The fall of Mexico, a poem

3519

Jerningham
The Fall of Mexico

THE LIBRARY
OF

THE UNIVERSITY

OF CALIFORNIA

LOS ANGELES

FREDERIC THOMAS BLANCHARD
ENDOWMENT FUND

THE

FALL OF MEXICO,

POEM.

BY MR. JE RNINGH A M.

L O N D O N:
PRINTED BY SCOTT,

FOR J. ROBSON, BOOKSELLER, NEW BOND STREET.

MDCCLXXV.

n

$$ft ADVERTISEMENT.

J 5" Us

GUATIMOZINO, the laft emperour of MEXICO, having op-

pofed the SPANIARPS with great bravery, in various en-
gagements, was at length defeated and taken prifoner. In
order to extort from him a difcovery of the principal mines,
he was laid on burning coals ; The fecond in command was
alfo condemn'd to the fame torture, and amidft his fufFerings
called upon his royal mafter to be releafed from the vow of
fecrecy, which drew from GUATIMOZINO thefe memo-
rable words : Am I on a Bed of Rofes ?

DRYDEN has put thefe words into the mouth of MONTEZU-
MA contrary to the teflimony of the hiftorians.

959404

THE

FALL OF MEXICO.

THE Sun now glitter'd in the front of day,
And wide-diffuling his refplendent ray,
Look'd willing to adorn the glorious meed,
The realm! — To GUATIMOZINO decreed!
Whom for his valour tried and virtue known, 5

His country's voice invited to the throne.

Now, thro' th' applauding clamour of the throng, •
Th' augufl proceffion flowly mov'd along,
While in the rear of this progreflive fcene,
Endearing fight ! the chofen Youth was feen, 10

B

Rais'd on a lofty feat of burnifh'd gold,
Which twelve illuflrious MEXICANS uphold.

. • .*1 " il 'i'

The law ordain'd a fignal to difplay
The function, mode, and colour of the day :
A fplendid ftreamer playing to the view, 15

(Inwrought with plumage of celeftial blue)
Mark'd from the fummit of a lofty tow'r,
Of Joy's great feftival the leading hour:
This mafter-fign the diflant flag obey'd,
And prompt alike the glad report convey'd, . 20

Which pofting on the rapid wings of light,
To ev'ry city urg'd its fpeedy flight,
Till MEXICO throughout her vaft extent
Burft into joy with one declar'd afTent !

Behold the folemn flow-advancing train 25

Approach the precincts of the facred fane j
A venerable, rude, majeftic pile,
Of time remote, which claim'd the flubborn toil :

( 5 )

By gloomy Fancy on the portal plann'd,

Bold from the fculptor's all-creative hand, 30

Full many a wild terrific image fprung :

There angry ferpents intertwining hung :

There the God's agent, Terrour ! fond to dwell,

Breath'd all around his awe-diffufing fpell.

See now the train the fpacious dome receive, 3 5

Where clouds of fragrance circling altars heave !
Four golden columns with bright jafper crown'd,
The hallo w'd image of the God furround.
Now from his feat the chofen Youth defcends,
And to that image prompt his footfteps bends, 40

Where ANDALUSIA, form'd in Beauty's mould,
And high on Virtue's facred lift enroll'd,
With fear, with love, with bafhful youth imprefs'd,
Expecting flood the bride of his requeft.

" Deign to partake* th* illuftrious chieftan faid, 45
" The growing honours that around me fpread \

( 4 )

" Confent the glory of a throne to {hare,

" Be thine the pleafure, and be mine the care."

1 'ir. il«r' $•

Lo at their fide the prieft TALEPO ftands,
And joins, in wedlock's tie, their willing hands : 50

Then rearing to the view th' imperial crown,
The pontiff faid : " Thou fav'rite of renown,
" Warm in whofe breaft each kindred virtue lives,
" Behold the glorious meed thy country gives !
" The trembling hand which late to thine I join'd, 55
" Is as the pledge of her love-glowing mind,
" So is this crown the thronging votes impart,
" The facred token of thy country's heart.
" The radiant wifdom to thy birth allied,
" Thy valour in the field of danger tried, 60

" Thy fympathy that wakes at Sorrow's figh,
" Thefe are the charms that glitter in her eye !
" Thy valour ruihing as th' impetuous ftream,
T, "{Ah 1st me linger on th' enchanting theme)

( 6 )

*{ Impell'd thee to refift the foreign hoft, 65

" That pour their numbers on our wond'ring coaft,
" And hurl'd, like Gods, deftrudttve thunders round I
" Alarm'd, aftounded at th' unufual founcl>
" Our archers hurried from th' unequal fighf,
" And urg'd precipitate their trembling flight ; y»

" WhHe female fhrieks, and children's piercing cries,
" With mix'd difcordance, ifTued to the fkies.
" 'Twas then, amid this univerfa! fear,
" That thou, undaunted, did'ft thy valour rear,
" And as the rock that checks the torrent's roll, 75

*' Ev'n fo did'ft thou the flying throng control,
" And on each archer's breaft, to terrour prone,.
<f Did'ft pour the warm effufions of thy own :
** Charm'd by the fpell of thy enliv'ning word,
" They face the daring foe with one accord ; go

" With thee the terrours of the combat brave;
" And make th' extenfive coaft one SPANISH grave.
" For this thy country decks thee with renown,
" And fixes on thy brow this fplendid crown*"

C

He ceas'd while. thro' the wide extending fane 85

The voice of Gladnefs pours her plaufive ftrain.

••;!:& ' ' s^bO ;^~,*rfc hvl*'" '

Lo ! now, an herald comes with fpeedy pace?;\
'His thought expanding o'er th' expreffive face :
jFeftivity refigns her fhort-liv'd charms,
While loud he cries--" To arms — To arms— To arms ! 90
" Proud of their daring, an alarming hoft
" Of warring SPANIARDS darken all the coaft :
*' High-rais'd on beings of fuperior force,
"-They urge refiftlefs their deftrudtive courfe :
" Their chieftan's voice thefe monfters well obey, 9^

" Fierce they purfue where he direcls the way !
'* Babes, mothers, men, are in one carnage trod,
** By thefe. new engines of that demi-God !"

