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Die  PALAESTRA  soil  in  einer  freien  Folge  von  Banden  eine  Sammlung  oilmen 
in  welche  Arbeiten  aus  den  Seminaren  der  Herren  Proff.  Drr.  Alois  Brandl,  Gus  av 
Roethe  und  Erich  Schmidt  und  auch  andere  wissonschaftliche  Arbeiten  aus  den 
Gebieten  der  deutachen  und  englischen  Philologie  aufgenommen  werden,  die  von  den. 
Herren  llerausgebern  ihrer  wissenschaftlichen  Bedeutung  wegen  hierzu  empfohlcn. 
werden. 

Erschienen  sind: 

1.  THE  GAST  OF  6Y.     Eine  englische  Dichrung  des  14.  Jahrhunderts  nebst  ihrer  lateinischon 
Quelle  De  Spiritu  Guidonis  herausgegeben  von  G.  Schleich.  M.  8,—. 

2.  Gellerts  Lustspiele.  Beitrag  zur  Entwicklungsgeschicbte  des  deutschen  Lustspiels  v^n 
J.Coym.  M.  2,4 

3.  Immermanns  Merlin  von  Kurt  Jahn.  ,  M.  3,-  . 

4.  Neue  Beitrage  zur  Kenntnis  des  Volksratsels  v.  Robert  Petsch.  M.  3,6  . 
6.   Uber  die  altgermanischen  relativsatze  von  Gustav  Neckel.                                         M.  2,60. 

6.  Diealtenglische  Bearbeitung  der  Erzahlung  von  Apollonius  vonTyrus  v.  R.Markisch.  M.  1,60. 

7.  Ueber  d.  mittelengl.  Uebersetzung  des  Speculum    humanae  salvationis   v.  0.  Brix.  M.  3,60. 

8.  Studien  zur  Geschichte  d.  Hebbelschen  Dramas  von  Th.  Poppe.  M.  3,60. 

9.  Uber  die  Namen  des  nordhumbrischen  Liber  Vitae  von  Rud.  Muller.  M.  5,50. 

10.  Richard  the  Third  up  to   Shakespeare.    By  G.  B   Churchill.  M.  16.—. 

11.  Die  Gautrekssaga  von  "W.  Rani  sen.  M.  5,50. 

12.  Joseph  Gorres  als  Herausgeber,  Litteraturhistoriker,  Kritiker  von  Franz  Schultz.    M.  7,—. 

13.  Die  Aufnahme  des  Don  Quijote  in  die  englische  Literatur.     Von  Gustav  Becker.    M.  7,— 

14.  Wortkritik  und  Sprachbereicherung  in  Adelungs  Worterbuch.  Ein  Beitrag  zur  Geschichte  der 
nhd.  Schriftsprache.    Von  Max  Muller.  M.  2,60. 

15.  Ysumbras.    Eine  englische  Romanze  des  14.  Jahrhunderts  hrsg.  von  G.  Schleich.  M.  4,—. 

16.  Conrad  Ferdinand  Meyer.    Quellen  und  Wandlungen  seiner  Gedichte  von  Kraeger.     M.  10,— . 

17.  Die  lustige  Person  im  alteren  englischen  Drama  (bis  1642)  von  Ed.  Eckhardt.        M.  15,  —  . 

18.  The  Gentle  Craft.    By  Thomas  Delonev.     Ed.  w.  notes  and  introd.  by  A.  F.  Lange.    M.  8,—. 

20.  Quellenstudien  zu  Robert  Burns.     1773—1791.    Von  Otto  Ritter.  M.  7,50. 

21.  Heinses  Stellung  zur  bildenden  Kunst  und  ihrer  Aesthetik.  Zugleich  ein  Beitr.  zur  Quellen- 
kunde  des  Ardinghello.    Von  K.  D.  Jessen.  H.  7,—. 

22.  Von  Percy  zum  Wunderhorn  von  Heinrich  Lohre.  M.  4,—  . 

23.  The  Constance  Saga.    By  A.  B.  Go  ugh.  M.  2,50. 

24.  Blut-  und  Wundsegen  in  ihrer  Entwickelung  dargestellt   von  Oskar  Ebermann.      M.  4,80, 

25.  Der  groteske  u.  hyperbolische  Stil  des  mhd.  Volksepos.  Von  Leo  Wolf.  M.4,50. 
2G.    Zur    Kunstanschauung    des   XVIII.    Jahrhunderts.     Von    Winckelmann    bis   zu    Wackenroder. 

Von  H el.  StBcker.  M.  3,60. 

27.   Eulenspiegel  in  England.    Von  Friedr.  Brie.  M.  4,80. 

29.  Die  gedruckten  englischen  Liederbucher  bis  1600.     Von  Wilh.  Bolle.  M.  11,60. 

30.  Untersuchungen  Uber  die  mhd.  Dichtung  vom  Grafen  Rudolf.     Von  J.  Bethmann.     M.  5,—. 

31.  Das  Verbum  ohne  pronominales  Subjekt  in  der  alteren  deutschen  Sprache.    Von  Earl  Hold. 

M.  5,-. 

32.  Schiller  und  die  Buhne.    Von  Julius  Petersen.  M.  8,—. 

33.  Caesar  in  der  deutschen  Literatur.    Von  Fr.  Gun  del  finger.  M.  3,60. 

34.  Liber  Surrey's  Virgillibersetzung.  nebst  Neuausgabe  des  vierten  Buches  nach  Tottel's  Original- 
druck  und  der  Hs.  Hargrave.    Von  0.  Fost, 

35.  The  Story  of  King  Lear  from  Geoffrey  of  Monmouth  to  Shakespeare  by  \V.  Porrett.  M.  '.'.—. 
B6.  Thomas  Deloney.  Von  Rich.  Sievers.  M.  6,68. 
37.  Die  Schule  Neidharts.  Von  R.  Brill.  M.  7,60. 
3b.  Grobianus  in  England.  Von  E.  Ruhl.  M.  7,60. 
W.   Die  Sage  von  Macbeth  bis  zu  Shakspere.    Von  Ernst  Kroger. 

40.  Doiothea  Schlegel  als  Schriftstellerin  im  Zusammenhang  mit  der  rom;  ntischen  Schule.  Von 
Fran*  Deibel.  M   B  60. 

41.  Bettina  von  Arnims  Briefromane.    Von  AValdoraar  Oohlko.  M.  10,—. 

43.  Angelsachsische  Palaeographie.  Die  Schrift  der  Angelsachsen  mit  besonderer  Rucksicht  auf 
die  Denkmaler  in  der  Volkssprache.  13  Tafoln  nobst  Einleitung  und  XnuuaoriptioBea  von 
Wolfgang  Koller.  -M.   12.-. 

44.  Carl  Friedr.  Cramer  bis  zu  seiner  Amtsenthebung.     Von  L.  Krliho. 

45.  Das  zweigliedrige Wort-Asyndeton  in  der  alt. deutschen  Sprache.    Von  K.  Dick  hoff.      M.  .,— 

46.  Seneca  und  das  deutsche  Renaissancedrama.     Von  Paul  StaoheL  M.  11,- 

47.  Die  literar.  Vorlagen  der  Kinder-  u.  Hausmaichen  u.  ihre  Bearbeitung  durch  die  Brllder  Grimm 
Von  ll.  Hantaan.  M,  4,60. 

4't.   Lautlehre  der  alteren  La3amonhandschrilt.     Von  Panl  Lnaht  M     1.— 

60,  Oldcastle  Falstaff  in  d.  engl.  Literatur  bis  zu  Shakespeare.     Von   W    li:icski«.  M.  B,60, 

51.  Gnmmelshausens  Simplicissimus  und  seine  Vorganger.     Von  C.   LvonBloadao.      M.  I,— 

52.  Getchichte  der  FabeldiahUing  in  England  bis  zu  John  Gay  (1726)  Von  Max  Plasaoir.  M  18,— 
:.:'..  Sir  Eglamour.  Eine  engl.  R  .  v.  G.  Sohleioh.  M.  4,60, 
. '  i.    Margareta  von  Anjou  vor  und  bei  Shakespeare.     N'on  Karl  Schmidt.  M.  s,— 

.    Di«  Geistcr  in  d.  engl.  Literatur  des  18.  Jahrhunderts.     Von  0.  T  hum  an. 
69.    Die  Stellung  des  Verbums  in  der  alteren  althochdeutschen  Prosa.     Von  1'.  Diell 

61.  Jean  Pauls  Flegeljahre.     Von  K.  Froyo. 

Forttttxung  ndilags. 


PALAESTRA  LXVI. 


UNTERSUCHUNGEN  UND  TEXTE 
aUS  DER  DEUTSCHEN  UND  ENGLISCHEN  PHILOLOGIE, 
•■ausgegeben  von  Alois  Brandl,  Gustav  Roethe  und  Erich  Schmidt. 


Thomson's  Seasons 


CRITICAL  EDITION 

Being  a  reproduction  of  the  original  texts,  with  all  the  various 
readings  of  the  later  editions,  historically  arranged 


BY 

OTTO  ZIPPEL 

Ph.  D. 


BERLIN 

MAYER  cv  MULLER 

1908. 


Vorliegendes  Werk  bildet  die  Erganzung  zu  der  1907  er- 
schienenen  Berliner  Inauguraldissertation  des  Herausgebers :  Ent- 
stehungs-  tmd  Entwicklungsgeschichte  von  Thomsons  'Winter'. 
Nebst  historisch - kritischer  Ausgabe  der  'Seasons'.  (Teil  I:  Ab- 
handlung.) 


Weimar.       u.  Wagna  s.iim. 


CONTENTS 


Page 

Introduction V 

Annals  of  the  Seasons X 

Variants  orthographical  and  punctuative XII 

Lyttelton's  MS.  Corrections XXII 

Models  and  Sources XXXII 

Spring 1 

Title-page  of  first  ed.  (1728)  p.  1  —  Dedication  (1728) 
p.  3  —  Advertisement  (1728)  p.  5  —  Contents  (1729)  p.  5 
—  Argument  (1730)  p.  7  —  Text  of  Spring  A  (1728)  with 
the  variants  of  the  later  editions  p.  8  —  Proposals  for 
Printing   by  Subscription  The  Four  Seasons  etc.  p.  54 

Summer 55 

Title-page  of  first  ed.  (1727)  p.  55  —  Dedication 
(1727)  p.  57  —  Argument  (1730)  p.  59  —  Parallel  texts 
of  Summer  A  (1727)  with  the  variants  of  B  (1730),  and 
of  Summer  C  (1744)  with  the  variants  of  D  (1744)  p.  60 

Autumn 183 

Title-page  of  first  ,ed.  (1730)  p.  183  —  Argument 
(1730)  p.  185  —  Text  of  Autumn  A  (1730)  with  the 
variants  of  the  later  editions,  p.  186 

Winter * 235 

Title-page  of  first  ed.  (1726,  March)  p.  235  —  Dedi- 
cation (1726,  March)  p.  237  —  Preface  to  second  ed. 
with  three  commendatory  poems  on  Thomson  (1726, 
June)  p.  229  —  Argument  (1730)  p.  247  —  Text  of 
Winter  A  (1726,  March)  with  the  variants  of  B  (1726, 
June)  p.  248  —  Parallel  texts  of  Winter  C  (1730,  4to) 
with  the  variants  of  D  (1730,  8vo),  and  of  Winter  E 
(1744)  with  the  variants  of  F  (1746)  p.  264 

A  Hymn 334 

Text  A  (1730)  with  the  variants  of  text  B  (1744) 


Addenda  and  Corrigenda   .    .    . 


INTRODUCTION 


A  variorum  edition  of  The  Seasons, 
a  task  often  promised  but  never  ful- 
filled, would  be  a  boon  to  students 
of  English  literature. 

Edmund  Gosse. 

The  present  edition  of  Thomson's  ''Seasons"  is  the  first 
to  reproduce  the  original  texts  of  the  Seasons  together  with 
all  the  various  readings  of  the  later  editions.  Efforts  to  ac- 
complish such  a  work  had  been  made  long  ago,  e.  g.  by 
Wordsworth,  Dyce,  Bell,  Peter  Cunningham,  and  others,  but 
as  the  enormous  mass  of  alterations  grafted  upon  the  first 
texts  by  the  author  in  later  years  checked  any  attempt  of 
appending  all  the  variants  to  a  single  text,  the  task  was 
invariably  abandoned.  Indeed,  if  the  somewhat  unusual  diffi- 
culties were  to  be  surmounted,  an  apparatus  not  commonly 
employed  in  ordinary  editions  was  required.  In  order  to 
enable  the  student  to  obtain  a  clear  idea  of  the  development 
of  the  texts  and  of  the  innovations  peculiar  to  each  revision, 
it  has  been  thought  advisable  to  reprint  the  first  texts  in 
full  and  to  add  the  alterations  of  the  various  later  publi- 
cations under  separate  historically  arranged  headings  (B,  C, 
D  etc.),  instead  of  throwing  the  whole  matter  into  one  con- 
tinuous footnote  and  leaving  to  the  reader  the  trouble  of 
putting  together  for  himself  the  variations  belonging  to  the 
respective  texts.  According  to  the  scheme  adopted  in  the 
present  edition  —  authorised,  it  might  be  claimed,  by 
Thomson's  own  way  of  emendating  his  "Seasons",  viz.  of 
always  executing  his  corrections  on  the  last  text  without 
ever  referring  to  an  earlier  one  —  the  various  readings 
occurring  in  the  later  editions  are  quoted  only  once,  in  re- 
ference to  text  where  they  first  appear.  It  is,  therefore, 
understood  that  those  variants  which  were  not  replaced  by 


VI  INTRODUCTION 

others  in  a  later  text,  were  preserved  throughout.  In  the 
cases  of  "Summer"  and  "Winter",  the  variations  proved  too 
many  for  the  footnotes  of  a  single  text,  and  resort  to  the 
means  of  parallel  texts  was  found  necessary:  in  the  case  of 
"Winter"   the  printing  in   full  of  three   texts  was  requisite. 

In  the  reproduction  of  the  texts  the  original  spelling 
and  punctuation  have  been  faithfully  adhered  to,1)  except 
that  the  words  printed  in  italics  in  the  original  texts  have 
not  been  thus  distinguished  in  the  present  edition  (the  use 
of  italics  being  reserved  for  alterations  in  the  later  fully 
printed  texts),  and  that  Thomson's  way  of  printing  whole 
words  in  capital  letters  has  not  been  followed.  (Words 
printed  in  capitals,  in  the  original  editions  have  been  ren- 
dered by  small  ordinary  letters;  they  have  been  supplied 
with  a  capital  initial  only  in  the  cases  of  proper  names  and 
in  the  case  of  a  large-sized  capital  being  placed  at  the  be- 
ginning of  the  word  in  the  original  editions,  e.  g.  rural 
game  or.  ed.  =  rural  game  crit.  ed.  Aut.  A.  359,  British 
Fair  or.  ed.  =  British  Fair  crit.  ed.  Aut.  A.  561.)  Since 
the  clearness  of  the  whole  would  have  suffered,  if  the  com- 
paratively unimportant  variations  of  spelling  and  punctuation 
had  been  introduced  into  the  footnotes  together  with  the 
verbal  alterations,  a  special  place  has  been  assigned  to  the 
former  variants  (pp.  XII— XXII).  As  to  the  spelling,  it  is  note- 
worthy that  in  all  the  original  editions,  with  the  exception 
of  the  quarto  of  1730  and  the  separate  octavo  editions  of  the 
Seasons  founded  upon  this  text  and  published  before  1738, 
the  nouns  begin  with  a  capital  letter. 

In  the  preparation  of  the  1744  edition  of  his  k>Seasons" 
Thomson  was  assisted  by  a  friend,  as  is  manifest  from  a  copy 
of  the  first  volume  of  "The  Works"  1738  preserved  in  the 
British    Museum   Library  ((.'.  28.  B.    L7).     The   interleaves  of 

')  A  lew  obvious  misprints  which  bave  been  corrected  will  be 
found  enumerated  In  the  lists  on  pp.  XII     \\ll.    The  numbering 

of  the  lines  baa  I o  likewise  rectified,  or  Introduced  where  it  did 

not    e 


INTRODUCTION  VII 

this  book  are  covered  with  MS.  corrections  in  two  different 
handwritings,  one  of  which  is  Thomson's,  while  hitherto  the 
other  has  been  almost  generally  attributed  to  Pope.  Though 
it  was  not  unknown  to  me  that  strong  reasons  had  been 
brought  forth  against  the  authorship  of  Pope,  I  resolved,  three 
years  ago  when  transcribing  these  corrections  l),  on  putting 
a  P  (i.  e.  Pope)  after  the  notes  of  the  collaborator,  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  proceeding  adopted  by  the  editor  of  the 
last  Aldine  Thomson.  Lack  of  time  prevented  me  then  from 
investigating  the  question  myself,  and  Professor  Macaulay's 
note  in  the  "Athenaeum"  (Oct.  1,  1904,  p.  446) 2)  where, 
chiefly  upon  evidence  of  handwriting,  Lyttelton  is  pointed 
out  as  the  actual  writer  of  the  corrections,  I  had  unfortun- 
ately not  seen.  When  Professor  Macaulay  called  my 
attention  to  it,  in  July  1907,  my  edition  was  already  being 
printed.  And,  indeed,  while  there  are  many  circumstances 
against  the  authorship  of  Pope,  there  are  many  in  favour 
of  that  of  Lyttelton.  Thomson  spent  part  of  the  year  1743 
at  Hagley,  the  country  seat  of  his  friend  Lyttelton,  and  we 
know  that  he  was  at  that  time  engaged  in  correcting  his 
"Seasons".  It  is  Lyttelton  whom  Thomson  entrusted  with  the 
editorship  of  his  works  after  his  own  death,  and  Lyttelton 
not  only  published  an  edition  of  Thomson's  works  in  1750 
(1752)  where  The  Seasons  lost  89  lines  (Aut.  483—569,  607, 
and  677),  but,  "conformably  to  the  intention  and  will  of  the 
author",  he  also  made  many  changes  in  the  Seasons  later 
on,  as  is  shown  by  an  interleaved  copy  preserved  at  Hagley, 
and,  but  for  the  formal  protest  of  Patrick  Murdoch,  would 
have  issued  this  revision.  —  Considering,  however,  that  the 
critic  who,   in  The  Gentleman's  Magazine,   1841,  started  the 


*)  The  footnotes  (MS)  of  tlie  present  edition  give  a  full  ac- 
count of  the  (legible)  emendations  of  the  collaborator,  while  Thom- 
son's corrections  have  been  transcribed  in  so  far  only  as  they 
constitute  variations  from  the  readings  of  the  other  editions. 

2)  See  also  Prof.  Macaulay's  "James  Thomson"  in  'English 
Men  of  Letters',  London  1908. 


VHI  INTRODUCTION 

so-called  "Pope  theory",  namely  John  Mitford  (the  previous 
owner  of  the  famous  MS.  copy  of  1738)  must  also  have 
been  acquainted  with  the  handwriting  of  Lyttelton  (since 
part  of  the  British  Museum  transcript  of  Lord  Lyttelton 's 
later  emendations1)  is  in  the  hand  of  Mitford),  I  deter- 
mined not  to  remain  satisfied  with  the  evidence  of  hand- 
writing and  the  possibly  accidental  coincidence  of  circum- 
stances. Professor  Macauiay  has  already  maintained  that 
the  corrections  of  the  contributor  bear  a  close  resemblance 
to  the  poetry  of  Lyttelton,  both  as  regards  ideas  and  style. 
and  he  has,  more  especially,  compared  a  passage  in  Lyttel- 
ton's  "Monody  to  the  Memory  of  his  Wife  "  with  the  simile 
of  the  myrtle  (Aut.  209 ff.),  but,  if  I  am  not  mistaken,  no 
attempt  has  ever  been  made  to  establish  a  connection  between 
the  contributions  in  the  copy  of  1738  and  the  later  emen- 
dations of  Lord  Lyttelton.  It  seems  an  interesting  task  to  dis- 
cover instances  in  which  suggestions  of  the  collaborator  that 
had  not  been  accepted  by  Thomson  were  repeated  by  Lyttelton. 
And  such  instances  actually  occur.  Aut.  115 — 23-)  had  been 
cancelled  by  the  collaborator,  but  Thomson  had  dropped 
118—23  only.  Lyttelton  cancels  115—17.  —  Aut.  206  which 
bad  been  deleted  by  the  collaborator  was  not  omitted  by 
Thomson.  The  line  is  obliterated  by  Lyttelton.  —  In  Wi.  127, 
"quivering"  which  had  been  suggested  by  the  contributor 
is  also  substituted  by  Lyttelton.  It  is  the  same  with  the 
word  "gentle"  for  "tender"  (Wi.  447).  But  the  cases  of 
the  well-known  catalogues  of  the  Great  Men  are  much  more 
important:  In  Su.  1551 — 63  L.  takes  up  the  wort  begun  in 
1743,  carefully  leaving  unaltered  the  lines  which  had  been 
already  retouched,  and  in  Wi.  he  comments  upon  Numa 
(502  ff.),  who  had  been  styled  "the  Light  of  Borne"  by  the 
collaborator.  That  the  contributor  had  a  preaching  vein, 
will  be  gathered  from  his  corrections  on  Aut.  A  393  and  868. 


>)  11632.  c.  57. 

■)  If  not  otherwise  noted,  the  figures  refer  to  the  last  edition 
of   The  Seasons. 


INTRODUCTION  IX 

Lyttelton's  emendation  on  Aut.  985 — 87  is  written  in  pre- 
cisely the  same  spirit,  to  say  nothing  of  the  other  only  too 
numerous  moralising  passages  in  his  revision.  Lord  Lyttelton's 
MS.  copy  thus  proving  to  be  of  some  importance  for  critical 
purposes,  I  have  thought  it  desirable  to  include  a  full  record  of 
his  corrections  in  my  edition.  My  transcript  (pp.  XXII — XXXI) 
is  based  upon  the  above  mentioned  copy  of  Mitford  in  the 
British  Museum,  but  owing  to  the  obliging  kindness  of  Lord 
Cobham,  who  gave  me  access  to  the  library  of  Hagley  Hall, 
I  have  been  able  to  verify  it  upon  the  original.  Students 
of  these  emendations  will  observe  that  they  bear  in  very 
many  instances  upon  passages  which  attracted  the  critical 
notice  of  the  collaborator  for  the  edition  of  1744,  and  are 
appropriate  to  remove  any  remaining  doubts  as  to  his  identi- 
fication with  Lyttelton. 

The  ''Annals"  (pp.  X,  XI)  will,  it  is  hoped,  afford 
a  clear  survey  of  the  general  growth  of  The  Seasons,  while 
the  tables  called  "Models  and  Sources"  are  intended  to  show 
that  Thomson,  with  all  his  originality,  was  not  free  from 
literary  influences.1)  In  compiling  this  list  (much  of  which 
is  the  result  of  my  own  researches)  I  have  been  especially 
helped  by  Mr.  Robertson's  annotated  edition  of  The  Seasons 
(Oxford  1891),  by  M.  Morel's  book  on  Thomson  (Paris  1895), 
and  by  MS.  notes  of  the  late  Rev.  John  Mitford  in  a  copy 
of  The  Seasons,  now  in  my  possession.  For  trustworthy  in- 
formation concerning  the  history  of  The  Seasons  I  am  in- 
debted to  Borchard's  Textgeschichte  von  Thomson's  Seasons 
(Diss.  Halle  1883),  and  to  Mr.  Willis'  reproduction  of  the 
first  edition  of  "Winter"  (London  1900).  Last,  but  not  least, 
I  have  to  acknowledge  my  most  sincere  and  respectful  thanks 
to  Professor  Brandl  for  kindly  assisting  me  with  his  advice 
during  the  execution  of  this  work. 


*)  With  reference  to  'Winter',  more  details  will  be  found  in 
my  dissertation  on  the  "  Entstehungs-  und  Entwicklungsgeschichte 
von  Thomsons  'Winter'",  Berlin  1907. 


ANNALS  OF  THE  SEASONS. 

1726  In  March,  "Winter"  first  ed.  (See  title-page  in  front  of  "Winter".) 
Folio.    405  lines  (text  A).     Prefixed:   An  epistolary  dedication. 

In  June,  "Winter"  second  ed.:  Whiter.  A  Poem.  By  James 
Thomson.  —  Horrida  cano  Bruma  Gelu.  —  The  Second  Edition. 
London:  Printed  by  N.  Blandford.  at  Charing-Cross,  for  J.  Millan. 
at  Locke 's-Head  in  Shug-Lane,  near  the  Hay-Market,  and  the  next 
Bookseller  to  the  Horse-Guards.  MDCCXXV1.  (Pr.ls.)  8vo.  463 
lines  (text  B).  Prefixed  besides  the  epist.  ded. :  A  Preface  by 
Thomson  and  three  commendatory  poems  by  A.  Hill.  Mira, 
and  D.  Malloch.  Three  more  editions  of  "Winter"  are  said  to 
have  appeared  until  1730,  but,  in  all  likelihood,  their  text  was 
the  same  as  that  of  the  second  edition. 

1727  "Summer"  first  ed.  (See  title-page  in  front  of  "Summer") 
8vo.    1046  lines  (text  A).    Prefixed:   An  epistolary   dedication. 

1728  -Spring"  first  ed.  (See  title-page  in  front  of  "Spring").  8vo. 
1082  lines  (text  A).  Prefixed:  An  epist.  ded.  and  an  Adverti- 
sement. Appended:  Proposals  for  Printing  by  Subscription 
The  Four  Seasons,  With  a  Hymn  on  their  Succession,  etc. 

1729  "Spring"  second  ed.  Text  the  same  as  in  1728.  Prefixed: 
A  Table  of  Contents. 

1730  First  collected  ed.  of  "The  Seasons"  with  the  Hymn:    / 

sons  by  Mr.  Thomson.  London:  Printed  in  the  year  If.  DCC.  AAA. 
4  to.  Prefixed:  The  names  of  the  subscribers.  Appended: 
Poem  on  Newton.  —  Spring  1087  lines  texl  B),  Bummer  1206 
lines  (text  B),  Autumn  1269  lines  (text  A.  Bee  title-page  In 
front  of  Autumn),  Winter  781  lines  (text  C),  Hymn  121  tinea 
(texl  A).  Prefixed  to  each  Season:  An  argument  and  a  copper- 
plate. Omitted:  The  Latin  mottoes,  the  preface  oJ  Winter 
'ihi  ed.,  the  Contents  of  Spring  2nd  ed.,  and  the  epistolary 
dedications,  which  are  replaced  by  poetical  ones  In  the  beginning 
of  the  poems  and  by  short  proae-dedications  on  the  title-page 
of  each   Be 


ANNALS  OF  THE  SEASONS 


XI 


In  the  same  year  the  Seasons  also  appear  in  8vo,  each 
in  a  separate  volume.  Spring  is  printed  for  A.  Millar;  Summer, 
Autumn,  and  Winter  (with  the  Hymn,  the  Poem  on  Newton, 
and  Britannia)  for  J.  Millan.  They  are  sometimes  found  bound  up 
together  under  the  names  of  Millar  and  Millan.  Text  the  same 
as  in  the  quarto,  save  "Winter  ",  which  contains  787  lines  (text  D). 

1738  The  Seasons  appear  in  the  first  volume  of  The  Works  of  Mr. 
Thomson.  In  two  Volumes.  London:  Printed  for  A.  Millar,  over- 
against  St.  Clement's  Church  in  the  Strand.  MDCCXXXV1II.  8  vo. 
Text  —  save  spelling  and  punctuation  —  the  same  as  in  the  quarto 
of  1730.     "Winter"  has  787  lines,  as  in  the  8vo.  ed.  of  1730. 

1744  The  Seasons  appear  in  the  first  volume  of  The  Works  of  Mr. 
Thomson.  In  two  Volumes.  Vol.  1.  With  Additions  and  Cor- 
rections. London :  Printed  for  A.  Millar,  in  the  Strand.  1744. 
The  following  advertisement  is  prefixed:  The  Seasons  having 
been  published  several  Years  ago,  and  considerable  Additions  made 
to  them  lately,  some  little  Anachronisms  have  thence  arisen,  ivhich 
it  is  hoped  the  Reader  ivill  excuse.  Spring  1173  lines  (text  C). 
Summer  1796  lines  (text  C),  Autumn  1375  lines  (text  B),  Winter 
1069  lines  (text  E),  Hymn  118  lines  (text  B).  Omitted:  The 
short  prose-dedications  on  the  title-pages  in  front  of  each  Season. 
In  the  same  year  The  Seasons  appear  in  a  separate 
edition:  The  Seasons.  By  James  Thomson.  London :  Printed  for 
A.  Millar,  in  the  Strand.  1744.  12  mo.  Text  the  same  as  in 
the  "Works''.  The  following  dedication  is  prefixed:  To  His 
Boyal  Highness  Frederic  Prince  of  Wales.  This  Poem,  Corrected 
and  made  less  unworthy  of  his  Protection,  is,  with  the  utmost 
Gratitude  and  Veneration,  inscribed,  by  His  Royal  Highnesses 
most  obedient  and  most  devoted  Servant,  James  Thomson. 

1746  The  Seasons.  By  James  Thomson.  London:  Printed  for  A.  Millar,  in 
the  Strand.  1746.  12  mo.  Last  edition  revised  by  the  author.  Spring 
1176  lines  (text  D).  Summer  1805  lines  (text  D).  Autumn  1373 
lines  (text  C).  Winter  1069  lines  (text  F).  Hymn  118  lines  (text  C). 


1726 

1727    1728 

1730 

1744 

1746 

Spring  .  . 

|  A  1082 

B  1087 

C  1173 

D  1176 

Summer  .  . 

A  1146 

B  1206 

C  1796 

D  1805 

Autumn  .  . 

A  1269 

B  1375 

C  1373 

Winter  .  . 

A  405 
B  463 

0781(4°) 
D787(8°) 

E  1069 

F  1069 

Hvnin  .  . 

A  121 

B  118   C  118 

Total 

(4470) 

VARIANTS  ORTHOGRAPHICAL 
AND  PUNCTUATIVE. 

In  consulting  the  following  lists  it  should  be  remembered  that 
the  general  rule  which  may  be  established  with  reference  to  the 
substantives  occurring  in  the  original  editions  of  The  Seasons  here 
noticed,  viz.  that  they  begin  with  a  capital  letter  —  exceptions  have 
been  recorded  —  is  broken  by  the  quarto  of  1730  *),  which  uses 
small  letters  in  this  case  (and  also  in  the  cases  of  adjectives,  which 
sometimes  commence  with  a  capital  in  the  other  editions).  When 
a  noun  has  been  quoted  from  the  quarto,  e.  g  in  order  to  indicate 
a  punctuative  variant  preserved  also  in  the  subsequent  texts,  it  has 
not  been  expressly  noted  that  it  takes  a  large  initial  in  the  latter.-)  — 
The  sign  ||  ,  only  used  after  words  closing  up  a  verse,  marks  the 
absence  of  a  stop. 

Spring. 

A  =  ed.  1728         B  =  ed.  1730,  as  in  the  quarto 
C  =  ed.  1744,  as  in  "  The  Works"        D  =  ed.  1746. 

1  ethereal  C  Ethereal  D  bOBC  Hartford,  CD  6  grace;  B 
Plain  |i  CD  7  Innocence  and  BCD  9  paints;  BCD  10  thee 
BCD  12  Blasts:  CD  14  Vale;  CD  21  delightless:  (D  27 
him.  BCD  28  Cold;  CD  29  But,  (D  Life  and  CD  31  all- 
surrounding  BCD  32  airs;  BCD  34  Joyous,  CD  36  Where  G 
40  Song  and  CD  41  Meanwhile  inc.  B  Meanwhile,  CD  Share, 
CD  43  sidelong  BCD  44  neighbouring  BCD  45  Step;  and, 
liberal,  CD  49  breezes,  B<  D  50  showers.  B(  'D  52  Nor,  ye  B 
Nor  ye  C  Nor,  ye,  D  54  Ear:  CD  56  its  B  Height  CD 
61  lance  B  62  War;  then,  CD  68  unbounded!  <D  69  azure 
turbulent  CD  71  ports;  BCD  74  land,  BCD  77  Delicious,  CD 
80  Earth,  <D  81  Hues;  ID  thee,  BCD  88  whitens;  BCD 
91  gales;    CD        93    once,    CD        98    embryo    BCD        99   its   BD 

1)  And  also  by  the  separate  octavo  editions  of  the  Seasons 
founded  upon  the  text  of  the  quarto  (see  pp.  VI,  XI),  uliiili, 
however,  have  not  been  noticed  here. 

2)  Neither  have  I  taken  aCCOUIll  of  the  .suppression  <>f  the 
apostrophe  in  the  words  tho  and  thro,  an  unimportant,  bypographioaJ 
singularity   of  the  edition  of  1746. 


VARIANTS  ORTHOGRAPHICAL  AND  PUNCTUATIVE    XIII 

Town,  C  100  Smoke,  CD  104  Sweet-briar  C  Sweet-bryar  D 
107  Country,  CD  around,  CD  108  white-empurpled  CD  111 
The  full  stop  after  spies  is  found  in  all  the  orig.  edd.,  but  the  con- 
text requires  a  comma  or  colon.  114  Mildew;  or,  dry-blowing,  CD 
118  oft,  CD  120  eat,  CD  128  skilful  BCD  129  burns;  BCD 
130  Till,  BC  smoak,  B  Smoke,  CD  131  falls :  CD  132  onions, 
steaming  hot,  B  136  dreams,  B  142  its  B  161  lessening  B 
170  iron  C  174  Ether;  CD  180  Hope  and  CD  181  Breeze,  CD 
190  suspense,  BCD  192  strike,  at  once,  CD  193  Even  BCD 
194  seem,  expansive,  2?  seem,  impatient,  CD  197  last,  CD  200 
flow,  .BOD  205  descends,  B  209  And,  CD  211  day  CD  214 
western  CD  215  out,  effulgent,  CD  228  Mean  time  BC 
Meantime  D  eastern  CD  229  ethereal  CD  230  immense;  CD 
231  Proportion  running  D  234  Prism;  CD  235  philosophic  C 
236  Light  by  D  thee  DCD  240  glory;  BCD  242  vanish'd  D 
243  Shade,  CD  244  Morning-Beam,  CD  247  wild,  CD  249 
Tribes:  CD  250  Dale,  CD  253  mountain  rock,  D  254  it's  C 
257  Nursing  D  258  moistning  D  prolifick  CD  259  pierce,  C 
260  pure,  C  261  Man,  D  264  savage  CD  268  nor,  D  270 
away;  CD  274  Mean  time  BC  Meantime  D  Dance  and  CD 
Sport  ||  D  275  Talk,  successive,  C  279  Deed,  CD  285  Bays, 
CD  286  as,  C  Mead,  CD  287  Flocks,  commixing,  CD  289 
Lion  CD  291  Music  C  Whole  C  292  heard,  jBCD  295  con- 
sonance. C  297  phrase,  B  300  wav'd  B  313  fleece,  D  324 
whate'er  B  Minutes  whence  D  326  iron  C  330  within:  CD 
[292]  Which  selfish  Joy  disdaining  seeks,  D  341  swells;  BCD 
343  mix 'd  CD  345  inly  rankling,  0  [311]  rush'd  ||  D  359  vast; 
CD  360  Till,  BC  Center  CD  clouds  BCD  363  Cbace:  C 
364  snows;  BCD  365  Heats.  Great  Spring,  before,  CD  366 
blush'd  C  367  Sweetness,  CD  369  reign,  D  370  Expanse:  CD 
372  Waters;  CD  373  forth;  CD  374  autumnal  CD  376  now,  D 
380  wholesom  D  381  food;  B  382  exhilarating  CD  383  Nu- 
triment and  CD  384  its  D  386  Lion  CD  398  fruits,  BC  Bain||D 
399  he,  BC  403  he  deals.  B  Blood-stain'd  deserves  D  404  Him,  B 
thicket,  B  405  the  awaken'd  B  406  you,  BCD  407  People, 
What,  D  410  cold?  BCD  Whose  B  411  lies'?  B  413  What  D 
he  DCD  414  Patient  and  CD  clothes  CD  415  he  DCD  416 
Hands,  D  417  That,  perhaps,  C  That  perhaps,  D  418  Autum- 
nal D  419  labour?  BCD  420  suggest:  but  BCD  421  ad- 
venturous, CD  [378]  away,  D  [379]  mossy-tinctur'd  D  [381] 
dark  brown  D  [387]  Folds;  D  [388/89]  deep,  ||  Gives  as  D 
[390]  weak  helpless  uncomplaining  D  [392]  When  with  D  [411] 
Hook:    D       [413]    Shore,    D      [429]    once  he  D      [437]    Page:    D 


XIV  VARIANTS  ORTHOGRAPHICAL 

[439]  abandon'd  to  D  [440J  gaily  D  [445]  Lily  D  [446]  Its 
D  [450]  born  D  [451]  High  in  D  [456]  Landskip,  D  429 
boast,  BCD  430  its  D  creation,  BCD  hers?  BD,  her's?  C 
431  he  B  437  Colours;  CD  Power.  CD  440  round.  J.  round? 
BCD  441  Yet  tho  D  442  then,  BCD  443  love;  BD  Love:  C 
446  Dews  and  D  450  Lily  D  451  Grass,  CD  452  luxuriant;  BCD 
Bank,  CD  454  shines;  B  458  Beams.  CD  463  wild;  BCD  468 
way,  B  469  and,  £6'  470  its  BD  ethereal  D  472  taught: 
and  B  473  Wild-thyme  C  476  its  jBD  484  ethereal  B  etherial 
CD  488  Grace:  CD  489  first;  CD  492  auriculas  a  B  496 
Freaks:  CD  497  Father  Dust,  D  498  and,  D  [452]  Pride  the  D 
504  Nor,  CD  shower'd  BCD  Bush,  CD  Damask -rose.  CD 
510  knee;  BCD  Thoughts,  CD  511  Continual,  CD  climb;  BCD 
Master-hand,  CD  513  Thee,  B  Vegetative  C  515  Ether,  CD 
516  soils,  BCD  518  tide;  BCD  519  thy  BC  Command 
the  CD  521  wintry  CD  now  in  tD  dance,  BCD  526 
hark  how  C  535  through  C  536  begin.  BCD  537  thought, 
BCD  541  Than,  all  alive,  BCD  542  musick  BCD  544  he  BCD 
547  Bush  ||  BCD  548  moisture,  BCD  551  kind  contending  CD 
552  through  C  553  notes;  BCD  557  Bullfinch  CD  558  furze 
||  BCD  559  these,  B  These  ||  CD  564  Pipe  discordant  CD  570 
kind  D  571  way  CD  573  her.  B  579  inspir'd,  CD  580  then, 
CD  581  approach;  BCD  583  rotation  CD  594,  595  its  BD  600 
soothe  CD  603  Domes;  CD  611  Hair  and  D  wool;  BC  oft, 
when  unobserv'd,  BCD  612  Straw:  CD  soft  and  CD  617  Her 
CD  621  place  CD  moment,  CD  623  Young,  ( 'D  624  Warm'd 
and  CD  627  O  CD  628  Care,  CD  629  hearts?  B  [684]  Love, 
D  640  neighbouring  BCD  649  hot  pursuing  BCD  651  tyrant 
CD  655  its  brightening  BCD  659  musick  B  660  persuade. 
BCD  664  when,  CD  667  Robb'd  BCD  669  poplar  CD  shade; 
BCD  670  Where,  BCD  all  abandon'd  BCD  despair,  BCD  674 
Woe;  D  676  Bounds,  CD  677  Ardent,  disdain;  CD  and,  CD 
697  on.  CD  lengthening  D  Life  and  D  701  rejoicing  never 
TD  703  sea,  B  its  B  [754]  (Note)  Western  D  [760]  which, 
D  712  rook;  B  714  Houshold-Kind.  cj>  717  ardour  CD 
721  Gale;  CD  733  Brutes,  CD  below,  BCD  735  deep-scorch'd, 
CD  737  Scarce  seen  CD  741  Sense.  CD  743  Fight;  and.  (  1> 
idly  butting,  B  idly-hutting,  CD  748  battle  B<  D  754  joy,  B 
766  wiNl  be  '7>  766  dies;  ry>  757  And.  <  l>  the  aerial  B  the 
aerial  '7;  758  bhen,  <L>  Bteep-deBoending,  BCD  761  inch  CD 
force  '7;  762  frantiok  BCD  Bear!  and  CD  783  Nor  un- 
delighted,  CD  766  Ooze  and  />  7<;t;  flounce  and  <  1>  on- 
weildy   B       770  heart;  B       771  wolf;    B     bear;    B       772  fell;   B 


AND  PUNCTUATIVE  XV 

773  Libyan  B  781  him  BCD  783  way,  and  that,  B  convolv'd, 
CD  glee,  CD  788  iron  CD  ancient  CD  790  Broil:  CD  791 
deep-laid  indissoluble  CD  793  And,  CD  Labours,  BCD  Law, 
CD  798  diffuses?  What,  but  God?  BCD  803  work;  CD  804 
complex  stupendous  CD  806  appears:  CD  808  falling,  B 
810  him.  B  812  him  B  813  his  B  816  his  B  822  thee,  B 
824  Bounty;  CD  827  Tenderness  and  CD  830  vye  CD  835 
Hence!  D  837  unfeeling,  B  another's  CD  838  yourselves; 
away.  BC  yourselves ;  away !  D  845  unexplor'd;  CD  849  abroad; 
BC  850  world;  BCD  852  human  CD  854  exhalts  B  856 
sunny  CD  860  degrees  CD  864  God  to  CD  [939]  its  D 
865  power  B  867  impelling,  B  impell'd,  B  870  wide-rejoicing 
5  876  spirits  in  B  877  Cheek  a  CD  881  heaves,  CD  885 
exstatic  D  887  Hearts:  CD  888  sigh;  £CD  eye,  B  897 
beware;  CD  late  ||  A  late,  BCD  898  Torrent -Softness  CD 
899  lies,  CD  900  away:  £  away;  CD  while  BCD  Soul,  CD 
902  form;  BCD  grace;  BCD  903  eye,  BCD  [912]  Hours; 
CD  [916]  Design,  against  CD  913  rosy  bosom'd  B  916 
she  BCD  919  Friends;  D  920  social  CD  sits;  C  922 
while  borne  away,  CD  927  love-dejected  CD  929  Glooms;  CD 
931  Bomantic,  CD  932  heart-thrilling  CD  934  Lilies,  CD  936 
day,  BCD  938  through  C  939  degrees,  CD  940  he  BCD 
943  World  ||  CD  944  care,  B  945  midnight  BCD  drear;  BCD 
947  page,  BCD  962  a  while  BCD  965  mimick  D  967  crouds 
BCD  distress'd;  CD  968  secret- winding  flower-enwoven  CD 
978  shore;  BCD  980  vain;  CD  borne  BCD  981  distance  CD 
988  its  BD  990  unmix'd,  CD  992  fairy  CD  Brospects,  CD 
994  Farewel!  CD  995  the  CD  998  then  instead  BCD  love- 
enliven'd  CD  999  sunny  CD  1004  Fears  ||  CD  1016  Veins:  CD 
1022  fever'd  CD  1024  waste.  CD  1025  they!  BCD  happiest  CD 
1034  Soul;  CD  1036  Confidence:  CD  1038  him,  BCD  1041 
days:  BCD  1043  desire,  BCD  feel;  BCD  1045  possess'd  CD 
1047  Those  D  cements  in  BCD  1048  Nature  live,  CD  1050 
its  BD  1052  wish;  CD  1054  mind-illumin'd  CD  1055  har- 
mony, BCD  1058  Degrees,  C  1061  lustre  and  B  1063  Care. 
CD  1069  you  whom  B  ye,  whom  CD  1072  Heart:  CD 
1075  fly.    The  BCD      1077  them  BCD      1082  they  B. 

Summer. 

Variations  of  B  fed.  1730,  d  to)  from  A  (ed.  1727). 

4  comes,        11  And  on        15  hermit  seat,        17   fix'd   serious 
20  ecstasy      soul.       21  power,       23  Thus       30  machine.       38  White 


XVI  VARIANTS  ORTHOGRAPHICAL 

break  step,  39  apace,  43  Blue  thro'  44  And  from  45  auk- 
ward;  forest  glade  ||  46  and  often  turning  gaze  51  cottage 
where  54  awake;  55  And,  57  song.  63  dreams?  64  re- 
main, 65  craves;  when  67  walk?  71  aetherial  74  looks  in 
75  that  burnish'd  plays  77  chearer  Light!  79  robe !  80  beauty  all 
81  thou.  83  brightness,  thee!  85  That  in  effusion  from  thee 
86  number  at  97  not  as  now  the  life;  98  thee!  99  gladness; 
100  thee        103  rays,        111  you        115  thee  concocted  blushes; 

thee  119  thee,  120  Bends  unwitholding  to  121  power;  123 
thee,  127  rock  itself  impregn'd  by  thee,  129  compact;  131 
fair.  132  thee  133  radiance,  134  thee  tether,  140  But  all 
141  Thick  thro'  opal  play  142  flying  several  from  146  thee 
155  glance  extensive  158  great  delegated  160  him,  161  light  || 
167  he  168  would  loosening  reel  169  Wide  from  170  yet  was 
171  praise;       172  works  in       173  full  harmonic      174  thee     176  me 

wide  display'd;  177  broad  illumin'd  180/81  glooms  ||  Pensive 
1  muse,  or  with  182  excursive  soar.  183  piercing  186  till  all 
unveil'd||  187  seems,  194  can  unpitying  see  196  so  198  they 
199  Sad  when       200  he  warm  returns.       202  retreats;       203  him 

fold:  207  oaks  ||  210  Where  on  boughs  they  214  house  dog 
215  one  219  little  noisy  221  mean.  222  him  they  233 
where  on  the  pool  ||  235  snatch'd  immediate  by  242  he  246 
or  weltering  238  chief  to  252  watch  he  256  he  dreadful  darts, 
259  backward  grimly  264  him  muses  thro'  woods  at  265  he 
268  presuming  impious  273  mind?  277  around,  yet  blindly 
bold  ||  280  swept  at  once  th"  unb.  282  As  with  accent  to 
283  This  288  remotely-wafting  290  then  alone  let  297  day. 
299  idle  summer-life  303  they  306  them  308  air  a  309 
heaven  and        far   as        310  all  ||         311   pole  is        317  And  o'er 

surface  wary  treads  320  draught :  he  322  scythe;  the  mower 
sinking  heaps  323  him  329  impetuous  hurl  331  heat.  332 
temples  potent  thus  333  hard!  incessant  still  you  flow,  335  pro- 
fuse. In  336  And  restless  turn,  338  endure!  The  339  sight, 
340dance;  342  Hangs  deathful  on  limbs;  nerves;  346  he!  that  OS 
356  thickets,  362  he  363  Cold  thro'  365  watch;  371  plate; 
372  compose:  375  and  often  bending  sip  377  strong  laborious 
378  Which  incompos'd  he  385  light  lly  386  herd;  387  That 
startling  scatters  411  Extatic  felt;  41.5  bent:  to  114  virtue 
struggling  417  tryals  fated  to  4LS  who  devoted  gives  424 
zealous  to  425  Shook  sudden  from  426  Bhapes  or  427  stalk 
majestic  on.  Arrous'd.  431  Pronounce  distinct,  -Be  us  4.H2 
Poor  kindred       we        434  pursuit.         486  Once  some      us.      tlue, 

life,      436  w.-       431)  but  with       440  Oft  in       448  US,      God.      44H 


AND  PUNCTUATIVE  XVII 

And  frequent  at  443  Or  all  447  join'd.  448  us,  451  muse, 
455  swift-shrinking  461  sheet;  anon  dispers'd,  462  mist;  then 
gather'd  463  stream  aslant  464  tormented;  466  And  restless 
roaring  467  gaze,  471  radiance,  474  pinions  thro'  478  Deep  in 
482  again  ||  487  me  489  There  on  492  Strays  diligent,  and 
with  493  honey -suckle  loads  496  streams;  499  Liberty 
abroad  500  unconfin'd  ||  503  drought;  504  guardian  -  oaks ; 
506  numberless ;  507  herds  in  509  scythe.  515  Drudgery  him- 
self, 516  be  or  dusty  hews  517  crouded  519  echo  520  he 
hearty  waves  521  and  loosening  525  they  530  virtue,  531 
kind;  548  song,  549  thine?  551  met?  553  man;  556  fair; 
574  Harmony;  575  white  ||  577  grace;  578  rose-bud,  581 
breast;  584  sits  high  smiling  in  587  terror,  delight,  589  arm; 
590  thy  self,  592  Thou!  nod  the  594  Virtues  603  superior 
shines  606  first  paternal  Virtue  609  labours  glorious  with  610 
far  transported  612  praises  in  616  Kingdoms  on  616/17  day|| 
Oppressive  falls,  622  mines;  625  spicy  Abyssinian  626  pome- 
granate, drink  627  yet  in  627  coats  ||  628  Peaceful  beneath, 
629  elephant ;  and  in  shade  ||  630  play,  631  birds  of  note  rejoice 
637  thousand  thundering  638  Riots  with  rage  the  639  chiefly 
should  640  And  doubling  blend  641  tempestuous;  or  directly 
642    them  643    await;         above  ||  645    lies;  646    spoilt; 

647  waste;  648  Thin-cottag'd ;  and  in  649  brook;  one  651 
Barca;  652  hot  inhospitable  sands;  653  Continuous  rising 
656  .Falls  in  new  hilly  kingdoms  o'er  657  here  that  domain; 
659  or  on  659/60  tomb  ||  Triumphant  sits,  who  for  664  immense; 
666  And,  lolling  frightful,  667  or  of  672  tyger  then,  674  Be- 
speckled  677  crowd  ||  678  forms  at  679  These  all  join'd  from 
680  where  o'er  bones  they  682  once  their  683  imperious  and 
b86  he!  who  from  687  alone  ||  688  Ceaseless  he  689  Sad  on 
691  forming  in  692  ether  694  he  696  Sinks  helpless;  697 
hiss  continual  703  Italy;  704  When  for  them  she  705  And 
fawning  take  707  Where  frequent,  708  divine,  709  death; 
711  breeze;  713  aspect?  Wisdom  then  ||  716  balance.  719 
rang'd  at  Noon  by  724  relatives  endear'd  727  And,  sick  in 
solitude,  successive  die,  733  hills  that  735  me  737  and  growing 
gains  743  world  a  747  That  from  753  cattel  scouling  754 
eye;  755  him  758  When  to  eye  the  759  Appears  far  761 
voice ;  762  but  at  764  till  over  head  a  767  ether  770  heaven 
and  778  he  shuddering  sits,  781  dies;  782  live  dejected  787 
master  for  788  Black  from  789  leaning  shatter'd  790  ages; 
791  lie  :  792  Here  the  794  there  the  800  and  from  the  cliff  1 1 
802  thro'       828  Celadon  ||        829  twain;       830  virtue       831   alone: 

Palaestra   LXVI.  II 


XVIII  VARIANTS  ORTHOGRAPHICAL 

834  lov*d.  But  835  As  in  time  alarrnd  838  sympathetick 
840  each  each  self;  842  joy.  843  Still  in  intercourse  they 
845  things.  846  clear  united  847  till  in  evil  Hour||  848  them 
849  breast  presageful  heav'd  856  and  us  958  he  861  thee, 
862  thee  864  hurtless;  867  thee  868  perfection!  "From 
870  ashes  fell  871  he  873  fix'd  874  resemblance,  on  the 
marble-tomb,  875  mourner  stooping  897  air  j  j  898  lustre  and 
901  abundant  by  904  Joyn'd  907  Most-favour'd;  who  with 
907  articulate  ||  908  world?  909  he,  soon  forgetful  910  vows; 
912  heart?  914  crystal  915  stands  ||  921  and  thro'  922 
breathing  by  923  arms  and  legs  according  he  924  path; 
929  Nor  when,  930  I  weak-shivering  linger  935  rose  victorious 
o'er  937  Even  from  937/38  purity  the  mind  ||  Receives  941 
shift  perpetual  in  943  ray;  946  he  orb;  947  immers'd;  952 
lost.  Tis  him,  953  blank:  954  horror  to  wretch;  960 around, 
961  dew;  962  him  the  963  felt.  964  Confess' d  from  966  air; 
973  corn;  988  merry-hearted;  989  pail;  992  language  shown  || 
994  they  995  unfrequented;  where  ||  996  eve  the  998  village- 
stories  999  they  1000  him  urg'd  ||  1001  himself  to  1003 
And  after  they  1005  shun' d;  1022  lamp;  and.  1024  25  winter- 
robe  ||  Of  massy  stygian  array'd  ||  1032  seen:  1033  heaven; 
1034  eminent;  1038  thus  th' effulgence  tremulous  1  1040  sky; 
or  horizontal  dart  1076  thee,  thee.  1080  summer-noon;  1083 
Hence  thro'  thee,  1084  She  soaring  spurns,  1087  Virtue  1088 
calm  and  clear;  1090  display'd:  1091  up-tracing  from  1092 
causes  and  1093  alone  ||  1095  heaven  and  1098  swift-painted  on 
mind.  1099  thee,  1100  ages;  1101  musick.  1101  thee  what 
man?  1106prey;  1111  property ;  swain.  1112  furrow;  1113 
toil;  1115  Nothing  save  1117  thee  1118  peace;  1120  crouds 
1125  Nor  to  1127  intent  to  1128  thro";  1130  who  word 
1132  Thence  on  kingdom  swift  she  1134  vanish  or  appear; 
1139unmix'd.  But  1151  us  know-that  L 143  being,  1144  God; 
1145  Love  and  Wisdom  inexpp 


Variations  of  D  (ed.  1746)  from  C  (i       1744,  as  in 

"The   Works"). 

7  face;      32  Power,      37  Men,      54   Rook  the      66  smoakmg 

96  Chearei   Light!      108  thee!  D  (no  sign  after  thee  in  C)     144  Ite 

L50  [ta       i.">7  it*       Lfifl  Ite      E<  843  Lighter, 

368  Cheese:       897  it,       996  Ita       309  danoe       304   green,       349 

Thick  in       366  Bali  naked,      967  Hay-cook      377  much  oi      381 

mi   Rest,      106   Meantime,      415  its 


AND  PUNGTUATIVE  XIX 

423  simple  432  Noon;  486  On  496  fill'd:  504  Moan  ||  509 
high  517  Growth:  522  Meditation,  These  545  Man!  554 
Folly  and  573  Inspir'd:  574  Art;  613  Bower  or  Bower  C 
641  (Note)  South-East:  662  its  668  its  Fruit.  669  0  stretch'd 
672  pours,  its  677  Anana,  696  Herds  that  699  fallen  714 
truly  719  scape  730  (Note)  torrid  759  Sun-redoubling  760 
Cool  to  767  spicy  850  half  869  godlike  929  Bounds  C 
984  its  9951ab'ring  1014  descend:  1026  pierce;  D  1034  saw, 
1035  Infant -Weakness  1057  then,  1070  its  1109  Sound  || 
1127  its  1133  loosen'd  aggravated  1138  its  1142  above, 
1184  its  1235  its  1239  half  afraid  1314  Its  1318  Rose  amid 
Morning  Dew,  1365  Lustre;  1380  its  1399  its  1406  glorious 
1455  labour  1497  unrestrain'd,  1510  native  1414  strew  1517 
Reign;  1527  Choice;  1536  cloister' d  1559  great,  1565  Spencer, 
1580  Rose-bud  1607  While  in  superior  1661  shewn  1699 
Course,  1722  Philosophy,  1734  round,  1736  Reason's  and 
1748  Mankind!       1752  Prey;       1786  Train; 


Autumn 

A  =  ed.  1730,  as  in  the  quarto      B  =  ed.  1744,  as  in  "The   Works" 
C  =  ed.  1746. 

