The poetical works: of Will. Shenstone. In two volumes. With the life of the author, and a description of the Leasowes. ... [pt.1]

ELEGIES, WRITTEN ON MANY DIFFERENT OCCASIONS.

Tantum inter densas, umbrosa cacumina, fagas Assidue veniebat; ibi haec incondita, solus, Montibus et silvis studio jactabat inani!VIRG.

IMITATION.

The spreading beech alone he would explore With frequent step; beneath its shady top, (Ah! profitless employ!) to hills and groves These indigested lays he wont repeat.

ELEGY I. He arrives at his retirement in the country, and takes occa|sion to expatiate in praise of simplicity. To a Friend.

FOR rural virtues, and for native skies, I bade Augusta's venal sons farewell; Now 'mid the trees I see my smoke arise, Now hear the fountains bubbling round my cell.

O may that Genius which secures my restLine 5 Preserve this villa for a friend that's dear! Ne'er may my vintage glad the sordid breast, N'er tinge the lip that dares be unsincere!

Far from these paths, ye faithless Friends! depart; Fly my plain board, abhor my hostile name!Line 10 Hence, the saint verse that flows not from the heart, But mourns in labour'd strains, the price of fame!

O lov'd Simplicity! be thine the prize! Assiduous Art correct her page in vain! His be the palm who, guiltless of disguise,Line 15 Contemns the pow'r the dull resourse to feign!

Still may the mourner, lavish of his tears, For lucre's venal meed invite my scorn! Still may the bard, dissembling doubts and tears, For praise, for flatt'ry sighing, sigh forlorn!Line 20

Soft as the line of love-sick Hammond flows, 'Twas his fond heart effus'd the melting theme; Ah! never could Aonia's hill disclose So fair a fountain or so lov'd a stream.

Ye loveless Bards! intent with artful painsLine 26 To form a sigh, or to contrive a tear! Forego your Pindus, and on — plains Survey Camilla's charms, and grow sincere.

But thou, my Friend! while in thy youthful soul Love's gentle tyrant seats his awful throne,Line 30 Write from thy bosom—let not Art control The ready pen that makes his edicts known.

Pleasing when youth is long expir'd, to trace The forms our pencil or our pen design'd! " Such was our youthful air, and shape, and face!Line 35 " Such the soft image of our youthful mind!"

Soft whilst we sleep beneath the rural bow'rs, The Loves and Graces steal unseen away, And where the turf diffus'd its pomp of flow'rs, We wake to wintry scenes of chill decay!Line 40

Curse the sad fortune that detains thy fair; Praise the soft hours that gave thee to her arms; Paint thy proud scorn of ev'ry vulgar care, When hope exalts thee, or when doubt alarms.

Where with Oenone thou hast worn the day,Line 45 Near font or stream, in meditation, rove; If in the grove Oenone lov'd to stray, The faithful Muse shall meet thee in the grove.Line 48

ELEGY II. On posthumous reputation. To a Friend.

O GRIEF of griefs! that Envy's frantic ire Should rob the living virtue of its praise; O foolish Muses! that with zeal aspire To deck the cold insensate shrine with bays.

When the free spirit quits her humble frame,Line 5 To tread the skies with radiant garlands crown'd, Say, will she hear the distant voice of Fame? Or, hearing, fancy sweetness in the sound?

Perhaps even Genius pours a slighted lay; Perhaps ev'n Friendship sheds a fruitless tear;Line 10 Ev'n Lyttleton but vainly trims the bay, And fondly graces Hammond's mournful bier.

Tho' weeping virgins haunt his favour'd urn, Renew their chaplets and repeat their sighs; Tho' near his tomb Sabaean odours burn,Line 15 The loit'ring fragrance will it reach the skies?

No; should his Delia votive wreaths prepare, Delia might place the votive wreaths in vain; Yet the dear hope of Delia's future care Once crown'd his pleasures and dispell'd his pain.Line 20

Yes—the fair prospect of surviving praise Can ev'ry sense of present joys excel; For this great Hadrian chose laborious days, Thro' this, expiring, bade a gay farewell.

Shall then our youths, who Fame's bright fabric raise, To life's precarious date confine their care?Line 26 O teach them you, to spread the sacred base, To plan a work thro' latest ages fair!

Is it small transport, as with curious eye You trace the story of each Attic sage,Line 30 To think your blooming praise shall time defy? Shall waft, like odours, thro' the pleasing page?

To mark the day when, thro' the bulky tome, Around your name the varying style refines? And readers call their lost attention home,Line 35 Led by that index where true genius shines?

Ah! let not Britons doubt their social aim, Whose ardent bosoms catch this ancient fire; Cold int'rest melts before the vivid flame, And patriot ardours but with life expire.Line 40

ELEGY III. On the untimely death of a certain learned acquaintance.

IF proud Pygmalion quit his cumb'rous frame, Funereal pomp the scanty tear supplies, Whilst heralds loud, with venal voice, proclaim, Lo! here the brave and the puissant lies.

When humbler Alcon leaves his drooping friends,Line 5 Pageant nor plume distinguish Alcon's bier; The faithful Muse with votive song attends, And blots the mournful numbers with a tear.

He little knew the sly penurious art, That odious art which Fortune's fav'rites know;Line 10 Form'd to bestow, he felt the warmest heart, But envious Fate forbade him to bestow.

He little knew to ward the secret wound; He little knew that mortals could ensnare; Virtue he knew; the noblest joy he foundLine 15 To sing her glories, and to paint her fair!

Ill was he skill'd to guide his wand'ring sheep, And unforeseen disaster thinn'd his fold; Yet at another's loss the swain would weep, And for his friend his very crook was sold.Line 20

Ye sons of Wealth! protect the Muses' train; From winds protect them, and with food supply; Ah! helpless they, to ward the threaten'd pain, The meagre famine, and the wintry sky!

He lov'd a nymph; amidst his slender storeLine 25 He dar'd to love; and Cynthia was his theme; He breath'd his plaints along the rocky shore, They only echo'd o'er the winding stream.

His nymph was fair! the sweetest bud that blows Revives less lovely from the recent show'r;Line 30 So Philomel enamour'd eyes the rose; Sweet bird! enamour'd of the sweetest flow'r.

He lov'd the Muse; she taught him to complain; He saw his tim'rous loves on her depend: He lov'd the Muse, altho' she taught in vain;Line 35 He lov'd the Muse, for she was Virtue's friend.

She guides the foot that treads on Parian floors; She wins the ear when formal pleas are vain; She tempts Patricians from the fatal doors Of Vice's brothel forth to Virtue's fane.Line 40

He wish'd for wealth, for much he wish'd to give; He griev'd that virtue might not wealth obtain: Piteous of woes, and hopeless to relieve, The pensive prospect sadden'd all his strain.

I saw him faint! I saw him sink to rest!Line 45 Like one ordain'd to swell the vulgar throng; As tho' the Virtues had not warm'd his breast, As tho' the Muses not inspir'd his tongue.

I saw his bier ignobly cross the plain; Saw peasant hands the pious rite supply:Line 50 The gen'rous rustics mourn'd the friendly swain, But Pow'r and Wealth's unvarying cheek was dry!

Such Alcon fell; in meagre want forlorn! Where were ye then, ye pow'rful Patrons! where? Would ye the purple should your limbs adorn, Go wash the conscious blemish with a tear.Line 56

ELEGY IV. Ophelia's urn. To Mr. G—.

THRO' the dim veil of ev'ning's dusky shade, Near some lone fane, or yew's funereal green, What dreary forms has magic Fear survey'd! What shrouded spectres Superstition seen!

But you, secure, shall pour your sad complaint,Line 5 Nor dread the meagre phantom's wan array; What none but Fear's officious hand can paint, What none but Superstition's eye survey.

The glimm'ring twilight and the doubtful dawn Shall see your step to these sad scenes return:Line 10 Constant, as crystal dews impearl the lawn, Shall Strephon's tear bedew Ophelia's urn.

Sure nought unhallow'd shall presume to stray Where sleep the reliques of that virtuous maid; Nor aught unlovely bend its devious wayLine 15 Where soft Ophelia's dear remains are laid.

Haply thy Muse, as with unceasing sighs She keeps late vigils on her urn reclin'd, May see light groups of pleasing visions rise, And phantoms glide, but of celestial kind.Line 20

Then Fame, her clarion pendent at her side, Shall seek forgiveness of Ophelia's shade; " Why has such worth, without distinction, dy'd? " Why, like the desert's lily, bloom'd to fade?"

Then young Simplicity, averse to feign,Line 25 Shall, unmolested, breathe her softest sigh, And Candour with unwonted warmth complain, And Innocence indulge a wailful cry.

Then Elegance, with coy judicious hand, Shall cull fresh flow'rets for Ophelia's tomb;Line 30 And Beauty chide the Fates' severe command, That shew'd the frailty of so fair a bloom!

And Fancy then, with wild ungovern'd woe, Shall her lov'd pupil's native taste explain; For mournful sable all her hues forego,Line 35 And ask sweet solace of the Muse in vain!

Ah! gentle Forms! expect no fond relief; Too much the sacred Nine their loss deplore: Well may ye grieve, nor find an end of grief— Your best, your brightest, fav'rite is no more.Line 40

ELEGY V. He compares the turbulence of love with the tranquillity of friendship. To Melissa his friend.

FROM Love, from angry Love's inclement reign I pass a while to Friendship's equal skies; Thou, gen'rous Maid! reliev'st my partial pain, And cheer'st the victim of another's eyes.

'Tis thou, Melissa, thou deserv'st my care;Line 5 How can my will and reason disagree? How can my passion live beneath despair? How can my bosom sigh for aught but thee?

Ah! dear Melissa! pleas'd with thee to rove, My soul has yet surviv'd its dreariest time;Line 10 Ill can I bear the various clime of Love! Love is a pleasing but a various clime.

So smiles immortal Maro's fav'rite shore, Parthenope, with ev'ry verdure crown'd; When straight Vesuvio's horrid caldrons roar,Line 15 And the dry vapour blasts the regions round.

Oh! blissful regions! oh! unrivall'd plains! When Maro to these fragrant haunts retir'd! Oh! fatal realms! and, oh! accurs'd domains! When Pliny 'mid sulphureous clouds expir'd!Line 20

So smiles the surface of the treach'rous main, As o'er its waves the peaceful halcyons play, When soon rude winds their wonted rule regain, And sky and ocean mingle in the fray.