" Hail to th' event, the new-crown'd youth returns,
" To meet thefe foes my panting bofom burns :" 100
Then to the beauteous bride, o'erwhelm'd with grief,
With plaintive voice applied the royal chief;

( 7 )

t£ The joy expe&ancy had painted high,

" And bath'd in all the colours of the iky,

" Flies like the bird who deck'd with ev'ry hue, 105

<e Wings gayly by, and fhoots beyond the view :

" Now to the Houfe of Sorrow urge thy way, *

" Whofe darkfome round forbids the laughing day :

" As there thou fhalt revolve the future fcenes,

" While Fancy lifts the veil that intervenes, nd

<f Let Hope celeftial inmate of -the heart,

" Her half-expanding profpefts ftill impart :

" Think thro' the perils that encircling rear,

" I mall fecurely urge my bold career,

*' And at the doling of th' embattled ftrife, 115

" Return perchance with fame-ennobled life,

". And fondly hanging on thy neck, recite

" The toil, the havock of the daring fight.

The fair return'd (with deep affli&ion ffaiight)
" When Gratitude firft wak'd my infant thought, 120

* ANTONIO DE Sous mentions in his hiftory the Houfe of
Mourning, which was frequented in the fea-fon of calamity.

" And bade me raife it to th' augufl abode,

" In thanks for ev'ry gift the God beftow'd,

" In glowing thanks did I pour out my mind,

" That thou beft gift was to my wifh afiign'd :, ^

" Still with the fond expectancy elate 125

" Oft would my heart forerun the lirrg'ring date :

" Now as the Sun the fplendid hour afcends,

" Misfortune o'er the fcene her cloud extends :

" Ah, GUATIMOZINO, what voice can tell

" The various ills that darken this farewell J 1 30

" Expos'd to peril, that enchanting form.

" The thunder of the ftranger may deform :

" Methinks I view thee in that blafled flate,

" Dread fpedacle — what horrours round thee wait ?

" In vain thefe anxious eyes attempt to trace

" Ev'n the laft ling' ring melancholy grace

« That death beftows !"— -Her voice now fails to flow,

Curs'd with the dire prefagement of her woe.

Behold, encircled by her virgin train,

The forrow-wedded fair forfakes the fane;

( 9 )

The parting fair the hero's eyes purfue,

While gliflen'd his young cheek with Pity's dew.

Lo, now commence the military rites,
While love of fame eath panting breaft excites.
Two youths, whom friendship and whom glory warms, 145-
Come to demand the privilege of arms :
Befide the flatue of the God they ftand,
And rev'rent kifs the darts that grace his hand :
Thefe facred darts the pow'r above beftow'd,
A fpirit bore them from the bright abode, i CQ

And in his paflage to the fphere below,
He dipt their plumage in the vernal bow.

See now at GUATIMOZINO'S command,
To tuneful meafures move the warlike band!./;K;.
The fquare encircling an extenfive plain, >/lj nr 155

Receives the patriot military train :
To them approach'd with fpeedy march the foe,
While on each bofom valour pour'd a glow*!! mtal y

D

( 10 )

But chiefly GUATIMOZIN© confefc'd

The hero's feelings lab'ring in his breaft : 160

There youthful Valour wak'd his ardent flame,

There breath'd contempt of death and love of fame*

There Intrepidity that (corns to ftoop,

And lbft-.ey'd Clemency enchanting group ! il^uc

O'er thefe as Fancy utetcli'd her brooding wing, 16^

Prefcient flie faw, from this aiTortment, fpring

Some great, flhe knew not what, excelling deed,

That mou'd from Glory's hand obtaia &> meed.

Ev'n thus the bard who fleeps near Avon's wave,

To whom the Mufe her unfunn'd treafures gave, 170

When Genius fmote him, with his fierceft beam,

And rous'd his bofom to fome lofty theme,

His heart confeis'd the fomething yet unknown,

Which mou'd (to vigour's full perfection grown).

Rift on the field of Poetry fublime, $75

And brave invincible the. fcythe of Time.

<£pl 3f!t rf-j'h: dliv/ L^sbiqaft £^*dl .-dT

Now from the bows the pointed weapons fly,
While from the foe the thund'ring tubes reply :

Of CORTEZ milling on a fiery fteed

The new-crown'd chieftain dares the courfe impede; 180

His eye illum'd with Valour's fparkling glance

Deep in the courfer's cheft he roots his lance ^

But not his valour does the foe appall,

Still bleeding warriours round their hero fall.

Now to the lofty fane his troops repair, 1 8$

Whofe high afcending tow'rs are loft in air,

From whence the MEXICANS with fpeedy art

Show'r on the foe the death -inflicting dart :

Yet then by CORTEZ led, ftill undifmay'd,

The SPANIARD hoft the lofty fane invade. 190

The two illuftrious youths (whom Friendmip's hand,
Had join'd with her indiflbluble band), i; I
Beheld indignant, fmit with patriot grief,
The great achievements of the hoflile chief :
And now JANELLAN thus accofts his friend: 195-

" Firm to no purpofe, adive to no end,

*( See from our gallant men yon hallow'd tow'* v'

* Already ravifh'd by th' invading pow'r :
" Mufl this,— committed to our mutual care,
" The fame defeat, the fame dishonour mare ? £00

" If fo the victor mall not long furvive—

« A thought that bids my fading hope revive :

" A thought — that like the thunder-flam of night

' ' Darts on my xlarken'd mind a radiant light —

" But ere my veil'd delignment I unfold, 205

" Declare, however rafti, however bold,

" Thou'lt not o'erfhade with Caution's chill controul,

*' The fplendid purpofe of my ardent foul."

V EN zu LA to his breaft:his hand applied,
And thus beyond the pow'r of words replied. 210

t'lii'r;| ^viii3/4| £'-?i>7 jnYii , ;

The youth refum'd — " From this aerial height,
" Bid thy bold vifion take its deepeft flight,
" Down to yon rock, far ftretching o'er the more>
" 'Gainfl which the raging waves inceflant roar,

( '5 )

" Whofe clafhing voices into ftillnefs fade, 21 £

" Ere this tremendous diftance they pervade :

" If Fortune blefs what my proud counfels urge,

" Yon waves mall murmur foon the victor's dirge !

" My fecret projedl I will now unveil :

" Should CORTEZ o'er this valiant band prevail, 220

" Should thro' controlment, and thro' ftubborn force,

** Pour like a torrent his deftructive courfe,

" When on this fummit firft he mall appear,

" I will advance, with well-difTembled fear,

" And, fuppliant as I kneel to win his grace, 225

*' I'll dauntlefs lock him in a ftern embrace,

€< Bear him reluctant to yon giddy fteep,

" Where yawns a dreadful opening to the deep,

" And thence felf-ruin'd for my country's good,

*' Plunge with her foe into the whelming flood !" 230

I -»'! - *T>'CT/-xp-V* **-i **-ti' v .-» -> «,-'*" 5 >

VENZULA anfwered — " Yes, I much admire
?' What now thy matchlefs virtue dares infpire ^

E

( '4 )

" But wilt thou, with an avarice of fame,

*' The meed of Glory all exclufive claim ?

