THE FEAST OF ANCIENT EGYPT.

The living and dead who feasted thus

In Egypt's ancient glory,

Have left but a glimmering trace to us
Of their wild and wondrous story.

The world that is, like the world that's gone,
Is rolling down Time's ocean;

But there is a new and brighter dawn
To clear-eyed Faith's devotion.

1829.

159

THE TRIALS OF VIRTUE.

WRITTEN UNDER A FEELING OF MELANCHOLY DEPRESSION.

AH! cruel fortune! wilt thou always shower,
With blind profusion, undeserved gifts

On those who never felt for human kind,
Nor knew the softer feelings of our nature?
Ah! wilt thou leave in misery and want
One, formed with keenest relish to enjoy

Life's innocent pleasures; one whose heart can bleed,
Whose eye can moisten at the tale of wo;

Whose generous hand would give the needy help,
Though it should add to his own crying wants!
Vain man! (some sage doth seem to say,) receive
The instruction wise Experience has given ;-
Canst thou believe a blind and fickle chance
Controls the affairs of men, without respect
Shown to the learned, the wise, the virtuous? No!
Cunning and avarice will oftenest lead

To wealth and honor. Virtue cannot stoop
To seek the note of men by such base means.
Survey life's fleeting stage, or past or present;

ENIGMA.

Behold the good and great; mark with what toil
They tread "the narrow way ;" and then confess
That Heaven hath made this world the vestibule,
Leading by death's dark door to that bright scene,
Where vice and virtue meet their just reward.

1820.

1820.

ENIGMA.

TAKE the name of sweetest flower
Growing in fair Eden's bower;
Join with it the sweetest name
Kindling first love's purest flame;
And the god, of power to heal,
Will a precious balm reveal.

161

ON RECEIVING

COUNSEL FROM AN AGED FRIEND.

WHILE youth smiles on Life's opening day, Pursue with steady step the way

That sage instruction shows :

The entangling maze of pleasure leave,
Stern Reason's counsel aye receive,

Thy conscience ne'er of peace bereave-
Thus shalt thou find repose.

1820.

THE WORD OF GOD.

IMPROMPTU, ON HEARING A SERMON UPON THIS SUBJECT.

THY word can soothe the troubled heart

When other comforts fail;

Thy word can soothe the troubled heart, 'Twill never-never fail.

When awful thunders shake the pole,

This is an anchor firm;

When smooth the days of calmness roll,
This heighten's every charm.

18.20.