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Southern Branch of the

University of California

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MAF 2 0 1959 MAY 2 9 1962

Form L-9-15(/'-10/25

THE

WORKS

OF THE

ENGLISH POE T S.

WITH

PR E ' F ■ A C' E S,

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL,

BY SAMUEL JOHNSON.

VOLUME THE FIFTY-FOURTH.

LONDON:

PRINTED BY M. BROV/N

rOR J. BUCKLAND, J. RIVINGTOI^ND SONS, T. PAYNE ANQ SONS, r.. DAVIS, B. WHITE AND*ON, T, LONGMAN, B. LAW. J. DODSLEY, H. BALDWIN, J. ROBSON, C. DILLY, T. CADELL J. NICHOLS, J. JOHNSON, G. G. J. AND J. ROBINSON R. BALDWIN, H. L. GARDNER, P. ELMSLY, T. EVANS G. NICOL, LEIGH AND SOTHEBY, J. BEW, N. CONANT J. MURRAY, J. SEWELL, W. GOLDSMITH, W. RICHARDSON T. VERNOR, W. LOWNDES, W. BENT, W. OTRIDGE, T. AND J. EGERTON, S. HAYES, R. FAULDER, J. EDWARDS, C. AND T. WILKIE, W. NICOLL, OGILVY AND SPEARE, SCATCHERD AND WHITAKER, W. FOX, C. STALKER, E, NEWBERY. I79O.

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THE

FIFTY-FOURTH VOLUME

OF THE

ENGLISH POETS,

CONTAINING

PART OF THOMSON,

Vol. LIV.

THE

POEMS

O F

JAMES THOMSON,

Vol. LIV.

THE

SEASONS,

SPRING. 1728.

Bz

A R G U M E N T.

The fubjefl propofed. Infcribed to the Countess of * Hertford. The feafon is defcribed as it aftedts the various parts of Nature, afcending from the lower to the higher ^ with digreffions arifing from the fubjed. Its influence on inanimate matter, on vegetables, on brute animals, and, laft, on man ; concluding with a diJTuafive from the wild and irregular paffion of lovCj oppofed to that of a pure and happy kind.

t J ]

SPRING.

" Et nunc omnis ager, nunc omnis parturlt arbos^ ** Nunc frondent fylvae, nunc formofiflimus annus.'*

ViRG.

/^OME, gentle Spring, ethereal Mildnefs, come, ^*-^ And from the bofom of yon dropping cloud. While mufic wakes around, veil'd in a ihovver Of fhadowing rcifes, on oar plains defcend.

O Hertford, fitted or to ihine in courts . e

With unaffedled grace, or walk the plain With innocence and meditation join'd In foft afTemblage, liften to my long. Which thy own Seafon paints ; when Nature all Is blooming and benevolent, like thee. lO

i\nd fee where furly Winter paffes ofF> Far to the north, and calls his ruffian blafts: His blafts obey, and quit the howling hill. The ihatter'd forell, and the ravaged vale ; While fofter gales facceed, at whofe. kind touch, 15 DilToIving fnows in livid torrents loft. The mountains lift their green heads to the iky.

As yet the trembling year is uru:onfirm'di And Winter oft at eve refumes the breeze> Chills the pale morn, and bids his driving fleets 20 Deform the day deiightlefs : fo that fcarce T'le bittern knows his time, with bill ingulpht

B 3 To

6 TJiOMS ON's POEMS.

To fhake the founding marfh ; or from the fhore

The plovers when to fcatter o'er the heath.

And fmg their wild notes to the liftening wafte. 2^

At laft from Aries rolls the bounteous fun. And the bright Bull receives him. Then no more Th', expanfive atmofphere is cramp'd with cold ; But, full of life and vivifying foul. Lifts the light clouds fublime, and fpreads them thin> 30 Fleecy and white, o'er all-furrounding heaven.

Forth fly the tepid airs j and unconfin'd. Unbinding earth, the moving foftnefs ftrays. Joyous, th' impatient hufbandman perceives Relenting Nature, and his lufty rteers 35

Drives from their ftalls, to where the well-us'd plough. Lies in the furrow, loofen'd from the froft. There, unrefufmg, to the harnefs'd yoke They lend their llioulder, and begin their toil, Chear'd by the fimple fong and foaring lark. 40

Meanwhile incumbent o'er the (hining fhare The mailer leans, removes th' obftruding clay> Winds the whole work, and fidelong lays the glebe.

White through the neighbouring field the fovver (talks, With meafur'd Hep ; and liberal throws the grain 45 Into the faithful bofom of the ground : The harrow follows harfh/ and (huts the fcene.

Be gracious. Heaven ! for now laborious man Has done his part. Ye fofteting breezes, blow ! Ye foftening dews, ye tender fhowers, defcend ! 50 And temper all, thou world-reviving fun, Into the perfe*^ year ! Nor ye who live

In

SPRING. 7

In luxury and eafe, in pomp and pride.

Think thefe loft themes unworthy of your ear :

Such themes as thefe the rural Maro fung 55

To wide-imperial Rome, in the full height

Of elegance and tafte, by Greece refin'd.

In ancient times, the facred plough employ'd

The kings, and aweful fathers of mankind :

And fome, with whom compar'd your infefl-tribes 6c

-Are but the beings of a fummer's day.

Have held the fcale of empire, rul'd the ftorm

Of mighty war ; then, with unwearied hand,

Difdaining little delicacies, feiz'd

The plough, and greatly independent liv'd. 6^

Ye generous Britons, venerate the plough ; And o'er your hills, and long withdra'-ving vales. Let xAutumn fpread Kis treafures to the fun. Luxuriant and unbounded : as the fea. Far through his azure turbulent domain, 7G

Your empire owns, and from a thoufand fhores Wafts all the pomp of life into your ports ; So with fuperior boon may your rich foil. Exuberant, Nature's better bleiTmgs pour O'er every land, the naked nations clothe, 75

And be th' exhauillefs granary of a world !

Nor only through the lenient air this change, Delicious, breathes ; the penetrative fun His force deep-darting to the dark retreat Of vegetation, fets the fteaming Power 80

At large, to wander o'er the vernant earth. In various hues : but cbieHy thee, gay Green 1

E 4 Thou

8 THOMSON^s POEMS.

Thou fmiling Nature's univerfal robe !

United light and fhade ! where the fight dwells

With growing ftrength, and ever-new delight. 85

From the moift meadow to the wither'd hill. Led by the breeze, the vivid verdure runs. And fwells, and deepens, to the cherilli'd eye. The hawthorn whitens ; and the juicy groves Put forth their buds, unfolding by degrees, 90

Till the whole leafy foreil ftands difplay'd. In full luxuriance to the fighing gales ; Where the deer ruftle through the twining brake. And the birds fmg conceaPd. At once array'd In all the colours of the flulliing year, 95

By Nature's fwift and fecret-working hand. The garden glows, and fillfi the liberal air With lavifh fragrance ; while the promis'd fruit Lies yet a little embryo, unperceiv'd. Within its crimfon folds. Now from the town 1 00 Buried in fmoke, and fleep, and noifome damps. Oft let me wander o'er the dewy fields, Where frefhnefs breathes, and dath the trembling drops From the bent bulh, as through the verdant maze Of fweet-briar hedges I purlue my walk ; 1 05

Or tafte the fmell of dairy ; or afcend Some eminence, Augufta, in thy plains. And fee the county, far ditfas'd around. One boundlefs blulh, one white-empurpled ihovver Of mingled bloflbms 5 where the raptur'd eye no

Hurries from joy to joy, and, hid beneath The fair profuiion, yellow Autumn fpies.

If,

SPRING. 9

If, brufh'd from Ruffian vvilds, a cutting gale Rife not, and fcatter from liis humid wingii The clammy mildew; or, dry-blowing, breathe 115 Untimely froft ; before whofe baleful blafl: The full-blown Spring through all her foliage ihrinks, Joylefs and dead, a wide-dejeded warte. For oft, engender'd by the hazy north. Myriads on myriads, infed armies waft 120

Keen in the polfon'd breeze ; and wafteful eat. Through buds and bark, into the blacken'd core. Their eager way. A feeble race ! yet oft The facred fons of vengeance ; on whofe courfe Corrofive famine waits, and killo the year. 1 25

To check thii plague the fi^-Ilful farmer chaff. And blazing llraw , before liis orchard burns ; Till, all involv'd in fmoke, the latent foe From every cranny faiFocated falls : Or fcatters o'er the bloonii the pungeant dui^ 130

Of pepper, fatal to the frolly tribe : Or, when th' envenom'd leaf begins to curl. With fprinkled water drowns them in their neft ; Nor, while they pick them up with bufy bill. The little trooping birds unwifely fcares. i^-

Be patient, fwains ; thefe cruel-feeming winds Blow not in vain. Far hence they keep reprefs'd Thofe deepening clouds on clouds, furcharg'd with rain. That, o'er the vait Atlantic hither borne. In endlefs train, would quench the fiimmer-blaze, 140 And, c!)earlefs, drown the crude unripened year.

Tlir. norh-eatl Ipends Lis rage ; he now fhut up

Vf'i'aiin

lo THOMSON'S POEMS.

Within his iron cave, th' eiFuiive fouth

Warms the wide air, and o'er the void of he.iven

Breathes the big clouds with vernal fliowers dillent. 145

At firft a duiky wreath they feem to rife,

Scarce ilaining aether ; but by fwift degrees ^

In heaps on heapsj the doubling vapour fails

Along the loaded iTcy, and mingled deep

Sits ou th' horizon round a fettled gloom: 150

Not fuch as wintery-llorms on mortals ihedi

Oppreiling life; bat lovely, gentle, kind.

And full of every hope and every joy.

The with of Nature. Gradual finks the breeze

Into a perfect calm ; that not a breath 155

Is heard to quiver through the clofmg woods*

Or ruftling turn the many twinkling leaves

Of afpin tall. Th' uncurling floods, difFus'd

In glafiy breadth, feem through delufive lapfe

Forgetful of their courfe. 'lis filence all, 160

And pleafing expedlation. Herds and flocks

Drop the dry fprig, and mute-imploring eye

The falling verdure. Hufli'd in fliort fufpenfe.

The plumy people ftreak their wings with oil.

To throv the lucid moillure trickling off; 1 65

And wait th' approaching fign to flrike, at once.

Into the general choir. Ev'n mountains, vales.

And forells feem, impatient, to demand

The promis'd fweetnefs. Man fupcrior walks

Amid the glad creation, muflng praife, 1 70

And looking lively gratitude. At lail.

The clouds confi:rn their treafnres to the fields ;

SPRING. Tt

And, foftly fhaking on the dimpled pool

Prelufive drops, let all their moiftare flow.

In large efFufion, o'er the freflien'd world. 175

The Healing fhower is fcarce to patter heard.

By fuch as wander through the foreft walks.

Beneath th' umbrageous multitude of leaves.

But who can hold the (hade, while Heaven defcends

In univerfal bounty, fhedding herbs, 180

And fruits and flowers, on Nature's ample lap ?

Swift fancy fir'd anticipates their growth ;

And, while the milky nutriment dillils.

Beholds the kindhng country colour round.

Thus all day long the full-diftended clouds 1 85

Indulge their genial ftores, and well-fhower'd earth Is deep-enrich'd with vegetable life ; Till, in the vveilern fky, the downward fan Looks out, effulgent, from amid tlie fiufn Of broken clouds, gay-fliifting to his beam. igo

The rapid radiance inilantaneous flrikes Th' illumin'd mountain, through the foreft ftreams. Shakes on the floods, and in a yel!ov\' mill. Far fmoking o'er th' interminable plain. In twinkling myriads lights the dewy gems. 195

Moift, bright, and green, the landikip laughs around. Full fwell the woods; their very niufic wakes, Mix'd in wild concert witli the warbling brooks Increas'd, the diitant bleatiiigs of die hills. And hollow lows refponfive from the vales, 200

Whence blending all the fweeten'd zeph}T fprings. Mean time refi\^ded from yon eaileru cloud.

Be-

li THOMSON'S POEMS.

Beilriding earth, the grand ethsreal bow

SiiOOts up immenfci and every hue unfolds.

In fair proportion running from the red, 20^

'i'o where the violet fade^ into the fky.

Here, av/eful Nevvtoni the dilToIving clouds

Form, fronting en the fun, thy fhowcry prifm;

And to the fage-inftruded eye unfold

The various twine cf light, by thee difclos'd 2 10

From the whhe mingling maze. Not fo the boy;

He wondering viev.s the bright enchantment bend*

Delightful, o'er the radiant fields, and runs

lo catch the falling glory; bat amaz'd

Beholds th' amufive arch before him fly, 215

Then vaniOi quite away. Still night fucceeds,

A foften'd fhade, and faturated earth

Awaits the morning-beam, to give to light,

Kais'd tJiTough ten thoufand different plallick tubes,

'Jhe balmy treafufes of the former day. 220

Then fpring the living herbs, profufely wild. O'er all the deep-green earth, beyond the power Of botaniib to number \ip their tribes : Whether he fteals along the lonely dale. In filent fearch; or through the forell, rank 225

\'S'ith what the dull incurious weeds account> Burft.s h\i blind way; or climbs the mountain rock, Fir'd by the nodding verdure of its brow. "Vrith fuch a iiberal hand has Nature fiung Their i'ccds abroad, blown them about in winds, 230 Innumerous mix'd them with the nurfing mold. The niciHenmg current, and prolific rain.

But

SPRING. ,3

But who their virtues can declare ? who pierce. With vifion pure, into thefe fccret ftores. Of health, and life, and joy ? The food of man, 235 While yet he liv'd in innocence, and told A length of golden years ; unflefh'd in blood, A llranger to the favage arts of life. Death, rapine, carnage, furfeit, and difeafe ; The lord, and not the tyrant, of tlie world. 2 10

The firfr frefh dawn then wak'd the gladden'd race Of uncorrupted man, nor blulh'd to fee The Haggard fieep beneath it? facred beam : For their light {lumbers gently fum'd away ; And up they rofe as vigorous as the lun, 245

Or to the culture of the willing glebe. Or to the chearful tendance of the flock. Meantime the fong went round ; and dance and fport, Wifdom and friendly talk, fucceifive, ftole Their hours away; while in the rofy vale 2:9

Love brcath'd his infmt fighs, from anguifh free. And full replete with blifs ; five tlie Uvcci pain. That, inly thrilling, but exalts it more. Nor yet injurious aft, nor furly deed. Was known among thofe happy fon.s of Heaven ; 251; For reafon and benevolence v/erc law. Harmonious Nature too look'd fmiling on. Clear ilione the fkies, cool'd v>d:h eternal gales. And balmy fpirit all. The youthful fun Shot his bell rays, and dill the gracious clouds 26a Drop'd fatnefs down ; as o'er the fvvelling mead, The herds and flocks, commixing, play'd fecure.

This

14 THOMSON'S POEMS.

This when, emergent from the gloomy wood.

The glaring lion faw, his horrid heart

Was meeken'd, and he join'd his fullen joy. ^65

Fo • mufic held the whole in perfect peace :

Soft figli'd the flute; the tender voice was heard,

Vv'arbiing the varied heart ; the woodlands round

Apply'd their quire ; and winds and waters flow'd

In confonance. Such were thofe prime of days. 270

But now thofe white unblemiih'd manners, whence The fibling poets took their golden age. Are found no more amid ihefe iron times, Thefe dregs of life ! Now the diftemper'd mind Has loft that concord of harmonious powers, 275

Which forms the foul of happinefs ; and all Is off the poife within : the paifions all Have burft their bounds; and reafon, halfextinfl. Or impotent, or elfe approving, fees The foul diforder. Senfelefs, and deform'd, 280

Convuliive anger fLOi-ms at large ; or pale. And filent, fettles into fell revenge. Bafe envy withers at another's joy. And hates that excellence it cannot reach. Befponding fear, of fetble fancies full, 285

Weak and unmanly, loofens every power. Ev'n love itfelf is bitternefs of foul, A penfive anguifti pining at the heart 5 Or, funk to ibrdid intereft, feels no more That noble wifh, that never-cloy'd defire, 2 90

Which, felfifh joy difdaining, feeks alone To blefs the dearer objecl of its fiamfC.

Hep?

SPRING. 15

Hope fickens with extravagance ; and grief.

Of life impatient, into niadncfs fvvells ;

Or in dead Tilence waftes the weeping hours. 295

Thefe, and a thoufand mixt emotions more,

From ever-changing views of good and ill,

Form'd infinitely various, vex the mind

With endlcfs ftorm : whence, deeply rankling, grows

The partial thought, a lifllefs unconcern, 500

Cold, and averting from our neighbour's good ;

Then dark difguft, and hatred, winding wiles.

Coward deceit, and ruffian violence ;

At laft, extinft each fecial feeling, fell

And joylefs inhumanity pervades 305

And petiifie:j the heart. Nature dillurb'd

Is deem'd, vindidlive, to have chang'd her courfe.

Hence, in old duiky time, a deluge came : When the deep-cleft difparting orb, that arch'd The central vvaters round, impetuous rufii'd, 310

With univerfal burft, into the gulph. And o'er the high-pil'd hills of fraclur'd earth Wide dafh'd the waves, in undulation vail ; Till, from the center to the ftreamiag clouds, A fhorelefs ocean tumbled round the g'obe. 315

The Seafons fmce have, with feverer fvvay, Opprefs'd a broken world : the Winter keen Shook forth his wafte of fnows ; and Summer fnot His pellilential heats. Great Spring, before, Green'd all the year; and fruits and bloilbms blufli'd. In fecial fweetnefs, on the felf-fame bough. 32 i

Pure was the temperate air : and even calm

i6 THOMSON*s POEMS.

Perpetual reign'd, fave what the zephyrs bland Ereath'd o'er the blue expanfe : for then nor llorms Were taught to blow, nor hurricanes to rage; 325 Sound flept the waters ; no fulphureous glooms Swell'd in the iky, and fent the lightning forth ; While fickly damps, and cold autumnal fogs. Hang not, relaxing, on the fprings of life. But now, of turbid elements the fport, 330

From clear to cloudy toll, from hot to cold. And dry to moift, with inward-eating change. Our di-ooping days are d»vindled down to nought. Their period finiih'd ere 'tis well begun.

And yet the vvholefome herb negledcd dies; 335 Though with the pure exhilarating foul Of nutriment and health, and vital powers. Beyond the fearch of art, 'tis copious bleft. For, with hot ravine fir'd, enfanguin'd man Is now become the lion of the plain, 340

A^nd worfe. The vyolf, who from the nightly fold Fierce drags the bleating prey, ne'er drunk her miik. Nor wore her warming fleece : nor has the fteer. At whofe ftrong cheil the deadly tiger hangs. E'er plough'd for him. They too are tempered high, . V/ith hunger Hung and wild neccffity, 346

Nor lodges pity in their Ihaggy breaft. But Man, whom Nature form'd of milder clay. With every kind emotion in his heart. And taught alone to weep; while from her lap 350 She pours ten thoufand delicacies, herbs. And fruits, as numerous as the drops of raii>

Or

SPRING. 17

Or beams that gave them birth : fhall he, fair form !

Who wears fvveet fmiles, and looks erefl on Heaven,

E'er ftoop to mingle with the prowling herd, 355

And dip his tongue in gore ? The beaft of prey,

Blood-ftain'd, deferves to bleed: but you, ye flocks.

What have ye done ; ye peaceful people, what.

To merit death ? you, who have given us milk

In lufcious ftreams, and lent us your own coat 360

Againii the winter's cold ? And the plain ox.

That harmlefs, honed, gui'elefs animal.

In what has he offended ? he, whole toil.

Patient and ever ready, clothes the land

With all the pomp of harvell : fhall he bleed, 365

And ftruggling groan beneath the cruel hands,

Ev'n of the clown he feeds ? and that, perhaps.

To fvvell the riot of th' autumnal feall.

Won by his labour? Thus the feeling heart

Would tenderly fuggeft : bat 'tis enough, 370

In this late age, adventurous, to have touch'd

Light on the numbers of the Samian fage.

High Heaven forbids the bold prefumptuous flrain,

Whofe wifefl will has fix'd us in a flate

That mull not yet to pure perfeflion rife. 375

Now when the firfl: foul torrent of the brooks, Swell'd with the vernal rains, is ebb'd away. And, whitening, down their moffy-tinftur'd ftream Defcends the billowy foam : now is the time. While yet the dark -brown water aids the guile, 3^3 To tempt the trout. The well- diffem bled fly. The rod fine-tapering with elalHc fpring,-

C Snatch'd

18 THOMSON^s POEMS.

Snatch 'd from the hoary fteed the floating line.

And all thy flender wat'ry ftores prepare.

But let not on thy hook the tortur'd worm, 385

Convulfive, twift in agonizing folds ;

Which, by rapacions hunger fwallow'd deep.

Gives, as you tear it from the bleeding breafl:

Of the weak helplefs uncomplaining wretch,

Harlh pain, and horror to the tender hand. 390

When with his lively ray the potent fun Has pierc'd the ftreams, and rous'd the finny race. Then ifTuing chearful, to thy fport repair ; Chief fhould the weftern breezes curling play. And light o'er aether bear the ihadowy clouds. 395 High to their fount, tliis day, amid the hills And woodlands warbling round, trace up the brooks ; The next, purfae their rocky-channel'd maze, Down to the river, in whofe ample wave Their little Naiads love to fport at large. 400

Juft in the dubious point, where with the pool Is mix'd the trembling ftream, or where it boils Around the ftone, or from the hollow'd bank Reverted plays in undulating flow. There throw, nice-judging, the delufive fly ; 405

And as you lead it round in artful curve. With eye attentive mark the fpringing game. Strait as above the furface of the flood They wanton rife, or urg'd by hunger leap. Then fix, with gentle twitch, the barbed hook; 413 Some lightly tofling to the grafly bank. And to the fhelving (hore, flow-dragging feme.

With

SPRING. w9

With various hand proporrion'd to their force.

If yet too young, and eafily deceiv'd,

A worthlefs prey fcarce bends your pliant rod, 415

Him, piteous of his youth and the fliort fpace

He has enjoy'd the vital light of Heaven,

Soft difengage, and back into the llream

The fpeckled captive throw. But fliould vou lure

From his dark haunt, beneath the tangled roots 420

Of pendent trees, the monarch of the brook.

Behoves you then to ply your finefl art.

Long time he, following cautious, fcans the fly ;

And oft attempts to feize it, but as oft

The dimpled water fpeaks his jealous fear, 42 j

At laft, while haply o'er the Ihaded fun

PaiTes a cloud, he defperate takes the death.

With fullen plunge. At once he darts along,

Deep-ftrL-ck, and runs out all the lengthen'd line:

Then feeks the fartheft ooze, the Iheltering weed, 430

The cavern 'd bank, his old fecure abode ;

And flies aloft, and flounces round the poO',

Indignant of the guile. With yielding hand.

That feels him ftill, yet to his furious courfe.

Gives way, you, now retiring, foiiowing now, 43^

Acrofs the ftream, exhauft his idle rage :

Till floating broad upon his breathlefs fide.

And to his fate abandon'd, to the Ihore

You gaily drag your unrefifting prize. 439

Thus pafs the temperate hours : but when the fun Shakes from his noon-day throne the fcattering elouds, Ev'n Ihooting liftlefs languor through the deeps ;

C z Then

40 THOMSON'S POEMS,

Then feek the bank where flowering elders crowd,

\Vher« fcatter'd wild the lily of the vale

Its balmy ePicnce breathes, where cowflips hang 445

The dewy head, where purple violets lurk.

With all the lowly children of the (hade :

Or he reclin'd beneath yon fpreading alh.

Hung o'er the lleep ; whence, borne on liquid vving.

The founding culver fhoots j or where the hawk, 450

Higli, in the beetling cliiF, his aery builds.

There let the claflic page thy fancy lead

Through rural fcenes ; fuch as the Mantuan fwaln

Paints in the matchlefs harmony of fong.

Or catch thyfelf the landfkip, gliding fwift 455

Athwart imagination's vivid eye :

Or by the vocal woods and waters lull'd.

And loH: in lonely mafmg, in the dream,

Confiis'd, of carelefs folitude, where mix

Ten thoufand wandering images of things, 460

Soothe every guft of paflion into peace;

All but the fvveliings of the foften'd heart.

That waken, not dillurb, the tranquil mind.

Behold yon breathing profpedl bids the Mufe Throw all her beauty forth. But who can paint 465 Like Nature ? Can imagination boaft. Amid its gay creation, hues like hers ? Or can it mix them with that matchlefs fkiil. And lofe them in each other, as appears In every bud that blows? If fancy then 47Q

Unequal fails beneath the pleafmg taik. Ah, what ihall language do ? ah, where find words

Tins'd

SPRING. «x

Ting'd with fo many colours ; and whofe power. To life approaching, may perfume my lays With that fine oil, thofe aromatic gales 475

That inexhauilive flow continual round ?

Yet, though fuccefslefs, will tiie toil delight. Come theii, ye virgins and ye youths, wiiofe hearts Have felt the raptures of refining love ; And thou, Amanda, come, pride of my fong I 48^ Form'd by the Graces, lovelinefs itf^^lf I Come with thofe downcaft eyes, fedate and fvveet, Thofe looks demure, that deeply pierce the foul, V/here, with the light of thoughtful reafon mLx'd, Shines lively fancy and the feeling heart : 485

O come I and wiiile the rofy-footed May Stc^ab blulhing on, together let us tread The morning dews, and gather in their prime Frelh-blooming flowers, to grace thy braided hair. And thy lov'd bofom that improves their fvveets. 490

See where the winding vale its laviQi ftores, Irriguous, fpreads. See, how the lily drinks The latent rill, fcarce oozing through the grafs. Of growth luxuriant; or the humid bank. In fair profjfion, decks. Long let us walk, 495

Where the breeze blows from yon extended field Of bloffom'd beans. Arabia cannot boail A fuller gale of joy, than, liberal, thence Breathes through the lenfe, and takes the raviili'd foul. Nor is the mead unworthy of thy foot, 500

Full of frefii verdure, and unnumber'd flowers. The negligence of Nature, wide, and wild ;

C 3 Where,

«« THOMSON'S POEMS.

Where, undifguis'd by mimic Art, fhe fpreads

Unbounded beauty to the roving eye.

Here their delicious tafk the fervent bees, 50?

In fwarming millions, tend : around, athwart.

Through the foft air, the bufy nations fly.

Cling to the bud, and, with inferted tube.

Suck its pure efience, its ethereal foul;

And oft, with bolder wing, they foaring dare 510

The purple heah, or where the wild thyme grows.

And yellow load them with the lufcious fpoil.

At length the finii"h'd garden to the view Its villas opens, and its alleys green. 514

S natch 'd through the verdant maze, the hurried eye Diilrafled wanders ; now the bowery walk Of covert clofe, where fcarce a fpeck of day Falls oPi the Icngthen'd gloom, protradled uveeps : NcvV meets the bending (ky j the river now Dimpled along, the breezy ruffled lake, ^20

The foreil darkening round, the glittering fpire, Th' ethereal moantain, and the diftant main. Eat why fo far excurfive ? v>'hen at hand. Along thefe bluHiIng borders, bright with dew. And in yvon mingled wilderncfs of flowers, 525

Fair-himded Spring unbofoms every grace; Throwc out the fnow-drop, and the crocus firll ; The diiify, primrofe, violet darkly blue. And polyanthus of unnumber'd dyes; The yellow wall-flower. Train 'd with iron-brown; 53c And lavirti fl:ock that fcents the garden round : From the foft wing of veniai breezes fned,

Ane-

SPRING. ftj

Anemonies ; auriculas, enrich'd

With fhining meal o*er all their velvet leaves ;

And full ranunculas of glowing red. ^35

Then comes the tulip-race, where Beauty plays

Her idle freaks ; from family difFus'd

To family, as flies the father-duft.

The varied colours run ; and, while they break

On the charm'd eye, th' exulting florift marks, 540

With fecret pride, the wonders of his hand.

No gradual bloom is wanting ; from the bud,

Firft-bom of Spring, to Summer's mufky tribes :

Nor hyacinths, of pureil \*irgin white.

Low-bent, and blufhing inward ; nor jonquils, 545

Of potent fragrance ; nor NarcifTus fair.

As o'er the fabled fountain hanging Hill;

Nor broad carnations, nor gay-fpotted pinks ;

Nor, fhower'd from every bufh, the damafk-rofe.

Infinite numbers, delicacies, fmells, 5jO

With hues on hues expreffion cannot paint.

The breath of Nature, and her endlefs bloom. t

Hail, Source of Being ! Univerfal Soul Of heaven and earth ! EfTential Prefence, hail ! To Thee I bend the knee; to Thee my thoughts, 555 Continual, cHmb ; who, with a mafter-hand. Haft the great whole into perfe«5lion touch'd. By Thee the various vegetative tribes. Wrapt in a filmy net, and clad with leaves. Draw the live ether, and imbibe the dew ; 560

By Thee difpos'd into congenial foils. Stands each attractive plant, and fucks, and fwells

C 4 The

x4 THOMSON'S POEMS.

The juicy tide ; a twining mafs of tubes.

At Thy command the vernal fun awakes

The torpid fap, detruded to the root 565

By wintery winds ; that now in fluent dance.

And lively fjrmentation, mounting, fprcads

All this innumercus-cclour'd {cenQ of things.

As riiing from the vegetable world My theme afcends, with equal wing afcend, 570

My panting Mufe ; and hark, how loud the woods Invite you forth in all your gayeft trim. Lend me your fong, ye nightingales ! oh ! pour The mazy-running foul of melody Into my varied verfe ! while I deduce, ^7^

From the firH note the hollow cuckoo fmgs. The fymphony of Spring, and touch a theme Unknown to fame, thePoJJion of the groves.

When firll the fojl of love is fent abroad. Warm through the, vital air, and on the heart 580

Harmonious feizes, the gay troops begin. In gallant thought to plume the painted wing ; And try again the long-forgotten flrain. At firll faint-warbled. But no fooner grows The.foft infufion prevalent and wide, 585

Than, all aiivc, at once their joy o'erfiows In mufic unconlin'd. Up-fprinks the lark, Shrill-voic'd, and loud, the meffenger of morn ; Ere yet the. ftiadows. fly, he mounted fings Amid the dawning clouds, and from their haunts 590 Calls up the tuneful nations. Every copfe Deep-tangled, ,tre.e irregular, and buih

Bending

SPRING. *S

Bending 'A'ith dewy moifture, o'er the heads

Of the coy quirifters that lodge within.

Are prodigal of harmony. The thriiih 59J

And wood -lark, o'er tlie kind-contending throng

Superior heard, run through the fweeteft length

Of notes ; when liftening Philomela deigns

To let them joy, and purpofes, in thought

Elate, to make her night excel their day. 6co

The black-bird whillles from the thorny brake;

The mellow bullfinch anfwers from the grove :

Nor are the linnets, o'er the flowering fjrze

Pour'd out profdfely, filent. Join'd to thefe

Innumerous fongfters, in the frefhening Ihade 6G5

Of ne.v-fprung leaves, their modulations mix

Mellifluous. The jay, the rook, the dav/.

And each harfli pipe, difcordant heard alone.

Aid the full concert: while the flock-dove breathes

A melancholy murmur through the v/hole. 6 1 o

'Tis love creates their melcdy, and all This waflie of muflc is the voice of love ; That ev'n to birds, and beails, the tender arts Of pleafing teaches. Hence the glciTy kind Try every winning way inventive love 6 1 5

Can diflate, and in courtftiip to their mates Pour forth their little fouls. Firft, wide around. With diflant awe, in airy rings they rove. Endeavouring by a thoufand tricks to catch The cunning, confcious, half-averted glance .620

Of their regardlefs charmer. Should flie feem Softening the lead approvance to beflov/.

Their

iS THOMSON'S POEMS.

Their colours burnifli, and, by hope infpir'd. They briik advance ; then, on a fudden ftruck. Retire diforder'd ; then again approach ; 625

In fond rotation fpread the fpotted wing. And fhiver every feather vwth defire.

Connnbial leagues agreed, to the deep woods They hafte away, all as their fancy leads, Pleafure, or food, or fecret fafety prompts ; 63a

That Nature's great command may be obey'd : Nor all the fweet fenfations they perceive Induig'd in vain. Some to the holly-hedge NcHling repair, and to the thicket fome ; Some to the rude prote6lion of the thorn 635

Commit their feeble offspring : the cleft tree OiFers its kind concealment to a few. Their food its infeds, and its mofs their nefts. Others apart far in the graify dale. Or roughening wafte, their humble texture weave. 640 But moil in v/oodland folitudes delight. In unfrequented glooms, or fhaggy banks. Steep, and divided by a babbling brook, Whofe murmurs foothe them all the live-long day. When by kind duty fix'd. Amoiig the roots 64^

Of hazel, pendent o'er the plaintive ftream. They frame the fjril foundation of their domes ; Dry fprigs of trees, in artful fabric laid. And bound with cLiy together. Now 'tis nought But rcillefs hurry through the bufy air, 650.

peat by unnumber'd wings. The fvvailow fweeps The llimy pool, tc build his hanging houfe

j[ntent.

SPRING, a?

Intent. And often, from the carelefs back

Of herds and flocks a thoufand tugging bills

Pluck hair and wool; and oft, when unobferv'd, 6^^

Steal fsom the barn a ilraw : till foft and warm.

Clean, and complete, their habitation grows.

As thus the patient dam affiduous fits. Not to be tempted from her tender tafk. Or by fharp hunger, or by fmooth delight, 660

Though the whole loofen'd Spring around her blows. Her fympathizing lover takes his ftand High on th' opponent bank, and ceafelefs fmgs The tedious time away ; or elfe fjpplies Her place a moment, while fhe faddcn Hits 66y

To pick the fcanty meal. Th' appointed tima With pious toil fulhl'd, the callow young, Warm'd and expanded into perfefl life. Their brittle bondage break, and come to light, A helplefs family, demanding food 670

With coriftant clamour : O what pafTions then. What melting fentiments of kindly care. On the new parents feize ! Away they fly AiTedionate, and undefiring bear Th? moft delicious morfel to their young ; 67 j

Which equally diftributed, again Th^ fearch begins. Ev'n fo a gentle pair. By fortune funk, but form'd of gnerous mold. And ch-irm'd with cares beyond the vulgar breaft. In fome lone cot amid the dilUnt woods, 63o

Suftain'd alone by providential Heaven, Oft, as they weeping eye their infant train. Check their own appetites, and give them all.

Nor

a8 THOMSON'S POEMS.

Nor toil alone they fcorn ; exalting love. By the great Fatlier of the Spring infpir'd, 685

Gives initant courage to i\\t fearful race. And to \^tfwiple art. With Healthy wing. Should foine rude foot their woody haunts molefl. Amid a neighbouring buTn they filent drop. And whirring thence, as if alarm' d, deceive 690

Th' unfeeling fchoo!-boy. Hence, around the head Of wandering fwain, the white-wing'd plover wheels Her founding flight, and then diredly on In long excurfion ikims the level lawn. To tempt him from her nell. The wild-duck, hence. O'er the rough mofs, and o'er the tracklefs wade 696 The heath-hen flutters, pious fraud ! to lead The hot purfuing fpaniel far aftray.

Be not the mufe aiham'd, here to bemoan Her brothers of the grove, by tyrant man 700

Inhuman caught, and in the narrow cage From liberty conlin'd, and boundlefs air. Dull are the pretty ilaves, their plumage dull. Ragged, and all its brightening lullre loll ; Nor is that fprightly wildnefs in their notes, 705

Wliich, clear and vigorous, warbles fiom the beech. O then, ye friends of love and love-taught fong. Spare the foft tribes, this barbarous art forbear ; If on your bofom innocence can win, Mufic engage, or piety perfuade. 710

But let not chief the nightingale lament Iler ruin'd care, too delicately fram'd To brook tlis harfii confinement cf the cage.

Oft

SPRING. S9

Oft when, returning with her loaded bill,

Th' aftoniih'd mother finds a vacant neft, 715

By the hard hand of unrelenting clowr.s

Robb'd, to the ground the vain provilion falls ;

Her pinions ruffle, and, low-drooping, fcarce

Can bear the mourner to the poplar fhade ;

Where, all abandon'd to defpair, ihe fiDgs 720

Her forrows through the night; and, on the bough.

Sole-fitting, lliil at every dying fall

Takes up again her lamentable ilrain

Of winding woe ; till, wide around, the woods

Sigh to her fong, and with her wail refound. 725

But now the feather 'd youth their former bounds. Ardent, difdain; and, weighing oft their wings. Demand the free pofTeiTion of the Iky : This one glad office more, and then diflblves Parental love at once, now needlefs grown. 730

Unlavi(l-:'d Wifdom never works in vain. 'Tis on feme evening, funny, grateful, mild. When nought but balm is breathing through the woods. With yellow luftre bright, that the new tribes Vifit the fpacious heavens, and look abroad 735

On nature's common far as they can lee. Or wing, their range and pallure. O'er the boughs Dancing about, ftill at the giddy verge Their refolution fails; thdr pinions ftiil. In loof:; hbration ftretch'd, to trufl the void 740

Trembling refufe : till down before them fly The parent-guides, and chide, exhort, command. Or puih them ciF. The iurging air receives

Its

io THOMSO N's POEMS.

Its plumy burden ; and their felf-taught wings

Winnow the waving element. On ground 74^

Alighted, bolder up again they lead.

Farther and farther on, the lengthening flight j

Till, vauifli'd every fear, and every power

P>.ous'd into life and adion, light in air

Th' acquitted parents fee their foaring race, 75c

And once rejoicing never know them more.

High from the fummit of a craggy cliff. Hang o'er the deep, fuch as amazing frowns On utmoft * Kilda's iliore, whofe lonely race Refign the fetting fun to Indian worlds, 7jj

The royal eagle draws his vigorous young, Strong-pounc'd, and ardent with paternal fire. Now fit to raife a kingdom of their own. He drives them fromi his fort, the towering feat. For ages of his empire; wliichj in peace, 760

Uniiain'd he holds, while many a league to fea He wings his courfe, and preys in dillant ifles.

Should I my fteps turn to the rural feat, Whofe lofty elms, aijid venerable oaks. Invite the rook, who high amid the boughs, 765

In early Springs his airy city builds. And ceafelefs caws amufive ; there, well-pleas'd, I might the various polity furvey Of the mixt houfhold kind. The careful hen Calls all her chirping family around, 77c

Fed and defended by the fearlefs cock ; Whofe breaft with ardour flames, as on he walks,

* The farthsll of the weftern Iflands of Scotland.

Grace-

SPRING. 31

Graceful and crows defiance. In the pond.

The finely-checker'd duck, before her uaia.

Rows garrulous. The flately-failing fwan 775

Gives out his fnowy pluir.age to the gale ;

And, arching proud his neck, with oary feet

Bears forward fierce, and guards his oiier-iiie,

Proteclive of his young. The turkey nigh, 779

Loud threatening reddens ; while the peacock Ipreads

His every-colour'd glory to the km.

And fvnms in radiant majefty along.

O'er the whole homely fcene, the cccing dove

Flies tliick in amorous chace, and wanton rolls

The glancing eye, and turns the changeful neck. 7^5

While thus the gentle tenants of the lliade Indulge their purer loves, the rougher world Of brutes, below, rulh furious into flame. And fierce defire. Through all his luHy veins The bull, deep-fcorch'dj the raging pal&on feels. 790 Of pafture fick, and negligent of food. Scarce feen, he wades among the yellow broom. While o'er his ample fide the rambiLig fprays Luxuriant ihoot ; or through the mazy wood Dejecled wanders, nor th' intici.ig bud 795

Crops, though it preiTes on his carelefs fenfe. And oft, in jealous maddening fancy wrapt. He feeks the fight ; and, idly-butting, feigns His rival gor'd in every knotty trunk. Him Ihould he meet, the btl-owing war begins : 8co Theb- ayes flalh fury ; to th ; hoilow'd earth. Whence the fand fdts, they mutter bloody deeds,

And>

3^ THOMSON'S POEMS.

And, groaning deep, th' impetuous battle mix :

Whi'e the fair heifer, balmy breathing, near, 805

Stands kindling up their rage. The trembling fleed.

With this hot impulfe feiz'd in every nervT,

Nor heeds the rein, nor hears the founding thong;

Blows are not felt ; but, toffi ng high his head.

And by the well-known joy to diftant plains

Attraftcd llrong, all wild he burfts away; 810

O'er rocks, and woods, and craggy mountains flies:

And, neighing, on th' aerial fammit takes

Th' exciting gale ; then, fleep-defcending, cleaves

The headlong torrents foaming down the hills,

Ev'n where the madnefs of the flraiten'd flream 8 1 5

Turns in black eddies round ; fuch is the force

V/ith which his frantic heart and finews fwell.

Nor undelighted by the boundlefs Spring Are the broad mcnfters of the foammg deep : From the deep coze and gelid cavern rous'd, 8 23

They flounce and tumble in unwieldly joy. Dire were the ftrain, and diflbnant, to fing The cruel raptures of the favage kind : How by this flame their native wrath fublim'd. They roam, amid the fary of their heart, 825

The far-refounding wafte in fiercer bands. And growl their horrid loves. But this the theme I fing, enraptur'd, to the Britilh Fair, Forbids, and leads me to the mountain-brow. Where fits the fliepherd on the grafly turf, 830

Inhaling, healthful, the defcending fun. Around him feeds his many-bleating flock.

Of

SPRING. 33

Of various cadence ; and his fportive lainb-;.

This way and that convolv'd, in frifkf-jl glee.

Their frolicks play. And now the fprighily race 835

Invites them forth ; when fwift, the fignal given.

They ilart away, and fweep the mafTy mound

That runs around the hill ; the rampart once

Of iron war, in ancient barbarous tijnes.

When difunited Britain ever bled, 840

I.oft in eternal broil : ere yet fhe grew

To this deep-laid indiilbluble l^ate.

Where Wealth and Commerce lift their golden heads ;

And o'er our labours. Liberty and Law,

Impartial, watch; the wonder of a world ! 845

What is this mighty Breathy ye fages, fay. That, in a powerful language, felt, not heard, Inrtrufts the fowls of heaven j and through their breafl Thefe arts of love diifufes ? What, but God? Infpiring God ! who, boundlefs Spirit all, S50'

And unremitting Energy, pervades, '

Adjufts, fuftains, and agitates the whole. He ceafelefs works alone ; and yet alone Seems not to work : with fuch perfsdlion fram'd Is this complex ftupendous fcheme of things. 855

But, though conceal'd, to every purer eye Th' informing Author in his works appears : Chief, lovely Spring, in thee, and thy foft fcenes. The Smiling God is feen; while water, earth. And air, attell his bount)' ; which exalts 86o

The brute creation to this finer thought. And annual melts their undefigning hearty J^rofufely thus in tendernefs and joy,

VcL. LIV. P StilJ

34 THOMSON'S POEMS.

Still let my Ibng a nobler note aiTume, And fmg th' infufivc force of Spring on Man ; S6^ When heaven and earth, as if contending, vye To raife his being, and ferene his foul, Can he forbear to join the general fmile Of Nature ? Can fierce paftions vex his breaft. While every gale is peace, and every grove S70

Is melody ? Hence 1 from the bounteous walks Of flowing Spring, ye fordid fons of earth. Hard, and unfeeling of another's woe ! Or only lavrih: to yourfelves ; away ! 874

But come, ye generous minds, in whofe wide thought. Of all his works, creative Bounty burns With warmeft beam ; and on your open front And liberal eye, fits, from his dark retreat Inviting modeft S^^ant. Nor, till invok'd Can reftlefs goodnefs wait : your aflive fearch 880 Leaves no cold wintery corner unexplor'd ; Like filent- working Heaven, furprizing oft The lonclv heart with unexpefted good. For you the roving fpirit of the wind Blows Spring abroad ; for you the teeming clouds 885 Defcend in gladfome plenty o'er the world ; And tlic fun Iheds his kindeft rays for you. Ye flower of human race ! In thefe green days. Reviving ficknefs lifts her languid head : Life flows afrefli ; and young-ey'd Health exalts 890 The whole creation round. Contentment walks The funny glade, and feels an inward blifs Ipring o'er his mind, beyond the power of kings

SPRING. 35

To purchafe. Pure ferenity apace

Induces thought, and contemplation ftill. 895

By Twift degrees the love of Nature works.

And warms the bofom ; till at lafl: fublim'd

To rapture, and enthufiaftic heat.

We feel the prcfent Deicy^ and tafle

The joy of God to fee a happy world I 900

Thefe are the facred feelings of thy heart, Thy heart inform'd by reafon's purer ray, O Lyttleton the friend ! thy paffions thus And meditations vary, as at large, 9^4

Courting the Mufe, through Hagley Park thou llray'ft^ Thy Britifh Temple 1 There along the dale. With woods o'er-hung, and fhagg'd with moffy rocks. Whence on each hand the gufhing waters play. And down the rough cafcade vvhite-daihing fall. Or gleam in lengthen'd villa through the trees, 910 You filent Ileal j or fit beneath the fhade Of folemn oaks, that tuft the fwelling mounts Thrown graceful round by Nature's carelefs hand. And peniive lillexi to the various voice Of rural peace: the herds, the flocks, the birds, 915 The hollow-whifpering breeze, the plaint of rills. That, purling down amid the twilled roots Which creep around, their dewy murmurs fhake On the footh'd ear. From thefe abllradled oft. You wander through the philofophic world ; 92a

Where in bright train continual wonders rife* Or to the curious .or the pious eye,

D 2 And

36 THOMSON'S POEMS.

And oft, condu(5led by hilloric truth.

