro' life. ..a course of mimickry Far worse than thine. ..for here thou wilt behold. What crimes were onceconceal'd by gravity and gold. Here wilt thou see what vile imposing vermin, -Were hid by stars and garters, gowns and ermine } Here, all thy imitations at an end. Thy own true character will be thy friend. THB FALL OF THE LEAF. AN , ODE. " For ye shall be as the oak, whose leaf fadeth." Isaiah, chaf, I. -v. 20. Scene. ..Evening. ..A Wood in Autumn. Ah ! see where the leaves arc all falling around. And the forest looks ragged and bare ; So the vigor ofman only tends to the ground,... After summer's the winter of care. Let me catch from the scenery, gloomy and sad, A theme for the children of grief; For common to all, whether sorry or glad, Is the fate of the Fall of the Leaf. rS THB FALL OF THE LEAF. Ye beauties high finished, all grace and delight. Oh ! be not of these quite so vain ; For to you will come age, diseases, and night ; Debility, sickness, and pain. Presume not on what is unstable, ye fair. For your fine white and red will be brief j But manage your beauties with prudence and care ; And provide 'gainst the Fall of the Leaf. And ye, sons of mammon, adorers of gold. Here see the vile end of your care : Yourselves in the leafless stript branches behold ; For thus you'll be left sad and bare. Your riches, wide spreading, will from you depart. And to thousands perhaps give relief j And this thought harrows up your gold-hoai'ding heart,... They must fly like the Fall of the Leaf. Ye children of honour, of power, and praise. Full of fancied and self-pufl^d up worth, O ! see 'tis the same fickle wind that can raise. That dashes you down to the earth. THE FALL OF THE LEAF. 19 Ye Kings, and ye Consuls, your reign's insecure. Your state and your tyranny brief, For to gladden the hearts of the good and the poor. You must fall too as falleth the Leaf. Ye young, gay, and splendid, whose blood mantles high. In whose features beam health's ardent ray. Ah I seize with avidity each licens'd joy. And frolic and sport while 'tis May ; For December will come, all hoary and sad. And bring its full measure of grief. When the spirits, no longer exulting and glad. Shall flag, droop, and fall like the Leaf. Ye lovers, who riot on beauty's bright form. Each endearment that's mental who taste j Ah ! ye too may know the terrible storm. That lays all your happiness waste j Death seizes relentless, the loving, and loved, (I've known such a trial of grief j) Then each happy prospect is far, far i-emoved. Of the tree of bliss then falls the leaf. b2 20 THB FALl. OPTHE LEAF. But let not discouragement dwell on the face. Nor begloom the pursuits of the wise ; For such should with chearfulness run thro' their race. Who from falsehood are free, and disguise ; And those, who wise acting on rectitude's plan j Will in every state find relief. Will rejoice and exult in the vigour of man. Nor despond in the Fall of the Leaf. Thus, surrounded by objects all cheerless and sad. As the branches their treasures let fall ; Remembrance will dwell on the friends we have had. To the house gone appointed for all 5 One after another, they've drbpped from our sight. And loaded our bosoms with grief j Yes, those who late flourish'd in bloom and delight. Are gone like the Fall of the Leaf, Busy memory dwells on endearments long past. On scenes, fraught with every joy j And trembles to think of the horrible blast. That did all those endearments destroy ; THE FALL OF THE LEAP. 21 To join these again where spring ever blooms. Alone gives the anguished relief; We shall meet you, we sigh, as we weep o'er their tombs. Where there is no Fall of the Leaf. To be happy and blest, thro' life's varied gale. Let us rest on Philosophy's tree ; Still giving more canvass, or short'ning our sail. As time and occasion may be; W ith truth for our pilot, our voyage let ^s steer. Whether doom'd to be tedious, or brief; And " seek peace, and pursue it," thro' all our career. So shall smiles greet the Fall of the Leaf. b3 22 EPITAPH, ON DAVID GARRICK. 1779. Approach this spot with awe,. .here Gahbick lies ! The great, the fam'd, the generous, and wise ! Approach with awe... let fall the, pitying tear... Immortal Shakspeare's genius resteth here ; To rouse the soul with rage, revenge, or love j Each gentle passion feelingly to move ; To add new beauties e'en to Shakspeabe's line. Thine was the power, the god-like art was thine. Reader ! thy bosom strike, with streaming eyes. Depart this spot with awe. ..here Garrick lies ! PICTURE OF PARIS. IMPROMPTU. Written with a pencil on one of the statues in the gardens of the Thuilliries Paris, Aug. lioz. jOrRT and splendor here combine j All that's filthy, all that's fine : ' Works of art, that gods might see. And look at, wrapt in extacy : Things that Ideots would not do. Tasteless, ill-contrived, untrue. Here the grandest objects strike. Here, all that judgment must dislike ; Mixture strange of foul and fair. Of ail that's rude and debonair ; Of talents vast and unconfined. Of multitudes, devoid of mind. Here genius, and science soar. Here froth and folly rant and roar. b4 24 PICTURE OF PARIS. Palaces here enchant the eye. Around which closely muddled lie The filthiest avenues on earth, Called streets, where misery and mirth. Astonishing ! walk hand in hand. Ye gods ! what an astounding land ! Here's ignorance and foppish rant. Philosophy and priestly cant; Here beauty blazes unconfin'd. Here's ugliness in form and mind; Here chaste sobriety is queen. And drunkeness is never seen. Such, such is Paris, wond'rous spot! A heaven and hell together got ; And long too much of hell "twill be. Till Information, general, free. Lift it from priestcraft and from strife. To freedom, happiness, and life. LINES, WRITTEN IN A SEAT IN A FRIEND'S GARDEN. AODRISSED TO TMISS DAMAN. JtIIeRE, where each charm that nature gives. Delights tlie wandering eye ; Where spring in blooming verdure lives. And flowerets never die : Where winding walks the sight amuse. And lull the thoughts to rest j Where sweet varieties confuse 3 And all the soul is blest j Here Marcus spends his happy days. Recluse from every ill That follow busy worldlings ways. And crowded cities fill. 26 LINES, ADDRESSED TO MISS DAMAN, In such a scene, our first great sire. His early moments spent ; Each wish supply'd he could desire. In every thing content. But here, has Heaven been still more kind. Unwilling to deceive ; And given what Adam did not find, A fair and faultless Eve. THE JUNCTION OF BACCHUS AND VENUS. Z' A SONG. I'M a votary of Bacchus, his godship adore. And love at his shrine gay libations to pour : And Venus, blest Venus, my bosom inspires. For she lights in ^x souls the most sacred of fires : Yet to neither I swear sole allegiance to hold ; My bottle and lass I by turns must enfold ; ~ For the sweetest of junctions that mortals can prove. Is of Bacchus, gay god, and the goddess of love. When fiU'd to the fair, the brisk bumper I hold. Can the miser survey with such pleasure his gold ? The ambrosia of gods no such relish can boast. If Champaigne fill your glass, and fair Kitty's your toast. 28 And the charms of your girl more angelic will be. If her sopha's encircled with wreaths from his tree j For the sweetest of junctions that mortals can prove. Is of Bacchus, gay god, and the goddess of love. All partial distinctions I hate from my soul, O give me my fair one, and give me my bowl ; Bliss reflected from either, will send to my heart. Ten thousand sweet joys which they can't have apart; Go, try it, ye smiling and gay-looking throng,* And your hearts will in unison beat to my song. That the sweetest of junctions that mortals can prove. Is of Bacchus, gay god, and the goddess of love. * Sung at Vauxhall Gardens. EPISTLE TO THE HONOURABLE AND RIGHT REVEREND THE , BISHOP OF SALISBURY. on the IMPROVEMENTS IN SALISBURY CATHEDRAL. 1788. SUPERIOR virtue, and superior sense. To knaves and fools will always give offence:" So Churchill sung; whose bold satiric pen Fearless prob'd deep the hearts of vicious men. Chear'd by this truth, thy taste directed mind "Will soar superior to each soul confin'd 5 All vulgar clamour smilingly defy. As rocks th' impotent waves that round them fly. Accept, my Lord, this lowly verse from him Whom party moves not, or capricious whim; Who, jfirm to truth, to taste and judgment true. In justice to himself must honour you. 30 LINES. As o'er this sacred fane I daily rove. It fires my admiration, wins my lovej '" Sublime and beautiful," it charms the view. And still delights the eye with graces new. Long has it stood the glory and the boast Of gothjc art and Britain's sea-girt coast ; And long shall stand the admiring world's acclaim. And hand to future times a Shute and WYATx'sfame. If to restore its pristine form so fair. And bring its every beauty out with care j If it is taste and wisdom to correct With grace and skill each subsequent defect j With nice and rigid science to restore Its own great native grandeur, and no more j If this, our approbation ought to claim, 'Tis your's, my Lord, and time will prove the same. TO LAURA. 31 TO LAURA. AN ANACREONTIC. " Scribere jussit amor Ovid. Come, my Laura ! haste away. Come in all thy sweetness gay ; What have we with crouds to do ? What with etiquette and shew ? Now, while Sol's declining fire A thousand tender thoughts inspire,. Let us trace yon upland grove. And banquet on the sweets of love. The muses shall attend our walk. And sentiments illume our talk. For all conspire their bliss to crown. Whose animated souls are one. Thus, quitting all the bustling throng. Our tranquil hours shall glide along, And in each other only blest. We'll leave to worldlings all the rest. 32 EPITAPH ON DOCTOR LOWTH, BISHOP OF LONDON. JlF learning, genius, manners void of guile. The schoolman's labour, and the Christian's toil : If brightest parts devoted but to good, A soul which every selfish view withstood ; If heavenly Charity's most winning charms. And boundless love, witli ever outstretch'd arms ; If all the tender and domestic train Of private virtues, such as grace the plain ; If God's vicegerent, acting on that plan. Which most endears, man's dignity to man, E'er won thy heart. ..Lowth's sacred shrine survey, And with a weeping world thy tearful tribute pay. LANCET. A PRIZE PIECE. "^/^Y slender shape of polished steel, behold. Of far more value than the purest gold : My point is sharpen'd witli the nicest art. And judgment fashions out my every part. A case of speckled tortoise, oft' I wear. And oft' a shield of pearl, or silver bear ; Thus, kept from damp and injury, at command I'm ever ready for the skilful h.md. In skilful hands, the Lancet's wonderous use The best effects will cause, and greatest good produce. The Lancet ! whisper'd some, amidst the throng j A subject novel to the poet's song... 34 THE LANCET. Perhaps it may... yet not the less its claim To fair renown, and well deserved fame ; For what produces aught that's good or fair. Is not beneath the muse's powers and care. If health to give, and often life to save j If rescuing worth and talents from the grave ^ If to preserve of beauty's charms the bloom. And save belov'd connexions from the tomb ; If to restore the matron, long ador'd. Back to the arms of her exulting lord. Back to that infant race, whose pious care. It was to render wise, discreet, and fair ; If lovers to each other to restore. And friends unite, who thought to meet no more ;: If deeds like these deserve a glorious name. The Lancet ought, and long shall live to fame. Hence mark, on causes small how much depends. How trivial matters point important ends : The oak that bears our thunder o'er the main. That half the wealth of Europe doth sustain. Was once a little acorn and no more. Though now it rounds the world, and visits every shore. THE LANCET. 