But let or air contend or ocean rave;Line 25 Ev'n Hope subside, amid the billows tost; Hope, still emergent, still contemns the wave, And not a feature's wonted smile is lost.Line 28

ELEGY VI. To a Lady, on the language of birds.

COME then, Dione, let us range the grove, The science of the feather'd choirs explore, Hear linnets argue, larks descant of love, And blame the gloom of solitude no more.

My doubt subsides—'tis no Italian song,Line 5 Nor senseless ditty, cheers the vernal tree: Ah! who that hears Dione's tuneful tongue Shall doubt that music may with sense agree?

And come, my Muse! that lov'st the sylvan shade, •…•…volve the mazes, and the mist dispel;Line 10 Translate the song; convince my doubting maid •…•…o solemn dervise can explain so well.—

Pensive beneath the twilight shades I sate, The slave of hopeless vows and cold disdain! When Philomel address'd his mournful mate,Line 15 And thus I constru'd the mellifluent strain.

" Sing on, my bird!—the liquid notes prolong, " At ev'ry note a lover sheds his tear; " Sing on, my bird!—'tis Damon hears thy song, " Nor doubt to gain applause when lovers hear.Line 20

" He the sad source of our complaining knows, " A foe to Tereus and to lawless love! " He mourns the story of our ancient woes; " Ah! could our music his complaint remove!

" Yon' plains are govern'd by a peerless maid;Line 25 " And see! pale Cynthia mounts the vaulted sky, " A train of lovers court the chequer'd shade; " Sing on, my bird! and hear thy mates reply.

" Erewhile no shepherd to these woods retir'd, " No lover bless'd the glow-worm's pallid ray;Line 30 " But ill-star'd birds that, list'ning, not admir'd, " Or list'ning, envy'd our superior lay.

" Cheer'd by the sun, the vassals of his pow'r, " Let such by day unite their jarring strains, " But let us chuse the calm, the silent, hour, " Nor want fit audience while Dione reigns."Line 36

ELEGY VII. He describes his vision to an acquaintance.

Caetera per terras omnes animalia, &c.VIRG.

IMITATION.

All animals beside, o'er all the earth, &c.

ON distant heaths, beneath autumnal skies, Pensive I saw the circling shade descend; Weary and faint I heard the storm arise, While the sun vanish'd like a faithless friend.

No kind companion led my steps aright;Line 5 No friendly planet lent its glimm'ring ray; Ev'n the lone cot refus'd its wonted light, Where Toil in peaceful slumber clos'd the day.

Then the dull bell had giv'n a pleasing sound; The village cur 'twere transport then to hear;Line 10 In dreadful silence all was hush'd around, While the rude storm alone distress'd mine ear.

As led by Orwell's winding banks I stray'd, Where tow'ring Wolsey breath'd his native air, A sudden lustre chas'd the flitting shade,Line 15 The sounding winds were hush'd, and all was fair.

Instant a grateful form appear'd confest; White were his locks, with awful scarlet crown'd, And livelier far than Tyrian seem'd his vest, That with the glowing purple ting'd the ground.Line 20

" Stranger!" he said, "amid this pealing rain, " Benighted, lonesome, whither wouldst thou stray? " Does wealth or pow'r thy weary step constrain? " Reveal thy wish, and let me point the way.

" For know, I trod the trophy'd paths of pow'r,Line 25 " Felt ev'ry joy that fair Ambition brings, " And lest the lonely roof of yonder bow'r " To stand beneath the canopies of kings.

" I bade low hinds the tow'ring ardour share, " Nor meanly rose to bless myself alone; " I snatch'd the shepherd from his fleecy care,Line 30 " And bade his wholesome dictate guard the throne.

" Low at my feet the suppliant peer I saw; " I saw proud empires my decision wait; " My will was duty, and my word was law,Line 35 " My smile was transport, and my frown was fate."

Ah me! said I, nor pow'r I seek, nor gain; Nor urg'd by hope of same these toils endure; A simple youth, that feels a lover's pain, And from his friend's condolence hopes a cure.Line 40

He, the dear youth! to whose abodes I roam, Nor can mine honours nor my fields extend; Yet for his sake I leave my distant home, Which oaks embosom, and which hills defend.

Beneath that home I scorn the wintry wind;Line 45 The Spring, to shade me, robes her fairest tree; And if a friend my grass-grown threshold find, O how my lonely cot resounds with glee!

Yet, tho' averse to gold in heaps amass'd, I wish to bless, I languish to bestow;Line 50 And tho' no friend to Fame's obstrep'rous blast, Still to her dulcet murmurs not a foe.

Too proud with servile tone to deign address; Too mean to think that honours are my due; Yet should some patron yield my stores to bless,Line 55 I sure should deem my boundless thanks were few.

But tell me, thou! that like a meteor's fire Shott'st blazing forth, disdaining dull degrees, Should I to wealth, to fame, to pow'r, aspire, Must I not pass more rugged paths than these?Line 60

Must I not groan beneath a guilty load, Praise him I scorn, and him I love betray? Does not felonious Envy bar the road? Or Falsehood's treach'rous foot beset the way?

Say, should I pass thro' Favour's crowded gate,Line 65 Must not fair Truth inglorious wait behind? Whilst I approach the glitt'ring scenes of state, My best companion no admittance find?

Nurs'd in the shades by Freedom's lenient care, Shall I the rigid sway of Fortune own?Line 70 Taught by the voice of pious Truth, prepare To spurn an altar, and adore a throne?

And when proud Fortune's ebbing tide recedes, And when it leaves me no unshaken friend, Shall I not weep that e'er I left the meads,Line 75 Which oaks embosom, and which hills defend?

Oh! if these ills the price of pow'r advance, Check not my speed where social joys invite! The troubled vision cast a mournful glance, And, sighing, vanish'd in the shades of night.Line 80

ELEGY VIII. He describes his early love of poetry, and its consequences. To Mr. G—, 1745* 1.1.

AH me! what envious magic thins my fold? What mutter'd spell retards their late increase? Such less'ning fleeces must the swain behold, That e'er with Doric pipe essays to please.

I saw my friends in ev'ning circles meet;Line 5 I took my vocal reed, and tun'd my lay; I heard them say my vocal reed was sweet: Ah, fool! to credit what I heard them say.

Ill-fated Bard! that seeks his skill to show, Then courts the judgment of a friendly ear;Line 10 Not the poor vet'ran, that permits his foe To guide his doubtful step, has more to fear.

Nor could my G— mistake the critic's laws, Till pious Friendship mark'd the pleasing way: Welcome such error! ever bless'd the cause!Line 15 Ev'n tho' it led me boundless leagues astray.

Couldst thou reprove me, when I nurs'd the flame On list'ning Cherwell's osier banks reclin'd? While foe to Fortune, unseduc'd by Fame, I sooth'd the bias of a careless mind.Line 20

Youth's gentle kindred, Health and Love, were met; What tho' in Alma's guardian arms I play'd? How shall the Muse those vacant hours forget? Or deem that bliss by solid cares repaid?

Thou know'st how transport thrills the tender breast Where Love and Fancy fix their op'ning reign;Line 26 How Nature shines, in livelier colours drest, To bless their union, and to grace their train.

So first when Phoebus met the Cyprian queen, And favour'd Rhodes beheld their passion crown'd,Line 30 Unusual flow'rs enrich'd the painted green, And swift spontaneous roses blush'd around.

Now sadly lorn, from Twitnam's widow'd bow'r The drooping Muses take their casual way, And where they stop a flood of tears they pour,Line 35 And where they weep no more the fields are gay.

Where is the dappled pink, the sprightly rose? The cowslip's golden cup no more I see: Dark and discolour'd ev'ry flow'r that blows, To form the garland, Elegy! for thee—Line 40

Enough of tears has wept the virtuous dead; Ah! might we now the pious rage control! Hush'd be my grief ere ev'ry smile be fled, Ere the deep-swelling sigh subvert the soul!

If near some trophy spring a stripling bay,Line 45 Pleas'd we behold the graceful umbrage rise, But soon too deep it works its baneful way, And low on earth the prostrate ruin lies* 1.2.Line 48

ELEGY IX. He describes his disinterestedness to a friend.

I NE'ER must tinge my lip with Celtic wines; The pomp of India must I ne'er display; Nor boast the produce of Peruvian mines, Nor with Italian sounds deceive the day.

Down yonder brook my crystal bev'rage flows;Line 5 My grateful sheep their annual fleeces bring; Fair in my garden buds the damask rose, And from my grove I hear the throstle sing.

My fellow swains! avert your dazzled eyes; In vain allur'd by glitt'ring spoils they rove;Line 10 The Fates ne'er meant them for the shepherd's prize, Yet gave them ample recompense in love.

They gave you vigour from your parents' veins; They gave you toils; but toils your sinews brace; They gave you nymphs that own their am'rous pains, And shades, the refuge of the gentle race.Line 16

To carve your loves, to paint your mutual flames, See! polish'd fair, the beech's friendly rind! To sing soft carols to your lovely dames, See vocal grots, and echoing vales assign'd!Line 20

Wouldst thou, my Strephon! Love's delighted slave! Tho' sure the wreaths of chivalry to share, Forego the ribbon thy Matilda gave, And giving, bade thee in remembrance wear?

Ill fare my peace, but ev'ry idle toy,Line 25 If to my mind my Delia's form it brings, Has truer worth, imparts sincerer joy, Than all that bears the radiant stamp of kings.

O my soul weeps, my breast with anguish bleeds, When Love deplores the tyrant pow'r of Gain!Line 30 Disdaining riches as the futile weeds, I rise superior, and the rich disdain.

Oft' from the stream, slow-wand'ring down the glade, Pensive I hear the nuptial peal rebound; " Some miser weds," I cry, "the captive maid,Line 35 " And some fond lover sickens at the sound."

Not Somerville, the Muse's friend of old, Tho' now exalted to yon' ambient sky, So shunn'd a soul distain'd with earth and gold, So lov'd the pure, the gen'rous breast, as I.Line 40

Scorn'd be the wretch that quits his genial bowl, His loves, his friendships, ev'n his self, resigns; Perverts the sacred instinct of his soul, And to a ducat's dirty sphere confines.

But come, my Friend! with taste, with science, blest, Ere age impair me, and ere gold allure;Line 46 Restore thy dear idea to my breast, The rich deposite shall the shrine secure.

