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[Frontispiece]
WILHELM'S DAUGHTER.
"Away, away, thou flatt'ring man,
"This language may be fine;
"But counsel surely more befits
"Where looks like silver shine.
London, Published by C. Chapple, Pall Mall, and T. Boosey, Royal Exchange, June, 1811.
[Title Page]
BY THE LATE
London:--Printed by G. Hayden, Brydges-street, Covent-garden.
"Great heaven! how frail thy creature man is made;
"How by himself insensibly betray'd!
"In our own strength unhappily secure,
"Too little cautious of the adverse power;
"And by the blast of self-opinion mov'd,
"We wish to charm, and seek to be belov'd."
--PRIOR.
PART I.
WHERE
fields were green, and where the willows bent,
And lofty trees romantic shadow lent;
Where the clear murm'ring rill was heard to play,
And shepherds covert found from Phoebus' ray,
Oft walk'd at morn or eve, lock'd arm in arm,
Two friends, who sweetly felt soft Friendship's charm:
From youth to prime the genial warmth had grown,
And many a grace in either breast had sown;
For well each other's merits they approv'd,
As friends confided, and as brothers lov'd;
Each eminent in virtue, just and kind,
To study, and to piety inclin'd,
Appear'd a shining pattern for mankind.
Suppliant, to Kendrick, doubting Merit came;
For counsel, celebrated was his name;
And well could he display superior sense
In flowing and resistless eloquence;
While Albert, 'midst his infant circle dwelt,
And all life's sympathies supremely felt;
It chanc'd, as once they in their walks had met,
Their converse grew from social to debate;
And first was struck th' opposing string to jar,
And first appear'd their sentiments at war.
Their theme was Virtue's influence on mankind,
Vice to controul, and Passion's power to bind--
Internal Virtue, that could stand her ground,
Tho' fond Desire with flatterers tempted round:
Of worth tenacious, and unblemish'd life,
Unknown to lust, to avarice, or strife,
Kendrick her power maintained, and fond began
To paint perfections of a virtuous man;
'Till Albert cried, "oh! picture, wond'rous fair,
"With which there is no mortal can compare;
"Fair Truth, for whom 'twas painted, would aver
" 'Twas finely colour'd, but it was not her;
"And man as well might hope to reach the sky,
"As elevate his earthly powers so high;
"Much do they need a subject for their praise,
"Whose high encomiums man's perfections raise;
"Man, form'd t'elude the sense, and cheat the eye,
"Son of wild prejudice and frailty."
"Who e'er presumed," cries Kendrick, "man was pure?
"Thou see'st extremes, nor mediums canst endure;
"While most are hov'ring o'er the middle line,
"Few are like demons, few as angels shine;
"Yet sacred Virtue oft maintains her ground,
"Tho' dangers threat, or syrens tempt around;
"But over partial to humility,
"Thou'dst not commend, did Virtue challenge thee.
"How doth it chance, for lately all mankind
"Seem fallen strangely low in Albert's mind?
"Hast thou been studying that philosophy
"That doth too deep the shades of life espy?
"That sees through dreary glooms mankind so fell,
"That fit they only seem with fiends to dwell;
"Their fairest actions, springing from vile source,
"And life's best paths one black polluted course;
"These, from their own base natures, judge mankind,
"And hence can nothing but corruption find.--
"Oh! some of Virtues heav'n deriv'd, there are,
"Their motives spotless as their actions fair,
"And this their lives, their characters declare.
"Actions will speak, by these are understood
"The fair aspiring spirits of the good!
"Assur'd I feel a sweet persuasion here
"Confirms my bosom in a truth so clear:
"But where the merit? Virtue's charms entice,
"And chasten'd Sense abhors the paths of Vice;
"Self-approbation's blessed balm is more
"Than India's wealth, or than the whole world's store;
"And this, howe'er so strong Temptation's art,
"The good man keeps---'tis med'cine for each smart;
"Though passions lure, though gifts and honors woo,
"The shield that guards his peace he'll not forego;
"Self-approbation in his final hour
"Shall strip stern death of all terrific power."
Low on the ground the looks of Albert turn'd,
And thus he spoke as conscious feeling burn'd:
"Nay, Kendrick, saw I but man's purity,
"This claim so just my tongue should ne'er deny;
"Saw I the springs that move his actions pure,
"A self-offending charge I'd not endure;
"Conviction sweetly striking, how could I
"Act such injurious hypocrisy?
"Yet think not, Kendrick, that my reason tends
"To fix on man the character of fiends;
"To join with those who chase all light away,
"Nor leave heaven's image on our mortal clay.
"Yet, oh! from fit temptation guard us, heav'n!
"How oft on rocks confiding man is driv'n.
"To faultless lives, oh! who hath just pretence;
"And heart and act how oft at variance.
"On fair externals some alone rely,
"Yet lawless lusts indulge in theory--
"Thus purest maxims outwardly impart,
"And nourish vicious passions in the heart;
"To man respectful, but to heaven untrue,
"To vice a censor, and a vot'ry too."
"Such live," cried Kendrick, "and deceive by arts,
"While harpies feed corrosive on their hearts.
"Such still deceive, but must we draw from thence,
"That unto virtue no one hath pretence?
"This breast can witness virtue yet hath charms,
"To warm the heart, to banish all alarms;
"To render valueless the wreath of Fame,
"And all the honors of an earthly name:
"Yet where the boast? for heavenly joys in view
" 'Tis grief to quit, 'tis transport to pursue.
"In early youth life's charms could not allure--
"I sought substantial pleasures to secure;
"Bright Beauty spread her blandishments in vain,
"And Pleasure tempted to her flatt'ring train.
"Lost in the grasp all earth's enjoyments are,
"Alike beneath our study and our care--
"Though Hope's bright sun gilds o'er the doom of fate,
"Yet all her smiles in sorrows terminate.
"Think not my sense, or wisdom, I'd commend,
"In still aspiring to a nobler end."
Thus Kendrick spoke, but met no kind reply;
In musing silence wrapt they homeward hie.
PART II.
SHUT
in his study, in reflection drown'd,
His pleasure Kendrick in seclusion found:
The triumph students prize oft had he known,
Yet Reason kept within his breast her throne;
While green the laurels bloom'd upon his brow,
Nought to vain-glory would his heart allow;
But emulative of the eagle's flight,
Still higher palms were present to his sight:
Yet mild his looks---unrais'd his modest brow,
His worth commanded, but his claims were low,
But where in man doth fair perfection dwell?
More fam'd to fall than fitted to excel.--
To fetter passion in her madd'ning reign
With Resignation's power and Reason's chain,
Would Kendrick counsel, and with brow severe,
Condemn'd the lawless sigh, the fruitless tear:
Yet frail to virtue, doom'd he was to feel
What hardly to himself he would reveal---
He knew unauthoris'd desire to prove,
And nurs'd fond Fancy in the shadowy grove;
There pictur'd scenes where with one beauteous maid
He'd clasp elysium in the silent shade;
Till Truth th' illusion broke, then would he sigh,
That her he lov'd was for his hopes too high.
But not in softness lost, his manly soul
Knew the fond wish determin'd to controul;
More high pursuits his firmer judgment held,
And frowning Cupid saw his efforts quell'd;
Till when relax'd from literary toil
He'd lean in soft repose, and thought beguile;
Then Love's sweet visions stealing o'er his heart,
Bade the warm tear of fond possession start--
Detach'd from ev'ry theme but this alone,
The victor took within his breast the throne.
'Twas on an evening hour, and when secure,
In pious toil, from Love's seductive pow'r,
O'er his past studies Kendrick careful bent,
And aspirations to Fame's temple sent.
A lecture had he penn'd on virtuous peace,
On man's acquirements join'd with Heart's grace.
'Twas such a piece as Piety might claim,
But modest Kendrick e'en withheld his name,
Yet all would know from whence such language came.
While thus employ'd, a stranger audience seeks,
And, soon admitted, thus his errand breaks;
"O Kendrick! here an aged stranger see,
"Who comes, he fears, on hopeless embassy.
"Thy honor bright---thy virtues too severe,
"Do make me tremble to offend thine ear,
"Whose heart, if love e'er struck, to make it yield,
"Repell'd the shaft as with an iron shield.
"Alas! that spotless honor should inspire
"Passion, resistless--an unlawful fire---
"Plain will I speak, because, unvers'd in art---
"Thou captive hold'st a beauteous lady's heart:
"A hapless fair, whom cruel fate commands
"With Kendrick ne'er to wear the nuptial bands."
Thus spoke the stranger, and from Kendrick's eye
Did the keen shaft of indignation fly.
Awhile he stood, then cried, "If thou'rt sincere,
"Nor mean'st with tempting tales t' insult mine ear,
"This answer straight unto thy lady bear.
"Hopeless for me must lawless passion burn,
"Which Kendrick's bosom never shall return.
"Alas! how counter to my fond desire!
"That vice would check, and virtue would inspire.
"Yet," cries the stranger, "lend indulgent ear,
"And in compassion my sad story hear;--
"Oh! not for vice an advocate am I,
"But for the claims of sweet humanity!
"If honor ever dwelt in human form,
"Sure honor doth her virgin charms adorn;---
"If radiant virtue, fair benignity,
"And angel grace, and sweet humility,
"E'er dwelt with mortals, in this maid they shine,
"And make her earthly charms appear divine.
"Oh! then with pitying heart the story hear
"Of her whom only love could lead to err."
"Nay," Kendrick cries, "if thus the maid doth stand
"Beneath bright Honor's absolute command,
"Why doth she not her forces rouse to arms,
"Ere Vice pollute her fair unsullied charms?
"The virtues all should call their powers about,
"To drive the approaching fiend Dishonor out;
"Frail virtues they, with all their boasted charms,
"That, too indulgent, go without their arms."
"O Kendrick! hear--this maid is young and fair,
"And, oh! she was as pure as angels are,
"Till love allur'd---now wretched must she be---
"She languishes and dies for love and thee:
"High is her rank, unblemish'd is her fame,
"A princely fortune, and a royal name:---
"But cease, incautious tongue, no more I'll say,
"Thou now despisest, and would'st then betray."
"Nay," Kendrick cries, and quick expression rush'd
To his fixt eye, and in each feature blush'd;---
"Nay, aged messenger, thou do'st me wrong,
"Her hapless passion ne'er should pass my tongue;
"Yet much my heart lamenteth to inspire,
"In place of virtue, an unhallow'd fire."
"Ah! then, relying on thy words so kind,
"Which well doth paint the sweetly pitying mind;
"Shall I commit a peerless princess' name?
"And to thine honor yield a princess' fame!
"Oh! dar'd she to bestow her lovely hand,
"Thou might'st her fortunes and her heart command;
"Might'st stand with princely candidates, and wear
"The envied favors of the brightest fair.--
"But, ah! not such the freedom of the maid,
"Whose peace relentless love is doom'd to shade:
"Oh! royalty, hath bondage hard to bear,
"Princes more fetter'd than their subjects are."
"Ah! hoary man, thy words my thoughts perplex,
"Thou'st heard her voice, when solemn organs play'd---
"Love's advocate," cries Kendrick, "say no more,
"Ah! kind compliance," did the stranger cry,
The stranger silent stood, and deep he sigh'd,
"To prove thy weakness, and to check thy pride,
Fixt in confusion, fallen Kendrick stands,
As thus he spoke, the heart of Kendrick strove,
O Goddess! that o'er solitude presides,
Who view'st the treach'rous friend destruction plot,
Bright royal maid! alike unconscious all,
YE
proud, of feeling keen, I write to you,
Fondly our friend we clasp, his error shewn,
The fires of hope emerging from despair,
Accustom'd, he with bright superior force,
For in his eyes discerning Albert read
But Kendrick now, with passion ill-controul'd,
How is his pleasure mark'd, each prospect bright,
Oh! when the language, soaring as its theme,
BRIGHT
from night's shadows rose the golden morn,
Guilt struck his heart, and fear shook every limb,
"Thy hands were bound--I saw stern Justice waits,
"By this time he's return'd," she cries, "but, ah!