4t Wilt thpu to perils clofe to Death adjoin'd 235

" Advance, and leave thy faithful friend behind ?

" In infancy we fhar'd the glitt'ring toys,

<f And in one circle play'd our harmlefs joys :

" And when we quitted childhood's lowly vale,

" Where fpringing flow'rets fcent the playful gale, 240

" Still hand in hand we climb'd youth's arduous height,

" Whence greater fcenes expanded on the fight,

'•' Still our purfuits confenting to one plan,

" Like wedded Hreams our lives united ran :

*' And wilt thou now oppofe the facred tide, 245

*' And bid the friendly waves difparting glide ?*'

JANELLAN fpoke— " Endearing youth forgive :
" The conq'ror of fome future CORTEZ live !
" Nor mark my fall with Grief's dejected brow,
<l View from my death the bright effects that flow : 250

<c Behold the tomb that Gratitude fhall raife,
u Illuflrious fignal of my country's praife*"

To this the brave VENZULA made reply,
And as he fpoke, tears ftarted from his eye :
" What tho' Felicity thy gift fhall ftream 255

(t Sunlike o'er MEXICO with brighteft beam,
" Not all the fplendour that her rays impart,
" Will e'er illumine my benighted heart,
" When deftitute of thee, its only ray,
" Without the hope of kind returning day." 26©

" Thou beft of friends, JAKELLAN faid, fupprefs

fit
" Of thy bright amity this warm excefs,

" Left fhrinking as it fcorches I diffolve,
" Unfram'd, unequal to my great refolve I"

" Yet lend thine ear, VENZULA then rejoin'd, 265
r< Sublimer motives urge my fleady mind :

" Recall, recall that joy-diffufing hour,

" When gay Profperity adorn'd my bow'r>

" As thy fair lifter, half-afraid to fpeak,

" With down-caft look, and blufh-embellim'd cheek, 270

" At Love's requefb affented to be mine :

" Of fleeting blifs vain momentary mine ;

" For me, in flow'r of Youth and Virtue's bloom,.

" Was fwept untimely to the rav'nous tomb :

" As forrow- wounded o'er her couch I hung, 275

" To catch the tones that faded as they fprung,

" T^he God, me faid, now fummons me away*

" Far from the confines of ttt endearing day :

" Thou of the life I lofe the dearejl part,

" 'Thou chofenfpouje ! thou fun-beam of my hearty 280

" Say, by Ajf'eftioris glowing hand imprefsd*

" Shall I not live in thy recording breajl ! j tli'rr!,r

" Iffacred be the fuf'rers loft defires,

*' Revere what now my parting foul requires .*

" I leave a brother, by bright Honour reard> 28 c

!' By all approvdy and much to me endear d;

( '7 )

<c Be, for the Jifters love, the brothers friend-,
" Nor from his Jide depart when Jlorms defcend :
" T^he palm of Glory waving in your Jight, 290

" In council, peril, enterprife unite"
I

" Shall I, when danger calls, confign to air
" The laft bequeathing wiflies of the fair ?
" Perdition catch the bafe unmanly thought !
" By Love's fubliming pureft dictates taught 295

" Amid the perils that around thee wait,
" View me refolv'd to fhare th' impending fate :
" Now to this fpot the foe impels the war,
" Difcordance fcreams, oppofing lances jar :
" The fteep afcent lo CORTEZ now has gain'd, 300

" Ah, mark his fpear with {beaming gore diftain'd.

Th' illuftrious youths now act their dread defignj!
See at the victor's knee they low incline !
Now clafp with circling force th' incautious foe,
And clofe adhering to his figure grow : 30$

F

Their deadly aim his better fate controll'd,,

With matchlefs pow'r he burils their ftubborn hold t,

The heroes, blafted in their bold intent,

Approach'd (Death hov'ring near) the dire defcent :

Then, in each other's circling arms comprefs'd, 310;

The laft and dear farewell in fighs exprefs'd :

'Twas Friendship burning with meridian flame,

One caufe — one thought— one ruin— and one fame --

Tremendous moment!. See, they fall from light,

And dauntlefs ruih. to never ending night !

Ye felf-devoted patriot victims* hail I:
Oblivion's gulph mail ne'er entomb your tale t;
( While Hiflory to Time's extremeil goal
Her flream majeftic fliall thro' ages roll,
Like two fair flow'rets on one ilem that blow 320

Ye on her rnargiq. ihall for ever glow*.*

* This foblime inihnce of heroic Frkndfliip is recorded by A»T
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.

70NIO DE SOLIS.

"

The royal youth, who faw th' afpiring foe
The faint- oppofmg MEXICANS o'erthrow,
Felt (as he faw proud SPAIN'S victorious fcene)
The wound of Shame, the pointed ihaft unfeen 325

That flings the heart : yet then to valour true,
The palm of Victory his thoughts purfue :
<l Oh, youth of MEXICO, once valiant train,
" Raze from your radiant life this darkening flam :
" Say, mall the breafts where Valour's flame mould burn,.
" Your lifelefs hearts as fepulchres inurn ?
" Thou weflern Sun retard thy doling race,
" Nor to the Godhead witnefs our difgrace ^
" Our fouls returning, a new conteft claim,
" Still thy lafl ray (hall on our honour flame.'*

The daring chief, with thefe exalting words,
Each flacken'd heart to Valour's tone accords :
And as a cloud by adverfe winds repell'd,
Returns full oft with double force impell'd,

Then failing pregnant with deftrudive ftorms, 340

Diffufes darknefs, and the day deforms,

Till now defcending with terrific roar,

Burfts from its womb the dire engender'd flore :

So, vengeance-flor'd, the fierce returning train

Impetuous ruih upon the fons of SPAIN •> 345

Who ill the fierce deftru<ftive impulfe meet,

While terrour whifpers to their fouls retreat'.

That ignominious counfel they obey,

And urge precipitate their fpeedy way.

The warm purfuit the MEXICANS releafe, 350

Night fp reads her ftarry veil, and all is peace :

When fudden from the tow'r's afpiring height

The clarion * pierc'd the drowfy ear of night ;

That facred inftrument ! whofe voice renown'd

Yields rarely to the world its tone profound : 3 r r

TALEPO breathing thro', its brazen throat,

Diffus'd around a deep-infpiring note,

* The MEXICAN Hiftorian takes notice of the facred 'Trumpet.
It was not permitted to any but the priefls to found it ; and that
only when they animated the people on the part of their Gods.