Let others toil to gain the sordid ore, The charms of independence let us sing;Line 50 Bless'd with thy friendship, can I wish for more? I'll spurn the boasted wealth of Lydia's king* 1.3.Line 52

ELEGY X. To Fortune, suggesting his motive for repining at her dispensations.

ASK not the cause why this rebellious tongue Loads with fresh curses thy detested sway; Ask not, thus branded in my softest song, Why stands the flatter'd name which all obey?

'Tis not that in my shed I lurk forlorn,Line 5 Nor see my roof on Parian columns rise; That on this breast no mimic star is borne, Rever'd, ah! more than those that light the skies.

'Tis not that on the turf supinely laid, I sing or pipe, but to the flocks that graze;Line 10 And, all inglorious, in the lonesome shade My finger stiffens, and my voice decays.

Not that my fancy mourns thy stern command, When many an embryo dome is lost in air; While guardian Prudence checks my eager hand,Line 15 And ere the turf is broken, cries, "Forbear:

" Forbear, vain Youth! be cautious, weigh thy gold, " Nor let yon' rising column more aspire; " Ah! better dwell in ruins than behold " Thy fortunes mould'ring, and thy domes entire.Line 20

" Honorio built, but dar'd my laws desy; " He planted, scornful of my sage commands; " The peach's vernal bud regal'd his eye, " The fruitage ripen'd for more frugal hands."

See the small stream that pours its murm'ring tideLine 25 O'er some rough rock that would its wealth display, Displays it aught but penury and pride? Ah! construe wisely what such murmurs say.

How would some flood, with ampler treasures blest, Disdainful view the scantling drops distil!Line 30 How must Velino* 1.4 shake his reedy crest! How ev'ry cygnet mock the boastive rill!

Fortune! I yield; and see, I give the sign; At noon the poor mechanic wanders home, Collects the square, the level, and the line,Line 35 And with retorted eye forsakes the dome.

Yes, I can patient view the shadeless plains; Can unrepining leave the rising wall; Check the fond love of art that fir'd my veins, And my warm hopes in full pursuit recall.Line 40

Descend, ye Storms! destroy my rising pile; Loos'd be the whirlwind's unremitting sway; Contented I, altho' the gazer smile To see it scarce survive a winter's day.

Let some dull dotard bask in thy gay shrine,Line 45 As in the sun regales his wanton herd; Guiltless of envy, why should I repine That his rude voice, his grating reed's, preferr'd?

Let him exult, with boundless wealth supply'd, Mine and the swain's reluctant homage share;Line 50 But, ah! his tawdry shepherdess's pride, Gods! must my Delia, must my Delia, bear?

Must Delia's softness, elegance, and ease, Submit to Marian's dress? to Marian's gold? Must Marian's robe from distant India please?Line 55 The simple fleece my Delia's limbs enfold?

" Yet sure on Delia seems the russet fair; " Ye glitt'ring daughters of Disguise, adieu!" So talk the wise, who judge of shape and air, But will the rural thane decide so true?Line 60

Ah! what is native worth esteem'd of clowns? 'Tis thy false glare, O Fortune! thine they see; 'Tis for my Delia's sake I dread thy frowns, And my last gasp shall curses breathe on thee.Line 64

ELEGY XI. He complains how soon the pleasing novelty of life is over.

To Mr. J—.

AH me! my Friend! it will not, will not last! This fairy scene that cheats our youthful eyes; The charm dissolves; th' aërial music's past; The banquet ceases, and the vision flies.

Where are the splendid forms, the rich perfumes,Line 5 Where the gay tapers, where the spacious dome? Vanish'd the costly pearls, the crimson plumes, And we, delightless, left to wander home!

Vain now are books, the sage's wisdom vain! What has the world to bribe our steps astray?Line 10 Ere Reason learns by study'd laws to reign, The weaken'd passions, self-subdu'd, obey.

Scarce has the sun sev'n annual courses roll'd, Scarce shewn the whole that Fortune can supply, Since not the miser so caress'd his goldLine 15 As I, for what it gave, was heard to sigh.

On the world's stage I wish'd some sprightly part, To deck my native fleece with tawdry lace! 'Twas life, 'twas taste, and—oh! my foolish heart! Substantial joy was fix'd in pow'r and place.Line 20

And you, ye works of Art! allur'd mine eye, The breathing picture and the living stone: " Tho' gold, tho' splendour, Heav'n and Fate deny, " Yet might I call one Titian stroke my own!"

Smit with the charms of Fame, whose lovely spoil,Line 25 The wreath, the garland, fire the poet's pride, I trimm'd my lamp, consum'd the midnight oil— But soon the paths of health and fame divide!

Oft', too, I pray'd, 'twas Nature form'd the pray'r, To grace my native scenes, my rural home;Line 30 To see my trees express their planter's care, And gay, on Attic models, raise my dome.

But now 'tis o'er, the dear delusion's o'er! A stagnant breezeless air becalms my soul; A fond aspiring candidate no more,Line 35 I scorn the palm before I reach the goal.

O Youth! enchanting stage, profusely bless'd! Bliss ev'n obtrusive courts the frolic mind; Of health neglectful, yet by health caress'd, Careless of favour, yet secure to find.Line 40

Then glows the breast, as op'ning roses fair; More free, more vivid, than the linnet's wing; Honest as light, transparent ev'n as air, Tender as buds, and lavish as the spring.

Not all the force of manhood's active might,Line 45 Not all the craft to subtle age assign'd, Not science shall extort that dear delight, Which gay delusion gave the tender mind.

Adieu, soft raptures! transports void of care! Parent of raptures, dear Deceit! adieu;Line 50 And you, her daughters, pining with despair, Why, why so soon her fleeting steps pursue!

Tedious again to curse the drizling day! Again to trace the wint'ry tracts of snow! Or, sooth'd by vernal airs, again surveyLine 55 The self-same hawthorns bud, and cowslips blow!

O Life! how soon of ev'ry bliss forlorn! We start false joys, and urge the devious race; A tender prey; that cheers our youthful morn, Then sinks untimely, and defrauds the chase.Line 60

ELEGY XII. His recantation.

No more the Muse obtrudes her thin disguise, No more with awkward fallacy complains How ev'ry fervour from my bosom flies, And Reason in her lonesome palace reigns.

Ere the chill winter of our days arrive,Line 5 No more she paints the breast from passion free; I feel, I feel one loit'ring wish survive— Ah! need I, Florio, name that wish to thee?

The star of Venus ushers in the day, The first, the loveliest of the train that shine!Line 10 The star of Venus lends her brightest ray, When other stars their friendly beams resign.

Still in my breast one soft desire remains, Pure as that star, from guilt, from int'rest, free; Has gentle Delia tripp'd across the plains,Line 15 And need I, Florio, name that wish to thee?

While, cloy'd to find the scenes of life the same, I tune with careless hand my languid lays, Some secret impulse wakes my former flame, And fires my strain with hopes of brighter days.Line 20

I slept not long beneath yon' rural bow'rs, And, lo! my crook with flow'rs adorn'd I see; Has gentle Delia bound my crook with flow'rs, And need I, Florio, name my hopes to thee?Line 24

ELEGY XIII. To a friend, on some slight occasion estranged from him.

HEALTH to my friend, and many a cheerful day! Around his seat may peaceful shades abide! Smooth flow the minutes, fraught with smiles, away, And till they crown our union gently glide!

Ah me! too swiftly fleets our vernal bloom!Line 5 Lost to our wonted friendship, lost to joy! Soon may thy breast the cordial wish resume, Ere wintry doubt its tender warmth destroy!

Say, were it ours, by Fortune's wild command, By chance to meet beneath the Torrid Zone,Line 10 Wouldst thou reject thy Damon's plighted hand? Wouldst thou with scorn thy once-lov'd friend disown?

Life is that stranger land, that alien clime; Shall kindred souls forego their social claim? Launch'd in the vast abyss of space and time,Line 15 Shall dark suspicion quench the gen'rous flame?

Myriads of souls, that knew one parent mould, See sadly sever'd by the laws of Chance! Myriads, in Time's perennial list enroll'd, Forbid by Fate to change one transient glance!Line 20

But we have met—where ills of ev'ry form, Where passions rage, and hurricanes descend; Say, shall we nurse the rage, assist the storm, And guide them to the bosom—of a friend?

Yes, we have met—thro' rapine, fraud, and wrong: Might our joint aid the paths of peace explore!Line 26 Why leave thy friend amid the boist'rous throng, Ere death divide us, and we part no more?

For, oh! pale Sickness warns thy friend away; For me no more the vernal roses bloom!Line 30 I see stern Fate his ebon wand display, And point the wither'd regions of the tomb.

Then the keen anguish from thine eye shall start, Sad as thou follow'st my untimely bier; " Fool that I was—if friends so soon must part, " To let suspicion intermix a fear."Line 36

ELEGY XIV. Declining an invitation to visit foreign countries, he takes occasion to intimate the advantages of his own. To Lord Temple.

WHILE others, lost to friendship, lost to love, Waste their best minutes on a foreign strand, Be mine with British nymph or swain to rove, And court the Genius of my native land.

Deluded Youth! that quits these verdant plains,Line 5 To catch the follies of an alien soil! To win the vice his genuine soul disdains, Return exultant, and import the spoil!

In vain he boasts of his detested prize; No more it blooms, to British climes convey'd;Line 10 Cramp'd by the impulse of ungenial skies, See its fresh vigour in a moment fade!

Th' exotic folly knows its native clime, An awkward stranger, if we waft it o'er; Why then these toils, this costly waste of time,Line 15 To spread soft poison on our happy shore?

I covet not the pride of foreign looms; In search of foreign modes I scorn to rove; Nor for the worthless bird of brighter plumes Would change the meanest warbler of my grove.Line 20

No distant clime shall servile airs impart, Or form these limbs with pliant ease to play; Trembling I view the Gaul's illusive art That steals my lov'd rusticity away.

'Tis long since Freedom fled th' Hesperian clime,Line 25 Her citron groves, her flow'r-embroider'd shore; She saw the British oak aspire sublime, And soft Campania's olive charms no more.

Let partial suns mature the western mine, To shed its lustre o'er th' Iberian maid;Line 30 Mien, beauty, shape, O native soil! are thine; Thy peerless daughters ask no foreign aid.

Let Ceylon's envy'd plant* 1.5 perfume the seas, Till torn to season the Batavian bowl; Ours is the breast whose genuine ardours please,Line 35 Nor need a drug to meliorate the soul.