35 Hence mark, how man by circumstance is rul'd. How oft' we see him rich, or wise, or fool'd } How frequently he's splendid, learn'd, or poor. By the mere way of passing by a door ; How frequently the entering of a room Will fix in life and death his varied doom. Thus the least incidents create man's fate. And give him worth or talent, love or hate ; Make him a grovelling wretch to darkness hurl'd. Or lift him up to an admiring world. Thus, tho' so small the Lancet's point we see. The fate of millions on that point may be ; Impell'd by it, empires may rise or fall. Peace her best blessings give, or war distract the ball. From hence 'tis clear, to watch with nice regard Each small event, will bring its own reward ; Each little circumstance, with care to trace. May lead from misery, disease, disgrace ; And courteous and kind to be, in small affairs. May lead from private ills, and public jars. c2 36 THE LANCBT. 'Tis true some pain the Lancet's point bestows. But blessings often tread the heel of woes ; Oft' out of trials, benefits arise. And scenes of misery oft' make men wise. " Adversity's sweet use" our Shakspeare sung, (And truths eternal, dwelt on Shakspeare's tongue) In his bright page with highest wisdom fraught. Each mental grace is most sublimely taught ;... But what of aught that's grand, or wise, or gay. Beams not from Shakspeare's ever charming lay ! Thus hath in humble verse, the lowly muse. Sung of the Lancet's various power and use ; And ardent wishes the surrounding throng. Who kindly listen to her youthful song. May never know its sharp and poignant touch. Too deeply wound, or waken pain too much ; But that to them its punctures still may prove. The source of health and beauty, joy and love. A TREE TRANSLATION OF THE MARSEILLOIS HYMN. Done in France, 1792. JijIaSTE, ye noble sons of France ! See, the glorious days advance : Tyrants, and their slavish train. Raise the bloody flag in vain ; Hark ! through all the countiy round. The slaughtering warriors' cries resound j Marks of blood their foot- steps trace. Tremble for your infant race. Heroes, to arms ! resistless as the flood. And may our soil drink deep their impious blood. CHORUS. And may our soil drink deep their impious blood. c3 38 A FREE TKANSLATXON OF What would all this slavish band, Kings ! conspir'd against our land ; Do they for us their chains prepare ? Are we their shackles doom'd to wear ? The intrepid French '.Insulting foe ! Let fury in our bosoms glow j Have they the insolence to think. Again to slavery we'll sink ? Heroes to arms ! &c. &c. What ! shall foreign squadrons dare Enslave us, who are free as air ? What ! shall troops, who fight for pay. Hurl our warriors from the day ? Shall we bend, great God ! the knee To nations void of liberty ! Shall they, horrid to relate. Lord it o'er our future fate ? Heroes, to arms ! &c. &c. Tremble despots I and ye band. Who left fair freedom's sacred land ! Tremble parricidal crew. Vengeance bends her looks on you ; THE MAHSEILLOIS HTMN. 39 Ready all our youth to fight. If they fall in freedom's right. From the earth's wide opening jaws Their sons shall spring to aid our cause. Heroes, to arms ! &c. 8cc. "Generous warriors in the field. The fallen foe from carnage shield > Though the wretches spread alarms. With regret they bore their arms > But the blood-stain'd hostile band. But the traitors to our land. Be on them our vengeance hurl'd. Sweep them from an injur'd world. Heroes, to arms ! &c. &c. Sacred love of Gallia's clime. String each nerve with force divine ; Liberty ! thou loilg sought maid, Fight.a5>thy defenders' aid, When our banners wave on high, '' Die or conquer," be the cry _; Let our foes, expiring see Thy glorious triumphs liberty ! Heroes, to arms ! kc. &c. 40 EFIGEAM. EPIGRAM. WBITTEN AT BAKCELONA, 1/85. j^JlY Lord Anglois, who run from home, To expose his ignorance at Rome, There met a wag of different cast. Who neither rode nor talk'd so fast ; And what you'll say was strange indeed, Ask'd him for something new to read : The wag, quite willing to content him. Next morn the Tour of England sent him. FAMILIAR EPISTLE TO My WIFE, "WHEN LAID UP WITH THE GOUT. What, tho' the body be confin'd, I still can boast the unfetter' d mind. Exclusive, bold, and free j No downy flannel wraps it round. No gout can render it unsound. Or stop its flight to thee. Permit the bard in humble verse His friendly greetings to rehearse. Accept his meed of praise. Who saw thee... studious alone To follow wisdom's path... disown Seductive pleasure's ways. 42 TAMIXIAK EPISTfE TO MY WIFE. t IE Believe me, Jane ! that power supreme. Whose blessings are no idle dream, "Will shower them down on those, "Who dare at virtue's shrine to bow, "Who at his altar pay their vow. Whence all enjoyment flows. What tho' no wealth or pomp they share, To them unknown the fuss and care 'Which fashion's <:hildren boast ; Theirs is the sunshine of the breast. With conscious rectitude they're blest. And this will bless them most. Think not, confined by pain's rough stroke, Thar, illness does the song provoke. Or prompt the serious lay ; Thou know'st, 'midst health's high-beating stream. This still is Clio's darling theme, " Be good, if you'd be gay," This little note a tale shall end ; In Persia's language first 'twas penn'd. But suits each clime and age^ FAMILIAR EPISTLE TO MY WIFE. 43 Its truths the liberal mind declares, O ! were as good each christian's prayers. As good each priestly page. The son ofNouRHivAN one day A reverend sage met in his way. His face turn'd toward the east ; With eyes and arms to heaven uprais'd. He first his bounteous maker prais'd. And then this prayer address'd :... " Great God ! thy mercies be confin'd " To those thy dictates will not bind, '' To such thy blessings send ; " O give the wicked peace and rest -, " The good in being good are blest,.,. " These have thee for their friend." 44 EPITAPH. EPITAPH, CYRUS, KING OF PERSIA. Mere Cyrus lies ! he who subdu'd The Persian state to servitude. "Whoe'er thou art that views my tomb. Or from whatever country come. Behold not, friend, with envious eye. The spot where my cold ashes lie ; But while this scanty space you see. And think of monarchs and of me ; With this reflection turn aside. And let it humble all your pride : " Alas ! thus endeth human state ! " Is it worth while to conquer, and be great ?' THE KOSE AND COWSLIP A FABLE. Addressed to a proud Young. Lady^ JlF vanity and self-conceit Do not a strict controulment meetj They lead the minds of youth astray. From sacred virtue's heavenly way j Each noble passion of the soul. And all her god-like powers controul. Once on a time when vegetables, (For so we learn in ancient fables) Enjoy'd with animals the power. To pass in pleasing chat the hour ; When like ourselves they'd moralize. And some it seems were far more wise ;; 46 THE ROSE AND COWSLIP. A budding Rose, amidst a train Of other flowers that deck'd the plain, Thus gave a loose, for want of sense. To pride, and mean impertinence. " Ladies, I really think, (says she. With much affected modesty,) " Your varied colours, beauteous dress ! " Do something elegant express 3 " That hyacinth, which yonder stands, " Some notice to be sure demands 3 " And this sweet lilly, I declare, " Is white as snow 3...that jess'mine there " Is not without a fragrant smell 3 " That tulip too looks pretty well 3 "^ This jonquil I with pleasure view, " And yon carnation's ruby hue. " But, ladies, though you all may shine, " Say, which can boast such charms as mine " So exquisite, so rich a bloom, *' You'll not pretend to, I presume ; " Oppos'd to mine, I justly deem, " The painter's colours ugly seem 3 " Oppos'd to mine, Arabia's sweets ** No mark of approbation meets 3 THE ROSE AD COWSttP. 4^ *' Now ladies view me well, and own, " All beauties join in me alone, " And that where'er I am, I reign, *' Supreme of all the flowery plain." To this proud, pompous, loud oration, A Cowslip with just indignation : '' Insulting Rose, your pride we scorn, " Shall you, the glitterer of a morn, " You miss, whose life's a day at most, " Thus insolently those accost, *-' "Whom nature formM as well as you, " And full I trust as handsome too ; " Allowing this is not the case, " And that your beauties ours deface, " (Tho' even this I cannot own, * For here opinion rules alone) " Yet let this truth attention claim, " In every thing her view'^s the same ; *' Nature has some great end propos'd, " Which ends but seldom are disclos'df *' Whate'er good qualities you have, " An equal share to me she gave ; *' So now, to give you ma'am your due, " All flowers are just as good as you." 48 THE ROSE AND COWSLIP. Thus, MiRA, 'tis all thro' this life. Of seeming error, care, and strife ; Then let me beg this sacred truth May guide your steps in age and youth : That riches, titles, rank, and power. Are but the gew-gaws of an hour j That pride distorts the fairest face. And ruins every mental grace 5 That to humility 'tis given. To claim the approving smile of heaven. ODE, ON THE FIRST OF JANUARY Addressed to a Friend. 1786. " Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore, " So do our moments hasten to their end ." Shakspeare. ILET us to heaven tlie tribute due, "Who deigns our circuit to renew. The grateful homage pay. For years, for months, for days, and hours. Or pain'd with cares, or strew'd with flowers. For dull, or grave, or gay. And may the future round we live. If heaven another year will give. Be happy as the past ; so ODF. From solemn coxcombs bear us far. From stupid, sedentary' care. And let that bounty last. May smiling fortune, if she please. Give to our lives the sweets of ease ; Or, does she seem to frown. Let us, in philosophic way. Now with the learn'd, and now the gay. Her strange caprices drown. Wherever we are doom'd to stray. May health attend and take her way > We'll wish no better friend. Save heavenly virtue, would she deign. And honesty, for ever plain. Our passions to amend. A competence, a careless heart, A chearful face, let these have part. Then rob us of tlie rest ; At fops, at fools, at knaves we'll laugh,. A conscientious bowl we'll quaff. As happy as the best* THB CONNOISSEUR, PAINTER, AND COXCOMB. A FABI^E. An Athens' painter, known of old. Who valu'd fame much more than gold / With close attention, time, and care. Had drawn, at large, the god of war j... Once to a connoisseur apply'd, (The while his bosom swell'd with pride,) And begg'd, the favourite picture shown. That his opinion might be known. The connoisseur, an honest heart. Would only what he thought impart ; After a little nice inspection, Enlarg'd with judgment each defect on. The painter now grew somewhat warm, (For this had given self-love th' alarm 3) Treated whate'er he said as fiction. And steel'd his heart against conviction. 52 THE CONNOISSEUR, PAINTER, AND COXCOMB. Just ^t this time, a coxcomb ass. Who for a man of taste would pass j (Hundreds of such you daily meet In Bond, and in St, James's-street,) Call'd for a moment on our painter. But ere the ape had time to enter... Thus he exclaim' d with pompous air,... " Gods ! what a master-piece is here ; ' Mars breathes m every stroke, I swear ; " Flames in each light, the brush has made, " And terrifies in every shade !" The artist now with soften *d eye. Thus made the connoisseur reply .... " Convincd, your judgment I approve, " And much your sense and frankness love." )dOBAL. When real judges cannot praise, ^. Your works will hardly 'scape the blaze ; But if a blockhead should admire. You then must throw them in the fire. } ELEGY, To the Memory of Mrs. ANNE JEFFREY, Who diedvery suddenly, March 2D, 1793, agediJ. Affectionately addrexied-to her husband, by her bt other , (WRITTEN ABROAD.) <0^ w^ uO'* *JOf^ uCn " Is death uncertain ? therefore thou be fixt ; " Fixt as a centinel, all eye, all ear, " All expectation of the coming foe. " What tho' short thy date ? " Virtue, not rolling suns, the mind matures. " That life is long, which answers life's great end. " The time that bears no fruit, deserves no name ; " The man of wisdom is the man of years." Dr. YovNft. ELEGY, To the Mcmprv of Mrs. ANNE JEFFREY. ^' jj ALLEN on evil tongues, and evil times/ Pursued by prosecution's vengeful handj Tho' not against the laws of God my crimes. Cheerless, I wander in a foreign land. Far from domestic scenes of joy and love, Away fromiiome's endearing circle torn;... Yet do I live, increasing ills to prove ; Yet do I live, dear Anne ! thy death to mourn. O ye, that Ipve nobility of soul ! The generous temper, guileless, open, free. And charity unknowing of controul, O ye, that honour virtue, weep with tne ! 