You tread the long extent of backward time :

Planning, with warm benevolence of mind, 925

And honeil zeal unwarp'd by party-rage,

Britannia's weal; how from the venal gulf

To raife her virtu j, and her arts revive.

Or, turning thence thy view, thefe graver thoughts

The Mufes charm : while^ with fure tafte refin'd, 930

You draw th' infpiring breath of ancient fong ;

Till nobly rifes, emulous, thy own.

Pcrlnps thy lov'd Lucinda (hares thy walk.

With foul to thine, attun'd. Then Nature all

Wears to the lover's eye a look of love ; 9:5

And all the tumult of a guilty world.

Toft by ungenerous paffions, fmks away.

The tender heart is animated peace ;

And as it pours its copious treafures forth,

In varied converfe, foftening every theme, 940

You, frequent paufmg, turn, and from her eyes,

Vvlicye meeken'd fenfe, and amiable grace,

Aud lively fweetnefs dwell, enraptur'd, drink

That namelefs fpirit of ethereal joy.

Unutterable happinefs I which love, 945

Alo:ic, bellows, and on ■\fa^jour''dfei».

Meantime you gain the height, from whofe fair brow

The burfting profpedl fpreads immenfe around :

And fnatch'd o'er hill and dale, and wood and lawn.

And verdant field, and darkening heath between, 95 Q

And villages em.bofom'd foft in trees,

^md fplry towns bv furging columns mark'd

SPRING. 37

Of houfhold fmoke, your eye excurfive roams : Wide-flretching from the Hall, in whofe kind haunt The Hofpitable Genius lingers ftill, 955

To where the broken landiTcip, by degrees, Afcending, roughens into rigid hilh ; O'er which the Cambrian mountains, like far clouds That fkirt the blue horizon, duiky rife.

Flufh'd by the fpirit of the genial year> 960

Now from the virgin's cheek a frefher bloom Shoots, lefs and lefs, the live carnation round ; Her lips blufh deeper fvveets ; Ihe breathes of youth ; The fhining moifture fwells into her eyes. In brighter flow; her wiflilng bofom heaves, 965 \

With palpitations wild ; kind tumults feize Her veins, and all her yielding foul is love. From the keen gaze her lover turns away. Full of the dear extatic power> and lick With fighing languiihment. Ah then, ye fair I 970 Be greatly cautious of your Aiding hearts : Dare not th' infectious figh ; the pleading look, Downcaft, and low, in meek fubmiiSon dreft. But full of guile. Let not the fervent tongue. Prompt to decei\'e, with adulation fmooth, 975

Gain on your purpos'd will. Nor in the bovver. Where woodbines flaunt, and rofes Ihed a couch. While Evening draws her crimfon curtains round. Trull your fofc minutes with betraying Man.

And let th' afpiring youth beware of love, gS^

Of the fmooth glance beware ; for 'tis too late. When on his heart the torrent-foftnefs pours.

D 3 Then

SS TH0MS0N*5 POEMS.

Then wlfdom proftrate lies, and fading fame

DifTolves in air away ; while the fond foul.

Wrapt in gay vifions of unreal blifs, 985

Still paints th' illufive form ; the kindling grace ;

Th' inticing fmile ; the modeft-feeming eye.

Beneath whofe beauteous beams, belying heaven.

Lurk fearchlefs cunning, cruelty, and death :

And rtill falfe-warbling in his cheated ear, 990

Her Syren voice, enchanting, draws him on

To guileful ihores, and meads of fatal joy.

Ev'n prefent, in the very lap of love Inglorious laid ; while mufic flows around, perfumes and oils, and wine, and wanton hours ; 995 Amid the rofes fierce Repentance rears Her fhaky creft : a quick returning pang Shoots through the confcious heart ; where honour ftill. And great defign, again ft the oppreffive load Of luxury, by fits, impatient heave. looo

But abfent, what fantaftic woes arous'd, Kage in each thought, by reftlefs mufing fed. Chill the warm cheek, and blaft the bloom of life ? Negle(5led fortune flies ; and Aiding fwift. Prone into ruin, fall his fcorn'd affairs. 1005

rris nought but gloom around : the darken'd fun Lofes his light. The rofy-bofom'd Spring To weeping Fancy pines ; and yon bright arCh, Contraded, bends into a du/ky vault. All Nature fades extindl; and flie alone loi®

Heard, felt, and feen, pofl^efles every thought, Fjills every fenfe, and pants in every vein.

Books

SPRING. 3)

Books are but formal dulnefs, tedious friends ;

And fad amid the focial band he fits.

Lonely) and unattentive. From his tongue 1 015

Th' unfinifh'd period falls : while, borne away

On fwelling thought, his wafted fpirit flies

To the vain bofom of his diftant fair ;

And leaves the femblance of a lover, fix*d

In melancholy fite, with head declin'd, 1020

And love-deje6led eyes. Sudden he flarts.

Shook from his tender trance, and reftlefs runs

To glimmering fhades, and fympathetic glooms ;

Where the dun umbrage o'er the falling ftream, 1024

Romantic, hangs ; there through the penfive dufk

Strays, in heart'thrilling meditation loft.

Indulging all to love : or on the bank

Thrown, amid drooping lilies, fwells the breeze

With fighs unceafing, and the brook with tears.

Thus in foft anguifh he confumes the day, 10^0

Nor quits his deep retirement, till the moon

Peeps through the chambers of the Reecy call, |

Enlighten'd by degrees, and in her train I

Leads on the gentle hours ; then forth he walks,

Beneath the trembling languifh of her beam, i^SS

With foften'd foul, and wooes the bird of eve

To mingle woes with his : or while the world

And all the fons of Care lie hufh'd in fleep,

Aflbciates with the midnight fliadows drear;

And, fighing to the lonely taper, pours 1 04.9

His idly-tortur'd heart into the page.

Meant for the moving meffenger of love ;

D 4 Where

40 THOMSON'S POEMS.

Where rapture burns oh rapture, every line

With rifmg frenzy fir'd. But if on bed

Delirious flung, fleep from his pillow flies, 104^

All night he tofTes, nor the balmy power

In any pofture finds ; till the grey morn

Lifts her pale luftre on the paler wretch.

Exanimate by love : and then perhaps

Exhaufted Nature fmks a while to reft, 1 050

Still interrupted by diftradled dreams.

That o'er the fick imagination rife.

And in black colours paint the mimic fcene.

Oft with th' enchantrefs of his foul he talks ;

Sometimes in crowds diftrefs'd ; or if retir'd 1055

To fecret winding flower-enwoven bovvers.

Far from the dull impertinence of Man,

Jull as he, credulous, his endlcfs cares

Begins to lofe in blind oblivious love, ^^59

Snatch'd from her yielded hand, he knows not how.

Through forefts huge, and long untravel'd heaths

With defolation brown, he wanders wafte.

In night and tempell wrapt j or fbrinks aghaft.

Back, from the bending precipice ; or wades

The turbid ftream below, and ftrives to reach 1065

The farther ihore ; where fuccourlefs, and fad.

She with extended arms his aid implores;

But ftrives in vain : borne by th' outrageous flood

To diftance down, he rides the ridgy wave,

Or whelm'd beneath the boUing eddy fmks. 1070

Thefe are the charming agonies of love, Whofe mifery delights. But through the heart

Should

SPRING. 4t

Should jealoufy its venom once difFufe>

'Tis then delightful mifery no more.

But agony unmix'd, inceffant gall, ^^7S

Corroding every thought, and blading all

Love's paradife. Ye fairy profpc^fls, then>

Ye beds of rofes, and ye bowers of joy,

Farewel ! Ye gleamings of departed peace*

Shine out your laft ! The yellow-tinging plague 1089

Internal vifion taints, and in a night

Of livid gloom imagination wraps.

Ah, then 1 inftead of love-enliven'd cheeks.

Of funny features, and of ardent eyes

With flowing rapture bright, dark looks fucceed, I085

Suffus'd and glaring with untender fire ;

A clouded afpedl, and a burning cheek.

Where the whole poifon'd foul, malignant, fits.

And frightens love away. Ten thoufand fears

Invented wild, ten thoufand frantic views 1 09*

Of horrid rivals, hanging on the charms

For which he melts in fondnefs, eat him up

With fervent anguifh, and confinning rage.

In vain reproaches lend their idle aid.

Deceitful pride, and refolution frail, 1 095

Giving falfe peace a moment. Fancy pours,

Afrefh, her beauties on his bufy thought.

Her firll endearments twining round the foul.

With all the witchcraft of enfnaring love.

Straight the fierce ftorm involves his mind anew, 1 100

Flames through the nerves, and boils along the veins j

While an.xious doubt diftrafls the tortur'd heart :

For

4« THOMSON'S POEM S»

For ev*n the fad alTurance of his fears

Were eafe to what he feels. Thus the warm youth.

Whom love deludes into his thorny wilds, i io$

Through flowery-tempting paths, or leads a life

Of fever'd rapture, or of cruel care ;

His brighteft flames extinguifh'd all, and all

His lively moments running down to walle.

But happy they 1 the happieft of their kind ! 1 1 lO Whom gentler ftarts unite, and in one fate Their hearts> their fortunes, and their beings blend. 'Tis not the courfer tie of human laws, Unnatural oft, and foreign to the mind. That binds their peace, but harmony itfelf, 1 1 1 5

Attuning all their paffions into love ; Where friendfhip full-exerts her fcfteft power. Perfect elteem enlivened by defire Ineffable, and fympathy of foul j 1 1 1 9

Tliought meeting thought* and will preventing will. With boundlefs confidence : for nought but love Can anfvver love, and render blifs fecure. Let him, ungenerous, who, alone intent To blefs himfelf, from fordid parents buys The loathing \'irgin, b eternal care, 1 125

Well-merited, confume his nights and days : Let barbarous nations, whofe inhuman love Is wild defire, fierce as the funs they feel ; Let eaftern tyrants, from the light of heaven Seclude their bofom-flaves, meanly poffefs'd 1 130

Of a mere, lifelefs, violated form : While thoff whom love cements in holy faith.

And

SPRING. 41

/.nd equal tranfport, free as Nature live,

Difdaining fear. What is the world to them.

Its pomp, its pleafure> and its nonfenfe all! ^^35

Who in each other claip whatever fair

High fancy forms, and laviih hearts can wifli 5

Something than beauty dearer, fhould they look

Or on the mind, or mind-ilkimin'd face ;

Truth, goodnefs, honour, harmony, and love, 1 1 4«

The richeft bounty of indulgent Heaven.

Meantime a fmiling oiF^pring riles round.

And mingles both their graces. By degrees,

The human blolTom blows ; and every day.

Soft as it rolls along, ihews fome new charm, 1 1 45

The father's luftre, and the mother's bloom.

Then infant reafon grows apace, and calls

For the kind hand of an afliduous care.

Delightful talk ! to rear the tender thought^

To teach rfie young idea how to fhoot, 1 150

To pour the frefh inftru£lion o'er the mind.

To breathe th' enlivening fpirit, and to fix

The generous purpofe in tlie glowing breaft.

Oh, fpeak the joy 1 ye, whom the fudden tear

Surprifes often, while you look around, lire

And nothing ftrikes your eye but fights of blifs,

All various Nature preffing on the heart :

An elegant fufficiency, content.

Retirement, rural quiet, friendfhip, books,

Eafe and alternate labour, ufeful life, 1 1 6d

Progreflive virtue, and approving Heaven.

Thefe are the matchlefs joys of virtuous love ;

And

f4 THOMSON'S POEMS.

And tKus their moments fly. The Seafons thus.

As ceafelefs round a jarring world they rolI>

Still find them happy; and confenting Spring ii6|

Sheds her own rofy garland on their heads :

Till evening comes at laft, ferene and mild;

When, aftel- the long vernal day of life,

Enamour'd more, as more remembrance fwells

With many a proof of recolle£led love, 1 1 73

Together down they fink in fecial Heep;

Together freed, their gentle fpirits fly

To fcenes where love and blifs immortal reign.

SUMMER.

SUMMER. 1727,

ARGUMENT.

The fubjeift propofed. Invocation. Addrefs to Mr. Doddington. An introduflory refleflion on the mo- tion of the heavenly bodies ; whence the fucceflion of the feafons. As the face of Nature in this feafon is almoft uniform, the progrefs of the poem is a defcrip- tion of a fummer's day. The dawn. Sun-rifmg. Hymn to the fun. Forenoon. Summer infeds de- fcribed. Hay-making. Sheep-fhearing. Noon-day. A woodland retreat. Groupe of herds and flocks. A folemn grove : how it aifedls a contemplative mind. A catarad, and rude fcene. View of Summer in the torrid zone. Storm of thunder and lightning. A tale. The ilorm over, a ferene afternoon. Bathing, Hour of walking. Tranfition to the profpedt of a rich well-cultivated country ; which introduces a pa- negyric on Great Britain. Sun-fet. Evening. Night. Summer meteors. A comet. The whole concluding with the praile of phiiofophy.

t 47 ]

SUMMER.

FR 0 M brightening fields of aether fair difdosM, Child of the Sun, refulgent Summer comes, Jn pride of youth, and felt through Nature's depth : He comes attended by the fultry hmrst And ever-fanning breexcs, on his way ; 5

While, from his ardent look, the turning Spring Averts her blufhful face ; and earth, and ikies, AU-fmiling, to his hot doiuinion leaves.

Hence, let me halle into the mid-wood fhade, 9 Where fcarce a fqn-beam wanders through the gloom ; And on the dark-green ^r^Xs^ befide the brink Of haunted ftream, that by the roots of oak Rolls o'er the rocky channel, lie at large. And fin^T the glories of the circlins: year.

Come, Infpira^ion ! from thy hermit-feat, ic

By mortal feldom found : may Fancy dare. From thy fix'd ferions eye, and raptur'd glance Shot on furrounding Heaven, to fteal one look Creative of the Ppet, every power Exalting to an ecftafy of fjul. 2a

And thou, my youthful Mufe's early friend. In whom the human graces all unite : Pure light of mind, and tendernefs of heart ; G«niu£, and wifdom> the gay focial fenfe.

By

4S THOMSON'S POEMS.

By decency chaftis'd ; goodnefs and wit, 2^

In feldom-meeting harmony combin'd ;

Unblemifh'd honour, and an aflive zeal

For Britain's glory. Liberty, and Man :

O Doddington ! attend my rural fong.

Stoop to my theme, infpirit every line, 3«

And teach me to deferve thy jull applaufe.

With what an aweful world-revolving power Were firll th' unwieldy planets launch'd along Th' illimitable void ! Thus to remain. Amid the flux of many thoufand years, 35

That oft has fwept the toiling race of men. And all their laboured monuments away. Firm, unremitting, matchlcfs, in their courfe ; To the kind-temper'd change of night and day. And of the feafons ever ftealing round, ^c^

Minutely faithful : Such th' all-perfet^ Hand ! That pois'4, impels, and rules the fteady v/hole.

When now no more th' alternate Twins are iir'd. And Cancer reddens with the folar blaze. Short is the doubtful empire of the night ; 45

And foon, obfervant of approaching day. The meek-ey'd Morn appears, mother of dews. At firft faint-gleaming in the dappled eafl : Till far o'er csther fpreads the widening glow; And, from before the luftre of her face, 50

White break the clouds away. With quicken'd flep, ^rown Night retires : Young Day pours in apace. And opens all the lawny profped: wide. 'J'he dripping rogk, the mountain's mifty top

SweU

SUMMER. 49

Sv\'ell on the fight, and brighten with the dawn. 5 5 Blue, through the dufk, the fmoking currents ftiine; And from the bladed field the fearful hare Limps, aukward ; while along the forell-glade The wdld deer trip, and often turning gaze At early pafTenger. Mufic awakes 60

The native voice of undiirembled joy ; And thick around the woodland hymns arife. Rous'd by the cock, the foon clad fhepherd leaves His mofiy cottage, where with Peace he dwells ; And from the crouded fold, in order, drives 65

His flock, to tafte the verdure of the mom.

Falfely luxurious, will not Man awake ; And, fpringing from the bed of floth, enjoy The cool, the fragrant, and the filent hour. To meditation due and facred fong f 70

For is there aught in fleep can charm the wife ? To lie in dead oblivion, lofmg half The fleeting moments of too fliort a life ; Total extinilion of th' enlighten'd foul ! Or elfe to feverilh vanity alive, 75

Wilder'd, and tofling through dlflcraper'd dreams ? Who would in fuch a gloomy Hate remain Longer than Nature craves ; when every Mufe And every blooming pleafure wait without. To blefs the wildly devious morning walk ? 80

But yonder comes the powerful King of Dayj Rejoicing in the eail. The leifcning cloud. The kindhng azure, and the mountain's brow Illum'd with fluid gold, las near approach

Vol. LIV. E B .token

50 THOMSON'S POEMS.

Betoken glad. Lo; now, apparent all, 85

Allant the dew-bright earth, and colour'd air.

He looks in boundlefs majefly abroad ;

And Iheds the fhining day, that burniih'd plays

On rocks, and hills, and towers, and wandering ftreams.

High-gleaming from afar. Prime chearer Light ! 90

Of all material beings firft, and bell !

EfRux divine ! Nature's refplendent robe I

Without whofc veiling beauty all were wrapt

In uneiTential gloom ; and thou, O Son !

Soul of furrounding worlds ! in whom bell feen 9-

Shines out thy Maker ! may I fmg of thee ?

'Tis by thy fecret, flrong, attradlive force. As with a chain indiiToluble bound. Thy fyflem rolls entire ; from the far bourne Of utmoll Saturn, wheeling v^-ide his round 100

Of thirty years ; to Mercury, whofe dilk Can fcarce be caught by philofophic eye. Loft in the near effulgence of thy blaze.

Informer of the planetary train I 104

Without whofe quickening glance their cumbrous orbs Were brute unlovely mafs, inert and dead. And not, as now, thi2 green abodes of life ! How many forms of being wait on thee ! Inhaling fpint ; from th' unfetter'd m.ind. By thee fublim'd, down to the daily race, II^

The mixing myriads of thy fetting beam.

The vegetable world is alfo thine. Parent of Seafons ! who the pomp precede That waits thy throne, as through thy vail domam,

Annual,

S U M M E R. 51

Annual, along the bright ecliptic road, 1 1 5

In world -rejoicing ftate, it moves fubiime.

Mean-time th' expefting nations, circled gay

With all the various tribes of foodfal earth.

Implore thy bounty, or fend grateful up

A common hymn: while, round thy beaming car, 120

High-feen, the Seafons lead, in fprightly dance

Harmonious knit, the rofy-iinger'd Hours,

The Zephyrs floating loofe, the timely Rains,

Of bloom ethereal the light-footed Dews,

And foften'd into joy the furly Storm?. 1 25

Thefe, in fucceffive turn, with lavil>i hand.

Shower every beauty, every fragrance fhower.

Herbs, flowers, and fruits ; till, kindling at thy touch.

From land to land is flufli'd tlie vernal year.

Nor to the farface of enliven'd earth, 130

Graceful with hills and dales, and leafy woods. Her liberal trefl^es, is thy force con-fin'd : But to the bowel'd cavern darting deep. The mineral kinds confefs thy mighty power. Efl^ulgent, hence the veiny marble fliines ; 1 35

Hence Labour draws his tools; hence bumiih'd War Gleams on the day ; the nobler works of Peace Hence blefs mankind, and generous Commerce binds The round of nations in a golden chain.

Th' unfruitful rock itfelf, impregn'd by thee, 140 In dark retirement forms the lucid (lone. The lively diamond dri'iks thy purefl rays. Collected light, compaifl ; that, poliOi'd bright. And all its native luftre let abroad,

E 2 Dares,

5* THOMSON'S^ POEMS.

Dares, as it fparkles on the fair-one's breall, 145

With vain ambition emulate her eyes.

At thee the ruby lights its deepening glow.

And with a waving radiance inward flames.

From thee the Sapphire, folid sether, takes

Its hue cerulean ; and, of evening tin(ft, 1 50

The purple -flreaming amethyll is thine.

With thy own fmile the yellow topaz burns.

Nor deeper verdure dyes the robe of Spring,

When firll fhe gives it to the fouthern gale, 154

Than the green emerald fhows. But, all combined.

Thick through the whitening opal play thy beams ;

Or, flying feveral from its furface, form

A trembling variance of revolving hues.

As the iite varies in the gazer's hand.

The very dead creation, from thy touch, 1 60

Aflfumes a mimic life. By thee refin'd. In brighter mazes the relucent ftream Plays o'er the mead. The precipice abrupt, Projedling horror on the blacken'd flood. Softens at thy return. The defart joys 265

Wildly, through all his melancholy bounds. Rude niins glitter j and the briny deep. Seen from fome pointed promontory's top. Far to the blue horizon's utmofl: verge, Reftlefs, refledls a floating gleam. But this, i~o

And all the much-tranfported Mufe can flng. Are to thy beauty, dignity, and ufe. Unequal far ; great delegated fource Of light, and Ufe, and grace, and joy below !

Hov/

SUMMER. 53

How ihall I then attempt to fing of Him ! 175

Who, Light Himfelf, in uncreated light Invefted deep, dwells awefijlly retir'd From mortal eye, or angel's purer ken ; Whofe fingle fmile has, from the firft of time, Fill'd, o'erflowing, all thofe lamps of Heaven, i8o That beam for ever through the boundlefs fky : But, fhould he hide his face, th' aftonifh'd fun. And all th' extinguifh'd ftars, would loofening reel Wide from their fpheres, and Chaos come again.

And yet was every faultering tongue of Man, 1 85 Almighty Father ! filent in thy praife. Thy works themfelves would raife a general voice, Ev'n in the depth of foUtary woods By human foot untrod ; proclaim thy power. And to the quire celeilial Thee refound, 190

Th' eternal caufe, fupport, and end of all!

To me be Nature's volume broad-difplay'd ; And to perufe its all-inftrudling page. Or, haply catching infpiration thence. Some eafy palTage, raptur'd, to tranflate, 195

My fole delight ; as through the falling glooms Penfive I ftray, or with the rifmg dawn On Fancy's eagle^wing exxurfive foar.

Now, flaming up the heavens, the potent fun Melts into limpid air the high-rais'd clouds, 200

And morning fogs, that hover'd round the hills In party-colour'd bands j till wide unveil'd The fa^e of Nature ftiines, from v/here earth feems. Far flretch'd arqund, to meet the bending fphere.

E3 Half

54 THOMSON'S POEMS.

Half in a blufh of cluftering rofes lofr, zo^

Dew-dropping Coolnefs to the Ihade retire^; Tliere, on the verdant turf, or fiov/ery bed. By gelid founts -and carelcfs rills to mufe ; While tyrant Heat, difpreading through the fky. With rapid fway, his burning influence darts 210

On man> and beaft, and herb, and tepid ftream.

Who can unpitying fee the flowery race. Shed. by the morn, their new-flufh'd bloom refign. Before the parching beam ? So fade the fair. When fevers revel through their azure veins. 215

But one, the lofry follower of the fun. Sad when he fits, fhuts up her yellow leaves. Drooping all night; and, when he warm returns. Points her enamour'd bofom to his ray. 219

Home, from his morning taOc, the fwain retreats; His fleck before him ftepping to the fold : While the full-uddiT'd mother lows around The chearfu! cottage, then expeding food. The food of innocence and health ! The daw. The rook and magpie, to the grey-grown oaks 225 That the calm village in their verdant arms. Sheltering, embrace, direct their lazy flight ; Where on the mingling boughs they fit embower'd, ^'^ll the hot noon, till cooler hours arife. Faint, underneath, the houlhold fowls convene ; 230 Andj in a corner of the buzzing fhade. The houfe-dog, with the vacant greyhound, lies, Oi:t-flretch'd, and fleepy. In his /lumbers, one Attacks the nightly thief, and one exults

O'er

SUMMER. 55

O'er hill and dale; tiJl, waken'd by the wafp, 235

They ftarting fnap. Nor fliall the Mufe difdaiQ

To let the little noify fummer-race

Live in her lay, and flutter through her fong :

Not mean, though fimple ; to the fun ally'd.

From him they draw their animating fire. 2^0

Wak'd by his v/armer ray, the reptile young Come wing'd abroad; by the light air upborn. Lighter, and full of foul. From every chink. And fecret corner, where they flept away The wintery ftorms ; or rifmg from their tom.bs, 24^ To higher life ; by myriads, forth at once. Swarming they pour ; of all the vary'd hues Their beauty-beaming parent can difclofe. Ten thoufand forms 1 ten thoufand different tribes 1 People the blaze. To funny waters feme 35©

By fatal inftindl fly ; where on the pool They, fportive, wheel ; or, failing down the flream. Are fnatch'd immediate by the quick-ey'd trout. Or darting falmon. Through the green-wood glade Some love to Uray; there lodg'd, amus'd and fed, 255 In the frelh leaf. Luxurious, others make The meads their choice, and vifit every flower. And every latent herb : for the fvveet tafk. To propagate tlieir kinds, and where to wrap. In what foft beds, their young yet undlfclos'd, 260 Employs their tender care. Some to the houfe. The fold, and dairy, hungry, bend their flight ;' Sip round the pail, or tafte the curdling cheefe : Oft, inadvertent, from the milky ftream

E ^ They

56 THOMSON'S POEMS.

They meet their fate ; or, weltering in the bowl, 265 With powerlefs wings around them wrapt, expire.

But chief to heedlefs fiies the window proves A conftant death ; where, gloomily retir'd. The villain fpidcr lives, cunniiig, and fierce. Mixture abhorr'd ! Amid a mangled heap zjo

Of carcafes, in eager watch he fits, O'crlooking all his waving fnares around. Near the dire cell the dreadlefs wanderer oft FafTes, as oft the ruffian fhows his front; The prey at lafl enfnar'd, he dreadful darts, 275

With rapid glide, along the leaning line ; Ai'd, fixing in the wretch his cruel fangs, Strikes backward grimly pleas'd : the fluttering wing And (hriller found declare extreme diilrefs. And a{k the helping hofpitable hand. 280

P.efounds the living fur face of the ground : Nor undelightfdl is the ceafelefs hum. To him who n^ufes through the woods at noon : Or drowfy fhepherd, as he lies recHn'd, With ha!f-l]iut eyes, l)enearh the floating fhade 285 Of willows grey, clofe-crovvding o'er the book,

Gradual, from thefe what numerous kinds defcend. Evading ev'n the microfcopic eye ! Full Nature fwarms with life ; one wondrous mafs Of animals, or atoms organiz'd, 290

V/aiting die ^oital Breathy when Parent-Heaven Shall bid his fpirit blow. The hoary fen, Irt putrid fleams, emits the living cloud Of peftilence. Through fubterranean cells.

Where

SUMMER. 57

Where fearching fun-beams fcarce can find a way, 295

Earth animated heaves. The flowery leaf

Wants not its foft inhabitants. Secure,

Within its winding citadel, the ftone

Holds multitudes. But chief the fcrefl-boughs.

That dance unnumber'd to the playful breeze, 300

The downy orchard, and the melting pulp

Of mellow fruit, the namelefs nations feed

Of evanefcent infefts. Where the pool

Stands mantled o'er with green, invifible.

Amid the fioating verdure millions flray. 305

Each liquid too, whether it pierces, fooths,

Infiames, refrcfhes, or exalts the talle.

With various forms abounds. Nor is the ftream

Of pureil cr\^ftal, nor the lucid air.

Though one tranfparent vacancy it feems, 3 10

Void of their unleen people. Thefe, conceal'd

By the kind art of forming Heaven, efcape

The grofier eye of Man : for, if the worlds

In worlds inclcs'd fhould on his fenfes burfl:.

From cates ambrofial, and the neclar'd bowl, 3 1 -

He would abhorrent turn ; and in dead night.

When filence fleeps o'er all, be flunn'd with npife.

Let no prefuming impious railer tax Creative Wifdom, as if aught was form'd In vain, or not for admirable ends. 32a

Shall little haughty ignorance pronounce His works unwife, of which the fmalleft part Exceeds the narrow vifion of her mind ? As if u|ion a full-proportion'd dome,

0^

5S THOMSON'S F O E M S.

On fwelling columns heav'd, the pride of art! 325

A critic-fly, whole feeble ray fcarce fpreads

An. inch ai'ound, with blind prefumption bold.

Should dare to tax the ilrudure of the whole.

And lives the man, whofe univerfal eye 329

Has f»^'ept at once th' unbounded fcheme of things ;

Mark'd their dependence fo, and firm accord.

As with unfaukering accent to conclude

That //>/i availeth nought ? Has any feen

The mighty chain cf beings, lefTening down

From Innnite Perfedion to the brink 335

Of dreary iwtbingy defolate abyfs !

From which aftonifli'd thought, recoiling, turns ?

Till then alone let zealous praife afcend.

And hymns of holy wonder, to that Power

Whofe wifdom luincs as lovely on our minds, 340

As on our fmiling eyes his fervant fon.

Thick in yon ftrsam of light, a thoufand ways. Upward, and dov/nward, thwarting, and convolv'd. The quivering nations fport ; till, tempeft-wing'd. Fierce Winter fv^eeps them from the face of day. 345 Ev'n fo luxurious men, unheeding, pafs An iile fummer life in fortune's ihine, A feafon's glitter ! Thus they flutter on From toy to toy, from vanity to vice ; Till, blown away by death, oblivion comes 350

Behind, and ibikes them from the book of life.

Now f.varms the village o'er the jovial mead : The ruftic youth, brown with meridian toil. Healthful and itrong ; fall as the fummer rofe

Elov/n

SUMMER. - 59

Blown by prevailing funs, the ruddy maid, 35 ^

Half naked, Avelling on the /jght, and all

Her kindled graces, burning o'er her cheek.

F-v'n ftcoping age is here : and irfant-hands

Trail the long rcke, or, uith the fragrant load

O'ercharg'd, amid th^ kind opprefTicn roll. 360

Wide flies the tedded grain ; all in a row

Advancing broad, or wheeling round the field.

They fpread their breathing harveil to the fan.

That throws refrelhful round a rural fmell :

Or, as they rake the green-appearing ground, 365

And drive the dufky wave along the mead.

The ruffet hay-cock rifes thick behind.

In order gay. While, heard frcni dale to dale.

Waking the breeze, refoundi the blended voice

Of happy labour, love, and focial g'ee. 3^0

Or riithing thence, in one diffuiive band. They drive the troubled flocks, by many a dog Compell'd, to where the mazy-running brook Forms a deep pool ; this hank sbrupt and high. And that fair fpreading in a pebbled fliore. 375

Urg'd to the giddy brink, much i:> the toil. The clamour much, of men, and boys, and dogs. Ere the foft fearful people to the flood Commit their woolly fides. And oft the fwain. On fome impatient feizing, huiIs thera in : 383,

Embolden'd then, nor hefitating more. Fall, fait, they plunge amid the fiauiing wave. And panting labour to the fartheft Ihore. Repeated this, till deep the well-wafli'd fleece

Ha»

€o THOMSON'S POEMS.

Has drunk the flood, and from his lively haunt 385

The trout is banilli'd by the fordid ftream ;

Heavy, and dripping, to the breezy brow

Slow move the harmlefs race ; where, as they fpread

Their fwelling treafures to the funny ray.

Inly diilu.b'd, and wondering what this wild 390

Outrageous tumult means, their loud complaints

The country fill ; and, tofs'd from rock to rock,

Inceffant bleadngs run around the hills.

At lad, of fnowy white, the gather'd flocks

Are in the wattled pen innumerous prefs'd, ^3^5

Head above head : and, rang'd in lully rows.

The ihepherds fit, and whet the founding fliears.

The houfewife waits to roll her fleecy flores.

With all her gay-dreil maids attending round.

One, chtef in gracious dignity enthron'd, 409

S nines o'er the refl:, the paftoral q;ieen, and rays

Her fmiles, fveet-beaming, on her fhepherd-king ;

While the glad circle round them yield their fouls

To feftive mirth, and wit that knows no gall.

Meantime, their joyous tu.fk gees on apace : 405

Some mingling frir the melted, tar, and fome,

D-sp on the new-fhorn vagrant's heaving fide.

To ftP-mp his mafler's cypher ready ftand;

Others th' unwilling wether drag along;

A.^d, glorying in his might, the fturdy boy 410

Holds by the twifted horns th' indignant ram.

Behold v/here bound, and of its robe bereft.

By needy man, that all-depending lord.

How rpetk, how patient, the cilid creature lies !

What

SUMMER. 6i

What foftnefs in its melancholy face, 415

What dumb complaining innocence appears ! Fear not, ye gentle tribes, 'tis not the knife Of horrid llaughter that is o'er you wav'd ; No, 'tis the tender fwain's well-guided fliears. Who having now, to pay his annual care, 42*

Borrow'd your fleece^ to you a cumbrous load. Will fend you bounding to your hill: again.

A fimple fcene ! yet hence Britannia (ees Her fohd grandeur rife : hence fhe commands Th' exalted ftores of every brighter clhne, 425

The treafures of the fun without his rage : Hence, fervent all, with culture, toil, and arts. Wide glows her land : her dreadful thunder hence Rides o'er the waves fublime, and now, ev'n now. Impending hangs o'er Gallia's humbled coaft ; ^^9 Hences rules the circling deep, and awes the world.

'Tis raging noon ; and, vertical, the fun Darts on the head diredl his forceful rays. O'er heaven and earth, far as the ranging eye Can fvveep, a dazzling deluge reigns ; and all 435 From pole to pole is undiitinguifh d blaze. In vain the fight, dejeded to the ground. Stoops for relief; thence hot-afcending fteams. And keen reiiedion pain. Deep to the root Of vegetation parch'd, the cleaving fields 44O

And flippery lawn an arid hue d'fcicfe, Blall Fancy's bloom, and wither ev'n the foul. Echo no more returns the ^hearful f:)und Of fharpening fcythe : the mower finking heaps

O'er

6i THOMSON'S POEMS;

O'er him the humid hay, with flowers perfumed ; 44.5; And fcarce a chirping grafs-hopper is heard Through the dumb mead. Diftrefsful nature pants. The very llrearns look languid from afar ; Or, thr- rs:h th' u^ifhcher'd glade, impatient feem To hurl into the covert of the grove. 4.50

All-conquering Heat, oh, intermit thy wrath ! And on my throbbing temples potent thus Beam not fo fierce ! Inceiiant Hill you flow. And ftill another fervent flood fueceeds, Pour'don the head profbfe. In vain I figh, 455

And reftlefs turn, and look around for night; Night is far off, and hotter hours approach. Thrice happy he ! who, on the funlefs fide Of a romantic mountain, forell-crown'd. Beneath the whole collek^^'ted fhade reclines : 460

Or in the gelid caverns, woodbine-wrought. And ficfli bedew'd with evcr-fpouting ftreams-. Sits coolly calm ; while all the world without, Unfiitijfied and fick, tolfes in noon : Emblem infbrudive of the virtuous man, 465

V/lio keeps his temper'd mind ferene and pure. And every paffion aptly harmoniz'd. Amid a jarr'ng world with vice inflam'd.

Welcome, ye fhades I ye bowery thickets, hail ! Ye lofty pines ! ye venerable oaks ! 47®

Ye afhes wild, refounding o'er the HeepI Delicious is your H-ielter to the foul^ As to the hunted hart the fal lying fpring. Or ilream full-fiowing, that his fwelling fides

Laves,

SUMMER. 63

Laves, as he floats along the herbag'd brink. 47^

Cool, through the nerves, your pleafmg comfort glides ; The heart beats glad ; the frefh-expanded eye And ear refume their watch ; the finevvs knit ; And life fhoots fwift through all the lighten'd limbs.

Around th' adjoining brooks that purls along 480 The vocal grove, now fretting o'er a rock. Now fcarcely moving through a reedy pool. Now ftarting to a fuddcn ftream, and now Gently difFus'd into a limpid plain; A various groupe the herds and flocks compcfe, 48; Rural confufion ! on the graffy bank Some ruminating lie ; wiiile others Hand Half in the flood, and, often berding, fip The circling furface. In the middle droops The ftrong laborious ox, of honeft front, 490

Which incompos'd he fliakes ; and from his fides The troublous infecl: lafhes with his tail. Returning ftill. Amid his fubjecls fafe. Slumbers the monarch-fwain ; his carelefs arm Throv/n round his head, on downy mofs fuftain'd; 495 Here hud his fcrip, witli wholefome \dands fill'd ; There, liftening every noife, his \^-atchful dog.

Liglit fly his flumbers, if perchance a flight Of angry gad-flies, fallen on the herd; That fiartling fcatters from the fliallow brook, 500 In fcarch of lavilli ftreami. Tofling the foam. They fcora the keeper's voice, and Icour the plain. Through all tlie bright feverity of noon ;

While,

g4. THOMS ON's POEMS.

While, from their labouring breads, a hollo\v moan Proceeding, runs low-bellowing round the hills. 505

Oft in this feafon too the horfe, provok'd. While his big fmews full of fpirits fwell, Trembling with vigour, in the heat of blood. Springs the high fence ; and, o'er the field effus'd, Darts on the gloomy flood, with ftedfall eye, 510

And heart eilrang'd to fear : his nervous chell> Luxuriant, and erei^ ! the leat of ftrength ! Bears down th' oppofmg ftream : quenchlefs his thirft j He takes the river at redoubled draughts ; And with wide noftrils, fnorting, fkims the wave. 515

Still let me pierce into the midnight depth Of yonder grove, of wildeft largeft growth : That, forming high in air a woodland quire. Nods o'er the mount beneath. At every rtep. Solemn, and flow, the Ihadows blacker fall> 520

And all is avveful liltening gloom around.

Thefe are the haunts of Meditation, thefe The fccnes where ancient bards th' infpiring breath, Extatic, felt ; and, from this world retir'd, Convers'd with angels and immortal forms, 525

On gracious errands bent: to fave the fall Of virtue ftruggling on the brink of vice ; In waking whifpers, and repeated dreams. To hint pure thought, and warn the favoured foul For fu'jure trials fated to prepare; 530

To prompt the poet, who devoted gives His Mufe to better themes ; to foothe the pangs Of dying worth, and from the patriot's breaft

(Sack-

SUM M E R. 65

(Backward to mingle in detefted war.

But foremoft when engag'd) to turn the death; 535

And numberlefs fuch offices of love

Daily, and nightly, zealous to perform.

Shook fudden from the bofom of the iky, A thoufand (hapes or glide athwart the dulk. Or Icalk majeftic on. Deep-rous'd, I feel 540

A facred terror, a fevere delight. Creep through my mortal frame ; and thus, methinks, A voice, than human more, th* abftrav5led ear Of fancy ftrikes. " Be not of us afraid, *' Poor kindred man ! thy fellow-creatures, we 545 *' From the fame Parent-Power our beings drew, " The fame our Lord, and laws, and great purfuit. " Once fome of us, like thee, through llormy life, " Toil'd, tempeft-beaten, ere we could attain *' This holy calm, this harmony of mind, 550

*' Where purity and peace immingle charms. " Then fear not us j but with refponfive fong, *' Amid thefe dim recelTes, undillurb'd "By noify folly and difcordant vice, " Of Nature fmg with us, and Nature's God. 555 '' Here frequent, at the vifionary hour, " When mufmg midnight reigns or filent noon, *' Angelic harps are in full concert heard, *' And voices chaunting from the wood-crown'd hill, *' The deepening dale, or inmoft fylvan glade: 560 *' A privilege beftow'd by us, alone, *' On Contemplation, or the hallow'd ear " Of Poet, fvvelling to feraphic ftrain "

Vol. LIV. F And

66 T H O M S O N^ s POEMS.

And art thou, * Stanley, of that facred band? Alas, for us too foon ! Though rais'd above 565

The reach of human pain, above the flight Of human joy; yet, with a mingled ray Of fadly-pleas'd remembrance, mud thou feel A mother's love, a mother's tender woe : Who feeks thee ftill, in many a former fcene; 570

Seeks thy fair form, thy lovely beaming eyes. Thy pleafmg converfe, by gay lively fenfe Infpir'd : where moral wifdom mildly fhone. Without the toil of art ; and virtue glow'd. In all her fmiles, without forbidding pride. 575

But, O thou beil of parents ! wipe thy tears ; Or rather to Parental Nature pay The tears of grateful joy, who for a while Lent thee this younger felf, this opening bloom Of thy enlighten'd mind and gentle worth. 5 So

Believe the Mufe : the wintery blaft of death Kills not the buds of virtue ; no, they fpread. Beneath the heavenly beam of brighter funs. Through endlefs ages, into higher powers.

Thus up the mount, in aery vifion rapt, 585

I ftray, regardlefs whither ; till the found Of a near fall of water every fenfe Wakes from the charm of thought : fwift-fhrinking I check my fteps, and view the broken fcene. [back.

Smooth to the (helving brink a copious flood 590 Rolls fair, and placid ; where colle(5led all,

• A young lady, who died at the age of eighteen, in the year 17 j8. Sec her epitaph in Vol. LV.

In

SUMMER. 6f

In one impetuous torrent, down the fteep

It thundering Ihoots, and fhakes the country round.

At firft, an azure fheet, it ruflies broad ;

Then whitening by degrees, as prone it falls, 595

And from the loud-refounding rocks below

Dafh'd in a cloud of foam, it fends aloft

A hoary mill, and forms a ceafelefs fhovver.

Nor can the tortur'd wave here find repofe :

But, raging ftill amid the fhaggy rocks, 600

Now flafhes o'er the fcatter'd fragments, now

Allant the hollow channel rapid darts ;

And, falling faft from gradual flope to flope.

With wild infradled courfe, and lelfen'd roar.

It gains a fafer bed, and fteals, at laft, 605

Along the mazes of the quiet vale.

Invited from the cliff, to whofe dark brow He clings, the ileep-afcending eagle foars. With upward pinions through the flood of day ; And, giving full his bofom to the blaze, 610

Gains on the fun ; while all the tuneful race, Smit by afHidive noon, diforder'd droop. Deep in the thicket ; or, from bower to bower Refponfive, force an interrupted ftrain. The ftock-dove only through the foreft cooes, 615 Mournfully hoarfe ; oft ceafing from his plaint. Short interval of weary woe ! again The fad idea of his murder'd mate. Struck from his fide by favage fowler's guile, Acrofs his fancy comes ; and then refounds 620

A louder fong of forrovv through the grove.

F 2 Be.

£8 THOMSON'S POEMS.

Befide the dewy border let me fit. All in the frefhnefs of the humid air; There in that hollow'd rock, grotefque and wild. An ample chair mofs-lin'd, and over head 625

By flowering umbrage fliaded : where the bee Strays diligent, and with th' extraifled balm Of fragrant-woodbine loads his little thigh.

Now, while I tafte the fweetnefs of the fhade. While Nature lies around deep-luU'd in Noon, 630 Now come bold Fancy, fpread a daring flight. And view the wonders of the torrid Zone : Climes unrelenting 1 with whofe rage compar'd. Yon blaze is feeble, and yon ikies are cool.

See, how at once the bright effulgent fun, 635

Rifmg dirc6l, fwift chaces from the ficy The ftiort-liv'd twilight; and with ardent blaze Looks gaily fierce through all the dazzling air : He mounts his throne ; but kind before him fends, liTaing from cut the portals of the moi:n, 640

The * general Breeze i to mitigate his fire. And breathe refrefhment on a fainting world. Great are the fcenes, with dreadful beauty crown'd And barbarous wealth, that fee each circling year. Returning funs and f double feafons pafs : 645

* Which blows conftantly b?tvv:en ths tropics ftom the ead, or the collateral points, the north-eaft anJ /buth-eaH: : caufed by the predure of the rarefied air on that before it, according to the diurnal motion of the fun from eaft to weft.

-j- In all climates between the tropics, the fun, as he paHes and repafles in his annual motion, is twice a year vertical, which pro- duces this eftcdt.

Rcc!:s

S U xM M E R. €9

Rocks rich in gems, and mountains big with mines.

That on the high equator ridgy rife.

Whence many a burfling ftream auriferous plays :

MajelHc woods, of every vigorous green.

Stage above ftage, high waving o'er the hills ; 650

Or to the far horizon wide difFus'd,

A boundlefs deep immenfity of Ihade.

Here lofty trees, to ancient fong unknown.

The noble fons of potent heat and floods

Prone rulhing from the clouds, rear high to heaven

Their thorny ftems, and broad around them throw

Meridian gloom. Here, in eternal prime,

Unnumber'd fruits of keen delicious tafte

And vital fpirit, drink amid the cliffs.

And burning fands that bank the fhrubby vales, 660

Redoubled day, yet in their rugged coats

A friendly juice to cool its rage contain.

Bear me, Pomona ! to thy citron groves j To where the lemon and the piercing lime. With the deep orange, glowing tlirough the green, 665 Their lighter glories blend. Lay me reclin'd Beneath the fpreading tamarind that (hakes, Fann'd by the breeze, its fever-cooling fruit, JDeep in the night the maily locuft (heds 669

Quench my hot limbs : or lead me through the maze. Embowering endlefs, of the Indian fig; Or, thrown at gayer eafe, on feme fair brow. Let me behold, by breezy murmurs cool'd. Broad o'er my head the verdant cedar wave. And high palmetos lift their graceful (hade. 675

F3 Of

70 THO MS ON's PO EMS.

Or ftretch'd amid thefe orchards of the fun.

