The works in verse and prose, of William Shenstone, Esq. In two volumes, with decorations. ... 1769: Vol 1
Shenstone, William
Vol. I. ' * ol =_ , n  Dus + Wat PER. — me - — — -_ K — _ » , + Yorun WS © er Bn <4 - * * — \ J--I W 0 R K 8 VERSE AND PROSE, O F WILLIAM SHENSTONE, Eſq. IN TW OVOL UM: E:$, WITH DECOR A1T10N:3, — His ego longos Cantando puerum memini me condere ſoles, VI EC. ä DUBLIN: Printed by G. FAULKNER, in  —— A EI Ione rene WRITTEN ON Many different Oc cas10Ns. Tantùm inter denſas umbroſa cacumina, fagos Aſſiduè veniebat: ibi hæc incondita, ſolus, Montibus et ſilvis ſtudio jactabat inani! VI RG. Vol. I. B N * — how 8 Ps "4 . —_ 7 { — >>.4 \ a N. 4 * \ * * 5 . 1 7 8 ” 17 a - ® * * _ * | 8 N 3 — 2 * - * a * LW * i = a , 74 1 mg, * 3  ——— OW > ́ꝙ — 6 DOOR — —— ore — ————ñ— — i Re” —. 7 A PREFATORY ESSAY ELEC. are contrived very frequently to inculcate ſuch tenets, as may exhibit the performance to the greateſt advantage. The fabric is very commonly raifed in the fir/? place, and the meaſures, by which we are to judge of its merit, are afterwards ad- ] : is obſervable, that diſcourſes prefixed to poetry juſted. There have been few rules given us by the critic concerning the ſtructure of elegiac poetry; and far be it from the author of the following trifles, to dig- nity bis own opinions with that denomination. He would only intimate the great variety of ſubjeds, and the different * fyles in which the writers of elegy have hitherto indulged themſelves, and endeavour to thield the following ones by the latitude of their ex- ample. B 2 14 * This eſſay wac written near twenty years ago 4 A Prrerarory EssAxv on ELEGY. If we conſider the etymology of the * word, the epithet which + Hokace gives it, or the confeſſion which t Ovid makes concerning it, I think we may conclude thus much however; that elegy, in its true and genuine acceptation, includes a tender and que- rulous idea: that it looks upon his as its peculiar characteriſtic, and ſo long as his is thoroughly ſuſ- tained, admits of a variety of ſubjeQs ; which by its manner of treating them, it renders its own, It throws its melancholy fle over pretty different ob- jects! which, like the dreſſes at a funeral proceſſion, gives them all a kind of folemn and uniform appear- ance. It is probable that elegies were written at fir/? up- on the death of intimate Friends and near relations ; celebrated beauties, or fawourite miſtreſſes ; beneficent governors and illuſtrious men : one may add perhaps, of all thoſe, who are placed by VIRGIL in the lau- rel-grove of his Elyſium. (Vide Huzp's Diſſerta— tion on Hokrace's Epiſtle) Quigue ſui memores alios fecere merendo. After theſe ſubjeQs were ſufficiently exhauſted, and the ſeverity of fate diſplayed in the moſt affecting inſtan- ces, the poets ſought occaſion to vary their complaints ; and the next tender ſpecies of forrow that preſented itfelf, was the grief of abſent or neglected lovers. And this indulgence might be indeed allowed them; but with his they were not contented. They had ob- tained a ſmall corner in the province of love, and they took advantage, from thence, to over-run the whole territory, They ſung its ſpoils, triumphs, ovations, and rejoicings 5, as well as the captivity and exequies that attended it. They gave the name of elegy to their pleaſantries as well as lamentations ; till at laſt, through egen, 6-particulam dolendi. + Milerabiles elegos. Heu nimis ex vers nunc tibi nomen erit. 3 O-'1D, de Morte Tibulli. Ovip. J Dicite Io Pzan, & 100 57 9 os Wo A Pxtratory Ess AV own ELEGY. G through their abundant fondneſs for the myrt/e, they forgot that the cyprus was their peculiar garland. In this it is probable they deviated from the original deſign of elegy ; and it ſhould ſeem, that any kind of ſubjects, treated in ſuch a manner as to diffuſe a plea- ſing melancholy, might far better deſerve the name, than the facetious mirth and libertine feſtivity of the ſucceſsful votaries of love. But not to dwell too long upon an opinion which may ſeem perhaps introduced to favour the following performance, it may not be improper to examine into the uſe and end of elegy. The moſt important end of all poetry is to encourage virtue. Epic and tra- gedy chiefly recommend the public virtues ; elegy is of a ſpecious which illuſtriates and endears the private. There is a truly virtuous pleaſure connected with many penſive contemplations, which it is the province and excellence of elegy to enforce. This, by preſenting ſuitable ideas, has diſcovered ſweets in melancholy which we could not find in mirth; and has led us with ſucceſs to the duſty urn, when we couid draw no pleaſure from the ſparkling bowl ; as paſtoral con- veys an idea of ſimplicity and innocence, it is in par- ticular the taſk and merit of elegy to ſhew the inno- cence and ſimplicity of rural life to advantage; and that, in a way diſtin from paſtoral, as much as the plain but juicious landlord may be imagined to ſur- paſs his tenant both in dignity and underſtanding. It ſhould alſo tend to elevate the more tranquil virtues of humility, r implicity, and innocence : but then there is a degree of elegance and refinement, no way inconſiſtent with theſe rural virtues ; and that raiſes e/egy above that merum rus, that unpsliſhed ruſticity, which has given our paſtoral writers their higheſt reputation. Wealth and ſplendor will never want their proper weight: