Works of William Cowper

;; ; ; ;; ;! ; ; ;; RETIREMENT. 145sweet retirement, who would balk Vast as it is, it answers as it flowsthe thought The breathings of the lightest air thatThat could afford retirement, or could blows; [waste,not? [straight, Curling and whitening over all the'Tis such an easy walk, so smooth and The rising waves obey the increasingThe second milestone fronts the garden blast, [roars.gate [proach, Abrupt and horrid as the tempestA step if fair, and, if a shower ap- Thunder and flash upon the steadfastYou find safe shelter in the next shores, [checks the rein.stage-coach. [small, Till He that rides the whirlwindThere prison'd in a parlour snug and Then all the world of waters sleepsLike bottled wasps upon a southern again.wall, [compress'd. Nereids or Dryads, as the fashion leads.The man of business and his friends Now in the floods, now panting in theForget their labours, and yet find no meads, [dwells.—rest Votaries of Pleasure still, where'er sheBut still 'tis rural trees are to be seen Near barren rooks, in palaces, or cells,From every window, and the fields are Oh grant a poet leave to recommendgreen [door. (A poet fond of Nature, and yourDucks paddle in the pond before the friend) [viewAnd what could a remoter scene shew Her slighted works to your admiringmore? Her works must needs excel, whoA sense of elegance we rarely find fashion'd you. [morning ride.The portion of a mean or -vulgar mind, Would ye, when rambUng in yourAnd ignorance of better things makes With some unmeaning coxcomb atman, [can your side,Who cannot much, rejoice in what he Condemn the prattler for his idle pains,And he that deems his leisure well be- To waste unheard the music of hisstowed strains, [tongue,In contemplation of a turnpike-road, And, deaf to all the impertinence cfIs occupied as well, employs his hours That, while it courts, affronts and docsAs wisely, and as much improves his you wrong, [fault,powers. Mark well the flnish'd plan without aAs he that slumbers in pavilions graced The seas globose and huge, the o'cr-With all the charms of an accomplish'd arching vault, [employ'dtaste. [hence Earth's millions daily fed, a worldYet hence, alasl insolvencies; and In gathering plenty yet to be enjo/d.The unpitied victim of ill-judged ex- Till gratitude grew vocal in the praisepense, [freed. Of God, beneflceut in all His waysFrom all his wearisome engagements Graced with such wisdom how wouldShakes hands with business, and retires beauty shine [divine.indeed. [modern belles, Ye want but that to seem indeedYour pradent grandmammas, ye Anticipated rents and bills unpaidContent -with Bristol, Bath, and Tuu- Force many a shining youth into thebridgo Wells, [to roam. shade.When health required it, wouldconsent Not to redeem his time, but his estate,Else more attach'd to pleasures found And play the fool, but at a cheaper rate.at home There, hid in loathed obscurity, re-But now alike, gay widow, virgin, wife. moved [beloved,Ingenious to diversify dull life, From pleasures left, but never moreIn coaches, chaises, caravans, and He just endures, and with a sicklyhoys, [joys. spleen [scene.Fly to the coast for daily, nightly Sighs o'er the beauties of the charmingAnd all, impatieut of dry land, agree Nature indeed looks prettily in rhymeWith one consent to rush into the sea. Streams tinkle sweetly in poetic chimeOcean exhibits, fathomless and broad. The warblings of the blackbird, clearMuch of the power and majesty of and strong, [song;God [deep Are musical enough in Thomson'sHe swathes about the swelling of the And Cobham's groves, and Windsor'sThat shines and rests, as infants gmile green retreats, [thousand sweetsand sleep When Pope describes them, have a

—; ; ;;; ;146 COWPEK'S POEMS.AHe likes the country, but in truth must business with an income at itsown, heels [wheels.Most likes it when he studies it in town. Furnishes always oil for its own — —Poo r Jack no matter who for when But in his arduous enterprise to closeI blame, [name, His active years with indolent repose.I pity, and must therefore sink the He finds the labours of that stateLived in his saddle, loved the chase, exceedthe course, [horse. His utmost faculties, severe indeed.And alwaj-s, ere he mounted, kiss'd his 'Tis easy to resign a toilsome place.The estate his sires had own'd in But not to manage leisure with a grace;ancient years, [a peer's. Absence of occupation is not rest,A\"Was quickl J' distanced, match'd against mind quite vacant is a mind dis-Jack vanish'd, was regretted, and tress'd. [length.forgot [lot. The veteran steed excused his task atTis wild good nature's never failing In kind compassion of his failingAt length, when all had long supposed strength, [graze,him dead, [lead. And tum'd into the park or mead toBy cold submersion, razor, rope, or Exempt from future service all hisMy lord, alighting at his usual place, days, [kind.The Crown, took notice of an ostler's There feels a pleasure perfect in itsface. [disguise Ranges at liberty, and sniiff.s the wind:Jack knew his friend, but hoped in that But when his lord would quit the busyHe might escape the most observing road,eyes, [gay, To taste a joy like that he has bestow'd.And whistling, as if imconcem'd and He proves, less happy than his favour'dACurried his nagandlook'd another way. life of ease a difficult pursuit, [brute,Convinced at last, upon a nearer view, Thought, to the man that never thinks,'Twas he, the same, the very Jack he may seemknew, [grief, and joy, As natural as when asleep to dream;O'erwhelm'd at once with wonder. But reveries (for human minds will act)He press'd him much to quit his base Specious in show, impossible in fact,employ, [his hand. Those fiimsy webs that break as soonHis countenance, his purse, his heart as wrought.Influence and power, were all at his Attain not to the dignity of thoughtcommand. [bred. Nor yet the swarms that occupy thePeers are not always generous as well brain, [pleasure reign.—But Granby was, meant truly what he Where dreams of dress, intrigue, and [fessed 'twas strange, Nor such as useless conversation breeds.—said.Jack bow'd, and was obUged; con- Or lust engenders, and indulgenceThat so retired he should not wish a feeds. [end ordain'd ?change, [beer. Whence, and what are we ? To whatBut knew no medium between guzzling What means the drama by the world—And his old stint three thousand sustain'd ? [mirth,pounds a j-ear. [woe Business or vain amusment, care or Thus some retire to nourish hopeless Divide the frail inhabitants of earth.\"\"ome seeking happiness not found Is duty a mere sport, or an employ?below; [mind Life an intrusted talent, or a toy ?Some to comply with humour, and a Is there, as reason, conscience, Scrip-To social scenes by nature disinclined tiu-e say, [day,Some sway 'd by fashion, some by deep Cause to provide for a great futuredisgust [they must When, earth's assign'd duration at anSome self-impoverish'd, and because end, [attend ?But few, that court retirement, are Man shall be summon' d, and the deadaware [there. The trumpet— will it sound? the cur-Of half the toils they must encounter tain rise? [skies.Lucrative offices are seldom lost And shew the august tribunal of theFor want of powers proportion'd to Where no prevarication shall avail.the post: [desires, Where eloquence and artifice shall fail.Give e'en a dunce the employment he The pride of arrogant distinctions fall,And he soon finds the talents it re- And conscience and our conduct judgequires usaU? ;

; ;; ; —!;; BETIEEMENT. 147Pardon me, ye that give the midnight Habits of close attention, thinkingTo learned cares of philosophic toil, [oil heads,Though I revere your honourable Become more rare as dissipalionnames, [aims, spreads, [cry,Your useful labours, and important Till authors hear st length one generalAnd hold the world indebted to your Tickle and entertain us, or we die !aid, [made, The loud demand from year to year theEnrich'd with the di?cwvcries they have same, [lame,Yet let me stand excused, if I esteem Beggars invention and makes fancyA mind employ'd on so sublime a Till farce itself, most mournfully jejune,theme. Calls for the kind assistance of a tune.Pushing her bold inquiry to the date And novels (witness every month's re-And outline of the present transient view) [new.state, [wings, Belie their name, and offer nothingAnd after poising her adventurous The mind relaxing into needful sport,Settling at last upon eternal things, Should turn to writers of an abler sort.Far more intelligent, and better taught Whose wit well managed, and whoseThe strenuous use of proiltable thought, clas-sic style [smile.Than ye when happiest, and enlighten'd Give truth a lustre, and make wisdommost, [boast. Friends, (for I cannot stint as someAnd highest in renown, can justly have done, [one,A mind imnerved, or indisposed to Too rigid in my view, that name to bear [care. Though one, I grant it, in the generousThe weight of subjects worthiest of her breast [restWhatever hopes a change of scene in- Will stand advanced a step above thespires, [retires. Flowers by that name promiscuouslyMust change her nature, or in vain we call, [all;)An idler is a watch that wants both But one, the rose, the regent of themhands Friends, not adopted with a schoolboy'sAs useless if it goes as when it stands. haste.Books therefore, not the scandal of the But chosen with a nice discerning taste.shelves, [themselves, Well born, well disciplined, who,In which lewd sensualists print out placed apart [at heart.Nor those in which the stage gives vice From vulgar minds, have honour mucha blow, [shew ;) And, though the world may think the(With what success let modem baimers ingredients odd,Nor his who, for the bane of thousands The love of virtue, and the fear of Godborn, [Word to scorn, Such friends prevent what else wouldBuilt Ood a church, and laughed His soon succeed,Skilful alilie to seem devout and just, A temper rustic as the life we lead.And stab religion with a sly side-thrust; And keep the polish of the mannersNor those of leam'd philologists, who clean, [scenechase [space As theirs who bustle in the busiest For solitude, however some may rave,A panting syllable through time andStart it at home, and hunt it in the dark, Seeming a sanctuary, proves a grave,ATo Gaul, to Greece, and into Noah's sepulchre in which the living lie.ark [pretence, Where all good qualities grow sick andBut such as learning without false die. [was shrewd,The friend of truth, the associate of I praise the Frenchman; his remark How sweet, how passing sweet is soli-sound sense,And such as in the zeal of good design. tude! myBut grant me still a friend inStrong judgment labouring in the retreat.Whom —Scripture mine, [produce, I may whisper Solitude iaAll such as manly and great souls sweet. [besideWorthy to live, and of eternal use Yet neither these delights, nor aughtBehold in these what leisure hours That appetite can ask.or wealth provide. Can save us always from a tedious day.demand, [in hand. Or shine the dulness of still life away; Divine communion carefully eujoy'd.Amusement and true knowledge hand Or sought with energy, must fiU theLuxurj' gives the mind a childish cast.And while she polishes, perverts thetaste void.U^

; ; ;; ; ;;;us COWPEK'S POEMS.sacred art! to which alone life owes And wilds familiar with a lions roar.Its happiest seasons, and a peaceful King with ecstatic sounds unheardclose, [scorn before.Scorn'd in a world indebted to that 'Tis love like his that can alone defeatFor evils daily felt and hardly borne. The foes of man, or make a desert sweet.Not knowing thee, we reap with bleed- Eeligion does not censure or excludeing hands, [lands, Unnumber'd pleasures harmlessly pur-Flowers of rank odour upon thorny sued.And while experience cautions us in To study culture, and with artful toilvain, [pain. To meliorate and tame the stubborn soil;Grasp seeming happiness, and find it To give dissimilar yet fruitful landsDespondence, self-desertediu her grief, The grain, or herb, or plant that eachLost by abandoning her own relief; demandsMurmuring and ungrateful discontent, To cherish virtue in an humble state,That Bcoms afflictions mercifully And share the joys your bounty maymeant; [fret, create; [powerThose humours tart as wines upon the To mark the matchless workings of thoWhich idleness and weariness beget That shuts within its seed the futureThese and a thousand plagues that flower.haunt the breast. Bids these in elegance of form excel.Fond of the phantom of an earthly rest. In colour these, and those delight theDivine communion chases, as the day smell, [skies.Drives to their dens tha obedient beasts Sends Nature forth, the daughter of theof prey. To dance on earth, and charm all humanSee Judah's promised king, bereft of all, eyes;Driven out an eiile from the face of To teach the canvas innocent deceit.Saul, [flies. Or lay the landscape on the snowy sheetTo distant caves the lonely wanderer These, these are arts pm'sued without aTo seek that peace a tyrant's frown crime, [time.denies. [voice. That leave no stain upon the wing ofHear the sweet accents of his tuneful Me poetry (or, rather notes that aimHear him, o'erwhelni'd with sorrow, Feebly and vainly at poetic fame)yet rejoice; Employs, shut out from more impor-No womanish or wailing grief has part. tant views, [OuseNo, not a moment, in his royal heart; Fast by the banks of the slow-windiug'Tis manly music,such as martyrs make, Content if, thus sequestor'd, I may raiseASuffering with gladness for a Saviours monitor's, though not a poet's praise,sake And while I teach an art too littleHis soul exults, hope animates his lays. known, [own.The sense of mercy kindles into praise, To close life wisely, may not waste my ANTI-THELYPIITHORA.Airy del Castro was as bold a knight With all the flowers he found, he woveAs ever earn'd a lady's love in tight. in haste [her waistMany he sought, but one above the rest Wreatlis for her brow, and girdles forHis tender heart victoriously unpress'd: His time, his taleuts. and his ceaselessIn fairj- land was born tho matchless All consecrated to adorn the fan-; [caredame, [name. No pastime but with her he deign'd toThe laud of di'eams. Hypothesis her —take, [sake.There Fancy nursed her in ideal And, if he studied, studied for herbowers, [flowers And, for Hypothesis was somewhatAnd laid her soft in amaranthine long, [tongue.Delighted with her babe, the enchan- Nor soft enough to suit a lover's tress smiled. He eall'd her Posy, with an amorousAnd graced with all her gifts the art, [next his heart.favourite child. And graved it on a gem, anci wore itHer wooed Sir Airy, by meandering But she, inconstant as the beamsstreams. that playIn daily musings and in nightly dreams On rippling waters in an April day,

;;;:;; ; ; AXTI-THELYPHTHORA. 149With many a freakish trick deceived That man by faith and truth is made ahis pains, [plains slave, [knave.To pathless wilds and unfrequented The ring a bauble, and the priest aEnticed him from his oaths of knight- \"Fair fall the deed!\" the knighthood far. exulting cried, [bride 1\"Forgetful of the glorious toils of war. \" Xow is the time to make the mnid a'Tis thus the tenderness that love in- 'Twas on the noon of an autumnal day,spires [Sres October hight, but mild and fair asToo oft betrays the votaries of his May [adorn.Borne far away on elevated wings, When scarlet fruits the russet hedgeThey sport like wanton doves in airy And floating Alms envelop every thorn; When gently as in June, the riversrings, [things.And laws and duties are neglected glide, [their sideNor he alone address'd the wayward And only miss the flowers that gracedfair ; [there. The linnet t witter'd out his parting song,Full many a knight had been entangled With many a chorister the woodsBut still, whoever wooed her or em- among; [sheepbraced, [cast. On southern banks the nxminating—On every mind some mighty spell she Lay snug and warm ; 'twas Bummar'sSome she would teach (for she was farewell peep, '^wondrous wise, [her es'es,) Propitious to his fond intent there grew.And made her dupes see all things with An arbour near at hand of thickest yew.That forms material, whatsoe'er we With many a boxen bush, close diptdream, [seem between, | |Are not at all, or are not what they And philyi-ea of a gild'd green.That substances and modes of every But what old Chaucer's merry pagekind [mind; beflts.Are mere impressions on the passive The chaster muse of modern daysAnd he that splits his cranium, breaks omits.at most SufQce it then in decent terms to say,A —fancied head against a fancied post She saw, and turn'd her rosy cheekOthers, that earth, ere sin had drown'd away. [I ween,it all. Small need of prayer-book or of priest.Was smooth and even us an ivory ball Where parties are agreed, retired theThat all the various beauties we sur- scene,vey, [less sea, Occasion prompt, and appetite so keen.Hills, valleys, rivers, and the bound- Hypothesis (for with such magic powerAi-e but departures from the first de- Fancy endued her in her natal hour,)sign, From many a steaming lake and reek-Effects of punishment and wrath divine. ing bog, [fog.She tutor'd some in Dsedalus's art, Bade rise in haste a dank and drizzlingAnd promised they should act his That curtain'd round the scene wherewildgoose part, they repojed, [closed.On waxen pinions soar without a fall, And wood and lawn in dusky folds en-Swift as the proudest gander of them Fear seiz'd the trembling sex; inall. every grove [love.But fate reserved Sir Airy to main- They wept the wrongs of honourabletain [brain In vain, they cried, are hymeneal rites.The wildest project of her teeming Vain our delusive hope of constantThat wedlock is not rigorous as sup- knights; [to bind.posed, The marriage bond has lost its powersBut man, within a wider pale enclosed, And flutters loose, the sport of everyMay rove at will, where appetite shall wind. [is on,lead, [the mead; The bride, while yet her bride's attireFree as the lordly bull that ranges o\"er Shall mourn her absent lord, for he isThat forms and rites are tricks of gone.human law. Satiate of her, and weary of the same,As idle as the chattering of a daw; To distant wilds in quest of other game.That lewd incontinence, and lawless Ye fair Circassians 1 all your lutes em-rape, [shape ploy, [joy !Are marriage in its true and proper Seraglios sing, and harema dance for

— ;; ;; ; :!150 COWPER'S POEMS.For British nymphs whose lords were He dreamt not of a foe, or if hislately true, [than yon, fearNyuiphs quite as fair, and happier once Foretold one, dreamt not of a foe soHonour, esteem, and confidence forgot, near. [employ'd.Feel all the meanness of your slavish Far other dreams his feverish mindlot. Of rights restor'd, variety enjoy'd:O curst Hypothesis! your hellish arts Of virtue too well fenced to fear a flaw;Seduce our husbands, and estrange Vice passing current by the stamp oftheir hearts. [retains law;\"Will none arise? no knight -who still Large population on a liberal plan.The blood of ancient worthies in his And woman trembling at the foot ofveins, [fair. man;To assert the charter of the chaste and How simple wedlock fornication works.Find out her treacherous heart, and And Christians marrying may convertplant a dagger there [do less?) the Turks. [hand.A knight— (can he that serves the fair The trumpet now spoke Marmadan atAStarts at the call of beauty in distress; trumpet that was heard through allAnd he that does not, whatsoe'eroccurs. the land. [wide.Is recreant, and unworthy of his spurs. His high-bred steed expands his nostrils Full many a champion,beut on hardy And snorts aloud to cast the mist asidedeed, [steed. But he, the virtues of his lance to show.Calld for his arms and for his princely Struck thrice the point upon his saddle-So Ewarm'd the Sabine youth, and bow [away, ;grasp'd the shield, [held, Three sparks ensued that chased it allWhen Roman rapine, by no laws with- And set the unseemly pair in open day.Lest Rome should end with her first \" To horse ! \" he cried, \" or, by thisfounders' lives, [wives. good right hand.Made half their maids, sans ceremony And better spear, I smite yon whereBut not the mitred few, the souls their you stand.\" [scared,charge. Sir Airy, not a whit dismay'd orThey left thc?e bodily concerns at large; Buckled his helm, and to his steedForms or no forms, pluralities or pairs. repair'd [grass below.Eight reverend sirs ! was no concern of Whose bridle, while he cropp'd the theirs. —Hung not far off upon a myrtle bough.The rest, alert and active as became He mounts at once, such confidenceA courteous knighthood, caught the infused [abusedgenerous flame The insidious witch that had his witsOne was accoutred when the cry began, And she, regardless of her softer kind.Kjiight of the Silver Moon, Sir Marma- Seized fast the saddle and sprang updan. [night. behind. [sailaut criedOft as his patroness, who rules the \" Oh shame to knighthood \" his as- !Hangs out her lamp in yon cerulean \" Oh shame 1\" ten thousand echoingheight, [his vow,) n>Tnphs replied. [ear,His vow was, (and be well perform'd Placed with advantage at his listeningArm'd at all points, with terror on his She whisper'd still that he had noughtbrow, [crimes, to fear [steel.To judge the land, to purge atrocious That he was cased in such enchantedAnd quell the shapeless monsters of So polish'd and compact from head totho times. [plied heel, [army callFor cedars famed, fair Lebanon sup- \" Come fen, come twenty, should anThe well-poised lance that quiver'd at Thee to the field, thou shouldst with-his side; Oust, stand them all\" [exclaim'd,Truth arm'd it with a point so keen, so \"By Dian's beams,\" Sir iilarmadanNo spell or charm was proof against \"The guiltless still, are ever leastthe' thrust. [thigh. ashamed! [attack;He couch'd it firm upon his puissant But guard thee well, expect no feign'dAnd darting through his helm an eagle's And guard beside the sorceress at thyeye, back ! [pliedOn all the wings of chivalry advanced He spoke indignant, and his spurs ap-To where the fond Sir Airy lay en- Though little need, to his good palfrey'stranced. side:

;; ! :; :; ; OLXEY HYMNS. 151The barb sprang forward, and his lord, And Hymen, trimming his dim torch whose force anew, His snowy mantle o'er his shouldersWas equal to the swiftness of his horse, threw;Eush'd with a whirlwind's furj' on the He turn'd, and viewd it oft on everyfoe, [blow. side,And, Phineas like, transfix' d them at a And reddening with a just and gener-Then sang the married and the ous pride,maiden throng. [the song Bless'd the glad beams of that propi-Love graced the theme, and harmony tious day,The Fauns and Satyrs, a lascivious The spot he loathed so much for everrace, [fled the place cleansed away.Shriek'd at the sight, and, conscious. OLNEY HYMNS. I. Walking with God. Gen. v. 24. %Vhen Jonah sunk beneath the wave, He thought to rise no more;On ! for a closer walk with God; A calm and heavenly frame But God prepared a fish to save, And bear him to the shore.A light to shine upon the roadThat leads mo to the Lamb! Blest proofs of power and grace divine.Where is the blessedness I knew That meet us in His Word 1 When first I saw the Lord ? May every deep-felt care of mineWhere is the soul-ref reshiag view Be trusted with the Lord.Of Jesus and His Word? Wait for His seasonable aid,What peaceful hours I once enjoy'd! And though it tarry, wait How sweet their memory still The promise maj' be long delay'd,But they have left an aching void. But cannot come too late. The world can never fill. in. JeHOVAH-EOPHI. I AM THE LORD THAT HE-ALETH THEE. Exod. XV. 26.Return, O holy Dove, return Heal us, Emmanuel ! here we are, Sweet Messenger of rest! Waiting to feel Thy touch :I hate the sins that made Thee mourn. Deep-wounded souls to Thee repair. And drove Thee from my breast. And, Saviour, we are such.The dearest idol I have known, Whate'er that idol be. Our faith is feeble, we confess.Help me to tear it from Thy throne, We faintly trust Thy word And worship only Thee. But wilt Thou pity us the less ?So shall my walk be close with God, Be that far from Thee, Lord! Calm and serene my frame Remember him who once applied.So purer light shall mark the road With trembling, for relief; That leads me to the Lamb. '• Lord, I beUeve,\" with tears he cried,IL Jehovah-Jireh. The Lord will I my\" Oh, help unbelief !\" Provide. Gen. xxii. 14. She, too, who touch'd Thee in the press, And healing virtue stole.The saints should never be dismaj''d. Nor sink in hopeless fear; Was answer'd, \" Daughter, go in peace.For when they least expect His aid, Thy faith hath made thee whole.\"The Saviour will appear. Conceal'd amid the gathering throng.This Abraham found: he raised the She would have shunn'd Thy view;God saw, and said \" Forbear! [knife; And if her faith was firm and strong,Yon ram shaU yield his meaner life; Had strong misgivings too.Behold the victim there.\" Like her, with hopes and fears weOnce David seem'd Saul's certain prey; come. But hark! the foe's at hand; To touch Thee, if me maySaul turns his arms another waj', Oh! send us not despairing home!To save the invaded laud. Send none unhcal'd away!

! ;; ; ! ; ;:; ;; COWPEK'S POEMS.IV. Jehovah-nissi. The Lord my Let them in horrid league agree !Banner. Exod. xvii. 15. They may assault, they may distressBy whom was David taught But cannot quench Thy love to me. To aim the deadly blow, Nor rob me of the Lord my peace.When he Goliath fought, VL Wisdom. Prov. viii. 22-31.And laid the Gittite low?Nor sword nor spear the stripling took, Ere God had built the mountains. Or raised the fruitful hillsBut chose a pebble from the brook. Before He fill'd the fountains 'Twas Israel's God and king That feed the running rills Who sent him to the flght In me, from everlasting.Whoj gave him strength to sliug, The wonderful I AM,i Found pleasures never wasting.I And skill to aim aright.Ye feeble saints, your strength endures, And WlSDOil is my name.Because young David's God is yours. When, like a tent to dwell in.Who order'd Gideon forth, He spread the skies abroad,To storm the invaders' camp, And swathed about the swellingWith arms of little worth, Of Ocean's mighty flood A pitcher and a lamp ? He wrought by weight and measure,The trumpets made his coming known, And I was with Him thenAnd aU the host was overthrown. Myself the Father's pleasure. Oh! I have seen the day. And mine, the sons of men. When with a single word, Thus Wisdom's words discover God helping me to say, Thy glory and Thy grace, My\" trust is in the Lord,\" Thou everlasting loverMy soul hath quell'd a thousand foes. Of our unworthy race !Fearless of all that could oppose. Thy gracious eye survey'd us But unbelief, self-will. Ere strrs were seen above; Self-righteousness, and pride, In wisdom Thou hast made us, How often do they steal And died for us in love. My weapon from my side And couldst Thou be delightedYet David's Lord, and Gideon's friend. With creatures such as we.Will help his servant to the end. Who, when we saw Thee, sUghtcd,\"V. Jehovah-shalom. The Lord send And nail'dThee to a tree?Peace. Judges vi. 24. Unfathomable wonder. And mystery divine !Jestjs! whose blood so freely stream'd The voice that speaks in thunder,To satisfy the law's demand Says, \"Sinner, lam thine !\"By Thee from guilt and wrath redeem'd, VII. Vanity of the World. \"Before the Father's face I stand.To reconcile offending man, God gives His mercies to be spent; Make justice drop her angry rod; Your hoard will do your soul no good;\"^Tiat creature could have form'd the Gold is a blessing only lent, Or who fulfil it but a God ? [plan, Kepaid by giving others food.No drop remains of all the curse. The world's esteem is but a bribe. For wretches who deserved the whole; To buy their peace you sell your own;No arrows dipt in wrath to pierce The slave of a vainglorious tribe, The guilty, but returning soul. Who hate you while they make youPeace by such means so dearly bought. What rebel could have hoped to see '/ known.Peace, by his injured Sovereign The joy that vain amusements give. wrought. Oh I sad conclusion that it brings 1 His Sovereign fasten'd to a tree. The honey of a crowded hive. Defended by a thousand stings.Now, Lord, Thy feeble worm prepare 'Tis thus the world rewards the foQls ; For strife with earth and hell begins That live upon her treacherous smiles She leads them blindfold by her rules,Confirm and gird me for the war Thov hate the soul that hates his sins. And ruins all whom she beguiles.

; ;! ; ; ; ; ; ;: ; ; ; — :; ;;OLNEY HTMXS. 153God knows the thousands who go down Oh make this heart rejoice or ache From pleastire into endless woe; Decide this doubt for meAnd with a long despairing groan And if it be not broken, break Blaspheme their Maker as they go. And heal it, if it be !Oh fearful thought ! be timely wise X. The Fctcre Peace and Glory op THE ChUBCH. Isaiah ix. 1-5-20. Delight but in a Sariour's charms, Hear what God the Lord hath spoken,And God shall take you to the skies, \" O my people, faint and few, Embraced in everlasting arms. Comfortless, afflicted, broken. Vni. O Lord, I will Praise Thee. Fair abodes I build for you. Thorns of heartfelt tribulation Isaiah xii. 1. Shall no more perplex your ways I WILL praise Thee every day, You shall name your walls, Salvation, And your gates shall all be Praise. Now Thine anger's tum'd away • There like streams that feed the gar- Comfortable thoughts arise den. From the bleeding sacrifice. Pleasures without end shall flow. For the Lord, your faith rewarding. Here, in the fair gospel-fleld, All His bounty shall bestow Wells of free salvation yield Still in undisturb'd possession Streams of life, a plenteous store. Peace and righteousness shall reign Xever shall you feel oppression. And my soul shall thirst no more. Hear the voice of war again. Jesus is become at length \" Ye no more your suns descending. Waning moons no more shall see My salvation and my strength And His praises shall prolong. But, your griefs for ever ending. While I live, my pleasant song. Find eternal moon in me Praise ye, then. His glorious name. God shall rise, and shining o'er ye. Publish His exalted fame Change to day the gloom of night; StUl His worth your praise exceeds; Excellent are all His deeds. He, the Lord, shall be your glory, God your everlasting Ught.\" Eaise again the joyful sound, Let the nations roU it round I XL Jehovah our Eighteousness. Zion, shout ; for this is He Jer. xxiii. C. God the Saviour dwells in thee. My God, how perfect are Thy waysl EX. The Contrite Heart. But mine polluted are; Isaiah Ivii. 15. Sin twines itself about my praise.The Lord will happiness divine And slides into my prayer. On contrite hearts bestow; When I would speak what Thou hastThen tell me, gracious God, is mine done A contrite heart, or no ? To save me from my sin,I hear, but seem to hear in vain. I cannot make Thy mercies known. Insensible as steel Bat self-applause creeps in.If ought is felt, 'tis only pain, To find I cannot feel.I sometimes think myself inclined Divine desire, that holy flame To love Thee, if I could Thy grace creates in meBut often feel another mind. Alas ! impatience is its name. Averse to all that's good. When it returns to Thee.My best desires are faint and few, This heart, a fotmtain of vile thoughts, I fain would strive for more How does it overflow,But when I cry, \" My strength renew'.'' While self upon the surface floats, Seem weaker than before. Still babbling from below.Thy saints are comforted, I know, Let others in the gaudy dress And love Thy house of prayer; Of fancied merit shineI therefore go where others go. The Lord shall be my righteousness. But find no comfort there. The Lord for ever mine.

;; COWPER'S POEMS.xn. Epheaim Eepextixg. XIV. Jehovah-shammah.Jer. sssi. 18-2 ^ Ezek. xlviii 35.My God, till I received Thy stroke, As birds their infant brood protect, How like a beast was I! And spread their wings to shelter them.So unaccustom'd to the j'oke. So backward to comply. Thus saith the Lord to His elect, \" So will I guard Jerusalem.\"With grief my just reproach I bear; Shame fills me at the thought, And what then is Jerusalem,How frequent my rebellions were, This darling object of His care? What wickedness I ^vrought. Where is its -worth In God's esteem ?Thy merciful restraint I scom'd, Who built it ? who inhabits there ? And left the pleasant road; Jehovah founded it in blood,Yet turn me, and I shall be tum'd; The blood of His incarnate Son : Thou art the Lord my God. There dwell the saints, once foes to God,\" Is Ephraim banish'd from my The sinners whom He calls His own. thoughts, his There, though besieged on every side. Yet much beloved, and guarded well, Or vile in my esteem? From age to age they have defiedNo,\" saith the Lord, \" with all The utmost force of earth and he.l. faults, Let earth repent and hell despair, This city has a sure defence I stUl remember him. Her name is call'd, ' 'The Lord is there,\"\" Is he a dear and pleasant child ? And who has power to drive Him Yes, dear and pleasant still; thence ?Though sin his foolish heart beguiled, XV. Praise ron the Fountain And he withstood my -will. Opened. Zech. xiii. 1.\" My sharp rebuke has laid him low There is a fountain fiU'd with blood He seeks my face again; Brawn from Emmanuel's veins;My pity kindles at his woe. And sinners, plunged beneath that He shall not seek in vain.\" Lose all their guilty stains. [flood, SIII. The Covenant. The dying thief rejoiced to see Ezek. xxx%-i. 25-28. That fountain in his day;The Lord proclaims his grace abroad! And there may I, though vile as he, \"Behold I change your hearts of Wash all my sins away. stone; Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood Shall never lose its power,Each shall renounce his idol-god. And serve, henceforth, the Lord Till all the ransom'd church of God Be saved, to sin no more. alone. E'er since, by faith, I saw the stream\" My grace, a flowing stream, proceeds Thy flowing wounds supply, To wash your fUthiness away; Eedeeming love has been my theme,Ye shall abhor your former deeds, And shall be till I die. And learn my statutes to obey. Then in a nobler, sweeter, song, I'll sing Thy power to save [tongueMy\" truth the great design ensures, ; I give myself away to youYou shall be mine, I will be yours, When this poor lisping, stammering Your God uxialterably true. Lies sUent in the grave.\" Yet not unsought, or unimplored. Lord. I believe Thou hast prepared The plenteous grace I shaU confer; (Unworthy though I be)—No your whole hearts shall seek the For me a blood-bought free reward, Lord, I'll put a praying spirit there. A golden harp for me !\" From the first breath of live divine 'Tis strung and tuned for endit >s j'eara Down to the last expiring hour. And form'd by power divine.The gracious work shall all be mine, To sound in God the Father's ears No other name but Thine. Pegtm and ended in my power.\"

;; !; ; ; ; !: — —; ; ; OLNET HYMNS. 155 XVI. The SO\"m:R. Matt. xiii. 3. XVIII. LOVEST Tnou Me ? John xxi. 10.Ve pons of earth prepare the plough, myIlAEK, soul! it is the Lord; Break up your fallow ground 'Tis my Saviour, hear His wordThe sower is gone forth to sow, Jesus speaks, and speaks to thee, And scatter blessings round. \" Say, poor sinner, lovest thou me?The seed that finds a stony soil Shoots forth a hasty blade; \"I deliver'd thee when bound. And when bleeding, heal'd thy woundBut ill repays the sower's toil. Sought thee wandering,set thee right, Soon wither'd, scorch'd, and dead. Turn'd thy darkness into light.The thorny ground is sure to balk \"Can a woman's tender care All hopes of harvest there Cease towards the child she bare ?We find a tall and sickly stalk. Yes, she maj- forgetful be. Yet will I remember thee. But not the fruitful ear. \" Mine is an unchanging love.The beaten path and highway side, Higher than the heights above. Eeceire the trust in vain Deeper than the depths beneath. Free and faithful, strong as death.The watchful birds the spoil divide, And pick up all the grain. \" Thou shalt see my glory soon, When the work of grace is done;But where the Lord of grace and power Partner of my throne shall be ; Has bless'd the happy field, Say, poor sinner, lovest thou me ?\"How plenteous is the golden store myLord, it is chief complaint. The deep-wrought furrows yield ! That my love is weak and faint;Father of mercies, we have need Of Thy preparing grace; Yet I love Thee and adore,Let the same Hand that gives the seed Oh ! for grace to love Thee more I Provide a fruitful placeXVII. The House of Prayer. Marie XIX. Contentment. Phil. iv. 11. xi. 17. Fierce passions discompose the mind,Thy mansion is the Christian's heart, As tempests vex the sea; Lord, Thy dwelling-place secure But calm content and peace we find,Bid the unruly throng depart. When, Lord, we turn to Thee. And leave the consecrated door. In vain by reason and by ruleDevoted as it is to Thee, We try to bend the will A thievish swarm frequents the For none but in the Saviour's school place Can learn the heavenly skill.They steal away my joys from me, mySince at His feet soul has sate, And rob my Saviour of His praise. Hi3 gracious words to hear.There, too, a sharp designing trade Contented with my present state, Sin, Satan, and the World maintain I cast on Him my care.Nor cease to press me, and persuade To part with ease and purchase pain- \"Art thou a sinner, soul?\" He said, ' ' Then how canst thou complain ?I know them, and I hate their din How light thy troubles here, if weigh'd Am weary of the bustling crowd; With everlasting pain 1But -while their voice is heard within, 1 cannot serve Thee as I would. \" If thou of murmuring wotddst beOh! for the joy Thy presence gives. Comparethy griefs withmine; [cured, What peace shall reign when Thou Think what my love for thee endured, art there And thou wilt not repine.Thy presence makes this den of thieves \" 'Tis I appoint thy daily lot. A calm delightful house of prayer. And I do all things weUAnd if Thou make Thy temple shine, Thou soon shalt leave this wretched Yet, self-abased, will I adore: And rise with me to dwell. [spot,The gold and silver are not mine; my\" In life grace shall strength supply, I give Thee what was Thine before. Proportiou'd to thy day; meAt death thou [still] shall find nigh, To wipe thy tears away.\"

: ; ;;; —; ; ; ;; ! :;15G COWPER'S POEMS.Thus I, -who once my -wretched days Cleanse thine heart, thy works amend, In vain repinings spent, Former times to mind recall.Taught in my Saviour's school of grace, Lest my sudden stroke descend. And smite thee once for all. Have leamt to be content.XX. Old Testament Gospel. \" Tet I number now in thee Heb. iv. 2. A few that are upright myThese Father's face shall see.ISEAEL in ancient days And walk with me in white. Not only had a view When in judgment I appear. Of Sinai in a blaze. They for mine shall be confess'd But learn'd the Gospel too myLet faithful servants hear,The types and figures were a glass. And woe be to the rest !''In which they saw a Saviour's face. XXn. Prayer for a Blessing. The paschal sacrifice Bestow, dear Lord, upon our youth, And blood-besprinkled door, The gift of saving grace Seen with eulighten'd eyes, And let the seed of sacred truth And once applied with power, Fall in a fruitful place.Would teach the need of other blood,To reconcile an angry God. Grace is a plant, where'er it grows.The Lamb, the Dove, set forth Of pure and heavenly root His perfect innocence. But fairest in the youngest shows.Whose blood of matchless worth And yields the sweetest fruit.Should be the soul's defence: Ye careless ones, O hear betimesFor He who can for sin atone. The voice of sovereign love! 1Must have uo failings of His own. Your youth is stain'd with many crimes.The scape-goat on his head But mercy reigns above.The people's trespass bore. True, you are young, but there's a stoneAnd to the desert led, Within the youngest breast;Was to be seen no more Or half the crimes which you have doneIn him our Surety seenVd to say, Would rob you of your rest.\" Behold,! bear your sins away.\" For j'ou the public prayer is madeDipt in his fellow's blood, Oh ! join the public prayer!The living bird went free For you the secret tear is shed:The type, well understood. Oh shed yourselves a tear! Expressed the sinner's plea We pray that you may early proveDescribed a guilty soul enlarj-'ed, The Spirit's power to teachAnd by a Savour's death discharged. You cannot be too yoimg to love Jesus, I love to trace, That Jesus whom we preach. Throughout the sacred page, XXIIL Pleading for and withThe footsteps of Thy grace. Youth. The game in every agelOh grant that I may faithful be Sin has undone our wretched race;To clearer light vouchsafed to me I But Jesus has restored. And brought the sinner face to faceXXI. Sardis. Uev. iii. 1 6. With his forgiving Lord.\"Write to Sardis,\" saith the Lord, This we repeat from year to year, \" And write what He declares. And press upon our youthHe whose Spirit, and whose word. Lord, give them an attentive ear. Lord, save them by Thy truth Upholds the seven stars :All thy works and ways I se.irch. Blessings upon the rising race I Make this a happy hour, Find thy zeal and love decay'dThou art call'd a Uving church, According to Thy richest grace, And Thine Almighty power. But thou art cold and dead. We feel for your unhappy state,'' Watch, remember, seek, and strive, Exert thy former pains; (May you regard it too.) And would a while ourselves forgetLet thy timely care revive, To pour out prayer for you. And strengthen what remains;

\";; ; ; ; !; ; ; ;; ; !; ; : ; OLNEY HYMNS. 157We see, though j'ou perceive it not, As man, He pities my complaint. The approaching awful doom; His power and truth are all divine;Oh tremble at the solemn thought, He will not fail. He cannot faint: And flee the wrath to come ! Salvation's sure, and must be mine. Dear Saviour, let this new-bom year XXVI. On Opening a Place for Spread an alarm abroad Social Prayer. And cry in every careless ear, Jesus! where'er Thy people meet. \" Prepare to meet thy God I\" There they behold Thy mercy seat Where'er they seek Thee, Thou art XXIV. Prayek for Children. found. Graciocs Lord, our children see, By Thy mercy we are free And every place is hallow'd ground. But shall these, alas! remain Subjects still of Satan's reign? For Thou, within no walls confined, Israel's young ones, when of old Inhabitest the humble mind Pharaoh threaten'd to withhold. Such ever bring Thee where they come. Then Thy messenger said, \" No And going, take Thee to their home. Let the children also go ! Dear Shepherd of Thy chosen few When the angel of the Lord, Thy former mercies here renew Here to our waiting hearts proclaim Drawing forth his dreadful sword. The sweetness of Thy saving name. Slew vdth an avenging hand, All the first-born of the land Here may we pro vc the power of prayer, To strengthen faith, and sweeten care When Thy people's doors he pass'd, To teach our faint desires to rise. Where the bloody sign was placed: And bring all Heaven before our eyes. Hear us now, upon our knees. Behold, at Thy commanding word Plead the blood of Christ for these We stretch the curtain and the cord, Come Thou, and fill this wider space. Lord, we tremble, for we know And bless us with a large increase. How the fierce malicious foe. Wheeling round his watchful flight. Lord, we are few, but Thou art near Keeps them ever in his sighi: Nor short Thine arm, nor deaf Thine Spread Thy pinions. King of kings! Hide them safe beneath Thy wings ear [down. Lest the ravenous bird of prey Oh rend the heavens, come quickly• Stoop and bear the brood away. And make a thousand hearts Thine own. XXV. Jehovah Jesus. XXVIL Welcome to the Table.My song shall bless the Lord of all. This is the feast of heavenly wine, My praise shall climb to His abode; And God invites to sup;Thee, Saviour, by that name I call, The juices of the living vine The great Supreme, the mighty God. Were press'd to fill the cup.Without beginning or decline. Object of faith and not of sense Oh ! bless the Saviour, ye that eat. With royal dainties fedEternal ages saw Him shine. He shines eternal ages hence. Not heaven affords a costlier treat, For Jesus is the bread.As much, when in the manger laid, Almighty Euler of the sky. The vile, the lost. He calls to them Ye trembling souls, appear!As when the six days' work He made Fill'd all the morning stars with joy. The righteous in their own esteem Have no acceptance here.Of all the crowns Jehovah bears, Approach, ye poor, nor dare refuse The banquet spread for you; Salvation is His deareatclaim; [hears. Dear Saviour, this is welcome news,That gracious sound well pleased He Then I may venture too. And owns Emmanuel for His name.A cheerful confidence I feel. If guilt and sin afford a plea, My well placed hopes with joy I see And may obtain a place.My bosom glows with heavenly zeal, Surely the Lord will welcome mo, To worship Him who died for me. Anil I shall see His face.