4  Well  pleas'd  BC  11  Public  BC  18  public  BO  27  en- 
liven'd  wide  BC  30  below  |]  C  40  gayly-checker'd  Heart-ex- 
panding BC  43  Blessings,  BC  47  Human  kind!  BC  56 
Year:  BC  59  Boar;  BC  61  mix'd  BC  62  Frost:  BC  66 
Peace  and  BC  73  Sloth:  BC  74  unfolded:  B  11  Mechanic 
B  83  degrees  B  D.  C  Fabric  BC  88  inspir'd  to  BC  90  barren 
bare  BC  94  And,  BC  95  Glory,  BC  100  This  BC  102  This 
B  Guardian-Laws,  BC  111  order  ABC  115  And,  BC  Street, 
by  BC  drew  ||  B  125  Ward-House  B  W.-h.  C  127  Plenty,  C 
130  hand,  BC  142  Its  C  143  Stores:  the  BC  145  rose;  the 
BC       Stature  B  147    Imagination    flush'd.    BC         152    along; 

BC  153  Spring;  BC  165  Talk  ||  B  166  Scandal  and  BC  174 
Husband-men!  B  Husbandmen!  C  190  Woody  B  197  Lilly,  B 
[210]  Appenine,  C  [215]  length,  BC  215  Lavinia;  C  215  Palemon 
BC  216  it's  B  218  antient  uncorrupted  BC  225  Gaze:  BC 
227  down-cast  BC  233  secret  BC  234  pity!  BC  238  methinks  || 
B  241  rise;  B  Rise;  C  247  live,  BC  256  Her,  BC  260 
Palemon,  BC  263  sought,  BC  272  spread,  BC  fair;  BC  274 
Years'?  BC  280  his  whose  C  299  While  pierc'd  B  312  Corn: 
B        313   aerial  BC      swells,   BC        319  in  ||  B        325   pliant  BC 

II* 


XX  VARIANTS  ORTHOGRAPHICAL 

329  head  BC  330  its  C  332  Lie  BC  333  swim.  B  349 
Elegance  and  BC  350  Limbs  in  C  clad  ||  B  352  oh  BC  363 
yours  £C  359  Game:  5C  362  Outstretched.  C  365  way  Be 
371  Eye  ||  C  379  Animal-Creation  BC  380  Her.  BC  381  chearful 
barbarous  £C  385  Dark,  BC  400  Furze.  C  401  Heath:  B 
402  thick-entangled  B  thick  entangled  C  413  scatter'd  sullen 
BC  425  first  in  speed,  B  first,  in  speed  ||  C  427  swift  aerial 
BC  flight.  ABC  429  lessening  murderous  BC  450  last  weak 
BC  453  fair  jutting  BC  454  beauteous  chequer'd  BC  455 
Youth  |!  BC  458  Lion,  BC  479  tost:  C  492  Furr.  C  501  side 
to  side;  5C  502  while  BC  511  delicious,  as  B  delicious 
as  ( '  512  love-sick  BC  515  drawn  ||  C  516  Mature  and  BC 
520  while,  BC  522  Wreath'd  fragrant  from  C  527  frequent 
and  BC  530  Shift,  is  BC  537  Politicks  or  BC  53S  perplex  d. 
BC  540  Heart;  B  Heart:  C  544  While  from  BC  545  Music 
BC  547  long,  C  549  word,  AB  550  Lie  BC  551  dim  and  C 
554  wet  broken  BC  555  Slaughter:  BC  581  And,  BC  alone  ||  BC 
597  Life:  BC  599  Swains  now  BC  604  clustering  C  512  These 
BC  614  busy  Joy-resounding  BC  618  Breeze  and  C  622  Race; 
BC  626  every -changing  B  633  Native  BC  638  cheer  BC 
643  green  delightful  BC  644  serene  and  BC  647  Wood,  BC 
648  Harvest,  BC  649  Mean-time  B  655  Walk.  BC  659  ever 
open.  BC  663  Thought:  C  674  Day:  B  677  increas'd,  BC 
689  degrees  BC  695  Now,  BC  cool  declining  BC  700 
Sides,  BC  707  dark  and  BC  713  oft,  BC  Orb,  BC  717  gigantic. 
BC  721  formless  grey  BC  724  It's  B  Infant  Way;  BC  727 
These,  BC  752  Shore,  BC  757  clear  and  BC  759  springs;  BC 
[766]  its  C  [778]  its  C  [809]  disclose,  C  [820]  its  C  779 
floats:  rejoicing  BC  781  mouldring  BC  786  back;  B  787 
commotion  BC  789  Deep,  BC  791  strong  ||  BC  797  Essay, 
BC  800  aerial  BC  802  naked  melancholy  BC  803  Thulc.  B( 
the  Atlantic  B  806  What  BC  810  plain  harmless  B<  319 
sea-girt  BC  821  keen  diffusive  BC  827  cool  translucent  brim- 
ming BC  835  brave.  B  837  generous  undiminish'd  Be  - 1  ; 
Boreal  BC  845  power  7.v  848  Soul,  Br  857  glittering  finny 
BC  861  sea-incircled  BC  866  Patriots  and  BC  867  fond 
Imploring  BC  867  Eye;  C  881  Debate;  BC  890  fading  many- 
colourd  BC  892  crouded  Be  893  wan  declining  BC  892  leaf- 
strown  Be  898  Ether;  BC  904  Those  C  904  "Wisdom  and  BC 
906  Crond,  /-'''  908  soothe  C  909  wooe  /.''  919  Grove,  7>'< 
914  Plaint,  BC  !)20  dull  despondent  /■'<  926  Prey,  BC  Wl 
Ground!  BC  928  pale  descending  BC  946  Philosophic  BC  949 
Pierc'd  BC      967  Crond  /•'''    960  Astonishment;  />''•    '.'t;i  and,  BC 


AND  PUNCTUATIVJE  XXI 

962  human  Race;  C  large  ambitious  BC  965  Tyrant -Pride;  C 
fearless  great  BC  971  vast  embowering  BC  984  Moon  ||  BC 
991  it's  C  994  floats,  BC  996  Rocks  and  BC  999  when  half- 
blotted  BC  Sky  her  BC  1001  Luster  BC  1002  extinct  her  BC 
1003  sickly  beamless  White;  BC  1005  shoots:  BC  1008  quick 
as  BC  1010  Ether  50  1011  Croud,  BC  1012  wondrous  5C 
1014  aerial  BC  1017  Rolls  BC  1019  sides  £C  1022  And 
Jate  at  night  in  BC  1035  Gloom,  BC  1036  Magnificent  and  BC 
1040  kindle  and  BC  1050  fantastick  C  1063  Autumnal  BC 
1065  Hoar-Frost  BC  Beam;  SC  1067  Dew-Drops  BC  1069 
Hive!  BC  1075  full  flowing  C  1076  dark  oppressive  BC  1078 
thousands,  BC  1080  and  1081  This  BC  1082  Ceasless  BC 
1083  This  C  1089  borrow;  and,  BC  1097  populous  and  BC 
1099  Theater  or  BC  1102  stench- in volv'd,  BC  1103  blue 
sulphureous  BC  1110  ethereal  BC  1111  azure  BC  1117  While, 
BC  1121  Leaps  wildly  graceful  in  BC  1128  rejoice;  BC  1134 
Rural  BC  1135  Gate,  BC  1136  Morning,  BC  Croud  BC 
1137  turn  BC  abus'd?  BC  1138  intercourse!  C  I!  C  1141 
Pride  and  BC  not?  BC  1142  tho',  BC  Land  and  Sea  purvey'd, 
BC  1143  rarer  tributary  BC  1145  Death?  BC  1147  Night, 
BC  1152  all?  BC  1154  Hope:  BC  1156  Herbs  and  BC  1160 
Sap:  BC  1166  Hay;  C  Grottos,  B  1170  sound  unbroken  BC 
1173  poetic  BC  1174  Flood  in  C  1176  destroy  ||  BC  1177  Blood, 
BC  1180  some,  BC  1181  Urg'd  or  by  Want  or  BC  1195 
free  ||  BC  1197  distance  BC  Human  C  1199  States,  BC 
1204  sees  Her  BC  1213  Tempe  C  1214  Hemus  BC  These  BC 
1217  rejoices  BC  1218  Luster  BC  1221  and,  BC  1229  A  Friend 
a  Book  the  BC  1231  Land  and  Sea  Imagination  BC  1234 
Heroic  C  1235  feels;  BC  1236  His  BC  1237  little  strong  BC 
1242  Happiness  and  BC  1246  primeval  BC  1249  Inrich  BC 
1259  vary'd       1261  Eye:  BC       1269  never  never  BC. 

Winter 

Fanah'ons  of  B  ('erf.  Jitwe,  i7^  /row  A  fed.  March,  1726). 

7  chearful  11  pure  virgin  Snows,  my  self,  13  Fermenting 
Tempest  18  yellow -rob'd!  23  well  pois'd  Hornet  hovering, 
25  Flies  26  Ray;  29  Sometimes  a  32  And  thro'  33  Time  |j 
41  Oft  let  45  while  the  48  Fall  wavering  thro'  65  Soul  in 
74  embowering  Shades;  86  dusky  mantled  93  Wide,  95  Re- 
flection, 108  Peace  that  these,  111  view,  116  That  sounding, 
123  the  untasted  124  meaning  Low,  B  Meaning  low,  A  127 
Female        129  the  enlivening        130  Frolick:        140  Woods,        152 


XXII    VARIANTS  ORTHOGRAPHICA L  AND  PI  A  <  7  I  A  II  VE 

perilious?  161  Controul.  236  Snares  and  242  Now  Shepherds, 
243  Pens  244  Lodge  245  for.  247  Plains  ||  [295]  th'  screaming 
254    Without        258    There         261    Mankind  ||  264    and    deep- 

musing,  265  that  slowly -rising,  268  Commonweal  |;  270 
good;  And  271  Sons:  272  just;  273  Extreme:  275  Brother 
%vhile  bled:  278  retir'd:  283  Demand:  But  301  Blue  303 
slipry  308  that  in  311  on,  313  Then  314  Night;  316  rise: 
318  Frolicks  321  Or,  322  Fields;  327  resolves.  328  Loose 
329  The  331  more  ||  334  lengthening  342  Mischiefs  that 
348  Thunder  in  355  Eye,  365  flowering  thy  367  concluding 
Winter  368  Where  373  Fluttering  389  secret,  long  394 
Thought  ||        395  Why       400  that  here,       405  Pure-flowing. 

Variations  of  F  (ed.  1746)  from  E  fed.  1744,  as  in  "The   Works'). 

16  out  and  43  Comma  after  Aquarius  EF  95  its  115 
Storm?  138,  157,  176,  182,  184  its  293  Man;  327  feel,  328 
Pain  347  Death-bed  349  These,  427  Shore  ||  E  Shore.  F 
456  fell,  476  best.  492  Greece:  535  Hand  in  Hand  572 
Comma  after  pass  EF  577  Mind;  578  its  607  Ascent,  622 
round;  626  Sleep:  671  excels,  679  thee  694  Nitre  698. 
724  its  775  Mean -time,  807  its  813  and  dark-embrown'd. 
877  These,       906  Mountains      940  its. 

A  Hymn 

A  =  ed.  1730         B  =  ed.  1744         C  =  ed.  1740 

1  Father,  BC  3  Thee.  BC  7  Heart,  B  9  Light  and  Heat  BV 
10  Year:  C  22  bidst  BC  23  Thy  BC  25  These  BC  a  BC  88 
Shade;  BC  29  Whole;  BC  34  Thence  BC  40  attend!  BC 
44  soft,  BC  48  Whose  BC  62  Forests  bend,  ye  Harvests  wave. 
BC  90  in  BC  94  frame  A  Flame  BC  increases  BC  102 
Summer-ray,  A      Summer-Ray  ||  BC        106  beat!  BC. 


LYTTELTON'S  MS.  CORRECTIONS.1) 

These  Ms.  emendations  are  made  on  an  interleaved  copy  — 
preserved  in  the  library  of  llayh-y  Hall.  Worcestershire  —  of  the 
first  voliimr  <>f  the  1750  edition  of  Thomson's   Works  in  four  volumes 

p.  VII — IX.  —  The  figures  refer  to  the  numbering  of  the  lines 
m  given  in  eorreet  modem  reprints  «/  //<<■  174$  edition  <>f  The  Stem m$. 


LYTTELTON'S  MS.  CORRECTIONS  XXIII 

which  had  been  brought  out  by  Lyttelton.  The  date  MDCCLII  (which 
is  to  be  found  in  the  first  of  the  four  volumes  only,  while  the  others 
have  MDCCL)  has  been  changed  into  MDCCLVIII  by  Lyttelton.  — 
The  following  Preface  to  the  Seasons  opens  the  revision:  In  this 
Edition,  conformably  to  the  intention  and  will  of  the  Author,  some 
Expressions  in  the  Seasons  which  have  justly  been  thought  (by 
good  Judges) x)  too  harsh,  or  obscure,  or  not  strictly  grammatical, 
have  been  corrected,  some  Lines  transposed,  and  a  few  others  left 
out.  The  Hymn,  which  was  printed  at  the  end  of  the  Seasons  in 
some  of  the  last  Editions,  is  likewise  omitted;  because  it  appears 
to  good  Judges  that  all  the  Matter  and  Thoughts  in  that  Hymn 
are  much  better  exprest  in  the  Seasons  themselves. 

Spring. 

39  shoulders,  60  insect  tribes  ]  gaudy  tribes  Before  114 
L.  inserts:  Now  every  Bud  expanding  bursts  to  life  121  waft] 
ride  12li  Destruction  waits  unseen  and  Famine  dire.  143  and 
sleeps  shut  up  144  caves:  146  distent  with  vernal  show'rs. 
148  then  by  swift  degrees  150  mingling  deep  ]  wide  diffused 
158    ever -twinkling  166    The    teeming    Clouds;    while    hushd 

in  etc.  185  Beholds  the  various  country  brightning  round. 
198 — 203  contracted  as  follows:  The  woods  exult:  their  every  music 
wakes,  ||  And  see!  refracted  etc.  206  deepning  to  the  red,  243 
From  beds  of  leaves  or  Moss;  nor  griev'd  to  see  245  Their  tem- 
perate slumbers  lightly  fumed  away,         For  249—74: 

On  every  Hill,  beneath  each  spreading  Shade 
The  Swains  and  Husbandmen  rejoicing  hymn 
Their  bounteous  God.     Then  festive  Dance  and  Sport 
Kind  Deeds,  and  friendly  Talk  successive  shar'd 
Their  blisfull  hours:  while  in  the  rosy  Vale 
Love  breath'd  his  tender  Sighs  from  Anguish  free 
And  free  from  Guilt.     Such  were  those  prime  of  Days. 
But  now  those  pure  unblemish'd  Manners,  whence 
The  mystick  Poets  took  their  golden  Age 
Are  rarely  found  &c 

LI.  255 — 63  are,  however,  not  cancelled,  in  I.  262  swelling 
is  replaced  by  verdant,  and  in  I.  263  commixing  by  promiscuous. 
277  "Which  forms  its  genuine  happiness;  After  288  L.  inserts: 
From  Wisdom  and  from  Happiness  divorced;      289  pensive  Anguish] 


')  The  bracketed  tvords  are  cancelled. 


XXIV  LYTTELTON'S  MS.  CORRECTIONS 

fond  Distraction,  309  Hence,  on  the  gnilty  World  a  deluge  came: 
318  a  broken  world:  ]  afflicted  Man  320  Great]  Mild  327  No 
Clouds  impregnate  with  sulphureous  &c.  329  While]  No  and] 
nor  330  Hung  on  the  Springs  of  Life  and  clogd  their  Tone. 
358  you,]  ah!  360—61  who,  each  Year,  resign  ||  To  undefended 
Man  your  own  attire  422  infant  ]  Captive  441  cancelled  442 
You  drag  to  land  your  etc.  445  cancelled  452  liquid  ]  rapid 
458-59  cancelled  461—63  cancelled  464  Soothd  467  breathing 
prospect  ]  blooming  Landskip  468  It's  various  beauties  trace. 
But  etc.  471  matchless]  wondrous  479  Which  bounteous  Nature 
breathes  continual  round.  502  Revives  with  Fragrance  mild  the 
gladdend  Soul.  513  And  ]  But  they  soar,  to  seek  515  And 
loaded  with  the  luscious  spoil  return.  518—26  cancelled  551  broad  j 
streakd  553—55  cancelled  599  gay  contending  602  To  let 
them  triumph;  but  designs,  in  thought  6S8  cancelled.  After  701 
L.  inserts  Spring  849—66,  with  the  following  variants:  (849  curious, 
say  ]  Sages,  tell  852  These  sentiments  diffuses  ?  853  cancelled 
854  And  ]  Whose)  786  O'er  all  the  lively  Scene,  787  thick  ] 
quick  821  boundless  ]  wanton  835  Around  him  feeds  dispers'd 
his  bleating  flock,  837  cancelled  838-40  thus  contracted:  Their 
frolicks  play.  Behold  in  sprightly  Race  ||  At  once  they  start,  and 
sweep  the  massy  mound       For  844 — 48: 

Torn  with  perpetual  Broils:  but  now  o'er  all 
The  blisfull  Isle  sweet  Concord,  Peace,  and  Love 
Walk  hand  in  hand,  and,  each  returning  Year 
Crown  the  fair  Forehead  of  the  gentle  May. 

867  song  ]  Muse  874  bounteous  ]  flowery  875  flowing  ] 
bounteous  879  works,  the  Makers  Bounty  glows  882—83 
Nor  .  .  .  wait  cancelled  888  teaming  ]  pregnant  491  Ye  ]  The 
699  With  gradual  force  the  love  948  Inimitable]  Unalterable 
955—56  by  surging  . . .  houshold  smoak  cancelled  971 — 73  (langnish- 
ment.)  cancelled  984  smooth  ]  sweet  1018  the  ]  his  1020—24 
thus  contracted:  To  the  vain  bosom  of  his  distant  Fair  ||  His  wafted 
spirit  Hies.     Sudden  he  starts,       For  1071—75: 

He  wakes  appalld:   but  waking  still  he  dreams, 
With  idle  fears  disturbd  and  vain    Desires. 
WiM   Passion's  Slave,  bereft  of  Reason's  Aid, 
Yet  even  his  Pains  delight.     But  thro'  the  heart 

1078  But]  'Tis        1087  flowing]  glowing        1099   peace]  ease 

1026—27  who,  intent  to  bless  ||  Himself  alone,   h sordid      1129 

amplified  as  follows:    Well-merited,   and  all    the   racking  Doubts 


LYTTELTON'S  MS.  CORRECTIONS  XXV 

Of  Jealousy,  consume  his  nights  and  days:  1138  pleasure,  all  it's 
vain  Delights,  1140  and]  or  1143  harmony]  Sympathy  1144 
cancelled  1168  happy;  still  the  genial  Spring  1170  Till  age  at 
last  steals  on,  serene  and  mild;       1172  swells]  glows 


Summer 

38  matchless,]  constant,  57  And]  See!  71  For]  Say, 
81  powerful  ]  glorious.  L.  remarks:  Powerful  at  his  rising  does  not 
seem  quite  proper.  109  from  the  Mind  of  Man,  117—  25  cancelled. 
For  128  (till)  —29: 

While  round  thy  beaming  Car 
The  Zephyrs  downy-wing'd,  the  timely  Rains, 
Of  bloom  ethereal  the  light-footed  Dews, 
Attend,  and  aid  thy  fertilizing  Ray. 

131—33  cancelled.  After  134  L.  inserts:  power,  ||  Ev'n  to  the 
secret  Cavern  darting  deep  For  143—46:  And  star-like  sparkles 
with  collected  Light.  148— 49  inserted  by  L.  after  152  153  deeper] 
brighter  161 — 65  By  thee  .  .  .  return,  cancelled  176—78  cancelled 
185—91  cancelled  192  wide  display'd;  For  208—9:  By  gelid 
Founts  to  muse,  while  Tyrant  Heat,  210  rapid  ]  cruel  231  And 
at  th'  extremest  border  of  the  shade  278  Strikes  ]  Stalks  303 
evanescent ]  undistinguishd  421  Borrow'd ]  Received  451  wrath!] 
rage  469  Ye  groves  high-archd!  ye  bowery  473  sallying] 
chrystal  532  better]  moral  533  and]  or  540  Deep-awed,  I 
feel  551  cancelled  669  locust.  L.  notes:  The  Locust  Tree  is 
one  of  the  largest  and  most  shady  Trees  in  the  Indies.  737 
plumy  ]  featherd  741  lent  ]  gave  742  -  3  realm,  whose  plumed 
Troops  ||  With  various  Splendour  glitterd  o'er  the  Field;  790  L. 
cancels  comma  after  roll  812  manly  ]  full-grown  813 — 14  flood, 
and  swell'd  with  all  ||  The  copious  treasures  of  the  humid  sky, 
912  For  There  sublinrd: 

various  Tribes 
Of  these  infest  the  Woodland  Paths,  or  glide 
Athwart  the  sandy  Plains.     There  also  fired 
By  the  strong  influence  of  the  torrid  Clime 

968  broad,  ]  forth  1010  Heav'n-inspir'd,  ]  truly  great,  1030 
—31  or  from  shades  ||  Impenetrably  deep,  recesses  foul,  1096  The 
burning  hill  After  1096:  Or  pours  forth  torrent  Streams  of  liquid 
Fire.  1154  —  55  and  ruminating.  ...  eye;  cancelled  1175  blooming] 
opening       1192  and]  or       1193-94  cancelled        1226-27  A  purer 


XXVI  LTTTELT02P8  MS.  CORRECTIONS 

azure.  Thro'  the  lighten'd  air  1229—32  thus  contracted:  Diffusive, 
shine:  a  glittering  robe  of  joy,  ||  Invests  the  fields,  and  Xatur.- 
smiles  around.  1242—43  cancelled  1338  Ketired  unseen  by  her: 
But  1341  sacred  eye]  tender  Glance  For  1348  —  49:  So  bending 
tries  to  veil  its  naked  charms.  1356  At  once  her  bosom  seizd; 
1398  To  sweet  retirement  happy  lovers  steal.  1427—28  and  for . .  . 
God;  cancelled  1446  merciful]  temperate  1448  float]  wave 
1449  waves:  and]  Harvests:  1451  blackening]  well-fed  1469 
Despising  Death  in  every  Form,  and  first  1479  Illustrious  are 
thy  Princes:  Alfred  first  1482  And  peacefull  Wisdom,  more  heroic- 
still,  1483—84  And  Muses  venerate:  the  best  of  Kings!  ||  Then 
bright  thy  Edwards  &c.  1487  Between  still  and  In  L.  inserts:  nor 
less  renownd  ||  For  wisest  Policy  and  manly  Strength  ||  Of  Mind 
thy  Virgin  Queen.  1535—40  thus  contracted:  First  Bacon  rose, 
deep,  comprehensive,  clear,      1549  cancelled      1551—63  thus  expanded: 

By  him  instructed  Boyle  with  pious  search 

Amid  the  dark  recesses  of  his  works, 

The  great  Creator  sought,  and  Knowledge  fix'd 

On  sure  Experiment,  not  Systems  vain. 

Thine  too,  Britannia,  thine  sagacious  Locke, 

Who  taught  the  Human  Mind  itself  to  know, 

It*s  Powers  unfolded  and  it:s  limits  markt, 

With  cautious  Modesty  supremely  wise: 

And  Newton,  pure  Intelligence,  etc.  as  11.  1560/61 

From  Laws  sublimely  simple.     Lo!  to  These 

In  every  Land  th'  admiring  Sages  bend 

And  Them  their  Masters  own!  nor  far  behind 

The  generous  Ashlej'  stands,  the  friend  of  Man: 

etc.  as  11.  1552—55.     Then; 

How  sweet  the  Concert  of  thy  various  Bards 
Poetick  Island!    Hark!    they  strike  the  Lyre, 
Harmonious  Dryden,  Waller.   Denham,   Rowe, 
Gay    1'rior,  and  judicious  Addison: 
But  see!  with  perfect  Art  the  Hand  of  Pope 
Now    tunes  the  strings!  around  the  Graces  dame 
And  Wisdom's  sober  Ear  approves  the  Song. 
<  II   all   thy   uumerous  Wits.   Britannia,  This 
The  most  correct!    But  nobler  Fame  belongs 
To  Genius  more  sublime.     For  lofty  Bense 

1571  blowing]  smiling       1572  Terse]  Lays       1678  Inventive 
Spencer,      L677  native]  lively      1678    79  thus  amplified: 


LYTTELTON'S  MS.  CORRECTIONS  XXVII 

Sharp  with  keen  Satire,  strong  with  nervous  Sense 
And  moral  Truth,  shines  through  the  darkening  cloud 
Of  Gothic  Barbarism  around  him  thrown. 
1605  white]  mild        1638—46  cancelled.     {In  I.  1645  such  ivas 
substituted   for   him)        1671    panting  height]  steep  ascent        1693 
beheld.     To  heav'ns  high  cope       1698—1709  expanded  as  follows: 
Unrival'd  reigns.     Now,  when  the  whole-some  Nights 
Are  free  from  noxious  Damps,  serene  and  mild; 
Forth  let  me  walk,  and  view  each  glittering  Starr 
That  decks  with  gentle  Light  th'  unclouded  Sky. 
Nor  burn  these  heavn'ly  Lamps  for  Man  alone. 
To  various  Systems  of  dependant  Orbs 
Bright  Day,  and  animating  Heat  they  give. 
The  Life-infusing  Suns  of  other  Worlds. 
Struck  at  the  Sight  with  pious  Awe  my  Soul 
Adores  the  great  Creator's  Pow'r,  and  feels 
How  small  a  Portion  of  his  Works  contains 
Th'  aspiring  Sons  of  Man,  and  bounds  their  Pride 
In  narrow  Limits.     On  th'  effulgent  Scene, 
While  fix'd  I  gaze,  the  lambient  etc.  as  11.  1700—02. 
Portentous  deemd.     But  greater  still  their  Dread 
If  from  the  void  Immensity  etc.  as  11.  1706 — 8 
Then,  as  he  blazes  in  the  Front  of  Night, 
With  awful]  etc 
1720  While,]  When,        1722  They    see  him   come,    and  thro' 
the  Planets  roll       1726  th'  exhausted  orbs,       1728—32: 
To  yield  new  fuel  to  the  wasted  Sun, 
Relume  his  beams  and  feed  his  sinking  Fire. 

By  Thee,  Divine  Philosophy,  by  Thee 
Conducted,  with  serene  Delight  I  range 
O'er  Natur's  Works,  through  all  the  varied  Year. 
Taught  by  thy  Precepts  Poetry  exalts 
Her  Voice,  and  animates  th'  instructive  Lay 
With  moral  Sentiment  and  Thought  sublime. 
Hail  bounteous  source  of  evidence,  etc. 

1737-38  thus  contracted:  Rais'd  by  thy  pow'rfull  Aid  she 
springs  aloft  1740  fluttering]  groveling  1741-57  cancelled 
1763  mix'd]  form'd  1777-78  Sustain  the  publick  Weal.  While 
labouring  Crowds  ||Ply  the  tough  oar,  thy  guardian  Power  directs 
1782  speck]  spot  1783  Art  thou  confin'd.  The  1784  Are  thy 
exalted  range:  tis  thine  to  gaze  1489—90  swift  thou  turnst  || 
Thine  Eye;    and  instant,    at  thy  powerful  glance,        1795  cancelled 


XXVIII  LYTTELTON'S  MS.  CORRECTIONS 

Autumn 

1  Crown'd  ]  Graced  6  white]  sweet  19  of]  in  34  Till, 
with  an  instant  Change,  the  ruffled  Air  91  bolder,  ]  higher, 
93  high]  great  115—17  cancelled  133  Warrior  Vessel  159 
scandal  J  courtship  206  cancelled  298  The  maid  astonished  heard. 
Won  etc.  301  The  joyfull  Ty  dings  to  her  Mother  came,  336 
cancelled  350  thus  expanded:  Of  children  dear,  in  vain  from  him 
their  Food  ||  With  piteous  cries  demanding.  Landlords,  then 
353  —  57  cancelled.  Before  360  L  adds:  Soon  as  the  gathered  Harvest 
clears  the  Fields  ||  Hark!  the  rude  etc.  362—63  Drive  from  her 
rural  Haunts  affrighted  Peace.  ||  See,  in  his  etc.  591  cancelled 
599—600  With  Sentiment  refined  and  quick  to  judge  ||  Each  Work 
of  Wit  or  Fancy;  in  their  etc.  604  skill,]  love,  623  wise,  and 
624  cancelled      629—32  cancelled,  but  after  636  L.  inserts: 

Obedient  to  the  Breeze  a  mellow  Shower 
Of  juicy  Pears  from  the  deep-loaded  Bough 
Incessant  falls;  and  scatterd  wide  around 
Or  piled  in  fragrant  Heaps  beneath  their  Trees 
The  ripend  Apples  lie:  Profusion  gay! 

637—40  cancelled       641  various]  vinous       For  671-74:1) 

Of  Nature  ever  open.     Here,  while  charm'd 

I  steal,  at  Noon,  along  the  sunn}'  Wall 

To  climes,  where  cherish'd  by  the  potent  Sun 

686—87  The  Vineyard  cloaths  each  gently-rising  Hill  ||  Or 
steep  ascends  the  Mountain's  sultry  Side.  695  cancelled  700 
unbounded]  redundant  705  The  light,  high-llavourd  Burgundy, 
and  brisk  706  gay  J  bright  728  O'er  all  the  Land,  in  deeper  etc. 
ISO  cancelled  731  A  ]  And  734  infant  ]  struggling  741  cancelled 
742  And  j  Whence  783  and  Imaiis  877  The  downy  plumage, 
soft,  to  form  &c.      903  unequal  ]  their  narrow      921  passive  ]  indolent 

Batavian  J  foreign  922  Defraud  J  Deprive  951 — 52  cancelled,  and 
954  thus  amplified:  To  sooty  dark  the  shaded  Country  round  || 
Imbrown!  These  now  the  pensive,  lonesome  Muse,       955  lead]  call 

walks  ]  pal  lis  970  pensive]  sober  977  artless]  joyfull  980  des- 
ponding     985—87  expanded  as  follows: 

Destroy  nor  lay  the  miserable  Tribes, 

I  [armless  and  unsuspecting  Barm  in  Blood 

Weak-fluttering  on  the  Ground!  think  cruel  man. 

//«■  printed  leaf  containing  11.  646—91  it  wanting. 


LYTTELTONS  MS.  CORRECTIONS  XXIX 

Through  all  the  balmy,  blisfull  days  of  Spring 

How  sweet  they  sung,  and  stop  thy  murderous  Hand. 

993 — 94  breeze  disturb  the  boughs  ||  A  leafy  Deluge  covers 
all  the  Ground,  997  waste,]  Heaps  1000  sunny]  silken  1038 
gardens  seats  1069  venal  ]  golden  1088  Mean-time  1093—95 
And  caverns  deep,  again  restores  his  Light  ||  Void  of  etc.  1098 — 1100 
cancelled  1101—02  All  sether  whitens  with  a  boundless  tide  ||  Of 
silver  Radiance,  mild;  while  Rocks  and  Floods  ||  And  waving  Seas 
reflect  the  quivering  Gleam.  1112  quickly]  swiftly  1113 — 14 
Then  mix,  and  thwart,  with  Streams  of  various  Dies  1 1  N  ow  white 
and  now  with  glowing  Crimson  stain'd.  1123 — 24  Affrighted 
Superstition  wildly  talks       1134—37: 

The  waving  brightness  he  with  curious  thought 

Surveys,  inquisitive  to  learn  the  Cause 

And  yet  unknown  Materials  which  produce 

This  beautifull  Appearance,  rarely  seen 

In  Britain's  Clime,  but  to  the  Northern  Skies 

Familiar;  where  it  chears  the  tedious  Length 

Of  Night,  and  constant  gilds  the  glowing  Pole. 

1140—44  Are  Heav'n  and  Earth.  Order  confounded  Lies,  || 
Distinction  blotted  out,  and  Beauty  lost.  1147  huge;  ]  dire, 
1177—79  cares,  and  joy'd  to  mark  ||  Full-flowing  round,  their 
copious,  wintry  stores.  1221  Disposed  in  festive  etc.  1223  For- 
getting every  care.  The  etc.  1226  Drest  in  her  best  Attire,  the 
village-toast  1238  Drinks]  Tastes  1246  lands  and  seas  1250—53 
juice  of  foreign  Grapes:  ||  Nor  knows  he  those  fantastic  idle  Joys 
1256  cancelled  1257 — 58  secure  ||  From  disappointment,  1263—64 
cancelled  1266 — 67  Sweet  breathing,  spread  o'er  all  the  fertile 
Vale.  ||  Nor  bleating  Flocks  that  graze  the  level  Down  ||  Or  verdant 
Mountain;  nor  the  Purl  of  Streams.  1282  Unpierc'd,  ]  Unmoved 
1352  Oh  Nature!     Handmaid  of  Celestial  Pow'r !       1356  blue]  void 

Winter 

5  kindred  ]  awf ull  6  Oft,  in  the  chearful  Morning  of  my 
Life  17  this]  her  30  awful  schemes]  Arts  of  State  31  cancelled 
37  light]  raise  32  fierce]  moist  110  cancelled  117  you]  ye 
127  shivering]  quivering  175  cancelled  182  remains.  183 — 84 
Nor  safe  the  mightiest  Trees:  the  tearing  "Wind  ||  Breaks  down 
and  scatters  their  gigantic  Limbs  ||  Or  prostrate  throws  to  Earth 
their  aged  Trunks.  186  whirling  ]  loosen'd  190  savage  ]  furious 
195  Huge]  Wild       213—16: 


XXX  LYTTELTUX'S  MS.  <ORRE<  TJ I )N8 


thought!  of  all  your  idle  Joys 


Scarce  on  the  soberd  Mind  one  Trace  remains. 
So,  when  our  Reason  sleeps,  with  airy  Wings 
Fleets  the  false  Vision  o'er  the  formfull  brain, 
This  moment,  hurrying  wide  th'  impassioned  Soul 
The  next  in  nothing  lost.     Yet  still  with  Hopes 
New-flush'd,  and  fresh  Desires,  deluded  Man 
Again  prepares  to  run  the  giddy  Round. 
229  whitening  J  silent        273   whelms,    while   foul    and    fierce 
274 — 76  cancelled      278  Caught  by  the  storm  on  some  lone  Heath, 
the  Swain.       293  cancelled       299—302  A  dire  descent!  of  precipices 
huge,  ||  Smooth'd   up  with   snow;  of  faithless  Bogs  beyond  ||  The 
Power  of  Frost;    of  still    unfrozen    springs,        304   cancelled       310 
Who  leaves  his  Friends,  his  Family,  unseen.       351  cancelled      354 
conscious  ]    (generous)    tender         359    Nor    shall    my    Muse    forget 
3(j9  wintry]  shivering       373—76  stripes.  ||  To  curb  this  barbarous 
Insolence  arose  ||  With  honest  Zeal  the  British  senators.  ||  O  great 
etc   .  .  .  well!       377  cancelled,  but  after  378  L.  inserts:  With  patient 
care,  and  temperate  wisdom  calm:       379  Drag  the  Detected  Monsters 
Lines  389—413   icere  to   be  placed  after    lines    414—423,    with    the 
foil,  alterations:     For  389—92:    Then,    from  the  cloud-topt  Alps  or 
Appenines,       395  Assembled       396—97  cancelled       399  Press  ]  Drag 
414  embrac'd  ]  enclosed       419  cancelled        447  tender  ]  gentle       458 
the    other]   his    Master        472  unequal]    unfriendly.      L.   remarks: 
unequal   is  obscure.         474    happy]  justly         499—500   A   race  of 
heroes    who.    for  Ages,    knew  ||  Xo   Stain   of  Vice,    save  that    etc. 
502-3: 

Good  Numa  first  appears,  the  Light  of  Borne 
Whose  Wisdom  softend  her  rapacious  Sons 
And  gentle  Virtue  taught,  and  fixd   the   Yoke 
Of  mild  Beligion  on  the  stubborn  Mind. 
Him  follows,  glorying  in  his  People's  Love 
Servius,  the  King,  etc. 

519  youth,    from    all    the  Pride    of  Power  j,  Triumphant    and 
supreme,  to  private  Shades      522  Sustaind  the  Freedom  of  corrupted 
Rome.       541  of  Mankind       570  shewn       57;-!  soul,     mind 
tin.,'    remotest    time       590   scatter'd  ]  various       596    public   soul] 
noble  Fire      619—22: 

oblin  Tale  goes  round;  till  solemn    Fear 
And  superstitious  etc. 

Or   in    the   'hcart'iill    Hall   convened    fchsrj    Bf>Of1 

With   their   gay    Landlord.      Unstick    iniiti,    t  ■>•-,  -mids; 


LYTTELTON'S  MS.  CORRECTIONS  XXXI 

630  The  crowded  city  swarms.  The  etc.  632  flow]  float 
Lines  638—43  placed  before  I.  656.  See  beloiv.  644—45  cancelled. 
Before  646  L.  inserts: 

From  Scenes  like  these  avert  thy  purer  Eyes 
Celestial  Muse,  and  view  the  British  Stage. 
Lo!  there  the  Ghost  of  Hamlet  dreadful  stalks; 

649  comely]  virtuous  651  itself.  652  cancelled  655  shewn. 
Note  cancelled.  After  655  L.  inserts:  Then  the  gay  Ball  invites  the 
youthful  Train:  ||  Upsprings  the  Dance  etc.  as  11.  638  —  43  709  —  13 
cancelled       754  wave;]  show'r       762—68: 

Seek  the  glazed  River  and  the  Marbled  Lake. 
From  every  Province,  where  the  Belgick  Rhine 
Branch'd  out  in  many  a  long  canal  extends, 
The  glad  Batavians  swarm:  and  as  they  sweep, 

779  quick  ]  sharp       After  793  L.  inserts: 

Now  let  me  stand  on  Cheviot's  highest  Peak 
Or  Skidda's  Summit,  and  beneath  me  stretch' d 
Behold  the  vast  extent  of  dazzling  Snow 
Deep-covering  every  Dale,  and  Hill,  and  Plain 

794  infant  ]  feeble  798  glittering  waste  ]  shaded  Earth  804 
vast,]  Waste  808  note  cancelled  837  know]  taste  854  tribe] 
Beasts  857  marbled]  hardend  861  And  vivid  Stars  that  gild 
the  cloudless  Skies  862  radiant  waste,  ]  glossy  Snows  878  chear- 
ful-loaded]  L.  remarks:  I  wish  this  was  alterd,  chearful-loaded  is 
not  English.  "They  chearfull  to  their  shady  Tents  repair"  would 
be  better.  883  interest]  avarice  893  note  cancelled  953—54 
Self-taught  inspired,  and  called  from  Gothic  Night.  ||  Illustrious 
Peter  974  O'er  joyless  desarts  rural  Plenty  smiles ;  981  shrinking  ] 
warlike  984  cancelled.  After  985  L.  adds:  All  by  the  mighty 
Master's  Soul  informed:       1028  His]  Her 


Hy 


mn 


The  whole  poem  is  cancelled.     In  l  2  thy  varying  Power  icas 
first  substihried  for  the  varied  God. 


V     OF  THE  \ 

UNIVERSITY  ) 

OF  A 


XXX  II  MnDKI.S  AM)  SOURCES 

MODELS  AND  SOURCES. 
Spring  A  (1728) 

1—4:    Lucretius'   De   Rerum    Natura    ed.  Beruays  V  735—38    (esp. 
with  reference  to  the  MS.  emendation*. 

3—4:    Milton's  Paradise  Lost  IX  425—27. 
16,  17:    Virgil's  Georgics  I  43,  44,  Par.  Lost  \U  285—87. 
32,  33:  Georg.  II  330-31. 
35-39:       „         I  45,  46. 
41,  42:        „  I  213. 

43:  I  98. 

59,  60:    Shakspere's  Troilus  and  Cressida,   Act  III.   Sc.  II,  79,  80, 
Milton's  Comus  674—77.    See  also  Su.  A  298 ff..  and  Wi.  C  541. 
77-81:    Par.  Lost  III  583—86. 
90:    Georg.  II  323. 
93:         „      II  328. 
99ff.:    Par.  Lost  IX  445—51. 

112-17:    De  Per.  Nat.  V  213-17,  Philips'  Cider  II  34ff. 
118ft:    Cider  I  421-45. 
136-68:  Cider  I  344—58. 

188-90:    Georg.  I  375—76.     See  Wi.  E  132— 33. 
205 ff.:    De  Per.  Nat.  I  250 ff. 

205—7:   Comus  710—13.     See  also  Spring  A 396-98,  and 

Su.  C  126—28. 
209ff.:    Pope's  Windsor  Forest  53.  54. 
214—27:    Par.  Lost  II  492—95,  Georg.  I  410-23.  and  esp.  Leonard 
Welsted's  "Picture  of  a  fine  April  Morning"    (first    printed 
in  the  "Freethinker",  April  17,  1719).     See  Su.  A903ff. 
267—323:  Georg.  I  125-46,  Ovid's  Metam.  I  89-112. 
267-70:   Par.  Lost  V  1—7. 
285-86:    Psalm  LXV  12. 
324—53:    Ovid's   Met.  I  127ff.,    Par.   Lost    IX  1121  ff..    Shakspere's 

Mids.  Dream,  Act  II  Sc.  I  8 Iff. 
362—79:    Ovid's  Met.  I  116  ff.,   Par.  Lost  X  651  ff.,   Mids.   Dream, 
Act  II  Sc.  I  88—144. 

366—67:    Par.  Lost  IV  147-4S 
380 ff.:    Plutarch's  De  Carnium  Esu.  1. 

896    98:   Comus  710—13.    See  Spring  A 205— 7. 

400:   Ovid's  Met.  I  84-86,   Par.  Lost    l\  889    10,    YIH 

508-10. 
406-13:    Ovid's  Met.  XV  116-26. 
458-r)'j:    Par.  LobI    IV  162-63. 


MODELS  AND  SOURCES  XXX J II 

466-74:    Gay's  Rural  Sports  (ed.  1720)  83-90. 
485-507:    Browne's    Britannia's    Pastorals  II  3,  351  ff.,    Par.    Lost 
IV  697—703,  Milton's  Lycidas  142-51,  Shakspere's  Winter's 
Tale,  Act  IV  Sc.  4,  73—129. 
542-66:    Brit.  Past.  13,  195-216. 
661—75:    Georg.  IV  511-15. 
720-27:    Par.  Lost  VII  438-46. 
725-30:    De  Per.  Nat.  II  801-7. 
731-50:    Georg.  Ill  212-41. 
750-62:         „       III  250-54. 
763—70:         „       III  242—49. 
896-1082:    De  Rer.  Nat.  IV  1008-1279. 

940:    Par.  Lost  267—68. 

973-82:    Georg.  Ill  258-63,    Pope's  Eloisa  123  ff.,    Hor. 
Carm.  Lib.  IV  1,  37-40. 

1025-82:    Pope's  Eloisa  91-96,  Par.  Lost  IV  750-70. 


C    (1744) 

[377-440]:    Brit.   Past.  I  5,  643-67,    Winds.    For.    135-46,    Rural 

Sports  (ed.  1720)  121—270. 
[451-52]:    ^neid  V  213—17. 
[483-84]:    Penseroso  31—43. 
951]:    Allegro  77,  78. 


Summer  A  (1727) 


11,  12:    Allegro  129-30,  Par.  Lost  III  26-29. 
17,  18:    Mids.  Dream,  Act  V  Sc.  1,  12-13. 
54  ff. :    Georg.  Ill  324  -  26. 
68  ff.:    Par.  Lost  VII  370-73,  Psalm  XIX  5. 

77-83:    Par.  Lost  III  1,  6,  8-12. 
89  ff.:    Par.  Lost  VIII  122,  III  576-86. 
127  ff.:     „         „     III  608—12. 
160 ff.:     „         „     III  3-6. 
170  ff.:     „         „     IV675ff. 

189:  „         ,,1X426-27.     See  Spring  A  3,  4. 

215-17:    De  Rer.  Nat.  IV  988—93. 

223 ff.:  Georg.  IV  42-44,  III  51-55,  Pope's  Temple  of  Fame  282- 87. 
242  ff.:    Par.  Reg.  IV  15-17. 
Palaestra  LXVI.  Ill 


XXXIV  MO  DELS  A  XD  SO  UBi  E8 

24X17.:    Philips'  Splendid  Shilling  78-92. 

298-300:    See  Spring  A  59,  60. 

307-84:    Gay's  Rural  Sports  (ed.  1720)  53-66. 

345  ff.:    Georg.  II  487—88.     See  Wi.  A  74  f . 
356  ff.:    Georg.  Ill  331-35. 
356-57:    Pope's  Eloisa  155-56. 
378-80:    Brit.  Past.  II  2,  9—10. 
385  ff.:    Georg.  Ill  146-51.     Fairy  Queen  II  9,  16. 
409  f f. :    See  Wi.  A  77  ff. 

413-17:    Comus  453-58. 

439  ff.:    Par.  Lost  IV  677-88.     See  Spectator  Nr.  12. 
487-93:    Allegro  139-46. 
494  ff:    Georg.  II  136-76. 
549:    Allegro  133-34. 
571-84:    Philips'  Cider  I  668—93.     Cp.  esp.  Cider  I  690-93   with 

Su.  A  683— 84. 
585—91:    Shaksp.  King  Richard  II,  Act  IL  Sc.  1,  40  ff. 
632—42:    Georg.  II  303—11. 

686—97:    Probably    suggested    by  Defoe's  Robinson  Crusoe    (publ- 
ished 1719). 

693:    Par.  Lost  I  636—37. 
696:    Comus  549. 
706—31:  De  Rer.  Nat.  VI  1136 ff.,  Ovid's  Met.  VII  528—613,  Cider  I 

144-58. 
745—49:    Georg.  I  356—59.     See  Wi.  C  69  f f . 
752-54:    Georg.  I  375—76.     See  Wi.  E  132— 33. 
757 ff.:    De  Rer.  Nat.  VI  281  ff. 
788—90:    Par.  Lost  I  612—15. 
803—26:    De  Rer.  Nat.  V  1216—23. 

827—76:    Pope's  Letters  to  Mrs.  Martha  Blount,  Aug.  6,  1718,  and 
to  Lady  Wort  ley  Montagu,  Sept    1,  1718  (two  lovers  struck 
dead  by  lightning).     Cp.  also  Par.  Lost  IV  288ff. 
832:    Par.  Lost  V  122—24. 
862—64:    Psalm  XCI  5. 
877—87     Armstrong's  Winter  156—82. 
903     L2:    Par.  Lost  II  492—98. 
939    48:    Rural  Sports  (ed.  1720)  99     106. 
987 ff.:    Ibid.  91  ff. 
996    98:    Par    Losl   I  781—88. 
996     L006:    Armstrong's  Winter  118—22. 
1021  IT.:    Rur.  Sp,  (ed.  1720)  107-  20. 
1031     60:    Fairy  Qneen   IV  1.  18. 
1068    57:    Par.  I  ...si   II  688    B8. 


MODELS  AXJJ  SOURCES  XXXV 


B  (1730) 


324—42:    Pur.  Sp.  (ed.  1720)  39—52. 

718—49:  De  Per.  Nat.  VI  535  ff ,  Cider  I  173—247,  Mallet's  Ex- 
cursion (ed.  1728)  p.  34  ff. 

980 — 1037:  Leonard  Welsted's  Aeon  and  Lavinia.  (Cp.  esp.  Su. 
B  1026  with  a  passage  on  p.  48,  49  of  Nichols'  ed.  of  W.'s 
"Works.  Lond.  1787.  The  resemblance  to  W.'s  poem  is  still 
better  brought  out  in  the  text  of  1744.  For  1026—27  see 
also  Browne's  Brit.  Past.  I  4,  820—21.)  Cp.  Fairy  Queen  II 
12,  63  ff. 

1030-31:    Par.   Lost  IV    304—5.     Fairy   Queen  IV  1,  13. 


C    (1744) 


121—22:    Hor.  Carm.  Lib.  I  4,  5—6,  Par.  Lost  IV  267—68. 
126—28:    Comus  710—13.     See  Spring  A  205— 7. 
287-317:    See  Spring  A  136— 68. 
371—422:    Georg.  Ill  445—47. 

392—93:    Georg.  Ill  554—55. 
722—24:    De  Per.  Nat.  V  1300—02,  1337— 38. 
761  ff. :   Par.  Lost  IV  246—68. 
773—75:    Ibid.  150—51. 
787  ff.:   De  Per.  Nat.  VI  262  ff. 
792—94:    Ibid.  290—92. 

795-813:    Plini  Secundi  Nat.  Hist.  V  51—54. 
861—62:    Par.  Lost.  I  684—88. 
961—69:    Armstrong's  Winter  87—94. 
972  ff . :    De  Per.  Nat.  VI  423  f f . 
1063  ff.:    Mallet's  Excursion  (ed.  1728)   p.  20,  21   (very  close).     See, 

however,  the  earlier  passage  Su.   A  939  ff. 
1514 — 15:    Milton's  Lycidas  151. 
1698—1721 :  Mallet's  Excursion  (ed.  1728)  p.  68, 69,  Savage's  Wanderer 

(ed.   1729)    p.   63  ff.,    Moreau    de    Maupertuis'    Lettre    sur    la 

Comete  (publ.  1742). 


Autumn  A  (1730) 


1,  2:    Fairy  Queen  VII  7,  30. 

43—157:    De    Per.    Nat.   V    911—1455.    Georg.   I   125  ff.,    Savage' 
Wanderer  (ed.  1729)  p.  19  ff. 

127-40:    Pope*s  Winds.  For.  219—34. 

128:    Denham's  Cooper's  Hill  191—92. 

138—40:    Winds.  For.  385—87. 


X XXV]  M < ) D E L 8  i l\I>  80 Uli ( ' E8 

186—307:  Book  of  Ruth.    The  proper  names  of  this  episode  (Lavinia, 
Pahemon,  and  Acasto)  seem  to  have  been  taken    from  Wel- 
sted's  poems  "Pahemon   to  Cselia"   and  "Aeon   and  Lavinia" 
(see  note  to   Su.  A  980— 1037).     The  influence  of  the   latter 
poem  is  also  traceable  in  the  beginning  of  the  present  episode. 
327—36:    Georg.  I  322-27. 
336—38:    Ibid.  482—83,  JEneid  II  496-99. 
441—45:    .Eneid  II  305-8. 
357—75:    Winds.  For.  13—119,  Rur.  Sports  (ed.  1720)  301—42. 

369—75:    Cider  II  169—76. 
376—97:    Plutarch's  De  Carnium  Esu  I. 
384—86:    Psalm  CIV  20,  21. 
387—97 :    See  Spring  A  380  ff. 

398-422:    Rur.  Sports  (ed.  1720)  289-300,  362-87. 
423—54:   Cooper's  Hill  247-318. 

451—54:    Shaksp.  As  You  Like  It,   Act  II    Sc.  1,  36—40. 
472—83:    Winds.  For.  147— 58,  Rur.  Sports  362—81. 
526  ff.:    Cider  II  459  ff.  (Cp.  esp.  452—53  with.  Aut.  A  535),   Gay's 
Wine,  esp.  187—216. 

546—47:    Par.  Lost  II  285—90.     See  also  Wi.  A  326  ff. 
668—70:    Par.  Lost  IV  258—60.  307. 
695—98:    De  Rer.  Nat    V  463-66,    Par.  Lost  V  185—86    (repeated 

in  Gay's  Wine  50,  51). 
711-14:    Par.  Lost  I  594-98. 
714—17:    De  Rer.  Nat.  IV  134—40. 
722—25:    Par.  Lost  I  6—10. 

726-74:    De  Rer.  Nat.  V  261-72,  VI  608  ff.,  Par.  Lest  IV  223-30. 
775-800:    Par.  Lost  VII  423—32. 
810—14:    Cider  1  105-14. 
897-977:    See  Wi.  A  29-79. 
919-20:    Riccaltoan's  Winter's  Day  29,  20. 
987—89:    Par.  Lost  I  287—91. 
992-93:    See  Wi.  A  88— 92. 
1013-17:    Par.   Losf    II  533-38. 
1041-52:    Par.  Losl   IX  634-42. 

KH4    45:    Comufl  337—40. 
1066    67:    De  Rer.  Nat.  V  461     62. 
1117  IT.-,    [bid.  13!)o  ff. 
1131—1247:    Georg.   1 1   45H    542,    De    Rer,   Nat.    V    11 15  If..    Cider 

I   667  Ff. 
1248    r>;i:   Georg.  II   475    86  (see  Thomson's   translation  of  these 
lines  in  his  preface  to  the  2'"'  ed.  of  Winter),  Pope's  Winds. 
For.  269  ff. 


MODELS  AND  SOURCES  XXXVII 


B   (1744) 


785—86:    Par.  Lost  III  431—32. 
1074-77:    Georg.  II  277—81. 

Winter  A  (March,  1726) 

6—10:    Spenser's  December  19,  20. 

13,  14:    Georg.  I  318—24. 

15:    Job  IX  9. 

29-33:  Cider  II  325-27. 

33 — 300:  Mainly  modelled  on  Milton's  II  Penseroso,  from  1.  45. 

44:    Penseroso  56  if. 

53-57:    Winds.  For.  125-28. 

54:    Hamlet,  Act  1  Sc.  4,  33. 
57  ff . :    Pope's  Winter  29.     See  below  1.  359. 

74-76:    Penseroso  132-34,    Georg.  II  488—89,  Winds.  For.  261  ff. 
77-79:   Comus  455-58.     See  Su.  A413ff. 
80-87:    Browne's  Brit.  Past.  II  1,  781-86. 
88-90:    Par.  Lost  IV  604-08. 
91,  92:    Penseroso  67—68,  71—72,  Comus  331-33. 
98  ff.:   Par.  Lost  V  746—47  (cp.  "impearl"  Wi.  B.  98). 
113:    Macbeth,  Act  I  Sc.  7,  22. 
113-16:    Georg.  I  322—24,  333—34. 
117—19:    Pope's  Winter  30,  Par.  Lost  II  488—91. 
119—20:    Georg.  IV  473—74. 
124—29:    Hor.  Carm.  Lib.  I  4,  3. 
127:    Allegro  49—52. 
133—42:    Par.  Lost  VII  297-300,  Plini  Sec.  Nat.  Hist.  V  54.    (See 

note  to  Su.  C  795-813.) 
143-44:    Par.  Reg.  Ill  187,  Pope's  Spring  38. 
162:    Comus  598,  Par.  Lost  VIII  76. 
173—74,  178:    Par.  Reg.  IV  413-19. 
178—79:    Hor.  Carm.  Lib.  II  9,  7—8. 

186—89:    Macbeth,  Act  II  Sc.  3,  59  ff.,  Georg.  I  476-77. 
190:    Par.  Lost  III  710—11. 
192—94:   Matth.  VIII  24—26,  Mark  IV  37—39,  Luke  VIII  23—24, 

Psalm  CIV  29. 
216-20:    Par.   Lost  II  488—91,    Riccaltoun's  Winter's  Day  9-12. 
225:    Hor.  Carm.  Lib    I  9,  2-3. 
228-29:    Georg.  Ill  368—69. 
238-39:    Georg.  I  375— 76.     See  Wi.  E  132  f. 
242  ff.:    Georg.  Ill  295-96,  318-20. 


X X  XVIII  MODELS  AND  SO UB(  'ES 

253—58:    Penseroso  77—80. 

273:    Pope's  Temple  of  Fame  176. 

286:    Ibid.  200—03. 

289—90:    Ibid.  184—86. 

308—9:    Georg.  Ill  360. 

326-28:    Georg.  I  43—44. 

326  ff. :    Par.  Lost  II  285—90. 

340-41:    Ibid.  I  207-8. 

349-51:    Ibid.  VII  410-13. 

359:    Pope's  Winter  29. 

374  ff.:    Par.  Lost  III  333—38. 

380—88:    Samson  Agonistes  293—306. 

391:    Acts  VIII  23. 

B  (June,  1726) 

193-94:    Par.  Lost  II  263-67. 

237—47:  Armstrong's  Winter  99—104.  (This  poem,  which  first 
appeared  in  print  in  1770,  was  ready  in  manuscript  when 
Thomson's  Winter  was  published  for  the  first  time  It 
became  known  to  Thomson  soon  afterwards.  See  Armstrong's 
Miscellanies  I.) 

273—78:    Ibid.  8-10. 

C    (1730) 

44:    Hor.  Sat    Lib.  I  1,  36. 

45—50:    Riccaltoun's  Winter's  Day  5—8,  Par.  Lost  I  595—96. 

58  ff.:    Georg.  Ill  440  ff. 

69—72:    Ibid.  I  357-58.     See  below  128 ff.  aud  Su.  A  745  ff. 

73—74:    Georg.  I  328—29. 

125:    Ibid.  395. 

126:    Ibid.  368. 

127—28:    Ibid.  362-64. 

128—31:    Ibid.  356—59. 

154-55:    Armstrong's  Winter  180     84. 

214—15:    Hor.  Carm.  Lib.  1  3,  4. 

250—95:    Par.  Lost  IX  640-42.     Bee  8a    A  1007  ff. 

271-72:    Con  .us  205  ff. 

27U:    Armstrong's  Winter  '.)*. 

886     M):     II. .r.   Bp.  II  89     44,  Georg.   II  523-24.     Scv  also 
Am.  A  1235    40.  Wi.  KsTT    so. 

290    91:    !><•  Rer.  Wat.  Ill  898    94. 


MODELS  AND  SOURCES  XXXIX 

296  ff.:    Brit.  Past.  II  1,  825  ff. 

410—11:    Penseroso  75. 

471-83:    Mallet's  Excursion  (ed.  1728)  p.  71. 

490:    Luke  XXIV  32. 

497-99:    Georg.  II  477— 82.     See  Aut.  A  1263  ff. 

515—49:    Allegro  91-133. 

515—18:    Allegro    100—05,    Armstrong's  Winter  105—26, 
Tatler,  Nov.  17,  1709. 

519-27:    Philips'  Cider  II  411—23. 

523—24:    Hor.'Carm.  Lib.  II  12,  25—27. 

530—35:    Savage's  Wanderer  (ed.  1729)  p.  66. 

541-42:    Shaksp.  Troilus,  Act  III  Sc.  3,  79-80. 
563-65:    Cider  II  184-8S. 
582-88:    Armstrong's  Winter  12—18. 
592:    Savage's  Wand.  (ed.  1729)  p.  6. 

630-35:    Armstrong's   Winter  75—79.     See  also    above  11.  45—50. 
650—87:   Mallet's  Excursion  (ed.  1728)  p.  28. 

666-67:    Armstrong's  Winter  28,  29. 

672—73:    Ibid.  28,  29. 

675-77:    Par.  Lost  I  207—8.     See  Wi.  A  340-41. 
688—700:    Georg.  Ill  356—83. 


E    (1744) 


119—20:    Georg.  I  454. 

125:   Ibid.  433. 

128-29:    Ibid.  365-67. 

131:    Ibid.  369. 

132-33:  Ibid.  375-76.    See  Wi.  A238L,  Su.  A  7521,  Spring  A188f. 

134—37:    Georg.  I  390-92. 

139-42:    Ibid.  381-82. 

143—44:    Ibid.  403,  Mallet's  Excursion  (ed.  1728)  p.  23. 

144-45:    Georg.  I  361-62. 

148—49:    Ibid.  356—57. 

158:    .En.  I  89. 

175:  Armstrong's  Winter  182—83. 

479-89:    Pope's  Temple  of  Fame  174—75. 

662:  Hor.  Carm.  Lib.  I  1,  2. 

816—26:  Georg.  Ill  369—75. 

834-42:  Par.  Lost  I  351-55. 

867-73:  Par.  Lost  X  678—85. 

877-80:  Hor.  Ep.  II  36—44.  See  Wi.  C  285  f f . 


X  I ,  MODELS  A  XI  >  SO  FRCRS 

894—901:    Mn.  I  52-57,  Savage's  Wanderer  (ed.  1729)  p.  4,  5. 
902:    Mallet's  Excursion  (ed.  1728)  p.  28. 

950—87:    Aaron   Hill's   Northern   Star,   publ.    1718.     See  also   Aur. 
A  43  f  f . 


A  Hymn  (A,   1730) 


Founded  chiefly  upon  the  148th  Psalm  and  upon  Par.  Lost 
V  153—208. 

40:    Par.  Lost  V  197. 

43  f.:    Ibid.  192—93. 

46,  47:   Ibid.  193-94,  Pope's  Eloisa  155-56. 

51  if. :  Par.  Lost  V  195-96. 

69—72:    Ibid.  171—74. 

84—86:    Penseroso  56—58. 

91  ff.:    Ibid.  161  ff. 

107  ff. :    Hor.  Carm.  Lib.  I  22,  17  ff. 


SPRING. 

A 

POEM. 


By  Mr.  THOMSON. 


Et  nunc  omnis  Ager,  nunc  omnis  parturit  Arbos, 
Nunc  frondent  Silvse,  nunc  formosissimus  Annus. 

VIRG. 


LONDON, 

Printed:   And  sold  by  A.  Millar,  at  Buchanan's  Head  over-against 

St.  Clement's  Church  in  the  Strand ;  and  G.  Strahan,  at  the  Golden 

Ball  in  Cornhill. 


MDCCXXVIII. 
[Price  1  s.  6  d.] 


To  the  Right  Honourable  the 
Countess  of  Hartford.1) 

Madam, 

1  Have  always  observed,  that,  in  Addresses  of  this 
Nature,  the  general  Taste  of  the  World  demands  ingenious 
Turns  of  Wit,  and  disguised  artful  Periods,  instead  of  an 
open  Sincerity  of  Sentiment  flowing  in  a  plain  Expression. 
From  what  secret  Impatience  of  the  justest  Praise,  when 
bestowed  on  Others,  this  often  proceeds,  rather  than  a  pre- 
tended Delicacy,  is  beyond  my  Purpose  here  to  enquire. 
But  as  nothing  is  more  foreign  to  the  Disposition  of  a  Soul 
sincerely  pleased  with  the  Contemplation  of  what  is  beautiful, 
and  excellent,  than  Wit  and  Turn ;  I  have  too  much  Respect 
for  your  Ladyship's  Character,  either  to  touch  it  in  that  gay, 
trifling  Manner,  or  venture  on  a  particular  Detail  of  those 
truly  amiable  Qualities  of  which  it  is  composed.  A  Mind 
exalted,  pure,  and  elegant,  a  Heart  overflowing  with  Humanity, 
and  the  whole  Train  of  Virtues  thence  derived,  that  give 
a  pleasing  Spirit  to  Conversation,  an  engaging  Simplicity  to 
the  Manners,  and  form  the  Life  to  Harmony,  are  rather  to 
be  felt,  and  silently  admired,  than  expressed.  I  have  attempted, 
in    the  following  Poem,    to   paint  some  of  the  most  tender 


M  This  epistolary  dedication  is  only  found  in  the  editions  prior 
to  the  subscripition  quarto  of  1730.  In  the  quarto,  and  in  some  of 
the  later  editions,  the  folloiving  short  dedication  appears  on  the  title- 
page:  Spring.  Inscrib'd  to  the  Right  Honourable  the  Countess  of 
Hartford. 


