THE CHURCH-YARD AMONG THE MOUNTAINS. ARGUMENT. Poet's Address to the State and Church of England.-The Pastor not inferior to the ancient Worthies of the Church.-He begins his Narra tives with an instance of unrequited Love.-Anguish of mind subdued, and how.-The lonely Miner.-An instance of perseverance— Which leads by contrast to an example of abused talents, irresolution, and weakness.-Solitary, applying this covertly to his own case, asks for an instance of some Stranger, whose dispositions may have led him to end his days here.-Pastor, in answer, gives an account of the harmonizing influence of Solitude upon two men of opposite prins ciples, who had encountered agitations in public life.-The rule by which Peace may be obtained expressed, and where-Solitary hints at an overpowering Fatality.-Answer of the Pastor.-What subjects he will exclude from his Narrative.-Conversation upon this.--Instance of an unamiable character, a Female, and why given.-Contrasted with this, a meek sufferer, from unguarded and betrayed love.Instance of heavier guilt, and its consequences to the Offender.With this instance of a Marriage Contract broken is contrasted one of a Widower, evidencing his faithful affection towards his deceased wife by his care of their female Children. HAIL to the crown by Freedom shaped-to gird Made to the spiritual fabric of her Church; 17* Founded in truth; by blood of Martyrdom And O, ye swelling hills, and spacious plains! Of ancient minster lifted above the cloud An air and mien of dignified pursuit ; The Poet, fostering for his native land And by ambitious longings undisturbed; Cause should recur, which righteous Heaven avert! Of angry umpires, partial and unjust; So to declare the conscience satisfied: Nor for their bodies would accept release; But, blessing God and praising him, bequeathed With their last breath, from out the smouldering flame. |