( 25 )

While on each youthful valour-heaving breaft

Religion her warm energy imprefs'd :

Now tenfold rage impels the martial train, £<?•

While leaps the pulfe thro' ev'ry ardent vein :

Fierce they purfue the fleeting SPANIARD hoft,

Who from the neighbouring lake's projefted coaft,

Rum down (as on their prey the Falcons dart)

And truft to fafety from their buoyant art: 265

Vain hope ! fee at the royal chiefs command

Of dauntlefs MEXICANS a chofen band,

Prompt as the quicknefs of the lightning's gleam,

Plunge with their leader in the roaring ftream :

With one bold arm thro' clam'rous waves they fleer, 270

With one they raife aloft the threat'ning fpear :

Thus vehement they urge the hoftile train,

Inflicting vengeance on the fons of SPAIN,

Ev'n till the wide-diffufing drops of blood

Spread like a fcarlet mantle o'er the flood. 375

Of MEXICO the Genius now defcends,
And near the angry waters as he bends,

G

The cryftal goblet that his hancUfuftain,

He plunges thrice into the tinctur'd main !

Then foars, and on the neighb'ring mountain's height, 380

The radiant pow'r arrefls his rapid flight,

Wh&re in full conclave a terrific band,

The fpirits of illuftrlous chieftains ftand !—

Not with the patriot does his.paffion die,

It .breathes— 'tis Immortality s ally : 38*

Still from the tomb the warm affections flow

Ev'n as the funfet-fky retains a glow.

" Mark, mark, th& Genius faid, this precious vale,
" ,'JHere pleas'd affix, here feaft your raptur'd gaze :
*' The vaft canal near MEXICO that flows, 390

<( AfTumes the colour that this cryftal iliows :
" Its fwelling furges dafli the founding more,
" Inflam'd and crimfon'd with the hoflile gore."

Touch'd at the welcome tidings they rejoice,
And to the gale contmit their feeble voice : 390

( 2' )

Lo, now difburden'd of thdr preffing care,
They tow'r aloft, and vanifli into air.

.>»W "to'tidb *w>y'l rfc ,'33ilt nO .**
Tho' Victory her fun-bright glory med
Full and unfullied round the hero's head,
At Nature's voice he checks the fmile of Joy, .400

And fun'ral duties now his thoughts employ :
The death-ground opening its capacious womb
Receives the dread depofite in its gloom.
Now, with uneven, but perfuafive ftrains,
To wake the bofom, Harmony complains, 405

While Joy, obedient to the magic lay,
Diflblves like fnow before the melting ray :
Now fades th' expiring fweetly plaintive found,
While jftill as midnight, Silence reigns around :
Chain'd is each voice, while o'er the awe-ftruck fenfe 410
Diftill the fober horrours of fufpenfe :
At length the chief th' expecting filence broke,
While pointing to the patriot tomb, he fpoke :

" Hail, fepulchre, which ev'ry coward fhuns !
" Thou glorious hecatomb of Valour's fons 1 415

*•* On thee, oh facred altar of renown,
" Th' eternal being looks propitious down !
" They, they are dear to that all-feeing eye,
4< Who greatly daring act, or bravely die.
" Let this fuggeftion foothe the bleeding heart, 420

<c In which defpair has lodg'd his poifon'd dart :
" To you I fpeak, . ye fair afflicted train,
" Who weep for brothers, friends, and lovers flain :
" To you I fpeak, ye widows plung'd in care ;
" And you whofe fons ftern fate refus'd to fpare, 425

: 7r

As thus he faid— -deep from fome breaft unknown,
Burft unfubdued Affliction's piercing moan,
Now intermitting, now returning loud —
At length, advancing throv the wond'ring crowd,
A matron-form th* attentive hero view'd, 430

Her robe negleded, and her treffes rude,

( 25 )

With hurried ftep the royal youth me fought*
Her wild eye fpeaking th' inexpreffive thought :
Clofe at her fide a lovely boy appears-; —
Now through oppofing grief her voice {he rears : 43$

*' Give, give to me, the virtue that repels,
" The whelming furge of Sorrow at it fwells :
" Two valiant fons, in age my comfort's ftore,
" My lov'd, my duteous children, are no more:
" This morn, this direful morn, a prey to fears, 440

" I bath'd our parting with prefaging tears :
•*' That they expir'd on Honour's facred bed,
cc That their fouls mingle with th' illuftrious dead,
*' Well do I know — and glory in the thought :
V Bright Virtue's flame, perchance, from me they caught^
" From me th' inftrudive leffon firft they claim'd,
*f This bofom nurtur'd, and this voice inflam'd.
" Yet ill with this vain pomp of fplendid words>
" My drooping, loaded, linking heart accords :
" Ah, ftill to Glory's thought defpair fucceeds, 456

*' And th' agonizing mother inly bleeds.

H

" This orphan babe to you I now bequeathe,

" With Honour's brighteft flow'rs his mind inwreathe."

The child, half-confcious of the mother's grief,
As if attempting to difpenfe relief, 455

Stretch'd forth his little arms, and playful fmil'd.
In vain the boy her fcorpion thoughts beguil'd,
Inclining at his call her anguifh'd face,
Death-ftruck me perifh'd in the wifli'd embrace.

'Twas then the hero thus his thoughts exprefs'd : 460
" Fly, wounded fpirit, to the realms of reft !
" This orphan child committed to my care,
" This tender object of thy clofing pray'r,
" The blood that warms his breaft, his helplefs years,
" But moft thy laft requeft, to me endears."

The hero added—" Shall the captive train
lf Partake the fate the rigid laws ordain ?
" As erring friends 'tis virtuous to forgive,
" 'Tis godlike to decree the foe to live !

" Ah then, while Pity does her thoughts fuggeft, 470

" We feel the glowing God within our breaft.

" Amid the captives one fuperiour moves,

" Whofe gen'rous deeds humanity approves,

" One whofe pure bofom all the Virtues claim,

" Refpeclful man ! LAS CAS AS is his name : 475

" He for Religion's fake Religion woo'd,

' ' Warm at her fhrine the prieft enamour'd flood :

" When cruel Havock bade the war encreafe,

" Still o'er the plain he ftrew'd the flow'rs of Peace :

" To foothe the proftrate foe his wifdom plann'd, 480

" While hover'd o'er the wound his healing hand :

" Yet not to thefe endearing a<5ls confin'd,

" He pour'd the balm of comfort on the mind :

" Let then the facred prieft your friendship fhare,

" And at his voice the death-doom'd captives fpare," 485

He faid — and to the God of war ordain'd

A fpotlefs rite by human gore unftain'd. *

* See the character, of this SPANISH Bifhop, fo celebrated for
his humanity, as it is drawn by the mafterly hand of the Abbe
RAYNAL in the third volume of his Hiftoire fhilofofoique et folitique.