4  8PBING 

Beauties,  and  delicate  Appearances  of  Nature ;  how  much  in 
vain,  your  Ladyship's  Taste  will,  I  am  afraid,  but  too  soon 
discover :  Yet  would  it  still  be  a  much  easier  Task  to  find 
Expression  for  all  that  Variety  of  Colour,  Form,  and  Fra- 
grance, which  enrich  the  Season  I  describe,  than  to  speak 
the  many  nameless  Graces,  and  Native  Riches  of  a  Mind 
capable  so  much  at  once  to  relish  Solitude,  and  adorn  Society. 
To  whom  then  could  these  Sheets  be  more  properly  inscribed 
than  to  You,  Madam,  whose  Influence  in  the  World  can  give 
them  the  Protection  they  want,  while  your  fine  Imagination, 
and  intimate  Acquaintance  with  Rural  Nature,  will  recommend 
them  with  the  greatest  Advantage  to  your  favourable  Notice  If 
Happy !  if  I  have  hit  any  of  those  Images,  and  correspondent 
Sentiments,  your  calm  Evening  Walks,  in  the  most  delightful 
Retirement,  have  oft  inspired.  I  could  add  too,  that  as  this 
Poem  grew  up  under  your  Encouragement,  it  has  therefore 
a  natural  Claim  to  your  Patronage.  Should  You  read  it 
with  Approbation,  it's  Musick  shall  not  droop;  and  should 
it  have  the  good  Fortune  to  deserve  your  Smiles,  it's  Roses 
shall  not  wither.  But,  where  the  Subject  is  so  tempting,  lest 
[  begin  my  Poem  before  the  Dedication  is  ended,  I  here 
break  short,  and  beg  Leave  to  subscribe  my  self,  with  the 
highest  Respect, 

Madam, 

Your  most  Obedient, 

Humble  Servant. 

James  Thomson. 


Advertisement,1) 

That  the  following  Poem  appears  at  present  in  Pabliek, 
is  not  any  way  in  Prejudice  of  the  Proposals  I  lately  Pub- 
lished for  Printing  the  Four  Seasons,  etc.  by  Subscription, 
but  at  the  Solicitation  of  some  of  my  Friends  -who  had  seen 
it  in  Manuscript,  and  the  better  to  carry  on  a  Work  I 
stand  engaged  to  finish.  For  Subscription  is  now  at  its  last 
Gasp,  and  the  World  seems  to  have  got  the  better  of  that 
many-headed  Monster.  However,  those  Gentlemen  and  Ladies 
who  have  been,  or  may  hereafter  be  so  good  as  to  honour 
me  with  their  Names,  shall  have  the  Book  next  Winter 
according  to  my  Proposals:  And  if  it  should,  in  any  Degree, 
be  judged  worthy  their  Encouragement,  I  have  my  best  Reward. 


The  Contents.2) 

The  Subject,  Spring.  Described  as  a  Personage  descending 
on  Earth.  Address  to  Lady  Hartford.  Winter  described  as 
a  Personage,  resigning  the  Dominion  of  the  Year.  Spring, 
yet  unconfirmed.  The  Sun  in  Taurus  fixes  the  Spring  Quarter. 
First  Effects  of  the  Spring,  in  softening  Nature.  Plowing. 
Sowing  and  Harrowing.  The  Praise  of  Agriculture.  Parti- 
cularly applied  to  Britons.  Effects  of  the  Spring  in  colouring 
the  Fields,  and  unfolding  the  Leaves.  The  Country  in  Blossom. 
A  Blight.     A  Philosophical  Account  of  Insects,  producing  the 


')  Only  found  in  the  first  edition  (1728). 

2)  Only  found  in  the  second  edition  of  ''•Spring''  (1729),  the  text 
of  tvhich  is  the  same  as  that  of  the  first. 


6  SPRING 

Blight.  A  Spring-Shower.  The  Sun  breaking  out  in  the 
Evening  after  the  Rain.  The  Rainbow.  Herbs  produced ; 
the  Food  of  Man  in  the  first  Ages  of  the  World.  Then,  the 
Golden  Age.  As  described  by  the  Poets.  The  Degeneracy 
of  Mankind  from  that  State.  On  This,  the  Deluge,  and  Effects 
thereof,  particularly  in  shortening  the  Life  of  Man.  Hence, 
a  Vegetable  Diet  recommended.  The  Cruelty  of  feeding  on 
Animals.  Flowers  in  Prospect.  The  Difficulty  of  describing 
that  delicate  Part  of  the  Season.  A  Wild  Flower-Piece. 
A  Garden  Flower-Piece.  An  Apostrophe  to  the  Supream 
Being,  as  the  Soul  of  Vegetation.  Influence  of  the  Spring 
on  Birds;  and  first  of  their  Singing.  Their  Courtship.  Buil- 
ding their  Nests.  Brooding,  and  Care  of  their  Young.  Arts 
to  secure  them.  Against  confining  them  in  Cages,  and  par- 
ticularly the  Nightingale;  her  Lamentation  for  her  Young. 
Teaching  their  Young  to  fly.  The  Eagle  trying  his  at  the 
Sun.  A  Piece  of  Houshold-Fowl.  Influence  of  the  Spring 
on  other  Animals,  the  Bull,  Horse  etc.  A  Landskip  of  the 
Shepherd  tending  his  Flock,  with  Lambs  frisking  around  him: 
and  a  Transition  in  Praise  of  our  present  Happy  Constitution. 
This  various  Instinct  in  Brutes  ascribed  to  the  continual,  and 
unbounded  Energy  of  Divine  Providence.  Influence  of  the 
Spring  on  Man,  inspiring  an  universal  Benevolence,  the  Love 
of  Mankind,  and  of  Nature.  Accounted  for  from  that  general 
Harmony  which  then  attunes  the  World.  Effects  of  the 
Spring  in  Woman;  with  a  Caution  to  the  Fair  Sex.  Hence 
a  Dissuasive  from  the  feverish,  extravagant,  and  unchastised 
Passion  of  Love;  in  an  Account  of  its  false  Raptures,  Pangs, 
and  Jealousies.  The  Whole  concludes  with  the  Happiness 
of  a  pure,  mutual  Love,  founded  on  Friendship,  conducted 
with  Honour,  and  confirmed  bv  Children. 


SPRING 


The  Argument.1) 

The  subject  propos'd.  Inscribed  to  Lady  Hartford2). 
This  Season  is  described  as  it  affects  the  various  parts  of 
Nature,  ascending  from  the  lower  to  the  higher;  and  mixed 
with  Digressions  arising  from  the  subject.  Its  influence 
on  inanimate  Matter,  on  Vegetables,  on  brute  Animals,  and 
last  on  Man;  concluding  with  a  Dissuasive  from  the  wild  and 
irregular  passion  of  love,  opposed  to  that  of  a  purer  and 
more  reasonable  kind.3) 


*)  Appears  for  the  first  time  in  the  quarto  of  1730.  In  the 
editions  of  1744  and  1746  the  following  variations  occur:  -)  to  the 
Countess  of  Hartford.       3)  of  a  pure  and  happy  Kind. 


-^- 


SPRING. 

A 

POEM. 


The  text  reproduced  in  full  (A)  is  that  of  the  first  ed.  (1728).         B  = 
ed.   1730.  C  —  ed.  1744.  D  =  ed.  1746.  If  not  replaced 

by  new  readings,  the  emendations  are  preserved  in  the  subsequent 
texts  (and  hi  this  case  they  are  not  specially  noted  again),  i.  e.  those 
of  B  in  C  and  D,  and  those  of  0  in  D  The  MS.  nates,  written  before 
the  publication  of  C,  were  made  on  text  B.  T  stands  for  Thomson, 
P  for  Pope.     The  bracketed  words  are  cancelled. 

COME,  gentle  Spring,  ^Ethereal  Mildness,  come. 
And  from  the  Bosom  of  yon  dropping  Cloud, 
While  Music  wakes  around,  veil'd  in  a  Shower 
Of  shadowing  Eoses,  on  our  Plains  descend. 

s  Oh  Hertford,  fitted,  or  to  shine  in  Courts  m5  c5  bs 

With  unaffected  Grace,  or  walk  the  Plain. 

With  Innocence,  and  Meditation  join'd 

In  soft  Assemblage,  listen  to  my  Song, 

Which  thy  own  Season  paints,  when  Nature  all 
io  Is  blooming,  and  benevolent  like  Thee. 

And  see  where  surly  Winter  passes  off, 
Far  to  the  North,  and  calls  his  ruffian   Blasts; 
His  Blasts  obey,  and  quit  the  bowling  Hill. 

B     9  Which  j  That 

C     9  Which 

MS    1—4  Come,  gentle  Spring,  Eair  Queen  of  Seasons,  oo 
And  from  the  Bosom  of  yon  dropping  Cloud, 
With  the  glad   Soars,  the  Zephirs,  Loves,  and  J 
Gay-fluttering  round  thee,  on  cur  Plains  descend     / 


SPRING  9 

The  shatter'd  Forest,  and  the  ravag'd  Vale: 
15  While  softer  Gales  succeed,  at  whose  kind  Touch, 
Dissolving  Snows  in  sudden  Torrents  lost, 
The  Mountains  lift  their  green  Heads  to  the  Sky. 

As  yet  the  trembling  Year  is  unconfirm'd,  His  Ci8  D18 

And  Winter  oft  at  Eve  resumes  the  Breeze, 
20  Chills  the  pale  Morn,  and  bids  his  driving  Sleets 

Deform  the  Day  delightless;  so  that  scarce 

The  Bittern  knows  his  Time,  with  Bill  ingulpht 

To  shake  the  sounding  Marsh ;  or  from  the  Shore 

The  Plovers  theirs,  to  scatter  o'er  the  Heath, 
25  And  sing  their  wild  Notes  to  the  listening  Waste. 

At  last  from  Aries  rolls  the  bounteous  Sun,  B26  C26  D26 

And  the  bright  Bull  receives  Him.     Then  no  more 
Th'expansive  Atmosphere  is  cramp'd  with  Cold, 
But  full  of  Life,  and  vivifying  Soul, 
30  Lifts  the  light  Clouds  sublime,  and  spreads  them  thin, 
Fleecy,  and  white,  o'er  All-surrounding  Heaven. 

Forth  fly  the  tepid  Aires ;  and  unconfin'd,  B32  C32  D32 

Unbinding  Earth,  the  moving  Softness  strays. 
Joyous  th'impatient  Husbandman  perceives 

35  Relenting  Nature,  and  his  lusty  Steers 

Drives  from  their  Stalls,  to  where  the  well-us:d  Plow- 
Lies  in  the  Furrow  loosen'd  from  the  Frost. 
There,  unrefusing  to  the  harness'd  yoke, 
They  lend  their  Shoulder,  and  begin  their  Toil, 

40  Cheai'd  by  the  simple  Song,  and  soaring  Lark. 
Mean-while  incumbent  o'er  the  shining  Share 
The  Master  leans,  removes  th'obstructing  Clay, 
Winds  the  whole  Work,  and  side-long  lays  the  Glebe. 

White  thro'  the  neighbring  Fields  the  Sower  stalks,  B44  c44  D44 
45  With  measur'd  Step,  and  liberal  throws  the  Grain 


B      16  sudden]  livid 

C      24  theirs,  to  ]  when  to 


10  SPRIKG 

Into  the  faithful  Bosom  of  the  Earth. 

The  Harrow  follows  harsh,  and  shuts  the  Scene. 

Be  gracious,  Heaven  !     for  now  laborious  Man  b4s  c\»s  i 

Has  done  his  Due.     Ye  fostering  Breezes  blow ! 
50  Ye  softening  Dews,  ye  tender  Showers  descend! 

And  temper  all,  thou  influential  Sun, 

Into  the  perfect  Year!     Nor,  Ye  who  live 

In  Luxury  and  Ease,  in  Pomp  and  Pride, 

Think  these  lost  Themes  unworthy  of  your  Ear. 
55  'Twas  such  as  these  the  Rural  Maro  sung 

To  the  full  Roman  Court,  in  all  it's  height 

Of  Elegance  and  Taste.     The  sacred  Plow 

Employ'd  the  Kings  and  Fathers  of  Mankind, 

In  antient  Times.     And  Some,  with  whom  compar'd 
60  You're  but  the  Beings  of  a  Summer's  Day, 

Have  held  the  Scale  of  Justice,  shook  the  Launce 

Of  mighty  War,  then  with  descending  Hand, 

Unus'd  to  little  Delicacies,  seiz'd 

The  Plow,  and  greatly  independant  liv'd. 

65  Ye  generous  Britons,  cultivate  the  Plow !  B65  C67  D67 

And  o'er  your  Hills,  and  long  withdrawing  Vales, 
Let  Autumn  spread  his  Treasures  to  the  Sun. 
Luxuriant,  and  unbounded.     As  the  Sea, 


B      46  Earth.]  Ground.         51  influential  ]  world-reviving 
C     49  Due.]  Part.        55-60: 

Such  Themes  as  these  the  rural   Maro  sung 
To  wide-imperial  Rome,  in  the  full  Height 
Of  Elegance  and  Taste,  by  Greece  refiu'd. 
In  antient  Times,  the  sacred  Plow  employ'd 
The  Bongs  and  awful  Fathers  of  Mankind: 
And  some,  with  whom  coinpai'il.  your   Insect-Tribes 
Are  but  the  Beings  etc. 
61   Scale  of  Empire,  rul'd  the  Storm         62  descending  ]  victo- 
rious 63   I'nus'd    to]  Disdaining  (it   thus  amplified: 
independent    scorn'd    ||   All   the    vile    Stores   Corruption    cu 
'"•.stow.         65  cultivate]  venerate 


SPRING  1 1 

Far  thro'  his  azure,  turbulent  Extent, 
7°  Your  Empire  owns,  and  from  a  thousand  Shores 

Wafts  all  the  Pomp  of  Life  into  your  Ports, 

So  with  superior  Boon  may  your  rich  Soil, 

Exuberant,  Nature's  better  Blessings  pour 

O'er  every  Land;  the  naked  Nations  cloath, 
75  And  be  th'exhaustless  Granary  of  the  World. 

Nor  thro'  the  lenient  Air  alone,  this  Change  b76  c78  d7s 

Delicious  breathes;  the  penetrative  Sun, 
His  Force  deep-darting  to  the  dark  Retreat 
Of  Vegetation,  sets  the  steaming  Power 
so  At  large,  to  wander  o'er  the  vernant  Earth 
In  various  Hues,  but  chiefly  Thee,  gay  Green! 
Thou  smiling  Nature's  universal  Robe! 
United  Light  and  Shade!  where  the  Sight  dwells 
With  growing  Strength,  and  ever-new  Delight! 

85  From  the  moist  Meadow  to  the  brown-brow'd  Hill,  bs5  cs7  ds7 

Led  by  the  Breeze,  the  vivid  Verdure  runs. 

And  swells,  and  deepens  to  the  cherish'd  Eye. 

The  Hawthorn  whitens,  and  the  juicy  Groves 

Put  forth  their  Buds,  unfolding  by  Degrees, 
90  Till  the  whole  leafy  Forest  stands  display'd 

In  full  Luxuriance,  to-  the  sighing  Gales, 

While  the  Deer  rustle  thro1  the  twining  Brake, 

And  the  Birds  sing  conceal'd.     At  once  array'd 

In  all  the  Colours  of  the  flushing  Tear, 
95  By  Nature's  swift  and  secret-working  Hand, 

The  Garden  glows,  and  fills  the  liberal  Air 

With  lavish  Fragrance;  while  the  promis'd  Fruit 

Lies  yet  a  little  Embrio,  unperceiv'd, 

Within  it's  Crimson  Folds.     Now  from  the  Town 
100  Buried  in  Smoak,  and  Sleep,  and  noisome  Damps, 


B      75  a  world. 

C      69  Extent,  1  Domain.         76  Nor  only  thro'  the  lenient  Air  this 
Change,         85  brown-brow'd ]  wither  d  92   While]   Where 


12  8PR1NG 

Oft  let  me  wander  o'er  the  dewy  Fields. 
Where  Freshness  breathes,  and  dash  the  lucid  Drops 
From  the  bent  Bush,  as  thro'  the  fuming  Maze 
Of  Sweet-Briar  Hedges  I  pursue  my  Walk; 

105  Or  taste  the  Smell  of  Dairy;  or  ascend 
Some  Eminence,  Augusta,  in  thy   Plains, 
And  see  the  Country  far-diffus'd  around 
One  boundless  Blush,  one  snow-empurpled  Shower 
Of  mingled  Blossoms;  where  the  raptur'd  Eye 

no  Travels  from  Joy  to  Joy,  and,  hid  beneath 
The  fair  Profusion,  yellow  Autumn  spies. 

If  brush'd  from  Russian  Wilds  a  cutting  (iale  »"-  •' 

Rise  not.  and  scatter  from  his  foggy  Wings 

The  bitter  Mildew,  or  dry-blowing  breathe 
»5  Untimely  Frost;  before  whose  baleful  Blast, 

The  full-blown  Spring  thro'  all  her  Foliage  shrinks. 

Into  a  smutty,  wide-dejected  Waste. 

For  oft  engender'd  by  the  hazy  North. 

Myriads  on  Myriads,  Insect-Armies  waft 
120  Keen  in  the  poison'd  Breeze;  and  wasteful  eat 

Thro'  Buds,  and  Bark,  even  to  the  Heart  of  Oak 

Their  eager  Way.     A  feeble  Race!    scarce  seen. 

Save  to  the  prying  Eye;  yet  Famine  waits 

On  their  corrosive  Course,  and  starves  the  Year. 
■     Sometimes  o'er  Cities  as  they  steer  their  Flight. 

Where  rising  Vapour  melts  their  Wings  away, 

GazM  by  th'astonish'd  Crowd,  the  horrid  Shower 

B     108  snow-empurpled  ]  white-empurpled  121   bark,   into  tUe 

blacken'd  Core,        128  to]  by         124  starves]  kills 
0     102  lucid]  trembling        103  fuming]  verdanl         1 1 » >  Travels] 
Hurries       113  foggy  J  humid        114  bitter  ]  dummy        117  Joy- 

nid  dead,  a  wide-dejected  Waste. 
L22     128  thus  contracted:  A  feble  Race!  ye\  oft 
The  Bacred  Sens  of  Vengeance!  on  whose  Coarse 
Corrosive  Famiim  waits,  and  kills  the 
To  check  this  Plague  the  skilful  Farmer  Chaff, 


SPRING  13 

Descends.     And  hence  the  skillful  Farmer  Chaff 

And  blazing  Straw  before  his  Orchard  burns, 
130  Till  all  involv'd  in  Smoak  the  latent  Foe 

From  every  Cranny  suffocated  falls; 

Or  Onions  steaming  hot  beneath  his  Trees 

Exposes,  fatal  to  the  frosty  Tribe: 

Nor,  from  their  friendly  Task,  the  busy  Bill 
135  Of  little  trooping  Birds  instinctive  scares. 

These  are  not  idle  Philosophic  Dreams;  bi36  c- 

Full  Nature  swarms  with  Life.     Th'unfaithful  Fen 

In  putrid  Steams  emits  the  living  Cloud 

Of  Pestilence.     Thro'  subterranean  Cells, 
140  Where  searching  Sun-Beams  never  found  a  Way, 

Earth  animated  heaves.     The  flowery  Leaf 

Wants  not  it's  soft  Inhabitants.     The  Stone, 

Hard  as  it  is,  in  every  winding  Pore 

Holds  Multitudes.     But  chief  the  Forest- Boughs, 
145  Which  dance  unnumber'd  to  th'inspiring  Breeze, 

The  downy  Orchard,  and  the  melting  Pulp 

Of  mellow  Fruit  the  nameless  Nations  feed 

Of  evanescent  Insects.     Where  the  Pool 

Stands  mantled  o'er  with  Green,  invisible, 


132 — 135  Or  scatters  o'er  the  Blooms  the  pungent  Dust 
Of  Pepper,  fatal  to  the  frosty  Tribe : 
Or,  when  th'envenom'd  Leaf  begins  to  curl, 
With  sjDrinkled  Water  drowns  them  in  their  Nest : 
Nor,  while  they  pick  them  up  with  busy  Bill, 
The  little  trooping  Birds  unwisely  scares. 
Lines  136—168  are  transferred   to  '•'■Summer''''   C  287—317,  q.  v. 
(There  the  variations  of  the  MS.  will  also  be  noted.)    Here   the 
following  six  lines  are  inserted  in  their  place:  ** 

Be  patient,  Swuins;  tbjese  cruel-seeming  Winds  D137 

Blow  not  in  vain.     Far  h^nce  they  keep,  repress'd, 
Those  deepening  Clouds  on  Clouds,  surcharg'd  with  Rain, 
That  o'er  the  vast  Atlantic  hither  borne,  [140] 

In  endless  Train,  would  quench  the  Summer-Blaze, 
And,  chearless,  drown  the  crude  unripen'd  Year. 


14  SPRING 

150  Amid  the  floating  Verdure  Millions  stray. 

Each  Liquid  too,  whether  of  acid  Taste, 

Milky,  or  strong,  with  various  Forms  abounds. 

Nor  is  the  lucid  Stream,  nor  the  pure  Air, 

Tho'  one  transparent  Vacancy  they  seem, 
155  Devoid  of  theirs.     Even  Animals  subsist 

On  Animals,  in  infinite  Descent; 

And  all  so  fine  adjusted,  that  the  Loss 

Of  the  least  Species  would  disturb  the  whole. 

Stranger  than  this  th'inspective  Glass  confirms, 
160  And  to  the  Curious  gives  th'amazing  Scenes 

Of  lessning  Life;  by  "Wisdom  kindly  hid 

From  Eye,  and  Ear  of  Man:  for  if  at  once 

The  Worlds  in  Worlds  enclos'd  were  push'd  to  Light, 

Seen  by  his  sharpen'd  Eye,  and  by  his  Ear 
165  Intensely  bended  Heard,  from  the  choice  Cate, 

The  freshest  Viands,  and  the  brightest  Wines, 

He'd  turn  abhorrent,  and  in  Dead  of  Night, 

When  Silence  sleeps  o'er  all,  be  stun'd  with  Noise. 

The  North-East  spends  his  Rage,  and  now  shut  up  B169  c»4i 
170  Within  his  Iron  Caves,  th'effusive  South 

Warms  the  wide  Air,  and  o'er  the  Void  of  Heaven 

Breathes  the  big  Clouds  with  vernal  Showers  distent. 

At  first  a  dusky  Wreath  they  seem  to  rise, 

Scarce  staining  yEther;  but  by  fast  Degrees, 
175  In  Heaps  on  Heaps,  the  doubling  Vapour  sails 

Along  the  loaded  Sky,  and  mingling  thick 

Sits  on  th'Horizon  round  a  settled  Gloom. 

Not  such  as  wintry  Storms  on  Mortals  shed, 

Oppressing  Life,  but  lovely,  gentle,  kind. 
180  And  full  of  every  Hope,  and  every  Joy, 

The  Wish  of  Nature.     Gradual  sinks  the  Breeze 

Into  a  perfect  Calm;  that  not  a  Breath 


B      152  Potent,  or  mild, 
C     176  thick]  deep 


SPRING  15 

Is  heard  to  quiver  thro'  the  closing  Woods, 
Or  rustling  turn  the  many-twinkling  Leaves 

185  Of  Aspin  tall.     Th'uncurling  Floods,  diffus'd 
In  glassy  Breadth,  seem  thro'  delusive  Lapse 
Forgetful  of  their  Course.     'Tis  Silence  all, 
And  pleasing  Expectation.     Herds  and  Flocks 
Drop  the  dry  Sprig,  and  mute-imploring  eye 

190  The  falling  Verdure.  Hush'd  in  short  Suspense 
The  plumy  People  streak  their  Wings  with  Oil, 
And  wait  th'approaching  Sign  to  strike  at  once 
Into  the  general  Choir.  Ev'n  Mountains,  Vales, 
And  Forests  seem  expansive  to  demand 

195  The  promis'd  Sweetness.     Man  superior  walks 
Amid  the  glad  Creation,  musing  Praise, 
And  looking  lively  Gratitude.     At  last 
The  Clouds  consign  their  Treasures  to  the  Fields, 
And,  softly  shaking  on  the  dimply  Pool 

200  Prelusive  Drops,  let  all  their  Moisture  flow 
In  large  Effusion  o'er  the  freshen'd  World. 
'Tis  scarce  to  patter  heard,  the  stealing  Shower, 
By  such  as  wander  thro'  the  Forest-Walks, 
Beneath  th'umbrageous  Multitude  of  Leaves. 

205  But  who  would  hold  the  Shade,  while  Heaven  descends 
In  universal  Bounty,  shedding  Herbs, 
And  Fruits,  and  Flowers,  on  Nature's  ample  Lap? 
Imagination  fir'd  prevents  their  Growth, 
And  while  the  verdant  Nutriment  distills, 

210  Beholds  the  kindling  Country  colour  round. 

Thus  all  Day  long  the  full-distended  Clouds  ] 

Indulge  their  genial  Stores,  and  well-showrd  Earth 


B     205  would]  can 

C  After  191  one  line  is  inserted:  To  throw  the  lucid  Moisture 
trickling  off;  194  expansive]  impatient,  202  The  stealing- 
Shower  is  scarce  to  patter  heard,  208  Swift  Fancy  fird 
anticipates  their  Growth ;         209  verdant  ]  milky 

D     199  dimpled 


16  SPR1XG 

Is  deep  enrich'd  with  vegetable  Life; 

Till,  in  the  Western  Sky,  the  downward  Sun 
215  Looks  out  illustrious  from  amid  the  Flush 

Of  broken  Clouds,  gay-shifting  to  his  Beam. 

The  rapid  Radiance  instantaneous  strikes 

Th'illumin'd  Mountain,  thro'  the  Forest  streams, 

Shakes  on  the  Floods,  and  in  a  yellow  Mist, 
-"  Far-smoaking  o'er  th'interminable  Plain, 

In  twinkling  Myriads  lights  the  dewy  Gems. 

Moist,  bright,  and  green,  the  Landskip  laughs  around. 

Full  swell  the  Woods;  their  every  Mustek  wakes, 

Mix'd  in  wild  Consort  with  the  warbling  Brooks 
2=5  Increas'd,  th'unnumber'd  Bleatings  of  the  Hills, 

The  hollow  Lows  responsive  from  the  Vales, 

Whence  blending  all  the  sweeten'd  Zephir  springs. 

Mean-time  refracted  from  yon  Eastern  Cloud, 

Bestriding  Earth,  the  grand  aetherial  Bow 
230  Shoots  up  immense!  and  every  Hue  unfolds, 

In  fair  Proportion,  running  from  the  Red, 

To  where  the  Violet  fades  into  the  Sky. 

Here,  mighty  Newton,  the  dissolving  Clouds 

Are,  as  they  scatter  round,  thy  numerous  Prism. 
235  Untwisting  to  the  Philosophic  Eye 

The  various  Twine  of  Light,  by  Thee  pursu'd 

Thro'all  the  mingling  Maze.     Not  so  the  Swain. 

He  wondering  views  the  bright  Enchantment  bend. 

Delightful,  o'er  the  radiant  Fields,  and  runs 
2.0  To  catch  the  falling  Glory,  but  arnaz'd 

B     237  Thro'  the  white  mingling  maze. 

C      215     illustrious]     effulgent,  224     Consort]     Conoerl 

225  th'unnumber'd]  the  distant         234  Are,  J  Form,       numerous] 

showery        236-7  pursu'd  Thro  J  disclos'd  Prom 
D     233    mighty  |    awful  234—35    Form,    fronting    on    the 

Sun.    tli;.    showery  Prism,  ||  And   to  the   sage-instructed  Eye 

unfold 
MS  215  Breaks  forth  effulgent   T 


SPRING  17 

Beholds  th'amusive  Arch  before  him  fly. 
Then  vanish  quite  away.     Still  Night  succeeds, 
A  soften'd  Shade;  and  saturated  Earth 
Awaits  the  Morning  Beam,  to  give  again, 
245  Transmuted  soon  by  Nature's  Chymistry, 
The  blooming  Blessings  of  the  former  Day. 

Then  spring  the  living  Herbs,  profusely  wild  b247  C222  D222 

O'er  all  the  deep-green  Earth,  beyond  the  Power 

Of  Botanist  to  number  up  their  Tribes; 
250  Whether  he  steals  along  the  lonely  Dale 

In  silent  Search;  or  thro'  the  Forest,  rank 

With  what  the  dull  Incurious  Weeds  account, 

Bursts  his  blind  Way;  or  climbs  the  Mountain-Rock, 

Fir'd  by  the  nodding  Verdure  of  its  Brow. 
255  With  such  a  liberal  Hand  has  Nature  flung 

Their  Seeds  abroad,  blown  them  about  in  Winds, 

Innumerous  mix'd  them  with  the  nursing  Mold, 

The  moistening  Current,  and  prolific  Rain. 

But  who  their  Virtues  can  declare  ?  who  pierce        B259  C234  D234 
,260  With  holy  Eye  into  these  secret  Stores 

Of  Life,  and  Health,  and  Joy?  The  Food  of  Man 

While  yet  he  liv'd  in  Innocence,  and  told 

A  Length  of  golden  Tears,  unflesh'd  in  Blood, 

A  Stranger  to  the  Savage  Arts  of  Life, 
265  Death,  Rapine,  Carnage,  Surfeit,  and  Disease, 

The  Lord,  and  not  the  Tyrant  of  the  World. 

Then  the  glad  Morning  wak'd  the  gladden'd  Race     B267  C242  D242 
Of  uncorrupted  Men,  nor  blush'd  to  see 


B     260  With  vision  pure 

C     244—46  ...  to  give  to  Light, 

Eais'd  thro'  then  thousand  different  Plastic  Tubes, 
The  balmy  Treasures  of  the  former  Day. 
261  Of  Health,  and  Life,  267  The  first  fresh  Dawn  then 

wak'd         268  Man, 
Palaestra  LXVI.  2 


18  SPRING 

The  Sluggard  sleep  beneath  her  sacred  Beam. 
,7o  For  their  light  Slumbers  gently  fum'd  away. 

And  up  they  rose  as  vigorous  as  the  Sun. 

Or  to  the  Culture  of  the  willing  Glebe, 

Or  to  the  chearful  Tendance  of  the  Flock. 

Mean-time  the  Song  went  round;  and  Dance,  and  Sport, 
275  Wisdom,  and  friendly  Talk  successive  stole 

Their  Hours  away.     While  in  the  rosy  Vale 

Love  breath'd  his  Infant  Sighs,  from  Anguish  free, 

Fragrant  with  Bliss,  and  only  wept  for  Joy. 

Nor  yet  injurious  Act,  nor  surly  Deed 
280  Was  known  among  these  happy  Sons  of  Heaven; 

For  Reason  and  Benevolence  were  Law. 

Harmonious  Nature  too  look'd  smiling  on. 

Clean  shone  the  Skies,  cool'd  with  eternal  Gales. 

And  balmy  Spirit  all.     The  youthful  Sun 
285  Shot  his  best  Rays;  and  still  the  gracious  Clouds 

Drop'd  Fatness  down ;  as  o'er  the  swelling  Mead 

The  Herds  and  Flocks  commixing  play'd  secure. 

Which  when,  emergent  from  the  gloomy  Wood, 

The  glaring  Lyon  saw,  his  horrid  Heart 
290  Was  meeken'd,  and  he  join'd  his  sullen  Joy. 

For  Musick  held  the  whole  in  perfect  Peace; 

Soft  sigh'd  the  Flute;  the  tender  Voice  was  heard 

Warbling  the  joyous  Heart;  the  Woodlands  round 

Apply'd  their  Quire;  and  Winds  and  Waters  flow'd 
295  In  Consonance.     Such  were  these  Prime  of  Days. 

B 

This  to  the  Poets  gave  the  golden  Age; 
When,  as  they  sung  in  Allegoric  Phraze, 


B     278  Fragrant]  Replete        297  Allegoric]  elevated 
C     269  her  I  its        278  And  full  replete  with  Bliss;  save  tin-  Bweel 
Pain,  ||  That,  inly  thrilling,  but  exalts  it  more.         888  Clear 
888  Which  |  This         293  joyous  1  vary'd         21*;")  thete]  those 
328  omitted 
MS  297  boldlv-fieor'd   Phrase,   T 


SPRING  19 

The  Sailor-Pine  had  not  the  Nations  yet 

In  Commerce  mix'd;  for  every  Country  teem'd 
3oo  With  every  Thing.     Spontaneous  Harvests  wav'cl 

Still  in  a  Sea  of  yellow  Plenty  round. 

The  Forest  was  the  Vineyard,  where  untaught 

To  climb,  unprun'd,  and  wild,  the  juicy  Grape 

Burst  into  Floods  of  Wine.     The  knotted  Oak 
305  Shook  from  his  Boughs  the  long  transparent  Streams 

Of  Honey,  creeping  thro'  the  matted  Grass. 

Th'uncultivated  Thorn  a  ruddy  Shower 

Of  Fruitage  shed,  on  such  as  sat  below, 

In  blooming  Ease,  and  from  brown  Labour  free, 
310  Save  what  the  copious  Gathering,  grateful,  gave. 

The  Rivers  foam'd  with  Nectar;  or  diffuse, 

Silent,  and  soft,  the  milky  Maze  devolv'd. 

Nor  had  the  spongy,  full-expanded  Fleece 

Yet  drunk  the  Tyrian  Die.     The  stately  Ram 
315  Shone  thro'  the  Mead,  in  native  Purple  clad, 

Or  milder  Saffron ;  and  the  dancing  Lamb 

The  vivid  Crimson  to  the  Sun  diclos'd. 

Nothing  had  Power  to  hurt;  the  savage  Soul, 

Yet  untransfus'd  into  the  Tyger's  Heart, 
320  Burn'd  not  his  Bowels,  nor  his  gamesome  Paw 

Drove  on  the  fleecy  Partners  of  his  Play : 

While  from  the  flowery  Brake  the  Serpent  roll'd 

His  fairer  Spires,  and  play'd  his  pointless  Tongue. 

But  now  what-e'er  those  gaudy  Fables  meant,  B324  c272  d2 

325  And  the  white  Minutes  that  they  shadow'd  out, 
Are  found  no  more  amid  these  Iron  Times, 
These  Dregs  of  Life !  in  which  the  Human  Mind 


B     324  these        325  which        326  those        327  Those 
C      324,  325  But  now  those  white  unblemish'd  Minutes,  whence  || 
The    fabling    Poets    took    their    golden    Age,  326    these 

327,  328  These  Dregs  of  Life!     Now  the  distemper'd  Mind  || 
Has  lost  that  Concord  of  harmonious  Powers, 
MS  311  diffuse,]  calm- spread,  T 

2* 


20  SPBLX'. 

Has  lost  that  Harmony  ineffable, 

Which  forms  the  Sonl  of  Happiness:  and  all 

3J°  Is  off  the  Poise  within:  the  Passions  all 

Have  burst  their  Bounds:  and  Reason  half  extinct. 
Or  impotent,  or  else  approving,  sees 
The  foul   Disorder.     Anger  storms  at  large, 
Without  an  equal  Cause;  and  fell  Revenge 

335  Supports  the  falling  Rage.     Close  Envy  bites 
With  venom'd  Tooth;  while  weak,  unmanly   Fear. 
Full  of  frail  Fancies,  loosens  every  Power. 
Even  Love  itself  is  Bitterness  of  Soul, 
A  pleasing  Anguish  pining  at  the  Heart. 

34°  Hope  sickens  with  Extravagance;  and  Grief, 
Of  Life  impatient,  into  Madness  swells, 
Or  in  dead  Silence  wastes  the  weeping  Hours. 
These,  and  a  thousand  new  Emotions  more, 
That  from  their  Mixture  spring,  distract  the  Mind 


B      343  new  ]  mixt 

344,  345  From  ever-changing  views  of  good  and  ill, 
Form'd  infinitely  various,  vex  the  mind 
With  endless  storm.     Whence,  inly-rankling,  grows 

C     333—339  thus  expanded: 

.  .  .  Disorder.     Senseless,  and  deform'd, 
Convulsive  Anger  storms  at  large;  or  pale, 
And  silent,  settles  into  fell  Revel 
Base  Envy  withers  at  another's  Joy, 
And  hates  whate'er  is  excellent  and  good. 
Desponding  Fear,  of  feeble  Fancies  lull. 
Weak,  and  unmanly,  loosens  every  Power. 
Even  Love  itself  is  Bitterness  of  Soul, 
A  pensive  Anguish  pining  at   tlie  Eeart: 
Or,  sunk  to  sordid  Interest,  feels  no  more 
That    restless    Wish,   that    Infinite    l>esilr. 

Which,  selfish  Joy  disdaining,  seek,  alone, 
To  bless  the  dearer  Ohjeot    of  it's    Flame. 
D     [28f>]  And  hates  that  Excellence  it  cannol  reach.        [291]  That 
noble  Wish,  thai  never  cloy'cl  Desire,        [292]  seeks. 


SPRIXG  21 

With  endless  Tumult.     Whence  resulting  rise 

The  selfish  Thought,  a  listless  Inconcern, 

Cold,  and  averting  from  our  Neighbour's  Good ; 

Then  dark  Disgust,  and  Malice,  winding  Wiles, 

Sneaking  Deceit,  and  Coward  Villany : 

At  last  unruly  Hatred,  lewd  Reproach, 

Convulsive  Wrath,  and  thougthless  Fury,  quick 

To  every  evil  Deed.     Even  Nature's  self 

Is  deem'd,  vindictive,  to  have  chang'd  her  Course. 

Hence  in  old  Time,  they  say,  a  Deluge  came;  b355  c3o9  d3o9 

When  the  dry-crumbling  Orb  of  Earth,  which  arch'd 
Th'imprison'd  Deep  around,  impetuous  rush'd, 
With  Ruin  inconceivable,  at  once 
Into  the  Gulpb,  and  o'er  the  highest  Hills 
Wide-dash'd  the  Waves,  in  Undulation  vast: 


B     350    unruly  ]    deep-roted  358    To    deeds    of    vilest    aim. 

355  dry-crumbling]  disparting         which]  that 
C      346  selfish  ]  partial  .  .  .   Unconcern,  348  Malice,  ]    Hatred, 

349—358: 

Coward  Deceit,  and  ruffian  Violence. 

At  last,  extinct  each  social  Feeling,  fell  (305] 

And  joyless  Inhumanity  pervades, 

And  petrifies  the  Heart.     Nature  disturb'd 

Is  deem'd,  vindictive,  to  have  chang'd  her  Course. 

Hence,  in  old  dusky  Time,  a  Deluge  came: 
When  the  deep-cleft  disparting  Orb,  that  arch'd  [310] 

The  central  Waters  round,  impetuous  rush'd, 
With  universal  Burst,  into  the  Gulph, 
And  o'er  the  high-pil*d  Hills  of  fractur'd  Earth 
D     345  deeply  rankling, 

MS  [306]  sq.  T  had  first  written  for  [306]  joyless]  loveless  (?) 
pervades]  corrodes  [307]  petrifies  ]  gangrenes  [310]  deep- 
cleft]  deep-chapt,  deep-parch'd  and  for  line  [311]:  The 
rarefy'd  Abyss  whose  searching  Streams  ||  Expansive  sought 
a  Vent,    impetuous  rush'd,    for    [312]    Burst  ]    Lapse,  [313] 

high-pil'd]  new-form'd 


22  SPRING 

360  Till  from  the  Centre  to  the  streaming  Clouds 
A  shoreless  Ocean  tumbled  round  the  Globe. 

The  Seasons  since,  as  hoar  Tradition  tells.  W 

D3t7 

Have  kept  their  constant  Chare;  the  Winter  keen 

Pour'd  out  his  Waste  of  Snows,  and  Summer  shot 
36s  His  pestilential  Heats :  great  Spring  before 

Green'd  all  the  Tear;  and  Fruits  and  Blossoms  blush'd 

In  social  Sweetness  on  the  self-same  Bough. 

Clear  was  the  temperate  Air;  an  even  Calm 

Perpetual  reign'd,  save  what  the  Zephirs  bland 
370  Breath'd  o'er  the  blue  Expanse;  for  then  no  Storms 

Were  taught  to  blow,  nor  Hurricanes  to  rage ; 

Sound  slept  the  Waters:  no  sulphureous  Glooms 

Swell'd  in  the  Sky,  and  sent  the  Lightning  forth: 

While  sickly  Damps,  and  cold  Autumnal  Fogs, 
375  Sat  not  pernicious  on  the  Springs  of  Life. 

But  now  from  clear  to  cloudy,  moist  to  dry, 

And  hot  to  cold,  in  restless  Change  revolvM. 

Our  drooping  Days  are  dwindled  down  to  nought. 

The  fleeting  Shadow  of  a  Winter's  Sun. 

380  And  yet  the  wholesome  Herb  neglected  dies  B^  c6^6 

In  lone  Obscurity,  unpriz'd  for  Food, 
Altho'  the  pure,  exhilerating  Soul 


C     364  Pour'd  out  ]  Shook  forth        368  Clear  ]  Pure 
375—379  thus  expanded: 

Oppressive,  sat  not  on  the  Springs  of  Ufa  l33°] 

But  now,  of  turbid  Elements  the  Sport. 
From  Clear  to  Cloudy  tost,  from  Hot  to  Cold, 
And  Dry  to  Moist,  with  inward-eating  Ch) 
Our  drooping  Days  are  dwindled  down  to  Nought, 
Their  Period  finish'd  ere  'tis  well  began.  I335] 

380  di.-s;        381  omitted        383  Tho1  with  the  pure 
D     362,  363  The  Seasons  sinoe  have,  with  severer  Sway,      Oppree 

a  broken   World:        375  Hung  not.  relaxing,  on 
MS  [883]  And   tfoisl  to  Dry.  T 


SPRING  23 

Of  Nutriment,  and  Health,  salubrious  breathes, 
By  Heaven  infus'd,  along  it's  secret  Tubes. 

385  For,  with  hot  Ravine  fir'd,  ensanguin'd  Man 
Is  now  become  the  Lyon  of  the  Plain, 
And  worse.     The  Wolf,  who  from  the  nightly  Fold 
Fierce- drags  the  bleating  Prey,  ne'er  drunk  her  Milk, 
Nor  wore  her  warming  Fleece:  nor  has  the  Steer, 

390  At  whose  strong  Chest  the  deadly  Tyger  hangs, 
E'er  plowd  for  him.     They  too  are  temper'd  high, 
With  Hunger  stung,  and  wild  Necessity, 
Nor  lodges  Pity  in  their  shaggy  Breasts. 
But  Man,  whom  Nature  form'd  of  milder  Clay, 

395  With  every  kind  Emotion  in  his  Heart, 

And  taught  alone  to  weep;  while  from  her  Lap 

She  pours  ten  thousand  Delicacies,  Herbs, 

And  Fruits  as  numerous  as  the  Drops  of  Rain, 

And  Beams  which  gave  them  Birth :  shall  He,  fair  Form ! 

400  Who  wears  sweet  Smiles,  and  looks  erect  on  Heaven, 
E'er  stoop  to  mingle  with  the  prowling  Herd, 
And  dip  his  Tongue  in  Blood?  The  Beast  of  Prey, 
'Tis  true,  deserves  the  Fate  in  wich  He  deals; 
Him  from  the  Thicket  let  the  hardy  Youth 

4°5  Provoke,  and  foaming  thro'  th'awakened  Woods 
With  every  Nerve  pursue.     But  You,  ye  Flocks, 
What  have  ye  done?  ye  peaceful  People,  what, 
To  merit  Death?  You,  who  have  given  us  Milk 
In  luscious  Streams,  and  lent  us  your  own  Coat 

410  Against  the  Winter's  Cold;  whose  Usefulness 

B     399  which]  that 

C  383,  384  salubrious,  blest,  ||  And  deeply  stor'd  with  wondrous 
vital  Powers.  393  Breast.         399  And  j  Or         402  Blood?] 

Gore?  403—406  thus  contracted:  Blood-stain 'd;  deserves  to 
bleed :  but  you,  ye  Flocks,  407  you  done ;  410,  411  Winter's 
Cold  ?  And  the  plain  Ox,  (one  line  omitted) 

D  383,  384  Health,  and  vital  Powers,  ||  Beyond  the  Search  of  Art, 
'tis  copious  blest. 


2  1  SPRING 

In  living  only  lies.     And  the  plain  Ox, 
That  harmless,  honest,  guileless  Animal, 
In  what  has  He  offended?     He,  whose  Toil, 
Patient,  and  ever-ready,  cloaths  the  Fields 

415  With  all  the  Pomp  of  Harvest;  shall  He  bleed 
And  wrestling  groan  beneath  the  cruel  Hands 
Even  of  the  Clowns  he  feeds?  And  that  per 
To  swell  the  Riot  of  the  gathering  Feast. 
Won  by  his  Labour.     Thus  the  feeling  Heart 

430  Would  tenderly  suggest.     But  'tis  enough. 
In  this  late  Age,  adventurous  to  have  touch'd 
Light  on  the  Numbers  of  the  Samian  Sage. 
High  Heaven  beside  forbids  the  daring  Strain, 
Whose  wisest  Will  has  fix'd  us  in  a  State, 

425  Which  must  not  yet  to  pure  Perfection  rise. 


B     414  Fields]  land        425  Which]  That 

C     416  wrestling]   struggling  418  th'auturnnal  Feast.  42M 

Heaven  too    forbids  the  bold  presumptuous   Strain,         Before 
I.  426  the  following  88  lines  are  inserted: 

Now  when  the  first  foul  Torrent  of  the  Brooks.  [377]  D379 

Swell'd  by  the  vernal  Rains,  is  ebb'd  away; 

And,  whitening,  down  their  mossy  tinctur'd  Stream 

Descends  the  billowy  Foam:  now  is  the  Time,  [380] 

While  yet  the  dark-brown  Water  aids  the  Guile. 

To  tempt  the  Trout.     The  well-dissembled  Fly, 

The  Rod  fine-tapering  with  elastic  Spring, 

Snatch'd  from  the  hoary  Steed  the  floating  Line, 

And  all  thy  slender  watry  Stores  prt-|  1 385 

But  let  not  on  thy  Hook  the  tortur*d  Worm, 

Convulsive,  twist  in  agonizing  Folds, 

Which  by  rapacious  Hunger  Bwallow'd  deep 

Gives,  as  3-011  tear  it  from  the  bleeding  Breast 

Of  the  weak,  helpless,  uncomplaining  Wretch,  (39° 

Harsh   Pain  and  Horror  to  the  tender  Hand. 
D     119  Thus  I  This        \->:\  Sigh  Beaven  forbids  etc.    After  I.  125 
tin,  lines  are  added'.  Besides,  who  knows,  how  rais'd  bo  higher 
Life,      From  Stage  to  Stage,  the  Vital  Scale  ascends  J         878] 
by  I  with 


SPRING  25 


C     (Sequel) 

When,  with  his  lively  Ray,  the  potent  Sun  D394 

Has  pierc'd  the  Streams,  and  rous'd  the  finny  Race, 
Then,  issuing  chearful,  to  thy  Sport  repair; 

Chief  should  the  Western  Breezes  curling  play,  [395] 

And  light  o'er  Ether  bear  the  shadowy  Clouds. 
High  to  their  Fount,  this  Day,  amid  the  Hills, 
And  Woodlands  warbling  round,  trace  up  the  Brooks; 
The  Next,  pursue  their  rocky-channel'd  Maze, 
Down  to  the  River,  in  whose  ample  Wave  [400] 

Their  little  Naiads  love  to  sport  at  large. 
Just  in  the  dubious  Point,  where  with  the  Pool 
Is  mix'd  the  trembling  Stream,  or  where  it  boils 
Around  the  Stone,  or  from  the  hollow'd  Bank, 
Reverted,  plays  in  undulating  Flow,  [405 1 

There  throw,  nice-judging,  the  delusive  Ply; 
And,  as  you  lead  it  round  in  artful  Curve, 
With  Eye  attentive  mark  the  springing  Game. 
Strait  as  above  the  Surface  of  the  Flood 

Tbey  wanton  rise,  or  urg'd  by  Hunger  leap,  [4ioj 

Then  fix,  with  gentle  Twitch,  the  barbed  Hook; 
Some  lightly  tossing  to  the  grassy  Bank, 
And  to  the  shelving  Shore  slow- dragging  some, 
With  various  Hand  proportion'd  to  their  Force. 
If  yet  too  young,  and  easily  deceiv'd,  [415] 

A  worthless  Prey  scarce  bends  your  pliant  Rod, 
Him,  piteous  of  his  Youth,  and  the  short  Space 
He  has  enjoy 'd  the  vital  Light  of  Heaven, 
Soft  disengage,  and  back  into  the  Stream 

The  speckled  Captive  throw.     But  should  you  lure  [420] 

From  his  dark  Haunt,  beneath  the  tangled  Roots, 
Of  pendant  Trees,  the  Monarch  of  the  Brook, 
Behoves  thee  then  to  ply  thy  finest  Art. 
Long  time  he,  following  cautious,  scans  the  Fly ; 
And  oft  attempts  to  seize  it,  but  as  oft  [425] 

The  dimpled  Water  speaks  his  jealous  Fear. 
At  last,  while  haply  o'er  the  shaded  Sun 
Passes  a  Cloud,  he  desperate  takes  the  Death, 
With  sullen  Plunge.     At  once,  he  darts  along, 
Deep-struck,  and  runs  out  all  the  lengthen'd  Line;  [43°J 

D     [420]  Captive]  Infant         [423]  thee]  you       thy]  your 


26  SPBINQ 

But  yonder  breathing  Prospect  bids  tbe  Muse  B427  cv 

Throw  all  ber  Beauty  fortb,  tbat  Daubing  all 
Will  be  to  what  I  gaze;  for  who  can  paint 


(Sequel) 

Then  seeks  the  farthest  Ooze,  the  sheltering  Weed. 

The  cavern'd  Bank,  his  old  secure  Abode; 

And  flies  aloft,  and  flounces  round  the  Pool. 

Indignant  of  the  Guile.     With  yielding  Hand, 

That  feels  him  still,  yet  to  his  furious  Course  [435] 

Gives  way,  you,  now  retiring,  following  now 

Across  the  Stream,  exhaust  his  idle  Page; 

Till  floating  broad  upon  his  breathless  Side, 

And  to  his  Fate  abandon'd.  to  the  Shore 

You  gayly  drag  your  unresisting  Prize.  [440] 

Thus  pass  the  temperate  Hours:  but  when  the  Sun  lu-t; 

Shakes  from  his  Noon-day  Throne  the  scattering  Clouds. 

Even  shooting  listless  Languor  thro'  the  Deeps; 

Then  seek  the  Bank  where  flowering  Elders  croud, 

Where  scatter'd  wild  the  Lilly  of  the  Vale  [445] 

It's  balmy  Essence  breathes,  where  Cowslips  hang 

The  dewy  Head,  where  purple  Violets  lurk, 

With  all  the  lowly  Children  of  the  Shade: 

Or  lie  reclin'd  beneath  yon  spreading  Ash, 

Hung  o'er  the  Steep;  whence,  borne  on  liquid  Wing,  [450] 

The  sounding  Culver  shoots;  or  where  the  Hawk. 

High,  in  the  beetling  Cliff,  his  Airy  builds. 

There  let  the  Classic  Page  thy  Fancy  lead 

Thro'  rural  Scenes;  such  as  tbe  Mantnan  Swain 

Paints  in  immortal  Verse  and  matchless  Song:  [455] 

Or  catch  thyself  the  Landskip  gliding  swift 

Athwart  Imagination's  vivid  Eye: 

Or  by  the  vocal  Woods  and  Waters  lull'd. 

And  lost  in  lonely  Musing,  in  a  Dream. 

Confus'd,  of  careless  Solitude,  when-  mix  [460] 

Ten  thousand  wandering  Images  of  Ti 

Sim, the  every  Gust  of  Passion  into  Peace, 

All  but  the  Swellings  of  the  soften'd  Heart, 

That    waken,  not  disturb  the  tranquil  Mind. 
426  But  yonder]  Behold  yon  427,  428   Beautj    forth.     But 

who  can  paint  1  one  line  omitted 
[455    Paints  in  the  matchless  Harmony   1 


SPRING  27 

Like  Nature?  Can  Imagination  boast 
430  Amid  his  gay  Creation  Hues  like  Her's? 

And  can  He  mix  them  with  that  matchless  Skill, 

And  lay  them  on  so  delicately  sweet, 

And  lose  them  in  each  other,  as  appears 

In  every  Bud  that  blows?  If  Fancy  then 
435  Unequal  fails  beneath  the  lovely  Task ; 

Ah  what  shall  Language  do?     Ah  where  find  Words 

Ting'd  with  so  many  Colours?     And  whose  Power 

To  Life  approaching,  may  perfume  my  Lays 

With  that  fine  Oil,  these  aromatic  Gales, 
440  Which  inexhaustive  flow  continual  round? 

Yet,  tho'  successless,  will  the  Toil  delight.  B442C478D486 

Come  then  ye  Virgins,  and  ye  Youths,  whose  Hearts 
Have  felt  the  Raptures  of  refining  Love, 
Oh  come,  and  while  the  rosy-footed  May 
445  Steals  blushing  on,  together  let  us  walk 

The  Morning  Dews,  and  gather  in  their  Prime 
Fresh-blooming  Flowers,  to  deck  the  flowing  Hair, 
And  for  a  Breast  which  can  improve  their  Sweets. 

See,  where  the  winding  Vale  her  lavish  Stores,         B450  C492  D494 
450  Irriguous,  spreads.     See,  how  the  Lilly  drinks 

B     432  sweet,  ]  fine,         447  flowing  ]  braided         448  And  the  white 

bosom  that  improves  their  sweets. 
C     430  his]  it's  431  Or  can  it  432   omitted         435   lovely] 

pleasing         439  these  ]  those  440  Which  ]  That         Between 

1.  443  and  I.  444  six  lines  are  inserted: 

And  thou,  Amanda,  come,  Pride  of  my  Song ! 
Form'd  by  the  Graces,  Loveliness  itself! 
Come  with  those  downcast  Eyes,  sedate  and  sweet, 
Those  Looks  demure,  that  deeply  pierce  the  Soul; 
Where  with  the  Light  of  thoughtful  Reason,  mix'd. 
Shines  lively  Fancy  and  the  feeling  Heart : 
445  walk]  tread         447  to  grace  thy  braided  Hair,         448  And 
thy  lov'd  Bosom 
D     449  her]  its 
MS  448  (see  BJ  white  j  (fair)  full  T 


28  8PBINQ 

The  latent  Rill,  scarce  oozing  thro'  the  G 

Of  Growth  luxuriant,  or  the  humid   Bank 

Profusely  climbs.     Turgent,  in  every   Pore 

The  Gummy  Moisture  shines,  new  Lustre  lends. 
4ss  And  feeds  the  Spirit  that  diffusive  round 

Refreshes  all  the  Dale.     Long  let  us  walk, 

Where  the  Breeze  blows  from  yon  extended  Field 

Of  blossom'd  Beans:  Arabia  cannot  boa 

A  fuller  Gale  of  Joy  than,  liberal,  thence 
460  Breathes  thro'  the  Sense,  and  takes  the  ravish'd  Soul. 

Nor  is  the  Meadow  worthless  of  our  Foot, 

Full  of  fresh  Verdure,  and  unnumber'd  Flowers, 

The  Negligence  of  Nature,  wide,  and  wild. 

Where,  undisguis'd  by  mimic  Art,  she  shows 
465  Unbounded  Beauty  to  the  boundless  E)  e. 

'Tis  here  that  their  delicious  Task  the  Bees, 

In  swarming  Millions,  tend.     Around,  athwart, 

This  Way  and  that,  the  busy  Nations  fly. 

Cling  to  the  Bud,  and  with  inserted  Tube, 
470  It's  Soul,  it's  Sweetness,  and  it's  Manna  suck. 

the  little  Chymist  thus,  all-moving  Heaven 

Has  taught.     And  oft,  of  bolder  Wing,  he  dares 

The  Purple  Heath,  or  where  the  Wild-Thyme  grows. 

And  yellow  loads  him  with  the  luscious  Spoil. 

475  At  length  the  finish'd  Garden  to  the  View  iu-  c 

It's  Vistas  opens,  and  it's  Alleys  green. 

B      464  shows  I  spreads 

C     453  In  lair  Profusion,  decks.    Long  let  us  walk.  etc.  a*  after  I,  I 

(three  lines  omitted)  461  Nor  is  the  Mead  unworthy  of  tin 

Foot,         465  boundless]    roving         466    Here   their    delicious 
the    fervenl    Bees,         4(')H   Thro'   the  soft    Air.    flu-    busy 

±70— £72  thus  contracted :  Suck  it's  pure  Essence,  it's  etherial  SouL 

And  "Ft,  with  bolder  Wing,  they  soaring  dare       474  load  them 

MS  470  (see  Cj  pure]  (sweet,  soft)    /'  172    >  <    C     1    lust    wrote: 

Ami  oft,  of  more  excursive  Win--  be  dares,  then:  And  oft,  of 

bolder  Wing  be  soaring  dares 


SPRING  29 

Snatch'd  thro'  the  verdant  Maze,  the  hurried  Eye 
Distracted  wanders;  now  the  bowery  Walk 
Of  Covert  close,  where  scarce  a  Speck  of  Day 

4so  Falls  on  the  lengthen'd  Gloom,  protracted  darts; 
Now  meets  the  bending  Sky,  the  River  now 
Dimpling  along,  the  breezy-ruffled  Lake, 
The  Forest  running  round,  the  rising  Spire, 
Th'setherial  Mountain,  and  the  distant  Main. 

485  But  why  so  far  excursive?     When  at  Hand, 
Along  the  blushing  Borders,  dewy-bright, 
And  in  yon  mingled  Wilderness  of  Flowers, 
Fair-handed  Spring  unbosoms  every  Grace; 
Throws  out  the  Snow-Drop,  and  the  Crocus  firsl, 

49°  The  Daisy,  Primrose,  Violet  darkly  blue, 
Soft-bending  Cowslips,  and  of  nameless  Dies 
Anemonies,  Auriculas,  a  Tribe 
Peculiar  powder'd  with  a  shining  Sand, 
Renunculas,  and  Iris  many-hued. 

495  Then  comes  the  Tulip-Race,  where  Beauty  plays 
Her  gayest  Freaks;  from  Family  diffus'd 


B      491  Dew-bending 

C  480  darts ;]  sweeps ;  4S3  running]  darkening  rising ]  glittering 
486  bright  with  Dew,         491—494  thus  expanded: 

And  Polyanthus  of  unnumber'd  Dyes;  [53°] 

The  yellow  Wall-Flower,  staiud  with  iron  Brown ; 
And  lavish  Stock  that  scents  the  Garden  round. 
From  the  soft  Wing  of  vernal  Breezes  shed, 
Anemonies;  Auriculas,  enrich'd 

With  shining  Meal  o'er  all  their  velvet  Leaves;  1 533] 

And  full  Renunculas,  of  glowing  Red. 
496  gayest]  idle 
D     486  the  ]  these 

MS  482  (Zephir-ruffled,  Breeze-discolour'd)  T  486,  487  (Borders 
in  that  Wild  ||  Or  those  well- mingled  Beds  of  choicer 
Flowers)  T  [531]  stain'd  ]  mark'd  T  [532,  533]  And  lovely  - 
tinctur'd  Stock  (that  chears,  breathes  the  Spring)  of  mild  Per- 
fume ||  By  the  soft  Breath  of  vernal  Breezes  blown.  T 
496  gayest]  wildest  T 


30  SPRING 

To  Family,  as  flies  the  Father-Dust. 

The  varied  Colours  run;  and  while  they  break 

On  the  charm'd  Florist's  Eye,  he  wondering  stands. 

500  And  new-flush'd  Glories  all  ecstatic  marks. 
X.»r  Hyacinths  are  wanting,  nor  Jonquils 
Of  potent  Fragrance,  nor  Narcissus  white, 
Nor  deep  Carnations,  nor  enamel'd  Pinks, 
And  showr'd  from  every  Bush  the  Damask-Rose. 

505  Infinite  Numbers,  Delicacies,  Smells, 

With  Hues  on  Hues  Expression  cannot  paint, 
The  Breath  of  Nature,  and  her  endless  Bloom. 

Hail,  Mighty  Being !     Universal  Soul  B509  Cs 

Of  Heaven  and  Earth!     Essential  Presence,  hail! 
510  To  Thee  I  bend  the  Knee,  to  Thee  my  Thoughts 
Continual  climb,  who,  with  a  Master-Hand 
Hast  the  great  Whole  into  Perfection  touch'd. 
By  Thee  the  various  vegetative  Tribes, 
Wrapt  in  a  filmy  Net,  and  clad  with  Leaves, 


B      499  wondering  ]  curious         503  deep  J  strip'd        504  And  ]  Nor 
C      499  —  503  thus  expanded : 

On  the  charm'd  Eye.  th'exulting  Florist   marks. 