"Alas! terrific all around me seems,
"Ah! fate," he cries, "Acelia, ever mourns,
SIR
Landenbert was wont so much
Why then all pensive now and sad?
No more he seeks the festive dance,
He shuns the busy haunts of men,
He met her on the verdant hill,
He met her in the lowly vale,
Forth from his grasp her way she broke,
The knight he to his castle went,
The knight he to his castle went,
SIR
Landenbert walk'd o'er the plains;
He sees a youth of graceful form,
The knight was pale, he scarce respir'd,
With warring thoughts, and hurried step,
Sir Eldred in the hall he met,
"I've stood the pointed shaft of Love,
"But Jealousy, thou master stroke,
"And Wilhelm's daughter have I seen
"For shame, for shame, Sir Landenbert,"
"For shame, for shame, Sir Landenbert,
"O Eldred! never hast thou felt
"Oh! if her envied love is his,
THERE
came a fortune-telling man,
Fair Anna at the cottage door
"Oh! cross my palm, thou gentle maid,
"Begone, begone, thou flatt'ring man,
"Oh! yet, Oh! yet, thou gentle maid,
"Away, thou ill-divining man,
"Oh! yield thine ear, thou gentle maid,
Her cheek is flushed, her bosom heaves,
He on his grey beard laid his hand,
"That love-lorn knight I cannot name,
"Away ill-fortune telling man,
"Forgive, forgive me, beauteous maid,
"He loves thee more than all the world,
"Away, away, thou flatt'ring man,
"Away, away, thou flatt'ring man,
"O lovely maid! the rains descend
"The ivy round the oak entwines,
His heart was throbbing in his breast--
"Sir Landenbert!" alarm'd, she cries,
"Sir Landenbert!" alarm'd, she cries,
"Thou dearest maid, my wealth, my heart
IN
Pekin's stately city dwelt
Her cheek outvied the mountain snows,
'Twas on her cheek, and on her brow,
Why sweetly tott'ring mov'd the maid
When Hansi mov'd, all other grace
Like little diamonds set in snow
Oh! why did Fortune make her rich?
Far from my breast my reason fled,
I taught the caverns to complain--
I have been in the Indian lands,
AH
! pretty bird, you sing, altho'
Oh! hadst thou ne'er a tender friend
Sweet, envied bird, not grated bars
But should I now thy prison ope,
Sweet, harmless bird, my fate is hard;
"Blow, blow, thou winter-wind,
HIS
raven locks Rodolpho comb'd;
His board he deck'd with cypress boughs,
Old Etha, on a rising bank,
Rodolpho stops, and, "ah!" he cries,
"Oh! could my eyes a river pour,
"The child I lov'd, the child I rear'd,
"Thro' want and woe her youth I led;
What is my crime?--her grandeur, what?
"My means are spent, and, oh! my heart
"Oh! cease thy 'plaint, poor wretched soul,
"My board is deck'd with cypress boughs,
"Who is't that paces o'er yon fields,
"Turn, turn, old man, for, by the stars
To-night a banquet, do I hold;
"The worms upon my table feed;
The hypochondriac, rous'd from thought,
"O stranger! dost thou pity me,
"Sad Misery pleads her certain woes,
"Oh! give me heav'n, sweet sympathy,
"And I," exclaim'd poor Emmeline,
"When in rotation sadest
tales
"How once she bloom'd in innocence,
"Oh! as I think, fresh bleeds my heart,
"Hence mirth and joy, and ye sweet birds,
"Why do ye flow, polluted tears?
"Fit guests! fit guests!" Rodolpho shouts,
"My board with night-shade have I deck'd,
"Then join your hands in Sorrow's knot,
He led them to his gloomy feast,
Of cypress leaves a wreath he form'd,
He sigh'd and from his seat arose,
"When glitt'ring lustres deck'd my hall,
"When mansions and when lands were mine,
"Adieu! Adieu! thou treacherous fair,
Rodolpho ceas'd, his brow was bent,
"Alas!" the old man cried, "sweet harp,
Rodolpho grasp'd a goblet bright,
"Drink woe on Etha's child, and on
The old man drank, and gaz'd around,
"A weight, a weight," sad Etha cried,
"A weight my senses all oppress--
"I've pledg'd you guests," the madman shouts,
"Fear not, fear not, fair Emmeline,
"Have I not heard the wretched cry,
"Then sleep, sleep on, my fallen guests,
"To you the storms of adverse fate,
"In vain to you the minstrel sings,
"The sexton he shall dig our graves,
"Mixt is my wine, like mortals fate--
"Thy lips are black, unhappy maid,
"No wound deforms thy snowy breast,
"Oh! glare not thus, ye torches red!
"Farewell! farewell! my comrades dear,
"My soul its quick transition seeks,
"Sing, sing, ye fates, ye furies sing,
WHEN
Chance before my ravish'd eye,
My eyes were fixt, those wand'ring eyes,
The sweet benignant smile she gave,
With the melodious birds I join'd,
Oh! picture ye, whose feeling hearts,
I STRIVE
my Julia to forget,
But yet her image will pursue,
Sweet are thy charms, O Solitude!
As musing on the plain I stood,
To walk where Julia's foot had been,
At length I saw them back return;
'Twas still--'twas calm--the scene was sweet
The birds among the branches sung,
I wander'd all absorb'd in thought,
" 'Tis mine!" I in a transport cried,
How perfect are the features form'd,
Thou'rt drawn, dear Julia, to the life;
BEFORE
Love's altar, oh! my heart,
A rustling in the trees I caus'd;
"To Friendship sacred 'twas," she cried,
She sigh'd, as thus she sadly spoke;
The miser in his chamber lock'd,
He gazes so intent, so fixt,
'Tis thus this picture I survey
WHY
am I thus the slave of Love?
O Julia! Julia, matchless maid!
Before the altar, oh! how soon
To distant climes--to shelt'ring caves,
But, oh! her mild expressive eye--
Had Hope ne'er fir'd my ravish'd breast,
The blest, the happiest of men,
The man who can unheeding, rove,
He yawns, as languidly he walks,
'TIS
past, 'tis o'er, the deed is done,
I lean'd against the chapel wall,
Her hand the happy bridegroom took;
Oh! seldom, seldom, do two hearts
O Julia! all resistless fair,
IN
ancient days of chivalry
On him in infancy she smil'd;
The winged hours in transport fly--
In cottage low this maiden liv'd,
This gentle nymph was Nature's child,
Olinda at the cottage door
"When late I came her cottage near,
"Return, Clarinda, virtuous maid,
"Oh! thou, whose flatt'ring syren tongue
"Oh! was my gallant father now
A pang of keenest anguish here
"Thy sorrows deeply touch my soul;
Olinda told an artless tale
" 'Tis told," she cries, "my story's told,
"Yet, cease, Olinda, cease thy tears,
"Oh! if my love, Sir Manfred, knew
A suit of armour then she sought,
Not long she waited on the lawn,
Amazement struck her ev'ry sense,
Sir Manfred, on the stranger knight
"Shall Vice thus proudly rear her head,"
"By heaven! those vows I'll ne'er fulfil,
"The lady of thy heart I know,
"Thus is thy form no longer lov'd;
"And who art thou, thou stranger bold?"
Sir Manfred then, in speechless rage,
"O blasting sight!" exclaim'd the Knight,
"Mysterious scene!--ah! why was thus
Thus spoke the Knight, and to his heart
Soon was the fatal story known,
And here, on each returning night,
Her ashes in Clarinda's grave
IF
my wand'ring flock you see,
Call them, call them back again:--
Had I houses, had I lands,
Once I priz'd the silver stream,
Sweet were then the summer flowers,
Delia, Delia, oh! can gold
O'er the plains and hills I look;
Call, then, shepherds, call my flocks,
BRIGHT
day! thou can'st not charm my care,
Dim it appears, but yet 'tis there:--
Where'er I rove, it still attends,
And, then, again, 'tis at my side--
When on my chair reclin'd I sit,
Yet dost thou wait and watch without,
And when upon my couch I lie,
I know, I know thou'rt Fancy's child;
Oh! yet, begone, thou flitting shade,
"Her frame, resistless to each wrong,
SIR
Leonard was the proudest knight
Upon an eve, as forth he walk'd,
Her damask cheek was wet with tears
"Sad from th' asylum's peaceful walks,
"Alas! but how can words express
To raise the suppliant, foundling girl,
"Within my mansion walls secure
With grateful heart she thank'd the knight,
She followed to his mansion gay--
And now, 'mid plenty, joy, and peace,
Her round-ear'd cap she throws aside,
Where'er she mov'd, the Graces smil'd,
As thus around her beauteous form
Now Envy from her covert breaks,
In vain the flippant lackies woo;
A hapless child of Charity!
Her errors studiously they mark,
Ah! charge too true, poor foundling girl!
Why does thy white hand tremble so,
Why dost thou blush and hesitate
SIR
Leonard was the proudest knight
Sir Leonard to Earl Rod'rick wrote
The characters united so,
And then again his heart took flame,
And what, or who's the foundling girl?
He cast his eye upon his sword--
"This heart no rustic grace had fixt,
"Oh! whence doth she derive such power?
"Thou soul of life! oh! would that thou
Sir Leonard sought the sprightly dance,
The festive haunts of mirth he sought,
"Shame on the obtrusive thought!" he cries,
SIR
Leonard was the proudest knight
His heart, with love and honor torn,
'Twas on a summer's morn serene,
Deep in a wood he penetrates,
"Ye artless warblers, blithe ye sport,
As musing thus, a step he heard;
The shadowing trees concealment gave;
"Oh! warble on, ye sweet, sweet birds,
"Then warble on, ye sweet, sweet birds,
"Was I the empress of the world!
"O Leonard! Leonard! dearest knight!
The foundling ceas'd, the foliage thro'
"Oh! beauteous, beauteous foundling girl!
"Oh! beauteous, beauteous foundling girl!
Sir Leonard was the proudest knight
No shade obscures his joy--he thinks
THE
lorde of the castle a faire ladie courtes,
Fair Emmeline bounde up her ringlets so darke,
The winds of November, how bleakly they blow;
"Admit me, oh! gentle kinde porter," she cries,
"Come in then, come in then, thou poor minstrel boy,
Fair Emmeline play'd till the curtains of night
Now thrilling as Philomel's tenderest strain;
"Oh! see now," they cry, "that the night it is come,
The minstrel he look'd on the porter so kinde,
"My father and mother lie colde in the grave,
The porter, consenting, did liberty give:--
The night it was calm, and the castle was still;
"I was an artless maiden,
"Now he's a destin'd husband
"Oh! false and cruel Noble!
"Thy father, in his castle,
Faire Emmeline ceas'd--and 'tis silence again;--
Oh! harke to a voice! from Lord Roderick it comes,
"Charming minstrel! charming minstrel!