;Now, fee the hero with the wedded fak,
^(While fportive Fancy runs before) repair,
By Truth conduded to the dim alcove, 490

Where Pleafure rears the rofy couch of Love,

TALEPO now the Chriftian prieft addrefs'd.:
" While Silence lulls the drooping world to reft,
" Let us enjoy the conf 'rence of an hour
•" Within the bofom of this fecret bow'r : 495

" Say, 'mid the fpoilers of this peaceful land,
*' That rude unfeeling, bold deftruclive band,
" Who their bafe hands in guiltlefs blood imbrue,
*' Oh, prieft of meeknefs, what had'ft thou to do ?
" Say, of your country thus inur'd to fight, 500

*' Do all in ftrife and mafTacres delight ?
** Say, to what rigid Deity ye bend,
*' If thro' our woes your pray'rs approv'd afcend ?

LAS CASAS fpoke '* Compell'd to join the hoft,

* Reluctantly I fought your peaceful coait ; 505

** Nor of my country, with inhuman joy,

" -Do all uplift their weapons to deftray:

" Nor is the Deity to whom we bow,

" Such as your vague bewild'ring thoughts avow :

<f Indignant He beheld the martial train, 510

" With bloody purpofe ruming o'er the main :

" 111 we deferve the bleflings he beflow'd :

" For us he quitted the divine abode —

" As on the humble earth with man He trod

" Thro' all her works aw'd Nature own'd her God. 515

" The palfied fuff'rer left his weary bed,

"' While on his cheek Health's brighteft colour bled :

" And ftrapger ftill — -the tenant of the tomb,

" Who long had dwelt in Death's relentlefs womb,

*' Upborn abruptly from the yawning ground, 520

<( Amazemen-t-fmitten caft his eyes around !"•

i

*' Ah, highly favoured race, TALEPO cried,

_ *'
' Say, wherefore was your blifs to iis denied ?

I

( 5° )

" God of the Chriftians, fpeak the crime unknown

" For which an hoft of Virtues can't atone ! 525

" For which profcrib'd, difgrac'd, this haplefs coaft

" Is ravifh'd of thofe gifts your children boaft !

" Ah now, LAS CASAS, haften to relate,

" The bright efTea& of your exalted ftate,

" The fruits that ripen from celeftial feeds !

" Heroic thoughts ! and burft of glorious deeds !

" You paufe — what means that forrow-fhadcd eye ?

" That fix'd reluftance, that betraying figh ?

•** Forbear, the prieft return'd, thy vain requeft,

" Nor call the truth from this unwilling breail :

" Tho' many godlike deeds our faith endear,

" The Chriflian ilory blafts th' expecting ear.

" The Godhead fpoke— Let Meeknefs as a dove

*' Brood in mans heart the facred atfs of Love.

*' But mark the ilrange refult in hoftile bands 540

" The Chriftians hurry to remoter lands,

( 3' )

**" To Death configning, deaf to Pity's claim,

*' The realms unknowing of their founder's name.

"' From thefe dire afts they rouz'd to new alarms,-

" And oa each other turn'd their reeking arms. 545:

" The general Faith receiv'd Deftruftion's fhock,

" And as a vefTel dafh'd againft a rock,

" Was fplit into a thoufand jarring creeds,

*' Each breathing rage and fanguinary deeds.

" Then Perfecution wak'd the Martyr's pile, 550

" And hail'd the fparkles %vith a greedy fmile."

TALEPO faid— " The creed of diftant tribes,
*' From your high-favour'd realm remote, imbibes
*** No knowledge of your God. — Ah, tell me true,
*' Bright Virtue's path do we in vain purfue?
" Say, do we nurfe with ineffectual care
" The hope which foothes the pain that all mufl bear,
" Who fpeaks of blifs beyond this lower fphere,
** And whifpers comfort to the dying ear ?'*

( 52 )

**' Thrice virtuous fage, the feeling prieft rejoin'd, 560
" Ah let not doubt o'erfhade thy fpotlefs mind :
" The dirFrent tenets that each nation claims—
" To heav'nly pow'r afRx'd the various nances -r-
" Are as the. rays projecting from the fun !
" Are but the titles of th' Eternal One ! .56^

" The many modes of worfhip, as they tend
" To one refining pure celeftial end,
" Sv'n from that, diverfe homage may afpire
" A grateful oiF'ring.to th' immortal Sire,
" As from the flow'rs of variegated dies 570

" Exhales a blended incenfe to the fKies.
" On us. with energy the Godhead beams,
•" And on thy valiant clime but faintly gleams,
" Yet be not thou diftufb'd, nor fear to ilray
*' In quefc of Virtue far from Virtue's way : 57 r

•" As rouhd his little path, tho' gloom'd.by night,
" The radiant infecl throws a guiding light;
'" So all unerring fee to aft their part,
" Taught by the glitt'ring glow-worm of the heart."

( 55 )

TALEPO now, to bright conviction won, 580

Exclaim'd, enchanted, " Oh thou better Sun !
" Thy words like dayfpring on the breaft of night,
" Pour on my darken'd foul th' endearing light —
" But partial light, for ftill within the mind
" Full many a painful doubt remains behind. 585

" What is that pow'r we Chance or Fortune call,
"Who holds her veering miniftry o'er aH,
" Refembling ftill that fpirit of the iky,
" Whofe fecret form eludes the human eye ;
" Who now unmindful of its matchlefs powV
" Indulgent whifpers to tfie vernal flow'r,
" Plays with her leaves, and hov'ring o'er her bloom
" From her young breaft allures the enclos'd perfume :
" And now envelop'd in a fullen mood,
" Tempeftuous rufhes on the groaning wood,
" Arm'd with deftrudive energy, invades,
*' Defpoils, devafts the confecrated mades.

( 54 )

" Still with the cloud cf Ignorance opprefs'd,.
" Enlighten'd prieft, unfold to my requeft,
" Of dire Neceffity the hidden caufe, 600,

" Who feems on Freedom's ground to fix her laws,
" And combats and diffracts the human will,
" As the wild ftorm confounds the pilot's fkill.