; ;! ; ;: ;;153 COWPEK'S POEMS.XXvni. Jesus Hasting to Suffer. A glory gilds the sacred page.The Saviour, -what a noble flame Majestic like the sun; Was kindled in His breast, It gives a light to every age.When hasting to Jerusalem, It gives, but borrows none. He march'd before the rest The hand that gave it still suppliesGood will to men, and zeal for God, The gracious light aud heat; His every thought engross; His truths upon the nations rise.He longs to be baptized with blood. They rise, but never set. He pants to reach the cross Let everlasting thanks be thine.With all His suffering full in view, For such a bright display. And woes to us uuknowu, As makes a world of darkness shineForth to the task His spirit flew With beams of heavenly day. 'Twas love that urged Him on. My soul rejoices to pursue The steps of Him 1 love.Lord, we return Theo what we can Our hearts shall sound abroad, Till glory break upon my viewSalvation to the dying Man, In brighter worlds above. And to the rising God! XXSL On the Death of a Minister.And while Thy bleeding glories here Engage our wondering eyes, His masler taken from his head, Elisha saw him goWe learn our lighter cross to bear, And in desponding accents said, And hasten to the skies. \" Ah, what must Israel do ?\" XXEK. Exhortation to Peater. But he forgot the Lord who lifts The beggar to the throneWhat various hindrances we meet Nor knew that all Elijah's giftsIn coming to a mercy seat 1 [praj-er, Would soon be made his own.Yet who that knows the worth ofBut wishes to be often there ? What ! when a Patil has run his course, Or when ApoUos dies.Prayer makes the darken'd cloud with- Is Israel left without resource, draw,Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw, And have we no supplies'?Gives exercise to faith and love,Brings every blessing from above. Yes, while the dear Eedeemer lives.Kestraining prayer, we cease to flght; We have a boundless store.Prayer makes the Christian's armour And shall be fed with what He gives. bright Who lives for evermore.And Satan trembles when he sees XXXIL The Shining Light.The weakest saint upon his knees. My former hopes are fled,While Moses stood with arms spread My terror now begins; wide, amI feel, alas ! that I deadSuccess was found on Israel's sideBut when through weariness they fail'd In trespasses and sins.That moment Amalek prevail'd. Ah, whither shall I fly ?Have you no words? Ah ! think again. I hear the thunder roar;Words flow apace when you complain,And fill your fellow-creature's ear The Law proclaims Destruction nigh,With the sad tale of all your care. And Vengeance at the door.Were half the breath thus vainly spent When I review my ways,To heaven in supplication sent,Your cheerful song would oftener be, I dread impending doom:\" Hear what the Lord has done for But sure a friendly whisper says, me.\" \"Flee from the wrath to come.\"XSS. The Light and Glory of the I see, or I think I see, Word. A glimmering from afar; The Spirit breathes upon the word, A beam of day, that shines for me. And brings the truth to sight; To save me from despair. Precepts and promises afford Forerunner of the sun. A sanctifying light. It marks the pilgrim's way; I'll gaze upon it while I run. And watch the rising day.

;: ! ; :; ; ; ;! ; ::; OLNEY HYMNS. 169 XXXIII. The Waiting Socl. Trials must and will befall ' But with humble faith to seeBreathe from the gentle south, O Lord, And cheer me from the north Love inscribed upon them all,Blow on the treasurers of thy word, This is happiness to me. And call the spices forth ! God in Israel sows the seedsI wish, Thou knowest, to he resign'd, And wait with patient hope Of affliction, pain, and toil ; These spring up and choice the weeds Which would else o'erspread the soilBut hope delay'd fatigues the mind. And drinks the spirits up. Trials make the promise sweet, Trials give new life to prayerHelp rae to reach the distant goal Trials bring me to His feet, Confirm my feeble knee; Lay me low, and keep me there.Pity the sickness of a soul Did I meet no trials here. That faints for love of Thee No chastisement by the way,Cold as I feel this heart of mine, Might I not with reason fear Yet, since I feel it so. I should prove a castaway?It yields some hope of life divine Bastards may escape the rod, Within, however low Sunk in earthly vain delight;I seem forsaken and alone, But the true-born child of God I hear the lion roar —Must not would not, if he might.And every door is shut but one, And that is Mercy's door. XXXVI. Afflictions Sanctlfied BY THE Word.There, till the dear Deliverer come, I'll wait with humble prayer; Oh how I love Thy holy Word,And when He calls His exile home, Thy gracious covenant, O Lord The Lord shall And him there. It guides mo in the peaceful way; XXXIV. Seeking the Beloved. I think upon it all the day.To those who love the Lord I speak; What are the mines of shining wealth, Is my Beloved near? The strength of youth, the bloom ofThe Bridegroom of my soul I seek. health 1 Oh ! when will He appear ? What are all joys compared with thoseThough once a man of grief and shame Thine everlasting Word bestows ! Yet now He fills a throne, Long unafQicted, undismay'd,And bears the greatest, sweetest name. That earth or heaven have known. In pleasure's path secure I stray'dGrace flies before, and love attends Thou mad'st me feel thy chast'ning rod. His steps where'er He goes [friends. And straight I turn'd unto my God. ; What though it pierced my faintingThough none can see Him but His heart, [smart And they were once His foes. I bloss'd Thine hand that caused the—He speaks ; obedient to His call myIt taught tears awhile to flow. Our warm aflections move:Did He but shine alike on all, But saved me from eternal woe. Then all alike would love. Oh ! hadst Thou left me unchastised,Then love in every heart would reign, Thy precepts I had still despised; And war would cease to roar; And still the snare in secret laid Had my unwary feet botray'd.And cruel and bloodthirsty men Would thirst for blood no more myI love Thee, therefore, O God,Such Jesus is, and such His grace And breathe towards Thy dear abode Oh, may He shine on you! Where, in Thy presence fully blest.And tell Him, when you see His face, I long to see Him too. Thy chosen saints for ever rest. XXXV. Welcome Cross. XXXVIL Temptation.'TiS my happiness below The billows swell, the winds are high, Not to live without the cross. Clouds overcast my wintry sky;But the Saviour's power to know, Out of the depths to Thee I call,— Sanctifying every loss myMy feara aro great, strength is small.

; ; ; ; !: ; ! ;; ; ;; !160 COWPER'S POEMS. Lord, the pilot's part perform. See. from the ever-burning lake.And guard and guide me through the How like a smoky cloud they rise I With horrid blasts my soul they shake, storm; With storms of blasphemies and lies.Defend me from each threatening ill. Their flery arrows reach the mark,—Control the Tvaves, say, \" Peace ! be My throbbing heart with anguish still.\" Each lights upon a kindred spark, [tear;Amidst the roaring of the sea And finds abundant fuel there.My soul still hangs her hope on Thee I hate the thought that wrongs theThy constant love, thy faithful care,Is all that saves me from despair. LordDangers of every shape and name myOh ! I would drive it from breast,Attend the followers of the Lamb, With Thy own sharp two-edged sword,Who leave the -world's deceitfid shore,And leave it to return no more.. Far as the east is from the west.Though tempesl-toss'd and half a Come, then, and chase the cruel host, wreck, Heal the deep wounds I have re-My Saviour through the floods I seek ceived !Let neither winds nor stormy main Nor let the power of darkness boast,Force back my shatter'd bark again. That I am foil'd, and Thou art grieved 1XXXYIIL Looking Upwahds in a XL. Peace after a Storii. Storm. When darkness long has veil'd mymyGod of life, to Thee I call, mind,Afflicted at Thy feet I fall And smUing day once more appears. Then, my Redeemer, then I findWhen the great water-floods prevail, The folly of my doubts and fears.Leave not my trembling heart to fail Straight I upbraid my wandering heart.Friend of the friendless and the faint. And blush that I should ever beWhere should I lodge my deep com- Thus prone to act so base a part, Or harbour one hard thought of Thee plaint. Oh ! let me then at length be taughtWhere but with Thee, whose open door What I am still so slow to learn.Invites the helpless and the poor! That God is love, and changes not.Did ever mourner plead with Thee, Nor knows the shadow of a turn.And Thou refuse that mourner's plea ? Sweet truth, and easy to repeat IDoes not the word still fii'd remain,That none shall seek Thy face in vain? But when my faith is sharply tried,That were a grief I could not bear, I find myself a learner yet.Didst Thou not hear and answer Unskilful, weak, and apt to slide. prayer But, O my Lord, one look from TheeBut a prayer-hearing, answering God Subdues the disobedient will.Supports me under every load. Drives doubt and discontent away.Fair is the lot that's cast for me And Thy rebellious worm is stilL1 have an Advocate with Thee Thou art as ready to forgiveThey whom the world caresses most As I am ready to repineHave no such privilege to boast. Thou, therefore, all the praise receive;Poor though I am, despised, forgot, Be shame and self-abhorrence mine.Yet God, my God, forgets me not XLI. MOURNINS AND LONGINO.And he is safe, and must succeed.For whom the Lord Touchsafes to The Saviour hides His face My spirit thirsts to prove plead. Eenew'd supplies of pardoning grace. And never-fading love.XXXIX. The Valley of the Shadow OF Death. The favour'd souls who know What glories shine in Him,My sonl is sad, and much dismay'd P»nt for His presence as the roe See, Lord, what legions of mj* foes, Pants for the living stream.With fierce Apollyon at their head, My heavenly pilgrimage oppose

; !; ; ;! ;OLNEY HYIINS. 161 What trifles tease me now ! The storm of loud repining hush; They swarm like summer flies I would in humble silence mourn;They cleave to everything I do, Acd swim before my eyes. Why should the unburut, though burn- How dull the Sabbath day, ing bush, Without the Sabbath's Lord Be angry as the crackling thorn?How toilsome then to sing and pray, Han should not faint at Thy rebuke, And wait upon the Word 1 Like Joshua falling on his face. Of all the truths I hear, When the cursed thing that Achan took How few delight my taste I Brought Israel into just disgrace.I glean a berry here and there, I3ut mourn the vintage past. Perhaps some golden wedge sup- Yet let me (as I ought) press'd, Still hope to be supphed Some secret sin oSends my GodNo pleasure else is worth a thought, Perhaps that Babylonish vest, Nor shall I be denied. Self-righteousness provokes the rod. Though I am but a worm, Ah ! were I buffeted all day, [upon, Unworthy of His care.The Lord will my desire perform, Slock'd, crown'd with thorns, and spit And grant me all my prayer. I yet should have no right to say, SLII. Self-Acquaintasce. Mj' great distress is mine alone. Let me not angrily declare No pain was ever sharp like mine, Nor murmur at the cross 1 bear. But rather weep, remembering Thine.Deah Lord ! accept a sinful heart, XLIV. Submission. Which of itself complains, myO Lord, best desire fulfll,And mourns, with much and frequent And help me to resign smart. Life, health, and comfort to Thy will. The evil it contains. And make Thy pleasure mine.There flery seeds of anger lurk. Why should I shrink at Thy command, Which often hurt my frame Whose love forbids my fears ?And wait but for the tempter's work, Or tremble at the gracious hand To fan them to a flame. That -wipes away my tears ?Legality holds out a bribe No, rather let me freely yield To purchase life from Thee ; What most I prize to 'i?hee;And Discontent would fain prescribe Who never hast a good withheld, How Thou Shalt deal with me. Or wilt withhold, from me.While Unbelief withstands Thy grace, And puts the mercy by; Thy favour, all my journey through,Presum,ption, with a brow of brass, Thou art engaged to grant ; Saj's, \"Give me, or I die!\" What else I want, or think I do, 'Tis better stiU to wantHow eager are my thoughts to roam, Wisdom and mercy guide my way, lu quest of what they love! Shall I resist them both ?But ah! when duty calls them home. A poor blind creature of a day. How heavily they move ! And crush' d before the moth!Oh. cleanse me in a Saviour's blood. myBut ah ! inward spirit cries, Transform me by Thy power. Still bind me to Thy swayAnd make me Thy beloved abode, And let me roam no more. Else the next cloud that veils the skies Drives all these thoughts away. XLHI. Prater for Patience. XLV. The Happy Change.Lord, who has suffer'd all for me, How bless'd thy creature is, God, My peace and pardon to procure, When with a single eye.The lighter cross I bear for Thee, He views the lustre of Thy Word, Help me with patience to endure. The dayspring from on high

— ; ;: :: : ; ; ;; ; !;ir.2 COWPER'S POEMS.Through all the storms that veil the Nor were it wise, nor should I choose And frown on earthly things, [skies Such secrets to declareThe Sun of Eighteousness he eyes, With healing on His wiugs. Like precious wines their taste theyStruck by that light, the human heart, Exposed to open air. [lose, A barren soil no more, But this with boldness I proclaim, Nor care if thousands hear.Sends the sweet smell of grace abroad, Where serpents lurk'd before. Sweet is the ointment of His name, Not life is half so dear.The soul, a dreary province once Of Satan's dark domain, And can yon frown, my former friends, Who knew what once I was, [mendsFeels a new empire form'd within, And owns a heavenly reign. And blame the song that thus com- The Man who bore the cross ?The glorious orb whose golden beams The fruitful year control, Trust me, I draw the likeness true, And not as fancy paintsSince first obedient to Thy Word, He started from the goal, ;Has cheer'd the nations with the joys Such honour may He give to you. His orient rays impart For such have all His saints.But, Jesus, 'tis Thy light alone Can shine upon the heart. XLVin. Joy and Peace in Believing. XLVI. Eetirement. Sometimes a light surprisesFab from the world, O Lord, I flee, The Christian while he sings From strife and tumult far It is the Lord who rises ; With healing on His wingsFrom scenes where Satan wages still When comforts are declining, His most successful war. He grants the soul againThe calm retreat, the silent shade. A season of clear shining, With prayer and praise agree To cheer it after rain.And seem, by Thy sweet bountj' made. In holy contemplation For those who follow Thee. We sweetly then pursueThere if Thy Spirit touch the soul. And grace her mean abode. The theme of God's salvation, And find it ever new;Oh, with what peace, and joy, and love. She coaununes with her God 1 Set free from present sorrow, We cheerfully can say. E'en let the unknown to-morrow Bring with it what it mayThere like the nightingale she pours It can bring with it nothing, Her solitary lays But He will bear us through Who gives the lilies clothing.Nor asks a witness of her song, Nor thirsts for human praise. Will clothe His people tooAuthor and Ouardian of my life, Beneath the spreading heavens Sweet source of light Divine, No creature but is fed;And,— all harmonious names in one, And He who feeds the ravens My Saviour ! Thou art mine Will give His children bread.V^at thanks I owe Thee, and what Though vine nor flg tree neitherA boundless, endless store, [love, Their wonted fruit shall bear.Shall echo through the realms above, Though all the field should wither.When time shall be no more. Nor flocks nor herds be there: Yet God the same abiding,XLVII. The Hidden Life. myHis praise shall tune voicemyTo tell the Saviour all wants, For, while in him confiding,How pleasing is the task 1 I cannot but rejoice.Nor less to praise Him when He grants XLIX. Trce Pleasures.Beyond what I can ask. Lord, my soul with pleasure springs When Jesus' name I hearSly labouring spirit vainly seeks And when God the Spirit brings To tell but half the joy. The word of promise nearWith how much tenderness He speaks, And helps me to reply.

;; ! ;! ; ;; ;OLNEY HYMXS. 1(33Beauties too, in holiness, With these to Pisgah's top I fly And there delighted stand. Still delighted I perceive To view beneath a shining sky.Nor have words that can express The spacious promised land. The joys Thy precepts give. Clothed in sanctity and grace, The Lord of all the vast domain Has promised it to me, How sweet it is to see The length and breadth of all the plain Those who love Thee as they pass, As far as faith can see. Or when they wait on Thee. How glorious is my privilege! Pleasant too to sit and tell What we owe to love Divine; To Thee for help I call; I stand upon a mountain's edge, Till our bosoms grateful swell, And eyes begin to shine. Oh save me, lest I fall! Those the comforts I possess. Though much exalted in the Lord, Which God shall still increase, My strength is not my own; All His ways are pleasantness. Then let me tremble at His word, And all His paths are peace. And none shall cast me down. Nothing Jesus did or spoke, LIL For the Poor. Henceforth let me ever slight; When Hagar found the bottle spent. And wept o'er Ishmael, For I love His easy yoke. And find His burden hght. A message from the Lord was sent L. The Christian. To guide her to a well.Honour and happiness unite [praise; Should not Elijah's cake and cruse To make the Christian's name a Convince us at this day,How fair the scene, how clear the light, A gracious God will not refuse That fllls the remnant of His days Provisions by the way \"tA kingly character He bears. His saints and servants shall he fed. No change His priestly office knowsUnfading is the crown He wears, The promise is secure; [said, His joys can never i-each a close. \"Bread shall be given them,\" as HoAdoru'd with glory from on high, '• Their water shall be sure.\" Salvation shines upon His face; Kepasts far richer they shall prove,His robe is of the ethereal dye. Than all earth's dainties are His steps are dignity and grace. 'Tis sweet to taste a Saviour's love,Inferior honours He disdains, [earth Though in the meanest fare. Nor stoops to take applause from To Jesus then your trouble bring,The King of kings Himself maintains Nor murmur at your lot The expenses of His heavenly birth. While you are poor and He is King,The noblest creature seen below, You shall not be forgot. Ordain'd to fill a throne above; Lin. My Soul Thirstkth for God.God gives him all He can bestow, His kingdom of eternal love ! I THIRST, but not as once I did. The vain delights of earth to shareMy soul is ravish 'd at the thought! Methinks from earth I see Him rise Thy wounds, Emmanuel, all forbidAngels congratulate His lot. That I should seek my pleasures And shout Him welcome to the skies there.LI. Lively Hope and Gracious Fear. It was the sight of Thy dear crossI WAS a grovelling creature once, First wean'd my soul from earthly And busely cleaved to earth thingsI wanted spirit to renounce And taught me to esteem as dross The clod that gave me birth. The mirth of fools and pomp of kings.But God hath breathed upon a worm, I want that grace that springs from And sent me from above Thee, [flows,Wings such as clothe an angel's form. The wings of joy and love. That quickens all things where it And makes a wretched thorn like me Bloom as the myrtle, or the rose.