"Dearest, dearest Emmeline,
"In this long distracted bosom
ALPHONSO
in his chamber sat,
Sir Malcolm's beauteous bride he lov'd,
At length, and swift as lightning's gleam,
"Oh! haste," he cries, "my trusty page,
"Then mount thee on my courser white,
"Fear not, fear not, my faithful page,
"And when she starts, and when she chides,
"This purse of gold thine own shall be,
Young Herman put his liveries on,
At length a lovely fair he sees,
Yet trembling, at her feet he fell,
"Presumptuous slave!" Elmina cried,
Young Herman heav'd a pensive sigh,
"Thy will is done--my master kind,
"Thou trusty page!" Alphonso cried,
ALPHONSO
from a lonely walk
His cloak was all with crimson stain'd--
"Oh! haste," he cries, "my faithful page,
"Then hang this sabre in thy belt,
"Be silence still upon thy lips,
"Yet fear thee not to pass the hall,
Young Herman dress'd him in the cap,
Returning soon--"My Lord," he cries,
"A feather'd hat beside him is,
"Oh! peace, my page!--where ruffians haunt
The night pass'd o'er, the morning rose,
They, weeping, to the mansion bore
And sad she clasp'd her hands, and cried.
Then spoke Elmina's youthful page;
"His habit strange, his sabred belt,
"Then go ye forth," Elmina cried,
YOUNG
Herman all unconscious stood
When, on the sounds of mirth, the voice
"Ah! vilest page! well might'st thou seek
"What demon could thine heart incite
Forth came Alphonso--"Murd'rer vile!"
"Thy love presumptuous, Rumor told;
Amazement struck the wretched page,
"Ah! wretch I am!" he frantic cries,
"Ah! wretched I am!" he sadly cries;
In vain the page his story told,
Alphonso woo'd the unconscious fair,
"Oh! sure thy heart is innocent!
"Sir Malcolm's fate, thy page's tale,
In vain, like honor wrong'd, he fires;
"O abject Guilt!" he cries, 'twas thou
"Sir Malcolm, murder'd on the plain;
"We all behold, with envious eyes,
IN
ancient times, upon a certain isle,
And subjects emulously strove t' evince
O'er Poesy's flowery walks was Hamet plac'd;
'Mongst his compeers he did a master tower;
'Twas on a morn, Duke Arnolf, musing, stray'd
"Thou'rt like a lily in a wild that springs--
"O Osric! partner of my constant heart,
"These ward the tempest torrents, and are blest;
"Unhappy fair!" the duke advancing cries,
"Indignant passions but to frenzy yield,
"Cares thus enchain'd my love, or he had gone
WITHIN
his gay saloon did Arnolf sit,
Then claim'd attention, and prepar'd to read,
He reads a piece devoid of taste or sense,
"Ah! check not sanguine Poesy's glowing fire,
The judges, wond'ring that in Hamet's mind
Sweet smil'd the poet, with elated heart,
Then on the duke he turn'd, and wond'ring views
He reads a tale wrought in poetic fire,
O'er Arnolf's aspect smiles complaisant broke,
"Alas! how weak the infatuated heart
"Oh! cursed Envy! Merit's surest foe,
"The poet's judgment shall no more prevail
"Stone walls do not a prison make,
O PEACE
! sweet Peace! where shall we guide our way
How blest the voice that consolation bears
O Peace! thou child of heaven! more bright than morn,
Then life's desires no longer warm, but burn,
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"Hath beauteous Alice, fairest of her sex,
"Whom oft I did commend, and much admir'd,
"Because in honor, as in grace attir'd---
"Hath she one tender thought?--alas! bright maid,
"With warmest gratitude that thought's repaid."
Deep from his heart the stranger heav'd a sigh,
Then cried,---"yet must devoted Alice die?
"Thou'st seen her graces---then I need not speak---
"Her snow-white forehead, her vermillion cheek;
"Thou'st seen her form 'mongst other nymphs appear
"A rose 'mongst dasies, a
Page 15
"Doom not to death the sweet harmonious maid.
"Fetter'd by circumstance--no armor lent,
"Oh! love would plead, and pitying heaven relent:
"Ah! then, how sweet thou might'st thine hours employ,
"At once receiving and dispensing joy."
"My heart dissolves, my scruples all are o'er;
"Remembrance pictures how I've met her eye,
"That in my bosom rais'd the tender sigh;
"So soft its glance, presumptuous thought would breathe,
"Were I a prince, O Love! I'd claim thy wreath
"Thus have I view'd the too enchanting maid,
"And with sweet interest her love's repaid;---
"None, none, but her, hath e'er my wishes own'd---
"None, none, but her, sits on my heart enthron'd."
Page 16
As to the ground he cast his melting eye;
"Ah! kind compliance, instant will I bear
"Thy welcome answer to the royal fair;
"But thus resolving favor to dispense,
"Suffers thy virtuous heart no violence;
"For if it should so great her grief would be,
"As not thy wish'd compliance could outweigh"
"Alas!" cries Kendrick, "would I could profess
"My virtues stronger, my affections less;
"Truth bids me swear by Alice' glitt'ring eye,
"That 'tis with sweetest transports I comply!"
Then backward threw his cloak on either side;
And from his face he drew the hoary beard,
And Albert's form to Kendrick's view appeared;
"And, ah!" he cried, "in me thy tempter see,
"And read within thyself man's frailty!
Page 17
"Heaven bade thy guardian angel stand aside,
"That thou, confiding in thy power, might'st find,
"And own thyself as frail as thou art blind."
With eyes bent downwards, and with folded hands;
While Albert view'd, with sympathetic breast,
Then in kind accents, thus his friend addrest--
"Ah! pardon, dearest Kendrick, that I use
"A freedom nought but friendship would excuse;
"Ah! pardon Kendrick, what in friendship's zeal,
"This Test of Virtue makes thine heart to feel:
"Far dearer to this bosom art thou now,
"Than when so lately bent with pride thy brow;
"Thou thought'st temptations might thine heart assail
"As harmless as 'gainst rocks the dashing hail;
"But hence instructed wilt on heavens rely,
"While man's frail strength grows weakness in thine eye."
Page 18
At Friendship's mien, though ready to reprove;
Yet his ill passions outwardly suppress'd,
Turn'd back their influence on his wounded breast;
While, clasping Albert's hand, he faintly cried,
"To thee I owe the knowledge of my pride;
"Unworthy of thy friendship sure am I,
"Victim of passion and hyprocrisy
."
He ceas'd, and full o'er all his bosom came
Keen sense of disappointment and of shame,
'Till, both united, all his powers subdue,
And pitying Albert from his side withdrew.
Where caution's dropt, and art no longer guides;
O spirit! that in deep seclusion dwells,
Genius of close recesses and of cells,
That see'st the heart of man disrobed all,
Before whose eyes he lets Deception fall;
Page 19
And mark'st fair Virtue's shade and honors blot:
Say thou (who witness'd here) how Kendrick bore
That solitude, that grateful was before;
How, for a while, he stood so sadly calm,
His burning forehead in his open palm,
Like a pent storm, then how resistless all
His fury undistinguish'd 'gan to fall;
How from his lips low murmur'd curses broke,
That lately nought but truth and honor spoke;
With his clenched hands his brow he wildly beat,
And stamp'd his labor'd fragments under feet,
'Till all exhausted with the unworthy rage,
Grief's softening showers descended to assuage:
Gradual the stream of self-reproaches turns
On Albert all his hottest fury burns;
While Alice's image rushing on his heart,
Doth make his soul as from demon start;
Alice, the harmless cause of his dire fate,
He spurns her lately lov'd idea with hate;
Page 20
Or of his favor, or his favor's fall.
PART III.
Your bosoms shall attest the picture true;
Ah! what's the crime most hard to be forgiven,
And yet uncensur'd by the voice of heaven?
That crime which purest natures cannot shun,
'Though by it hated oft, and oft undone!
It is to know what we would ever hide
Our heart's sad frailty, or our wounded pride;
The friend whose piercing eye discerns our vice,
Proclaims his knowledge at our friendship's price;
In vain, with sweetest balm, he may approach,
His smile seems triumph and his glance reproach;
Page 21
But ill can brook his knowledge of our own;
Not close affected, partial do we view,
Forgetting that a vice deforms his brow;
While, should our failings e'er inform his breast,
In every act and word they seem express'd;
Misconstruing Jealousy will empire bear,
And wounded Pride the anxious bosom tear
Thus conscious, Kendrick now dejected sighs,
In standing full reveal'd to Albert's eyes;
While apprehensions dire his bosom rend,
That Albert's knowledge further may extend;
That in confiding hour the story known,
His fame's fair fabrick should be overthrown:
Musing with folded arms he'd think o'er all
Keen Albert's arts t'ensure his virtue's fall:
His penetrating powers, too well confess'd,
That well had read the secret of his breast;
Then would he mourn his own deluded heart,
And trace the joy that did so sweetly dart.
Page 22
When Alice's love gave transport to his ear;
Now strikes the thought how all his sweet surprise
Was hail'd by Albert's scrutinizing eyes;
Arrested here by shame and wounded pride,
Within his hands his aspect would he hide;
And though no eye could witness his disgrace,
Shame's crimson current mantled in his face.
To run a spotless unreproved course;
Accustom'd he to hear the wretched sue,
Accustom'd he to give compassion too;
But now become its object, can he bear
Reflections of a fallen character?
As thoughts contending thus invade his breast,
In Albert's mien new kindness seems express'd;
Soft'ning each accent, beaming in each look,
And speaking pity, Kendrick ill can brook,
Page 23
Offended pride and ardent spirit fled;
And hence he yields unto his judgment more
Submitting where he had oppos'd before
Fearful of aught that Jealousy might call,
Assuming something from the other's fall;
More gentle too, and kindly partial grown,
He feels a tenderness before unknown;
Conceives his thoughts improv'd, his sentiment
More just, more pure, and yet less confident;
While marking still his cold reserve--too plain,
He strives his former friendship to regain.
Kendrick mean-time, his passions all repress'd,
Feels angry tumults struggling in his breast;
In Albert's presence wretched doth he grow,
And inly curses him who makes him so;
'Till now 'twas sweet, the touch of Friendship's hand,
Fair emblem of the heart uniting band;
A tender pressure Albert's would impart,
Warm as the dispositions of his heart;
Page 24
Would almost wish to break the gentle hold
Involv'd in gloom he ponders o'er his fate,
Returning Albert's tenderness with hate.
In Albert's fatal knowledge meets a blight;
But chief, one fond pursuit 'twas that of fame,
Still more to elevate his honor'd name;
Long in deep study wrapt, a work all fair
In pious beauty now doth crown his care;
See public expectation fondly bend,
And o'er his brow the laurel wreath suspend:
The writer known, altho' conceal'd his name,
He would have pictur'd dreams of flatt'ring fame;
But Albert's image strikes his conscious heart,
And Shame doth aim her dire invenom'd dart;
The pages read by all, must Albert see
Their minds, how partial, but more light'ned he!
Page 25
Shall gradual rise to sacred Virtue's flame;
How then will Albert, with contemptuous smile,
Detect his vain pursuit, condemn his toil;
And, ah! distracting thought, in social hour,
When exultation holds her sportive power;
Perhaps commit the story of his shame,
And link disgrace for ever to his name;
Wild busy Fancy direful pictures wrought,
Existence without fame he held as naught;
But, Oh! to stand contemn'd, despoil'd, and low!
What would he not to ward so fell a blow?
Gloomy he ponder'd, wishing o'er and o'er
That Albert liv'd to cross his plans no more;
Deep in the close recesses of his breast,
A demon fell had lain in quiet rest;
But now his pride attack'd, up rose the fiend,
His dark demoniac influence to lend;
And Kendrick's mind infernal schemes employ,
'Till he determines Albert to destroy.
