Poems : electronic version.

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Davis British Women Romantic Poets Series 164 Managing Editor Charlotte Payne Founding Editor Nancy Kushigian Poems King, Harriet Rebecca by Harriet Rebecca King Brodie and Dowding Salisbury Baldwin, Cradock, and Joy London 1823

This text was scanned from its original in the Shields Library Kohler Collection, University of California, Davis, Kohler I:688. Another copy available on microfilm as Kohler I:688mf.

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January 28, 2008 Charlotte Payne ed. Proofed and entered final corrections.

[Title Page]

POEMS, BY HARRIET REBECCA KING. Salisbury: PRINTED AND SOLD BY BRODIE AND DOWDING. SOLD ALSO BY BALDWIN, CRADOCK, AND JOY, PATERNOSTER-ROW, LONDON. 1823. PREFACE.

THE Author of the following pages has for many years been afflicted with nervous deafness, and the Poems now offered to the public, are the offspring of that solitude of mind, which is usually attendant on defective hearing. They were none of them composed in the closet, nor with any view to publication, neither can they properly be styled the amusement of leisure hours; they are in fact nothing more than mental exercises, entered on as a refuge from repining thought, and often pursued in the midst of society, or in the various avocations of an active life. They are given to the world at the solicitation of partial friends; but the Author neither expects, nor desires to receive any share of public fame; her pretensions are humble as her abilities; and she does not aspire beyond the indulgent consideration of her readers.

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Miss Armstrong, Fulham Mrs. Anne, York Mrs. Ashton, Fulham Mrs. Abbott, Blandford Rev. Mr. C. Austen, Keynston—4 cop. G. Atkinson, Esq. Salisbury T. Atkinson, Esq. ditto W. Andrews, Esq. ditto Mr. Alchin, Winchester H. C. Atkinson, Esq. Petersfield Mrs. Atcheson, ditto J. Andrews, Esq. Guildford-street J. Abraham, Esq. Serjeant's Inn T. Ashton, Esq. London Mr. Attwood, Close, Sarum—4 cop. Mr. C. Atkinson, Woodsford Anonymous, Kensington—4 copies The Lord Bishop of Bangor—2 copies Hon. Mr. Justice Bayley, Bedford-square Lady Bayley, ditto Rt. Hon. Lady C. Bruce, Brompton Lady Baring, Stratton Park—4 copies Mrs. Majendie Mrs. Bridges, Court House, Overton—4 copies Mrs. Brownjohn, Wallop—2 copies Miss Brownjohn, ditto—2 copies Miss Ann Brownjohn, ditto—2 cop. Mrs. Bellworthy, Brompton Mrs. Blair, Fulham J. T. Batt, Esq. New Hall—2 cop. Mrs. Batt, New Hall—2 copies Miss Black, Kensington-square—12 c. Miss Burt, Broughton—2 copies Mrs. Bradfield, Winchester Mrs. Bargus Mrs. Belcombe, York Mrs. Benson, ditto Mrs. Bore, ditto Miss Barker, Kirby Hall Miss Jane Barker, York Mrs. Bacon, Yetminster Miss Burtt, Gussage Miss Bragge, Stickland Miss Diana Bragge, ditto Mrs. Binstead, Petersfield Miss Brewer, Wallop—2 copies Mrs. Batley, Blackheath—2 copies Miss Batley, ditto Miss Budd, Salisbury Edw. Baker, Esq, M.P. Salisbury—4 copies W. B. Brodie, Esq. Salisbury Miss Brodie, ditto Miss Jane Brodie, ditto Miss Mary Brodie, ditto Mrs. Brodie, Salisbury C. B. Brodie, Esq. ditto P. B. Brodie, Esq. Lincoln's-inn, 2 c. Mrs. Brodie, ditto—2 copies B. C. Brodie, Esq. Saville-row—4 c. Mrs. Brodie, ditto—4 copies Dr. Baillie, Cavendish-square—2 c. Mrs. Baillie, ditto—2 copies W. H. Baillie, Esq. ditto Mrs. J. Baillie, Hampstead—2 cop. Rev. W. L. Bowles Rev. W. Borrodaile, Wandsworth Rev. G. Benson, Close, Salisbury W. Burnett, Esq. Week Mrs. Burnett, ditto Miss Burnett, ditto Miss Martha Eliza Burnett Mr. C. Bailey, Winchester Mr. Henry Barnes, ditto Mrs. Bown, ditto Mr. Thomas Baily, ditto—2 copies Mr. Blandford, ditto Mr. Barnes, Gussage Mrs. Barnes, ditto James Blunt, Esq. Wallop—2 copies G. Baker, Esq. Salisbury W. Brodrick, Esq. Gower-street W. Bolland, Esq. Adelphi R. Bristow, Esq. Broxmore House—4 copies H. A. Broughton, Esq. Mr. F. Baker, Southampton—2 cop. Mr. Charles Baker, ditto Mrs. Charles Baker, ditto Mr. Brittle Mrs. Brittle Mr. Bradfield, Winchester Mr. Bower, ditto Mr. G. Burt, ditto Mr. C. Benny, ditto Mr. Butt, Winchester Mr. W. Blackmore, Salisbury Mr. W. Bennett, Wandsworth—4 cop. Mr. W. Barns, Winchester Mr. Paul Briscoe—2 copies E. B. Bunny, Esq. Speen Hill—2 c. Mr. James Burnett, Salisbury Mr. Bitts Mr. Hinton Bailey, Sombourne Lady Croft, Welbeck-street Mrs. Cockrell, Saville-row Mrs. Churchill, Colliton, Dorset,—4 copies Miss Churchill, ditto—4 copies Miss Churchill, ditto—4 copies Mrs. Courtney, Barton Stacey—4 cop. Mr. John Courtney, ditto Miss Coombs, Camberwell Miss E. Coombs, ditto Miss Cowdery, Wallop Mrs. Coombs, Milford Mrs. Coates, Heslington Hall Mrs. Cooper, Staverton—4 copies Mrs. Charman, Ewell, Surry Mrs. Crane, Paddington—2 copies Miss de la Caille, Fulham Miss Cheyne, ditto Rev. Archdeacon Coxe, Salisbury—2 copies Mrs. Coxe, ditto—2 copies Rev. B. Cooper, Yetminster Mr. Courtney, Bransbury House Mrs. Courtney, ditto Robert Cooper, Esq. Winterslow Mrs. Cooper, ditto Miss Cooper, ditto Miss M. R. Cooper, ditto Mr. William Cooper Mrs. William Cooper Mr. Courtney, Itchen Abbas—4 cop. Mrs. Courtney, ditto—4 copies Mr. Courtney, jun. ditto—2 copies Miss Courtney, ditto—2 copies Miss Louisa Courtney, ditto Miss Ann Courtney, ditto Miss M. Cordery, Twyford Mrs. Coombs Henry Cooper, Esq. Salisbury Mrs. Cooper, ditto Miss Cooper, ditto Wm. Cox, Esq. Blackheath—4 copies Thos. Cox, Esq. Blackheath—2 cop. Mrs. Thos. Cox, Blackheath—2 cop. Mr. Cook, Southampton—2 copies C. Crompton, Esq. York Mr. H. Courtney, Winchester—3 cop. James Cobb, Esq. Salisbury T. N. Chubb, Esq. Salisbury T. M. Cleobury, Esq. London Peter Cater, Esq. Beckenham, Kent S. Comyns, Esq. Serjeant's Inn Mr. Cullingford, Hursley Mr. F. Caiger, Winchester Mr. Cooke, Pewsey Mr. Henry Coates, Salisbury Mr. Crough Mr. J. Coster Mrs J. Coster, Brixton Mr. T. Coster Mr. Chaffey Mr. Christy Mr. T. Coster Mr. Davis Canning, Ogbourne Mr. C. Cheyney, Westover, near Andover Mrs. Denman, Cavendish-square—2 copies T. Denman, Esq. M.P. Russell-sq. Miss Doyle, Fulham Miss Dancer, Fulham Miss Louisa Dancer, ditto Mrs. Duke, Lake—2 copies Miss Douglas Miss Dodd, Chelsea—2 copies Mrs. Dear, Mitcheldever Mrs. Dowling, Sarson Mrs. Dring, York Mrs. Dieterick, Woodcotts Mr. Dowling, Winterslow—2 copies Mrs. Dowling, ditto—2 copies Mr. Thomas Deras, London Mrs. Deras Edward Davies, Esq. Salisbury Mr. Dowding, ditto—2 copies Mrs. Dowding, ditto—2 copies J. Daniel, Esq. Parsons Green—2 cop. W. Duffin, Esq. York John Duthy, Esq. Ropley Mr. Maurice Dear, Winchester Mr. Dicey Mr. Davies, London Mr. Dilly, Littleton Mrs. Ekins, Close, Salisbury Mrs. Edney, Barton Stacey Miss Etwall, Andover Mrs. Edney, Chilworth Rev. Benjamin Eamonson F. T. Egerton, Esq. Roche Court—2 c. Mrs. Egerton, ditto—2 copies Mr. C. Edney, Whitchurch Hon. Miss Fox, Little Holland House—4 copies J. Fane, Esq. M.P. Oxfordshire—3 copies Rt. Hon. Lady Eliz. Fane—3 copies John Fleming, Esq. M.P. Hampshire Mrs. Fleming Miss Fleming, Fulham Miss Fathers Mrs. Ann Fort, Salisbury—2 copies Rev. Mr. Foyle, Cholderton—2 copies Rev. Archdeacon Fisher, Salisbury—2 copies Rev. Mr. Fishlake, Whichbury Mrs. Fishlake, ditto Mr. Fielder, Fulham Mrs. Fielder, ditto Mr. Fitt, Littleton Mrs. Fitt, ditto Miss Fitt, ditto Miss E. Fitt, ditto Mrs. Fitt, Westley Farm Mr. Fawcett, Salisbury Dr. Fowler, ditto—2 copies Mrs. Fowler, ditto Mr. James Forder Miss Priscilla Fiander, Fisherton Thomas L. Fairfax, Esq. Newton Kyme—2 copies Mrs. Fairfax, ditto—2 copies Miss Fairfax—2 copies Thomas Fairfax, Esq. jun. Mrs. Figes, Salisbury Mr. R. Figes, ditto Miss E. Figes, ditto W. Farrar, Esq. Hornsey Mrs. Farrar, ditto James Fairlee, Esq. Blackheath R. Footner, Esq. Andover Mr. Findon, Winchester Rt. Hon. Earl of Gower, Hamilton-place—2 copies Rt. Hon. Countess of Gower, Hamilton-place—2 copies Miss E. A. Gale, Grately Miss Gover, Winchester Mrs. W. Gover, ditto Mr R. Gover, ditto Miss Gage, York Mrs. James Green, Blackheath Mrs. Gilbert, Camberwell Mrs. H. Godwin, Winchester Rev. Dr. Gabell, Winchester College Mrs. Dr. Gabell, Winchester Rev. J. Griffiths, Emanuel College, Cambridge G. L. Giles, Esq. James-street, Covent Garden Mrs. Giles, ditto Mr. H. J. Giles, Andover Mrs. Giles, ditto Mr. Guy, Salisbury Mrs. Guy, ditto Mr. W. Good, Hythe—2 copies Rev. John Graham, York W. Gutch, Esq. Wallop Mr. W. Gutch, Broughton—2 copies Mrs. Gorden, Petersfield Charles Greetham, Esq. ditto William Gray, Esq. York Mrs. Gray ditto Mr. W. Goddard, Salisbury Right Hon. Lord Holland—4 copies Sir T. F. Heathcote, Bart.