Let the proud Soldan wound th'Arcadian groves, Or with rude lips th'Aonian fount profane; The Muse no more by flow'ry Ladon roves, She seeks her Thomson on the British plain.Line 40

Tell not of realms by ruthless war dismay'd; Ah! hapless realms! that war's oppression feel! In vain may Austria boast her Noric blade, If Austria bleed beneath her boasted steel.

Beneath her palm Idume vents her moan;Line 45 Raptur'd, she once beheld its friendly shade; And hoary Memphis boasts her tombs alone, The mournful types of mighty pow'r decay'd!

No Crescent here displays its baneful horns; No turban'd host the voice of Truth reproves;Line 50 Learning's free source the sage's breast adorns, And poets, not inglorious, chant their loves.

Boast, favour'd Media! boast thy flow'ry stores; Thy thousand hues by chymic suns refin'd; 'Tis not the dress or mien my soul adores,Line 55 'Tis the rich beauties of Britannia's mind.

While Grenville's* 1.6 breast could virtue's storesafford, What envy'd flota bore so fair a freight? The mine compar'd in vain its latent hoard, The gem its lustre, and the gold its weight.Line 60

Thee, Grenville! thee, with calmest courage fraught! Thee, the lov'd image of thy native shore! Thee, by the Virtues arm'd, the Graces taught! When shall we cease to boast or to deplore?

Presumptuous War, which could thy life destroy,Line 65 What shall it now in recompense decree? While friends that merit ev'ry earthly joy Feel ev'ry anguish; feel—the loss of thee!

Bid me no more a servile realm compare, No more the Muse of partial praise arraign;Line 70 Britannia sees no foreign breast so fair, And if she glory, glories not in vain.Line 72

ELEGY XV. In memory of a private family* 1.7 in Worcestershire.

FROM a lone tow'r with rev'rend ivy crown'd, The pealing bell awak'd a tender sigh; Still as the village caught the waving sound, A swelling tear distream'd from ev'ry eye.

So droop'd, I ween, each Briton's breast of old,Line 5 When the dull curfew spoke their freedom fled; For, sighing as the mournful accent roll'd, " Our hope," they cry'd, "our kind support, is dead!"

'Twas good Palemon!—Near a shaded pool, A group of ancient elms umbrageous rose;Line 10 The flocking rooks, by Instinct's native rule, This peaceful scene for their asylum chose.

A few small spires, to Gothic fancy fair, Amid the shades emerging struck the view; 'Twas here his youth respir'd its earliest air;Line 15 'Twas here his age breath'd out its last adieu.

One favour'd son engag'd his tend'rest care; One pious youth his whole affection crown'd; In his young breast the virtues sprung so fair, Such charms display'd, such sweets diffus'd around.

But whilst gay transport in his face appears,Line 21 A noxious vapour clogs the poison'd sky, Blasts the fair crop—the sire is drown'd in tears, And, scarce surviving, sees his Cynthio die!

O'er the pale corse we saw him gently bend;Line 25 Heart-chill'd with grief—"My thread," he cry'd, "is spun! " If Heav'n had meant I should my life extend, " Heav'n had preserv'd my life's support, my son.

" Snatch'd in thy prime! alas! the stroke were mild, " Had my frail form obey'd the Fates' decree!Line 30 " Bless'd were my lot, O Cynthio! O my child! " Had Heav'n so pleas'd, and I had dy'd for thee."

Five sleepless nights he stemm'd this tide of woes; Five irksome suns he saw, thro' tears, forlorn! On his pale corse the sixth sad morning rose;Line 35 From yonder dome the mournful bier was borne.

'Twas on those * 1.8 Downs, by Roman hosts annoy'd, Fought our bold fathers, rustic, unrefin'd! Freedom's plain sons, in martial cares employ'd! They ting'd their bodies, but unmask'd their mind.Line 40

'Twas there, in happier times, this virtuous race, Of milder merit, fix'd their calm retreat; War's deadly crimson had forsook the place, And Freedom fondly lov'd the chosen seat.

No wild ambition fir'd their tranquil breast,Line 45 To swell with empty sounds a spotless name; If fost'ring skies, the sun, the show'r, were blest, Their bounty spread; their fields' extent the same.

Those fields, profuse of raiment, food, and fire, They scorn'd to lessen, careless to extend;Line 50 Bade Luxury to lavish courts aspire, And Avarice to city breasts descend.

None to a virgin's mind preferr'd her dow'r, To fire with vicious hopes a modest heir: The sire, in place of titles, wealth, or pow'r,Line 55 Assign'd him virtue; and his lot was fair.

They spoke of Fortune as some doubtful dame, That sway'd the natives of a distant sphere; From Lucre's vagrant sons had learn'd her fame, But never wish'd to place her banners here.Line 60

Here youth's free spirit, innocently gay, Enjoy'd the most that Innocence can give; Those wholesome sweets that border Virtue's way; Those cooling fruits, that we may taste and live.

Their board no strange ambiguous viand bore;Line 65 From their own streams their choicer fare they drew; To lure the scaly glutton to the shore, The sole deceit their artless bosom knew!

Sincere themselves, ah! too secure to find The common bosom, like their own, sincere!Line 70 'Tis its own guilt alarms the jealous mind; 'Tis her own poison bids the viper fear.

Sketch'd on the lattice of th' adjacent fane, Their suppliant busts implore the reader's pray'r: Ah! gentle souls! enjoy your blissful reign,Line 75 And let frail mortals claim your guardian care.

For sure to blissful realms the souls are flown That never flatter'd, injur'd, censur'd, strove; The friends of Science! music all their own; Music, the voice of Virtue and of Love!Line 80

The journeying peasant, thro' the secret shade Heard their soft lyres engage his list'ning ear, And haply deem'd some courteous angel play'd; No angel play'd—but might with transport hear.

For these the sounds that chase unholy Strife!Line 85 Solve Envy's charm, Ambition's wretch release! Raise him to spurn the radiant ills of life, To pity pomp, to be content with peace.

Farewell, pure Spirits! vain the praise we give, The praise you sought from lips angelic flows;Line 90 Farewell! the virtues which deserve to live Deserve an ampler bliss than life bestows.

Last of his race, Palemon, now no more The modest merit of his line display'd; Then pious Hough Vigornia's mitre wore— Soft sleep the dust of each deserving shade.Line 96

ELEGY XVI. He suggests the advantages of birth to a person of merit, and the folly of a superciliousness that is built upon that sole foundation.

WHEN genius, grac'd with lineal splendour, glows, When title shines, with ambient virtues crown'd, Like some fair almond's flow'ry pomp it shows, The pride, the persume, of the regions round.

Then learn, ye Fair! to soften splendour's ray;Line 5 Endure the swain, the youth of low degree; Let meekness join'd its temp'rate beam display; 'Tis the mild verdure that endears the tree.

Pity the scandal'd swain, the shepherd's boy; He sighs to brighten a neglected name;Line 10 Foe to the dull appulse of vulgar joy, He mourns his lot; he wishes, merits fame.

In vain to groves and pathless vales we fly; Ambition there the bow'ry haunt invades; Fame's awful rays fatigue the courtier's eye,Line 15 But gleam still lovely thro' the chequer'd shades.

Vainly, to guard from Love's unequal chain, Has Fortune rear'd us in the rural grove; Should ****'s eyes illume the desert plain, Ev'n I may wonder, and ev'n I must love.Line 20

Nor unregarded sighs the lowly hind; Tho' you contemn, the gods respect his vow; Vindictive rage awaits the scornful mind, And vengeance, too severe! the gods allow.

On Sarum's plain I met a wand'ring fair;Line 25 The look of sorrow, lovely still, she bore; Loose flow'd the soft redundance of her hair, And on her brow a flow'ry wreath she wore.

Oft' stooping as she stray'd, she cull'd the pride Of ev'ry plain; she pillag'd ev'ry grove!Line 30 The fading chaplet daily she supply'd, And still her hand some various garland wove.

Erroneous Fancy shap'd her wild attire; From Bethlem's walls the poor lympatic stray'd; Seem'd with her air her accent to conspire,Line 35 When as wild Fancy taught her, thus she said:

" Hear me, dear Youth! oh! hear an hapless maid, " Sprung from the sceptred line of ancient kings! " Scorn'd by the world, I ask thy tender aid; " Thy gentle voice shall whisper kinder things.Line 40

" The world is frantic—fly the race profane— " Nor I nor you shall its compassion move; " Come, friendly let us wander and complain, " And tell me, Shepherd! hast thou seen my love?

" My love is young—but other loves are young;Line 45 " And other loves are fair, and so is mine; " An air divine discloses whence he sprung; " He is my love who boasts that air divine.

" No vulgar Damon robs me of my rest; " Ianthe listens to no vulgar vow;Line 50 " A prince, from gods descended, fires her breast; " A brilliant crown distinguishes his brow.

" What, shall I stain the glories of my race, " More clear, more lovely bright, than Hesper's beam? " The porc'lain pure with vulgar dirt debase?Line 55 " Or mix with puddle the pellucid stream?

" See thro' these veins the sapphire current shine! " 'Twas Jove's own nectar gave th' ethereal hue: " Can base plebeian forms contend with mine, " Display the lovely white, or match the blue?Line 60

" The painter strove to trace its azure ray; " He chang'd his colours, and in vain he strove: " He frown'd—I, smiling, view'd the faint essay: " Poor youth! he little knew it flow'd from Jove.

" Pitying his toil, the wondrous truth I told,Line 65 " How am'rous Jove trepann'd a mortal fair; " How thro' the race the gen'rous current roll'd, " And mocks the poet's art and painter's care.

" Yes, from the gods, from earliest Saturn, sprung " Our sacred race, thro' demigods convey'd,Line 70 " And he, ally'd to Phoebus, ever young, " My godlike boy! must wed their duteous maid.

" Oft', when a mortal vow profanes my ear, " My sire's dread fury murmurs thro' the sky; " And should I yield—his instant rage appears;Line 75 " He darts th' uplifted vengeance—and I die.

" Have you not heard unwonted thunders roll? " Have you not seen more horrid lightnings glare? " 'Twas then a vulgar love ensnar'd my soul; " 'Twas then—I hardly 'scap'd the fatal snare.Line 80

" 'Twas then a peasant pour'd his am'rous vow, " All as I listen'd to his vulgar strain;— " Yet such his beauty—would my birth allow, " Dear were the youth, and blissful were the plain.