56 ELEGY. My Anne was ever gentle, ever kind. The friend of sorrow ; she dispel'd the fears. And rais'd to hope the sad desponding mind ; And dried, of suffering poverty, the tears. O ye, that woo the sacred muses, haste ! To mourn her bring your choicest notes along : For she distinguish'd with discerning taste " The various beauties of immortal song." Let those who reverence true religion, mourn A bright example lost, of rarest worth } From husband... children. ..best lov'd inmates torn... Mourn " noon-tide excellence," consigned to earth, O ye connexions dear, in woe supreme. Ye, who a parent, wife, and friend deplore ; Forgive the muse's sympathetic theme. Who weeps with Or ease awhile the aching head j Could it relieve disease and pain. Or give us our lost friends again j Appease that worst of every smart. The anguish of a wounded heart j Then Mi so, I thy creed would hold. And bow before the God of Gold. Instead of this. ..nor to the muse, Tho' gold thou lov'st, the truth refcae. Do not its votaries clearly prove It robs their souls of social love : 64 ODE TO MISO. Roots from their breast the generous sigh. And makes it pain to live or die ? If this be false, thy creed I'll hold. And bow before the God of Gold. Doth it not prompt the selfish trick. And call what's meanness politic ; In prudence' name broach the snug lie. And countenance duplicity ? And crush that tenderness of soul, "Which, like the needle to the pole. Turns to the scene of each distress, Pleas'd every evil to redress ? If tliis be false, thy creed I'll hold. And bow before the God of Gold. These its effects ! but these are small ; The godlike virtues, one and all. Wherever Mammon's sons appear. Fly fast, and flying drop a tear ; Such tears as angels weep, when they Hie worst of human crimes survey. Thy creed then. Mi so, I'll ne'er hold. But curse thy god... thy God of GoW. TO *** ********** ***** * UpON HIS SPIRITED AND HANDSOME CONDUCT, AS SHERIFF lOR THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX. Jl'M happy, while a miscreant crew condemn, (A crew disgraceful to the name of men,) To hail thy rtoble spirit, which from youth. Ever maintained the glorious cause of truth : And, spite of foul corruption, still defends The cause of sacred freedom and her friends ; Freedom ! our dearest claim. ..compleatest good. For which our fathers shed their heartiest blood j For which they boldly soar d on eagles wings. And dar'd the mid-day majesty of kings, F Nor here let party men malignant wrest. The patriot feelings of the poet's breast. To Tittle purposes, absurd, and low ; But take this definition ere they go : To keep the streams of government confin'd, Tliat all may gently flow to bless mankind. That no one breaking from its destin'd course. Should o'er the rest, rush on with lawless force. But that though separate each should in the end,. Meet at one point, and there most kindly blend : To rein prerogative within due bounds. And fix the peoples rights on steadfast grounds ; But still tliat each, as others should be free. To curb the insolence of Hberty, Are the distinguish'd proofs on virtue's plan. That speak the patriot and the honest man. Such are the characters, whose fostering hand. Can save this wretched and much injur'd land ; A land where plenty long had reign'd confcssr'd. And hardy millions labour'd to be blest ; Where sweet content beam'd on each smiling face. And perfect health produced a vigorous race : ^Q *** ********** *# Qy Where toiling commerce, genius of our isle, Pour'd forth her stores, aud pour'd them with a smile J Then freedom loudly iu our senates rung, England and glory dwelt on every tongue ! In days like these secure our country stood,. Her sons untainted, and her system good. With joy, the bard, thy active spirit sees, Fir'd to renew such golden days as these ; With joy, he views thee join the patriot band. Whose efforts yet will save a sinking land; Whose love for every thing that made us great. Will yet from foul corruption purge the state j Who firm to truth, and glorious truth alone, .^ Will give her Britons all they once have known, f Restore the peoples rights, and circumscribe C the throne. * 68 SONNET. SONNET. PETRARCH TO LAURA.* AN happier days, these banks along 1 rov'd, and Laura was my song ; This purpled plain, and winding dale. Have witness'd kind affection's tale ; And oft' this rill, and shady grove. Have heard the eloquence of love. Ah ! sweet recesses, arching glades. Ye pathful v/ilds and cooling shades. Ye blue hair'd nymphs, who revels keep, Embosora'd in the crystal deep ; All mark'd how blisses crown'd the day. When Love and Lauka led the way. Ah ! mark how now the minutes go, How chang'd from happiness to woe. From the Italian VERSES, INSCRIBED TO Mr. WILLIAM CHOPPIN, ON HIS r.lVING THE AUTHOR AN ELEGA^^T SILVER PEN, With this motto on it, " IN THE JUST CAUSE ONLY." 1787. j^^HIS precious gift, with nicest care. The bard through every scene shall bear : A choice memento it shall be. Of friendship and sincerity. And when, as oft' it will be so. We must the dear delights forego. Which personal intercourse bestows. When through the face the spirit glows ; /O VFRSES,^INSCRIBED TO Of these depriv'd, when he shall stray '* Over the hills and far away 3" Or, dashing through the briny tide. On ocean's bosom grandly ride. To lands, remote from Britain's isle. With lovely science sweetly toil ; Or wanton, with the wanton muse. Where fancy leads, and truth pursues ; Then shall this Pen \ with care, display Whate'er is worthy on his way ; And tho' his head may faulty be. His heart shall make amends to thee ; Thou lov'st, he knows, th' impassioned mind. And, where the soul breathes, wilt be kind ; And prizest more one genuine thought. Than lifeless style... though college taught. The motto which thou bid'st it bear. Hath been its guider's constant care ; And, " In the just cause only" drawn. Of life, it cheerful made the dawn j And will, through all its course, bestow A cordial for severest woe j And, 'biding by this maxim sweet, ToAvards tliee his grateful heart shall beat j MR. WILLIAM CHOPPIN. 71 Till welcome death shall kindly tear Thy Clio from this earthly sphere. To realms... where friendship's sons shall have Ten thousand fold for all tliey gave. n ANAGRAMMATICAL EPIGRAM. ON PASSING UNDER THE STERN OF THE GORGON 44 GUN SHIP. TfiRRIf^IC name ! who'll dare come near thee. Friends, as well as foes, must fear thee ; Gorgon ! thy enemies will cry. And from thy winged bullets fly ; While friends thy name will backward I'ead, And from thy thirsty bark recede. For thus, exclaims each waggish dog, I'll board no ship where there's no-grog I A FRAGMENT. WRITTEN UP THE MEDITERRANEAN. 1785. Ye sons of fortune ! mark the tale. And while she blows the kindly gale. Ah ? seize the hours so gay ; Enjoy each blessing as it flies ; Be timely happy, timely wise,... It is not always May. Be grateful for the bliss you know ; Enjoy the moments as they go ; And then you'll have to say. When favouring fortune sweets allow" d, I snatch'd, transported, every good. And " frolick'd while 'twas May." '^4 A FRAGMENT. With joy the social hours improve. And cherish friendship, cherish love,... For friends will die away ! And when the heart's companions go. Ah ! then the wint'ry winds will blow j... 'Twill be no longer May ! Look round you, then, while fortune's kind ; Oh ! be not to her blessings blind. Nor throw her gifts away : And, while the flowery scene you range. Be blest. ..for know you'll one day change December for your May ! # These truths believe, ye happy tribe. Nor cast with rude disdain aside ; For he, who forms the lay. Each sweet hath cherish'd in its birth ? >Hath known a perfect heaven on earth-j And, ah ! hath had his May ! ODE FORTUNE. Written in a window at the Priory, St. Helen's, in the Isle of Wight. JL HIS, dame fortune, let me crave. Since I'm doomM to be thy slave j... Sweet independence to enjoy. And liberty that ne'er vi^ill cloy. Give me ease, and give me health. Give to others store of wealth ; Let fair competence be mine. And hang me, if I e'er repine. 76 ODE TO FORTUNE. To some peaceful, happy scene. Where I may live with joy serene ; Bear me from madness, and from folly. From dullness, spleen, and melancholy. Be mine some vicar's ancient seat, Snug, and warm, and fair, and neat ; A study with good books well stor'd, A parlour for my homely board ; Where in elbow chair he doz'd. And his pamper'd bulk repos'd. Casting dull learning's care aside, With volumes of scholastic pride. This grant me, fortune, and, if I, To use thy blessings e'er deny. Reject my vow, reject my prayer. And let me feed with bards on air. IMPROMPTU. ON LORD CHESTERFIELD'S LETTERS TO HIS SON. WKITTEN AT THE HAGUE, 1785. At a party select, in the regions below, Don Pluto himself in the chair. Some blasphemous toast, with each bumper must flow. For all the shrewd devils were there. At length 'twas agreed by the circle bedamn'd. While conversing of earth and mankind. That a favourite votary by each should be nam'd, Renown'd for his vices refin'd. 73 IMPKOMPTU. In full-flowing goblets we'll give each choice sou. Cries Pluto, with infinite glee j There is one who has lately a system begun, Would have honour done even to me. Then take, he continued, these Letters divine, (And to each the choice volumes were given,) The angels themselves will swear they are mine. So complete their attack against heaven. Fill high then your glasses... aye, fill them a brimmer. With success to the work so much fam'd j And while you revere the accomplished sinner, Witli grace be our Chestehfield nam'd ' ' ANACREONTIC ODE. Tenderly inscribed to LAURA. " Scribere jussit amor." Ovid. C^OME, Laura ! to these longmg arms. Come, and resign me all thy charms j. Depriv'd of riches, pomp, and state. Let us, my dear, in love be great ; In amorous bliss the hours employ. And spend the moments all in joy ; Oh ! come, sweet maid ! without delay,. And let us toy, and kiss, and play. Careless of what the world may say. Let's seize the minutes as they pass ; Come, dear, enchanting, heavenly lass ! 