Pages

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CONTENTS

VOLUME EIGHTH.

.POBTHT.

DnncBDj a Ballad, 1

Eeaneth, a Ballad, 10

Soliloquy, 19

Poetry and Business, a Tale, £4

The Old Bachelor, 34

The Old Msid, 4£

The Vision of Vanity, 5«

Introduction to Gray's Fatel Sisters, 6S

The Pursuits of Happiness, 68

^ilogue to the Tragedy of Tamerlane, acted

by Children, 90

Epilogue to the Tragedy of Runnyinede,.... 04

Epilogue to the Tragedy of Vimonda, 97

lucriplioa for a Hut in the Highlands, ..... 100

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P*QE

Another in a Walk at the same Place, 102

Epitaph on Mr Gordon/ 104

Verses, after recovering from a severe Family-Affliction, 106

The Prince of Tunis, a Tragedy, Ill

The Spanish Father, a Tragedy, 203

False Shame, or the White Hypocrite, a Co-

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DUNCAN.

A rUGHBNT raOM AM OLD SCOTS HAMIIICUPT.

Xhb foUowing ballad was an almost extempore pro-ductioD, written nhen I was a mere lad, in imitation «f the abrupt and laconic description of the ancient Scottish ballad, some of which had been collected and published abont that time. It was sent, under the above fictitious title, to the editor of TSe hmdm CAro-nkle, who published it without any comment ; and such was the state of politics at the tim^ that some of his readers ot^ected to the first line,

" Sav ye the Thaoe o' ineiUe pride,"

as applying personally to Lord Bute, who used to be known by that appellation. It was afterwards inserted in Clark's Collection of Ancient Scottish Ballads u genuine, though oue should hare thought the imitation was BO inartificial aa might have saved it from the sin of forgery. TOL, VIII. A

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DUNCAN.

(176«.)

A rUGHBNT PBOX AM OLD SCOTS HANUSCUFTt

" Oaw ye the tbane o' meikle pride^

" Red anger in his ^ef"— *• I saw him'not, nor care," he cry*d,

" Red anger frights na' me.

" For i have atnid whar honour bade, " Though death trade on his heel:

" Mean is the crest tb«it stQops to fear, " Nae sic may Duncan feel."

Hark! hark! or was it but the wind That thiongb the hs* did sing f Htirk ! hark agun! a wNlike shoat t The black woods round do ring.

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DUNCAK. t

" "Us US for noughtj" bauld Duncan ciyd, *' Sic shoulingB, on the wipd;"

Sjrne up he Btarted frae his seat, A thrang o' Bpears hehind.

^ Haite, haste, mj valiant hearts," be sud,

" Aoes mtur to follow me; " Well meet thae ahonters by the bum,

"■ I guess wha they may be."

But wha is he that speeda sae fast, Frae the slaw marching thrangf

Sae frae the mirk cloud shoots a beam Hie sky's blue face alang.

Some messenger it is, mayhap;

Then not of peace I trow:— ^ My master, Duncan, bade me rin,

*' And say these words to you.

" Restore again that bluming rost

" Your mde hand plnckt awa; ** Restore again my Maiy fair,

'' Or yon shall rue the fo."

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Three strides the gallant Duncan toik. And shuik his forward spear;

" Gae tell thy master^ saftrchin'd youth, " We are na wont to fear:.

" He comes na on a wassel roat

** Of revei, sport, and play; " Our swords gart fame proclaim us men^

" Lang ere this ruefu' day.

" The rose I pluckt of right was mine;

" Our hearts together grew " IJke twa sweet roses on ae stalk,

" Frae hate to lore she flew."

"Swift as s winged shaft he sped:—•

" Bald Duncap seid in jeer, * Gae tell thy master, saft-cbio'd youthj

' We are na wont to fear:

' He comes na on a wassel root

' Of revel, sport, and play; ' Our swords g^rt fame proclaim us nieiy

' Lang ere this-raefu' day.

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' Tbe rose I plockt of right was mine;

* Oar hearts togelber grew ' like twa Bweet roses on ae stalk,

' f rae hate to love she flew.''

He riampt his foot upo' the gronod.

And thus in wrath did say, " God strike my saul, if frae this field

" We baith in life shall gae ("

lie waved his hand, the pipes they play*d/

The targeu clatter'd round; And DOW between tbe meeting fae*

Was littie space of ground.—

But wha is she that rins sae ftatt

Her feet nae Btap they find; Sae swiftly rides the milky cloud Upon the Bummer's wind.

Her face a mantle screen'd before.

She shaw'd of lily hue; Sae frae the grey mist breaks the sail.

To drinic the momiDg dew.

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" Alafce! my friendi, what sight is this i " O stap jour rage," she cry'd;

" Whar love with honey'd lip should be, " Mak not a breach sae wide.

" Cat! then my uncle draw his sword, " My husband's breast to bleed

?

" Or can my sweet lord do to him, " Sic foul and ruthless deed ?

^ Bethink thee, unclcj of the time,

" My gray-hair'd father died; " Frae whar your shriU hom stmik the wood>

" He sent for you wi' speed.'

' My brother! gtiard my bairn,' fae said,

' She has nae father soon; ' Kegard'her, Donald, as yonr ain,

* I'll ask nae ither boon.'

" Can these brave men, who but of late

" Together chaced the deer, ' Against their comrades bend their bows

" In bluidy hunting here ^

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She spoke, wliile trickling nm the tears

Her bloshing cheek alang; Aad iilence, like a heavy clood, O^er if tbe wsnian hang.

Then stapt the led-baired Malcoha forth, Hireescore bis years and thiecj

Yet a' the strength of strongest joutb. In sic an eld liad he.

Kae pitjr was there in his breast.

For war alane he loved; "Hh grey een sparkled at the sight

Of plunder, death, and blaid.

" Wbatj sbaQ our bearts of steel/ hi said,

" Bend to a woman's sang t " Or can her words oar btuour quit,

" For sic dishonest wrang \

" For this did a' thae warriors come,

" To hear an idle tale ? " And o^er our deatb-accustom'd'arms,

" Shall ally tears prevuir

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» DUNCIN.

They ped a shoat^ their bows they tnik. They clash'd their steely swords,

Ijke the loud waves of Barra's shore, There was nae room for words.

A cry the weeping Maiy gied,— " O uncle, hear my prayers !

" Heed na' that man o' blnidy luik"— She had Dae time for mair.

For in the midst anon there came .

A blind unweeting dart, That glanc'd frae aff her Doncaa's targ< And strack her to the heart.