With  secret  Pride,  the  Wonders  of  his  Hand. 

No  gradual  Bloom  is  wanting;  from  the  Bud, 

First-born  of  Spring,  to  Summer's  musky  Tribes: 

Nor  Hyacinths,  deep-purpled;  nor  Jonquils,  fs45] 

Of  potent  Fragrance;  nor  Narcissus  fair, 

As  <>'er  the  fabled  Fountain  hanging  still; 

Nor  broad  Carnations;  nor  gay-spotted  Pinks; 
508  Hail,  Source  of  Beings! 

D     [545]  Nor  Hyacinths,  of  purest  virgin   White, 

Low  bent,  and  blushing  inward;  nor  Jonquils. 

MS  499,  600  Florist's  Eye,  with  secret  Pride   l|  He  mark- 

Creation  of  his  Hand  etc.  as  in  C  T  [544]  The  first  Spring 
blows  to  Summer's  T  [545]  deep-purpled  |  Bweet-breathing  T 
503  Btrip'd      lull,  pounc'd,  rich    bright    / 


SPRING  31 

515  Draw  the  live  iEther,  and  imbibe  the  Dew. 

By  Thee  dispos'd  into  cogenial  Soils 

Stands  each  attractive  Plant,  and  sucks,  and  swells 

The  juicy  Tide,  and  twining  Mass  of  Tubes. 

At  Thy  command,  the  vernal  Sun  awakes 
520  The  torpid  Sap,  detruded  to  the  Root 

By  Wintry  Winds,  that  now.  in  fluent  Dance 

And  lively  Fermentation,  mounting,  spreads 

All  this  innumerous-colour'd  Scene  of  things. 

Ascending  from  the  vegetable  World  B525  c569  d572 

525  To  higher  Life,  with  equal  Wing  ascend, 

My  panting  Muse;  and  hark,  how  loud  the  Woods 

Invite  you  forth  in  all  your  gayest  Trim. 

Lend  me  your  Song,  ye  Nightingales !  oh  pour 

The  mazy-running  Soul  of  Melody 
530  Into  my  varied  Verse !  while  I  deduce, 

From  the  first  Note  the  hollow  Cuckoo  sings, 

The  Symphony  of  Spring,  and  touch  a  Theme 

Unknown  to  Fame,  the  Passion  of  the  Groves. 

Just  as  the  Spirit  of  Love  is  sent  abroad,  B535  C579  d5s2 

535  Warm  thro'  the  vital  Air.  and  on  their  Hearts 

Harmonious  seizes,  the  gay  Troops  begin 
'    In  gallant  Thought  to  plume  their  painted  Wings; 

And  try  again  the  long-forgotten  Strain, 

At  first  faint-warbled.     But  no  sooner  grows 
540  The  soft  Infusion  prevalent,  and  wide, 

Than  all  alive  at  once  their  Joy  o'erflows 

In  Music  unconfin'cl.     Up-springs  the  Lark, 

Shrill-voic'd,  and  loud,  the  Messenger  of  Morn; 

Ere  yet  the  Shadows  fly,  He  mounted  sings 


B     537  the  painted  wing; 

C     516  congenial         524,  525  As  rising  from  the  vegetable  World 

||  My  Theme  ascends,  with  equal  etc.  534  When  first  the 

Soul  of  Love  etc.  535  the  Heart 


32  SPRING 

545  Amid  the  dawning  Clouds,  and  from  their  Haunts 

Calls  up  the  tuneful  Nations.     Every  Copse 

Thick-wove,  and  Tree  irregular,  and  Bush. 

Bending  with  dewy  Moisture  o'er  the  Heads 

Of  the  coy  Quiristers  that  lodge  within, 
550  Are  prodigal  of  Harmony.     The  Thrush 

And  Wood-Lark,  o'er  the  kind-contending  Throng 

Superior  heard,  run  thro'  the  sweetest  Length 

Of  Notes,  when  listening  Philomela  deigns 

To  let  them  joy,  and  purposes,  in  Thought 
555  Elate,  to  make  her  Night  excel  their  Day. 

The  Black-bird  whistles  from  the  thorny  Brake; 

The  mellow  Bull-finch  answers  from  the  Grove: 

Nor  are  the  Linnets,  o'er  the  flowering  Furze, 

Pour'd  out  profusely,  silent.     JoinVJ  to  These. 
560  Thousands  beside,  thick  as  the  covering  Leaves 

They  warble  under,  or  the  nitid  Hues 

Which  speck  them  o'er,  their  Modulations  mix 

Mellifluous.     The  Jay,  the  Rook,  the  Daw, 

And  all  these  jangling  Pipes,  when  heard  alone. 
565  Here  aid  the  Consort:  while  the  Wood-Dove  breathes 

A  melancholy  Murmur  thro*  the  whole. 

"Tis  Love  creates  their  Gaietv,  and  all  B568  c' 

1  '  D6n 

This  Waste  of  Miisic  is  the  Voice  of  Love; 
Which  even  to  Birds,  and  Beasts,  the  tender  Arts 
5-0  Of  Pleasing  teaches.     Hence  the  glossy   Kind 
Try  every  winning  Way  inventive  Love 


562  Which  ]  That        564  And  each  harsh  pipe,  discordant  heard 
alone,        565  Stock-dove 

560—562  thus  contracted:  Innumerous  Songsters,  in  the  freshen- 
ing  Shade    ]|    Of  new-sprung    Leaves,  their   Modulations   mi x 
f.r,:,  Aid  tht*  full  Concert:       567 Gaiety,]  Melody,       669 "Which 
That 
5 17  Deep  tang  led,  Tree  Irregular, 


SPRING  33 

Can  dictate,  and  in  fluttering  Courtship  pour 

Their  little  Souls  before  Her.     Wide  around, 

Respectful,  first  in  airy  Rings  they  rove, 
575  Endeavouring  by  a  thousand  Tricks  to  catch 

The  cunning,  conscious,  half-averted  Glance 

Of  their  regardless  Charmer.     Should  she  seem 

Softening  the  least  Appro  vance  to  bestow, 

Their  Colours  burnish,  and  by  Hope  inspir'd 
580  They  brisk  advance ;  then  on  a  sudden  struck 

Retire  disorder'd;  then  again  approach, 

And  throwing  out  the  last  Efforts  of  Love, 

In  fond  Rotation  spread  the  spotted  Wing, 

And  shiver  eyery  Feather  with  Desire. 

585  Connubial  Leagues  agreed,  to  the  deep  Woods  B586  C628  D631 

They  haste  away,  each  as  their  Fancy  leads, 

Pleasure  or  Food,  or  latent  Safety  prompts; 

That  Nature's  great  Command  may  be  obey'd, 

Nor  all  these  sweet  Sensations  they  perceive 
59^  Indulg'd  in  vain.     Some  to  the  Holly-Hedge 

Nestling  repair,  and  to  the  Thicket  some; 

Some  to  the  rude  Protection  of  the  Thorn 

Resolve  to  trust  their  Young.     The  clefted  Tree 

Offers  it's  kind  Concealment  to  a  Few, 
595  Their  Food  it's  Insects,  and  it's  Moss  their  Nests. 

Others  apart  far  in  the  grassy  Dale 

Their  humble  Texture  weave.     But  most  delight 


B     587  latent]  secret        589  these]  the 

C      572—574:   Can  dictate,  and  in  Courtship  to  their  Mates 
Pour  forth  their  little  Souls.     First,  wide  around, 
With  distand  Awe,  in  airy  Kings  etc. 
582  omitted        586  each  J  all         593  Commit  their  feeble  Off- 
spring.     The  cleft  Tree  597    thus   amplified:    Dale,    ||    Or 
roughening  Waste,   their  humble  Texture  weave.    ||    But  most 
in  woodland  Solitudes  delight, 

MS  (Variations  ftjom   C)  572  Mates  ]   Fair   T  573  Pour  out   T 

574  Aw'd  bylRespect,  in  etc.  T 

Palaestra  LXVI.       \  3 


34  SPRING 

In  unfrequented  Glooms,  or  shaggy  Banks. 
Steep,  and  divided  by  a  babbling  Brook. 

600  Whose  Murmurs  sooth  them  all  the  livelong  Day. 
When  for  a  Season  fix'd.     Among  the  Roots 
Of  Hazel,  pendant  o'er  the  plaintive  Stream, 
They  frame  the  first  Foundation  of  their  Domes. 
Dry  Sprigs  of  Trees,  in  artful  Manner  laid, 

605  And  bound  with  Clay  together.     Now  'tis  nought 
But  Hurry  Hurry  thro'  the  busy  Air, 
Beat  by  unnumber'd  Wings.     The  Swallow  sweeps 
The  slimy  Pool,  to  build  his  hanging  House 
Ingeniously  intent.     Oft  from  the  Back 

610  Of  Herds  and  Flocks  a  thousand  tugging  Bills 
Pluck  Hair,  and  Wool,  and  oft  when  unobserv'd 
Steal  from  the  Barn  the  Straw;  till  soft,  and  warm, 
Clean,  and  compleat,  their  Habitation  grows. 

Mean-time  the  patient  Dam  assiduous  sits. 

615  Not  to  be  tempted  from  her  tender  Task, 
Or  by  sharp  Hunger,  or  by  smooth  Delight. 
Tho'  the  whole  loosen'd  Spring  around  her  blows, 
Her  sympathizing  Lover  takes  his  Stand 
High  on  th'opponent  Bank,  and  ceaseless  sings 

620  The  tedious  Time  away ;  or  else  supplies 
Her  Place  a  Moment,  while  she  sudden  flits 
To  pick  the  scanty  Meal.     Th  appointed  Time 
With  pious  Toil  fulfill'd,  the  callow  Young 
Warm'd,  and  expanded  into  perfect  Life, 

6»5  Their  brittle  Bondage  break,  and  come  to  Light, 
A.  helpless  Family,  demanding  Food 


B     614  As  thus 

C      604  Manner]  Fabrick        606  But  restless  Hurry        609   Latent 

And  often,  from  the  careless    Hack         til'2  a   Straw: 
D     601  When  by  kind   Duty   fix'd. 
MS  (101  And   (ease)   lull   their  Labours,  (cancelled)    When    iix'd    by 

l)ut\ ,  dark,  among  the  Roots   /' 


SPRING  35 

With  constant  Clamour.     Oh  what  Passions  then, 

What  melting  Sentiments  of  kindly  Care 

Seize  the  new  Parents'  Hearts !     Away  they  fly 
630  Affectionate,  and  undesiring  bear 

The  most  delicious  Morsel  to  their  Young, 

Which  equally  distributed,  again 

The  Search  begins.     So  pitiful,  and  poor, 

A  gentle  Pair  on  Providential  Heaven 
635  Cast,  as  they  weeping  eye  their  clamant  Train, 

Check  their  own  Appetites,  and  give  them  all. 

Nor  is  the  Courage  of  the  fearful  Kind,  B63*  For  c  and 

D  see  footnote 

Nor  is  their  Cunning  less,  should  some  rude  Foot 

Their  Woody  Haunts  molest;  stealthy  aside 
640  Into  the  Centre  of  a  neighbring  Bush 

They  drop,  and  whirring  thence  alarm'd,  deceive 

The  rambling  School-Boy.     Hence  around  the  Head 

Of  Traveller,  the  white-wing'd  Plover  wheels 

Her  sounding  Flight,  and  then  directly  on 
645  In  long  Excursion  skims  the  level  Lawn, 


C     629  On  the  new  Parents  seize! 

633  — begins.     Even  so  a  gentle  Pair, 
By  Fortune  sunk,  but  form'd  of  generous  Mold, 
And  pierc'd  with  Cares  beyond  the  vulgar  Breast, 
In  some  lone  Cott  amid  the  distant  Woods,  [680] 

Sustain'd  alone  by  providential  Heaven, 
Oft,  as  they  etc.  as  I.  635, 
637  Nor  Pain  alone  they  scorn:  exalting  Love  D687 

By  the  great  Father  of  the  Spring  inspir'd,  [685] 

Gives  instant  Courage  to  the  fearful  Race, 
And  to  the  simple  Art.     With  stealthy  Wing, 
Should  some  rude  Foot  their  woody  Haunts  molest. 
Amid  a  neighbouring  Bush  they  silent  drop, 
And  whirring  thence,  as  if  alarm'd,  deceive 
Th'unfeeling  School-Boy.  etc.  as  I.  642 
643  Traveller,  ]  wrandering  Swain, 
D     [679]  pierc'd  ]  charm'd  ]         [684]  Pain  ]  Toil 
MS    629  Heart  T        635  Cast,  ]  Thrown,  T 

3* 


36 


SPRING 


To  tempt  you  from  her  Nest.     The  Wild-Duck  hence 
O'er  the  rough  Moss,  and  o'er  the  trackless  Waste 
The  Heath-Hen  flutters,  as  if  hurt,  to  lead 
The  hot,  pursuing  Spaniel  far  astray. 

65o  Be  not  the  Muse  asham'd,  here  to  bemoan 

Her  Brothers  of  the  Grove,  by  Tyrant  Man 
Inhuman  caught,  and  in  the  narrow  Cage 
From  Liberty  confin'd,  and  boundless  Air. 
Dull  are  the  pretty  Slaves,  their  Plumage  dull, 

*55  Ragged,  and  all  it's  brightning  Lustre  lost ; 
Nor  is  that  luscious  Wildness  in  their  Notes 
That  warbles  from  the  Beech.     Oh  then  desist. 
Te  Friends  of  Harmony!  this  barbarous  Art 
Forbear,  if  Innocence  and  Music  can 
Win  on  your  Hearts,  or  Piety  perswade. 

But  let  not  chief  the  Nightingale  lament 
Her  ruin'd  Care,  too  delicately  fram'd 
To  brook  the  harsh  Confinement  of  the  Cage. 
Oft  when  returning  with  her  loaded  Bill, 

665  Th'astonish'd  Mother  finds  a  vacant  Nest, 
By  the  hard  Hands  of  unrelenting  Clowns 
Rob'd,  to  the  Ground  the  vain  Provision  falls; 
Her  Pinions  ruffle,  and  low-drooping  scarce 
Can  bear  the  Mourner  to  the  Poplar  Shade, 

670  Where  all-abandon'd  to  Despair  she  sings 


B651  C699 
D702 


B662  C711 
U7M 


B     666  hand 

C      646  you  ]  him       648  as  if  hurt,  ]  (pious  Fraud!)       606  luscious] 
sprightly         657—660  thus  expanded: 

Which,  clear  and  vigorous,  warbles  from  the  Beech. 
Oh  then,  ye  Friends  of  Love  and  Love-taught  Song, 
Spare  the  soft  Tribes,  this  barbarous  Art  forbear! 
If  on  your  Bosom  Innocence  can  win, 
.Music,  engage,  or  Piety  persuade. 
MS  657,  658  (Oh   then  forbear,    ||    Ye   Friends  of    Harmony,    this 
barbarous   Art!)     O   then,   ye   Friends    ||    Of  Harmony,    this 
barbarous  An   forbear!     T 


SPRING  37 

Her  Sorrows  thro'  the  Night;  and,  on  the  Bough 
Sad-sitting,  still  at  every  dying  Fall 
Takes  up  again  her  lamentable  Strain 
Of  winding  Woe,  till  wide  around  the  "Woods 
675  Sigh  at  her  Song,  and  with  her  Wail  resound. 

And  now  the  feather'd  Youth  their  former  Bounds  B677  C726  D729 

Ardent  disdain,  and  weighing  oft  their  Wings, 

Demand  the  free  Possession  of  the  Sky. 

But  this  glad  Office  more,  and  then  dissolves 
6So  Parental  Love  at  once;  for  needless  grown, 

Unlavish  Wisdom  never  works  in  vain. 

'Tis  on  some  Evening,  sunny,  grateful,  mild, 

When  nought  but  Balm  is  breathing  thro'  the  Woods, 

With  yellow  Lustre  bright,  that  the  new  Tribes 
68s  Visit  the  spacious  Heavens,  and  look  abroad 

On  Nature's  Common,  far  as  they  can  see, 

Or  wing,  their  Range,  and  Pasture.     O'er  the  Boughs 

Dancing  about,  still  at  the  giddy  Verge 

Their  Resolution  fails;  their  Pinions  still, 
69°  In  loose  Libration  stretch'd,  the  void  Abrupt 

Trembling  refuse:  till  down  before  them  fly 

The  Parent-Guides,  and  chide,  exhort,  command, 

Or  push  them  off.     The  surging  Air  receives 

The  plumy  Burden;  and  their  self-taught  Wings 
695  Winnow  the  waving  Element.     On  Ground 

Alighted  bolder,  up  again  they  lead 

Farther  and  farther  on  the  lengthning  Flight; 

Till  vanish'd  every  Fear,  and  every  Power 

Rouz'd  into  Life,  and  Action,  in  the  Void 


B     696  Alighted,  bolder  up 

C  672  Sole-sitting,  675  at]  to  676  But  now  679  This 
one    glad  680   once,    now    needless    grown.     (Full    stop!) 

690  stretch'd,  to  trust  the  Void  f  699,  700  Action,  light  in 
Air  ||  Th'acquitted  Parents  etc. 


3S  SPRTXG 

Voo  Th'exoner'd  Parents  see  their  soaring  Race, 
'       And  once  rejoicing,  never  know  them  more. 

High  from  the  Summit  of  a  craggy  Cliff,  b7o3  C752 

Hung  o'er  the  green  Sea  grudging  at  it's  Base, 
The  Royal  Eagle  draws  his  Young,  resolv'd 
705  To  try  them  at  the  Sun.     Strong-pounc'd,  and  bright 
As  burnish'd  Day,  they  up  the  blue  Sky  wind, 
Leaving  dull  Sight  below,  and  with  fixt  Gaze 
Drink  in  their  native  Noon:  the  Father-King 
Claps  his  glad  Pinions,  and  approves  the  Birth. 

710  And  should  I  wander  to  the  Rural  Seat,  u7II  For 

Whose  aged  Oaks,  and  venerable  Gloom,  ""Ltw.f. 

Invite  the  noisy  Rook,  with  Pleasure  there, 

I  might  the  various  Polity  survey 

Of  the  mixt  Houshold  Kind.     The  careful  Hen 
715  Calls  all  her  chirping  Family  around, 


C      703—712  thus  amplified: 

Hung  o'er  the  Deep,  such  as  amazing  frowns 

On  utmost  *Kilda's  Shore,  whose  lonely  Race 

Resign  the  setting  Sun  to  Indian  Worlds,  [75s] 

The  royal  Eagle  draws  his  vigorous  Young, 

Strong-pounc'd,  and  ardent  with  paternal  Fire. 

Now  fit  to  raise  a  Kingdom  of  their  own, 

He  drives  them  from  his  Fort,  the  towering  Seat, 

For  Ages,  of  his  Empire;  which  in  Peace,  [760] 

Unstain'd  he  holds,  while  many  a  League  to  sea 

He  wings  his  Course,  and  preys  in  distant  Isles. 

*  The  farthest  of  the  western  Islands  of  Scotland. 

Should  I  my  Steps  turn  to  the  rural  Seat,  l»-« 

Whose  lofty  Elms,  and  venerable  Oaks, 

Invite  the  Rook,  who  high  amid  the  Boughs,  [765) 

In  early  Spring,  his  airy  City  builds, 
And  ceaseless  caws  amusive ;  there,  well-pleas'd, 
MS  700  For   Th'acquitted   (CJ    T  had   first    written    The   faithful 
[764]   Oaks,]  Elms,  P        Gloom]  Oaks  P  [766 1   tq.   with 

Pleasure]  delighted  T  Who  high  amid  the  boughs  ||  In 
early  spring  their  airy  city  build  And  caw  with  ceaseless 
clamour,  there  wellpleasd.    P 


SPRING  39 

Fed,  and  defended  by  the  fearless  Cock, 

Whose  Breast  with  Ardour  flames,  as  on  he  walks 

Graceful,  and  crows  Defiance.     In  the  Pond, 

The  finely-checker'd  Duck  before  her  Train, 
720  Rows  garrulous.     The  stately- sailing  Swan 

Gives  out  his  snowy  Plumage  to  the  Gale, 

And,  arching  proud  his  Neck,  with  oary  Feet 

Bears  onward  fierce,  and  beats  you  from  the  Bank, 

Protective  of  his  Young.     The  Turkey  nigh, 
7-5  Loud-threatning,  reddens;  while  the  Peacock  spreads 

His  every-colour'd  Glory  to  the  Sun, 

And  swims  in  floating  Majesty  along. 

O'er  the  whole  homely  Scene,  the  cooing  Dove 

Flies  thick  in  amorous  Chace,  and  wanton  rolls 
730  The  glancing  Eye,  and  turns  the  changeful  Neck. 

While  thus  the  gentle  Tenants  of  the  Shade  B732  c786  D789, 

Indulge  their  purer  Loves,  the  rougher  World 

Of  Brutes  below  rush  furious  into  Flame, 

And  fierce  Desire.     Thro'  all  his  lusty  Veins 
735  The  Bull,  deep-seorcht,  receives  the  raging  Fire. 

Of  Pasture  sick,  and  negligent  of  Food, 

Scarce-seen,  he  wades  among  the  yellow  Broom, 

While  o'er  his  brawny  Back  the  rambling  Sprays 

Luxuriant  shoot;  or  thro'  the  mazy  Wood 
74°  Dejected  wanders,  nor  th'inticing  Bud 

Crops,  tho'  it  presses  on  his  careless  Sense: 

For,  wrapt  in  mad  Imagination,  he 

Roars  for  the  Fight,  and  idly  butting  feigns 

A  Rival  gor'd  in  every  knotty  Trunk. 


B     723  forward 

C  723  and  guards  his  Osier  Isle,  735  deep-scorch'd,  the  raging 
Passion  feels.  738  o'er  his  ample  Sides  742,  743  And 

oft,  in  jealous  madning  Fancy  wrapt,  ||  He  seeks  the  Fight; 
744  His  Rival 

D     727  floating]  radiant 


40  SPRING 

745  Such  should  he  meet,  the  bellowing  War  begins; 
Their  Eyes  flash  Fury;  to  the  hollow'd  Earth. 
Whence  the  Sand  flies,  they  mutter  bloody  Deeds, 
And  groaning  vast  th'impetuous  Battel  mix : 
While  the  fair  Heifer,  redolent,  in  View 

750  Stands  kindling  up  their  Rage.     The  trembling  Steed, 
With  this  hot  Impulse  seiz'd  in  every  Nerve, 
Nor  hears  the  Rein,  nor  heeds  the  sounding  Whip; 
Blows  are  not  felt;  but  tossing  high  his  Head, 
And  by  the  well-known  Joy  to  distant  Plains 

755  Attracted  strong,  all  wild,  he  bursts  away ; 

O'er  Rocks,  and  Woods,  and  craggy  Mountains  flies, 
And  neighing  on  th'aerial  Summit  takes 
Th'informing  Gale;  then  steep-descending  stems 
The  headlong  Torrents  foaming  down  the  Hills, 

760  Even  where  the  Madness  of  the  straiten'd  Stream 
Turns  in  black  Eddies  round:  Such  is  the  Force 
With  which  his  frantic  Heart,  and  Sinews  swell. 

Nor,  undelighted  by  the  boundless  Spring, 
Are  the  broad  Monsters  of  the  Deep:  thro'  all 

765  Their  oozy  Caves,  and  gelid  Kingdoms  rous'd, 
They  flounce,  and  tumble  in  unwieldy  Joy. 
Dire  were  the  Strain,  and  dissonant,  to  sing 
The  cruel  Raptures  of  the  Savage  Kind; 
How  the  red  Lioness,  her  Whelps  forgot 

770  Amid  the  thoughtless  Fury  of  her  Heart, 
The  lank  rapacious  Wolf,  th'unshapely  Bear, 
The  spotted  Tyger,  fellest  of  the  Fell, 
And  all  the  Terrors  of  the  Lybian  Swain, 


758  stems  ]  cleaves  760  streams  764,  765  Are  the  broad 
monsters  of  the  boiling  deep :  ||  From  the  deep  ooze,  and  gelid 
cavern  rous'd, 

745  Him  should  748  vast]  deep  749  Heifer,  balmy- 

breathing,  near,  752  Whip ;  ]  Thong ;  758  informing  ] 

exciting        760  Stream        769—773  omitted 
764  boiling  ]  foaming 


SPRING  41 

By  this  new  Flame  their  Native  Wrath  sublim'd, 
775  Roam  the  resounding  Waste  in  fiercer  Bands, 

And  growl  their  horrid  Loves.     But  this  the  Theme 

I  sing,  transported,  to  the  British  Fair, 

Forbids,  and  leads  me  to  the  Mountain-brow, 

Where  sits  the  Shepherd  on  the  grassy  Turf, 
780  Inhaling,  healthful,  the  descending  Sun. 

Around  Him  feeds  his  many-bleating  Flock, 

Of  various  Cadence;  and  his  sportive  Lambs, 

This  way  and  that  convolv'd  in  friskful  Glee, 

Their  little  Frolicks  play.     And  now  the  Race 
785  Invites  them  forth;  when  swift,  the  Signal  given, 

They  start  away,  and  sweep  the  circly  Mound 

That  runs  around  the  Hill ;  the  Rampart  once 

Of  Iron  War,  in  antient  barbarous  Times, 

When  disunited  Britain  ever  bled, 
79°  Lost  in  eternal  Broil ;  ere  yet  she  grew 

To  this  deep-laid,  indissoluble  State, 

Where  Wealth  and  Commerce  lift  their  golden  Head, 

And  o'er  our  Labours  Liberty  and  Law 

Illustrious  watch,  the  Wonder  of  a  World! 

795  What  is  this  mighty  Breath,  ye  Curious,  say,  B796C846D849 

Which,  in  a  Language  rather  felt  than  heard, 
Instructs  the  Fowls  of  Heaven ;  and  thro'  their  Breasts 
These  Arts  of  Love  diffuses?  .  .  .  What?  but  God! 
Inspiring  God!  who  boundless  Spirit  all, 

800  And  unremitting  Energy,  pervades, 


B     786  circly]  massy 

C  774,  775  thus  expanded:  How  by  this  Flame  their  native  Wrath 
sublim'd,  ||  They  roam,  amid  the  Fury  of  their  Heart,  ||  The 
far -resounding  Waste  in  fiercer  Bands,  777  transported,] 

enraptur'd,  784     Their     Frolicks    play.      And    now    the 

sprightly  Race  792  their  ]  the  794  Impartial,  watch, 

796  That,        797  Breast 

D     796  That,  in  a  powerful  Language,  felt  not  heard, 

MS  792  golden  ]  (happy)  T 


12  SPRING 

Subsists,  adjusts,  and  agitates  the  Whole. 
He  ceaseless  works  alone,  and  yet  alone 
Seems  not  to  work,  so  exquisitely  framM 
Is  this  complex,  amazing  Scene  of  Things. 

Bos  But  tho'  conceal'd,  to  every  purer  Eye 
Th'informing  Author  in  his  Works  appears; 
His  Grandeur  in  the  Heavens:  the  Sun,  and  Moon, 
Whether  that  fires  the  Day,  or  falling  this 
Pours  out  a  lucid  Softness  o'er  the  Night, 

810  Are  but  a  Beam  from  Him.     The  glittering  Stars, 
By  the  deep  Ear  of  Meditation  heard, 
Still  in  their  Midnight  Watches  sing  of  Him. 
He  nods  a  Calm.     The  Tempest  blows  His  Wrath, 
Roots  up  the  Forest,  and  o'erturns  the  Main. 

815  The  Thunder  is  His  Voice:  and  the  red  Flash 
His  speedy  Sword  of  Justice.     At  His  Touch 
The  Mountains  flame.     He  takes  the  solid  Earth, 
And  rocks  the  Nations.     Nor  in  these  alone, 
In  every  common  Instance  God  is  seen; 

820  And  to  the  Man,  who  casts  his  mental  Eye 
Abroad,  unnotic'd  Wonders  rise.     But  chief 
In  Thee,  Boon  Spring,  and  in  thy  softer  Scenes, 
The  Smiling  God  appeal's;  while  Water.  Earth, 
And  Air  attest  his  Bounty,  which  instils 

825  Into  the  Brutes  this  temporary  Thought, 
And  annual  melts  their  undesigning  Hearts 
Profusely  thus  in  Tenderness,  and  Joy. 


B     801  Adjusts,  sustains,  aud  agitates  803  work,   with   such 

perfection  fram'd         804  Scene  ]  scheme 

C  804  amazing]  stupendous  806  Work  807—821  omitted  and 
822  thus  altered:  Chief,  lovely  Spring,  in  thee,  and  thy  soft 
Scenes,         823  appears;]  is  seen;  824,  825  which  exalts  || 

The  Brute-Creation  to  this  liner  Thought, 

D     S06  Works 

MS  807  (The  Heavens  his  Grandeur  speak:)  T  821  (To  range 
abroad,  new  Wonders  rise)  T  822  (see  V)  But  oheif  in  Thee, 
Boon  Spring,  and  Thy  kind  Scenes,  T  824  which  ]  that    T 


SPRING  43 

Still  let  my  Song  a  nobler  Note  assume,  B829C864D867 

And  sing  th'infnsive  Force  of  Spring  on  Man; 
830  When  Heaven  and  Earth,  as  if  .contending,  vie 

To  raise  his  Being,  and  serene  his  Soul. 

Can  he  forbear  to  smile  with  Nature?     Can 

The  stormy  Passions  in  his  Bosom  rowl, 

While  every  Gale  is  Peace,  and  every  Grove 
835  Is  Melody?     Hence,  from  the  bounteous  Walks 

Of  flowing  Spring,  ye  sordid  Sons  of  Earth, 

Hard,  and  unfeeling  at  Another's  Woe, 

Or  only  lavish  to  Youselves,  .  .  .  away. 

But  come,  ye  generous  Breasts,  in  whose  wide  Thought, 
840  Of  all  his  Works,  Creative  Bounty,  most, 

Divinely  burns;  and  on  your  open  Front, 

And  liberal  Eye,  sits,  from  his  dark  Retreat 

Inviting  modest  Want.     Nor  only  fair, 

And  easy  of  Approach;  your  active  Search 
845  Leaves  no  cold  wintry  Corner  unexplor'd, 

Like  silent-working  Heaven,  surprizing  oft 

The  lonely  Heart  with  unexpected  Good. 

For  you  the  roving  Spirit  of  the  Wind 

Blows  Spring  abroad,  for  you  the  teeming  Clouds 
850  Descend  in  buxom  Plenty  o'er  the  World, 

And  the  Sun  spreads  his  genial  Blaze  for  you, 

Ye  flower  of  Human  Race!     In  these  green  Days, 

Sad-pining  Sickness  lifts  her  languid  Head; 

Life  flows  afresh;  and  young-ey'd  Health  exalts 
855  The  whole  Creation  round.     Contentment  walks 


B     837  at]  of 

C     832,  833  Can  he  forbear  to  join  the  general  Smile  ||  Of  Nature? 

Can  fierce  Passions  vex  his  Breast,  839  Breasts,  ]  Minds, 

840,    841    creative    Bounty    burns,    [|    With    warmest    Beam; 

843,   844    Nor,    till    invok'd,    [|    Can    restless    Goodness    wait; 

850  buxom]  gladsome         851  sheds  his  kindest  Rays  for  you, 

853  Sad-pining]  Reviving 
MS  831  raise  ]  chear  T    serene  ]  elate  T 


44  SPRIXG 

The  Sunny  Glade,  and  feels  an  inward  Bliss 
Spring  o'er  his  Mind,  beyond  the  Pride  of  Kings 
E'er  to  bestow.     Serenity  apace 
Induces  Thought,  and  Contemplation  still. 
860  By  small  Degrees  the  Love  of  Nature  works, 
And  warms  the  Bosom;  till  at  last  arriv'd 
To  Rapture,  and  enthusiastic  Heat, 
We  feel  the  present  Deity,  and  taste 
The  Joy  of  God,  to  see  a  happy  "World. 

865  'Tis  Harmony,  that  World-embracing  Power 

By  which  all  Beings  are  adjusted,  each 
To  all  around,  impelling  and  impell'd 
In  endless  Circulation,  that  inspires 
This  universal  Smile.     Thus  the  glad  Skies, 

870  The  wide-rejoicing  Earth,  the  Woods,  the  Streams, 
With  every  Life  they  hold,  down  to  the  Flower 
That  paints  the  lowly  Vale,  or  Insect- Wing 
Wav'd  o'er  the  Shepherd's  Slumber,  touch  the  Mind 
To  Nature  tun'd,  with  a  light-flying  Hand, 

875  Invisible ;  quick-urging,  thro'  the  Nerves, 
The  glittering  Spirits,  in  a  Flood  of  Day. 


B     857,  858  beyond   the   power   of   kings   |,   To    purchase.     Pure 

serenity  apace        865  world-attuning 
C     860  small]  swift         861  arriv'd]  sublim'd  Lines  865-876 

omitted.     The  following  59  lines  are  inserted  in  their  place: 

These  are  the  Sacred  Feelings  of  thy  Heart,  L901]  D904 

Thy  Heart  inform'd  by  Reason's  purest  Ray, 
0  Lyttelton,  the  Friend!  thy  Passions  thus 
And  Meditations  vary,  as  at  large, 

Courting  the  Muse,  thro'  Hagley-Park  you  .stray.  I905] 

Thy  British  Tempe !     There  along  the  Dale, 
With  Woods  o'er-hung,  and  shag'd  with  mossy  Rocks-. 
Whence  on  each  hand  the  gushing  Waters  play 
And  down  the  rough  Cascade  white-dashing  fall. 

D     [902]  purer 

M8  876  Th'enliven'd  Spirits  T 


SPRING  45 


(Sequel) 

Or  gleam  in  lengthen'd  Vista  thro'  the  Trees,  [910] 

You  silent  steal ;  or  sit  beneath  the  Shade 

Of  solemn  Oaks,  that  tuft  the  swelling  Mounts 

Thrown  graceful  round  by  Nature's  careless  Hand, 

And  pensive  listen  to  the  various  Voice 

Of  rural  Peace :  the  Herds,  the  Flocks,  the  Birds,  [915] 

The  hollow-whispering  Breeze,  the  Plaint  of  Rills, 

That,  purling  down  amid  the  twisted  Roots 

Which  creep  around,  their  dewy  Murmurs  shake 

On  the  sooth'd  Ear.     From  these  abstracted  oft, 

You  wander  through  the  Philosophic  World;  (920] 

Where  in  bright  Train  continual  Wonders  rise, 

Or  to  the  curious  or  the  pious  Eye. 

And  oft,  conducted  by  Historic  Truth, 

You  tread  the  long  Extent  of  backward  Time: 

Planning,  with  warm  Benevolence  of  Mind,  [925] 

And  honest  Zeal  unwarp'd  by  Party-Rage, 

Britannia's  Weal ;  how  from  the  venal  Gulph 

To  raise  her  Virtue,  and  her  Arts  revive. 

Or,  turning  thence  thy  View,  these  graver  Thoughts 

The  Muses  charm :  while,  with  sure  Taste  refin'd,  [930] 

You  draw  th 'inspiring  Breath  of  antient  Song; 

Till  nobly  rises,  emulous,  thy  own. 

Perhaps  thy  lov'd  Lucinda  shares  thy  Walk, 

With  Soul  to  thine  attun'd.     Then  Nature  all 

Wears  to  the  Lover's  Eye  a  Look  of  Love;  [93s] 

And  all  the  Tumult  of  a  guilty  World, 

Tost  by  ungenerous  Passions,  sinks  away. 

The  tender  Heart  is  animated  Peace; 

And  as  it  pours  it's  copious  Treasures  forth, 

In  vary'd  Converse,  softening  every  Theme,  [940I 

You,  frequent-pausing,  turn,  and  from  her  Eyes, 

Where  meeken'd  Sense,  and  amiable  Grace, 

And  lively  Sweetness  dwell,  enraptur'd  drink 

That  nameless  Spirit  of  etherial  Joy, 

Inimitable  Happiness !  which  Love,  f945] 

Alone,  bestows,  and  on  a  favour'd  Few. 

Meantime  you  gain  the  Height,  from  whose  fair  Brow 

The  bursting  Prospect  spreads  immense  around; 

And  snatch'd  o'er  Hill  and  Dale,  and  Wood  and  Lawn, 

And  verdant  Field,  and  darkening  Heath  between,  [950] 


46  SPRIXG 

Hence  from  the  Virgin's  Cheek,  a  fresher  Bloom      B87s  For  c 

Shoots,  less  and  less,  the  live  Carnation  round :  "footnote* 

Her  Lips  blush  deeper  Sweets;  she  breathes  of  Youth: 
880  The  shining  Moisture  swells  into  her  Eyes. 

In  brighter  Flow:  her  wishing  Bosom  heaves 

With  Palpitations  wild:  kind  Tumults  seize 

Her  Veins,  and  all  her  yielding  Soul  is  Love. 

From  the  keen  Gaze  her  Lover  turns  away. 
885  Full  of  the  dear  ecstatic  Power,  and  sick 

"With  sighing  Languishment.     Ah  then,  ye  Fair! 

Be  greatly  cautious  of  your  sliding  Hearts : 

Dare  not  th'infectious  Sigh,  the  pleading  Eye 

In  meek  Submission  drest,  deject,  and  low, 
890  But  full  of  tempting  Guile.     Let  not  the  Tongue. 

Prompt  to  deceive,  with  Adulation  smooth. 

Gain  on  your  purposed  Wills.     Nor  in  the  Bower. 

Where  Woodbines  flaunt,  and  Roses  shed  a  Couch. 

While  Evening  draws  her  crimson'd  Curtains  round, 
595  Trust  your  soft  Minutes  with  betraying  Man. 


B     894  crimson 
C     (Sequel) 

And  Villages  embosom'd  soft  in  Trees. 
And  spiry  Towns  by  dusky  Columns  mark'd 
Of  rising  Smoak,  your  Eye  excursive  roams: 
"Wide-stretching  from  the  Hall,   in  whose  kind  Haunt 
The  Hospitable  Genius  harbours  still,  [955 

To  Where  the  broken  Landskip.  by  Degrees. 
Ascending,  roughens  into  ridg3r  Hills; 
O'er  which  the  Cambrian  Mountains,  like  far  Clouds 
That  skirt  the  blue  Horizon,  doubtful,  rise. 
877         Flush"d  by  the  Spirit  of  the  genial   5  l$H  1)963 

Now  from  the  Virgin's  etc. 
888—890  the  pleading  Look,  ||  Down-cast,   and    low,    in    meek 
Submission   drest.  |j  But  full   of  Guile.      Let    not    the    fervent 
Tongue,        892  Will. 
D     [952]  dusky  |  .surging         [953]  Of  houshold  Sim.ak.  955:  har- 

bours I  lingers        [957]  ridgy  |  rigid        [969]  doubtful,  j  duskj . 
MS  KH4  crlmeon'd   / 


SPRING  47 

And  let  th'aspiring  Youth  beware  of  Love,  B897  c98o  d983 

And  shun  th'enchanting  Glance,  for  'tis  too  late, 

When  on  his  Heart  the  Torrent  Softness  pours. 

Then  Interest  sinks  to  Dirt,  and  distant  Fame 
9°o  Dissolves  in  Air  away.     While  the  fond  Soul 

Is  wrapt  in  Dreams  of  Ecstacy,  and  Bliss ; 

Stills  paints  th'illusive  Form,  the  kindling  Grace, 

Th'alluring  Smile,  the  full  aethereal  Eye 

Effusing  Heaven ;  and  listens  ardent  still 
905  To  the  small  Voice,  where  Harmony  and  Wit, 

A  modest,  melting,  mingled  Sweetness,  flow. 

No  sooner  is  the  fair  Idea  form'd, 

And  Contemplation  fixes  on  the  Theme, 


B     897  Of  the  smooth  glance  beware,  for  899  Then  wisdom 

prostrate  lies;  and  fading  fame  903  Th'inticing  smile;  the 

modest -seeming   eye,  904—911    replaced  by    the   following 

18  lines: 

Beneath  whose  beauteous  beams,  belying  heaven,  [905 J 

Lurk  searchless  cunning,  cruelty,  and  death : 

And  still,  false-warbling  in  his  cheated  ear, 

Her  syren  voice,  enchanting,  draws  him  on, 

To  guileful  shores,  and  meads  of  fatal  joy. 

Even  present,  in  the  very  lap  of  love  [91°]  C993  D996 

Inglorious  laid;  while  musick  flows  around, 
Perfumes,  and  oils,  and  wine,  and  wanton  hours, 
Amid  the  roses  fierce  Repentance  rears 
Her  snaky  crest:  a  quick- returning  twinge 

Shoots  thro'  the  conscious  heart;  where  honour  still,  [915] 

And  great  design  against  th'oppressive  load 
Of  luxury,  by  fits,  impatient  heave. 

But  absent,  what  fantastic  pangs  arrous'd, 
Rage  in  each  thought,  by  restless  musing  fed, 
Chill  the  warm  cheek,  and  blast  the  bloom  of  life?  (920) 

Neglected  fortune  flies;  and  sliding  swift, 
Prone  into  ruin,  fall  his  scorn'd  affairs. 
C      901  Wrapt  in  gay  Visions  of  unreal  Bliss,  [914]  twinge] 

Pang         [918]  pangs  ]  Woes, 
MS  [918]  pangs  ]  Fears   T 


48  SPRIXG 

Than  from  his  own   Creation  wild  He  flies, 

910  Sick  of  a  Shadow.     Absence  comes  apace. 
And  shoots  his  every  Pang  into  his  Breast. 
Tis  nought  but  Gloom  around.     The  darken'd  Sun 
Loses  his  Light.     The  rosy-bosom*d  Spring 
To  weeping  Fancy  pines:  and  yon  bright  Arch 

9' 5  Of  Heaven  low-bends  into  a  dusky  Vault. 
All  Nature  fades  extinct;  and  She  alone 
Heard,  felt,  and  seen,  possesses  every  Thought, 
Fills  every  Sense,  and  pants  in  every  Vein. 
Books  are  but  formal  Dulness,  tedious  Friends. 

920  And  sad  amid  the  Social  Band  he  sits, 
Lonely,  and  inattentive.     From  the  Tongue 
Th'unfinish'd  Period  falls:  while,  born  away 
On  swelling  Thought,  his  wafted  Spirit  flies 
To  the  dear  Bosom  of  his  absent  Fair: 

9=5  And  leaves  the  Semblance  of  a  Lover,  fix'd 
In  melancholy  Site,  with  Head  declin'd, 
And  Love-dejected  Eyes.     Sudden  he  starts, 
Shook  from  his  tender  Trance,  and  restless  runs 
To  glimmering  Shades,  and  sympathetic  Glooms, 

930  Where  the  dun  Umbrage  o'er  the  falling  Stream 
Romantic  hangs;  there  thro'  the  pensive  Dusk 
Strays,  in  Heart-thrilling  Meditation  lost, 
Indulging  all  to  Love:  or  on  the  Bank 
Thrown,  amid  drooping  Lillies,  swells  the  Breeze 

935  With  Sighs  unceasing,  and  the  Brook  with  Tears. 
Thus  in  soft  Anguish  he  consumes  the  Day : 
Nor  quits  his  deep  Retirement,  till  the  Moon 
Peeps  thro'  the  Chambers  of  the  fleecy  East, 
Enlighten'd  by  Degrees,  and  in  her  Tram 

940  Leads  on  the  gentle  Hours;  then  forth  He  walks. 
Beneath  the  trembling  Languish  of  her  Beams. 


B     '.'j!4  dear]  vain         absent]  distant 

C     916  Contra  ted  bends  into  etc        921  nnattentiva        i'41  Beam, 


49  SPRING 

With  soften'd  Soul,  and  wooes  the  Bird  of  Eve  b953  Cio36  di 

To  mingle  Woes  with  his:  or  while  the  World, 

And  all  the  Sons  of  Care  lie  hush'd  in  Sleep, 
945  Associates  with  the  Mid-night  Shadows  drear, 

And,  sighing  to  the  lonely  Taper,  pours 

His  sweetly-tortur'd  Heart  into  the  Page 

Meant  for  the  moving  Messenger  of  Love. 

But  ah  how  faint,  how  meaningless,  and  poor 
950  To  what  his  Passion  swells !  which  bursts  the  Bounds 

Of  every  Eloquence,  and  asks  for  Looks, 

Where  Fondness  flows  on  Fondness,  Love  on  Love, 

Entwisting  Beams  with  Her's,  and  speaking  more 

Than  ever  charm'd,  ecstatic  Poet  sigh'd 
955  To  listening  Beauty,  bright  with  conscious  Smiles, 

And  graceful  Vanity.     But  if  on  Bed 

Delirious  flung,  Sleep  from  his  Pillow  flies. 

All  Night  he  tosses,  nor  the  balmy  Power 

In  any  Posture  finds;  'till  the  grey  Morn 
960  Lifts  her  pale  Lustre  on  the  paler  Wretch, 

Exanimate  by  Love:  and  then  perhaps 

Exhausted  Nature  sinks  a-while  to  Rest, 

Still  interrupted  by  disorder'd  Dreams, 

That  o'er  the  sick  Imagination  rise, 
965  And  in  black  Colours  paint  the  mimic  Scene. 

Oft  with  the  Charmer  of  his  Soul  he  talks; 

Sometimes  in  Crowds  distrest;  or  if  retir'd 

To  secret-winding,  Flower-inwoven  Bowers, 

Far  from  the  dull  Impertinence  of  Man, 
97°  Just  as  He  kneeling  all  his  former  Cares 

Begins  to  lose  in  vast  oblivious  Love, 


947  idly-tortur'd  949-956  (But  ah  .  .  .  graceful  Vanity) 

thus  contracted:  Love;  [j  Where  rapture -burns  on  rapture,  every 
line  ||  With  rising  frenzy  fir'd.  963  disorder'd]  distracted 

966  the  Charmer  ]  th'enchantress         970  Just  as  he,  credulous, 
his  thousand  cares         971  vast]  blind 
970  thousand  ]  endless 
Palaestra  LXVI.  4 


50  SPRING 

Snatch'd  from  her  yielded  Hand,  he  knows  not  how. 
Thro'  Forests  huge,  and  long  untravel'd  Heaths 
With  Desolation  brown,  he  wanders  waste, 

975  In  Night  and  Tempest  wrapt;  or  shrinks  aghast, 
Back,  from  the  bending  Principe;  or  wades 
The  turbid  Stream  below,  and  strives  to  reach 
The  farther  Shore,  where  succourless,  and  sad, 
His  Dearer  Life  extends  her  beckoning  Arms, 

•,80  But  strives  in  vain,  born  by  th'outragious  Flood 
To  Distance  down,  he  rides  the  ridgy  Wave, 
Or  whelm'd  beneath  the  boiling  Eddy  sinks. 
Then  a  weak,  wailing,  lamentable  Cry 
Is  heard,  and  all  in  Tears  he  wakes,  again 

985  To  tread  the  Circle  of  revolving  Woe. 
These  are  the  charming  Agonies  of  Love, 
Whose  Misery  delights.     But  thro'  the  Heart 
Should  Jealousy  it's  Venom  once  diffuse, 
'Tis  then  delightful  Misery  no  more, 

990  But  Agony  unmixt,  incessant  Rage, 

Corroding  every  Thought,  and  blasting  all 
The  Paradise  of  Love.     Ye  Fairy  Prospects  then. 
Ye  Beds  of  Roses,  and  ye  Bowers  of  Joy, 
Farewell!     Ye  Gleamings  of  departing  Peace, 

995  Shine  out  your  last!     The  yellow-tinging  Plague 
Internal  Vision  taints,  and  in  a  Night 
Of  livid  Gloom  Imagination  wraps. 
Ay  then,  instead  of  Love-enliven'd  Cheeks, 
Of  Sunny  Features,  and  of  ardent  Eyes 

1000  With  flowing  Rapture  bright,  dark  Looks  succed, 
Suffus'd,  and  glaring  with  untender  Fire, 


979  Wild  as  a  Bacchanal  she  spreads  her  anus,         992  Love's 

Paradise. 

!)7'.i  She  \viih  extended  Arms   his  Aid  implores,  983—985 

omitted       990  Rage,]  Gall,        998  Ah  then 

994  .It- parted 


SPRING  51 

A  clouded  Aspect,  and  a  burning  Cheek,  B1007  C1087  D1090 

Where  the  whole  poison'd  Soul,  malignant,  sits, 

And  frightens  Love  away.     Ten  thousand  Fears, 
roo5  Invented  wild,  ten  thousand  frantic  Views 

Of  horrid  Rivals,  hanging  on  the  Charms 

For  which  he  melts  in  Fondness,  eat  him  up 

With  fervent  Anguish,  and  consuming  Pine. 

In  vain  Reproaches  lend  their  idle  Aid, 
1010  Deceitful  Pride,  and  Resolution  frail, 

Giving  a  Moment's  Ease.     Reflection  pours, 

Afresh,  her  Beauties  on  his  busy  Thought, 

Her  first  Endearments,  twining  round  the  Soul, 

With  all  the  Witchcraft  of  ensnaring  Love. 
iois  Strait  the  fierce  Storm  involves  his  Mind  anew, 

Flames  thro'  the  Nerves,  and  boils  along  the  Yeins: 

While  anxious  Doubt  distracts  the  tortur'd  Heart; 

For  even  the  sad  Assurance  of  his  Fears 

Were  Heaven  to  what  he  feels.    Thus  the  warm  Youth, 
1020  Whom  Love  deludes  into  his  thorny  Wilds, 

Thro'  flowery-tempting  Paths,  or  leads  a  Life 

Of  feavor'd  Rapture,  or  of  cruel  Care; 

His  brightest  Aims  extinguish'd  all,  and  all 

His  lively  Moments  running  down  to  Waste. 

1025  But  happy  They!  the  Happiest  of  their  Kind!        B1030  duo  Dm3 

Whom  gentler  Stars  unite,  and  in  one  Fate 

Their  Hearts,  their  Fortunes,  and  their  Beings  blend. 

Tis  not  the  coarser  Tie  of  human  Laws, 

Unnatural  oft,  and  foreign  to  the  Mind, 
1030  Which  binds  their  Peace,  but  Harmony  itself, 

Attuning  all  their  Passions  into  Love; 


B     1019  Heaven]  peace        1030  That 

C      1002  cloudy         1008  Pine.  ]  Rage.         1011  Giving  false  Peace 

a  Moment.     Fancy  pours, 
D      1002  clouded 

MS  1008  Pine.  ]  Care  P  (T  or  P  Tovey,  Aldine  Ed.  1897) 

4* 


52  SPRIXG 

Where  Friendship  full-exerts  his  softest  Power. 
Perfect  Esteem  enliven'd  by  Desire 
Ineffable,  and  Sympathy  of  Soul. 

1035  Thought  meeting  Thought,  and  Will  preventing  Will, 
With  boundless  Confidence;  for  nought  but  Love 
Can  answer  Love,  and  render  Bliss  secure. 
Let  Him,  ungenerous,  who,  alone  intent 
To  bless  himself,  from  sordid  Parents  buys 

1040  The  loathing  Virgin,  in  eternal  Care. 

Well-merited,  consume  his  Nights  and  Days. 
Let  barbarous  Nations,  whose  inhuman  Love 
Is  wild  Desire  fierce  as  the  Suns  they  feel. 
Let  Eastern  Tyrants  from  the  Light  of  Heaven 

1045  Seclude  their  Bosom-slaves,  meanly  possest 
Of  a  meer,  lifeless,  violated  Form: 
While  those  whom  Love  cements,  in  holy  Faith, 
And  equal  Transport,  free  as  Nature,  live, 
Disdaining  Fear;  for  what's  the  World  to  them, 

1050  It's  Pomp,  it's  Pleasure,  and  it's  Nonsense  all ! 
Who  in  each  other  clasp  whatever  fair 
High  Fancy  forms,  and  lavish  Hearts  can  wish, 
Something  than  Beauty  dearer,  should  they  look 
Or  on  the  Mind,  or  Mind-ill umin'd  Face. 

1055  Truth,  Goodness,  Honour,  Harmony  and  Love, 
The  richest  Bounty  of  indulgent  Heaven. 
Mean-time  a  smiling  Offspring  rises  round, 
And  mingles  both  their  Graces.     By  degrees, 
The  human  Blossom  blows;  and  every  Day. 

1060  Soft  as  it  rolls  along,  shews  some  new  Charm. 
The  Father's  Lustre,  and  the  Mother's  Bloom. 
Then  infant  Reason  grows  apace,  and  calls 
For  the  kind  Hand  of  an  assiduous  Care: 
Delightful  Task !  to  rear  the  tender  Thought, 

1065  To  teach  the  young  Idea  how  to  shoot, 

C      1032  his  I  her         1049  Fear.     What   is 


SPRING  53 

To  pour  the  fresh  Instruction  o'er  the  Mind, 
To  breathe  th 'inspiring  Spirit,  and  to  plant 
The  generous  Purpose  in  the  glowing  Breast. 
Oh  speak  the  Joy!     You,  whom  the  sudden  Tear 

io7o  Surprizes  often,  while  you  look  around, 

And  nothing  strikes  your  Eye  but  Sights  of  Bliss, 
All  various  Nature  pressing  on  the  Heart, 
Obedient  Fortune,  and  approving  Heaven. 
These  are  the  Blessings  of  diviner  Love; 

1075  And  thus  their  Moments  fly ;  the  Seasons  thus, 
As  ceaseless  round  a  jarring  World  they  roll, 
Still  find  Them  happy;  and  consenting  Spring 
Sheds  her  own  rosy  Garland  on  their  Head: 
Till  Evening  comes  at  last,  cool,  gentle,  calm; 

1080  When  after  the  long  vernal  Day  of  Life, 
Enamour'd  more,  as  Soul  approaches  Soul, 
Together,  down  They  sink  in  social  Sleep. 

The  End. 


C      1067  inspiring  ]  enlivening        plant  ]  fix  1069  ye, 

1073,  1074  thus  expanded: 

An  elegant  Sufficiency,  Content, 
Retirement,  rural  Quiet,  Friendship,  Books, 
Ease  and  alternate  Labour,  useful  Life, 
Progressive  Virtue,  and  approving  Heaven. 
These  are  the  matchless  Joys  of  virtuous  Love; 
1078  Heads:         1079  at  last,  serene  and  mild; 
1081,  1082  Enamour'd  more,  as  more  Remembrance  swells 
With  many  a  Proof  of  recollected  Love, 
Together  down  they  sink  in  social  Sleep ; 
Together  freed,  their  gentle  Spirits  fly 
To  Scenes  where  Love  and  Bliss  immortal  reign. 
MS  1067  to  plant  ]  call  forth  T        1068  in  ]  from  T        [1160]  useful] 
(social)  T        1079  at  last,  pleasing,  serene  T. 


160] 


Proposals l) 

For  Printing  by  Subscription 

The 

Four  Seasons, 

With  a  Hymn  on  their  Succession. 

To  which  will  be  added  a  Poem  sacred  to  the  Memory 
of  Sir  Isaac  Newton.  And  an  Essay  on  Descriptive  Poetry 
will  be  prefixed  to  the  Whole. 

By  Mr.  Thomson. 

I.  This  Work  is  proposed  to  be  printed  in  one  Volume 
in  Quarto,  on  a  Superfine  Royal  Paper,  and  adorned  with 
Copper-Plates  adapted  to  the  Subject. 

II.  The  Price  of  the  Book  in  Sheets  to  Subscribers  is 
One  Guinea,  to  be  paid  at  the  time  of  Subscribing. 

III.  The  Names  of  Subscribers  to  be  printed  before 
the  Work,  which  is  in  great  Forwardness,  and  will  be 
published  with  all  possible  speed. 

N.  B.  The  Pieces  already  published,  viz.  Winter,  Summer, 
and  a  Poem  on  the  Death  of  Sir  Isaac  Newton,  will  be 
corrected  and  enlarged  in  several  Places. 

Subscriptions  are  taken  in  by  the  Author,  at  the  Smyrna 
Coffee-House  in  Pall-Mall;  and  by  G.  Strahan,  at  the  Golden 
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Anchor  in  Pall-Mali;  and  by  A.  Ramsay,  at  Edinburgh. 


l)  These  "Proposals"  are  found   appended  to  the  firxt  edition  <>/ 
"Sjn-ing",  but  had  already  been  published  before. 


SUMMER. 


A 

POEM. 


By  JAMES  THOMSON. 


Jam  clarus  Occultuni  Andromedse  Pater 
Ostendit  Ignem:  Jam  Procyon  furit 
Et  Stella  vesani  Leonis, 

Sole  Dies  referente  siccos. 
Jam  Pater  Umbras  cum  G-rege  languido, 
Rivumque  fessus  quserit,  &  horridi 
Dumeta  Sylvani :  caretque 

Ripa  vagis  tacituma  Ventis. 

HOP, 


LONDON: 

Printed  for  J.  Millan,  at  Locke's  Head  in  New-Street. 
near  the  upper  End  of  the  Hay-Market. 

MDCCXVII. 

Price  1  s.  6  d. 


To  the  Right  Honourable 
Mr.  Dodington, l) 

One  of  the  Lords  of  His  Majesty's  Treasury,  etc. 

Sir, 

It  is  not  my  Purpose,  in  this  Address,  to  run  into  the 
common  Tract  of  Dedicators,  and  attempt  a  Panegyric  which 
would  prove  ungrateful  to  You,  too  arduous  for  Me,  and 
superfluous  with  Regard  to  the  World.  To  You  it  would 
prove  ungrateful,  since  there  is  a  certain  generous  Delicacy 
in  Men  of  the  most  distinguished  Merit,  disposing  Them  to 
avoid  those  Praises  They  so  powerfully  attract.  And  when 
I  consider  that  a  Character,  in  which  the  Vertues,  the  Graces, 
and  the  Muses  join  their  Influence,  as  much  exceeds  the 
Expression  of  the  most  elegant  and  judicious  Pen,  as  the 
finish'd  Beauty  does  the  Representation  of  the  Pencil,  I  have 
the  best  Reasons  for  declining  such  an  arduous  Undertaking. 
As,  indeed,  it  would  be  superfluous  in  itself ;  for  what  Reader 
need  to  be  told  of  those  great  Abilities  in  the  Management 
of  public  Affairs,  and  those  amiable  Accomplishments  in 
private  Life,  which  You  so  eminently  possess.  The  general 
Voice  is  loud  in  the  Praise  of  so  many  Vertues,  tho' 
Posterity  alone  will  do  Them  Justice.  But  may  You,  Sir, 
live    long    to    illustrate    your    own    Fame    by    your    own 


')  This  epistolary  dedication  is  found  only  in  the  editions  prior 
to  the  subscription  quarto  of  1730.  In  the  quarto,  and  in  some  of 
the  later  editions,  the  following  short  dedication  appears  on  the  title- 
page  :  Summer.    Inscribed  to  the  Right  Honourable  Mr.  Dodington. 


58  SUMMER 

Actions,  and  by  them  be  transmitted  to  future  Times  as  the 
British  Maecenas! 

Tour  Example  has  recommended  Poetry,  with  the 
greatest  Grace,  to  the  Admiration  of  Those,  who  are  engag'd 
in  the  highest  and  most  active  Scenes  of  Life:  and  this, 
tho'  confessedly  the  least  considerable  of  those  exalted  Quali- 
ties that  dignify  your  Character,  must  be  particularly  pleasing 
to  One,  whose  only  Hope  of  being  introduced  to  your  Re- 
gard is  thro'  the  Recommendation  of  an  Art  in  which 
You  are  a  Master.  —  But  I  forget  what  I  have  been 
declaring  above,  and  must  therefore  turn  my  Eyes  to  the 
following  Sheets.  I  am  not  ignorant  that,  when  offered  to 
your  Perusal,  they  are  put  into  the  Hands  of  one  of  the 
finest,  and  consequently  the  most  indulgent  Judges  of  the 
Age:  but  as  there  is  no  Mediocrity  in  Poetry,  so  there 
should  be  no  Limits  to  its  Ambition.  —  I  venture  directly 
on  the  Tryal  of  my  Fame.  —  If  what  I  here  present  You 
has  any  Merit  to  gain  your  Approbation,  I  am  not  afraid  of 
its  Success;  and  if  it  fails  of  your  Notice,  I  give  it  up  to 
its  just  Fate.  This  Advantage  at  least  I  secure  to  myself, 
an  Occasion  of  thus  publickly  declaring  that  I  am,  with  the 
profoundest  Yeneration, 

Sir, 

Your  most  devoted. 

humble  Servant 
James  Thomson. 