1 80 ODE TO LAURA. Time rapid flies... the very hour That's passing now returns no more : Then let us, in our youth and health, (Riches beyond ev'n India's wealth,) Enjoy the moments. ..lose no time... To lose a moment now's a crime. Age with its evils soon will come. And death will quickly be our doom : Haste, then, my Laura ! let us prove The more than human joys of love ! MTTIA. A POETIC TALE. Humbly addressed TO YOUNG LADIES. cO^ uO uQn uO^ t^Qn WRITTEN UNDER SEVENTEEN YEARS OF AGE. tjQn >JO^ t^n uon tJOn Beauties in' vain their pretty eyes may roll-, Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul. Pope. O wretch ! possessed of all but virtue; Doom'd to show how mean without her is " ' 'K' Unbounded power, the charm of beauty, and The blaze of state ; how insecure of happiness ! How vain ! Glover's Leonioas NOTE. Thesuhjcct of this is, T believe, taken from some eastern story. It is introduced in this collection to prove, that early years may be devoted to better purposes than we frequently see them ; and it is presumed that its faults will find an apology in the very juvc' nile ccra of its composition. MIRA. POETIC TALE. ^^fflRA, with every beauty charm'd the sight. Was form'd for pleasure, linish'd fur delight ; In her fair face the glow of health appear'd. Her smiles at once enraptur'd and ensnar'd j Exact proportion graced the lovely maid. And all her gestures some new charm display'd : Each youth with rapture view'd her as divine, , And ev'n the nymphs exclaimed... how fair ! how fine ! What pity that a cassket rich like this. Where to the outward eye, nought seem'd amiss, Should bear about a giddy, idle mind. Rude, insusceptible, and unrefiu'd. } S6 MIRA. Tho' Mir A every personal charm possest. Though admiration all who saw confest. Yet gain'd she not esteem in any breast : Thoughtless, capricious, volatile, and gay. In folly's mazes ever wont to stray ; Giddy with adulation's poisonous fume. Study of dress, did most her hours consume. Her vestments in positions new to change. And how her brilliant jewels to arrange ; Such arts as these employ'd her time and care. In these fair Mir a ! outshone all the fair. Sometimes her auburn tresses she would braid "With rich adornings negligently laid ; With nicest art bid each the other grace. And add new beauties to her beauteous face : Sometimes adown her neck they wanton play'd. And o'er her azure robe, with sporting breezes stray 'd. Transparent veils her bosom shaded o'er j With art was made the flowing dress she wore. To attract the enamour'd gazer, and display. In part, resplendant charms that stole the soul away. MIRA. 87 One evening when the sultry day was fled. And setting Sol had sought his watery bed j Amidst the garden's blooming scenes she stray'd. And there beneath a gay pavillion's shade, Stretch'd on a sofa lay reclin'd at ease. And ruminated on new ways to please ; To enlarge her conquests, to increase her charms. And make contending rivals rise in arms : When, lo ! a vision from on high appear'd. And the the scar'd nymph these words witli trembling heard : " Instruction I am called, (she said) attend, " And listen to the dictates of a friend ; " I am descended from the blest abodes, " From the high mansions of the immortal gods, " To teach thee wisdom, from destruction's doom ' To snatch thee, and innumerous ills to come. " Depend not, giddy Mira ! lovely fair, " On fleeting beauty, nor so large a share *' Of time, let dress and coquetry employ, "*' A slight disease can all thy charms destroy ; $s " Admittiqg this may never be ihe case, " And that disease may ne'er thy charms deface ) " Approaching age thy beauties will decay, " And all thy blooming graces steal away ; " Thy rosy cheeks will shriveird grow and coarse, '* And those love-darting eyes lose all their force 5 " Thy stately form all conquering time shall bend, " No loves no graces shall thy steps attend ; '* Then those who lov'd thee once shall shun thy sight, " And flee thee with amazement and aflPright, " Why, prithee, why so anxious still to grace " Thy outward form, and that too lovely face j " (These will decay, ah ! these will perish soon, " As drooping flowers in the heat of noon j) " Whilst thy immortal, thy unpolish'd mind, " Unornamented, barren, unrefin'd, " Resembles much the dreary desart, where " No signs of increase, but rank weeds appear ? " Consider, ere it be too late, attend, " Daughter of pleasure, to thy heavenly friend ; " I come from realms above to make thee wiscj. " Better, more lovely, fitter for the skies. MfRA. 6p " Watch thy behaviour with the strictest eye, " Nor e'er encourage pride and levity ; " Banish self-adnniration from thy breast, " f yearn ta be hamble if tlwu would'st be blest : " Not conscious of thy many charms appear, *' Thus every charm a better grace shall wear j " Be in thy person and apparel neat, '' Plainness in dress is elegance complete, " Dare not to censure those who are not so fair,, * Whose outward beauties not so numerous arej '* Tho' they, like thee, do not conspicuous shine, " They may have graces far excelling tliine. " I give thee this ! the talisman of truth ! " This shall direct thy steps in age and youth ; ' In this, at all times, thou wilt plainly see ! " Both what thou art, and wliat thou shouldest be. " As long as virtue shall thy actions grace, " This shall reflect the brightest, loveliest face ; " But when aught vicious shall disgrace thy heart,. " And make thee from Instruction's rules depart, ' An ugly form shall instantly appear, " And every limb an odious aspect wear." 90 She ceas'd ; and toward her native region made. And left astonish'd Mira in the shade j Depriv'd of speech, in her pale face appear'd Emotions different, as the things she heard. When sage Instruction told her she was fair. She instantly assum'd each pleasing air ; Her eyes with pleasure sparkled, every grace. She called at once into her lovely face. But when she told her fell disease might come. And that decrepitude would be her doom ; She shudder'd, trembled, look'd as pale as death. Tears gush'd adown her cheeks, she sigh'd at every breath. When told that those who now admir'd and lov'd. Would soon by different sentiments be mov'd. And when her charms were fled, no more they'd cry, " We'll live for Mira, or for Mira die j" Here madness seized her frame, she rag'd and swore. Her auburn tresses in disorder tore. When she assur'd her she would be more fair. By making her advice her only care j Her heart with rapture beat, her bosom mov'd. Her soul Instruction, and her precepts lov'd When simple dress her various praises shar'd. She discontented look'd, she wildly star'd j MIR A. 9^ Yet still she thought Instruction better knew. And said, I'll keep her lessons in ray view. Scarce had pale Cynthia twice her journey made. When youthful Cleon, Mira's charms survey 'd. Cleon was form'd to captivate and charm. His presence would the coldest bosom warm ; Taste, wit, and genius, Cleon, these were thine. Born all thy young coteraporaries to outshine. Such was the youth whom Mira dar'd withstand} He shall not yet, she said, obtain my hand ; And then applied to each coquetish art. To enslave, distress him, and to \Vound his heart} To make despair, and hope alternate move. And fill his bosom with tumultuous love } Each artifice she could devise, employ'd. And thus her future peace of mind destroy 'd ; This Cleosi saw, his passion soon subdu'd. And now with fixt contempt her manners view'd. When thus forsaken, doubtful of the cause. Towards Instruction's talisman she draws ; Q2 MIRA. And there an hideous monster straight appear'd And now that idol self, to see, she fear'd ; Instruction's lessons crowded on her sight, And all her foolish conduct brought to light ; Remorse, disgust, repentance seized her heart:.. " From ways like these, I must, I will depart ; " To merit Cleon's love again I'll try, " Nor thus his pressing, tender suit deny." Thus she resolv'd, 'and soon each roseate grace, Brighten'd her form, and beautified her face j But ah ! too late, for now Eliza's charms Were doom'd to bless the noble Cleok's arms. Eliza's beauties not so striking were, Yet more engaging, more serenely fair ; MiRA with radiant dazzling splendor shone. Like burning Sol's refulgent beams at noon ; Eliza's charms were like his evening ray. From hence departing, to give otliers day ; Unconscious of those charms she shone supreme. And won of all, love, friendship, or esteem. Cleon her personal beauties much approv'd. But raori the graces of her mind he lov'd > MIRA, p3 Fixt was the day to bless this happy pair. And ope on Mira's soul fresh scenes of care. Now to bring back her lover's all her aim. And blast the worthy, fair Eliza's fame ; For this, the confidential maid comes in, A maid long practised in die ways of sin, She for her mistress many a lie hath told. Willing to be ev'n vice's slave for gold. Mir A her wicked counsel thus imparts, (And calls forth all her mean disgraceful arts 3) " Go now and be awhile Eliza's slave, ". Mind my instructions, as I wish, behave; " Do all you can to please by day and night, " And strive in every thing to give delight j " Thus she'll a confidence in you repose,... " Hear with attention what I now disclose ; " Be it your business ever to surmise, " And hint to Cleon fears and jealousies ; " Eliza's conduct thou must paint as true, " In blackest colours to his jealous view j " Distress and care will break his wonted rest, ^' And fill with great anxiety his breast." 94 MISA. 'Tis done, already done, the maid succeeds. And hateful Mira's vengeful temper feeds ; But, ah I reflection still attends the fair. Still is her troubled bosom torn with care j Yet some small gleam of hope illumes her breast,.,. " Again I may by Cleon be caress'd, ** Perhaps he does not for Eliza burn, " He may, perhaps, to Mira yet return." She said, and now her splendid vestments glow. With colours various as fair Iris's bow. But, ah ! how chang'd, how dismal is the view. When sallying forth her own dear form to shew. In truth's just talisman, a shape appears. Which every odious, ugly aspect wears I That instant with terrific angry mien. The heavenly messenger again was seen * Aghast she look'd, o'ercome with dread and shame. When thus Instruction did attention claim :... " The all-seeing eye of heaven hath viewed thy ways, " Its high behests. Instruction now obeys ; MiRA. gs " 'Tis It, inflicts the punishment I tell, " That thou with injur'd, good Eliza dwell j *' Who, ere to-morrow,s sun, in bridal charms, " Shall take the noble Cleon to her arms ; " Her, as a slave thou fated art to serve, " Nor must from her most menial orders swerve. "' Thus seven sad years shalt thou with her abide, " Without one lover to encrease thy pride j " Without one soul thy vanity to fan, " Detested, hated, by thy sex and man } " Tho' all thy charms shall wear their brightest bloom.. " For to be beauteous, now's thy cursed doom : " This will new tortures give, fresh scenes bestow, " To thy rack'd soul, of just and heaven-sent woe. " Before I warn'd thee of the dangerous state, " And then, fair Mir a ! then, 'twas not too late j " Know, inconsiderate self-deceiver, know, " Though nature every outward charm bes,tow, " If goodness, worth, reside not in the soul, *' Each action subject to bright truth's controul ; " If virtue, innocence, do not impart " Their lasting beauties to the female heart. go MiuA. " How vain ! how insignificant I how poor ! "* '^ An empty form, which fools alone adore, > " An image made to gaze at, nothing more. J " Seven years I say, and when that time's expir'd, " If you're with better sentiments inspir'd ; " If then repentant, and reclaim'd you come, " To kind Instruction, she'll reverse your doom. , " Convinced how great your errors past have been, " Make but your mind chaste, faultless, and serene, " Let it, like good Eliza's, be possess'd, " Then will the maid who's wretched now, be blest ; " MiKA,who hath long Instruction's rules withstood, " "Will then be happy, virtuous, wise, and good." She ceas'd j and instant made her trackless way, To the bright realms of bliss and endless day. THE SOLDIERS. WRITTEN FOR RECITATION. " JL O catch the manners living as they rise," Hath mark'd the conduct of the great and wise. For this the painter's pencil^ poet's pen. Have fearless held the mirror np to men ; Folly and vice, with ready hand have shown, Nor spar'd corruption, ev'n upon a throne. Thus much premis'd, our soldiers we'll produce. And bring the contrast forth for real use. Equipt partout en militaire, And free from tax^ with powder'd hair. 98 THE SOLDIERS. Behold with fierce cockade, and fiercer stride, A gallant captain, of the Mall the pride, With glittering sword, well fasten'd to his sidej A sword contriv'd for honour and for shew... One that disdains to touch the common crew ; For lo ! its wearer sickens at the sight Of blood, and hateth much the beastly fight : As good as new it is, and bright as glass. And polish'd like the