the danger is, left they thould too much pre- ponderate. A kind of poetry therefore which throws its chief influence into the other ſcale, that magnihes the ſweets of liberty and independence, that endears tae honeſt eight of love and friendihip, that cele- B 3 > brates 6 A PRETATORY EsSsA V on EL EG. brates the glory of a good name after death, that ridi- cules the tutile arrogance of birth, that recommends the innocent amuſement of letters, and inſenſibly pre- pares the mind for that humanity it inculcates, ſuch a kind of poetry may chance to pleaſe ; and if it pleaſe, ſhould feem to be of ſervice. | | As to the ſyle of elegy, it may be well enough de- termined from what has gone before. It ſhould imi- tate the voice and language of grief; or if a meta- phor of dreſs be more agreeable, it ſhould be ſimple and diffuſe, and flowing as a mourner's veil. A ver- ſification therefore is deſirable, which, by indulging a free and unconſtrained expreſſion, may admit of that implicity which elegy requires. Heroic metre, with alternate rhime, ſeems well enough adapted to this ſpecies of poetry ; and, how- ever exceptionable upon other occaſions, its inconve- niencies appear to loſe their weight in ſborter elegies ; and its advantages ſeem to acquire an additional im- portance. The world has an admirable example of its beauty in a collection of elegies at long ſince pub- liſbed; the product of a gentleman of the moſt exact taſte, and whoſe untimely death merits all the tears that elegy can ſhed. It is not impoſſible that ſome may think this metre too lax and profaic ; others, that even a more diſſolute variety of numbers may have ſuperior advantages. And, in favour of thefe laſt, might be produced the example of MiLro in his Lycipas, together with one Or two recent and beautiful imitations of his ver- fifkcation in that monody. But this kind of argument, 1 am apt to think, muſt prove te much; ſince the writers J have in view ſeem capable enough of recom- mending any metre they ſhall chuſe; though it muſt be owned alſo, that the choice they make of any, is at the ſame time the ſtrongeſt preſumption in its fa- vour. Perhaps it may be no great difficulty to compromiſe the diſpute. There is no one kind of metre that is diſtinguiſhed N. B. This preface was written near twenty Years ago, A Parrarory Essxy on E LEGY. 7 diſtinguiſhed by rhimes, but is liable to ſome objec- tion or other. Heroic verſe, where every ſecond line is terminated by a rhime, (with which the judg- ment requires that the ſenſe ſhould in ſome meaſure alſo terminate) is apt to render the expreſſion either ſcanty or conſtrained. And this is ſometimes ob- ſerveable in the writings of a poet lately deceaſed ; though I believe no one ever threw ſo much ſenſe to- gether with ſo much eaſe into a couplet as Mr. Pore. But as an air of conſtraint too often accompanies this metre, it ſeems by no means proper for a writer of elepy. The previous rhime in MiLTox's Lycipas is very frequently placed at ſuch a diſtance from the following that it is often dropt by the memory (much better employed in attending to the ſentiment) be- fore it be brought to join its partner : and this ſeems to be the greateſt objection to t kind of verſifica- tion. But then the peculiar eaſe and variety it admits of, are no doubt ſufficient to overballance the ob- jection, and to give it the preference to any other, in an elegy of length. The chief exception to which f/anza of all kinds is liable, is, that it breaks the ſenſe too regularly, when it is continued through a long poem. And this may be perhaps the fault of Mr. WALLER's excellent panegyric. But if this fault be lels diſcernable in ſmaller compoſitions, as I ſuppoſe it 7s, I flatter my- ſelf, that the advantages I have before mentioned re- ſulting from alternate rhime (with which ſtanza is, I think, connected) may at leaſt in Horter elegies, be allowed to out-weigh its imperfections. J ſhall ſay but little of the different kinds of elegy. The melancholy of a lover is different, no doubt, from what we feel on other mixed occaſions. The mind in which love and grief, at once predo: minate, is ſoftened to an exceſs, Love elegy there- fore is more negligent of order and deſign, and, be- ing addreſſed chiefly to the ladies, requires little more than tenderneſs and perſpicuity. Elegies that are formed upon promiſcuous incidents, and addre ſſ- B 4 6&4 * A Parxarony Ess AV on EL E G. ed to the world in general, inculcate ſome ſort of moral, and admit a different degree of reaſoning, thought, and order. The author of the following elegies entered on his ſubjects occaſionally, as particular incidents in life ſug- ge/ied, or diſpoſitions of mind recommended them to his choice. If he deſcribes a rural landſkip, or unfolds the train of ſentiments it inſpired, he fairly drew his picture from the ſpot; and felt very ſenſibly the af- fection he communicates. If he ſpeaks of his humble ſhed, his flocks and his fleeces, he does not counter- feit the ſcene; who having (whether through choice or neceſſity, is not material) retired betimes to coun» try ſolitudes, and ſought his happineſs in rural em- ployments, has a right to conſider himſelf as a real ſhepherd, The flocks, the meadows, and the grot- tos, are his own, and the embelliſhment of his farm his ſole amuſement. As the ſentiments therefore were inſpired by nature, and that in the earlier part