A while she 8tagger*d, syne she fell.

And Duncan see'd her fa*; Astound' he stnid, for in his Umbs There was nae power at a':

The spear he meant at faes to fling,

Stuid fix'd within his hand. His lips, half open, con'd na' speak.

His life was at a stand.

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Sfte the black stump of some anld aike.

With arms ia triatnph dight, Seemi to the traveller hke a man-; Catera daunt.

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KENNETH.

The notice attcacted by tbe preceding attempt, was n flatteringi as well as asiariud for, as to iDdoce me to briDg out another imitadoB

of the same kuA ^iaivc the title of KxHNBTiL

" I weirdj I weird, hard-hearted lord,

" Thy fa* shall soon be seen; " Proud was the lUj of the moro,

" The canld frost nipp'd or e'en.

" ThoQ leugh'st in scom when pair men weep'd,

" And Btrack the lowjy down; " Sae shall nae widow weep for thine,

" When a' th«r joys are flown.

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* This night ye drink the Bparkly vine,

* I i«dd ye drink your fill, " The morrm's sun stiall drink youi blnid,

" Mote he reach the hill.

" I see dieir anaw-maned horses ride;

•* Their glittering swords they draw, *' Their swords that shall na gUtter laog

*' Till Kenneth's pride shall fa*.

" The hlack dog yowl'd; he saw the sight

" Nae man but I could see: " High on fair Margaret's breast her sheet,*

" And deadly fixed her ee."

Sae spak the Seer; wild in his eea

His frighted spirit gaz'd; Tale were his cheeks, and sUff his hair, like boary bristles rai^d.

• It is ft well known b[Nmon among believer* in th« w. tmd^ht in the lEghlands, that the ibade □t' %iue of > penon who ti soon to die, Bppean to the Seer for soma time preriondr *° ^^ penon'i death, corered vrith a wind-ing iheet, sDd that die neamen of the event is ia propor* turn to the height of the (beet upon the figure.

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Load, loud in Kenneth's lighted ha*.

The sang of joy waa heard; And monj a cup they filled again.

Before the sun appear'd.

" If my son WiUiam war but here, " He won'd na fdl the pledge"—

Wi' that in at the door there ran A ghasdy-looking page;—

" I saw them, master, O, I saw

" Beneath the thorny brae, " Of black-mail'd warriors mony a rank

!"—

" Revenge," he cried, " and gae."

The youth that bare Lord Kenneth's cup.

The saft smile on his cheek, Frae his white hand let fa' the drink; Nor could the bauldest apeak.

" Ride, ride and bid Lord William come,

" His father's seir beset;"— " It was Lord William's horse that neigh'd^ .

" I beard them bar the yate."—

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KBHlfETn. U

* Welcome, my v^irat son," he md,

" Or should I welcome eay ■" Ih sic aa ill hour when you come,

" To meet your father's fae ?"—

" Curs'd be sic thought," Lord William said,

*' My fathei's faes are mine; " Lang has my breast <rae Kenneth leam'd

** Sic baby fear to tine."

" O, William, had we kent yestreen !*—

" We ken it, father, now; ■" Let women tell what women wish,"—

Syne three shrill blasts he blew.

Fair Margaret lay on downy bed.

Yet was na sound her rest; She waken'd wi' Lord William's horn.

And down she came in haste.

" What mean youj Kenneth, by sic blast i " I wish my dieams bode gude;

" Uppn a bed of lilies fair, " I dreamt there rain'd red bluid:"—

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" My son! my son! may peace be theie " Whar noble William stands!"

" We are the lilies^" answer'd he, " May thdr bloid weit our hands."

" What means my William by ^c word i " Whase btnid voald William spill f

" I thonght that bom had blawn in peace, " That shnik the night sae still."

She looked, bat nane dnrst answer ought;.

Till gallant WiEam smd, " Aft has my mother bade ns joy,

" When we to battail gade:

" Agun her bands may work the plaid " For him that foaght ihe best;

" Again may I hing up my targe " Upon the pin to rest.

" But William never lived to fiee,

" Nor did his mother hear ** A warrior ciy on William's name,

" That was oa heard for fear.

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" And if we fa', my gallant friendi,

" We shall na fa' alane; " Some honest hand irill write onr deids,

" Upon the tallest stone."—

^ Haste, Kenneth, haste, for in the field " The fire-e'ed Walter rides;

" His men that come sae thrang wi' haste, ■• For slaw delay he chides."—

" By Mary we will meet him there 1"

The angty WilUam ciy'd; " Thy son will try this lioa-fae,

" Do yoa wi' Moigoret hide."—

" Na, on my faith! the sword of yoaUi

" Thy father yet can wield; " If I shrink back frae fiercest faeg,

" May babies mock my eild!"

Syne forth they rushed ; before the yatc

The warriors folded oot; Iiord William smil'd upon their ranks.

They answer'd wi' a ahont.—

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" Kin, Page, and say to Walter thm;

' What seek thae warriors here i ' Or why the din of fieiy war

* Astoonds the peaceful ear ?

Swift ran the Page :— " Thus Kenneth saji^ ' What seek thae warriors here ^

• Or why the din of fiery war ' Astounds the peaceful ear ?'—

Now thrice he turned his dark blue een« And thrice his big breath drew.

And thrice he luik'd as men are wont At some strange sight to do.

" Gae teU thy master, frae this ann

" Mine answer will I gie; " Remind him of his tyrant deeds^

" And bid him answer me :

" Wha was't that slew my father dear,

" And bar'd my castle wa' i " Wha was't that hade wild niin hmid

" Whar pipes did glad the ha'f

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Nor half way had the message sped.

When their tough hows they drew; Bat far attour the warriors' heads The shafts for aoget flew.

" Sae ever shute Lord Kenneth's faea/

The vaunting William said;

", Wi' thia I war na wi' the wind/

And drew his glittering blade.

Bald Walter sprang frae aff his steid.

And drave bim cross the lee: *' Cors'd be the name of that base coward^

" That could but think to flee.'*

I^rmly he set his sturdy foot«

And firm his targe be bare ; " Nerer may Walter greet his friends^

" If Kenneth see him mair."

Multa desunt.

Pair Margaret wi' her maidens sate

Within the painted wa',-She started at ilk breath of wind> That whistled through the ba' i

VOU Till. B

1., I ,:i:,Cc)Ot^le

tB KENNETH.

** Wha was't that gied the ciy below, " Say, page, does ill betide ?'

" Kenneth and WiUiam baith are staia, " Mak baste, m^ haste, and ride."