The  Argument.1) 

The  subject  proposed.  Invocation.  Address  to  Mr. 
Dodington.  An  introductory  reflection  on  the  motion  of 
the  heavenly  bodies;  whence  the  succession  of  the  Seasons. 
As  the  face  of  nature  in  this  season  is  almost  uniform,  the 
progress  of  the  poem  is  a  description  of  a  summer's  day. 
Morning.  A  view  of  the  sun  rising.2)  Hymn  to  the  sun. 
Forenoon.  Rural  prospects.3)  Summer  insects  described.4) 
Noon -day.  A  woodland  retreat.  A  groupe  of  flocks  and 
herds.5)  A  solemn  grove.  How  it  affects  a  contemplative 
mind.6)  Transition  to  the  prospect  of  a  well -cultivated 
country;  which  introduces  a  panegyric  on  Great  Britain. 
A  digression  on  foreign  summers.  Storm  of  thunder  and 
lightning.  A  tale.  The  storm  over;  a  serene  afternoon. 
Bathing.  Sun  set.  Evening.  The  whole  concluding  with 
the  Praise  of  Philosophy. 


')  Appears  for  the  first  time  in  the  quarto  of  1730.  The  follow- 
ing variations  occur  in  the  editions  of  1744  and  1746:  2)  Summer's 
Day.  The  Dawn.  Sun -rising.  3)  "Rural  prospects"  omitted 
4)  describ'd.  Hay-making.  Sheep-shearing.  Noon-day.  5)  Groupe 
of  Herds  and  Flocks.  6)  Mind.  A  Cataract,  and  rude  Scene. 
View  of  Summer  in  the  torrid  Zone.  Storm  of  Thunder  and 
Lightning.  A  Tale.  The  Storm  over,  a  serene  Afternoon. 
Bathing.  Hour  of  walking.  Transition  to  the  Prospect  etc.  as  above 
down  to  "Great  Britain".  Sun-set.  Evening.  Night.  Summer 
Meteors.     The  whole  concluding  etc. 


^gs.- 


SUMMER. 

A 

POEM. 


The  text  given  in  full  (A)  is  that  of  the  first  edition  (1727).        B  = 

ed.  1730.     The  MS.  notes,  written  before  the  publication  of  the  edition 

of  1744,  were  made  on  the  latter  text. 

FROM  Southern  Climes,  where  unremitting  Day 
Burns  over  Head,  illustrious  Summer  comes, 
In  Pride  of  Youth,  and  felt  thro'  Nature's  Depth. 
He  comes!  attended  by  the  sultry  Hours, 
5  And  ever-fanning  Breezes,  on  his  Way ; 
While,  from  his  ardent  Look,  the  turning  Spring 
Averts  her  blushful  Face,  and  Earth,  and  Skies, 
All-smiling,  to  his  hot  Dominion  leaves. 

Hence,  let  me  haste  into  the  mid-wood  Shade,  i 

io  Where  scarce  a  Sun-Beam  wanders  thro'  the  Gloom ; 
And,  on  the  dark-green  Grass,  beside  the  Brink 
Of  haunted  Stream,  that  by  the  Roots  of  Oaks 
Rowls  o'er  the  rocky  Channel,  lie  at  large, 
And  sing  the  Glories  of  the  circling  Year. 

'5  Come,  Inspiration !  from  thy  Hermit-Seat,  i 

By  Mortal  seldom  found :  may  I  presume 


B     1,  2  From  yonder  fields  of  tether  fair  disclos'd,  ||  Child  of  the 

Sun!  illustrious  etc.         12  oak         16  may  fancy  dare, 
MS  2  illustrious]  resplendent  T 


SUMMER. 


The  text  reproduced  in  full  (C)  is  that  of  the  edition  of  1744.     The 

variations   from   the  previous   text   are  printed   in   italics.         D  = 

ed.  1746. 


FROM  brightening  Fields  of  Ether  fair  disclos'd, 
Child  of  the  Sun,  refulgent  Summer  comes, 
In  pride  of  Youth,  and  felt  thro'  Nature's  Depth: 
He  comes  attended  by  the  sultry  Hours, 
5  And  ever-fanning  Breezes,  on  his  way; 
While,  from  his  ardent  Look,  the  turning  Spring 
Averts  her  blushful  Face;  and  Earth,  and  Skies, 
All-smiling,  to  his  hot  Dominion  leaves. 

Hence,  let  me  haste  into  the  mid-wood  Shade, 
«>  "Where  scarce  a  Sun-beam  wanders  thro'  the  Gloom ; 
And  on  the  dark-green  Grass,  beside  the  Brink 
Of  haunted  Stream,  that  by  the  Roots  of  Oak 
Rolls  o'er  the  rocky  Channel,  lie  at  large, 
And  sing  the  Glories  of  the  circling  Year. 

=5  Come,  Inspiration !  from  thy  Hermit-Seat, 

By  Mortal  seldom  found:  may  Fancy  dare, 


g2  SUMMER  A 

From  thy  fix'd,  serious  Muse,  and  rapturd  Glance 
Shot  "ii  surrounding  Heaven,  to  steal  one  Look, 
Creative  of  the  Poet,  every  Power 
10  Exalting  to  an  Extasy  of  Soul! 

With  what  a  perfect,  World-revolving  Power  b32 

Were  first  th'unweildy  Planets  launch'd  along 
Th'illimitable  Void!  thus  to  remain, 
Amid  the  Flux  of  many  thousand  Years, 
That  oft  has  swept  the  busy  Race  of  Men, 
Ami  all  their  labour'd  Monuments  away. 
Unresting,  changeless,  matchless,  in  their  Course ; 
To  Day,  and  Night,  and  the  delightful  Round 
Of  Seasons,  faithful;  not  excentric  once: 
30  So  pois'd,  and  perfect,  is  the  vast  Machine! 


B     17  Glance  ]  eye       After  I.  20  the  poetical  dedication  is  inserted  : 

And  thou,  the  muse's  honour!  and  her  friend! 

In  whom  the  human  graces  all  unite: 

Pure  light  of  mind,  and  tenderness  of  heart; 

Genius,  and  wisdom ;  the  gay  social  sense, 

By  decency  chastiz'd;  goodness  and  wit,  fas] 

In  seldom- meeting  harmony  combin'd; 

Unblemish'd  honour;  and  an  active  zeal, 

For  Britain's  glory,  liberty,  and  man; 

Oh  Dodington!  attend  my  rural  song, 

Stoop  to  my  theme,  inspirit  even    line,  (30 

And  teach  me  to  deserve  thy  best  applause. 
28  To  ni-l'i  and  day,  with  the  delightful  round 
MS  22  th'unweildy  |  (the  cumbrous)  T       27  Unresting,  changeless] 
Firm,  onabating    T 


SUMMER  C  63 

From  thy  fix'd  serious  Eye,  and  raptur'd  Glance 
Shot  on  surrounding  Heaven,  to  steal  one  Look 
Creative  of  the  Poet,  every  Power 
20  Exalting  to  an  Ecstasy  of  Soul. 

And  thou,  my  youthful  Muse's  early  Friend,  D21 

In  whom  the  Human  Graces  all  unite: 

Pure  Light  of  Mind,  and  Tenderness  of  Heart; 

Genius,  and  Wisdom ;  the  gay  social  Sense, 
25  By  Decency  chastis'd ;  Goodness  and  Wit, 

In  seldom-meeting  Harmony  combin'd; 

Unblemish'd  Honour,  and  an  active  Zeal, 

For  Britain's  Glory,  Liberty,  and  Man: 

0  Dodington !  attend  my  rural  Song, 
30  Stoop  to  my  Theme,  inspirit  every  Line, 

And  teach  me  to  deserve  thy  just  Applause. 

With  what  an  awful  world-revolving  Power  D32 

Were  first  th'unwieldy  Planets  launch'd  along 
Th'illimitable  Void!     Thus  to  remain, 

35  Amid  the  Flux  of  many  thousand  Years, 
That  oft  has  swept  the  toiling  Race  of  Men 
And  all  their  labourd  Monuments  away, 
Firm,  unremitting,  matchless,  in  their  Course; 
To  the  kind-temper' d  Change  of  Night  and  Day, 

40  And  of  the  Seasons  ever  stealing  round, 
Minutely  faithful:  Such  the  perfect  Hand, 
That  pois'd,  impels,  and  rules  the  steady   Whole. 


D     41  th'all-perfect 


64  SUMMER  A 

When  now  no  more  th 'alternate  Twins  are  fir'd, 
And  Cancer  reddens  with  the  Solar  Blaze, 
Short  is  th'uncertain  Empire  of  the  Night: 
And  soon,  observant  of  approaching  Day, 

;s  The  meek-ey'd  Morn  appears,  Mother  of  Dews! 
Mildly  elucent  in  the  streaky  East: 
And,  from  before  the  Lustre  of  her  Face, 
White,  break  the  Clouds  away.     With  tardy  Step 
Brown  Night  retires.     Young  Day  pours  in  a-pace 

40  And  opens  all  the  lawny  Prospect  wide. 
The  dripping  Rock,  the  Mountain's  misty  Top 
Swell  on  the  Eye,  and  brighten  with  the  Dawn. 
Blue,  thro'  the  Dusk,  the  smoaking  Currents  shine; 
And,  from  the  bladed  Field,  tfcfunhunted  Hare 

45  Limps  aukward :  while  along  the  Forest-Glade, 
The  wild  Deer  trip,  and,  often  turning,  gaze 
At  early  Passenger.     Musick  awakes. 
The  native  Voice  of  undissembling  Joy : 
And  thick  around  the  wood-land  Hymns  arise. 

5°  Rous'd  by  the  Cock,  the  soon-clad  Shepherd  leaves 
His  mossy  Cottage,  where  with  Peace  he  dwells: 
And  from  the  crowded  Fold,  in  Order,  drives 
His  Flock,  to  taste  the  Verdure  of  the  Morn. 


Falsly  luxurious,  will  not  Man  awake, 
55  And  starting  from  the  Bed  of  Sloth,  enjoy 

The  cool,  the  fragrant,  and  the  silent  Hour. 

To  Meditation  due,  and  sacred  Song! 

And  is  there  ought  in  Sleep  can  charm  the  Wise? 

To  lie  in  dead  Oblivion,  lost  to  all, 
60  Our  Natures  boast  of  noble,  and  divine: 


B  33  th'uncertain  ]  the  doubtful  86,  B7  At  tiist  faint-gleaming 
in  the  dappled  east;  ||  Till  far  o'er  a-ther  shoots  the  trembling 
glow;  44  th'unhunted]  the  fearful  59,  60  losing  half  || 

The  fleeting  moments  of  too  short  a  life! 


SUMMER  C  65 

When  now  no  more  thalternate  Twins  are  fir'd,       D43 

And  Cancer  reddens  with  the  solar  Blaze, 
45  Short  is  the  doubtful  Empire  of  the  Night; 

And  soon,  observant  of  approaching  Day, 

The  meek-ey'd  Morn  appears,  Mother  of  Dews, 

At  first  faint-gleaming  in  the  dappled 

Till  far  o'er  Ether  spreads  the  ivideniny  Glow; 
50  And,  from  before  the  Lustre  of  her  Face, 

White  break  the  Clouds  away.     With  quicken' d  Step, 

Brown  Night  retires.     Young  Day  pours  in  apace, 

And  opens  all  the  lawny  Prospect  wide. 

The  dripping  Rock,  the  Mountain's  misty  Top 
55  Swell  on  the  Sight,  and  brighten  with  the  Dawn. 

Blue,  thro'  the  Dusk,  the  smoking  Currents  shine; 

And  from  the  bladed  Field  the  fearful  Hare 

Simps,  aukward:  while  along  the  Forest-glade 

The  wild  Deer  trip,  and  often  turning  gaze 
60  At  early  Passenger.     Musick  awakes, 

The  native  Voice  of  undissem^e^  Joy; 

And  thick  around  the  woodland  Hymns  arise. 

Rous'd  by  the  Cock,  the  soon-clad  Shepherd  leaves 

His  mossy  Cottage,  where  with  Peace  he  dwells; 
65  And  from  the  crouded  Fold,  in  Order,  drives 

His  Flock,  to  taste  the  Verdure  of  the  Morn. 

Falsely  luxurious,  will  not  Man  awake;  D67 

And,  springing  from  the  Bed  of  Sloth,  enjoy 
The  cool,  the  fragrant,  and  the  silent  Hour, 
70  To  Meditation  due,  and  sacred  Song? 
For  is  there  aught  in  Sleep  can  charm  the  Wise? 
To  lie  in  dead  Oblivion,  losing  half 
The  fleeting  Moments  of  too  short  a  Life? 


Palaestra  LXVI. 


66  SUMMER  A 

Total  Extinction  of  th'enlighten'd  Soul! 
Or  else  to  feaverisb  Vanity  alive, 
Wilder'd,  and  tossing  thro'  distemper'd   Dreams. 
Who  would  in  such  a  gloomy  State  remain 
65  Longer  than  Nature  craves?     When  every  Muse, 
And  every  blooming  Pleasure  wait  without, 
To  bless  the  wildly-devious  morning  Walk. 

But  yonder  comes  the  powerful  King  of  Day,  bso 

Rejoicing  in  the  East.     The  lessening  Cloud, 
70  The  kindling  Azure,  and  the  Mountain's  Brim, 

Tipt  with  sethereal  Gold,  his  near  Approach 

Betoken  glad:  and  now  apparent  all, 

Aslant  the  Dew- bright  Earth,  and  colour'd  Air, 

He  looks,  in  boundless  Majesty,  abroad; 
75  And  sheds  the  shining  Day,  that,  burnish'd,  plays 

On  Rocks,  and  Hills,  and  Towers,  and  wandering  Streams, 

High-gleaming  from  afar.     Prime  Cheater,  Light! 

Of  all  material  Beings  first,  and  best! 

Efflux  divine!     Nature's  resplendent  Robe, 
80  Without  whose  vesting  Beauty,  all  were  wrapt 

In  unessential  Gloom;  and  Thou,  red  Sun, 

In  whose  wide  Circle  Worlds  of  Radiance  lie, 

Exhaustless  Brightness!  may  I  sing  of  Thee! 

Who  would  the  Blessings,  first  and  last,  recount,      B96  c-  b| 
85  That,  in  a  full  Effusion,  from  Thee  flow, 
As  soon  might  number,  at  the  Height  of  Noon, 
The  Rays  that  radiate  from  thy  cloudless  Sphere, 
An  universal  Glory  darting  round. 

'Tis  by  thy  secret,  strong,  attractive  Force,  Bioi 

90  As  with  a  Chain,  indissoluble,  bound, 
Thy  System  rolls  entire;  from  the  far  Bourn 


B     88  A 

MS  84  (But  he  who  would  the  Blessings  all  recount)  T 
87  cloudless  ]  (dazzling)  T 


SUMMER  C  67 

Total  extinction  of  th'enlighten'd  Soul; 

75  Or  else  to  feverish  Vanity  alive, 
Wilder'd,  and  tossing  thro'  distemper'd  Dreams? 
Who  would  in  such  a  gloomy  State  remain, 
Longer  than  Nature  craves;  when  every  Muse 
And  every  blooming  Pleasure  wait  without, 

so  To  bless  the  wildly-devious  Morning- walk  ? 

But  yonder  comes  the  powerful  King  of  Day,  i 

Rejoicing  in  the  East.     The  lessening  Cloud, 
The  kindling  Azure,  and  the  Mountain's  Brow 
Ilium  d  ivith  fluid  Gold,  his  near  Approach 

85  Betoken  glad.     Lo!  now  apparent  all, 

Aslant  the  dew-bright  Earth,  and  colour'd  Air, 

He  looks  in  boundless  Majesty  abroad; 

And  sheds  the  shining  Day,  that  burnish'd  plays 

On  Rocks,  and  Hills,  and  Towers,  and  wandering  Streams, 

90  High-gleaming  from  afar.     Prime  Chearer,  Light! 
Of  all  material  Beings  first,  and  best! 
Efflux  divine!  Nature's  resplendent  Robe! 
Without  whose  vesting  Beauty  all  were  wrapt 
In  unessential  Gloom;  and  thou,  0  Sun! 

95  Soul  of  surrounding    Worlds/  in  whom  best  seen 
Shines  out  thy  Maker!  may  I  sing  of  thee? 


'Tis  by  thy  secret,  strong,  attractive  Force,  d97 

As  with  a  Chain  indissoluble  bound, 
Thy  System  rolls  entire:  from  the  far  Bourne 
100  Of  utmost  Saturn,  wheeling  wide  his  Round 
Of  thirty   Years;  to  Mercury,  whose  Disk 


5* 


68 


SUMMER  A 


Of  slow-pac'd  Saturn,  to  the  scarce-seen  Disk 
Of  Mercury,  lost  in  excessive  Blaze. 

Informer  of  the  planetary  Train ! 

95  Without  whose  vital,  and  effectual  Glance, 
They'd  be  but  brute,  uncomfortable  Mass, 
And  not,  as  now,  the  green  Abodes  of  Life, 
How  many  Forms  of  Being  wait  on  Thee. 
Inhaling  Gladness!  from  th'unfetter'd  Mind, 

too  By  Thee  sublim'd,  to  that  Da^v-living  Race, 
The  mixing  Myriads  of  thy  evening  Beam. 

The  vegetable  World  is  also  thine, 
Parent  of  Seasons!  from  whose  rich-stain'd  Rays 
Reflected  various,  various  Colours  rise: 
'05  The  freshening  Mantle  of  the  youthful  Year; 
The  wild  Embroidery  of  the  watry  Vale: 
With  all  that  chears  the  Eye,  and  charms  the  Heart. 

The  branching  Grove  thy  lusty  Product  stands, 
To  quench  the  Fury  of  thy  Noon-Career: 
no  And  crowd  a  Shade  for  the  retreating  Swain. 
When  on  his  russet  Fields  You  look  direct. 


BiM 


B     101  setting  beam.  107  Eye,  ]  sense.  109  Diffus'd.  and 

deep,  to  quench  the  summer  noon; 

MS  For  103:    .  .  .  Seasons!   thine  the  lovely  Spring 
Thy  fairest  Offspring.     (Her  each  Beauty  thine 
Her  every  Grace)  Her  each  Beauty  owes 
Its  Birth  to  Thee;  as  from  thy  rich  stain'd  Rays  T 

107,  108  The  Meadow  blooming  broad,  the  blossom'd  Woods, 
And  all  the  flowery  Pride  of  rising  May. 
Summer  is  thine,  thine  his  expanding  Force, 
His  (quickening)  vital  Vigour,  (and)  his  prolific  Heat. 
Wlience  (teeming)  pregnant  Earth  swells  joyous  to  thy  Kay: 
And  whence  the  Grove  thy  lusty  etc.   T 

109  (see  B)  the  summer  noon]  (thy  fterj    Rage    the  Dog-star's 

Rage  T 


SUMMER  a  69 

Can  scarce  be  caught  by  Philosophic  Eye, 
Lost  in  the  near  Effulgence  of  thy  Blaze. 

Informer  of  the  planetary  Train!  Dio4 

105  Without  whose  quickening  Glance  their  cumbrous  Orbs 

Were  brute  unlovely  Mass,  inert  and  dead, 

And  not  as  now  the  green  Abodes  of  Life; 

How  many  Forms  of  Being  wait  on  thee, 

Inhaling  Spirit;  from  th'unfetter'd  Mind, 
no  By  thee  sublim'd,  down  to  the  daily  Race, 

The  mixing  Myriads  of  thy  setting  Beam. 

The  vegetable  World  is  also  thine,  Dn2 

Parent  of  Seasons!  who  the  Pomp  precede 
That  waits  thy  Throne,  as  thro1  thy  vast  Domain, 

115  Annual,  along  the  bright  Ecliptic -Road, 
In    World-rejoicing  State,  it  moves  sublime. 
Mean-time  tK  expecting  Nations,  circled  gay 
With  all  the  various  Tribes  of  foodful  Earth, 
Implore  thy  Bounty,  or  send  grateful  up 

120  A  common  Hymn:  while,  round  thy  beaming  Car, 
High-seen,  the  Seasons  lead,  in  sprightly  Dance 
Harmonious  knit,  the  rosy-finger'd  Hours, 
The  Zephyrs  floating  loose,  the  timely  Rains, 
Of  Bloom  etherial  the  light-footed  Dews, 

125  And  soften'd  into  Joy  the  surly  Storms. 
These,  in  successive  Turn,  with  lavish  Hand, 
Shower  every  Beauty,  every  Fragrance  shower, 
Herbs,  Flowers,  and  Fruits;  till,  kindling  at  thy  Touch, 
From  Land  to  Land  is  flush' d  the  vernal   Year. 

130  Nor  to  the  Surface  of  enlivened  Earth,  D130 

Graceful  with  Hills  and  Dales,  and  leafy  Woods, 
Her  liberal  Tresses,  is  thy  Force  confined: 
But,  to  the  boiveVd  Cavern  darting  deep, 
The  mineral  Kinds  confess  thy  mighty  Power. 

135  Effulgent,  hence  the  veiny  Marble  shines; 


70  SUMMER  A 

Fruit  is  thy   Bounty  too,  with  Juice  replete.  Bi»4  0- 

Acid.  or  mild :  and  from  thy  Ray  receives 
A  Flavour  pleasing  to  the  Taste  of  Man. 
"5  By  Thee  concocted,  blushes;  and  by  Thee 
Fully  matur'd,  into  the  verdant  Lap 
Of  Industry,  the  mellow  Plenty  falls. 

Extensive  Harvests  wave  at  thy  Command,  Bi3o  c- 

And  the  bright  Ear,  consolidate  by  Thee. 
120  Bends,  unwitholding,  to  the  Reaper's  Hand. 

Even  Winter  speaks  thy  Power,   whose  every  Blast,  B133  0- 
O'ercast  with  Tempest,  or  severely  sharp 
With  breathing  Frost,  is  eloquent  of  Thee. 
And  makes  us  languish  for  thy  vernal  Gleams. 

125  Shot  to  the  Bowels  of  the  teeming  Earth.  B137  c- 

The  ripening  Oar  confesses  all  thy  Flame. 

Th'unfruitful  Rock,  itself,  impregn'd  by  Thee,  bi44 

In  dark  Retirement,  forms  the  lucid  Stone, 
Collected  Light,  compact!  that,  polislrd  bright. 
130  And  all  its  native  Lustre  let  abroad. 

Shines  proudly  on  the  Bosoms  of  the  Fair! 

At  Thee  the  Ruby  lights  his  deepening  Glow.  B149 

A  bleeding  Radiance!  grateful  to  the  View. 


B     126  Flame.  ]  power.     Five  new  lities  follow : 

Hence  labour  draws  his  tools;  heme  waving  war 
Flames  on  the  day;  hence  busy  commerce  binds  mo] 

The  round  of  nations  in  a  golden  chain; 
And  hence  the  sculptur'd  palace,  sumptuous,  shn 
With  glittering  silver,  and  refulgent  gold. 
MS  For  113-120: 

Acid,  or  mild,  or  sweetly  various  mixt  : 
Whatever  Autumn  o'er  the  Garden  showers. 
In  radiant  Heaps;  or,  in  bright  Prospect   round, 
Spreads  unwitholding  to  the  Reaper's  Hand.    T 
[140,141]  (and  busy  Commerce  hence  ||  Wide,  hinds  the  Nations 
etc.)    T.    who  then   cancels   from   bonce    busy    to    refulgent    gold. 
133  (And    inward  seems  to   way.'   It'fl   radiant    Flam,  i    / 


SUMMER  C  71 

Hence  Labour  draws  his  Tools;  hence  burnish' d  War 
Gleams  on  the  Day ;  the  nobler   Works  of  Peace 
Hence  bless  Mankind,  and  generous  Commerce  binds 
The  Round  of  Nations  in  a  golden  Chain. 


mo  Th'unfruitful  Rock  itself,  impregn'd  by  thee,  di4o 

In  dark  Retirement,  forms  the  lucid  Stone. 

The  lively  Diamond  drinks  thy  purest  Rays, 

Collected  Light,  compact;  that  polish'd  bright, 

And  all  it's  native  Lustre  let  abroad, 
145  Dares,  as  it  sparkles  on  the  Fair-one's  Breast, 

With  vain  Ambition  emulate  her  Eyes. 

At  thee  the  Ruby  lights  it's  deepening  Glow, 

And  ivith  a  waving  Radiance,  inward  flames. 


MS  186  P 


70  SUMMER  A 

From  Thee  the  Saphire,  solid  iEther!  takes 
135  His  Hue  cerulean ;  and,  of  evening  Tinet, 
The  Purple-streaming  Amethyst  is  thine. 
With  thy  own  Smile  the  Yellow  Topaz  burns. 
Nor  deeper  Verdure  dies  the  Robe  of  Spring, 
When  first  she  gives  it  to  the  Southern  Gale, 
mo  Than  the  green  Emerald  shows.     But,  all  eombin'd. 
Thick,  thro'  the  whitening  Opal,  play  thy  Beams; 
Or,  flying,  several,  from  his  Surface,  form 
A  trembling  Variance  of  revolving  Hues, 
As  the  Site  changes  in  the  Gazer's  Hand. 

145  The  very  dead  Creation,  from  thy  Touch, 

Assumes  a  mimic  Life.     By  Thee  refin'd, 
In  brisker  Measures,  the  relucent  Stream 
Frisks  o'er  the  Mead.     The  Precipice  abrupt, 
Projecting  Horror  on  the  blacken'd  Flood, 

150  Softens  at  thy  Return.     The  Desart  joys 
Wildly,  thro'  all  his  melancholy  Bounds. 
Rude  Ruins  glitter;  and  the  briny  Deep, 
Seen  from  some  pointed  Promontory's  Top, 
Reflects,  from  every  fluctuating  Wave, 

155  A  Glance,  extensive  as  the  Day.     But  these, 
And  all  the  much  transported  Muse  can  sing, 
Are  to  thy  Beauty,  Dignity,  and  Use, 
Unequal  far,  great,  delegated  Source, 
Of  Life,  and  Light,  and  Grace,  and  Joy  below ! 

160  How  shall  I  then  attempt  to  sing  of  Him, 

Who,  Light  Himself,  in  uncreated  Light 
Invested  deep,  dwells  awfully  retir'd 
From  Mortal  Eye,  or  Angel's  purer  Ken; 
Whose  single  Smile  has,  from  the  First  of  Time, 

165  Fill'd,  over-flowing,  all  these  Lamps  of  Heaven, 


144  changes]  varies         165  those 
148  o'er]  thro'  T 


SUMMER  C  73 

From  thee  the  Saphire,  solid  Ether,  takes 
150  It's  Hue  cerulean ;  and,  of  evening  Tinct, 

The  purple-streaming  Amethyst  is  thine. 

With  thy  own  Smile  the  yellow  Topaz  burns. 

Nor  deeper  Verdure  dyes  the  Robe  of  Spring, 

When  first  she  gives  it  to  the  southern  Gale, 
155  Than  the  green  Emerald  shows.     But,  all  combin'd. 

Thick  thro'  the  whitening  Opal  play  thy  Beams; 

Or,  flying  several  from  it's  Surface,  form 

A  trembling  Variance  of  revolving  Hues, 

As  the  Site  varies  in  the  Gazer's  Hand. 

160  The  very  dead  Creation,  from  thy  Touch, 

Assumes  a  mimic  Life.     By  thee  refin'd, 
In  brighter  Mazes,  the  relucent  Stream 
Plays  o'er  the  Mead.     The  Precipice  abrupt, 
Projecting  Horror  on  the  blacken'd  Flood, 

165  Softens  at  thy  return.     The  Desart  joys 
Wildly,  thro'  all  his  melancholy  Bounds. 
Rude  Ruins  glitter;  and  the  briny  Deep, 
Seen  from  some  pointed  Promontory's  Top, 
Far  to  the  blue  Horizon's  utmost  Verge, 

170  Restless,  reflects  a  floating  Gleam.     But  This, 
And  all  the  much-transported  Muse  can  sing, 
Are  to  thy  Beauty,  Dignity,  and  Use, 
Unequal  far,  great  delegated  Source, 
Of  Light,  and  Life,  and  Grace,  and  Joy  below ! 

175  How  shall  I  then  attempt  to  sing  of  Him, 

Who,  Light  Himself,  in  uncreated  Light 

Invested  deep,  dwells  awfully  retir'd 

From  mortal  Eye,  or  Angel's  purer  Ken ; 

Whose  single  Smile  has,  from  the  first  of  Time, 
180  Fill'd,  overflowing,  all  those  Lamps  of  Heaven, 


MS  170  floating]  waving  T 


7  1  8UMMSB  A 

That  Beam  for  ever  thro'  th'immeasur'd  Sky: 
But  should  He  hide  his  Face,  th'astonish'd  Sun, 

And  all  th'e.xtinguish'd  Stars,  would,  loosening,  reel 
Wide,  from  their  Spheres,  and  Chaos  come  again. 

170  And  yet.  was  every  faultering  Tongue  of  Man, 

Almighty  Poet!  silent  in  thy   Praise. 
Thy  matchless  Works,  in  each  exalted  Line. 
And  all  the  full,  harmonic  Universe. 
Would  tuneful,  or  expressive,  Thee  attest. 
.75  The  Cause,  the  Glorv.  and  the  End  of  All ! 


To  Me  be  Nature's  Volume,  wide,  displayed ;  bi93 

And  to  peruse  the  broad,  illumin'd   Page, 
Or  haply  catching  Inspiration  thence. 
Some  easy  Passage,  raptur'd,  to  translate, 
180 My  sole  Delight;  as  thro'  the  falling  Glooms, 
Pensive,  I  muse,  or,  with  the  rising  Day. 
On  Fancy's  Eagle- Wing,  excursive,  soar. 

Fierce,  flaming  up  the  Heavens,  the  peircing  Sun      B200 
Attenuates  to  Air  the  high-rais'd  Clouds, 
185  And  Morning  Mists  that  hoverd  round  the  Hills. 
In   Party-colour*d  Bands;  till,  all  unveil'd. 
The  Face  of  Nature  shines,  from  where  Earth  Beems 
Far-stretch'd  around,  to  meet  the  bending  Sphere. 

Half  in  a  Blush  of  clustering  Roses  lost,  b^ 

190  Dew-dropping  Coolness  to  the  Shade  retires; 
And  Tyrant  Heat,  dispreading  thro'  the  Sky, 
By  sharp  Degrees,  his  burning  Influence  rains 
On  Man.  and  Beast,  and  Herb,  and  tepid  Stream. 

B     166   th'immeasur'd]    the    boundless  174    tunefn 

1N4  Melte  Into  Limpid  air  the  etc. 
MS  L89— 193  T deletes  bat  then  writes:  To  be  restored        192  sharp] 

(gwii 


SUMMER  C  75 

That  beam  for  ever  thro1  the  boundless  Sky: 
But,  should  he  bide  his  Face,  th'astonish'd  Sun, 
And  all  th'extinguish'd  Stars,  would  loosening  start 
Wide  from  their  Spheres,  and  Chaos  come  again. 

185  And  yet  was  every  faultering  Tongue  of  Man,  ni85 

Almighty  Maker!  silent  in  thy  Praise; 

Thy  Works  themselves  would  raise  a  general  Voice, 

Even  in  the  Depth  of  solitary  Woods, 

By  human  Foot  untrod,  proclaim  thy  Power, 
190  And  to  the  Quire  celestial  Thee  resound, 

Th' eternal  Cause,  Support,  and  End  of  all ! 

To  me  be  Nature's  Volume  iroarf-display'd;  D192 

And  to  peruse  it's  all-instructing  Page, 
Or,  haply  catching  Inspiration  thence, 
19s  Some  easy  Passage,  raptur'd,  to  translate, 
My  sole  Delight;  as  thro'  the  falling  Glooms 
Pensive  I  stray,  or  with  the  rising  Dawn, 
On  Fancy's  Eagle- wing  excursive  soar. 

Now,  flaming  up  the  Heavens,  the  potent  Sun  di99 

200  Melts  into  limpid  Air  the  high-rais'd  Clouds, 
And  morning  Mists,  that  hover'd  o'er  the  Hills 
In  party-colour'd  Bands;  till  wide  unveil'd 
The  Face  of  Nature  shines,  from  where  Earth  seems, 
Far-stretch'd  around,  to  meet  the  bending  Sphere. 

205  Half  in  a  Blush  of  clustering  Roses  lost,  D205 

Dew-dropping  Coolness  to  the  Shade  retires; 
There  on  the  verdant  Turf,  or  flowery  Bed, 
By  gelid  Founts  and  careless  Bills  to  muse: 
While  tyrant  Heat,  dispreading  thro'  the  Sky, 

210  With  rapid  Sway,  his  burning  Influence  darts 
On  Man,  and  Beast,  and  Herb,  and  tepid  Stream. 


183  start]  reel  186  Maker!]  Father!  201  Mists,]  Fogs, 


76  SUM  MEM  A 

Who  can.  unpitying,  see  the  flowery  Race,  i 

195  Shed  by  the  Morn,  their  new-flush'd  Bloom  resign. 
Before  th'unbating  Beam!     So  fade  the  Fair, 
When  Fevers  revel  thro'  their  azure  Veins. 
But  One,  the  Follower  of  the  Sun,  They  say, 
Sad,  when  he  sets,  shuts  up  her  yellow  Leaves, 
200  Weeping  all  Night;  and  when  He,  warm,  returns, 
Points  her  enamour'd  Bosom  to  his  Ray. 

Home,  from  his  Morning  Task,  the  Swain  retreats.     1 
His  Flock  before  Him  stepping  to  the  Fold; 
While  the  full-udder'd  Mother  lows  around 

205  The  chearful  Cottage  then  expecting  Food, 

The  Food  of  Innocence,  and  Health !     The  Daw, 
The  Rook,  and  Magpie,  to  the  grey-grown  Oaks, 
That  the  calm  Village,  in  their  verdant  Arms, 
Sheltering,  embrace,  direct  their  lazy  Flight; 

210  Where,  on  the  mingling  Boughs,  they  sit  embowerd. 
All  the  hot  Noon,  till  cooler  Hours  arise. 
Faint,  underneath,  the  homely  Fowls  convene; 
And,  in  a  Corner  of  the  buzzing  Shade, 
The  House-Dog,  with  th'employless  Giey-Hound,  lies. 

215  Outstretch'd,  and  sleepy :  in  his  Slumbers  One 
Attacks  the  nightly  Thief,  and  one  exults 
O'er  Hill  and  Dale;  till  waken'd  by  the  Wasp, 
They  bootless  snap.     Nor  shall  the  Muse  disdain 
To  let  the  little,  noisy  Summer-Race 

220  Live  in  her  Lay,  and  flutter  thro'  her  Song, 
Not  mean  tho'  simple ;  to  the  Sun  ally'd, 
From  Him  their  high  Descent,  direct,  They  draw. 

Wak'd  by  his  warmer  Ray,  the  reptile  Young  t 

Come  wing'd  abroad;   by  the  light  Air  upborn, 
225  Lighter,  and   full  of  Life.     From  every  Chink. 

B     208,  209  That  .  .  .  embrace  bracketed 

MS  For  1%,  1!>7  :  And,  (flagging)  withering  lade  before  the  fervid 
Beum  y    T 


SUMMER  C  77 

Who  can  unpitying  see  the  flowery  Race.  d2h 

Shed  by  the  Morn,  their  new-flush'd  Bloom  resign, 
Before  the  parching  Beam?     So  fade  the  Fair, 
215  When  Fevers  revel  thro'  their  azure  Veins. 
But  one,  the  lofty  Follower  of  the  Sun, 
Sad  when  he  sets,  shuts  up  her  yellow  Leaves, 
Drooping  all  Night;  and,  when  he  warm  returns, 
Points  her  enamour'd  Bosom  to  his  Ray. 

220  Home,  from  his  morning  Task,  the  Swain  retreats;    D220 

His  Flock  before  him  stepping  to  the  Fold : 

While  the  full-udder'd  Mother  lows  around 

The  chearful  Cottage,  then  expecting  Food, 

The  Food  of  Innocence,  and  Health!     The  Daw, 
225  The  Rook  and  Magpie,  to  the  grey-grown  Oaks 

(That  the  calm  Tillage  in  their  verdant  Arms, 

Sheltering,  embrace)  direct  their  lazy  Flight; 

Where  on  the  mingling  Boughs  they  sit  embower'd, 

All  the  hot  Noon,  till  cooler  Hours  arise. 
230  Faint,  underneath,  the  houshold  Fowls  convene; 

And,  in  a  Corner  of  the  buzzing  Shade, 

The  House-Dog,  with  the  vacant  Greyhound,  lies, 

Out-stretch'd,  and  sleepy.     In  his  Slumbers  one 

Attacks  the  nightly  Thief,  and  one  exults 
235  O'er  Hill  and  Dale;  till  waken 'd  by  the  Wasp, 

They  starting  snap.     Nor  shall  the  Muse  disdain 

To  let  the  little  noisy  Summer-race 

Live  in  her  Lay,  and  flutter  through  her  Song, 

Not  mean  tho'  simple:  to  the  Sun  ally'd, 
240  From  him  they  draw  their  animating  Fire. 

Wak'd  by  his  warmer  Ray,  the  reptile  Young  D241 

Come  wing'd  abroad;  by  the  light  Air  upborn. 
Lighter  and  full  of  Soul.     From  every  Chink, 


7  s  SUMMER  A 

And  secret  Corner,  where  they  slept  away 
The  wintry  Glooms,  by  Myriads,  all  at  once, 
Swarming,  they  pour:  green,  speckled,  yellow,  grey. 
Black,  azure,  brown;  more  than  th'assisted   Bye 

230  Of  poring  Virtuoso  can  discern. 

Ten  thousand  Forms!     Ten  thousand  different  Tribes! 

People  the  Blaze.     To  sunny   Waters  some 

By  fatal  Instinct  fly;  where,  on  the  Pool, 

They,  sportive,  wheel;  or,  sailing  down  the  Stream. 

235  Are  snatch'd,  immediate,  by  the  springing  Trout, 
Often  beguil'd.     Some  thro'  the  green-Wood  Glade 
Delight  to  stray;  there  lodg'd,  amus'd,  and  fed. 
In  the  fresh  Leaf.     Luxurious,  others  make 
The  Meads  their  Choice,  and  visit  every  Flower, 

240  And  every  latent  Herb;  but  careful  still 
To  shun  the  Mazes  of  the  sounding  Bee, 
As  o'er  the  Blooms  He  sweeps.     Some  to  the  House, 
The  Fold,  and  Dairy,  hungry,  bend  their  Flight; 
Sip  round  the  Pail,  or  taste  the  curdling  Cheese: 

245  Oft,  inadvertent,  by  the  boiling  Stream 

They're  pierc'd  to  Death;  or,  weltering  in  the  Bowl, 
With  powerless  Wings  around  them  wrapt,  expire. 

But  chief,  to  heedless  Flies  the  Window  proves        B265 

A  constant  Death;  where,  gloomily  retir'd, 
250  The  Villain  Spider  lives,  cunning,  and  fierce. 

Mixture  abhorr'd!     Amid  a  mangled  Heap 
1  Of  Carcasses,  in  eager  Watch,  He  sits, 

Surveying  all  his  waving  Snares  around. 

Within  an  Inch  the  dreadless  Wanderer  oft 
255  Passes,  as  oft  the  Ruffian  shows  his  Front. 

The  Prey  at  last  ensnar'd,  He,  dreadful,  darts. 

With  rapid  Glide,  along  the  leaning  Line; 

B      263  Surveying  J  O'erlooking 
MS  2M   Forms!  I  Hues!    T 


SUMMER  C  79 

And  secret  Corner,  where  they  slept  away 

245  The  wintry  Storms;  or  rising  from  their  Tombs, 
To  higher  Life;  by  Myriads,  forth  at  once, 
Swarming  they  pour;  of  all  the  vary'd  Hues 
Their  Beauty-beaming  Parent  can  disclose. 
Ten  thousand  Forms!     Then  thousand  different  Tribes! 

250  People  the  Blaze.     To  sunny  "Waters  some 
By  fatal  Instinct  fly;  where  on  the  Pool 
They,  sportive,  wheel;  or,  sailing  down  the  Stream, 
Are  snatch'd  immediate  by  the  quick-eyed  Trout, 
Or  darting  Salmon.     Thro'  the  green-wood  Glade 

255  Some  love  to  stray ;  there  lodg'd,  amus'd  and  fed, 
In  the  fresh  Leaf.     Luxurious,  others  make 
The  Meads  their  choice,  and  visit  every  Flower, 
And  every  latent  Herb: /or  the  sweet  Task, 
To  propagate  their  Kinds,  and  where  to  wrap, 

260  In  what  soft  Beds,  their   Young  yet  undisclos'd, 
Employs  their  tender  Care.     Some  to  the  House, 
The  Fold,  and  Dairy,  hungry,  bend  their  Flight; 
Sip  round  the  Pail,  or  taste  the  curdling  Cheese; 
Oft,  inadvertent,  from  the  milky  Stream 

265  They  meet  their  Fate;  or,  weltering  in  the  Bowl, 
With  powerless  Wings  around  them  wrapt,  expire. 

But  chief  to  heedless  Flies  the  Window  proves         D267 

A  constant  Death ;  wmere,  gloomily  retir'd, 

The  villain  Spider  lives,  cunning,  and  fierce, 
270  Mixture  abhorr'd !     Amid  a  mangled  Heap 

Of  Carcasses,  in  eager  Watch  he  sits, 

O'erlooking  all  his  waving  Snares  around. 

Near  the  dire  Cell  the  dreadless  Wanderer  oft 

Passes,  as  oft  the  Ruffian  shows  his  Front. 
275  The  Prey  at  last  ensnar'd,  he  dreadful  darts, 

With  rapid  Glide,  along  the  leaning  Line; 


MS  254  Or  darting  ]  (And  springing)    T 


SO  SUMMER  A 

And.  fixing  in  the  Fly  his  cruel  Fangs, 
Strides  backward,  grimly  pleas'd:  the  fluttering  Wing. 
260  And  shriller  Sound  declare  extream  Distress. 
And  ask  the  helping,  hospitable  Hand. 

Ecchoes  the  living  Surface  of  the  Earth:  b*79 

Nor  undelightful  is  the  humming  Sound 
To  ffim  who  muses,  thro'  the  Woods,  at  Noon; 
265  Or  drowsy  Shepherd,  as  He  lies  reclin'd, 

With  half-shut  Eyes,  beneath  the  floating  Shade 
Of  Willows  grey,  close-crowding  o'er  the  Brook. 


B     262  Earth;]  ground;         263  humming  Sound]  ceaseless  hum, 
MS  265  drowsy  ]  (slumbering)    T 


SUMMER  C  81 

And,  fixing,  in  the   Wretch  bis  cruel  Fangs, 
Strikes  backward  grimly  pleas'd:  tbe  fluttering  Wing, 
And  sbriller  Sound  declare  extreme  Distress, 
280  And  ask  tbe  helping  hospitable  Hand. 

Resounds  the  living  Surface  of  the  Ground:  D281 

Nor  undeligbtful  is  the  ceaseless  Hum, 
To  him  who  muses  thro'  the  Woods  at  Noon; 
Or  drowsy  Shepherd,  as  he  lies  reclin'd, 
285  With  half-shut  Eyes,  beneath  the  floating  Shade 
Of  Willows  grey,  close-crouding  o'er  the  Brook. 

Gradual,  from  These  what  numerous  Kinds  descend,  D287 

ILvadmg    even   the   microscopic   bye  I  transferred  here 

Full  Nature  swarms  with  Life;  one  wondrous  Mass       E^ti-^™3 
290  Of  Animals,  or  Atoms  organized, 

Waiting  the  vital  Breath,  when  Parent-Heaven 

Shall  bid  his  Spirit  blow.     The  hoary  Fehj_ 

In  putrid  Streams,  emits  the  living  Cloud 

Of  Pestilence.     Thro'  subterranean  Cells, 
295  W^here  searching  Sun-Beams  scarce  can  find  a  Way, 

Earth  animated  heaves.     The  flowery  Leaf 

Wants  not  it's  soft  Inhabitants.     Secure, 

Within  it's  winding  Citadel,  the  Stone 

Holds  Multitudes.     But  chief  the  Forest-Boughs, 
300  That  Dance  unnumber'd  to  the  playful  Breeze, 

The  downy  Orchard,  and  the  melting  Pulp 

Of  mellow  Fruit,  the  nameless  Nations  feed 

Of  evanescent  Insects.     Where  the  Pool 

Stands  mantled  o'er  with  Green,  invisible, 
305  Amid  the  floating  Verdure  Millions  stray. 

Each  Liquid  too,  whether  it  pierces,  sooths, 


MS  287  —  315  Ts  draught  —  in  "Spring",  but  already  marked  "In 
Summer''''  —  shoivs  the  following  variations:  Downward  from 
these,  etc.  as  Su.  C  287-305.        For  306-308: 

Each  Liquid  too,  whether  of  acid  (Point,  Taste)  Point 
Or  oily  smooth,  whether  severe  and  harsh 
Palaestra  LXVI.  6 


SUMMER  A 


Let  no  presuming,  impious  Railer  tax 
Creative  Wisdom,  as  if  ought  was  form'd 

270  In  vain,  or  not  for  admirable  Ends. 
Shall  little,  haughty  Ignorance  pronounce 
His  Works  unwise;  of  which  the  smallest  Part 
Exceeds  the  narrow  Vision  of  his  Mind  ! 
So  on  the  Concave  of  a  sounding  Dome, 

275  On  swelling  Columns  heav'd,  the  Pride  of  Art! 
Wanders  a  critic  Fly ;  his  feeble  Ray 
Extends  an  Inch  around ;  yet,  blindly  bold. 
He  dares  dislike  the  Structure  of  the  Whole. 
And  lives  the  Man,  whose  universal   Eye 

280  Has  swept,  at  once, 


B     274  Bo  1  Thus 

MS  274  sounding  |  lofty  T 


SUMMER  C  83 

Inflames,  refreshes,  or  exalts  the  Taste, 

With  various  Forms  abounds.     Nor  is  the  Stream 

Of  purest  Crystal,  nor  the  lucid  Air, 

310  Tho'  one  transparent  Vacancy  it  seems, 

Void  of  their  unseen  People.     These,  conceal' d 
By  the  kind  Art  of  forming  Heaven,  escape 
The  grosser  Eye  of  Man:  for,  if  the   Worlds 
In   Worlds  inclos'd  should  on  his  Senses  burst, 

315  From  Cates  ambrosial,  and  the  nectar  d  Bowl, 
He  would  abhorrent  turn;  and  in  dead  Night, 
When  Silence  sleeps  o'er  all,  be  stun'd  with  Noise. 

Let  no  presuming  impious  Railer  tax  d3is 

Creative  Wisdom,  as  if  aught  was  form'd 

320  In  vain,  or  not  for  admirable  Ends. 
Shall  little  haughty  Ignorance  pronounce 
His  Works  unwise,  of  which  the  smallest  Part 
Exceeds  the  narrow  Vision  of  her  Mind? 
As  if  upon  a  full-proportion' d  Dome, 

325  On  swelling  Columns  heav'd,  the  Pride  of  Art! 
A  Critic-Fly,  whose  feeble  Bay  scarce  spreads 
An  Inch  around,  with  blind  Presumption  bold, 
Should  dare  to  tax  the  Structure  of  the  Whole. 
And  lives  the  Man,  whose  universal  Eye 

330  Has  swept  at  once  th'unbounded  Scheme  of  Things; 


MS  fSequel) 

Or  rais'd  to  racy  Flavour,  (bright)  quick  and  high 
With  various  Forms  abounds  (whence  is  deriv'd 
Perhaps  their  various  Taste)  whence  is,  perhaps, 
Deriv'd  their  various  Taste.     Nor  is  the  Stream 
etc.  as  Su.  C  309/10  with  limpid  for  lucid.     Then: 
Devoid  of  Life.     Even  Animals  subsist 
On  Animals,  in  infinite  Descent. 
These,  more  and  more,  th'Inspective  Glass  discerns, 
As  more  it's  finer  Curve  collects  the  Rays, 
And  to  the  Curious  gives  th'amazing  Scenes 
Of  lessening  Life,  etc.  as  Spring  B  161—68  save 
I.  167,  which  runs  as  Su.  C  316. 

6* 


84  SUMMER  A 

Maik'd  their  Dependance  so,  and  firm  Accord, 

As,  with  unfaultering  Accent,  to  conclude 

That  this  availeth  nought?     Has  any  seen 

The  mighty  Chain  of  Beings,  lessening  down 
285  From  infinite  Perfection  to  the  Brink 

Of  dreary  Nothing,  desolate  Abyss ! 

Recoiling  giddy  Thought:  or  with  sharp  Glance, 

Such  as  remotely  wafting  Spirits  use, 

Survey'd  the  Glories  of  the  little  World? 
290  Till  then,  alone,  let  zealous  Praise  ascend, 

And  Hymns  of  heavenly  Wonder,  to  that  Power, 

Whose  Wisdom  shines  as  lovely  on  our  Minds, 

As  on  our  smiling  Eyes  his  Servant-Sun. 

Thick,  in  yon  Stream  of  Light,  a  Thousand  Ways,    b3u 
295  Upwards  and  downwards,  thwarting,  and  convolv'd. 

The  quivering  Kingdoms  sport;  with  Tempest- Wing, 

Till  Winter  sweeps  them  from  the  Face  of  Day : 

Even  so  luxurious  Men,  unheeding,  pass 

An  idle,  Summer  Life,  in  Fortune's  Shine, 
300  A  Season's  Glitter !     In  soft-circling  Robes, 

Which  the  hard  Hand  of  Industry  has  wrought, 

The  human  Insects  glow;  by  Hunger  fed, 

And  chear'd  by  toiling  Thirst,  They  rowl  about 

From  Toy  to  Trifle,  Vanity  to  Vice ; 
305  Till  blown  away  by  Death,  Oblivion  comes 

Behind,  and  strikes  Them  from  the  Book  of  Life. 


B     289  Survey'd  ]  Beheld  After  I.  306   the  foUomny  19  lines 

are  hiserted: 

Now  swarms  the  village  o'er  the  jovial  mead; 

The  rustic  youth,  brown  with  meridian  toil,  [325] 

Healthful,  and  strong;  full  as  the  summer-rose 

Blown  by  prevailing  suns,  the  blooming  maid, 

Half-naked,  swelling  on  the  sight,  and  all 

Her  kindled  graces  burning  o'er  her  cheek, 

Even  stooping  age  is  here;  and  infant  hands  [330J 

Trail  the  long  rake,  or  with  the  Eragranl   load 


SUMMER  C  85 

Mark'd  their  Dependance  so,  and  firm  Accord, 
As  with  unfaultering  Accent  to  conclude 
That  This  availeth  nought?     Has  any  seen 
The  mighty  Chain  of  Beings,  lessening  down 

335  From  Infinite  Perfection  to  the  Brink 
Of  dreary  Nothing,  desolate  Abyss! 
From  which  astonish' d  Thought,  recoiling,  turns? 
Till  then  alone  let  zealous  Praise  ascend, 
And  Hymns  of  holy  Wonder,  to  that  Power, 

340  Whose  Wisdom  shines  as  lovely  on  our  Minds, 
As  on  our  smiling  Eves  his  Servant-Sun. 


Thick,  in  yon  Stream  of  Light,  a  thousand  Ways,     d342 

Upward,  and  dowmvard,  thwarting,  and  convolv'd, 

The  quivering  Nations  sport;   till,   Tempest-wing' d, 
345  Fierce  Winter  sweeps  them  from  the  Face  of  Day. 

Even  so  luxurious  Men,  unheeding,  pass 

An  idle  Summer-Life  in  Fortune's  Shine, 

A  Season's  Glitter!     Thus  they  flutter  on 

From  Toy  to  Toy,  from  Vanity  to  Vice; 
350  Till,  blown  away  by  Death,  Oblivion  comes 

Behind,  and  strikes  them  from  the  Book  of  Life. 

Now  swarms  the  Village  o'er  the  jovial  Mead :  D352 

The  rustic  Youth,  brown  with  meridian  Toil, 
Healthful,  and  strong;  full  as  the  Summer-Rose 

355  Blown  by  prevailing  Suns,  the  ruddy  Maid, 
Half-naked,  swelling  on  the  Sight,  and  all 
Her  kindled  Graces  burning  o'er  her  Cheek. 
Even  stooping  Age  is  here;  and  Infant-Hands 
Trail  the  long  Rake,  or,  with  the  fragrant  Load 

360  O'ercharg'd,  amid  the  kind  Oppression  roll. 
Wide  flies  the  tedded  Grain;  all  in  a  Row 
Advancing  broad,  or  wheeling  round  the  Field. 
They  spread  the  breathing  Harvest  to  the  Sun, 


SUMMER  A 


B     (Sequel) 

O'ercharg'd,  amid  the  soft  oppression  roll. 
Wide  flies  the  tedded  grain;  all  in  a  row- 
Advancing  broad,  or  wheeling  round  the  field. 
They  Bpread  the  tawny  harvest  to  the  ran,  (335I 

That  casts  refreshful  round  a  rural  Bmell: 
Or,  as  they  rake  the  green-appearing  ground, 
And  drive  the  dusky  wave  along  the  mead, 
Risee  the  russet  hay-cock  thick  behind, 
In  order  £ay.     While  heard  from  dale  to  dale. 
Waking  the  breeze,  resounds  the  blended  v. 
<  >!'  happy  labour,  love,  and  Bocial 


SUMMER  C  87 

That  throws  refreshful  round  a  rural  Smell: 
365  Or,  as  they  rake  the  green-appearing  Ground, 
And  drive  the  dusky  Wave  along  the  Mead, 
The  russet  Hay-Cock  rises  thick  behind, 
In  order  gay.     While  heard  from  Dale  to  Dale, 
Waking  the  Breeze,  resounds  the  blended  Voice 
370  Of  happy  Labour,  Love,  and  social  Glee. 

Or  rushing  thence,  in  one  diffusive  Band, 
They  drive  the  troubled  Flocks,  many  a  Dog 
Compell'd,  to  where  the  mazy-running  Brook 
Forms  a  deep  Pool:  This  Bank  abrupt  and  high, 

375  And  That  fair-spreading  in  a  pebbled  shore. 
Urg'd  to  the  giddy  Brink,  much  is  the  Toil, 
The  Clamour  much,  of  Men,  and  Boys,  and  Dog, 
Ere  the  soft  fearful  People  to  the  Flood 
Commit  their  woolly  Sides.     And  oft  the  Swain, 

380  On  some  impatient  seizing,  hurls  them   in: 
Embolden'd  then,  nor  hesitating  more, 
Fast,  fast,  they  plunge  amid  the  fashing  Wave, 
And  panting  labour  to  the  farther  Shore. 
Repeated  This,  till  deep  the  well- w ash' d  Fleece 

385  Has  drunk  the  Flood,  and  from  his  lively  Haunt 
The  Trout  is  banish' d  by  the  sordid  Stream; 
Heavy,  and  dripping,  to  the  breezy  Brow 
Slow-move  the  harmless  Race:  where,  as  they  spread 
Their  swelling  Treasures  to  the  sunny  Ray, 

390  Inly  disturb 'd,  and  wondering  what  this  wild 
Outragious  Tumult  means,  their  loud  Complaints 
The  Country  Jill;  and,  toss'd  from  Rock  to  Rock, 
Incessant  Bleatiugs  run  around  the  Hills. 
At  last,  of  snowy   White,  the  gat  her' d  Flocks, 

395  Are  in  the  wattled  Pen  innumerous  press' d, 
Head  above  Head;  and,  rang'd  in  lusty  Rows, 


D371 


D     377  Dogs, 


88 


SIMMER  A 


SUMMER  C  89 

The  Shepherds  sit,  and  whet  the  sounding  SJtears. 
The  Housewife  tvaits  to  roll  her  fleecy  Stores, 
With  all  her  gay-drest  Maids  attending  round. 

400  One,  chief,  in  gracious  Dignity  inthron'd, 

Shines  o'er  the  rest,  the  pastoral  Queen,  and  rays 
Her  Smiles,  sweet-h earning,  on  her  Shepherd-King ; 
While  the  glad  Circle  round  them  yield  their  Souls 
To  festive  Mirth,  and  Wit  that  knows  no  Gall. 

405  Mean-time,  their  joyous  Task  goes  on  apace : 
Some  mingling  stir  the  melted  Tar,  and  Some, 
Deep  on  the  new-shorn  Vagrant's  heaving  Side, 
To  stamp  his  Master's  Cipher  ready  stand; 
Others  th'unwilling  Wether  drag  along, 

410  Arid,  glorying  in  his  Might,  the  sturdy  Boy 
Holds  by  the  twisted  Horns  th'indignant  Bam. 
Behold  tvhere  bound,  and  of  its  Robe  bereft, 
By  needy  Man,  that  all-depending  Lord, 
Hoiv  meek,  how  patient,  the  mild  Creature  lies! 

415  What  Softness  in  it's  melancholy  Face, 
What  dumb  complaining  Innocence  appears! 
Fear  not,  ye  gentle  Tribes,  'tis  not  the  Knife 
Of  horrid  Slaughter  that  is  o'er  you  ivav'd; 
No,  'tis  the  tender  Swain's  iv  ell- guided  Shears, 

420  Who  having  now,  to  pay  his  annual  Care, 

Borroiv'd  your  Fleece,  to  you  a  cumbrous  Load, 
Will  send  you  bounding  to  your  Hills  again. 

A  Simple  Scene!  yet  hence  Britannia  sees  D423 

Her  solid  Grandeur  rise:  hence  she  commands 

425  Th'exalted  Stores  of  every  brighter  Clime, 
The  Treasures  of  the  Sun  ivithout  his  Rage: 
Hence,  fervent  all,  with  Culture,  Toil,  and  Arts, 
Wide  glows  her  Land:  her  dreadful  Thunder  hence 
Rides  o'er  the    Waves  sublime,  and  now,  even  now, 

430  Impending  hangs  o'er  Gallia's  humbled  Coast, 

Hence  rules  the  circling  Deep,  and  aives  the    World. 


•  id  SUMMER  A 

lis  raging  Noon;  and.  vertical,  the  Sim  B343 

Shoots,  thro'  th'expanding  Air,  a  torrid  Gleam. 

O'er  Heaven,  and  Earth,  far,  as  the  darted  Eye 
310  Can  pierce,  a  dazzling  Deluge  reigns:  and  all. 

From  Pole  to  Pole,  is  undistinguish'd   Blaze. 

Down  to  the  dusty  Earth  the  Sight,  o'er  power'd. 

Stoops  for  Relief;  but  thence  ascending  Steams. 

And  keen  Reflection  pain.     Burnt  to  the  Heart 
3'5  Are  the  refreshless  Fields;  their  arid  Hue 

Adds  a  new  Fever  to  the  sickening  Sou] : 

And,  o'er  their  slippery  Surface,  wary,  treads 

The  Foot  of  thirsty  Pilgrim,  often  dipt 

In  a  cross  Rill,  presenting  to  his   Wish 
320  A  living  Draught,  He  feels  before  he  drinks! 