candlesticks of brass. Which oft' on mantle-piece, in brilliant row, Are plac'd, not half so much for use as show. With look important, and, like pert jack-daw. When busily he hops from straw to straw. Our hero see, with feather waving high. The silly chat of coffee-house supply ; With martial oath each boy and waiter greet. And strolling girls and aged watchmen beat. In balls and powder he takes much delight... I mean not balls and powder us'd in fight ; But the gay dance, where scented beau and belle . In antic sports, and graceful steps excel. T&B 30LDIEKS. QQ Here all his warlike trappings meet the view. And quite the little heart of little Miss subdue. Constant behold him, at the Park and play. His pretty form, and prettier dress display ; And thro' the Mall, link'd arm in arm, parade. With some pert, fribbling brother of the trade ; There loud they laugh, and grin, and louder swear And skip, and strut, and ogle, lisp, and stare. Oppos'd to such, the real soldier see. From affectation and false splendor free ; Inur'd to toil, true courage marks the man. He knows with force to combat, skill to plan j He knows each tactic, each manoeuvre knows. When to retreat aright, and when oppose j Tranquil in danger... cool amidst the jar Of troubled legions, and the rage of war j Expert in council... ardent in the field. In danger ready still the sword to wield. Each fond affection vibrates thro' his heart. The friend's, the father's and the husband's part ; Endearing, and endear'd, his mind sustains. He lives alone to mitigate their pains ; wo THE SOLDIERS. To double all their happiness, and prove That manly, valorous souls, are formed for love. Above each party view, and trivial aim. With conduct brave, consistent, and the same. He goes through life, in war and peace, approv'd And dies lamented, honour'd, and belov'd. SONG. ON A LITTLE BIRD'S FLYING ON BOARD A SHIP, fybeH out of tight of land, OFF THE COAST OF HOLLAND. 1785. Set by Vincent and sung some years after by Miss Romanzini, at Ranelagh. Pretty, little feather'd fellow, "Why SO far from land dost rove ? What misfortune brought thee hither. From the gay embowering grove ? Let thy throbbing breast be still. And secure from danger rest thee ; No one here shall use thee ill. Here no truant boys molest thee. 102 SONG. Barley corns, and crumbs of bread. Crystal water too shall chear thee ; On soft sails recline thy head ; Sleep, and fear no mischief near thee. So when kindly winds shall speed us. To the land we wish to see 3 Then, sweet captive, thou shalt leave us. Then among thy groves be free. There seek thy loving mate, and meet her. Fondly take her to thy breast ; With the luckless stor}' greet her. How thou cam'st to break her rest. Tell her how this absence griev'd thee. Of love unlock thy little store ; Soothe her with caresses sweetly. And never quit her bosom more. ELEGIAC STANZAS, ON THE DEATH OF MISS ANNE TAYLOR, AGED ip. Respectfully inscribed to her Mother. 1802. Death lies on her, like an untimely frost *' Upon the sweetest flower of all the field." Sh AKSPE ARE. ^Jy HEN youth and beauty seek their native skies, Call'd from endearments of maternal love j The tear will start, the deep drawn sigh will rjse. And agony the throbbing bosom move. For tho' assur'd another, better world. Claims the blest spirit round our heart-strings bound ; Yet poor humanity, to misery hurl'd. Can but lament, and feel the deadly wound ! 104 ELEGIAC STANZAS. For who, connected with a being dear. All excellence, accomplishments, and worth. Can stay the madding retrospective tear. And not regret its early call from earth ? Memory will conjure up the form so fair. Each brilliant talent, and bewitching charm ; Each soft, insinuating, graceful air. The sprightly fancy, and affections warm. On these remembrance cannot fail to dwell. In varying succession as they rise ; The breast with painful, pleasing throbs will swell. And half accuse the mandate of the skies. Pardon the bard, who thus obtrusive sings. His plaintful eulogy to Anne's sad urn. He knows each feeling which the bosom wrings. When the heart's treasure never can return. But there are sweet consoling comforts still. Much to alleviate the dreadful blow ! -^hat those we weep were guileless, free from ill. Made to adorn this life ! and fit to go. ELEGIAC STANZAS. 105 That man's brief day cannot be cloudless through} That death but separates us for a while j That happiness is their's, who rightly do. And joyous can look inward with a smile. Such, and the consolations which the wise Can never, never fail to have, be yours ; For that which rais'd the daughter to the skies. The weeping mother's peace on earth secures. 106 EPITAPH ON WILLIAM COWPER. Author of the Tas k,&c. Approach this spot with awe. ..here CowpEK lies ! The great, the good, the pious, and the wise j With reverential eye, this tomb draw near. Nor fail to drop the big regretful tear ; For if each virtue that our nature knows. If wisdom, such as heaven to few bestows. If strict integrity; unsullied truth, A life unspotted, ev'n from age to youth ; If brilliant genius, learning, void of guile, Employ'd alone on works which angels smile ; If these demand thy reverence and love. And if their loss thy heartfelt pity move. Thy throbbing bosom strike with streaming eyes. Depart this spot with awe... here Cowpek lies! SONNET, -TO. THOMAS PAINE. " God forbid that the search after truth should be discouraged " for fear of its consequences ! The consequences of truth may " be subversive of systems of superstition, but they never can be " injurious to the rights, or well-founded expectations of the " human race." Bishop of Landaff. JoLAIL ! genius of truth, and life, and light. The purest wisdom marks thy manly page ; 'Tis thine to purge from filth the mental sight, 'Tis thine to renovate and bless the agej To value nought but what is truly great. To bow to sterling excellence alone ; To treat with scorn the silly farce of state. Nor look with reverence, but to Virtue's throne. 180 SONNET. These are the sentiments that fire thj breast. And men through time, feeling the rights of man. Shall bless themselves, in makmg others blest. And model states on equity's pure plan ; So men to equal happiness shall rise. And truth shall take the place, of prejudice and lies. IMPROMPTU ELEGY, WRITTEN AT THE BANK. After the manner of Gray. FEB. 25, 1797. " There is some soul of goodness in things evil, ' Would men observingly distil it out." Shaks peare. JLHE Bank hath stopt, the guineas far are gone. And sighing merchants round the dome are seen ; Without the cash, see thousands trudging home. And grumbling, tears, and misery mark the scene. Now notes can only greet the tearful eye Of him, the sight of gold alone could cheer j And not a passenger is passing nigh. But holds his paper up, and drops a tear. No guineas rattle, save in yonder chest. Where lives the banker, or the knowing one, . Who, watchful still to soothe with gold his breast, Gather'd some up, before it all was gone. 110 ELEGY, No more the day shall call it into sight ; No more the well-stufF'd purse make pocket big j Banish'd, thank Pitt ! the weighty evil quite. And hardly now is seen a guinea-pig. Let not the poor man mock the fttal day. Nor ridicule too much the wealthy throng ; For soon the rich, the splendid, proud, and gay. Will to his lowly, useful clan belong. The boast of guineas, and the blaze of wealth. And all that e'er their arrogance bestow'd. Shall quickly fall, or gently go by stealth. And hoarding avarice throw down his load. Full many a good that property had stole From out the general lot, and nature's stock. Shall now revert to bless the common whole. And back return, from whence it once was got. Nor shall distinctions, cruel, wicked, vain ! Keep man from man's acquaintance and from good j But Truth's fair day shall now beg'm to reign. And thousands happy staiid were one once stood. EtEGV. 11 L For oft' hath property... for oft hath gold Debauch'd the best and sweetest gifts of heaven, Rais'd man to misery... men hath bought and soldj And all our worst of wretchedness hath given. If chance, in future days, some curious wight Should ask, how gold, how guineas flew away ; And wherefore false distinctions took their flight ; Some truth-inspir'd genius thus may say j... " A man arose, the people call'd him Pitt, " "Who, not intending real good to do, " Through contradiction the right method hit, " And call'd up wisdom, knowledge, beauty too.. " Oft' have we seen him, bless him ! forward bring "' The clear, immortal writings of our Paike ; " And, meaning odium round his head to fling, " Made all men read him, and secur'd his fame., ' Ofi' have we heard him, with sophistic art, " Point like a Burke, by lies, the way of truth -y. " And so, by rules reverse, correct the heart, " Instruct the old, and purify the youth. 112 ELEGY. " The sons of gold, 'twas he alone could teach, " By fingering their God, their God of Gold ; " 'Twas he made hard oppression wisdom preach, " And truths made clear. . .because he falshoods told . " At length he fell 5 but not till various toil " Produc'd a good, he never, never meant ; " 'Twas he made freedom, beauty, plenty, smile, " And property's curst spell completely rent. THE EPITAPH. *' Here rests his head, who banish'd gold afar. " Who strove through life man's comfortstosuhc'.U'. . " But yet he was a beacon, warning star, " And brought about the happy, good, and true. " No farther seek his character to know ; " A true effective democrat was he ; " And, while he aim'd the rights of man a blow, " He call'd up truth, and made the nations fret ." EPITAPH. WRITTEN UP THE MEDITEHRANEAN. J0.ERE, where the sculptur'd marble rises high. And golden letters tell the barefaced lie. Old Miso rots ; who almost from his birth. Disgraced his nature, and encumber'd earth : Mammon had early steel'd his scoundrel heart. And the world's prudence fumish'd out her part. He hid each meanness under candour's veil. And bade hypocrisy his crimes conceal ; Each knavish art, and roguish trick he knew. And was, though christian born, an arrant jew. 114 EPITAPH. Thus, to acquire a plumb, did Mi so toil. Hell whilst he liv'd survey'd him with a smile ; And, when he died, the whole infernal crowd Beheld the wicked fool, and laugh'd aloud. Readers ! with eyes indignant turn away. And let your lives a virtuous course display ', Let no base views the heaven-sprung mind controul. Nor damn for dirty gold the immortal soul j If riches are your lot, be stewards kind ! And bear this maxim ever in your mind : The lust of gold's the greatest earthly evil, 'Twill make a saint from heaven a very devil. THE BRANCH. WRITTEN FOR RECITATION. i HE branch I sing, nor shall the niuse. To aid the appointed theme refuse ; Some moral good may mark the lay. And allegoric truths convey. Train up the child, the wise man said. In the same way you'd have him tread. And, when he's old, he'll not depart From what is graven on his heart. And thus, thro' life, a branch he'll be. Of what was erst his parent ire. llQ THE BUANCH. Children but branches are, and prove The heirs of vice or virtue, hate or love j If healthy be the sire and dame. Their oflFspring you will see the same ; Or, if their minds be virtue's seat. By truth and science made complete. Their daughters and their sons will grow, Belov'd and prized, like them who made them so. Children to branches we compare,... When small, and train'd, and bent with care,. They any form and figure make. And various directions takej Crooked and rough they may be made. Or smooth and gracefully display'd ; So may the infant mind be taught. To error led,... with virtue fraught. To vice adicted, or to truth. And age will be, what was the youth. The Oak, proud monarch of the wood, A type of firmness long hath stood ; The Osier's branches, pliant, see. Are emblems of servility. THE BRANCH. II7 rhe Myrtle, sacred to love's qtieen. The sign of fond affections seen j Its beauteous, tender branches move The heart to sentiments of love j And, as they sportive bloom, and twining grow Point to soft joys, congenial bosoms know. The Laurel, famous branch I the bard Can surely never disregard ; "Tis this the poet's brow entwines. This pays him for his godlike lines j And, sad to tell, the only pay He often gets for sweetest lay. 