Give me to drain the cocoa's milky bowl.

And from the pahn to draw its frefhening wine !

More bounteous far than all the frantic juice

Which Bacchus pours. Nor, on its llender twigs 680

Low-bending, be the full pomegranate fcorn'd ;

Nor, creeping through the woods, the gelid race

Of berries. Oft in humble ftation dwells

Unboaflful worth, above falHdious pomp,

Witnefs, thou bell Anana, thou the pride 685

Of vegetable life, be}-ond whate'er

The poets imaged in the golden age :

Quick let me Urip thee of thy tufty coat.

Spread thy ambrofial flores, and feaft with Jove !

From thefe the profpecl varies. Plains immenfe 690 Lie flretch'd below, interminable meads And vafl favannahs, where the wandering eye, Unfixt, is in a verdant ocean loft. Another Flora there, of bolder hues, And richer fweets, beyond our garden's pridcr 69^* Plays o'er the fields, and fhnwers with fudden hand Exuberant fpring ; for oft thefe vallies fliift Their green-embroider'd robe to fiery brown. And fvvift to green again, as fcorching funs. Or lireaming dews and torrent rains, prevail. 700

Along thefe lonely regions, where retir'd, Frona little fcenes of art, great Nature dwells In aweful folitude, and nought is feen But the wild herds that own no mafter's ftall, JProdigious rivers roll their fattening feas ; 705

Qn

SUMMER. 71

On whofe luxuriant herbage, half conceal'd. Like a fall'n cedar, far difFus'd his train, Cas'd in green fcales, the crocodile extends. The flood difparts : behold ! in plaited mail, * Behemoth rears his head. Glanc'd from his fide, 710 The darted fteel in idle fhivers flies : He fearlefs walks the plain, or feeks the hills ; Where, as he crops his varied fare, the herds, In widening circle round, forget their food. And at the harmlefs ftranger wondering gaze. 715 . Peaceful, beneath primaeval trees, that call Their ample fliade o'er Niger's yellow llream. And where the Ganges rolls his facred wave ; Or mid the central depth of blackening woods, High-rais'd in folemn theatre around, 720

Leans the huge elephant : wifell of brutes ! O truly wife ! with gentle might endow'd. Though powerful, not deftrudtive ! Here he fees Revolving ages fvveep the changeful earth, And empires rife and fall; regardlefs he 725

Of what the never-reiUng race of Men Project : thrice happy ! could he 'fcape their guile. Who mine, from cruel avarice, his flieps ; Or with his towery grandeur fvveli their ftate. The pride of kings ! or elfe his Hrength pervert, 730 And bid him rage amid the mortal fray, Altonifli'd at the madnefs of mankind.

AVide o'er the v/inding umbrage of the floods. Like vivid bloflbms glowing from afar,

* The Hippopotamus, or river-horfe.

F 4 Tliick

74 THOMSON'S POEMS.

Thick fvvarm the brighter birds. For Nature's hand. That with a fportive vanity has deck'd The plumy, nations, there her gayeft hues Frofufely pours. * But, if fhe bids them fhine, Array'd in all the beauteous beams of day. Yet, frugal Hill, fhe humbles them in fong. 740

Nor envy we the gaudy robes they lent Proud IVIontezuma's realm, vvhofe legions call A boundlefs radiance v/avHng on the fun. While Philomel is ours ; while in our fhades. Through the foft fdenca of the liflening night, 74^ The fober-fuitcd fongftrefs trills her lay.

But come, my Mufe, the defart-barrier burft, A wild expanfe of lifelefs fand and fky : And, fv/ifter than the toiling caravan. Shoot o'er the vale of Sennar; ardent climb 750

The Nubian mountains, and the fecret bounds Of jealous Abyllinia boldly pierce. Thou art no ruffian, who beneath the mafk Of fecial commerce com'ft to rob their wealth; No holy Fury thou, blafphemiag Heaven, 755

With coafecrated fteel to ftab their peace. And through the land, yet red from civil wounds, 'i"o fpread the purple tyranny of Rome. Thou, like tlie harmlefs bee, may'ft freely range. From mead to mead bright with exalted flowers, 760 From jafmine grove to grove, may'H wander gay,

* In all the regions of the torrid zone, the hirds, though more ■ "lutJtul in their piamage, are obferved to be Icfs melodious tlian 012 rs»

Thi'ough

SUMMER. 73

Through palmy fhades and aromatic woods.

That grace the plains, inveft the peopled hills.

And up the more than Alpine mountains wave.

There on the breezy fummit, fpreading fair, 765

For many a league ; or on ftupendous rocks.

That from the fun-redoubling valley lift.

Cool to the middle air, their lawny tops ;

Where palaces, and fanes, and villas rife;

And gardens fmile around, and culter'd fields ; 770

And fountains guih ; and carelefs herds and iiocks

Securely ftray ; a world within itfelf,

Difdaining ail aiTault : there let me draw

Ethereal foul, there drink reHving gales,

Profufc-ly breathing from tlie fpicy groves, 77^

And vales of fragrance; there at didance hear

The roaring "floods, and cataracts, that f*veep

From difembowel'd earth the virgin gold ;

And o'er the varied LndikLp, reillefs, rove.

Fervent with life of every fairer kind : 780

h land of wonders ! v/hich the fun flill eyes

With ray direct, as of the lovely realm

Euamour'd, and delighting there to dwell.

How char.g'd the fcene ! In blazing height of noon. The fun, opprefs'd, is plung'd in thickefl gloom. 7S5 Still Horror reigns, a dreary twilight round. Of ftruggling night and day m.alignant mix'd. For to the hot equator crowding faft. Where, highly rarefy'd, the yielding air Admits their (bream, inceffant vapours roll, 790

Amazing clouds on clouds continual heap'd \

Or

74 THOMSON'S POEMS.

Or whirl'd tempelluous by the gufty wind.

Or filent borne along, heavy, and flow.

With the big ftores of fteaming oceans charg'd.

Meantime, amid thefe upper feas, condensed 795

Around the cold aerial mountain's brow.

And by confliding wind^ together dafli'd.

The Thunder holds his black tremendous throne :

From cloud to cloud the rending Lightnings rage ;

Till, in the furious elemental war 800

Diflblv'd, the whole precipitated mafs.

Unbroken floods and folid torrents pours.

The treafures thefe, hid from the bounded fearch Of ancient knowledge ; whence, with annnal pomp. Rich king of floods 1 o'erflows the fvvelling Nile. 805 From his two fprings, in Gojam's funny realm. Pure-welling out, he through the lucid lake Of fair Dambea rolls his infant-ftream. There, by the Naiads nurs'd, he fports away His playful youth, amid the fragrant ifles, 810

That with unfading verdure fmile around. Ambitious, thence the manly river breaks ; And, gathering many a flood, and copious fed With ail the mellow'd treafures of the fky. Winds in progreflive majefly along : 815

Through fplendid kingdoms now devplv€s his maze. Now wanders wild o'er folitary tra6ls Of life-deferted fand ; till, glad to quit The joylefs defart, down the Nubian rocks From thundering fteep to fleep, he pours his urn, 820 And Egypt joys beneath the fpreading wave.

liis

SUMMER. 75

His brother Niger, too, and all the floods In which the full-f orm'd maids of Afric lave Their jetty limbs; and all that from the trad 824

Of woody mountains ftretch'd through gorgeous Ind Fall on Cormandel's coafl, or Malabar; From * Menam's orient ftream, that nightly fhincs Vv'ith infed-lamps, to where Aurora fheds On Indus' fmiling banks the rofy ihower: All, at this bounteous feafon, ope their urns, 830

And pour untoiling harveft o'er the land.

Nor lefs thy world, Columbus, diinks, refrelh'd. The lavifn moifture of the melting year. Wide o'er his ifies, the branching Oronoque Rolls a brown deluge; and the native drives 835

To dwell aloft on iife-fufScing trees. At once his dome, his robe, his food, and arms, Swell'd by a thoufand fireams, mipetuous hurl'd From all the roaring Andes, huge defcends The mighty f Orellana. Scarce the Mufe 840

Dares ilretch her v\ing o'er this enormous mafs Of rufhing water; fcarce ihe dares attempt The fealike Plata ; to whofe dread expanfe. Continuous depth, and wondrous length of courfe. Our floods are rills With unabated force, 845

In fdent dignity they fweep along. And tr^verfe realms unknown, and blooming wilds,

* The river that runs through Siam j on v.-hafe banks a \x(i multitude of thofe infefts called fire-flies, nuks a bsautiiul aD- pearance in the night.

■f The river of the Amazoas.

An4

7.6 THOMSON'S POEMS.

And fruitful defarts, worlds of folitude.

Where the fun fmiles and fcafons teem in vain,

Unfeen, and unenjoy'd. Forfaking thefe, 850

O'er peopled plains they fair-diffufive flow.

And many a nation feed, and circle fafe.

In their foft bofom, many a happy ifle ;

The feat of blamelefs Pan, yet undifturb'd

By chrillian crimes and Europe's cruel fons. 855

Thus pouring on they proudly feek the deep,

Whofe vanquifh'd tide, recoiling from the fhock,

yields to the liquid weight of half the globe ;

And Ocean trembles for his green domain.

But what avails this wondrous wafte of wealth ? 860 This gay profuiion of luxurious blifs ? This pomp of Nature ? v.'hat their balmy meads. Their powerful herbs, and Ceres void of pain? By vagrant birds difpers'd, and wafting winds, 864 What their unplanted fruits ? what the cool draughts, Th* ambrofial food, rich gums, and fpicy health. Their forcfls yield ? their toiling infeds what. Their fiiky pride, and vegetable robes ? Ah I what avail their fatal treafures, hid Deep in the bowels of the pitying earth, 870

Golconda's genis, and fad Potofi's mines ; Where dwelt the gentlell children of the fun ? Wh^t all that Afric's golden rivers roll. Her odorous woods, and fhining ivory ftores ? Ill-fated race ! the fofteuijig arts of Peace, 875,

Whate'er the humanizing Mu{es teach ; The godlike wifdcm cf the temper 'd breaft ; ' -- Pro.

SUMMER. 77

Progreflive truth,, the patient force of thought;

Invefllgation calm, whofe filcnt powers 879

Command the world ; the Light that leads to Heaven ;

Kind equal rule, the government of laws.

And all-prote(5llng Freedom, which alone

Suftains the name and dignity of Man :

Thefe are not theirs. The parent-fun himfelf

Seems o'er this world of flaves to tyrannize; 885

And, with cppreffive ray, the rofeat bloom

Of beauty blailing, gives the gloomy hue.

And fe;;ture grofs : or worfe, to ruthlefs deeds.

Mad jealoufy, blind rage, and fell revenge.

Their fervid fpirit fires. Love dwells not there, 890

The foft regards, the tendemefs of life.

The heart-fhed tear, th' ineiFable delight

Of fweet humanity : thefe court the beam

Of milder climes ; in felfilli fierce defire.

And the wild fury of voluptuous fenfe, 895

There loil. The very brute creation there

This rage partakes, and burns with horrid fire.

Lo ! the green ferpent, from his dark abode. Which ev'n Imagination fears to tread. At noon forth-ifluing, gathers up his train 90^

In orbs iir.menfe, then, darting out anev/. Seeks the refrefhing fount; by which difFus'd, He throws his folds : and while, wich threatening tongue. And deathfiil jaws ered, the moniler curls His flaming creft, all other thirll appall'd, 905

Or Ihivering flies, or check'd at dillance flands. Nor dare: approach. But itill more direful he.

The

7? THOMSON'S POEMS.

The fmall clofe-lurking minifter of fate,

Whofe high-concocled venom through the veins

A rapid lightning darts, arrelling fwift 91®

The vital current. Form'd to humble man.

This child of vengeful Nature ! There, fublim'd

To fearlefs lufl of blood, the favage race

Roam, licens'd by the fhading hour of guilt.

And foul mifdeed, when the pure day has (hut 915.

His facred eye. The tiger darting fierce

Impetuous on the prey his glance has doom'd ;

The lively-fhining leopard, fpeckled o'er

With many a fpot, the beauty of the wafte :

And, fcorning all the taming arts of Man, 920

The keen hyena, fellell of the fell.

Thefe, rufhing from th' inhofpitable woods

Of Mauritania, or the tufted illes.

That verdant rife amid the Libyan wild,

Innumerous glare around their fliaggy king, 925

MajelHc, llalking o'er the printed fand;

And, with imperious and repeated roars.

Demand their fated food. The fearful flocks

Crowd near the guardian fwain ; the nobler herds.

Where round their lordly bull, in rural cafe, " 930

They ruminating lie, with horror hear

The coming rage. Th' awaken'd village ftarts ;

And to her fluttering breaft the mother ftrains

Her thoughtlefs infant. From the Pirate's den.

Or ftern Morocco's tyrant fang efcap'd, 935

The wretch half-vvilhes for his bonds again :

While,

S U M M E R. ^

While, uproar all, the wildernefs refounds. From Atlas eaftward to the frighted Nile.

Unhappy he ! who from the firft of joys. Society, cut off, is left alone 94O

Amid this world of death. Day after day. Sad on the jutting eminence he fits. And views the main that ever toils below ; Still fondly forming in the fartheft verge. Where the round jether mixes with the wave, 94^

Ships, dim difcover'd, dropping from the clouds; At evening, to the fetting fan he turns A mournful eye, and down his dying heart Sinks helplefs ; while the wonted roar is up. And hifs continual through the tedious night. 950

Yet here, ev'n here, into thefe black abodes Of monilers unappall'd, from (looping Rome, And guilty Casfar, Liberty retir'd. Her Cato following through Numidian wilds : Difdainful of Campania's gentle plains, 955

A^nd all the green delights Aufonia pours; When for them fhe muft bend the fervile knee. And fawning take the fplendid robber's boon.

Nor ilop the terrors of thefe regions here. Commiilion'd demons oft, angels cf wraih, 960

Let loofe the raging elements. Breath'd hot. From all the bcundlefs furnace of the flcy. And the wide glittering w.ill:e of burning fand, A fuffocating wind the pilgrim fmites With inftant death. Patient of thirft and toil, 965 Son of the defart ! ev'n the camel feels.

Shot

,^0 THOMSON'S POEMS.

Shot through his wither'd heart, the fiery blaft.

Or from the black-red asther, burlling broad.

Sallies the fudJen whirlwind. Strait the fands,

•Commov'd around, in gathering eddies play : 970

Nearer and nearer ftill they darkening come ;

Till, v.n.ch. the general all-involving ilorm

Swept up, the whole continuous wilds arife ;

And by their noon-day fount dejefted tlirov/n.

Or funk at night in fad difallrous fleep, 975

Beneath defcending hiiis, the caravan

Is buried deep. In Cairo's crowded ibeets

Th* impatient merchant, wondering, waits in vain.

And Mecca faddens at the long delay.

• But chief at fea, v/hofe every flexile wave 980

Obeys th' blail, th' aerial tumult fwells.

In the dread ocean, undulating vvide.

Beneath the radiant line that girts the globe.

The circling * Typhon, whirl'd from point to point,

ExhauHing all the rage of all the fky, 985

And dire * Ecnephia reign. Amid the heavens,

Falfely ferene, deep in a cloudy f fpeck

Comprefi'd, the mighty tempell brooding dwells :

Of no regard, five to the ikilful eye.

Fiery and foul, the fmall prognoftick hangs 990

Aloft, or on the promontory's brow

Mullers its force. A faint deceitful calm,

* Typhon and Ecnephia, nam^s of particular ftorms or hurri- canes, known only between the tropics.

-j- Called by failois the Ox-eye, being in appearance at firft no b^s^er.

Aflut-

SUMMER. 81

A fluttering gale the demon fends before.

To tempt the fpreading fail. Then down at once.

Precipitant, defcends a mingled mafs 995

Of roaring winds, and flame, and rufliing floods.

In wild amazement fix'd the failor ftands.

Art is too flow : by rapid fate opprefs'd,

His broad-wing'd veflel drinks the whelming tide.

Hid in the bofom of the black abyfs. 1 000

With fuch mad feas the daring * Gama fought.

For many a day, and many a dreadful night,

Incefl^ant, labouring round the Jion/ij Cape;

By bold ambition led, and bolder thirfl:

Of gold. For then from ancient gloom emerg'd 1005

The rifmg world of trade : the Genius, then.

Of navigation, that, in hopelefs floth.

Had flumber'd on the vafl Atlantic deep.

For idle ages, fl:arting, heard at laft

The fLufitanian Prince; who, Heaven-infpir'd, lOlO

To love of ufeful glory rous'd manliind.

And in unbounded Commerce mix'd the world.

Increafmg ftill the terrors of thefe ftorms. His jaws horrific arm'd with threefold fate. Here dwells the direful fliark. Lur'd by the fcent loi 5 Of fleaming crowds, of rank difeafe, and death. Behold 1 he rufhing cuts the briny flood,

* VafcO de Gama, the firft who failed round ^Vfrlca, by the Cape of Good Hope, to the Eatt Indies.

■\ Don Henr)', third fon to John Che Firft, king of Portugal. His ftiong genius to the difcovery of new countries was the chief fource of all the modern improvements in navigation.

Vol. LIV. G Swift

8i THOMSON'S POEMS.

Swift as the gale can bear the fhip along ;

And, from the partners of that cruel trade.

Which fpoils unhappy Guinea of her fons, 1020

Demands his (hare of prey; demands themfelves.

The ftormy fates defcend : one death involves

Tyrants and Haves ; when ftrait, their mangled limbs

Cralhing at once, he dyes the purple feas

With gore, and riots in the vengeful meal. 1025

When o'er this world, by equinodtial rains Flooded immenfe, looks out the joylefs fun. And draws the copious lleam : from fwampy fens. Where putrefaction into life ferments, 1029

And breathes deftrudive myriads ; or from woods. Impenetrable fhades, recefles foul. In vapours rank and blue corruption wrapt, Whofe gloomy horrors yet no defperate foot Has ever dar'd to pierce ; then, wafteful, forth Walks the dire Power of pelHent difeafe. 1 035

A thoufand hideous fiends her ccurfe attend. Sick Nature blading, and to heartlefs woe. And feeble defolation, carting down The towering hopes and all the pride of Man. Such as, of late, at Carthagena quench'd 1040

The Britilh fire. You, gallant Vernon, favv The miferable fcene; you, pitying, faw To infant-weaknefs funk the warrior's arm ; Saw the deep-racking pang, the ghaftly form. The lip pale-quivering, and the beamlefs eye 1045 No more with ardour bright : you heard the groans Of agonizing (hips from (hore to (hore ;

Heard

SUMMER. «3

Heard, nightly plung'd amid the fullen waves. The frequent corfe ; while, on each other fix'd. In fad prefage, the blank affiftants feem'd, 1 050

Silent, to afk, whom Fate would next demand.

What need I mention thofe inclement Ikies, Where, frequent o'er the fickening city. Plague, The fiercell child of Nemefis divine, Defcends? * From Ethiopia's poifon'd woods 1055 From flifled Cairo's filth, and fetid fields With locuft-armies putrefying heap'd. This great deftroyer fprung. Her aweful rage The brutes efcape : Man is her deftin'd prey. Intemperate Man 1 and, o'er his guilty domes, 1060 She draws a clofe incumbent cloud of death ; Uninterrupted by the living winds, Fo'bid to blow a wholefome breeze ; and llain'd With many a mixture by the fun, fuiFus'd, Of angry afped. Princely wii'dom, then, X065

Dejes^s his watchful eye ; and from the hand Of feeble JulHce, ineiFeclual^ drop The fword and balance : mute the voice of joy. And huih'd the clamour of the bufy world. Empty the ftreets, with uncouth verdure clad; 107c Into the worll of defarts fudden tnrn'd The chearful haunt of Men, unlefs efcap'd From thedoom'd houfe, where matchlefs horror reignsj Shut up by barbarous fear, the fmitten wretch, 1074 With frenzy wild, breaks loofe ; and, loud to heaven

* Thef'i are the caufes fupjofod :o be the firft origin of the Plague, in Dr. Mead's ele-anl book on that fubjedt,

G z Scream-

84. THOMS ON's POE M S.

Screaming, the dreadful policy arraigns.

Inhuman, and unvvife. The fallen door.

Yet uninfcdicd, on Its cautious hinge

Fearing to turn, abhors fociety :

Dependants, friends, relations. Love himfelf, 1080

Savag'd by woe, forget the tender tie.

The fweet engagement of the feeling heart.

But vain their felfifh care : the circling flcy.

The wide enlivening air, is full of fate ;

And, ftruck by turns, in folitary pangs 1085

They fall, unblell:, untended, and unmourn'd.

Thus o'er the proftrate city black Defpair

Extends her raven wing ; while, to complete

The fcene of defolation, ftretch'd around.

The grim guards ftand, denying all retreat, 1090

And give the flying wretch a better death.

Much yet remains mifung : the rage intenfe Of brazen-vaulted ikies, of iron fields. Where drought and famine ftarve the blailed year : Fir'd by the torch of noon to tenfold rage, 1095

Th' infuriate hill that Ihoots the pillar'd flame ; And, rous'd within the fubterranean world, Th' expanding earthquake, that refilHefs ihakes Afpiring cities from their folld bafe. And buries mountains in the flaming gulf. 1 1 0®

But 'tis enough ; return, my vagrant Mufe : A nearer fcene of horror calls thee home.

Behold, flow-fcttling o'er the lurid grove Unufual darknefs broods ; and growing gains The full poflTeffion of the fky, furcharg'd 11 05

With

S U xM M E R. «5

With wrathful vapour> from the fecret beds.

Where lleep the mineral generations, drawn.

Thence nitre, fulphur, and the fiery fpume

Of fat bitumen, (learning on the day,

WitliA^arious-tindlur'd trains of latent flame, 1 1 lO

PolJute the fky, and in yon baleful cloud,

A reddening gloom, a magazine of fate.

Ferment; till, by the touch ethereal rous'd.

The dafli of clouds, or irritating war

Of fighting winds, while all is calm below, 1 1 1 ^

They furious fpring. A boding filence reigns.

Dread through the dun expanfe ; fave the dull found

That from the mountain, previous to the flcrm.

Rolls o'er the muttering earth, difturbs the flood.

And fliakes the foreft-leaf without a breath, 1 1 20

Prone, to the loweft vale, th' aerial tribes

Defcend : the tempeli-loving raven fcarce

Dares wing the dubious dufk. In rueful gaze

The cattle lland, and on the fcowling heavens

Call a deploring eye; by man forfook, 1 1 25

Who to the crowded cottage hies him fall.

Or feeks the flielter of the downward cave.

'Tis liileuing fear and dumb amazement all : W^hen to the Itartled eye the fudden glance Appears far fouth, eruptive through die cloud j 1 1 30 And following flouer, in explofion vail. The Thunder raifes his tremendous voice. At firil, heard folemn o'er the verge of heaven. The tempeil growls ; but as it nearer comes. And rolls its avvcful burden on the wind, I I3S

G ; Ths

86 THOMSON'S POEMS.

The lightnings flalh a larger curve, and more

The noife aftounds : till over head a ihe'et

Of livid flame dirclofes wide ; then fhats.

And opens v/ider ; fhuts and opens Hill

Expanfive, wrapping aether in a blaze. 1 140

Follows the loofen'd aggravated roar.

Enlarging, deepening, mingling ; peal on peal

Crulli'd horrible, convulfMg heaven and earth.

Down comss a deluge of ibnorous hail, 1 144

Qr prone-defcending rain. Wide-rent, the clouds Pour a whole flood; and yet, its flame unquench'd, Tli' unconquerable iigutning Uruggles through. Ragged and fierce, or in red whu-ling balls. And fires the mountains with redoubled rage. 1 159 Black from the frroke, above, the fmouldering pine Stands a fad ihatterM trunk ; and, ilretch'd below, A lifelefs groupe the blailed cattle lie : Here tht loft flocks, with that fame harmlefs look They wore alive, and ruminating ftill In fancy's eye ; and there the frowning bull, ^ ^55 And ox half-rais'd. Struck on the caftled clifF, The venerable tower and fpiry fane Refign their aged pride. The gloomy v^oods Start at the fiaOi, and from their deep recefs, "Wjde-flaming out, their trembling inmates fliake. 1 160 Amid Carnarvon's m.ountains rages loud The repcrcu.fuve roar : with mighty crufli. Into the fiafhing deep, from tlje rude rocks Of Fenmanmaur heap'd hideous to the iky, Tumb.c the fmitten ciiifs j and Snowden's peak, 1 165

Pif.

SUMMER. i>

DiiTolving, inftant yields his winter/ load. Far-feen, the heights of heathy Cheviot blaze. And Thale bellows through her utmofl ifles.

Guilt hears appall'd, with deeply troubled thought. And yet not always on the guilty head 1 170

Defcends the fated flalh. Young Celadon And his Amelia were a matchlefs pair j With equal virtue form'd, and equal grace. The fame, diltinguilli'd by their fcx alone : Hers the mild luftre of the blooming morn, 1 175

And his the radiance of the rifen day.

They lov'd : but fuch their guilelefs paffion was. As in the dawn cf time inform'd the heart Of innocence, and undifTembling truth. ^Twas friendfhip heighten'd by the mutual wiih, 1 180 Th' enchanting hope, and fympathetic glow, Beam'd from the mutual eye. Devoting all To love, each was to each a dearer felf ; Supremely happy in th* awaken'd power Of giving joy. Alone, amid the ihades, 1 1 8^

Still in harmonious intercourfe they liv'd The rural day, and talk'd the flowing heart. Or figh'd and look'd unutterable things.

So pafs'd their Ufe, a clear united llream. By care unruffled ; till, in evil hour, II90

The tempert: caught them on the tender walk, Heedlefs how far, and where its mazes ftray'd. While, with each other blefl, creative love Still bade eternal Eden fmile around. Prefaging inftant fate, her bofom heav*d 1195

G 4 Un-

»Tg T H O M S O N * s POEMS.

Unwonted fighs, and ftealing oft a look

Of the big gloom on Celadon her eye

Fell tearful, wetting her diforder'd cheek.

In vain alTuiing love, and confidence

In Heaven, reprefs'd her fear j it grew, and fliook

Her frame near diflblution. He perceiv'd

Th' unequal ccnflidl ; and as angels look

On dying faints, his eyes compaffion fhed.

With love iliumin'd high. " Fear not, he faid,

<' Sweet innocence 1 thou llranger to offence, i 205

'* And inward ilorm ! He, who yon fkies involves

*' In frowns of darknefs, ever fmiles on thee

" With kind regard. O'er thee the fecret fhaft

** That waftes at midnight, or th' undreaded hour

*' Of noon, flies harmlefs : and that very voice 1210

'* Which thunders terror through the guilty heart,

*' With tongues of feraphs whifpers peace to thine.

*' 'Tis fafety to be near thee fure, and thus

" To clafp perfection 1" From his ^oid embrace,

Myiterious heaven ! that moment, to the ground, 121^

A blacken'd corfe, was itruck the beauteous maid.

But who can paint the lover, as he flood,

Picrc'd by fevere amazement, hating life,

Specchlef>, and fix'd in all the death of woe 1

So, -faint refemblance I on the marble tomb, 1220

'i he vvell-dillc^mbled mourner Hooping itands.

For ever filent, and for ever fad.

As from the face of heaven the Ihatter'd clouds 7^'jmultuous rove, th' interminable /ley ;;ub^iir.cr f,vell:;, and o'er the world expands 1225

A purer

S U M M E R. «^

A purer azure. Through the lighten'd air

A higher luftre and a clearer calm,

Diffufive, tremble J while, as if in fign

Of danger pall:, a glittering robe of joy.

Set off abundant by the yellow ray, 1230

Inverts the fields; and nature fmiles reviv'd.

'Tis beauty all, and grateful long around, Join'd to the low of kine, and numerous bleat Of flocks thick-nibblirig through the clover'd vale. And Ihall the hymn be marr'd by thanklefs man, 1255 Mort f uour'd ; who with voice articulate Should lead the chorus of this lower world ? Shall he, lb Icon forgetful of the hand Tiiat hulh'd the thunder, and ferenes the Iky, Extinguiili'd feel thvit fpark the tempell wak'd, 1240 That fcnfe of powers exceeding far his own. Ere yet his feeble heart has loll its fears ?

Chear'd by the milder bt-am, the fprightly youth Speeds to the well-known pool, whofe cryllal deptli A fandy bottom ihews. A while he llands ^-45

Gazing th' inverted landiKi.^ half afraid I'o meditate the blue profound below; Then plunges iieadlong down the circiiiig flood. His ebon trefil's and his rofy cheek Inrtant emerge ; and throui;h th' obedient wave, 1250 At each {hort breathing by his lip repePd, With arms and legs according well, he makes. As humour lead-., an eafy-winding path : While, from his polifn'd fides, a dewy light f^^ulc:- on the pl^ai'd fpeft^tors round. iz^^

99 THOxMSON's POEMS.

This is the purefl: exercife of health. The kind refrefhcr of the fummer heats ; Nor, when cold Winter keens tlie brightening flood. Would I weak-fhivering linger on the brink. Thus life redoubles, and is oft preferv'd, 1260

By the bold fwimnier, in the fwift illapfe Of accident difaftrous. Hence the hmbs Knit into force ; and the fame Roman arm. That rofe vicl-:>rious o'er the conquer'd earth, Firft learn'd, while tender, to fubdue the wave. 1265 Ev'n from the body's purity, the mind Receives a fecret fympathetic aid.

Clofe in the covert of an hazel copfe. Where winded into pleafmg folitudes Runs out the rambling dale, young Damon fat 1270 Penfive, and pierc'd with love's delightful pangs. There to the ftream that down the dillant rocks Hoarfe-murmuring fell, and plaintive breeze that play'd Among the bending willows, falfeiy he Of Mur:dora'3 cruelty complain'd. 1 275

She felt hi 'J flame ; but deep within her breaft. In baihful coynefs, or in maiden price, T'he foft return conceal 'd ; fave when it flole Jn fide-lcng glances from her downcail eye. Or from her fweiling foul in ftlfled fighs. irSo

Touch'd by the fcene, no iiranger to his vows. He frarn'd a melting lay, to try her heart ; And, if an infant painon flrnggled there. To call that palfion forth. 1 ii.-ice happy fvvain ! A lucky ciiance, that oft decides the fat? 1285

SUMMER. 9C

Of mighty monarchs, then decided thine.

For, lo ! conduifled by the laughing Loves,

This cool retreat his Mufidora fought:

Warm in her cheek the Tukry fealbn glow'd ;

And, rob'd in loofe array, ihe came to bathe 1290

Her fervent limbs in the refrefliing itream.

What Ihall he do ? In fweet confufion loft.

And dubious fluttering^, he a while remain'd :

A pure ingenuous elegance of foul,

A delicate refinement, known to few, 12^-

Perplex'd his breall, and urg'd him to retire :

But love forbade. Ye prudes in virtue, fay.

Say, ye fevereft, what would you have dene ?

Meantime, this fairer nymph than ever bleil

Arcadian frream, with timid eye around 1300

The banks furveying, flrip'd her beauteous limbs.

To tafle the lucid coolnefs of the Hood.

Ah, then ! not Paris on the piny top

Of Ida panted flronger, when afide

The rival-goddelTes the veil divine 1 305

Call unconHn'd, and gave him all their charms.

Than, Damon, thou; as from the fnowy leg,

A^ilender foot, th' inverted filk ihe drew;

As the foft touch difTolv'd the virgin zone ; ^3*^9

And, through the parting robe, th' alternate breaft.

With youth wild-throbbing, on thy lawlefs gaze

In full luxuriance rofe. But, defpera'-e youth,.

How durft thou rifque the foul diitrafting view ;

As from her naked lim.bs, of glo'.ving white,

Harmcricus fvell'd by Nature's finell hand, 1 3 1 if

9S THOMSON'S POEMS.

In folds loofe-floating fell the fainter lawn ; And fair-expos'd llie Hood, fhrunk from herfelf. With fancy blufhing, at the doubtful breeze Alarm'd, and ftarting like the fearful fawn ? Then to the flood flie rufli'd; the parted flood 1320 Its lovely gueft with clofmg waves receiv'd ; And every beauty foftening, every grace Flufhing anew, a mellow luflre flied: As fliiues the lily through tlie cryftal mild ; Or as the rofe amid the morning dew ' 325

Freili from Aurora's hand, more fweetly glows. While thus flie wanton'd, now beneath the wave But ill-conceaPd ; and now with ftreaming locks. That half-embrac'd her m a humid veil, Rifmg again, the latent Damon drew J330

Such maddening draughts of beauty to the foul. As for a while o'erwhelm'd his raptur'd thought With luxury too-daring. Check'd, at lall. By love's rcfpedful modefl:y, he deem'd The theft profane, if aught profane to love 133^

Can e'er be dcem'd ; and, ftruggling from the fliade. With headlong hurry fled : but iirll thefe lines, Trac'd by his ready pencil, on the bank With trembling hand he threw. " Bathe on, my fair, ** Yet unbeheld, fave by die facred eye I34-0

" Of faithful love ; I go to guard thy haunt, *' To keep from thy recefs each vagrant foot, ** And each Ucentious eye." With wild furprife. As if to marble ftruck, devoid of fenfe, A ftupid mome;it motionlel's flie ftoo4 ; ^345

Sq

SUMMER. 93

So Hands the * ftatue that enchants the world.

So bending tries to veil the matchlefs boaft.

The mingled beauties of exulting Greece.

Recovering, fwift llie flew to find thofe robes

Which blifsful Eden knew not; and, array'd '350

In carelels halte, th' alarming paper fnatch'd.

But, when her Damon's well-known hand ihe faw.

Her terrors vanifh'd, and a fofter train

Of mlx't emotions, hard to be defcrib'd.

Her fudden bofom feiz'd : lliame void of guilt, 1355

The charming blulh of innocence, efteem

And admiration of her lover's flame.

By moderiy exalted : ev'n a fenfe

Of felf-approving beauty ftole acrofs

Her bufy thought. At length, a tender calm 1 3 60

Hulh'd by degrees the tumult of her foul ;

And on the fpreading beech, that o'er the llream

Incumbent hung, fhe with the fylvan pen

Of rural lovers this confeiTion carv'd.

Which foon her Damon kifs'd with weeping joy : 1 365

** Dear youth ! fole judge of what thefe verfes mean,

*' By fortune too much favour'd, but by love,

'' Alas I not favour'd lefs, be ftill as now

*' Difcreet : the time may come you need not fly."

The fun has loll: his rage: his downward orb 1370 Shoots nothing now but animating warmth. And vital lufl:re ; that, with various ray. Lights up the clouds, thofe beauteous robes of heaver, Iixeflant roll'd into romantic lliapes,

• The Venws :f Medici.

The

94 THOMSON'S POEMS.

The dream of waking fancy I Broad below, 137^

Cover'd with ripening fruits, and fwelling fall

Into the perfed year, the pregnant earth

And all her tribes rejoice. Now the foft hour

Of walking comes : for him who lonely loves

To feek the diltant hills, and there converfe 1380

Vv' ith Nature ; there to harmonize his heart.

And in pathetic fong to breathe around

The harmony to others. Social friends,

Attun'd to happy unifon of foul ;

7^0 whofe exalting eye a fairer world, 1385

Of which the vulgar never had a glimpfe,

Difplays its charms ; whofe minds are richly fraught

With philofophic ftores, fuperior light ;

And in whofe breaft, enthufialiic, burns

Virtue, the fons of intereft deem romance; ^39^

Now caird abroad enjoy the falling day :

Now to the verdant Portico of woods.

To Nature's raft Lyceum, forth they walk ;

By that kind School where no proud mailer reigns.

The full free coiwcrfe of the friendly heart, 1395

Improving and improv'd. Now from the world.

Sacred to fveet retircrrent, lovers Heal,

And pour their fouls in tranfport, which the Sire

Of love approving hears, and calls it good.

Which way, Amanda, fhali we bend our courfe ? 1400

Tiie choice perplexes. Wherefore fhould we chufe ?

All is the fame with thee. Say, Ihall we wind

A'ong the llreams ? or walk the fmiling mead ?

Or court the foreft-ijlades? or wander wild

Among

SUM M E R. 55

Among the waving harvefts ? or afcend, 1 405

While radiant Summer opens all its pride.

Thy hill, delightful * Shene : Here let us fweep

The boundlefs landikip : now the raptar'd eye.

Exulting fwift, to huge Auguila fend.

Now to the t Siller-Hills that ikirt her plain, 14 10

To lofty Harrow now, and now to where

Maieilic Windfor lifts his princely brow.

In lovely contrail to this glorious view

Calmly magnificent, then will we turn

To where the filver Thames firft rural grows. H'S

There let the feafted eye unwearied firay ;

Luxurious, there, rove through the pendent woods

That nodding hang o'er Harrington's retreat ;

And, Hooping thence to Ham's embowering walks.

Beneath whofe Ihades, in fpotlefs peace retir'd, 1420

V/ith Her the pleafmg partner of his heart.

The worthy Queeniberry yet laments his Gay,

And polilh'd Cornbury wooes the willing Mufe,

Slow let us trace the matchlefs Vale of Thames ;

Fair-vvindix"ig up to where the Mufes haunt 1425

In Twit'nam's bowers, and for their Pope impiore

The healing God | ; to royal Hampton's pile.

To Clermont's terrafs'd height, and Ether's groves, ■

Where in tlie fweeteft folitude, embraced

By the fofc windings of the filent Mole, 1 43^

From courts and fenates PeLham finds repofe,

* Ths old name of Richmond, fi^r.ifying in Saxon jhlmng or J^Undor,

t High -ate and Kamflead. J In his lafl ficknefs.

In-

9$ THOMSON'S POEMS.

IncKanting vale 1 beyond whate'er the Mufe

Has of Achaia or Hefperia fung I

O vale of blifs ! O foftly-fwelling hills !

On which the Po^iver of Culti^vation lies, '435

And joys to fee the wonders of liis toil.

' Heavens ! what a goodly profpeft fp reads around,

Of hills, and dales, and woods, and lawns, and fpires.

And glittering town.s and gilded ilreams, till all

The ftretching landfkip into fmoke decays 1 144^

Happy Brittannia ! where, the Queen of Arts,

Infpiring vigour. Liberty abroad

Walks, unconfin'd, ev'n to thy fartheft cots.

And fcatters plenty with unfparing hand.

Rich is thy foil, and merciful thy cHme ; 1445

Thy ftreams unfailing in the Summer's drought ; Unmatch'd thy guardian-oaks ; thy vallies float With golden waves : and on thy mountains flocks Bleat numberlefs ; while, roving round their fides. Bellow the blackening herds in lufty droves. I450

Beneath thy meadows glow, and rife unquelPd Againll the mower's fey the. On every hand Thy villas fhine. Thy country teems with wealth ; And property aflures it to the fvvain, Pleas'd, and unwearied, in his guarded toil. H55

Full are thy cities with the fons of art ; And trade and joy, in every bufy ilreet. Mingling are heard : ev'n Drudgery himfelf. As at the car he fweats, or dully hews The palace-ftone looks gay. Thy crowded ports. Where rifing mafts aa endlcfs profpefl yield, - " With

S U M M £ R. ^7

With labour burn, and echo to the fliouts

Of harried lailor, as he hearty waves

His laft adieu, and, loofening every iheet,

Refigns the fpreading velTel to the v\'ind. 1465

Bold, firm, and graceful, are thy generous youtn. By hardfhip fmew'd, and by danger fi.'d. Scattering the nations wliere they go ; and firil Or on the lifted plain, or ftormy feas. Mild are thy glories too> a.s o'er the plans *47^

Of thriving peace thy thoughtful fires preiide ; In genius, and fubftantial learning, high ; For every virtue, every worth rcnown'd ; Sincere, plain-hearted, hofpitable, kind ; Yet, like the muftering thunder, when provok'd, 1 4.75 The dread of t)'rants, and the fole refource Of thofe that under grim oppreiTion groan.

Thy Sons of Glory many ! Alfred thine. In whom the fplendor of heroic war. And more heroic peace, when governed well, 1480 Combine ; whofe hallow'd names the Virtues faint. And his onxin Mufes love ; the beli o( kings f With him thy Edwards and thy Henrys Ihine, Names dear to Fame ; the firft who deep imprefs'd . On haughty Gaul the terror of thy arms, I485

That awes her genius ftill. hxjiatefmen thou, hvA patriots i fertile. Thine a fteady More, Who, with a generous, though miftaken zeal, Wlthftood a brutal tyrant's ufeful rage. Like Gate firm, like AriiHdes jufc, 1490

Like rigid Cincinnatus nobly poor.

Vol. LIV. H A daant-

9S THOMSON'S POEMS,

A dauntlefs fou! ere6l, who fmil'd on death.

Frugal and wife, a Vv^alfingham is thine ;

A Drake, who made thee miftrefs of the deep.

And bore thy name in thunder round the world. 1495

Then flam'd thy fpirit high : but who can fpeak

The numerous worthies of the Maiden Reijrn ?

In Raleigh mark their every glory mix'd ;

Raleigh, the fcourge of Spain 1 whofe breaft with all

The fage, the patriot, and the hero, burn'd. 1500

Nor funk his vigour, when a coward-reign

The warrior fetter'd, and at laft refign'd.

To glut the vengeance of a vanquilli'd foe.

Then, a<5tive fiill and unrelbain'd, his mind

Explor'd the vail: extent of ages pall, 1505

And with his prifon-hours enrich'd the world ;

Yet found no times, in all the long refearch.

So glorious, or fo bafe, as thofe he prov'd.

In which he conquer'd, and in which he bled.

Nor can the Mufe the gallant Sidney pafs, I 5 10

The plume of war ! with early laurels crown'd.

The Lover's myrtle, and the Poet's bay.

A Hamden too is thine, illultrious land.

Wife, llrenuous, firm, of unfubmitting foul.

Who ftem'd the torrent of a downward age 1 5 1 5

To flavery prone, and bade thee rife again.

In all thy native pomp of freedom bold.

Bright, at his call, thy age of men efFulg'd,

Of men on whom late time a kindling eye

Shall turn, and tyrants tremble while they read. 1520

Bring every fvveeteft flower, and let me ftrew

The

SUM M E R. 99

The grave where RufTel lies ; whofe temper'd blood. With calmell: chearfubefs for thee refign'd, Stain'd the fad annals of a giddy reign ; Aiming at lawlefs power, though meanly funk 1525 In loofe inglorious luxury. With him His friend, the * Britifh Callias, fearlef^ bled; Of high determin'd fpirit, roughly brave. By ancient learning to th' enlighten'd love Of ancient freedom warm'd. Fair they renown 1530 In aweful Sages and in noble Bards ; Soon as the light of dawning Science fpread Her orient ray, and wak'd the Mufes' fong. Thine is a Bacon ; hapleG in his choice. Unfit to fland the civil ftorm of ftate, 1 5 35

And through the fmooth barbarity of courts. With firm, but pliant virtue, forward ftill To urge his courfe : him for the ftudious fnade Kind Nature form'd, deep, comprehenfive, clear, Exacl, and elegant; in one rich foul, ^54^

Plato, the Stagyrite, and Tullyjoin'd. The great deliverer he I who from the gloom Of cloiller'd monks, and jargon-teaching fchools. Led forth the true Philofophy, there long Held in the magic chain of words and forms, 1545 And definitions void : he led her forth. Daughter of Heaven I that, flow-afcending ilill, InveiHgating fure the chain of things. With radiant h?ger points to Heaven again, * Algernon Sidney.

H 2 The

190 THOMSON'S POEMS.

The generous * Afliley thine, the friend of man; 1550 Who fcann'd his Nature with a brother's eye. His weaknefs prompt to fhade to raife his aim. To touch the finer movements of the mind. And with the moral beauty charm the heart. Why need I name thy Boyle, whofe pious fearch 1555 Amid the dark recefles of his works. The great Creator fought ? And why thy Locke, Who made the whole internal world his own ? Let Newton, pure Intelligenccy whom God To mortals lent, to trace his boundlefs works 1560 From laws fublimely fimple, fpeak thy fame In all philofophy. For lofty fenfe. Creative fancy, and infpeftion keen Through the deep windings of the human heart, 1564 Is not wild Shakefpeare thine and Nature's boaft ? Is not each great, each amiable Mufe Of claflic ages in thy Milton met ? A genius univerfal as his theme ; Aftonifhing as Chaos, as the bloom Of blowing Eden fair, as Heaven fublime. 157"^

Nor ihall my verfe that elder bard forget. The gentle Spenfer, Fancy's pleafmg Ton; Who, like a copious river, pour*d his fong O'er all the mazes of enchanted ground : Nor thee, his ancient mafter, laughing fage, 1575 Chaucer, whofe native manners-painting verfe, Well-moraliz'd, fnines through the Gothic cloud Of time and language o'er thy genius throwa. * Anthony Afhley Cooper, Earl of Shafcefbury.