Page 26
PART IV
And glitt'ring gems the opening flowers adorn;
Sweet sang the birds amid' the shadowing grove
Where Albert, with his book, retir'd to rove;
For thus at early day he used to roam
Among the green paths near his peaceful home;
Unconscious mus'd he, nor conceiv'd of ill,
While a hir'd ruffian lurk'd intent to kill;
See the pale murd'rer from his ambush dart,
And sheath the fatal weapon in his heart;
"Ah! heavenly powers!" the victim only cried,
Ere pride avenged was, and Albert died.
In Death's dread livery clad, he ghastly lay,
While Philomel sung plaintive on her spray:
'Twas on that morn his beauteous partner rose,
And anxious she to Kendrick's dwelling goes;
Page 27
As faultering he ask'd Acelia in.
Smiling, advanc'd the fair, and, "Oh!" she said,
"A strange alarm my footsteps hither led;
"But now 'tis past--Kendrick, to see thee well,
"Doth give me more delight than words can tell;
"Though seldom struck by superstitious fears,
"Or dreams of banquet halls, or passing biers;
"Yet were my reas'ning powers almost at flight
"By visions wild that harrass'd me last night;
"Still as I gaze around, my troubled breast,
"By superstitious fancy is impress'd.--
"Dreaming last night, methought I wandered here,
"I saw these walls--these hangings--Oh! how clear,
"This blue settee, that cloak was hanging there,
"And thou sat troubled in yon easy chair.
"I saw thee rise, and walk the room, and start,
"Then cry, 'I'll strike a dagger to his heart!'
"Then, all transform'd, methought, the scene appear'd,
"And all thy garments were with crimson smear'd:
Page 28
"Methought that Albert led thee to thy fate!
"Frighted I wak'd, then sleeping--Oh! again,
"The self-same, vision o'er my fancy came;
"But my incautious tongue--O Kendrick! why
"Thy cheek so pale, and so alarm'd thine eye?
"Why dost thou thus forlorn and frighted seem,
"When all that I have told is but a dream?"
Pale, and with clasped hands and vacant stare,
Like the cold statue model'd for despair,
Stood hapless Kendrick, 'till, with sudden start,
Deep from his breast he groan'd, and smote his heart.
"Ye strings of life--Oh! be ye broke," he cried,
"If his all-noble blood the ground hath died.
"Fate--fate relent--too late my heart is torn--
"Oh! say doth Albert walk abroad this morn?"
"Dear Kendrick, fright me not with such despair;
Page 29
"Kind heaven avert there should be truth in dreams."
"For Albert ne'er will from the woods return;
"Oh! could I yet the cursed deed prevent--
"Heaven stay his arm---Oh! hov'ring fate relent!"
This said, he frantic from his dwelling goes,
He seeks the wood, and stamp'd are all his woes;
Remorse his heart with keenest anguish rent:
He sees the bow of heaven's just vengeance bent;
Nor seeks t'escape, but to the court he goes,
And in stern Justice's grasp himself he throws."
Page 30
WILHELM'S DAUGHTER.
PART I.
LOVE.
Of life and fire to have;
None at the feast like him was gay,
None in the field so brave.
His heart with care is torn,
With folded arms and forehead bent,
He walks the woods forlorn.
Page 31
Or courts the ladies' praise;
But on old Wilhelm's cottage he
For many an hour doth gaze.
And seeks the spreading groves;
His heart is charm'd, his reason shock'd,
He Wilhelm's daughter loves!
And on her fixt his eye;
She blush'd beneath the ardent gaze,
Then hastily passed by.
His heart with love did bound;
He snatch'd her sunburnt hand, and cast
His arm her waist around.
Page 32
And, "hence, Sir Knight," did cry,
"Is this a freedom fit for you,
"To one so poor as I?"
And as he went, he sigh'd
"Why is this lovely, lovely girl,
"To poverty allied?"
And to himself sigh'd he,
"Oh! would to heaven this lovely girl
"Had been of high degree!"
Page 33
PART II.
JEALOUSY.
'Twas in the evening hour,
When flow'rets close, and wearied swains
Solace amid' the bower.
A nymph leans on his arm;
'Tis Wilhelm's daughter dress'd in smiles,
And heighten'd every charm.
Page 34
Cold drops bedew'd his brow;
In battle's field full oft he'd been,
But ne'er was faint till now.
He to the castle went;
His cheek was pale, his eye was wild,
His heart with anguish rent.
And, "ah! my friend," exclaims,
"My secret love so long conceal'd,
"At length will burst in flames.
"I've Reason's lectures borne;
"With Adoration, Honor, Pride,
"By turns have I been torn.
Page 35
"Thy pangs I cannot stand--
"O Eldred! Wilhelm's daughter hath
"My heart at her command.
"Lean on another's arm;
"Ah! Love, thou art not to be bought!
"That peasant's form'd to charm."
Sir Eldred smiling cried;
"And what to thee, altho' she were
"This handsome peasant's bride.
"Break from such shackles free;
"What tho' she were the peasant's bride,
"She might thy mistress be."
Page 36
"That soul-subduing dart;
"I'd rather die ten thousand deaths,
"Than wound her gentle heart!
"I've nought to do but die;
"Wealth, power, and greatness never could
"The heart's affection buy."
PART III.
HONOR.
He round the village went;
And to old Wilhelm's cottage he
His tott'ring footsteps bent.
Page 37
Was strewing corn around;
Her gown was of the russet coarse,
Her lovely hair unbound.
"And I'll thy fortune tell;
"Across yon mead there lives a youth
"Who loves thee passing well."
"Thy cant I will not hear;
"A silver piece I know would buy
"The promise of a peer."
"I'll tell what's, past and o'er--
"Last eve you walk'd forth with a swain,
"And you that swain adore."
Page 38
"A flatt'rer thou must be;
"I talk'd to him--I smil'd on him,
"But he is nought to me."
"A knight in castle high,
"Doth frequent from his balcony
"Toward thy cottage sigh."
"Oh! name that knight," cried she;
"With silver will I cross thy hand,
"Then prithee answer me."
And hemming o'er and o'er;
For, ah! he seems a feeble man,
Full eighty years or more.
Page 39
"But dearly doth he love;
"And if thou would'st his mistress be,
"He'd ever faithful prove."
"Disgrace to knighthood he
"Who would seduce an artless maid,
"A splendid wretch to be!"
"For, by thy charms so bright,
"In speaking thus I slander'd have
"A fond and noble knight.
"Thy voice is life to him;
"Thy red cheek makes the roses pale,
"Thine eye the jewel dim."
Page 40
"This language may be fine;
"But counsel surely more befits,
"Where locks like silver shine.
"I'll range the vallies free,
"Since he is not of humble birth,
"Nor I of high degree."
"On valley and on bank;
"O lovely maid! the virtues smile
"Unbrib'd by any rank.
"The tall trees shade the rose;
"And love is like the heaven's sweet grace,
"That no distinction knows."
Page 41
No fortune-teller he--
His beard, his cloak, he throws aside,
And drops upon his knee.
"Her hand conceals her face;
"Her beautiful confusion gives
"Each charm an added grace.
"Why do you kneel to me?"
Her hand be folded to his heart,
"Thou dearest maid!" cried he:
"Are all at thy command;
"Thy peace and honor will I guard,
"The sweet reward thy hand."
Page 42
THE
CHINESE LOVER.
A lady matchless fair;
Throughout all China there was none
That could with her compare.
'Twas more than beauty, more than wit
That fir'd her speaking eye;
With one sweet glance she stole the heart
Of Hoang-Si.
Her brows by nature were
More thin, more beautifully drawn,
Than others pluc'k
with care.
Page 43
And in her deep-set eye
Love bade his arrows lurk, to wound
Poor Hoang-Si.
In garden and in grove?
Too little were her beauteous feet
To bear the queen of love!
Why strove she not by look or word?
But stood with downcast eye--
Love gave her silence voice to speak
To Hoang-Si.
Eclipsed was and gone;
As taper lights when Phoebus shines;
As night at break of morn.
Page 44
Were her bright eyes, but, ah!
Relentless parents bade them beam
On Song-lin-shah.
Or why was I so poor?
I met the lustre of her eye,
And thought my bliss secure;
'Till richer proffers favor woo'd,
Successful woo'd, for, ah!
Too cruel fate, herself she gave
To Song-lin-shah.
And left me quite forlorn;
I wander'd to the deserts drear,
With all my garments torn.
Page 45
I made their echoes cry,
Reverberative to my moans,
Poor Hoang-Si!
And on the Persian Sea;
But never, never could regain
My heart's sweet liberty,
Oft have I play'd the pipe of peace,
And borne the sword, yet, ah!
Could ne'er forget the beauteous wife
Of Song-lin-shah.
Page 46
THE
PRISONER TO HIS BIRD.
A captive in a cage;
And yet thou no companion hast
Thy fancy to engage.
How happy would poor Oran be,
Could he in prison sing like thee!
Among thy feather'd race?
And didst thou never fondly meet
A partner's dear embrace?
Oh! yes, perchance, but light your hours,
Untortur'd by Reflection's powers.
Page 47
Do give thy bosom care;
And yet those wings, for freedom form'd,
How useless now they are.
Alas! I grieve, it was by me
Thou first didst lose thy liberty.
And thou delighted fly,
All strange among the feather'd race,
Thou wouldst but droop and die--
Then still, Oh! still be mine, and see
Thy wrongs requited are on me.
Oh! harder far than thine;
I held a partner to my heart,
I call'd a daughter mine.--
At distance far, my child, my wife!
And Oran prison'd is for life.
Page 48
SORROW'S BANQUET.
"Thou art not so unkind
"As man's ingratitude."
---SHAKESPEARE.
His eye-balls ceas'd to roll;
Serene his look, and none had guess'd
The phrenzy of his soul.
With herbs, and fruit, and wine;
And forth he roam'd to usher in
Strange company to dine.
Page 49
Laid feeble and forlorn;
Her wretched aspect well bespoke
A heart with anguish torn.
"Poor soul! why dost thou sigh?
"For I have balm, if thou hast woe,
"And I have sympathy."
"My moans outsound the wind;
"These signs were weak, and could not speak
"The anguish of my mind.
"With pangs my soul hath riv'n;
"For I, lest I disgrace her rank,
"Am from her threshold driv'n!
Page 50
"Now Heav'n hath rais'd her high;
"A countess she, so fair, so gay,
"And, poor and famish'd, I.
"By poverty I'm harm'd;
"But she's the most ungrateful wretch
"That e'er the bright sun warm'd.
"Doth bleed with every sigh;
"I've nought to do but curse my fate,
"My thankless child, and die!"
"Arise and come with me;
"To-night for woe a feast I hold,
"A banquet fit for thee.
Page 51
"And blood-red is my wine;
"And we will talk o'er all our woes,
"And we'll by torch-light dine.
"His eyes fixt on the ground?
"Sure, 'tis the hypochondriac,
"In deep reflections drown'd.
"That in the Heavens shine,
"I have an herb will cure thy spleen,
"If with me thou wilt dine.
"A banquet meet for thee;
"So come, Misfortune's victims, come,
"Oh! come, and dine with me.
Page 52
" 'Tis crumbling here and there;
"And we will feast on bitter herbs,
"While torches round us glare."
In pleasing wonder stands;
But thought arrested soon resumes,
And sad he clasps his hands.
"Who all unpitied sigh?
"From whom the happy scornful go;
"From whom the wretched fly.
"And fancy'd calls my care;
"This breast alone its ills can know,
"How deep, how true they are!
Page 53
"For I'm the child of woe;
"And if a feast for grief is held
"I'll to that banquet go."
"As thro' a brake she rush'd;
"Oh! let me see a feast of woe,
"For mine is never hush'd!
"Of sorrows past you tell,
"Then shall ye hear how Emmeline
"From peace and honor fell.