No  more  the  Woods  return  the  sandy  Sound 

Of  sharpening  Sithe:  the  Mower,  sinking,  heaps 

O'er  Him  the  tedded  Hay,  with  Flowers  perfum'd; 

And  scarce  a  chirping  Grashopper  is  heard 
325  Thro'  all  the  Mead.     Distressful  Nature  pants. 

The  Desart  singes;  and  the  stubborn  Rock,   bv 

Split  to  the  Centre,  sweats  at  every  Pore. 
I^The  very  Streams  look  languid  from  afar: 

Or,  thro'  the  fervid  Glade,  impetuous,  hurl  1 1 
330  Into  the  Shelter  of  the  crackling  Grove. 

Prevailing  Heat!  oh  intermit  thy   Wrath!  b367 

And  on   my  aking  Temples,  potent,  thus 
Beam  not  so  hard!  —  Incessant,  still  You  flow: 
Ami  still  another  fervent  Flood  succeeds, 
335  Pour'd  on  the  Head  profuse  —  In  vain   I  groan, 


B  321  Echo  no  more  returns  323  tedded  t  humid  326  Thro' 
the  dumb  mead.  326  singes;]  reddens;  331  All-conquering 
.">  "2  aking]  throbbing        385  groan,]  Bigh, 

MS  .".17  o'er]  on   T  For  H18-320:  TJ  Pilgrim;  win. 

to  firm  bis  Step,  Dips  in  tli*-  passing  Kill  bis  dusty  Foot  T 
323  tumid      breathin       / 


SUMMER  C  91 

'Tis  raging  Noon:  and,  vertical,  the  Sun  D432 

Darts  on  the  Head  direct  his  forceful  Rays. 

O'er  Heaven  and  Earth,  far  as  the  ranging  Eye 
435  Can  sweep,  a  dazling  Deluge  reigns;  and  all 

From  Pole  to  Pole  is  undistinguish'd  Bla/.e. 

In  vain  the  Sight,  dejected  to  the  Ground, 

Stoops  for  Relief;  thence  hot  ascending  Steams 

And  keen  Reflection  pain.     Deep  to  the  Boot 
440  Of  Vegetation  parch'd,  the  cleaving  Fields 

And  slippery  Lawn  an  arid  Hue  disclose, 

Blast  Fancy's  Blooms,  and  wither  even  the  Soul. 

Echo  no  more  returns  the  chearful  Sound 

Of  sharpening  Scythe:  the  Mower  sinking  heaps 
445  O'er  him  the  humid  Hay,  with  Flowers  perfumM; 

And  scarce  a  chirping  Grass-hopper  is  heard 

Thro'  the  dumb  Mead.     Distressful  Nature  pants.  2  Hues  omitted 

The  very  Streams  look  languid  from  afar; 

Or,  thro'  th'unshelter'd  Glade,  impatient,  seem 
450  To  hurl  into  the  Covert  of  the  Grove. 


All-Conquering  Heat,  oh  intermit  thy  Wrath!  D451 

And  on  my  throbbing  Temples  potent  thus 
Beam  not  so  fierce!     Incessant  still  you  flow, 
And  still  another  fervent  Flood  succeeds, 
455  Pour'cl  on  the  Head  profuse.     In  vain  I  sigh, 


MS  449  the  (sultry)  fervid  Glade  T        450  Covert  ]  Shelter  T 


92  SUMMER  A 

And,  restless,  turn,  and  look  around  for  Night : 

Night  is  far  off;  and  hotter  Hours  approach. 

Who  shall  endure!  —  The  too  resplendent  Scene 

Already  darkens  on  the  dizzy  Eye; 
340  And  double  Objects  dance:  unreal  Sounds 

Sing  round  the  Ears:  a  Weight  of  sultry  Dew- 
Hangs,  deathful,  on  the  Limbs:  shiver  the  Nerves: 

The  supple  Sinews  sink;  and  on  the  Heart, 

Misgiving,  Horror  lays  his  heavy  Hand. 
345  Thrice  happy  He!  who,  on  the  Sunless  Side 

Of  a  romantic  Mountain,  Forrest-crown'd, 

Beneath  the  whole  collected  Shade  reclines: 

Or  in  the  gelid  Caverns,  Wood  bine- wrought. 

And  fresh  bedew'd  with  ever-spouting  Streams, 
350  Sits  cooly  calm ;  while  all  the  World  without, 

Unsatisfy'd,  and  sick,  tosses  in  Noon. 

Emblem  instructive  of  the  virtuous  Man, 

Who  keeps  his  temper'd  Mind  serene,  and  pure. 

And  all  his  Passions  aptly  harmoniz'd, 
355  Amidst  a  jarring  World  with  Vice  inflam'd. 

Welcome,  ye  Shades !  ye  bowery  Thickets  hail !         B392 

Ye  lofty  Pines!  ye  venerable  Oaks! 

With  Ashes  wild,  resounding  o'er  the  Steep! 

Delicious  is  your  Shelter  to  the  Soul, 
360  As  to  the  hunted  Hart  the  sallying  Spring, 

Or  Stream  full-flowing,  that  his  swelling  Sides 

Laves,  as  He  floats  along  the  Herbag'd  Brink. 

Cold,  thro'  the  Nerves,  your  pleasing  Comforts  glide; 

The  Heart  beats  glad:  the  misty  Eyes  refulge: 
365  The  Ears  resume  their  Watch:  the  Sinews  knit; 

And  Life  shoots  swift  thro'  every  active  Limb. 


338  shall  J  can  339  Eye;]  sight,         341  Sing  deep  around; 

345  who,  ]  that        355  Amid        358  Ye  Ashes        363  comfort 
glides;  364,  365  glad;   the  fresh -expanded  eye.  ||   And  ear 

resume       .'(fii;  active]  lightenM 


SUMMER  C  93 

And  restless  turn,  and  look  around  for  Night; 

Night  is  far  off;  and  hotter  Hours  approach.  7  lines  omitted 

Thrice  happe  he!  that  on  the  sunless  side 

Of  a  romantic  Mountain,  forest-crown'd, 
460  Beneath  the  whole  collected  Shade  reclines: 

Or  in  the  gelid  Caverns,  woodbine-wrought, 

And  fresh  bedew'd  with  ever-spouting  Streams, 

Sits  coolly  calm;  while  all  the  World  without, 

Unsatisfy'd,  and  sick,  tosses  in  Noon. 
465  Emblem  instructive  of  the  virtuous  Man, 

Who  keeps  his  temper'd  Mind  serene,  and  pure, 

And  every  Passion  aptly  harmoniz'd, 

Amid  a  jarring  World  with  Vice  inflam'd. 


Welcome,  ye  Shades!  ye  bowery  Thickets,  hail!        D469 
470  Ye  lofty  Pines !  ye  venerable  Oaks ! 

Ye  Ashes  wild,  resounding  o'er  the  Steep ! 

Delicious  is  your  Shelter  to  the  Soul, 

As  to  the  hunted  Hart  the  sallying  Spring, 

Or  Stream  full-flowing,  that  his  swelling  Sides 
475  Laves,  as  he  floats  along  the  herbag'd  Brink. 

Cool,  thro'  the  Nerves,  your  pleasing  Comfort  glides; 

The  Heart  beats  glad;  the  fresh-expanded  Eye 

And  Ear  resume  their  watch;  the  Sinews  knit; 

And  Life  shoots  swift  thro'  all  the  lighten'd  Limbs. 


D     458  that!  who 


94  SUMMER  A 

All  in  tlf adjoining  Brook,  that  shrills  along  b4o3 

The  vocal  Grove,  now  fretting  o'er  a  Rock. 

Now  scarcely  moving  thro'  a  reedy  Pool, 
37°  Now  starting  to  a  sudden  Stream,  and  now 

Gently  diffus'd  into  a  limpid   Plain, 

A   various  Groupe  the  Herds  and  Flocks  compose. 

Rural  Confusion !     On  the  grassy  Bank- 
Some  ruminating  lie;  while  Others  stand 
375  Half  in  the  Flood,  and,  often  bending,  sip 

The  circling  Surface.     In  the  Middle  droops 

The  strong,  laborious  Ox,  of  honest  Front. 

Which,  incompos'd,  He  shakes;  and  from  his  Sides 

The  busy  Insects  lashes  with  his  Tail, 
380  Returning  still.     Amid  his  Subjects  safe, 

Slumbers  the  Monarch-Swain:  his  careless  Arm 

Thrown  round  his  Head  on  downy  Moss  sustain'd; 

Here  laid  his  Scrip,  with  wholesome  Viands  fill'd; 

And  there  his  Sceptre-Crook,  and  watchful  Dog. 

385  Light,  fly  his  Slumbers,  if  perchance  a  Flight  B421 

Of  angry  Hornets  fasten  on  the  Herd, 
That,'  startling,  scatters  from  the  shallow  Brook, 
In  search  of  lavish  Stream.     Tossing  the  Foam, 
They  scorn  the  Keeper's  Voice,  and  scour  the  Plain. 

39°  Thro'  all  the  bright  Severity  of  Noon ; 

While,  from  their  labouring  Breasts,  a  hollow  Moan 
Proceeding,  runs  low-bellowing  round  the  Hills. 

Oft  in  this  Season  too  the  Horse  provok'd.  B429 

While  his  big  Sinews,  full  of  Spirits,  swell. 


B     379  busy  ]  troublous 

MS  For  380—382  (Amid  .  .  .  sustain'd)    T  u-rites   but   then  cancels. 
stretched  on  (his)  the  grassy  Bed. 
To  Guilt  and  Care  unknown,  slumbers  the  Swain: 
Around  his   Head,  in   downy   MoBfi  su.-.tain'd, 
His   loosen'd  arm  in  careless  Manner  thrown: 


SUMMER  C  95 

48o  Around  th'adjoming  Brook,  that  purls  along  d48o 

The  vocal  Grove,  now  fretting  o'er  a  Rock, 

Now  scarcely  moving  thro'  a  reedy  Pool, 

Now  starting  to  a  sudden  Stream,  and  now 

Gently  diffus'd  into  a  limpid  Plain ; 
485  A  various  Groupe  the  Herds  and  Flocks  compose, 

Rural  Confusion !  on  the  grassy  Bank 

Some  ruminating  lie;  while  others  stand 

Half  in  the  Flood,  and  often  bending  sip 

The  circling  Surface.     In  the  Middle  droops 
49°  The  strong  laborious  Ox,  of  honest  Front, 

Which  incompos'd  he  shakes;  and  from  his  Sides 

The  troublous  Insects  lashes  with  his  Tail, 

Returning  still.     Amid  his  Subjects  safe, 

Slumbers  the  Monarch-Swain ;  his  careless  Arm 
495  Thrown  round  his  Head,  on  downy   Moss  sustain'd ; 

Here  laid  his  Scrip,  with  wholesome  Viands  fill'd ; 

There,  listening  every  Noise,  his  watchful  Dog. 

Light  fly  his  Slumbers,  if  percharme  a  Flight  D493 

Of  angry  Gad-Flies  fasten  on  the  Herd; 
500  That  startling  scatters  from  the  shallow  Brook, 

In  search  of  lavish  Stream.     Tossing  the  Foam, 

They  scorn  the  Keeper's  Voice,  and  scowr  the  Plain, 

Thro'  all  the  bright  Severity  of  Noon; 

While  from  their  labouring  Breasts,  a  hollow   Moan, 
505  Proceeding,  runs  low-bellowing  round  the  Hills. 

Oft  in  this  Season  too  the  Horse,  provok'd,  os°6 

While  his  big  Sinews  full  of  Spirits  swell. 


96  SUMMER  A 

395  Trembling  with  Vigour,  in  the  Heat  of  Blood, 
Springs  the  high  Fence;  and,  o'er  the  Field  effusM, 
Darts  on  the  gloomy  Flood,  with  steady  Eye, 
And  Heart  estrang?d  to  Fear:  his  nervous  Chest, 
Luxuriant,  and  erect,  the  Seat  of  Strength! 

400  Bears  down  th'opposing  Stream:  quenchless  his  Thirst. 
He  takes  the  River  at  redoubled  Draughts; 
And,  with  wide  Nostrils,  snorting,  skims  the  Wave. 

Still  let  me  pierce  into  the  midnight  Depth  B439 

Of  yonder  Grove,  of  wildest,  largest  Growth ; 
405  That,  high  embowering  in  the  middle  Air, 
Nods  o'er  the  Mount  beneath.     At  every  Step, 
Solemn,  and  slow,  the  Shadows  blacker  fall, 
And  all  is  awful,  silent  Gloom  around. 

These  are  the  Haunts  of  Meditation,  these  B445 

410  The  Scenes  where  antient  Bards  th'inspiring  Breath, 
Extatic,  felt;  and,  from  this  World  retir'd, 
Convers'd  with  Angels,  and  immortal  Forms, 
On  heavenly  Errands  bent  —  To  save  the  Fall 
Of  Vertue,  struggling  on  the  Brink  of  Vice; 
415  In  waking  Whispers,  and  repeated  Dreams, 

To  hint  pure  Thought,  and  warn  the  favoured.  Soul, 
For  future  Tryals,  fated,  to  prepare; 
To  prompt  the  Poet,  who,  devoted,  gives 
His  Muse  to  better  Themes;  to  sooth  the  Pangs 
420  Of  dying  Saints;  and  from  the  Patriot's  Breast, 
Backward  to  mingle  in  detested  War, 
But  foremost  when  engag'd,  to  turn  the  Death: 
And  numberless  such  Offices  of  Love, 
Daily,  and  nightly,  zealous,  to  perform. 

425  Shook,  sudden,  from  the  Bosom  of  the  Air.  b46i 

A  thousand  Shapes,  or  glide  athwart  the  Dusk, 


B     421,  422  Backward  .  .  .  engag'd  bracketed        425  Air,  ]  sky. 
MS  395  With  Ardor  trembling  T        413  Errand  T 


SUMMER  C  97 

Trembling  with  Vigour,  in  the  Heat  of  Blood, 

Springs  the  High  Fence;  and,  o'er  the  Field  effus'd, 
51°  Darts  on  the  gloomy  Flood,  with  steadfast  Eye, 

And  Heart  estrang'd  to  Fear:  his  nervous  Chest, 

Luxuriant,  and  erect,  the  Seat  of  Strength! 

Bears  down  th'opposing  Stream:  quenchless  his  Thirst; 

He  takes  the  River  at  redoubled  Draughts; 
sis  And  with  wide  Nostrils,  snorting,  skims  the  Wave. 

Still  let  me  pierce  into  the  midnight  Depth  d5i6 

Of  yonder  Grove,  of  wildest  largest  Growth; 
That,  forming  high  in  Air  a  ivoodland  Quire, 
Nods  o'er  the  Mount  beneath.     At  every  Step, 
520  Solemn,  and  slow,  the  Shadows  blacker  fall, 
And  all  is  awful  listening  Gloom  around. 

These  are  the  Haunts  of  Meditation,  these  D522 

The  Scenes  where  antient  Bards  tlrinspiring  Breath, 
Extatic,  felt;  and,  from  this  World  retir'd, 

525  Convers'd  with  Angels,  and  immortal  Forms, 
On  gracious  Errands  bent:  to  save  the  Fall 
Of  Virtue  struggling  on  the  Brink  of  Vice; 
In  waking  Whispers,  and  repeated  Dreams, 
To  hint  pure  Thought,  and  warn  the  favour'd  Soul 

530  For  future  Trials  fated  to  prepare ; 
To  prompt  the  Poet,  who  devoted  gives 
His  Muse  to  better  Themes;  to  sooth  the  Pangs 
Of  dying  Worth,  and  from  the  Patriot's  Breast, 
(Backward  to  mingle  in  detested  War, 

53s  But  foremost  when  engag'd)  to  turn  the  Death; 
And  numberless  such  Offices  of  Love, 
Daily,  and  nightly,  zealous  to  perform. 

Shook  sudden  from  the  Bosom  of  the  Sky,  D538 

A  thousand  Shapes  or  glide  athwart  the  Dusk, 


Palaestra  LXVI. 


98  SUMMER  A 

Or  stalk,  majestic,  on :  harrow'd,  I  feel 

A  sacred  Terror,  and  severe  Delight. 

Creep  thro'  my  mortal  Frame;  and  thus,  methinks. 

430  Those  hollow  Accents,  floating  on  my  Ear, 
Pronounce,  distinct,  —  uBe  not  of  Us  afraid, 
"Poor,  kindred  Man,  thy  fellow  Creatures,  "We 
"From  the  same  bounteous  Power  our  Beings  drew. 
l,The  same  our  Lord,  and  Laws,  and  great  Pursuit! 

435  "Once,  some  of  Us,  like  Thee,  thro'  stormy  Life 
"Toil'd,  Tempest-beaten,  ere  "We  could  attain 
uThis  holy  Calm,  this  Harmony  of  Mind, 
-Where  Purity  and  Peace  immingle  Charms. 
"Then  fear  not  Us;  but,  with  commutual  Song, 

440  "Oft,  in  these  dim  Recesses,  undisturb'd 
"By  noisy  Folly,  and  discordant  Vice, 
"Of  Nature  sing  with  Us,  and  Nature's  God  — 
"And,  frequent,  at  the  middle  Waste  of  Night. 
"Or,  all  Day  long,  in  Desarts  still,  are  heard, 

445  "Now  here,  now  there,  now  wheeling  in  mid-Sky, 
"Around,  or  underneath,  aerial  Sounds. 
"Sent  from  angelic  Harps,  and  Voices  join'd; 
UA  Happiness  bestow'd  by  Us,  alone, 
"On  Contemplation,  or  the  hallow'd  Ear 

450  "Of  Poet,  swelling  to  seraphic  Strain." 


B     427    on.    ArrousM,     I  430   Those    accents  murmur'd     in 

tli 'abstracted    ear,  433    Parent-Power  439    us    not 

commutual  |  responsive 

MS  1415.  444  Here  frequent  at  the  solemn  midnight  Hour 

Or  silent  depth  of  noon,  in  Desarts  etc.  T 


SUMMER  C  99 

540  Or  stalk  majestic  on.     Deep-rous'd,  I  feel 

A  sacred  Terror,  and  severe  Delight, 

Creep  through  my  mortal  Frame;  and  thus,  methinks, 

A  Voice,  than  Human  more,  th'abstracted  Ear 

Of  Fancij  strikes.     "Be  not  of  us  afraid, 
545  "Poor  kindred  Man;  thy  Fellow-creatures,  we 

"From  the  same  Parent-Power  our  Beings  drew, 

"The  same  our  Lord,  and  Laws,  and  great  Pursuit. 

"Once  some  of  us,  like  thee,  thro'  stormy  Life, 

"Toil'd,  Tempest-beaten,  ere  we  could  attain 
550  "This  holy  Calm,  this  Harmony  of  Mind, 

"Where  Purity  and  Peace  immingle  Charms. 

"Then  fear  not  us;  but  with  responsive  Song, 

"•Amid  these  dim  Recesses,  undisturb'd 

"By  noisy  Folly,  and  discordant  Vice, 
555  "Of  Nature  sing  with  us,  and  Nature's  God. 

"Here  frequent,  at  the  Visionary  Hour, 

"When  musing  Midnight  reigns  or  silent  Noon, 

"Angelic  Harps  are  in  full  Concert  heard, 

"And  Voices  chaunting  from  the  Wood-crown  d  Hill, 
560  "  The  deepening  Dale,  or  inmost  silvan  Glade : 

"A  Privilege  bestow'd  by  us,  alone, 

"On  Contemplation,  or  the  hallow'd  Ear 

"Of  Poet,  swelling  to  seraphic  Strain." 

And  art  thou,  ^Stanley,  of  that  sacred  Band?         d564 
565  Alas,  for  lis  too  soon!  —   Tho    raisd  above 

The  Reach  of  human  Pain,  above  the  Flight 

Of  human  Jog;  yet,  ivith  a  mingled  Bay 

Of  sadly-pleas'd  Bemembrance,  must  thou  feel 

A  Mother's  Love,  a  Mother's  tender  Woe: 
570  Who  seeks  Thee  still,  in  many  a  former  Scene; 

Seeks  thy  fair  Form,  thy  lovely-beaming  Eyes, 

*  A  Young  Lady,  well  known  to  the  Author,  ivho  died  at  the 

Age  of  Eighteen,  in  the  Year  1738. 


D     541  and]  a 


100  DIMMER  A 


Thus  up  the  Mount,  in  visionary  Muse  b487 

I  stray,  regardless  whither;  till  the  Stun 
Of  a  near  Fall  of  Water  every  Sense 
Wakes  from  the  Charm  of  Thought:  Swift  shrinking  back, 
455  I  stand  aghast,  and  view  the  broken  Scene. 

Like  one  who  flows  in  Joy,  when,  all  at  once, 

Misfortune  hurls  Him  down  the  Hill  of  Life, 

Smooth,  to  the  giddy  Brink  a  lucid  Stream 

Rolls,  unsuspecting,  till,  surpris'd,  'tis  thrown, 
460  In  loose  Meanders,  thro"  the  trackless  Air: 

Now  a  blue  watry  Sheet,  anon,  dispers'd, 

A  hoary  Mist,  then,  gather'd  in  again, 

A  darted  Stream,  aslant  the  hollow  Rock. 

This  Way,  and  that  tormented,  dashing  thick. 
465  From  Steep  to  Steep,  with  wild,  infracted  Course, 

And,  restless,  roaring  to  the  humble  Vale. 


B     456,  457  omitted.         458—460  thus  expanded: 

Smooth  to  the  shaggy  brink  a  spreading  flood 

Rolls  fair,  and  placid ;  till  collected  all, 

In  one  big  glut,  as  sinks  the  shelving  ground. 

Tli'iinpetuous  torrent,  tumbling  down  the  steep,  [495] 

Thunders,  and  shakes  th'astouish'd  country  round. 


SUMMER  C  101 

Thy  pleasing  Converse,  by  gay  lively  Sense 
Inspir'd;  where  moral   Wisdom  mildly  shone, 
Without  the  Toil  of  Art,  and  Virtue  glow'd, 

575  In  all  her  Smiles,  without  forbidding  Pride. 
But,  0  thou  best  of  Parents!  wipe  thy  Tears; 
Or  rather  to  Parental  Nature  pay 
The  Tears  of  grateful  Joy,  who  for  a  while 
Lent  thee  his  younger  Self,  this  opening  Bloom 

580  Of  thy  enlighten 'd  Mind  and  gentle   Worth. 
Believe  the  Muse :  the  wintry  Blast  of  Death 
Kills  not  the  Buds  of  Virtue;  no,  they  spread, 
Beneath  the  heavenly  Beam  of  brighter  Suns, 
Thro'  endless  Ages,  into  higher  Powers. 

585  Thus  up  the  Mount,  in  airy  Vision  rapt,  D585 

I  stray,  regardless  whither;  till  the  Sound 
Of  a  near  Fall  of  Water  every  Sense 
Wakes  from  the  Charm  of  Thought:  swift-shrinking  back, 
I  check  my  Steps,  and  view  the  broken  Scene. 

590  Smooth  to  the  shelving  Brink  a  copious  Flood  D590 

Rolls  fair,  and  placid ;  where  collected  all, 
In  one  impetuous  Torrent,  down  the  Steep 
It  thundering  shoots,  and  shakes  the  Country  round. 
At  first,  an  azure  Sheet,  it  rushes  broad; 

595  Then  whitening  by  degrees,  as  prone  it  falls, 
And  from  the  loud-resounding  Bocks  below 
DasJid  in  a  Cloud  of  Foam,  it  sends  aloft 
A  hoary  Mist,  and  forms  a  ceaseless  Shower. 
Nor  can  the  tortur'd  Wave  here  find  Bepose : 

600  But,  raging  still  amid  the  shaggy  Bocks, 
Now  fiashes  o'er  the  scatter 'd  Fragments,  now 
Aslant  the  hollow'd  Channel  rapid  darts; 
And  falling  fast  from  gradual  Steep  to  Steep, 
With  wild  infracted  Course,  and  lessen'd  Boar, 


D     603  Steep  to  Steep.  ]  Slope  to  Slope, 


102  SUMMER  A 

ul>  1  With  the  rough  Prospect  tir'd,  I  turn  my  Eyes      bSo3 

Where,  in  long  Vista,  the  soft-murmuring  Main 
Darts  a  green  Lustre,  trembling,  thro'  the  Trees; 

470  Or  to  yon  Silver-streaming  Threads  of  Light, 

v A  showery  Beauty  beaming  thro'  the  Boughs. 

Invited  from  the  Rock,  to  whose  dark  Cliff 
He  clings,  the  steep-ascending  Eagle  soars, 
With  upward  Pinions,  thro'  th'attractive  Gleam; 

475  And,  giving  full  his  Bosom  to  the  Blaze, 

Gains  on  the  Sun;  while  all  the  feathery  Race, 
Smote  by  afflictive  Xoon,  disorderd  droop, 
Deep,  in  the  Thicket;  or,  from  Bower  to  Bower, 
Responsive,  force  an  interrupted  Strain. 

480  The  Wood-Dove,  only,  in  the  Centre,  coos, 
Mournfully  hoarse;  oft  ceasing  from  his  Plaint, 
Short  Interval  of  weary  Woe!  again, 
The  sad  Idea  of  his  murder'd  Mate, 
Struck  from  his  Side  by  savage  Fowler's  Guile, 

48s  Accross  his  Fancy  comes;  and  then  resounds 
A  -louder  Song  of  Sorrow  thro'  the  Grove. 

Beside  the  dewy  Border  let  Me  sit,  B523 

All  in  the  Freshness  of  the  humid  Air; 
There,  on  that  Rock,  by  Nature's  Chissel  carv'd, 
49°  An  ample  Chair,  moss-lin'd,  and  over  Head 

With  weaving  Umbrage  hung;  thro'  which  the  Bee 
Strays,  diligent;  and,  with  th'extracted  Sweet 
Of  Honey-Suckle,  loads  his  little  Thigh. 

And  what  a  pleasing  Prospect  lies  around!  b53° 

495  Of  Hills,  and  Vales,  and  Woods,  and  Lawns,  and  Spires 


467  Eyes]  gaze,  471  Beauty]  radiance,  477  by]  with 

480  The  stock -dove  only  thro'  the  forest  cooes,  491  By 

flowering  umbrage  shaded;    where  the  bee  494  pleasing] 

various 

Hi*.  169  (To  where  the  River,  as  it   various  winds  |]  It's  D 
Current,  gleams  amid  the  Trees;)   T         494  Ami  |  See  T 


SUMMER  C  103 


6o5  It  gains  a  safer  Bed,  and  steals,  at  last, 
Along  the  Mazes  of  the  quiet  Vale. 


Invited  from  the  Cliff,  to  whose  dark  Broir  D6o7 

He  clings,  the  steep-ascending  Eagle  soars, 

With  upward  Pinions  thro'  the  Flood  of  Day; 
610  And,  giving  full  his  Bosom  to  the  Blaze, 

Gains  on  the  Sun;  while  all  the  tuneful  Race, 

Smit  by  afflictive  Noon,  disorder'd  droop, 

Deep  in  the  Thicket;  or,  from  Bower  to  Bower 

Responsive,  force  an  interrupted  Strain. 
6x5  The  Stock-Dove  only  thro'  the  Forest  cooes, 

Mournfully  hoarse;  oft  ceasing  from  his  Plaint, 

Short  Interval  of  weary  Woe !  again 

The  sad  Idea  of  his  murder'd  Mate, 

Struck  from  his  Side  by  savage  Fowler's  Guile, 
620  Across  his  Fancy  comes;  and  then  resounds 

A  louder  Song  of  Sorrow  thro'  the  Grove, 

Beside  the  dewy  Border  let  me  sit,  D622 

All  in  the  Freshness  of  the  humid  Air; 
There  on  that  hollow' d  Rock,  grotesque  and  wild, 
625  An  ample  Chair  Moss-lin'd,  and  over  Head 
By  flowering  Umbrage  shaded;  where  the  Bee 
Strays  diligent,  and  with  th'extracted  Balm 
Of  fragrant  Woodbine  loads  his  little  Thigh. 

Now,  while  I  taste  the  Sweetness  of  the  Shade,       D629 
630  While  Nature  lies  around  deep-lull'd  in  Noon, 
Now  come,  bold  Fancy,  spread  a  daring  Flight, 
And  view  the  Wonders  of  the  torrid  Zone: 
Climes  unrelenting !  with  whose  Rage  compar'd, 
Yon  Blaze  is  feeble,  and  yon  Shies  are  cool. 
635  See,  hoiv  at  once  the  bright-effulgent  Sun, 
Rising  direct,  swift  chases  from  the  Sky 


104  SUMMER  A 

And  Towns  betwixt,  and  gilded  Streams!  till  all 
The  stretching  Landskip  into  Smoak  decays. 

Happy  Britannia!  where  the  Queen  of  Arts.  b534  Cu 

Inspiring  Vigour,  Liberty,  abroad, 
500  Walks  thro'  the  Land  of  Heroes,  unconfin'd, 
And  scatters  Plenty   with  unsparing  Hand. 

Rich  is  thy  Soil,  and  merciful  thy  Skies:  B538  Cm 

Thy  Streams  unfailing  in  the  Summer's  Drought : 

Unmatched  thy  Guardian-Oaks:  thy  Vallies  float 
505  With  golden  Waves;  and  on  thy  Mountains  Flocks 

Bleat,  numberless:  while,  roving  round  their  Sides, 

Bellow  the  blackening  Herds,  in  lusty  Droves. 

Beneath,  thy  Meadows  flame,  and  rise  unquell'd. 

Against  the  Mower's  Sythe.     On  every  Hand, 
510  Thy  Villas  shine.     Thy  Country  teems  with  Wealth: 

And  Property  assures  it  to  the  Swain, 

Pleas'd,  and  unweary'd,  in  his  certain  Toil. 

Full  are  thy  Cities  with  the  Sons  of  Art:  B549  01449 

And  Trade,  and  Joy,  in  every  busy  Street, 
5*5  Mingling,  are  heard:  even  Drudgery,  Himself, 

As  at  the  Car  He  sweats,  or,  dusty,  hews 

The  Palace-Stone,  looks  gay.     Thy  crowded  Ports. 

Where  rising  Masts  an  endless  Prospect  yield. 

With  Labour  burn,  and  eccho  to  the  Shouts 
520  Of  hurry 'd  Sailor,  as  He,  hearty,  waves 

His  last  Adieu,  and,  loosening  every  Sheet, 

Resigns  the  spreading  Vessel  to  the  Wind. 

Bold,  firm,  and  graceful,  are  thy  generous  Youth,    B559  C1459 
By  Hardship  sinew'd,  and  by   Danger  fir'd, 
525  Scattering  the  Nations  where  They  go;  and  first. 
Or  on  the  listed  Plain,  or  wintry  Seas. 
Mild  are  thy  (ilories  too,  as  o'er  the  Arts 


526  on]  in         .'.27  Arts  ]  plans 


SUMMER  C  105 

The  short-liv'd  Twilight;  and  with  ardent  Blaze 

Looks  gayly  fierce  o'er  all  the  dazzling  Air: 

He  mounts  Ms  Throne;  but  kind  before  him  sends, 
640  Issuing  from  out  the  Portals  of  the  Morn, 

The  ^general  Breeze,  to  mitigate  his  Fire, 

And  breathe  Refreshment  on  a  fainting   World. 

Great  are  the  Scenes,  with  dreadful  Beauty  croivn'd 

And  barbarous   Wealth,  that  see,  each  circling    Year, 
645  Returning  Suns  and  f  double  Seasons  pass  : 

Rocks  rich  in  Gems,  and  Mountains  big  ivith  Mines, 

That  on  the  high  Equator  ridgy  rise, 

Whence  many  a  bursting  Stream  auriferous  plays: 

Majestic   Woods,  of  every  vigorous  Green, 
650  Stage  above  Stage,  high-waving  o'er  the  Hills; 

Or  to  the  far  Horizon  wide  diffus'd, 

A  boundless  deep  Immensity  of  Shade. 

Here  lofty  Trees,  to  ancient  Song  unknoivn, 

The  noble  Sons  of  potent  Heat  and  Floods 
655  Prone-rushing  from  the  Clouds,  rear  high  to  Heaven 

Their  thorny  Stems,  and  broad  around  them  throw 

Meridian  Gloom.     Here,  in  eternal  Prime, 

Unnumber'd  Fruits,  of  keen  delicious  Taste 

And  vital  Spirit,  drink  amid  the  Cliffs, 
660  And  burning  Sands  that  bank  the  shrubby  Vales, 

Redoubled  Day,  yet  in  their  rugged  Coats  Cf.  A627,  62 

A  friendly  Juice  to  cool  it's  Rage  contain. 

Bear  me,  Pomona!  to  thy  Citron-Groves ;  D663 

To  where  the  Lemon  and  the  piercing  Lime, 
665  With  the  deep  Orange,  glowing  thro'  the  Green, 

*  Which  bloivs  constantly  between  the  Tropics  from  the  East, 
or  the  collateral  Points,  the  North-East  and  South-East;  caused  by 
the  Pressure  of  the  rarefied  Air  on  That  before  it,  according  to 
the  diurnal  Motion  of  the  Sun  from  East  to  West. 

f  In  all  Places  between  the  Tropics,  the  Sun,  as  he  p>asses 
and  repasses  in  his  annual  Motion,  is  twice  a-year  perpendicular, 
ivhich  produces  this  Effect. 


106  SUMMER  A 

Of  thriving  Peace  thy  thoughtful  Sires  preside; 
In  Genius,  and  substantial  Learning  high; 
530  For  every  Vertue,  every  Worth  renown'd, 
Sincere,  plain-hearted,  hospitable,  kind, 
Yet  like  the  mustering  Thunder  when  provok'd; 
The  Scourge  of  Tyrants,  and  the  sole  Resource 
Of  such  as  under  grim  Oppression  groan. 

53s  Hence  may'st  Thou  boast  a  Bacon,  and  a  More: 

Xor  cease  to  vie  Them  with  the  noblest  Names 

Of  ancient  Times,  or  Patriot,  or  Sage. 

And  for  the  Strength,  and  Elegance  of  Truth, 

A  Barrow,  and  a  Tillotson  are  thine: 
540  A  Locke,  inspective  into  human  Minds, 

And  all  th'unnotic'd  World  that  passes  there. 

Nor  be  thy  Boyle  forgot;  who,  while  He  liv'd. 

Seraphic,  sought  Th'Eternal  thro'  his  Works, 

By  sure  Experience  led;  and,  when  He  dy'd, 
545  Still  bid  his  Bounty  argue  for  his  God, 

Worthv  of  Riches  He!  —  But  what  needs  more  — 


533  Scourge  ]  dread        535—546  thus  expanded: 

Thy  sons  of  glory  many!  thine  a  More,  C1471  D1479 

As  Cato  firm,  as  Aristides  just. 
Like  rigid  Cincinnatus  nobly  poor, 
A  dauntless  soul,  erect,  who  smil'd  on  death, 
frugal,  and  wise,  a  Walsingham  is  thine;  |57s) 

A  Drake,  who  made  thee  mistress  of  the  deep. 
And  bore  thy  Name  in  thunder  round  the  world. 
Then  flam'd  tlvy  spirit  high;  but  who  can  speak 
The  numerous  worthies  of  the  maiden  reign? 
In  Raleigh  mark  their  every  glory  mix'd,  [580] 

Raleigh,  the  scourge  of  Spain!  whose  breast  with  all 
The  sage,  the  patriot,  and  the  hero  burn'd. 
Nor  sunk  his  vigour,  when  a  coward- reign 
The  warrior  fetter'd,  and  at  last  resign'd, 
To  glut  the  vengeance  of  a  vanquish'd  foe.  I585I 

Then  deep  thro'  fate  his  mind  retorted  saw, 
And  with  his  prison-hours  enrich'd  the  world ; 
Yet  found  no  times,  in  all  the  long  research, 


SUMMER  C  107 

Their  lighter  .Glories  blend.     Lay  me  reclin'd 

Beneath  the  spreading  Tamarind  that  shakes, 

Fann'd  by  the  Breeze,  it's  Fever-cooling  Fruit; 

Or,  stretch' 'd  amid  these  Orchards  of  the  Sun, 
670  0  let  me  drain  the  Cocoa's  milky  Bowl, 

More  bounteous  far  than  all  the  frantic  Juice 

Wliich  Bacchus  pours!     Nor,  on  it's  slender  Twigs 

Low-bending,  be  the  full  Pomegranate  scorn' d; 

Nor,  creeping  thro'  the  Woods,  the  gelid  Race 
675  Of  Berries.     Oft  in  humble  Station  dwells 

Unboastful  Worth,  above  fastidious  Pomp. 

Witness,  thou  best  Anana,  thou  the  Pride 

Of  vegetable  Life,  beyond  whate'er 

The  Poets  imag'd  in  the  golden  Age: 
680  Quick,  let  me  strip  thee  of  thy  spiny  Coat, 

Spread  thy  ambrosial  Stores,  and  feast  ivith  Jove! 

From   These  the  Prospect  varies.     Plains  immense  D690 
Lie  stretch' d  below,  interminable  Meads, 
And  vast  Savannahs,  where  the  wandering  Eye, 

685  JJnfixt,  is  in  a  verdant  Ocean  lost. 
Another  Flora  there,  of  bolder  Hues, 
And  richer  Sweets,  beyond  our  Garden's  Pride, 
Plays  o'er  the  Fields,  and  showers  with  sudden  Hand 
Exuberant  Spring :  for  oft  these  Valleys  shift 

690  Their  green-embroider' d  Robe  to  fiery  Brown, 
And  swift  to  Green  again,  as  scorching  Suns, 


After  668: 

Deep  in  the  Night  the  massy  Locust  sheds,  [669] 

Quench  my  hot  Limbs;  or  lead  me  thro'  the  Maze, 
Embowering  endless,  of  the  Indian  Fig; 
Or  thrown  at  gayer  Ease,  on  some  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  Shade.  [675] 

669  Or]  0  670  Give  me  to  drain         After  670:  And  from 

the  Palm  to   draw  its  freshening  Wine!  680  spiny]  tufty 


!08  SUMMER  A 

Let  comprehensive  Newton  speak  thy  Fame.  B620  cl55* 

In  all  Philosophy.     For  solemn  Song 
Is  not  wild  Shakespear  Nature's  Boast,  and  thine ! 
550  And  every  greatly  amiable  Muse 
Of  elder  Ages  in  thy  Milton  met! 
His  was  the  Treasure  of  Two  Thousand  Years.- 
Seldom  indulg'd  to  Man,  a  God-like  Mind, 


(Sequel) 

So  glorious,  or  so  base,  as  those  he  prov'd. 
In  which  he  conquer'd,  and  in  which  he  bled.  [59°) 

A  Hambden  thine,  of  unsubmitting  soul ; 
Who  stem'd  the  torrent  of  a  downward  age, 
To  slavery  prone;  and  bad  thee  rise  again, 
In  all  thy  native  pomp  of  Freedom  fierce. 
Nor  can  the  muse  the  gallant  Sidney  pass,  [595] 

The  plume  of  war!  with  every  laurel  crown'd, 
The  lover's  myrtle,  and  the  poet's  bay. 
Nor  him  of  later  name,  firm  to  the  cause 
Of  Liberty,  her  rough  determin'd  friend, 
The  British  Brutus;  whose  united  blood  [600] 

With  Russel,  thine,  thou  patriot  wise,  and  calm, 
Stain'd  the  sad  annals  of  a  giddy  reign; 
Aiming  at  lawless  power,  tho'  meanly  sunk 
In  loose  inglorious  sloth.     High  thy  renown 
In  Sages  too,  far  as  the  sacred  light  [60s] 

Of  science  spreads,  and  wakes  the  muses'  song. 
Thine  is  a  Bacon  form'd  of  happy  mold, 
When  Nature  smil'd,  deep,  comprehensive,  clear. 
Exact,  and  elegant;  in  one  rich  soul, 

Plato,  the  Stagj^rite,  and  Tully  join'd.  [610] 

The  generous  *Ashley  thine,  the  friend  of  man ; 
Who  scan'd  his  nature  with  a  brother's  eye, 
His  weakness  prompt  to  shade,  to  raise  his  aim. 
To  touch  the  finer  movements  of  the  mind. 
And  with  the  moral  Beauty  charm  the  heart.  [615] 

What  need  I  name  thy  Boyle,  whose  pious  search 
Still  sought  the  great  Creator  in  his  works, 
B;     -me  exi>erience  led?  and  why  thy  Locke 
Who  made  the  whole  internal  world  his  own? 
'  Air:  ,,. ,.  Ear]  ol  Bhafteabury. 


SUMMER  C  109 

Or  streaming  Dews  and  torrent  Bains,  prevail. 
Along  these  lonely  Regions,  where  retir'd, 
From  little  Scenes  of  Art,  great  Nature  dwells 

695  In  awful  Solitude,  and  nought  is  seen 

But  the  wild  Herds,  that  own  no  Master's  Stall, 
Prodigious  Bivers  roll  their  fatning  Seas : 
On  whose  luxuriant  Herbage,  half- conceal' d, 
Like  a  fall'n  Cedar,  far  dijfus'd  his  Train, 

700  Cas'd  in  green  Scales,  the  Crocodile  extends. 
The  Flood  disparts:  behold!  in  plaited  Mail, 
*  Behemoth  rears  his  Head.     Glanc'd  from  his  Side, 
The  darted  Steel  in  idle  Shivers  flies : 
He  fearless  walks  the  Plain,  or  seeks  the  Hills  • 

705  Where,  as  he  crops  his  vary'd  Fare,  the  Herds, 

In  widening  Circle  round,  forget  their  Food,  d7i6 

And  at  the  harmless  Stranger  wondering  gaze. 


Peaceful,  beneath  primeval  Trees,  that  cast 
Their  ample  Shade  o'er  Niger's  yellow  Stream, 

710  And  where  the  Ganges  rolls  his  sacred   Wave; 
Or  mid  the  Central  Depth  of  blackning   Woods, 
High-rais'd  in  solemn  Theater  around, 
Leans  the  huge  Elephant:  wisest  of  Brutes! 
0  truely  wise!  with  gentle  Might  endow' d, 

715  Tho'  powerful,  not  destructive !    Here  he  sees 
Bevolving  Ages  sweep  the  changeful  Earth, 
And  Empires  rise  and  fall ;  regardless  he 
Of  what  the  never-resting  Bace  of  Men 
Project:  thrice  happy!  could  he  'scape  their  Guile, 

720  Who  mine,  from  cruel  Avarice,  his  Steps ; 
Or  with  his  tower y  Grandeur  swell  their  State, 
The  Pride  of  Kings!  or  else  his  Strength  pervert 
And  bid  him-  rage  amid  the  mortal  Fray, 
Astonish'd  at  the  Madness  of  Mankind. 

*  The  Hippopotamus,  or  River-Horse. 


Cf.  A629 


HO  SUMMER  A 

Unlimited,  and  various,  as  his  Theme; 
555  Astonishing  as  Chaos;  as  the  Bloom 

Of  blowing  Eden  fair,  soft  as  the  Talk 

Of  our  grand  Parents,  and  as  Heaven  sublime. 
And  should  I  northward  turn  my  filial  Eye. 

Beyond  the  Tweed,  pure  Parent-Stream !  to  where 
360  The  hyperborean  Ocean,  furious,  foams 

O'er  Orca,  or  Betubium's  highest  Peak, 

Rapt,  I  might  sing  thy  Caledonian  Sons, 

A  gallant,  warlike,  unsubmitting  Race! 

Nor  less  in  Learning  vers'd,  soon  as  He  took 
565  Before  the  Gothic  Rage  his  Western  Flight; 

Wise  in  the  Council,  at  the  Banquet  gay: 

The  Pride  of  Honour  burning  in  their  Breasts, 

And  Glory,  not  to  their  own  Realms  confin'd, 

But  into  foreign  Countries  shooting  far, 
570  As  over  Europe  bursts  the  Boreal  Morn. 

May  my  Song  soften  as,  thy  Daughters,  I,  B63i  C1573 

Britannia,  hail !  for  Beauty  is  their  own, 

And  Elegance,  and  Taste:  the  faultless  Form, 

Shap'd  by  the  Hand  of  Harmony:  the  Cheek, 
575  Where  the  live  Crimson,  thro'  the  Native  White, 

Soft-shooting,  o'er  the  Face  diffuses  Bloom, 

And  every  nameless  Grace:  the  parted  Lip, 

Like  the  red  Rose-Bud  moist  with  morning  Dew, 

Breathing  Delight;  and,  under  flowing  Jet, 
580  Or  sunny  Ringlets,  or  of  circling  Brown, 

The  Neck  slight-shaded,  and  the  swelling  Breast: 

The  Look  resistless,  piercing  to  the  Soul, 

And  by  the  Soul  inform'd,  when,  drest  in  Love, 

She  sits,  sweet-smiling,  in  the  lovely  Eye. 


D1580 


B  558—570  taken  out  of  "Summer",  and,  with  many  alterations, 
transferred  to  "Autumn"  (A  817—844).  After  572  one  line  is 
inserted:    The  feeling  heart,  simplicity  of  life,  584  high 

smiling  in  the  conscious  eye. 

MS  580  ci.cli.i-]   lovely   T 


SUMMER  C  111 

725  Wide  o'er  the  winding   Umbrage  of  the  Floods,       D733 

Like  vivid  Blossoms  glowing  from  afar, 
Thick-swarm  the  brighter  Birds.     For  Nature's  Hand, 
That  with  a  sportive  Vanity  has  deck'd 
The  plumy  Nations,  there  her  gayest  Hues 

730  Profusely  pours.     *But,  if  she  bids  them  shine, 
Array' d  in  all  the  beauteous  Beams  of  Day, 
Yet  frugal  still,  she  humbles  them  in  Song. 
Nor  envy  we  the  gaudy  Robes  they  lent 
Proud  Montezuma's  Realm,  whose  Legions  cast 

735  A  boundless  Radiance  waving  on  the  Sun, 
While  Philomel  is  ours,  while  in  our  Shades, 
Thro'  the  soft  Silence  of  the  listening  Night, 
The  sober-suited  Songstress  trills  her  Lay. 

But  come,  my  Muse,  the  Desart-Barrier  burst,         D747 

740  A  wild  Expanse  of  lifeless  Sand  and  Sky : 
And,  sivifter  than  the  toiling  Caravan, 
Shoot  o'er  the   Yale  of  Sennar ;  ardent  climb 
The  Nubian  Mountains,  and  the  secret  Bounds 
Of  jealous  Abyssinia  boldly  pierce. 

74s  Thou  art  no  Ruff  an,  who  beneath  the  Mask 
Of  social  Commerce  com'st  to  rob  their  Wealth; 
No  holy  Fury  Thou,  blaspheming  Heaven, 
With  consecrated  Steel  to  stab  their  Peace, 
And  thro'  the  Land,  yet  red  from  Civil  Wounds, 

750  To  spread  the  purple  Tyranny  of  Rome. 

Thou,  like  the  harmless  Bee,  may'st  freely  range, 
From  Mead  to  Mead  bright  with  exalted  Flowers, 
From  Jasmine  Grove  to  Grove,  may'st  ivander  gay, 
Thro'  Palmy  Shades  and  Aromatic   Woods, 

75s  That  grace  the  Plains,  invest  the  peopled  Hills, 
And  up  the  more  than  Alpine  Mountains  wave. 
There  on  the  breezy  Summit,  spreading  fair, 

*  In  all  the  Regions  of  the  Torrid  Zone,  the  Birds,  tho'  more 
beautiful  in  their  Plumage,  are  observed  to  be  less  melodious  than  ours. 


112  SUMMER  A 

585  Island  of  Bliss!  amid  the  Subject  Seas, 

That  thunder  round  thy  rucky  Coasts,  set  up. 
At  once  the  Wonder,  Terror  and  Delight 
Of  distant  Nations;  whose  remotest  Shore 
Can  soon  be  shaken  by  thy  naval  Arm. 

59°  Not  to  be  shook  Thy  self,  but  all  Assaults 

Baffling,  like  thy  hoar  Cliffs  the  loud  Sea- Wave. 

0  Thou,  by  whose  almighty  Nod.  the  Scale 

Of  Empire  rises,  or  alternate  falls. 

Send  forth  the  saving  Vertues  round  the  Land. 
59s  In  bright  Patrol:  white  Peace,  and  social  Love; 

The  tender-looking  Charity,  intent 

On  gentle  Deeds,  and  shedding  Tears  thro'  Smiles; 

Undaunted  Truth,  and  Dignity  of  Mind; 

Courage  compos'd,  and  keen ;  sound  Temperance, 
600  Healthful  in  Heart  and  Look ;  clear  Chastity. 

With  Blushes  reddening  as  she  moves  along, 

Disorder'd  at  the  deep  Regard  she  draws; 

Rough  Industry;  Activity  untir'd, 

With  copious  Life  inform'd,  and  all  awake: 
605  While,  in  the  radiant  Front,  superiour,  shines 

That  first,  paternal  Vertue,  public  Zeal, 

Who  casts  o'er  all  an  equal,  wide  Survey, 

And  ever  musing  on  the  Common  Weal. 

Still  labours,  glorious,  with  some  brave  Design. 

610  Thus  far,  transported  by  my  Country's  Love. 

Nobly  digressive  from  my  Theme,  I've  aim'd 

To  sing  her  Praises,  in  ambitious  Verse; 

While,  slightly  to  recount,  I  simply  meant. 

The  various  Summer-Horrors,  which  infest 
615  Kingdoms  that  scorch  below  severer  Suns: 


MS  610  Thus  I,  enraptur'd  T  611  have  dard  T  For  613- 
615:  But  other  Prospects  now,  appalling,  rise;  ||  (And  the 
fierce  fervid  Summer  spreads  to  view)  And  dire  to  view  the 
fervid  Bummer  spreads  T        615  scorch]  parch  T       heneath  P 


f 
UNfv 

OF 


V   v 


SUMMER  C  11 

For  many  a  League;  or  on  stupendous  Rocks, 

That,  from  the  sun-redoubling  Valley  lift, 
760  Cool,  to  the  middle  Air,  their  lawny  Tops; 

Where  Palaces,  and  Fanes,  and  Villas  rise; 

And  Gardens  smile  around,  and  cultur'd  Fields; 

And  Fountains  gush;  and  careless  Herds  and  Flocks 

Securely  stray;  a   World  ivithin  itself, 
765  Disdaining  all  Assault :  there  let  me  draw 

Etherial  Soul,  there  drink  reviving  Gales, 

Profusely  breathing  from  the  Spicy  Groves, 

And  Vales  of  Fragrance ;  there  at  distance  hear 

The  roaring  Floods,  and  Cataracts,  that  sweep 
no  From  disembowel 'd  Earth  the  virgin  Gold; 

And  o'er  the  vary'd  Landskip,  restless,  rove, 

Fervent  with  Life  of  every  fairer  kind  : 

A  Land  of  Wonders!  which  the  Sun  still  eyes 

With  Ray  direct,  as  of  the  lovely  Realm 
775  Inamour'd,  and  delighting  there  to  divell. 

How  chang'd  the  Scene !  In  blazing  Height  of  Noon,  D784 

The  Sun,  oppress'd,  is  plung'd  in  thickest  Gloom. 

Still  Horror  reigns,  a  dreary  Twilight  round, 

Of  struggling  Night  and  Day  malignant  mix'd. 
780  For  to  the  hot  Equator  crouding  fast, 

Where,  highly  rarefy' d,  the  yielding  Air 

Admits  their  Stream,  incessant  Vapours  roll, 

Amazing  Clouds  on  Clouds  continual  heap'd; 

Or  whirl'd  tempestuous  by  the  gusty   Wind, 
785  Or  silent  borne  along,  heavy,  and  sloiv, 

With  the  big  Stores  of  steaming  Oceans  charg'd. 

Meantime,  amid  these  upper  Seas,  condens'd 

Around  the  cold  aerial  Mountain's  Broiv, 

And  by  conflicting    Winds  together  dash'd, 
790  The  Thunder  holds  his  black  tremendous  Throne, 

From  Cloud  to  Cloud  the  rending  Lightnings  rage; 

Till,  in  the  furious  elemental  War 

Palaestra  LXVI.  8 


114  SUMMER  A 

Kingdoms,  on  which,  direct,  the  Flood  of  Day.     B677  c—  d- 

Oppressive,  falls,  and  gives  the  gloomy  Hue,  Cf.  C879 

And  Feature  gross:  or  worse,  to  ruthless  Deeds, 

Wan  Jealousy,  red  Rage,  and  fell  Revenge, 
620  Their  hasty  Spirits  prompts.     Ill-fated  Race !  Cf.  C867 

Altho'  the  Treasures  of  the  Sun  be  theirs. 

Rocks  rich  in  Gems,  and  Mountains  big  with  Mines,    Cf  C646 

Whence,  over  Sands  of  Gold,  the  Niger  rolls 

His  amber  Wave;  while  on  his  balmy  Banks, 
625  Or  in  the  Spicy,  Abyssinian  Vales, 

The  Citron,  Orange,  and  Pomegranate  drink 

Intolerable  Day,  yet,  in  their  Coats,  Cf.  C661 

A   cooling  Juice  contain.     Peaceful,  beneath,  Cf.  c7o8 

Leans  the  huge  Elephant,  and,  in  his  Shade, 
630  A  Multitude  of  beauteous  Creatures  play; 

And  Birds,  of  bolder  Note,  rejoice  around. 

And  oft  amid  their  aromatic  Groves,  B693  c-  d- 

Touch'd  by  the  Torch  of  Noon,  the  gummy  Bark, 
Smouldering,  begins  to  roll  the  dusky  Wreath. 

63s  Instant,  so  swift  the  ruddy  Ruin  spieads, 
A  Cloud  of  Incense  shadows  all  the  Land; 
And,  o'er  a  thousand,  thundering  Trees  at  once, 
Riots,  with  lawless  Rage,  the  running  Blaze: 
But  chiefly,  if  fomenting  Winds  assist, 

640  And,  doubling,  blend  the  circulating  Waves 
Of  Flame  tempestuous,  or,  directly  on, 
Far-streaming,  drive  Them  thro'  the  Forest's  Length. 


B     620  spirit         639  if]  should 

MS  619  Wan]  Wild        red]  blind  T        For  626-628: 
Unnumber'd  Fruits  of  keen  refreshful  Taste, 
Pomegranates,  Citrons,  and  Ananas  drink 
Intolerable  Day;  yet,  in  their  Coats, 
A  gelid  Juice  to  cool  it's  Rage  contain. 
Peaceful,  meantime,  amid  the  mighty  Woods, 


SUMMER  C  115 

Dissolv'd,  the  whole  precipitated  Mass 
Unbroken  Floods  and  solid  Torrents  pours. 

795  The  Treasures  These ,  hid  from  the  bounded  Search  D8o3 

Of  ancient  Knowledge;  whence,  with  annual  Pomp, 
Bich  King  of  Floods!  o'er  flows  the  swelling  Nile. 
From  his  two  Springs,  in  Gojam's  sunny  Realm, 
Pure-ivelling  out,  he  thro'  the  lucid  Lake 

800  Of  fair  Dambea  rolls  his  Infant-Stream. 
There,  by  the  Naiads  nurs'd,  he  sports  away 
His  playful  Youth,  amid  the  fragrant  Isles, 
That  with  unfading   Verdure  smile  around. 
Ambitious,  thence  the  manly  River  breaks; 

80s  And  gathering  many  a  Flood,  and  copious  fed 
With  all  the  mellow' d   Treasures  of  the  Sky, 
Winds  in  progressive  Majesty  along: 
Thro'  splendid  Kingdoms  now  devolves  bis  Maze, 
Note  wanders  wild  o'er  solitary   Tracts 

810  Of  Life-deserted  Sand;  till,  glad  to  quit 
The  joyless  Desart,  down  the  Nubian  Rocks 
From  thundering  Steep  to  Steep,  he  pours  his   Urn, 
And  Egypt  joys  beneath  the  spreading   Ware. 

His  Brother  Niger  too,  and  all  the  Floods  D822 

815  In  which  the  full-form'd  Maids  of  Afric  lave 

Their  jetty  Limbs;  and  all  that  from  the  Tract 

Of  woody  Mountains  stretch' d  thro'  gorgeous  hid 

Fall  on  Cormandel's  Coast,  or  Malabar; 

From  *Menam's  orient  Stream,  that  nightly  shines 
820  With  Insect-Lamps,  to  where  Aurora  sheds 

On  Indus'  smiling  Banks  the  rosy  Shower: 

All,  at  this  bounteous  Season,  ope  their   Urns, 

And  pour  unfailing  Harvest  o'er  the  Land. 

*  The  River  that  runs  thro'  Siam;  on  whose  Banks  a  vast 
Multitude  of  those  Insects  called  Fire -Flies  make  a  beautiful 
Appearance  in  the  Night. 


HQ  SUMMER  A 

But  other  Views  await  —  where  Heaven  above,     b7o4  c-  d- 

Glows  like  an  Arch  of  Brass;  and  all  below, 
645  The  Earth  a  Mass  of  rusty  Iron  lies, 

Of  Fruits,  and  Flowers,  and  every  Verdure  spoilt. 

Barren,  and  bare,  a  joyless,  weary  Waste, 

Thin-cottag'd,  and,  in  Time  of  trying  Need, 

Abandon'd  by  the  vanished  Brook,  like  One 
650  Of  fading  Fortune  by  his  treacherous  Friend. 

Such  are  thy  horrid  Desarts,  Barca,  such,  B712C-D- 

Zaara,  thy  hot,  interminable  Sands, 
Continuous,  rising  often  with  the  Blast, 
Till  the  Sun  sees  no  more;  and  unknit  Earth, 
655  Shook  by  the  South  into  the  darken'd  Air, 
Falls,  in  new,  hilly  Kingdoms,  o'er  the  Waste. 


645  The  brown-burnt  earth  a  mass  of  iron  lies;  652  inter- 
minable] inhospitable  After  I.  656  the  following  32  lines  are 
added : 

Hence  late  expos'd  (if  distant  fame  says  true) 

A.  smother'd  city  from  the  sandy  wave 

Emergent  rose;  with  olive-fields  around,  [7*°] 

Fresh  woods,  reclining  herds,  and  silent  flocks. 

Amusing  all,  and  incorrupted  seen. 

For  by  the  nitrous  penetrating  salts, 

Mix'd  copious  with  the  sand,  pierc'd  and  preserv'd, 

Each  object  hardens  gradual  into  stone,  (725! 

Its  posture  fixes,  and  its  colour  keeps. 

The  statue-folk,  within,  uunumber'd  crowd 

The  streets,  in  various  attitudes  surpriz'd 

By  sudden  fate,  and  live  on  every  face 

The  passions  caught,  beyond  the  sculptor's  art.  [71°] 

Here  leaning  soft,  the  marble-lovers  stand, 

Delighted  even  in  death;  and  each  for  each 

Feeling  alone,  with  that  expressive  look, 

Which  perfect  Nature  only  knows  to  give. 

And  there  the  father  agonizing  bends  (735) 

Fond  o'er  his  weeping  wife,  and  infant  train 

Aghast,  and  trembling,  tho'  they  know  not  why. 

The  stiffen'd  vulgar  stretch  their  arms  to  heaven. 

With  horror  staring;  while  in  council  deep 


SUMMER  C  117 

Nor  less  thy  World,  Columbus,  drinks,  refreshed,    d?32 

825  The  lavish  Moisture  of  the  melting   Year. 
Wide  o'er  his  Isles,  the  branching  Oronoque 
Rolls  a  brown  Deluge;  and  the  Native  drives 
To  dwell  aloft  on  Life-sufficing  Trees, 
At  once  his  Dome,  his  Robe,  his  Food,  and  Anns. 