Her mtudens scriech'd, but ony speech,

Nor whil of wae had she: She bowed her head, and sair she sigb'd.

And cald death clos'd her e'e.

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t •• I

A SOLILOQUY.

This was a production of the same early period with the two fonner, thongh of a veiy differeat cast from tbenu It has little poetry, but, I think, some feeling; and, it may be, was the produce of moie feeling Ham it speaks; a distinction necessary to be attended to tu that sort of characteristic biography which a young man's early compositions aflbrd. I make thi» remark, with the same apology IW its egotism, as is contained in the introduction to this new editioa of my WoriO.

Hate I not wmetUnes bleued my lowly fate. That gave no conscioas pang of vice to sUng;

Hiat bade me not be corrupt with the great. Nor wafted weahb upon diabonour'a wing?

Yet have I wished, (what mortal wishes not i) A little something more than I possess j

A small addition to my humble lot, Ai\d, Wftuting tfaatj I hold my little less.

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Perhaps if e'en the moderate wish was givei, A very competence, a life of ease.

Perhaps the better is the will of Heaven, The less laborious scene would fail to please.

OA have I seen the nisset-covered hiad. With cheery whistle glad the early mom;

No anxious forecast presses on his mind. To barren life's uucbequered prospect bom.

Ambitious aim he envies not or knows. No study weans him from hb midnight bed;

Content, if health alone its bliss bestows. With honest hands to earn the coarsest bread.

Say, is not all the pomp of yonthfiil phrase^ ' The swelling hope, the thiobbingwish of fame. Say, is not all the fireyourfuicies raise, Au emp^ sound, an unsabstantial name i

See the bold youth to martial deeds aspire^ Wliile keen exjiectance in his bosom glowsj

So caught Pelides all the warrior's fire. When midst the nymphs the dreaded speat he chose.

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A SOLILOQUT. SI

Hare we not seen him chace the phantom far. Through every daoger> ereiy hardship preaa;

ThroDgh all the wasteful ravages of war. His feme the greater, but hb joys the leui

Have we not seen him by the fickle tide Of courtly favqar,—O

accursed decree!

The dear-woB' honours of bis blood denied. And sunk to care, obUvioQj porer^ i

Have we not heard him count his perils o'er. And sigh that e'er he left the blissful shade;

Have we not heard him count each happy hour. And weep that e'er he left the gentle maid i

The silver bead of stoiy-telling age.

From the foud talk hath blotted manhood'* prime; The joys of childhood all the tale engage.

When no lean care sat brooding upon time.

" Beneath yon hill,—-the hill was beauteous then, . Now lordly masters have inclosed it round,— How gay we sported in the dowery glen, Oriightly tripped it o'er the Airy groijod i«ai*Go<)glc

tff A SOLILOQUT.

•* How bnsy have we plncfct the rushes crop. Where the clear pool reflects the willow green.

While laughing girlets gleaned the pearly drop. The May-mom dew upon the daisy seen!"

What then is life i A miserable scene I A dismal compound of the deepest woe«

Where the least active is the least serene. And the least feeling, least of miser; knows.

Would I then wish to check the mirthful hour. Lest after-grief should cmrse the laughter past.

For others ills no piteous drop to pour. Relieved offiictiou's gratetiil joy to taste i

Scorned be the naean, insensate, dull extreme. The low, the brutish, mere-existmt part.

Touched by no spark of that celestial flame. That gives its rapture to the generous heart!

But how resolve f—to do the good we will. Is oft to risk the happiness we have ^

E'en Heaven requites us oft with seining ill. Nor keeps a record of the ahns we gave.

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A SOULOQDT. «9

From Abd's morder, to the passmg day.

The good hsre suffered, and the good complaio; How long will Heaven the reDgefiil bolt delay. When shew that we are virtnoos—not in vain I

Come then. Religion! come, tboa smiling maid!

With blue-eyed Peace beneath thy snowy wing: Come where cold Reason needs a Bench's aid.

To giye the soul its own extatic spring.

Prescribe no hnmaa boands to Virtue's flight; Wide as its wish expand the beam of Joy; And point those regions to our better si^t,

Whei^ blisBcteiqalreigns, withoutfellpun's annoy.

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POETRY AND BUSINESS,

There are four of those Moral Tales ia the Note-Sook ftom which this was taken. I know oot whence I had borrowed their didactic form, for at that time I had not read Moor^i Fablea. There ig a sort of not-vetf, and some obserratioji of tnannen, (such as a lad who had seen little might observe) amidst the prosaic expression and trite morality which will be readily perceived in this specimen of them.

In this one is feelingly mentioned that bashMness imder which I have so often soifered myself, and had 00 oAen seen merit suffer. A few pages after, in the same Note-Cook, are some lines, whether part of any larger poem, or aa indepeodent fragment, I camiot i«ai*Goog[c

POETRY AND BUSINESS. U

MTtainly recollect, Tefening to the diitreu which b yooDg man, under the influence of this feeling, expe-rieoces in his approach to, or iutercourte with, penons U n^m, from their niperior rank or fortune, he has been accustomed to look up with deference and awe; and c<Mitaining a reKotful philippic against those uo-derliag attendants

on greatness, from whose contempt or indi&rence it is probable I bad often sufiered in tit-lence.

Cone oa the fopi of tkat peralclom race. Who Dear to graUneai itill anert b place! Shame on the great, who doUj tame mbmit To impadence, that sleala the Dame of wit. While Folly's ihaft*

onireapODed Wixloin noand, And nrike the tnodat merlu to tlK

grooiid .'

¥e little koow, je tOkea Mm of pride. Who midit the Idiot Keoe at esK

reride, What tiiflei light to Kme, to reaMHi vain, Bbtd In their cheekl, and o'er their resion reipb The ipacionl coart, the Mill abode of itste. The fiant koockn oa the calDmned gate. The powdered footman, With a look ailant, That pioadtj matten half hii tancy grant,

— These are the gnardi that wait on grandcur'i leal. And giie their flattering heaHi a itroi^eT beat: Nor yet theie gnardi alone larronnd the great. Within, a baser crew of moiiala wait i To all the rich the titled fool reiigiwd, SbtTci to hli nod, and pathict of the mind j i«ai*Goog[c

POETRT AND BUSINESS.

Tnbed like hif dop to watch tbeir luita'i eye, To fetcb awl carrj'

icaiidBl nod a lie Laagh at tbe jot oo trembling merit throwD, A|fd add the little m^lce af their own.— Xdow ;e the palo yon give i hit blnlie* ihew It i^ Ye hsn bo blHibe*, je caa jKrer know it^

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Poetry

AND

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Aad having penciled oal the soni.