"Pure as the opening morn;
"And when ye hear, oh! from my fate,
"Unspotted maidens warn.
Page 54
"Ah! pity Emmeline!
"Lead me to deepest--deepest shades,
"Where sun did never shine.
"Far hence your light course wing;
"But ye ill-boding birds of night,
"Come ye, my sorrows sing.
"Ye cannot ease my brain;
"Oh! I must never--never look
"In Honor's face again."
"Joy sparkling in his eye;
"Oh! we will answer tear for tear,
"And echo sigh for sigh.
Page 55
"And blood-red is my wine;
"We'll shut out light and banish joy,--
"By torch-light will we dine.
"And all united be,
"For I'm a comrade form'd for you,
"And you are form'd for me."
And ply'd each guest with wine;
The green boughs wave the table o'er,
And they by torch-light dine.
And twin'd it round his head;
"Oh! bitter leaf," he cried "be sweet!
"For woe hath bravely sped."
Page 56
To play the sounding lyre,
And sweet his tuneful voice he rais'd,
And skilful touch'd the wire.
SONG.
"And guests were smiling round,
"With sportive finger, light as joy,
"Sweet lyre, I wak'd thy sound.
"The wine was bright, the song was sweet,
"From tuneful minstrel's tongue;
"But sweeter--sweeter were the sounds
"On Friendship's lips that hung!
"My lights are out, my friends are gone,
"To court some other rising sun.
Page 57
"I rear'd an arbor fair;
"Around my neck my harp I hung,
"And led my mistress there.
"Thou lyre wert tun'd to softest songs
"That sounded thro' the grove;
"But song nor lyre was half so sweet
"As Ida's vow of love!
"My bowers are waste and Ida's charms
"Have bless'd a courtly rivals arms.
"Thou bright and splendid bride;
"Insidious art and syren grace
"Did ne'er more falsehood hide!
"Oh! plaintive harp, with cypress deck'd,
"That late with flowers wert crown'd,
"To all my joys, to all my woes,
"Responsive was thy sound;
"Then rest with me my faithful lyre,
"Nor joy, nor woe, again inspire."
Page 58
The tuneful harp he took--
He dash'd it 'gainst the table edge,
And all the strings were broke.
"All spoiled dost thou lie--
"So sudden fate oft cuts the strings
"Of sweetest harmony."
"I give a toast," cried he,--
"Here's to the captive in his cell,
"The wretch where'er he be.
"Thy false love, Emmeline;
"And peace, poor hypochondriac
"To thy sad woes and mine."
Page 59
" 'Tis strange--'tis strange," he cried,
Then reeling from his seat he fell,
And, gasping, groan'd and died.
"A weight lies at my soul."
Around the scene she fearful glanc'd,
Her eyes convulsive roll.--
"O heaven! I faint--I die--
"O pois'nous drugs!--O treacherous host!--
"O mercy! power on high!"
"Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight;
"Oblivious antidote for woe--
"Oh! blessed aconite.
Page 60
"They're only gone before--
"I see thee change--I see thee fall
"Thy cares will soon be o'er.
"Would that life's blood were spilt!
"Ah! will no kind hand strike the blow,
"And save mine own the guilt?
"No blood your hands hath dyed;
"Your souls are black with guilt, but not
"With guilt of suicide.
"All harmless, shall pass o'er;
"And Friendship false, and treach'rous Love,
"Shall rend your hearts no more.
Page 61
"In vain the drum may roll;
"Ye cannot wake--oh! thro' the town
"Let all the death-bells toll.
"And hemlock shall spring there;
"And all the trees that grow around
"Shall poison berries bear.
"How still my sad guests lie!
"Oh! I could sit me down and weep,
"Mine eyes, deep sources dry.
"Black as thy false love's heart;
"And I have still'd thy sorrows all,
"And broke Misfortune's dart.
Page 62
"No blood thy yellow hair;
"Yet grizzly death takes place of life,
"And peace takes place of care.
"Why do ye glare at me?
"In midst of each, set round with fire,
"A fiend-like face I see!
"What dances round my brain?
"More light, more light--your revels cease--
"I have not drank in vain.
"By terror uncontroul'd;
"For keener woes than I have still'd,
"Man's heart could never hold!
Page 63
"For Death is in my breast;
"He stands and waits, and ghastly smiles,
"When Sorrow holds a feast."
Page 64
JULIA.--A BALLAD.
THE DISAPPOINTMENT.
Brought lovely Julia's angel form,
My bosom thrill'd, my fancy fir'd,
My glowing heart with hope grew warm;
In every movement, oh! what ease;
In every look what matchless grace!
Each varying feeling of her heart
Was sweetly pictur'd in her face.
Page 65
Which oft before were wont to rove;
And, as I gaz'd, I fondly drank
The pois'nous draughts of fatal love.
A thousand sweet extatic hopes,
Unknown and unconceiv'd before,
Rush'd on me as I number'd all
Her soul-bewitching beauties o'er.
When we at length were forc'd to part,
Has left her image on my mind--
Has borne away a captive heart.
What dreams of bliss, what transports bright,
Then blest each happy eve and morn;
I thought to soften all my cares,
This sweet enchanting nymph was born.
Page 66
And sang of Love's delightful flame;
And taught the echos to repeat
Adored Julia's tuneful name.
Her name on all the trees I carv'd,
That
And spake to none, unless they talk'd
Of beauteous Julia and of love.
With kindred sorrows sadly melt,
What (borne thus high by flatt'ring Hope)
My hapless bosom must have felt,
When told that Julia's virgin heart
Was giv'n quite------Oh! quite away;
When told that cruel Fate had fixt
The lovely Julia's marriage day.
Page 67
SOLITUDE.
But never, never shall succeed;
Ye Gods! her lover--how he's blest,
While I the destin'd victim bleed.
How soon the empress of my heart
Another's lovely bride will be;
Then what the beauties of her mind?
And what are all her charms to me?
As hopeless and forlorn I rove;
And, spite of all my vain resolves,
I bow before the shrine of Love.
The bustling scenes of busy life,
How harsh and grating to my mind;
How strange that in tumultuous noise
I ever could enjoyment find!
Page 68
There, free from curious prying eyes,
I think on Julia unrestrain'd,
And unregarded vent my sighs.
Ah! why was she so perfect form'd?
Love's arrows and Life's thorns are mine
But, Julia, may Love's brightest joys,
And Life's sweet roses all be thine.
THE PICTURE.
At distance I beheld my love;
Upon her gentle friend she lean'd;
I sigh'd as they approach'd the grove.
Page 69
With ardent tenderness I burn'd;
And for the fond enjoyment staid,
Until the lovely friends return'd.
Again beheld my beauteous fair--
And all tumultuous beat my heart,
For more than magic's in her air!
I instant cross'd the verdant plain,
And quickly gain'd the shady grove;
Perhaps I with my footsteps press'd
The very spot that bore my love!
For lovely Julia had been there;
Had breath'd;--and, O ye powers! how soft,
How fresh, how fragrant was the air.
Page 70
They seem'd, sweet warblers, to rejoice,
For Julia thro' their haunts had pass'd
The grove was gladden'd by her voice.
My eyes fixt sadly on the ground;
But, oh! to what delight I wak'd--
The portrait of my fair I found!
'Twas Love the action did inspire,
That on the earth my looks should bend;
The beauteous picture fallen had
From off the neck of Julia's friend.
For none can prize it half so high!
Oh! while I live this picture shall
Upon my beating bosom lie.
Page 71
The eye, the forehead, and the smile;
Yet a tormentor sure 'twill be--
My griefs it never can beguile.
How softly touch'd, thy smile so sweet!
Thy breast beneath the muslin robe
I almost can conceive to beat.
Kind Fortune hath relenting led
My happy footsteps to the grove,
As she my hopeless heart survey'd,
Deep wounded by the shafts of Love.
Page 72
THE DENIAL.
A slave, how abject dost thou bend!
To nourish but my wretchedness,
To theft and falsehood I descend.
Maria, lovely Julia's friend,
I met, or ere I left the grove;
I sought unseen t' escape her eye,
But vainly was it that I strove.
Her eyes she lifted from the ground;
Then ask'd, in accents of distress,
If I had Julia's portrait found?
Page 73
"And he who drew it now is dead--
"So just a likeness, and so true,
"I never shall obtain in stead."
Yet, tho' my heart was all oppress'd,
A falsehood from my lips escap'd,
My Julia's picture on my breast.
I rather would existence lose,
Before this treasure I'd forego;
'Tis of my heart the sole delight,
The balm, the solace to my woe.
Approaches, with delight, his gold;
And pleas'd, he counts it o'er and o'er,
Tho' fifty times it has been told.
Page 74
The glitter doth confuse his brain;
He shuts the lid reluctant down,
Then lifts it up to gaze again.
Whole hours with supreme delight;
'Till from my gaze it seems to swim,
Its charms too powerful for my sight.
Bright charms! that have my peace destroy'd,
Unrivall'd still in splendor shine;
Oh! be her joys my sorrow's balm,
Altho' she never can be mine.
Page 75
THE RIVAL.
The hopeless victim of Despair?
Why can't I from my bosom now
This soul-subduing arrow tear?
How lately Hope inspir'd my heart,
I thought my lovely Julia free--
Fool, that I was, that could conceive
Her charming eyes inclin'd to me.
And canst thou, canst thou ne'er be mine!
Though all my wishes rest on thee,
Though all my ravish'd heart is thine?
Page 76
She'll give the hand I love away
And can I, can I, live to see
The dawning of that cruel day?
Driv'n by Despair, oh! let me fly--
But can I cease to look and love?
To catch the lightning of her eye!
Had Julia's beauteous form alone
With love my captive bosom fir'd,
I would have sought some other fair
Like her in outward grace attir'd:--
Her touching voice--her speaking air--
Oh! never, never, from my heart
Can I her lovely image tear!
Page 77
Oh! then, perhaps, I had been free;
But, ah! how vain and fond I grew,
When Julia look'd, and smil'd on me.
The envied lover have I seen;
My brain how fervent did it burn;
He cross'd with Julia o'er the green.
A white rose in his hand he held,
Its leaves he scatter'd in the air,
And sung, while loitering along,
Tho' Julia, peerless maid! was there.
With grace like Julia's at his side,
Should he possess so bright a gem?
Deserves he such a matchless bride?
Page 78
Nor feels the influence of her eye;
Each trifle calls his vacant sense,
Regardless that my love is nigh.
THE MARRIAGE.
The hand for which I die is giv'n;
Their mutual vows, their faith is pledg'd
Before the sacred face of Heav'n.
How mildly beam'd her lovely eye,
How touching was her pensive air;
Her cheek display'd no tinge of red--
Oh! never did she look so fair!
Page 79
I scarce had power to breathe or stand,
As beauteous Julia drew her glove,
So slowly from her trembling hand.
I saw her lips pronounce the vows,
And all my heart within me died;
I saw the maidens throng around,
And hail with smiles the new-made bride.
I breath'd my anguish in a sigh;
Then would have gone, but vainly strove.
'Till beauteous Julia had pass'd by.
She came--she rais'd her eyes on mine,
Then, oh! so slightly bow'd her head;
I look'd the torment of my soul,
Intently look'd, but nothing said.
Page 80
With sentiments according beat;
And seldom, seldom, when they do,
Will cruel Fortune let them meet.
O Julia! all resistless fair,
May peace for ever be thy guest;
Ye thorns of life, domestic jars,
Ah! flee her sweet angelic breast.
May'st thou for ever happy be;
While far away, by sorrow tost,
I pine and die for love and thee.
'Tis past, 'tis o'er, my doom is fixt,
To scenes of war and death I'll fly;
Yet not for laurels nor far fame,--
Oh! no, I only seek to die.