'Tis this around the patriot's brows. With conscious exultation glows, Tis this heraldric honours gives. And points where fame and merit lives ; 'Tis this our Sydneys, Russels, claim. This ever blooms with Shakspeare's name 5 Sacred to wisdom and to truth. And claim'd alike by age and youth ; The Laurel's honours still we view. Where live the brilliant, great and true. 118 THE BRANCH. Old HoMEK bore the wreath along. Father of harmony, and song ; And later days have seen it grow. On Newton's, Milton's, Rousseau's browj And thousands more, who liv'd alone To charm, instruct, delight, adorn,... "Who liv'd, and live, the world to mend. And still the sweet and useful blend. The Laurel's branches also spread. In honour, round the conqueror's head, And crowns the brow of him who leads Triumphant hosts to martial deeds ; Wherever fame her praises breathes. The Laurel twines its sacred wreaths. Ammon's fam'd son, who madly hurl'd Destruction round a bleeding world ; Or he, who Xekxes hosts o'ercame, And blasted all his hopes of fame ; Cmsab., who rais'd his impious hand. And tried t'enslave his native land ; Or he who fix d the tyrant's doom. And stay'd^ awhile, the fall of Rome, TRS BRANCH. lip All swell the trump of high renown. And gain alike the Laurel crown. The Olive, dearest branch ! portends The best of signs, that men are friends ; That peace imparts her heavenly reign. And joys the town, and glads the plain, Spreads countless treasures far and wide. And pours of blessings the full tide. O ! may her happy days again. Soon wake the poet's sweetest strain j And all the world, exulting, prove The joys of peace,... the reign of love. And earrli beneath be like the heaven above ! } 108 SONKET. SONNET, WRITTEN AT THE GRAVE OI CHARLES CHURCHILL, AT DOVER. 1799. IfV HILST o'er thy grave, who had'st the muse of fire. The bard must, envious full of thought, recline ; Howe'er his eager wishes may aspire. To have endowments varied, great as thine. One firm resolve, his beating breast shall form, Ev'n if the sacred Nine should liberal be ; Ne'er to engage in party's horrid storm, Tho' even, Churchill, he might rival thee. 'But solemn vow, that independence dear. And candour only, thro' his page should ixm ; Renouncing all the grand to be sincere. And shunning fame, if he must virtue shun. So conscious rectitude, his life shall know. His breast alone with truth and freedom glow. PLEASURE. ODE. " True joy is the daughter of severity. TThEN let me view this spacious scene. And see what joys and pleasures mean. So echo'd by mankind ; But first to every sense of shame. To virtue, honesty, and fame. Let reason's eye be blind. Else should I spoil, with serious thought. My first essay, nor as I ought. To pleasure madly run : Not half enjoy the smiling glass. Nocturnal rout, street-walking lass. Or swearing just through fun. 122 PLEASURE. Now, well-equipp'd with impudence, Enough to overthrow good sense. And gain of fools the praise j With vice's sons I lead the way. The loud, the frolick, and the gay. Through pleasure's varied ways. With wine we raise the maddening joy, Not let dull cares our bliss alloy. Pull reason from her throne ; 'Till every sense that guards around. In noisy mirth and madness drown'd. Bids pleasure reign alone. Ah ! would these smiling houi^s delay. Nor bring the quick, repentant day. When reason gains her seat ; When pleasure, and her cheating train, Deform'd, must bite the galling chain. And own the sad defeat. Now beauty calls, her voice I own. That sound, to every bosom known. That bids us own her power ; VIBASURB. 123 But proof against delusive art, Untouch'd remains my beauty's heart. And shrinks to be a whore. What, then, some able bawd may find. The way to vitiate her mind. And make those charms ray own ; "Tis try'd...'tis done... enjoyment cloys. No more I long to taste those joys,... The wretch is left undone ! Is left to mourn her bitter fate. But, ah ! repentance comes too late, Depriv'd of every stay ; By friends disown'd, compelled by want. The place of lewdness is her haunt. She holds on vice's way. Are these thy joys, poor mortal ! these The pleasures that were still to please ? No more the cheat pursue ; Tho' fashion bids thee fondly run To vice, and honest quiet shun,... True joy is virtuc'^s due ! 134 EPIGRAM. THAT ACCOUNTS FOR IT. EPIGRAM. ^W'HEN Jack was told, Tom spent his life, in loving of another' '^' ^'^ """^^ mother s wife;... -^^ ^^"^ ^ ^_J , says Jack. ..why, I'll be sworn. That's strange J do not even love my own ! ^^- 'i"^ --^^iQ y THE PALACE. WRITTEN FOR RECITATION. The muse a( grandeur's dome, now sings. Of splendour's proud abode ; Before your view the Palace brings. Where art has all bestow'd. Where taste around each charm hath spread. Disclosing all her skill j And beauty, fancy, fashion, lead The captive heart at will. On high rais'd terraces behold. Its noble coUonades ; Its lofty roofs enwrought with gold. In varied lights and shades* 126 THE PALACE. Here cupolas, from which impend Etruscan lamps, are seen ; Here high the polished steps ascend. With columns placed between. The pearl all pale, and saphire blue. The emerald green, and ruby red ; Dart all around their changing hue. And spars their varied brilliance shed. Here glassy halls, and cool arcades. To suit the sultry noon appear ; And sylvan nymphs, and sporting maids. Shed their kindest influence here. Here sculpture's hand, with magic touch. Heroes of old hath brought to view ; And here the painter's choicest brush. Hath added all its beauties too. Striving each glowing charm to hide. Here Medicean Venus stands j Apollo here,, ..and here the pride Of many a godlike master's hand. THE PALACE. J 27 Here Ovid's tales, and Homkk's lore. With boldest strokes are nicely told; - And scenes of love in days of yore ; And rich arcadian views unfold. Without noajestic scenes conspire. Each grace to give, and each delight j Here rivulets refresh the air. And groves, and flowerets greet the sight. Now from the promontory's brow. Dark woods their branches fling ; And round the sloping lawns below. The feather' d charmers sing. Hard by, the rapid torrent pours Its roaring course amain 3 Now sleeps amidst ambrosial bowers> And skirts the distant plain. Here the gay bark, with canvas white,. Pursues her steady course 3 And there the dashing rowers strike^ And hail with deep- toned voice. 128 THE PALACE. Such is the Palace, such the scenes. That splendour's children share ; O may they, greatly blest with means. Make humble roofs their care ! O may they learn to chear the cot. Where poverty is found ! Much to improve the poor man's lot. And make his joys abound ! So shall delight, their days receive. So shall this truth be known ; The blessings they to others give Will always be their own. AGAINST PRIDE. AN ODE. Affectionately imcribtd to a friend, the most reverse in character to those herein described, on his taking leave of me at Havre de Grace, and embarking for America, August, 1802. ' We rise in glory, as we sink in pride ; / Where boasting ends,. ..true dignity begins." Dwarfs are often stilted, and betray ' A littleness of soul, by worlds o'er run, And countries laid in blood ;... dread sacrifice : To christian pride ! which had with horror shock'd The darkest pagans, offer'd to their gods." ' Can place, or lessen us, or agrandize, Pigmies are pigmies still, tho' placed on Alps, And pyramids are pyramids in vales." E. Young, L. L. D. AGAINST PRIDE. AN ODE. Jl HERE'S nothing speaks the human mind, Of self so ignorant, unrefin'd. As vanity and pride ; Nor is there on the spacious earth, 'Midst every thing of nature's birth. Like man so near allied. To all that ought to make him be The creature of humility. Say, are his infant years a train Of energies to make him vain. When maudling, helpless, weak ? He wants for mouths the power to move, Sustain'd by others care and love. Long able but to squeak. Is this a part of man's brief hour. To flatter vanity and power ? 132 AGAINST PRIDE. And after these, what years succeed. Of imbecility and need. Of half form'd limbs and mind j Blundering 'midst ignorance and noise. When grown to man, still pleased with toys. To reason, science blind. Wayward, presuming, frothy, pert. In cruel sports and games alert. But grant the learned schools have stor'd The head from out their massy hoard. And starting 'midst the crowds With talents held in high esteem. What then in man's career is seen. To make the creature proud ? What, but those talents misapplied. To vice and error oft' allied ! What, if he join the martial band. And stalk a butcher thro' the land. With feathers, drums, and blood j Calling that glory which, alone. Would make humanity disown All claim to great, and good ; Would make man damn his very name. And weep o'er what the world calls fame. AGAINST PRIDE. 133 Shall this profession prompt his pride. Where reason, truth are laid aside, For rude coercion's* power? When gunpowder and red hot shot. Curses the world to misery's lot. That knaves may rule the hour ; When bloody hords^, and hellish fight. Are set up to establish right. * The author conceives this a proper place to declare, in sober prose, his total aversion to all coercion, whether in the house, in the street, or in the field ; it is, in his opinion, error, wherever exercised. All appeals to muscle, instead of mind, he disclaims ; nor would he, to accomplish what he most desires, obtain it at the expence of scourges, imprisonments, executions, burnings, -and war; indeed he denies that any end can justify such means; and doubts if good can ever be produced through a medium so evil. In private, in public life, let reason, investigation, and treaty decide On differences, whatever they may be, between man and man, na- tion and nation ; and let not force, torture, murder, and war, which bring incalculable misery on mankind, be exercised by turbulent, unreasonable, and bloody spirits, who depend not on the right of their cause, which they often know to be a wrong one, but on superior power, and the means unhappily in their hands to destroy, and to carry their point Dr. Po rte u s, now Bishop of London, has some lines on this subject which should be read as often as the church service :... One murder makes a villain, " Millions a hero. ...Princes are privileg'd * " To kill, and numbers sanctify the crime., *' Ah ! why will kings forget that they are men ? 134 AGAINST PRIDE. Blush, erring mortal I blush for shame. Nor dare one moment hail a name. Who slays his fellow man ; Such men from Bonaparte down. To heads without, or with a crown. Have acted on a plan. Subversive quite of what should be The triumph ofhumanity. ** Why delight in human sacrifice ? why burt the ties '' Of nature, that should knit their souls together " In one soft bond of amity and love? " Yet still they breathe destruction, still go on '* Inhumanly ingenious to find out " New pains for life, new terrors for the grave ; Artificers of death ! still monarchs dream " Of universal empire growing up '" From universal ruin. Blast the design, " Great God of Hosts ! nor let thy creatures fall " Unpitied victims at ambition's shrine." Dr. Young also beautifully fays, " One, to destroy, is murder by the law, " And gibbets keep the lifted hand in awe ; " To murder thousands, takes a specious name,... War's glorious art,... and gains immortal fame." The reader is referred to Dr. Hawkesworth's excellent parellel between Alexander the great, and a highwayman, on this, to every man, an interesting subject. AGAINST PRIDE. 