May

S U M M E R. loi

May my fong foften, as thy Daughters I, Britannia, hail! for beauty is their own, 1580

The feeling heart, fimplicity of life. And elegance, and tafte : the faultlefs form, Shap'd by the hand of harmony; the cheek. Where the live crimfon, through the native white Soft-fhooting, o'er the face diifufes bloom, 1 5 85

And every namelefs grace ; the parted lip. Like the red rofe-bud moid with morning-dew. Breathing delight ; and, under flowng jet. Or funny ringlets, or of circling brown. The neck flight-fhaded, and the fwelling breall; 1 590 The look reliftlefs, piercing to the foul. And by the foul Infcrm'd, when dreft in love She fits high-fmiling in the confcious eye,

Ifland of blifs ! amid the fubjecl feas. That thunder round thy rocky toafts, fet up, 1 595 At once the wonder, terror, and delight. Of diHant nations ; whofe remoteft fhores Can foon be fliaken by thy naval arm ; Not to be fliook thyfelf, but all alTaults BafEing, as thy hoar cliffs the loud fea-wave. 1600

O Thou ! by whofe almighty nod the fcale Of empire rifes, or alternate falls. Send forth the faving Virtues round the land, In bright patrol : white Peace, and focial Love ; The tender-looking Charitv, intent, 1605

On gentle deeds, and fhedding tears through fmiles ; Undaunted Truth, and Dignity of mind ; Courage ccmpos'd, and keen ; focnd Temperance,

H 3 Health.

loi THOMSON'S POEMS.

. Healthful in heart and look; clear Chaftlty, With blufhes reddening as fhe moves along, 1610

Diforder'd at the deep regard (he draws ; Rough Induftry ; Adivity untir'd. With copious life inform 'd, and all awake : Wliile in the radiant front, fuperior fliines That firfl paternal virtue. Public Zeal; 1 61 5

Who throws o'er all an equal wide furvey. And, ever mufnig on the common weal, Stiil labours glorious with fome great defjgn.

Low walks the fun, and broadens by degrees, Juft o'er the i^ergc of day. The Ihifting clouds 1620 Affembled gay, a richly-gorgeous train. In all their pomp attend his fetting throne. Air, earth, and ocean fmile immenfe. And now. As if his weary chariot fought the bowers Of Amphitritc, and her tending nymphs, 1625

(So Grecian fable fung) he dips his orb; Now half-immers'd ; and now a golden curve Gives one bright glance, tiien total difappears.

For ever running an enchanted round, PaiTes the day, deceitful, vain, and void ; 16-10

As fleet^. the vifion o'er the formful brain. Tills momeiii hurrying wild th' impaffion'd foul, The next in nothing loil. 'Tis fo to him. The dreamer of this earth, an idle blank : A fight of horror to i\\z cruel wretch, 16

"^A'ho, all day long in fordid pleafure roll'd, Himklf an ufeief-: load, l»ii^ fquander'd vile. Upon his fcoundrel tiaii)> what mi^hr ha/e chear'd

A droop'

3S

SUMMER. loj

A drooping family of modeft worth.

But to the gerxcrous ftill-improving mind, 1 640

That gives the hopelefs heart to fing for joy,

DifFufmg kind beneficence around,

Boaftlefs, as now defcends the filent dew ;

To him the long re^'iew of order'd Ufe

Is inward rapture, only to be felt. ^^45

Confefs'd from yonder llow-extinguifh'd clouds. All sther foftening, fober Evening takes Her wonted flation in the middle air ; A thoufand y!?'.7^ox'.'/ at her beck. Firfl tl^Is She fends on earth ; then tvat of deeper dye l6;;o

Steals foft behind ; and then a ^ee/'er ftill, Jn circle following circle, gathers round. To clofe the face of things. A freiTier gale Begins to wave tlie wood, and iHr the llream. Sweeping with fhadowy guft the fields of corn ; 1655 While the quail clamours for his running mate. Wide o'er the thiilly lawn, as uvells the breeze, A whitening iliower of vegetable down Amulive floats. The kind impartial care Of Nature nought difdains : thoughtful to feed 1 660 Her lowell: fons, and clothe the coming year. From field to field the feather'd feeds ilie wings.

His folded flock fecure, the fliepherd home Hies, merry-hearted ; and by turns relieves The ruddy milk-maid of her brimming pail ; 1 665

The beauty whom perhaps his witlefs heart. Unknowing what the joy-mixt anguil"h means, Sincerely loves, bv that beir language faewn

H4 Of

104 T H O i\I S O N ■ s P Q E M S.

Of cordial glances, and obliging deeds.

Onward they pafs, o'er many a panting height 1670

And valley funk, and unrrtquentcd; where

At fall tf eve the fairy people throng,

In various game, and revelry, to pafs

I'he fummer-night, ^s village -Hories tell.

Hut far about they wander from the grave 1675

Of him, whcm his ungentle fortune urg'd

Againil his own fad breaft to lift the hand

Of impious violence. The lonely tower

Is alfo iliunn'd ; vvhofe mournful chambers hold.

So night-ilruck Fancy dreams, the yelling gholl. 1680

Among the crooked lanes, on every hedge. The glow-worm lights his gem ; and, through the dark, A moving radiance twingles. Evtning yields The world to Night ; not in her winter-robe Of maiTy Stygian woof, but loofe array'd 1685

In mantle dun. A faint erroneous ray, Glanc'd from th' imperfed furfaces of things. Flings half an image on the ftraining eye ; "While v>'avering woods, and villages, and ilreams. And rocks, and mountains-tops, that long retain'd 1690 Th' afcending g!eam, are all one fwimming fcene. Uncertain if beheld. Sudden to heaven Thence weary vifion turns ; where, leading foft The filent hours of love, with pureil ray Sweet Venus Ihlnes ; and from her genial rife, ^^9$ "When day-light fickens till it fprings afreih, Unrival'd reigns, the faireil lamp of night, y^s thu'j th' effali>encc tremulous I drink,

Witli

■to-^

S U M M E R. 105

With cherifh'd gaze, die lambent lightnings fnoot

Acrofs the iky ; or horizontal dart 1 700

In wondrous fhapes : by fearful murmuring crowxis

Portentous deem'd. Amid the rad'iant orbs.

That more than deck, that animate the fky.

The life-infufing funs of other worlds;

Lo I from the dread immenfity of fpace 1705

Returning, v/ith accelerated courfe.

The ruihing comet to the fan defcends ;

And as he fmks below the (hading earth.

With aweful train projeited o'er the heavens.

The guilty nations tremble. But, above I710

Thof^-: fuperflitious horrors that enflave

The fond fequacious herd, to myllic faith

And blind amazement prone, th' enlighten'd few,

Whofe godlike minds phi'.ofophy exalts.

The glorious ftranger hail. They feel a joy 17 15

Di'v'inely great ; they in their powers exult.

That wondrous force of thought, which mounting fpurns

This dulky fpot, and m-afures all the fky ;

While, from his far excurfion through the wilds

Of barren 3?ther, faithful to his time, 1 7 20

They fee the blazing wonder rife anew.

In feeming terror clad, but kindly bent

To work the will of ail-fullaining Love :

From his huge vapoury train perhaps to fhake

Reviving moiftnre on the numerous orbs, 1725

Through which his long ellipfis winds ; perhaps

To lend new fuel to declining funs.

To liglit-up worlds, -irivl t:^.d ih' eternal Hre.

WitH

io6 THOMSON'S POEMS.

With thee, ierene Philofophy, with thee. And thy bright garland, let me crown my fong ! 1730 EfFufive fource of evidence, and truth I A luftre fiiedding o'er th' ennobled mind. Stronger than lummer-noon ; and pure as that. Whole mild vibrations foothe the parted foul. New to the dawning of celelHal day. ^735

Hence through her nourilh'd powers, enlarg'd by thee. She fprjngs aloft, with elevated pride. Above the tangling mafs of low defires. That bind the fluttering crowd : and, angel-wing'd. The heights of fcience and of virtue gains, 1 740

Where all is calm and clear ; with Nature round. Or in the Harry regions, or th' abyfs, ''i'o Reafon's and to Fancy's eye difplay'd : The Firji up-tracing, from the dreary void. The chain of caufes and efFedls to Him, 1745

The world-producing EfTence, who alone Pofl~efl!es being ; while the Lnji receives The whole magnificence of heaven and earth. And every beauty, delicate or bold. Obvious or more remote, with livelier fenfe, '^1^'^

pifFufive painted on the rapid mind.

Tutor'd by thee, hence Poetry exalts Her voice to ages ; and informs the page With mufic, image, fentiment, and thought. Never to die ! the treafure of mankind 1 1755

Their higheft honour, and their truell joy !

Without thee what v.'ere unenlighten'd man ? A favage roaming through the woods and wilds.

In

SUMMER. 107

In quell of prey; and with th' unfaihion'd fur

Rough-clad ; devoid of every finer art, l yCd

And elegance of life. Nor happinefs

Domeftic, mix'd of tendernefs and care.

Nor moral excellence, nor fecial blifs.

Nor guardian law were his ; nor various /kill

To turn the furrow, or to guide the tool 1 765

Mechanic; nor the heaven-conducfled prow

Of navigation bold, that fearlefs braves

The burning line, or dares the wintery pole;

Mother fevere of infinite deHghts !

Nothing, fave r?.p:ne, indolence, and guile, ^77^

And woes on woe?, a Hill-revolving train !

Whofe horrid circle had made human life

That lion-exirtence worfe : but, taught by thee.

Ours are the plans of policy and peace;

To live like brotheri, and conjunctive all 1 7"^?

Ernbellilh life. While thus laborious crowds

Ply the tough oar, Philofophy diredls

The ruling helm ; or like the liberal breath

Of potent heaven, invifible, the f lil

Swells out, and bears th' inferior world along. 1780

Nor to this evanefcent fpeck of earth Poorly conhii'd, the radiant trafls on hieh Are her exalted range ; intent to gaze Creation through; and, from that full complex Of never-ending vvondcrs, to conceive 1785

Of the Sole Being right, who /poh the Word, And Nature mov'd complete. With inward view.

Thence en th' ideal kingdom fr>ift flie turns

He^

foS THOMSON'S POEMS.

Her eye ; and inftant, at her powerful glance,

Th' obedient phantoms vaniih or appear; ^79*3

Compound, divide, and into order (hift.

Each to his rank, from plain preception up

To the fair forms of Fancy's fleeting train :

To reafon then, deducing truth from truth ;

And notion quite abllracl; where firft begins 179^

The world of fpirits, action all, and life

Unfetter'd, and unmixt. But here the cloud.

So wills Eternal Providence, fits deep.

Enough fjr us to know that this dark Hate,

In wayward paflions loft, and vain purfuits, 1 800

This Infancy of Being, cannot prove

The final iffae of the works of God,

By boundlefs Love and perfeft Wifdom form'd.

And ever riung with the rifmg mind.

AUTUMN

AUTUMN, 1730.

ARGUMENT.

The fubjecl propofed. Addrefied to Mr. Onflow. A profpecl of the fields ready for harvelL Refledions in praife of induftry raifed by that view. Reaping, A tale relative to it. A harveft-ftorm. Shooting and hunting, their barbarity. A ludicrous account of fox-hunting. A view of an orchard. Wall-fruit. A vineyard. A defcription of fogs, frequent in the latter part of Autumn : whence a digreffion, en- quiring into the rife of fountains and rivers. Birds of fealbn confidered, that now fhift their habitation. The prodigious number of them that cover the nor- thern and weftern ifles of Scotland. Hence a view of the country. A profpecfl of the difcoloured, fading woods. After a gentle dufky day, moon-light. Autumnal meteors. Morning : to which fucceeds a calm, pure, fun-fhiny day, fuch as ufually fliuts up the feafon. The harveft being gathered-in, the country diflblved in joy. The whole concludes with a panegyric on a philofophical country life.

t >" ]

AUTUMN.

/^RO WN*D with the fickle and the wheaten fheaf, ^^ While Autumn, nodding o'er the yellow plain. Comes jovial on : the Doric reed once more. Well 4)leas'd, I tune. Whate'er the Wintery froft Nitrous prepar'd; the various-blofibm'd Spring 5

Put in white promife forth ; and Summer funs Conco6led ftrong, rufli boundlefs now to view. Full, perfect all, and fwell my glorious theme. • Onflow I the Mufe, ambitious of thy name. To grace, infpire, and dignify her fong, 10

Would from the Public Voice thy gentle ear A while engage. Thy noble care Ihe knows. The patriot virtues that diftend thy thought. Spread on thy front, and in thy bofom glow ; While liftening fenates hang upon thy tongue, 1 5

Devolving through the maze of eloquence A roll of periods fvveeter than her fong. But Ihe too pants for public virtue ; (he Though weak of power, yet ftrong in ardent will. Whene'er her country rufnes on her heart, 20

AiTumes a bolder note, and fondly tries To mix the patriot's with the poet's flame.

When the bright Virgin gives die beauteous days. And Libra weighs in equal fcales the year ;

From

lit THOMSON'S POEMS.

From heaven's high cope the fierce effulgence fhook 25

Of parting fummer, a ferener blue,

V/ith golden light enliven'd, wide inverts

The happy world* Attemper'd funs arife.

Sweet- beam'd, and fiiedding oft through lucid clouds

A pleafmg calm ; v.'hile broad, and brown, below 30

Bxtenfive harvcil hang the heavy head.

Rich, filent, deep, they ftand j for not a gale

Rolls its light billov/s o'er the bending plain :

A calm of plenty ! till the rufHed air

Falls from its poife, and gives the breeze to blow. ^5

Rent is the fleecy mantle of the fky;

The clouds fly difierent ; and the fudden fun

By fits effulgent gilds th' illumin'd field. And black by fits the fhadows fvveep along.

A gaily-checker'd heart-expanding view, 40

Far as the circling eye can (hoot around,

Unbounded tofling in a flood of corn.

Thefe are thy blefiings, Induftry ! rough power ;

Whom labour fail attends, and fvveat, and pain;

Yet the kind fource of every gentle art, 45

And all the foft civility of life :

Fvaifer of human-kind I by Nature caft,

Naked, and helplefs, out amid the woods

And wilds, to rude inclement elements;

With various feeds of art deep in the mind 50

Implanted, and profufely pour'd around

Materials infinite ; but idle all.

Still unexerted, in th' unconfcious breafl.

Slept the lethargic powers ; corruption ilill>

Vora-

AUTUMN. iij

Voracious, fwallow'd what the liberal hand 55

Of bounty fcatter'd o'er the favage year:

And llill the fad barbarian, roving, mix'd

With beafts of prey ; or for his acorn-meal

Fought the fierce tufky boar ; a ihivering wretch !

Aghaft, and comfortkfs, when the bleak north, 6a

With winter charg'd, let the mix'd tempeft fly.

Hail, rain, and fnow, and bitter-breathing froft :

Then to the fhelter of the hut he fled ;

And the wild feafon, fordid, pin'd away.

For home he had not ; home is the refort 65

Of love, of joy, of peace and plenty, where.

Supported and fupported, polifh'd fiiends.

And dear relations mingle into blifs.

But this the rugged favage never felt,

Ev'n defolate in crowds ; and thus his days 70

Roli'd heavy, dark, and unenjoy'd along :

A wafte of time ! till IndQllry approach 'd.

And rous'd him from his miferable Hoth :

His faculties unfolded ; pointed out

Where lavilli Nature the diredling hand 7^

Of Art demanded ; fhew'd him how to raife

His feeble force by the mechanic powers.

To dig the mineral from the vaulted earth.

On what to turn the piercing rage of fire.

On what the torrent, and the gather'd blall; 8a

Gave tlie tall ancient forell: to his axe ;

Taught him to chip the wood, and hew tlie fione.

Till by degrees the finifh'd fabric rofe ;

Tprje from hii limb; the blood-polluted fur.

Vol. LIV. I And

ti4 THOMSON'S POEMS.

And wrapt them in the woolly veftment warm, 85

Or bright in glofly filk, and flowing lawn ;

With vvholefome viands fill'd his table, pour'd

The generous glafs around, infpir'd to wake

The life-reHning foul of decent wit :

Nor ilop'd at barren bare neceffity ; 90

But, mil advancing bolder, led him on

To pomp, to pleafure, elegance, and grace ;

And, breathing high ambition through his foul.

Set fcience, vvildom, glory, in his view.

And bade him be the Lord of all below. 95

Then gathering men their natural powers combin'd. And form'd a Publick; to the general good Submitting, aiming, and conducting all. For this the Patriot-Council met, the full. The free, and fairly reprefented '^u/^o/^ j ico

For this they plann'd the holy guardian laws, Diftinguith'd orders, animated arts, And, with joint force Oppreflion chaining, fet Imperial Juftice at the helm ; yet ilill To them accountable ; nor flaviOi dream'd 105

That toiling millions murt refign their weal. And all the honey of their fearch, to fjch As for themfelves alone themfelves have rais'd.

Hence every form of cultivated life In-order fet, proteifled, and infpir'd, Iio

Into perfedion wrought. Uniting all Society grew numerous, high, polite. And happy. Nurfe of art ! the city rear'd In beauteous pride her towei--&ncirded head ; 114

And,

AUTUMN. IIS

And, ftretching ftreet en Hreet, by thoufands drew. From twining woody haunts, or the tough yew To bows ftrong-ftralning, her afpiiing fons.

Then Commerce brought into the public walk The bufy merchant ; the big warehoufe built ; 120

Rais'd the ftrong crane ; choak'd up the loaded Ilreet With foreign plenty ; and thy ftream, 0 Thames, Large, gentle, deep, majeiHc, king of floods! Chofe for his grand refort. On either hand. Like a long \\>intery foreft, groves of malls Shot up their fpires ; the bellying fheet between 125 PolTefs'd the breezy void ; the footy hulk Steer'd fiuggidi on ; the fplendid barge along Row'd, regular, to harmon}' ; around. The boat, light fkimming, ftretch'd its ozry wings ; While deep the various voice of fervent toil 1 3©

From bank to bank increas'd ; whence ribb'd with oak To bear the Britiih Thunder, black, and bold, T"he roaring veffel rufh'd into the main.

Then too the pillar'd dome, magnific, heav*d Its ample roof; and Luxury within 135

Pour'd out her glittering ftores ; the canvas fmooth. With glo\^ing life protuberant, to the view Embodied rofe ; the ftatue feem'd to breathe. And foften into flelh, beneath the touch Of forming art, imagination-flufh'd. 1 40

All is the gift of Induftry ; u'hate'er Exalts, embeilifhes, and renders life Delightful. Penfive Winter chear'd by him Sits at the fecial fire, and happy hears

I 2 1 h'

ti6 THOiMSON's POEMS.

Th' excluded tempeft idly rave along ; 1 45

His harden'd fingers deck the gaudy Spring;

Without him Summer were an arid vvalle ;

Nor to th' Autumnal months could thus tranfmit

Thofe full, mature, immeafurable ftores.

That, waving round, recall my wandering fong. 150

Soon as the morning trembles o'er the fky. And, unperceiv'd, unfolds the fpreading day ; Before the ripen'd iield the reapers Hand, Jn fair array ; each by the lafs he loves, I'o bear the rougher part, and mitigate 1 55

By namelefs gentle offices her toil. At once they floop and fwell the lufty fheaves ; While through their chearful band the rural talk. The rural fcandal, and the rural jell. Fly harmlefs, to deceive the tedious time, 1 60

And fieal unfelt the fultry hours away. Behind the mailer walks, builds-up the fliocks ; And, confcious, glancing oft on every fide His fated eye, feels his heart heave with joy. The gleaners fpread around, and hei-e and there, 165 Spil:e after fpike, their fcanty harvell: pick. Be not too narrow, hufbandmen ! but fling From the full fheaf, with charitable Health, The liberal handful. Think, oh, grateful think ! How good the God of Harvell is to you; 170

Who pours abundance o'er your flowing fields ; While thefe unhappy partners of your kind Wide-hover round you like the fowls of heaven. And afk their humble dole. The various turns

A U T U iM N. 117

Of fortune ponder ; that your fens may want I75

What now, with hard relu^ance, faint, ye give.

The lovely young Lavinia once had friends; And Fortune fmil'd, deceitful, on her birth. For, in her helplefs years depriv'd of all. Of every flay, favs Innocence and Heaven, I So

She, with her widow'd mother, feeble, old. And poor, liv'd in a cottage, far retir'd Among the windings of a woody vale ; By folitude and deep furrounding Ihades, Eat more by baHiful modefly, conceal'd. J 85

Together thus they fhunn'd the cruel fcorn Which virtue, funk to poverty, would meet From giddy paifion and low-minded pride : Almoft on Nature's common bounty fed ; Like the gay birds that fung them to repofe, 1 90

Content, and carelefs of to-morrow's fare. Her form was frefher than the morning rofe. When the dew wets its leaves ; unftain'd and pure. As is the lily, or the mountain fnow. The modell virtues mingled in her eyes, 1 95

Still on the ground dejeiled, darting all Their humid beams into the blooming flowers : Or when the mournful tale her mother told. Of what her faithlel's fortune promis'd once, Thrill'd in her thought, they, like the dewy flar 200 Of evening, fhone in tears. A native grace Sat fair-proportion'd on her poliili'd limbs, Veil'd in a fimple robe, their beil attire. Beyond the pomv of drefs ; for lovelinefs

I < ' Needs

itS THOMSON'S POEMS.

Need? not the foreign aid of ornament, 205

But 13 wKen uaadorn'd adorn'd the moll.

Tiioughtlefs of beauty, flie was beauty's felf,

Reclufe amid the clofe -embowering woods.

As in the hollow breafl of Appenine,

Eenqath the fhcker of encircling hills 210

A myrtle rifes, fir from human eye.

And breathes its balmy fragrance o'er the wild;

So fiouri.li'd blooming,, and un.een by all.

The fwest Lavinia ; till, at length, compel'd

Byfuong Necefiity's fupreme command, 215

With fmiling patience in lier looks, fhe went

To glean Palemon's fie'ds. The pride of fwains

Palemon was, the generous, aixl the rich ;

Who led the rnral life in all its.joy

And elegance, fuch as Arcadian fong 220

Tranfmits from aiKient uncorrupted times ;

When tyrant cuilom. had not iTiackled man.

But free to follow nature was the mode.

Ke then, his fancy with autumnal fcenes

AmvffmS', chanc'd befide his reaper-train 225

To walk, when poor Lavitiia drew- his eye ;

Unconfcicus of her power, and turning quick

With unaiTcflsd biufhes from his gaze :

He faw her charming, but he faw not half

The charms her downcaft modefty conceai'd. 230

That very moment love and chafte defire

Sprung in his boibm, to himfelf unknown ;

For ftili the world prevaii'd, and its dread laugh.

Which fcarce the iirip philpfopher can fccrn.

Should

AUTUMN. 1T9

Should his heart own a gleaner in the field : 235

And thus in fecret to his foul he figh'd.

*' What pity! that To delicate a form, " By beauty kindled, where enlivening fenfe " And more than vulgar gooduefs feem to dwell, *' Should be devoted to the rude embrace 240

** Of fome indecent clown ! She looks, methinks, " Of old Acafto's line ; and to my mind *' Recalls that patron of my happy life, *' From whom my liberal fortune took its rife ; ** Now to the dull gone down ; his houfes, lands, 245 *' And once fair-fpreading family, difiblv'd. *' 'Tis faid that in fome lone obfcure retreat, *' Urg'd by remembrance fad, and decent pride, *' Far from thcfe fcenes which knew their better days, *' His aged widow and hii daughter live, 250

•' Whom yet my fruitlefs fearcli could never find. *' Romantic wifh 1 would this the daughter were I'*

When, ftrifl enquiring, from berfelf he found She was the fame, the daughter of his friend. Of bountiful Acafto ; who can fpeak 255

The mingled pafiions that furpris'd his heart. And through his nerves in fhivering tranfport ran ? Then blaz'd his fmother'd flame, avow'd, and bold ; A.nd as he view'd her, ardent, o'er and o'er. Love, gratitude, and pity, wept at once. 260

Confus'd, and frighten'd at his fudden tears. Her rifing beauties fialli'd a higher bloom. As thus Palemon, paliionate and jufl, Pour'd GUI the picu£ rapture of his foul.

I 4 " And,

120 THOMSON'S POEMS.

" And art thou then Acallo's dear remains? 265 *' She, whom my reliefs gratitude has fought " So long in vain ? O, heavens I the vtry lame, " The foften'd image of my noble friend, " Alive his every look, his every feature, " More elegantly touch'd. Sweeter than Spring ! 270 " Thou fole furviving bloirom from the root ** That nounfii'd up my fortune! Say, ah where, " In what fequefler'd defert, hall thou drawn *' The kindell afpedl of delighted Heaven ? *' Into fuch beauty fpread, and blown fo fair ; 275 *' Though poverty's cold wind, and crufhiiig rain, " Beat keen, and heavy, on thy tender years ? " O let me now, into a richer foil, *' Tranfplant thee fafe ! where vernal funs, and fhowers, '^ Diftufe their warmcft, largell influence; 280

'' And of my garden be the pride, and joy ! " III it befits thee, oh, it ill befits *' Acallo's daughter, his whcfe open ftores, *' Though vaft, were little to his ampler heart, " The father of a country, thus to pick 285

*' The very refafe of thofe harvefl-fields, *' Which from his bounteous friendfliip I enjoy. " Then throw that (hameful pittance from thy hand, " But ill apply'd to fuch a rugged tafk ; ** Tlie fields, the mailer, all, my fair, are thine; 290 '* If to the various bleflings which thy houfe *' Has on me laviOi'd, thou wilt add that blifs, *' That deareft blifs, the power of bleffing thee !'*

Here

A U T U M N. lit

Kere ceas'd the youth, yet ftill his fpeaking eye Exprefs'd the facred triumph of his foul, 295

With confcious virtue, gratitude, and love. Above the vulgar joy divinely rais'd. Nor waited he reply. Won by the charm Of goodnefs irrefiilible, and all

In fweet diforder loft, fhe blulh'd confent. 3C0

The news immediate to her mother brought. While, pierc'd with anxious thought, fhe pin'd away The lonely moments for Lavinia's fate ; Amaz'd, and fcarce believing what fhe heard, Joy feiz'd her wither'd veins, and one bright gleam Of fetting life fhone on her evening hours : ^cr

Not lefs enraptured than the happy pair ; Who flourilh'd long in tender blifs, and rear'd A numerous offspring, lovely like themfelves. And good, the grace of all the country round, 310.

Defeating oft the labours of the year. The fultry fouth coilects a potent blafl. At nrft, the groves are fcarcely feen to llir Their trembHng tops ; and a iiili murmur runs Along the foft-inciining helds of corn. i 31-

But as th' aerial tempeft fuller fwelL-, I

And in one mighty l^ream, invifible, Immenfe, the whole excited atmolphere. Impetuous rufxies o'er the founding world : Strain'd to the root, the ftcoping foreft pours 323

A ruftling fhower cf yet untimely leaves. High-beat, the circling mouatains eddy in. From the bare wild, the dilTipated {lorm.

And

^^^ THOMSON'S POEMS.

Arid fend it in a torrent down the vale.

Expos'd, and naked, to its utmoft rage, 2 25

Through all the fea of harveft rolling round.

The billowy plain floats wide ; nor can evade.

Though plipjit to the blail, its feizing force ;

Or whirl'd in air, or into vacant chaff

Shook vvafte. And fomedYnes too a burft of rain, 330

Swept from the black horizon, broad, defcends

In one cominuous flood. Still over head

The mingling tempefl: weaves its gloom, and ilill

The deluge deepens ; till the fields around

Lie funk, and flatted, in the fordid wave. 335

Sudden, the ditches fwell ; the meadows fwim.

Red, from the hills, innumerable flreams

Tumultuous roar ; and high above its banks

The river lift ; before vvhofe rufhing tide.

Herds, flocks, and harvefis, cottages, and fwains, 340

P-olI mincrled down; all that the winds had fpar'd

In one wild moment ruin'd ; the big hopes.

And H'ell-earn'd treafures of the painful year.

Fled to fome eminence, the hufljandman

Hetplefs beholds the miferable wreck ^45

Driving along; his drowning ox at once

Defcending, with his labours fcatter'd round.

Fie fees ; and inftant o'er his fliivering thought

Comes Winter unprovided, and a train

<3f clamant children dear. Ye mailers, then, 350

Be mirdful of the rough lai)orious hand.

That fink '3 you foft in elegance and eafe ;

Be mindful of thofe limbi in raflet cl?d

Whofe

A U.T U M N. i^y

Vv-'hofe tori to yours is warmth, and graceful pride ;

And, oh! be mindful of that fparing board, 3^5

V/hich covers yours with luxury profufe.

Makes your glafs fparkle, and your fenfe rejoice i

Nor cruelly demand what the deep rains

And all-involving winds have fwept away.

Here the rude elanjour of the fportfman's joy, 360 The gun fait -thundering, and the winded horn, \Vould tempt the Mufe to iing the rural game : How, in his mid-career, the fpaniel Ilruck, Stiif, by the tainted giile, with open nofe, Qut-flretch'd, and finely fenfible, ^ra^s full, 365

peaiTul, and. cautious, on the latent prey ; As in the fun. the circling covey baHc Their va.-^^d plumes, and watchful every way. Through the rough ilubble turn the fecret eye. Caughc in the meiny fnare, in vain they beat 370

Their idle wings, entangled more and mere : Nor on. the furges of the boundlefs air. Though borne iriamphant, are they fafe ; the p-un, Glanc'd juft, and fjdden, from the fowler's eye O'trtakes their founding pinions 9 and again, 37 r

immediate, brings them from the towering uang. Dead to the ground ; or drives them wide-difpers'd. Wounded, and wheeling various, down the wind.

Thtie are not fubjesSts for the peaceful Mule, Nor will fne fein with fuch her fpotlefs fong j 3 3q

Then moll: delighted, when fhe locial fees The v\ao!e mix'd animal-cieation round Alive, zn-l happy. 'Tl^; not joy to her,

Thi^

1S4 THOMSON'S POEMS.

This falfely-chearful barbarous game of death ;

This rage of pleafare, which the relHefs youth 385

Awakes, impatient, with the gleaming morn ;

When bcafts of prey retire, that all night long,

Urg'd by neceffity, had rang'd the dark.

As if their confcious ravage fhun'd the light,

Afham'd. Not fo the fleady tyrant man, 390

Who with the though tlefs infolence of power

Inilam/d, beyond the moll infuriate wrath

Of the worfl monfter that e'er roam'd the waHe,

For fport alone purfues tlie cruel chace.

Amid the beamings of the gentle days. 395

Upbraid, ye ravening tribes, our wanton rage.

For hunger kindles you, and lawlefs want ;

But iavilh fed, in Nature's bounty roU'd,

To joy at anguilh, and delight in blood.

Is what your horrid bofonis never knew. 400

Poor is the triumph o'er the timid hare ! Scar'd from the corn, and novv to fome lone feat Retir'd : the ruihy fen ; the ragged furze, Stretch'd o'er the fiony heath ; the ftubble chapt ; The thiftly lawn ; the thick entangled broom ; 405 Of the fame friendly hue, the wither'd fern; The- fallow ground laid open to the fun, Concoftlve ; and the nodding fandy bank. Hung o'er the mazes of the mountain brook. Vain is her bell: precaution; though fhe fits 410

Conceal'd, with folded years ; unfleeping eyes. By Nature rais'd to take th' horizon in ; And head couch'd clofe betwixt her hairy feet.

In

AUTUMN. ,i^

In a6l to Tprlng away. The fcented dew

Betrays her early labyrinth ; and deep, 41^

In fcatter'd fallen openings, far behind.

With every breeze Ihe hears the coming florm.

But nearer, and more frequent, as it loads

The fighing gale, (he fprings amaz'd, and all

The favage foul of game is up at once : 420

The pack full-opening, various ; the ilirill horn

Refounded from the hills ; tlie neighing Heed,

Wild for the chace ; and the loud hunter's ihout ;

O'er a weak, harmiefs, flying creature, all

Mix'd in mad tumult, and difcordant joy. 425

The flag too, fmgled from the herd, where long He rang'd the branching monarch of the lliades. Before the tempefl drives. At firft, in fpeed He, fprightly, puts his faith ; and, rous'd by fear. Gives all his fwift aerial foul to flight ; 430

Againft the breeze he darts, that way the more To leave the lefl^ening murderous cry behind : Deception fliort ! though fleeter than the winds Blown o'er the keen-air'd mountains by the north. He burlls the thickets, glances through the glades, 435 And plunges deep into the wildeft wood ; If flow, yet fure, adheflve to the track Hot-fteaming, up behind him come again Th' inhuman route, and from the fliady depth Expel him, circling tlirough his every iliift. 440

He fweeps the foreil oft ; and fobbing fees The glades, mild opening to the golden day ; Where, in kind ccntefl, vvitli his butting friciids

He

i-6 THCMSON'5 iPOEMS.

He wont to ftruggle, or his loves enjcr/.

Ok in the full-defcending flood he tries 445

To I'-ife the fc^nt, and lavs his burning fides :

Oftfeeks the herd; the watchful herd, aiarm'd.

With fel ftfn care avoid a brother's Woe.

What (hall he do? His once (o vivid nerves,

S'o full cf buoyant fplrit, now no more 450

Irapire the courfe ; but fainting breathlefs toil.

Sick, feiecs on his heart: he ftands at bay;

And puts his kft weak refuge in defpair.

The big round tears run down his dappled face ;

He groans in anguiih ; while the growling pack, 455

Blood-happy, hang at his fair jutting chell.

And mark his beauteous checker'd fides with gore.

Of this enough. But if the fylvan youth, Wbofe fervent blood boils into violence. Mull: have the chace ; behold, defpifing fliglit, 460 The rous'd-up lion, refolute, and flow. Advancing full on the protended fpear, A.nd coward-band, that circling wheel aloof. Slunk from the cavern, and the troubled wood. See the grim wolf; on him his fliaggy foe 465

Vindiflive fix, and Ic-t the ruffian die : Or, growling horrid, as the brindled boar Grins fell deftruffbion, to the monger's heart Let the dart lighten from the nervous arm. 469

Thefe Britain knows not ; give, ye Britons, then Your fportive fury, pitylefs, to pour Loofe on the nightly robber of the fold : Him, from his craggy v/inding haunts unearlhM,

Let

AUTUMN. nr

Let all the thunder of the chace purfue.

Throw the broad ditch behind you ; o'er the hedge 475

High-bound, refilllcfs ; nor the deep morafs

Rcfufe, but through the fhaking wilderncrs

Pick your nice way ; into the perilous flood

Bear fearlefs, of the raging inlHnft full ;

And as you ride the torrent, to the banks 480

Your triumph found fonorous, running round,

From rock to rock, in cu-cling echoes toli ;

Then fcale the mountains to their woody tops ;

Rufli down the dangerous [teep ; and o'er die lawn.

In fancy fwallovving up the fpace between, 485

Pour all your fpeed into the rapid game.

For happy he ! who tops the wheeling chace ;

Has every maze evolv'd, and every guile

Difclos'd ; who knows the merits of the pack ;

Who favv the villain feiz'd, and dying hard, 490

Without complaint, though by an hundred mouths

Relentlefs torn : O glorious he, beyond

His daring peers ! when the retreating horn

Calls them to ghoftly halls of grey renown.

With woodland honours grac'd ; the fox's fur, 495

Depending decent from the roof; and fpread

Round the drear walls, with antick figures fierce.

The ftag's large front : he then is loudeft heard.

When the night .iiaggers with feverer toils.

With feats ThelTalian Centaurs never knew, 500

And their repeated wonders ihake the, dome.

But firft the fueled chimney blazes wide ; The tankards foam; and the ilrong table groans

Beneath

,28 THOMSON'S POEMS.

Beneath the fmoking furloin, llretch'd immenfe

From fide to fide ; in which, with defperate knife, 505

The)' deep incifion make, and talk the while

Of England's glory, ne'er to be defac'd

While hence they borrow vigour : or amain

Into the pafly plung'd, at intervals.

If flomach keen can intervals allow, 510

Relating all the glories of the chace.

l\hen fated Hunger bids his brother Thirfl

Produce the mighty bowl ; the mighty bowl,

Sweli'd high v/ith fiery juice, fleams liberal round

A potent gale, delicious as the breath 515

Of Maia to the love-fick fhepherdefs.

On violets diffus'd, while foft fhe hears

Ker panting fnepherd flealing to her arms..

Nor wanting is the brov/n October, drawn.

Mature and perfedl, from his dark retreat 520

Of thirty years ; and now his honefl front

Flames in the light refulgent, not afraid

Ev'n with the vineyard's bell produce to vie.

To cheat the thirfly moments, Whifl a while

Walks his dull round, beneath a cloud of fmoke, 525

V/reath'd, fragrant, from the pipe ; or the quick dice.

In thunder leaping from the box, awake

The founding gammon : while romp-loving mifs

Is haul'd about, in gallantry roburl.

At lail thefe puHng idlenelTes laid 530

Afid^, frequent and full, the dry divan Clofe in firm circle ; and fet, ardent, in For ferious drinking. Nor e'/afion fly.

Nor

AUTUMN. i2>

Nor fober fhlft, is to the puking wretch

Indulg'd apart; but earneft, brimming bowls 535

Lave every foul, the table floating round.

And pavement, faithlefs to the fuddled foot.

Thus as they fwim in mutual fwill, the talk.

Vociferous at once from twenty tongues, 539

Reels faft from theme to theme ; from horfes, hounds.

To church or miftrefs, poHtics or ghoft.

In endlefs mazes, intricate, perplex'd.

Mean-time, with fudden interruption, loud,

Th' impatient catch biu-fts from the joyous heart;

That moment touch'd is every kindred foulj 54 j

And, opening in a full-mouth'd cry of joy.

The laugh, the flap, tlie jocund curfe, go round ;

While, from their flumbers Ihook, the kennei'd hounds

Mix in the mufic of the day again.

As when the tempell, that has vex'd the deep 550

The dark night long, with fainter murmurs falls :

So gradual finks their mirth. Their feeble tongues

Unable to take up the cumbrous word.

Lie quite diflblv'd. Before their maudlin eyes.

Seen dim, and blue, the double tapers dance, 555

Like the fun wading through the mifiy iky.

Then Hiding fofc, they drop. Confus'd above,

GlaiTes and bottles, pipes and gazetteers.

As if the table ev'n itfelf was drunk.

Lie a wet broken fcene; and wide, below, 560

Is heap'd the focial fiaughter ; where allride

The lubber Po-xvcr in filthy triumph fits.

Slumberous, inclining flill from fide to fide.

Vol. LIV- K And

t^o THOMSON'S POEMS.

And fteeps tl"iem drench'd in potent fleep till morn.

Perhaps fome dodor, of tremendous paunch, 565

Aweful and deep, a black abyfo of drink.

Out-lives them all ; and from his bury'd flock

Retiring, full of rumination fad,

Laments the vveaknefs of thefe latter times.

But if the rougher fex by this fierce fport 570

Is hurried wild, let not fuch horrid joy E'er ftain the bofom of the Britilh Fair. Far be the fpirit of the chace from them ! Uncomely courage, unbefeeming fkill ; To fpring the fence, to rein the prancing fleed ; 575 The cap, the whip, the mafculine attire ; In which they roughen to the fenfe, and all The winning foftnefs of their fex is loft. In them 'tis graceful to diflblve at woe ; With every motion, every word, to wave 580

Quick o'er the kindling cheek the ready bluih ; And from the fmalleft violence to flirink Unequal, then the lovelieft in their fears ; And by this filent adulation, foft. To their protection more engaging man. 585

O may their eyes no miferable fight. Save weeping lovers, fee ! a nobler game. Through Love's enchanting wiles purfued, yet fled. In chace ambiguous. May their tender limbs Float in the loofe fimplicity of drefs ! 590

And, falhion'd all to harmony, alone Know they to feize the captivated foul. In rapture warbled from love-breathing lips ;

To

A U T U M N. ij%

To teach the lute to languifh ; with fmooth ftep,

Difclofing motion in its every charm, 595

To fwim along, and fwell the mazy dance ;■

To train the foliage o'er the fnowy lawn ;

To guide the pencil, turn the tuneful page ;

To lend new flavour to the fruitful year.

And heighten Nature's dainties : in their race 600

To rear their graces into fecond life ;

To give fociety its high eft tafte j

Well-order'd home man's belt delight to make ;

And by fi^miifive wifdom, modeft ikill,

With every gentle care-eluding art, 605

To raife the virtues, animate ths blifs.

And iweeten all the toils of human life :

This be the female dignity, and praife.

Ye fwains, now hailen to the hazel bank; Where, down yon dale, the wildly- winding brook 610 Falls hoarfe from fteep to fteep. In clofe array. Fit for the thickets and the tangling fhrub. Ye virgins come. For you their lateft fong The woodlands raife ; the cluftering nuts for you The lover finds amid the fecret (hade ; 615

And, where they burnifh on the topmoft bough. With adlive vigour crufhes down the tree ; Or fhakes them ripe from the refigning haik, A gloiTy fhower, and of an ardent brown. As are the ringlets of Melinda's hair : 620

Melinda 1 form'd with every grace complete. Yet thefe negleding, above beauty wife. And far tranfcendirig fuch a vulgar praife.

K 2 Hence

13Z THOMSON'S POEMS,

Hence from the bufy joy-refounding fields. In chearful error. Jet us tread the maze 625

Of Autumn, unconfin'd ; and tafte, revived. The breath of orchard big vvitli bending fruit. Obedient to the breeze and beating ray. From the deep-loaded bough a mellow ihower Incefiant melts away. The juicy pear 6^0

Lies, in a foft profufion, fcatter'd round. A various fweetnefs fwells the gende race ; By Nature's all-refining hand prepar'd; Of temper'd fun, and v»'ater, earth, and air. In ever-changing compofition mixt. 635

Such, falling frequent through the chiller night. The fragrant llores, the wide-projeded heaps Of apples, which the lufty-handed year, Innumerous, o'er the blufhing orchard fhakes. A various fpirit, frelh, delicious, keen, 640

Dwells in their gelid pores ; and, adive, points The piercing cyder for the thirfty tongue : Thy 7iati'ue theme, and boon infpirer too, Phillips, Pomona's bard, the fecond thou Who nobly durft, in rhyme-unfetter'd verfe, 645

With Britifli freedom fing tlie Britiih fong : How, from Si'-urian vats, high-fparkling wines Foam in tranfparent floods ; feme ilrong, to cheer The wintery revels of the labouring hind ; And tafteful fome, to cool the fummer-hours. 650

In this glad feafon, while his fweetell beams The fun fheds equal o'er the meeken'd day; Oh, lofe me in the green delightful walks

AUTUMN. X3i

Of, Doddlngton, thy feat, ferene, and plain ;

Where fimple Nature reigns ; and every view, 65 5

Diffafive, fpreads the pure Dorfetian downs.

In boundlefs profped : yonder fhagg'd with wood.

Here rich with harveft, and there white with flocks !

Meantime the grandeur of thy lofty dome,

Far-fplendid, feizes on the ravifli'd eye, 660

New beauties rife with each revolving day ;

New columns f*vell; and ftill the frelh Spring finds

New plants to quicken, and new groves to green.

Full of thy genius all ! the Mufes' feat :

Where in the fecret bower, and winding v/alk, 665

For virtuous Young and thee they twine the bay.

Here wandering oft, fir'd with tlie reillefs thirfl

Of thy applaufe, I folitary court

Th' infpiring breeze : and meditate the book

Of Nature ever open : aiming thence, 670

Warm from the heart, to learn the moral fong.

Here, as I ileal along the funny wall.

Where Autumn ballis, with fruit empurpled deep.

My pleafmg themie continual prompts my thought :

Prefents the downy peach ; the fhining piumb ; 675

The ruddy, fragrant nectarine ; and dark.

Beneath his ample leaf, the lufcious fig.

The vine too here her curling tendrils (hoots ;

Hangs out her clufters, glowing to the fouth ',

And fcarcely wifhes for a warmer fky. 680

Turn we a moment Fancy's rapid flight To vigorous foils, and climes of fair extent ; Where, by the potent fun elated high,

Iv3 The

154- THOMSON'S POEMS.

The vineyard fwells refulgent on the day ;

Spreads o'er the vale ; or up the mountain dimbs, 685

Profuie ; and drinks amid the funny rocks.

From diff to chfFincreao'd, the heighten'd blaze.

Low bend the weighty boughs. The dufiers dear.

Half through the foliage feen, or ardent flame.

Or Ihine traniparent ; while perfe-flion breathes 69a

White o'er the turgent film the living dew.

As thus they brighten with exalted juice>

Touch'd into flavour by the mingling ray ;

The rural youth and virgins o'er the fii:ld,

Each fond for each to cull th' autumnal prime, 695

Exulting rove, and fpeak the vintage nigh.

Then comes the cruihing fwain ; the country floats.

And foams unbounded with the mafhy flood ;

7'hat by degrees ferniented and reiin'd.

Round the rais'd nations pours the cup of joy : 70Q

The claret fmooth, red as the lip we prefs

In fparkUng fancy, while we drain the bowl ;

The mellow-ta'Led Burgundy; and quick.

As is the wit it gives, the gay Champagne.