—4 copies Hon. Mrs. Greville Howard, Grosvenor-square—2 copies Hon. G. Howard—2 copies Mrs. Howley, Fulham Palace—20 c. Mrs. Hawker, Bullington—4 copies Miss Maria Hussey—2 copies Mrs. Hussey, Salisbury Mrs. George Hayes, Winchester Miss Hayward, Southampton Miss Hutchins, Charlton Miss Hooper, Winchester Mrs. Higgs, Winchester Mrs. Hattatt, Lower Wallop Miss Hearsay, Greatham Mrs. Harrington, Salisbury Miss Howe, Stickland, Dorset Miss Hooper, Norman Court Miss Howley Rev. Canon Hume, Close—2 copies Mrs. Hume Miss Hume Rev. J. H. Hume, Calne—2 copies Rev. G. Hume Rev. Dr. Hawes, Salisbury—2 copies Rev. Mr. Harrison, Fisherton Rev. P. Hewett, Downton H. Hattatt, Esq. Broughton—2 cop. Miss Hattatt, ditto—2 copies Miss Martha Hattatt, ditto—2 copies Henry Holloway, Esq. Winchester Mrs. Henry Holloway, ditto R. C. Headington, Esq. Broad-street Buildings Mrs. Headington, ditto—— Hewson, Esq. Hunter-street, Brunswick-square Mrs. Hewson Mr. Head, Buckholt Farm Mrs. Head, ditto Miss Head, ditto Miss Mary Anne Head, ditto Miss Harriott Head, ditto H. Hinxman, Esq. Ivy Church—2 c. Mrs. Hinxman, ditto—2 copies Mrs. Hinxman, Salisbury—2 copies E. Hinxman, Esq. Durnford—4 cop. Richard Hetley, Esq. Wilton—2 cop. W. Heygate, Esq. Chatham-place C. P. Hollingbery, Esq. London T. Hubbersty, Esq. London W. Hubbersty, Esq. ditto John Hall, Esq. London Mr. Charles Hall, Ansty, Dorset Mr. James Horner, Bittern Cottage Mr. Henry Holmes, Rumsey Mr. C. J. Hall, ditto Mr. Hancock, Winchester Mr. Hitchin, Winchester Mr. Hodson Lady Johnstone, York G. P. Jervoise, Esq. M. P. Hampshire—4 copies Mrs. Thomas Judd, Winterslow Miss Judd, Rumsey Rev. J. H. Jacob, Close, Salisbury Mrs. Jacob, ditto Rev. L. Iremonger, Clatford—2 cop. Rev J. Jolliffe, Barton Stacey Mr. Jollands Mrs Jollands T. Jackson, Esq. London John James, Esq. Houghton Lodge Mr. Jackson Miss Kneller, Close, Salisbury—2 c. Mrs. Kearsley, York Mrs. Kent, Fulham Miss Kent, Close, Salisbury Mr. W. King, Winterslow Mrs. W. King, ditto Mr. Charles King, ditto Mrs. Charles King, ditto Mrs. King, Newton Stacey Miss Knight, St. John's Place, Winchester—2 copies Henry Knight, Esq. ditto Robert Knight, Esq. ditto John Knight, Esq. Wm. Knight, Esq. Newton Valence Thos. Knight, Esq. Alton—2 copies Miss Knight, Minchington—4 copies Thomas King, Esq. Alvediston Mr. James King, Southampton Mr. John King, ditto—2 copies Alexander King, Esq.—2 copies V. Knox, Esq. Baddow, Chelmsford T. G. Knapp, Esq. Russell-square Mr. N. L. Kentish, Winchester The Dowager Countess of Lonsdale, Broomhouse, Fulham—4 copies Rt. Hon. Lord Lisle, Landford house Rt. Hon. Lady Lisle, ditto The Hon. and Rev. Augustus Legge, Wonston—4 copies Heneage Legge, Esq. Putney—4 cop. Mrs. Lear Mrs. Lansfield, Camberwell Miss Lavington, Amptfield Rev. Charles Lane, Fulham—2 cop. Mrs. Lane, ditto—2 copies J. Lister, Esq. Shibden Hall Mrs. Lister, ditto Miss A. Lister—2 copies Miss Lawrence, Fulham Mrs. Large, Ogbourne Mrs. Lywood, Newton Stacey Mr. Serj. Lawes, Montague-street, Russel-square J. J. Lambert, Esq. London G. Lawrence, Esq. Cowsfield House Mr. Isaac Lawrence, Clapham Mr. J. Lawrence Mr. Henry Lawrence, Salisbury Mr. A. Lewis, Barton Stacey Mr. John Loder, Salisbury Mr. James Lacey, Salisbury Mr, Henry Lloyd, Winchester Mr. G. Legge, ditto Mr. W. Legge ditto Rt. Hon. Lord Vise. Morpeth—2 cop. Rev. Mr. Marsh, Winterslow—2 cop. Mrs. Marsh, ditto—2 copies Anonymous by the Rev. Mr. Marsh—4 copies Mrs. Milligan, Somerset-street Miss Metre, Winchester Miss Fanny Mant, ditto Miss Matyear, Fulham Mrs. Morris, York Miss Morris, ditto Miss Miller, Acomb Miss Marsh, York Mrs. Mist, Parson's Green, Fulham Mrs. Mears, Winchester Miss Maning, Fulham Miss Middleton, ditto Miss Marriott, ditto J. L. Maude, Esq. Andover Mrs. Maude, ditto Miss Mackrell, Salisbury Miss Morrant, Abbotts Ann Miss Marcer, Andover Rev. G. Majendie Rev. W. Macdonald—2 copies Rev. G. A. Montgomery—2 copies R. W. Missing, Esq. Titchfield R. Missing, Esq. jun. John Mellish, Esq. Petersfield J. Morrison, Esq. Clapham John Mierhouse, Esq. Mr. R. Mackrell, Salisbury Mr. Morley Mr. Marshall, Alton—2 copies Mr. G. Mackarel, Ramsey Miss Nosworthy, Sutton Scotney, 4 c. Miss Neave, Close—2 copies Miss North Mrs. Neville, Winchester Miss Noyes, Salisbury Mrs. Norcliffe, Langton Hall Miss Charlotte Norcliffe, ditto Miss North, Winchester G. Nunn, Esq. Whiteparish Mrs. Nunn, ditto Henry Nunn. Esq. Rev. Dr. Nicholas. Salisbury M. Nolans, Esq. K. C. M. P. Bedford-square Mr. Nicholls, London Hon. Mrs. Onslow—4 copies Miss Olliffe, Salisbury Miss Osbourne, Fulham Mr. Ed. Oke, Southampton—2 cop. Right Hon. the Earl of Pembroke, Wilton House—20 copies Lady Crawford Pollock, York Mrs. Pearson, Deanery, Salisbury—4 copies Miss Portman, Close, Salisbury Mrs. Percy, Landford House Miss Pern, Crawley Miss Pollard, Week Miss Plaisto, Chichester Mrs. Pain, senior, Mitcheldever Mrs. Wm. Pain, ditto—2 copies Mr. Henry Pain, ditto Miss Parker, Sutton Scotney—2 cop. Miss Parker, Andover Thos. Perry, Esq. Mitcheldever—2 copies Mrs. Perry, ditto—2 copies F. Popham, Esq. Clarendon—2 cop. Mrs. Popham, ditto Miss Popham, ditto Thomas Porter, Esq. Fulham—4 c. Mrs. Porter, ditto Miss Porter, ditto Miss Martha Porter, ditto Miss Anne Porter, ditto John Horsley Palmer, Esq. Hurlingham—2 copies Mrs. Horsley Palmer, ditto—2 cop. John Pensam, Esq. Purser's Cross Mrs. Pensam, ditto Miss Pensam, ditto Miss Maria Pensam, ditto Mrs. Price, Clementhorpe Miss Percival, Acomb Mrs. Pickard, Thorpe Green Miss Phillips, Whitchurch Miss Pritt, Winchester Mrs. Peskett, Petersfield Anonymous, by ditto Mr. Pain, Pittleworth Farm—2 cop. Mrs. Pain, ditto—2 copies Mrs. John Pain, Barton Stacey Mr. G. Pain, Salisbury—2 copies Mrs. G. Pain, ditto—10 copies J. Platt, Esq. Burton Crescent Grove Price, Esq. Knelworth, Herts Dr. Phillips, Winchester R. Pickering, Esq. Lower Clatford J. Pinckney, Esq. Salisbury Mr. Charles Pain, Dean—4 copies Mr. Pocock, Southampton Right Hon. Earl of Radnor—4 cop. Right Hon. Countess of Radnor—4 c. Right Hon. Lord Rodney, Old Alresford—4 copies Mrs. Rashleigh, Menabilly, Cornwall—2 copies Mrs. Rolleston Mrs. Robt. Rogers, Winchester—3 c. Miss Rogers, Winchester Miss S. H. Rogers, ditto Mrs. Russ, Southgate House Mrs. Raikes, Fulham Mrs. Robinson, Thorpe Green Miss Robinson, ditto Rev. Dr. Rowlandson, Warminster Rev. T. Rennell, Kensington C. G. Round, Esq. New-square, Lincoln's-inn R. Rawlins, Esq. Whitchurch Mr. Robbins, Winchester—4 copies Mrs. Reeves, Andover Mr. Russ, Easton Mr. W. Rogers, Southampton The Most Noble the Marchioness of Stafford, Cleveland House—4 cop. The Lord Bishop of Salisbury—2 c. Mrs. Fisher The Lady Mary Stapleton, York Lawrence Sullivan, Esq. Broomhouse, Fulham—2 copies Hon. Mrs. Sullivan, ditto—2 copies Miss Sidney, Bullington—4 copies Mrs. Searle, Islington Mrs. Sheppard, Amport—4 copies Mrs. Simpson, Purser's Cross—2 cop. Miss Stone, Fulham—2 copies Mrs. Salisbury, Salisbury—2 copies Mrs. Smith, Putney—2 copies Mrs. Spencer, Sutton Scotney—2 c. Miss Salmond, York Mrs. Sympson, ditto Mrs. Stainforth, ditto Mrs. John Stainforth, ditto Miss Fanny Smith, Winchester Miss Maria Shenton, ditto Mrs. Smith, Norton Farm Miss South, Fulham Miss Slade, ditto Mrs. A. Sampayo, Fulham Miss Smith, ditto Rev. R. S. B. Sandilands, Fulham Mrs. Sandilands T. Swann, Esq. York Mrs. Swann, ditto—2 copies Rev. R. Swann, Askham Hall Mrs. R. Swann, ditto—Smith, Esq. Burton Crescent Mrs. Smith, ditto Rev. C. W. Shuckburgh, Downton House Miss Skelton, London Mr. Sparshatt, Salisbury Miss Sparshatt, ditto Mr. Sturt. Brixton Mrs. Sturt, ditto The Salisbury Reading Society Colonel Salmond, Montague-square, London A. L. Savell, Esq. Cadogan Place, Sloane-street John Sutton, Esq. Blackheath James Salmond, Esq. Oriel College, Oxford G. Sampson, Esq. Salisbury Messrs. Sheppard, Frome—4 copies John Swayne, Esq. Wilton Mr. Smither, Farnham—4 copies Mr. T. Shaw, Southampton—2 cop. Mr. S. W. Strong, Frome Mr. T. O. Stevens, Salisbury Mr. Sampson, Islington Mr. Sweeper, Rumsey Mr. Shaw Mr. Spence Mr. Sharp The Right Hon. Earl of Tyrconnel —2 copies Rt. Hon. Countess of Tyrconnel—2 c. Miss M. A. Telford, Widmore, Kent Mrs. Thurlby, Camberwell Mrs. Titt, Wallop Miss Tubb, Winterslow—2 copies Mrs. Tribe Mrs. Thorpe, York Miss Tweedy, Belle Vue Miss Thompson, Skelton J. P. Tinney, Esq. Salisbury—2 c. Mrs. Tinney, ditto Anthony Todd, Esq. Winchester Mrs. Todd, ditto Mrs. Todd, Andover John Telford, Esq. York Mr. Tucker, Imber House Academy—4 copies Mr. Serjeant Taddy, Abingdon-street, Westminster J. Toke, Esq. 10, Harcourt Buildings, Temple Mr. Traget, Hursley Mr. Tanner, Winterslow Mr. Toll Miss Vernon, Little Holland House—4 copies J. T. Villebois, Esq. Harmsworth—8 copies T. Villebois, Esq. Adbury Lodge, near Newbury—4 copies Right Hon. Lady F. W. Wilson, Chelsea Park The Dean of Winchester—4 copies Sir James Wolff, Bart.