" Tell, if thou can'ft, what pow'r impels the mind,
" When, loth in narrow bounds to be confin'd, 605

" She breaks difdainful from her native fphere,
" And foars exulting in a new career :
" And in her progrefs fends a daring glance
" Along Futurity's opaque expanfe,

" That dread depofitory, veil'd abode, 610

" Where breathe the fecret counfels of the God !

*' Still in my foul perplexing doubts remain,
" All knowing fage, that radiant pow'r explain,
" Who when the world with low'ring clouds is hung
" Darts like the fun from his high orbit flung,

( 35 )

" And wing'd with fwifttiefs, wild diftrafted flies,
" Difperfing terrour thro' the confcious ikies :
" Then the tremendous voice that fpeaks on high,
*' As if fome angry God bade Nature die.'*

-

Thus thro' their converfe ftole with magic pow'r, 620
All unobferv'd, the flow nodurnal hour -,
Till, as the fhades forfook the morning iky,
The God of day difclos'd his radiant eye,
Which dropping luftre on the confcious main,
Shew'd to the deep-defponding fons of SPAIN, 625

A kindred fleet by urging zephyrs fann'd,
Triumphant failing to th' impatient ftrandv/ *
Rich tablature ! by Expectation glaz'd-,
By Hope high-colour'd, and by Joy embkz'd.
See CORTEZ now, emerging from defpafr,
For all the butchery of war prepare ;
Revenge and MafTacre, the faints that crown
The bloody altar of his bafe renown,

;Now goad him on to fnatch the wealthy prize,
Whofe golden treafures glitter in his eyes. 635

Meanwhile Defpondence (like approaching night)
Of INDIAN valour dims the fplendid light j
O'er MEXICANS her fenny pinions fpreads,
And on their bofoms chilling fear-drops meds.
To raife their drooping foul the chief compels ,640

The magic feers to quit their lonely cells :
Three awful forms appear— in white array'd,
Whofe rev'rend temples fjlver treffes made.
Tp them TALEPO — " If your hallow'd mind,
" As Fame reports by Wifdom's ray refined, ^645

" Can glance into Futurity's contents,
" And wander forth to meet the great events
-" At diftance failing thro' their long career,
«' To take their ftation in this lower fphere !

Then fpeak our fate— does Ruin hover near ? 650

do we vainly grafp the hoftile fpear ?"

( 37 )

DRACO NO fpoke— " Thy wond'ring vifion raife,
" And mark yon angry comet's threatening blaze !
" Haft thou not heard loud howlings of defpair,
'* And mrieks of horrour vex the midnight air ? 655

" The dreaded pow'r, who from his baleful breath
*'• Sends pains, fends peftilence, and fudden death,
" Amid the terrours of the confcious night,
" That God malignant ruflVd upon my fight :
*' Advert to MEXICO'/ dt/lrefsful ftate,
" Behold the future pitture of her Jate.
He faid — when lo a low' ring cJoud o'erfpreacf
" And mantled MEXICO'S imperial hea$:.
" Tall columns of dun frnok^ ^circlifig jo[n^,
" Which wreaths of flame like angry fnakes entwin'd.'*

".}l^oj^4Jol£7 "kvsfwb yd ^loi^iV h;i
" Peace, terrour-fpreading prieft, the chief replied,

" Think not my people in your voice confide :
" Well I recall, how, in my early youth,
" Your dark predictions wander'd far from truthfj ^^

L

( $8 )

" The raid-day fun recoil'd, involv'd in night, -670

" While thou, the pander to the gen'ral fright,
" Did'ft daftard-like thy voice prophetic rear,
"And loud affert — — *fbe death dfT'ime was near,
" T'bat at her flood-gates Jlood Dejlruttioris foiv-r
" T'o deluge Nature in a -fiery Jhow'-r" "675

: 'ji'i r/lrnA li

" The trerrfbling world the chain of Silence bound,

** ^While dreadful Expectation hover'd round :
*' When from his cloud emerg'd the -God of day^^

" And nature burft into a grateful -lay :
•*' So from the low'ring cloud of 6itr diftrefs ;68o

" May dart -the glorious fun-beams of Succefs,

" To" war, to war l-et'-iis- 'again refer t,
•" And Victory by deeds of valour court."

He addeci mot—but haft'nihg to the fhore,

He bade his :warriOurs grafp:the guiding oar-, ^85'

Determin'd on the bofom of the miiii '

To dare the proud •' augmented pow'r-of SPAIN,-

( 39 )

Whofe ftately brigantines, with fpreading fail,

Approach obedient to the fullen gale,

Which like a mifchief- urging fpirit guides 690

The hoftile veflels o'er the rolling tides :

With ruin fraught the vaft progremve fcene

Difparting leaves a dreadful fpace between.

To this dread fpace to war. the ftronger foe,

The daring chief directs his light canoe : 695

So mariners have feen the S word -fifh fail .'•

With bold intent to wound the giant Whale; -ps<] '{

Now SPANISH art unlocks her deathful ftore; /.^th

While on the gallies burfts Deftruction's roar.

Dark o'er the fcene impends a veil of fmoke, . 700

By frequent flames of the cannon broke, raiuoo ^

,,-* 'i ^ f^enj icriJ ;>qooit lu\vl 3/IT

'Twas then Fatality, myfterious queen,
Who reigns defpotic .o'er this lower fcene,
Unqueftion'd guides the rife and fall of realms, if-w c
An empire now exalts, and now o'erwhelms,

( 40 )

Beheld her prieftefs, Revolution, ftand !

Prompt on the myftic wheel to lay her hand ;

" Urge, urge thy talk, the fatal Goddefs faid,

" For MEXICO muft bend her regal head."

The myftic wheel performs th' appointed round, 710

And mark the chief in chains difgraceful bound :

Ah, fee the youth approach the crowded more,

While from the foe afcendsHh' applauding roar.

Now to the royal dome his fteps he bends,

So lately peopled with his valiant friends : ji$

There, there, ph fight accurs'd, in evil hour

He views proud CORTEZ on the feat of pow'r :

Who meanly vain, thus loud infulting faid,

" Is all thy courage and refiftance dead ?

" The loyal troops that tread thy fubjedl: plains, 720

" Do they confent to view their king in chains ?

" Audacious MEXICAN, behold how vain

M To war againft th' uplifted arm of SPAIN J .:>'fu>

" Beneath yon plains, in fome fequefter'd fcens,
" Well do I know that Nature works unfeen, 725

" Forms with creative hand the buried ore,
" To you an ufelefs and unheeded {tore :
" Does ftrong defire ftill prompt thy heart to live,
" Then give to my impatient fight, oh give !
" The cunning artift at her fecret toil, 730

" And glut my wiihes with the glitt'ring fpoil !"