Now, by the cool declining year condens'd, 705 Defcend the copious exhalations, check'd As up the middle iky unfeen they ftole. And roll the doubling fogs around tlie hill. No more the mountain, horrid, vaft, fublime. Who pours a fweep of rivers from his fides, y\o

And high between contending kingdoms rear^ The rocky long divifian, fills the view With great variety ; but in a night

Of

A U T U M x\. 135

Of gathering vapour, from the baffled fenfe Sinks dark and dreary. Thence expanding far, 715 The huge duik, gradual, fvvallcws up the plain : ^'anilh the woods ; the dim-feen river feems Sullen, and flovv, to roll the inifly wave. Ev'n in the height of noon opprell, the fun Sheds weak, and blunt, his \vide-rtfra£led ray ; 720 Whence glaring oft, with many a broaden'd orb. He frights the nations. IndilHnd on earth. Seen through the turbid air, beyond the Hfe Obje>5ls appear ; and, wilder'd, o'er the wsi^e The fhepherd l^alks gigantic. Till at laft 725

Wreath'd dun around, in deeper circles IHll Succeliive clofing, iits the general fog Unbounded o'er the world ; and, mingling thick, A formlefs grey confufion covers all. As when of old (fo fung the Hebrew Bard) 730

Light, uncollecled, through the chaos urg'd Its infant way ; nor Order yet had drawn His lovely train from out the dubious gloom.

Thefe roving mills, that conrtant new begin To fmoke along the hilly country, thefe, 735

With weighty rains, and melted Alpine fnows. The mountain-cilterns fill, thofe arxiple flores Of water, fcoop'd among the hollow rocks ; Whence gufh the ftreanis, the ceaielefs fountains play. And their unfailing wealth the rivers draw. 740

Some fages fay, thart, where the nun^erous wave For ever lafnes the refounding fhore, Diiird tlirough tlie fandv ftratum, ever)' way,

' K 4 ' The

13^ THOMSON'S POEMS.

The waters with the fandy ftratum rife ;

Amid vvhofe angles infinitely flrain'd, 74?

They joyful leave their jaggy falts behind.

And clear and fweeten, as they foak along.

Nor flops the reftlefs fluid, mounting Hill,

Though oft amidft th' irriguous vale it fprings ;

But to the mountain courted by the fand, 750

That leads it d.rkling on in faithful maze.

Far from the parent-main, it boils again

Frefh into day ; and all the glittering hill

Is bright with fpoudng rills. But hence this vain

Amufive dream ! why lliould tlie waters love 755

To take fo far a journey to the hills.

When the fweet vallies offer to their toil

Inviting quiet, and a nearer bed ^

Or if, by blind ambition led aftray.

They mull afpire ; why fhould they fudden (lop 760

Among the broken mountain's rufhy delJs,

And, ere they gain its higheft peak, defert

7^h' attractive fand that charm'd their courfe fo Ion? ?

o

Befides, the hard agglomerating falts.

The fpoil of ages, would impervious choak 765

Their fecret cliannels ; or, by flow degrees.

High as the hills protrude the fwelling vales :

Old Ocean too, fuck'd through the porous globe.

Had long ere now forfook his horrid bed.

And brought Deucalion's watery times again. 770

Say then, wher^ lurk the vaft eternal fprings. That, like creating Nature, lie conceal'd From mortal eye, yet with their laviih floret

Refrefb

AUTUMN. 137

Refrefti the globe, and all its joyous tribes ?

O, thou pervading Genius, given to man, 775

To trace the fecrets of the dark abyfs,

O, lay the mountains bare ! and wide difplay

Their hidden ftrudure to th' aftoniih'd view !

Strip from the branching Alps their piny load ;

1"he huge incumbrance of horrific woods 780

From Allan Taurus, from Imaus ftretch'd

Athwart the roving Tartar's fullen bounds !

Give opening Hemus to my fearching eye,

A^nd high Olympus pouring many a ftream !

O, from the founding fummits of the north, 785

The Dofrine Hills, through Scandinavia roll'd

To fartheft Lapland and the frozen main;

From loft;,-- Caucafus, far-feen by thofe

Wno in the Cafpian and black Euxine toil;

From cold Riphean Rocks, which the wild Rufs 790

Believej the *J^cf7y girdle of the world ;

And all the dreadful mountains, wrapt in florm.

Whence wide Siberia drarvi her lonely floods ;

O, f-veep rh' eternal fnows ! Hung o'er the deep,

That ever works beneath his founding bafe, 795

Bid Atlas, propping heaven, as poets feign.

His fubterranean wonders fpread 1 unveil

The miny caverns, blazing on tlie day.

Of Abyfunia's cloud compelling cliffs,

* The Mufc'.vkes call the Riphean Mountains Weilkl Cameny- poys, th.i: is, tbs gnat ficrj C-irJli ; beciufe they fuppol': the.-n to (ocompafi the whole ear ;h.

And

ijS THOMSON'S POEMS.

A :d of the bending f Mountains of the Moon ! 800

O'ertopping all thefe giant fons of earth.

Let the dire Andes, fiom the radiant line

Stretch'd to tJ:ie ilormy feas that thunder round

The fouthern pole, their hideous deeps unfold !

Amazing fcene 1 Beliold ! the glooms difclofe, 805

I fee the rivers in their infant beds !

Deep, deep 1 hear them, labouring to get free 1

I fee the leaning Urata, artful rang'd ;

The gaping uffiires to receive the rains,

The melting fnows, and ever-drip>6irig fogs. 810

Strow'd bibulous above I fee the fands.

The pebbly gravel next, the layers then

Of mingled moulds, of more retentive earths.

The gutter'd rocks, and mazy-running clefts ;

That, while the lleaHng moilture they tranfmit, 815

Retard its motion, and forbid its wafte.

Beneath th' incelTant weeping of thefe drains,

I fee the rocky fvphons ftretch'd immenfe.

The mighty refervoirs, of harden'd chalk.

Or llifi' compaded clay, capacious form'd. 820

O'erriowing thence, the congregated ftores.

The cryibil treafares of the liquid world.

Through the flirr'd fands a bubbling pafTage burft;

And fwelling out, around the middle freep.

Or from the bottoms of the bofom'd hills, 825

la pure eiFufion flov/. United, thus,

Th' exhaling fan, the vapour-burden'd air,

f A ran_,e cf mountains in Africa, that furround almoft all Mo;:o-no:ap4,

TI18

A U T U M N. y^

The o-elid mountains, that to rain coridens'd

Thefe vapours in continual current draw.

And fend them, o*er the fair-divided earth, 830

In bounteous rivers to the deep again,

A fecial commerce hold, and firm fupport

The fuU-adjuIled harmony of things.

< When Autunin fcatters his dcr^rting gleams,

Warn'd of approaching Winter, gathered, play 83 j

The fvvallcvv-people ; and tofs'd wide around^

O'er the calm fky, in cor. volution f-^ift.

The feather'd eddy fioats : rejoicing once.

Ere to their wintery flumbers they retire ;

In cliillers clung, beneath the mouHering bank, 840

And where, unpierc'd by froft, the ca\'ern fvveats.

Or rather into warmer climes convey 'd,

Wiih other kindred birds of feafon, there

They t'.vitter chearful, till the vernal months

Invite them welcome back : for, thronging, nov/ 8-4^

Inniimerous wing.s are in commotion all.

Where the Rhine lofes Ids majeilic force In Belgian plains, won from the raging deep, Bv dilige. ce amazing, and the ftror.g Unccnqaerable hand of Liberty, 8-a>

The ilork-aiTembly meets ; for many a day, Confalting deep, and various, ere they take Their arduous voyage through the liquid (ky. And now their rout drhgn'd, their leaders chofe. Their tribes adjuiled, c>an'd their vigorous wings; And many a circle, m.:.!y a lliort efiay, 856

Whecl'd round and rour.dj in congregation full

The

J40 THOMSON'S POEMS.

The figur'd flight afcends ; and, riding high Th' aerial billows, mixes with the clouds.

Or where the Northern ocean, in vail whirls, 86q> Boils round the naked melancholy ifles Of farthell Thule, and th' Atlantic furge Pours in among the ftormy Hebrides ; Who can recount what tranfmigrations there Are annual made ? what nations come and go? 865 And how the living clouds on clouds ariie ? Infinite wings 1 till all the plume-dark air And rude re bounding Ihore are one wild cry.

Here the plain harmlefs native his fmall flock. And herd diminutive of many hues, 870

Tends on the little ifland's verdant fwell. The fliepherd's. fea-girt reign ; or, to the rocks Dire-clinging, gathers his ovarious food ; Or f.veeps the fifliy fliore ; or treafures up The plumage, rifing fjll, to form the bed 875

Of luxury. And here a while the Mufe, H'gh hovering o'er the broad coeralean fcene. Sees Caledonia, in romantic view : Her airy mountains, from tlie waving main, Inveiled with a keen dittufjve iky, 880

Breathing the foul acute ; her forelb huge, Incult, robaft, and tall, by Nature's hand Planted of old ; her azure lakes between, Pour'd out extenfive, and of watery wealth Full; winding deep, and green, her fertile x'ales ; 885 With many a cool tranflucent brimming flood Waili'd lovely from the Tweed [-ouxt parent Jlream^

Wliofe

AUTUMN. r+r

Whofe pafioral banks firft heard my Doric reed.

With, fylvan Jed, thy tributary brook)

To where the north-inflated tempell foams 890

O'er Orca's or Betubium's higheli peak :

Nurfe of a people, in misfortune's fcliool

Train'd up to hardy deeds ; foon vifited

By Learning, when before the Gothic rage

She took her weflern flight. A manly race, 895

Of unfubmitting fpirit, wife, and brave ;

Who fHll through bleeding ages ftruggled hard,

(As well unhappy Wallace can atteft.

Great patriot-hero ! ill-requited chief!)

To hold a generous undiminilh'd Hate ; goo

Too much in vain 1 Hence of unequal bounds

Impatient, and by tempting glory borne

O'er every land, for every land their life

Has flow'd profufe, their piercing genius plann'd.

And fvvell'd the pomp of peace their faithful toil. 905

As from their own clear north, in radiant Hreams,

Bright over Europe burils the Boreal Morn.

Oh, is there not fome patriot, in v.hcfe power That beil, that godlike Luxury is plac'd. Of bleffing thoufriads, thoufands yet unborn, 910

Through late pofteiity ? fome, large of foul. To chear dejeded induftry ? to give A doable harvefi to the pinhig f//ain? And teach the labouring hind the fweets of toil ? How, by the fineft art, the native robe 91 r

To weave ; how, white as Hyperborean faow. To form die iucid liv/ii ; witii venturous oar

How

14* T II O M S O N^ s POEMS,

How to dafli wid€ the billow ; nor look on.

Shamefully pafiive, while Batavian fleets

Defraud us ef the glittering finny fwarms, 920

That heave our friths, and crowd upon our ihores j

How all-enlivemng trade to roufe, and wing

The profperous fail, from every growing port>

Uninjur'd, round the fea-encircled globe j

Arrd thus, in foml united as in name> 925

Bid Britain reign the miftrefs of the deep ?

Yes, there are fuch. And full on theei Argyll, Her hope, her flay, her darling, and her boaft. From her firfl patriots and her heroes fprung. Thy fond imploring country turns her eye -, 930

In thee, with all a mother's triumph, fees Her every virtue, every grace combin'd. Her genius, wifdom> her engaging turn, Her pride of honour, and her courage try'd. Calm, and intrepid, in the very throat 935

Of fulphurous war, en Teniers' dreadful field. Nor lefs the palm of peace invvreathes thy brow : For, powerful as thy fvord, from thy rich tongue Perfuafion flows, and wins the high debate ; While mixM in thee combine the charm of youth, 940 The force of manhood, and the depth of age. Thee, Forbes, too, whom every worth attends. As truth fincere, as weeping friendihip kind. Thee, truly generous, and in filence great. Thy country feels through her reviving arts, 945

Plann'd by thy wifdom, by thy foul inform'd ; And feldom has fne known a friend like thee.

But

A U T U M N. 143

But fee tlie fading many-colour'd woods* Shade deepening over ihade, the country round Imbrovvn ; a crowded umbrage> dufk, and dun, 950 Of every hue, from wan-deciining green To footy dark. Thefe now the lonefome Mufe, Low-whifpering, lead into their leaf-ftrown walks. And give the feafon in its lateft view.

Meantime, light- ihado wing all, a fober calm 955 Fleeces unbounded sther ; whofe leail wave Stands tremulous, uncertain where to turn The gentle current : while illumin'd wide. The dewy-lkirted clouds imbibe the fun. And through their lucid veil his foften'd force 960

Shed o'er the peaceful world. Then is the time, For thofe whom wifdom and whom Nature charm. To freal themfelves from the degenerate crowd. And foar above this little fcene of things ; To tread low-thoughted vice beneath their feet ; 965 To foothe the tjirobbijig paiTions into peace ; And woo lone Quiet in her fiient walks.

Thus folitary, and in penfive guife. Oft let me wander o'er the rufiet mead, 969

And through the fadden'd grove, where fcarce is heard One dying ilrain, to chear the v/oodman's toil. Haply fome widow'd fongiler pours his plaint, t ar, in faint v/arblings, through the tawny copfe. While congregated thrulhes, linnets, lark:>. And each wild throat, vvhofe artiefs ftrains fo late 975 Sweird all the mufic of the fwarming Ihades,

Robb'd of their tuneful fouls, now Ihivering fit

On

144 THOMSON'S P OEMS.

On the dead tree, a dull defpondent flock ;

With not a brightnefs waving o'er their plumes.

And nought fave chattering difcord in their note. 980

O, let not, aim'd from fome inhuman eye.

The gun the mufic of the coming year

DeHroy ; and harmlefs, unfufpecling harm.

Lay the weak tribes a miferable prey.

In mingled murder,, fluttering on the ground ! 985

The pale defcending year, yet pleafmg ftiU, A gentler mood infpires ; for now the leaf Incefi'ant ruHles from the mournful grove ; Oft ilartling fjch as, ftudious, walk below. And flowly circles through the waving air. 990

But fliould a quicker breeze amid the boughs Sob, o'er the iky the leafy deluge ftreams ; Till choak'd, and matted with the dreary Ihower, The fore ft- walks, at ev>ery rifmg gale. Roll wide the vvither'd wafte, and whiftle bleak. 995 Fled is the blafted verdure of the fields ; And, Ihrunk into their beds, the flowery race Their funny robes reflgn. Ev'n what remain'd Of ftronger fruits falls from the naked tree ; And woods, fields, gardens, orchards, all around icco The defolated profpecl thrills the foul.

He comes ! he comes I in every breeze the Power Of Philofophic Melancholy comes ! Ills near approach the fudden-llarting tear. The glowing cheek, the mild dejecled air, ICQ5

The foften'd feature, and the beating heart, Pierc'd deep with m any a virtuous pang, declare.

O'er

A U T U M xV. 14.5

O'er all the foul his facred influence breathes !

Inflames imagination ; through the brealt

Ififules every tendernefs ; and far 1 010

Beyond dim earth exalts the fwelling thought.

Ten thoufand thoufand fleet ideas, fuch

As never mingled with the vulgar dream.

Crowd faft into the Miad's creative eye.

As fall the correfpondcnt paihons rife, 1015

As varied, and as high : Devotion rais'd

To rapture, and divine aftonifliment ;

The love of nature unconfin'd, and, chief.

Of human race ; the large ambitious wifli.

To make them bleft; the figh for fuifering worth 1020

Loft in obfcurity; the nobis fcorn

Of tyrant-pride ; the fearleis great refolvej

The wonder which the dying patriot draws>

Infpiring glory through remoteft time ;

Th' awaken'd throb for virtue, and for famej 1025

The fympathies of love, and friendihip dear ;

With all xhejidal offspring of the heart.

Oh, bear me to vaft embowering Ihades, To twilight groveSj and vifionary vales ; To weeping grottoes, and prophetic glooms ; 10^0 Where angel forms athwart the folemn duik Tremendous fvveep, or feem to fweep along ; And voices more than human, through the void Deep-founding, feize th' enthufiallic ear ! 1034

Or is this gloom too much ? Then lead, ye powers. That o'er the garden and the ruial feat Prefide, which Ihining through the chearful land

Vol. LIV. L in

HS' THOMSON'S POEMS.

In countlefs numbers bleft Britannia fees ;

O, lead me to the wide-extended walks.

The fair majeftic paradife of Stowe * ! 1 040

Not Perfian Cyrus on Ionia's Ihore

E'er favv fuch fylvan fcenes ; fuch various art

By genius fir'd, fuch ardent genius tam'd

By cool judicious art; that, in the ftrife.

All-beauteous Nature fears to be outdone. i*^45

And there, O Pitt, thy country's early boall.

There let me fit beneath the ftielter'd flopes.

Or in that f Temple where, in future times.

Thou well ilialt merit a diftinguilh'd name;

And, with thy converfe bleft, catch the Lift fmiles 1050

Of Autumn beaming o'er the yellow woods.

While there with thee th' inchanted round I walk.

The regulated wild, gay Fancy then

Will tread in thought the groves of Attic Land ;

Will from thy ftandard tafte refine her own, 1055

Correfl her pencil to the pureft truth

Of Nature, or, the unimpalTion'd Ihades

Forfaking, raife it to the human mind.

Or if hereafter Ihe, with jii/ier hand.

Shall draw the tragic fcene, inftru*^ her thou, 1060

To mark the varied movements of the heart.

What every decent character requires,

And every paffion fpeaks : O, through her ftrain

Breathe thy pathetic eloquence ! that moulds

Th' attentive fenate, charm.s, perfuades, exalts, 1065

* The f^at of the Lord Vilcount Cobham. -f The templs of Virtue in Stowe- Gardens.

Of

AUTUMN. 14.7

Of honeft zeal th' indignant lightning throws. And fhakes corruption on her venal throne. While thus we talk, and thl-ough Elyfian Vales Delighted rove, perhaps a figh elcapes : What pity, Cobham, thou thy verdant files 1070

Of ordered trees fnouldft here inglorious range, Inllead of fquadrons flaming o'er the Held, And long embattled hofts ! when the proud foe. The fiithlefs vain difturber of mankind, Infulting Gaul, has rous'd the world to war; 1075

When keen, once more, within their bounds to prefs Thofe poliih'd robbers, thofe ambiricis flaves. The Britilh Youth would hail thy wife command. Thy temper'd ardor, and thy veteran /kill. ^ The vveftern fun withdraws the ihcrten'd day; 1080 And humid evening, gliding o'er the iky. In her chill progrefs, to the ground condens'd The vapours throws. Where creeping waters ooze. Where marflies ftagnate, and where rivers v/ind, Cluiler the rolling fogs, and fwim along 1085

The dufky-mantled lawn. Mean-while the moon FuH-crb'd, and breaking through the fcatter'd clouds. Shews her broad vifage in the crlmfon'd caiL Turn'd to the fun dired, her fpotted diik, 1089

Where mountains rife, umbrageous dales defcerwi, Aud caverns deep, as optic tube defcries, A fmaller earth, gives us his blaze again. Void of its ilame, and fheds a foher day. Nov/ through the pailing cloud llic fecms to iloop, Now up the pure cvxrulean rides iublime. 1095

L 2 \\ idf

t^t THOMSON'S POEMS.

Wide the pale deluge floats, and ftreaming mild O'er the ficy'd mountain to che fliadowy vale. While rocks and floods reflecl the quivering gleam. The whole air whitens with a boundlels tide Of lilver radiance, trembling round the world. I lOO

But when half blotted from the [^.y her light. Fainting, permits the ftarry fires to burn With keener luftre through the depth of heaven; Or near extindl her deaden'd orb appears. And fcarce appears, of fickly beamlefs white; 1105 Oft in this feafon, filent from the north A blaze of meteors ftioots : enfweeping firll The lower fkies, they all at once converge High to the crown of heaven, and all at once Relapfmg quick as quickly reafcend, 1 1 lO

And mix, and thwart, extinguifh, and renew. All aether courfmg in a maze of light.

From look to look, contagious through the crowd. The panic runs, and into wondrous fliapes Th' appearance throws : armies in meet array, m5 Throng 'd with aerial fpears and fteeds of fire ; Till the long lines of full-extended war In bleeding fight commixt, the fanguine flood Rolls a broad flaughter o'er the plains of heaven. As thus they fcan the vifionary fcene, 1120

On all fides fwells the mperllitious din. Incontinent ; and bufy frenzy talks Of blood and battle ; cities overturn'd. And late at night in fwaliowing earthquake funk. Or hideous wrapt in fierce afccnJi. g flame; 11*5

Of

AUTUMN. 149

Of fallow famine, inundation, ftorm ; Of peftiler.ce, and every great diftrefs j Empires fubvers'd, when ruling fate has ftruck Th' unalterable hour : ev'n Nature's felf Is deem'd to totter on the brink of time. X 130

Not fo the man of philofophic eye. And infpedl fage ; the waving brightnefs he Curious fiirveys, inquifitive to know The caufes, and materials, yet uniix'd. Of this appearance beautiful and new. 1 135

Now black, and deep, the night begins to fall, A fhade immenfe. Sunk in the quenching gloom. Magnificent and vaft, are heaven and earth. Order confounded lies ; all beauty void ; Diftin(5lion loft; and gay variety 1 140

One univerfal blot : fuch the fair power Of light, to kindle and create the whole. Drear is the ftate of the benighted wretch. Who then, bewilder'd, wanders through the dark. Full of pale fancies, and chimeras huge; 1 1 45

Nor vifited by one diredive ray. From cottage ftreaming, or from airy hall. Perhaps, impatient as he ftumbles on. Struck from the root of {limy ruthes, blue. The wild-fire fcatters round, or gather 'd trails 1150 A length of flame deceitful o'er the mofs : Whither decoy'd by the fantallic blaze. Now loft, and now renew'd, he fmks abforpt. Rider and horfe, amid the miry gulf: While flill, from day to day, his pining wifQ 1155 L 3 And

150, THOMSON'S POEMS.

And plaintive children his return await.

In wild conje6lure loft. At other times.

Sent by the better Genius of the night.

Innoxious, gleaming on the horfe's mane.

The meteor fits ; and fhews the narrow path, i i6q

That winding leads through pits of death, or elfe

Inflruds hira how to take the dangerous ford.

The lengthen'd night elaps'd, the morning fliines Serene, in all her dewy beauty bright. Unfolding fair the laft autumnal day. 1 165

And now the mounting fun difpels the fog ; The rigid hoar-froft melts before his beam; And hung on every fpray, on eveiy blade Of grafs, the myriad dew-drops twinkle round. 1 169

Ah, fee, where robb'd, and murder'd, in that pit Lies the ftill heaving hive ! at evening fnatch'd. Beneath the cloud of guilt-concealing night. And fix'd o'er fulphur : while, not dreaming ill. The happy people, in their waxen cells. Sat tending public cares, and planning fchemes 1 175 OF temperance, for Winter poor ; rejoic'd To mark, full iiowing round, their copioas flores. Sudden the dark cpprelTive fteam afcends; And, us'd to rniider fcents, the tender race. By thoufands, tumble from their honey'd domes, 1 1 80 Convolv'd, and agonizing in the dull. And was it then for this you roam'd the Spring, Intent from ficwsr t© flower ? for this you toil'd Cealelefs the burning Summer-heats away ? For this in Autumn fearch'd the blooming wafte, 1 185

Nor

AUTUMN. 151

Nor loH one funny gleam ? for this fad fate ? . O, man ! tyrannic lord ! liow long, how long. Shall proflrate Nature groan beneath your rage. Awaiting renovation ? when oblig'd, MuH you deftroy ? Of their ambrofial food 1 1 90

Can you not borrow ; and, in juft return. Afford them (helter from the wintery winds ? Or, as the iTiarp year pinches, with their own Again regale them on feme fmilmg day ? See where the flony bottom of their town 1 195

Looks defolate, and wild ; with here and there A helplefs number, who the ruin'd flate Survive, lamenting weak, call out to death. Thus a proud city, populous and rich. Full of tlie works of peace, and high in joy, X200

At theatre or feaft, or funk in fieep, (As late, Palermo, was thy fate) is feiz'd "^ By fome dread earthquake, and convulfive hurl'd Sheer from the black foundation, ftench involv'd. Into a gulf of blue fulphureous flame. 1205

\ Hence every harfher fight ! for now the day. O'er heaven and earth diiFus'd, grows warm, and high. Infinite fplendor I wide inveiHng all. How ftill the breeze 1 fave what the filmy threads Of dew evaporate brufhes from the plain. 1 2 10

How clear the cloudlefs iky ! how deeply ting'd With a peculiar Hue I th' ethereal arch How fwell'd immenfe ! amid v/hofe azure thron'd The radiant fun how gay ! how calm below TKe gilded earth ! the harvell-treafui-es a^ 1 2 15

L 4. Now

I5Z THOMSON'S POEMS,

Now gather'd in, beyond the rage of ftorms.

Sure to the i\vain ; the circling fence ihut up;

And inflant Winter's utmoft rage defy'd.

While, loofe to feftive joy, the country round

Laughs with the loud fmcerity of mirth, 1220

Shook to the wind their cares. The toil-rtrung youth.

By the quick fenfe of mufic taught alone.

Leaps wildly graceful in the lively dance.

Her every charm abroad, the village-toaft.

Young, buxom, warm, in native beauty rich, 122^

Darts not unmeaning looks ; and, where her eye

Points an approving fmile, with double force.

The cudgel rattles, and the wrelller twines.

Age too Ihines out ; and, garrulous, recounts 1229

The feats of youth. Thus they rejoice; nor think

That, with to-morrow's fun, tiieir annual toil '

Begins again the never-ceafmg round.

Oh, knew he but his happinefs, of men T\ie happleil he i who, far from public rage. Deep hi tlie vale, with a choke fe^ reilr'd, 1 235

Drinks the pure pleafures of (^^ Rural Life. What though the dome be wanting, whofe proud gate. Each morning, vomits out the fneaking crowd Of riatterers falls, and in their turn abus'd ? Vile intercourfe i What though the ghtt.ring robe. Of every hue reflected light can give, 1241

Or floating looie, or Hiff with mai:y gold. The pride and gaze of fools ! opprefs him not ? What though, from utmoft land and fca purvcy'd, jpor i-im each rarer tributary hfe 1245

Bleeds

A U T U M N. 155

Bleeds net, an J his infaiiate table heaps

With luxury and death? vshat though his bowl

Flames not with cortly juice : nor funk in beds.

Oft of gay care, he tofTes out the night.

Or melts the thoughtlefs hours in idle Hate ? 1250

What though he knows not thofe fantaftic joys.

That iiiil amufc the wanton, iHll deceive j

A face of pleafure, but a heart of pain ;

Their hollow moments undelighted all ?

Sure peace is his; a folid life, elirang'd 1 25 5

To difappointment, and fallacious hope :

Kich in content, in Nature's bounty rich.

In herbi and fruits ; whatever greens the Spring,

Vy"hen h'^raven defcends in fnowers ; or bends the bough

When Summer reddens, and when Autumn beams ;

Or in the wiatery glebe whatever lies 1261

Ccnceard, and fattens with the richeft fap :

Thele are not wanting ; nor the milky drove.

Luxuriant, fpread o'er all the lowing vale ;

Nor bleating mountains ; nor the chide cf ftrcams.

And hum of bees, inviting 11 jep fmccre 1266

into the guili!:fs breail, beneath the (hade.

Or thrown at large amid the fragrant hay ;

Nor aught befides of profpett, grove, or fong.

Dim grottoes, gleaming lake.s and fountains clear. 127Q

Here tco dwells iimplt- truth ; plain innocence j

'Unfuliicd beauty ; found unbroken youth.

Patient of labour, v.ith a little pleas'd;

Health ever blooming ; unambitious toil;

Qa'rn contemp'a'jion, and noetic eafe. 127^

Lei

154. THOMSON'S POEMS.

Let others brave the flood m queft of gain. And beat, for joylefs months, the gloomy wave. Let fuch as deem it glory to deftroy, Rufh into blood, the fack of cities feek ; Unpicrc'd, exulting in tlie widow's wail, 1280

The virgin's ihriek, and infant's trembling cry. Let fome, far dillant from their native foil, Urg'd or by want or harden'd avarice. Find other lands beneath another fun. Let this through cities work his eager way, 1285

By regal outrage and eftablifh'd guile. The focial fenfe extincl ; and that ferment Mad into tumult the feditious herd. Or melt them Aown to flavery. Let thsfe Infnare the wretched in the toils of law, 1290

Fonienting difcord, and perplexing right. An iron race ! and thcfe of fairer front. But equal inhumanity, in courts, Delufive pomp, and dark cabals, delight ; V/reathe the deep bow, diffufe the lying fmile, 1295 And tread the wear)' labyrinth of ftate. While he, from all the ftormy palhons ^I'to. That refilefs men involve, hears, and but hears. At diilance fife, the human tempeft roar, 1299,

Wrapt ciofe in confcious peace. The fall of kings, I'he rage of nations, and the crulh of flates, Move not the man, who, from the world efcap'd. In ilill retreats, and Howery folitudes. To Nature's YC»ce attends, from month to month. And day to day, through the revolving year; '3/^5-

Admirino^

H U T U M N. 155

Admiring, (ees her in her every fhape ; Feels all her fvveet emotions at his heart ; Takes what Ihe liberal gives, nor thinks of more. He, when young Spring protrudes the burlHng gems, Marks th.e Uril Dud, and fucks the healthful gale 13 10 Into his frefhen'd foul ; her genial hours He full enjoys ; and not a beauty blo.vs. And not an opening bloflbm breathes in vain. In Summer he, beneath the living fhade. Such as o'er frigid Tempe wont to wave, '3^5

Or Hemus cool, reads what the Mufe, of thefe. Perhaps, has in immortal numbers fung ; Or what fhe diflates writes : and oft, an eye Shot round, rejoices in the vigorous year. When Autumn's yellow luilre gilds the world, 15^0 And tempts the iickled fwain into the field, Seiz'd by the general joy, his heart diiiends AVith gentle throws ; aad through the tepid gleams Deep mufing, then he /^^^f exerts his fong. Ev'n Winter, wild to him, is full of blifs. 132c

The mighty tempeft, and the hoary wafte. Abrupt, and deep, flretch'd o'er the buried earth. Awake to folemn thought. At night the fkies, Difclos'd, and kindled, by renning froll. Pours every luftre on th' exalted eye. I33'3.

A friend, a book, the Healing hours fecure. And mark them down for wifdom- With fwift wing. O'er land and Tea imagination roams; Or truth, divinely breaking on his mind, platcj liis being, and unfoldi his powers; ^33S-

Or

1 56 THOMSON'S POEMS.

Or in his breafl heroic virtue burns.

The touch of kindred too and love he feels ;

The modeft eye, whofe beams on his alone

Extatic fhine ; the little llrong embrace

Of prattling children, twin'd around his neck, 1340

And emulous to pleafe him, calling forth

The fond parental foul. Nor purpofe gay,

Amufem.ent, dance, or fong, he fternly fcorns ;

For happinefs and true philofophy

Are of the fecial ftill, and fmiling kind. 1345

This is the life which thofe who fret in guilt.

And guilty cities, never knew ; the life.

Led by primeval ages, uncorrupt.

When angels dwelt, and God himfelf, with man I

Oh, Nature 1 all-fufficient ! over all I 1350

Enrich me with the knowledge of thy works ! Snatch me to heaven ; thy rolling wonder there. World beyond world, in infinite extent, Profafely fcatter'd o'er the blue immenfe. Shew me; their motions, periods, and their laws, 1355 Give me to fcan ; through the difclofmg deep Light my blind way; the m'mcr3.\ Jlraf a there; Thruft, blooming, thence the vegetable world; O'er that the rifmg fyftem, more complex, Ofarimals; and higher fti!l, the mind, 1360

The varied fcene of quick-compounded thought. And where the mixing pafiions endlefs (hift ; Thcfe ever open to my ravifh'd eye; A fearch, the flight of time can ne'er exhauft ! But if to that unecj-.ial ; if the blood, 1 365

AUTUMN. t57

In fluggifh ftreams about my heart, forbid

That beji ambition ; under clofmg fhades.

Inglorious, lay me by the lowly brook,

And whifper to my dreams. From Thee begin.

Dwell all on Thee, with Thee conclude my long;

And let me never, never Uray from Thee ! 1371

WINTER,

WINTER. 1726.

A R G U M E N T.

The fubjed propofed. Addrefs to the earl of Wil- mington. Firil approach of Winter. According to the natural courfe of the fealbn, various ftorms de- fcribed. Rain. Wind. Snow. The driving of the fnows : a man perifhing among them ; whence re- fietfhicns on the wants and miferies of human life. The wolves defcending from the Alps and Apennines. A wijiter evening defcribed : as fpent by philofo- phers ; by the country people ; in the city. Froft. A view of Winter within the Polar Circle. A thaw» The \i^iole concluding with moral reflexions on a fiiure ftate.

[ i6i ]

WINTER.

QEE, Winter comes, to rule the varied year, ^ Sullen and fad, with all his rifmg train : Vapours, and Clouds, and Storms. Be thefe ray theme, Thefe ! that exalt the foul to folemn thought. And heavenly mufmg. Welcome, kindred glooms ! 5 Congenial horrors, hail ! with frequent foot, Pleas'd have I, in my chearful morn of life, When nurs'd by carelefs folitude I liv'd. And fung of Nature with unceafmg joy, 9

Pleas'd have I wander 'd through your rough domain; Trod the pure virgin-fnows, myfelf as pure ; Heard the winds roar, and the big torrent burft; Or feen the deep fermenting tempeft brevv'd. In the grim evening fky. Thus pafs'd the time. Till through the lucid chambers of thefouth 1 5

ook'd out the joyous Spring, look'd out, and fmil'd.

To thee, the patron oi her frjl efTay, The Mufe, O Wilmington ! renews her fong. Since has fhe rounded the revolving year : Skim'd the gay Spring ; on eagle-pinions borne, zo Attempted through the Summer-blaze to rife ; Then fwcpt o'er Autumn with the iliadowy gale ; And now among the wintery clouds again, Roll'd in the doubling ftorm, fhe tries to foar ;

Vol. LIV. M To

tCt THOMSON'S POEMS.

To fvvell her note with all the rufhing winds; 25

To fuit her founding cadence to the floods ;

As is her theme, her numbers wildly great :

Thrice happy ! could fhe fill thy judging ear

With bold defcription, and with manly thought.

Nor art thou (kill'd in aweful fchemes alone, 30

And how to make a mighty people thrive :

But equal goodnefs, found integrity,

A firm unlhaken uncorrupted foul

Amid a Aiding age, and burning ftrong.

Not vainly blazing for thy country's weal, 35-,

A fteady fpirit regularly free ;

Thefe, each exalting each, the ftatefman light

Into the patriot ; thefe, the public hope

And eye to thee converting, bid the Mufe

Record what envy dares not flattery call. 40

Now when the chearlefs empire of the iky To Capricorn the Centaur Archer yields. And fierce Aquarius ftains th' inverted year; Hung o'er the farthefl: verge of heaven, the fun Scarce fpreads through aether the dejected day. 45

Faint are his gleams, and inefFeftual fhoot His ftruggling rays, in horizontal lines. Through the thick air ; as, cloath'd in cloudy florm. Weak, wan, and broad, he ikirts the fouthern fky ; And, fbon-defcending, to the long dark night, 50

Wide-fliading all, the prollrate world reflgns. Nor b the night unwifli'd; while vital heat. Light, life, and joy, the dubious day forfake. Meantime, in fable -cin6lu,re, (hadows vail.

Deep'

WINTER. ,63

Deep-ting'd and damp, and congregated clouds, 55 And all the vapoury turbulence of heaven. Involve the face of things. Thus Winter falls, A heavy gloom oppreffive o'er the world. Through nature fhedding influence malign. And roufes up the feeds of dark difeafe. 60

The foul of man dies in him, loathing life. And black with more than melancholy views. The cattle droop; and o'er the furrow'd land, Frefh from the plough, the dun difcolour'd flocks, Untended fpreading, crop the wholefome root. 65

Along the woods, along the moorifli fens. Sighs the fad Genius of the coming llorm ; And up among the loofe disjointed clilFs, And fradur'd mountains wild, the brawling brook And cave, prefageful, fend a hoilovv' moan, jq

Refounding long in lillening Fancy's ear. A, Then comes the father of the tempeft forth. Wrapt in black glooms. Firft joylefs rains obfcure Drive through the mingling Ikies with vapour foul ; Dafli on the mountain's brow, and fhake the woods, 75 That grumbling wave belowr Th' unfightly plain Lies a brown deluge ; as the low-bent clouds Pour flood on flood, yet unexhauf^ed IHll Combine, and deepening into night fliut up The day's fair face. The wanderers of heaven, 80 Each to his home, retire ; fave thofe that love To take their paflime in the troubled air. Or ikimming flutter found the dimply pool. The cattle from th' untafted fields return,

M 2 And

164. THOMSON'S POEMS.

And afiC, with meaning lowe, their wonted flails, 85 Or ruminate in the contiguous fhade. Tliither the houfhold feathery people crowd. The crefted cock, with all his female train, Fenfive, and dripping ; while the cottage-hind Hangs o'er th' enlivening blaze, and taleful there 90 Recounts his fimple frolick : much he talks. And much he laughs, nor recks the ftorm that blows Without, and rattles on his humble roof.

Wide o'er the brim, with many a torrent fwell'd. And the m.ix'd noin of its banks o'erfpread, 95

At laft the rous'4-up river pours along : Refiftlefi, roaring, dreadful, down it comes. From the rude mountain, and the moHy wild. Tumbling through rocks abrupt, and founding far; Then o'er the fanded valley floating fpreads, 1 00

Calm, fluggifh, fjlent; till again, conftrain'd Between two meeting hills, it burfts away. Where rocks and woods o'crhang the turbid ftream ; There gathering triple force, rapid, and deep, 104 "Njtisoils, and wheels, and foams, and thunders through. Nature 1 great parent 1 whofe unceafmg hand i Rolls round the feafons of the changeful year, \ How mighty, how majeftic, are thy works ! iWith what a pleafmg dread they fwell the foul ! IThat fees allonifli'd I and aflonifli'd fmgs ! I lo

'■ Ye too, ye winds ! that now begin to blow. With boiilerous fweep, I raife my voice to you. Where are your ftores, ye powerful beings ! fay. Where your aerial magazines referv'd.

To

WINTER. 165

To fwell the brooding terrors of the Ilorm ? 115

In what far-diftant region of tlie fky,

Hufli'd in deep filence, lleep ye when 'tis calm ?

When from the pallid fky the fun defcends. With many a fpot, that o'er his glaring orb Uncertain wanders, ftain'd ; red fiery ftreaks 1 20

Begin to fluih around. The reeling clouds Stagger with d'zzv poife, as doubting yet Which mafter to obey : while rifmg flow. Blank, in the leaden-colour'd eaft, the moon Wears a wan circle round her blunted horns. 125

Seen through the turbid flucTtuating aif. The ftars obtufe emit a fuver'd ray ; Or frequent feem to llioot athwart the gloom. And long behind them trail the whitening blaze. Snatch'd in Ihort eddies, plays the wither'd leaf; 130 And on the flood the dancing feather floats. With broaden'd noftrils to the fky up-turn'd. The confcious heifer fnuifs the flormy gale. Ev'n as the matron, at her nightly taf^. With penfive labour draws the flaxen thread, 135

The wafted taper and the crackling flame Foretell the blafl. But chief the plumy race. The tenants of the iky, its changes fpeak. PLetiring from the downs, where all day long They pick'd their fcanty fare, a blackening train 140 Of clamorous rooks thick urge their weary flight, And feek the clofing flicker of the grove ; Afliduous, in his bower, the wailing owl Flies his fad (or.g. The cormorant on high 144

M 3 Wheels

t56 T H O M S O N ' s P O E M S.

Wheels from the deep, and fcreams along the land.

Loud llirieks the foaring hern j and with wild wing

The circling fea-fowi cleave the flaky clouds.

Ocean, unequal prefs'd, with broken tide

And blind commotion iieaves ; while from the fhore.

Eat into caverns by the relHefs wave, 150

And foreft-rufding mountains, comes a voice.

That folemn founding bids the world prepare.

Then iifues forth the llorm v/ith fudden burft.

And hurls the whole precipitated air,

Down, in a torrent. On the paflive main 155

Defcends th' ethereal force, and with Urong guft

Turns from its bottom the difcolour'd deep.

Through the black night that fits immenfe around,

Laili'd into foam, the fierce con Aiding brine

Seems o'er a thoufand raging waves to burn : 160

Meantime the mountain-billows to the clouds

In dreadful tumwlt fvvell'd, furge above furge,

Eurfl into chaos v,'itb tremendous roar,

And anchor'd navies from tiuir ftations drive.

Wild as the winds acrofs the howling wade 165

Of mighty waters : now th' inflated wave

S trailing they fcale, and now impetuoqs flioot

Into the fecret chambers of the deep.

The wintery Baltick thundering o'er their head.

ilplmerging thence again, before the breath 170

Of fuii-exertcd heaven they wing their courfe.

And dart on dJlant coalls; if fome ihirp rock.

Or ihoal infidious break not their career.

And in loofe fragments fling them floating round.

Nor

WINTER. 167

Nor lefs at land the loofen'd tempeft reigns. 175 The mountain thunders ; and its ilurdy fons Stoop to the bottom of the rocks they fhade. Lone on the midnight ileep, and all aghaft. The dark way-faring ftranger breathlefs toils. And, often falling, climbs againil the blaft. I So

Low waves the rooted foreft, vex'd, and iheds What of its tarnifh'd honours yet remain ; Dafh'd down, and fcatter'd, by the tearing wind's Aifiduous fury, its gigantic limbs. Thus ftruggling through the diaipated grove, 185

The whirling tempcll: raves along the plain; And on the cottage thatch'd, or lordly roof, Keen-faftening, Ihakes them to the folid bafe. Sleep frighted flies ; and round the rocking dome. For entrance eager, howls the favage blalL 1 90

Then too, they fay, through all the burden'd air. Long groans are heard, fhrill founds, and diflant iighs. That, utter'd by the demon of the night. Warn the devoted wretch of woe and death. 19^

Huge uproar lords it wide. The clouds commixt With ilars Tvifc gliding fweep a'ong the iky. A.I1 nature reels. Till Nature's King, who oft Amid tempeftuous darknefs dwells alone. And on the wings of the cai-eering wind Walks dreadfully ferene, commands a calm ; 200

Then flrait air, fea, and earth, are hufh'd at once.

As. yet 'tis midnight deep. The weary clouds. Slow-meeting, mingle into folid gloom. Now, while iJie dro-.vfy world lici lo:l in flcep,

M 4. Let

i6S THOMSON'S POEMS.

Let me afTociate with the ferious Night, 205

And Contemplation her fedate compeer ; Let me fliake oiFth' intrufive cares of day. And lay the meddling fenf.-s all afide.

Where now, ye lying vanities of life! Ye ever-tempting, ever-cheating train ! 210

Where are you now ? and what is your amount ? Vexation, difappointment, and remorfe. Sad, fickening thought ! and yet deluded man, A fcene of crude disjointed vifions pail. And broken flumbers, rifes ftill refolv'd, 215

With new-flj.fn'd hopes, to run the giddy round.

Father of light and life ! thou Good fupreme ! O, teach me what is good 1 teach me Thyfelf ! Save me from folly, vanity, and vice. From every low purfuit ! and feed my foul 220

Wiih knowledge, confcious peace, and virtue pure ; Sacred, fubftantial, never-fading blifs !

The keener tempefts rife: and, fuming dun From all the livid eaft, or piercing north. Thick clouds afcend ; in whofe capacious womb 225 A vapoury deluge lies, to fnovv congeal'd. Heavy they roll their fleecy world along ; And the Iky faJdens Vvith the gather'd ftorm. Through th^ hufli'd air the whitening fhower defcends. At firll: thin wavering ; till at lall the flakes 2 ^o

Fall broad, and wide, and fail, dimming the day, Vv^ith a continual flow. The cherifli'd flelds Put on their winter-robe of purefl white. ^Tis brightnefs all ; fave where the new fnovv melts

Along

WINTER. 165

Along the mazy current. Low, the woods 2:5

Bow their hoar head; and, ere the languid fun

Faint from the weft emits his evening ray.

Earth's univerfal face, deep hid, and chill.

Is one wide dazzling wafte, that buries wide

The works of man. Drooping, the labourer-ox 240

Stand^s cover'd o'er v/ith fnow, and then demands

The fruit of all his toil. The fowls of heaven, "

Tam'd by the cruel feafon, crowd around

The winnowing ftore, and claim the little boon

V.^ich Providence ailigns them. One alone, 245

The red-breaft, facred to the houfhold gods.

Wifely regardful of th' embroiling iky.

In joylcfs fields, and thoniy thickets, leaves

His fhlvering mates, and pays to tru:l:ed man

His annual vifit. Half-afraid, he firll 25a

Againil the window beats ; then, biiik, alights

On the v/arm hearth ; then, hopping o'er the Hocr,

Eves all the fmiling family afkance.

And pecks, and ftarts, and wonders where he is :

Till, mere familiar grown, the table -crumbs 255

AttraCl his fler.der feet. The foodlefs w-lds

Pour forth thdr brown inhabitants. The hare.

Though timorous of heart, ar.d hard befet

By death in various forms, dark fnares, and dogs.