" But, oh! I faint! why wastes my vernal bloom,Line 85 " In fruitless searches ever doom'd to rove? " My nightly dreams the toilsome path resume, " And shall I die—before I find my love?

" When last I slept, methought my ravish'd eye " On distant heaths his radiant form survey'd;Line 90 " Tho' night's thick clouds encompass'd all the sky, " The gems that bound his brow dispell'd the shade,

" O how this bosom kindled at the sight! " Led by their beams I urg'd the pleasing chase, " Till on a sudden these withheld their light—Line 95 " All, all things envy the sublime embrace.

" But now no more—Behind the distant grove " Wanders my destin'd youth, and chides my stay: " See, see! he grasps the steel—Forbear, my Love— " Ianthe comes; thy princess hastes away."Line 100

Scornful she spoke, and, heedless of reply, The lovely maniac bounded o'er the plain, The piteous victim of an angry sky! Ah me! the victim of her proud disdain.Line 104

ELEGY XVII. He indulges the suggestions of spleen: an Elegy to the winds.

Aeole! namque tibi divum Pater atque hominum rex, Et mulcere dedit mentes et tollere vento.

IMITATION.

O Aeolus! to thee the Sire supreme Of gods and men the mighty pow'r bequeath'd To rouse or to assuage the human mind.

STERN Monarch of the winds! admit my pray'r; A while thy fury check, thy storms confine; No trivial blast impels the passive air, But brews a tempest in a breast like mine.

What bands of black ideas spread their wings!Line 5 The peaceful regions of Content invade! With deadly poison taint the crystal springs! With noisome vapour blast the verdant shade!

I know their leader, Spleen, and the dread sway Of rigid Eurus, his detested sire;Line 10 Thro' one my blossoms and my fruits decay; Thro' one my pleasures and my hopes expire.

Like some pale stripling, when his icy way, Relenting, yields beneath the noontide beam, I stand aghast and, chill'd with fear, surveyLine 15 How far I've tempted life's deceitful stream.

Where, by remorse impell'd, repuls'd by fears, Shall wretched Fancy a retreat explore? She flies the sad presage of coming years, And sorr'wing dwells on pleasures now no more.Line 20

Again with patrons and with friends she roves, But friends and patrons never to return; She sees the Nymphs, the Graces, and the Loves, But sees them weeping o'er Lucinda's urn.

She visits, Isis! thy forsaken stream,Line 25 Oh! ill forsaken for Boeotian air; She deems no flood reflects so bright a beam, No reed so verdant, and no flow'rs so fair.

She deems beneath thy sacred shades were peace, Thy bays might ev'n the civil storm repel;Line 30 Reviews thy social bliss, thy learned ease, And with no cheerful accent cries Farewell!

Farewell, with whom to these retreats I stray'd, By youthful sports, by youthful toils, ally'd; Joyous we sojourn'd in thy circling shade,Line 35 And wept to find the paths of life divide.

She paints the progress of my rival's vow, Sees ev'ry Muse a partial ear incline, Binds with luxuriant bays his favour'd brow, Nor yields the refuse of his wreath to mine.Line 40

She bids the flatt'ring mirror, form'd to please, Now blast my hope, now vindicate despair; Bids my fond verse the love-sick parley cease, Accuse my rigid fate, acquit my fair.

Where circling rocks defend some pathless vale,Line 45 Superfluous mortal! let me ever rove; Alas! there Echo will repeat the tale— Where shall I find the silent scenes I love?

Fain would I mourn my luckless fate alone, Forbid to please, yet fated to admire;Line 50 Away, my friends! my sorrows are my own; Why should I breathe around my sick desire?

Bear me, ye Winds! indulgent to my pains, Near some sad ruin's ghastly shade to dwell, There let me fondly eye the rude remains,Line 55 And from the mould'ring refuse build my cell.

Genius of Rome! thy prostrate pomp display, Trace ev'ry dismal proof of Fortune's pow'r; Let me the wreck of theatres survey, Or pensive sit beneath some nodding tow'r.Line 60

Or where some duct, by rolling seasons worn, Convey'd pure streams to Rome's imperial wall, Near the wide breach in silence let me mourn, Or tune my dirges to the water's fall.

Genius of Carthage! paint thy ruin'd pride;Line 65 Tow'rs, arches, fanes, in wild confusion strown; Let banish'd Marius* 1.9, low'ring by thy side, Compare thy fickle fortunes with his own.

Ah no! thou Monarch of the storms! forbear; My trembling nerves abhor thy rude control,Line 70 And scarce a pleasing twilight sooths my care, Ere one vast death, like darkness, shocks my soul.

Forbear thy rage—on no perennial base Is built frail Fear, or Hope's deceitful pile; My pains are fled—my joy resumes its place, Should the sky brighten, or Melissa smile.Line 76

ELEGY XVIII. He repeats the song of Colin, a discerning shepherd, lament|ing the state of the woollen manufactory.

Ergo omni studio glaciem ventosque nivales, Quo minus est illis curae mortalis egestas, Avertes; victumque feres.VIRG.

IMITATION.

Thou, therefore, in proportion to their lack Of human aid, with all thy care defend From frozen seasons and inclement blasts, And give them timely food.

NEAR Avon's bank, on Arden's flow'ry plain, A tuneful shepherd* 1.10 charm'd the list'ning wave, And sunny Cotsol' fondly lov'd the strain, Yet not a garland crowns the shepherd's grave!

Oh! lost Ophelia! smoothly flow'd the dayLine 5 To feel his music with my flames agree, To taste the beauties of his melting lay, To taste, and fancy it was dear to thee.

When for his tomb, with each revolving year, I steal the musk-rose from the scented brake,Line 10 I strew my cowslips, and I pay my tear, I'll add the myrtle for Ophelia's sake.

Shiv'ring beneath a leafless thorn he lay, When Death's chill rigour seiz'd his flowing tongue; The more I found his falt'ring notes decay,Line 15 The more prophetic truth sublim'd the song.

" Adieu, my Flocks!" he said, "my wonted care, " By sunny mountain or by verdant shore; " May some more happy hand your fold prepare, " And may you need your Colin's crook no more!Line 20

" And you, ye Shepherds! lead my gentle sheep, " To breezy hills or leafy shelters lead; " But if the sky with show'rs incessant weep, " Avoid the putrid moisture of the mead.

" Where the wild thyme perfumes the purpled heath, " Long loit'ring, there your fleecy tribes extend—Line 26 " But what avails the maxims I bequeath? " The fruitless gift of an officious friend!

" Ah! what avails the tim'rous lambs to guard, " Tho' nightly cares with daily labours join,Line 30 " If foreign sloth obtain the rich reward, " If Gallia's craft the pond'rous fleece purloin?

" Was it for this, by constant vigils worn, " I met the terrors of an early grave? " For this I led 'em from the pointed thorn?Line 35 " For this I bath'd 'em in the lucid wave?

" Ah! heedless Albion! too benignly prone " Thy blood to lavish and thy wealth resign! " Shall ev'ry other virtue grace thy throne, " But quick-ey'd Prudence never yet be thine?Line 40

" From the fair natives of this peerless hill " Thou gav'st the sheep that browze Iberian plains; " Their plaintive cries the faithless region fill, " Their fleece adorns an haughty foe's domains.

" Ill-fated flocks! from cliff to cliff they stray;Line 45 " Far from their dams, their native guardians, far! " Where the soft shepherd, all the livelong day, " Chants his proud mistress to his hoarse guittar.

" But Albion's youth her native fleece despise; " Unmov'd they hear the pining shepherd's moan;Line 50 " In silky folds each nervous limb disguise, " Allur'd by ev'ry treasure but their own.

" Oft' have I hurry'd down the rocky steep, " Anxious to see the wintry tempest drive; " Preserve," said I, "preserve your fleece, my Sheep!Line 55 " Ere long will Phillis, will my love, arrive.

" Ere long she came: ah! woe is me! she came, " Rob'd in the Gallic loom's extraneous twine; " For gifts like these they give their spotless fame, " Resign their bloom, their innocence resign.Line 60

" Will no bright maid, by worth, by titles, known, " Give the rich growth of British hills to Fame? " And let her charms, and her example, own " That Virtue's dress and Beauty's are the same?

" Will no fam'd chief support this gen'rous maid?Line 65 " Once more the patriot's arduous path resume? " And, comely from his native plains array'd, " Speak future glory to the British loom?

" What pow'r unseen my ravish'd fancy fires? " I pierce the dreary shade of future days;Line 70 " Sure 'tis the genius of the land inspires, " To breathe my latest breath in *** praise.

" O might my breath for *** praise suffice, " How gently should my dying limbs repose! " O might his future glory bless mine eyes,Line 75 " My ravish'd eyes! how calmly would they close!

" *** was born to spread the gen'ral joy; " By virtue rapt, by party uncontroll'd; " Britons for Britain shall the crook employ; " Britons for Britain's glory shear the fold."Line 80

ELEGY XIX. Written in spring 1743.

AGAIN the lab'ring hind inverts the soil; Again the merchant ploughs the tumid wave; Another spring renews the soldier's toil, And finds me vacant in the rural cave.

As the soft lyre display'd my wonted loves,Line 5 The pensive pleasure and the tender pain, The sordid Alpheus hurry'd thro' my groves, Yet stopp'd to vent the dictates of disdain.

He glanc'd contemptuous o'er my ruin'd fold; He blam'd the graces of my fav'rite bow'r;Line 10 My breast, unsully'd by the lust of gold; My time, unlavish'd in pursuit of pow'r.

Yes, Alpheus! fly the purer paths of Fate; Abjure these scenes, from venal passions free; Know in this grove I vow'd perpetual hate,Line 15 War, endless war, with lucre and with thee.

Here, nobly zealous, in my youthful hours I dress'd an altar to Thalia's name; Here, as I crown'd the verdant shrine with flow'rs, Soft on my labours stole the smiling dame.Line 20

" Damon," she cry'd, "if, pleas'd with honest praise, " Thou court success by virtue or by song, " Fly the false dictates of the venal race, " Fly the gross accents of the venal tongue.

" Swear that no lucre shall thy zeal betray;Line 25 " Swerve not thy foot with Fortune's vot'ries more; " Brand thou their lives, and brand their lifeless day—" The winning phantom urg'd me, and I swore.

Forth from the rustic altar swift I stray'd, " Aid my firm purpose, ye celestial Pow'rs!Line 30 " Aid me to quell the sordid breast," I said; And threw my jav'lin tow'rds their hostile tow'rs* 1.11.