135 If, to the bar his fancy lead, 'Gainst right, as well as wrong, to plead, A sophist wrangling still ; By tinsel eloquence misled, A callous heart, and wavering head. Not sway'd by judgment's will. If such his walk, how far he strays. From all that claims the good man's praise. A churchman if he chance to be, ' Dealing in tythes, and mystery. And mitres gaping after j So unlike him he master styles. So full of pride, and gospel wiles. He claims our scorn and laughter ; Forsaking all the true and clear. To cringe to knaves for more a year. If in the senate, he should start. And get its phrase and cant by heart. And aye it when he's told ; The people's rights upsetting quite. And learning every thing to slight. But pension, power, and gold. Thus placed, the good, and wise man's scorn, 'Twerc better he had not been born. 136 AGAINST I'RIDE. A slave to pageantry, and show, A titled supercilious beau. Or pensioned pauper see him j Say, can such creatures win esteem, "Who far more irksome than they seem. Exist in vice and whim. Who, bad and sottish as men are. The name of men ought not to bear. Is trade his walk, *midst trick and lies, Tho' very stupid,... looking wise, A Jesuit night and day ; Tho' afluent beyond detail. From such a being, tasteless, frail. We gladly turn away ; And can but mark him with a smile. Not able ev'n to sin,.. in style. Such, such is man ! if reason's voice. Point not his motive,... urge his choice, And proixipt him on his way ; Such, such is man !...if thinking right. If acting well, he dares to slight. And knowingly will stray. Where mystery and nonsense lead. From simple truth's impressive creed. AGAINST PRIDE. 13/ But not for creature man is pride. The' wisdom all his actions guide. And talents vast attend him; Tho' on each step the virtues wait. The graces deck his mein, and gait. And wealth and fame befriend him ; "Still, if he look on every side. No room at all is left for pride. Mischance, disease, and pain, and death. Wait on each motion, on each breath. And hourly may assail him ; Sickness, and lingering pain may come. Or those he loves may seek the tomb. His dearest friends may fail him ; Fortune, her treacherous wheel may shift. And turn each joy and good a-drift. If pride be not for those who claim. Each honour'd, lov'd, and valued name. Ye miscreant ideots say ; Ye sons of vice, and folly too. What scorn, what pity, is your due. Who ev'n in guilt's bad way Still blunder on, 'midst senseless creeds. Professions vile,... and evil deeds. 138 AGAINST PRIDE. Now for out moral turn aside. And hear, tho' man's not made for pride. He's made for glorious ends ; For friendship, happiness, and love. Each bliss to cherish, and improve. For all that charms and mends ; He's made each private good to do. And public evils to subdue. .'He's made to be upright, sincere, 'His own on others bliss to rear. To bless, and to be blest ; To cherish most a simple heart, ' To shun all trick, finesse, and art. Caress and be caress'd. To fly coercion, strife, and war. Each public and each private jar. To live alone in truth's bright ray. All myster}' to do away. And craft and cunning shun j To do as he'd be done unto. To banish every selfish view. Benignant as the sun. Such man was doubtless made to be, national, happy, humble, free. IMPROMPTU. 139 IMPROMPTU. FRENCH REPUBLIC, BUMOT7R OF TRYING LOVIS XVI, JL RY your late king ! by no means, no ! Behave like men, and let him go. To try him argues want of sense. And tends to give him consequence. Oh ! be philosophers, and say, " Go, once our monarch, go away ; " There's money, where you please go, spend it, ** And take your life, and learn to mend it." 140 AN EPIGRAMMATIC PUN. IMPROMPTU. THE SHOEMAKER and COXCOMB, AN EPIGRAMMATIC PUN. To a shoemaker's shop a spruce beau, t'other day. For a pair of new boots made the best of his way, A coxcomb egregious all over ; And trying some on, at their fashion he swore,... They were all out of ton,... were too short,. ..a vile bore. And the calf ought entirely to cover. Why then, says the shoemaker, archly and sly. The boots to do that Sir, should be six feet high, PROLOGUE, aPOKEN At BRIGHTHFLMSTON THEATBE, THE NIGHT OF Mr. PAlNE's BENIFIT. j[*0 hold up vice in every hateful shape. And all the passions of the soul to ape ; Each crime in hideous colours to pourtray. And bring the blackest deeds to open day ; To picture virtue with her every grace. And show mankind truth's heaven-illumin'd face f Each latent folly fearless to disclose. And censure all who dare be virtue's foes. For this, the world's great wonder, Shakspeake f sung ; For this, his lyre, immortal Otway strung; For this our Garrick play'd with matchless skill. And FooTE for this employ'd his comic quill. 142 PKOLOGUE. And still the stage, to virtue ever dear. Employs her powers deserted worth to cheer. From pity's eye to draw the willing tear ; To bid warm charity dilate the heart. And your own breasts at others woes to smart. To night, tho' Sheridan's diverting strain. Laughs at the vicious, and derides the vain ; Tho* comic scenes before your view appear, 'Tis kind benevolence that brings you here j For what this generous throng to night bestow. Is to relieve a fellow being's woe ; To give a sorrowing family relief. And kindly stop the gushing tears of grief ! IMPROMPTU. 143 IMPROMPTU. Addressed to MISS VERRALL. On her giving up her bed to accommodate me. ^^HILST'you, dear girl, your bed resign^ To accommodate the bard ; Take in return this prayer of mincj The offspring of regard. May you, quite free from life's alloys. Its greatest blessing prove j To share your bed, and all its joys, "With one you truly love. Such favour' d mortal, will you lift to heaven. By giving only half of what to me you've given t 144 EPITAPH. EPITAPH ON Mrs. MARY CHOPPIN, Who died April, 1788, AGEO 56. Ye whose soft hearts the choicest feelings sway^. With tender sympathy this tomb survey ; This honour'd dust, when animated, mov'd. To all that sentiment, and virtue lovd ; Once bless'd with every better joy below. Yet ever ready from this world to go ! By illness toward the close of life confin'd. Still chearful, pious, patient, and resign'd. Religion's sacred laws rever'd through life. She shone the kindest parent, friend, and wife ; In every varied walk she kept in view God's will, and dying, to his bosom flew. O ! be this lesson on your hearts imprest. Like her be virtuous, you'll like her be blest. SONG. THE WORLD. JlN tliis world see the wheel of transition go round. For there's nothing on earth that can stable be found. And tho' 'bout its possessions we make such a clamor. They must sooner or later come under the hammer^ And a going, a going, who bids any more ? Requites all our pains, is the end of our store. His grace, who a monarch's proud fortune can boasts Who ransacks each land, and plunders each coast. Whose houses display all that's splendid and great. Whose equipage moves in such glittering state. To day it is his, to-morrow you'll see. Some hammer consign it to you, or to me. K 146 The sly antiquary, who, where he can't buy, "Will pilfer the medal that fixes his eye. Whose antiques, books, paintings, and all that is rare. The hoarding of fifty years trouble and care. See Christie knock down, no antiques respecting. For their owner some coins that are modern collecting. Old grub who refuses each comfort to share. To leave an estate to'his farourite heir. Could he peep from the shades his estate would survey 'Mongst fidlers, girls, gigs, bits of blood, fly away j Till Tattersal soon the treasure spreads wide. To make fools and knaves of hundreds beside. Then how silly this boast of what has no stay. But flies on the wings of a going away, Who bids any more ? is the end of it all. And this world we may safely an auction room call ; But the mind's bright possessions all transfer disown. So cherish their increase for they are your own. ELEGY To the Memory of ADMIRAL KEMPENFELT, Who was lost in the Royal George of 110 Guns, at Spithead, 1782. Humbly dedicated to his Brother, GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS KEMPENFELT, Esq. uOrt tjQn vO^ uQn tjQn Rough in battle As the first Romans, when they went to war ; Yet after victory, more pitiful Than all their praying virgins left at home. Dry den's All for Love. ELEGY, To the Memory of ADMIRAL KEMPENFELT. COURSE on the venal pen, that hands to fame, In flattering strains, the worthless and the proud That dares exalt the tyrant's hateful name. Or raise the villain 'bove the vulgar croud ! What the' a prince's smiles befriend the man. And v?ealth and power, and pomp and titles too : Yet if the wretch pursues not virtue's plan. Let him in proper light be held to view. 150 ELEGYV And tell mankind this lesson o'er and o'er. That real worth alone is truly great ; That no distinction can than this be more. Or lift its owner to an higher state. Perish the verse ! that dares applaud a name. That infamy alone hath render'd high ; That all the virtuous have consign'd to shame. And all the wise have long in scorn pass'd by. But when from earth are snatch'd the good and brave. When heaven takes her favourite sons away ; When Kempenfelt is sunk beneath the wave, *Tis injury not then to form the lay. 'Tis then in justice to the sons of worth. We ought each godlike character to spread ; To hold them up to all the wondering earth. And bid the living in their footsteps tread. Hail honour'd shade ! while virtue is held dear. While real valour boasts her friends below } Remembrance oft' with many a falling tear. Shall tell the complicated tale of woe. 151 And oft' the brave shall sigh, and oft' relate. With tearful eyes, the melancholy day ; Recount the Royal George's hapless fate. And all the horrors of the scene display. Hail honor'd shade ! and not in public life Renown'd alone... thine was the happy art To aid domestic virtue, lessen strife. And bid joy revel in the grief-worn heart. For this the tear shall start, when thou art nam'd. For this thy praise to latest days extend ; The loss of Kempenfelt, the great, the fam'd, Shallevery feeling breast with grief distend. A man and hero future time will say. In every varied line of life the same , In private form'd, each virtue to display. In public to acquire exalted fame ! 152 POEM. WRITTEN EXTEMPORE IN WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL, And addressed to the BEAUTIES OF THAT CITY. ^^^HEN to this sacred fane I bent my way. No raging passion struggled in my breast j My heart was light, and innocently gay. And cares long felt were luU'd a while to rest. I meant alone to pay my vows to heaven. When lo ! such angel forms assail'd my view -, Quick throbbing pulses thro' my frame were driven. And ease and quiet bade my heart adieu. O mark the change ! who to this church repair. For ye like me perhaps may sometime prove. That house which was design'd a house of pray'r. Is the fam'd temple of the god of love. FAMILIAR LETTER MARIA. WHITtEN WHEN VERY YOUNG, To every vulgar song, farewell ! Farewell to each low theme ; To strains which can offend poor Nele, Or Mansfield libels deem. No more the bard will knaves expose. Or bring their crimes to view ; Gripus thou may'st securely dose, I'll say no more of you. 154 FAMILIAK LETTER. To election roar, and party noise, I'll bid a long adieu ! To loud delirious midnight joys, Unsolid, and untrue. The raptur'd rause, on wings high borne. To beauty forms the lay ; And every meaner aim with scorn And contempt does survey. To virtue, softness, grace, and love. Triumphant lifts the song ; To all that feeling bosoms move,... And such to thee belong. Strong in my mind, dear lovely maid ! Thy image bright appears. Illumes each dull, each gloomy shade. And all my prospects cheers. To thee, Maria ! thee, alone, I form the sportive rhyme. Thou who this faithful heart dost own. And kindly gav'st me thine. FAMILIAR LETTER. 