And more unpitying men, the garden feeks, 260

Urg'd on by fearlefs want. The bleating kind

E} e rhe bleak heaven, and next the gliilening earth.

With looks of d.imb defpair; then, fad-diiper:'d,

pig for tlie wither'd herb through heaps of f.ow.

Now,

rjo T H O M SON'S P O E M S.

Now, fhcpherds, to your lielplcfs charge be kind ; . BafHe the raging year, and fill their penns 266

With food at will ; lodge them below tlie Ilorm, And watch them ftriit : for from the bellowing eafl. In this dire feafon, oft the- whirlwind's wing Sweeps up the burthen of whole vvintcry plains 270 At one wide waft, and o'er the haplefs flocks. Hid in the hollow of two neighbouring hills. The billowy tempell: whelms; till, upward urg'd. The valley to a (liining mountain fwelis, Tipt with a wreath high-curling in the fky. 275

As thus the fnows arife ; and foul, and fierce. All Winter drives along the darken'd air; Jn his own loofe-revolving fields, the fwain Difaiter'd ila!)ds ; (ees other hiil^ afcend. Of unknown joy'efs brow ; and other fcenes, 280

Of horrid profpedl, fnag the tracklefs plain: Nor finds the river, nor the forefl, hid Beneath the formkfs wild; but wanders on From hill to dale, ftill more and mere afcray ; Impatient ilauncing^ through the drifted heaps, 285 Stung with the thoughts of home ; the thoughts of home RuHi on his nerves, and ca'l their vigour forth In many a vain attempt. Flow finks his foul! WJiat black d-fpair, what horror, fills his heart ! When for the dufky fpot, which fancy fcign'd 290 His tuficd cottage rifing through the fiiow. He meets the roughnefs of the middle wafte. Far from the track, and bleft abode of man; While round him night refilllefs clofes fail.

And

WINTER. X7X

And every tempeft, howling o'er his head, 295

Renders the favage wildernefs more wild.

Then throng the bufy fnapes into his mind.

Of cover'd pits, unfathomably deep,

A dire defcent ! beyond the power cf froil ;

Of faithlefs bogs ; of precipices huge, 300

Smooth'dup with fnow; and, what is land, unknown.

What w^ter of the ftill ur.frozen fpring.

In the iocfe marfn or folitary lake.

Where the frcfh fountain from the bottom boils.

Thefe check his f?arfal i\eps; and down he fmks 305

Beneath the (hclter of the fhapelcfs drift.

Thinking o'er all the bitternc-fs of death,

Mix'd with the tender anguifh nature flioots

Through the wrung bofom of the dying man.

His wife, his children, and his friends unfeen. 310

In vain for him th' officious wife prepares

The fire fair-blazing, and the vellment v.'arm ;

In vain his little children, peeping out

Into the mingling Itorm, demand their fire.

With tears .of artlefs innocence. Alas ! 31-

Ncr wife, nor children, more fhall he behold.

Nor friends, nor facred heme. On every nexve

The deadly v.inter ftizes ; ihuts up fenfe ;

Av.d, o'er his inmoil vitals creeping cold,

Lays him along the fnows, a ItilFeu'd corfe, 320

Stretch'd out, and bleaching in the northern blall.

Ah, little think tlie gay licjncious proud, \

Whom pieafure, pov.er, and ailiuence furround ; \ They, who their thoughtltfs hours in giddy miitii, \

And

^■^z THOMSON'S POEMS.

And wanton, often cruel, riotwafte; 325

Ah, little think they, while they dance along.

How mmy feel, this very moment, death

And all the fad variety of pain.

How many fmk in the devouring flood,

Or mor:; devouring flame. How many bleed, 330

By fhameful var'ance betwixt man and man.

How many pine in want, and dungeon glooms;

Shut f om '.hr common air, and common ufe

Of their own limbs. How many drink the cup

Of baleful grief, or eat the bitter bread 335

Of mifcry. Sere pierc'd by wintery winds.

How many Ihrink into the fordid hut

Of cheerlefs poverty. Hov/ many (hake

With all the fiercer tortures of the mind.

Unbounded pallion, madnefs, guilt, remorfe ; 34.0

Whence tumbled headlong from the height of life.

They furniili matter for the Tragic Mufe.

Ev'n in th2 va!?, where vvifdom loves to dwell.

With fricndfnip, peace, and contemplation join'd.

How many, rack d with honeii paiTions, droop 345

In deep retir'd diftrefs. How many ftand

Around the death-bed of their deareft friends.

And point the parting anguilh. Thought fond man

Of thefe, and all the tlioafand nameleis ills.

That one incelfant flruggle render life, 330

One fcene of toil, of fuit'eriag, and of fate.

Vice in hij high career would itand appall'd,

Ai:d iieedlefs rambling Impuife learn to think;

The confciuus heart ol Charity would warm>

And

WINTER. 13/

And her wide wirti Benevolence dilate; 355

The focial tear would rife, the fecial figh; And into clear perfeclion, gradual blifs. Refining ftill, the focial paiTions work.

And here can I fv.rget the generous * band. Who, touch'd with human woe, redrelTive fearch'd Into the horrors of the gloomy jail? 561

Unpitied, and unheard, where mifery moans; Where ficknefs pines ; where thirft and hunger burn. And poor misfortune feels the lafli of vice. While in the land of liberty, the land 365

Whofs every ftreet and public meeting glow With open freedom, little tyrants rag'd ; Snatch'd the lean morfel from the flarving mouth ; Tore from cold wintery limbs the tatter'd weed ; Ev'n rcbb'd them of the laft of comforts, fleep; 3J0 The free-born Briton to the dungeon chain'd. Or, as the lull of cruelty prevail'd. At plcafure mark'd him with inglorious Uripes; And crulh'd out lives, by fecret barbarous ways. That for their country would have tcil'd, or bled. 375 O, great defign! if executed well. With patient care, and wifdom-temper'd zeal. Ye fons of mercy ! yet refume the fc-arch ; Drag forth the legal monfters into light. Wrench from their hands opprefiion's iron rod, 580 And bid the cruel feel the pains they give. Much iVill untcuch'd remains ; in this rank age. Much is the patriot's weeding hand requir'd. * The Gaol Committee, in the year 1729.

The

174. THOMSON*s POEMS.

The toils of law, (what dark infidious men

Have cumberous added to perplex the truth, 385

And lengthen iimple jullice into trade)

How glorious were the day ! that faw thefe broke.

And every man within the reach of right.

By wintery famine rOus'd, from all the trafl Of horrid mountains which the fhining Alps, 390

And wavy Appenine, and Pyrerxces, Branch out flupendous into diflant lands ; Cruel as death, and hungry as the grave ! Burning for blood! bony, and ghaunt, and grim! Aflembling wolves in raging troops defcend; 395

And, pouring o'er the country, bear along. Keen as the north-v/ind fweeps the glolTy fnow. All is their prize. They fallen on the fleed, Prefs him to earth, and pierce his mighty heart. Nor can the bull his awful front defend, 400

Or (hake the murdering favages away. Kapacicus, at the mother's throat they fly. And tear the fcreaming infant from her breaft. The godlike face of man avails him nought. Ev'n beauty, force divine ! at vvhcfe bright glance 405 The generous lion Hands in foften'd gaze. Here bleeds, a haplefs undiftinguifh'd prey. But if, appriz'd of the fevere attack. The country be (hut up, lur'd by the fcent. On church-yards drear (inhuman to relate 1) 410

The difappointed prowlers fail, and dig The fhrouded body from the grave ; o'er which, Mix'd with foul {hades, and frighted ghofts, they howl.

Among

WINTER. 175

Among thofe hilly regions, where embrac'd In peaceful vales the happy Grifons dwell ; 415

Oft, rulhlng fudden from the loaded clifFs, Mountains of fnow their gathering terrors roll. From fteep to fteep, load-thundering down they come, A vvintery wafle in dire commotion all ; And herds, and docks, and travellers, and fwains, 420 And fometimes whole brigades of marching troops. Or hamlets fieeping in the dead cf night. Are deep beneath the fmothering ruin whelm'd.

Now, all amid the rigours of the year. In the wild depth of winter, while without 425

The ceafelefs winds blow ice, be my retreat. Between the groaning forell and the Ihore Beat by the boundlefs multitude of waves, A rural, flielter'd, folitary fcene; Where ruddy fire and beaming tapers join, 4^0

To cheer the gloom. There ftudious let me fit. And hold high converfe with the Mighty Dead j Sages of ancient time, as gods rever'd. As gods beneficent, who bleft mankind With arts, with arms, and humaniz'd a world. 43 c Rous'd at th' infpiring thought, I throw afide The long-liv'd volume ; and, deep mufing, hail The facred fhades, that flowly-rifing pafs Before my wondering eyes. Firlt Socrates, Who, firmly good in a corrupted ilate, 440

Againft the rage of tyrants y;/.^/p flood. Invincible ! calm Reafon's holy law. That -joice of God v» ithin th' attentive mind.

Obeying,

J7« THOMSON'S POEMS.

Obeying, fearlefs, or in life, or death :

Great moral teacher 1 'wifeji of mankind! 44.5

Solon the next, who built his common-neal

On eqaity's wide bafe ; by tender lanjjs

A lively people curbing, yet undamp'd

Prcferving flill that quick peculiar fire.

Whence in the laurel'd field of finer arts, 4^0

And of bold freedom, they unequal'd Ihone,

The pride of fmiling Greece, and human-kind.

Lycurgus then, who bow'd beneath the force

Of H.ideft difcipline, /e-vcrelj n.mj'ey

All human pafiions. Following him, I fee, 45^

As at Thermopylae he glorious fell.

The firm * devoted Chief, who prov'd by deeds

The hardefi: leiTon which the oth^r taught.

Then Ariflides lifts his honell front ;

Sporlefs of heart, to whom th' unflattering voice 460

Of freedom gave the nobleft name of JuH;

In pure majellic poverty rever'd;

Who, ey'n his glory to his country's weal

Submitting, fweli'd a haughty f ri=vaVs fame.

Rear'd by his care, of fofter ray appears 465

Cimon fweet-foul'd j Vv'hofe genius, rifing ftrong.

Shook off the lead of young debauch ; abroad

The fccurge of Perfian pride, at home the friend

Of every worth and every fplendid art ;

Modefi, and fimple, in the pomp of wealth. 470

Then the laft worthies of declining Greece,

Lr.ie call'd to glory, in unequal Vimt^,

* Leon'idas. ^ ThciTiifioeles.

Penfive,

WINTER. 177

Penfive, appear. The fair Corinthian boaft, Timoleon, happy temper ! mild, and firm. Who wept the brother while the tyrant bled. 475

And, equal to the beft, the f Theban Pair, Whofe virtues, in heroic concord '^oirC A ^ Their country rais'd to freedom, empire, fame. Pie too, with whom Athenian honour funk; And left a m.afs of fordid lees behind, 480

Phocion the Good ; in public life fevere. To virtue flill inexorably firm ; But when, beneath his low illuilrious roof. Sweet peace and happy wifdom fmooth'd his brow. Not friendfhip fofter was, nor love more kind. 485 And he, the lajl of old Lycurgus' fons. The generous vi6lim to that vain attempt, To fa-je a rotten Jl ate ^ Agis, who faw Ev'n Sparta's felf to fervile avarice funk. The two Achaian heroes clofe the train : 490

Aratus, who a while relum'd the foul Of fondly lingering liberty in Greece : And he her darling as her lateft hope. The gallant Philopcsmen ; who to arms Turn'd the luxurious pomp he could not care ; 495 Or toiling in his farm, a fimple Avain ; Or, bold and fkilful, thundc;ring in the field. Of rougher front, a mighty people come ! A race of heroes ! in tliofe virtuous times Which knew no ftain, fave that with partial fiame ^oo Their dearcji country they too fondly lov'd : J Pelo^'idas and EpaminoQias.

Vol. LIV, N Her

ij% THOMSON^s POEMS.

Her better founder firft, the light of Rome,

Numa, who foften'd her rapacious fons :

Scrvius the King, who laid the folid bafe

On which o'er earth the 'vajl republic ipread. 505

Then the great confuls venerable rife.

The * Public Father who the Private quell'd.

As on the dread tribunal fternly fad.

He, whom his thanklefs country could not lofe^

Camillus, only vengeful to his foes. 510

Fabricius, fcorner of all-conquering gold ;

And Cincinnatus, aweful from the plough.

Thy f willing Vii^im, Carthage, burlHng loofe

From all that pleading Nature could oppofe.

From a whole city's tears, by rigid faith 515

Imperious call'd, and honour's dire command.

Scipio, the gentle chief y humanely brave.

Who foon the race of fpotlefs glory ran.

And, warm in youth, to xhe poetic Jhade

With Friendihip and Philofophy retir'd. 5^0

Tully, whofe powerful eloquence a while

Reftrain'd the rapid fate of rufhing Rome.

Unconqusr'd Cato, virtuous in extreme.

And thou, unhappy Brutus, kind of heart,

Whofe ileady arm, by aweful virtue urg'd, 525

Lifted the Romany?fJ againll: thy friend.

Thoufands befides the tribute of a verfe

Demand; but who can count the ftars of heaven?

Who fmg their influence on this lower world?

• Marcus Junius Brutus. f R:gulus.

Behold.

WINTER. 179

Behold, who yonder comes I in fober ftate, 530 Fair, mild, and llrong, as is a vernal fun : 'Tis Phoebus felf, or elfe the Mantuan Swain ! Great Komer too appears, of daring wing, Parent of iong ! and f^.W by his fide, 53-

The Britifli Mufe; join'd hand in hand they walk. Darkling, full up the middle ftcep to hme. Nor abfent are thofe fhades, whofe fkilful touch Pathetic drew th' impaiTion'd heart, and charm'd Tranfported Athens with the moral fcene : 540

Nor thofe who, tuneful, wak'd th' enchanting lyre.

Firli of your kind ! fociety divine ! Still vifit thus my nights, for you referv'd. And mount my fearing foul to thoughts like yours. Silence, thou lonely power ! the door be thine ; See on the hallow'd hour that none intrude, 545

Save a few chofen friends, who fometimes deign To blefs my humble roof, with fenfe rehn'd. Learning digefted well, exalted faith, Unftudy'd wit, and humour ever gay. Or from the Mufes' hill will Pope defcend, 550

To raife the facred hour, to bid it fmile. And with the fecial fpirit warm the heart? For though not fveeler his own Homer fmgs. Yet is his life the more endearing fong. 554

Where art thou, Hammond ? thou the darling piide. The friend and lover of the tuneful throng ! Ah, why, dear youth, in all the blooming prime Of vernal genius, where difclofmg fail Each adive worth, each manly virtue lay,

N 2 V/hv

i8o THOMSON'S POEMS.

Why wer.t thou raviHi'd from our hope (o foon? 560

What now avails that noble thirft of fame.

Which ftung thy fervent breall ? that treafur'd ftore

Of knowledge, early gain'd ? that eager zeal

To ferve thy country, glowing in the band

Of Youthful patriots, who fullain her name ? 565

What now, alas ! that life-diiFufing charm

Of fprightly wit? that rapture for the Mufe,

That heart of friendiliip, and that foul of joy.

Which bade with fofteil light thy virtues fmile ?

Ah ! only ihew'd, to check our fond purfuits, 570

And teach our humbled hopes that life is vain !

Thus in fome deep retirement would I pafs The winter-glooms, with friends of pliant foul. Or blithe, or folemn, as the theme infpir'd : 574

With them would fearch, if Nature's boundlefs frame Was caird, late-rifing from the void of night. Or fprung eternal from th' Eternal Mind ; Its life, its laws, its progrefs, and its end. Hence larger profpedls of the beauteous whole Would, gradual, open on our opening minds ; 5 80 And each difFufive harmony unite In full perfedion to th' alloniili'd eye. Then would we try to fcan the moral --worlJ, Which, though to us it feems embroil'd, moves on In higher order ; fitted, and impell'd, 585

By Wifdom's finefl: hand, and iifuing all \\\ general good. The fage hiiloric Mufe Should next condufl us through the deeps of time : Shew us how empire grew, declin'd, and fell,

Iii

WINTER. i8i

In fcatter'd ftates; what make the nations fmile, 590

Improves their foil, and gives them double funs ;

And why they pine beneath the brightefl: fkies.

In Nature's richefl lap. As thus we talk'd.

Our hearts would burn within us, would inhale

The portion of divinity, that ray ^g^

Of pureil: heaven, which lights the public foul

Of patriots, and of heroes. But if doomM,

In powerlefs humble fortune, to reprefs

Thefe ardent rifmgs of the kindling foul ;

Then, ev'n fuperior to ambition, we 600

Would learn the private virtues how to glide

Through fhades and plains, along the fmoothefl Ilream

Of rural life: or fnatch'd away by hope.

Through the dim fpaces of futurity.

With earnefl: eye anticipate thofe fcenes 605

Ofhappinef?, and wonder; where the mind.

In endlefs growth and infinite afcent,

Rifes frcJm Hate to ftate, and world to world.

But when witli thefe the ferious thought is foil'd.

We, fhifting for relief, would play the ihapes ^10

Of frolic fancy ; and inceffant form

Thofe rapid piflures, that aflembled train

Of fleet ideas, never join'd before,,

Whence lively Wit excites to gay furprifej

Or folly-painting Humour, grave hinifelf, 615

Calls Laughter forth, deep-fhaking every nerve.

Meantim.e the village roufes up tlie fire ; While well attefted, and as well belie v'd, Heard folcmn, goes the gcblin-flory round;

N 3 Till

iSi THOMSON'S POEMS.

Till fuperilitious horror creeps o'er all. 620

O.-, frequent in the founding hall, they wake

The rural gambol. Ruftic mirth goes round;

The fimple joke that takes t'le fhepherd's heart,

Eafily plea^'d; the long loud laugh, fiacere;

The kifs, fnatch'd hafty from the fide -long maid, 625

On purpofe guardlefs, or pretending fleep :

The leap, the flap, the haul ; and, ihook to notes

Of native mufic, the refpondent dance.

Thus jocund fleets with them^the winter-night.

The city fwarms intenfe. The public haunt, 630 FuU of each theme, and warm with mixt difcourfe. Hums indiilincl. The fens of riot flow Down the loofe ftream of falfe enchanted joy. To fwift dellruftion. On the rankled foul The gaming tiiry fall; and in one gulf 635

Of total ruin, honour, virtue, peace. Friends, families, and fortune, headlong fink. Up-fprings the dance along the lighted dome, Mix'd, and evolv'd, a thoufand fprightly ways. The glittering court efFufes every pomp ; 640

The circle deepens : beam'd from gaudy robes. Tapers, and fparkling gems, and radiant eyes, A foft effulgence o'er the palace waves : While, a gay infeifl in his fum.mer-fhine, 644.

The fop, light-fluttering, fpreads his mealy wings.

Dread o'er the fcene, the ghofl of Kamlet flalks; Othello rages ; poor Monim""a mourns ; And Belvidera pours her foul in love. Terror alarms the breail ; the comely tear

Steals

WINTER. 185

Steals o'er the cheek : or elfe the Comic Mufe 650

Holds to the world a pidlure of itfelf.

And raifes fly the fair impartial laugh.

Sometimes ihe lifts her ftrain, and paints the fcenes

Of beauteous life; whate'er can deck mankind,

Or charm the heart, in generous * Bevil fhew'd. 65^

O, thou, whofe wifJom, folid yet refin'd, Whcfe patriot-virtues, and confummate ikill To touch the finer i]5rings ti.at move the world, Join'd to whale "er the Graces can beflow. And all Apo.lo's anim.ating fire, 660

Give thee, with pleafmg dignity, to fliine At once the guardian, ornament, and joy. Of polilu'd life ; permit the Rural Mule, O Cheuerfield, to grace with thee her fong I Ere to the fnades again Ihe humbly flies, 66^

Indulge her fond ambition, in thy train, (For every Mufe has in thy train a place) To mark thy various full-accomplilli'd mind : To mark that fpirit, which, with Britilh y^r?;. Rejects th' allurements of corrupted pew er ; 67O

Tiiat elegant poiitenefs, which excels, Ev'n in the judgement of prefamptuous France, The boafted manners of her fhining court; That wit, the vivid energy cf fenfe. The truth of Nature, which, with Attic point, 675 And kind wcll-temper'd fatire, finoothly keen, Steals through the foul, and without pain corrects,

* A character in the Confcious Lovers, written by Sir Richard

N 4 Or,

x84 THOMSON'S POEMS.

Or, rifmg thence with yet a brighter flame,

O, let me hail thee on fome glorious day.

When to the liftening fenate, ardent, crowd 680

Britannia's fons to hear her pleaded caule.

Then drefl by thee, more amiably fair.

Truth the Toft robe of mild perfuafion wears :

Thou to aflenting reafon giv'il again

Her cvvn cnlightcn'd thoughts ; cail'd from the heart,

Th' obedient pafTions on thy voice attend ;

And ev'n reluctant party feels a while

Thy gracious power : as through the varied maze

Of eloquence, now fmooth, now quick, now lirong.

Profound and clear, you roll the copious flood. 690

To thy lov'd haunt return, my happy Mufe : For now, behold, the joyous winter-days, Frofly, fucceed ; and through the blue ferene. For fight too fine, th' ethereal nitre flies ; Killing infedtious damps, and the fpent air 695

Storing afrefh with elemental life. Clofe crowds the fliining atmofphere; and binds Our fcrengthen'd bodies in its cold embrace, Conllringcnt ; feedy, and animates our blood ; P^efines our fpirits, through the new-flrung nerves, 700 In fwifter fallies darting to tlie brain ; Where fits the foul, intenfe, colleded, cool. Bright as the fldes, and as the feafcn keen. All nature feels the renovating force Of Winter, only to the thoughtlefs eye 705

In ruin feen. The frofl-concoited glebe Lraw^-ii. abundant vegetable foul.

And

WINTER. 185

And gathers vigour for the coming year.

A ftronger glow fits on the lively cheek

Of ruddy lire: and lucu'ent along 710

The purer rivers flow; their fullen deeps,

Tranlparent, open to the Ihepherd's gaze.

And murmur hoarfer at the fixing f oft.

What art thou, froft? and whence are thy keen ftores Deriv'd, thou fecret all-invading power, 7 j -

Whom ev'n th' illulive fluid cannot fly ? Is not thy potent energy, unieen. Myriads of little falt^, or hook'd, or fliap'd Like doub'e wedges, and difl^us'd immenfe Through v,a:er, earth, and ar.ther? Hence at eve, 720 Steam'd eager from the red horizon round, W'ith the f.^rce rage of Winter deep fuffus'd. An icy gale, oft (Lifting, o'er the pool Breathes a blue film, and :n its mid career Arrefts the bickering flream. The loofen'd ice, yz: Let down the flood, and half d'ilolv'd by day, Ruilles no more ; but to the fedgy bank Fait grows, or garhers round the pointed ftone, A cryilal pavement, by the breath of heaven Cem.ented firm; ti'l, feiz'd f om fhore to fliore, 770 The whole imprifond iver growls below. Loud rings the frozen earth, and hard refleds A doub^.e noiie ; while, at hii evening watch. The village dog deters the nightly thief; The heifer lows ; the dillant watr- fall 73^

Swells in the breeze ; and, with the ha.ly tread pf traveller, the hollow-founding i>\ain

Shakes

rU THOMSON'S POEMS.

Shakes from afar. The full ethereal round,

Inhnite worlds difclofing to the view.

Shines out intenfely keen ; and, all one cope 740

Of ftarry glitter, glows from pole to pole.

From pole to pole the rigid influence falls.

Through the ftili night, incefiant, heavy, ftrong.

And feizes nature fall. It freezes on;

Till morn, late-rifmg o'er the d' ooping world, 745

Lifts her pale eye unjoyous. Tiien appears

The various labour of the filent night :

Prone from the dripping cave, and dumb cafcade,

Whofc idle torrents only feem to roar.

The pendent icicle; the f-oft-work fair, 7^0

Where tranfient hues and faucy'd figures rife;

Wide-fpouted o'er the hill, the frozen brook,

A livid tra£t, cold-gleaming on the morn ;

The forefi bent beneath the plumy wave ;

And by t'le froil refin'd the .-.iuier inow, 7^5

Incrulled hard, and founding to the tread

Of early Ihephcrd, as he penfive feeks

His pining flock, or from the mountain top,

Plea^'d with the fiippcry furface, xV.ift dcfcends.

Oil bliw^^ifonic froiicks bent, the yovithful Iwains, 7^0 While every work of man is laid at reft. Fond o'er the river crowd, in various fport And revelry diiTolv'd ; where mixing glad, liappieft of ail the train I the raptur'd boy Lafhes the whirling top. Or, where the Rhine 765 Branch'd ou: in many a long canal extends, fiom every province fvvarming, void of care,

^^tavia

WINTER. 1S7

Batavia rufhes forth ; and as they fweep.

On founding fkates, a thoufand different ways.

In circling poife, fwift as the winds, along, 770

The then gay land is madden 'd all to joy.

Nor lefs the northern courts, wide o'er the fnow.

Pour a new pomp. Eager, on rapid fleds.

Their vigorous youth in bold contention wheel

The long-refcunding courfe. Meantime, to raife 77 r

The manly ftrife, with highly blooming charms,

Fiulh'd by the feafon, Scandinavia's dames.

Or Ruffia's buxom daughters glow aromid.

Pure, qu'ck, and fportful, is the wholefcme day ; Put foon eiapi'd. The horizontal fun, 780

Broad o'er the fouth, hangs at his utmoft noon : And, inefiedual, ftrik.es the gelid clifF: His azure glofs the mountain iHll maintains. Nor fech the feelple touch. Perhaps the vale Relents a wiiile to the refledled ray; 78-

Or from the foreft falls the clufler'd fnow. Myriads of gems, that in the waving gleam Gay-tv/inkle as they fcatter. Thick around Thunders the fport of thofe, who with die gun. And dog impatient bounding at the fliot, 750

Worfe than the fcafon, defolate the fields; And, adding to the ruins of the year, pillrefs the footed or the feather'd game.

But what is this r Cnr infant Winter finks, pivefted of his grand-"ur, fiiould our eye 755

Alionifli'd fnoot into the Frigid Zone ; \Vhere, for reientlcfs months, coniinual r.ight

Hold

i88 THOMSON'S POEMS.

Holds o'er the glittering wafte her Harry reign.

There, through the prifon of unbounded wilds, Barr'd by the hand of Nature from efcape, 800

Vv'ide-roams the Ruffian exile. Nought around Strikes his fad eye, but deferts left in fnow ; And heavy-loaded groves ; and folid floods, ^ hat ftretch, athwart the folitary vaft, Their icy horrors to the frozen main ; 805

And chearlefs tov.'ns far-diftant, never blefs*d. Save vv'hen its annual courfe the caravan Bends to the golden coaft of rich * Cathay, With news of human-kind. Yet there Hfe glows ; Yet cherilh'd there, beneath the fhining wafte, 810 The fjrry nations harbour : tipt with jet. Fair ermines, fpotlefs as the fnows they prefs ; Sables, of gloffy black ; and dark-embrown'd. Or beauteous freakt with many a mingled hue, Thoufands befides, the coftly pride of courts. 815

There, warm together prefs'd, the trooping deer Sleep on the new-fall'n fnows ; and, fcarce his head Rais'd o'er the heapy wreath, the branching elk Lies flumbering fullen in the v/hite abyfs. The ruthlefi liunter wants nor dogs nor toils, 820

Nor witli the dread of founding bows he drives The fearful flying race; with ponderous clubs. As weak againft the mountain heaps they pufli Their beating breaft in vain, and piteous bray, Ke lays tht-m quivering on th' enfanguin'd fnows, 825 And with loud fliouts rejoicing bears them home. * The old aame f .r China.

There

WINTER. ,8,

There through the piny foreft half-abforpt. Rough tenant of thefe Ihades, the fliapekfs bear. With dangling ice all horrid. Italics forlorn ; Slo\v-pac"d, and fourer as the llorms increafe, 830 He makes his bed beneath th' inclement drift. And, with ftcrn patience, fcorniiig weak complaint. Hardens his heart againll afiailing want.

Wide o'er the fpacious regions of the north. That fees Booes urge his tardy wain, 83 r

A boiilerous race, by frolly * Caurus pierc'd. Who little pleafure know, and fear no p^in. Prolific fwarm. They once relum'd the flame Of loll mankind in polifli'd ilavery funk, 839

Drove martial f horde on horde, with dreadful fweep Refiillefs rulhing o'er th' enfeebled fouth. And gave the vanquilli'd world another form. Not fich the fons of Lapland : wifely they Defpife th' inlcnfate barbarous trade of war ; They afk no more than fimi^ie nature gives, 8^5

The)' love their mountains, ar.d enjoy their florms. No falfe defires, no pride-created wants, Didurb the peaceful current of their time; And through the reftlef- ever-tortur'd maze Of pleafure, or ambition, bid it rage. 850

Th.ir rein-deer form their riches. Thefe their tents. Their robes, their beds, and aii their homely wealth Supply, their wholefcme fire, and chearful cups. Obfequiuus at their call, the docile cilbe Yield to the Pud their necks, and whirl them fwift 855 * The norch-weft wind. f The waiJering Scjthian-clans.

O'er

19© THOMSON'S POEMS.

O'er hill and dale, heap'd into one expanfe

Of marbled fnow, as far as eye can fweep

V/ith a blue crufl of ice unbounded glaz'd.

By dancing meteors then, that ceafelefs fliake

A waving blaze refrafted o'er the heavens, 860

And vivid moons, and ftars that keener play

With double lurtre from the glo/ly wafte,

Ev'n in the dipth of Polar Night, they find

A wondrous day : enough to light the chace.

Or guide their daring fteps to Finland- fairs. 865

Wifti'd Spring returns ; and from the hazy fouth.

While dim Aurora flowly moves before.

The welcome fun, juil verging up at firft.

By fmall degrees extends the fwelling curve I

Till feen at large for gay rejoicing months, 870

Still round and round, his fpiral courfe he winds.

And as he nearly dips his flaming orb.

Wheels up again, and reafcends the fky.

In that glad feafon from the lakes and floods.

Where pure Niemi's * fairy mountains rife, 875

And fring'd with rofes f Tenglio rolls his fljeam,

* M. de Maupertuis, in his book oa the Figure of the Earth, after having defcribed the beautiful lake and mountain of Niemi in Lapland, fayfc,— *' From this height we had opportunity feveral «• times to fee thofe vapours rife from the lake, which the people " of the country call H^ltios, and which they deem to be the *' gua'dian fj/irits of the mountains. We had been frighted with ** ftcics of bears that haunted this place, but faw none. It fecmcd ** rather a place of refort for Fairies and Genii, than bears."

■f The fame author obferves — " I wjs f'urprized to fee upon the " banks of this river (the Tenglio) rofes of as lively a red as any *' that are in our gardens."

They

WINTER. ,5,

They draw the copious fry. With thcfe, at eve.

They chearful loaded to their tents repair j

Where, all day long in ufeful care employ'd.

Their kind unblemiih'd wives the fire prepare. 880

Thrice happy race ! by poverty fecur'd

From legal plunder and rapacious power :

In whom fell intereft never yet has ibu n

The feeds of vice : whofe fpotlefs fvvains ne'er knew

Injurious deed, nor, blaiied by the breath 885

Of taithlefs love, their blooming daughters woe.

Still prefTmg on, beyond Tornea's lake. And Hecla flaming through a wafte of fnow. And fartheil Greenland, to the pole itfelf. Where, failing gradual, life at length goes out, 890 The Mafe ercpands her folitary fight; And, hovering o'er the wild fiupendous fcene. Beholds new feas beneath * another fky. Tiiron'd in his pahce of cerulean ice. Here Winter holds his unrejoicing court ; 895

And through his airy hail the loud mifrule Of driving tempeft is for ever heard : Here the grim tyrant meditates iiis wrath ; Here arms his winds with all-fubduing frc:t; Moulds his fierce hail, and treaf-res up ms fnows, 900 With which he now oppreiTes half die globe.

Thence winding eailaard to the 'i ariar's coaH, She fvveeps the howling margin of tne main ; Where undiffolving, from the fi;:t of time, Snous fwell on fnovvs amazing to the ik^- ; 905

* The other hemifphere.

And

19* THOMSON'S POEMS.

And icy mountains high on mountains pil'd.

Seem to the (hivering failor from afar,

Shapelefs and white, an atmofphere of clouds. ^ ^^^^

Projeded hue, andhocrid, o'er the furge, ii^

Alps frown on Alps ; or rufhing hideous down, 910

As if old Qhaos was again return'd,

Wide-rend the deep, and fhake the folid pole*

Ocean itfelf no longer can refill

The binding fury; but, in a'l its rage

Of tempeft taken by the boimdiefs frollj 915

Is many a fathom to the bottom chain'd>

And bid to roar no more : a bleak expanfe,

Shagg'd o'er with wavy rocks, chearlcfs, and void

Of every life, that from the dreary months

Flies confcious fouthward. Miferable they

920

Who, here entangled in the gathering ice.

Take their laft look of the defcending fun ;

While, full of death, and fierce with tenfold froft.

The long long night, incumbent o'er their heads.

Falls horrible. Such was the * Briton's fate, 925

As with/"r/? prow, (v/hat have not Britons dar'd !)

H- for the paiTage fought, attempted fince

So much in vain, and feeming to be fliut

By jealous Nature with eternal bars.

In thefs fell regions, in Arzina caught, 930

And to the flony deep his idle iliip

Immediate feaPd, he with his haplefs crew.

Each full -exerted at his feveral tafk,

* Sir Ha^h Willoughby, fent by Qj£ee;v Elizabeth to difcover th« noith-eafi palFa^e.

Froze

WINTER. 193

Froze Into ftatues ; to the cordage glued

The failor, and the pilot to the helm. 935

Hard by thefe fhores, where fcarce his freezing ftream Rolls the wild Oby, live the laft of men ; And half-enliven'd by the diflant fun. That rears and ripens man, as well as plants, Here human nature wears its rudcft form. 940

Deep from the piercing feafon funk in raves. Here by dull fires, and with unjoyous cheer. They vvafte the tedious gloom. Immers'd in furs, Doze the grofs race. Nor fprightly jcft, nor fong. Nor tendcrncfs they knov/ ; nor ar.r"ht of life*, 045 Beyond the kindred bears that ilalk wiihout. Till morn at length, her rofes drooping all. Sheds a long tvvilight brTghtenlng o'er th.ir fields. And calls the quiver'd favage to the chace. ■" What cannot aflive government perform, 050

New-moulding man ? Wide-ftretching from thefe Chores, A people favage from remotell: time, A huge neglected empire, one vail Mind, By Heaven infpir'd, fi'om Gothic darknefs caii'd. Imm.ortal Peter! firll of monarchs ! He 955

His ftubborn country tamd, her rocks, her fens. Her floods, her feas, her id-fubmitting fons ; And while the iierce Barbarian he fubdued. To more exalted foul he rais'd the man. Ye Ihades of ancient heroes, ye who toil'd 960

Through long fucceiTive ages to build-up A labouring plan of Itate, behold at once The wonder done ! behold the matchlefs prince 1

Vol. LIV, O Who

194 THOMSON^ s POEMS.

Who left his native throne, where reign'd till then

A mighty fhadow of unreal power ; 965

Who greatly fpurn'd the flothful pomp of courts;

And, roaming every land, in every port

His fceptre laid afide, with glorious hand.

Unwearied plying the mechanic tool,

Gather'd the feeds of trade, of ufeful arts, 970

Of civil wifdom, and of martial ikill.

Charg'd with the frores of Europe, home he goes; ^

Then cities rife amid th' illumin'd wafte;

O'er joylefs deferts fmiles the rural reign ;

Far-diilant flood to flood is focial join'd ; 975

Th' aflonifli'd Euxine hears the Baltick roar;

Proud navies ride on feas that never foam'd

Vv^'ith daring keel before; and armies fl:retch

Each way their dazzling files, repreffing here

The frantic Alexander of the north, 980

And awing there ftern Othman's ihrinking fons.

Sloth flies the land, and Ignorance, and Vice,

Of old drflionour proud : it glows around.

Taught by the Royal Hand that rouz'd the whole.

One fcene of arts, of arms, of rifmg trade: 985

For what his wifdom plann'd, and power enforc'd.

More potent ftill, his great example fliew'd.

Muttering, the winds at eve, with blunted point. Blow hollow-b^uilering from the fouth. Subdued, The fr(»fl: refolves into a trickling thaw. 99©

Shotted the mountains fhine ; loofe fleet defcends. And floods the country round. The rivers fwell. Of bonds impatient. Sadden from the hills.

O'er

WINTER. 195

O'er rocks and woods, in broad brown catarafb,

A thoufand fnow-fed torrents ihoot at once ; 995

And, where they rufli, the wide-refounding plain

Is left one ilimj^wafte,. Thofe fallen fcas.

That walli'd th' ungenial pole, will reit no more

Beneath the (hackles of the mighty north ;

Bat, rouung all their wa-zes, reiiftlefs heave. 1000

And hark ! the lengthening roar continuous rimi

Athwart the rifted deep : at once it burfts.

And piles a thoufand mountai:is to the clouds.

Ill fares the bark with trembling wretches charg'd.

That, toll: amid the floating fragments, moors 1005

Beneath the fhelter of an icy ifle.

While night o'erwhelms the fea, and horror locks

More horrible. Can human force endure

Th' aflembled mifchiefs that befiege them round f

Heart-gnawirg hunger, fainting wearinefs, 10 10

The roar of winds and waves, the crufh of ice.

Now ceafmg, now renew'd with louder rage.

And in dire echoes bellowing round the main.

More to embroil the deep. Leviathan

And his unuaeldy train, in dreadful fport, 1 01 5

Tempefl: the loofen'd brine, while through the gloom.

Far from the bleak inhofpitable (hore.

Loading the winds, is heard the hu igry howl

Of famiih'd monfters, there awaiting wrecks.

Yet Providence, that €V£r--ivakin;r eye, 1 020

Looks down with pity on the feeble toil

Of mortals loft to hope, ar.d lights ihem fafe.

Through all this dreary labyrinth of fate.

O 2 Tis

196 THOMSON'S POEMS.

'Tis done ! dread Winrer fpreads his lateft glooms. And reigns tremendous o'er the conquer'd year. 1025 How dead the vegetable kingdom lies ! How dumb tlie tuneful ! Horror wide extends His defolate domain. \, Behold, fond man ! See here thy pidur'd life; pafs fome few years, 1029 Thy flowering Spring, thy Summer's ardent ftrength. Thy fober Autumn fading into age. And pale concluding Winter comes at laft. And (huts the fcene. Ah ! whither now are fled, Thofe dreams of greatnefs ? thofe unfolid hopes Of happinefs ? thofe longings after fame ? 1035

Thofe reillefs cares ? thofe bufy buftHng days ? Thofe gay-fpent, feftive nights ? thofe veering thoughts. Loft betvv'een good and ill, that fliar'd thy life ? All now are vanilh'd ! Virtue fole furvives. Immortal never-failing friend of man, ' 1 040

His guide to happinefs on high. And fee I 'Tis come, the glorious morn ! the fecond birth Of heaven and earth ! awakening Nature hears The nenxj-creating nxicrdy and ftarts to life. In every heighten'd form, from pain and death 1045 For ever free. I'he great eternal fchemey Involving all, and in a perfed ivholc Uniting, as the profped: wider fpreads. To reafon's eye refin'd clears up apace. Ye vainly wife ! ye blind prefumptuous ! now, 105O Confounded in the dufl, adore that Power, And Wifdom oft arraign'd : fee now the caufe. Why unaflTuming worth in fecret liv'd.

And

WINTER. 197

And dy'd, neglecled : why the good man's fliare

In life was gall and bltternefs of foul : '^55

\\'hy the lone widow and her orphans pin'd

In itarving folitude ; while luxury.

In palaces, lay draining her low thought.

To form unreal wants : why heaven-born Truth,

And Moderation fair, wore the red marks ic6o

Of Superllition's fcourge : why licens'd Pain,

That cruel fpoiler, that embofom'd foe,

Imbitter'd all our blifs. Ye good diilrell!

Ye noble few ! who here unbending ftand

Beneath life's prelTure, yet bear up a while, 1065

And what your bounded view, which only faw

A little part, deem'd evil, is no more :

The ilorms cf VVintery Time will quickly pafs.

And one unbounded 'Spring encircle all.

O 3 A H Y M N.

t »58 ]

A HYMN.

'T'^HESE, as they change, Almighty Father, thefe,

-'' Are but the --varied God. The rolling year Is full of 71iee. Forth in the pleafing Spring Thy beauty walks. Thy tendernefs and love. Wide fiufh the fields 5 the Ibftening air is balm; 5

Echo the mountains round ; the foreft fmiles ; And every fenfe, and every heart, is joy. Then comes Thy glory in the Summer-months, With light and heat refulgent. Then Thy fun Shoots full perfeflion through the fwelling year: 10 And oft Thy voice in dreadful thunder fpeaks ; And oft at dawn, deep noon, or falling eve. By brooks a-nd groves, in hcllow-whifpering gales. Thy bounty fhines in Autumn unconfin'd. And fpreads a common feaft for all that lives. 15

In Winter awful Thou ! with clouds and frorms Around Thee thrown, tcmpefl o'er tempell roll'd, Majeflic darknefs ! on the whirl v/ind's wing. Riding fublime, Thou bid'ft the world adore. And humbleft nature with Thy northern blaft. 20

Myflerious round ! what ilcill, what force divine. Deep felt, in thefe appear ! a fimple train. Yet fo delightful mix'd with fuch kind art. Such beauty and beneficence combin'd; Shade, unperceiv'd, fo foftening into fhadej 25

And all fo forming an harm.onious whole ; That, as they flill fucceed, they ravifh (HII. But wandering oft, with brute unconfcious gaze,

Man

A H Y M N. T95

Man marks not Thee, marks not the mighty hand. That ever-bufy, wheels, the filent fpheres; 30

Works in the fecret deep ; ftioots, fteaming, thence The fair profufion that o'erfpreads the Spring: Flings from the fun diredl the flaming day j Feeds every creature ; hu Is the tempell forth ; And, as on earth this grateful change revolves, 35 With tranfport touches all the fprings of life.

Nature, attend ! join every living foul. Beneath the fpacious temple of the fky. In adoration join ; and, ardent, raife One general fong ! To Him, ye vocal gales, 40

Breathe foft, whofe Spirit in your freflmefs breathes : Oh, talk of Him in folitary glooms ! W^hcre, o'er the rock, the fcarcely waving pine Fills the brown ihade with a religious awe. And ye, whofe bolder note is heard afar, 45

Who fliake th' aftonifh'd world, lift high to heaven Th' impetuous fong, and fay from whom you rage. His praife, ye brooks, attune, ye trembling rills ; And let me catch it as I mufe a^ong. Ye headlong torrent^, rapid, and profound ; 50

Ye fofter floods, that lead the humid maze Along the vale ; and thou, majeilic main> A fecret world of wonders in thyfelf, Sound His Itupendous praife; whofe greater voice Or bids you roar, or bids your roarings fall. 55

Soft-roll your incenfe, herbs and fruits, and flowers> In mingled clouds to Him ; whofe fun exalts, V/hoie breath perfumes you, and whofe pencil paints. O ± Ye

too THOMSON'S POEMS.

Ye forefcs bend, ye harvells wave, to Him ;

Breathe your lliil long into the reapers heart, 60

As home he goes beneath the joyous moon.

Ye th:t keep watch in heaven, as earth alleep

Unconfcious lies, eifuie your miidell bjains.

Ye conftcllations, while your angels flrike,

Amid the Ipangkd Iky, the filver lyre. 65

Great fource oi" day ! beft image here below

Of thy Creator, ever pouring wide.

From world to world, the vital ocean round.

On nature write with every beam His praife.

1 he thunder rolls : be huih'd the proilrate world ; 70

V/hile cloud to cloud returns the folemn hymn.

Bleat out afrefh, ye hills : ye mofTy rocks.

Retain i^je found : the broad refponfive lowe.

Ye vallies, raifc ; for the Gr.-at Shepherd reigns ;

And his unfuffsring kingdom yet will come. 75

Ye woodlands all, awake : a boundlefs fong

Eurll from the groves ! and when the refliefs day.

Expiring, lays the warbling world afleep,

Sweetcll: of birds ! fweet Philomela, charm

The liilenin^ iliades, and teach the night His praife. 80

Ye chief, for whom the whole creation fmiles.

At once the head, tiie heart, and tongue of all.

Crown the great hymn ! in fwarming cities vail,

AfTembled men, to the deep organ join

The long-rcfcunding voice, oft-breaking clear, 855

At folemn paufes, through the fwelling bafe ;

And, as each mingling flame increafes each.

In one united ardor rife to heaven.

Or

A K Y M N. ,01

Or if you rather chufe the rural fliade.

And find a fane in every fecret grove ; 90

There let the {hepher'd flute, the virgin's lay.

The prompting feraph, and the poet's lyre.

Still fmg the God of Seafons, as they roll.

For me, when I forget the darling theme.

Whether the blofibm blows, the fummer-ray p^

Rufiets the plain, w/pirhig Autumn gleams ;

Or Winter rifes in the blackening eail ;

Be my tongue mute, my fancy paint no more.

And, dead to joy, forget my heart to beat.