—4 copies Wadham Wyndham, Esq. M.P.—4 c. Major General Wyndham—2 copies Mrs. Wyndham—4 copies Wm. Wyndharn, Esq. Dinton Mrs. Wyndham, ditto Rev. Mr. Wood, Fulham—10 copies Mrs. Wood, ditto—10 copies Miss Wood, Stockwell Miss Ann Wood, Stockwell Miss Wagner Mrs. Barnard Winter, Winchester Miss Winter, ditto Miss Jane Treffry Wilcocks, Exeter Miss Ellen Dormer Wilcocks, ditto Miss Jane Whellier, ditto A young Lady by ditto, ditto—2 cop. Mrs. Wray, York Miss Willey, ditto Miss Warner Miss Wilson, Fulford Miss Wasse, Moat Hall Mrs. Wickins, Close, Salisbury Miss White, Winchester Wm. Wickham, Esq. Winchester—4 c. John Wickham, Esq. Sutton Scotney—2 copies Miss Wickham, ditto Miss S. Wickham, ditto Rev. Mr. Williams, Overton—4 cop. James Wood, Esq. Bedford Row Mrs. James Wood, ditto Mr. Ward, Brixton Mrs. Ward, ditto Rev. Mr. Westcombe, Winchester—4 copies Rev. Montague J. Wynyard, York Rev. E. H. G. Williams, Dean—2 c. R. R. Wood. Esq. Fulham—4 cop. W. Watson Esq. London—2 copies Anonymous, by ditto—5 copies P. Williams, Esq. Recorder of Winchester—4 copies Jas. Wickham, Esq. Sutton Scotney Mr. Edward Wickham, Winchester George Webb, Esq. St. David's Hill, Exeter George Watkins, Esq. London Alfred Ward, Esq. London C. M. Ullithorne, Esq. London J. Walford, Esq. Upper Bedford Place R. H. Welch, Esq. 11, Paper Buildings, Temple James Eames Waight, Esq. Bishop's Sutton—2 copies J. White, Esq. Amptfield Mr. Waring, Alton—12 copies Mr. Woollven, Andover Mr. Willis Mr. Worth, London Mr. J. H. Watson, Sherfield Mr. Westall Miss Yorke, York Mr. John Young, Winchester Mr. James Young, ditto Mr. John Young, Rumsey Rev. J. O. Zillwood, Winchester THECONSOLING INFLUENCEOFRELIGIONIN VARIOUS TRIALS OF LIFE. IN human life the ever changing scene Not long continues tranquil and serene; Man's fairest prospects oft by clouds are crost, And oft by error's mists obscur'd and lost; For tho' prosperity may fill his sails, And fortune fan them with her fav'ring gales, In vain shall grandeur and luxurious ease, Offspring of wealth, combine their pow'rs to please; In vain shall honours, pomp, and splendid state, Greet him at home, and all his steps await; In vain shall ev'ry year his stores increase, If here alone, he rest his hopes of peace. The softest gale, the lightest breeze that blows, May shake the fabric where those hopes repose; And they, dismay'd by threat'ning danger near, Fly at the first approach of trembling fear. None ever pass'd through life, without their share Of poignant anguish, or corroding care; This penalty, from ev'ry child of clay Justice demands, and sinful man must pay. Is then the destiny of man severe? Involv'd in clouds of danger, doubt, and fear; Through which appears no kind directing ray, To light the weary wand'rer on his way? Is he condemn'd the rugged road to tread, With nought to guide his feet, or guard his head, Tho' hidden snares in slipp'ry paths abound, And persecution's arrows fly around! Is there no rock on which he can rely?— Pause, O my soul!—nor lightly frame reply; Pause, and the page of fate attentive scan, Observe, with wonder, the stupendous plan Of universal government,—there trace Impartial justice tow'rds the human race, And learn, that as from suffering none are free, So none are doom'd to hopeless misery. When man's presumptuous folly had debas'd That perfect state in which he first was plac'd, Insulted Majesty, to anger slow, Temper'd the weight of the avenging blow; When, at the presence of his God afraid, The guilty mortal from his Maker fled, Compassion soften'd the just wrath of Heaven, And promise of Redemption then was given; This blest assurance of redeeming grace Was oft renew'd to his degen'rate race; And Faith and Hope were pow'rful to assuage The heaviest ills in each succeeding age. Strengthen'd by these, our fathers nobly rose Above the influence of earthly woes; Belief of future bliss dispell'd each pain, Their trust was high, nor was that trust in vain. God, who in sundry ways, in sundry climes, Spoke by his Prophets' voice,—in later times Hath, by a more than Prophet's voice, reveal'd The blessed covenant His love hath seal'd. Those who in darkness sat, now see the light, The day-spring from on high, dawns on their sight, The Son of God himself! descends to save, And Mercy heals the wounds which Justice gave. Art thou, O man! from day to day opprest By cares that wound to agony thy breast? Doth fortune frown? do friends forsake thy side? Art thou by sickness and by sorrow tried? Whate'er thy griefs, whate'er thy suff'rings be, Look up, for hope is given, e'en to thee. Trim thou her lamp at pure Devotion's shrine, 'Twill o'er thy path in mild effulgence shine; And, like the Star of Beth'lem lead thee straight To Him from whom all blessings emanate. What tho' through devious wilds thy footsteps stray, Where tempting Vice plants danger in the way, Be not dismay'd; let patience nerve thy soul, And resignation ev'ry ill controul. He, who the desert path before thee trod, Knows all the toils and dangers of the road, Nor will he once thy righteous pray'r disdain, Nor let thy pleading voice be rais'd in vain. His mighty arm, thy failing strength shall aid; His guiding hand, conduct thee through the shade; His Holy Word, thy troubled spirit calm, And pour on all thy wounds a healing balm. Believest thou these things above thy reach? O! come with me, and let experience teach; Of all the crowds that daily meet thine eye, What numbers might with thee in suff'ring vie! Observe yon lovely girl! whose pallid cheek, And mourning garb, of recent sorrow speak; On her fair brow sad shades of thought appear, And silently proclaim her lot severe; Yet fortitude through deep affliction gleams, And from her eye with placid lustre beams; Attend, while I unfold her tale of grief, And tell thee where she sought and found relief. In ease and splendour nurs'd, to affluence born, In glowing radiance rose her life's fair morn; Health strew'd with fairy flow'rs her infant bed, And her young cheek with roseate bloom o'erspread; Smoothly the years of childhood roll'd away, In varied study and alternate play; Oft to a fond maternal bosom prest, Or clasp'd in rapture to a father's breast, The only tears that yet had dimm'd her eye, Flow'd from the sacred springs of sympathy; The only sighs that yet had thrill'd her heart, Were breath'd by pity for another's smart; And these were pleasing pains, whose gentle sway Could ever to her artless breast convey A sweet and holy feeling, too refin'd To be the tenant of a selfish mind; A bliss, Benevolence can best bestow, And only Charity's warm vot'ries know. Such was Louisa, such the joys, which fate With smiles ordain'd upon her youth to wait: Lov'd by her friends, in favour with her God, Blameless the prosp'rous path of life she trod: This dangerous temptation well sustain'd, Affliction's rougher trial yet remain'd; And Time, with silent but too rapid flight, Soon pass'd the bow'rs of ever gay delight, Where once the innocent and happy maid, Without a fear of future ill, had stray'd. He, most rever'd on earth, whose fost'ring hand Had rear'd her charms, scarce saw those charms expand, And mark'd the promise of her earliest prime, (Which spoke of future worth,) matured by time; When, summon'd by the sudden voice of fate, From the fair scenes he lov'd to contemplate, His happy soul to heav'n exulting flew, And bade this world, its joys and pains, adieu. What then the anguish of that filial mind, Whose very life, with his seem'd