Throws in her blush, and spoils the whole.

This foolish feeling, to say trath, OR marred the figure of the youth;

And often when he meant to speak.

He felt the censor warn h|s cheeic.

Drew baclcj by foolish fear betrayed.

And laughed at what some idiot smd:

Thought much, nay sometimes he was knowa

To speak most fluently alone;

Pitied a fool, a fop abhorred ;

And bad no patron of a lord.

With this small etock, I blush to tell>

By some strange blunder it befel

He grew a poet, that^s to say,

A po0t in a harmless way;

Wrote some few trifles, which somelimei

He took for toleruble rhymes:

For never yet was strain so high.

But some would scorn, and tell yoo why;

And never yet was strmn so low.

That its fond father Uiooght it so.

Him, when he heard some friend relate

The pompous pleaeures of the giea^

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POKTRT AND BUSINESS. S

And tell^ with envious wish> of aorae, Wdom fortune blessed with halfaflwn^ Him, o'er a glass of mellow ale, I've beard repeat the following tale :—

It chanced a poet, who had strayed From forth the hallowed grove or shade. In meditation reckless grown Which way he went, approached the town. Jnst then a cit, a sober cit, Who laughed at every thing like wit> Tir'd with the city's morning toil, " Came forth to bteathe himself awhile ; Though 'twas his custom to declare He valued not a fig the air; Rosnd were his chops, and round his pannch^ He walked

—for stomach to a haunch.

Our youth, whose eyes few objects drew. Was just upon him e'er he knew; The senior stopped, and touched his hat, And talked of weather, and all that; Or glanced on same such common things^ 4> fates of empires, and of kings;

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Then (as his subjects scarcer grew. And memory failed for something new,) He spoke of more iraportaot matters. His stock, bis creditors, and debtors; And summing up the total life, Lugg'd in that great discount—his wife.

The Bard, who never thought at all How stocks might rise or stocks might fall. Began with all a poet's jire To talk of Muses and the lyre; Quoted, and mnch enlarged upon it, The swelling ode, or quainter sonnet; Then tragic beauties next to shew, Behearsed the melting Otwaj's woe; Or while the merchant stared and wondered. With Shakespeare's horrors raved and tfanndei'd.

The Cit, by this time half afraid. His strange companion first surveyed, (Twas far from Moor6elds, and the man Looked calmer now,) at last began:— " I don't know, sir, how you're inclined^ But, to

speak plainly, in my mind, I would not give that bit of straw For all the verse I ever saw;

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JPOBTHT AND BUSINESS.

It may be aaii, it may he fine.

But can it help a man to dine i

Or do ita makers starve npon it !

Tbe vety foola themselves will own it.

Give me the Uuff, the staff, good sir!

That makes an old man's spirits stir;

Make me bat warm and snog in tha^

And all the rest will follow pat:

A neab-huilt litlJe coantry box.

Fitted for sober city folks.

With a small square of grass before.

And turkies gabbling at the door.

So near, that with an easy ride

A man may breakfast in Cheapslde:

Tbis, with a bottle of good wine.

And two or three Sunday's friends to dine.

Is all a man would wish to share.

And be as happy as—a mayor."—

" Ignobly thonghtl" the Bard rejoined:

" O sordid apathy of mind I

Give me, ye Powers 1 a nobler lot.

Than just to mix with earth and rot;

With reason and with vene combined^

To profit and delight mankind^

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Dying, to leave a deathless namcj

And reap the freshest wreath of fame."—■

The Cit had answered, but between The radiiuit form of Tmth was seen; And turning to the astonished pair> Was heard this sentence to declare:^

" Each thinks aright, except in this. That bis companion thinks amiss.

Why should the deaf, because be found No pleasure in the organ's sound. Pronounce bis neigbbour fool, who stood To gaze upon some gilded wood i Or why bis neighbour call him sot. Whose unnerved ear received it not f Yon, who with more exalted aim. Would reap the freshest wreath of fame. Why wonder if another thinks Him blest, who better eats and drinks. And, be the future as it may. Obeys the feeling of to-day i Each ID the system of mankind Performs the part by Heaven asdgned. And therefore each baa this reward, Hiotself the happier to regard}

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roETRT AMD BDSJNBSS.

For if some cases yaa exclude

Of ill excessive, or of good> AH bappiaess is as jon take it.

And life the thing yom fancies make ib

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t •*)

OLD BACHELOR.

AFnt THB MAMMBK Or IPSMBXB.

llie idea of thii and Uie following portrut vrai probably taken from Shenatoae'B Sckoolmit^ah publiibed not king before tbey were writteii.

I.

Ik FfacebuB' region, while some bsrds there be That smg of battles and the trumpet'B roar; Yet these, I ween, more powerfol bards than me>

Above my ken on eagle pinions soar. Haply a scene of meaner view to scan,

3eneath their lanrel'd praise my verse may give; To trace the features of unnoticed man;

Deeds, else forgotten, in the verse may lire: Her lore mayhap instructive sense may teach From deedBofbombler growth, witbinmylowly reach.

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THE OLD HICHBLOB. »

II.

A wight tb«Fe vas, who, single aad alooe.

Had crept from vigoroai ;ooth to wanliig age, Nor e'et was worth, nor

^er was bean^ known

His heart to captiT^ o* his thought engnge: Some feeble joyaonce tbongh hia conseions mind

Might female worth or bean^ give to wear. Yet to the nobler sex he held confined

The genuine gracet of the soul sincere; And well could shew, with saw, and proverb qwiint. All semblance women's soulj and all her beauty paint

ni.

In plain attire this wight apparei'd was,

(For much be conn'd of frugal lore and koewj) Nor, till some day of larger note might cause.

From iroD-bonnil tbert his better garb he drew: But when Uie Sabbath-day might challenge more.

Or feast or birtb-day should it chance to be, A glossy suit devoid of staio he wore.

And gold his bottom, glanced so fair to see; Gold clasped his shoon, by maiden biuihed so sheen. And bis rough beaid he ihaved, and donn'd his linen clean.

i«ai*Goog[c

W THE OLD BACHELOR.

IV.

But for his common garb, a coat he wore,

A faithful coat, that long its lord had known. That once was black, but now was black no more,

AtUnged by variouB colours not its own. All from his nostrils was the front embrowned.