of his life, he hopes they will retain a natural appearance diffuſing at leaſt ſome part of. that amuſement, which he freely acknowledges he received from the compo- fition of them. There will appear perhaps a real inconſiſtency in the moral tenour of the ſeveral elegies ; and the ſubſequent ones may ſometimes ſeem a recantation of the preceding. The reader will ſcarcely impute this to overſight ; but will allow, that men's opi— nions as well as tempers vary ; that neither public nor private, active nor ſpeculative life, are unexception- ably happy, and conſequently that any change of opinion concerning them may afford an additional beauty to poetry, as it gives us a more ſtriking repre- ſeniation of life. If the author has hazarded, throughout, the uſe of Engliſh or modern alluſions, he hopes it will not be imputed to an entire ignorance, or to the /eaft diſeſleem of the ancient learning. He has kept the ancient an and methed in his eye, though he builds his edifice with the materials of his own nation. In other words, through a fondneſs for his native coun- try, A PrerFatory Essay on EL E GV. 9 try, he has made uſe of the flowers it produced, though, in order to exhibit them to the greater ad- vantage, he has endeavoured to weave his garland by the beſt model he could find : with what ſucceſs, beyond his own amuſement, muſt be left to judges leſs partial to him than either his acquaintance or his friends. —If any of theſe ſhould be ſo candid, as to approve the variety of ſubjects he has choſen, and the tenderneſs of ſentiment he has endeavoured to impreſs, he begs the metre alſo may not be too ſuddenly condemned. The public ear, habituated of late to a quicker meaſure, may perhaps confider 2515 as heavy and languid ; but an objection of that kind may gradually loſe its force, it this meaſure ſhould be allowed to ſuit the nature of elegy. If it ſhould happen to be conſidered as an objec- tion with others, that there is too much of a moral caſt diffuſed through the whole; it is replied that he endeavoured to animate the poetry ſo far as not to render this objection too obvious; or to riſque cam cluding the faſhionable reader : at the ſame time ne- ver deviating from a fixed principle, that poetry without morality is but the %ſſem of a fruit-tree. Poetry is indeed like that ſpecies of plants, which may bear at once both fruits and bloſſoms, and the tree is by no means in perfection without the former, however it may be embelliſhed by the flowers whicn ſurround it. ELEGY wa] WA — L He arrives at his retirement in the country, and take; te- caſion to expatiate in praiſe of ſimplicity. To a friend. O R rural virtues, and for native ſkies, bade AucusTa's venal ſons farewel ; Now, mid the trees, I ſee my ſmoke ariſe ; Now hear the fountains bubbling round my cell. O may that genius, which ſecures my reſt, Preſerve this villa for a friend that's dear ! Ne'er may my vintage glad the ſordid breaſt: Ne'er tinge the Lip that dares be unſincere ! Far from theſe paths, ye faithleſs friends, depart! Fly my plain board, abhor my hoſtile name! Hence ! the faint verſe that flows not from the heart, But mourns in labour'd ſtrains, the price of _ ov | [ 12 4 O lov'd ſimplicity! be thine the prize ! Aſſiduous art correct her page in vain! His be the palm who, guiltleſs of diſguiſe, Contemns the pow'r, the dull reſource to feigh ! Still may the mourner, laviſh of his tears For lucre's venal meed, invite my ſcorn! Still may the bard diſſembling doubts and fears, For praiſe, for flatt'ry ſighing, ſigh forlorn! Soft as the line of love-ſick Hammond flows, "Twas his fond heart effus'd the melting theme ; Ah! never could Aon1a's hill diſcloſe, So fair a fountain, or ſo lov'd a ſtream. Ye loveleſs bards! intent with artful pains To form a ſigh, or to contrive a tear ! Forego your Pindus, and on — plains Survey CAMILLA's charms, and grow ſincere. But thou, my friend! while in thy youthful ſoul Love's gentle tyrant ſcats his awſul thivnc, Write from thy boſom—let not art controul The ready pen, that makes his edits known, Pleaſing when youth is long expir'd, to trace The forms our pencil, or our pen deſign'd ! « Such was our youthful air and ſhape and face! « Such the ſoft image of our youthful mind!“ Soft whilſt we ſleep beneath the rural bow'rs, The loves and graces ſteal unſeen away ; And where the turt diffus'd its pomp of flow'rs, We wake to wint'ry ſcenes of chill decay ! Curſe the ſad fortune that detains thy fair; Praiſe the ſoft hours that gave thee to her arms; Paint thy proud ſcorn of ev'ry vulgar care, When hope exalts thee, or when doubt alarms. Where with Oznonwe thou haſt worn the day, Near fount or ſtream, in meditation, rove ; If in the grove Otxons lov'd to ſtray, 'The faithful muſe ſhall meet thee in the 447 D E * _— * ——_— 32-3. On poſthumous reputation, To a friend. GRIEF of griefs! that envy's frantio ire () Should rob the living virtue of its praiſe ! O fooliſh muſes! that with zeal aſpire Jo deck the cold inſenſate ſhrine with bays! When the free ſpirit quits her humble frame, To tread the ſkies with radiant garlands crown'd, Say, will ſhe hear the diſtant voice of fame? Or hearing, fancy ſweetneſs in the found ? Perhaps ev'n genius pours a flighted lay; perhaps ev'n friendſhip ſheds a fruitleſs tear; Ev'n LyrTLETOV but vainly trims the bay, And fondly graces Hammon's mournful bier. Tho' weeping virgins haunt his