intertwin'd? The first dread shock unnerv'd her trembling frame, And dumb despair each faculty o'ercame; Severe and long, the struggle that ensued, 'Twixt human frailty and high fortitude; Now, vain regret, and pining care prevail; Now, resignation turns the wav'ring scale; Oft in low murmurs plaintive nature pleads, But duty interferes, and Faith succeeds. Of one most dear parental guide bereft, Still, one who claim'd her tend'rest love was left; Her cares to lighten, and her griefs to calm, Were sorrow's best resources, and its balm; How dear the task, with gently soothing art, To ease a widowed mother's anxious heart! How great the rapture when that mother smil'd, And bless'd the efforts of her duteous child! The same sad stroke that left her fatherless, Had greatly circumscrib'd her pow'r to bless; But not at this, her noble heart repin'd, She knew, that Heav'n accepts the willing mind; And, while her hand, still ready to relieve, Bestowed the little all she had to give, She felt how doubly sweet is feeling's glow, When bounty's streams from self-denial flow; And inly pray'd, that should she ever share, Want more extreme, or pangs of keener care, She might, in all her need, on Him rely, Who hears the widows' and the orphans' cry. Prophetic was the pray'r! e'en while it rose, Unsparing Death a fatal garland chose; Which, to consumption's ling'ring hand consign'd, Around the victim's brow was slowly twin'd; And who that victim?—an emphatic sigh, Conveys the orphan'd mourner's sad reply; Its silent language tells thee that her state On earth, is lonely now, and desolate: It tells thee too, of hours not long gone by, Hours fraught with deep and heartfelt agony, When anxious tenderness that never slept, By night, by day, its watch unwearied kept, Beside the couch where a lov'd parent lay, Resign'd in suffering, patient midst decay. Oh! there are moments, when the human mind Labours with feelings not to be defin'd; When earth-born fear with heav'nly hope contends, And doubtful victory the palm suspends; When reason trembles in the mighty strife, And the vast struggle shakes the springs of life. Tell me, ye sceptics, by what mortal aid, In such an hour, shall human strength be stay'd? What mortal pow'r shall calm the ruffled soul, Or o'er the passions exercise controul? One only hand, one only voice there is, Can quell the fury of a storm like this; That hand sustained affection's drooping head, When bending o'er a dying parent's bed; That voice spoke comfort in the orphan's ear, Who wept in anguish o'er a mother's bier; And these, when fortune's last faint smile had flown, And poverty with hasty strides came on, These dried each tear, suppress'd each rising sigh, Nerv'd her young heart, and fix'd her hopes on high. 'Twas not, that strength alone, was then supplied, And ev'ry gentler, softer gift denied; No; feelings deep and keen, liv'd in that mind, Meekness and tenderness were there enshrin'd; And when with falt'ring step Louisa stray'd, To take a long last leave of grove and glade, Her early haunts—how did remembrance swell The tide of grief that flow'd in that farewell! To her those haunts were sacred,—not a tree, Nor plant, nor bud, nor blossom, did she see, But call'd to mind some scene of other days, When not in joyless, solitary gaze, She mark'd its beauties—but those days were gone, And she was left unfriended, and alone. Sigh answer'd sigh responsive in her breast, As (half unconscious of the path she prest), She hurried on, where mem'ry led the way, A weeping tribute of regret to pay. Close on the borders of a circling wood, That over-look'd her native lawn, there stood Commanding varied prospects, a retreat, Which once had been contentment's fav'rite seat; No labour'd work of art adorn'd the grot; Simplicity was genius of the spot; The sweet Clematis there its tendrils spread, And formed a fragrant covert o'er the head; Roses in wild profusion bloomed around, And flowers of various hues enriched the ground; Within, a rustic bench of wicker frame, Hailed the tired wand'rer, and the place became. From thence the eye, delighted might explore, The woodland hill beyond the village moor, The verdant cornfields and heath cover'd down, The glittering turrets of the distant town, (Whose noisy hum scarce reach'd the list'ning ear, And made the peaceful arbour doubly dear;) And nearer home the paddocks ample bound, Where mingled herds in safety fed around. With saddest thoughts of grief and tenderness, The poor Louisa sought this calm recess; In breathless silence, and with rayless eye, She gaz'd upon the well-known scenery; And fleeting shades of joys, for ever lost, Dimly before her aching vision crost. Her father's taste had rear'd this summer bow'r, Her mother's hand had train'd the creeping flow'r; And in this spot, she learn'd from lips endear'd, The precious precepts which her heart rever'd; Here, when a child by her lov'd father's side, With mimic art her garden tools she plied; While he, intent upon a nobler toil, Planted instruction in the tender soil Of her young mind, there nourish'd virtue's root, "Taught the half form'd idea how to shoot;" Prun'd the wild branches, pluck'd the idle weeds, And strew'd with gentle hand fair wisdom's seeds. Here, too, enraptur'd she had often hung, On the soft music of that gentle tongue, Now hush'd in death—and, oft as day declin'd, Their grateful voices in sweet concert join'd, To celebrate His praise, whose guardian sway, Had, with unnumber'd blessings crown'd the day. Lives there a heart, can quit without a sigh, The haunts of youth, the home of infancy? With ling'ring step each long lov'd scene explore, Aware that it must linger there no more: From native streams, from shades familiar, sever, Leave them, and know it leaves them too, for ever; And, in that parting hour, shall mem'ry sleep? Or waking—say—can she forbear to weep? Ah, no; remembrance still must drop the tear, Still sigh, o'er pleasures past, but ever dear; And, if she murmur not, who would repress, Or who shall blame, that burst of tenderness? Louisa wept, but wept not unresign'd; There was a source of solace in her mind, That look'd beyond this world for its supply; 'Twas pure, and inexhaustible, and high; In happier days she own'd and blest its pow'r, And now it sooth'd her in affliction's hour; A wide and dreary waste before her lay, She saw, she felt, the dangers of the way; The creature sigh'd—the Christian acquiesc'd, And both repos'd upon a Saviour's breast; Unshaken trusted in his promis'd aid, And thus to Heav'n, with humble fervour, pray'd. "Oh, thou! Almighty! whose creative hand, "The wond'rous structure of my being plann'd; "Gave me the noble faculty of thought, "And into life the powers of reason brought; "Thou! who didst guard my fragile infant frame, "And kept it safe, till youthful vigour came; "Oh! let me still thy watchful kindness share, "And still rejoice in thy paternal care. "Thou art my only hope, my only stay, "My God! my Guide! oh cast me not away. "Encompass'd round with snares, beset by sin, "And tempted from without and from within, "Trembling, to Thee I turn—vouchsafe to give "Some speedy succour, and my soul shall live. "Through countless dangers, thy almighty arm "Full oft hath brought me forth, secure from harm; "And, still my soul, confiding in thy pow'r, "Shall look to Thee in ev'ry trying hour. "Thy Holy Will be done—to that I bow, "Thou knowest what is right, and only Thou." O! blessed and exalted privilege! The precious boon of heav'n! the sacred pledge Of man's communion with a world above, Of his redemption, and his Maker's love! Devotion's hand-maid! spirit-soothing pray'r! 