And down the back ran many a greasy line; While here and there his social moments owned

The generous signet of the purple vine. Brown o'er the bent -of eld his wig appeared, like trailing tail of fox by hunters sore affeir'd.

One serviug-maid he had, like turtle true,

But not like turtle, gentle, soft, and kind, For many a time her tongue bewrayed the ehrew.

And in meet words unpacked her peevish mind: Me formed was she to raise the soft desire.

That stirs the tingling blood in youthfal rein; Ke formed was she to light the tender fire.

By many a bard ysung in many a strain c Hook'd was her nose, and countless wrinkles told. What no man durst, J ween, that «he was waxen old.

,:i:,Cc)Ot^le

THE OLD BACHBLOIL ST

VI.

WheD the clock told the wonted hour was come Wbeb from bta nightly cups the wight withdrew^ Right patient woald she watch iiit wending home,

1^11 at the door his cnatom'd rap she knew. If long his time was past, and leaden sleep

O'er her tir'd eye^lids gaa bis reign to stretch. Oft would she caise that men such hooTB should keep.

And many a saw 'gainst drunkenness would preach: Haply if potent gin had armed her tongue. All on the reeling wight a thundering peal she nmg.

VII.

For though the blooming queen of Cyprus' iale O'er her cold bosom long had ceased, to reign. On that cold bosom still could Bacchus smile;

Such beverage to own if Bacchus deign: Ne mickle wine she loved, for stronger diink

As med'cine oft a cbolic pain will call, . And for the med'cine's sake might envy think.

Oft would a cholic-pun her boweb enthrall: Yet mncb the proffer did she loath, and say. No dram might maid^ taste, and often aoswei'd nay.

,:i:,Cc)Ot^le

» Tat OLD BACHELOR.

VHI. So, as in single animalB be joyed.

One cat, and eke one dog, his bouDty fed. The first, the .cat, devouring mice destroyed.

Thieves heard the last, and from his threshold fled. All ia the soD-beam basked the lazy cat.

Her mottled l«igth ia coachaot posture lud; On one accustomed chair while Pompey sat.

And lond he barked should puss his right invade. The human pur oft marked tbem as they lay. And haply stwnetimes thongbt, like cat and dog were they.

IX. A room he bad, that &ced the southem ray.

Where oft he walked to set his thoughts in tone; Pen^ve he pac^ its length an hour or tway.

All to tbe mteic of his creekiug shoon: And at the end a darkling closet stood.

Where booka he kept, of old research and new. In seemly gnler ranged <hi shelv^ of wood^

And rusty naik aad phials not a few; 'niilk j^ace a row of pegs beseemed well. Of various vulgar, use, unmeet for verse to tell.

,:i:,C00t^ltJ

For atUl ia fonn he phced liU ciMl d«tif^

And mwh wBCMBtcow vooU be bold tbe wi^ That 6*01 ditpbcad a tiUc, ahait» or ito^-i

And oft ia meet array their isnks be pl^cedj And oft with auefol 17c tbwi E>9tu lerijevcd ;

for Bovel fomu, tbo' madi theK fiMaxti iuA gnced, EUnuelf and aaidso nunvrter etcfaewd.

Oae path be trade, aor ever would declme

A hair^ niyneamwd breadth ftom off <he eytnlinjg.

XI. A clab sdect there waij where Taiions talk.

On TaxkHu cb^der*, petwd the Ut^^iag boqr. And Ihither oft be bent bU evening laiM,

And waiaedio isirljh t^ wioe'i enliymog pw* And oft 4HI pefitica di^

pnashiMnU nn,

V a pipe leot ila tfaonght-begettwg (909 i And oft important matters would they Rcan,

And, deefk in oouacil, fix a nctiim'H do(W} ' And oft duy .chnolcled lopd at jeat oc je«r. Or smutty tale the mo*^ thilk mvfik d>*y loved to

i«ai*Goog[c

XII. For m^ like bun they were, of like consort, Tbilk macfa&efaoaestMuse mast aeedEcoodemnj Who made of women's wiles their wanton ^Ktrt, And blessed their stars, that kept the curse from diem, Ne honest love they knew, ne meeting smiley That shoots the tcamport to the throbbii^ heart! • Tbilk knew they not, bnt in a harlot's guile^

Lascivious smiling throogh the mask of art; And so of women deemed they, as they knew^ And from a demon's traits an angel's picture drew.

XIII.

Bat most abhorred they hymeneal rites,

And'Tannted oft the freedom of their fate> Noi vailed, as they opined, its best delights.

Those ills to balance, that on wedlock wait< And often would they tell of ben-^pecked fool,

Sanbbed by the hard behest of sour-eyed dame. And vowed no tongue-armed woman's freakish rule

Their mirth dioidd quell, or damp their generous flame; Then pledged their hands, and toss'd their bumpers o'er. And lo! Bacchus!

swig, and owned no other power< i«ai*Goog[c

XIV. ir e'er a doubt of softer kind arose

Within some breast of less obdurate frame, Lo! where his hideous form a pbantom shows.

Fall in his view, and Cuckold is his name. Him Scorn attended with a glance askew.

And scorpion Shame for delicts not his own. Her painted babbles while Suspicion blew.

And Texed the region round the Cupids' throne-Far be from ns, they cried, the treacherous bane. Far be the dimply guile, and far the flowery chain!

,:i:,Cc)Ot^le

OLD MAID.

ArrBl THZ (AUG XAKNBB.

I.

QoBBK ofthejtarry train) whose iilrer ray

G]ads the dark bosom of the murky night! Or if thoa lov'st, remote from realms of day.

Id gloomy Tartarus to (jueoch thy light, Ycleped Proserpina] where Plato reigns

O'er damned ghosts, hy sister-furies sbent; Or rather. Goddess of the woodland plains.

That chear'st tby hounds with bow for ever hentl Assist my verse: the virgin theme is thine; Certes to virgia theme thoa deignest to incline.

i«ai*Go<>J^le

TUB OLD MAID. «

It.

AndtfKNi^OOoddtwl whom, in days of yoi^

PItdge oi the mouidi'B oareusted love. To hdl'e grim Uog the babbling echo bore.

Deep ia ^ cestre of her dwkcit giore^ C<HQe, SeanM! coma! with nod, with wink, orumle.

With half-heard whispw in the listening «ar; Come, roDnd^encirded with thy cobweb-goite

Of frieodly-aeeming doabt, or seeming fear: Lo! Hyson's talk-inspiring tiime ascends I Lo! to the grateful fame the weU-pleas'd GoddeM bends!

m.