favour'd urn, Renew their chaplets, and repeat their ſighs; Tho', near his tomb, Sabzan odours burn,. The loit'ring fragrance will it reach the ſkies ? Ko ſhou'd his DELIA votive wreaths prepare, Dei might place the votive wreaths in vain : Yet the dear hope of DELIA's future care Once crown'd his pleaſures and diſpell'd his pain. Ye5—the fair project of ſurviving praiſe. Can ev'ry ſenſe of preſent joys excel: For this, great HaDRIAx choſe laborious days; Thro' this, expiring, bade a gay farewel. Shall then our youths, who fame's bright fabric raiſe, To life's precarious date confine their care ? O teach them you, to ſpread the ſacred baſe, To plan a work, thro' lateſt ages fait! 15 6-884 Is it ſmall tranſport, as with curious eye You trace the ſtory of each Attic ſage, 'To think your blooming praiſe ſhall time defy ? Shall waft like odours thro' the pleaſing page? To mark the day, when, thro' the bulky tome, Around your name the varying ſtyle refines ? And readers call their loſt attention home, Led by that index where true genius ſhines? Ah let not Barros doubt their ſocial aim, Whoſe ardent boſoms catch this ancient fire ! Cold mtereſt melts before the vivid flame, And patriot ardours, but with life, expire ! — — EL r m On the untimely death of a certain learned acquaintance. F proud Pyomar.nox quit his cumbrous frame, Funereal pomp the ſcanty tear ſupplies ; Whilſt heralds loud with venal voice proclaim Lo! here the brave and the puiſſant lies. When humbler ALcow leaves his drooping friends. £ Pageant nor plume diſtinguith ALcon's bier; The faithful muſe with votive ſong attends, And blots the mourntul numbers with a tear, He little knew the fly penurious art; That odious art which fortune's fav'rites know Form'd to beſtow, he felt the warmeſt heart, But envious fate forbade him to beſtow. He little knew to ward the ſecret wound; He little knew that mortals cou'd enſnare ; Virtue he knew; the nobleſt joy he found. To ſing her glories, and to paiot her fair! 1 J Ill was he ſkill'd to guide his wand' ring ſheep ; An unforeſeen diſaſter thin'd his fold; Yet, at another's loſs, the ſwain would weep ; And, for his friend, his very crook were ſold, Ye ſons of wealth! protect the muſe's train; From winds prote& them, and with food ſupply ; Ah ! helpleſs they, to ward the threaten'd pain! The meagre famine, and the wint'ry ſky! e lov'd a nymph: amidſt his flender ſtore, He dar'd to love; and CyxTa1a was his theme; He breath'd bis plaints along the rocky ſhore, They only echo'd o'er the winding ſtream. Wis Nymph was fair; the ſweeteſt bud that blows, Revives lets lovely from the recent ſhow'r; ©0 PHILOMEL enamour'd eyes the role ; ce, Sweet bird, enamour'd of the ſweeteſt flow'r! He lov'd the muſe ; ſhe taught him to complain ; He faw his tim'rous loves on her depend; He lov'd the muſe, altho” ſhe taught in vain ; He lov'd the muſe, for ſhe was virtue's friend. She guides the foot that treads on Parian floors ; She wins the ear when formal pleas are vain; She tempts patricians from the fatal doors Of vice's brothel, forth to virtue's fane. He wiſh'd for wealth, for much he wiſh'd to give; He griev'd that virtue might not wealth obtain; Piteous of woes, and hopeleſs to relieve, The penſive proſpeR ſadden'd all his ſtrain. T faw him faint! I ſaw him fink to reſt, Like one ordain'd to ſwell the vulgar throng ; As tho' the virtues had not warm'd his breaſt, As tho' the mules not inſpir'd his tongue. I ſaw [ 16 1 F ſaw his bier ignobly croſs the plain; Saw peaſant hands the pious rites ſupply : The generous ruſtics mourn'd the friendly ſwain, But pow'r and wealth's unvarying cheek was dry! Such Alco fell ; in meagre want forlorn ! Where were ye then ye powerful patrons, where? Wou'd ye the purple ſhou'd your limbs adorn, Go waſh the conſcious blemiſh with a tear. E. L. . 8. r W. OrnELlia's urn. To Mr. G HR O' the dim veil of ev'ning's duſky ſhade, Near ſome lone fane, or yew's funeral green, W hat dreary forms has magic fear ſurvey'd! What ſhrouded ſpectres ſuperſtition ſeen! But you ſecure ſhall pour your ſad complaint, Nor dread the meagre phantom's wan array; What none but fear's officious hand can paint, What none, but ſuperltition's eye, ſurvey. The glimm'ring twilight and the doubtful dawn Shall ſee your ſtep to theſe ſad ſcenes return: Conſtant, as cryital dews impearl the lawn Shall SrRETHON's tear bedew OreKwtELta's urn! Sure nought unhallow'd ſhall preſume to ſtray Where ſleeps the reliques of that virtuous maid: Nor aught unlovely bend its devious way, Where ſoft OyRELIA's dear remains are laid. Haply thy muſe, as with unceaſing ſighs She keeps late vigils on her urn reclin'd, May: fee light groups of pleaſing viſions riſe ; And phantoms glide, but of celeſtial kind. Then 10 1 of rar Then fame, her clarion pendent at her fide, Shall ſeek forgiveneſs of OrneLia's ſhade ; « Why has ſuch worth, without diſtinQtion, dy'd, Why, like the deſert's lily, bloom'd to fade?” Then young ſimplicity, averſe to feign, Shall unmoleſted breathe her ſofteſt figh : And candour with unwonted warmth complain, And innocence indulge a wailful cry. Then elegance with coy judicious hand, Shall cull freſh flow'rets for OruELIA's tomb: And beauty chide the fates' ſevere command, That ſhew'd the frailty of ſo fair a bloom! And fancy then with wild ungovern'd woe, Shall her lov'd pupil's native taſte explain: For mournful ſable all her