830  Swell'd  by  a  thousand  Streams,  impetuous  hurl'd 
From  all  the  roaring  Andes,  huge  descends 
The  mighty  *Orellana.     Scarce  the  Muse 
Dares  stretch  her  Wing  o'er  this  enormous  Mass 
Of  rushing  Water,  scarce  she  dares  attempt 

83s  The  Sea-like  Plata;  to  whose  dread  Expanse, 

Continuous  Depth,  and  wondrous  Length  of  Course, 

Our  Floods  are  Rills.     With  unabated  Force, 

In  silent  Dignity  they  sweep  along, 

And  traverse  Realms  unknown,  and  blooming   Wilds, 

840  And  fruitful  Desarts,   Worlds  of  Solitude, 

Where  the  Sun  smiles  and  Seasons  teem  in  rain, 
Unseen,  and  unenjoy'd.     Forsaking  These, 
O'er  peopled  Plains  they  fair-diffusive  flow, 
And  many  a  Nation  feed,  and  circle  safe, 

84s  In  their  soft  Bosom,  many  a  happy  Isle; 
The  Seat  of  blameless  Pan,  yet  undisturb'd 
By  christian  Crimes  and  Europe's  cruel  Sous. 
Thus  pouring  on  they  proudly  seek  the  Deep, 
Whose  vanquish'd  Tide,  recoiling  from  the  Shock, 

850J  Yields  to  this  liquid   Weight  of  Half  the  Globe; 
'  And  Ocean  trembles  for  his  green  Domain. 

But  ivhat  avails  this  wondrous  Waste  of  Wealth?  vzto 
This  gay  Profusion  of  luxurious  Bliss? 
This  Pomp  of  Nature?  what  their  balmy  Meads, 
855  Their  powerful  Herds,  and  Ceres  void  of  Pain? 
By  vagrant  Birds  dispers'd,  and.  wafting   Winds, 
What  their  implanted  Fruits?    What  the  cool  Draughts, 

*  The  River  of  the  Amazons. 


118  SUMMER  A 

"Tis  here,  that  Thirst  has  fix'd  his  dry  Domain.       B750C-D- 
And  walks  his  wide,  malignant  Round,  in  search 
Of  Pilgrim  lost;  or,  on  the  *Merchant's  Tomb, 
660  Triumphant,  sits,  who,  for  a  single  Cruise 
Of  unavailing  "Water  paid  so  dear: 
Nor  could  the  Gold  his  hard  Associate  save. 

*  In  the  Desart  of  Araoan  are  two  Tombs  with  Inscriptions 
on  Them,  importing  that  the  Persons  there  interr'd  were  a  rich 
Merchant,  and  a  poor  Carrier,  who  both  died  of  Tliirst;  and 
that  the  Former  had  given  to  the  Latter  Ten  thousand  Ducats 
for  one  Cruise  of  Water. 


(Sequel) 

Assembled  full,  the  hoary-headed  sires  [740] 

Sit  sadly-thoughtful  of  the  public  fate. 

As  when  old  Rome,  beneath  the  raging  Gaul, 

Sunk  her  proud  turrets,  resolute  on  death, 

Around  the  Forum  sat  the  grey  divan 

Of  Senators,  majestic,  motionless,  [745] 

With  ivory-staves,  and  in  their  awful  robes 

Dress'd  like  the  falling  fathers  of  mankind; 

Amaz'd,  and  shivering,  from  the  solemn  sight 

The  red  barbarians  shrunk,  and  deem'd  them  Gods. 


SUMMER  C  119 

Th' ambrosial  Food,  rich  Gums,  and  spicy  Health, 

Their  Forests  yield?     Their  toiling  Insects  what, 
860  Their  silky  Pride,  and  vegetable  Robes? 

Ah!  what  avail  their  fatal   Treasures,  hid 

Deep  in  the  Bowels  of  the  pitying  Earth, 

Golconda's  Gems,  and  sad  Potosi's  Mines; 

Where  dwelt  the  gentlest  Children  of  the  Sun? 
865  What  all  that  Afric's  golden  Rivers  roivl, 

Her  odorous  Woods,  and  shining  Ivory  Stores? 

Ill-fated  Race!  the  softening  Arts  of  Peace,  Cf.  A620 

Whatever  the  humanizing  Muses  teach; 

The  Godlike  Wisdom  of  the  temper'd  Breast; 
870  Progressive  Truth,  the  patient  Force  of  Thought; 

Investigation  calm,  whose  silent  Powers 

Command  the   World;  the  Light  that  leads  to  Heaven; 

Kind  equal  Rule,  the  Government  of  Laivs, 

And  all-protecting  Freedom,  which  alone 
87s  Sustains  the  Name  and  Dignity  of  Man: 

These  are  not  theirs.     The  Parent-Sun  himself 

Seems  o'er  this  World  of  Slaves  to  tyrannize; 

And,  with  oppressive  Ray,  the  roseat  Bloom 

Of  Beauty  blasting,  gives  the  gloomy  Hue,  Cf  A6i7 

880  And  Feature  gross:  or  worse,  to  ruthless  Deeds, 

Mad  Jealousy,  blind  Rage,  and  fell  Revenge, 

Their  fervid  Spirit  fires.     Love  dwells  not  there, 

The  soft  Regards,  the   Tenderness  of  Life, 

The  Heart-shed  Tear,  th'ineffable  Delight 
885  Of  sweet  Humanity:    These  court  the  Beam 

Of  milder  Climes;  in  selfish  fierce  Desire, 

And  the  wild  Fury  of  voluptuous  Sense, 

There  lost.     The  very  Brute-Creation  there 

This  Rage  partakes,  and  burns  with  horrid  Fire 


120  SUMMER  A 

Here  the  green  Serpent  gathers  up  his  Train.  b7s6 

In  Orbs  immense,  then  darting  out  anew. 
f>65  Progressive,  rattles  thro'  the  wither' d  Brake; 

And  lolling,  frightful,  guards  the  scanty  Fount. 

If  Fount  there  be:  or,  of  diminish'd  Size, 

But  mighty  Mischief,  on  th'unguarded  Swain 

Steals,  full  of  Rancour.     Here  the  savage  Race 
670  Roam,  licens'd  by  the  shading  Hour  of  Blood, 

And  foul  Misdeed,  when  the  pure  Day  has  shut 

His  sacred  Eye.     The  rabid  Tyger,  then, 

The  fiery  Panther,  and  the  whisker'd  Pard, 

Bespeckl'd  fair,  the  Beauty  of  the  Waste, 
675  In  dire  Divan,  surround  their  shaggy  King, 

Majestic,  stalking  o'er  the  burning  Sand, 

With  planted  Step;  while  an  obsequious  Crowd, 

Of  grinning  Forms,  at  humble  Distance  wait. 

These,  all  together  join'd,  from  darksome  Caves. 
680  Where,  o'er  gnaw'd  Bones,  They  slumberd  out  the  Day, 

By  supreme  Hunger  smit,  and  Thirst  intense, 

At  once,  their  mingling  Voices  raise  to  Heaven ; 

And,  with  imperious,  and  repeated  Roars, 

Demanding  Food,  the  Wilderness  resounds, 
685  From  Atlas  eastward  to  the  frighted  Nile. 


B     674  bracketed 


SUMMER  C  121 

syo  Lo!  the  green  Serpent,  from  Iris  dark  Abode,  ds98 

Which  even  Imagination  fears  to  tread, 

At  Noon  forth-issuing,  gathers  up  his  Train 

In  Orbs  immense,  then,  darting  out  anew, 

Seeks  the  refreshing  Fount;  hij  which  diffus'd, 
39s  He  throws  his  Folds:  and  while,  with  threatuing  Tongue, 

And  death ful  Jaws  erect,  the  Monster  curls 

His  flaming  Crest,  all  other   Thirst,  appall' d, 

Or  shivering  flies,  or  check'd  at  Distance  stands, 

Nor  dares  approach.     But  still  more  direful  He, 
900  The  small  close-lurking  Minister  of  Fate, 

Whose  high- concocted  Venom  thro'  the  Veins 

A  rapid  Lightning  darts,  arresting  swift 

The  vital  Current.     Form'd  to  humble  Man, 

This  Child  of  vengeful  Nature!     There,  sublim'd 
905  To  fearless  Lust  of  Blood,  the  Savage  Race  Cf.  A669 

Roam,  licens'd  by  the  shading  Hour  of  Guilt, 

And  foul  Misdeed,  when  the  pure  Day  has  shut 

His  sacred  Eye.     The   Tyger  darting  fierce, 

Impetuous  on  the  Prey  his  Glance  has  doom'd. 
910  The  lively-shining  Leopard,  speckled  o'er 

With  many  a  Spot,  the  Beauty  of  the  Waste ;  Cf.  A674 

And,  scorning  all  the  taming  Arts  of  Man, 

The  keen  Hyena,  fellest  of  the  Fell. 

These,  rushing  from  th' inhospitable   Woods 
915  Of  Mauritania,  or  the  tufted  Isles, 

That  verdant  rise  amid  the  Lybian   Wild, 

Innumerous  glare  around  their  shaggy  King,  Cf.  A675 

Majestic,  stalking  o'er  the  printed  Sand; 

And,  with  imperious  and  repeated  Roars,  Cf.  A683 

920  Demand  their  fated  Food.     The  fearful  Flocks 

Croud  near  the  guardian  Swain;  the  nobler  Herds, 

Where  round  their  lordly  Bull,  in  rural  Ease, 

They  ruminating  lie,  with  Horror  hear 

The  coming  Rage.     Th' awaken' d  Village  starts; 
925  And  to  her  fluttering  Breast  the  Mother  strains 


122  SUMMER  A 


Unhappy  He!  who,  from  the  first  of  Joys,  B779 

Society,  cut  off,  is  left  alone, 

Amid  this  World  of  Death.     Ceaseless,  He  sits, 

Sad,  on  the  rocky  Eminence,  and  views 
690  The  rowling  Main,  that  ever  toils  below; 

Still  fondly  forming,  in  the  farthest  Verge, 

Where  the  blue  iEther  mixes  with  the  Wave, 

Ships,  dim-discover'd,  dropping  from  the  Clouds. 

At  Evening,  to  the  setting  Sun  He  turns 
695  A  watry  Eye,  and  down  his  dying  Heart 

Sinks,  helpless;  while  the  wonted  Roar  is  up, 

And  Hiss,  continual  thro'  the  tedious  Night. 

Yet  here,  even  here,  into  these  black  Abodes  B791 

Of  Monsters,  unappall'd,  from  stooping  Rome, 


7'-'° 


705 


And  haughty  Csesar,  Liberty  retir'd, 

With  Cato  leading  thro'  Numidian  Wilds: 

Disdainful  of  Campania's  fertile  Plains, 

And  all  the  green  Delights  of  Italy, 

When,  for  Them,  she  must  bend  the  servile  Knee, 

And,  fawning,  take  the  Blessings  once  her  own. 


B     689  rocky]  jutting         692  blue]  round         695  watry]  mournful 
MS  686—705  deleted  by  T,  who  cancels  B671—798 


SUMMER  C  123 

Her  thoughtless  Infant.     From  the  Pyrate's  Den, 
Or  stem  Morocco's  tyrant  Fang  escap'd, 
The   Wretch  half-ioishes  for  his  Bonds  again: 
While,   Uproar  all,  the  Wilderness  resounds,  Cf.  A684 

93°  From  Atlas  Eastward  to  the  frighted  Nile. 

Unhappy  he!  who  from  the  first  of  Joys,  D939 

Society,  cut  off,  is  left  alone 

Amid  this  World  of  Death.     Bay  after  Bay, 

Sad  on  the  jutting  Eminence  he  sits, 
935  And  views  the  Main  that  ever  toils  below ; 

Still  fondly  forming  in  the  farthest  Verge, 

Where  the  round  Ether  mixes  with  the  Wave, 

Ships,  dim-discover'd,  dropping  from  the  Clouds. 

At  Evening,  to  the  setting  Sun  he  turns 
940  A  mournful  Eye,  and  down  his  dying  Heart 

Sinks  helpless;  while  the  wonted  Roar  is  up, 

And  Hiss  continual  thro'  the  tedious  Night. 

Yet  here,  even  here,  into  these  black  Abodes 

Of  Monsters,  unappall'd,  from  stooping  Rome, 
945  And  guilty  Caesar,  Liberty  retir'd, 

Her  Cato  following  thro'  Numidian  Wilds: 

Disdainful  of  Campania's  gentle  Plains, 

And  all  the  green  Delights  Ausonia  pours; 

When  for  them  she  must  bend  the  servile  Knee, 
95°  And  fawning  take  the  splendid  Bobber's  Boon. 

Nor  stop  the  Terrors  of  these  Regions  here.  D959 

Commission'd  Demons  oft,  Angels  of  Wrath, 
Let  loose  the  raging  Elements.     Breath' d  hot, 
From  all  the  boundless  Furnace  of  the  Sky, 

955  And  the  wide  glittering   Waste  of  burning  Sand, 
A  suffocating  Wind  the  Pilgrim  smites 
With  instant  Death.     Patient  of  Thirst  and  Toil, 
Sou  of  the  Desart!  even  the  Camel  feels, 
Shot  thro'  his  wither' d  Heart,  the  fiery  Blast. 

960  Or  from  the  black-red  Ether,  bursting  broad, 


124 


SIMMER  A 


SUMMER  C  125 

Sallies  the  sudden  Whirlwind.     Strait  the  Sands, 
Commov'd  around,  in  gathering  Eddies  play: 
Nearer  and  nearer  still  they  darkening  come; 
Till  with  the  general  all-involving  Storm 

965  Swept  up,  the  whole  continuous  Wilds  arise; 
And  by  their  noonday  Fount  dejected  thrown, 
Or  sunk  at  Night  in  sad  disastrous  Sleep, 
Beneath  descending  Hills,  the  Caravan 
Is  buried  deep.     In  Cairo's  crouded  Streets, 

970  Th 'impatient  Merchant,  wondering,  waits  in  vain, 
And  Mecca  saddens  at  the  long  Delay. 

But  chief  at  Sea,  ivhose  every  flexile  Wave  D980 

Obeys  the  Blast,  th'aerial  Tumult  sivells. 

In  the  dread  Ocean,  undulating  wide, 
975  Beneath  the  radiant  Line  that  girts  the  Globe, 

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

Exhausting  all  the  Rage  of  all  the  Sky, 

And  dire  *Ecnephia  reign.     Amid  the  Heavens, 

Falsely  serene,  deep  in  a  cloudy    t  Speck 
9S0  Compress'' 'd,  the  mighty  Tempest  brooding  dwells. 

Of  no  Regard,  save  to  the  skilful  Eye, 

Fiery  and  foul,  the  small  Prognostic  hangs 

Aloft,  or  on  the  Promontory's  Brow 

Musters  it's  Force.     A  faint  deceitful  Calm, 
985  A  fluttering  Gale,  the  Demon  sends  before, 

To  tempt  the  spreading  Sail.     Then  down  at  once, 

Precipitant,  descends  a  mingled  Mass 

Of  roaring  Winds,  and  Flame,  and  rushing  Floods. 

In  wild  Amazement  fix'd  the  Sailor  stands. 
99°  Art  is  too  sloiv.     By  rapid  Fate  oppress 'd, 

The  broad-wing'd  Vessel  drinks  the   whelming  Tide, 

*  Typlwn   and   Ecnephia,    Terms   for  particular   Storms   or 

Hurricanes  known  only  between  the  Tropics. 

f  Called  by  Sailors  the  Ox-Eye,  being  in  Appearance  at  first 

no  bigger. 

D     991  The]  His 


126  SUMMER  A 


SUMMER  C  127 

Hid  in  the  Bosom  of  the  black  Abyss. 
With  such  mad  Seas  the  daring  *Gama  fought, 
For  many  a  Day,  and  many  a  dreadful  Night, 
995  Incessant,  labring  round  the  stormy  Cape; 
By  bold  Ambition   led,  and  bolder  Thirst 
Of  Gold.     For  then  from  antient  Gloom  emerg'd 
The  rising   World  of  Trade:  the  Genius,  then, 
Of  Navigation,  that,  in  hopeless  Sloth, 
icoo  Had  slumber' d  on  the  vast  Atlantic  Deep, 
For  idle  Ages,  starting,  heard  at  last 
The  fLusitanian  Prince;  who,  Heav'n-inspir'd, 
To  Love  of  useful  Glory  rous'd  Mankind, 
And  in  unbounded  Commerce  mix'd  the    World. 

ioo5  Increasing  still  the  Terrors  of  these  Storms,  D1013 

His  Jaws  horrific  arm'd  with  threefold  Fate, 
Here  dwells  the  direful  Shark.     Lur'd  by  the  Scent 
Of  steaming  Crouds,  of  rank  Disease,  and  Death, 
Behold!  he  rushing  cuts  the  briny  Flood, 

1010  Swift  as  the  Gale  can  bear  the  Ship  along; 
And,  from  the  Partners  of  that  cruel  Trade, 
Which  spoils  unhappy  Guinea  of  her  Sons, 
Demands  his  share  of  Prey,  demands  themselves. 
The  stormy  Fates  descend;  one  Death  involves 

1015  Tyrants  and  Slaves;  when  strait,  their  mangled  Limbs 
Crashing  at  once,  he  dyes  the  purple  Seas 
With   Gore,  and  riots  in  the  vengeful  Meal. 

When  o'er  this  World,  by  Equinoctial  Rains  d^s 

Flooded  immense,  looks  out  the  joyless  Sun, 
1020  And  draws  the  copious  Steam:  from  swampy  Fens, 
Where  Putrefaction   into  Life  ferments, 

*  Vasco  de  Gama,  the  first  that  sailed  round  Africa,  by  the 
Cape  of  Good-Hope,  to  the  East-Indies. 

f  Don  Henry,  third  Son  to  John  the  first,  King  of  Portugal. 
His  strong  Genius  to  the  Discovery  of  new  Countries  teas  the 
Source  of  all  the  modem  Improvements  in  Navigation. 


228  SUMMER  A 


What  need  I  mention  those  inclement  Skies,  B799 

Where,  frequent,  o'er  the  sickening  City,  Plague, 
The  fiercest  Son  of  Nemesis  divine! 


SUMMER  C  129 

And  breathes  destructive  Myriads;  or  from   Woods, 

Impenetrable  Shades,  Recesses  foul, 

In   Vapours  rank  and  blue  Corruption   wrapt, 

1025  Whose  gloomy  Horrors  yet  no  desperate  Foot 
Has  ever  dared  to  pierce,  then,  wasteful,  forth 
Walks  the  dire  Power  of  pestilent  Disease. 
A  thousand  hideous  Fiends  her  Course  attend, 
Sick  Nature  blasting,  and  to  heartless   Woe, 

1030  And  feeble  Desolation,  casting  do  ten 

The  towering  Hopes  and  all  the  Pride  of  Man. 
Such  as,  of  late,  at  Carthagena  quench' d 
The  British  Fire.      You,  gallant  Vernon,  saiv 
The  miserable  Scene;  you,  pitying,  saw 

1035  To  infant  Weakness  sunk  the   Warrior's  Arm; 
Saw  the  deep-racking  Pang,  the  ghastly  Form, 
The  Lip  pale-quivering,  and  the  beamless  Eye 
No  more  with  Ardor  bright:  you  heard  the  Groans 
Of  agonizing  Ships,  from  Shore  to  Shore; 

1040  Heard,  nightly  plung'd  amid  the  sullen  Waves, 
The  frequent  Corse;  while  on  each  other  fix'd, 
In  sad  Presage,  the  blank  Assistants  seem'd, 
Silent,  to  ask,  whom  Fate  would  next  demand. 

What  need  I  mention  those  inclement  Skies,  dio52 

1045  Where,  frequent  o'er  the  sickening  City,  Plague, 
The  fiercest  Child  of  Nemesis  divine, 
Descends?     *From  Ethiopia's  poison'd  Woods, 
From  stifled  Cairo's  Filth,  and  fetid  Fields 
With  Locust-Armies  putrefying  heap'd, 
1050  This  great  Destroyer  sprung.     Her  awful  Rage 
The  Brutes  escape.     Man  is  her  destin'd  Prey, 
Intemperate  Man!  and,  o'er  his  guilty  Domes, 

*  These  are  the  Causes  supposed  to  be  the  first  Origin  of  the 
Plague,  in  Doctor  Mead's  elegant  Book  on  that  Subject. 

MS  1046  P 

Palaestra  LXVI.  9 


130  SUMMER  A 

Collects  a  close,  incumbent  Night  of  Death, 

710  Uninterrupted  by  the  living  Winds, 

Forbid  to  blow  a  wholesome  Breeze,  and  stain'd 
With  many  a  Mixture,  by  the  Sun  suffiis'd, 
Of  angry  Aspect.     Princely  Wisdom,  then, 
Dejects  his  watchful  Eye;  and  from  the  Hand 

7>5  Of  drooping  Justice,  ineffectual,  falls 

The  Sword,  and  Ballance.     Mute  the  Voice  of  Joy 
And  hush'd  the  Clamour  of  the  busy  World. 
Empty  the  Streets,  with  uncouth  Verdure  clad, 
And  rang'd,  at  open  Noon,  by  Beasts  of  Prey. 

720  And  Birds  of  bloody  Beak:  while,  all  Night  long, 
In  spotted  Troops,  the  recent  Ghosts  complain, 
Demanding  but  the  covering  Grave.     Mean  time, 
Lock'd  is  the  deaf  Door  to  Distress,  even  Friends, 
And  Relatives,  endeafd  for  many  a  Year, 

725  Savag'd  by  Woe,  forget  the  social  Tye, 

The  blest  Engagement  of  the  yearning  Heart; 
And  sick,  in  Solitude,  successive,  die, 
Untended,  and  unmourn'd.     And,  to  compleat 
The  Scene  of  Desolation,  wide  around, 

730  Denying  all  Retreat,  the  grim  Guards  stand, 
To  give  the  flying  Wretch  a  better  Death. 


717  Clamour]  murmur  720—723  (while  .  .  .  Friends)  thus 

condensed:  beak.     The  sullen  door 

No  visit  knows,  nor  hears  the  wailing  voice 
Of  fervent  Want.     Even  soul-attracted  Friends, 

726  blest]  close  yearning]  kindred  728   And]  While 

781   '1'-  !  And 


SUMMER  G  131 

She  draws  a  close  incumbent  Cloud  of  Death; 
Uninterrupted  by  the  living  Winds, 

1055  Forbid  to  blow  a  wholesome  Breeze;  and  stain'd 
With  many  a  Mixture  by  the  Sun,  suffus'd, 
Of  angry  Aspect.     Princely  Wisdom,  then 
Dejects  his  watchful  Eye;  and  from  the  Hand 
Of  feeble  Justice,  ineffectual,  drop 

1060  The  Sword  and  Balance:  mute  the  Voice  of  Joy, 
And  hush'd  the  Clamour  of  the  busy  World. 
Empty  the  Streets,  with  uncouth  Verdure  clad; 
Into  the  worst  of  Desarts  sudden  turn'd 
The  chearful  Haunt  of  Men:  unless  escap'd 

1065  From  the  doom'd  House,  where  matchless  Horror  reigns, 
Shut  up  by  barbarous  Fear,  the  smitten   Wretch, 
With  Frenzy  wild,  breaks  loose;  and,  loud  to  Heaven 
Screaming,  the  dreadful  Policy  arraigns, 
Inhuman,  and  unwise.     The  sullen  Door, 

1070  Yet  uninfected,  on  it's  cautious  Hinge 
Fearing  to  turn,  abhors  Society. 
Dependants,  Friends,  Relations,  Love  himself, 
Savag'd  by  Woe,  forget  the  tender  Tie, 
The  sweet  Engagement  of  the  feeling  Heart. 

1075  But  vain  their  selfish  Care:  the  circling  Shy, 
The  wide  enlivening  Air  is  full  of  Fate; 
And,  struck  by   Turns,  in  solitary  Pangs 
They  fall,  unblest,  untended,  and  unmoum'd. 
Thus  o'er  the  prostrate  City  black  Despair 

1080  Extends  her  raven  Wing;  while,  to  compleat 
The  Scene  of  Desolation,  stretch'd  around, 
The  grim  Guards  stand,  denying  all  Retreat, 
And  give  the  flying  Wretch  a  better  Death. 


9* 


132  SUMMER  A 

Much  of  the  Force  of  foreign  Summers  still. 
Of  growling  Hills,  that  shoot  the  pillar'd  Flame, 
Of  Earthquake,  and  pale  Famine,  could  I  sing; 
735  But  equal  Scenes  of  Horror  call  Me  Home. 


For  now,  slow-settling,  o'er  the  lurid  Grove, 
Unusual  Darkness  broods;  and,  growing,  gains 
The  whole  Possession  of  the  Air,  surcharg'd 
"With  wrathful  Vapour,  from  the  damp  Abrupt, 
Where  sleep  the  mineral  Generations,  drawn. 
Thence  Nitre,  Sulphur,  Vitriol,  on  the  Day 
Stream,  and  fermenting  in  yon  baleful  Cloud, 
Extensive  o'er  the  World,  a  reddening  Gloom! 
In  dreadful  Promptitude  to  spring,  await 
The  high  Command.     A  boding  Silence  reigns 
Thro'  all  the  duo  Expanse,  save  the  dull  Sound 
That,  from  the  Mountain,  previous  to  the  Storm, 
Rowls  o'er  the  trembling  Earth,  disturbs  the  Flood, 
And  stirs  the  Forrest-Leaf  without  a  Breath. 
Prone,  to  the  lowest  Vale,  tlraerial  Tribes 
Descend:  the  Tempest-loving  Raven  scarce 
Dares  wing  the  dubious  Dusk.     In  rueful  Gaze 
The  Cattle  stand,  and  on  the  scowling  Heavens 
Cast  a  deploring  Eye,  by  Man  forsook, 


B     738  whole  ]  broad        Air,  ]  sky,  742  Steam,  746  Dread 

thro'  the 
MS  737  growing  ]  spreading  P  738   The    wide    Dominion    P 

739  from  the  dark  Abyss,   P  743    That   o'er   the  World 

extends  a  P        747  Which,  P 


SUMMER  C  133 

Much  yet  remains  unsung:  the  Rage  intense  D1092 

1085  Of  brazen-vaulted  Skies,  of  iron  Fields, 

Where  Drought  and  Famine  starve  the  blasted   Year: 

Fir'd  by  the  Torch  of  Noon  to  tenfold  Rage, 

Th'infuriate  Hill  that  shoots  the  pillar'd  Flame; 

And,  rous'd  within  the  subterranean    World, 
1090  Th 'expanding  Earthquake,  that  resistless  shakes 

Aspiring  Cities  from  their  solid  Base, 

And  buries  Mountains  in  the  flaming  Gulph. 

But  'tis  enough;  return,  my  vagrant  Muse: 

A  nearer  Scene  of  Horror  calls  thee  home. 

1095  Behold,  slow-settling  o'er  the  lurid  Grove  dixo3 

Unusual  Darkness  broods;  and  growing  gains 
The  full  Possession  of  the  Sky,  surcharg'd 
With  wrathful  Vapour,  from  the  secret  Beds, 
Where  sleep  the  mineral  Generations,  drawn. 

1100  Thence  Niter,  Sulphur,  and  the  fiery  Spume 
Of  fat  Bitumen,  steaming  on  the  Day, 
With  various-tinctur'd   Trains  of  latent  Flame, 
Pollute  the  Sky,  and  in  yon  baleful  Cloud, 
A  reddening  Gloom,  a  Magazine  of  Fate, 

1105  Ferment;  till,  by  the  Touch  etherial  rous'd, 
The  Dash  of  Clouds,  or  irritating   War 
Of  fighting   Winds,  while  all  is  calm  below, 
They  furious  spring.     A  boding  Silence  reigns, 
Dread  thro'  the  dun  Expanse;  save  the  dull  Sound, 

mo  That  from  the  Mountain,  previous  to  the  Storm, 
Rolls  o'er  the  muttering  Earth,  disturbs  the  Flood. 
And  shakes  the  Forest-Leaf  without  a  Breath. 
Prone,  to  the  lowest  Yale,  th'aerial  Tribes 
Descend:  the  Tempest-loving  Raven  scarce 

"  15  Dares  wing  the  dubious  Dusk.  In  rueful  Gaze 
The  Cattle  stand,  and  on  the  scouling  Heavens 
Cast  a  deploring  Eye;  by  Man  forsook, 


MS  1112  P 


!34  SUMMER  A 

755  Who  to  the  crowded  Cottage  hies  Him  fast. 
Or  seeks  the  Shelter  of  the  downward  Cave. 

'Tis  dumb  Amaze,  and  listening-  Terror  all; 
When,  to  the  quicker  Eye,  the  livid  Glance 
Appears,  far  South,  emissive  thro'  the  Cloud: 

760  And,  by  the  powerful  Breath  of  God  inflate. 
The  Thunder  raises  his  tremendous  Voice, 
At  first  low-muttering;  but,  at  each  Approach, 
The  Lightnings  flash  a  larger  Curve,  and  more 
The  Noise  astounds:  till,  over  Head,  a  Sheet 

765  Of  various  Flame  discloses  wide,  then  shuts 
And  opens  wider,  shuts  and  opens  still 
Expansive,  wrapping  JSther  in  a  Blaze. 
Follows  the  loosen 'd,  aggravated  Roar, 
Enlarging,  deepening,  mingling,  Peal  on  Peal 

770  Crush'd  horrible,  convulsing  Heaven,  and  Earth. 


Down  comes  a  Deluge  of  sonorous  Hail,  B863 

In  the  white,  heavenly  Magazines  congeal'd; 
Anf  often  fatal  to  th'unshelter'd  Head 
Of  Man,  or  rougher  Beast.     The  sluicy  Rain, 

775  In  one  unbroken  Flood,  descends;  and  yet 
Th'unconquerable  Lightning  struggles  thro' 
Ragged,  and  fierce,  or  in  red  whirling  Balls, 
And  strikes  the  Shepherd,  as  He,  shuddering,  sits, 
Presaging  Ruin,  in  the  rocky  Clift. 

780  His  inmost  Marrow  feels  the  gliding  Flame ; 
He  dies  —  and,  like  a  Statue  grinrd  with  Age, 
His  live,  dejected  Posture  still  remains: 
His  Russet  sing'd,  and  rent  his  hanging  Hat: 


B     774,  77o  Least.    Wide-rent,  the  clouds  ||  Pour  a  whole  flood;  and 
yet,  its  rage  unquench'd,         776  inconquerable         87i)  in  ]  mid 
MS  758  When  darting  from  the  Cloud  the  livid  Glance  P 


SUMMER  C  135 

Who  to  the  crouded  Cottage  hies  him  fast, 
Or  seeks  the  Shelter  of  the  downward  Cave. 

"20  Tis  listening  Fear,  and  dumb  Amazement  all:         i 

When  to  the  startled  Eye  the  sudden  Glance 
Appears  far  South,  erupt! re  thro'  the  Cloud; 
And  following  slower,  in  Explosion  vast, 
The  Thunder  raises  his  tremendous  Voice. 

1125  At  first,  heard  solemn  o'er  the  Verge  of  Heaven, 
The  Tempest  growls;  but  as  it  nearer  comes, 
And  rolls  it's  awful  Burden  on  the   Wind, 
The  Lightnings  flash  a  larger  Curve,  and  more 
The  Noise  astounds:  till  over  Head  a  Sheet 

"30  Of  livid  Flame  discloses  wide,  then  shuts 
And  opens  wider,  shuts  and  opens  still 
Expansive,  wrapping  Ether  in  a  Blaze. 
Follows  the  loosen 'd,  aggravated  Roar, 
Enlarging,  deepening,  mingling,  Peal  on  Peal 

"35  Crush'd  horrible,  convulsing  Heaven  and  Earth. 

Down  comes  a  Deluge  of  sonorous  Hail,  d 

Or  prone-descending  Bain.     Wide-rent,  the  Clouds, 
Pour  a  whole  Flood;  and  yet,  it's  Flame  unquench'd, 
ThV>/conquerable  Lightning  struggles  thro', 
"40  Ragged  and  fierce,  or  in  red  whirling  Balls, 
And  fres  the  Mountains  with   redoubled  Bage. 


!36  SUMMER  A 

Against  his  Crook  his  sooty  Cheek  reclin'd; 
78s  "While,  whining  at  his  Feet,  his  half-stun 'd  Dog, 
Importunately  kind,  and  fearful,  pats 
On  his  insensate  Master,  for  Relief. 

Black,  from  the  Stroak,  above,  the  Mountain-Fine,   bsso 
A  leaning,  shatter'd  Trunk,  stands  scath'd  to  Heaven. 

790  The  Talk  of  future  Ages!  and,  below, 
A  lifeless  Groupe  the  blasted  Cattle  lie. 
Here,  the  soft  Flocks,  with  that  same  harmless  Look. 
They  wore  alive,  and  ruminating  still, 
In  Fancy's  Eye;  and  there,  the  frowning  Bull, 

795  And  Ox  half-rais'd.     A  little  farther,  burns 
The  guiltless  Cottage;  and  the  haughty  Dome 
Stoops  to  the  Base.     Th'uprooted  Forrest  flies 
Aloft  in  Air,  or,  flaming  out,  displays 
The  savage  Haunts,  by  Day  unpierc'd  before. 

800  Scar'd  is  the  Mountain's  Brow;  and,  from  the  Cliff, 
Tumbles  the  smitten  Rock.     The  Desart  shakes, 
And  gleams,  and  grumbles,  through  his  deepest  Dens. 

Now  swells  the  Triumph  of  the  Virtuous  Man  :     is-  0- 

And  this  outrageous,  elemental  Fray, 
805  To  Him,  a  dread  Magnificence  appears, 

The  Glory  of  that  Power  He  calls  his  Friend, 

Sole  honourable  Name!  —  But  Woe  to  Him, 

Who,  of  infuriate  Malice,  and  confirm'd 

In  Vice  long-practis'd,  is  a  Foe  to  Man 
sio  His  Brother,  and  at  Variance  with  his  God. 

He  thinks  the  Tempest  weaves  around  his  Head: 

Loudens  the  Roar  to  Him,  and  in  his  Eye 

The  bluest  Vengeance  glares.     Th'Oppressor,  who, 

Unpitying,  heard  the  Wailings  of  Distress, 


B     797,  798  base.     In  one  immediate  flash,  ||  The  forest  falls;   or 
etc.        799  unpierc'd  by  day  before.         803-826  omitted 


SUMMER  C  137 


Black  from  the  Stroke,  above  the  smouldring  Pine 
Stands  a  sad  shatter' d  Trunk;  and,  stretch'd  below, 
A  lifeless  Groupe  the  blasted  Cattle  lie: 

1145  Here  the  soft  Flocks,  with  that  same  harmless  Look 
They  wore  alive,  and  ruminating  still 
In  Fancy's  Eye;  and  there  the  frowning  Bull, 
And  Ox  half-rais'd.     Struck  on  the  castled  Cliff, 
The  venerable  Tower  and  spiry  Fane 

"50  Resign  their  aged  Pride.     The  gloomy  Woods 
Start  at  the  Flash,  and  from  their  deep  Recess, 
Wide-flaming  out,  their  trembling  Inmates  shake. 
Amid  Carnarvon's  Mountains  rages  loud 
The  repercussive  Roar:  ivith  mighty  Crush, 

i*&>Into  the  flashing  Deep,  from  the  rude  Rocks 
Of  Penmanmaur  heap'd  hideous  to  the  Skij, 
Tumble  the  smitten  Cliffs;  and  Snowden's  Peak, 
Dissolving,  instant  yields  his  wintry  Load. 
Far-seen,  the  Heights  of  heathy  Cheviot  blaze, 

"65  And   Thule  bellows  thro'  her  utmost  Isles. 


MS  1143  sad  ]  wild  T 


138  SUMMER  A 

815  Gall'd  by  his  Scourge,  now  shrinks  at  other  Sounds. 

Hid  are  the  Neroes  of  the  Earth  —  in  vain. 

Like  Children  hid  in  Sport.     Chief,  in  the  Breast 

Of  solitary  Atheist  Wildness  reigns, 

Licentious;  vanish'd  every  quaint  Conceit, 
820  And  impious  Jest,  with  which  He  us'd  to  pelt 

Superiour  Reason;  Anguish  in  his  Look, 

And  Supplication  lifts  his  Hand.     He'd  pray; 

If  his  hard  Heart  would  flow.     At  last  He  runs, 

Precipitant,  and  entering  just  the  Cave, 
825  The  Messenger  of  Justice,  glancing,  comes, 

With  swifter  Sweep,  behind,  and  trips  his  Heel. 

And  yet  not  always  on  the  guilty  Head  k  set 

Falls  the  devoted  Flash.     Young  Celadon, 
And  his  Amelia,  an  unrival'd  Twain. 
830  With  equal  Vertue  form'd,  and  equal  Grace, 
The  same,  distinguish'd  by  their  Sex  alone; 
Hers  the  mild  Lustre  of  th'unfolding  Morn, 
And  his  the  Radiance  of  the  risen  Day. 

They  lov'd  —  but  such  their  guileless  Passion  was,   b9o3 
835  As,  in  the  Dawn  of  Time,  alarm'd  the  Heart 

Of  Innocence,  and  undissembling  Truth. 

'Twas  Friendship,  heightened  by  the  mutual  Wish, 

Th'enchanting  Hope,  and  sympathetic  Glow, 

Struck  from  the  charmful  Eye.     Devoting  all 
840  To  Love,  Each  was  to  Each  a  dearer  Self! 

B     827  The  jmssage  opens  thus  : 

Guilt  dubious  hears,  with  deeply-troubled  thought;  [895J 

And  yet  etc.  as  I.  827 
829  Amelia  were  a  matchless  twain;         832  th'unfolding]  the 
blooming 
MS  833  His  the  full  Radiance  P  836  Of  nameless  Innooence 

and  charming  Truth.  T        838,  839  Stroke  (Throb)  ||  Of  mutual 
Hearts  high-tun'd.    T 


SUMMER  C  139 


Guilt  hears  appall'd,  with  deeply  troubled  Thought;  Dn69 
And  yet  not  always  on  the  guilty  Head 
Descends  the  fated  Flash.     Young  Celadon 
And  his  Amelia  were  a  matchless  Pair, 
1165  With  equal  Virtue  form'd,  and  equal  Grace, 
The  same,  distinguish'd  by  their  Sex  alone: 
Hers  the  mild  Luster  of  the  blooming  Morn, 
And  his  the  Radiance  of  the  risen  Day. 

They  lov'd.     But  such  their  guileless  Passion  was,  Dx»77 
1170  As  in  the  Dawn  of  Time  inform' d  the  Heart 

Of  Innocence,  and  undissembling  Truth. 

'Twas  Friendship  heightened  by  the  mutual  Wish, 

Th'enchanting  Hope,  and  sympathetic  Glow, 

Bearad  from  the  mutual  Eye.     Devoting  all 
1175  To  Love,  each  was  to  each  a  dearer  Self; 


140  SUMMER  A 

Supremely  happy  in  th'awaken'd  Power 
Of  giving  Joy !     Alone,  amid  the  Shades, 
Still,  in  angelic  Intercourse,  They  liv'd 
The  rural  Day,  and  talk'd  the  flowing  Heart, 
8^5  Or  sigh'd,  and  look'd  unutterable  Things! 

Thus  pass'd  their  Life,  a  clear,  united  Stream. 
By  Care  unruffled;  till  in  evil  Hour, 
The  Tempest  caught  Them  on  the  tender  Walk. 
Heedless  how  far.     Her  Breast,  presageful,  heav'd 

85o  Unwonted  Sighs,  and  stealing  oft  a  Look 
Of  the  big  Gloom,  on  Celadon  her  Eye 
Fell  tearful,  wetting  all  her  glowing  Cheek. 
In  vain  assuring  Love,  and  Confidence 
In  Heaven  repress'd  her  Fear;  it  grew,  and  shook 

835  Her  Frame  near  Dissolution.     He  perceivd 
Thunequal  Conflict,  and,  as  Angels  look 
On  dying  Saints,  his  Eyes  Compassion  shed, 
Mingl'd  with  matchless  Love.  —  "Fear  not,  He  said. 
"Fair  Innocence!  thou  Stranger  to  Offence, 

860  " And  inward  Storm!     He,  who  enwraps  yon  Skies 
"In  Frowns  of  Darkness,  ever  smiles  on  Thee, 
"With  full  Regard.     O'er  Thee  the  secret  Shaft 
"That  wastes  at  Midnight,  or  th'undreaded  Hour 
"Of  Noon,  flies  hurtless:  and  that  very  Voice, 

S65  uWhich  thunders  Terror  thro'  the  Sinners  Heart, 
"  With  Tongues  of  Seraphs  whispers  Peace  to  thine. 
"  Tis  Safety  to  be  near  Thee  sure,  and  thus 
"To  clasp  Perfection!"  —  From  his  void  Embrace. 
Mysterious  Heaven!  that  Moment,  in  a  Heap 


843  angelic]  harmonious  852  wetting  her  disorder*d  cheek. 
858  With  love  illumin'd  high.  "Fear  etc.  860  He,  who  yon 
skies  involves  865  the  conscious  heart,  869  (Mysterious 
heaven  !) 

846  pass'd  ]  riow'd  T  849  Regardless  whither.  Touch'd  by 
Fate  she  heav'd  T 


SUMMER  C  141 

Supremely  happy  in  th'awaken'd  Power 
Of  giving  Joy.     Alone,  amid  the  Shades, 
Still  in  harmonious  Intercourse  they  liv'd 
The  rural  Day,  and  talk'd  the  flowing  Heart, 
use  Or  sigh'd,  and  look'd  unutterable  things. 

So  pass'd  their  Life,  a  clear  united  Stream,  rmsg 

By  Care  unruffled;  till,  in  evil  Hour, 
The  Tempest  caught  them  on  the  tender  Walk, 
Heedless  how  far,  and  where  it's  Mazes  strai/d, 

1185  While,  with  each  other  blest,  creative  Love 
Still  bade  eternal  Eden  smile  around. 
Heavy  with  instant  Fate  her  Bosom  heav'd 
Unwonted  Sighs,  and  stealing  oft  a  Look 
Of  the  big  Gloom  on  Celadon  her  Eye 

1190  Fell  tearful,  wetting  her  disorder'd  Cheek. 
In  vain  assuring  Love,  and  Confidence 
In  Heaven  repress'd  her  Fear;  it  grew,  and  shook 
Her  Frame  near  Dissolution.     He  perceiv'd 
Th'unequal  Conflict,  and  as  Angels  look 

1195  On  dying  Saints,  his  Eyes  Compassion  shed, 
With  Love  illumin'd  high.     "Fear  not,  he  said, 
"Siveet  Innocence!  thou  Stranger  to  Offence, 
"And  inward  Storm!     He,  who  yon  Skies  involves 
uIn  Frowns  of  Darkness,  ever  smiles  on  thee, 

1200  "With  kind  Regard.  O'er  thee  the  secret  Shaft 
"That  wastes  at  Midnight,  or  th'undreaded  Hour 
"Of  Noon,  flies  harmless:  and  that  very  Voice, 
"Which  thunders  Terror  thro'  the  guilty  Heart, 
k'With  Tongues  of  Seraphs  whispers  Peace  to  thine. 

1205  "Tis  Safety  to  be  near  thee  sure,  and  thus 

"To  clasp  Perfection!"     From  his  void  Embrace, 
(Mysterious  Heaven !)  that  moment,  to  the  Ground, 


U2  SUMMER  A 

87o  Of  pallid  Ashes,  fell  the  beauteous  Maid. 

But  who  can  paint  the  Lover,  as  He  stood, 

Struck  by  severe  Amazement,  hating  Life, 

Speechless,  and  lixt  in  all  the  Death  of  Woe ! 

So,  faint  Resemblance!     On  the  Marble-Tomb 
875  The  well-dissembl'd  Mourner,  stooping  stands. 

For  ever  silent,  and  for  ever  sad. 

Heard  indistinct,  the  far-off  Thunder  peals,  b-  c 

From  suffering  Earth,  commission'd  o'er  the  Main. 

Where  the  black  Tempest,  pressing  on  the  Pool, 
880  Heaves  the  dead  Billows  to  the  bursting  Clouds. 

Dire  is  the  Fate  of  Those,  who  reeling  high, 

From  Wave  to  Wave,  even  at  the  very  Source 

Of  Lightning,  feel  th'undissipated  Flame; 

Or,  should  They  in  a  watry  Vale  escape, 
885  If,  on  their  Heads,  the  forceful  Spout  descends, 

And  drives  the  dizzy  Vessel  down  the  Deep, 

Till  in  the  oozy  Bottom  stuck,  profound. 

As  from  the  Face  of  Heaven,  each  shatter'd  Cloud,    b946 
Tumultuous,  roves,  th'unfathomable  Blue, 

890  That  constant  Joy  to  every  finer  Eye, 
That  Rapture!  swells  into  the  general  Arch, 
Which  copes  the  Nations.     On  the  lilly'd  Bank. 
Where  a  Brook  quivers,  often,  careless,  thrown, 
Up  the  wide  Scene  I've  gaz'd  whole  Hours  away. 

895  With  growing  Wonder,  while  the  Sun  declin'd, 
As  now,  forth-breaking  from  the  blotting  Storm. 

Nature  shines  out;  and,  thro'  the  lighten'd  Air, 
A  higher  Lustre,  and  a  clearer  Calm, 


B     877—887  omitted        888-897  thus  condensed: 

As  from  the  face  of  heaven  the  shatter'd  clouds 
Tumultuous  rove,  th'interminable  blue. 
Delightful  swells  into  the  general  arch, 
That  copes  the  nations.     Nature  from  the  storm 
Shines  out  afresh;  and  thro'  the  lighten'd  air  etc.  [950] 


SUMMER  C  143 

A  blacken'd  Corse,  was  struck  the  beauteous  Maid. 
But  who  can  paint  the  Lover,  as  he  stood, 
Pierc'd  by  severe  Amazement,  hating  Life, 
Speechless,  and  fix'd  in  all  the  Death  of  Woe! 
So,  faint  Resemblance,  on  the  Marble-Tomb, 
The  well-dissembled  Mourner  stooping  stands, 
For  ever  silent,  and  for  ever  sad.  ..- 


As  from  the  Face  of  Heaven  the  shatter'd  Clouds   D1223 
Tumultuous  rove,  th'interminable  Sky 
Sublimer  sivells,  and  o'er  the   World  expands 
A  purer  Azure.     Nature,  from  the  Storm, 
Shines  out  afresh;  and  thro'  the  lighten'd  Air 
A  higher  Luster  and  a  clearer  Calm, 


144  SUMMER  A 

Diffusive,  tremble;  and,  as  if  in  sign 
900  Of  Danger  past,  a  glittering  Face  of  Joy, 
Set  off,  abundant,  by  the  level  Ray. 
Invests  the  Earth,  yet  weeping  from  Distress. 

'Tis  Beauty  all,  and  grateful  Song  around.  b956 

Join'd  to  the  Low  of  Kine,  and  numerous  Bleat 
905  Of  Flocks  thick-nibbling  thro'  the  clover'd  Yale. 

And  shall  the  Hymn  be  marr'd  by  thankless  Man, 

Most-favour'd,  who,  with  Voice  articulate. 

Should  lead  the  Chorus  of  this  lower  World! 

Shall  He,  so  soon,  forgetful  of  the  past. 
910  After  the  Tempest,  puff  his  transient  Vows, 

And  a  new  Dance  of  Vanity  begin, 

Scarce  ere  the  Pant  forsakes  his  feeble  Heait! 


Chear'd  by  the  setting  Beam,  the  sprightly  Youth     b967 
Speeds  to  the  well-known  Pool,  whose  chrystal  Depth 

9*s  A  sandy  Bottom  shows.     A  while  he  stands, 
Gazing  th'inverted  Landskip,  half  afraid 
To  meditate  the  blue  Profound  below; 
Till  disenchanted  by  the  ruffling  Gale, 
He  plunges  headlong  down  the  closing  Flood. 

920  His  ebon  Tresses,  and  his  rosy  Cheek 

Instant  emerge;  and,  thro'  the  glassy  Wave, 
At  each  short  Breathing,  by  his  Lip  repell'd. 
With  Arms,  and  Legs,  according  well,  He  makes, 
As  Humour  leads,  an  easy-winding  Path: 

925  While,  from  his  snowy  Sides,  a  humid  Light 
Effuses  on  the  pleas'd  Spectators  round. 


B     899  and,  ]  while,  900  Face  ]  robe  902  Earth.  ]  fields, 

weeping]  dropping  909  thus  expanded:  forgetful  of  the  hand  || 
That  hush'd  the  thunder,  and  expands  the  sky.  ||  After  the  etc. 
910  transient  ]  idle  918  omitted.  919  He  j  Then  closing  ] 
circling  921  glassy]  flexile  925 snowy]  polish'd  humid] 
dewy 


SUMMER  C  145 

Diffusive,  tremble;  while,  as  if  in  sign 
Of  Danger  past,  a  glittering  Robe  of  Joy, 
Set  off  abundant  by  the  yellow  Ray, 
Invests  the  Fields,  yet  dropping  from  Distress. 

™*5  'Tis  Beauty  all,  and  grateful  Song  around,  Di233 

Join'd  to  the  Low  of  Kine,  and  numerous  Bleat 
Of  Flocks  thick-nibbling  thro'  the  clover'd  Vale. 
And  shall  the  Hymn  be  marr'd  by  thankless  Man, 
Most-favour'd ;  who  with  Voice  articulate 

"30  Should  lead  the  Chorus  of  this  lower  "World? 
Shall  he,  so  soon  forgetful  of  the  Hand 
That  hush'd  the  Thunder,  and  serenes  the  Sky, 
Extinguish' d  feel  that  Spark  the  Tempest  wah'd, 
That  Sense  of  Powers  exceeding  far  his  own, 

"35  Ere  yet  his  feeble  Heart  has  lost  it's  Fears? 

Chear'd  by  the  milder  Beam,  the  sprightly  Youth    Di244 

Speeds  to  the  well-known  Pool,  whose  crystal  Depth 

A  sandy  Bottom  shews.     A  while  he  stands 

Gazing  th'inverted  Landskip,  half-afraid 
12*°  To  meditate  the  blue  Profound  below ; 

Then  plunges  headlong  down  the  circling  Flood. 

His  ebon  Tresses,  and  his  rosy  Cheek 

Instant  emerge;  and  thro'  th 'obedient  Wave, 

At  each  short  breathing  by  his  Lip  repell'd, 
1245  With  Arms  and  Legs  according  well,  he  makes, 

As  Humour  leads,  an  easy-winding  Path; 

While,  from  his  polish'd  Sides,  a  dewy  Light 

Effuses  on  the  pleas'd  Spectators  round. 


Palaestra  LXVI.  10 


146  SUMMER  A 


This  is  the  purest  Exercise  of  Health,  B1038 

The  great  Refresher  of  the  Summer- Heats; 

Nor,  when,  the  Brook  pellucid,  Winter  keens, 
930  "Would  I,  weak-shivering,  linger  on  the  Brink. 

Thus  Life  redoubles,  and  is  oft  preserv'd 

By  the  bold  Swimmer,  in  the  swift  Illapse 

Of  Accident  disastrous.     Hence  the  Limbs 

Knit  into  Force;  and  that  same  Roman  Arm, 
93s  Which  stretch'd.  victorious,  o'er  the  conquer'd  Earth. 

First  learn'd,  while  tender,  to  subdue  the  Wave. 

Even,  from  the  Body's  Purity,  the  Mind, 

Strictly  ally'd,  receives  a  secret  Aid. 


Before  I.  927: 

'Twas  then  beneath  a  secret-waving  shade,  [9H 

Where  winded  into  lovely  solitudes 
Runs  out  ihe  rambling  dale,  that  Damon  sat, 
Thoughtful,  and  fix'd  in  philosophic  muse: 
Damon,  who  still  amid  the  savage  woods, 
And  lonely  lawns,  the  force  of  beauty  scorn'd,  [985] 

Firm,  and  to  false  philosophy  devote. 
The  brook  ran  babbling  by;   and  sighing  weak, 
The  breeze  among  the  bending  willows  play'd: 
When  Sacharissa  to  the  cool  retreat, 

With  Amoret,  and  Musidora  stole.  [990] 

Warm  in  their  cheek  the  sultry  season  glow'd; 
And,  rob'd  in  loose  array,  they  came  to  bathe 
Their  fervent  limbs  in  the  refreshing  stream. 
Tall,  and  majestic,  Sacharissa  rose, 

Superior  treading,  as  on  Ida's  top  [995) 

(So  Grecian  bards  in  wanton  fable  sung) 
High-shone  the  sister  and  the  wife  of  Jove. 
Another  Pallas  Musidora  seem'd, 
Meek-ey'd,  sedate,  and  gaining  every  look 
A  surer  conquest  of  the  sliding  heart.  (1000] 

928  great]  kind  934  that]  the  935  Which  stretch'd,  ] 

That  rose        938  Receives  a  secret,  sympathetic  aid. 


SUMMER  C  147 


This  is  the  purest  Exercise  of  Health,  D1257 

1230  The  kind  Refresher  of  the  Sunimer-Heats ; 

Nor,  when  cold  Winter  keens  the  brightening  Flood, 
Would  I  weak-shivering  linger  on  the  Brink. 
Thus  Life  redoubles,  and  is  oft  preserved, 
By  the  bold  Swimmer,  in  the  swift  Illapse 

lass  Of  Accident  disastrous.     Hence  the  Limbs 
Knit  into  Force;  and  the  same  Roman  Arm, 
That  rose  victorious  o'er  the  conquer'd  Earth, 
First  learn'd,  while  tender,  to  subdue  the  Wave. 
Even,  from  the  Body's  Purity,  the  Mind 

1260  Receives  a  secret  sympathetic  Aid. 

Close  in  the  Covert  of  an  Hazel  Copse,  D1269 

Where  winded  into  pleasing  Solitudes 

Runs  out  the  rambling  Dale,  young  Damon  sat, 

Pensive,  and  pierc'd  with  Love's  delightful  Pangs. 
1265  There  to  the  Stream  that  down  the  distant  Rocks 

Hoarse-murmuring  fell,  and  plaintive  Breeze  that  play' d 

Among  the  bending  Willows,  falsely  he 

Of  Musidoras  Cruelty  complain' d. 

She  felt  his  Flame;  but  deep  ivithin  her  Breast, 
1270  In  bashful  Coyness,  or  in  maiden  Pride, 

The  soft  Return  conceal' d;  save  when  it  stole 

In  side-long  Glances  from  her  downcast  Eye, 

Or  from  her  swelling  Soul  in  stifled  Sighs. 

Touch' d  by  the  Scene,  no  Stranger  to  his  Vows, 
1275  He  fram'd  a  melting  Lay,  to  try  her  Heart; 

And,  if  an  infant  Passion  struggled  there, 

To  call  that  Passion  forth.     Thrice  happy  Swain! 

A  lucky  Chance,  that  oft  decides  the  Fate 

Of  mighty  Monarchs,  then  decided  thine. 
1280  For  lo!  conducted  by  the  laughing  Loves, 

This  cool  Retreat  his  Musidora  sought: 

10* 


148  SUMMER  A 


(Sequel) 

While,  like  the  Cyprian  goddess,  Amoret, 

Delicious  dress"d  in  rosy-dimpled  smiles, 

And  all  one  softness,  melted  on  the  sense. 

Nor  Paris  panted  stronger,  when  aside 

The  rival-goddesses  the  veil  divine  [1005} 

Cast  unconfiu'd,  and  gave  him  all  their  charms. 

Than,  Damon,  thou;  the  stoick  now  no  more, 

But  man  deep-felt,  as  from  the  Snowy  leg, 

And  slender  foot,  th'inverted  silk  thej^  drew; 

As  the  soft  touch  dissolv'd  the  virgin-zone;  [ioio]* 

And,  thro'  the  parting  robe,  th'alternate  breast, 

With  youth  wild-throbbing,  on  thy  lawless  gaze 

Luxuriant  rose.     Yet  more  enamour'd  still, 

When  from  their  naked  limbs,  of  glowing  white 

In  folds  loose-floating  fell  the  fainter  lawn ;  [1015] 

And  fair  expos'd  they  stood,  shrunk  from  themselves : 

With  fancy  blushing;  at  the  doubtful  breeze 

Arrous'd,  and  starting,  like  the  fearful  fawn. 

*So  stands  the  statue  that  enchants  the  world, 

Her  full  proportions  such,  and  bashful  so  [1020] 

Bends  ineffectual  from  the  roving  eye. 

Then  to  the  flood  they  rush'd;  the  plunging  fair 

The  parted  flood  with  closing  waves  receiv'd; 

And,  every  beauty  softening,  every  grace 

Flushing  afresh,  a  mellow  lustre  shed:  [io25>. 

A  shines  the  lily  thro'  the  crystal  mild; 

Or  as  the  rose  amid  the  morning- dew 

Puts  on  a  warmer  glow.     In  various  play, 

While  thus  they  wanton'd;  now  beneath  the  wave, 

But  ill  conceal'd;  and  now  with  streaming  locks  [1030} 

That  half-embrac'd  them  in  a  humid  veil, 

Rising  again;  the  latent  Damon  drew 

Such  draughts  of  love  and  beauty  to  the  soul, 

As  put  his  harsh  philosophy  to  flight, 

The  joyless  search  of  long-deluded  years;  [1035I 

And  Musidora  fixing  in  his  heart, 

Inform'd,  and  humaniz'd  him  into  man. 

'  The  Vonus  of  Medicis. 


SUMMER  C  149 

Warm  in  her  Cheek  the  sultry  Season  glow'd : 

And,  robe'd  in  loose  Array,  she  came  to  bathe 

Her  fervent  Limbs  in  the  refreshing  Stream. 
1285  What  shall  he  do?     In  street  Confusion  lost, 

And  dubious  Flutterings,  he  a  while  remain 'd. 

A  pure  ingenuous  Elegance  of  Soul, 

A  delicate  Refinement,  known  to  Few, 

Perplex' d  his  Breast,  and  urg'd  him  to  retire. 
129°  But  Love  forbade.     Ye  Prudes  in  Virtue,  saij, 

Sag,  ge  severest,  what  would  you  have  done? 

Meantime,  this  fairer  Nymph  than  ever  blest 

Arcadian  Stream,  with  timid  Ege  around 

The  Banks  surveging,  strip'd  her  beauteous  Limbs, 
"95  To  taste  the  lucid  Coolness  of  the  Flood. 

Ah  then!  not  Paris  on  the  shady  Top 

Of  Ida  panted  stronger,  when  aside  Cf.  bioo4 

The  Rival-Goddesses  the  Veil  divine 

Cast  unconfin'd,  and  gave  him  all  her  Charms. 
1300  Than,  Damon,  thou ;  as  from  the  snowy  Leg,  1  line  omitted 

And  slender  Foot,  th'in verted  Silk  she  drew; 

As  the  soft  Touch  dissolv'd  the  virgin  Zone; 

And,  thro'  the  parting  Robe,  th'alternate  Breast, 

With  Youth  wild-throbbing,  on  thy  lawless  Gaze 
'305  In  full  Luxuriance  rose.     But,  desperate   Youth, 

How  durst  thou  risque  the  Soul-distracting   View; 

As  from  her  naked  Limbs,  of  glowing  White. 

Harmonious  swell' d  bg  Nature's  finest  Hand , 

In  Folds  loose-floating  fell  the  fainter  Lawn ; 
131°  And  fair-expos'd  she  stood,  shrunk  from  herself, 

With  Fancy  blushing,  at  the  doubtful  Breeze 

Alarm'd,  and  starting  like  the  fearful  Fawn  ?  3  unes  omittet 

Then  to  the  Flood  she  rush'd;  the  parted  Flood 

B's  lovelg  Guest  with  closing  Waves  receiv'd ; 
'315  And  every  Beauty  softening,  every  Grace 


D     1296  shady]  piny 


!50  SUMMEBRA 


SUMMER  C  151 

Flushing  anew,  a  mellow  Luster  shed: 

As  shines  the  Lily  thro'  the  Crystal  mild; 

Or  as  the  Rose,  amid  the  Morning-Dew 

Fresh  from  Aurora's  Hand,  more  sweetly  glows. 

