My hopes are with the Dead; anon
My place with them will be,
And I with them shall travel on

Through all Futurity ;

Yet leaving here a name, I trust,

That will not perish in the dust.

R. Southey

CCXXIX

THE MERMAID TAVERN

OULS of Poets dead and gone What Elysium have ye known, Happy field or mossy cavern, Choicer than the Mermaid Tavern? Have ye tippled drink more fine Than mine host's Canary wine? Or are fruits of Paradise Sweeter than those dainty pies Of Venison? O generous food! Drest as though bold Robin Hood Would, with his Maid Marian, Sup and bowse from horn and can.

I have heard that on a day
Mine host's signboard flew away
Nobody knew whither, till
An astrologer's old quill
To a sheepskin gave the story-
Said he saw you in your glory
Underneath a new-old Sign
Sipping beverage divine,

And pledging with contented smack
The Mermaid in the Zodiac !

Souls of Poets dead and gone
What Elysium have ye known-

Happy field or mossy cavern

Choicer than the Mermaid Tavern?

J. Keats

CCXXX

THE PRIDE OF YOUTH

PROUD

ROUD Maisie is in the wood,
Walking so early;

Sweet Robin sits on the bush

Singing so rarely.

'Tell me, thou bonny bird,
When shall I marry me?'
-'When six braw gentlemen
Kirkward shall carry ye.'

'Who makes the bridal bed, Birdie, say truly?'

'The gray-headed sexton

That delves the grave duly.

"The glowworm o'er grave and stone

Shall light thee steady; The owl from the steeple sing

Welcome, proud lady.'

Sir W. Scott

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