'Tis thine to cherish hope and crush despair; When brightly shines the sun of prosp'rous days, 'Tis thine to temper the too ardent blaze; And, when the clouds of adverse fortune low'r, 'Tis thine to counteract their baleful pow'r; The faint to raise, the pensive soul to cheer, To wipe from sorrow's eye the trembling tear, To take from mortal care its sombre hue, And place immortal happiness in view. When the poor hapless orphan weeping sought In thee a refuge from distracting thought, Thy sweet consoling voice compos'd her breast. And each tumultuous passion lull'd to rest. Celestial Peace on noiseless pinions came, And gently breath'd upon her languid frame; O'er her suspended innocency's shield, And, unperceiv'd, her humid eye-lids seal'd; Then, in soft-whisper'd visions, sooth'd the fair, Who slept beneath high heav'n's peculiar care. And now behold her in dependance placed, Denied the social joys of life to taste, Without one earthly friend her steps to guide, With danger ever lurking at her side; The present hour by want and woe assail'd, The future by dense clouds and darkness veil'd; Yet still upheld by heav'n's supporting hand, Unmov'd, unmurmuring, behold her stand. Faith speaks,—and sorrow's gloomy vision flies— Her hopes expand, and soaring reach the skies; Thence they look down upon the scenes of earth, Life's fleeting ills, and joys of little worth; Smile at delusions of a transient date, And turn,—unchanging truth to contemplate. Extending through interminable space, Yet dimly seen, futurity we trace; There, Revelation shining from above, Displays the mansions of eternal love; Whence, He whose blood for guilty man aton'd, At the right hand of God the Father thron'd, Dispenses wide the riches of his grace, Through boundless regions, to the human race; Myriads of happy spirits wait His will, Perform his pleasure, and his word fulfil; Their high commission with delight they bear, Unseen, unheard, they tread the silent air, And wheresoever pain or grief is found, As messengers of comfort hover round. "Transporting thought! and can it be, that I "Shall one day join that blessed company? "And do I yet, perhaps! by day and night, "Live in my dear lamented parents' sight? "And shall I then lament them?—Ah! no, no;— "My sighs shall cease—my tears no longer flow— "Oh! 'twould be worse than impious to repine, "When rapture, great as their's, will soon be mine." Thus speaks the orphan, as the guiding ray Of Faith illumes her solitary way. The merit of her Saviour's sufferings, Home to her soul the sweet conviction brings, That her salvation is through them ensur'd, And happiness in heav'n for her secur'd. And, as she presses on, her stedfast eye, Unswerving, fix'd immovably on high, Through this life's mystic bound'ry penetrates. And mercy at its fountain contemplates. Oh, ye! of fortune's ample gifts possest, Who in the midst of blessings, pine unblest, On whose pale cheek, (pale with habitual spleen,) The semblance of a smile is rarely seen; (As if 'twere treason to humanity, That aught of bliss should beam from mortal eye,) Who, ever peevish, are for ever prone, To rail at others, when the fault's your own; If, haply, ye should hear Louisa's tale, Blush for yourselves, nor let the lesson fail. And thou, too, startl'd suff'rer, who perchance, Art newly rous'd from some delusive trance, Where ardent fancy glowingly pourtray'd Visions of joy which now in darkness fade; Let not that darkness daunt thee,—feebler frame Than thine, by faith, worse peril overcame. And shall weak woman win the heav'nly prize, While lordly man a vanquish'd victim lies? Oh! rather let his firmness stimulate Her strength,—her hopes, when falt'ring, animate. For him created, and by heav'n design'd, From him to borrow energy of mind; Shame 'twere, that she should singly struggle on, And reach at last the blessed goal alone; While he, ere half the race be run, despairs, And sinks beneath the burthen of his cares. But who is she with sweetly pensive mien, And aspect melancholy, yet serene? Often when she imagines none are nigh, The gath'ring sorrow glistens in her eye, And, half supprest, she breathes a tender sigh! 'Tis the young Laura, who, in yonder grove, Heard and believ'd the tale of Damon's love; Fortune had promis'd her an ample store, The fickle goddess frown'd, and love was o'er; For Damon left the fond and faithful maid, And to a wealthier fair his homage paid. Mark on her cheek the faint and varying blush! It comes with thoughts that o'er her mem'ry rush; Transient as indistinct, 'tis soon gone by, And light expressive, kindles in her eye; Bending above her harp, she tries again, With melting voice, the long neglected strain: Mem'ry begins,—devotion marks its close, And thus in tender gravity it flows: "Hast thou forgot the tender vow, "Once fondly breath'd by thee; "That heav'n itself, to change should bow, "Ere thou wouldst change to me? "Too well, thou false one, dost thou prove, "What gain'd the vow thus given; "Twas fortune only won thy love, "Her smile to thee was heaven. "That heav'n may never smile again, "But there's a place on high, "Where truth and love for ever reign. "And thither will I fly. "My soul, with higher hopes inspir'd, "Disdains its earthly load; "And, with a pure ambition fir'd, "Devotes itself to God." Music is ever soothing;—when combin'd With passion pure, and sentiment refin'd, It cheers, exalts, and dignifies the mind; Devotion, then, is rapture; and the soul Heeds not the tempests that around her roll; But soaring upward to her native sky, Feels a sweet foretaste of that harmony, Which shall be her's through all eternity. Go ask the tender maid, whose plaintive lay Yet vibrates on thine ear,—what chased away From her mild brow, the murky cloud of care, And plac'd the seal of resignation there? She answers, "Humble hope, implicit trust, "Conviction that the ways of God are just, "And joyful expectation of that day, "When the Redeemer's hand shall wipe away "The tear of frailty from the Christian's cheek, "And to his servants give the rest they seek." Here then, the wearied pilgrim may repose, Here loose the weighty burden of his woes; And here, supported by the promise given, Rest his tired soul, and plume her wing for Heaven. If any doubt—let him approach that door, Gaze on the scene within, and doubt no more. It is the last—the solemn—awful hour— When death—all-conqu'ring death—exerts his pow'r— Too truly aim'd, the tyrant's shaft hath sped, And lo! the fated victim droops his head. 'Tis not the infant bud, that with'ring lies, Nor the time-stricken, sapless tree, that dies; Though not unfelt the pang, when these depart, There is a deeper suffering of the heart; When the dear, tender husband, father, friend, On whom a helpless family depend, Feels the full prime of manly strength decay, And early mingles with his kindred clay. Observe, where round his bed, in mute distress, Stand the dear objects of his tenderness; In such an hour, when every bosom bleeds, What unseen hand the lamp of comfort feeds? 'Tis wrapt in mystery— But, the Priest draws nigh, Devotion beaming from his heav'n-ward eye; The sacred cup of blessing, see! he gives, With feeble grasp the dying man receives; 'Tis mercy's healing fount, and mercy's voice Whispers, "Drink this, be thankful, and rejoice; "Remember Him, whose blood hath made thee free, "And He in heav'n, will then remember thee." He hears, and he obeys—his lip hath prest The hallow'd brim—rest—holy, heavenly rest, Pervades his soul—and on his placid brow, A more than mortal light is seen to glow; Earth and her shadows, slowly sink in night, And day eternal, dawns upon his sight. With lifted hands, and upward, grateful gaze, Awhile in silent eloquence he prays; Then, strengthen'd by the holy exercise, Summons life's last remaining energies, To bless his wife and children ere he dies. Anxious for them, e'en in the arms of death, He breathes affection with his latest breath. "I leave ye, dear ones," thus his accents flow, "To realms of everlasting bliss I go;— "We part—but part not, ne'er to meet again— ("That thought indeed, were agony of pain,) "Then do not weep—you are not left alone— "Look up with hope, to heav'ns eternal throne— "And He, who reigns in radiant glory there, "Will guard you with a father's tender care; "And though on seas of danger ye are cast, "Yet faith shall stem the tide, and brave the blast; "Let the winds whistle, and the ocean roar, "Your bark shall safely reach th' immortal shore; "For, whilst directing virtue guides the helm, "Destruction's wave shall ne'er the vessl 'whelm. "For me—the port e'en now appears in view, "And I rejoice,—yet still I feel for you. "Oh! may th' Eternal and Almighty Lord, "Dry up your tears, and heav'nly aid afford! "May He preserve you from life's specious snares, "And give you comfort under all its cares!" He sinks exhausted—but with tender beams, Affection from his half-clos'd eye, still gleams: And faintly still, his quiv'ring lips essay, One last, fond, fervent, blessing to convey. It may not be—life's utmost verge is near— Already, heav'ns boundaries appear— Nature gives up the contest—and he lies— Breathing out life, in short convulsive sighs. That transitory struggle!