Think not regretful I survey the deed, Or added years no more the zeal allow; Still, still observant, to the grove I speed,Line 35 The shrine embellish, and repeat the vow.

Sworn from his cradle Rome's relentless foe, Such gen'rous hate the Punic champion† 1.12 bore; Thy lake, O Thrasimene! beheld it glow, And Cannae's walls and Trebia's crimson shore.Line 40

But let grave annals paint the warrior's fame; Fair shine his arms in history enroll'd; Whilst humbler lyres his civil worth proclaim, His nobler hate of avarice and gold.—

Now Punic pride its final eve survey'd,Line 45 Its hosts exhausted, and its fleets on fire; Patient the victor's lurid frown obey'd, And saw th' unwilling elephants retire.

But when their gold depress'd the yielding scale, Their gold in pyramidic plenty pil'd,Line 50 He saw th' unutterable grief prevail; He saw their tears, and in his fury smil'd.

" Think not," he cry'd, "ye view the smiles of ease, " Or this firm breast disclaims a patriot's pain; " I smile, but from a soul estrang'd to peace,Line 55 " Frantic with grief, delirious with disdain.

" But were it cordial, this detested smile, " Seems it less timely than the grief ye show? " O Sons of Carthage! grant me to revile " The sordid source of your indecent woe.Line 60

" Why weep ye now? ye saw with tearless eye " When your fleet perish'd on the Punic wave; " Where lurk'd the coward tear, the lazy sigh, " When Tyre's imperial state commenc'd a slave?

" 'Tis past—O Carthage! vanquish'd, honour'd shade! " Go, the mean sorrows of thy sons deplore;Line 66 " Had Freedom shar'd the vow to Fortune paid, " She ne'er, like Fortune, had forsook thy shore."

He ceas'd—Abash'd the conscious audience hear, Their pallid cheeks a crimson blush unfold,Line 70 Yet o'er that virtuous blush distreams a tear, And falling, moistens their abandon'd gold* 1.13.Line 72

ELEGY XX. He compares his humble fortune with the distress of others, and his subjection to Delia with the miserable servitude of an African slave.

WHY droops this heart with fancy'd woes forlorn? Why sinks my soul beneath each wintry sky? What pensive crowds, by ceaseless labours worn, What myriads, wish to be as bless'd as I!

What tho' my roofs devoid of pomp arise,Line 5 Nor tempt the proud to quit his destin'd way? Nor costly art my flow'ry dales disguise, Where only simple Friendship deigns to stray?

See the wild sons of Lapland's chill domain, That scoop their couch beneath the drifted snows!Line 10 How void of hope they ken the frozen plain, Where the sharp east for ever, ever blows!

Slave tho' I be, to Delia's eyes a slave, My Delia's eyes endear the bands I wear; The sigh she causes well becomes the brave,Line 15 The pang she causes 'tis ev'n bliss to bear.

See the poor native quit the Libyan shores, Ah! not in love's delightful fetters bound! No radiant smile his dying peace restores, Nor love, nor fame, nor friendship, heals his wound.

Let vacant bards display their boasted woes;Line 21 Shall I the mockery of grief display? No; let the Muse his piercing pangs disclose, Who bleeds and weeps his sum of life away!

On the wild beach in mournful guise he stood,Line 25 Ere the shrill boatswain gave the hated sign; He dropp'd a tear unseen into the flood, He stole one secret moment to repine.

Yet the Muse listen'd to the plaints he made, Such moving plaints as Nature could inspire;Line 30 To me the Muse his tender plea convey'd, But smooth'd and suited to the sounding lyre.

" Why am I ravish'd from my native strand? " What savage race protects this impious gain? " Shall foreign plagues infest this teeming land,Line 35 " And more than sea-born monsters plough the main?

" Here the dire locusts' horrid swarms prevail; " Here the blue asps with livid poison swell; " Here the dry dipsa writhes his sinuous mail; " Can we not here secure from envy dwell?Line 40

" When the grim lion urg'd his cruel chase, " When the stern panther sought his midnight prey, " What fate reserv'd me for this Christian race* 1.14? " O race more polish'd, more severe, than they!

" Ye prouling Wolves! pursue my latest cries;Line 45 " Thou hungry Tyger! leave thy reeking den; " Ye sandy Wastes! in rapid eddies rise; " O tear me from the whips and scorns of men!

" Yet in their face superior beauty glows; " Are smiles the mien of Rapine and of Wrong?Line 50 " Yet from their lip the voice of mercy flows, " And ev'n religion dwells upon their tongue.

" Of blissful haunts they tell, and brighter climes, " Where gentle minds, convey'd by Death, repair;Line 54 " But stain'd with blood, and crimson'd o'er with crimes, " Say, shall they merit what they paint so fair!

" No; careless, hopeless of those fertile plains, " Rich by our toils, and by our sorrows gay, " They ply our labours and enchance our pains, " And feign these distant regions to repay.Line 60

" For them our tusky elephant expires; " For them we drain the mine's embowell'd gold; " Where rove the brutal nations' wild desires?— " Our limbs are purchas'd and our life is sold!

" Yet shores there are, bless'd shores for us remain,Line 65 " And favour'd isles, with golden fruitage crown'd, " Where tufted flow'rets paint the verdant plain, " Where ev'ry breeze shall med'cine ev'ry wound.

" There the stern tyrant that embitters life " Shall, vainly suppliant, spread his asking hand;Line 70 " There shall we view the billows' raging strife, " Aid the kind breast, and waft his boat to land."Line 72

ELEGY XXI. Taking a view of the country from his retirement, he is led to meditate on the character of the ancient Britons. Written at the time of a rumoured tax upon luxury, 1746.

THUS Damon sung—What tho' unknown to praise Umbrageous coverts hide my Muse and me, Or 'mid the rural shepherds flow my days? Amid the rural shepherds I am free.

To view sleek vassals crowd a stately hall,Line 5 Say, should I grow myself a solemn slave? To find thy tints, O Titian! grace my wall, Forego the flow'ry fields my fortune gave?

Lord of my time, my devious path I bend Thro' fringy woodland or smooth-shaven lawn,Line 10 Or pensile grove or airy cliff ascend, And hail the scene by Nature's pencil drawn.

Thanks be to Fate—tho' nor the racy vine, Nor fatt'ning olive clothe the fields I rove, Sequester'd shades and gurgling founts are mine,Line 15 And ev'ry silvan grot the Muses love.

Here if my vista point the mould'ring pile, Where hood and cowl Devotion's aspect wore, I trace the tott'ring reliques with a smile, To think the mental bondage is no more.Line 20

Pleas'd if the glowing landscape wave with corn, Or the tall oaks, my country's bulwark, rise; Pleas'd if mine eye, o'er thousand vallies borne, Discern the Cambrian hills support the skies.

And see Plinlimmon! ev'n the youthful sightLine 25 Scales the proud hill's ethereal cliffs with pain! Such, Caer-Caradoc! thy stupendous height, Whose ample shade obscures th' Iernian main.

Bleak, joyless regions! where, by Science fir'd, Some prying sage his lonely step may bend;Line 30 There, by the love of novel plants inspir'd, Invidious view the clamb'ring goats ascend.

Yet for those mountains, clad with lasting snow, The freeborn Briton left his greenest mead, Receding sullen from his mightier foe,Line 35 For here he saw fair Liberty recede.

Then if a chief perform'd a patriot's part, Sustain'd her drooping sons, repell'd her foes, Above or Persian luxe or Attic art The rude majestic monument arose.Line 40

Progressive ages caroll'd forth his fame, Sires to his praise attun'd their children's tongue, The hoary Druid fed the gen'rous flame, While in such strains the rev'rend wizard sung:

" Go forth, my Sons!—for what is vital breath,Line 45 " Your gods expell'd, your liberty resign'd? " Go forth, my Sons!—for what is instant death " To souls secure perennial joys to find?

" For scenes there are, unknown to war or pain,Line 49 " Where drops the balm that heals a tyrant's wound; " Where patriots, bless'd with boundless freedom, reign, " With misletoe's mysterious garlands crown'd.

" Such are the names that grace your mystic songs, " Your solemn woods resound their martial fire; " To you, my Sons! the ritual meed belongs,Line 55 " If in the cause you vanquish or expire.

" Hark! from the sacred oak that crowns the groves " What awful voice my raptur'd bosom warms! " This is the favour'd moment Heav'n approves, " Sound the shrill trump; this instant sound, to arms."

Theirs was the science of a martial race,Line 61 To shape the lance or decorate the shield; Ev'n the fair virgin stain'd her native grace To give new horrors to the tented field.

Now for some cheek where guilty blushes glow,Line 65 For some false Florimel's impure disguise, The listed youth nor War's loud signal know, Nor Virtue's call, nor Fame's imperial prize.

Then, if soft concord lull'd their fears to sleep, Inert and silent slept the manly car,Line 70 But rush'd horrific o'er the fearful steep, If Freedom's awful clarion breath'd to war.

Now the sleek courtier, indolent and vain, Thron'd in the splendid carriage, glides supine, To taint his virtue with a foreign strain,Line 75 Or at a fav'rite's board his faith resign.

Leave then, O Luxury! this happy soil; Chase her, Britannia! to some hostile shore; Or fleece the baneful pest with annual spoil* 1.15, And let thy virtuous offspring weep no more.Line 80

ELEGY XXII. Written in the year — when the rights of sepulture were so frequently violated.

SAY, gentle Sleep! that lov'st the gloom of night, Parent of dreams! thou great Magician! say, Whence my late vision thus endures the light, Thus haunts my fancy thro' the glare of day.

The silent moon had scal'd the vaulted skies,Line 5 And anxious Care resign'd my limbs to rest; A sudden lustre struck my wond'ring eyes, And Silvia stood before my couch confest.

Ah! not the nymph so blooming and so gay, That led the dance beneath the festive shade,Line 10 But she that in the morning of her day Entomb'd beneath the grass-green sod was laid.

No more her eyes their wonted radiance cast, No more her breast inspir'd the lover's flame; No more her cheek the Paestan rose surpast,Line 15 Yet seem'd her lip's ethereal smile the same.

Nor such her hair as deck'd her living face, Nor such her voice as charm'd the list'ning crowd; Nor such her dress as heighten'd ev'ry grace; Alas! all vanish'd for the mournful shroud!Line 20

Yet seem'd her lip's ethereal charm the same; That dear distinction ev'ry doubt remov'd; Perish the lover whose imperfect flame Forgets one feature of the nymph he lov'd.