Assist m« iboa} for certes thoa hast aeea,

When aU ezchided was the eye profane. In gapi^ circle ranged when maidens been.

And each alternate tongoe proclaim'd thy r^ga. Of her I sing, who, next the sacred vase.

Poured to her friends the warm libation ronnd; And,—tell it. Scandal, to one maiden's praise,—

Her b^ird devoid of flattery was found: No gkising tale, I we^, my verse bestows. To glozing tale, I ween, tho' maids are seldom foes.

,:i:,Cc)Ot^le

IV. Tho' envious Time had drawn bis lines of grey

Tbro'the brown locks that o'eiher forebead rose. Yet moot it were, I wis, for me to say.

If miss or mistress were the aUle she chose. Ab me! bow lose we days in Fancy's dream!

Besure in dulcet gnise her years bad past; Scarce fif\y seem'd they in the maiden's deem.

Yet aickerly the sixtieth was her last; NaUiIesB in secret wou'd she sigh and say. Time been a subtle thief that steals, our youth away!

V.

No gorgeous dress, I ween, she loved to wear, Tbo' whilom was her youth to shew inclin'd; With former trappings, now her humbler care,

Her windows curtain'd, or her sofas lin'd And boastful oft she shew'd the pattern rare,

Which erst her pencil for her needle drew. Then glanc'd a censure on the modem ft^r.

Whose ill-spent moments no such labour knew. Who pass'd the night at rerel, rout, or play. And doz'd the precious hours of cbearfiil dawn away.

,:i:,Cc)Ot^le

VI.

And oft, disdainfnl of the tituel geer.

She mark'd^ as well beseem'd, with boneat rage. What time her sister-ceoson sate to hear.

The gawdy trappings of the thongbtless age: And much she blam'd the carriage viun and light.

The tele that towers aloft with borrow'd hiur. And O! pro^e! to catch Uie wanton sight.

The cross that dangles on the hosom hare: llien told of bett«r days, when kerchiefs clean. And modest mffi conceal'd what never man had seen.

VII. Nor less the moral pravily she wui'd,

Hiat spread infectious o'er the yielding times: Where slept die law, where blinded justice fail'd.

And fashion sanctify'd her fav'rite crimes I Alas to see! Religion's power was fled, .

Vice walked in triumph o'et a goil^ land! Unblushing matrons stain'd the nuptial bed, - And frequent murtber bar'd his purple hand ! And cooth was she, with fearfal note 1 ween. To mark the jud^ng power tb^t worketb all unseen.

,:i:,Cc)Ot^le

« TBI OLD lUID.

VIII. Thk is the cawc, if right aredcs the mtai, Why lag! the gpribg from Winter's chilly rear. And damp-vini^ed Emus, in bii fogs arrayed.

Taints the yoong verdare oObe genial year; Not ooWf as she was wont, the mem of May

Leads the toh aephyt o'er the dewy plain; But summer sims emit a feebler ray.

And withering fogs usorp the iacm's reign. Far other days faiM

yonthftil sports htd seen! Far other yellow fields! far other meadows green!

IX.

And oft, as meftting fiiats engoider Same, WisdfHB she sought in Reason's listed field; Warm tn her favourite cause, the fearless dame

Maiotainedthepost of doubt,and scorned toyi<M. Dian! by thee (if maiden powers abovfe .

Suggest resolTe to maiden minds below) Alike inspired in argomeut and love.

Her tongue pronounced the never-yielding No. Nor would she graiU, till Reason well shoold scan, By woman aught Opin'd, or aught opin'd by tlWD.

^n,r,'o?iiCTOOg[c

THtOLDIUID. «

X.

Kot Bite tin wigfat^ in Dido's fertiTe iM,

GiBpfi Sntea, *lwn the tkle of woe RebeanJBg direful deedi, ud IV«tit'« fidl.

Perforce cmutnuned the briny tear to flow; Thifl patient maid> bb certei Menwtfa mcet»

From paint egone a present pieaanre drew i And oft' right quaintly wonld the tale repeat

To other wighb> who n^er that {deaanre koew. Of Btit^ Or oramp, or toe&<ache's bamiiig paid. Of nigbt^Bare murdering sleep, or corns forcbo* ding lain.

XL Yet mncfa the wh^ I laod her hoacat skill.

She shewed the poiaoo, and the onre she gaV^e; So^ have I hesffd, the venomed aerpenu kill.

Whose beads aSiard the precions stone to sAtc, For much of hetaling herbs the maiden knew.

And cidled her simples fM their balmy jnioe. From plaioa, where all unnoticed die they grew^

And pined umiOnscions of a nobler nso. Her books of cniekeiy taught the healing lore To eare the eoimUcsB ills their sBUocp omaed bcftite.

i«ai*G0OJ^Ic

« THE OLD lUID.

xn.

Ne yet to het the herald's art unkoown,

Tho' all nnconned the Bhield-emblazoaed page; Ke better traced their own sepnlchral stone^

The aDcestiy of maoy a fonner age; And soothly would she mark the rightfiil liae

That held of ancient names the cbiefest place. And where the branches partj and where they joiB,

With felice art, I ween^ the dame woold trace; And oft her proper kindred would explore. And many a couun hailed, that knew his tribe no more.

XIII. The' ne'er from her embrace had children sprang.

Yet alien imps with kindness would she greet;. And oft with pleasure heard the hsping tongue.

And gave the promised meed of candied sweet; And of^ the tale of wonderment she told.

Of Fayes, that gambled o'er the circly ground. And birds, that taught the moral lore oE old.

Then strewed the snowy comfiU alt aiotmd; Tbilk woi-Id she tee them ^ean with looks of grace, And stroked the flaxen pole, and blessed the smi' ling face I

„C„„sle

THE 0U> MAID. M

XIV.

A favourite parrot was sbe wont to tendj

More blessed thaq aught created mole beside; And oft he perched up<m hei lily-band.

And kissed the lips, to man, alas I denied; And oft his prattle would she teach the bird.

He sloped bis glossy neck, and seemed to bear; Bat, ah I the while from passing boys be beard

The phrase unseemly for a maiden's ear: Shame on the filthy, rogue ■

the maiden cried; Shame on the Glthy rogne > the mimic bird replied.

XV.

Woe to the maid! a m^d, alasl no more.

Who passed the line untainted virtue draws. Thee, sacred Virtue! did the dame adore,

The watchfiil guardian of thy strictest laws! Certes no pity thrilled her bosom pure,

(Or justice bade that pity to forego,) For her whom Pleasure's syren strains allure

To drink the poisoned cup of shame and woe. And all too light she held that woe and shame^ And called her many a wretch, and many a worsei name.

i«ai*Go<>J^le

■ft THE OLD UAID.