The captive hero gave thefe words to flow
(While his eye flafh'd defiance on the foe)
" Thefe chains but only reach th' exterior form,
" The bulwark of the mind thou can'ft not ftorm :
€t Misjudging man ! think not thy proud control,
" Tho' all around your boafted thunders roll,
" Can e'er invade the temple of the Soul ;
<( There lives the fecret that thou woud'fl devour,
" And laughs at thy vain impotence of pow'r." 740

M

( 42 )

" Still (hall thy haughtinefs be taught to crouch,
" The victor faid — Prepare the fiery couch,
" Pile glowing torches on th' extended frame,
" And clothe it with a robe of raging flame."

Yet unappall'd the godlike youth rejoin'd : 745

" If thro' the night of thine umbrageous mind,
" Could radiant mercy dart a cheering ray,
" And melt to foftnefs thy tyrannic fway,
" To thy diftindlion would I then confide
" That youthful captive, to my blood allied : 750

" Ah, on that venerable grief-flruck fage
" Look down, and fmooth the rugged path of age.
" But mofl relenting to this mourner bend,
" And o'er her days thy guardian care extend."
He ceas'd — and turning to the drooping fair, '* n 755

Who flood a monument of dumb Defpair ;
While Sorrow's iron hand her bofom wrung,
He on her neck in mournful fiience hung.

( 43 )

Now from the chains that frame this fond delay,

Victorious o'er himfelf he breaks away, 760

And now advances, by rude ruffians led,

With ftep undaunted, to the tort'ring bed :

Alarm'd to meet his kindred warriour there —

"Oh thou, he faid, who did'ft the battle (hare, ,

" Muft thou, unhappy youth, endure with me 765

" This laft fevere refult of SPAIN'S decree ?

" Then raife thy heart fuperiour to the tafk,

" Nor fear beneath thofe tranfient flames to bafk ;

" Ev'n ere they fade th' immortal Soul (hall rife,

" And take its feat of blifs in yonder ikies, 770

" Where to thy wond'ring viiion fhall expand,

" Adorn'd with heroes, a refulgent land,

" Where valiant MEXICANS, fecure from woe,

" Look down contemptuous on the SPANISH foe."

He faid— and to his rigid doom refign'd, 775

Along the flaming couch his form reclin'd :

( 44 )

The partner of his fate fubmifTive bends,

And o'er the tort'ring bed his frame extends ;

Yet then unequal to the conq'ring pain,

He fpoke his fufFring in lamenting (train : 780

" O, royal matter, give me to difclofe

" Where iii.the mine the golden treafure glows —

" I mrink, I faint, inferiour to my part,

" And this frail frame betravs mv daring heart.0

o

Amidft the raging flames that round him blaz'd, 785
The royal chief his martyr'd figure rais'd,
Caft on the youth a calm-reproaching eye,
And fpoke -^ oh eloquent, fublime reply !
Oh heav'n ! oh earth ! attend

" Do I REPOSE
" ALL ON THE SILKEN FOLIAGE OF THE ROSE ?"

He ceas'd and deep within his foul retir'd,

To honour firm, triumphant he expir'd.

. ^iiall^l-m^ iifF/l'JUOO g:*i' "ofi*.

Thy arduous tafk, brave youth, thou'ft well perform'd,
Tho' perils, threats, and tortures round thee ftorm'd :

( 45 )

O'er thy laft fcene admiring angels hung, 795

And at thy exit lound applauding fung :

Thy.fpirit glowing with celeftial fire, »'&;V:

To Heav'n is wafted by th' angelic quire :

The gorgeous fpectacle afcending high,

Sails thro' the portal of the parting fky, 800

And at the living throne arrefts its flight,

O'er which is fpread a brilliant flood of light;

There the dread prefence dwells in deep recefs,

Encompafs'd round with Glory's rich excefs.

Now, thro' the veil of bright redundant beams, 805

A voice is heard — '" From me Creation ftreams —

'" I am the Pow'r — I from th' entombing Earth

'" Exalt the virtuous to a fecond Birth ;

"' To them delighted I difclofe the ray

'" Of Immortality's long Summer Day/" 810

But fee TALE PO, venerable feef,
Approach the fcene, imprefs'd with bufy fear,

N

When firft th' inhumaa deed appall'd his fight
Ev'n as the cedar mrunk in fudden blight
He flood— while at the dire appearaace thrill'd,
Each function of the foul ftiff Horrour chill'd :
At length relenting into confcious grief,
He loud exclaim'd— " Oh lov'd, oh haplefs chief!
" The aihes flill that feed yon ling'ring flame,
" Do they of all thou art th' exiftence claim ? 82.0

" Long fchool'd in pale Adverfity's rude porch,
45 Where Hope's gay domes are burnt by Havock's torch,
" For me, with grief adjoin'd to age opprefs'd,
" Remain'd but this to cleave my care-worn breafl,
" In early youth to me thou waft confign'd, 825

" I watch'd the dawn of thy celeftial mind,
" I faw, by Nature wak'd, thy talents rife>
*t j£nd Virtue mark them with her brighteft dies.
" Ah what avail thefe fruitlefs tears I flaed ?
" Tho' thou art gone — yet Vengeance is not dead : 830
*' The pregnant womb of Time" — He added not—-
While from his eye a radiant meaning mot.

( 47 )

His bofom heav'd with a prophetic throe,

Till language gave his flrugglifjg- thoughts to flow.

" Methinks Futurity, celeftial maid, 83 5

" Thro' diflant Time's dim length'ning ifle difplay'd,
" Pours on my favour'd vifion days unborn,
" That pant impatient for the ling'ring morn :
" Smooth as the clear expanfe of vernal fkies,
" A world of water claims my wond'ring eyes, 840

<f See on its wavy.breafr, in fplendid pride,
" Innum'rous brigan tines triumphant ride : *
" Mark how the gorgeous mafs advancing ploughs
*' The groaning main with high afpiring prows :
" Secure in all the haughtinefs of ftrength, 845

** It moves a crefcent of tremendous length,
" And big with thunders and deftruftive force,
" To BRITAIN'S coaft directs its threat'ning courfe.

* The SPANISH Armada failed in 1588, difpofed in the form of
a crefcent^ and ftr etching the diftance of feven miles from the extre-
mity of one divifion to that of the other.