;: : ; ! ;;164 COWPEE'S POEMS.Dear fountain of delight unknown! Then my stubborn heart He broke, No longer sink below the brim; And subdued me to His sway;But overflow, and pour me down By a simple word He spoke, A living and life-giving stream \" Thy sins are done away.\"For sure of all the plants that share L\"7I. Hatred of Six. The notice of thy Father's eye. Holy Lord God ! I love Thy truth.None proves less grateful to His care, Nor dare Thy least commandment Or yields him meaner fruit than I. slight; Lrv. Love Consthaixixg to Yet pierced by sin, the sei-pent's tooth, Obedience. I mourn the anguish of the bite.No strength of nature can suffice But though the poison lurks within, To serve the Lord aright Hope bids me still with patience waitAnd what she has she misapplies, Till death shall set me free from sin, For want of clearer Ught. Free from the only thing I hate.How long beneath the law I lay Had I a throne above the rest. In bondage and distress; Where angels and archangels dwell,I toil'd the precept to obey. myOne sin, unslain. within breast. But toil'd without success. Would make that heaven as dark asThen, to abstain from outward sin helL Was more than I could do The prisoner sent to breathe fresh air.Now, if I feel its power within, And blest with liberty again, [wear I feel I hate it too. Would mourn were he condemned to One link of all his furmer chain.Then all my servile works were done A righteousness to raise: But, oh ! no foe invades the bliss,Now, freely chosen in the Son, When glory crowns the Christian's I freely choose His ways. One view of Jesus as He is, [head\" What shall I do,'' was then the word, Will strike all sin for ever dead. \"That I may worthier grow?\" LVn. The New Convert.\" What shall I render to the Lord?\" The new-born child of gospel grace, Is my iuquu-y now. Like some fair tree when summer'sTo see the law by Christ fulflll'd Beneath Emmanuel's shinLngface[nigh And hear His pardoning voice, Lifts up his blooming branch on high.Changes a slave into a child. No fears he feels, he sees no foes. No conflict yet his faith employs. And duty into choice. Nor has he learnt to whom he owes LV. The Heart Healed and Changed by Merct. The strength and peace his soul en-Six enslaved me many years, joys. And led me bound and blind; But sin soon darts its cruel sting.Till at length a thousand fears And comforts sinking day by day. Came swarming o'er my mind. What seem'd his own, a self-fed spring.\" Where,\" said I, in deep distress, Proves but a brook that glides away. \" WiU these sinful pleasures end? When Gideon arm'dhis numerous host.How shall I secure my peace, The Lord soon made his numbers And make the Lord my friend ?\" less;Friends and ministers said much And said, \" Lest Israel vainly boast. The gospel to enforce My arm procured me this success !\"But my blindness still was such, Thus will he bring our spirits down. And draw our ebbing comforts low, I chose a legal course: That saved by grace, but not our own.Much I fasted, watch'd, and strove. Scarce would she w mj' face abroad, We may not claim the praise we owe.Fear'd almost to speak or move, LVIII. True and False Comforts. A stranger still to God. God, whose favourable eye The siu-sick soul revives.Thus afraid to trust His grace, Holy and heavenly is the joy Thy shining presence gives.Long time did I rebel;myTill, despairing of ease,Down at his feet I fell

;! —; ; ; ; OLNEY HYMNS. 1C5Not such as hypocrites suppose, The pardon such presume upon, They do not beg but steal Who with a graceless heart And when they plead it at Thy throne,Taste not of Thee, but drink a dose, Oh! Where's the Spirit's seal? Prepared by Satan's art. Was it for this, ye lawless tribe.Intoxicating joys are theirs, The dear Redeemer bled? Who while they boast their light, Is this the grace the saints imbibeAnd seem to soar above the stars. From Christ the living head ? Are plunging into night. Ah, Lord, we know Thy chosen fewLull'd in a soft and fatal sleep, They sin and yet rejoice; [sheep. —Are fed with heavenly fare; [chew,Were they indeed the Saviour's But these, the wretched husks they Would they not hear His voice ? Proclaim them what they are.Be mine the comforts that reclaim The liberty our hearts implore Is not to live in sin; The soul from Satan's power;That make me blush for what I am, But still to wait at Wisdom's door, Till Mercy calls us in. And hate my sin the more. LXI. The Narrow Wat.my'Tis joy enough, All in All, What thousands never knew the road!At Thy dear feet to lie What thousands hate it when 'tis known!Thou wilt not let me lower fall, None but the chosen tribes of GodAnd none can higher fly. Will seek or choose it for their own.LIX. A Living and a Dead Faith. A thousand ways in ruin end.The Lord receives His highest praise One only leads to joy on high From humble minds and hearts sin- By that my willing steps ascend, cere; Pleased with a journey to the sky.While all the loud professor says Offends the righteous Judge's ear. No more I ask or hope to findTo walk as children of the day, Delight or happiness below; To mark the precepts' holy light, Sorrow may well possess the mindTo wage the warfare, watch, and pray. That feeds where thorns and thistlei Shew who are pleasing in His sight. grow.Not words alone it cost the Lord, The joy that fades is not for me, To purchase pardon for His own; I seek immortal joys above;Nor will a soul by grace restored There glory without end shall be Eeturn the Saviour words alone. The bright reward of faith and loTeWith golden bells, the priestly vest, Cleave to the world, ye sordid worms. And rich pomegranates border'd Contented lick your native dust!The need of holiness express'd, [round, But God shall fight with all his storms. And call'd for fruit as well as sound. Against the idol of your trust.Easy indeed it were to reach LXn. Dependence. A mansion in the courts above. To keep the lamp alive. With oil we fill the bowlIf swelling words and fluent speech Might serve instead of faith and love. 'Tis water makes the willow thrive. And grace that feeds the soul.But none shall gain the blissful place, Or God's unclouded glory see, The Lord's unspairing hand Supplies the living streamWho talks of free and sovereign grace. It is not at our own command. Unless that grace has made him free But still derived from Him. LX. Abuse of the Gospel,Too many. Lord, abuse Thy grace Beware of Peter's word. In this licentious day. Nor coufldeutly say,And while they boast they see Thy face, —\" I never will deny Thee, Lord,\" They turn their own away. But, \" Grant I never may.\"Thy book displays a gracious light Man's wisdom is to seek That can the blind restore; His strength in God alone;But these are dazzled by the sight, And e'en an angel would be weak, And blinded still the more. Who trusted in his own.

; !;! : ; !; ! ;; ; COWPEE'S POEMS.Retreat beneath His wings. LXV. Grace and Providence. And in His grace confide ALMiGHTr King! whose wondrousThis more exalts the King of kings, hand Than all your works beside. Supports the weight of sea and land Whose grace is such a boundless stora,In Jesus is our store, No heart shall break that sighs for Grace issues from His throne; more;\"Whoever says, \" I want no more,\" Confesses he has none. Thy providence supplies my food. And 'tis Thy blessing makes it good LXm. Not of Works. My soul is nourish'd by Thy Word,Grace, triumphant in the throne. Let soul and body praise the Lord IScorns a rival, reigns alone;Come and bow beneath her sway I My streams of outward comfort cameCast your idol works away 1 From Him who built this earthly frame;\"Works of man, when made his plea,Never shall accepted be Whate'er I want His bounty gives,Fruits of pride, (vain-glorious worm !)Are the best he can perform. By whom my soul for ever lives.Self, the god his soul adores, Either His hand preserves from pain.Influences all his powers; Or, if I feel it, heals againJesus is a slighted name,Self-advancement all his aim From Satan's malice shields my breast,But when God the Judge shall come,To pronounce the final doom, Or overrules it for the best.Then for rocks and hills to hideAll his works and all his pride Forgive the song that falls so low Beneath the gratitude I owe It means Thy praise, however poor, An angel's song can do no more. LX'^'I. I WILL Praise the Lord at ALL Times.Still the boasting heart replies. Winter has a joy forme. While the Saviour's charms I read.What the worthy and the wise,Friends to temperance and peace. Lowly, meek, from blemish free.Have not these a righteousness 't In the snowdrop's pensive head.Banish every vain pretence Spring returns, and brings along Life-invigorating sunsBuilt on human excellence;Perish every thing in man, Hark I the turtle's plaintive song Seems to speak His dying groans IBut the grace that never can. LXTV. Peaisk for Faith. Summer has a thousand charms,Of all the gifts Thine hand bestows, All expressive of His worth Thou Giver of all good! 'Tis His sun that lights and warms,Not heaven itself a richer knows His the air that cools the earth. Than my Eedeemer's blood. What! has autumn left to say Nothing of a Saviour's grace?Faith too, the blood-receiving grace, Yes, the beams of milder day From the same hand we gain; Tell me of His smiling face.Else, sweetly as it suits our case, That gift had been in vain. Light appears with early- dawn, While the sun makes haste to riseTUl Thou Thy teaching power apply, Our hearts refuse to see. See His bleeding beauties drawn On the blushes of the skies.And weak, as a distemper'd eye, Evening with a silent pace. Shut out the view of Thee. Slowly moving in the west.Blind to the merits of Thy Son, Shews an emblem of His grace, What misery we endure ! Points to an eternal rest.Yet fly that Hand from which alone LX\"\ni. Longing to be with Christ. We could expect a cure.\"We praise Thee, and would praise Thee To Jesus, the crown of my hopo. My soul is in haste to be gone;To Thee our all we owe [more, ; Oh bear me, ye cherubim, up.The precious Saviour, and the power And waft me away to His throneThat makes Him precious too.

; :; ; ; MISCELLAXEOUS PIECES. IGiMy Saviour, whom absent I love. Thus the strokes which from sin and Whom, not having seen I adore; Shall set me eternally free, [from painWhose name is exalted above Will but strengthen and rivet the chain All glory, dominion, and power Which binds me, my Saviour, to Thee.Dissolve thou these bonds that detain LXVIIL Light Shixisg out of Daeksess. My soul from her portion in thee,Ah strike off this adamant chain, God moves in a mysterious way ! And make me eternally free. His wonders to perform ;When that happy era begins. He plants His footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm. When array'din Thy glories I shine, Deep in unfathomable minesNor grieve any more, by my sins, Of never-failing skill, The bosom on which I recline; He treasures up His bright designs,Oh then shall the veil be removed. And works His sovereign will.And round me Thy brightness be Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, pour'd The clouds ye so much dreadI shall meet Him whom absent I loved, Are big with mercy, and shall break.I shall sea Him whom unse«n I In blessings on your head. adored. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense.And then, never more shall the But trust Him for His grace fears. Behind a frowning providenceThe trials, temptations, and woes, He hides a smiUng face.Which darken this valley of tears. His purposes wiU ripen fast. Intrude on my blissful repose. Unfolding every hour;Or, if yet remember'd above, The bud may have a bitter taste, Bemembrance no sadness shall raise. But sweet will be the flower.They will be but new signs of Thy Blind tmbelief is sure to err, love, And scan his work in vainNew themes for my wonder and God is His own interpreter, praise. And He will make it plain. 1 MISCELLANEOUS PIECES. HISTORY OF JOHX GILPIN. \" I am a linendraper bold.John Gilpin was a citizen As all the world doth know. Of credit and renown, And my good friend the calenderA trainband captain eke was he Will lend his horse to go.\" Of famous London town. Quoth Mrs GUpin, \" That's well saidJohn Gilpin's spouse said to her dear, And for that wine is dear. \" Though wedded we have been We wUl be furnish'd with our own,These t^vice ten tedious years, yet we Xo holiday have seen. Wliich is both bright and clear.\"\" To-morrow is our wedding-day. John Gilpin kiss'd his loving wife And we will then repair O'erjoy'd was he to find.Unto the Bell at Edmonton, That, though on pleasure she was bent. All in a chaise and pair. She had a frugal mind.My my\" sister and sister's child, The morning came, the chaise was brought. INIyself and children three,Will fill the chaise, so you must ride But yet was not allow'd To drive up to the door, lest all On horseback after we.'' . Should say that she was proud.He soon replied, \" I do admire Of womankind but one, So three doors off the chaise was stay'd. Where they did aU get In,And you are she, my dearest dear, Six precious souls, and all agog Therefore it shall be done. To dash through thick and thin.

\":; ! —; !163 COWPER'S POEMS.Smack went the whip, round went the Away went Gilpin, neck or nought, Away went hat and wig. \"Were never folk so glad, [wheels,The stones did rattle underneath He little dreamt when he set out, As if Cheapside were mad. Of running such a rig.John Gilpin at his horses side The wind did blow, the cloak did fly, Like streamer long and gay, Seized fast the flowing mane, Till loop and button faUing both,And up he got in haste to ride, At last it flew away. But soon came down again Then might all people well discernFor saddle-tree scarce reach'd had he, The bottles he had slung. His journey to begin, A bottle swinging at each side.When, turning round his head, he saw Three customers come in. As hath been siid or smig.So down he came ; for loss of time, The dogs did bark, the children Although it griered him sore. Up flew the windows all. [scream'd.Yet loss of pence, full well he knew And every soul cried out •' Well done!\" Would trouble him much more. As loud as he could bawl.'Twas long before the customers —Away went Gilpin who but heWere suited to their mind, [stairs. His fame soon spread around, He carries we:ght! he rides a race!When Betty screaming came down 'Tis for a thousand pound! \" The wine is left behind : And still as fast as he drew near,—\" Good lack ! \" quoth he ' yet bring 'Twas wonderful to viewMy leathern belt likewise, [it me. How in a trice the turnpike menIn which I bear my trusty sword Their gates wide open threw.When I do exercise.\" And now as he went bowing downNffiv mistress Gilpin, careful suul His reeking head full low, Had two stone bottles found. The bottles twain behind his backTo hold the liquor that she luved, \"Were shatter\"d at a blow. And keep it safe and sound.Each bottle had a curling ear. Down ran the wine into the road Through which the belt he drew. Most piteous to be seen,And hung a bottle on each side Which made his horse's fianks to smoke To make his balance true. As they had basted been.Then over all, that he might be But still he seem'd to carry weight. With leathern girdle braced.Equipp'd from top to toe, [neat. For all might see the bottte necksHis long red cloak, well-brush'd and Still dangling at his waist.He manfully did throw. Thus through all merry Islington These gambles he did play.Now, see him mounted once again Upon his nimble steed. Until he came unto the \"Wash Of Edmonton so gay.Full slowly pacing o'er the stones With caution and good heed.But finding soon a smoother road And there he threw the wash about Beneath his well-shod feet. On both sides of the way,The snorting beast began to trot, Just like unto a trundling mop, Which gall'd him in his seat. Or a wild goose at play.\"So, fair and softly.\"' John he cried, At Edmonton his loving wife But John, he cried in vain From the balcony spiedThat trot became a gallop soon, Her tender husband, wondering much In spite of curb and rein. To see how he did ride.So stooping down as needs he must —\"Stop, stop, John Gilpin! Here's theWho cannot sit upright, [hands. They all at once did cry; [house!\"He gra5p\"d the mane with both his \" The dinner waits, and we are tired:\"And eke with all his might. Said Gilpin—\" So am I!\"His horse, who never in that sort But yet his horse was not a wLit Had handled been before, Inclined to tarry thereWhat thing upon his back had got For why?—his owner had a house Did wonder more and more. Full ten mUes off, at Ware.

;; ; ; ! ;; MISCELLANEOUS PIECES. 169So like an arrow swift he flew Away went Gilpin, and away Went Gilpin's hat and wig: Shot by au archer strong He lost them sooner than the first,—So did he fly which briugs me to —For why ? they were too big. The middle of my song. Now mistress Gilpin, when she sawAway went Gilpin, out of breath, Her husband posting down And sore against his will, Into the country far away.Till at his friend the calender's She puU'd out balf-a-crown; His horse at last stood still. And thus unto the youth she said. That drove them to the Bell, [backThe calender amazed to see \" This shall be yours when you bring His neighbour in such trimLaid down his pipe, flew to the gate, My husband safe and well.\" And thus accosted him: The youth did ride, and soon did meet John coming back amain,\" What news ? what news ? your tidings—Tell me you must and shall Whom in a trice he tried to stop [tell, By catching at his reinSay why bareheaded you are come, But not performing what he meant,Or why you come at all?\" And gladly would have done.Now Gilpin had a pleasant wit. The frighted steed he frighted more, And loved a timely joke. And made him faster run.And thus unto the calender Away went Gilpin, and away Went postboy at his heels, In merry guise he spoke : The postboy's horse right glad to miss\"I came because your horse would The lumbering of the wheels.And if I well forebode, [come Six gentlemen upon the road Thus seeing Gilpin fly.My hat and wig will soon be here, —With postboy scampering in the rear.They are upon the road.\" They raised the hue and cry:The calender, right glad to find His friend in merry pin, —\"Stop thief; stop thief 1 a highway-Relurn'd him not a single word, Not one of them was mute; [man But to the house went in; And all and each that passed that wWhence straight he came with hat andA wig that'fiow'd behind. Did join in the pursuit. [wig,A hat not much the worse for wear, And now the turnpike gates again Flew open in short space,Each comely in its kind. The toll-men thinking as beforeHe held them up, and in his turn That Gilpin rode a race. Thus shew'd his ready wit, And so he did and won it too,\" My head is twice as big as yours, For he got first to town, They therefore needs must fit. Nor stopp'd till where he had got up He did again get down.\" But let me scrape the dirt away Now let us sing, long live the king. That hangs upon your face And Gilpin long live heAnd stop and eat, for well you may And when he next doth ride abroad, Be in a hungry case.\" May I be there to seeSaid John, my\" It is wedding-day, And all the world would stare,If wife should dine at Edmonton, And I should dine at Ware.\"So turning to his horse, he said, VEESES WRITTEN AT BATH, \" I am in haste to dine, ON FINDING THE HEEL OF A SHOE, IX'Twas for your pleasure you came here. 1743. You shall go back for mine.\"Ah, luckless speech, and bootless boast! Fortune! I thank thee: gentle god- For which he paid full dear. dess, thanks. [shall denyFor while he spake a brayiug ass Did sing most loud and clear Not that my Muse, though bashful, She would have thank'd thee rather,Whereat his horse did snort, as he hadst thou cast Had heard a lion roar. A treasure in her way; for neither meedAnd gallop'd off with all his might, Of early breakfast, to dispel the fumes As he had done before. And bowel-raking pains of emptiness,

! ! :;170 COWPEE'S POEMS.Nor noontide feast, nor evening's cool PSALM CXXXVII.repast, To Babylon's proud waters brought, In bondage where we lay.Hopes she from this, presumptuous— With tears on Sion's Hill we thought,though perhaps And sigh'd our hours away;The cobbler, leather-carving artist, Neglected on the willows hungmight. [thy boon, Our useless harps, while every tongueNathless she thanks thee, and accepts Bewail'd the fatal day.\"Whatever; not as erst the fabled cock.Vain- glorious fool, unknowing what he Then did the base insulting foe Some joyous notes demand, foimd, Such as in Sion used to flowSpurn'd the rich gem thou gavest him. From Judah's happy band Wherefore, ah Alas ! what joyous notes have we,Why not on me that favour (worthier Our country spoil' d, no longer free, And in a foreign land sure.)Conferr'dst thou, goddess? Thou art —blind, thou sayest; O Solyma ! if e'er thy praise Be silent in my song.Enough! thy blindness shall excuse the deed. Rude and unpleasing be the lays,Nor does my Muse no benefit exhale And artless be my tongue !From this thy scant indulgence;—even Thy name my fancy still employshere, [found, myTo thee, great fountain ofHints, worthy sage philosophy, are joys,myIllustrious hints to moralise song. My sweetest airs belong.This ponderous Heel of perforated hide Eem.ember, Lord ! that hostile sound.Compact, with pegs indented many a When Edom's children cried,row, [speaks,) \" Eazed be her turrets to the ground, And humbled be her pride !''Haply, (for such its massy form be- Eemember, Lord ! and let the foeThe weighty tread of some rude peas- The terrors of Thy vengeance know,ant clo^-n [stretch'd. The vengeance they defied !Upbore: on this supported oft heWith uncouth strides, along the fur- Thou too, great Babylon, shalt fallrow'd glebe, [time A victim to our GodFlattening the stubborn clod, till cruel Thy monstrous crimes already call(What wll not cruel time?) on awry For Heaven's chastising rod. step, Happy who shall thy little ones Kelentless dash against the stones,Sever'd the strict cohesion; when, alasl And spread their limbs abroad.He,who could erst with even equal pace, AN ODE,Pursue his destined way with sj-mmetryAnd some proportion form'd, now, on OK EBADIN&MH RICHARDSON'S HISTORY OF SIB CHARLES GEANDISON.one side, [vagrant boys, Say, ye apostate and profane.Curtail'd and maim'd, the sport of Wretches who blush not to disdainCursing his frail supporter, treacherous Allegiance to your God, Did e'er your idly-wasted loveprop! [moves on. Of virtue\" for her sake removeWith toilsome steps, and difficult, And lift you from the crowd ?Thus fares it oft w fa other than the Would you the race of glory run.feet fliius, Know, the devout, and they alone,Of humble villager:— the statesman Are equal to the task:Up the steep road where proud am- The labours of the illustrious course Far other than the unaided forcebition leads. Of human vigour ask.Aspiring, first uninterrupted winds To arm against repeated UlHis prosperous way; uor fears mis- The patient heart, too brave to feelcaiTiage foul, [true; •The tortures of despair:While policy prevails and friends prove Nor safer yet high-crested Pride,But that support soon failing, by him When wealth flows in with every tide left he most [left, To gain admittance there.On whom depend^ed^ -b,aselyBetray'd, deserted,— from his airyheight [rest of lifeHeadlong he falls, and through theDrags the dull load of disappoiutmeut