—'twas his last. Ask you, if then a Christian's spirit past? Reflect—and tell me ere I make reply, Who but a Christian could thus calmly die? But where are they who sorrowing survive? With mortal griefs, with mortal cares to strive? Those silent mourners whom so late we saw, Bend o'er the suff'rer's couch in breathless awe, Where are they now?——Let tender pity pause; And motion silence, as the veil she draws. Look not on Nature's frailties,—they should be For ever screen'd from idle scrutiny. Sacred the tear—(and freely let it flow) That soothes the first sad hours of heartfelt woe; Jesus himself hath wept—and that alone, Would plead its pardon, if it needed one. Then ask no farther,—tis enough to learn, The heart may blameless sigh o'er virtue's urn; Blameless may mem'ry weep a little while, But soon by conscience cheer'd she'll sweetly smile; And looking backward, over years well spent, See Hope advancing, as from heaven sent, To smooth the dangers of her dreary road, And point the way to a more blest abode. And thou, my soul! while hopes like these, sustain Thy strength, rise thou triumphant over pain: Let not the clouds of doubt thine ardour damp, But turn to Revelation's sacred lamp; Think on the insults, the indignity, Which spotless innocence endur'd for thee, And think on thine own sins, nor dare repine, At that light chastisement to justly thine. Thy way through peril, p'rhaps, through mis'ry lies, But, thou art struggling for a heav'nly prize; And, though the race be long, the vict'ry hard, Oh faint not! droop not! lose not thy reward! Throughout thy destin'd course keep Hope in view, And at the fount of grace for mercy sue; Thou shalt not sue in vain; that God, who gave Himself to die for thee, delights to save. He—He will succour thee, and hear thy cry; To them that seek him he is ever nigh. Then rise, my soul! triumphantly arise! Remember thy relation with the skies! Remember too, and tremble at the thought, At what a precious price thy life is bought; Each grov'ling wish, each passion wild, restrain, Lest thou thy Saviour crucify again. Know, in thy lapses, and in thy misdeeds, Again He suffers, and again He bleeds. Be firm, then, rise superior to thy lot; And bear thy cross with patience, and fear not. If, when here tried, thou art not wanting found, Hereafter, thou'lt in happiness abound: Thy God will smile, and thy Redeemer's love, Will open to thee the blest gates above; Scenes of eternal bliss will greet thy view, And life be everlasting—ever new! A MIDNIGHT REFLECTION IN SICKNESS. O Lord! while on the bed of pain, I restlessly recline, At what thy wisdom doth ordain, O! let me not repine! If the Redeemer of our race, The highest heav'n forsook, To bear the penance and disgrace Of crimes he ne'er partook; If, while he sojourn'd here below, The Great, Immortal Lord, Unmurm'ring bore the load of woe, Which mortal sins incurr'd: Shall I, a wretch in guilt array'd, Th' all-righteous Judge accuse? Shall I, who oft have disobey'd, The punishment refuse? No;—rather let me meekly bow, And bless the Lord of Heaven, Whose mercy long withheld the blow His justice would have given. He gently chastens those He loves, And, with a father's care, The rod their disobedience moves, He gives them strength to bear. Lord! I confess my heinous guilt, Thy pardon I implore; That mercy, I so oft have felt, Extend to me once more. The promise of thy blessed Son Forbids me to despair; Through Him, Salvation may be won, By penitence and pray'r. Give me, O Lord! a contrite heart, My errors past forgive; And, when from earthly scenes I part, Do Thou my soul receive. ON THE DEATHOFTHE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE OF WALES. From the pervading gloom that round thee lies, On Contemplation's wing, my soul arise! Mark yon proud city! at whose silent gate Sits wounded Hope, amaz'd and desolate; While, from her spacious streets and tow'ring walls, The voice of Lamentation sadly calls. Survey her royal palaces! and see How low their grandeur lies in misery. Thence turn thy flight, and seek the rural plain, Where mirth and cheerfulness were wont to reign; In ev'ry shade the voice of joy is mute, And grief is there as pleasure's substitute. What means the change? Alas! too well I know; Too deeply I partake the public woe. She, whose sweet taste embellished ev'ry scene, Whom England honour'd as her future Queen, Whose early loss Britannia must deplore, Her sun is set—on earth to rise no more. Torn from her family, and nation's love, She's wafted to a better world above. Princes and people mourn alike the doom That gives so fair a blossom to the tomb; Opposing parties drop the gen'ral tear, And quench the torch of discord o'er her bier; In festive halls, where glitt'ring lights have been, The pale, funereal lamp, alone is seen; And, where the joyous strain was wont to swell, Falls the deep murmur of the solemn knell. The sound, that vibrates on the ocean gale, Conveys to distant lands the heavy tale, And strikes upon an exil'd Mother's soul, With bitterness of grief that mocks controul. Long cherish'd hopes, anticipated joys, Whole years of solace, one short hour destroys. With sudden force, the dread intelligence Locks up each faculty, and ev'ry sense: Life stagnates—and Death only stays his hand, To leave her friendless in a foreign land. Unhappy destiny! that parts her now From him, whose hand should wipe the tears that flow. He, too, in loneliness of sorrow, weeps; And pours the frequent sigh for her who sleeps. In silent anguish, o'er her lov'd remains He bends,—and scarce his noble soul sustains The stroke severe—she who so oft beguil'd His anxious hours—his dear, and only child, In death's embrace is laid—can greater woe Be felt by mortal sojourner below? O! if there can, sure it is felt by him Whose cup, affliction charges to the brim; Who, to a much lov'd husband's tender claim, Had hop'd to add a parent's honour'd name; But sees that hope, so long indulg'd, now crost, And mourns his consort—and his infant lost. The home which love to both had render'd dear, Now seems to him, a spot forlorn and drear; Depriv'd of her, who lent it ev'ry charm, No admiration can his bosom warm; In vain he seeks to soothe his troubled mind; No comfort can the widow'd mourner find; But, while with folded arms, and drooping head, He dimly gazes on the lovely dead, As he endeavours to suppress the tear, Religion seems to whisper in his ear: "Tho' cold the form, so dear to thy fond breast, "And stiff the hand, which thine so lately prest; "O! yet despair not! for, when thou shalt die, "Thou'lt meet thy now lamented bride on high. "Let not the mem'ry of her virtues sleep, "But warm within thine heart the treasure keep; "And it shall teach thee, how thou may'st obtain, "A blest exemption from eternal pain. "Be thou, as she was, charitably good, "Supply the hungry and distress'd with food; "Relieve the wretched, hush the plaint of woe; "O'er shiv'ring want, the garb of comfort throw; "To helpless youth, thy kindly aid extend; "And prove to hoary age a gen'rous friend. "Do this: and fear not—He who reigns above, "Will then behold thee with approving love; "And, in his own good time, he will translate "Thy happy soul, to that most perfect state, "From which thy sainted Charlotte now looks down, "And beckons thee to come and share her crown." TO THE MEMORY OF MY BELOVED AND LAMENTED SISTER EMILY, Who expired in my Arms 16th April, 1818. WRITTEN A FEW HOURS AFTER HER DECEASE. Rest, cherub Babe! rest in thy peaceful tomb! Nor will we living, mourn thy early doom; For, tho' the tear of fond regret must flow, And tho' we deeply feel the parting throe, Yet, Resignation shall her aid employ, To blend our tears of grief, with tears of joy; Shall teach us to revere the heav'nly hand, That bade thee blossom in a fairer land, Remov'd thee far, from this life's rude alarms, And safely shelter'd thee from all its storms. But ah! fond mem'ry, why in fancy's view Dost thou the scenes of former joys renew? Why dost thou place before our tear-fill'd eyes, The infant beauties we were wont to prize? Why dost thou dwell on each endearing grace, That shone in ev'ry feature of her face? Oh! cease thy tender task, tho' urg'd by love, And lead our thoughts to her blest state above; Teach us our loss with fortitude to bear, And so prepare ourselves to meet her there, That no remorse may cloud our hour of death, That we may cheerfully resign our breath; Assur'd that all a righteous Judge will find, In him who suffer'd death to save mankind. THE REMEMBRANCE OF DEATH.∗ O Death! how bitter thy remembrance proves, To him who lives at ease with those he loves! Whose tranquil mind, no doubts disturb, or vex, Whose prosp'rous state, no threat'ning cares perplex! Whose heart is form'd enjoyment to receive, Grateful himself, and ever prompt to give.