hues forego, And aſk ſweet ſolace of the muſe in vain! Ah gentle forms expect no fond relief; Too much the ſacred nine their loſs deplore : Well may ye grieve, nor find an end to grief— Your beſt, your brighteſt fav'rite is no more. He compares the turbulence of love with the tranquillity of friendſhips, To MeL1ssa his friend, R O M love, from angry love's inclement reign | paſs a while to friendſhip's equal ſkies ; Thou, gen'rous maid, reliev'ſt my partial pain, And chear'ſt the victim of another's eyes. Tis thou, MerL1ssa, thou deſerv'ſt my care: How can my will and reaſon diſagree? How can my paſſion live beneath deſpair ! How can my boſom ſigh for aught but thee :? Au E ö Ah dear Mertss ! pleas'd with thee to rove, My ſoul has yet ſurviv'd its drearieſt time ; Ill can I bear the various clime of love! Love is a pleaſing, but a various clime! So ſmiles immortal Maro's fav'rite ſhore, PARTHENOPE With ev'ry verdure crown'd! When ſtraight Vesuv1o's horrid cauldrons roar, And the dry vapour hlaſts the regions round. Oh bliſsful regions! oh unrival'd plains ! When Masao to theſe fragrant haunts retir'd ! Oh fatal realms! and oh accurſt domains! When Plivr, mid ſulphureous clouds, expir'd! So ſmiles the ſurface of the treacherous main, As o'er its waves the peaceful halcyons play; When ſoon rude winds their wonted rule regain, And ſky and oeean mingle in the fray. But let or air contend, or ocean rave; Ev'n hope ſubſide amid the billows toſt; Hope, ſtill emergent, ſtill contemns the wave, And not a feature's wonted ſmile is loſt, C To a lady on the language of birds, OME then, Dio, let us range the grove, The ſcience of the feather'd choirs explore; Hear linnets argue, larks deſcant of love, And blame the gloom of ſolitude no more, My doubt ſubſides—'tis no Italian ſong, Nor: ſenſeleſs ditty, cheats the vernal tree: Ah who that hears Dione's tuneful tongue, Shall doubt that muſic may with ſenſe agree? And 34 1 290 And come, my muſe! that lov'ſt the ſilvan ſhade ; Evolve the mazes, and the miſt diſpel: Tranſlate the ſong; convince my doubting maid, No ſolemn derviſe can explain ſo well.— Penſive beneath the twilight ſhades I ſate, The ſlave of hopeleſs vows, and cold diſdain ! When PriLomerL addreſs'd his mournful mate, And thus I conftru'd the mellifluent ſtrain. «« Sing on my bird=the liquid notes prolong, At ev'ry note a lover ſheds his tear; Sing on, my bird ——'tis Damon hears thy ſong; Nor doubt to gain applauſe, when lovers hear, He the ſad ſource of our complaining knows ; A foe to Textvs, and to lawleſs love! He mourns the ſtory of our ancient woes! Ah ! could our mufic his complaints remove ! Yon” plains are govern'd by a peerleſs maid ; And fee, pale CynTH1a mounts the vaulted ſky, A train of lovers court the chequer'd ſhade ; Sing on, my bird, and hear thy mate's reply. Ere while no ſhepherd to theſe woods retir'd ; No lover bleſt the glow-worm's pallid ray ; But ill-ſtarr'd birds, that liſt' ning not admir'd, Or liſt'ning envy'd our ſuperior lay. Chear'd by the ſun, the vaſſals of his pow'r, Let ſuch by day unite their jarring ſtrains! Put let us chuſe the calm, the filent hour, Nor want fit audience while DioxE reigns.“ ELEGY 1 0 \ J @- F -- IL He deſcribes his Viſion to an acquaintance. Cetera per terras omnes animalia, &C. VIAG. \ N diftant heaths, beneath autumnal ſkies, Penſive I ſaw the circling ſhades deſcend ; Weary and faint I heard the ſtorm ariſe, While the ſun vaniſh'd like a faithleſs friend. No kind companion led my ſteps aright ; No friendly planet lent its glimm'ring ray; Ev'n the lone cot refus'd its wonted light, Where toil in peaceful ſlumber clos'd the day. Then the dull bell had giv'n a pleaſing ſound ; The village cur *twere tranſport then to hear; In dreadful filence all was huſh'd around, While the rude ſtorm alone diſtreſs'd mine ear, As led by OxwerL's winding banks I ſtray'd, Where tow'ring WoLsey breath'd his native air; A ſudden luſtre chas'd the flitting ſhade, The ſounding winds were huſh'd, and all was fair. Inftant a grateful form appear'd confeſt White were his locks with awful ſcarlet crown'd, And livelier far than Tyriap ſeem'd his veſt, That with the glowing purple ting'd the ground. „Stranger, he ſaid, amid this pealing rain, Benighted, loneſome, whither wou'dſt thou ſtray ? Does wealth or pow'r thy weary ſtep conſtrain ? Reveal thy wiſh, and let me point the way. For know I trod the trophy'd paths of pow'r; Felt ev*ry joy that fair ambition brings; And left the lonely roof of yonder bow'r, To ſtand beneath the canopies of kings. I bade E 1 1 bade low hinds the tow'ring ardour ſhare ; Nor meanly roſe, to bleſs myſelf alone: I ſnatch'd the ſhepherd from his fleecy care, And bade his wholeſome diQate guard the throne. Low at my feet the ſuppliant peer I ſaw; I ſaw proud empires my deciſion wait; My will was duty, and my word was law, My ſmile was tranſport, and my frown was fate.” Ah me! faid I, nor pow'r I ſeek, nor gain; Nor urg'd by hope of fame theſe tofls endure; A ſimple youth, that feels a lover's pain, And, from his friend's condolance, hopes a cure. He, the dear youth, to whoſe abodes I roam, Nor can mine honours, nor my fields extend; Yet for his ſake I leave my diſtant home, Which oaks emboſom, and which hills defend. Beneath that home I ſcorn the wintry wind; The ſpring, to ſhade me, robes her faireſt tree; And if a friend my graſs-grown threſhold find, O