; ; ! !; ; ; ;; ;; MISCELLANEOUS PIECES. inTo rescue from the tjTant's sword, SONG.—The oppress'd; uuseea and unim- No more shall hapless Celia's ears To cheer the face of woe; [plorod, Be flutter'd with the criosFrom lawless insult to defend Of lovers drown'd in floods of tears.An orphan's right, a fallen friend, And a forgiven foe Or murderd by her eyes No serenades to break her rest.These, these distinguish from the Nor songs her slumbers to molest, crowd, myWith fa, la, la.And these alone, the great and good, The fragrant flowers that once wouldThe guardians of mankind And flourish in her hair, [blooniWhose bosoms with these virtues heave, Since she no longer breathes perfumeOh, with what matchless speed, they Their odours to repair.The multitude behind [leave Must fade, alas! and wither now.Then ask ye, from what cause on earth As placed on any common brow.Virtues like these derive their birth ? myWith fa, la, la. Derived from Heaven alone, Her lip, so winning and so meek,Full on that favour'd breast they shine,Where faith and resignation join No longer has its charms To call the blessing down. As well she might by whistling seek—Such is that heart : but while the Muse To lure us to her armsThy theme, O Bichardson, pursues, Affected once 'tis real now. Her feebler spirits faint As her forsaken gums may shew,She cannot reach, and would not -wrong,That subject for an angel's song. myWith fa, la, la. The hero, and the saint The down that on her chin so smooth So lovely once appear'd. That, too, has left her with her youth,IN A LETTER TO C. P., ESQ. Or sprouts into a beard ; ILL WITH THE EHEUMATISM. As fields, so green when newly sown, With stubble stiff are overgrown. myWith fa, la, la.Grant me the Muse, ye gods! whose Then, Celia, leave your apish tricks,humble flight And change your girlish airs.Seeks not the mountain-top's perni- For ombre, snuff, and politics.cious height [sake. Those joj's that suit your years ;Who can the tall Parnassian cliff for- No patches can lost youth recall.To visit of the still Lethean lake; Nor whitewash prop a tumbling wall,Now her slow pinions brush the silent myY/ith fa, la, la.shore, [waters o'er, AN ATTEMPT AT THE MANNERNow gently skim the unwrinkled OF WALLER.There dips her downy plumes, thence upwards flies, Did not thy reason and thy sense.And sheds soft slumbers on her With most persuasive eloquence,votary's eyes. Convince me that obedience due. None may so justly claim as you,IN A LETTER TO THE SA5IE. By right of beauty you would beIN IMITATION OF SHAKSPEARB. mySlistress o'er heart and me.Trust me the meed of praise, dealt Then fear not I should e'er rebelthriftily [honours more My gentle love ! I might as well A forward peevishness put on,From the nice scale of judgment, And quarrel with the mid-day sunThan does the lavish and o'erbearing ;tide Or question who gave him a rightOf profuse courtesy. Not all the gems To be so flery and so bright.Of India's richest soU at random spreadOer the gay vesture of some ghttering Nay, this were less absurd and vain Than disobedience to thy reigndame, [person. His beams are often too severe ;Give such alluring vantage to the But thou art mild, as thou art fairAs the scant lustre of a few, with First from necessity we own yourchoice [posed. sway, [choice obey.And comely guise of ornament dis- Then scorn our freedom, and by

! :; ; :; ;; —:172 COWPER'S POEMS. A SONG. Ye Sages; spite of your pretences To wisdom, you must ownThe sparkling eye, tlie mantling cheek,The polish'd front, the snowy nock, Your folly frequently commences How seldom we behold in one When you acknowledge none.Glossy locks, and brow serene, Not that I deem it weak to love,Venus' smiles, Diana's mien. Or folly to admire All meet in you. and you alone. But ah 1 the pangs we lovers proveBeauty, like other powers, maintains Far other years require.Her empire, and by union reigns Unheeded on the youthful brow ; The beams of Phosbus play; Each single feature faintly warms But unsupported Age stoops lowBut where at once we view display'dUnblemish'd grace, the perfect maid Beneath the sultry ray. Our eyes, our ears, our heart alarms. For once, then, if untutor'd youth,So when on earth the god of day Youth unapproved by years, May chance to deviate into truth,Obliquely sheds his temper'd ray, Through convex orbs the beams When your experience errs transmit. For once attempt not to despiseThe beams that gently warm'd before. What I esteem a rule [wise,Collected, gently warm no more. Who early loves, though young, is But glow with more prevailing heat. Who old, though grey, a fool. A SONG. ON THE PICTURE OF A SLEEP- ING CHILD.On the green margin of the brook Sweet babe, whose image here ex- Despairing Phj'lUda reclined,Whilst every sigh, and every look, press'd Declared the anguish of her mind. Does thy peaceful slumbers shew Guilt or fear, to break thy rest,Am I less lovely then? (she cries, Never did thy spirit know.And in the waves her form sur- Soothing slumbers, soft repose,myOh yes, I see languid eyes, [vey'd;) Such as mock the painter's skill,My faded cheek, my colour fled: Such as innocence bestows.These eyes no more like lightning Harmless infant, lull thee still!pierced, [first THE CERTAINTY OF DEATH.These cheeks grew pale, when Damon Mortals ! around your destined heads Thick fly the shafts of Death,His Phyllida betray'd. And lo ! the savage spoiler spreadsThe rose he in his bosom wore. A thousand toUs beneath. How oft upon my breast was seen I In vain we trifle with our fateAnd when I kiss'd the drooping flower, Try every art in vain; Behold, he cried, it blooms again ! At best we but prolong the date. And lengthen out our pain.The wreaths that bound my braided Fondly we think all danger fled, hair. For Death is ever nighHimself next day was proud to wear Outstrips our unavailing speed, At church, or on the green. Or meets us as we fly.While thus sad Phyllida lamented, Thus the wreck'd mariner may strive Some desert shore to gain,Chance brought unlucky Thyrsis on Secure of life, if he surviveUnwillingly the nymph consented. The fury of the main.But Damon first the cheat begun. But there, to famine doom'd a prey, Finds the mistaken wretchShe wiped the fallen tears away, He but escaped the troubled sea.Then sigh'd and blush' d, as who should To perish on the beach.Ah ! 'Thyrsis, I am won. [say,UPON A VENEEABLE KIVAL.Full thirty frosts since thou wertyoungHave chill'd the wither'd grove,Thou wretch ! and hast thou lived soNor yet forgot to love ! [long,

— —; ; ; : ;; ; ;;; ; ; ;MISCELLANEOUS PIECES. 173Since then iu vain we strive to guard And after many a vain essay Our frailty from the foe, To captivate the tempting prey, Gives him at length the luckj' pat.Lord, let me live not unprepared And has him safe beneath his hat To meet the fatal blowl Then lifts it gently from the groundAN EPISTLE TO ROBERT LLOYD, But ah! 'tis lost as soon as found; ESQ. Culprit his liberty regains •Tis not that I design to rob Flits out of sight and mocks his paius.Thee of thy birthright, gentle Bob, The sense was dark, 'twas therefore titFor thou art born sole heir and singleOf dear Mat Prior's easy jingle; With simile to illustrate itNor that I mean, while thus I knit But as too much obscures the sight,My threadbare sentiments together,To shew my genius or my wit, As often as too little light.When God and you know, I have We have our similes cut short, neither; For matters of more grave import.Or, such as might be better shownBy letting poetry alone. That Matthew's numbers ran with ease Each man of common sense agreesTis not with either of these views. All men of common sense allow.That I presume to address the Muse : That Robert's lines are easy tooBut to divert a fierce banditti, Where then the preference shall we(Sworn foes to everything that's witty,'* place.That, with a black, infernal train. Or how do justice in this case! [pains Matthew (says Fame) with endlessMakes cruel inroads in my brain.And daily threaten to drive thence Smoothed and reflned the meanestMy little garrison of sense : strains,The fierce banditti which I mean,Are gloomy thoughts led on by Spleen. Xor suffer'd one ill-chosen rhjTneThen there's another reason yet, To escape him at the idlest timeWhich is, that I may fairly quit And thus o'er all a lustre cast.The debt which justly became dueThe moment when I heard from you That while the language lives shall la' t,And you might grumble, crony mine. An't please your ladyship (quoth I,—If paid in any other coinSince twenty sheets of lead, God knows, myFor 'tis business to reply;)(I would say twenty sheets of prose.)Can ne'er be deem'd worth half so much Sure so much labour, so much toil.As one of gold, and yours was such.Thus the preliminaries settled, Bespeak at last a stubborn soil.I fairly find myself pitch'd-kettled Theirs be the laurel-wreath decreed.And cannot see, though few see better, Who both write well and write fullHow I shall hammer out a letter. Who throw their Holicon about [speed; —First, for a thought since all agree As freely as a conduit spout.A —thought— I have it let me see Friend Robert, thus like chien s^avaiif.—'Tis gone again plague on't ! I thought Lets fall a poem en passant, Nor needs his genuine ore reflne—I had it but I have it not. 'Tis ready polish'd from the mine.Dame Gurtonthus, and Hodge her son. OF HIMSELF.That useful thing her needle, gone.Rake well the cinders, sweep the floor. WlLLTA5t was once a bashful youthAnd sift the dust behind the door; ;While eager Hodge beholds the prize His modesty was such.In old Grimalkin's glaring eyes That one might say (to say the trulli)And Gammer finds it on her knees He rather had too much.In every shining straw she sees. Some said that it was want of sense,This simile were apt enough. And others want of spirit,But I've another, critic-proof. (So blest a thing is impudence,)The Tirtuoso thus at noon. While others could not bear it.Broiling beneath a July sun, But some a different notion had.The gilded butterfly pursues [mow:;. And at each other winking.O'er hedge and ditch, through gaps and Observed, that though he little said, He paid it off with thinljing. Howe'er, it happen'd, by degrees, He mended and grew perter; In company was more at ease, And dress'd a little smarter

—— —; ; —;174 COWPER'S POEMS.Nay, now and then would look quite Yet when its sister locks shall fade. As quickly fade they must,As other people do; [gay, When all their beauties are decay'dAnd sometimes said, or tried to say,A witty thing or so. Their gloss, their colour, lostHe eyed the women, and made free Ah then ! if haply to my share To comment on their shapes; Some slender pittance fall,So that there was, or seem'd to be, If I but gain one single hair, No fear of a relapse. Nor age usurp them all;The women said, who thought him When you behold it still as sleek, But now no longer foolish, [rough, As lovely to the view.\" The creature may do well enough, As when it left thy snowy neck, That Eden where it grew, But wants a deal of polish.\"At length, improved from head to heel, myThen shall Delia's self declare 'Twere scarce too much to say, That I profess'd the truth.No dancing bear was so genteel. And have preserved my little share Or half so degage. In everlasting youth.Now that a miracle so strange This evening, Delia, you and I May not in vain be shown, [change Have managed most delightfully,Let the dear maid who wrought the For with a frown we parted; E'en claim him for her own. Having contrived some trifle that AN APOLOGY We both may be much troubled at, FOR NOT SHEWING HER WHAT I HAD And sadly disconcerted. WROTE. Yet well as each perform'd their part.Did not my Muse (what can she less ?) We might perceive it was but artPerceive her own uuworthinoss, And that we both intendedCould she by some well-chosen theme. To sacri3ce a little easeBut hope to merit your esteem. For all such petty flaws as theseShe would not thus conceal her lays.Ambitious to deserve your praise. Are made but to be mended.But should my Delia take offence. You knew, dissembler! all the while,And frown on her impertinence, How sweet it was to reconcileIn silence, sorrowing and forlorn. After this heavy pelt;Would the despairing trifler moura, That we should gain by this allayCurse her ill-tuned, unpleasing lute.Then sigh and sit for ever mute When next we meet, and laugh awayIn secret therefore let her lay, The care we never felt.Squandering her idle notes awayIn secret as she chants along. Happy ! when we but seek to endureCheerful and careless in her song;Nor heeds she whether harsh or clear. A little pain, then And a cureFree from each terror, every fear.From that, of all most dreaded, free, By double joy requited;The terror of offending thee. For friendship, like a sever'd bone. Improves and joins a stronger tone When amply reunited. WEITTEN IN A QUAEEEL.Delia, the unkindest girl on earth, Think. Delia, with what cruel haste When I besought the fair, Our fleeting pleasures move. Nor heedless thus in sorrow wasteThat favour of intrinsic worth, The moments due to love A ringlet of her hair, myBe wise, fair, and gently treatKefused that instant to comply These few that are our friends With my absurd request. ;For reasons she could specify, Think thus abused, what sad regret Some twenty score at least. Their speedy flight attends!Trust me, my dear, however odd It may appear to say, Sure in those eyes I loved so well,I sought it merely to defraud And wish'd so long to see. Thy spoiler of his prey. Anger I thought could never dwell, Or anger aim'd at me.

;; : ;: MISCELLANEOUS PIECES. 175No bold offence of mine I knew Some idle rivulets that feed And suckle every noisome weed,Should e'er provoke your hate ; A sandy bottom boast;And, early taught to think you true, For ever bright, for ever clear. The trifling shallow rills appearStill hoped a gentler fate. In their own channel lost.With kindness bless the present hour Or oh! we meet in vain! Tiius fares it v/ith the human soul. Where copious floods of passion roll.What can wo do in absence more Than sitEfer and complain ? By genuine love suppliedFated to ills beyond redress, Fair in itself the current shows. But ah ! a thousand anxious woes We must endure our woe; Pollute the noble tide.The days allow'd us to possess, 'Tis madness to forego.THE SYMPTOMS OF LOVE. These are emotions known to few; For where at most a vapoury dewWould my Delia know if I love, let her Surrounds the tranquil heart.take [when I wake Then as the triflers never prove The glad excess of real love,My last thought at night, and the first They never prove the smart.When my prayers and best wishes pre-ferr'd for her sake. myOh then, life, at last relent!Let her guess what I muse on, when Though cruel the reproach I sent,rambling alone [my gun, My sorrow was uufeign'dI stride o'er the stubble each day with Tour passion, had I loved you not, You might have scorn'd, renounced,Never ready to shoot till the covey isflown. forgot.Let her think what odd whimsies I have And I had ne'er complain'd.in my brain, [again. While you indulge a groundless fear,When I read one page over and over The imaginary woes you liear Are real woes to meAnd discover at last that I read it in But thou art kind, and good thou art.vain. Nor wilt, by wronging thine own heart,Let her say why so fix'd and so steady Unjustly punish me.my look, [spoke,Without everrogarding the person whoStill affecting to laugh, without hear- How bless'd the youth whom fate ing the joke. ordainsOr why, when with pleasure her praises A kind relief from all his pains.I hear, [ear,) In some admired fair;(That sweetest of melody sure to my Whose tenderest wishes find express'd Their own re.=emblance In her breast,I attend, and at once inattentive ap- Exactly copied there!pear.And lastly, when simimon'd to drink What good soe'er the gods dispense.to my flame, [tion her name, The enjoyment of its influenceLet her guess why I never once men- Still on her love depends [heart, ;Though herself and the woman I love Her love the shield that guards hisare the same. Or wards the blow, or blunts the dartSee where the Thames, the purest That peevish Fortune sends. stream Thus, Delia, while thy love endures.That wavers to the noonday beam. Divides the vale below; The flame my happy breast secures From fortune's fickle power;While like a vein of liquid oreHis waves enrich the happy shore. Change as she list, she may increase, But not aljate my happiness, Still shining as they flow. Conflrm'd by thee before. Nor yet, my Delia, to the main Thus while Ishare her smiles with thee, Euns the sweet tide without a stain, Welcome, my love, shall ever be Unsullied as it seems The favours she bestows;, The n3Tnphs of many a sable flood Yet not on those I found my bliss,I Deform with streaks of oozy mudI The bosom of the Thames. But in the noble ecstasies The faithful bosom knows. RI

!: ;:; ;; :;116 COWPEE'S POEMS.And -when she prunes her wings for And not a pain, and not a fear, Or anxious doubt shall enter there.\"And flutters nimbly from my sight, Happy, thought I, the favour'd youth, Contented I resignWTiate'er she gave ; thj' love alone Bless'd with such undissembled truth! Five suns successive rose and set,I can securely call my own, And saw no monarch in his state, Happy while that is mine. Wrapp'd in the blaze of majesty, So free from every care as I.myBid adieu, sad heart, bid adieu to Next day the scene was overcastthy peace [increase Such day till then I never pass'd,Thy pleasure is past, and thy sorrows For on that day, relentless fatelSee the shadows of evening how far Delia and I must separate. Yet, ere we look\"d our last farewell.they extend, [may end From her dear lips this comfort fell \" Fear not that time, where'er we rove,And a long night is coming that never Or absence, shall abate my love.\"For the sun is now set that enliven'd And can t doubt, my charming maid,the scene, [again. As unsiucere what you have said?And an age must be past ere it rises Banish'd from thee to what I hate,Already deprived of its splendour and Dull neighbours and insipid chat. No joy to cheer me, none in view,heat, [beat But the dear hope of meeting you And that through passion's optic scene,I feel thee more slowly, more heavily With ages interposed betweenPerhaps overstrain'd with the quick ;pulse of pleasure, [thy leisure ; Bless'd with the kind support you give,Thou art glad of this respite to beat at 'Tis by your promised truth I live;But the sigh of distress shall now weaiy How deep my woes, how fierce mythee more [before. flame.Than the flutter and tumult of passion You best may tell, who feel the same.The heart of a lover is never at rest,With joy overwhelm'd, or with sorrowoppressedWhen Delia is near, all is ecstasy then. ON HER ENDEAVOURING TO CONCEAL HER GRIEF ATAnd I even forget I must lose her again PAR-riNG.When absent, as wretched as happy [more ! \"before,Despairing I erj-, ' I shall see her no Ah ! wherefore should my weeping maid suppress [woe ?WRITTEN AFTER LEAVING HER Those gentle signs of undissembled j | AT NEW BURNS. When from soft love proceeds the deep \ ]How quick the change from j oy to woe I distress, flow ?How chequer'd is our lot below ! j Ah ! why forbid the willing tears toSeldom we view the prospect fair.Dark clouds of sorrow, pain, and care, Since for my sake each dear translu-(.Some pleasing intervals between,) cent drop [truth sincere,Scowl over more than half the scene. Breaks forth, best witness of thyLast week with Delia, gentle maid. My lips should drink the preciousFar hence iu happier fields I strayd.While on her dear enchanting tongue mixture up, [bling tear.Soft sounds of grateful welcome hung, And, ere it falls, receive the trem-For absence had withheld it long. Trust me, these symptoms of thy faith-\"Welcome, my long-lost love,\" she said, ful heart, [sustain ;\" E'er since our adverse fates decreedThat we must part, and I must mourn In absence shall my dearest hope'Till once more bless'd by thy return, DeUa ! since such thy sorrow that woLove, on whose influence I reliedFor all the transports I enjoy' d. part, [again.Has play'd the cruel tyrant's part, Such v.-hen we meet thy joy shall beAnd turn'd tormentor to my heart.But let me hold thee to my breast. Hard is that heart and unsubdued byDear partner of my joy and rest. love [a sigh That feels no pain, nor ever heaves Such hearts the fiercest passion only prove. Or freeze in cold insensibility.