HUME.

( 48 )

" Oft has LAS CAS AS, in applauding ftrain,

" To me reveal'd that fea-encircled plain. 850

" Thou Glory of the Weft ! inchanted ifle,

" Where beauteous maids on godlike heroes fmile-:

" By Nature's hand with Nature's chaplet crown'd

•" In arts, in commerce, and in arms renown'd;

!" Augufc, magnificent, exalted Dame, 855

" As with a garment rob'd in Freedom's flame I

" 4*ife, arife—foreftall th' intended blow,

*' See to thy porjtal fails th' audacious foe.

" Another fcenery is now difpky'd

" No more the main afiembled velfels made, 860

" , A beggar'd remnant (of the fpkndid throng
" That fwept in confcious majefty along) ' >-'

" With prows disfigur'd, and difhonour'd mafts,
•" While thro' the. rent fails mourn the hollow blafts,
" In fhatter'd, mean, difmantkd rude array, 86 c

*' Steal o'er the waves. their ignominious way.

( 49 )

" Oh of thy brilliant and extenfive train

" Do thefe, ARMADA, thefe alone remain ?

" Who has o'erthrown the honours of thy helm ?

" The voice of Fame replies ELIZA'S realm ! 870

" Where lurk thy galleons that furpris'd the deep ?

" Loud Fame replies in Ocean's tomb they fleep 1

" And of HISPANIA once the bright renown,
" Now glows an added gem to BRITAIN'S crown.

" Enough — enough, fubmiffive to my fate 875

" I now return to my diftrefsful ftate :
" Thanks to the God, whofe kind revealing pow'r
" Gilds with a chearful ray my clofing hour.'*

O.

THE

VENETIAN MARRIAGE,

BY THE SAME.

II T

THE

VENETIANMARRIAGE,

THE weftern fun's expiring ray
To VENICE gave a milder day 5 •
Till by degrees the ling' ring light
Hung trembling on the verge of night.
CAMILLA then, with fearful foul,
To th' Adriatic margin flole, •
Where in a bark, at Love's command, t
PLACENTIO took his faithful ftand,
Poifenlng now his future bride,
H€ bade the bark fecurely glide,.
Which far unlike that gaily mow'd
That down the filver Cydnus row'd,,
P

( 54 )

Beneath whofe purple fails were
.Proud (Mentation's gaudy Queen,
Who fure of conqueft, vain of mind,
All languifhingly lay reclined !
Here Beauty undefil'd by art,
- Whofe bofom own!d a tender heart,
Beneath the fails from home remov'4,
And trufted toithe man (he lov'd.

A vernal calmne-fs lull'd the deep,
And hufh'd each wavy furge to flcepr:
The air along the faltry day,
Scorch'd by the Summer's fervent ray,,
Was fremen'd'by a -recent fhow'r,
While Silence folemniz'd the hour.

The fHll folemnity imprefs'd
•With awful thought's CAMILLA'S breaft,
for now by prompting Love impell'd,
jKow by Timidity witheld,

( 55 )

The words which to pronounce me tried,

Recoil'd, and unaccented died.

PLACENTO too alike fubdued,

They fail'd along in filent mood,

And ftillnefs reign'd from more to fhore,

Unbroke but by the darning oar.

At length the fair difiblv'd the charm —
" Ah, wonder not I feel alarm I
" Confiding in thy love I came,
" And rifk'd for thee my virgin fame :
*' Ah tell me to what place we fail,
" For in my bofom fears prevail :
*' Yet anfwer not this idle fear,
*' Where'er thou art bright honour's there.

" The plan I form, the youth replied,
" To Innocence is clofe allied*
" And fearful of thy virgin fame
" As of her babe the tender dame.

" Thefe waves that wander to the fea,

" Warn in their pilgrimage a tree,

" Which fpreads its lowly branches wide.,.

" And dips them in the pafling tide :

" There, in a made compos'd of reeds,

" An aged hermit tells his beads :

" He, gen'rous fage, will join our hands

" In wedlock's unremitting bands.

" Then to VALCLUSA we'll repair,

" Where LAURA'S foul informs the air :.

** Where PETRARCH'S fpirit hovers round3

" The guardian of the facred ground, '

" Forbidding ftill that fiend of art,

" That fhrewd perverter of the heart,

" The make, Inconilancy, to rove

"' Within the paradife of Love.

rbnl':i~ ' ;

*' As when chill Winter quits the land,,
'* The^fnow-drop does her leaves expand.

( 57 )

" So may chill fears your bread releafe,

" Till gently it expands to peace,

" Mild as thefe twilight breezes blow,

" Soft as the waves on which we flow,"

" Ye walls where fir ft I .drew the air,
" Return'd (aiTur'd) the beauteous fair ;
" Ye turrets which but dimly feen
" Encreafe the terrour of the fcene !
" Ye ftately tow'rs ! and riling fpires !
" From you CAMILLA now retires.
" Thou tomb whofe pious urn contains
" My facred parents' cold remains !
" Ye partners of my tender years,
" Whom youthful fympathy endears :
" Ye joys that crown my nativre coail,
" Well for PJLACENTIO all are loft."

She ceas'd— and on her penfive foul
Again an awful mufmg dole,

Such as the twilight fcene excites,
Such as the feeling heart delights ;
For as the coy nocturnal flow'r
No more its fweets at eve witholds,
So the meek heart at th' evening hour
Its fenfibility unfolds.

See now they reach the facred cell
Where Wifdom, Peace, and Virtue dwell
There, bent beneath the weight of age,
Thsy find prepar'd-th' expecting lage.
He hail'd them in a friendly tone,
And bade them call his cell their own :
Where rofe an altar form'd of mofs,
Crown 'd with a fimple wooden crofs !
There too a taper, mildly bright,
Supplied a pompous glare of light :
No holy relick rich-enchas'd
This unambitious altar grac'd :

( 59 )

Here Flora, Nature's prieflefs, flood,
And round her fragrant ofF rings flrew'd.

The hermit fpoke— " Hail, virtuous pair,
" May your misfortunes periih here :
" Tho' youth be yours, yet well I know
" You've tailed deep of human woe !
" Control, and art, and bafenefs join'd,
" To cancel what your hearts defign'd :
** But now Misfortune's reign is o'er,
" And Pleafure opens all her {lore."

He paus'd — and now the youthful pair
Th' irrevocable vow prefer :
And now the hermit clos'd their hands
In williag and unvenal bands,
Unfpotted bands ! which mutual Love,
And Confidence and Virtue wove.
FINIS.

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