Page 81
CLARINDA.
Was fair Clarinda born;
And long she pluck'd the flowers of life,
Nor felt the briery thorn.
As rich in wealth, as rare in charms,
All peerless did she stand;
And knights of courage and renown
Contended for her hand:
But vain they sought, and vain they strove,
While Manfred told the tale of love.
Page 82
With him in childhood play'd;
For him alone in riper years
Her lovely form array'd.
As grow two roses on one stalk,
In emulating pride,
So Manfred and Clarinda grew,
So flourish'd side by side:
Their sires a mutual joy express,
Thus Love and Fortune join'd to bless.
'Tis nam'd--the marriage day;
And every heart is full of joy,
And every aspect gay.
Tho' Phoebus' light at noon is bright,
Clarinda thought more sweet
The silent eve, when forth she walk'd
Her gentle friend to meet:
For o'er her heart which bore the sway,
Friendship or Love, was hard to say.
Page 83
Olinda was her name;
She was of fallen rank, altho'
Of fair and faultless fame.
Her lot, tho' cast beneath the great,
Was yet above the mean;
And thus from all the world retir'd,
She grac'd the rural scene;
Whilst to her heart Clarinda prov'd
The friend on earth whom most she lov'd.
Unfitted for disguise;
And every impulse of her heart
Inform'd her speaking eyes.
'Twas on a summer's eve serene,
In peaceful smiles array'd,
Clarinda went, with bounding heart,
To meet the lovely maid:
She thought of friendship, thought of love,
But which most fondly who can prove?
Page 84
Her beauteous guest receiv'd,
A tear stood trembling in her eye,
Her breast with sorrow heav'd:
Yet tho' her eye betray'd a tear,
It tried deceptive art;
She strove at joy, but vainly strove,
Grief swelling at her heart.
Clarinda soon her aspect read,
And thus with Friendship's ardor said:--
"Olinda used to smile;
"Her tongue gave welcome, and her eyes
"Each word confirm'd the while:
"But now, alas! the scene's revers'd;
"Come in, dear friend,' you say--
"Thus speaks thy tongue--but thus thine eye,
"Obtruder, hence, away:'
"Like Love hath Friendship many darts,
"When present friends have absent hearts."
Page 85
"Unto thy mansion bless'd;
"These arms must ne'er again receive
"So pure, so chaste a guest;
"For all the pangs that wait on Vice
"Do now my bosom rend;
"Go, then, dear nymph, far hence, and chuse
"Thy heart a better friend:
"For lost Olinda's spotted fame
"Shall ne'er involve Clarinda's name.
"Allur'd my heart to vice,
"How couldst thou, from bright Honor's path,
"An orphan child intice?
"But, ah! why did my reason yield
"To such delusive art?
"Why did the sophistry of Love
"Pervert and blind my heart?
"My name's disgrac'd; my honor's gone,
"I live the world's reproach and scorn!
Page 86
"Not number'd with the dead,
"Thou would'st not thus o'er all my woes
"Triumphant rear thine head.
"His conq'ring sword had soon aveng'd
"The wrongs I now sustain;
"But, ah! Olinda loud must cry
"For vengence yet in vain.
"Oh! what's my life, by troubles tost,
"With Virtue wreck'd, and Honor lost?"
Olinda's accents broke;
O'erwhelm'd she ceas'd her 'plaint, and thus
The fair Clarinda spoke:--
"Why does my lov'd Olinda doubt
"The pity of her friend?
"Think'st thou this heart to joy inur'd,
"No sympathy can lend?
"Tho' blasted be Olinda's fame,
"She to this breast is still the same.
Page 87
"Thy wrongs inflame my heart;
"The story of thy woes I pray,
"Without disguise, impart.
"Tho' few of ills this breast hath known,
"More be its thanks to Heav'n;
"This tear betrays a kindred heart
"By other's sorrows riv'n.
"Oh! guard us Heav'n! when lures assail,
"The best, the wisest are but frail."
Of innocence betray'd;
By Vice disguis'd, and Falshhood
deep,
In Truth's bright robes array'd.
'Twas such a tale as Virtue tells,
Unsparing its own faults,
That not for specious coloring seeks
To varnish where it halts:
Olinda fell by arts combin'd,
By arts to fair attractions join'd.
Page 88
"And wretched must I be!
"My keen reproaches drive him hence,
"And he abandons me.
"But ev'ry day these eyes behold,
"Just at Aurora's dawn,
"The false betrayer of my peace
"Ride swift o'er yonder lawn:
"His horse is black, his mantle's red,
And white's the plume that decks his head."
"Heav'n calm thy troubled breast
"The man that wrongs Clarinda's friend,
"Shall not in safety rest!"
Then tenderly they did embrace,
With different passions rent;
Sad through the gate Clarinda pass'd,
And to her dwelling went;
And there, with many a passion rack'd,
She meditated how to act.
Page 89
"The fair Olinda's woes;
"And if he fought, and if he fell,
"My life with his must close!
"Or should Landore, my brother dear,
"Engage at my desire,
"And should he fall, what could I say?
"How answer to my Sire?
"Yet this alternative I see----
"I will myself her champion be."
A glitt'ring sword and shield;
And at Aurora's earliest dawn,
She rode across the field.
The vizor clos'd, conceal'd the face
Of this advent'rous fair;
And well she knew to imitate
A high and martial air;
With mien erect, and stature high,
And courage beaming from her eye.
Page 90
Ere, prancing o'er the road,
She spied a knight in armour bright,
And saw his white plumes nod.
" 'Tis he, 'tis he, he comes this way,
"The false, perfidious knight!
"His horse is black, his mantle's red,
"His waving plumage white.
"O power divine! it cannot be----
"Sure, 'tis Sir Manfred's face I see!"
And wildly roll'd her eye;
In wonder fixt, she could not speak,
But let the knight pass by:
At length she cried,--"Return, Sir Knight;
"Olinda's champion I;
"I come to vindicate her right,
"To conquer or to die.
"To make her thine, pledge now thy word,
"Or meet the fury of my sword."
Page 91
Disdainful turn'd his eye--
"And is it for a blasted fame
"You boldly dare to die?
"Do you, or does Olinda think,
"That I would stoop to claim
"A hand, which all my race would call
"Dishonor to their name?
"No, no, Sir Knight, I cannot see
"That Honor thus demands of me."
The fair Clarinda cried,
"While Innocence, oppress'd with woe,
"Is trampled on by Pride?
"Peace reign'd in fair Olinda's breast,
"And spotless was her fame,
" 'Till thy vile arts prevail'd, and link'd
"Dishonor to her name.
"O knight! be just, thy vows regard,
"And peace shall be thy sweet reward."
Page 92
"I swear it by my life--
"I'm hast'ning now to meet my love,
"My sweet affianc'd wife.
"Our hearts are join'd, our faith is pledg'd
"We mutually adore;
"For gold Olinda shall not want,
"I cannot promise more.
"If more you ask, give now the word,
"And I'll alight and meet thy sword."
"Clarinda is her name;
"She Manfred lov'd, and fondly thought
"He bore a faultless fame--
"So when we do the casket prize,
"That holds a jewel fair,
" 'Tis not for it, but for the gem,
"That we deposit there--
"For prove that gem a fair defect,
"Its casket we no more respect.
Page 93
"It holds a canker'd heart:
"The transports of a spotless flame
"It can no more impart.
"To perfidy, Clarinda swears,
"She'll ne'er attach her name;
"For well she knows Olinda's woes,
"And well Sir Manfred's shame.
"Then yet to virtue wake, Sir Knight,
"And do the fair Olinda right."
Enrag'd, Sir Manfred cried;
"Who dar'st presume to know the thoughts
"Of my betrothed bride?"
"Oh! well I know her thoughts, Sir Knight,
"They just accord with mine;
"Full often does Clarinda's cheek,
"Upon this hand recline:
"My heart confides in her alone,
"I guard her honor as my own!"
Page 94
Did furiously alight--
Clarinda from the saddle sprung;
They stood prepared to fight.
Thrice had their glitt'ring weapons clash'd,
While Manfred curses pour'd,
When fair Clarinda forward rush'd,
And fell upon his sword.
"Behold Clarinda!" faint, she cried;
Then rais'd her vizor, groan'd, and died.
"Is it my love I see?
"Distraction 'tis that whirls my brain--
"It cannot--must not be.
"Yet 'tis--it is her beauteous form--
"My love! and art thou dead?
"O heaven bid now thy thunders break
"In vengeance on my head.
All pale she lies--my soul's delight!
"Her eyes are set in endless night.
Page 95
"My love in steel array'd?
"T'avenge Olinda's wrongs!--Oh! sweet--
"Most sweet, heroic maid!
"Shall I, dear nymph, thy loss survive?
"Can life one joy impart?
"Ah! no; this sword, ting'd with thy blood,
"Shall enter Manfred's heart;
"Shall draw from thence the crimson tide;
"Then vengeance shall be satisfied."
The lifeless fair one press'd;--
Awhile he gaz'd, then, frantic, plung'd
The weapon in his breast.
"And is it thus we meet in death?"
With quiv'ring voice, he cried.
Then, writhing from the deadly pang,
He, groaning, gasp'd, and died.
The crimson current flow'd around,
And ting'd with red the verdant ground.
Page 96
And rapidly it spread;
The knights and ladies flock'd to see
These matchless lovers dead.
In mournful pomp, beneath one stone,
This hapless pair were laid:
And oft, upon the fatal spot,
Was Pity's tribute paid.
Here did the weeping willow spread
Its branches o'er their silent bed.
Would poor Olinda hie;
And till the lark began her song,
Would on the cold turf lie.
At length, one chill autumnal morn,
The hapless nymph was found,
With bosom cold, and death fixed eye,
Extended on the ground.
Her clay-cold corpse they bore away,
And bath'd with tears her breathless clay.
Page 97
The weeping virgins laid;
And here would gentle Sympathy
Lament a fallen maid:
Here, too, would meek-eyed Charity
Her errors cover o'er;
And here would Sensibility
Her early fate deplore:
While garlands green, they sadly bound,
And deck'd the mournful tomb around.
Page 98
A
PASTORAL BALLAD.
As amongst the hills they stray
Or my goats should scatter'd be,
Heedless wand'ring from the way;
Well may they inconstant prove,
Well may they forsake the plain,
When their shepherd learns to rove.
Page 99
All, my Delia, should be thine;
With what joy, Love's roseate bands
Round thy temples would I twine.
Softly murm'ring as it stray'd,
When, by Cynthia's glimm'ring beam,
Wand'ring with my lovely maid.
Sweet was then the shepherd's lute,
When, with her, I rang'd the bowers
That breath'd perfumes, and blush'd with fruit.
Half such dear delights bestow?
Corin's love to mine is cold,--
Can'st thou thus to riches bow?
Page 100
Not one single charm I see--
The lofty hill, the silver brook,
All's a dreary waste to me!
As they stray the hills among;
Sad I wander on the rocks--
Love and Delia all my song.
Page 101
THE
ILLUSION OF FANCY.
Or night my trouble hide;
For as I walk, a figure walks
Still constant at my side.
Ah! cruel shade, depart;
Thou Madness art, and dost affect
The empire of mine heart!
Page 102
At evening and at morn;
I move, it moves--I stand, it stands;
I turn my head--'tis gone.
Obtruder, oh! forbear--
For peace is fled, and terror threats
When thou art hov'ring near.
Against the arm I lean--
There is no room, there is no room,
For thee to come between.
Thy form doth shade my head--
Aghast I turn, aghast I look,
But thou again art fled.