Ecclus. Chap. 41.

But, oh! how kindly is thy sentence hail'd, By him whose means of comfort long have fail'd! O Death! how welcome dost thou prove to him, Whose strength decays in ev'ry fainting limb! Who fast approaches to that weary age, The last sad years of his long pilgrimage; Who vex'd with all things, seems in all things crost, And lives, to feel his hopes and patience lost. But thou, my soul! steer thou from each extreme, Nor wish for death, nor death a terror deem; Remember them who long have gone before, And those whose date of life will soon be o'er, And know, the sentence of the Lord, o'er all, Was, that as Adam fell, so they should fall. And why should'st thou repine at the decree, Or mourn that the behest extends to thee? There is no inquisition in the grave, What term th' Almighty to thy being gave; If hoary honours crown'd thy lengthen'd day, Or, in youth's blooming season called away;— Not for these things, to judgment thou'lt be brought, But, for the good or evil thou hast wrought; And all that claims thy study or thy care, Is for that last great Judgment to prepare. TO A FRIEND. "May we in heav'n each other recognize;" How truly does my heart respond the pray'r! May we together from the grave arise, And everlasting bliss together share! For ever subject to distress and pain, To hourly griefs and fears a helpless prey, How could Humanity her lot sustain, Unblest by Faith, uncheer'd by Hope's mild ray? These, Heav'n in mercy gives, to aid our strength, The shades of erring reason to illume, To smooth our pilgrimage beguile its length, And rob the vale of death of half its gloom. Yes! we shall meet again, no more to part! Meet in the mansions of eternal truth, And friendship's germs which here entwine the heart, Shall flourish there in ever blooming youth. TO A SLEEPING CHILD. Sleep on, dear boy, and be thy slumbers fraught With glowing visions of the purest joy; Sleep on, dear boy, and may'st thou dream of nought That would the dear delusive charm destroy. Thine is that happy age, when ev'ry scene Appears array'd in Hope's delightful hue; Long may it be, ere care shall intervene, To cloud the prospect, and impede the view! May angels guard thine innocence and thee! Till, worn by age, life's energies shall faint; Then, be this written as thy destiny! He was a Christian—and he is a saint. A FAREWELL. The fleeting moments fly apace, To hasten our farewell embrace; Yet ere I go, dear friends receive, The only off'ring I can give, The tribute of a grateful heart, That fain would all it feels impart. Or poor, or splendid, be the shed, That shelters next my humble head, There, oft with mem'ry I'll review, The hours of comfort pass'd with you; Oft with her aid, will fondly trace, The features of each absent face, And fancy that again I hear, The sounds to recollection dear, The accents of each friendly voice, That bade my sinking heart rejoice. Nor seldom will I breathe a pray'r, For those whose sweetly-soothing care, Could the poor wand'rer's bosom calm, With sympathy's most precious balm. Wherever changing fate may guide, Whate'er of good or ill betide, Still to its best affections true, My heart will oft revert to you. If pleasure wing each passing hour, And health her genial influence show'r, To purest bliss 'twill be alloy, That you're not by to share my joy. But if God's wisdom shall decree A sadly diff'rent lot for me, If poverty and sickness, bow My frame, and sink my spirits low; In this sweet thought I'll find relief, You witness not my pain or grief. Farewell! Where'er I go, I bear Impressions time can not impair; Farewell! I tremble while I write; And gath'ring tears obstruct my sight; But Hope's soft voice, in whispers sweet, Tells me we oft again may meet, And, as her words my fears subdue, Reluctantly I say, Adieu. WRITTEN ON THE BLANK LEAF OF "THE PLEASURES OF MEMORY." The Gift of a beloved Brother. The Book fraternal friendship gives, To me, how doubly dear! My heart with joy the gift receives, And hails it with a tear. To thee, lov'd youth! far distant now, My thoughts, my wishes stray; For thee I breathe affection's vow, For thee I hourly pray. How oft, when evening shades descend, And meditation reigns, I think on thee, my early friend, And our forsaken plains; And Mem'ry with her pencil stands, In retrospective gaze, With faithful eye, and skilful hands, To paint our childhood's days. In pensive or in playful mood, In humour grave or gay, The brother ever kind and good, Her magic hues pourtray. She gives me back the pleasing smile, That on thy cheek appear'd, When sportive mirth, devoid of guile, The passing moments cheer'd. Fond thought recalls the beaming eye, Which sympathy exprest: And fancy hears soft pity's sigh. Steal trembling from thy breast. In virtue's graceful tints, I see Thy mind and features glow; And, in a double sense, to thee I "Mem'ry's Pleasures" owe. AN ADDRESS TO MY BELOVED PARENTS, ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR WEDDING DAY. My own dear Parents, Whilst with placid joy, And calm delight which charms, but cannot cloy, From your surrounding children you receive, The tend'rest wishes that the heart can give; Permit your absent daughter too, to pay Her gratulations on this happy day. In person absent—but, to duty true, My thoughts are daily, hourly, fix'd on you. On you, to whom I owe a larger debt, Than I can e'er repay, or e'er forget; A debt that's enter'd on life's earliest page, And still accumulating with my age. My infant wants, your tender care engag'd; By you each joy was shar'd, each pain assuag'd; While prompt to shield me from each earthly ill, Your pious sense of higher duties still Allow'd not temp'ral wants t' engross your zeal; But, mindful of the soul's immortal weal, Fail'd not to lighten, with religion's ray, The first faint dawnings of my mental day; Hail'd with delight the op'ning mind of youth, And stamp'd it with the characters of truth. By you my heart was taught its pray'r to raise, From your dear lips first learn'd the song of praise; Learn'd to be thankful for each blessing given, T' indulge no wish for those with-held by heaven, But, firmly trusting in Almighty love. My gratitude, by my obedience prove. As on my mind these recollections press, Vain would be ev'ry effort to express, All that I feel of grateful tenderness; But never, never, shall my filial heart, A voluntary pang to your's impart. May heav'n accept and aid the vow it hears! So shall the current of my future years Glide smoothly on, till Death's relentless force, Freeze up the fount of life, and stay its course. For you!—may God's all-gracious providence Around you still His choicest gifts dispense! May He assist you with his saving grace, And crown your virtues in a virtuous race! In life, united may we all remain, And only part in death, to meet again. ABSENCE. A SONG. When absent from the friends I love, What anxious thoughts pervade my breast! What fond regrets I hourly prove! What tender fears invade my rest!