(Whose noises, faintly wafted on the wind, To quiet musings shall attune the mind, And oft the melancholy theme supply) There, while the prospect through the gazing eye Pours all its healthful greenness on the soul, We'll smile at wealth, and learn to smile at fame, Our hopes, our knowledge, and our joys the same, As neighbouring fountains image, each the whole: Then when the mind hath drank its fill of truth, We'll discipline the heart to pure delight, Rekindling sober joy's domestic flame. They whom I love shall love thee. Honor'd youth! Now may Heaven realize this vision bright! LINES TO W. L. ESQ. WHILE HE SANG A SONG TO PURCELL'S MUSIC. While my young cheek retains its healthful hues, Methinks, such strains, breath'd by my angel-guide, ADDRESSED TO A YOUNG MAN OF FORTUNE WHO ABANDON'D HIMSELF TO AN INDOLENT AND CAUSELESS MELANCHOLY. Hence that fantastic wantonness of woe, Or when the cold and dismal fog-damps brood All effortless thou leave life's common-weal SONNET TO THE RIVER OTTER. Dear native Brook! wild Streamlet of the West! What happy, and what mournful hours, since last But strait with all their tints their waters rise, Thy crossing plank, thy marge with willows grey, And bedded sand that vein'd with various dies Gleam'd through thy bright transparence! On my way, Visions of childhood! oft have ye beguiled Lone manhood's cares, yet waking fondest sighs. Ah! that I were once more a careless child! SONNET. COMPOSED ON A JOURNEY HOMEWARD; THE AUTHOR HAVING RECEIVED INTELLIGENCE OF THE BIRTH OF A SON, SEPTEMBER 20, 1796. Oft o'er my brain does that strange fancy roll We liv'd, ere yet this robe of Flesh we wore. Thou wert a spirit, to this nether sphere Did'st scream, then spring to meet Heaven's quick reprieve, While we wept idly o'er thy little bier! * * Ην που ημων η ψυχη πριν εν τωδε τω ανθρωπινω ειδει γενεσθαι. PLAT. in Phædon. |