Oft has the aged tenant of the vale Lean'd on his staff to lengthen out the tale; : Oft has his lips the grateful tribute breath'd, From sire to son with pious zeal bequeath'd. When o'er the blasted heath the day declin'd, And on the scath'd oak warr`d the winter wind; When not a distant taper's twinkling ray Gleam'd o'er the furze to light him on his When not a sheep bell sooth'd his listening ear, And the big rain-drops told the tempest near; Then did his horse the homeward track descry, (r): The track that shunn'd his sad enquiring eye;, And win each wavering purpose to relent, With warmth so mild, so gently violent, way; That his charm'd hand the careless rein resign'd, And doubts and terrors vanish'd from his mind. Recall the traveller, whose alter'd form Yes, tho' the porter spurn him from his door, His faithful dog shall tell his joy to each, And see, the master but returns to die ! The blast of heav'n, the drenching dews of earth, Led by what chart, transports the timid dove The wreaths of conquest, or the vows of love? Say, thro' the clouds what compass points her flight? Monarchs have gaz'd, and nations blest the sight. Pile rocks on rocks, bid woods and mountains rise, Eclipse her native shades, her native skies ;'Tis vain! thro' Ether's pathless wilds she goes, And lights at last where all her cares repose. Sweet bird! thy truth shall Harlem's walls attest, (s) And unborn ages consecrate thy nest. When with the silent energy of grief, With looks that ask'd, yet dar'd not hope relief. Alas! 'twas thine perchance the first to die, Crush'd by her meagre hand, when welcom'd from the sky. Hark! the bee winds her small but mellow horn, () Blithe to salute the sunny smile of morn. O'er thymy downs she bends her busy course, Who guides the patient pilgrim to her cell? Of varied scents, that charm'd her as she flew}. Guards the least link of Being's glorious chain. END OF THE FIRST PARTY. |