- They're of my waking thoughts the theme, And in my slumbers present seem; For when I sleep, of them I dream. My heart's best wishes on them wait, My kind and true regard they share; Nor can the smiles nor frowns of fate, That firmly fix'd esteem impair. For still through life, in joy or pain, Affection shall her pow'r retain, And still my bosom-guest remain. WRITTEN IN THE PORCH OF GUSSAGE CHURCH DURING A HEAVY STORM. As in this porch a safe retreat I find From winter's pelting storms and chilling wind, So, may I ever, when opprest by care, Seek consolation in the house of pray'r; Bow with submission to the will of God, And bless the chast'ner whilst I feel the rod. IMPROMPTU WRITTEN ON A FROZEN PANE OF GLASS. For once, I'll act the child again, And scribble on this frozen pane Tho' soon the characters I trace Sol's rising glories will efface. Thus quickly childhood's pleasures pass, As ice-drops fair—but frail as glass. And thus, when clouds obscure life's day, And reason bows beneath their sway; When wintry blasts, and storms unkind, Impress a gloom upon the mind, Religion's cheering beams arise, And soon the trace of sorrow flies. SONNET. My heart to disappointment long inur'd, And grown familiar with affliction's train, With strengthen'd faith adversity endur'd, And bore unmov'd each new attack of pain. So oft had whisp'ring hope been hushed by fear, I bade the flatt'rers' fond delusions cease, Sustain'd the frowns of fate without a tear, And look'd to other, brighter realms, for peace. But now, when beams of mercy from on high, Break through the clouds which life's horizon veil, My bosom struggles with the swelling sigh, And all my wonted firmness seems to fail. Great God of Heav'n! do Thou my ways direct, In mercy spare me, and in love protect. TO A WEEPING FRIEND. Weep not, dear girl! at that neglect, Which ill thou hast deserv'd to know; Nor think that all thy love reject, Though one may cause thy tears to flow. Some hearts can, like the shifting vane, Veer with the wind at ev'ry blast; But others (fix'd in truth) remain Midst storms and tempests ever fast. Yes, man may proffer many a vow, And, spurning all, delight to range; But his example shall not bow My mind, nor teach my heart to change. Though all the world should hold thee light, And fickle friends forgetful prove; I never will thy merit slight, Now cease thy well-tried worth to love. Love often mounts on roving wing, Nor gives one thought to parting pains; But, truth has taught my voice to sing, "Time flies, but friendship still remains." STANZAS, INSCRIBED TO MISS ——. And must I then the dear belief resign, That through the storms of life's tempestuous day, One tender, faithful friend, would still be mine, Whose love, nor time could change, nor int'rest sway? Vainly I struggle to repress my tears, As thrills conviction through each troubled thought; Fair was the vision of my early years, And sad the contrast which experience brought. Another link is burst of that frail chain, Which bound my soul in confidence to man; The sev'ring hand I recognize with pain, The motive lies beyond my pow'r to scan. Oh! I have calmly borne the cold neglect Of those who merit weigh in fortune's scale; But, little did my trusting heart suspect, That one, who seem'd so true, in truth could fail. Still, faithless as thou art, I love thee yet! Still, mem'ry makes her fond but sad appeal! I cannot learn past kindness to forget, Nor feign a coldness I can never feel. Keen is the pang thy broken vows impart, And deep the wound to friendship's bosom giv'n; But wrong'd affection pardons all the smart, And prays that we may meet again in heav'n. A MORNING HYMN FOR CHRISTMAS DAY. Awake, my soul! nor longer lie Supine in senseless lethargy; Lo! brightly dawns salvation's day, Arouse thee from thy dream of clay! Wilt thou reject thy Saviour's call, And spurn His holy festival? Renounce the grace He'd freely give, And die—when Jesus bids thee live? When thou wert lost in guilt and shame, For thee He bow'd the heav'ns, and came; For thee He left His throne above, And wilt thou slight his offer'd love? For thee He came, for thee He bled, For thee behold His table spread; Thy pitying Lord invites thee—haste, And of the heav'nlv banquet taste. In robes of penitence array'd, Be justly aw'd, but not dismay'd; If Faith but lead thee to the feast, Thou'lt be a well-accepted guest. Then rise, my soul! nor longer lie In listless, dull inanity; Rise! and to meet thy God advance, Oh, rouse thee! rouse thee! from thy trance! THE DEFEAT OF SLANDER. A FRAGMENT. Lo! from the cave where haggard Envy lies, Her eldest born insatiate Slander flies; Her ranc'rous hate extends itself to all, And the first victim that she meets, must fall. But chiefly anxious, virtue to molest, To steal the good man's peace, and break his rest; His best, his brightest actions, to deride, His faults to magnify, his worth to hide; She charges him with crimes he'd blush to name, Blackens with guilt his yet unsullied fame, And strives to give his cheek the tinge of shame. Reputed friends with mean distrust combine, And open enemies the standard join; In private insult, and in public wrong, Soon exercis'd are all the worthless throng; And, ere their guiltless victim feels alarm, Upon his head descends the bursting storm. He, as a man, the sudden stroke must feel, But conscience arms him with a shield of steel; Her sweet support, enables him to fight His own just cause, and put his foes to flight. For though, at times, his spirit almost bends, Beneath the treach'ry of once valued friends, Short is that interval of mental pain, Those he most loves still true to him remain. The wife, who long hath been his bosom's guest, Still, sweetly anxious, lulls his cares to rest; With kind affection cheers his drooping heart, And blunts the point of sorrow's keenest dart; No calumny her tender faith impairs, Her love he still deserves, and still he shares. His children bless his kind parental care, And offer up for him the fervent pray'r; Before th' Eternal Throne their pray'rs arise, Th' Eternal God will not their suit despise; In mercy, He will grant the wish'd relief, And, from their Father's bosom banish grief. Already see—his character to clear, A friendly troop of Virtue's sons appear; With look benign, they take him by the hand, And thus address the base confed'rate band: "Hence, servile crew! nor with such rig'rous hate, "Pursue the merit ye should imitate. "Fruitless and vain must each endeavour prove, "The stedfast soul of innocence to move; "The man, who stands secure in conscious worth, "Looks for reward beyond the bounds of earth; "If the good counseller within his breast "Can whisper peace,—he feels supremely blest;— "He measures not his actions by your laws, "Heeds not your blame, nor wishes your applause; "But, humbly confident, he trusts in God, "And meekly bows beneath his chast'ning rod. "Such is the man on whom ye madly rush; "And, can ye hope his happiness to crush? "Vain is the hope—and vain the effort too; "Ye meditate, what ye can never do. "Ye faithless friends! by Slander's tongue seduc'd, "When will ye own how much ye have traduc'd? "When will your conscience triumph o'er your pride? "Ah! when will justice draw the veil aside, "With which his envied worth ye strive to hide? "Oh! never more, his suffrage can you gain; "He must distrust—though to distrust, be pain. "But, not deserv'd reproach from him expect, "He will forgive, tho' he cannot respect. "Revenge, within his breast, no place can find, "All is serene, compassionate, and kind; "Taught by his Saviour, he will lenient prove, "And yield his pity, where he cannot love. "Happy the woman who can call him Lord! "Happy the children who surround board! "They own his worth, are grateful for his care, "Heighten his pleasures, and his sorrows share. "No fear of separation damps their joy; "They look for future bliss without alloy, "When, all their trials and temptations o'er, "Their God receives them on that blessed shore, "Where grief comes not, and pain is felt no more. "Back to thy cell, then, wretched fiend, retreat! "And tell thy parent Envy, thy defeat; "Tell her, by virtue all thy hopes are crost, "And all thy poison'd shafts their pow'r have lost; "For she, her faithful sons protects from harm, "And safely shields them with her pow'rful arm." Slander this mandate dares not disobey; Swiftly she flies, with terror and dismay. Confusion seizes on the vanquish'd train, They view their leader's flight, with trembling pain, And fear, that punishment themselves prepar'd, Will by themselves alone be duly shar'd. Far different sensations fill the breast Of him whom they so cruelly opprest; He, feeling all his wonted peace regain'd, Blesses the pow'r who hath his cause sustain'd; For future good, on love divine relies, And learns, above all present ills, to rise. PRINTED BY BRODIE AND DOWDING, SALISBURY.