XVI.

Aad well I ween, right critique was the dame,

' To note defect in beauty's purest grace. Nor could the age produce a boasted name

That 'scaped remark on person or on face: Yet, sooth to say, her praise with better will

Foreran the harsh decree her justice gave; What pity 'twere one little word should kill.

When half her sentence meant before to save! Close in the rear the envious but appeared. And blasted all the sweets her milder breath had reared.

XVII. And fondly oft the taie of youth recalled (Nor much of past delights her memory lost,) Of hearts tbat whilom had her eyes enthralled;—

Belentless she, of cruelty to boast! And shewed on gilded leaves impassioned rhymes,

(To love I wis the Muse was ever kind,) Tbilk "would the love-sick youUis of former times

Sigh to the sighing of the summer's wind! And all, forsooth, they told, the piteous gale Ceased at the sound to blow, and Echo leaint liie tale.

i«ai*Go<)glc

THE OLD HAIB. ftl

XVIII.

Then wonld their fancies o'er the garden elnj.

And mark the tints of every flower that blows. Compared with her, if soothly marked the lay,

The lily lost its white, its blush the rose. Then would they tell of Cupid's killing dart, lliat glanced, O treacherous softness! from her eyes. And paint the pang that teaps the bleeding heart.

When Cbloe frowns, alas! and Damon dies. But now of Chloe's frowns no hards complain; Certea from known repulse they ceased the bootless strain!

XIX. Ah! glosing barda, ye paint the rose's fane.

The blooming lily with the rose ye twine;— Ne'er did your smooth-set sonnets warble too

"niat lilies wither, and that roses pine! Myhonest verse, (ye gentle virgins, hear.

O'er your smooth cheeks when Hebe's dimples play,) Though fearful, whispers in the youthfal ear, That kingdoms, states, and^dimples—

mast decay! Afa! thoughtless yooth the harsher troth denies. Nor beauty mortal thinks, alaa! till beauty dies.

i«ai*Go<>J^le

VISION OF VANITY.

ASDRKSIKD T

The pnndpal ideas and charactera sketched out in the following Poem, were enlarged, and somewhat more connected, in another,

first published ia 1771, but written several years before, intituled. The Puradtt of Uappi* ttta. — Vid. poUea.

iSoME powei there u above the valgar reach. Which art may tutor, but can oevcc teacb; Some Bobtler essence of the thinking mind.

That leaves the lagging pace of sense behind; That taaght a Shakespeare all his ma^c fire; With Otw^ melted o'ei the melting Ijie;

iKsiiiGoogIc

THE TIBION OF TASITT. U

With Dryden wandered thro' the Aonian bowersj And culled the fragrance of their sweetest flowers; That gave the pointed line of Pope to glow; That frets and kicks at straws with poor Roussean; That taught a Collins' raptured eye to gaze Full on her fires, and drink their fiercest hiaze} Poors from a Mason's harp the flowing lay; With Shenstone piped, and roves with pensi veGray; To mirth, to sorrow, or to madness free; LaaghswithaSteme,aod sometimes yawns vrithme.

Struck by her wand, as late entranced I lay. And thoaght, or seemed to think, the hour away, Lo! to my view a. beauteotu form appeared; A female form her soft enchantment reared. On quivering gossamer*

her steps were placed, A shining baldric girt her slender waist, Wherelightembroidery'sglitteringtextuTeshewed, What on her favourite sons her smile hetowed; The patriot's coronet, the courtier's rod. And mitres fbrthe hnmbler men of God. Rednndant flowed her purple robe behind. And,loosely waving, wooed the wanton wind;

* A lover may beatrlde the gMutmer, That idlei in the nintoa nimmer air, Aod jet DOt fall, lo light li laDity.

i«ai*Go<>J^le

O'er her soft checks the dimples held tbeit reign, And s|te«k)Qg; palses throbbed in every veiD; Fantastic triakets decked her plaited hair. The heaving whiteness of her bosom, bare! She stroked her eye-

brows, and she toued her head. And amoothed het lips to wtfar a brighter red; Then, with a conacioas smile, she threw asksnee The self-complaisance of a meting giance.

" Mortal!" she said, " at Folly's ^Ided cbrine. If e'er a shaft from Satire's bow was thine. Behold the Power, wbd gave her strength to rue. And point her lazy pinions to the riiies. In darkling chaos and primeval sbade^ Unmoved, unprincipled, was Folly laid. Till thwart the gloom I beamed a pi^ng ray. And bade her Haunt it in die face of day; Grin where she gaped, in self-opinion strong. And ever confident of right iii wrong.

" Xiook o'er the deeda> which Tnith or Faticy give. In verse. In statue, or in paint, to live; Reared by day hand, the storied actions spring. And, bnt for me, what wretch would be a king I For me the hero wheels his smoking car. Amidst the purple ranks of fiery war.

Then struts a god! and months my better name. Ambition, or the sacred thirst of fame.

ri'::i:.Cc)0^le

THE TI8I0N OF VANITT. B5

Foi me, (be coward death itself defies. And conacions like a Cato dies.

"Bot these ait druightg in nature seldom shewn; They paint 'em oftenest^ who have oever known. Search common life, and search it where 70a will, Tis Vani^ impels the action stilJ, Still some gay nothings Home gay nothinga meet. To feed the airy form of self-conceit.

" I gave my lord,—the solace of his life,— Hb handsome snuff-box, and his handsome wife. Alike the rcason, they adorn the great. For both were purchased at a moostront rate.

" For me Pt4)ilio calb hb insect breeds. Ranges his tmtterflies, his maggots feeds; Now points hu tube to Venus' radiant height; Now ogles thrcngh his microscope—a mite.

" Go ^ou, to life in larger views inclioed. And mark the buzzing insects of mankind; See sweet Sir Lappet, with the busiest face.

Perform in pi^llots his morning race. From scented toilet to a china sale; To swallow half, and half regotge a tale. Deep in the secrets of the state-machine; And as Important on " an Indian screen;" The things, like thoughts, that jostle in his brain. Rise into k^apfl, and then disadlTe again.

i«ai*Goog[c

M THE VISION OF VANITY.