; ;; ; ;;; MISCELLANEOUS PIECES. 177Oh ! then indulge thy grief, nor fear to Oh then, kind Heaven, be this mytell [sorrows flow latest breath I my careThe gentle source from whence thy Here end my life, or make it worthNor think it weakness when we love Absence from whom we love is worseto feel, [to show. than death, [despair.Nor think it weakness what we feel And frustrate hope severer thanHope, like the short-lived ray that B. S. S.gleams awhile [frozen waste, All-worshipped Gold! thou mightyThrough wintry skies, upon the mystery! [eitherCheers e'en the face of misery to a Say by what name shall I address thee.smile [past. Our blessing or our bane ? WithoutBut soon the momentary pleasure's thy aid.How myoft, Delia, since our last fare- The generous pangs of pity but distress The human heart, that fain would feelwell, [distressful hour,) the bless (Years that have roll'd since that [thee.Grieved I have said, when most our Of blessing others; and, enslaved byhopes prevail, [secure, Far from relieving woes which othersOur promised happiness is least feel, [sing then Misers oppress themselves. Our bles-Oft I have thought the scene of troubles With virtue when possess'd; without,closed, [your charms our bane.And hoped once more to gaze upon If in my bosom unperceived there lurkAs oft some dire mischance has inter- The deep-sown seeds of avarice orposed, [from my arms. ambition,And snatch'd the expected blessing Blame me, ye great ones, (for I scorn your censure.)The seaman thus, his shatter'd vessel But let the generous and the good com-lost, [threatening death mend me ;Still vainly strives to shun the myThat to Delia I direct them all.And while he thinks to gain the friendly The worthiest object of a virtuous love.coast, [sands beneath, Oh! to some distant scene, a willingAnd drops his feet, and feels the exile [world,Borne by the wave steep-sloping from From the wild uproar of this busythe shore, [lieats myWere it fate with Delia to retireBack to the inclement deep, again he With her to wander through the sylvanThe surge aside, and seems to tread shade, [turf.secure; [baffled toil defeats. Each morn, or o'er the moss-imbrownfedAnd now the refluent wave his Where, bless'd as the prime parents of mankind [noneHad you, my love, forbade me to In their own Eden, we would envy But, greatly pitying whom the worldpursue [tired.My fond attempt, disdainfully re- calls hapi)y. [lifeAud with proud scorn compell'd me Gently spin out the silken thread ofto subdue [spired. While from her lips attentive I receiveThe ill-fated passion by yourself iu- The tenderest dictates of the purest flame, [placence sitsThen haply to some distant spot And from her eyes (where soft com-removed, [molest Illumined with the radiant beams ofHopeless to gain, unwilling to sense,)With fond entreaties whom I dearly Tranquillity beyond a monarch's reach.loved, [rest. Forgive me, Heaven, this only avariceDespair of absence had redeem'dmy My soul indulges; I confess the crime,But now, sole partner in my Delia's (If to esteem, to covet such perfection Be criminal.) oh grant me DeUal grantheart, [plain, me wealth! [wants; Yet doom'd far off in exile to com- myWealth to alleviate, not increase And grant me virtue, without whichEternal absence cannot ease my smart, Aud hope subsists but to prolong nor wealth my pain. Nor Delia can avail to make me bless'd.

—; ; ;; —;;; ; —;; COWPER'S POEMS.WEITTEN IN A FIT OF ILLNESS. TO DELIA, R. S. S. 1755.In these sad hours, a prey to ceaseless Me to whatever state the gods assign, pain. myBelieve, love, whatever state beWhile feverish puis es leap in every vein, mine, [sorrow know,When each faint breath the last short Ne'er shall my breast one anxiouseffort seems [limbs Ne'er shall my heart confess a real woe,myOt life just parting from feeble If to thy share Heaven's choicest bless-llow wild soe'ermy wandering thoughts ings fall.maybe, [thee! As thou hast virtue to deserve them all.Stm, gentle Delia, still they turn on Yet valu, alas ! that idle hope would be That builds on happiness remote fromAt length if, slumbering to a shortrepose, [woes, thee. [decrees,A sweet oblivion frees me from my Oh ! may thy charms, whate'er our fateThy form appears, thy footsteps I Please, as they must, but let them only pursue, please [shine.Through springy vales, and meadows Not like the sun with equal influence Nor warm with transport any heart wash'd in dewThy arms support me to the fountain's but mine. [title boastbrink, [drink. Ye who from wealth the ill-groundedWhere by some secret power forbid to To claim whatever beauty charms youGasping with thirst, I view the tempting most;flood; [mud Ye sons of fortune, who consult alone ;myThat flies touch, or thickens into Her parent's will, regardless of her own, Enow that a love like ours, a generousTill thine own hand immerged thegoblet dips, [lips. flame, [reclaim.And bears it streaming to my burning No wealth can purchase, and no powerThere borne aloft on fancy's wings The soul's affection can be only givenwe fly, [sky Free,unextorted,asthe grace of Heaven.Like souls embodied in their native Is there whose faithful bosom canNow every rock, each moimtain, dis- endure [cure ?appears; [wears; Pangs flerce as mine, nor ever hope aAnil the round earth an even surface Who sighs in absence of the dear-lovedWhen lo 1 the force of some resistless maid, [aid ?weight [nicious height; Nor summons once indifference to hisTears me straight down from that per- Who can, like me, the nice resentmentParting, in vain our struggling arms prove,we close [pose The thousand soft disquietudes of loveAbhorred forms, dire phantoms inter- The trivial strifes that cause a real painWith trembling voice on thy loved The real bliss when reconciled again ?name I call [fall. Let him alone dispute the real prize.And gulfs yawn ready to receive my And read his sentence in my DeUa'sFrom these fallacious visions of distress eyes; [truth.I wake ; nor are my real sorrows less. There shall he read all gentleness andThy absence, Delia, heightens every ill, But not himself, the dear distinguish'dAnd gives e'en trivial pains the power youthto kill. [forbear! Pity for him perhaps they may expressOU! wert thou near me; yet that wish Pit}-, that will but heighten his distress.'Twere vain, my love,—'twere vain to But, wretched rival! he must sigh to seewish thee near The sprighther rays of love directed allThy tender heart would heave with to me. anguish too. And thou, dearantidote of every pain Which fortune can inflict.or love ordain.And by partaking, but increa se my woe.Alone I'll grieve, till gloomy sorrow Since early love has taught thee topast, despiseHealth, like the cheerful day-spring, What the world's worthless votaries comes at last, only prize.Comes fraught wth bliss to banish myBelieve, love ! no less the j,enerousevery pain, [train ! god [abode;Hope, joy, and peace, and Delia in her myEules in breast, his ever blest

;!!;! ; :; MISCELLANEOUS PIECES. 179There has he driven each gross desire Her smile, a prize beyond the con-away, [to thee 1 juror's aim, [fame.Directing every wish and every thought Superior to the canceU'd breath ofThen can I ever leave my Delia's arms, From her sweet brow to chase theA slave, devoted to inferior charms ?Can e'er my soul her reason so disgrace? gloom of care, [ing eye.For what blest minister of heavenly To check the tear that dims the beam-race [pier place ? To bid her heart the rising sigh forbear, And flush her orient cheek with\"Would quit that Heaven to find a hap- brighter joy, [move. DISAPPOIXTMENT. In that dear breast soft sympathy to And touch the springs of rapture andDOOM'd, as I am, in solitude to waste of love.The present moments, and regret the Ah me ! how long bewilder'd and astray. Lost and benighted, did my footstepspast;Deprived of every joy I valued most. rove, [less ray.My friend torn from me, and my mis- Till sent by Heaven to cheer my path-tress lost, [mien. A —star arose the radiant star of love.Call not this gloom I wear, this anxious The God propitious join'd our willingThe dull effect of hmuour, or of spleen ! hands, [bands.Still, still I mourn, with each returning And Hymen wreathed us in his rosyday, [awayHim snatch'd by fate in early youth Yet not the beaming eye, or placid—And her through tedious years of brow.doubt and pain, [in vain Or golden tresses, hid the subtle dart—Fix'd in her choice, and faithful but To charms superior far than those IOh prone to pity, generous, and sincere, bow, [quish'd heartWhose eye ne'er yet refused the wretch And nobler worth enslaves my van-a tear; [ship knows, The beauty, elegance, and grace com-Whose heart the real claim of friend- bined, [angel mind.Nor thinks a lover's are but fancied Which beam transcendent from that—woes ; [half done, While vulgar pas?ions,meteors of a day.See me ere yet my destined course Expire before the chilling blasts ofCast forth a wanderer on a world un-known ! [coast, age, [ray.See me neglected on the world's rude Our holy flame with pure and steadyEach dear comiianion of my voyage Its glooms shall brighten, and itslost ! [my brow. pangs assuage [shine.Nor ask why clouds of sorrow shade By Virtue (sacred vestal) fed, shallAnd ready tears wait only leave to flow iVnd warm our fainting souls withWhy all that soothes a heart from energy divine.anguish free, [me THE FIFTH SATIEE OF THE FUIST BOOK OF HOKACE.—All that delights the happy palls with ODE. PRESTED nf DrXCOMBE's HORACE. 1759.OS THE MARRIAGE OF A FRIEND. A HUMOROUS DESCRIPTIOS OF THE AUTHOR'S JOTTRMEY FROM EOilE TOTnou magic lyre, whose fascinating BRUNDusnur.sound [their cave. 'TwAS a long journey lay before us.Seduced the savage monsters from When I and honest Heliodoriis, Who far in point of rhetoricDrew rocks and trees, and forms vm- Surpasses every living Greek,couth around, [listening wave Each leaving our respective homeAnd bade wild Hebrus hush his Together sallied forth from Eome.No more thy undulating warblings flow First at Aricia we alight,O'er Thracian wilds of e verlastingsno wAwake to sweeter sounds, thou magic And there refresh and pass the night,—lyre, [pain 1 Our entertainment rather coarseAnd paint a lover's bliss a lover's Than sumptuous, but I've met withFar nobler tritunphs now thy notes worse.inspire. Thence o'er the causeway soft and fairFor see Eurj'dice attends thy strain; To Appii-foru.m we repair,

!; ! —; ; ;180 COWPEE'S POEMS.But as this road is well-supplied While here, as was agreed, we wait.(Temptation strong !) on either side Till, charged with business of the state,With inns commodious, snug, and Maecenas and Cocceius come. warm, The messengers of peace from Rome.\"We split the journey, and performIn two days' time what's often done My eyes, by watery humours blearBy brisker travellers in one. And sore, I with black balsam smear.Here rather choosing not to sup At length they join us, and with themThan with bad water mix my cup, Our worthy friend Fonteius cameAfter a warm debate in spite A man of such complete desert, Antony loved him at his heart.Of a provoking appetite, At Fundi we refused to bait. And laugh'd at vain Aufldius' state,I sturdily resolved at last And prcetor now, a scribe before,To balk it, and pronounce a fast, The purple-border'd robe he wore.And in a moody humour wait. His slave the smoking censer bore.While my less dainty comrades bait. Tired at Mureena's we repose. Now o'er the spangled hemisphereDiffused the starry train appear. At Formia sup at Capito'a.When there arose a desperate brawl With smiles the rising morn we greet,The slaves and bargemen, one and all. At Sinuessa pleased to meetRending their throats (have mercy on With Plotius, Varius, and the bardus!) Whom Mantua first with wonder heard.As if they were resolved to stun us.\" Steer the barge this way to the shore 1 The world no purer spirits knows ;I tell you we'll admit no more For none my heart more warmly glows.Plague! will you never be content ?\"' Oh ! what embraces we bestow'd.Thus a whole hour at least is spent. And with what joy our breasts o'er-While they receive the several fares,And kick the mule into his gears. flowed [clear, Sure while my sense is sound andHappy, these difBculties past, Long as I live, I shall preferCould we have fallen asleep at last ?But, what with humming, croaking, A gay, good-natured, easy friend. To every blessing Heaven can send.biting, [uniting, At a small village, the next night, Near the Vulturnus we alightGnats, frogs, and all their plagues Where, as employed on state affairs,These tuneful natives of the lake We were supplied by the purveyorsConspired to keep us broad awake. Frankly at once, and without hire.Besides, to make the concert full, With food for man and horse, and fire.Two maudlin wights, exceeding dull, Capua next day betimes we reach,The bargeman and a passenger, Where Virgil and myself, who eachEach in his turn, essayed an air —Labour'd with different maladies,In honour of his absent fair. His such a stomach, mine such eyes,At length the passenger, oppress'dWith wine, left off, and snored the rest. As would not bear strong exercise.The weary bargeman too gave o'er, In drowsy mood to sleep resort;And hearing his companion snore. Moecenas to the tennis-court. Next at Cocceius's farm we're treated.Seized the occa.sion, fix'd the barge, Above the Caudian tavern seated;Turn'd out his mule to graze at large. His kind and hospitable boardAnd slept forgetful of his charge.And now the sun o'er eastern hill, With choice of wholesome food wasDiscover'd that our barge stood still; stored.When one, whose anger vex'd him Now. ye Nine, inspire my laysl To nobler themes my fancy raise Isore, [shore, Two combatants, who scorn to yieldWith malice fraught, leaps quick on The noisy, tongue-disputed field,Plucks up a stake, with many a thwack Sarmentus and Cicirrus, claimAssails the mule and driver's back. A poet's tribute to their fame; Then slowly moving on with pain, Cicirrus of the true Oscian breed,At ten Feronia's stream we gain,And in her pure and glassy wave Sarmentus, who was never freed.Our hands and faces gladly lave. But ran away. We won't defame him His lady lives, and still may claim him.Climbing three miles, fair Anxur's Thus dignified, in harder fray [play. height These champions their keen wit dis-We reach, with stony quarries white. And first Sarmentus led the way.

! ; ;; ; MISCELLA^TEOUS PIECES. 181\"Thy locks,'' quoth he, \" so rough and Know it you may by many a sign. Water is dearer far than wine.coarse, There bread is deem'd such daintj' fare,Look like the mane of some wild horse.'' That every prudent travellerWe laugh; Cicirrus undismay'd— His wallet loads with many a crust;—\"Have at youl\" cries, and shakes his For at Canusium, you might just As well attempt to knaw a stone head. As think to get a morsel down.\" 'Tis well,\" Sarmentus says, \" you 've That too with scanty streams is fed Its founder was brave Diomed.lost [boast Good Varius (ah, that friends mustThat horn your forehead once could part!)Since maim'd and mangled as you are, Here left us all with aching heart. At Eubi we arrived that day.AYou seem to butt.\" hideous scar Well jaded by the length of way, And sure poor mortals ne'er wereImproved ('tis true) with double grace wetter.The native horrors of his face.'Well. After much jocosely said Nest day no weather could be better;Of his gi'im front, so fiery red, Xo roads so bad ; we scarce could crawl Along to fishy Barium's wall.(For carbuncles had blotch'd it o'er, The Egnatians next, who by the rulesAs usual on Campania's shore,) Of common sense are knaves or fools. Made all our sides with laughter heave,\" Give us,\" he cried, \"since you 're so Since we with them naust needs believe.A sample of the Cyclops jig [big. That incense in their temples burns,Your shanks, methinks. no buskins ask, And without fire to ashes turns. To circumcision's bigots tellNor does your phiz require a mask.\" Such tales ! for me I know full well. That in high heaven, unmoved by care.To this Cicirnis: \"In return The God's eternal quiet share: Nor can I deem their spleen the causeOf you, sir, now I fain would learn.When 'twas, no longer deem'd a slave, Why fickle nature breaks her laws.Your chains you to the Lares gave. Brundusium last we reach; and there Stop short the muse and traveller.For though a scrivener's right youYour lady's title is the same. [claim,But what could make you run away,Since, pigmy as you are, each dayA single pound of bread would quiteO'erpower your puny appetite ? \"Thus joked the champions, while we laugh'd, THE NINTH RATIEE OF THE FIEST BOOK OF HOEACE.And many a cheerful bumper quaff 'd. To Beneventum next we steer;Where our good host, by over careIn roasting thrushes lean as mice. THE DESCRIPTION' OP AN IITPERTISEST. ADAPTED TO THE PRESENT TIMES.Had almost fallen a sacrifice. 1759.The kitchen soon was all on fire,And to the roof the flames aspire.There might you see each man andmaster Sauntering along the street one day. On trifies musing by the way,Striving, amidst this sad disaster. L^p steps a fi-ee, familiar wight;To save the supper. Then they cameWith speed enough to quench the fiamo. (I scarcely knew the man by sight.)From hence we first at distance see \"Carlos,\" he cried, \"your hand myThe Apulian hills, well known to me,Parch'd by the sultry western blast dear;And which we never should have Gad, I rejoice to meet you here ! [so ; Pray Heaven, I see you well !\" \"So pass'd. Even well enough, as times now go.Had not Trivicus by the way The same good wishes, sir, to you.\"Eeceived us at the close of day. Finding he still pursued me close,But each was forced at entering hereTo pay the tribute of a tear, \" Sir, you have business, I suppose? \"For more of smoke than fire was seen My\" business, sir, is quickly done,The hearth was piled with logs so —'Tis but to make my merit known. green. Sir, I have read \" \" leamiid sir.From hence in chaises we were carried You and j-our learning I revere.\"Miles twenty-four, and gladly tarried Then sweating with anxiety.At a small town, whose name my verse And sadly longing to get free, Gods, how I scamper'd, scufiled for't,(So barbarous is it) can't rehearse. Ean, halted, ran again, stopp'd short,

;! ; , —182 COWPER^S POEMS.Beckon'd my boy, and pull'd him uear, \" For Heaven's sake, if you love me,And whisper'd nothing in his ear. waitTeased mth his loose imjointed chat, One moment ! I'll be with you straight.\"\" What street is this? What house is Glad of a plausible pretence—Harlow how I envied thee [that?\" \" Sir, I must beg you to dispense With my attendance in the court.Thy unabash'J effrontery,Who Mydarest a foe with freedom blame legs will surely suffer for't.\"And call a coxcomb by his name \" Nay, prithee, Carlos, stop a while!\"When I returu'd him answer none, \" Faith, sir, in law I have no skill.Obligingly the fool ran on, Besides, I have no time to spare,\" I see you're dismally distress'd, I must be going, you know where.\"Would give the world to be released, Well, I protest, I'm doubtful now,But, by your leave, sir, I shall stiU Whevher to leave my suit or you !\"Stick to your skirts, do what you will. —\"Me, without scruple !\" I reply,Pray which way does your journey \"Me, by all means, sir!\" \"No, not I. Allons Monsieur!\" 'Twere vain (you tend ? \" To strive with a victorious foe. [know\" Oh 'tis a tedious way my friend,Across the Thames, the Lord knows So I reluctantly obey.1 would not trouble you so far.\" [where: And follow, where he leads the way.\" Well, I'm at leisure to attend you.\" \" Tou and Newcastle are so close;\" Are you ? \" thought I, \" the De'il be- Still hand and glove, sir, I suppose ?\"friend you !\"' meNewcastle (let tell you, su-,)No ass with double pannier's rack'd, Has not his equal any where.''Oppress'd, o'erladen, broken-back'd. \" Well. There indeed your fortune'sE'er look'd a thousandth part so dull made!As I, nor half so like a fool. Faith, sir, you tmderstand your trade.\"Sir, I know little of myself,\" Would you but give me your good Just introduce me to my Lord, [word!Proceeds the pert conceited elf,\" If Gray or Mason you will deem I should serve charmingly by wayThau me more worthy your esteem. Of second fiddle, as thej' say:Poems I write by folios. What think you, sir? 'twere a good jest.As fast as other men write prose. 'Slife, we should quickly scout the rest.''Then I can sing so loud, so clear, \" Sir, you mistake the matter far.WeThat Beard cannot with me compare. have no second fiddles there.\"In dancing, too, I all surpass, \"Eicher than I some folks may be:Not Cooke can move with such a grace.' More learned, but it hurts not me.Here I made shift, with much ado, Friends though he has of diflerent kind.To interpose a word or two. Each has his proper place assign'd.\"\" Have you no parents, sir, no friends. \" Strange matters these alleged byWhose welfare on your own depends ?\" you!\" [true.\"\"Parents, relations, say you? No. \" Strange they may be, but they areThey're all disposed of long ago.\" \" Well, then, I vow. 'tis mighty clever,' Happy to be no more perplexed! Now I long ten times more than everMy fate too threatens, I go next. To be advanced extremely nearDespatch me, sir, 'tis now too late, One of his shining character. [more. Have but the will— there wants nomyAlas! to struggle with fate! 'Tis plain enough you have the power. His easy temper (that's the worst)Well, I'm convinced my time Is come.When young, a gipsy told my doomThe beldame shook her palsied head. He knows, and is so shy at first.As she perused my palm and said, But such a cavalier as you\" Of poison, pestilence, or war. Lord, sir, you'll quickly bring him tolGout, stone, defluxion, or catarrh, myWell; if I fail ui design.Tou have no reason to beware. Sir, it shaU be no fault of mine.Beware the coxcomb's idle prate If by the saucy servile tribe Denied, what think you of a bribe ?myChiefly, son, beware of that;Be sure, when you behold him, fly Shut out to-day, not die with sorrow,Out of all earshot, or you die!' \" But try my luck again to-morrow.To Hufus' Hall we now draw near Never attempt to visit himWhere he was summon'd to appear, But at the most convenient time,Eefnte the charge the plaintiff brought, Attend him on each levee day.Or suffer judgment by default. And thero my hvmible duty pay.