" Damon," she said, "mine hour allotted flies;Line 25 " Oh! do not waste it with a fruitless tear! " Tho' griev'd to see thy Silvia's pale disguise, " Suspend thy sorrow, and attentive hear.

" So may thy Muse with virtuous fame be blest! " So be thy love with mutual love repaid!Line 30 " So may thy bones in sacred silence rest! " Fast by the reliques of some happier maid!

" Thou know'st how, ling'ring on a distant shore, " Disease invidious nipt my flow'ry prime; " And, oh! what pangs my tender bosom tore,Line 35 " To think I ne'er must view my native clime!

" No friend was near to raise my drooping head, " No dear companion wept to see me die; " Lodge me within my native soil, I said, " There my fond parents' honour'd reliques lie.Line 40

" Tho' now debarr'd of each domestic tear, " Unknown, forgot, I meet the fatal blow; " There many a friend shall grace my woeful bier, " And many a sigh shall rise and tear shall flow.

" I spoke, nor Fate forebore his trembling spoil;Line 45 " Some venal mourner lent his careless aid, " And soon they bore me to my native soil, " Where my fond parents' dear remains were laid.

" 'Twas then the youths from ev'ry plain and grove " Adorn'd with mournful verse thy Silvia's bier;Line 50 " 'Twas then the Nymphs their votive garlands wove, " And strew'd the fragrance of the youthful year.

" But why, alas! the tender scene display? " Could Damon's foot the pious path decline? " Ah, no! 'twas Damon first attun'd his lay,Line 55 " And sure no sonnet was so dear as thine.

" Thus was I bosom'd in the peaceful grave, " My placid ghost no longer wept its doom, " When savage robbers ev'ry sanction brave, " And with outrageous guilt defraud the tomb!Line 60

" Shall my poor corse, from hostile realms convey'd, " Lose the cheap portion of my native sands? " Or, in my kindred's dear embraces laid, " Mourn the vile ravage of barbarian hands?

" Say, would thy breast no deathlike torture feel,Line 65 " To see my limbs the felon's gripe obey? " To see them gash'd beneath the daring steel? " To crowds a spectre, and to dogs a prey?

" If Paean's sons these horrid rites require, " If Health's fair science be by these refin'd,Line 70 " Let guilty convicts for their use expire, " And let their breathless corse avail mankind.

" Yet hard it seems, when Guilt's last fine is paid, " To see the victim's corse deny'd repose; " Now, more severe, the poor offenceless maidLine 75 " Dreads the dire outrage of inhuman foes.

" Where is the faith of ancient Pagans fled? " Where the fond care the wand'ring manes claim? " Nature, instinctive, cries, Protect the dead, " And sacred be their ashes and their fame!Line 80

" Arise, dear Youth! ev'n now the danger calls; " Ev'n now the villain snuffs his wonted prey: " See! see! I lead thee to you' sacred walls— " Oh! fly to chase these human wolves away."Line 84

ELEGY XXIII. Reflections suggested by his situation.

BORN near the scene for Kenelm's* 1.16 fate renown'd, I take my plaintive reed, and range the grove, And raise my lay, and bid the rocks resound The savage force of empire and of love.

Fast by the centre of yon' various wild,Line 5 Where spreading oaks embow'r a Gothic fane, Kendrida's arts a brother's youth beguil'd; There Nature urg'd her tend'rest pleas in vain.

Soft o'er his birth and o'er his infant hours, Th' ambitious maid could ev'ry care employ,Line 10 Then with assiduous fondness cropt the flow'rs, To deck the cradle of the princely boy.

But soon the bosom's pleasing calm is flown; Love fires her breast; the sultry passions rise: A favour'd lover seeks the Mercian throne,Line 15 And views her Kenelm with a rival's eyes.

How kind were Fortune! ah! how just were Fate! Would Fate or Fortune Mercia's heir remove! How sweet to revel on the couch of state! To crown at once her lover and her love!Line 20

See, garnish'd for the chase, the fraudful maid To these lone hills direct his devious way; The youth, all prone, the sister-guide obey'd, Ill-fated youth! himself the destin'd prey.

But now nor shaggy hill nor pathless plainLine 25 Forms the lone refuge of the sylvan game, Since Lyttleton has crown'd the sweet domain With softer pleasures and with fairer fame.

Where the rough bowman urg'd his headlong steed, Immortal bards, a polish'd race, retire;Line 30 And where hoarse scream'd the strepenthorn, succeed The melting graces of no vulgar lyre.

See Thomson, loit'ring near some limpid well, For Britain's friend the verdant wreath prepare! Or, studious of revolving seasons, tellLine 35 How peerless Lucia made all seasons fair!

See *** from civic garlands fly, And in these groves indulge his tuneful vein! Or from yon' summit, with a guardian's eye, Observe how Freedom's hand attires the plain!Line 40

Here Pope!—ah! never must that tow'ring mind To his lov'd haunts or dearer friend return! What art, what friendships! oh! what fame resign'd! —In yonder glade I trace his mournful urn.

Where is the breast can rage or hate retain,Line 45 And these glad streams and smiling lawns behold? Where is the breast can hear the woodland strain, And think fair Freedom well exchang'd for gold?

Thro' these soft shades delighted let me stray, While o'er my head forgotten suns descend!Line 50 Thro' these dear vallies bend my casual way, Till setting life a total shade extend!

Here far from courts, and void of pompous cares, I'll muse how much I owe mine humbler fate, Or shrink to find how much Ambition dares,Line 55 To shine in anguish, and to grieve in state!

Can'st thou, O Sun! that spotless throne disclose, Where her bold arm has left no sanguine stain? Where, shew me where, the lineal sceptre glows, Pure as the simple crook that rules the plain?Line 60

Tremendous pomp! where hate, distrust, and fear, In kindred bosoms solve the social tie; There not the parent's smile is half sincere, Nor void of art the consort's melting eye.

There with the friendly wish, the kindly flame,Line 65 No face is brighten'd and no bosoms beat; Youth, manhood, age, avow one sordid aim, And ev'n the beardless lip essays deceit.

There coward Rumours walk their murd'rous round; The glance that more then rural blame instills;Line 70 Whispers that, ting'd with friendship, doubly wound, Pity that injures, and concern that kills.

There anger whets, but love can ne'er engage; Caressing brothers part but to revile; There all men smile, and Prudence warns the wiseLine 75 To dread the fatal stroke of all that smile.

There all are rivals! sister, son, and sire, With horrid purpose hug destructive arms; There soft-ey'd maids in murd'rous plots conspire, And scorn the gentler mischief of their charms.Line 80

Let servile minds one endless watch endure; Day, night, nor hour, their anxious guard resign; But lay me, Fate! on flow'ry banks secure, Tho' my whole soul be, like my limbs, supine.

Yes; may my tongue disdain a vassal's care;Line 85 My lyre resound no prostituted lays; More warm to merit, more elate to wear The cap of Freedom than the crown of bays.

Sooth'd by the murmurs of my pebbled flood, I wish it not o'er golden sands to flow;Line 90 Cheer'd by the verdure of my spiral wood, I scorn the quarry where no shrub can grow.

No midnight pangs the shepherd's peace pursue; His tongue, his hand, attempts no secret wound; He sings his Delia, and, if she be true, His love at once and his ambition's crown'd.Line 96

ELEGY XXIV. He takes occasion, from the fate of Eleanor of Bretagne* 1.17, to suggest the imperfect pleasures of a solitary life.

WHEN Beauty mourns, by Fate's injurious doom, Hid from the cheerful glance of human eye; When Nature's pride inglorious waits the tomb, Hard is that heart which checks the rising sigh.

Fair Eleonora! would no gallant mindLine 5 The cause of Love, the cause of Justice, own? Matchless thy charms, and was no life resign'd To see them sparkle from their native throne?

Or had fair Freedom's hand unveil'd thy charms, Well might such brows the regal gem resign;Line 10 Thy radiant mien might scorn the guilt of arms, Yet Albion's awful empire yield to thine.

O shame of Britons! in one sullen tow'r She wet with royal tears her daily cell; She found keen anguish ev'ry rose devour:Line 15 They sprung, they shone, they faded, and they fell.

Thro' one dim lattice, fring'd with ivy round, Successive suns a languid radiance threw, To paint how fierce her angry guardian frown'd, To mark how fast her waning beauty flew.Line 20

This Age might bear; then sated Fancy palls, Nor warmly hopes what splendour can supply; Fond Youth incessant mourns, if rigid walls Restrain its list'ning ear, its curious eye.

Believe me ** the pretence is vain!Line 25 This boasted calm that smooths our early days; For never yet could youthful mind restrain Th' alternate pant for pleasure and for praise.

Ev'n me, by shady oak or limpid spring, Ev'n me, the scenes of polish'd life allure;Line 30 Some genius whispers, "Life is on the wing, " And hard his lot that languishes obscure.

" What tho' thy riper mind admire no more— " The shining cincture and the broider'd fold " Can pierce like lightning thro' the figur'd ore,Line 35 " And melt to dross the radiant forms of gold.

" Furs, ermines, rods, may well attract thy scorn, " The futile presents of capricious Pow'r! " But wit, but worth, the public sphere adorn, " And who but envies then the social hour?Line 40

" Can Virtue, careless of her pupil's meed, " Forget how ** sustains the shepherd's cause? " Content in shades to tune a lonely reed, " Nor join the sounding paean of applause?

" For public haunts, impell'd by Britain's weal,Line 45 " See Grenville quit the Muse's fav'rite ease; " And shall not swains admire his noble zeal? " Admiring praise, admiring strive to please?

" Life," says the sage, "affords no bliss sincere, " And courts and cells in vain our hopes renew;Line 50 " But, ah! where Grenville charms the list'ning ear, " 'Tis hard to think the cheerless maxim true.

" The groves may smile, the rivers gently glide, " Soft thro' the vale resound the lonesome lay; " Ev'n thickets yield delight, if taste preside,Line 55 " But can they please when Lyttleton's away?

" Pure as the swain's the breast of *** glows; " Ah! were the shepherd's phrase like his refin'd! " But how improv'd the gen'rous dictate flows " Thro' the clear medium of a polish'd mind!Line 60

" Happy the youths who, warm with Britain's love, " Her inmost wish in *** periods hear! " Happy that in the radiant circle move, " Attendant orbs, where Lonsdale gilds the sphere!