Should fate command me to the fartheil: verge ico Of the green earth, to dillant barbarous climes. Rivers unknown to fong ; where firll the fun Gilds Indian moantains, or his fetting beam Flames on th' Atlantic iiles ; 'tis nought to me: Since God is ever pn fent, ever felt, 105

]n the void waite as in the cicy full ; And where He vital breathes, there mini be joy. When ev'n at laft the folemn hour iliould come. And wing my myftic flight to future worlds, I chearful will obey; there, with new powers, iio

Will riflng wonders fmg : I cannot go W"here Univt. fal Love not fniiles around, Suilaining ail yon orbs, and all their fons; from. fee?7ung e-zal QiVi educing ^cc^-'. And better thence again, and better flill, 1 1 5

In infinite progrciiicn. Eut I lofe Myfelf in Him, in Light ineffable ; Come then, cvpreiave Silence, mufe His praife.

T H E

THE

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE,

A N

ALLEGORICAL POEM.

ADVERTISEMENT.

THIS poem being writ in the manner of Spenfer, tlie obfolete words, and a fimplidty of diifiion in fome of the lines, which borders on the ludicrous, were necefiary, to make the imitation mere perfect. And the llyle of that admirable poet, as well as the meafure in which he wrote, are, as it were, appropriated by cuftom to allegorical poems writ in our language; juft as in French the ilile of Marot, who lived under Fran- cis I. has been ui'ed in tales, and familiar epiftles, by the politelt writers of the age of Louis XiV.

[ ac5 3

Explanation of the obsolete Words ufed in this Poem.

A Rchimage— //'f chief '*■ ■*- or great cj} of tnagici-

ans or enchanters, Apaid — paid. Appal — affnght. Atween — bet^vecn. Ay — aln^:ays. Bale — forrcw, trouble, m'lf-

fortune. Benempt —named. Blazon — painthigy difplay-

%•

Breme — cold, ra~jj.

Carol — io fingfongs of joy.

Caucus — the north - eaji 'Z'jind.

Certes — certainly.

Dan — a •n.vord prefixed to na?nes,

Dthly—filfuly.

Depainted — paifited.

Drowfy - head — dro-wfinefs ,

Eath — ecfy.

Efcfoons — immediately, of- ten after -Wards.

Eke-^alfo.

Fays -fairies.

Gear or Geer—furniture^

equipage, drefs. Q\-A\Q.—f=word. (Fr.) Qlz^—joy, pleafure, Han — ha^e.

Aiglit — named, called-, and ibmetimes it is ufed for is called. See ftanza vii. Idlefs — Idlevefs. Imp^child, or ojspring ; from the Saxon imp an, to graft or plant, Keft-^/'tfr caji. Lad— y2?r led. Lea— ^ piece of laiid, or

meado~jj. Libbard — leopard, Lig — to lie.

Lolel — a loofe idlefello'v:, L outing — boxving, bending. Lithe— %'^, lax. yieW -mi/:gle. Moe — more. Moil— /o Lilour. ]\'Icte — might. Much el cr Mozhd^much, great.

Nathlefs

io6

Natl ilefs — neverthelefs . Ne — mr. Needments — neceJJ'aries. Nourfling — a child that is

nurfed. Noyance — harm. Prankt — coloured, adorned

Perdie (Fr. far Dieu) — an

old oath, Prick'd tiirough the foreil:

"^rode through theforejf. Sear — dry, burnt up. Sheen — -bright , Jhi?ii?ig. Sicker— ^«r^, furely. Soot — -J'n.veety or fixeetly. Sooth — true, or truth. Stound — jnisfortune, pung. Swehry—Juliry, conjuming,

twith heat.

GLOSSARY.

Swink — to labour. Smackt ^favoured.

Thrall— /^c'^.

Tr anfme vv 'd — transform V.

Unkempt (Lati incomptusj unadorned.

Ween-^—Zo think, be of opi- nion.

Weet — "to knonv ; to nveet, to i^vit.

Whilom — ere-'while, for- merly.

Wight — man.

W'is, for Wift-^/o kno^v, •ihink, undcrjiand.

Wonne — (a noun) d-welU ing.

Wroke — nvreakt.

N. B. The letter T is frequently placed in the begin- ning of a word by Spenfer, to lengthen it a fyllable, and en at the end of a word, for the fame reafon, as fwithouten. cajien, &c.

Yborn — horn.

Yblent, or blent — blended,

minghd. Ychd-f/^. Yclcped — called, named.

Y^tKt^t 07 ether.

o

Ymolten —milted. Yode (preter tenfe of yede) 'went.

[ »c>7 ] THE

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE,

The caftle height of indolence.

And its falfe luxury ; Where for a little time, alas !

We liv'd right jollily.

I.

/^ Mortal man, who lived here by toil,

^■^ Do not complain of this thy hard eftate ; That like an emmet tliou muft ever moil. Is a fad fentence of an ancient date ; And, certes, there is for it reafon rreat ; For, though fometimes it mal:e: ihee weep and wail. And curfe thy ftar, and es:ly drudge and late, Withouten that wcu':; come an heavier bale,

Locfe life, unrul) pariions, and difeafes pale. II.- In lowly dale, faft by a nver's fide. With woody hill o'er hi..' er.comnafs'd round, A mOil enchanting wizard did abide. Than v/nom a fiend more fell is no wh-ere found. It was, I ween, a love'y fpot of ground ; And there a feafon at.veen June and .v'ay, Haifprankt with fpring, vvithrummer half imbrown'd, A liillefs climate made, w icre, footh to fay.

No hving wight could woijk, nc cared ev'n for play.

III. Waj

tot THOMSON'S POEMS.

III.

Was nought around but images of reft : Sleep-foothing groves, and quiet lawns between ; Aud flowery beds that flumberous influence keft. From poppies breath'd j and beds of pleafant green. Where never yet was creeping creature feen. Meantime unnumber'd glittering ftreamlets play'd. And hurl'd every-where their waters flieen; That, as they bicker 'd through the funny glade.

Though reftlefs ftill themfelves, a lulling murmur made. IV. Join'd to the prattle of the purling rills. Were heard the lowing herds along the vale. And flocks loud-bleating from the diftant hills. And vacant fhepherds piping in the dale : And now and then fvveet Philomel would wail,

• Or fiock-dov-es plain amid the foreft deep. That drowfy ruftled to the fighing gale ; And ftill a coil the grafshopper did keep ;

Yet all thefe founds yblent inclined all to fleep. V. Full in the pafTage of the vale, above, A fable, filent, folemn foreft flood ; Where nought but fliadowy forms was feen to move. As Idlcfs fancy'd in her dreaming mood : And up the hills, on either fide, a wood Of blackening pines, ay waving to and fro,

; Sent forth a (iL^epy horror through the blood ; And where this valley winded out, below, [flow.

The murmuring main was heard, and fcarcely heard, to

VI. A

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. 109

VL

A pleafing land of drowfy-head it was. Of dreams that wave before the ha!f-(hut eye; And of gay calUes in the clouds that pafs. For ever flufliing round a fummer-lkv : There eke the foft delights, that witchingly Inftil a wanton fweetnefs through the breait. Arid the calm pleafures always hcver'd nigh ; But v/hate'cr fmack'd of noyance, or unreft,

V/as far far off expeli'd from this delicious neft. VJL The landfkip fiich, infpiring perfect eafe, V/here Indolence (for fo the wizard hight) Clofe-hid his callie mid embowering trees. That half fhut out the beams of Phoebus bright. And made a kind of checker'd day and night ; Meanwhile, unceafnig at the maffy gate. Beneath a fpacious palm, the wicked wight Was plac'd; and to his lute, of cruel fate.

And labour harlli, complain'd, lamenting man's eflate. VIII. Thither continual pilgrims crowded Hill, From all the roads of earth that pafs there by : For, as they chaunc'd to breathe on neighbouring hill. The frefhnefs of this valley fmote their eye. And drew them ever and anon more nigh ; Till cluftering round th' enchanter falfe they hung, Ymolten v/ita his fyren melody ; While o'er th' enfeebling lute his hand he flung.

And to the trembling chords thefe tempting verfes fung : Vol. L IV. P IX. '* Be-

aio THOMSON'S POEMS.

IX.

" Behold ! ye pilgrims of this earth, behold !

" See all but man with unearn'd pleafure gay :

"See her bright robes the butterfly unfold,

" Broke from her wintery tomb in prime of May !

*' What youthful bride can equal her array?

** Who can with her for eafy pleafure vie ?

** From mead to mead with gentle wing to flray,

*' From flower to flower on balmy gales to fly,

** Is all flie has to do beneath the radiant Iky. X. " Behold the merry minfl:rels of the morn, *' The fwarming fongfters of the carelefs grove, *' Ten thoufand tliroats 1 that from the flowering thorn, "^ Hymn their good God, and carol fweet of love, " Such grateful kindly raptures them emove : *' They neither plough, nor fow ; ne, fit for flail, " E'er to the barn the nodden flieaves they drove; ** Yet theirs each harvefl: dancing in the gale,

*' Whatever crowns the hill, or fmiies along the vale. XL *^ Outcafl: of nature, man 1 the wretched thrall *' Of bitter dropping fweat, of fweltry pain, ** Of cares that eat away thy heart with gall, ** And of the vices, an inhuman train, *' That all proceed from favage thirfl: of gain : */ For when hard-hearted Interefl firft began " To poifon earth, Aftrsa left the plain ; " Guile, violence, and murder feiz'd on man,

**• And, for foft milky llreams, with blood the rivers ran.

XII. '' Come,

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. 211

xn.

*' Come, ye, who flill the cuinberous load cf life

*' Pufh hard up hill; but as the fartheil ileep

*' You truft to gain, and put an end to ilrife,

*' Down thunders back the ftone with mighty fweep,

** And hurls your labours to the valley deep,

'' For-ever vain : come, and, withouten fee,

*' I in oblivion will your forrows iicep,

'' Your cares, your toils, will fteep you in a fca

" Of full delight : O come, ve weary wights, to me I XIII . " With me, you need not rife at early dawn, *' To pafs the joylefs day in various ilounds : *■' Or, louting low, on upftart fortune fawn, *' And fell fair honour for fome paltry pounds ; *' Or through the city take your dirty rounds, '* To cheat, and dun, and lye, and vifit pay, *' Now flattering bafe, now giving fecret wounds : '* Or proul in courts of law for human prey,

^' In vernal fenate thieve, or rob on broad highway. XIV. " No cocks, with me, to ruftic labour call, *' From village on to village founding clear : " To tardy fwain no fhrill-voic'd matrons fquall ; " No dogs, no babes, no wives, to llun your ear ; " No hammers thump ; no horrid blackfmith fear, *' Ne noify tradefmen your fweet flumbers Hart, *' With founds that are a mifery to hear : ^' But all is calm, as would deUght the heart

" Of Sybarite of old, all nature, and all art.

P 2 XV. '< Here

aiz THOMSON'S POEMS.

XV. " Here nought but candour reigns, indulgent eafe, *' Good-natur'd lounging, fauntering up and down-! ** They who are pleas'd themfelves mull always pleafe ; " On others' ways they never fquint a frown, " Nor heed what haps in hamlet or in town : ** Thus, from the fource of tender indolence, ** Witli milky blood the heart is overflown, " Is footh'd and fvveeten'd by the focial fenfe ;

" For interefl, envy, pride, and ftrife are banifh'd hence. XVL " What, what, is virtue, but repofe of mind, *' A pure ethereal calm, that knows no ftorm; " Above the reach of wild ambition's wind, *' Above the paflions that this world deform, *' And torture man, a proud malignant worm ? '^ But here, inftead, foft gales of paiTion play, *' And gently flir the heart, thereby to form '' A quicker fenfe of joy ; as breezes ftray [gay.

" Acrofs th' enliven'd iTcies, and make them ftill more XVII. *' The befl of men have ever lov'd repofe : ** They hate to mingle in the filthy fray; " Where the foul fours, and gradual rancour grows, " Imbitter'd more from peevifh day to day. ** Ev'n thofe whom Fame has lent her fairell ray, ** The moft renown'd of worthy wights of yore, ** From a bafe world at lail have fcoi'n away : ** So Scipio, to the foft Cumaean fhore

" Retiring, tafted joy he never knew before.

XVIII. " B»t

CASTLE or INDOLENCE. 21^

xvin.

•* But if a little exercife you chufe,

*' Some zeft for eafe, 'tis not forbidden here.

*' Amid the groves you may indulge the Mufe,

*' Or tend the blooms, and deck the vernal year ;

" Or {ofx}^ Healing, with your watery gear,

** Along the brook, the crimfon fpotted fry

" You may delude : the whilft, amus'd, you hear

" Now the hoarfe ftream, and nowthe zephyr's figh,

'' Attuned to the birds, and woodland melody. XIX. " O grievous folly ! to heap up eilate, *' Lofmg the days you fee beneath the fun ; " When, fudden, comes blind unrelenting fate, '* And gives th' untafted portion you have won, *' With ruthlefs toil, and many a wretch undone, " To thofe v^Ko mock you gone to Pluto's reign, *' There with fad gholls to pine, and (hadows dun : *' But fure it is of vanities moft vain,

'* To toil for what you here untoiling may obtain.'* XX. Ke ceas'd. But ftill their trembling ears retain'd The deep vibrations of his witching fong ; That, by a kind of magic power, conftrain'd To enter in, pell-mell, the likening throng. Heaps pour'd on heaps, and yet they flipt along. In filent eafe : as when beneath the beam Of fummer-moons, the diil:ant woods among. Or by fome flood all filver'd with the gleam.

The foft-embodied fays through airy portal ftream :

P 3 XXI. By

214 THOMSON'S POEMS.

xxr.

By the fmooth demon To it order'd was. And here his baneful bounty Rril began : Though Ibms there were who would not further pafs. And his alluring baits fufpesfled han. The wife diilruft the too fair-fpoken man. Yet through the gate they call a wiihful eye : Not to move on, perdie, is all they can ; For do their very ball they cannot fly. But often each way look, and often forely figh.

xxn.

When this the watchful v^icked wizard law. With fudden fpring he leap'd upon them ftrait ; And foon as touch'd by his unhallow'd paw. They found themfelves within the curfed gate ,• Full hard to be repafs'd, like that of fate. Not llronger were of old the giant crew. Who fought to pull high Jove from regal Hate ; Though feeble wretch he feem'd, of fallow hue :

Certes, who bides his grafp, will that encounter rue, XXIII. For whomfoe'er the villain takes in hand. Their joints unknit, their fmews melt apace; As lithe they grow as any willow-wand. And of their vanifli'd force remains no trace : So when a maiden fair, of modeil grace. In all her buxom blooming May of charms. Is feiz'd in fome lofel's hot embrace. She waxeth very weakly as fae warms.

Then fishing yields her up to love's delicious harms.

XXIV. Wak'd

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. 215

XXIV. Wak'd by the crowd, flow from his bench arofe A comely full-fpread porter, fwoln with fleep : His calm, broad, thoughtlefs afped breath'd repofe ; And in fweet torpor he was plunged deep, Ne could himfelf from ceafelefs yawning keep ; While o'er his eyes the drowfy liquor ran. Through which his half- wak'd foul would faintly peep. Then taking his black ftafF he call'd his man.

And rous'd himfelf as much as roufe himfelf he can. XXV. The lad leap'd lightly at his maker's call. He was, to weet, a little roguilli page. Save fleep and play who minded nought at all. Like moil the untaught ftriplings of his age. This boy he kept each band to difengage. Garters and buckles, tafk for him unfit. But ill-becoming his grave perfonage. And which his portly paunch would not permit.

So this fame limber page to all performed it. XX VL Meantime the mafter-porter wide difplay'd Great ftore of caps, of flippers, and of gowns; Wherewith he thofe that enter'd in, array'd Loofe, as the breeze that plays along the downs. And waves the fummer- woods when evening frowns, O fair undrefs, beft drefs I it checks no vein. But every flov/ing limb in plcafure drowns. And heightens eafe with grace. This done, right fain.

Sir pciter fat him down, and turn'd to fleep again.

P 4 XXVII. Thus

2i6 THOMSON'S POEMS.

xxvir.

Thus eafy rob'd, they to the fountain fped.

That in the middle of the court up-threw

A ftieam, high-fpouting fi-om its Hquid bed.

And falling back again in drizzly dew :

There each deep draughts, as deep he thirfted, drew.

It was a fountain of Nepenthe rare :

Whence, as Dan Homer fmgs, huge pleafaunce grew.

And fvveet oblivion of vile earthly care ; [fair.

Fair gladfome waking thoughts, and joyous dreams more XXVIII. This rite performed, all inly pleas'd and ftill, Withouten tromp, was proclamation made. ** Ye fons of Indolence, do what you will ; " And wander where you lift, through hall or glade ! " Be no man's pleafure for another ilaid ; ** Let each as likes him beft his hours employ, ** And curs'd be he who minds his neighbour's trade 1 '^ Here dwells kind eafe and unreproving joy :

" He little merits blifs who others can annoy." XXIX. Strait of thefe endlefs numbers, fwarming round. As thick as idle motes in funny ray. Not one eftfoons in view was to be found. But every man ftroll'd off his own glad way. Wide o'er this ample court's blank area. With all the lodges that thereto pertain'd. No living creature could be feen to ftray ; While fohtude and perfetfl filence reign'd :

So that to think you dreamt you almoll was conftrain'd.

XXX. Ab

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. 117

XXX. As when a fhepherd of the Hebrid-ifles, Plac'd far amid the melancholy main, (Whether it br lone fancy him beguiles; Or that aerial be'ngs fometimes deign To ftand embodied, to our ienfes plain) Sees on the naked hill, or valley low. The whilfl: in ocean Phoebus dips his wain, A vaft alTembly moving to and fro :

Then all at once in air diilolves the wondrous fliow. XXXL Ye gods of quiet, and of fleep profound ! V/hofe fofc dominion o'er this callle fvvays. And all the widely-fiient places round. Forgive me, if my trembling pen difplays What never yet was fung in mortal lays. But how fnall I attempt fuch arduous firing, I who have fpent my nights and nightly days. In this foul-deadening place, Icofe-loitering ?

Ah 1 how (hall I for this uprear my moulted v/ing ?

xxxri.

Come on, my Mufe, nor Hoop to low dcfpair. Thou imp of Jove, touch'd by celelHal fire ! * -' Thou yet flialt fmg of war, and actions fair. Which the bold fons of Britain ^Aill infpirc ; Of ancient bards thou yet fnall fv/eep ths lyre j Thou yet (liall tread in tragic pall the ilage. Paint love's enchanting woes, the hero's ire. The fage's calm, the patriot's ncble rage, Dafhing corruption down through every worthlefs age.

XXXiil. The

»i3 THOMSON'S POEMS.

XXXIII. The doors, that knew no ilirill alarming bell, Ne curfed knocker ply'd by villain's hand, Self-open'd into halls, where, who can tell What elegance and grandeur wide expand The pride of Turkey and of Perfia land ? Soft quilts on quilts, on carpets carpets fpread. And couches ftretch'd around in feemly band ; And endleis pillows rife to prop the head ;

So that each fpacious room was one fall-fwelling-bed. XXXIV. And every where huge cover'd tables flood. With wines high-flavour'd and rich viands crown 'd ; Whatever fprightly juice or taileful food On the green bofom of this earth are found. And all old ocean genders in his round : Some hand unfeen thefe fi'ently difplay'd, Ev'n undemanded by a lign or found ; You need but wilh, and, inflantly obey'd,

f air-rang'd the diihes rofe, and thick the glafTes play'd. XXXV. Here freedom reign 'd, v/ithout the leall alloy; Nor goflip's tale, nor ancient maiden's gall. Nor faintly fpleen durfi murmur at our joy. And v\dth envenom'd tongue cur pleafures pall. For why ? tliere was but one great rule for all ; To wit, that each fhou!d work his own defire. And eat, drink, ftudy, fleep, as it may fall. Or melt the time in love, or wake the lyre,

Jiiid carol what, unbld, the Mufes might infpire.

XXXVI. The

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE, 219

xxxvr.

The rooms with coftly tapeftry were hung.

Where was inwoven many a gentle tale;

Such as of old the rural poets fnng.

Or of Arcadian or Sicilian vale :

Reclining lovers, in the lonely dale,

Pour'd forth at large the fweetly-tortur'd heart ;

Or, fighing tender paflion, fvvell'd the gale.

And taught charm'd echo to refound their fmart ;

While flocks, woods, ftreams, around, repoft; and peace XXXVII. [impart.

Thofe pleas'd the moft, where, by a cunning hand, Depainted was the patriarchal age ; What time Dan Abraham left the Chaldee land. And paftur'd on from verdant ftage to ftage. Where fields and fountains frelli could beft engage. Toil was not then. Of nothing took they heed. But with wild beafis the fylvan war to wage. And o'er vaft plains their herds and flccics to feed :

Bleil fons of Nature they ! true golden age indeed 1 XXXVIIl. Sometimes the pencil, in cool airy halls. Bade the gay bloom of vernal landikips rife. Or autumn's varied fljades imbrown the walk : Now the black tempeii ftrikes th' afionifh'd eyes Novv' down the ftcep the fi;i{hing torrent flies ; The trembling fun now plays o'er ocean blue. And nov.- rude mountains frov/n amid the fkies ; Whate'er Lorraine liglit-touch'd with fofrening liue.

Or favage Rofa dafli'd, or learned Fouilin drew.

XXXiX. Each

220 THOMSON'S POEMS.

XXXIX. Each found too here, to languifhment indin'd, LuU'd the weak bofom, and induced cafe, jAerial mufic in the warbling wind. At diftance rifing oft by fmall degrees. Nearer and nearer came, till o'er the trees It hung, and breath'd fuch foul-diffolving airs. As did, alas ! with foft perdition pleafe : Entangled deep in its enchanting fnares,

The Hftening heart forgot all duties and all cares. XL. A certain mufic, never known before. Here lull'd the peniive melancholy mind ; Full eafily obtain'd. Behoves no more. But fidelong, to the gently-waving wind. To lay the well-tun'd inftrument reclin'd ; From which, widi airy flying fingers light. Beyond each mortal touch the moft refin'd. The god of winds drew founds of deep delight :

Whence, with jafl caufe, the harp of ^olus it hight. XLI. Ah me 1 what hand can touch the firing fo fine ? Who up the lofty d"apafan roll Such fvveet, fuch fad, fuch folemn airs divine. Then let them down again into the foul ? Now rifing love they fann'd ; now pleafmg dole They breath'd, in tender muiings, through the heart ; And now a graver facred flrain they flole. As when feraphic hands an hymn impart :

Wild -warbling nature all, above the reach of art !

XLIl. Such

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. zzi

XLIL Such the gay fplendor, the luxurious ftate. Of Caliphs old, who on the Tygris' fhore. In mighty Bagdat, populous and great. Held their bright court, where was of ladies ftore ; And verfe, love, mufic, Hill the garland wore : Vv^hen fleep was coy, the bard in waiting there, Chear'd the lone midnight with the Mufe's love : Compofmg mufic bade his dreams be fair.

And muiic lent new gladnefs to the morning air. XLIII. Near the pavilions where we llept. Hill ran Soft-tinkling llreams, and dafning waters fell. And fobbing breezes figh'd, and oft began (So work'd the wizard) wintery ftorms to fwell. As heaven and earth tliey would together mell : At doors and windows, threatening, feem'd to call The demons of the tempeft, growling fell. Yet the leaft entrance found they none at all ;

Whence fweeter grew our fleep, fecure in maiTy hail. XLIV. And hither Morpheus fent his kindeil: dreams, Raifmg a world of gayer tinft and grace ; O'er which were fhadcwy cafl Elyfian gleams. That play'd, in waving lights, from place to place. And iTied a rofeate fmile on nature's face. Not Titian's pencil e'er could fo array. So fierce wiih clouds the pure ethereal fpace ; Ne could it e'er fuch melting forms difplay.

As Icofe on fiovvery beds all languilhingly lay.

XLV. No,

223 THOMSON'S POEMS,

XLV. No, fair illufions ! artful phantoms, no ! My Mufe will not attempt your fairy-land : She has no colours that like you can glow : To catch your vivid fcenes too grofs her hand. But fure it is, was ne'er a fubtler band Than tliefe fame guileful angcl-feeming fprights. Who thus in dreams, voluptuous, foft, and bland, Pour'd all th' Arabian Heaven upon her nights.

And blefs'd them oft befides with more refin'd delights. XL VI. They were in footh a moll enchanting train, Ev'n feigning virtue ; fkilful to unite "With evil good, and ftrew v/ith pleafure pain. But for thofe fiends, whom blood and broils delight ; Who hurl the wretch, as if to hell outright, Down, dovv'n black gulfs, wliere fullen waters Heep, Or hold him clambering all the fearful night On beetling cliffs, or pent in ruins deep;

They, till due time fhould ferve, were bid far hence to XLVII. [keep.

Ye guardian fpirits, to whom man is dear. From thefe foul demons fhield the midnight gloom : Angels of fancy and of love, be near. And o'er the blank of lleep diffufe a bloom : Evoke the facred fhades of Greece and Rome, And let them virtue with a look impart ; But chief, a while, O ! lend us from the tomb Thefe long-loll: friends for whom in love we fmart.

And fill with pious awe and joy-mixt woe the heart.

XL VIII. Or

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. 213

XLVIII. Or are you fportive — Bid the mom of youth Rife to new light, ar.d beam afrefh the days Of innocence, fimpiicity, and truth ; To cares efirang'd, and manhood's thorny ways. What tranfport, to retrace our boyifh plays. Oar eafy blifs, when each thing joy fapply'd; The woods, the m.ountains, and the warbling maze Of the wild brooks I — But, fondly wandering wide.

My Mufe, relume the tafk that yet doth thee abide. XLIX. One great amufement of our houfehold was. In a huge cryftal magic globe to {py. Still as you turn'd it, all things that do pafs Upon this ant-hill earth ; where ccnilantly Of id!y-bufy men the reillefs fry Run bullling to and fro with foolilh hafle. In Tearch of pleafure vain tliat from them fly. Or which obtain'd the caitiffs dare not tafle r

When nothing is enjoy 'd, can there be greater wafle? L. " Of vanity the mirror" this was call'd. Here you a muckworm of the town might fee. At his dull deik, amid his legers ftall'd. Eat up with carking care and penurie ; Moil like to carcafe parch'd on gallow-tree. " A penny faved is a penny got;'* Firm to this fcoundrcl maxim keepeth he, Ne of its rigour will he bate a jot,

TiU it has quench'd his lire, and baniili'd his pot.

LI. Strait

SZ4. THOMSON'S POEMS.

LI.

Strait from the filth of this low grub, behold ! Comes fluttering forth a gaudy fpendthrift heir. All glofly gay, enamel 'd all with gold. The filly tenant of the fummer-air. In folly loft, of nothing takes he care ; Pimps, lawyers, ftewards, harlots, flatterers vile. And thieving tradefmen him among them fliare : Plis father's ghoft from limbo-lake, the while.

Sees this, which more damnation doth upon him pile. LII. This globe pourtray'd the race of learned men. Still at their books, and turning o'er the page. Backwards and forwards : oft they fnatch the pen. As if infpir'd, and in a Thefpian rage ; Then write, and blot, as would your ruth engage. Why, authors, all this fcrawl and fcribbling fore ? To lofe the prefent, gain the future age, Praifed to be when you can hear no more.

And much em^ich'd v^'ith fame, when ufelefs worldly ftore. LIII. Then would a fplendid city rife to view. With carts, and cars, and coaches, roaring all : Wide pour'd abroad behold the giddy crew ; See how they daili along from wall to wall ! At every door, hark how they thundering call ! Good lord 1 what can this giddy rout excite ? Why, on each other with fell tooth to fall ; A neighbour's fortune, fame, or peace, to Wight,

And make new tirefome parties for the coming night.

LIV. Tht

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. 225

LIV.

The puzzling fons of party next appear'd.

In dark cabals and nightly juntos met ;

And now they whifper'd clofe, now fhrugging rear'd

Th' important {houlder ; then, as if to get

New light, their twinkling eyes were inward fet.

No fooner Lucifer recals aifairs.

Than forth they various ruih in mighty fret ;

When, lo ! pulh'd up to power, and crown'd their cares.

In comes another fett, and kicketh them down Hairs. LV. But what mofl fhew'd the vanity of life. Was to behold the nations all on fire. In cruel broils engag'd, and deadly llrife : Moll chriilian kings, inflam'd by black defire. With honourable ruffians in their hire, Caufe war to rage, and blood around to pour : Of this fad work when each begins to tire. They fit them down juft where they were before.

Till for new fcenes of woe peace Ihall their force reftore. LVI. To number up the thoufands dwelling here. An ufelefs were, and eke an endlefs talk ; From kings, and thofe who at the helm appear. To gypfies brown in fummer-glades who balk. Yea many a rhan perdie I could unmafk, Whofe deik and table make a folemn fhovv. With tape-ty'd tralh, and fuits of fools that aflc For place or penfion laid in decent row ;

But thefe I pa/Ten by, with namelefs numbers moe. Vol. IV. Q^ LVII. Of

ta6 THOMSON'S POEMS,

LVII.

Of all the gentle tenants of the place. There was a man of fpecial grave remark : A certain tender gloom o'erfpread his face, Penfive, not fad, in thought involv'd, not darlc^ As foot this man could fmg as morning-lark. And teach the nobleft morals of the heart : But thefe his talents were yburied flark ; Of the fine Hores he nothing would impart.

Which or boon Nature gave, or nature -painting Art, LVIII. To noontide fhades incontinent he ran, Where purls the brook with lleep-inviting found ; Or when Dan Sol to flope his wheels began. Amid the broom he bafk'd him on the ground. Where the wild thyme and camomoil are found : There would he linger, till the lateli ray Of light fat trembling on the welkin's bound ; Then homeward through the twilight fhadows ftray.

Sauntering and flow. So had he palTed many a day. LIX. Vet not in thoughtlefs flumber were they pafl : For oft the heavenly fire, that lay conceal'd Beneath the fleeping embers, mounted faft. And all its native light anew reveal'd : Oft as he travers'd the Cerulean field. And markt the clouds that drove before the wind. Ten thoufand glorious fyflems would he build. Ten thoufand great ideas fill'd his mind ;

But with the clouds they fled, and left no trace behind.

hX, Widi

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. ■^^^ LX. With him was fometimes join'd, in filent walk, ( Profound! y fdent, for they never fpoivc) One Ihyer ftiU, who quite detclled talk : Oft, Hung by fpleen, at once away he broke. To groves of pine, and broad o'erihadov/ing oak ; There, inly thrill'd, hs v/ander'd all alone. And on himfelf his penfive fary wroke, Ne ever utter'd word, fave when firli: Ihone

The glittering ftar of eve — '* Thank heaven! the day LXL [is done."

Here lurk'd a wretch, who had not crept abroad For forty years, ne face of mortal feen ; In chamber brooding like a loathly toad : And fure his linen was not very clean. Through fecret loop-holes, that had pradis'd been Near to his bed, his dinner vile he took ; Unkempt, and rough, of fqualid face and mien. Our caftle's fliame ! whence, from his filthy nook.

We drove the villain out for fitter lair to look. LXII. One day there chaunc'd into thefe halls to rove A joyous youth, who took you at firft fight ; Him the wild v.'ave of pleafure hither drove. Before the fprightly tempeft tofling light: Certes, he was a mofl: engaging wight. Of focial glee, and wit humane though keen. Turning the night to day and day to night : For him the merry bells had rung, I ween.

If in thi* nock of quiet bells had ever been.

O2 LXTII. Bar

22S THOMSON'S POEMS.

LXIII.

But not ev'n pleafure to excefs is good : Vv'hat niofl elates then fmks the foul as low : When fpring-tide joy pours in with copious flood. The higher ftill th' exulting billows flow. The farther back again they flagging go. And leave us groveling on the dreary fhore : Taught_^by this fen of joy, we found it fo; Who, whilft he ftaid, kept in a gay uproar

Our madden'd caftle all, th' abode of fleep no more. LXIV. As when in prime of June a burnifh'd fly. Sprung from the meads, o'er which he fweeps along, Chear'd by the breathing bloom and vital iky. Tunes up amid thefe airy halls his fong, . Soothing at firfl: the gay repofing throng : And oft he fips their bowl ; or, nearly drown'd. He, thence recovering, drives their beds among. And fcares their tender fleep, with trump profound ;

Then out again he flies, to wing his mazy round. LXV. Another gueft there was, of fenfe refin'd. Who felt each worth, for every worth he had ; Serene, yet warm, humane, yet firm his mind. As little touch'd as any man's with bad : Him through their inmofl walks the Mufes lad. To him the facred love of nature lent. And fometimes would he make our valley glad ; When as we found he would not here be pent.

To him the belter fort thi.-. fj iendly mefi'age fent.

LXVL « Come,

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. 219

LXVI.

" Come, dwell with us ! true fon of virtue, come ! " But if, alas I we cannot thee perfuade, " To lie content beneath our peaceful dome, *' Ne ever more to quit our quiet glade ; '* Yet when at lafl: thy toils but ill apaid ** Shall dead thy fire, and damp its heavenly fpark, ** Thou wilt be glad to feek the rural (hade, ** There to indulge the Mufe, and nature mark : *' We then a lodge for thee will rear in Hagley-Park."

Lxvn.

Here whilom ligg'd th' Efopus * of the age ; But call'd by Fame, in foul ypricked deep, A noble pride reftor'd him to the ftage. And rous'd him like a giant from his fleep. Ev'n from his flumbers we advantage reap : Witli double force th' enliven 'd fcene he wakes. Yet quits not nature's bounds. He knows to keep Each due decorum : now the heart he (hakes.

And now with well-urg'd fenfe th' enlighten'd judgment LXVIir. [takes.

A bard here 'dwelt, more fnt than bard befeems; f Who, voidofen-vy, guile, and luil of gain. On virtue ftill, and nature's pleafmg themes, Pour'd forth his unpremeditated drain : The world forfaking with a calm difdain Here laugh'd he carelefs in his eafy feat 5 "" '

Here quafF'd encirclecl with the joyous train. Oft moralizing fage ; his ditty fweet

He loathed much to v\Tite, ne cared to repeat.

* Mr. C^in. ■^' f This charader of Mr. Thomfon was

written by Lord Lyttelton.

^30 THOMSON'S POEMS.

LXIX.

Full oft by holy feet our ground was trod. Of clerks good plenty here you mote efpy. A little, round, fit, oily man of God, Was one I chiefly mark'd among the fry : He had a rogailh twinkle in hi., eye. And flione all glittering with ungodly dew. If a tight damfel chaunc'd to trippen by ; Which when obferv'd, he fhrunk into his mew. And fir ait would recollev^ his piety anew. LXX. Nor be forgot a tribe, who minded nought (Old inmates of the place) but ftate-affairs : They look'd, perdic, as if they deeply thought j And on their brow fat every nation's cares. The world by them is parceled out in (hares. When in the Hall of Smoak they congrefs hold. And the fage berry fun-burnt Mocha bears Has clear 'd their inward eye : then, fmoke-enroU'da Their oracles break forth myfterioi^s as of old. hXXL Here languid beauty kept her pale-fac'd court: Bevie§ of dainty dames, of high degree. From every quarter hither made refort ; Vrhere, from grofs mortal c^re and bufmefa free. They lay, pour'd out in eafg ^nd luxury. Or fhculd they a vain fhew of work affume, Alas ! find well-a-day ! what can it be ? To knot, to twift, to range the vernal bloom ; Bur fat is caft the dxil4fF, fpiamng-wheel, and loom,

LXXa. Their

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. 131

Lxxn.

Their only labour was to kill the time ;

And labour dire it is, and weary woe.

They fit, they loll, turn o'er fome idle rhyme ;

Then, rifmg fudden, to the glafs they go.

Or faanter forth, with tottering Hep and flow :

This foon too rude an exercife they find ;

Strait on the couch their limbs again they throw.

Where liours on hours they fighing lie reclin'd.

And court the vapoury god Ibft-breathing in the wind, LXXIIL Now muil I mark the villainy we found. But, ah ! too late, as fhall eftfoons be fliewn. A place here was, deep, dreary, under ground ; Where icill oar inmates, v/hen unpleafmg grown, Difeas'd, and loathfome, privily v,ere thrown. Far from the light of heaven, they languifli'd there, Unpity'd uttering many a bitter groan; For of thefe v/retches taken was no care :

Fierce fiends, and hags of hell, their only nurfes were. LXXIV. Alas ! fhe change ! from fcenes of joy and reft. To this dark den, where ficknefs tof^'d alvvay. Here Lethargy, with deadly fleep oppreft, Stretch'd on his back, a mighty lubbard, lay. Heaving his fides, and fnored night and day ; To frir him from his traunce it was not eath. And his half-open'd eyne he (hat ftraitway : He led, I wot, the foftefl way to death.

And taught \vi;hoatea pain and llrife to yield the breath. 0^4 LXXV. Of

13* THOMSON'S POEMS.

LXXV.

Of limbs enormous, but withal unfound, Scft-fwoln and pale, here lay the Hydroply : Unwieldy man ; v/ith belly monftrous round. For ever fed with watery fupply; For Ibll he drank, and yet he flill was dry. And moping here did Hypochondria fit. Mother of fpleen, in robes of various dye. Who vexed was full oft with ugly fit ;

And feme her frantic deem'd, and fome her deem'd a LXXVl. [wit.

A lady proud fhe was, of ancient blood. Yet oft her fear her pride made crouchen low : She felt, or fancy'd in her fluttering mood. All the difeafes which the fpittles know. And fought all phyiick which the fnops bellow. And ftill new leaches and new drugs would try. Her humour ever wavering to and fro ; For fometimes (he would laugh, and fometimes cry.

Then fudden waxed wroth, and all ilie knew not why. LXXVJI. Fall by her fide a liftlefs maiden pin'd. With aching head, and fqueamilli heart-burnings ; Pale, bloated, cold, fhe feem'd to hate mankind. Yet lov'd in fecret all forbidden things. And here the Tertian Ihakes his chilling v/ings ; The flseplefs Gout here counts the crowing cocks, A wolf now gnaws him, now a ferpent ilings ; Whilft Apoplexy cramm'd Intemperance knocks

Down to the ground at once, as butcher feileth ox.

CANTO

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. 23}

N T O II.

The knight of arts and induftry,

And his atchievements fair ; That by his caftle's overthrow,

Secur'd, and crowned were.

I.

TJ^ S C A P ' D the caftle of the ilre of fin, -*-' Ah 1 where (hall I fo f^^eet a dwelling find ? For all around, without, and all within. Nothing fave what delightful was and kind. Of goodnefs favouring and a tender mind. E'er rofe to view. Bat now another ftrain. Of doleful note, alas ! remains behind : I now muft Ung of pleafure turn'd to pain.

And of the faife enchanter Indolence complain. II. Is there no patron to proted the Mufe, And fence for her Parnafius' barren foil ? To ever)' labour its reward accrues. And they are fare of bread who fvvink and moil; But a fell tribe th' Aonian hive defpoil. As rutldefs wafps oft rob the painful bee : Thus while the laws not guard that nobleft tcil, Ne for the other Mufes meed decree,

They praifed are alone, and ftarve right merrily.

III. I care

23+ THOMSON'S POEMS,

in.

I care not. Fortune, what you me deny :

You cannot rob me of free Nature's grace ;

You cannot ihut the windows of the fky.

Through which Aurora (hews her brightening face ;

You cannot bar my conftant feet to trace

The woods and lawns, by living ftream, at eve :

Let health my nerves and finer fibres brace.

And I their toy 3 to the great children leave :

Of fancy, reafon, virtus, nought can me bereave. IV. Corns then, my Mufe, and raife a boMer fong; Come, lig no more upon the bed of floth. Dragging the lazy languid line along. Fond to begin, but ftili to finiih loth. Thy half-writ fcrolls all eaten by the moth : Arife, and ung that generous imp of fame. Who with the fons of foftnefs nobly wroth. To fvveep away this human lumber came.

Or in a chofen few to rouf^ the flurabering flame.

v.

In Fairy-Land there liv'd a knight of old. Of feature ftern, Seivaggio well yclcp'd, A rough unpolifh'aajan, robuft and bold. But wondrous poor : he neither fow'd nor reap'd, Ne ilores in fummer for cold winter heap'd ; In hunting ail his days away he wore ; Now fcorch'd by June, now in November fteep'd. Now pinch'd by biting January (ore. He flill in woods pijilbed the iibbai-d and the boar.

VL As

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. 235

vr.

As he one morning;, long before ths dawn,

Prick'd through the foreft to diflodge his prey.

Deep in the winding bofom of a lawn,

V/ith wood wild-fring'd, he mark'd a taper's ray.

That from the beating ra'n, and wintery fray.

Did to a lonely eot his fteps decoy ;

There, up to earn the needments of the day.

He found dame_FQXSlt\' * nor fair nor coy :

Her he comprefs'd, and hil'd her with a lul^y boy. VII. Amid the green-wood fhade this boy was bred. And grew at laft a knight of muchel fame. Of aclive mind and I'ii^orous luilyhed. The Knight of Arts and Induihy by name. Earth was his bed, the boijghs his roof did frame ; He knew no beverage but the flowing llream ; His tailefal well-earn'd food the fylviin gams. Or the brown fruit with which the woodlands teem :

The fame to him glad fummer, or the winter breme, Vill. So pafs'd his yoathly morning, void of care. Wild as the colts that through the commons run : For him no tender parents troubled were. He of the forefl: fecm'd to be the fon. And certes had been utterly undoiie j But that Minerva pity of him took, With all the gods that love the rural wonne, That teach to tame the foil and rule the crook;

Ne did the facx-ed Nine dituain a gentle Jock.

IX. Of

ziS THOMSON'S POEMS.

IX.

Of fertile genius him they nurtured well.

In every fcience, and in every art.

By which mankind the thoughtlefs brutes excel.

That can or ufe, or joy, or grace impart,

Difclofrng all the powers of head and heart :

Ne were the goodly exercifes fpar'd.

That brace the nerves, or make the limbs alert.

And mix elaftic force with firmnefs hard :

Was never knight on ground mote be with him compar'd. X. Sometimes, with early morn, he mounted gay The hunter-fteed, exulting o'er the dale. And drew the rofcat breath of orient day; Sometimes, retiriiig to the fecret vale, Yclad in Heel, and bright with burnilh'd mail. He ilrain'd the bow, or tofs'd the founding fpear. Or darting on the goal ourilripp'd the gaJe, Or wheel 'd tlie chariot in its mid-career.

Or ftrenuous wreilled hard with many a tough compeer. XL At other times he pry'd through Nature's ftore, Whate'er Ihe in th' ethereal round contains, Whate'er (he hides beneath her verdant floor. The vegetable and the mineral reigns ; Or elfe he fcann'd the globe, thofe fmall domains. Where reftlefs mortals fuch a turm.oil keep, Its feas, its floods, its mountains, and its plains ; But more he fearch'd the mind, and rous'd from fleep.

Thofe m.oral feeds v.hence we heroic a^fiions reap.

Xll. Nor

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. 237

XIL Nor would he fccrn to ftoop from high purfults Of heavenly truth, and practife what Hie taught. \^ain is the tree of knowledge without fruits. Sometiines in hand the fpade or plough he caught, Forth^calling all with which boon earth is f.aaght ; Sometiines he ply'd the flrong mechanic tool. Or rear'd the fabric fi-om the fineft draught ; And oft he put himfelf to Neptune's fchool. Fighting with winds and waves on the vext ocean pool,

xriL

To folace then thefe rougher toils, he try'd To touch the kindling canvafs into Hfe ; Wirh nature his creating pencil vy'd. With nature joyous at the mimic ftrife : Or, to fuch Ihapes as grac'd Pygmalion's wife He hew'd the marble ; or, with varied fire. He rouz'd the trumpet and the martial fife. Or bade the lute fweet tendernefs infpire.

Or verfes fram'd that well might wake Apollo's lyre. XIV. Accomplifh'd thus he trom the woods iiTued, Full of great aims, and bent on bold emprize; The work, which long he in his breaft had brewed. Now to perform he ardent did devife ; To wit, a barbarous world to civilize. Earth was till then a boundlefs forefl wild ; Nought to be feen but favage wood, and fkies ; No cities nourilli'd arts, no culture fmil'd.

No government, no lav»s, no gende manners mild.

XV, A rag-

^li THOMSON'S POEMS.

XV. A rag^-cd wight, the worft of brutes, was man; On his o^n wretched kind he, riithlefs, prey'd : The ftrongeil fHll the weakeft over-ran ; In every country mighty robbers fvvay'd, And guile and rufjiiin force were ail their trade. Life was a fcene of rapine, want, and wee; Which this brave knight, in ncble anger, made To iVv'ear, he would the rafcal rout o'erthrow.

For, by the powers divine, it foould no more be fo ! XVJ. It would exceed the purport of my fong. To fay how this ^ejl Sun from orient climes Came beaming life and beauty all along. Before him chacing indolence and crimes. Still as he pafs'd, the nations he fublimes. And calb forth aits and virtues with his ray : Then Egypt, Greece, and Rome, their golden times., SuccelTive had ; but nov/ in ruins grey

They lie, to flaviih floth and tyranny a prey. XVil. To crov/n his toils. Sir Indujlry then fpread The fweiling fail, and made fS^' Britain's coail. A fylvan life till then the nalives led. In tlie brcwn fhades and green-wood foreft loft. All carelcfs rambling where it lik'd them moil: : Their wealth the wild-deer bouncing thro' the glade ; "i'hcy lodg'd at large, and liv'd at nature's coil ; Save fpear, and bow, withonten other aid ;

Yet not the Roman (leel their naked breall difmay'd.

xvni. He

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. 139

xvin.