;; ; ; ! ;; MISCELLANEOUS PIECES. 183Labour, like this, our waut supplies In justice to the various powers Of pleasing, which you share,And they must stoop, who mean to Join me, amid your silent homrs, rise.\" To form the better prayer. While thus he wittingly harangued, With lenient balm may Oberon henceFor which you'U guess I 'ss-ish'd him To fairy-land be driven.hang'd, With every herb that blunts the sense Mankind received from Heaven.Campley, a friend of mine, came by,We —Who knew his humour more than I. \"Oh, if my Sovereign Author please,Whystop, salute, and \" so fast. Far be it from my fate,Friend Carlos ? whither all this haste!\" To live unblest in torpid ease, And slumber on in stateFired at the thoughts of a reprieve, \" Each tender tie of life defied.I pinch him, pull him, twitch his sleeve, Whence social pleasures spring;myNod, beckon, bite lips, wink, pout, Unmoved with all the world beside,Do everything but speak plain out: A solitary thing.\"WTiile he, sad dog. from the beginning, Some Alpine mountain wrapt in snow, Thus braves the whirling blast.Determined to mistake my meaning, Eternal winter doom'd to know,myInstead of pitying curse, No genial spring to tasteBy jeering made it ten times worse. In vain warm suns their influence shed.' Campley, what secret (pray I) was that The zephyrs sport in vain,You wanted to communicate I'' He rears unchanged his barren head.\"I recollect. But 'tis no matter. Whilst beauty decks the plain.Carlos, we\"ll talk of that hereafter. What though in scaly armour dress'd, Indifierence may repelE'en let the secret rest. 'Twill tell The shafts of woe. in such a breastAnother time, sir. just as well.\" No joy can ever dwell.Was ever such a dUsmal day ? 'Tis woven in the world's great plan. And flx'd by Heaven's decree.L'nlucky cur, he steals awaj-. That all the true delights of mauAnd leaves me, half bereft of life. Should spring from sympathy.At mercy of the butcher's knife 'Tis nature bids, and whilst the lawsWhen sudden, shouting from afar, Of nature we retain.See his antagonist appear ! Our self-approving bosom drawsThe bailiff seized him quick as thought. A pleasm-e from its pain.\"Ho, Mr Scoundrel! are you caught ? Thus grief itself has comforts dear.Sir, you are witness to the arrest.\" The sordid never know;my\"Ay^ marry, sir, I'll do best.\" And ecstasy attends the tear, When virtue bids its flow.The mob huzzas. Away they trudge, For when it streams from that pureCulprit and all, before the judge. No bribes the heart can win, [source,Meanvrhile I luckUy enough To check, or alter from its course The luxury within.(Thanks to Apollo) got clear off. Peace to the phlegm of sullen elves.ADDEESS TO MISS MACAETNEY. Who, if from labour eased. OX EEADIXCt her \"PEAYEE FOE IXDIFFEREXCE.\" Extend no care beyond themselves, Unpleasing and impleased.And dwells there in a female heart, By boimteous Heaven design'd Let no low thought suggest the prayer 1 Oh! grant, kind Heaven, to me.The choicest raptures to impart. To feel the most refined Long as I draw ethereal air, Sweet SensibihtyDwells there a wish in such a breast Its nature to forego. Where'er the heavenly njrmph is seen With lustre-beaming eye,To smother in ignoble rest At once both bless and woe ? A train attendant on their queenFar be the thought, and far the strain, (Her rosy chorus) fly. Which breathes the low desire,How sweet so'er the verse complain, Though Phojbus string the lyre.Come then, fair maid, (in nature wise,) Who. knowing them, can tellFrom generous sj-mpathy what joys The glowing bosom swell

;:184 COWPER'S POEMS.The jocund Loves in Hymen's band, Court the quaint muse, and con her With torches ever bright, lessons o'er. [Granta's shoreAnd generous Friendship handin hand, With Pity's watery sight. \"When sle^ the sluggish waves by There shall each poet share and trim,The gentler Virtues too are join'd Stretch, cramp, or lop the verse's In youth immortal -warm, limb, [dain,The soft relations which com'>.ined Give life her every charm. While rebel Wit beholds them with dis- And Fancy flies aloft, nor heeds theirThe Arts come smiling in the close, servile chain.And lend celestial fire [glows. ; O Fancy, bright aerial maid 1The marble breathes, the canvas Where have thy vagrant footstepsThe Muses .sweep the lyre.\" StiU may my melting bosom cleave stray'd! [haunt, To sufferings not mj' o^vn; For, ah! I miss thee, 'midst thy wontedAnd still the sigh responsive heave, Since silent now the enthusiasticchauut.,Where'er is heard a groan. Which erst like frenzy roU'd along,\" So Pity shall take Virtue's part, Driven by the impetuous tide of song; Her natural ally, Hushing secure where native geniusAnd fashioning my soften'd heart. bore, [shore. Prepare it for the sky.\" Not cautious coasting by the shelving Hail to the sons of modern Eime,This artless vow may Heaven receive, Hechanic dealers in sublime. And you, fond maid, approve; Whose lady Muse full wantonly is drest,So may your guiding angel give In light expression quaint, and tinsel Whate'er you wish or love. vest.So may the rosj'-finger'd hours Where swelling epithets are laid Lead on the various year. (Art's ineffectual parade)And every joy, which now is yours, As varnish on the cheek of harlot light: Extend a larger sphere. The rest thin sown with profit or de-And Sims to come, as round they wheel, light. Your golden moments bless. But ill compares with ancient song.With all a tender heart can feel, Where Genius pour'd its flood along; Or lively fancy guess. Yet such is Ai't's presumptuous idle claim, [fame; AN ODE. She marshals out the way to modern SECUXDm ARTESr. From Grecian fable's pompous lore I. Description's studied, glittering store, Smooth, soothing sounds, and sweet Shalt. I begin with A/i, or Oh ? alternate rime, [tangle chime. Be sad? OA.' yes. Be glad? Aft! no. Clinking, like change of bells, in tingleLight subjects suit not grave Pindaric III.ode, [phic road. The lark shall soar in every Ode,\"Which walks in metre down the Stro- With flowers of light descriptionBut let the sober matron wear strew'd [flowHer own mechanic sober air: And sweetly, warbling Philomel, shaUAh me.' ill suits, alas! the sprightly jig. Thy soothing sadness in mechanic woe.Long robes of ermine, or Sir Cloudes- \"Trim epithets shall spread their gloss.le}''s wig. While every cell's o'ergrown withCome, placid Dulness, gently come. moss: [bound.And all my faculties benumb: Here oaks shall rise in chains of ivyLet thought turn exile, while the vacant There smouldering stones o'erspreadmind [confined, the rugged ground.To trickie words and pretty phrase Here forests brown, and azure hills, Pumping for trim description's art, There babbling fonts and prattling To win the ear, neglects the heart. rills; [streams.So shall thy sister Taste's peculiar sons, Here some gay river floats in c; isped While the bright svm now gilds hisLineal descendants from the Goths andHuns, fhme morning beams,Struck with the true and grand sub- Or sinking on his Thetis' breast.Of rhythm converted into rime, Drives in description dOAvn the west.

— ;; ;: : :; inSCELLANEOUS PIECES. 1S5Oh let me boast, with pride becoming The wages of his weekly toil he bore —To buy a cock whose blood might winskill,I crown the summit of Parnassus' hill: him more;While Taste and Genius shall dis- As if the noblest of the feather'd kindpense. Were but for battle and for deathAnd sound shall triumph over sense design'd;O'er the gay mead with curious steps As if the consecrated hours were meantI'll stray, [away: For sport, to minds on cruelty intent;And, Uke the bee, steal all the sweets It chanced (such chances ProvidenceExtract its beauty, and its power, obey)From every new poetic flower. He met a fellow-labourer on the way.And sweets collected may a ^vroath Whose heart the same desires had oncecompose, [critic's nose. inflamed [claim'd.To bind the poet's brow, or please the But now the savage temper was re- Persuasion on his hps had taken placeLLVES WEITTEX rXDEB THE For all plead well who plead the cause1XFLUE^'CE OF DELERIUM. of grace.—Hatred and vengeance, my eternal His iron heart with Scripture he assail'd, Woo'd him to hear a sermon, andportion prevail'd. [drew.Scarce can endure delay of execu- His faithful bow the mighty preachertion, [my Swiftas the lightning-glimpse the arrowWait with impatient readiness to seize flew. [around. Soul in a moment. He wept; he trembled; cast his eyesDamn'd below Judas; more abhorr'd To find a worse than he ; but none lie than he was, found. [feel.Who for a few pence sold his holy He felt his sins, and wonder'd he shouldMaster! [delinquent, Grace made the wovmd, and grace aloneTwice betray'd, Jesus me, the last could heal. [and lies! Deems the profanest. Xow farewell oaths, and blasphemies.Man disavows, and Deity disowns me, He quits the sinner's for the martjT'sHell might afford my miseries a prize. [tear. That holy day was wash'd with many ashelter; [mouths all Gilded with hope, yet shaded, too, byTherefore, Hell keeps her ever-hungry fear. [mine Bolted against me. The next, his swarthy brethren of theHard lot! encompass'd with a thousand Leam'd, by his altered speech, thedangers; change divineWeary, faint, trembling withathousand Laugh'd, when they should have wept,terrors, [sentence and swore the dayI'm call'd, if vanquish 'd! to receive a Was nigh when he would swear as fast Worse than Abiram's. as they. [shall shareHim the vindictive rod of angry Justice \"Xo,\" said the penitent, \"such words This breath no more ; devoted now toSent quick and howling to the centre prayer. [sees)headlong; [am Oh ! if Thou seest (Thine eye the futureI, fed with judgment, in a fleshly tomb. That I shall j-et agaia blaspheme, Uke Buried above groimd. these [I kneel, Xow strike me to the ground on whichA TALE, FOUXDED OX A FACT, Ere yet this heart relapses into steelWHICH HAPPENED IX JANUARY, 1779. Xow take me to that heaven I onceWhere Humber pours his rich com- —defied, [and died! Thypresence, Thy embrace! Hespokemercial stream [to blasphemeThere dwelt a wretch, who breathed but THE lo'^t; of the WOELDIn subterraneous caves his life he led EEPEOYED.Black as the mine in which he wroughtfor bread. Thus says the prophet of the Turk,When on a day, emerging from the deep, Good Mussulman, abstain from pork;A sabbath-day, (such sabbaths thou- There is a part in every swinesands keep !) Xo friend or follower of mine

; ; ; ; ; ;; ; ; ; !; ;;186 COWPER'S POEMS.May taste, wbate'er his ioclination, The maid who views with pensive airOn pain of escommunication. The showglass fraught with glitteringSuch Mahomet's mysterious charge, ware, [lockets.And thus he left the point at large. Sees watches, bracelets, rings and[Had he the sinful part express'd, But sighs at thought of empty pocketsThey might with safety eat the rest Like thine, her appetite is keen,But for one piece they thought it bard But ah, the cruel glass betweenFrom the whole hog to be debarr'd Our dear delights are often such,And set their wits at work to AndWhat joint the prophet had in mind.] Exposed to view, but not to touch Much controversy straight arose, The sight our foolish heart inflames.These chose the back, the belly those We long for pineapples in frames; With hopeless wish one looks andBy some 'tis confidently said lingers [fingersHe meant not to forbid the head One breaks the glass, and cuts hisWhile others at that doctrine rail, But they whom Truth and Wisdom lead.And piously prefer the tail. Can gather honey from a weed.Thus, conscience freed from every clog,— —Mahometans eat up the hog. [plied OX THE PEOMOTION OF EDWABD You laugh 'tis well the tale ap- THDKLOW, ESQ.. TO THE LOED HIGH CHANCELLOESHIP OF—May make you laugh on t'other side.Eeuounce the world the preacher ENGLAND.We —I do a multitude replies. [cries. EouND Thurlow's head in early youth.While one as innocent regards And in his sportive days,A snug and friendly game at cards Fair Science pour'd the light of truth.And one, whatever you may saj', And Genius shed its Tuya.Can see no evil in a play See ! with united wonder cried The experienced and the sage,Some love a concert, or a race Ambition in a boy suppliedAnd others shooting and the chase, With all the skill of age !Keviled and loved, renoimced and fol-low'd [low'dThus, bit by bit, the world is swal- Discernment, eloquence, and grace.Each thinks his neighbour makes too Proclaim him born to swayYet likes a slice as well as he : [free, The balance in the highest place.With sophistry their sauce they And bear the palm away.sweeten, [eaten. The praise bestow'd was just and wiso;Till qtiite from tail to snout 'tis He sprang impetuous forth, Secure of conquest, where the prizeTHE PIXEAPPLE AND THE BEE. Attends superior worth.The pineapples in triple row, So the best courser on the plainWere basking hot, and all in blow; Ere yet he starts is known.A bee of most deserving taste And does but at the goal obtain What all had deem'd his own.Perceived the fragrance as he pass'd, THE MODEEN PATEIOT.On eager vring the spoiler came. Eebellion is my theme all day;And search'd for crannies in the frame.Urged his attempt on every side, I only wish 'twould comeTo every pane his trunk applied: (As who knows but perhaps it may?)But still in vain, the frame was tight. A Uttle nearer home.And only pervious to the light: Yon roaring boys, who rave and fightThus having wasted half the day, On t' other side the Atlantic,He trimm'd his flight another way. I always held them in the right. Methinks, I said, in thee I iiud\" But most so when most frantic.The sin and madness of mankind. When lawless mobs insult the court.To joys forbidden man aspires. That man shall be my toast,Consumes his soul with vain desiresFolly the spring of his pursuit. If breaking windows be the sport.And disappointment all the fruit. Who bravely breaks the most.While Cj-nthio ogles, as she passes. But oh ! for him my fancy cullsThe nymph between twochariotglasses, The choicest flowers she bears,She is the pineapple, and heThe silly unsuccessful bee. Who constitutionally pulls Your house about'your ears.

——; ;! ; :; ;: : MISCELLANEOUS PISCES. 187mySuch civil broils are delight, Enjoy'd at ease the genial day;Though some folks can't endure 'Twas April, as the bumpkins say, them, The legislature call'd it May.Who say the mob are mad outright, But suddenly a wind, as high And that a rope must cure them. As ever swept a winter sky.A rope ! I wish we patriots had Shook the young leaves about her ears, Such strings for all who need 'em And fill d her with a thousand fears,What ? hang a man for going mad Lest the rude blast should snap the Then farewell British freedom. bough. And spread her golden hopes below.THE NIGHTINGALE AND GLOW- But just at eve the blowing weather WOEil. And all her fears were hush'd to- gether; [Ealph,A NI8ETIXGALE, that all day long \"And now,\" quoth poor unthinkingHath cheer d the village with his song, \" 'Tis over, and the brood is safe ;\"Nor yet at eve his note suspended. (For ravens, though, as birds of omen,Nor yet when eventide was ended. They teach both conjurers and oldBegan to feel, as well he might. To tell us what is to befall, [womenThe keen demands of appetite Can't prophesy themselves at all.)When, looking eagerly around. The morning came, when neighbourHe spied far off, upon the ground, Hodge,A something shining in the dark,And knew the glowworm by his spark; Who long had mark'd her airy lodge,So stooping down from hawthorn top, And destined all the treasure thereHe thought to put him In his crop. A gift to his expecting fair, Climb'd like a squin-el to his dray.The worm, aware of his intent. And bore the worthless prize awayHarangued him thus, right eloquent: MORAL. '•Did yon admire my lamp,'' quoth 'Tis Providence alone secures In every change both mine and yours\" As muc'n as I your minstrelsy, [he,Vou would abhor to do me wrong, Safery consists not in escapeAs much as I to spoil your song; From dangers of a frightful shapeFor 'twas the self-same power Divine ;Taught you to sing, and me to shine An earthquake may be bid to spareThat yon with music, I with light, The man that's strangled by a hair.Mi^'ht beautify and cheer the night.\" Fate steals along with silent tread.The songster \"heard his short oration. Found oftenest in what least we dread. Frowns in the storm with angry brow.And, warbling out his approbation, But in the sunshine strikes the blow,myEeleased him, as story tells,And found a supper somewhere else. THE DOTES.Hence jarring sectaries may leam EE.4.S0XISG at every step he treads,T'neir real interest to discern; Man yet mistakes his way, [leads, While meaner things, whom instinctThat brother should not war with Are rarely known to stray. brother. One silent eve I wander'd late.And worry and devour each other And heard the voice of loveBut sing and shine with sweet consent, The turtle thus address'd her mate. And soothed the listening doveTUl life's poor transient night is spent, \" Our mutual bond of faith and truthRespecting in each other's case No time shall disengage.The gifts of nature and of grace. Those blessings of our early youth. Shall cheer our latest ageThose Ohrisdans best deserve the \" While innocence without disguise, name, And constancy sincere,Who studiously make peace their aim; Shall All the circles of those eyes.Peace both the duty and the prize And mine can read them thereOf him that creeps and him that flies. \" Those ills, that wait on all below. Shall ne'er be felt by me, THE EAVEN. Or gently felt, and only so,A RAVEX, while with glossy breast Aa being shared by me.Her new-laid eggs she fondly press'd.And, on her wicker-work high mounted,Her chickens prematurely counted,(A fault philosophers might blame,If quite exempted from the same,)

!; ; : ; — !: ;188. COWPER'S POEMS.\"When lightnings flash among the ON THE SAME. When wit and genius meet their doom Or kites are hovering aear, [trees,I fear lest thee alone they seize, In all devouring flame, They tell us of the fate of Rome, And know no other fear. And bid us fear the same.\" 'Tis then I feel mj'self a wife, O'er Murray's loss the muses wept, And press thy wedded side, They felt the rude alarm.Eesolved a union form'd for life Yet bless'd the guardian care that kept Death never shall divide. His sacred head from harm.\" But oh ! if, fickle and unchaste, There Memory, like the bee that's fed (Forgive a transient thought,) From Flora's balmy store,Thou couldst become unkind at last. The quintessence of all he read And scorn thy present lot. Had treasured up before.\"Xo need of lightnings from on high. The lawless herd, with fury blind, Have done him cruel wrong; Or kites with cruel beakDenied the endearments of thine eye. —The flowers are gone but still we flnd This widow'd heart would break.\" The honey on his tongue.Thus sang the sweet sequester'd bird, A RIDDLE. Soft as the passing wind, I AM just two and two, I am warm, IAnd I recorded what I heard, am cold, [be told. A lesson for mankind. And the parent of numbers that cannotAN ENGLISH VEKSIFICATION OF A THOUGHT I am lawful, unlawful— a duty, a fault,THAT POPPED INTO MT HEAD ABOUT I am often sold dear, good for nothing TWO MONTHS SINCE. when bought, [course.Sweet stream! that winds through An extraordinary boon, and a matter of yonder glade,Apt emblem of a virtuous maid! And yielded with pleasure— when takenSiJent, and chaste, she steals along,Far from the world's gay, busy throng. by force.With gentle yet prevailing force.Intent upon her destined course ON OBSERVING SOME NAMES OPGraceful and useful all she does, LITTLE NOTEBlessing and bless'd where'er she goesPure-bosom'd as that watery glass. RECORDED IN THE \" BIOGRAPHIA BRITANNICA.\"And heaven reflected in her face! Oh, fond attempt to give a deathless lot ON the To names ignoble, born to be forgotBURNING OF LORD MANSFIELD'S LIBEAEY, In vain, recorded in historic page,TOGETHER WITH HIS MSS., BY THE MOB They court the notice of a future age IN THE MONTH OF JUNE, 1780. Those twinkling tiny lustres of the—So then the Vandals of our isle, land [ing hand Sworn foes to sense and law.Have burnt to dust a nobler pile Drop one by one from Fame's neglect- Than ever Roman saw Letheean gulfs receive them as theyAnd Murray sighs o'er Pope and Swift, fall, [all. And many a treasure more. And dark oblivion soon absorbs themThe well-judged purchase, and the gift That graced his letter'd store. So when a child, as playful childrenTheir pages mangled, burnt, and torn. use, [news. The loss was his alone Has burnt to tinder a stale last year'sBut ages yet to come shall mourn The burning of his own. The flame extinct, he views the roving flre [squire. There goes my lady, and there goes the There goes the parson, oh illustrious spark! [the clerk! And there, scarce less Ulustrious, goes TO THE REV. MR NEWTON, ON HIS RETURN FROM EAMSQATE. That ocean you have late sur\ ey'd, Those rocks I too have seen. But I, afflicted and dismay'd, You, tranquil and serene.