" While rural faith, and ev'ry polish'd art,Line 65 " Each friendly charm, in *** conspire, " From public scenes all pensive must you part; " All joyless to the greenest fields retire!

" Go, plaintive Youth! no more by fount or stream, " Like some lone halcyon, social pleasure shun;Line 70 " Go, dare the light, enjoy its cheerful beam, " And hail the bright procession of the sun.

" Then, cover'd by thy ripen'd shades, resume " The silent walk, no more by passion tost; " Then seek thy rustic haunts, the dreary gloom,Line 75 " Where ev'ry art that colours life is lost."—

In vain! the list'ning Muse attends in vain! Restraints in hostile bands her motions wait— Yet will I grieve, and sadden all my strain, When injur'd Beauty mourns the Muse's fate.Line 80

ELEGY XXV. To Delia, with some flowers; complaining how much his benevolence suffers on account of his humble fortune.

WHATE'ER could Sculpture's curious art employ, Whate'er the lavish hand of Wealth can show'r, These would I give—and ev'ry gift enjoy That pleas'd my fair—but Fate denies my pow'r.

Bless'd were my lot to feed the social fires!Line 5 To learn the latent wishes of a friend! To give the boon his native taste admires, And for my transport on his smile depend!

Bless'd, too, is he whose ev'ning ramble strays Where droop the sons of Indigence and Care!Line 10 His little gifts their gladden'd eyes amaze, And win, at small expense, their fondest pray'r!

And, oh! the joy, to shun the conscious light; To spare the modest blush; to give unseen! Like show'rs that fall behind the veil of night,Line 15 Yet deeply tinge the smiling vales with green.

But happiest they who drooping realms relieve! Whose virtues in our cultur'd vales appear! For whose sad fate a thousand shepherds grieve, And fading fields allow the grief sincere.Line 20

To call lost Worth from its oppressive shade, To fix its equal sphere, and see it shine, To hear it grateful own the gen'rous aid; This, this is transport—but must ne'er be mine.

Faint is my bounded bliss; nor I refuseLine 125 To range where daisies open, rivers roll, While prose or song the languid hours amuse, And sooth the fond impatience of my soul.

A while I'll weave the roofs of jasmine bow'rs, And urge with trivial cares the loit'ring year;Line 30 A while I'll prune my grove, protect my flow'rs, Then, unlamented, press an early bier!

Of those lov'd flow'rs the lifeless corse may share, Some hireling hand a fading wreath bestow; The rest will breath as sweet, will glow as fair,Line 35 As when their master smil'd to see them glow.

The sequent morn shall wake the sylvan quire; The kid again shall wanton ere 'tis noon; Nature will smile, will wear her best attire; O! let not gentle Delia smile so soon!Line 40

While the rude herse conveys me slow away, And careless eyes my vulgar fate proclaim, Let thy kind tear my utmost worth o'erpay, And, softly sighing, vindicate my fame.—

O Delia! cheer'd by thy superior praise,Line 45 I bless the silent path the Fates decree; Pleas'd, from the list of my inglorious days To raze the moments crown'd with bliss and thee.

ELEGY XXVI. Describing the sorrow of an ingenuous mind on the melan|choly event of a licentious amour.

WHY mourns my friend? why weeps his downcast eye? That eye where mirth, where fancy, us'd to shine; Thy cheerful meads reprove that swelling sigh; Spring ne'er enamell'd fairer meads than thine.

Art thou not lodg'd in Fortune's warm embrace?Line 5 Wert thou not form'd by Nature's partial care? Bless'd in thy song, and bless'd in ev'ry grace That wins the friend, or that enchants the fair!

" Damon," said he, "thy partial praise restrain; " Not Damon's friendship can my peace restore:Line 10 " Alas! his very praise awakes my pain, " And my poor wounded bosom bleeds the more.

" For, oh! that Nature on my birth had frown'd, " Or Fortune fix'd me to some lowly cell! " Then had my bosom 'scap'd this fatal wound,Line 15 " Nor had I bid these vernal sweets farewell.

" But led by Fortune's hand, her darling child, " My youth her vain licentious bliss admir'd; " In Fortune's train the syren Flatt'ry smil'd, " And rashly hallow'd all her queen inspir'd.Line 20

" Of folly studious, ev'n of vices vain, " Ah, vices gilded by the rich and gay! " I chas'd the guileless daughters of the plain, " Nor dropp'd the chase till Jessy was my prey.

" Poor artless maid! to stain thy spotless nameLine 25 " Expense, and Art, and Toil, united strove; " To lure a breast that felt the purest flame, " Sustain'd by virtue, but betray'd by love.

" School'd in the science of Love's mazy wiles, " I cloth'd each feature with affected scorn;Line 30 " I spoke of jealous doubts and fickle smiles, " And, seigning, left her anxious and forlorn.

" Then while the fancy'd rage alarm'd her care, " Warm to deny, and zealous to disprove, " I bade my words the wonted softness wear,Line 35 " And seiz'd the minute of returning love.

" To thee, my Damon, dare I paint the rest? " Will yet thy love a candid ear incline? " Assur'd that virtue, by misfortune press'd, " Feels not the sharpness of a pang like mine.Line 40

" Nine envious moons matur'd her growing shame, " Ere while to flaunt it in the face of day, " When, scorn'd of Virtue, stigmatiz'd by Fame, " Low at my feet desponding Jessy lay."

" Henry," she said, "by thy dear form subdu'd,Line 45 " See the sad reliques of a nymph undone! " I find, I find this rising sob renew'd; " I sigh in shades, and sicken at the sun.

" Amid the dreary gloom of night I cry, " When will the morn's once pleasing scenes return? " Yet what can morn's returning ray supply,Line 51 " But foes that triumph, or but friends that mourn?

" Alas! no more that joyous morn appears " That led the tranquil hours of spotless fame, " For I have steep'd a father's couch in tears,Line 55 " And ting'd a mother's glowing cheek with shame.

" The vocal birds that raise their matin strain, " The sportive lambs, increase my pensive moan; " All seem to chase me from the cheerful plain, " And talk of truth and innocence alone.Line 60

" If thro' the garden's flow'ry tribes I stray, " Where bloom the jasmines that could once allure, " Hope not to find delight in us," they say, " For we are spotless, Jessy; we are pure."

" Ye Flow'rs! that well reproach a nymph so frail, " Say, could ye with my virgin fame compare?Line 66 " The brightest bud that scents the vernal gale " Was not so fragrant, and was not so fair.

" Now the grave old alarm the gentler young, " And all my fame's abhorr'd contagion flee;Line 70 " Trembles each lip, and falters ev'ry tongue, " That bids the morn propitious smile on me.

" Thus for your sake I shun each human eye, " I bid the sweets of blooming youth adieu; " To die I languish, but I dread to die,Line 75 " Lest my sad fate should nourish pangs for you.

" Raise me from earth; the pains of want remove, " And let me, silent, seek some friendly shore; " There only, banish'd from the form I love, " My weeping virtue shall relapse no more.Line 80

" Be but my friend; I ask no dearer name; " Be such the meed of some more artful fair; " Nor could it heal my peace or chase my shame, " That Pity gave what Love refus'd to share.

" Force not my tongue to ask its scanty bread,Line 85 " Nor hurl thy Jessy to the vulgar crew; " Not such the parent's board at which I fed! " Not such the precept from his lips I drew!

" Haply, when age has silver'd o'er my hair, " Malice may learn to scorn so mean a spoil;Line 90 " Envy may slight a face no longer fair, " And Pity welcome to my native soil."

" She spoke—nor was I born of savage race, " Nor could these hands a niggard boon assign; " Grateful she clasp'd me in a last embrace.Line 95 " And vow'd to waste her life in pray'rs for mine.

" I saw her foot the lofty bark ascend, " I saw her breast with ev'ry passion heave; " I left her—torn from ev'ry earthly friend; " Oh! my hard bosom! which could bear to leave!

" Brief let me be; the fatal storm arose;Line 101 " The billows rag'd, the pilot's art was vain; " O'er the tall mast the circling surges close; " My Jessy—flotes upon the wat'ry plain!

" And—see my youth's impetuous fires decay;Line 105 " Seek not to stop Reflection's bitter tear; " But warn the frolic, and instruct the gay, " From Jessy floting on her wat'ry bier!"Line 108

Notes

• * 1.1

  N.B. Written after the death of Mr. Pope.
• * 1.2

  Alludes to what is reported of the bay-tree, that if it is planted too near the walls of an edifice, its roots will work their way underneath, till they destroy the foundation.
• * 1.3

  Croesus.
• * 1.4

  A river in Italy, that falls 100 yards perpendicular.
• * 1.5

  The cinnamon.
• * 1.6

  Written about the time of Captain Grenville's death.
• * 1.7

  The Penns of Harborough; a place whose name in the Saxon language alludes to an army: and there is a tradi|tion that there was a battle fought on the Downs adjoin|ing, betwixt the Britons and the Romans.
• * 1.8

  Harborough Downs.
• * 1.9

  "Inopemque vitam in tugurio ruinarum Carthaginen|sium toleravit, cum Marius inspiciens Carthaginem, illa intuens Marium, alter alteri possent esse solatio." Liv.

  EXPLANATION.

  Marius endured a life of poverty under shelter of the Car|thaginian ruins; and while he contemplated Carthage, and Carthage beheld him, they might be said mutually to re|semble and account for each other.
• * 1.10

  Mr. Somerville.
• * 1.11

  The Roman ceremony in declaring war.
• † 1.12

  Hannibal.
• * 1.13

  By the terms forced ipon the Carthaginians by Scipio, they were to deliver up all the elephants, and to pay near two millions Sterling.
• * 1.14

  Spoke by a savage.
• * 1.15

  Alludes to a tax upon luxury, then in debate.
• * 1.16

  Kenelm, in the Saxon heptarchy, was heir to the king|dom of Mercia, but being very young at his father's death, was, by the artifices of his sister and her lover, deprived of his crown and life together. The body was found in a piece of ground near the top of Clent hill, exactly facing Mr. Shen|stone's house, near which place a church was afterwards erected to his memory, still used for divine worship, and called St. Kenelm's. See Plot's History of Staffordshire.
• * 1.17

  Eleanor of Bretagne, the lawful heiress of the English crownn, upon the death of Arthur, in the reign of King John. She was esteemed the beauty of her time; was imprisoned forty years (till the time of her death) in Bristol castle.