That casement, arched with ivy's brownest shade,
First to these eyes the light of heaven conveyed.
The mouldering gateway strews the grass-grown court,
Once the calm scene of many a simple sport;
When all things pleased, for life itself was new,
And the heart promised what the fancy drew.
See, thro' the fractured pediment revealed,
Where moss inlays the rudely-sculptured shield,
The marten's old, hereditary nest.

Long may the ruin spare its hallowed guest!

As jars the hinge, what sullen echoes call!
Oh haste, unfold the hospitable hall!
That hall, where once, in antiquated state,
The chair of justice held the grave debate.

Now stained with dews, with cobwebs darkly hung,
Oft has its roof with peals of rapture rung;
When round yon ample board, in due degree,
We sweetened every meal with social glee.
The heart's light laugh pursued the circling jest ;
And all was sunshine in each little breast.
'Twas here we chased the slipper by the sound;
And turned the blindfold hero round and round.
'Twas here, at eve, we formed our fairy ring;
And Fancy fluttered on her wildest wing.
Giants and genii chained each wondering ear,
And orphan-sorrows drew the ready tear.
Oft with the babes we wandered in the wood,
Or viewed the forest-feats of Robin Hood:

Oft, fancy-led, at midnight's fearful hour,

With startling step we scaled the lonely tower;

O'er infant innocence to hang and weep,
Murdered by ruffian hands when smiling in its sleep.
Ye Household Deities! whose guardian eye
Marked each pure thought, ere registered on high;

Still, still ye walk the consecrated ground,

And breathe the soul of Inspiration round.