!; ; —; MISCELLANEOUS PIECES. 189You from the flood-controlling steep As wide as the ridge of the Nose is ; inSaw stretch'd before your view. short, [a saddle.With conscious joy, the threatening Design'd to sit close to it, just likeNo longer such to you. [deep, \"Again, would your lordship a momentTo me the waves, that ceaseless broke suppose [may be again)Upon the dangerous coast, CTis a case that has happen'd, and That the visage or countenance hadHoarsely and ominously spoke [spectacles then ?myOf all treasure lost. not a Nose,Your sea of troubles you have past. Pray who would, or who could, wear And found the peaceful shore \"On the whole it appears, and myI, tempest-toss'd, and wreck'd at last, Come home to part no more. argument shows, [never condemn, With a reasoning the court will That the spectacles plainly were madeON A GOLDFINCH, for the Nose, [for them.\"STARVED TO DEATH IX HIS CAGE. And the Nose was as plainly intendedTime was when I was free as air. Then shifting his side, (as a lawyerThe thistle's downy seed my fare. knows how.) [Eyes: My drink the morning dew: He pleaded again on behalf of theI perch'd at vrill on every spray, But what were his arguments fewMy form genteel, my plumage gay, My strains for ever new. people know, [were equally wise. For the court did not think they So his lordship decreed with a graveBut gaudy plumage, sprightly strain, solemn tone, [butAnd form genteel were all in vain. Decisive and clear, without one if orAnd of a transient date [death \" That, whenever the Nose put hisFor. caught, and caged, and starved to —spectacles on, [should be shut !'myIn dj-ing sighs little breath By daylight or candlelight EyesSoon pass\"d the wiry grate.Thanks, gentle swain, for all my woes. ON THE HIGH PRICE OF FISH.And thanks for this effectual close Cocoa-Nut naught, And cure of every ill Fish too dear,More cruelty could none express! Nous must be bought For us that are here 1And I, if you had shewn me less. Had been your prisoner still. No lobster on earth.EEPOKT OF AN ADJUDGED CASE. That ever I saw,Between Nose and Eyes a strange To me would be worthcontest arose, [wrong; Sixpence a claw.The spectacles set them unhappily So, dear Madam, wait Till fish can be gotThe point in dispute was, as all the At a reasonable rate.world knows, [to belong. Whether lob.ster or notTo which the said spectacles ought TiU the French and the Dutch Have quitted the seas.So Tongue was the lawyer, and argued And then send as muchthe cause [full of learning: And as oft as you please.With a great deal of skill, and a wigWhile Chief-Baron Ear sat to balance TO MES NEWTON.the laws, [discerning.So famed for his talent in nicely A noble theme demands a noble verse,\"In behalf of the Nose it will quickly In such I thank you for your flueappear, [undoubtedly find, oysters.And your lordship,\" he said, \"will The barrel was magniflcently large. But, being sent to OIney at free charge,That the Nose has had spectacles Was not inserted in the drivers list. And therefore ovcrlook'd, forgot, oralways in wear, [out of mind.\"Which amounts to possession time miss'd; [despatch'd,—Then holding the spectacles up to the For, when the messenger whom wecourt [made with a straddle, Inquired for oysters, Hob his noddle\" Your lordship observes they are scratched;

— —— ! ;; ; —; ;Denying that his waggon or his wain WeThus say the Bisterhood: come,Did any such commodity contain. Fix well your palette on your thumb,In consequence of which, your welcome Prepare the pencil and the tints We come to furnish j'ou with hints.boonDid not arrive till yesterday at noon French disappointmisnt, British glory.In consequence of which some chanced Must be the subject of the story.to die, [dry, First strike a curve, a graceful bow,And somo.though very sweet, were very Then slope it to a point below;Now Madam says, (and what she says Your outline easy, airy, light,must still [will.) Fill'd up becomes a paper kite.Deserve attention, say she what she Let independence, sanguine, horrid,Tbat what we call the diligence, be-case Blaze like a meteor in the forehead:It goes to London with a swifter pace. Beneath (but lay aside your graces)Would better suit the carriage of your Draw six-and-twenty rueful faces,gift, [swift Each with a staring, steadfast eye,Returning downward with a pace as Fix'd on his great and good ally.—And therefore recommends it with this France flies the kite 'tis on the wing-aim [the same; Britannia's lightning cuts the string.—To save at least three days, the price The wind that raised it, ere it ceases,For though it will not carry or convey Just rends it into thirteen pieces.For less than twelvepeuce, send what- Takes charge of every iluttering sheet,e'er you may, And lays them all at George's feet.For oysters bred upon the salt sea-shore, Iberia, trembling from afar,I'ack'd in a barrel, they will charge no Renounces the confederate war;more. [write. Her efforts and her arts o'ercome,News have I none that I can deign to France calls her shatter'd navies home.Save that it rain'd prodigiously last Repenting Holland learns to mournnight; [hour, The sacred treaties she has tornAnd that ourselves were, at the seventh Astonishment and awe profoundCaught in the first beginning of the Are stamp'd upon the nations round;shower; [ado, Without one friend, above all foes,But walking, running, and with much Britannia gives the world repose.—Got home just time enough to be wet A POETICAL EPISTLE TO LADYthrough; AUSTEN. [told, —Dear Anna bet weenfriend and friend,Yet both are well, and, wondrous to be Prose answers every common endSoused as we were, we yet have caught Serves, in a plain and homely way. To express the occurrence of the day;no cold [you, Our health, the weather, and the news. ; What walks we take, what books weAnd wishing just the same good hap to choose,We say, good Madam, and good Sir,adieu t MAHY AND JOHN.If John marries Mary, and Mary alone, And all the floating thoughts we find'Tis a very good match between Mary Upon the surface of the mind. But when a poet takes the pen,and John. [and the scratches—Should John wed a score, oh the claws Far more alive than other men,It can't be a match : 'tis a bundle of He feels a gentle tingling come Down to his finger and his thumb.matches. Derived from nature's noblest part,TO SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS. The centre of a glowing heart: And this is what the world, who knowsDear President, whose art sublime No flights above the pitch of prose,Gives perpetuity to time. His more sublime vagaries slighting.And bids transactions of a day. Denominates an itch for writing.That fleeting hours would waft away No wonder I, who scribble rhymeTo dark futurity, survive. To catch the triflers of the time,And in unfading beauty live,You cannot with a grace decline And tell them truths divine and clear.A special mandate of the Nine Which, couch'd in prose, they \ ill not hear IYourself, whatever task you choose, Who labour hard to allure and drawSo much indebted to the Muse. ' The loiterers I never saw,

; ; , :: —; ::;; MISCELLANEOUS PIECES. 191Should feelthatitchingand that tingling But who can tell how vast the planWiihall my purpose imermiugliag, Which this day's incident began ?To j-our intrinsic merit true, Too small, perhaps, the slight occasionWhen call'd to address myself to you. For our dim-sighted observation;Mysterious are His ways, whose It pass'd unnoticed, as the birdpower That cleaves the jielding air unheard.Brings forth that unexpected hour, And yet may prove when understood An harbinger of endless good.When minds, that never met before,Shall meet, unite, and part no more Not that I deem, or mean to callIt is the allotment of the skies. Friendship a blessing cheap or smallThe hand of the Supremely Wise, But merely to remark, that ours,That guides and governs our affections, Like some of Nature's sweetest flowers,And plans and orders our connexions Eose from a seed of tiny size,Directs us in our distant road, That seem'd to promise no such prizeAnd marks the bounds of our abode. A transient visit intervening,Thus we were settled when you found And made almost without a meaning,us, (Hardly the effect of inclination.Peasants and children all around us. Much less of pleasing expectation,)Not dreaming of so dear a friend, Produced a friendship, then begun,Deep in the abyss of Silver-End. That has cemented us in oneThus Martha, even against her will,Perch'd on the top of yonder hill; And placed it in our power to prove, By long fidelity and love.And you. though you must needs prefer That Solomon has -wisely spoken.AThe fairer scenes of Sweet Saucerre, \" threefold cord is not soon broken,\"Are come from distant Loire, to choose HEBOISM.A cottage on the banks of Ouse.This page of Providence quite new,And now just opening to our view. Theke was a time when .Etna's silentEmploys our present thoughts and pains fire [entireTo guess and spell what it contains: Slept unperceived, the mountain yetBut day by day, and year by year,Will make the dark enigma clear; When conscious of no danger fromAnd furnish us, perhaps, at last, below, [snow.Like other scenes already past, She tower'd a cloudcapt pyramid of No thunders shook with deep intestineWith proof, that we, and our affairs. sound [aroundAre part of a Jehovah's cares; The blooming groves that girdled allFor God unfolds by slow degrees Her unctuous olives and her purpleThe purport of His deep decrees vines, [mines.)Sheds every hour a clearer Ught (Unfelt the fury of those burstingIn aid of our defective sight The peasant's hopes, and not in vain,And spreads, at length, before the soul, assured, [tured.A beautiful and perfect whole. In peace upon her sloping sides ma-Which busy man's inventive brain When on a day, like that of the lastToils to anticipate, in vain. doom, Say, Anna, had you never known A conflagration labouring in her womb.The beauties of a rose full blown. She teem'd and heaved with an infernalCould you, though luminous your ej'e. hirth, [earth.By looking on the bud descry.Or guess, with a prophetic power. That shook the circling seas and solidThe future splendour of the flower ?Just so, the Omnipotent, who turns Dark and voluminous the vapours rise.The system of a world's concerns. And hang their horrors in the neigh-From mere minutiae can educe bouring skies, [blots the day. While through the Stygian veil that In dazzling streaks the vivid lightningsEvents of most important use, play. [powers of song,And bid a dawning sky displayThe blaze of a meridian day. But oh! what muse, and in whatThe works of man tend, one and all, Can trace the torrent as it burns along?As needs they must, from great to Havoc and devastation in the van. small It marches o'er the prostrate works of man.And vanity absorbs at length Vines, olives, herbage, forests disppear,The momuaents of hiunan strength And all the charms of a SiciUan year. N

! ; ;; —192 COWPEE'S POEMS.Revolving seasons, fruitless as they Yet man, laborious man, by slow pass. degrees.See it an uninform'd and idle mass. (Such is the thirst of opulence and ease.)Without a soil to invito the til ler'a care,Or blade that might redeem it from Plies all the sinews of industrious toil. Gleans up the refuse of the general spoil.despair. [achieve ?) Rebuilds the towers that smoked uponTet time at length (what will not time the plain, [again.Clothes it with earth, and bids the pro- And the sun gilds the shining spiresduce live. [glade, Increasing commerce and revivingOnce more the spiry myrtle crowns the art [part;And ruminating flocks enjoy the shade. Benew the quarrel on the conqueror's And the sad lesson must be learn'd onceOh bless precarious, and unsafe re-treats, [sweets! more,Oh charming Paradise of short-lived That wealth within is ruin at the door.The self-same gale that wafts the fra- What are ye monarchs, laurell'd heroes,grance round [sound say, [sway?Brings to the distant ear a sullen But ^tnas of the suffering world yeAgain, the mountain feels the im- Sweet Nature stripp'd of her em- prison'd foe, broider'd robe, [globe.Again pours ruin on the Tale below Deplores the wasted regions of herTen thousand swains the wasted scene And stands a witness at Truth's awfuldeplore, bar, [are.That only future ages can restore. To prove you there, destroyers as yeYe monarchs, whom the lure of Oh place me in some heaven-pro-honour draws, [cause, tected isle. [smile.\"Who write in blood the merits of your Where peace and equity and freedomWhe strike the blow, then plead your Where no volcano pours his fiery flood.own defence, [fence No crested warrior dips his plume in ;Glory your aim, but justice your pre- blood, [won.Behoki in iEtna's emblematic flres Where power secures what industry hasThe mischiefs your ambitious pride Where to succeed is not to be undone;inspires! [just domain. A land that distant tyrants hate in vain. Fast by the stream that bounds your In Britain's isle, beneath a George'sAnd tells you where you have a right reign!to reign, [throne,A nation dwells, not envious of your THE FLATTING MILL.Studious of peace, their neighbours' When a bar of pure silver or ingot ofand their own. [rue gold, [length.Ill-fated race! how deeply must they Is sent to be flatted or wrought intoTheir only crime, vicinity to you It is pass'd between cyhnders often,The trumpet sounds, your legions and rolled [strength.swarm abroad, [destined road In an engine of utmost mechanical ;Through the ripe harvest lies theirAt every step beneath their feet they Thus tortured and squeezed, at last ittread appears [ing show,The life of multitudes, a nation's bread Like a loose heap of ribbon, a ghtter-Earth seems a garden in its loveliest Like music it tinkles and rings in your dress ears, [a glow.Before them, and behind a wilderness.Famine, and Pestilence, her firstborn And warm'd by the pressure is aU in son. This process achieved, it is doom'd toAttend to finish what the sword begun. sustain [beater's mallet,And echoing praises such as fiends The thump after thump of a gold- might earn, And at last is of service in sickness orAnd folly pays, resound at your return. painA calm succeeds ;—but plenty with her To cover a pill for a delicate palate.train [again. Alas for the poet ! wUo dares ui dertakeOf heartfelt joys, succeeds not soon To urge reformation of national illAnd years of pining indigence must His head and his heart are both likelyshow [below. to ache [let and mill.What scourges are the gods that rule With the double employment of mal-

—; ; ;: —!; ; ;; MISCELLANEOUS PIECES. 193If he wish to instruct, he must learn to But what we would, so weak is man,delight, [must flow, Lies oft remote from what we can.Smooth, ductile, and even, his fancy For instance, at this very timeMust tinkle and glitter like gold to the I feel a wish by cheerful rhymesight, [glow. myTo soothe friend, and. had I jiower.And catch in its progress a sensible To cheat him of an anxious hour;After all, he must beat it as thin and as Not meaning (for I must confess, [invalid swallows It were but folly to suppress)fine His pleasure or his good alone,As the leaf that enfolds what an But squinting partly at my own.For truth is unwelcome, however divine, But though the sun is flaming high And unless you adorn it, nausea In the centre of yon arch, the sky.follows. And he had once (and who but he ?)FROM A LETTEE TO THE The name for setting genius free. EEV. ME NEWTON. Yet whether poets of past days Yielded him undeserved praise.Says the pipe to the snuff-box, I can't And he by no uncommon lot Was famed for virtues he had notunderstand [in your face.What the ladies and gentlemen see Or whether, which is like enough.That you are in fashion all over the His Highness may have taken huff,land, [grace. So seldom sought with invocation.And I am so much fallen into dis- Since it has been the reigning fashionDo but see what a pretty contempla- To disregard his inspiration,tive air [note 'em, I seem no brighter in my wits.—I frive to the company, pray do but For all the radiance he emits.You would think that the wise men of Than if I saw, through midnight va-Greece were all there. pour.Or, at least, would suppose them the The glimmering of a farthing taper. wise men of Gotham. Oh for a succedaneum, then. To accelerate a creeping pen!My breath is as sweet as the breath of Oh for a ready succedaneum, Quod caput, cerebrum, et craniumblown roses, [you appear; Pendere liberet esoso, Et morbo jam caliginosoWhile you are a nuisance where'er Tis here; this oval box well flU'dThere is nothing but snivelling and With best tobacco, finely miU'd,blowing of noses. Beats all Anticyra's pretencesSuch a noise as turns any man'sstomach to hear.Then, lifting his lid in a delicate way, To disengage the encumber'd senses. And opening his mouth with a smile Oh Nymph of transatlantic fame,quite engaging, [say, WTiere'er thine haunt, whate'er thyThe box in reply was heard plainly to name. W^hat a silly dispute is this we are Whether reposing on the sidewaging! Of Ornonoquo's spacious tide.If you have a little of merit to claim. Or listening with deUght not small To Niagara's distant fall, You may thank the sweet-smelling Virginian weed 'Tis thine to cherish and to feed The pungent nose-refreshing weed,And I, if I seem to deserve any blame, Which, whether pulverised it gain The beforemention'd drug in apology A speedy passage to the brain. plead. Or whether, touch'd with Are. it riseThus neither the praise nor the blame In circling eddies to the skies.is our own, [cachinnus Does thought more quicken and refine No room for a sneer, much less a Than all the breath of all the NineWe are vehicles, not of tobacco alone. Forgive the bard, if bard he be.But of anything else they may choose Who once too wantonly made free,to put in us. To touch with a satiric wipe TO THE EEV. WILLIAM BULL. That symbol of thy power, the pipe My Dear Friend, So may no blight infest thy plansIf reading verse be your delight, And no unseasonable rains'Tis mine as much, or more, to write And so may smiling peace once mora Visit America's sad shore

—; : ;; ; ; ;; ;; ;;194 COWPEE'S POEMS.Aud thou, secure from all alarms. But here again a danger lies.Of thundering drums and glittering Lest, having misapplied our eyes,arms, And taken trash for treasure, We should unwarily concludeKove unconfined beneath the shadeThy wide expanded leaves have made Friendship a false ideal good, A mere Utopian pleasure.So may thy votaries increase,And fumigation never cease. An acquisition rather rareMay Kewton wirh renew'd delights Is yet no subject of despair;Perform thy odoriferous rites, Nor is it ^\-ise complaining,While clouds of incense half divine If either on forbidden ground. Or where it was not to be found,Involve thy disappearing shrine We sought without attaining.And so may smoke-inhaling BullBe always filling, never full. No friendship will abide the test,VEBSES PEINTED BY HIMSELF, That stands on sordid interest. ON A FLOOD AT OLNEY, Or mean self-love erectedTo watch the storms and hear the sky Nor such as may a while subsistGive all our almanacks the lie ; Between the sot and sensualist,To shake with cold, and see the plainsIn autumn drown'd with wintry rains For vicious ends connected.'Tis thus I spend my moments here, Who seeks a friend should come dis-Aud wish myself a Dutch mynheer posedI then should have no need of wit, To exhibit in full bloom disclosedFor lumpish Hollander unfit 1 The graces and the beautiesNor should I then repine at mud. That form the character he seeks;Or meadows deluged with a flood; For 'tis a union that bespeaks Reciprocated duties.But in a bog live well content, Mutual attention is implied.And find it just my element And equal truth on either side, And constantly supportedShould be a clod and not a manNor wish in vain for Sister Ann, 'Tis senseless arrogance to accuse Another of sinister views,With charitable aid to drag Our own as much distorted.My mind out of its proper quagShould have the genius of a boor, But will sincerity sufBce ? It is, indeed, above all price.And no ambition to have more. FRIENDSHIP. And must be made the basisWhat virtue, or what mental grace,But men unqualified and base But every virtue of the soul Must constitute the charming whole, Will boast it their possession ? AH shilling in their places.Profusion apes the noble part A fretful temper will divideOf liberality of heart, The closest knot that may be tied, And dulness of discretion. By ceaseless sharp corrosionIf every polish'd gem we find, A temper passionate and fierce May suddenly your joys disperseIlluminating heart or mind, At one immense explosion. Provoke to imitation, In vain the talkative uniteNo wonder friendship does the same, In hopes of permanent delightThat jewel of the purest flame, The secret just committed. Or rather constellation. Forgetting its important weight,No knave but boldly will pretend They drop through mere desire to prate.The requisites that form a friend, And by themselves outwitted. A real and a sound one How bright soe'er the prospect seems.Nor any fool he would deceive,But prove as ready to believe, All t'noughts of friendship are but And dream that he had found one. If envy chance to creep in [dreams, ;Candid, and generous and just. An envious man, if you succeed.Boys care but little whom they trust, May prove a dangerous foe indeed, An error soon corrected, But not a friend worth keeping.For who but learns in riper years As envy pines at good possess'd.That man, when smoothest he appears, So jealousy looks forth distress'dIs most to be suspected ? On good that seems approaching.