He lik'd the foil, he lik'd the clement ikies, He lik'd the verdant hills and fkcvvcry plains. Be this my great, my chofen ifle (he cries) This, vvhilft my labours Liberty fuftains. This queen of ocean all ailault difdains. Nor lik'd he lefs the genius of the land. To freedom apt and perfevering pains. Mild to obey, and generous to command.

Temper 'd by forming Heaven with kindeft firmed hand, XIX. Here, by degrees, his mafter-v/ork arofe. Whatever arts and induftry can frame : Whatever finilh'd agriculture knows. Fair queen of arts ! from heaven itfelf who came. When Eden flourilli'd in unfpotted fame : And ftill with her fweet innocence we find. And tender peace, and joys without a name. That, while they raviih, tranquV.lize the mind :

Nature and Art at once, delight and ufe combined. XX. The towns he quicken'd by mechanic arts. And bade the fervent city glow with toil ; Bade ibcial Commerce raife renowned marts. Join land to land, and marry foil to foil. Unite the poles, and without bljody fpcil Bring home of either Ind the gorgeous ilores ; Or, fiiould dcfpotic rage the world embroil. Bade tyrants tremble on remoteft Ihores,

Wliilt' o'er th' encircling deep Britannia's thunder rosrs,

XXL Tixe

240 THOMSON'S POEMS.

XXI.

The drooping Mufes then he weftward call'd.

From the fam'd city by Propontick fea.

What time the Turk th* enfeebled Grecian thrall'd ;

Thence from their cloift::r'd walks he fet them free.

And brought them to another Caftalie,

Where His many a famous nourfling breeds ;

Or where old Cam foft-paces o'er the lea

In penfive mood, and tunes hi: Doric reeds.

The whilft his flocks at large the lonely fhepherd feeds. XXII. Yet the fine arts were what he finifh'd leaft. For why ? They are the quintefTence of all. The growth of labouring time, and flow increaft ; Unlefs, as feldom chances, it fliould fall. That mighty patrons the coy fillers call Up to the fun-fhine of uncumber'd eafe. Where no rude care the mounting thought may thrall. And where they nothing have to do but pleafe :

Ah ! gracious God ! thou know'fl: they alk no other fczs, XXIII. But now, alas ! we live too late in time : Our patrons now ev'n grudge that little claim. Except to fuch as fleek the foothing rhyme ; And yet, forfocth, they wear Ma;cenas' name. Poor fons of puft-up vanity, not fame. Unbroken fpirits, chear ! ftiil, ftill remains Th' Eternal Patron, Liberty ; whole flame. While flie protedls, infpires the nobleft ftrains.

The beft, and fweetefl far, are toil-created gains.

XXIV. When

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. 241

XXIV. When as the knight had framed, in Britain-land A matchlefs form of glorious government. In which the fovereign laws alone command. Laws llablifh'd by the public free confent, Whofe majefty is to the fceptre lent; When this great plan, with each dependent art. Was fettled firm, and to his heart's content. Then fought he from the toilfome fcene to part.

And let life's vacant eve breathe quiet through the heart. XXV. For this he chofe a farm in Deva's vale. Where his long allies peep'd upon the main. In this calm feat he drew the healthful gale. Here mix'd the chief, the patriot, and the fwaln. The happy monarch of his fylvan train. Here, fided by the guardians of the fold. He walk'd his rounds, and chear'd his bleft domain : His days, the days of unftain'd nature, roli'd.

Replete with peace and joy, like patriarchs of old. XXVI. Witnefs, ye lowing herds, who gave him milk; Witnefs, ye flocki, whofe woolly veilments far Exceed foft India's cotton, or her filk ; Witnefs, with autumn charg'd, the nodding car. That homeward came beneath fweet evening's flar. Or of September moons the radiance mild. O, hide thy head, abominable war ! Of crimes and ruffian idlenefs the child I [vild !

from heaven this life yfprung, from hell thy glories Vol. LIV. R XXVIl. Nor

24^ T II O M S O N ' s P O E M S.

XXVII.

Nor from this deep retirement banilh'd was

Th' amufing care of rural induftry.

Still, as with grateful change the feafons pafs.

New fcenf s arife, new landficips Ilrike the eye.

And all th' enliven'd country beautify :

Gay plains extend where marches llept before ; .

O'er recent meads th' exulting ftreamlets fly ;

Dark frowning heaths grow bright with Ceres' Rove,

And woods imbrown the fleep, or wave along the fnore. XXVIII. A.S nearer to his farm you made approach. He poliih'd nature with a finer hand : Yet on her beauties durll iiot Art incroach ; 'Tis Art's alone thefe beaiities to expand..- Irf graceful dance imminglcd, o'er the land. Pan, Palea?, Flora, and Pomona play'd : Here too brifk gales the rude wild common fand An happy place ; where fi-ee, and unafraid,

AiTi'.a the flowering brakes each coyer creature ftray'd. XXIX. E'lt in prime vio;our what can laft for ay ? That foul -enfeebling wizard Indolence, I wbilom fjng, wrought in his works decay : Spread far and wide was .b/s curs'd influence ; Of p'blic virtue much le duU'd the fenie, Ev'n much of private ; ate our fpirit out. And fed our rank luxurious vices : wliencc The land was overlaid with many a )out ; [ilout.

Not;, as old Fame reports, wife, generous, bold, and

XXX, A rage

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. 243

XXX. A rage cf pleafure madden'd every breaft, Down to the lowed lees the ferment ran : To his licentious wifh each muft be bleft. With joy be fever'd ; fnatch it as he can. Thus Vice the ftandard rear'd ; her arrier-ban Corruption call'd, and loud (he gave the word, [man, " Mind, mind ycurfelves I why fhould the vulgar *•' The lacquey be more virtuous than his lord ?

*' Enjoy this fpan of life! 'tis all the gods aiford." XXXI. The tidings reach'd to where in quiet hall, .The good old knight enjoy'd weil-earn'd repofe. *' Come, come. Sir Knight ! thy children on thee call : ** Come, fave us yet, ere ruin round us clofe ! *' The demon Indolence thy toils o'erthrows." On this the noble colour flain'd his cheeks. Indignant, glowing through the whitening fnows Of venerable eld; his eye fuil-fceaks

His ardent foul, and from his couch at cnce he breaks. XXXII. I will, (ihe cry'd) fo help me, God ! deilroy That vilhin, Archimr.ge. — His page then ilrait He to himcall'd, a fiery-footed boy, . Benempt Difpaich. *' My fleed be at the gate ; " My Bard attend ; quick, bring the net of fate." This net was twilled by the fillers three ; Which when once cail o'er harden'd wietch, too late Repentance comes : replevy cannot be

From the llrong iron grafp of vengeful defiiny.

R z XXXTII. He

244 T H O PJ S O N ' s POEMS,

XXXIII. He came, the bard, a little druid-wight. Of v/ither'd afpeft; but his eye was keen. With Iweetnefs mix'd. In rulTet brown bedis-ht. As is his * filler of the copfes green. He crept along, unpromifing of mien. Grofs he who judges fo. His foul was fair. Bright as the children of yon azure fheen. True comelinefs, which nothing can impair.

Dwells in the mind : all elfe is vanity and glare- XXXIV. Come, (quoth the knight) a voice has reach'd mine The demon Indolence threats overthrow [ear ;

To all that to mankind is good and df ar : Come, Philomelus ; let us inftant go, O'erturn his bov>'ers, and lay his caPJe low. Thofe men, thofe wretched men ! who -Jin II be flaves, Muft drink a bitter wrathful cup of woe : But fome there be, thy fong, as from their graves.

Shall raife. Thrice happy he ! who without rigour faves. XXXV. IlTuing forth, the knight beftrode his ^ttd. Of ardent bay, and on whofe front a ftar Shone blazing bright : fprung from the generous That whirl of active day the rapid car, [breed

He pranc'd along, difdaining gate or bar. Meantime, the bard on milk-white palfrey rode; An honell: fober bead, that did not mar His meditations, but full foftly trodc ;

Ar.d iT:uch they moraliz'd as thus yfere they yode. * The nightingale.

XXXVL They

CASTLS OF INDOLENCE. 24.5

XXXVI.

They talk'd of virtue, and of human blifs.

What elfe fo fit for man to fettle well ?

And Hill their long refearches met in this.

This truth of truths, which nothing can refel :

*' From virtue's fount the pureft joys out-well,

" Sweet rills of thought that chear the confcious fcul ;

*' While vice pours forth the troubled ftreams of hell,

** The which, howe'er difguis'd, at laft with dole

'^ Will, through the tortur'd breaft, their fiery torrent XXXVII. [roll.^

At length it dawn'd, that fatal valley gay. O'er which high wood-crown'd hills their fummits On the cool height awhile our palmers ftay, [rear. And fpite ev'n of themfelves their fenfes chear ; Then to the vizard's wonne their Heps they ileer. Like a green ille, it broad beneath them fpred, Vvlth gardens round, and wandering currents clear. And tufted groves to Ihade the meadow bed.

Sweet airs and fong j and without hurry all feem'd glad.

xxx^aii.

*' As God fhall judge me, knight, we mull forgive (The half-enraptur'd Philomel us cr>''d) *' The frail good man deluded here to live, '' And in thefe groves his mufing fancy hide. " Ah ! nought is pure. It cannot be deny'd, " That virtue IHll fome tindure has of vice, ** And vice of virtue. What fhould then betide *' But that our charity be not too nice ? *' Come, let us thofe we can to real blifs entice.

R 3 XXXIX. '' Ay,

246 THOMSON'S POEMS.

XXXIX. " Av, ficker (quoth the knight) all flefh is frail, ** To pleafant fin and joyous dalliance bent j *' But let not brutifh vice of this avail, ** And think to 'fcape deferved punilhment. " Jullice were cruel weakly to relent ; *' From Mercy's felf ihe got her facred glaive ; " Grace be to tliofe who can, and will, repent ; *' Bat penance long, and dreary, to the flave,

*' Who muft in floods of fire his grofs foul fpirit lave." XL. Thus, holding high difcourfe, they came to where The curfed carle was at his wonted trade ; Still tempting heedlefs men into his fnare. In v.'itching wife, as I before have faid. But when he faw, in goodly geer array'd. The grave majellic knight approaching nigh. And by his fide the bard fo fage and ftaid. His countenance fell ; yet oft his anxious e)'e

Mark'd them, like wily fox who roofted cock doth fpy, XLI. Nathlefs, v/ith feign'd refpeiTt, he bade give back The rabble-rout, and welcom'd them full kind ; Struck with the noble twain, they were not flack His orders to obey, and fall behind. Then he refum'd his fong.; and uiiconfln'd, Pour'd all his mufic, ran tlirough ail his ttrings ; With magic dull: their eyne he tries to blind. And virtue's tender airs o'er weaknefs flings.

What pity bafe his fong who fo divinely fings 1

XLir. Elate

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. 447

XLir. Elate in thought, he counted them his own. They hften'd fo intent with fix'd delight : But they inftead, as if tranfmevv'd to ilone, Marvel'd he could with fuch fweet art unite The lights and ihades of manners, wrong and right. Meantime, the filly crowd the charm devour, V/ide prefling to the gate. Swifc, on the knight He darted fierce, to drag him to his bower.

Who backening Ihunn'd his touch, for well he knew ifs XL III. [power.

As in throng'd amphitheatre, of old. The wary Retiarius trap'd his foe : Ev'n fo the knight, returning on him bold. At once involv'd him in the net ofivoe. Whereof J mention made not long ago. Inrag'd at firft, he fcorn'd (o weak a jail. And leapt, and flew, and flounced to and fro ; But when he found that nothing could avail.

He fet him felly do-vn and gnaw'd his bitter nail. XLIV. Alarm'd, th' inferior demons of die place Rais'd rueful fhrieks and hideous yells around ; Black ftormy clouds deformed the welkin's face* And from beneath was heard a wailing found. As of infernal fprights in cavern bound ; A folemn fadnefs every creature ftrook, [ground : And lightnings fladi'd, and horror rock'd the Huge crowds on crowds out-pour'd, with blemiHi'd look.

As if on time's lall verge this frame of things had fliook. R 4 XLV. Soon

448 THOMSON'S POEMS.

XLV. Soon as the fhort llv'd tempeft was yfpent, Steam'd from the jaws of vext Avernus' hole. And hufh'd the hubbub of the rabblement. Sir Induftry the firft calm moment Hole. " Thei-e mufl, (he cry'd) amidft fo vaft a fhoal, " Be fome who are not tainted at the heart, *' Not poifon'd quite by this fame villain's bowl : *' Come then, my bard, thy heavenly fire impart ;

" Touch foul with foul, till forth the latent fpirit flart.'* XL VI. The bard obey'd ; and talcing from his fide. Where it in feeitily fort depending hung. His Britifh harp, its fpeaking firings he try'd. The which with fkilful touch he deffly flrung. Till tinkling in clear fymphony they rung. Then, as he felt the Mufes come along. Light o'er the chords his raptur'd hand he flung. And play'd a prelude to his rifmg fong :

The whilft, like midnight mute, ten thoufands round XLVII. [him throng.

Thus, ardent, burft his ilrain.—

** Ye helplefs race, *' Dire-labouring here to fmother reafon's ray, '* That lights our Maker's image in our face, ** And gives us wide o'er earth unquelHon'd fway; ** What is th' ador'd Supreme Perfedion, fay ? *' What, but eternal never-refling foul, '* Almighty power, and all-diredllng day ; " By whom each atom flirs, the planets roll ;

*' Who fills, furrounds, informs, and agitates the whole.

XLVllL " Come,

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. 24.9

XLVIII. " Come, to the beaming God your hearts unfold ! " Draw from its fountain \\k ! 'Tis thence, alone, " We can excel. Up from unfeeling mold, *' To feraphs burning round th' Almighty's throne, *' Life rifmg flill on life, in higher tone, '* Pexfedlion forms, and with perfedtion blifs. " In univerfal nature this clear iliewn, " Nor needeth proof : to prove it were, I wis,

" To prove the beauteous world excels the brute abyfs. XLIX. '* Is not the field, with lively culture green, " A fight more joyous than the dead morafs ? *' Do not the ikies, with aiTtive ether clean, *' And fann'd by fprightly zephyrs, far furpafs " The foul November fogs, and llumberous mafs, *' With which fad nature veils her drooping face ? *' Does not the mountain-ftream, as clear as glafs, ** Gay-dancing on, the putrid pool difgrace ?

*' The fame in all holds true, but chief in human race. L. *' It was not by vile loitering in cafe, " That Greece obtain'd the brighter palm of art, " That foft yet ardent Athens learn'd to pleafe, " To keen the wit, and to fublime the heart, '* In all fupreme ! complete in every part I *' It was not thence majeiHc Rome arofe, ** And o'er the nations fhook her conquering dart : " For lluggard's brow the laurel never grows ;

" Renown is not the child of indolent repoie.

LI. '' Had

250 THOMSON'S POEMS.

LI.

'^ Had unambitious mortals minded nought, *' But in loofe joy their time to wear away ; *' Had they alone the lap of dalliance fought, " Plsas'd on her pillow their dull heads to lay, " Rude Nature's Hate had been our ftate to-day ; " No cities e'er their towery fronts had rais'd, *' No arts had made us opulent and gay ; ** With brother-brutes the human race had graz'd ;

" None e'er had foar'd to fame, none honoured been, LIT. [none prais'd.

'* Great Homer's for.g hr.d never fir'd the breaft *' To thirft of g'ory, and heroic deeds ; " Sweet Maro's Mufe, funk in inglorious refr, ** Had filent flept amid the Mincian reeds : •' The wits of modern time had told their beads, *' And monkifh legends been their only ilrains ; *' Our Milton's Eden had lain wrapt in weeds, *' Our Shakefpeare ftroU'd and laugh'd with Warwick *' fwains,

'' Ne had my mailer Spencer charm'd his MuUa's plains^ LIU. " Dumb too had been the fage Hifloric Mufe, " And perifli'd all the {bns of ancient fame; " Thof;i ftarry lights of virtue, that diiFufe *' Through the dark depth of time their vivid Hame, *' Had all been loft with fuch as have no name. " Who then had fcorn'd his eafe for others' good } *' Who then had toil'd rapacious men to tame ? " Who in the public breach devoted flood,

*' And for his country's caufe been prodigal of blood ?

LIV. " But

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. 251 LIV. " But (hould your hearts to fame unfeeling be, *' If right I read, your pleafure all require : " Then hear how bell may be obtiiin'd this fee, " How beil enjoy'd this nature's wide deliie. ** Toil, and be ^lad ! let laduftry infpire " Into your quicken'd limbs her buoyant breath ! •* Who does not a£l is dead ; abforpt entire " In miry floth, no pride, no joy he hath :

*' O leaden-hearted men, to be in love with death I LV. " Ah ! what avail the largell gifts of Heaven, " When drooping health and Ipirits go amifs ? ** How taftelefs then whatever can be given ? " Health is the vital principle of blifs, *' And exercife of health. In proof of'this, " Behold the wretch, who Hugs his life away, *' Soon fvvaUow'd in difeafe's fad abyfs ; " While he whom toil has brac'd,' or manly play,

** Has light as air each limb, each thought as clear as LVr. [day.

" O, who can fpeak the vigorotis joy of health ! " Unclogg'd the body, unobfcur'd the mind : *' The morning rifes gay, with pleafmg ilealth, " The temperate evening falls ferene and kind. *' In health the wifer brutes true gladnefs find. *' See ! how the younglings frifk along the meads, " As May comes on, and wakes the balmy wind; ** Rampant with life, their joy all joy exceeds :

" Yet what but high-ftrung health this dancing plea- *' faunce breeds?

LVH. " But

252 THOMSON'S POEMS.

LVIf. *' But here, inftead, is foller'd every ill, ** Which or diftemper'd minds or bodies know. " Come then, my kindred fpirits ! do not fpill *' Your talents here. This place is but a fhew, " Whofe ch:irms delude you to the den of woe : ** Come, follow me, I will direil you right, ** Where pleafure's rofes, void of ferpents, grow, " Sincere as fweet ; come, follow this good knight,

'* And you will blefs the day that brought him to your LVIir. [fight.

" Some he will lead to courts, and fome to camps; " To fenates fome, and public fage debates, " Where, by the folemn gleam of midnight-lamps, " The v/crld is pois'd, and manag'd mighty ftates; *' To high difcovery fome, that new-creates " The face of earth ; fome to the thriving mart; " Som.e to the rural reign, and fofter fates ; " To the fweet Mufes fome, who raife the heart ;

'' All glory fliall be yours, all nature, and all art. LIX. " There are, I fee, who liften to my lay, *' Who wretched figh for virtue, but defpair. " All may be done, (methinks I hear them fay) " Ev'n death defpis'd by generous aflions fair ; ** All, but for thofe who to thefe bowers repair, ** Their every power diifolv'd in luxury, '* To quit of torpid fluggifhnefs the lair, " And from the powerful arms of floth get free.

^* 'Tis rifmg from the dead — Alas I— It cannot be !

LX. " Would

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. 253

LX. ** Would you then learn to diilipate the band " Of thefe huge threatening difficulties dire, " That in the weak man's way like lions (land, " His foul appall, and damp his rifmg fire ? ** Refolve, refolve, and to be men aipire. *' Exert that nobleft privilege, alone, *' Here to mankind indulg'd : control defire : " Let godlike Realbn, from her fovereign throne,

*' Speak the commanding word — / 'u;V7 — and it is done. . LXL " Heavens I can you then thus wafte, in fhameful\\dfe, ** Your few important days of tryai here ? ** Heirs of eternity ! yborn to rife " Through endlels flares of being, fcill more near ** To blifs approaching, and perfection clear, " Can you renounce a fortune fo fablime, '*• Such glorious hopes, your backward Heps to freer. " And roll, with vileft brutes, thro' mud and flime ?

" No! no !— Your heaven-touch'd heart difJains the LXiL [fordid crime!''

'''Enough! enough!" they cry'd — flrait from the The better fort on wings of tranfport fiy : [crowd. As when amid the lifelefs fummits proud Of Alpine cliiFs, where to the gelid fky Snows pil'd on fnows in wintery torpor lie. The rays divine of vernal Phosbus play ; Th' awakcn'd henps, in flreamlets from on liigh, Rous'd into aclion, lively leap away, [g^7«

^hd warbling through the vales, in their new being

LXilL Not

454- THOMSON'S POEMS.

LXIII. Not lefs the life, the vivid joy ferene. That lighted up thefe new-created men. Than that which wings th' exulting fpirit clean, AVhen, jufl ddiver'd from his flefhly den. It foaring. feeks its native fkies agen : Hovv light its efience ! how unclogg'd its powers. Beyond the blazon of iny mortal pen ! E'vn fo v/e glad foi-fook thefe finful bowers,.

Ev'n fuch earaptur'd life, fuch energy was ours. LXIV. But far the greater part, with rage infiam'd, Dire-mutter'd curies, and blafphem'd high Jove. *' Ye fons of hate ! (ihey bircerly exclaim'd) " What brought you to this feat of peace and love ? *' While with kind nature, here amid the grove, ** We paiiM the harislefs fabbath of our time, •' What to difnirb it could, fell men, emove ** Your barbarous hearts ? Is happincfs a crime ?

'■■' Then do the iiends of hell rule in yon heaven fublime. LXV. *' Ye impious wretches," (quoth the knight in wrath) *' Your happinefs behold !" — Then ftrait a wand He wav'd, an anti-magic power that hatli. Truth fom iliufive fallehcod to command. Sudden the laodfeip finks on every hand ; The pure quick ii'-eams are marihy piiddles found ; On baleful headis the groves all blacken'd Hand -, And, o'er the weedy foul abhorred ground,

^inakc.;, adders, toads, each loathfomc creature crawls; arcund. LXVl, And

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. 255 LXVL And here and there, on trees by lightning fcath'd. Unhappy wights who loathed lits yhung j Or, in frefh gore and recent murder bath'd. They weltering layj or elfe, infuriate iiung Into the gloomy flood, while ravens Tung The funeral dirge, they down the torrent roll'd : Thefe, by diilemper'd blood to madnefs flung. Had doom'd themfelves ; whence oft, when night control'd

The world, returning hither their fad fpirits howl'd. LXVII. Meantime a moving fcene was open laid ; That lazar-houfe, I whilom in my lay Depainted have, its horrors deep-difplay'd. And gave unnumber'd wretches to the day, V/ho tOiTing there in fqualid mifery lay. Soon as of facred light th' unwonted fmile Pour'd on thefe living catacombs its ray. Through the -drear caverns Hretchlng many a mile.

The fick up-raii'd their heads, and dropp'd their woes LXVIII. [awhile,

*' O, heaven ! (they cry'd) and do we once mors fee '* Yon blelfed fun, and this green earth fo fair ? " Are we from noifome damps of peft-hcufe iatQ} *' And drink our fjuis the fvveet ethereal air ? " O, thou ! or knight, or god ! who hoideft there " That fiend, oh, keep him in eternal chains ! *' But what for us, the children of defpair, ** Brought to the brink of hell, what hope remains ?

f^ Jlepentance does itfelf bat aggravate our pain.j."

LXIX. Tha

%SS THOMSON'S POEMS.

LXIX.

The gentle knight, who faw their rueful cafe.

Let fall adown his iilver beard fome tears.

" Certes (quoth he) it is not ev'n in grace,

" T' undo the paft, and eke your broken years :

*' Nathlefs, to nobler worlds repentance rears,

" With humble hope, her eye ; to her is given

*' A power the truly contrite heart that chears ;

** She quells the brand by which the rocks are riven ;

** She more than merely foftens, .fhe rejoices Heaven. LXX. *' Then patient bear the fufrerings you have earn'd, " And by thefs fjiFerings purify the mind ; *' Let wifdom be by pait mifcondudl learn'd : *' Or pious die, with penitence refign'd ; ** And to a life rhore happy and refin'd, " Doubt not, you fliall, new creatures, yet arife. «' Till then, you may expeft in me to find ** One who will wipe your forrow from your eyes,

*' One who will foothe your pangs, and wing you to LXXI • [the fkies.

They filent hear'd, a^.d pour'd their thanks in tears. " P'or you (refum'd the knight, with fterner tone)' " Whofe hard' dry hearts th' obdurate demon fears, *^ That villain's gifts will coft you many a groan; ** In dolorous manfion long you mull bemoan* ^' His fatal charms, and weep your llains away : ** Till, foft and pure as infent goodnefs grown, *' You fed a perfedl change : then, who can fay,

^* What grace rnay yet fhine forth in heaven's eternal "day?'< LXXII. Tixi^

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. 757

LXXIL This faid, his powerful wand he wav'd anew : Inftant, a glorious angel-train defcends. The Charities, to-wit, ofrofyhue; Sweet love their looks a gentle radiance lends. And with feraphic flame compaflion blends. At once, delighted, to their charge they fly : When, lo ! a goodly hofpital afcends ; In which they bade each lenient aid be nigh.

That could the fick-bed fmoothe of that fad company. ' LXXIII. It was a worthy edyfying flght. And gives to human-kind peculiar grace> To fee kind hands attending day and night. With tender mlniftry, from place to place. Some prop the head ; fome from the pallid face Wipe off the faint cold dews weak nature flieds ; Some reach the healing draught : the whilft, to chace The fear fupreme, around their foften'd beds.

Some holy man by prayer all opening heaven difpreds. LXXIV. Attended by a glad acclaiming train. Of thofe he refcued had from gaping hell. Then turn'd the knight; and, to his hall agaia Soft-pacing, fought of peace the moffy cell : Yet down his cheeks the gems of pity fell. To fee the helplefs wretches that remain'd. There left through delves and defer ts dire to yell ; Amaz'd, their looks with pale difmay were ftain'd.

And fpreading wide their hands they meek repentance feign'd. Vol. LIV. S LXXV. But,

a^g THOMSON'S POEMS.

LXXV. But, ah ! their fcorned day of grace was pafl : For (horrible to tell ! ) a defert wild Before them ftretch'd, bare, comfortlefs, and vaft ; With gibbets, bones, and carcafes defil'd. There nor trim field, nor lively culture fmil'd ; ■ Nor waving fhade was feen, nor fountain fair ; But fands abrupt on fands lay loofely pil'd, [care. Through which they floundering toil'd with painful Whilll Phoebus fmote them fore, and fir'd the cloudlefs

LXXVI. [air.

Then, varying to a joylefs land of bogs. The fadden'd country a grey wafte appeared ; Where nought but putrid flreams and noifome fogs For ever hung on drizzly Aufter's beard ; Or elfe the ground by piercing Caurus fear*d. Was jagg'd with froft, or heap'd with glazed fnow : Through thefe extremes a ceafelefs round they fteer'd. By cruel fiends ftill hurry 'd to and fro. Gaunt Beggary, and Scorn, with many hell-hounds moe.

LXXVII. The firll was with bafe dunghill rags yclad. Tainting the gale. In which they flutter'd light ; Of morbid hue his features, funk, and fad ; His hollow eyne fhook forth a fickly light ; And o'er his lank jaw-bone, in piteous phght. His black rough beard was matted rank and vile; Direful to fee I an heart-appalling fight ! Meantime foul fcurf and blotches him defile ; And dogs, where -e'er he went, ilill barked all the while.

LXXVIII. The

CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. 239

LXXVIII. The other was a fell defpightfui fiend : Hell holds none worfe in baleful bower below : By pride, and wit, and rage, and rancour, keen'd ; Of man alike, if good or bad, the foe : With nofe up-turn'd, he always made a ihew As if he fmelt fome naufeoiis fcent ; hia eye Was cold, and keen, like blall from boreal fnow ; And taunts he caften forth mofi bitterly.

Such were the twain that off drove this ungodly fry. LXXIX. Ev'n fo through Brentford town, a town of mud. An herd of brifiy fwine is prick'd along; The filthy beafts, that never chew the cud. Still grunt, and fqueak, and fing their troublous fong. And oft they plunge themfelvei the mire among ; But ay the ruthlefs driver goads them on. And ay of barking dogs the bitter throng Makes them renew their unmelodious moan ;

Ne ever find they reft from their unrefting fone»

S2 T#

To Mr. THOMSON,

On his unfinifned Plan of a Poem, called the Castle OF Indolence, in Spenfer's Style.

By Dr. MORRELL.

A S when the filk-worm, erft the tender care •*-*■ Of Syrian maidens, 'gins for to unfold From his fleek fides, that now much flecker are The glofly treafure, and foft threads of gold ; In various turns, and many a winding fold. He fpins his web, and as he fpins decays ; Till, within circles infinite enrolFd, He refts fupine, imprifon'd in the maze. The which himfelf did make, the gathering of his days.

II. So thou, they fay, from thy prolific brain, A caflle, hight of indolence, didft raife ; Where liftlefs fprites, withouten care or pain. In idle pleafaunce fpend their jocund days. Nor heed rewardful toil, nor feeken praife. Thither thou didfl repair in lucklefs hour ; And lulled with thine own enchanting lays, Didll: lie adown, entranced in the bower. The which thyfelf didlt make, the gathering of thy power.

III. But

To Mr. THOMSON. 261

III. But Venus, fufFering not her favourite worm For aye to fleepen in his filky tomb, Inilruds him to throw oiF his priftine form. And the gay features of a fly afTume ; When, !o ! eftfoons from the furrounding gloom. He vigorous breaks, forth ilTuing from the wound His horny beak had made, and finding room. On new-plum'd pinions flutters all around.

And buzzing fpeaks his joy in moll expreffive found, IV. So may the God of Science and of Wit, V/ith pitying eye ken thee his darling fon ; Shake from thy fatty fides the flumberous fit. In which, alas 1 thou art To woe begon ! Or with his pointed arrows goad thee on ; Till thou refeelefl: life in all thy veins ; And, on the wings of Refolution, Like thine own hero dight, flieil o'er the plains,

Chauncing his peerlefs praife in never-dying Urains.

S3 BRt

[ ^e^ ] BRITANNIA.

A

POEM.

" Et tantas audetis tollere moles ?

** Quos ego — fed motos prffiftat componere fluftus, " Poll mihi non fimili poena commifla luetis. ** Maturate fugam, regique h^ec dicite veftro : " Non illi imperium pelagi, fsevumque tridentem, ** Sed mihi forte datum" — Virg.

A S on the fea-beat fhore Britannia fat, ■^*" Of lier degenerate fons the faded fame. Deep in her anxious heart, revolving fad : Bare was her throbbing bofom to the gale. That hoarfe, and hollow, from the bleak furge blew ; jj Loofe flovv'd her trefles ; rent her azure robe. Hung o'er the deep from her majeftic brow She tore the laurel, and ihe tore the bay. Nor ceas'd the copious grief to bathe her cheek ; Nor ceas'd her fobs to murmur to the main. lO

Peace difcontented nigh, departing, ilretch'd Her dove-like wings. And War, though greatly rous'd. Yet mourns his fetter'd hands. Wjiile thus the queen Of nations fpoke : and what (he faid the Mufe Recorded, faithful, in unbidden verfe.

S 4 Ev'n

264. THOMSON'S POEMS.

Ev'n not yon fail, that, from the fky-mixt wave. Dawns on the fight, and wafts the Royal Youth*, A freight cf future glory to my Iliore ; Ev'n not the flattering vievv' of golden days. And rifing periods yet of bright renown, 20

Beneath the Parents, and their endlefs line Through late revolving time, can footh my rage ; V/hile, unchailis'd, th' infdting Spaniard dares Infeft the trading flood, full cf vain war Defpife my navies, and my merchants feize ; 25

As, trufling to falfe peace, they fearlefs roam The world of waters wild ; made, by the toil. And liberal blood of glorious ages, mine : Nor burflis my fleeping thunder on their head. Whence this unwonted patience ? this weak doubt? 30 This tame befeeching of rejedled peace ? This meek forbearance ? this unnative fear. To generous Britons never known before ? And fail'd my fleets for this ; on Indian tides To float, unadtive, with the veering winds ? 35

The mockery of war ! while hot difeafe. And floth diftem.per'd, fwept off burning crowds. For aflion ardent ; and amid the deep. Inglorious, funk them in a watery grave. There now they lie beneath the rolling flood, 40

Far from their friends, and country unaveng'd ; And back the drooping war-fliip comes again, Difpirited, and thin ; her fons afliam'd

♦ Frederick.

Thui

BRITANNIA. 265

Thus idly to review their native Ihore ; With not one glory fparkling in their eye, 45

One triumph on their tongue. A pafTenger, The violated merchant comes along ; That far-fought wealth, for which the noxious gale He drew, and fvveat beneath equator funs. By lawlefs force detain'd ; a force that foon 50

Would melt away, and every fpoii refign. Were once the Britifh lion heard to roar. Whence is it that the proud Iberian thus. In their own well-afierted element. Dares roufe to wrath the mailers of the main? 55

Who told him, that the big incumbent war Would not, ere this, have roll'd his trembling ports In fmoky ruin ? and his guilty llores. Won by the ravage of a butcher'd world. Vet unaton'd, funk in the fwallov\ing deep, 6o

Or led the glittering prize into the Thames ? There was a time (oh, let my languid fons Refume their fpirit at the roufmg thought I) When .all the pride of Spain, in one dread fleet, 64 Swell'd o'er the labouring furge j like a whole heaven Of clouds, wide-roll'd before the boundleis breeze. Gaily the fplendid armament along Exultant plough'd, reflecting a red gkam. As funk the fun, o'er all the flaming Vait; Tall, gorgeous, and elate ; drunk with the dream 70 Of eafy conqueft : while their bloated war, Stretch'd cut from iky to fky, the gather'd force Of ages held in its capacious womb.

But

^66 THOMSON'S POEMS.

But foon, regardlefs of the cumberous pomp. My dauntlefs Britons came, a gloomy few, 75

With tempell black, the goodly fcene deform'd. And laid their glory wafle. The bolts of Fate Refiftlefs thunder'd through their yielding Udes ; Fierce o'er their beauty blaz'd the lurid flame ; And feiz'd in horrid grafp, or fhatter'd wide, 80

Amid the mighty waters deep they funk. Then too f-om every promontory chill. Rank fen, and cavern where the wild wave works, I fvvept confederate winds, and fwell'd a ftorm. Round the glad iHe, fnatch'd by the vengeful blall, 85 The fcatter'd remnants drove ; on the blind fhelve. And pointed rock, that marks th' indented fhore, Pvclentlefs dafh'd, where loud the northern main Howls through the fradur'd Caledonian ifles.

Such were the dawniags of my watery reign; 99 But fmce how vaft it grew, how abfolute, Ev'n in thofe troubled times, when dreadful Blake Aw'd angry nations v/ith the Britifli name. Let every humbled Hate, let Europe fay, Suftain'd, and balanc'd, by my naval arm. 95

Ah, what mufi thofe immortal fpirits think Of your poor Oiifts ? Thofe, for their country's good Who fac'd the biackefl danger, knew no fear. No mean fubmiffion, but commanded peace. Ah, how with indignation muft they burn I lOQ

(If aught, but joy, can touch ethereal breafts) W^ith jhame ! with grief I to fee their feeble fons Shrink from that empire o'er the conquer'd feas.

For

BRITANNIA. 267

For which their vvifdom plann'd, their councils glow'd. And their veins bled through many a toiling age ! 1 05

Oh, firll of human bleflings ! and fuprerae ! Fair Peace ! how lovely, how deUghtful thou ! By whofe wide tie, the kindred fons of men Like brothers live, in amity combin'd. And unfufpicious faith ; while hone ft toil IIO

Gives every joy, and to thofe joys a right. Which idle, barbarous rapine but ufurps. Pure is thy reign; vvhen, unaccurs'd by blood. Nought, fave the rvveetnefs of indulgent Ihovvers, Trickling diftils into the vernant glebe; 1 1^

Jnftead of mangled carcafes, fad-feen. When the blithe {heaves lie fcatter'd o'er the field ; When only Ihining fhares, the crooked knife. And hooks imprint the vegetable wound ; When the land blulhes with the rofe alone, 120

The falling fruitage and the bleeding vine. Oh, Peace ! thou fource, and foul of focial life ; Beneath whofe calm infpiring influence. Science his \'iews enlarges. Art refines. And fwelling Commerce opens all her ports ; 125

Bleil: be the man divine, who gives us thee ! Who bids the trumpet hulh his horrid clang. Nor blow the giddy nations into rage ; Who (heaths the murderous blade; the deadly gun Into the well-pil'd armory returns ; 1 30

And, every vigour from the work of death. To grateful induftry converting, makes The country flourilh, and the city fmile.

Unviolatedy

26? THOMSON'S POEMS.

Unviolated, him the virgin fings :

And him the fmiling mother to her train. 135

Of him the fhepherd, in the peaceful dale,

Chaunts ; and, the treafures of his labour fure.

The huHjandman of him, as at the plough,

Or team, he toils. With him the failor foothes.

Beneath the trembling moon, the midnight wave; 140

And the full city, warm, from (Ireet to rtreet.

And Ihop to ihop, refponfive, fmgs of him :

Nor joys one land alone ; his praife extends

Far as the fun rolls the diffufive day ;

Far as the breeze can bear the gifts of peace, 1 45

Till all the happy nations catch the fong.

What would not. Peace ! the patriot bear for thee ?

What painful patience ? what incelTant care ?

What mixt anxiety ? what fleeplefs toil ?

Ev'n from the rafh proteded what reproach? 150

For he thy value knows ; thy friend (hip he

To human nature : but the better thou.

The richer of delight, fometimes the more

Inevitable war ; when ruffian force

Awakes the fury of an injur'd ftate. 155

Ev'n the good patient man, whom reafon rules,

K.ous'd by bold infult, and injurious rage.

With Iharp and fudden check, th' aftonilh'd fons

Of \aolence confounds ; firm as his caufe

His bolder heart ; in awcful juftice clad; j6o

His eyes elFulging a peculiar fire ;

And, as he charges through the proftrate war,

J-lis keen arm teaches faithlefs men, no more

To dare the facred vengeance of the juft. 164

An4

BRITANNIA. 169

And what, my thoughtlefs fons, Ihould fire you more. Than when your well-earn'd empire of the deep The leaft beginning injury receives ! What better caufe can call your lightning forth ? Your thunder wake ? your deareil life demand ? What better caufe, than when your country fees i jc The fly deftrudlion at her vitals aim'd ? For, oh, it much imports you, 'tis your all. To keep your trade intire, intire the force. And honour of your fleets : o'er that to watch, Ev'n with a hand fevere, and jealous eye. / 1 75'

In intercourfe be gentle, generous, juft, \

By wifdom polifti'd, and of manners fair ; {

But on the fea be terrible, untam'd, 1

Unconquerable iHll ; let none efcape, I

Who fhall but aim to touch your glory there. ' 1 80 Is there the man, into the lion's den {

Who dares intrude, to fnatch his young away ? And is a Briton feiz'd ? and feiz'd beneath The numbering terrors of a Britilh fleet ? Then ardent rife ! Oh, great in vengeance rife ! 1 85 O'erturn the proud, teach rapine to reflore : And as you ride fublimeiy round the world. Make e\'ery veiTel Hoop, make every Hate At once their welfare and their duty know. This is your glory : this your wifdom ; this 190

The native power for which you were defign'd By Fate, when Fate defign'd the firmeft ftate. That e'er was feated on the fubjeit fea ; A ftate, alone, where Liberty fhould live,

la

tft THOMSON'S POEMS,

In thefe late times, this evening of mankind, 19^

When Athens, Rome, and Carthage are no more,

The world almoft in flavifh floth difTolv'd.

For this, thefe rocks around your coail were thrown.

For this, your oaks, peculiar harden'd, fhoot

Strong into llurdy growth ; for this, your hearts 200

Swell Vvith a fuUen courage, growing ftill

As danger grows ; and ftrength, and toil for this

Are liberal pour'd o'er all the fervent land.

Then cheriih this, this unexpenfive power,

Undangerous to the public, ever prompt, 205

By lavilh Nature thruft into your hand :

And, unincumber'd vvith the bulk immenfe

Of conqueil, whence huge empires rofe, and fell

Self-crufh'd, extend your reign from Ihore to (hore,

Whcre-e'er the wind your high behefts can blow; 2IJ

And fix it deep on this eternal bafe.

For fhould the Aiding fabrick once give way.

Soon flacken'd quite, and paft recovery broke.

It gathers ruin as it rolls along.

Steep ruihing down to that devouring gulf, 215

Where many a mighty empire buried lies.

And fnould the big redundant Hood of trade.

In which ten thoufand thoufand labours join

Their feveral currents, till the boundlefs tide

Rolls in a radiant deluge o'er the land ; 220

Should this br>ht ilream, the leaft inflefled, point

Its courfe another way, o'er other lands

The various treafure would refilllefs pour.

Ne'er

BRITANNIA. i-t

Ne'er to be won again ; its ancient tradl

Left a vile channel, defolate and dead, 225

With all around a miferable wafte.

Not Egypt, were, her better heaven, the Nile

Turn'd in the pride of flow ; when o'er his rocks.

And roaring catarafls, beyond the reach

Of dizzy vifion pil'd, in one wide flafh 230

An Ethiopian deluge foams amain

(Whence wondering fable trac'd him from the fky) ;

Ev'n not that prime of earth, where harvefts crowd

On untill'd harvefts, all the teeming year.

If of the fat o'erflowing culture robb'd, 235

Were then a more uncomfortable wild,

Steril, and void; than, of her trade depriv'd,

Britons, your boafted ille : her princes funk ;

Her high-built honour moulder'd to the duft ;

Unnerv'd her force ; her fpirit vanifli'd quite ; 240

Witii rapid wing her riches fled away ;

Her unfrequented ports alone the fign

Of what flie was ; her merchants fcatter'd wide ;

Her hollow fliops fliut up ; and in her ftreets.

Her fields, woods, markets, villages, and roads, 245

The chearful voice of labour heard no more.

Oh, let not then wafte Luxury imp?.ir Tnat manly foul of toil, which ftrings your nerves. And your own proper happinefs creates ! Oh, let not the foft, penetrating plague 25®

Creep on the free-born mind; and working there. With the (harp tooth of many a hew-form'd want, Endlefs, and idle all, eat out the heart

Of

>7» THOMSON'S POEMS.

Of Liberty ; the high conception blall j

The noble fentiraent, th' impatient fcorn 255

Of bafe fubjedion, and the fvvelling wifh

For general good, crazing from the mind :

While nought fave narrow felfiftinefs fucceeds.

And low defign, the fneaking paffions all

Let loofe, and reigning in the rankled breaft. 260

Induc'd at laft, by fcarce-perceiv'd degrees.

Sapping the very frame of government.

And life, a total difTolution comes ;

Sloth, ignorance, deje6lion, flattery, fear,

Oppreffion raging o'er the waile he makes; 265

The human being almofl quite extindl ;

And the whole ftate in broad corruption fmks.

Oh, Ihun that gulf: that gaping ruin Ihun I

And countlefs ag; s roll it far away

From you, ye heaven-belov'd ! m^ij Liberty, 270

The light of life, the fun of human-kind !

Whence heroes, bards, and patriots borrow flame,

Ev'n where the keen deprefllve north defcends.

Still fpread, exalt, and afluate your powers !

While flavifli fouthern climates beam in vain ! 275

And may a public fpirit from the throne.

Where every virtue fits, go copious forth

Live o'er the land, the finer arts infpire.

Make thoughtful Science raife his penflve head.

Blow the frefli bay, bid Induflry rejoice, 280

And the rough fons of loweil Labour fmile.

As when, profufe of fpring, the loofen'd weft

Lifts up the pining year, and balmy breathes

Youth,

BRITANNIA. a7j

Vouth, life, and love, and beauty o'er the world.

But hafte we from thefe melancholy fhores, 285

Nor to deaf winds and waves our fruitlefs plaint Pour weak ; the country claims our adlive aid ; That let us ream ; and where we find a fpark Of public virtue, blow it into flame. Lo ! now my fons, the Tons of freedom ! meet 290 In aweful fenate ; thither let us fly ; Burn in the patriot's thought, flow from his tongue In fearlefs truth ; myfelf, transform'd, prefide. And flied the fpirit of Britannia round.

This faid ; her fleeting form, and airy train, 295 Sunk in the gale ; and nought but ragged rocks Rufti'd on the broken eye ; and nought v/as heard But the rough cadence of the dafhing wave.

Vol. LIV, T CON

C »75 ]

CONTENTS

O F

THOMSON'S POEMS.

JL HE Seasons, Page

—Spring - - . 3

—Summer « « « j^^

— Autumn - - - 109

—Winter - - - 159

A Hymn - - >• 198 The Castle of Indolence.

— Canto I. - - - 203

—Canto 11. - - - 233 To Mr. Thomfon, on his unfiniftied Plan of a Poem, called the Caftle of Indolence, in Spen-

fer's Style, by Dr. Morreil, - 260

Britannia. A Poem, - 1 263

End of the Fifty-fourth Volume.

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