Page 103
To woo the blessing, sleep,
Thou, cruel shade! dost still pursue,
Thy sentry post to keep.
My reason still doth guide--
Ah! why, then, all devoid of power
To drive thee from my side?
Ere thou my strength subdue;
Ere, in distraction, sense be lost,
Ere I believe thee true.
Page 104
THE
FOUNDLING GIRL.
"Demands protection from the strong:
"To man she flies, when fear alarms,
"And claims the temple of his arms."
---MOORE.
PART I.
That ever held a shield!
Yet noble in the paths of peace,
As valiant in the field.
Page 105
A lowly cottage near,
Thence rush'd a maid, in mean attire,
But as the morning fair.
She dropt upon her knee--
"Oh! save a hapless foundling girl,"
With fault'ring voice said she.
"I went in evil hour;
"And from that day have subject been
"To hard tyrannic power.
"The griefs that now I feel!
"Light wrongs had never made me thus
"Unto a stranger kneel."
Page 106
His hand Sir Leonard gave--
"Protection thou hast asked," said he;
"Protection thou shalt have.
"I'll shield thee from distress;
"For, in Sir Leonard's dwelling, none
"Have licence to oppress."
A prayer to heaven address'd--
Her eye beam'd bright, her bosom glow'd,
So late by woe oppress'd.
"Be this thy home," said he;
"And let thy conduct prove that thou
"Hast not deceived me."
Page 107
How blest the foundling girl!
From hard Oppression's hand set free,
In happiness to dwell.
Her locks in ringlets flow;
Her grateful heart expands to all--
The poor had told you so.
For love, her heart inspir'd;
And all who view'd the artless maid,
Or envied or admir'd.
The polish'd Graces wait,
She looks a gem, unsuitable
To deck a menial state.
Page 108
Engend'ring bitter hate--
"Why is she at her glass so long,
"Ere she'll at table wait?"
In vain the steward bow'd;
They wonder where her thoughts aspire,
And rank her with the proud.
Such scorn they cannot bear;
And wonder why Sir Leonard brought
The mean dependant there.
Her angel virtues slight--
"And see," they cry, "her lures she spreads,
"To catch our noble knight!"
Page 109
Each curl's dispos'd with care;
Thy face assumes a softer smile
Whene'er Sir Leonard's there.
When pouring wine for him?
How oft it stains the damask cloth,
Although not near the brim.
Whene'er he speaks to thee?
He is a rich and haughty knight,
And thou'rt of low degree.
Page 110
PART II.
That ever felt Love's dart!
But, Pride, alas! unequal is
To guard a captive heart.
Of titles and of fame;
And as he mus'd, unknowingly
He trac'd the foundling's name.
Transporting thoughts renew;
Awhile he paus'd--then angry dash'd
His pen the letters through.
Page 111
Dissolving into love--
"Oh! with the foundling girl," he cried,
"How happy could I rove!
"She's dear to none but me--
Then, sweet possessor of my heart,
"Thou shalt my mistress be."
"Oh! hence, vile thought, away!--
"She claim'd protection, and shall I
"First shelter, then betray?
"No simple, artless mind--
"My sense they might attract, but ne'er
"Had left a shaft behind.
Page 112
"Oh! whence such grace possess?--
"A soul inform'd, a sense refin'd,
"Her speaking eyes confess.
"Had'st never knelt to me--
"For doom'd I am to wretchedness,
"But for adoring thee."
But still he seems alone;
No lady hath one charm for him--
His heart--where is it flown?
To study bade farewel;
But still he sighs, and still he thinks
Upon the foundling girl.
Page 113
"It shall not--must not be:
"She is a foundling, poor and mean,
"And I'm of high degree."
PART III.
That ever bow'd to Love!
He flies the ball, the masque, the play,
And seeks the thickest grove.
Almost to phrenzy wrought!
With folded arms, and forehead bent,
He wanders, lost in thought.
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As thus Sir Leonard rov'd,
And gaz'd upon the cloudless sky,
And thought of her he lov'd:
To hear the sweet birds sing;
And, "ah!" he cries, "ye feather'd race,
"Your course how light ye wing!
"In valley and in grove--
"No pride of rank doth mar your peace,--
"Your sweet according love!"
And, glancing through the trees,
He marks a passing figure--'tis
The foundling girl he sees.
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In transport fixed he stood:--
When, soft and sweet, her voice she rais'd;
It harmoniz'd the wood.
SONG.
"I love to hear ye singing--
The forests bloom, the winds perfume,
"The summer flowers are springing.
"No cruel rank shall part you--
"Your artless breasts admit no guests
"Like interest, to thwart you.
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"And he in humblest station;
"Without his love, oh! I should rove
"The saddest in the nation.
"Tho' form'd for my undoing;
"Who gave me joy, must work annoy,
"Who sav'd, must be my ruin!"
His way Sir Leonard broke:--
Transported at her feet he fell--
And ardently he spoke.
"My heart was all at war:--
"The sway of Pride--how strong it is!
"But Love is stronger far.
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"And do we mutual love!
"My gentle partner shalt thou be;
"Through life with thee I'll rove."
That ever held a shield!
Yet, with the foundling's arm in his,
He treads the verdant field.
No bride can his excel;
And tho' a knight of high degree,
He weds the foundling girl.
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THE MINSTREL.
AN ANCIENT BALLAD.
And a high sounding title she bore;
He forgets there's a world, where deceivers are judg'd,
And the vows he to Emmeline swore.
And a minstrel's hat she put on;
In a minstrel's dress, with her sweet sounding lute,
To Lorde Roderick's castle she's gone.
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Alas! they have frozen all joy:--
"Admit me, oh! gentle kinde porter," she cries,
"I wander a poor minstrel boy.
"And well I will recompense thee--
"The maids of the castle, oh! how I would charm
With the soundes of my sweet minstrelsie."
"And we will well recompense thee--
"Come in then, come in then, thou poor minstrel boy,
"And we'll list to thy sweet minstrelsie."
Had all their deep shadows hung round;
The villagers throng'd the high castle about,
So sweet did the melodie sounde.
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Now swelling all martial and high;
Not Cecilia, who drew down an angel to heare,
Exceeded this sweet melodie.
"In her shadowie mantle so greye;"
Then kindely rewarding they open the gate,
And warn the poor minstrel away.
And then on the silver so white:--
"Thy gift I would gladly foregoe, might I rest
"In the hall of the castle all night.
"No home and no shelter have I--
"Oh! let me then rest in Lord Roderick's hall,
"For the sake of my sweet minstrelsie."
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Good-night to the minstrel they bade:--
He loos'd his sweet lute with a heart heaving sigh,
And on the colde marble he laide.
They slept the downe pillows among;
When charminge, to rapture the silence of night,
The sweet minstrel harmoniously sung.
SONG.
"Free as the winds I rov'd;
"Until, by cruel arts deceiv'd,
"A faithless lord I lov'd.
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"Unto a richer bride:--
"Oh! spread thy deepest shadows, Death,
"Poor Emmeline to hide!
"Is this thy truth to me?
"Oh! hapless pledge of fatal love!
"What will become of thee?
"Doth yield his heart to joy;
"While thou, his first-born son, art doom'd
"To roame a peasant boy!"
She leanes on her sweet lute, and sighs:
Her heart in her bosom is heavie as lead,
And the tears they streame fast from her eyes.
Page 123
And sweetly it soundes to her ear;
'Tis melting and soft as her own thrilling notes,
And she raises her sad heart to heare.
SONG.
"By the Power that rules above,
"Here, my heart, thy wrongs confessing,
"Swears a fond requitinge love.
"Solemn vows I've sworn to thee;
"At the altar's foot, to-morrow,
"They shall all remember'd be.
Page 124
"Ever reign, sweet, injur'd faire!
"Thou shalt be this castle's mistress,
"And thy son his father's heir."
Page 125
BLIND OBEDIENCE.
PART I.
His aspect spoke a mind
That desp'rate rov'd from thought to thought,
But no relief could find.
And, "ah!" he sadly sighs;
"In sweet enjoyment Malcolm lives,
"While lost Alphonso dies!"
Page 126
His aspect is reversed;
His eye beams fire--the gloomy shades
Of thought are all dispers'd.
"Put on thy liveries gay;
"Thy feather'd hat and shoulder knot,
"Thy flowing sash of grey:
"And to yon forest ride--
" 'Tis evening hour, and there doth walk
"Sir Malcolm's beauteous bride.
"T' obey thy Lord's command;
"Before her prostrate fall and press
"Unto thine heart her hand.
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"Then sigh, but nothing say;
"My milk-white courser mount again,
"And homeward bend thy way.
"Nor aught of ill ensue;
"But secret be, and prize the trust
"That I repose in you."
Then sought the steed so gay;
And to the silent forest green
He fearless took his way.
'Tis Malcolm's beauteous bride;
His heart beat high, his courage fell,
His cheek with red was dyed.
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While wondering she gaz'd;
Her hand he caught, and fearfully
The snowy captive rais'd.
"Oh! are my senses true?
"No longer shall thy lord retain
"So base a page as thou."
But not one word he said;
Then gain'd his steed, and from her sight
His course he homeward sped.
"Thy will is done; said he,
"And silence' seal upon my lips,
"Shall prove my truth to thee."
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"This purse of gold be thine--
"Oh! who have pages that display
"Implicit faith like mine?"
PART II.
Return'd at evening hour;
His eye-balls glar'd, his aspect wild,
A death-like paleness wore.
He started at the view;
Then threw the spotted garment by,
And dress'd his form anew.
Page 130
"Take off thy liveries gay,
"And dress thee in yon sable cap,
"And in yon cloak of grey.
"And on my black steed ride,
"To seek my tablets where they fell,
"Down by the river side.
"For thou may'st ne'er confess
"By whose command thou go'st, or why
"Thou wearest such a dress.
"Nor yet to pass the gate;
"And boldly ride across the plain,
"Where Malcolm's servanss
wait."
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And in the cloak of grey;
And, with the sabre at his side,
He sped his course away.
"No tablets did I see;
"But there doth lie a murder'd man
"Beneath the willow tree.
"Upon the rising bank;
"And all his garments seem to speak
"A knight of noble rank."
"Such sights full oft may be--
"Unto thy silent couch retire;
"Their guilt concerns not thee."
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The murder'd man was found;
" 'Tis good Sir Malcolm!" all exclaim,
And sadly throng around.
The body of the knight;
Then tears of deepest sorrow dimm'd
Elmina's eyes so bright.
"What murd'rous hand hath done
"This direful act--to strike a heart,
"Whose power oppressed none!"
He to his mistress cried;--
"Last eve, towards the forest green,
"Was Herman seen to ride
Page 133
"With wonder we discern'd--
"Our exclamations follow'd him,
"But he no word return'd."
"Oh! haste with one accord;
"Alphonso's page it is hath slain
"My heart's adored lord!"
PART III.
The pages gay among;
And, as he dress'd his master's steeds,
Now jested, and now sung.
Page 134
Of harshest tumult broke;
The vassals of Elmina came,
And thus indignant spoke:
"The evening's shadows grey!--
"Ah! vilest page! well might'st thou shroud
"Thy form in dark array!
"Unto so fell a crime?
"But light doth shine on blackest acts;
"And Heaven discloseth thine."
With well feign'd rage he cried;
"And was it by so base a hand
"That noble Malcolm died?
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"But who could think it true?
"Aspiring slave! could Malcolm's fate
"On thee one hope bestow?"
Awhile he could not speak;
Then loud reproaches from his heart,
And imprecations break.
"So base a slave to be--
"Alas! tis blind obedience
"That hath destroyed me!
"Oh! thus shall arts prevail?
"Yet, for your warning, comrades dear,
"Regard my simple tale."