" Whj, bark'ee, Frank} last night—but mom for that— You cou'd not keep it"—and he smooths his hat^— " My letters say, Sir John, that there's a talk"— (And shews a brilliant on a hand of chalk.) " The queen of Denmark-^there's a figured bowi— The Manjuis writes me, tJiat the Tuesday's pcdt— What gewgaw thinge—

your g)a», my lord—are

these i O, execrably vulgar! dot Chinese!"

" Shut with a cautious hand Pisanio's door. And, trembling, venture on his polished floor; Touch hot his bells, so tremulously hung, A cricket presses, and his bells are rung. Reflective tables tables shew again; And muffled lacqueys lift the shioing plain. Pale in his face his friend that terror views; His friend bad almost failed—to wipe his shoes.

" I tempted Labeo, who of old could tell But just how much brocade was worth the ell. His bard-eamed riches in hia age to waste,—

Delusive cbace ! to bunt the Proteus—Taste. O'er the broad lawn behold a Dian reign. To meet yon visto from the neighbouring plain; Here crawls a puddle from its scanty fount; Here Dods a ruin on a aew-raised mount;

i«ai*Goog[c

There stinking shrobs^ from Indian plains coavejed, 'To pine and wither in the torpid shade; While Labeo's gardener plants bim into

fame. Proud of the beauties which be cannot name. Uiin all the wondering cits, who range at will On manj SabbaUi-dajs from Lndgate Hill, Mimic in little through their spruce abodes. And rifle Hyde-Park-Corner of its gods.

" Even the duU wretch, with girdle-fettered paoacl^^ Who sweats at turtle, or who pants at baunch. Of feelings frugal, just content witfa one. The grossest pleasure of tbe brute called Man, Inspired by me> surreys the table round. And boasts of beating Helluo by a pound.

" O'er tbe soft sex acknowledged power I boast; They feel it oftencst, and enjoy it mosL By partial art ^ least to man belong The reason-fathomed deeps of right and wr<Hig; By me tbe cob-web principles are wrongbt, That float and waver in a woman's thought Robed in my tints the fleeting objects viewed. But half they reason, and but half conclude; From this to that the fond ideas range. Warm to enjoy, but only blest in change. Cntasted banquets pall on their desire. And rising wbhes bid retolve expire^

i«ai*Goog[c

But atill, where'er the waoderer'e steps iooline. In various shapes the sovereign rule is miEie; I weave the texture of her gaudiest dream.

Herself the motive, and herself the theme. True to that ehrine she betida the suppliant knee. And sometimes kneeb to God—to worship me!

" In Phryfle's mirror Phryne's self is fair. Tricked in the charms my pencil pictures there; And Sylvia thinks, while you in blushes sit^

The lovely ideot is a perfect wit.

" Nor yet, by all the graces formed in vain. Nor yet Monimia 'scaped my powerAil reign. With all thai nature gives, refined by art. With all the feelings of the generous heart. The gay to ravish, and the grave to please; By wisdom tutored in the school of ease. Of parts possessed, by heaven assigned to few. She pitied follies which she never knew; Slow to condemn, condemned widiout a frown. And censure taught a language not its own.

" A youth who loved, (of such himself p The kindred virtues of Monimia's breast. His honest passion told the beauteous maid. By the soft feelings of her soul betrayed; A conscious blush with virgin coyness strove. And colder reason nrged the cfuise of love.

i«ai*Goog[c

THE VISION OF VAKITT. «

In VEun she urged; indigaant I arose, (For I and merit commonly are foes,} Odious, I whispered, plain Eugenio's wife !— Sbe sighed, aod took a titled fool for life.

" For me, Blondella talks the liTe-l<mg night; Of moral fitness, and the rale of right { Then all for Plato's philosophic mind. The pOie idea, and the love refined i The delicate, the eympatby of soul! And nameless somethings, that on nothing roll! With what a dying dying fall she speaks. And leans on two plump arms two purple cheeks. For not o'er nature Plato's rules prevail. To teach Blondeila Plato's pensive pale; Nay some there are, as o'er their favourite tea They sacrifice to scandal and to me. Who say, Blondella feels the common dome^ And loves as solidly as other dames. And yet <for Pope informed me long ago. What can we reason but from what we know,) Perhi^s they err; for them no sacred fire IHd ere the breath of sapient Greece inspire; And from plain nature, plainly underatood.

They cannot think so ill of flesh and blood.

" Not quite of Epicure's or Plato's school. Not quite a wit, alod just not quite a fool;

,:i:,Cc)Ot^le

m THE VISION OP VANITY.

With pause, and point, and epitfaet to aid,

Daphne for me invokes the tunefnl maid.

With rhyme front Byshe^ and sentiment from Behn,

In deepest pathos Daphne dips her pen; To weeping rills her sighing shepherds wail.

And sighs are wafted on the aighing gale;

Smooth flows her stream, and soft her zephyr blows.

With ah's bow tender, and how solemn oh's!

Then toils a novelist in virtue's caase.

And joins example to the moral laws;

Virtue and vice their proper meed assigns,

And awfal justice speaks her closing lines.

The maze of sentiment and sorrow past.

Each honest girl a hoaband finds at last;

And vice, her long career of mischief run,

Is doomed'to penance in a sober nun.

Yet, ah! the while, insidious powers of love!

Was Daphne tangled in the web she wove:

She feels and pdnts the soft desire by turns.

And midst the flame her fancy kindled bums;

More blessed than Waller,* reaped both love and bays.

And lost her virtue—while she wrote its praise.

* ** I graipcd at Iotr, ind filled m; bud witb bayt."

'ffALI.B& of UnMlC

i;oai*Goog[c

Nor yet where all tby boasted reaaon mas. Thy hoasted reason shields her thinkiog eoqb. I guide the stoic through the moral page; I give the cine that leads the poring sage; His book the scholar, or his stodies faint; And, strange! humility itself the sauit: Mine swells the period from a Johnson's hand ; And famished poets at my altars stand.

" Even thou by me inspired, without the nine, To try at verse, and pour the feeble line, Thou onn'st my power; amid the smiling train^

Of wealth, of person, or of title vain, I mark thy bosom swell with secret pride. To scorn their weakness, to thy scorn allied.

'^Thoughyetthon darest not wide expand thy sail/ Nor trust the public for a partial gale; Though ne'er, by earnest friends or me impelled. Thy flippant verse a miscellany held; Nor scrawled a-top by some unwilling lord, To court subscription, bangs thy begging board; There are whose praise indulgent swells tby heart. And speeds the poison fiom my rankling dart: Lo! she, of whom are all the virtues vain. Too dangerous Goodness I she approves tby strmn. And drawn half smiling, bids thee write again."—