how my lonely cot reſounds with glee! Yet, tho' averſe to gold in heaps amaſs'd, T] wiſh to blets, I languiſh to beſtow ; And tho' no friend to fame's obſtreperous blaſt, Still, to her dulcet murmurs not a foe. Too proud with ſervile tone to deign addreſs ; To mean to think that honours are, my due, Yet ſhou'd ſome patron yield my ſtores to bleſs, I ſure ſhou'd deem my boundleſs thanks were few. ' But tell me, thou! that, like a meteor's fire, Shot'ſt blazing forth; diſdaining dull degrees Shou'd Ito wealth, to fame, to pow'r aſpire, Mult I not paſs more rugged paths than theſe ? Waſt 5 Muſt I not groan beneath a guilty load, Praiſe him I ſcorn, and him I love betiay * Does not felonious envy bar the road ? Or falſehood's treacherous foot beſet the way? Say ſhou'd I paſs thro' favour's crowded gate, Muſt not fair truth inglorious wait behind? Whilſt I approach the glitt'ring ſcenes of ſtate, My beſt companion no admittance find ? Nurs'd in the ſhades by freedom's lenient care, Shall I the rigid ſway of fortune own ? Taught by the voice of pious truth, prepare To ſpurn an altar, and adore a throne ? And when proud fortune's ebbing tide recedes, And when it leaves me no unſhaken friend, Shall I not weep that e'er I left the meads, Which oaks emboſom, and which hills defend ? Oh! if theſe ills the price of pow'r advance, Check not my ſpeed where ſocial joys invite! The troubled vifion caſt a mournful glance, And ſighing vaniſh'd in the ſhades of night. C He deſcribes his early love of poetry, and its conſequences. To Mr. G—. * 1745. H me! what envious magic thins my fold? What mutter'd ſpell retards their late increaſe ? Such leſsning fleeces muſt the ſwain behold, That e'er with Doric pipe eſſays to pleaſe. I ſaw my friends in ev'ning circles meet; I took my vocal reed, and tun'd my lay ; I heard them ſay my vocal reed was ſweet; Ah fool! to credit what I heard them ſay! N. B. Written after the death of Mr, Pork. II- 1 Ill-fated bard! that ſeeks his (kill to ſhow, Then courts the judgment of a friendly ear! Not the poor veteran, that permits his foe To guide his doubtful ſtep, has more to fear. Nor cou'd my G miſtake 'the critic's laws, Till pious friendſhip mark'd the pleaſing way Welcome ſuch error! ever bleſt the cauſe! Ev'n tho' it led me boundleſs leagues altray ! Couldſt thou reprove me, when I nurs'd the flame On liſt'ning CRERWELL's ofier banks reclin'd ? While foe to tortune, unſeduc'd by fame, I ſooth'd the bias of a careleſs mind. Youth's gentle kindred, health and love were met; What tho' in ALwa's guardian arms I play'd ? Hou ſhall the muſe thoſe vacant hours forget ? Or deem that bliſs by ſolid cares repaid ? Thou know'ft how tranſport thrills the tender breaſt, Where love and fancy fix their op'ning reign ; How nature ſhines in livelier colours dreſt, To bleſs their union, and to grace their train, So firſt when Puros met the Cyprian queen, And favour'd Ryopes beheld their paſſion crown'd Unuſual flow'rs enrich'd the painted green; And ſwift ſpontaneous roles bluſh'd around. Now ſadly lorn, from Twitnam's widow'd bow'r, The drooping muſes take their caſual way; And where they ſtop, a flood of tears they pour ; And where they weep, no more the fields are gay. Where is the dappled pink, the ſprightly roſe ? The cowilip's golden cup no more I ſec : Dark and diſcolour'd ev'ry flow'r that blows, To form the garland, Elegy! for thee ! 4 ! Eno! 7% 14 Enough of tears has wept the virtuous dead; Ah might we now the pious rage controul ! Huſh'd be my grief ere ev'ry ſmile be fled, Ere the deep ſwelling ſigh ſubvert the ſoul { If near ſome trophy ſpring a ſtripling bay, Pleas'd we behold the graceful umbrage riſe; But ſoon too deep it works its baneful way, And, low on earth, the poſtrate “ ruin lies. r He deſcribes his diſintereſtedneſi to a friend, NE'ER muſt tinge my lip with Celtic wines; The pomp of Iv DIA muſt I ne'er diſplay ; Nor boaſt the produce of Peruvian mines, Nor, with Italian ſounds, deceive the day. Down yonder brook my cryſtal bev'rage flows ; My grateful ſheep their annual fleeces bring ; Fair in my garden buds the damaſk roſe, And, from my grove, I hear the throſtle ſing. My fellow-ſwains ! avert your dazzled eyes; In vain allur'd by glitt'ring ſpoils they rove ; The fates ne'er meant them for the ſhepherd's prize, Yet gave them ample recompence, in love. They gave you vigour from your parent's veins ; They gave you toils, but toils your ſinews brace ; They gave you nymphs, that own their amorous pains, And ſhades, the refuge of the gentle race. „ Alludes to what is reported of the bay - tree, that if it is planted toe near the walls of an edifice, its roots will work their way underneath, till they deſtroy the foundation. is ik A * To carve your loves, to paint your mutual flames, See ! poliſh'd fair, the beech's friendly rind! T'o ſing ſoft carols to your lovely dames, Sce vocal grotts, and echoing vales ailign'd ! Wou'dft thou, my STRRPHON, love's delighted ſlave! Tho” ſure the wreaths of chivalry to ſhare, Forego the ribbon thy MaTiLDa gave? And giving, bade thee in remembrance wear, II fare my peace, but ev'ry idle toy, If to my mind my Der.1a's form it brings, Has truer worth, imparts ſincerer joy, Than all that bears the radiant ſtamp of kings. O my ſoul weeps, my breaſt with anguiſh bleeds, When love deplores the tyrant pow'r of gain! Diſdaining riches as the futile weeds, I