Page 136
In vain for justice cried;
Alphonso woo'd the unconscious fair,
And wretched Herman died.
And Hope illum'd his eye;
'Till, when his love he full declar'd,
She, starting, made reply:
"And sure thy love is true!
"Yet, give injurious report,
"Dear Knight, no hold on you.
"Entwine my thoughts about;
"Nor e'er would I mine hand present
"On shadow of a doubt."
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In vain he lowly pleads:
Another gains her love--and on
His heart repentance feeds.
"That conjur'd vain alarms--
"Against my peace, my caution turns!
"Against myself, my arms!
"No eye had glanc'd at me--
"Poor Herman's fate, oh! had I shar'd,
'I now might happy be!"
Page 138
ENVY UNMASKED.
"Our equals rais'd above our size;
"Who would not at a crowded show
"Stand high himself, keep others low."
---SWIFT.
PART I.
Where Arts and Science beam'd the enlight'ning smile,
Was plac'd a reigning duke, in whose mild sway
United virtues did their powers display;
Page 139
Their truth to him, as to a mighty prince--
In arms, and arts, and science he excell'd;
While Judgment empire in his bosom held--
To see the page in Fiction's flowers array'd;
T' admire the figure wrought by light and shade;
To mark each just gradation, and confess
How poesy, truth, and pictures thought express,
Fond, from severer studies, he'd unbend,
And, where he look'd, did Genius' powers extend.
Distinguish'd characters he sought to sit
The presidents of Talent, Taste, and Wit;
And that each study be conducted well,
Each in the walk he judges must excel.
Hamet, by Wit, by Sense, and Fancy, grac'd;
Sweet were his sonnets that the laurels won:
Apollo own'd him for his favourite son.
Page 140
Alone he shone, unrival'd in his power;
While many a candidate would mount and soar,
Then fall, and never be regarded more:
Yet all indulgent Hamet sang their powers,
And weeds in others would extol as flowers;
With him the duke in Friendship's sun-shine rov'd,
Nor view'd a blemish in the man he lov'd--
Thus Hamet stood priest at Apollo's fane,
And murm'rers murmur'd at his power in vain.
To where the forest trees gave pleasing shade;
And, as he roams, a female form he views,
Concealed half by intervening boughs;
She held an infant on her arm, who there
Appear'd like laughing Joy contrasting Care;
And, "ah!" she cries, "thou dear, unconscious child,
"On thee I gaze, yet Woe is unbeguil'd!
Page 141
"Thou'rt like a sweet, devoted bird that sings!"
Her hands she clasp'd, and rais'd her streaming eyes,
Then, in sad accents, thus desponding cries:
"Whose soothing voice could sweetest joys impart;
"No longer shall I hear thy language flow,
"But with keen feelings of distracting woe--
"Those accents fraught with harmony and love,
"Where Sense and Honor, and Persuasion strove,
"Now tun'd to Madness' aid but to express
"The feelings wild of frantic Wretchedness;
"Relentless frenzy! what a wreck is here!
"A judgment half so faultless, half so clear,
"Ne'er crown'd thy triumph till that fatal hour
"My Osric's reason yielded to thy power.--
"Oh! 'tis the icy breast, the flinty heart
"That can repel Misfortune's barbed dart;
Page 142
"Thy guards, O Apathy! secure their rest:
"Where now the graces that adorn'd his mind,
"The soul of honor, and the heart so kind?
"The inventive charms with which his breast was fraught,
"The fire of genius, and the stretch of thought?
"Oh! that my heart were steel'd, or mem'ry dead,
"No more to mourn my Osric's reason fled!"
"Say, what the sorrows that impel thy sighs?
"Thy love's lost reason heav'n may yet restore,
"And sweet consoling peace be thine once more."
"Alas!" she cries, "should Reason's powers return,
"His wrongs more bitterly would Osric mourn;
"Exhausted Reason, in her heavy sleep,
"Collects new sighs to heave, new tears to weep,
"While Hamet holds the reign of unjust power,
"To blight fair Genius in her earliest flower,
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" 'Till injur'd Judgment, sighing, quits the field.
"O stranger! hear, while I my story tell;
"The youth I lov'd did sweetest bards excel--
"Free as the zephyr independent blows,
"He sung the lily wild, the garden rose;
"Soaring where Phoebus darts his vivid ray,
"Sense, taste, and feeling did his lines display;
"To Hamet, then, by hope inspir'd, he went,
"At Genius' sullied shrine submissive bent,
"Fearless of wrong, and painting nothing less,
"In flattering thought, but laurels and success.
"His feelings picture, when in justice spight,
"Forbid his efforts are to see the light--
"In vain Apollo's hand the pen might guide,
"Where rival powers and jealous arts preside.
"Ill-fated youth! how sad was then his doom,
"With dire distress and poverty o'ercome;
"On him, dependent, sigh'd enfeebled Age,
"Worn by infirmity, in life's last stage--
Page 144
"To some more candid, better tribunal.--
"Not long did Reason mourn, for, ah! too soon
"Distraction stamp'd his desolated doom--
"Ah! stranger, words can ne'er express the woe
"That we to Hamet's base injustice owe."
In tears, she ceas'd, and, struck with sympathy,
Thus, in kind accents, did the Duke reply:
"To Hope awake, sad sympathetic fair,
"What Hamet hath condemned shall Arnolf hear;
"And with assiduous care will seek to find
"If Envy holds her empire in his mind."
PART II.
Surrounded by the sons of Taste and Wit;
Page 145
Crying, "here her cause shall simple Merit plead--
"A stranger votary your award doth stand,
"Praise or condemn as Justice gives command."
On which to build itself one just pretence;
Meaning obscure in labor'd stanza wrought,
That vainly toil'd throughout to give a thought;
He reads with emphasis, but vain he reads,
The tone gives not the fire the poem needs;
Like skilful actors in an ill-wrought play,
He seem'd but more its errors to display;
At length concluded, Hamet bow'd his head,
And then, with look indulgent, smil'd and said:
"A labor'd effort, yet where Nature speaks,
"Her secret charm the shaft of censure breaks;
"For each defect how sweetly she supplies,
"Ungrac'd she's artless, and obscure she's wise.
Page 146
"The public taste may crown his fond desire."
A piece so lifeless should an int'rest find;
Mistrust his truth, nor hesitate to say,
"Did ever stanzas nature less display?
"By Hamet's vivid fancy are they grac'd;
"To common eyes they're barren as a waste--
"Indulgent Hamet would the laurel give,
"But Hamet's kindness ne'er could make it live;
"Friend of the muses, surely, sworn thou art!
"Each worthless suitor gaining thus thine heart;
"Strange, that bright Merit, to itself severe,
"Should foremost be with other's faults to bear.
"Oh! too indulgent Hamet, to thy praise
"Dull poets grateful will a statue raise."
Pleas'd with the compliment their words impart;
Page 147
The unusual gravity that bent his brows.--
"Now," Arnolf cries, "a second candidate
"Doth your decision, gentle Hamet, wait;
"He too a stranger votary appears,
"No patron claims he, and no laurel wears."
That to the heart doth kindred flame inspire;
To which the lifeless stanzas read before
Now seem as foil to shew a diamond's power;
From every line bright Genius' influence breaks,
There toil'd the lab'rer, here the master speaks;
Caught by the attractive charm, they list'ning bend,
Forget the poet, and his tale attend:
Each stanza to the heart its power reveals,
Here transport thrills, and there the blood congeals;
The piece concluded, just applause is won,
This cries, "a master!" that, "Apollo's son!"
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Then on the ground he bent his eyes and spoke:
"I, who no heliconian waters drink,
"Of Hamet ask a president to think;
"To thee distinguished in Genius' field,
"Behold our judgments all prepar'd to yield;
"Yet art thou silent, must we hence infer
"That thou perceivest nought of merit here?
"For sure if Hamet could applaud he would."
Then conscious Hamet bow'd and cry'd, " 'tis good:"
"Yet, ah!" the duke exclaims, "low lies the man
"Whose vivid fancy wrought this skilful plan!
"The hand that penn'd these speaking lines is bound;
"He sought for fame, and degradation found--
"Reason hath flown that all his flights control'd,
"And Fancy wild doth frantic empire hold--
"The inventive muse doth tell sweet tales no more
"The tablet of his memory's blotted o'er--
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"That rests its peace on some bewitching art;
"Charm'd by deceiving Fame's illusive views,
"Who gives his soul unto a treach'rous muse.
"Who lay'st the votaries of Genius low!
"Detested passion! why discern'd I not
"The fiend, O Hamet! that thy fame shall blot
"Ere Osric fell? Ah! well known name, I see
"How to remembrance it awakens thee.--
"Oh! fell destroyer of the seeds of worth,
"Who bring'st the flatter'd sons of Dulness forth!
"To stand thy foils, the shadows to thy light,
"That thou more brilliant may'st from contrast strike.
"Again her songs shall shelter'd Genius pour,
"For Hamet shall controul her fires no more;
"Hence will I learn to doubt a rival's tongue,
"Though with alluring argument 'tis strung--
Page 150
"To vaunt, or to condemn the poet's tale;
"While more of candor, less of skill supplies,
"The sun of Genius shall unclouded rise."
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PEACE, THE GIFT OF HEAVEN.
A FRAGMENT.
"Nor iron barres a cage;
"Mindes innocent and quiet, take
"That for an hermitage."
To gain thine aid, our sorrows to allay--
To ease Disquietude's oppressive dart,
Or balm for other's miseries to impart?--
Page 152
To Guilt's sad penitence, and Sorrow's tears!
O Peace! sweet Peace! fraught with celestial charms,
Whose downy wings are tipp'd with healing balms,
What wealth shall buy thee? or what labor'd worth
Give thy sweet influence in our bosoms birth?
Not on ourselves depends our joy or woe,
The smile that brightens, or the tears that flow;
And not on helpless man, the blessed power
To light with consolation Sorrow's hour.
To outward circumstance we think is given
That power to bless, which is the gift of heaven--
On outward circumstance the blame affix,
When cares internal the torn bosom vex--
"This," do we say, "would fill with dire distress,
"And that our fondest hopes supremely bless.
"The wish obtain'd, still doth the anxious soul
"Feel unabated Misery's stern controul;
"On some new cause 'twill fix, and dilate there,
"The heart diseas'd ne'er wants a source of care."
Page 153
By circumstance uninjur'd as unborn!
Whom Heaven invests with blest creative light,
Displaying sun-shine 'midst the glooms of night.
Creative light! wherever thou dost beam,
O'er deepest sorrow shines a blessed gleam!
Creative light! unshone upon by thee,
Goods are no goods, desired tho' they be.--
When Heaven doth bless, how independent then
On all that Fortune gives, are favor'd men--
Nature to them new beauties doth disclose,
Wilds are like gardens, daisies like the rose;
Dire doubts distress not, anxious labors cease,
Thro' wastes smiles order, thro' confusion peace.
To them the tolling bell doth seem to ring,
In poverty and prison walls they sing:
Unfavor'd thus, and all earth's blessings given,
Goods are transform'd, unsanctified of heaven;
Flowers lose their fragrance, and the purling rills,
In drought of heat do cool no more, but chills;
Page 154
And harmony doth to discordance turn.
With gold we purchase lands and mansions gay,
And power and fame, and glitt'ring array;
Bright gems and laurel wreaths our brows to grace,
And every jewel, but the jewel Peace!
And wanting that which earth cannot supply,
Forlorn in courts and palaces we sigh.
THE END.
George Hayden, Printer, 4, Brydges-street, Covent garden.
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BOOKS
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C. CHAPPLE, PALL MALL.
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