MY NATIVE VILLAGE. HAIL to the valley, and mist-mantled mountain, O long have I wandered, a stranger to pleasure, How often, soft slumber my eye-lids enclosing, Dwelt there with pure transport, but woke with a sigh. O dear to the soul is the secret emotion, And sweet is the tear which the heart's true devotion Here fain would I wander, a stranger to sorrow, Hail to the valley, and mist-mantled mountain, JULY, 1818. 15* VERSES TO A YOUNG FRIEND, WITH A POCKET TESTAMENT. THE charter of a nation's weal To young desire, how choice the deed But dearer than the chartered scroll This guides the weary wanderer's way, This tells of a Redeemer's name; And he that on its truths doth stay, Shall smile when worlds are wrapt in flame. 1820. THE CROSS. + SYMBOL of shame-mysterious sign Symbol of hope to those that stray,- Symbol of tears-we look, and mourn His woes, whose soul for man was riven; Where, wanderer, is thy due return To heaven? Symbol of empire-thou shalt rise And shine, where lands in darkness sit, On eastern domes that greet the skies And minaret. Symbol of glory-when no more Thou still shalt burn, while worlds adore SHALL HE UNBAR? SnALL he unbar the gates of death, And walk in renovated bloom, Who now, deprived of quickening breath, Sleeps in the quiet of the tomb? Shall he revive to dawning light, Who lowly seeks his bed in clay; Shall he regard the vernal suns Cease mortal! cease the idle strife, MAY, 1821. |