riſe ſuperior, and the rich diſdain. Oft from the ſtream, ſlow wandering down the glade, Penfive I hear the nuptial peal rebound ; « Some miſer weds, 1 cry, the captive maid, And ſome fond lover ſickens at the found.” Not SoMERVILLE, the muſe's friend of old, 'Tho' now exalted to yon ambient ſky, So ſhun'd a foul diſtain'd with earth and gold, So lov'd the pure, the generous breail, as l. Scorn'd be the wretch that quits his genial bol, His loves, his friendſhips, ev'n himſelf reſigns ; Perverts the ſacred inſtinct of his ſoul, And to a ducat's dirty ſphere confines. But come, my friend, with taſte, with ſcience bleſt, Fre age impair me, and ere gold allure; Reſtore thy dear idea to my breaſt, The rich depoſit hall the ſhrine ſecure Vor. I. OC 12 [26 1 Let others toil to gun the ſordid ore, The charms of independence let us ling ; Bleſt with thy friendſhip, can I wiſh for more? Il ſpurn the boatted wealth of * Ly»14a's'king. —— — — E LEG YA. J fortune, ſuggeſting his mative for repining at hey diſpenſations, SK not the cauſe, why this rebellious tongue Loads with freſh curſes thy deteſted ſway ; Aſk not, thus branded in my ſofteſt ſong, Why ſtands the flatter'd name, which all obey ? Tis not, that in my ſhed I lurk forlorn, Nor ſee my roof on Parian columns riſe; 'i hat, on this breaſt no mimic ſtar is borne, Rever'd, ah! more than thoſe that light the ſkies. Tis not, that on my turf ſupinely laid, I ſing or pipe, but to the flocks that graze; And, all inglorious, in the loneſome ſhade, My finger ſtiffens, and my voice decays. Not, that my fancy mourns thy ſtern command, When many an embrio dome is loſt in air; While guardian prudence checks my eager hand, And, ere the turf is broken, cries, «* Forbear. « Forbear, vain youth ! be cautious, weigh thy gold; „Nor let yon riſing column more aſpire; „ Ah! better dwell in ruins, than behold « Thy fortunes mould'ring, and thy dome's entire, _«« Hownor1o built, but dar'd my laws defy ; He planted, ſcornful of my ſage commands; The peach's vernal bud regal'd his eye; The fruitage ripen'd for more frugal hands. : ee * Creius, er Id; ire. See (83-1 See the ſmall ftream that pours its murm'ring tude O'er ſome rough rock that wou'd 1is wealth difplay, Diſplays it aught but penury and pride? Ah! conſtrue wiſely what ſuch murmurs ſay. How wou'd ſome flood, with ampler treaſures bleſt, Diſdainful view the ſcantling drops ditti]! How muſt “ Ver ino ſhake his reedy creſt! How ev'ry cygnet mock the boaſtive rill! Fortune, I yield! and fee, I give the ſign; At noon the poor mechanic wanders home ; ColleQs the ſquare, the level, and the line, And, with retorted eye, forſakes the dome Yes, I can patient view the ſhadeleſs plains , Can unrepining leave the riſing wall; Check the fond love of art that fir'd my veins, And my warm hopes, in full purſuit, recall. Deſcend, ye ſtorms! deſtroy my riſing pile; Loos'd be the whirlwind's unremitting ſway ; Contented I, altho' the gazer ſmile To ſee it ſcarce ſurvive a winter's day. Let ſome dull dotard baſk in thy gay ſhrine, As in the fun regales his wanton herd; Guiltleſs of envy, why ſhould I repine, That his rude voice, his grating reed's prefer'd ? Let him exult, with boundleſs wealth ſupply'd, Mine and the ſwain's reluctant homage ſhare; But ah! his tawdry ſhepherdeſs's pride, Gods! muſt my DerLia, muſt my DeLta bear? Muſt DRLIA's ſoftneſs, elegance, and eaſe Submit to MaRIAx's dreſs? to Martan's gold? Muſt Max1an's robe from diſtant Inpta pleaſe? The ſimple fleece my Der1a's limbs unfold? C2 . 8f Yet A tixer in lx, that falls an hundred yards perpendicu!z: [8:0 Yet ſure on DEL1a ſeems the ruſſet fair; ** Ye glitt ring daughters of diſguiſe adieu!“ Jo talk the wite, who judge of ſhape and air, But will the rural thane decide fo true. Ah! what is native worth eſteem'd of clowns ? "Tis thy falſe glare, O fortune! thine they lee: '1'is for my DeEL1a's fake I dread thy frowns, And my lat gaſp ſhall curſes breathe on thee. - — oe cy —— .. E 1: 143. TAL. Re complains how ſoon the pleaſing novelty of life is over. , H me, my friend! it will not, will not laſt! This fairy ſcene, that cheatz our youthful eyes! The charm diſſolves; th' aerial muſic's paſt ; The banquet ceaſes, and the viſion flies. Where are the ſplendid forms, the rich perfumes, Where the gay tapers, where the ſpacious dome ? Vaniſh'd the coſtly pearls, the crimſon plumes, And we, delightleſs, left to wander home! Vain now are books, the ſage's wiſdom vain! What has the world to bribe our ſteps aitray ? Fre reaſon learns by ſtudy'd laws to reign, The weaken'd paſſions, felt ſubdu'd, obey. Scarce has the ſun ſev'n annual courſes roll'd, Scarce ſhev/n the whole that fortune can ſupply ; Since, not the miſei ſo careis'd his gold, As I, for what it gave, was heard to ſigh. On the world's ſtage I wiſh'd ſome ſprightly part; To deck my native fleece with tawdry lace; 'Twas life, *twas taſte, and—oh my foolith heart! Subſtantial joy was fix'd in pow'r and place, And h | [49-3 And you, ye works of art! allur'd mine eye, The breathing picture, and the living ſtone : „Tho gold, tho' ſplendour, heav'n and fate deny, «« Yet might I call one Titan ſtroke my own! Smit with the charms of fame,Fwhoſe lovely ſpoil, The wreath, the garland, fire the poet's pride, Itrimm'd my lamp, conſum'd the midnight oil— But ſoon the paths of health and fame divide! Ras Oft too I pray'd, 'twas nature form'd