155 Friendship and love, your powers 1 hail. The genuine balms of life. Sure comforters when others fail, Dispellers of our strife. How oft, Maria, have we known The blessings these bestow. Oft' felt, and shall for ever own. They make a heaven below. Hail ! virtuous love ! thy power supreme Refines, exalts the soul ; The troubled mind thou mak'st serene,. And feel thy soft controul. Each generous sentiment is thine. By tliee each bliss is given. And each emotion that's divine. Each feeling full of heaven. All sordid motives fly away^ From hearts that beat to thee y Thou art man's pole-star, solar ray,. And mak'st him great and free. 165 FAMILIAR LETTER. Beneath thy influence alone. For ever may we live ; Thy soft delicious impulse own j Thy joys receive, and give. While absent far, thus, dearest maid ! I sing, and think of thee. And thy dear face, in smiles array'd, I in idea see. Happy to think this lowly verse. With pleasure thou 'It survey. And oft' in musing mood rehearse. Thy Clio's humble lay. And as the silver Thames bfeside. Thou rov'st with graceful tread. And wanderest where his waters glide, 'Long Windsor's flowry mead. (Where oft' enraptur'd have we stray 'd. And mark'd each prospect dear j And to each dell, and lawn, and mead, Breatb'd out our vows sincere) VAMILIAR XETTER. 157 T I ^ ' :r Oh! fondly mayst thou think of him, Who Ouse's stream along, Still makes Maria all his theme. Her graces, all his song. Farewell, dear girl ! mayst thou be blest ! Thro' every varied scene, Thp' troubles would thy peace molest, < Preserve thy mind serene. Laugh at those little trifling t:ares. Which thwart us every day. Nor suffer great ones, (laid as snares) Thy bosom to dismay. ;158 IMFROMl'TU. IMPROMPTU, On letting the Third Volume of NATURE DISPLAYED, DROP OVERBOARD 1 N THE GREAT IVESTERN OCEAN, .'Jl'LL not lament thy loss, ..perhaps ere night. Some wandering, luckless, melancholy wight, "Well pleas'd may snatch thee from a watry grave. And from destruction thy fair pages save ; One who like me by cruel fortune toss'd. Has seen his brightest hopes, and fairest prospects crost : "Who as he roves the wide and trackless main, -O'er books forgets a while his mental pain, Or with a gleeful, heart-belying song. Deceives the minutes as they creep along. Should such a one thy learned pages find. And should they help to cheer his gloomy mind ^ I'll bless the hand which did a loss impart. That makes me much a gainer at the heart LINES, WRITTEN WITH A PENCIL, IN A POCKET VOLUME OF THOMSON'S SEASONS. JENDEARING bard ! in thy mellifluous line. The various charms of various nature shine. Hail ! gentle poet ! thy descriptive song. Whether the hill, or silent dale along Thou sportive rov'st, still bids new beauties rise. And scenes delightful greet our wondering eyes The different seasons here describ'd appear. And in thy song revolves the circling year j In admiration lost we read thy verse. And bless that genius who could thus rehearse Scenes so directly opposite as these, Yetj every scene exact, and form'dto please. iCO LIKES. Dearest companion to the youth who loves. Who with his heart's whole treasure thro' the groves The upland lawns, and flow'ry meadow roves. Led on by Contemplation, charming maid ! And fair Philosophy in truth array'd j ^uch, such, enraptur'd to thy song attend. And in their pockets bear their much lov'd friend. } A THOUGHT FROM QUEFEDO's FISIONS. EFIGRAMMATIZEO. Written at Barcelona, 1785. YoU'VE satisfied me vastly well. Of all the residents in hell ; Yet must I ask one question more. Pray have you many of the poor ? Poor, cried the devil, who are they ? There's none so call'd, who come tliis way. This answer gave fresh wonder birth. The poor, says I, are those on earth. Who, tho' profusion's round them hurl'd. Have no possessions in the world. l62 A THOUGHT FROM aUEVEDO's VISIONS. Such do you mean, the devil said. Sarcastic look'd, and shook his head ; Tho* here we have of all mankind. None such in our records I find ; Nor wonder they ne'er see this place, " For 'tis possessions damn your race l" PASTORAL VERSES. IMPROMPTU. WRITTEN EARLY IN LIFE: AT BARCOMBE MILL, near LEWES. WHOE'ER the flow'ry fields delight. Or softly purling rill ; Him the kind dryads all invite. To visit Barcombe MilL Delightful spot I where all combines. With joy the breast to fill ! And bids the Bard, in gentle lines. Praise lovely Barcombe Mill. l64 PASTORAL VERSES. Delightful spot ! in childhood's days. Ere yet I taught the quill To sport in unambitious lays, i lov'd sweet Barcombe Mill ! Here oft' in rustic games, the hours Made the glad breast to thrill; At noon-day's heat, cool were the bowers Encircling Barcombe Mill. Here oft', with souls attuned to play. In joys unknown to ill ; We frolick'd down the chearful day. And hail'd sweet Barcombe Mill. Ah ! these dear days ! how quickly o'er ! (Ah ! had they lasted still) The Bard can ne'er partake them more. Not ev'n at Barcombe Mill ! Yet, will he sing the pleasing spot. The varied dale and hill j Nor shall the pleasures be forgot. He has known at Barcombe Mill. PASTOKAL VERSES l6j For still enraptuv'd doth he trace. The meads beside the rill ; And view with pleasure every grace. Around sweet Barcombe Mill ! Still doth he tread with glee the bow'rs. Refreshing, cool, and still ; And sweet reflection crowns the hours He spends at Barcombe Mill. 166 LINES, WBITTEN WITH A DIAMOND, On an Inn Window at Portsmouth; Towns cmd cities abroad and at home I have seen. But ne'er 'midst such filth as at Portsmouth have been If the blush you'd call up in sweet* modesty's face. Parade but her streets, to a hair 'tis the place j If swearing and balderdash, tickle your ear. Your pleasure will still be increasing if here. If the eyes and the mind of the delicate fair 'Tisyour pride to offend. ..to Portsmouth repair. For vice walks unmask'd, and exultingly there. if dusty roads charm you, and still the same way. Without any change 'tis your fancy to stray. You're at home to a peg ; and no place can be better. Than its shadeless parade to give you a sweater To visit, indeed, 'tis of pleasure a source. But to live at, no mortal can suit himself worse For his head, for his heart, his body, or purse 1 } FREE VERSION OF THE FOURTEENTH ODE or TBK SECOND BOOK OF HORACE. To HORATIO. A.LAS, ray friend ! the fleeting years Glide swiftly to increase our fears j Nor can our anxious thoughts assuage The terror of approaching age ; For all must yield their precious breath To stern, unconquerable death. No not ten thousand bulls so fine. Will make the ruthless god decline His visits to thyself, or thine. Death, mighty, leveller ! conquers all The rich, and poor, the great, and small j } l6S IKEE VERSION. And all must cross the stygian lake. Who now such various figures make ; Whether they're kings, or needy hinds. The power in one direction binds* From bloody war we keep in vain. And raging billows of the main ; In vain we dread the southern gale. In which infections dire prevail ; The realms of death, we still must tread. And mingle with the silent dead. Thou soon must leave the sweets of life. Thy house, and lands, and charming wife ; Nor shall thy large, thy vast domains, Thy town abodes, thy woods, and plains. Avert one moment that decree. From which no human station's free. Thy wines, now lock'd up from the taste. With many keys,... thy heir shall waste, ^rhy worthier heir !...who in hjs pride. Will spill the purple juice aside j As rich as that which plies the feasts. Of pension'd, pamper'd, swollen priests. ^ REFLECTIONS, WRITTEN UNDER GREAT DEPRESSION, ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE YEAR, 1785, IMMEDIATELY ON WAKING. From short, as usual, and disturb'd repose, I wake ; how happy they who wake no more ! Young; (ChEARLESS and sad, the morn appears to view. And brings each gloomy prospect in its train } Reveals the day which must my woes renew. And wakes the year. ..must be a year of pain. Dreary and dull the aspect nature wears. Clouded and melancholy as my heart ; Like me, the whole creation wakes in tears. Nor opes one view can happiness impart. 170 REFLECTIONS. Ah ! ye, who float down fortune's prosperous tide. Attend his precept who each joy has known ; Nor treat his lay with inattentive pride, Tho' all those joys now from his breast are flown. On you, perhaps, misfortune's iron hand May soon, and unexpectedly be laid j The choicest blessings that you boast, demand. And tear the ripen'd laurels from your head. O then the present hour ! enraptur'd seize, O prize the fleeting moments as they go; For all around you lurks each dire disease. And stern adversity, and pain, and woe. Ere this night's shade prevails, remorseless death May call your long lov'd partner to his arms j Of your best friend, arrest the vital breath. And strip each gilded scene of all its charms. Then you like me will wake with tearful eye. With you unbless'd the chearless hours will flee, Deep from your heart will burst the heavy sigh. And you will weep, and wail, and say, with me. KBrj.tcrioTfs. 171 Ah ! where are flown the days of bliss and love, When rapture mark'd each moment as it flew, When each bless'd hour did on the last improve. Delights still rose, and rising still were new. 172 EXTEMPORE. EXTEMPORE. ON BEING ASKED, AT BARCELONA, WHY THICKNESSE Travelled through Spain, &c. WITH A MONKEY. 1785. ThICKNESSE, in travelling through Spain, A monkey carried in his train : Nor is this hard to be unravell'd. He knew that monkies often travell'd. ON THE AKNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH-DAY OF THOMAS SUTTON, ESQ. FOUNDER OF THE CHABTER-HOUSE SCHOOL, &C. Composed when a Boy, for a Student at the Charter-house. TThE youthful Bard, rear'd by thy generous care. Shall raise the song to Sutton's sacred name ;, Bedew his memory with a grateful tear. And dwell enraptur'd on his honour'd fame. Ne'er shall this day miheeded pass along. But always claim the tributary praise ; Still be the subject of the aged's song. Still sung applatisive in the youngster's lays. 174 ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE Hail, generous Sutton ! learning's foremost friend, Scar'd at thy name, retreating ignorance flies ; Ages to come thy virtues shall commend. And tell of thee to point the good and wise. Full many a youth without thy fostering aid. Had sunk unnotic'd, in oblivion lost. Who now, inspir'd by every tuneful maid^ Exists the nation's wonder, and her boast. Depriv'd of thy kind care, the great and brave- Had never grac'd the envied list of fame ; Steele might have sunk unnotic'd to the grave. Nor known immortal Addison thy name. * Each intellectual grace 'twas thine to give. To open all the stores of mental bliss ; To bid their names to after ages live. Who, without thee, bad ne'er been known in this. * These, among many other great men, were educated at the Charier House. BIRTH-DAY OF THOMAS SU1*rON, ESa. 175^ Hail godlike man ! a youth of lowly name. To thy blest memory breathes the votive lay j Whotho* he ne'er can add to Sutton's fame. Is proud to attempt thy goodness to display. Who, while he shares thy wise, and fostering plan, Is anxious that alone to learn and know ; Which fitteth out the useful, moral man. And makes around him truth and comfort flow. END OF I Vol. I. 1 Printed by George Hayden, RusjcU Court, Covent Garden. This book is DUF. University of California SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 405 Hilgard Avenue. Los Angeles, CA 90024-1388 Return this material to the library from which it was borrowed. nam LD-URi APR2619B6 \ll - MOV 12TB UCLA ACCESS interltbrary Loaln 1 1630 University Box 95 1575 Los Angeles, CA VPl SERVICES Research Library 90095-1575 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY i|l|l||i||||l|i||i||l!ll|||i|l|i AA 000 079 649 o PR 5227 R4257A17 iJniversity of Californi Southern Regional Library Facility