Of hosts review'd in dazzling files and squares, Untrack'd in deserts lies the marble mine, So vast in space, so just in symmetry, Shall Music's voice refuse to seal the spell; How blest the years of pastoral life shall roll! Ev'n should some wayward hour the settler's mind Brood sad on scenes for ever left behind, How many a name, to us uncouthly wild, Shall thrill that region's patriotic child, And bring as sweet thoughts o'er his bosom's chords As aught that's named in song to us affords ! Shall be the sacred spot, still blooming nigh, The bower of love, where first his bosom burn'd, 1828. LINES ON REVISITING CATHCART. OH! scenes of my childhood, and dear to my heart, Ye green waving woods on the margin of Cart, How blest in the morning of life I have stray'd, By the stream of the vale and the grass-cover'd glade! Then, then every rapture was young and sincere, Ere the sunshine of bliss was bedimm'd by a tear, And a sweeter delight every scene seem'd to lend, That the mansion of peace was the home of a FRIEND. Now the scenes of my childhood and dear to my heart, All pensive I visit, and sigh to depart; Their flowers seem to languish, their beauty to cease, For a stranger inhabits the mansion of peace. But hush'd be the sigh that untimely complains, While Friendship and all its enchantment remains, While it blooms like the flower of a winterless clime, Untainted by chance, unabated by time. THE CHERUBS. SUGGESTED BY AN APOLOGUE IN THE WORKS OF FRANKLIN. Two spirits reach'd this world of ours : Were slow to their agility : In broad day-light they moved incog., The one, a simple cherub lad, He couldn't persuade himself that man The elder spirit, wise and cool, Brought down the youth as to a school; With mortals not to interfere; 'Twas not in their commission. They reach'd a sovereign city proud, With all his people kneeling, And priests perform'd religious rites: "Come," said the younger of the sprites, "This shows a pious feeling." YOUNG SPIRIT. "Ar❜n't these a decent godly race?” OLD SPIRIT. "The dirtiest thieves on Nature's face." YOUNG SPIRIT. "But hark, what cheers they're giving Their emperor!-And is he a thief?" OLD SPIRIT. "Ay, and a cut-throat too ;-in brief, THE GREATEST SCOUNDREL LIVING.” YOUNG SPIRIT. "But say, what were they praying for, This people and their emperor?" OLD SPIRIT. Why, for God's assistance To help their army, late sent out: You'll see at no great distance." On wings outspeeding mail or post, |