the pray'r, To grace my native ſcenes, my rural home ; EA To ſee my trees expreſs their planter's care, g And gay, on Attic models, raiſe my dome. But now tis o'er, the dear deluſion's o'er! * A ſtagnant breezeleſs air becalms my ſou! ; A fond aſpiring candidate no. more, I ſcorn the palm, before I reach the goal. O youth! enchanting ſtage, profuſely bleſt ! Bliſs ev'n obtruſive courts the frolic mind; 5 Of health neglectful, yet by health careſt ; Careleſs of favour, yet ſecure to find. Then glows the breaſt, as op' ning roſes fair; More free, more vivid than the linnet's wing; Honeſt as light, tranſparent een as air, Tender as buds, and laviſh as the ſpring. Not all the force of manhood's active might, Not all the craft to ſubtle age aflign'd, Not ſcience ſhall extort that dear delight, Which gay deluſion gave the tender mind. Adieu ſoft raptures! tranſports void of care! Parent of raptures, dear deceit, adieu ! And you, her daughters, pining with deſpair, Why, why ſo ſoon her fleeting ſteps purſue! C 3 Te- 1 0 "Tedious again to curſe the drizling day! Again to trace the wint'ry tracts of ſnow! Or, ſooth'd by vernal airs, again ſurvey The ſelf- ſame hawthorns bud, and cowſlips blow! O life! how ſoon of ev'ry bliſs forlorn! 95 We ſtart falſe joys, and urge the devious race: A tender prey; that chears our youthful morn, Then finks untimely, and defrauds the chace. 7 ELEGTY: XII J His recantation. O more the muſe obtrudes her thin diſguiſe; No more with aukward fallacy complains, How ev*ry fervour from my boſom flies, And reaſon in her loneſome palace reigns. Ere the chill winter of our days arrive, No more ſhe paints the breaſt from paſſion free; feel, I feel one loitering with ſurvive— Ah need I, FLor1o, name that wiſh to thee ? The ſtar of Venus uſhers in the day, The firſt, the lovelieſt of the train that ſhine! The ftar of Venus lends her brighteſt ray, When other ſtars their friendly beams reſign. Still in my breaſt one ſoft deſire remains, Pure as that ſtar, from guilt, from int'reſt free, Has gentle DEeL1a trip'd acroſs the plains, And need I, FLok1o, name that wiſh to thee. While, cloy'd to find the ſcenes of life the ſame, I tune with careleſs hand my languid lays ; Some ſecret impulſe wakes my former flame, And fires my ſtrain with hopes of brighter days. I ſlept )w ! „ I Nept not long beneath yon rural bow'rs ; And lo! my crook with flow'rs adorn d I fee. Has gentle De1.1a bound my crook with flow'rs, And need I, Frog, name my hopes to tlice ? E LE G-Y--AHI. 7% a friend, on ſome ſlight cccaſion eſtranged from him, Ealru to my friend, and many a chearſel day Around his ſeat may peaceful ſhades abide! Smooth flow the minutes, fraught with ſmiles, away, And, 'till they crown our union, gently glide. Ah me! too ſwiftly fleets our vernal bloom! Lott to our wonted friendſhip, loſt to joy! Soon may thy breaſt the cordial with reſume, Ere wintry doubt its tender warmth deſtroy, Say, were it our's, by fortune's wild command, By chance to meet beneath the torrid zone; Wou'dſt thou reject thy Damon's plighted hand? Wou'dtt thou with fcorn thy once lov'd friend diſown ? Life is that ſtranger land, that alien clime : Shall kindred fouls forego their ſocial claim? [.2unch'd in the vaſt abyſs of ſpace and time, Shall dark ſufpicion quench the gen'rous flame? '\Iyriads of ſouls, that knew one parent mold, dee ſally ſever'd by the laws of chance! Myriads, in time's perennial liſt enroll'd, Forbid by fate to change one tranſient glance! But we have met—where ills of every form, Where paſſions rage, and hurricanes defcend : Say, ſhall we nurſe the rage, aſſiſt the ftorm ? And guide them to the boſom—of a friend? C 4 Yes, E , Yes, we have met—thro' rapine, fraud, and wrong Might our joint aid the paths of peace explore! Why leave thy friend amid the boiſt'rous throng, Ere death divide us, and we part no more ? For oh! pale ſickneſs warms thy friends away! For me no more the vernal roſes bloom! I ſee ſtern fate his ebon wand diſplay ; And point the wither'd regions of the tomb. Then the keen anguiſh from thine eye ſhall ſtart, Sad as thou follow'ſt my untimely bier; Fool that | was—if friends ſo ſoon muſt part, + To let ſuſpicion intermix a fear.” SLE 43x. Declining an invitation to wiſit foreign countries, he takes occaſion to intimate the advantages of his own. To Lord TewmpLE. * others loſt to friendſhip, loſt to love, Waſte their beſt minutes on a foreign ſtrand, Be mine, with Britiſh nymph or ſwain to rove, And court the genius of my native land, Deluded youth! that quits theſe verdant plains, Jo catch the follies of an alien ſoil! To win the vice his genuine ſoul diſdains, Return exultant, and import the ſpoil! In vain he boaſts of his deteſted prize; No more it blooms to Britiſh climes convey'd, Cramp'd by the impulſe of ungenial ſkies, See its freſh vigour, in a moment, fade! Th Sh — I 38 ** id. 1 Th' exotic folly knows its native elime; An aukward ſtranger, if we waft it o'er ; Why then theſe toils, this coſtly waſte of time, To ſpread foft poiſon on our happy ſhore ? I covet not the pride of foreign looms ; In ſearch of foreign modes I ſcorn to rove Nor, for the worthleſs bird of brighter plumes, Wou'd change the meaneſt warbler of my grove. No diſtant clime ſhall ſervile airs impart, Or form theſe limbs with pliant eale to play ; Trembling I view the Gavr.'s illuſive art, That ſteals my lov'd ruſticity away. 