132°  While  thus  she  wanton'd,  now  beneath  the  Wave 
But  ill-conceal'd ;  and  now  with  streaming  Locks 
That  half-embrac'd  Her  in  a  humid  Veil, 
Rising  again,  the  latent  Damon  drew 
Such  madning  Draughts  of  Beauty  to  the  Soul, 

1325  As  for  a  while  o'erwhelm'd  his  raptur'd  Thought 
With  Luxury  too-daring.     Check' d,  at  last. 
By  Love's  respectful  Modesty,  he  deem'd 
The  Theft  profane,  if  aught  profane  to  Love 
Can  e'er  be  deem'd;  and,  struggling  from  the  Shade, 

1330  With  headlong  Hurry  fed:  but  first  these  Lines 
Trac'd  by  his  ready  Pencil,  on  the  Bank 
With  trembling  Hand  he  threw.    uBathe  on,  my  Fair, 
"Yet  unbeheld  save  by  the  sacred  Eye 
u Of  faithful  Love.     I  go  to  guard  thy  Haunt, 

1335  "To  keep  from  thy  Recess  each  vagrant  Foot, 
"And  each  licentious  Eye."     With  wild  Surprize, 
As  if  to  Marble  struck,  devoid  of  Sense, 
A  stupid  Moment  motionless  she  stood: 
So  stands  the  *Statue  that  enchants  the  World, 

J340  So  bending  tries  to  veil  the  matchless  Boast, 
The  mingled  Beauties  of  exulting  Greece. 
Recovering,  swift  she  flew  to  find  those  Robes 
Which  blissful  Eden  knew  not;  and,  array' d 
In  careless  Haste,  th' alarming  Paper  snatch'd. 

1345  But,  when  her  Damon's  well-known  Hand  she  saw, 
Her  Terrors  vanish'd,  and  a  softer  Train 
Of  mixt  Emotions,  hard  to  be  describ'd, 
Her  sudden  Bosom  seiz'd:  Shame  void  of  Guilt, 
The  charming  Blush  of  Innocence,  Esteem 

1350  And  Admiration  of  her  Lover  s  Flame, 
*  The  Venus  of  Medici. 


152  SUMMER  A 


SUMMER  C  153 

By  Modesty  exalted.     Even  a  Sense 

Of  self-approving  Beauty  stole  across 

Her  busy  Thought.     At  length,  a  tender  Calm 

Hush'd  by  degrees  the  Tumult  of  her  Soul; 

1355  And  on  the  spreading  Beech,  that  o'er  the  Stream 
Incumbent  hung,  she  ivith  the  silvan  Pen 
Of  rural  Lovers  this  Confession  carv'd, 
Which  soon  her  Damon  kiss'd  with  weeping  Joy. 
"Dear  Youth!  sole  Judge  of  what  these  Verses  mean, 

1360  "By  Fortune  too  much  favour  d,  but  by  Love, 
"Alas!  not  favour' d  less,  be  still  as  now 
"Discreet:  the  Time  may  come  you  need  not  fly." 

The  Sun  has  lost  his  Rage:  his  downward  Orb       D1371 
Shoots  nothing  now  but  animating   Warmth, 

1365  And  vital  Luster;  that,  with  various  Ray, 

Lights  up  the  Clouds,  those  beauteous  Robes  of  Heaven, 

Incessant  roll'd  into  romantic  Shapes, 

The  Dream  of  looking  Fancy!     Broad  beloiv, 

Cover' 'd  with  ripening  Fruits,  and  swelling  fast j   j    iac^ 

1370  Into  the  perfect   Year,  the  pregnant  Earth 

And  all  her  Tribes  rejoice.     Now  the  soft  Hour 
Of  Walking  comes:  for  him  who  lonely  loves 
To  seek  the  distant  Hills,  and  there  converse 
With  Nature;  there  to  harmonize  his  Heart, 

1375  And  in  pathetic  Song  to  breathe  around 
The  Harmony  to  others.     Social  Friends, 
Attun'd  to  happy   Unison  of  Soul; 
To  whose  exalting  Eye  a  fairer  World, 
Of  which  the  Vulgar  never  had  a  Glimpse, 

1380  Displays  it's  Charms;  whose  Minds  are  richly  fraught 
With  Philosophic  Stores,  superior  Light; 
And  in  whose  Breast,  enthusiastic,  burns 
Virtue,  the  Sons  of  Interest  deem  Romance; 
Now  call'd  abroad  enjoy  the  falling  Day: 

138s  Noiv  to  the  verdant  Portico  of  Woods, 


154  SUMMER  A 


SUMMER  C  155 

To  Nature's  vast  Lyceum,  forth  they  walk; 
By  that  kind  School  where  no  proud  Master  reigns, 
The  full  free  Converse  of  the  friendly  Heart, 
Improving  and  improv'd.     Now  from  the   World, 

1390  Sacred  to  sweet  Retirement,  Lovers  steal, 

And  pour  their  Souls  in  Transport,  which  the  Sire 
Of  Love  approving  hears,  and  calls  it  good. 
Which    Way,  Amanda,  shall  ive  bend  our  Course? 
The  Choice  perplexes.      Wherefore  should  we  chuse? 

1395  All  is  the  same  with  Thee.     Say,  shall  we  wind 
Along  the  Streams?  or  walk  the  smiling  Mead? 
Or  court  the  Forest-Glades?  or  wander  wild 
Among  the  waving  Harvests?  or  ascend, 
While  radiant  Summer  opens  all  it's  Pride, 

1400  Thy  Hill,  delightful  *Shene?     Here  let  us  sweep 
The  boundless  Landskip:  now  the  raptur'd  Eye, 
Exulting  swift,  to  huge  Augusta  send, 
Now  to  the  1~ Sister- Hills  that  skirt  her  Plain, 
To  lofty  Harrow  now,  and  now  to  where 

1405  Majestic   Windsor  lifts  his  Princely  Brow. 
In  lovely  Contrast  to  this  Glorious  View, 
Calmly  magnificent,  then  will  we  turn 
To  where  the  silver  Thames  first  rural  grows. 
There  let  the  feasted  Eye  unweary'd  stray: 

1410  Luxurious,  there,  rove  thro'  the  pendant   Woods 
That  nodding  hang  o'er  Harrington's  Retreat; 
And,  stooping  thence  to  Hams  embowering    Walks, 
Beneath  whose  Shades,  in  spotless  Peace  retir'd, 
With  Her  the  pleasing  Partner  of  his  Heart, 

14 1 5  The  worthy  Queensb'ry  yet  laments  his  Gay, 
And  polish'd  Combury  wooes  the  willing  Muse, 
Slow  let  us  trace  the  matchless  Vale  of  Thames; 
Fair-winding  up  to  where  the  Muses  haunt 

*  The  Old  Name  of  Richmond,  signifying  in  Saxon  Shining,  or 
Splendor. 

f  Highgate  and  Hamstead. 


156 


si'MMER  A 


SUMMER  C  157 

In  Twit' nam's  Bowers,  and  for  their  Pope  implore 
1420  The  healing  God;  to  royal  Hampton's  Pile, 

To  Clermont's  terrass'd  Height,  and  Esher's  Groves, 

Where  in  the  sweetest  Solitude,  embrac'd 

By  the  soft  Windings  of  the  silent  Mole, 

From  Courts  and  Senates  Pelham  finds  Repose. 
1425  Inchanting  Vale!  beyond  whate'er  the  Muse 

Has  of  Achaia  or  Hesperia  sung! 

0  Vale  of  Bliss!     0  softly- swelling  Hills! 

On  which  the  Power  of  Cultivation  lies, 

And  joys  to  see  the  Wonders  of  his  Toil. 

1430         Heavens!  what  a  goodly  Prospect  spreads  around,    A494  B530  D1438 
Of  Hills,  and  Dales,  and  Woods,  and  Lawns,  and  Spires, 
And  glittering  Toivns,  and  gilded  Streams,  till  all 
The  stretching  Landskip  into  Smoke  decays! 
Happy  Britannia !  where  the  Queen  of  Arts, 

1435  Inspiring  Vigor,  Liberty  abroad 

Walks,  unconfin'd,  even  to  thy  farthest  Cotts, 
And  scatters  Plenty  with  unsparing  Hand. 

Rich  is  thy  Soil,  and  merciful  thy  Clime;  A502B538D1446 

Thy  Streams  unfailing  in  the  Summer's  Drought; 
1440  Unmatch'd  thy  Guardian-Oaks;  thy  Valleys  float 

With  golden   Waves:  and  on  thy  Mountains  Flocks 

Bleat  numberless;  while,  roving  round  their  Sides, 

Bellow  the  blackening  Herds  in  lusty  Droves. 

Beneath,  thy  Meadows  glow,  and  rise  unquell'd 
1445  Against  the  Mower's  Scythe.     On  every  hand, 

Thy  Villas  shine.     Thy  Country  teems  with  Wealth ; 

And  Property  assures  it  to  the  Swain, 

Pleas'd  and  unweary'd,  in  his  guarded  Toil. 

Full  are  thy  Cities  with  the  Sons  of  Art;  a5i3B549  U1457 

1450  And  Trade  and  Joy,  in  every  busy  Street, 
Mingling  are  heard:  even  Drudgery  himself, 


MS  1444  P 


158  SUMMER  A 


SUMMER  C  159 

As  at  the  Car  he  sweats,  or  dusty  hews 
The  Palace-Stone,  looks  gay.     Thy  crouded  Ports, 
Where  rising  Masts  an  endless  Prospect  yield, 
1455  With  Labour  burn,  and  echo  to  the  Shouts 
Of  hurry'd  Sailor,  as  he  hearty  waves 
His  last  Adieu,  and  loosening  every  Sheet, 
Resigns  the  spreading  Vessel  to  the  Wind. 

Bold,  firm,  and  graceful,  are  thy  generous  Youth,     A523  B559  D1467 
1460  By  Hardship  sinew'd,  and  by  Danger  fir'd, 

Scattering  the  Nations  where  they  go;  and  first 

Or  in  the  listed  Plain,  or  wintry  Seas. 

Mild  are  thy  Glories  too,  as  o'er  the  Plans 

Of  thriving  Peace  thy  thoughtful  Sires  preside; 
1465  In  Genius,  and  substantial  Learning,  high ; 

For  every  Virtue,  every  Worth,  renown'd ; 

Sincere,  plain-hearted,  hospitable,  kind; 

Yet  like  the  mustering  Thunder  when  provok'd, 

The  Dread  of  Tyrants,  and  the  sole  Resource 
1470  Of  those  that  under  grim  Oppression  groan. 

Thy  Sons  of  Glory  many !     Alfred  Thine,  B571  D1479 

In  whom  the  Splendor  of  heroic  War, 

And  more  heroic  Peace,  when  govern'd  well, 

Combine;  whose  hallow' d  Name  the  Virtues  saint, 
1475  And  his  own  Muses  love,  the  best  of  Kings. 

With  him  thy  Edwards  and  thy  Henrys  shine, 

Names  dear  to  Fame;  the  First  who  deep  impress'd 

On  haughty  Gaul  the  Terror  of  thy  Arms, 

That  awes  her  Genius  still.     In  Statesmen  Thou, 
m8o  And  Patriots,  fertile.     Thine  a  steady  More, 

Who,  with  a  generous  tho'  mistaken  Zeal, 

Withstood  a  brutal  Tyrant's  useful  Rage, 

Like  Cato  firm,  like  Aristides  just, 

Like  rigid  Cincinnatus  nobly  poor, 
1485  A  dauntless  Soul  erect,  who  smil'd  on  Death. 


D     1462  wintry  ]  stormy 


160 


SUMMER  A 


SUMMER  C  161 

Frugal,  and  wise,  a  Walsingharn  is  thine; 
A  Drake,  who  made  thee  Mistress  of  the  Deep, 
And  bore  thy  Name  in  Thunder  round  the  World. 
Then  flam'd  thy  Spirit  high:  but  who  can  speak 

1490  The  numerous  "Worthies  of  the  Maiden  Reign? 
In  Raleigh  mark  their  every  Glory  mix'd, 
Raleigh,  the  Scourge  of  Spain !  whose  Breast  with  all 
The  Sage,  the  Patriot,  and  the  Hero  buin'd. 
Nor  sunk  his  Vigour,  when  a  Coward-Reign 

1495  The  Warrior  fetter'd,  and  at  last  resign'd, 
To  glut  the  Vengeance  of  a  vanquished  Foe. 
Then,  active  still  and  unrestrain'd  his  Mind 
Explor'd  the  vast  Extent  of  Ages  past, 
And  with  his  Prison-Hours  enrich'd  the  World; 

1500  Yet  found  no  Times,  in  all  the  long  Research, 
So  glorious,  or  so  base,  as  Those  he  prov'd, 
In  which  he  conquer'd,  and  in  which  he  bled. 
Nor  can  the  Muse  the  gallant  Sidney  pass,  B595 

The  Plume  of  War!     With  early  Laurels  crown'd, 

1505  The  Lover's  Myrtle,  and  the  Poet's  Bay. 

A  Hampden  too  is  thine,  illustrious  Land,  B591 

Wise,  strenuous,  firm,  of  unsubmitting  Soul, 
Who  stem'd  the  Torrent  of  a  downward  Age 
To  Slavery  prone,  and  bade  thee  rise  again, 

1510  In  all  thy  Native  Pomp  of  Freedom  bold. 
Bright,  at  his  Call,  thy  Age  of  Men  efifulg'd, 
Of  Men  on  whom  late  Time  a  kindling  Eye 
Shall  turn,  and   Tyrants  tremble  while  they  read. 
Bring  every  siveetest  Flower,  and  let  me  stroiv 

1515  The  Grave  where  Russel  lies;  whose  temper'd  Blood 
With  calmest  Chearfulness  for  Thee  resign'd, 
Stain'd  the  sad  Annals  of  a  giddy  Reign: 
Aiming  at  lawless  Power,  tho'  meanly  sunk 
In  loose  inglorious  Luxury.     With  him 

1520  His  Friend,  the  ^British  Cassius,  fearless  bled; 
*  Algernon  Sidney. 

Palaestra  LXVI.  11 


162 


>IMMER  A 


*liforK^ 


SUMMER  C  163 

Of  high  determin'd  Spirit,  roughly  brave, 

By  antient  Learning  to  th' enlighten' d  Love 

Of  antient  Freedom  warm'd.     Fair  thy  Renown 

In  aivful  Sages  and  in  noble  Bards; 
1525  Soon  as  the  Light  of  dawning  Science  spread 

Her  orient  Ray,  and  waled  the  Muses'  Song. 

Thine  is  a  Bacon,  hapless  in  his  Choice,  Cf.  B607 

Unfit  to  stand  the  civil  Storm  of  State, 

And  thro'  the  smooth  Barbarity  of  Courts, 
1530  With  firm  but  pliant  Virtue,  forivard  still 

To  urge  his  Course.     Him  for  the  studious  Sliade 

Kind  Nature  form'd,  deep,  comprehensive,  clear, 

Exact,  and  elegant;  in  one  rich  Soul, 

Plato,  the  Stagyrite,  and  Tully  join'd. 
153s  The  great  Deliverer  he!  who  from  the  Gloom 

Of  cloyster'd  Monks,  and  Jargon-teaching  Schools, 

Led  forth  the  true  Philosophy,  there  long 

Held  in  the  magic  Chain  of  Words  and  Forms, 

And  Definitions  void:  he  led  Her  forth, 
1540  Daughter  of  Heaven!  that,  slow- ascending  still, 

Investigating  sure  the  Chain  of  Things, 
With  radiant  Finger  points  to  Heaven  again. 

The  generous  *Ashley  thine,  the  Friend  of  Man ;  Cf.  B6u 

Who  scann'd  his  Nature  with  a  Brother's  Eye, 
1545  His  Weakness  prompt  to  shade,  to  raise  his  Aim, 

To  touch  the  finer  Movements  of  the  Mind, 

And  with  the  moral  Beauty  charm  the  Heart. 

Why  need  I  name  thy  Boyle,  whose  pious  Search 

Amid  the  dark  Recesses  of  his  Works, 
1550  The  great  Creator  sought?     And  why  thy  Locke, 

Who  made  the  whole  internal  World  his  own? 

Let  Newton,  pure  Intelligence,  whom  God 

To  Mortals  lent,  to  trace  his  boundless    Works 

*  Anthony  Ashley  Cooper,  Earl  of  Shaftesbury. 


MS  1552—63  P,  with  the  following  variations: 

11* 


SUMMER  A 


SUMMER  C  165 

From  Laws  sublimely  simple,  speak  thy  Fame 
1555  In  all  Philosophy.     For  lofty  Sense, 

Creative  Fancy,  and  Inspection  keen 

Thro'  the  deep    Windings  of  the  human  Heart, 

Is  not  wild  Shakespear  thine  and  Nature's  Boast? 

Is  not  each  great  each  amiable  Muse 
1560  Of  Classic  Ages  in  thy  Milton  met? 

A  Genius  universal  as  his  Theme, 

Astonishing  as  Chaos,  as  the  Bloom 

Of  blowing  Eden  fair,  as  Heaven  sublime. 

Nor  shall  my  Verse  that  elder  Bard  forget, 
1565  The  gentle  Spenser,  Fancy's  pleasing  Son; 

Who,  like  a  copious  River,  pour'd  his  Song 

O'er  all  the  Mazes  of  enchanted  Ground: 

Nor  Thee,  his  antient  Master,  laughing  Sage, 

Chaucer,  whose  native  Manners-painting   Verse, 
^70  Well-moraliz'd,  shines  thro'  the  Gothic  Cloud 

Of  Time  and  Language  o'er  thy  Genius  thrown. 

May  my  Song  soften,  as  thy  Daughters  I,  A571  B63i  di5so 

Britannia,  hail!  for  Beauty  is  their  own, 

The  feeling  Heart,  Simplicity  of  Life, 
'575  And  Elegance,  and  Taste:  the  faultless  Form, 

Shap'd  by  the  Hand  of  Harmony;  the  Cheek, 

Where  the  live  Crimson,  thro'  the  native  White 

Soft-shooting,  o'er  the  Face  diffuses  Bloom, 

And  every  nameless  Grace;  the  parted  Lip, 
'5S°  Like  the  red  Kose-Bud  moist  with  Morning-Dew, 

Breathing  Delight;  and,  under  flowing  Jet, 

Or  sunny  Ringlets,  or  of  circling  Brown, 

The  Neck  slight-shaded,  and  the  swelling  Breast; 

The  Look  resistless,  piercing  to  the  Soul, 


MS  1560  Classic]  Elder  (as  in  B)  1561  universal]  vast,   and 

boundless  1563  blowing  ]  blisfull.  1564  forget  that  elder 
Bard  T  1565  pleasing]  (gaudy)  T  1568  Him  T  Thee  P 
1569  Verse,]  (Song)  T        1571  Life  T    Time  P        thy]  his  T 


166  SUMMER  A 


Low  walks  the  Sun,  and  broadens  by  Degrees. 
940  Just  o'er  the  Verge  of  Day.     The  rising  Clouds, 
That  shift,  perpetual,  in  his  vivid  Train, 
Their  dewy  Mirrors,  numberless,  oppos'd, 
Unfold  the  hidden  Riches  of  his  Rav, 


942  dewy  ]  wativ 


SUMMER  C  167 

1585  And  by  the  Soul  inform'd,  when  drest  in  Love 
She  sits  high-smiling  in  the  conscious  Eye. 

Island  of  Bliss!  amid  the  subject  Seas,  A585  B646D1595 

That  thunder  round  thy  rocky  Coasts,  set  up, 
At  once  the  Wonder,  Terror,  and  Delight, 
1590  Of  distant  Nations ;  whose  remotest  Shore 
Can  soon  be  shaken  by  thy  Naval  Arm, 
Not  to  be  shook  thy  self,  but  all  Assaults 
Baffling,  like  thy  hoar  Cliffs  the  loud  Sea- Wave. 

0  Thou !  by  whose  almighty  Nod  the  Scale  A592  B653  D1602 

1595  Of  Empire  rises,  or  alternate  falls, 

Send  forth  the  saving  Virtues  round  the  Land, 

In  bright  patrol:  white  Peace,  and  social  Love; 

The  tender-looking  Charity,  intent 

On  gentle  Deeds,  and  shedding  Tears  thro'  Smiles; 
1600  Undaunted  Truth,  and  Dignity  of  Mind ; 

Courage  compos'd,  and  keen;  sound  Temperance, 

Healthful  in  Heart  and  Look;  clear  Chastity 

With  Blushes  reddening  as  she  moves  along, 

Disorder'd  at  the  deep  Regard  she  draws; 
1605  Rough  Industry;  Activity  untir'd, 

With  copious  Life  inform'd,  and  all  awake: 

While,  in  the  radiant  Front,  superiour  shines 

That  first  paternal  Virtue,  public  Zeal, 

Who  throws  o'er  all  an  equal  wide  Survey, 
1610  And,  ever  musing  on  the  common  Weal, 

Still  labours  glorious  with  some  great  Design. 

Low  walks  the  Sun,  and  broadens  by  degrees,  D1620 

Just  o'er  the  Verge  of  Day.     The  shifting  Clouds 
Assembled  gay7  a  richly -gorgeous  Train, 
1615  In  all  their  Pomp  attend  his  setting  Throne. 

Air,  Earth  and  Ocean  smile  immense.     And  now, 
As  if  his  weary  Chariot  sought  the  Bowers 
Of  Amphitrite,  and  her  tending  Nymphs, 


168  SUMMER  A 

And  chase  a  Change  of  Colours  round  the  Sky. 
945  'Tis  all  one  Blush  from  East  to  West!  and  now. 
Behind  the  dusky  Earth,  He  dips  his  Orb, 
Now  half  immeis'd,  and  now  a  golden  Curve 
Gives  one  faint  Glimmer,  and  then  disappears. 

Passes  the  Day  illusive,  and  perplext  usee  footnote 

950  As  fleets  the  Vision  o'er  the  formful  Brain, 

This  Moment  hurrying  all  th'impassion'd  Soul, 

The  next  in  Nothing  lost;  'tis  so  to  Him, 

The  Dreamer  of  this  Earth,  a  chearless  Blank ! 

A  Sight  of  Horror!  to  th'ungodly  Wretch, 
955  The  Hard,  the  Lewd,  the  Cruel,  and  the  False, 

Who,  all  Day  long,  have  made  the  Widow  weep, 

And  snatch'd  the  Morsel  from  her  Orphan's  Mouth. 

To  give  their  Dogs:  but  to  th'harmonious  Mind, 

Who  makes  the  hopeless  Heart  to  sing  for  Joy, 
960  Diffusing  kind  Beneficence  around 

Boastless,  as  now  descends  the  silent  Dew, 

To  Him,  the  long  Review  of  order'd  Life 

Is  inward  Rapture,  only  to  be  felt! 


Confess'd,  from  yonder  slow-extinguish'd  Clouds. 
965  The  Sky  begreying,  sober  Evening  takes 


B     949     For  ever  running  an  enchanted  round,  [1060] 

Passes  the  day,  deceitful,  tedious,  void; 
954  the  cruel  wretch;         955  omitted         956  Who.  rowling  in 
inhuman  pleasure  deep,  ||  The  whole  da}'  long  has  made  the 
widow  pine;         958  his  dogs.     But  to  the  tuneful         965  All 
ether  sadening,  sober  etc. 
MS  For  956-958  (see  B)  T  urites: 

Who  rather  than  restrict  his  sellish  Joys, 

His  gross  inhuman  Luxuries,  will  leave 

The  lonely   Widow  desolate  to  pine, 

And  give  his  Dog  the  Morsel  that  (had  made)  would  make 

Ber  I  >i  phans  glad.     Hut  to  etc. 


SUMMER  C  169 

(So  Grecian  Fable  sung)  he  dips  his  Orb ; 
1620  Now  half-immers'd:  and  now  a  golden  Curve 
Gives  one  bright  Glance,  then  total  disappears. 


For  ever  running  an  enchanted  Round,  ui63o" 

Passes  the  Day,  deceitful,  vain,  and  void; 

As  fleets  the  Vision  o'er  the  formful  Brain, 
1625  This  Moment  hurrying  wild  th'impassion'd  Soul, 

The  next  in  nothing  lost.     'Tis  so  to  him. 

The  Dreamer  of  this  Earth,  an  idle  Blank : 

A  Sight  of  Horror  to  the  cruel  Wretch, 

Who  all  Day  long  in  sordid  Pleasure  rolVd, 
1630  Himself  an  useless  Load,  lias  squander' d  vile, 

Upon  his  scoundrel  Train,   what  might  have  chear'd 

A  drooping  Family  of  modest  Worth. 
•  Bid  to  the  generous  still-improving  Mind, 

That  gives  the  hopeless  Heart  to  sing  for  Joy, 
1635  Diffusing  kind  Beneficence  around, 

Boastless,  as  now  descends  the  silent  Dew ; 

To  him  the  long  Review  of  order'd  Life 

Is  inward  Rapture,  only  to  be  felt. 

Confess'd  from  yonder  slow-extinguish'd  Clouds,        Di647 
1640  All  Ether  softening,  sober  Evening  takes 


170  SUMMER  A 

Her  wonted  Station  in  the  middle  Air, 
A  thousand  Shadows  at  her  Beck.     First  This 
She  sends  on  Earth;  then  That  of  deeper  Die 
Steals  soft  behind :  and  then  a  Deeper  still, 
970  In  well-adjusted  Circles,  gathers  round. 

To  close  the  Face  of  Things.     Th'expected  Breeze 
Begins  to  wave  the  Wood,  and  stir  the  Stream, 
Sweeping  with  shadowy  Gust  the  Fields  of  Corn, 
While  the  Quail  clamours  for  his  running  Mate. 

975  Wild -wafting  o'er  the  Lawn,  the  thistly  Down 

Plays  in  the  fickle  Air,  now  seems  to  fall, 
And  now,  high-soaring  over  Head,  an  Arch, 
Amusive,  forms,  then  slanting  down  eludes 
The  Grasp  of  idle  Swain.     But  should  the  West 

980  A  little  swell  the  Breeze,  the  woolly  Shower, 
Blown,  in  a  white  Confusion,  thro'  the  Dusk, 
Falls  o'er  the  Face  unfelt,  and,  settling  slow, 
Mantles  the  Twilight  Plain.     And  yet  even  here. 
As  thro'  all  Nature,  in  her  lowest  Forms, 

98s  A  fine  Contrivance  lies,  to  wing  the  Seed, 
By  this  light  Plumage,  into  distant  Vales. 

His  folded  Flock  secure,  the  Shepherd  Home 
Hies,  merry-hearted,  and  by  turns  relieves 
The  ruddy  Milk-Maid  of  her  brimming  Pail, 

990  The  Beauty,  whom  perhaps  his  witless  Heart, 
Unknowing  what  the  Joy-mixt  Anguish  means, 
Loves  fond,  by  that  sincerest  Language,  shown. 
Of  cordial  Glances,  and  obliging  Deeds. 
Onward  They  pass,  o'er  many  a  panting  Height. 

995  And  Valley  sunk,  and  unfrequented,  wheie, 
At  Fall  of  Eve,  the  Fairy  People  throng, 
In  various  Game,  and  Revelry  to  pass 


B     970  In  circle  following  circle,  gathers  round,        971  Th'expected  | 
A  fresher        975-986  omitted        992  that  1  the 


SUMMER  C  171 

Her  wonted  Station  in  the  middle  Air; 
A  thousand  Shadows  at  her  Beck.     First  This 
She  sends  on  Earth;  then  That  of  deeper  Dye 
Steals  soft  behind;  and  then  a  Deeper  still, 

1645  In  Circle  following  Circle,  gathers  round, 
To  close  the  Face  of  Things.     A  fresher  Gale 
Begins  to  wave  the  Wood,  and  stir  the  Stream, 
Sweeping  with  shadowy  Gust  the  Fields  of  Corn; 
While  the  Quail  clamours  for  his  running  Mate. 

1650  Wide  o'er  the  thistly  Lawn,  as  sivells  the  Breeze, 
A  whitening  Shower  of  vegetable  Down 
Amusive  floats.     The  hind  impartial  Care 
Of  Nature  nought  disdains:  thought/id  to  feed 
Her  loivest  Sons,  and  clothe  the  coming   Year, 

1655  From  Field  to  Field  the  feather 'd  Seeds  she  wings. 


His  folded  Flock  secure,  the  Shepherd  home 
Hies,  merry-hearted;  and  by  turns  relieves 
The  ruddy  Milk-Maid  of  her  brimming  Pail; 
The  Beauty  whom  perhaps  his  witless  Heart, 

1660  Unknowing  what  the  Joy-mixt  Anguish  means, 
Sincerely  loves,  by  that  best  Language  shown 
Of  cordial  Glances,  and  obliging  Deeds. 
Onward  they  pass,  o'er  many  a  panting  Height, 
And  Valley  sunk,  and  unfrequented;  where 

1665  At  Fall  of  Eve  the  Fairy  People  throng, 
In  various  Game,  and  Revelry  to  pass 


172  SUMMER  A 

A  Summer-Night,  as  village  Stories  tell. 

But  far  about  They  wander  from  the  Grave 
1000  Of  Him,  whom  his  ungentle  Fortune  forc'd, 

Against  Himself,  to  lift  the  hated  Hand 

Of  Violence;  by  Man  cast  out  from  Life. 

And.  after  Death,  to  which  They  drove  his  Hope, 

Into  the  broad  Way  side.     The  ruin'd  Tower 
iocs  Is  also  shun'd,  whose  unblest  Chambers  hold, 

Nightly,  sole  Habitant,  the  yelling  Ghost. 

Struck  from  the  Roots  of  slimy  Rushes,  blue. 
The  Wild-Fire  scatters  round,  or,  gather'd,  trails 
A  Length  of  Flame,  deceitful,  o'er  the  Moss, 

ioio  Whither,  entangled  in  the  Maze  of  Night, 

While  the  damp  Desart  breathes  his  Fogs  around. 
The  Traveller,  decoy 'd,  is  quite  absorpt, 
Rider  and  Horse,  into  the  miry  Gulph, 
Leaving  his  Wife,  and  Family  involved 

10x5  In  sorrowful  Conjecture.     Other  Times, 
Sent  by  the  quick-ey'd  Angel  of  the  Night, 
Innoxious,  on  th'unstartling  Horses  Mane, 
The  Meteor  sits,  and  shows  the  narrow  Path, 
That,  winding,  leads  thro'  Pits  of  Death,  or  else 

1020  Directs  Him  how  to  take  the  dangerous  Ford. 

Among  the  crooked  Lanes,  on  every  Hedge, 
The  Glow-worm  lights  his  Lamp,  and  thro'  the  Dark, 
Twinkles  a  moving  Gem.     On  Evening's  Heel, 
Night  follows  fast;  not  in  her  Winter- Robe, 
1025  Of  massy,  stygian  Woof,  but  loose  array'd. 
In  Mantle  dun.     A  few  erroneous  Rays, 
Glanc'd  from  th'imperfect  Surfaces  of  Things, 
Fling  half  an  Image  on  the  straining  Eye. 


B  -A]  The         1000  forc'd]  urgU         1002  men         1005  unblest] 

boary  1006  So  night-struck  fancy  dreams,  the  etc.  1007 
—1020  taken  out  of'  "Summer"  and  trans/erred  to  •Autumn" 
(A  1047  -WHO).  102(i  A  faint  erroneous  ray,  L028  Flings 


SUMMER  C  173 

The  Summer-Night,  as  Village-Stories  tell. 
But  far  about  they  wander  from  the  Grave 
Of  him,  whom  his  ungentle  Fortune  urg'd 
1670  Against  his  oirn  sad  Breast  to  lift  the  Hand 
Of  impious  Violence.     The  lonely  Tower 
In  also  shun'd;  whose  mournful  Chambers  hold. 
So  night-struck  Fancy  dreams,  the  yelling  Ghost. 


Among  the  crooked  Lanes,  on  every  Hedge, 
1675  The  Glow- Worm  lights  his  Gem;  and,  thro'  the  Dark, 
A  moving  Radiance  twinkles.     Evening  yields 
The   World  to  Night;  not  in  her  Winter-Robe 
Of  massy  Stygian  Woof,  but  loose  array'd 
In  Mantle  dun.     A  faint  erroneous  Ray, 
1680  Glanc'd  from  th'imperfect  Surfaces  of  Things, 
Flings  half  an  Image  on  the  straining  Eye; 


174  SUMMER  A 

"While  wavering  Woods,  and  Villages,  and  Streams, 
io3o  And  Rocks,  and  Mountain-Tops,  that  long  retain'd 
Th'ascending  Gleam,  are  all  one  swimming  Scene, 
Doubtful  if  seen;  whence  posting  Vision  turns 
To  Heaven,  where  Venus,  in  the  starry  Front, 
Shines  eminent,  and  from  her  genial  Rise, 
1035  When  Day-Light  sickens,  till  it  springs  afresh, 
Sheds  Influence  on  Earth,  to  Love,  and  Life, 
And  every  Form  of  Vegetation  kind. 
As  thus,  th'Effulgence  tremulous,  I  drink, 
With  fix'd  Peruse,  the  lambent  Lightnings  shoot 
1040  A-cross  the  Sky,  or,  horizontal,  dart 

O'er  half  the  Nations,  in  a  Minute's  Space, 
Conglob'd,  or  long.     Astonishment  succeeds, 
And  Silence,  ere  the  various  Talk  begins. 

That  Instant,  flashing,  noiseless,  from  the  North,     b-  c- 
1045  A  thousand  Meteors  stream,  ensweeping  first 
The  lower  Skies,  then,  all  at  once,  converge 
High  to  the  Crown  of  Heaven,  and,  all  at  once, 
Relapsing  quick,  as  quickly  reascend, 
And  mix,  and  thwart,  extinguish,  and  renew, 
io5o  All  iEther  coursing  in  a  Maze  of  Light. 

From  Eye  to  Eye,  contagious,  thro'  the  Crowd,       b-  c- 
The  Pannic  runs,  and  into  wonderous  Shapes 
Th'Appearance  throws:  Armies  in  meet  Array, 
Throng  with  aerial  Spears,  and  Steeds  of  Fire: 
1055  Till,  the  long  Lines  of  full-extended  War 

B  1032  posting]  sudden  1039  fix'd]  glad  11. 1044-1075  taken 
out  of  ''Summer"  and  transferred  to  "Autumn"  (A  1004  — 1033). 
Here,  the  following  five  lines  are  inserted  in  their  place: 

The  vulgar  stare;  amazement  is  their  joy,  [»»3°]  C- 

And  mystic  faith,  a  fond  sequacious  herd ! 

But  scrutinous  Philosophy  looks  deep, 

With  piercing  eye,  into  the  latent  cause; 

Nor  cau  she  swallow  what  she  does  not  see. 


SUMMER  C  175 

While  wavering  Woods,  and  Villages,  and  Streams, 
And  Rocks,  and  Mountain-tops,  that  long  retain'd 
Th'aseending  Gleam,  are  all  one  swimming  Scene, 

1685  Uncertain  if  beheld.     Sudden  to  Heaven 

Thence  weary  Vision  turns;  where,  leading  soft 
The  silent  Hours  of  Love,  with  purest  Ray 
Sweet   Venus  shines;  and  from  her  genial  Rise, 
When  Day-Light  sickens  till  it  springs  afresh, 

1690  TJnrival'd  reigns,  the  fairest  Lamp  of  Night. 
As  thus  th 'Effulgence  tremulous  I  drink, 
With  cherish'd  Gaze,  the  lambent  Lightnings  shoot 
Across  the  Sky;  or  horizontal  dart, 
In  wondrous  Shapes:  by  fearful  murmuring  Crouds 

169s  Portentous  deem'd.     Amid  the  radiant  Orbs, 
That  more  than  deck,  that  animate  the  Sky, 
The  Life-infusing  Suns  of  other  Worlds; 
Lot  from  the  dread  Immensity  of  Space 
Returning,  with  accelerated  Course; 

<7°o  The  rushing  Comet  to  the  Sun  descends; 
And  as  he  sinks  beloio  the  shading  Earth, 
With  awful  Train  projected  o'er  the  Heavens, 
The  guilty  Nations  tremble.     But,  above 
Those  superstitious  Horrors  that  enslave 

[70s  The  fond  sequacious  Herd,  to  mystic  Faith 

And  blind  Amazement  prone,  th' enlighten' d  Few, 
Whose  Godlike  Minds  Philosophy  exalts, 
The  glorious  Stranger  hail.     They  feel  a  Joy 
Divinely  great;  they  in  their  Powers  exult, 

■710  That  wondrous  Force  of  Thought,  which  mounting  spurns 
This  dusky  Spot,  and  measures  all  the  Sky; 
While,  from  his  far  Excursion  thro'  the  Wilds 
Of  barren  Ether,  faithful  to  his  Time, 
They  see  the  blazing   Wonder  rise  anew, 

1715  In  seeming  Terror  clad,  but  kindly  bent 
To  work  the    Will  of  all-sustaining  Love: 
From  his  huge  vapoury  Train  perhaps  to  shake 


176  SUMMER  A 

In  bleeding  Fight  conmiixt,  the  sanguine  Flood 
Rowls  a  broad  Slaughter  o'er  the  Plains  of  Heaven. 

As  the  mad  People  scan  the  fancy'd  Scene. 
On  all  Sides  swells  the  superstitious  Din, 

1060  Incontinent,  and  busy  Frenzy  talks 

Of  Blood,  and  Battle;  Cities  over-turn'd, 

And,  late  at  Night,  in  swallowing  Earthquake  sunk, 

Or  painted  hideous  with  ascending  Flame; 

Of  Blights,  that  blacken  the  white-bosom'd  Spring, 

1065  And  Tempest,  shaking  Autumn  into  Chaff, 
Till  Famine,  empty-handed,  starves  the  Year; 
Of  Pestilence,  and  every  great  Distress, 
Empires  subvers'd,  when  ruling  Fate  has  struck 
Th'unalterable  Hour:  even  Nature's  Self 

1070  Is  deem'd  to  totter  on  the  Brink  of  Time. 

Not  so  the  Man  of  Philosophic  Eye, 
And  Inspect  sage,  the  waving  Brightness,  He, 
Curious  surveys,  inquisitive  to  know 
The  Causes,  and  Materials,  yet  unfix'rl. 
1075  Of  this  Appearance  beautiful,  and  new. 

With  Thee,  sel-ene  Philosophy !  with  Thee ! 

And  thy  high  Praises,  let  me  crown  my  Song! 

Effusive  Source  of  Evidence,  and  Truth! 

A  Lustre  shedding  o'er  th'ennobl'd  Mind, 
1080  Stronger  than  Summer-Noon,  and  pure  as  that, 

Which  gently  vibrates  on  the  Eye  of  Saint, 

New  to  the  Dawning  of  cuulestial  Day. 

Hence,  thro'  her  nourish'd  Powers,  enlarg'd  by  Thee. 

She,  soaring,  spurns,  with  elevated  Pride, 
«o85  The  tangling  Mass  of  Cares,  and  low  Desires, 

That  bind  the  fluttering  Crowd,  and,  Angel-wing'd, 

The  Heights  of  Science,  and  of  Vertue  gains, 


1081  Whose  mild  vibrations  sooth  the  parted  soul. 


SUMMER  C  111 

Reviving  Moisture  on  the  numerous  Orbs, 
Thro'  tohicli  his  long  Ellipsis  winds;  perhaps 
1720  To  lend  new  Fuel  to  declining  Suns, 

To  light  up    Worlds,  and  feed  th' eternal  Fire. 


With  Thee,  serene  Philosophy !  with  Thee,  D1730 

And  thy  bright  Garland,  let  me  crown  my  Song! 
Effusive  Source  of  Evidence,  and  Truth! 

'725  A  Luster  shedding  o'er  th'ennobled  Mind, 

Stronger  than  Summer-Noon;  and  pure  as  That, 
Whose  mild  Vibrations  sooth  the  parted  Soul, 
New  to  the  Dawning  of  celestial  Day. 
Hence  thro'  her  nourish'd  Powers,  enlarg'd  by  thee, 

173°  She  springs  aloft,  with  elevated  Pride, 
Above  the  tangling  Mass  of  low  Desires, 
That  bind  the  fluttering  Croud;  and,  Angel- wing'd, 
The  Heights  of  Science  and  of  Virtue  gains, 


Palaestra  LXVI.  12 


178  SUMMER  A 

Where  all  is  calm,  and  bright!  with  Nature  round 

Or  in  the  starry  Regions,  or  th'Abyss, 
1090  To  Reason's,  and  to  Fancy's  Eye  display'd; 

The  First  up-tracing,  from  the  vast  Inane, 

The  Chain  of  Causes,  and  Effects  to  Him, 

Who,  absolutely,  in  Himself,  alone, 

Possesses  Being;  while  the  Last  receives 
1095  The  whole  Magnificence  of  Heaven,  and  Earth, 

And  every  Beauty,  delicate  or  bold, 

Obvious  or  more  remote,  with  livelier  Sense, 

A  World  swift-painted,  on  th'attentive  Mind ! 

Tutor'd  by  Thee,  hence  Poetry  exalts  bh5s 

iioo  Her  Voice  to  Ages,  and  informs  the  Page 
With  Music,  Image,  Sentiment  and  Thought, 
Never  to  die!  the  Treasure  of  Mankind, 
Their  highest  Honour,  and  their  truest  Joy! 

Without  Thee,  what  were  unassisted  Man!  b« 

ito5  A  Savage  roaming  thro'  the  Woods  and  Wilds, 

In  Quest  of  Prey,  and  with  th'unfashion'd  Furr 

Rough-clad,  devoid  of  every  honest  Art, 

And  Elegance  of  Life.     Nor  Home,  nor  Joy 

Domestick,  mix'd  of  Tenderness  and  Care, 
mo  Nor  moral  Excellence,  nor  social  Bliss, 

Nor  Law  were  his;  nor  Property,  nor  Swain 

To  turn  the  Furrow,  nor  mechanic  Hand, 

Harden'd  to  Toil,  nor  Servant  prompt,  nor  Trade, 

Mother  severe  of  infinite  Delights! 
«is  Nothing  save  Rapine,  Indolence,  and  Guile, 

And  Woes  on  Woes,  to  render  human  Life 

Than  Non-Existence  worse.     But  taught  by  Thee 


B     1088  bright!]  clear;         1093  absolutely,]  all-sustaining,         1113 
Servant  prompt,]  sailor  bold;  1117  thus  expanded:    woes,  a 

still- revolving  train!  |j  Whose  horrid  circle  had  made  human  life 


SUMMER  C  179 

Where  all  is  calm  and  clear ;  with  Nature  round 
1735  Or  in  the  starry  Regions,  or  th' Abyss, 

To  Reason's,  and  to  Fancy's  Eye  display'd: 

The  First  up-tracing,  from  the  dreary  Void, 

The  Chain  of  Causes  and  Effects  to  Him, 

The    World-producing  Essence,  who  alone 
1740  Possesses  Being ;  while  the  Last  receives 

The  whole  Magnificence  of  Heaven  and  Earth, 

And  every  Beauty,  delicate  or  bold, 

Obvious  or  more  remote,  with  livelier  Sense, 

Diffusive  painted  on  the  rapid  Mind. 

1745         Tutor'd  by  thee,  hence  Poetry  exalts  D1753 

Her  Voice  to  Ages;  and  informs  the  Page 
With  Music,  Image,  Sentiment,  and  Thought, 
Never  to  die!  the  Treasure  of  Mankind, 
Their  highest  Honour,  and  their  truest  Joy! 

1750         Without  thee  what  were  unenlightened  Man?  D1758 

A  Savage  roaming  thro'  the  Woods  and  Wilds, 

In  quest  of  Prey:  and  with  th'unfashion'd  Furr 

Rough-clad ;  devoid  of  every  finer  Art, 

And  Elegance  of  Life.     Nor  Happiness 
1755  Domestic,  mix'd  of  Tenderness  and  Care, 

Nor  moral  Excellence,  or  social  Bliss, 

Nor  guardian  Laiv  were  his;  nor  various  Skill 

To  turn  the  Furrow,  or  to  guide  the  Tool 

Mechanic;  nor  the  Heaven-conducted  Proiv 
1760  Of  Navigation  bold,  that  fearless  braves 

The  burning  Line  or  dares  the  wintry  Pole, 

Mother  severe  of  infinite  Delights! 

Nothing,  save  Rapine,  Indolence,  and  Guile, 

And  Woes  on  Woes,  a  still-revolving  Train! 
1765  Whose  horrid  Circle  had  made  human  Life 

Than  Non-existence  worse:  but,  taught  by  Thee 


12:i 


!30  SUMMER  A 

Ours  are  the  Arts  of  Policy,  and  Peace, 
To  live  like  Brothers,  and,  conjunctive,  all 
ixso  Embellish  Life.     While  thus  laborious  Crowds 
Ply  the  tough  Oar,  Philosophy  directs, 
Star-led,  the  Helm;  or  like  the  liberal  Breath 
Of  urgent  Heaven,  invisible,  the  Sails 
Swells  out,  and  bears  th'inferior  World  along. 

iias         Nor,  to  this  evanescent  Speck  of  Earth  bh85 

Poorly  confin'd,  those  radiant  Tracts  on  high 
Are  her  exalted  Range;  intent,  to  gaze 
Creation  thro',  and,  from  that  round  Complex 
Of  never-ceasing  Wonders,  to  conceive 

1130  Of  the  Sole  Being  right,  who  spoke  the  Word,  — 
And  Nature  circled.     With  inflected  View, 
Thence,  on  th'Ideal  Kingdom,  swift,  she  turns 
Her  Eye;  and  instant,  at  her  virtual  Glance, 
Tlfobedient  Phantoms  vanish,  and  appear, 

"35  Compound,  divide,  and  into  Order  shift. 
Each  to  his  Rank,  from  plain  Perception  up 
To  Notion  quite  abstract;  where  first  begins 
The  World  of  Spirits,  Action  all,  and  Life 
Immediate,  and  unmix'd  —  but  here  the  Cloud. 

1140  So  wills  Eternal  Providence,  sits  deep. 

Enough  for  Us  Ave  know,  that  this  dark  State, 
In  wayward  Passions  lost,  and  vain  Pursuits, 
This  Infancy  of  Being!  cannot  prove 
The  final  Issue  of  the  Works  of  God, 

"45  By  Love,  and  Wisdom,  inexpressive,  form'd, 
And  ever  rising  with  the  rising  Mind. 


B     1118  Arts]  plans  1126  those]  the  1128  round]  full 

1129  never-ending        1131  And  nature  mov'd  compleat.    With 
inward  view,         1134  and  ]  or 


SUMMER  C  181 

Ours  are  the  Plans  of  Policy,  and  Peace; 
To  live  like  Brothers,  and  conjunctive  all 
Embelish  Life.     While  thus  laborious  Crouds 
i77o  Ply  the  tough  Oar,  Philosophy  directs 

The  ruling  Helm;  or  like  the  liberal  Breath 

Of  potent  Heaven,  invisible,  the  Sail 

Swells  out,  and  bears  th'inferior  World  along. 

Nor  to  this  evanescent  Speck  of  Earth  i 

1775  Poorly  confin'd,  the  radiant  Tracts  on  high 
Are  her  exalted  Range;  intent  to  gaze 
Creation  thro';  and,  from  that  full  Complex 
Of  never-ending  Wonders,  to  conceive 
Of  the  Sole  Being  right,  who  spoke  the  Word, 

1780  And  Nature  mov'd  compleat.     With  inward  View, 
Thence  on  th'ideal  Kingdom  swift  she  turns 
Her  Eye ;  and  instant,  at  her  powerful  Glance, 
Th'obedient  Phantoms  vanish  or  appear; 
Compound,  divide,  and  into  Order  shift, 

1785  Each  to  his  Rank,  from  plain  Perception  up 
To  the  fair  Forms  of  Fancy's  fleeting  Train, 
And  Notion  quite  abstract;  where  first  begins 
The  World  of  Spirits,  Action  all,  and  Life 
Unfetter' dr  and  unmix'd.     But  here  the  Cloud, 

1790  So  wills  Eternal  Providence,  sits  deep. 

Enough  for  us  we  know  that  this  dark  State. 
In  wayward  Passions  lost,  and  vain  Pursuits, 
This  Infancy  of  Being,  cannot  prove 
The  final  Issue  of  the  Works  of  God, 

1795  By  boundless  Love  and  perfect  Wisdom  form'd, 
And  ever  rising  with  the  rising  Mind. 


D     1791  we]  to 


AUTUMN. 

Inscribed  to  the  Right  Honourable 
Arthur  Onslow,   Esq; 

Speaker  of  the  House  of  Commons. 


The  Argument. 

The  subject  propos'd.  Address  to  Mr.  Onslow.  A  prospect 
of  the  fields  ready  for  harvest.  Reaping.  A  tale.1)  A  harvest 
storm.  Shooting  and  hunting,  their  barbarity.  A  ludicrous 
account  of  fox-hunting.  A  view  of  an  orchard.  Wall-fruit. 
A  vineyard.  A  description  of  fogs,  frequent  in  the  latter 
part  of  Autumn:  whence  a  digression,  enquiring  into  the 
rise  of  fountains,  and  rivers.  Birds  of  season  considered, 
that  now  shift  their  habitation.  The  prodigious  number  of 
them  that  cover  the  northern  and  western  isles  of  Scotland. 
Hence  a  view  of  the  country.  A  prospect  of  the  discoloured, 
fading  woods.  After  a  gentle  dusky  day,  moon -light. 
Autumnal  meteors.  Morning:  to  which  succeeds  a  calm, 
pure,  sun -shine2)  day,  such  as  usually  shuts  up  the  season. 
The  harvest  being  gathered  in,  the  country  dissolv'd  in  joy. 
The  whole  concludes  with  a  panegyrick  on  a  philosophical 
country  life. 


Variations  of  the  editions  of  1744  and  1746:  *)  .  .  .  ready  for 
Harvest.  Reflexions  in  praise  of  Industry  rais'd  by  that  View. 
Reaping.  A  Tale  relative  to  it.  A  Harvest-Storm,  etc.  2)  Sun- 
shiny. 


-vg^- 


AUTUMN. 


The  text  given  in  full  (A)  is  that  of  first  ed.  (1730).     B  =  ed.  1744. 

C  =  ed.  1746.      The  MS.  notes,  written  before  the  publication  of  B, 

were  made  on  A.     BP  means  that  P  suggests  the  reading  adopted  in 

text  B. 


CROWN'D  with  the  sickle,  and  the  wheaten  sheaf. 
While  Autumn,  nodding  o'er  the  yellow  plain, 
Comes  jovial  on;  the  doric  reed  once  more, 
Well-pleas'd,  I  tune.     Whate'er  the  wintry  frost 
5  Nitrous  prepar'd;  the  various-blossom'd  Spring 
Put  in  white  promise  forth;  and  Summer-Suns 
Concocted  strong,  rash  boundless  now  to  view. 
Full,  perfect  all,  and  swell  my  glorious  theme. 

Onslow !  the  muse,  ambitious  of  thy  name,  3g  °9 

>o  To  grace,  inspire,  and  dignify  her  song, 
"Would  from  the  public  voice  thy  gentle  ear 
A  while  engage.     Thy  noble  cares  she  knows, 
The  patriot-virtues  that  distend  thy  thought, 
Spread  on  thy  front,  and  in  thy  conduct  glow; 

15  While  listening  senates  hang  upon  thy  tongue, 
Devolving  thro'  the  maze  of  eloquence 
A  rowl  of  periods,  sweeter  than  her  song. 
But  she  too  pants  for  publick  virtue,  she, 
Tho'  weak  of  power,  yet  strong  in  ardent  will, 

-o  Whene'er  her  country  rushes  on  her  heart, 


B      14  conduct]  Bosom 


AUTUMN  187 

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

When  the  bright  Virgin  gives  the  beauteous  days,    B23  0a3 

And  Libra  weighs  in  equal  scales  the  year; 
25  From  heaven's  high  cope  the  fierce  effulgence  shook 

Of  parting  Summer,  a  serener  blue, 

With  golden  light  irradiate,  wide  invests 

The  happy  world.     Attemper'd  suns  arise, 

Sweet-beam'd,  and  shedding  oft  thro'  lucid  clouds 
30  A  pleasing  calm;  while  broad,  and  brown,  below, 

Unbounded  harvests  hang  the  heavy  head. 

Rich,  silent,  deep,  they  stand;  for  not  a  gale 

Rolls  its  light  billows  o'er  the  bending  plain ; 

A  calm  of  plenty!  till  the  ruffled  air 
35  Falls  from  its  poise,  and  gives  the  breeze  to  blow. 

Rent  is  the  fleecy  mantle  of  the  sky ; 

The  clouds  fly  different;  and  the  sudden  sun 

By  fits  effulgent  gilds  th'illumin'd  field, 

And  black  by  fits  the  shadows  sweep  along. 
40  A  gayly  checker'd,  wide-extended  view, 

Far  as  the  circling  eye  can  shoot  around, 

Convolv'd,  and  tossing  in  a  flood  of  corn. 

These  are  thy  blessings  Industry!  rough  Power!        B43  C43 

Whom  Labour  still  attends,  and  Sweat,  and  Pain; 
45  Yet  the  kind  source  of  every  gentle  art, 

And  all  the  soft  civility  of  life: 

Raiser  of  human  kind !  by  Nature  cast, 

Naked,  and  helpless,  out  amid  the  woods, 

And  wilds,  to  rude  inclement  elements; 
50  With  various  powers  of  deep  efficiency 


B  27  irradiate,]  enliven'd  31  Unbounded]  Extensive  ^wide- 
extended]  Heart-expanding  42  Unbounded  tossing  50  With 
various  Seeds  of  Art  deep  in  tbe  Mind 

MS  40  BP  {first  heart-delighting)  42  (O'er  waving  golden  Seas 
of  Ripend  Corn)  P 


188  AUTL'M.\ 

Implanted,  and  profusely  pour'd  around 
Materials  infinite;  but  idle  all. 
Still  unexerted,  in  th'unconscious  breast. 
Slept  the  lethargic  powers;  Corruption  still. 

55  Voracious,  swallow'd  what  the  liberal  hand 
Of  Bounty  scatter'd  o'er  the  savage  year. 
And  still  the  sad  barbarian,  roving,  mix'd 
With  beasts  of  prey;  or  for  his  acorn-meal 
Fought  the  fierce  tusky  boar :  a  shivering  wretch ! 

60  Aghast,  and  comfortless,  when  the  red  north, 
With  winter  charg'd,  let  the  rnixt  tempest  fly. 
Hail,  rain,  and  snow,  and  bitter-breathing  frost. 
Then  to  the  shelter  of  the  hut  he  fled: 
And  the  wild  season,  sordid,  pin'd  away. 

65  For  home  he  had  not;  home  is  the  resort 
Of  love,  of  joy,  of  peace,  and  plenty,  where. 
Supporting  and  supported,  polislfd  friends, 
And  dear  relations  mingle  into  bliss. 
But  this  the  rugged  savage  never  felt, 

70  Even  desolate  in  crouds;  and  thus  his  days 
Roll'd  heavy,  dark,  and  unenjoy'd  along; 
A  wasteof  time!  till  Industry  approach^, 
And  rous'd  him  from  his  miserable  sloth; 
His  faculties  unfolded;  pointed  out, 

75  Where  lavish  Nature  the  directing  hand 
Of  Art  demanded;  shew'd  him  how  to  raise 
His  feeble  force  by  the  mechanic  powers, 
To  dig  the  mineral  from  the  vaulted  earth, 
On  what  to  turn  the  piercing  rage  of  fire, 

80  On  what  the  torrent,  and  the  gather1  d  blast ; 
Gave  the  tall  antient  forest  to  his  ax: 
Taught  him  to  chip  the  wood,  and  hew  the  stone, 
Till  by  degrees  the  finish'd  fabrick  rose; 


B     60  red  ]  bleak 
MS  (50  BP 


AUTUMN  189 

Tore  from  his  limbs  the  blood-polluted  fur, 
8s  A.nd  wrapt  them  in  the  woolly  vestment  warm, 

Or  bright  in  glossy  silk,  and  flowing  lawn ; 

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

The  generous  glass  around,  inspir'd,  to  wake 

The  life-refining  soul  of  decent  wit: 
90  Nor  stopp'd  at  barren,  bare  necessity ; 

But  still  advancing  bolder,  led  him  on, 

By  hardy  patience,  and  experience  slow, 

To  pomp,  to  pleasure,  elegance,  and  grace; 

And  breathing  high  ambition  thro'  his  soul, 
95  Set  science,  wisdom,  glory  in  his  view, 

And  bad  him  be  the  Lord  of  all  below. 

Then  gathering  men  their  natural  powers  combin'd,  b96  c96 

And  form'd  a  Public;  to  the  general  good 

Submitting,  aiming,  and  conducting  all. 
100  For  this  the  Patriot- Council  met,  the  full. 

The  free,  and  fairly  represented  Whole; 

For  this  devis'd  the  holy  guardian  laws, 

Distinguish'd  orders,  animated  Arts, 

And  with  joint  force  Oppression  chaining,  set 
105  Imperial  Justice  at  the  helm;  yet  still 

To  them  accountable:  nor  slavish  dream'd 

That  toiling  millions  must  resign  their  weal, 

And  all  the  honey  of  their  search,  to  such 

As  for  themselves  alone  themselves  have  rais'd. 

no  Hence  every  form  of  cultivated  life  B109  cio^ 

In  order  set,  protected,  and  inspir'd, 
Into  perfection  wrought.     Uniting  all, 
Society  grew  numerous,  high,  polite, 
And  happy.     Nurse  of  art!  the  city  rose; 


B  92  omitted  102  For  This  they  plann'd  114  thus  amplified: 
the  City  rear'd  ||  In  beauteous  Pride  her  Tower- encircled 
Head; 

MS  92  deleted  by  P  (T  Tovey)        112  wrought]  rose  P        114  BP 


190  AUTUMN 

us  And  stretching  street  on  street  by  thousands  led. 
From  twining  woody  haunts,  and  the  tough  yew 
To  bows  strong-straining,  her  aspiring  sons. 
Twas  nought  but  labour,  the  whole  dusky  groupe 
Of  clustering  houses,  and  of  mingling  men, 

120  Restless  design,  and  execution  strong. 
In  every  street  the  sounding  hammer  ply\l 
His  massy  task;  while  the  corrosive  file, 
In  flying  touches,  form'd  the  fine  machine. 

Then  Commerce  brought  into  the  public  walk  1 

125  The  busy  Merchant;  the  big  ware-house  built: 

Rais'd  the  strong  crane;  choak'd  up  the  loaded  street 
With  foreign  plenty;  and  on  thee,  thou  Thames, 
Large,  gentle,  deep,  majestic,  king  of  floods! 
Than  whom  no  river  heaves  a  fuller  tide, 

130  Seiz"d  for  his  grand  resort.     On  either  hand, 
Like  a  long  wintry  forest,  groves  of  masts 
Shot  up  their  spires;  the  bellying  sheet  between 
Possess'd  the  breezy  void;  the  sooty  hulk 
Steer'd  sluggish  on;  the  splendid  barge  along 

135  Row'd,  regular,  to  harmony;  around, 

The  boat,  light-skimming,  stretch'd  its  oary  wings; 
While  deep  the  various  voice  of  fervent  toil 
From  bank  to  bank  increas'd:  whence  ribb'd  with  oak. 
To  bear  the  British  thunder,  black,  and  bold, 

mo  The  roaring  vessel  rush'd  into  the  main. 

Then  too  the  pillar'd  dome,  magnific,  heavYl  1 

His  ample  roof;  and  Luxury  within 
Pour'd  out  her  glittering  stores.     The  canvas  smooth, 
With  glowing  life  protuberant,  to  the  view 

B  115  led,]  drew  116  and]  or  118— 123  omitted  127  and 
thy  Stream,  0  Thames,         130  Seiz'd]  Chose         142  His]  It's 

C      129  omitted 

MS  115-123  cancelled  by  P.     T  restores.  127  BP  {but  streams) 

130  BP 


AUTUMN  191 

145  Embodied  rose.     The  statue  seern'd  to  breathe, 
And  soften  into  flesh,  beneath  the  touch 
Of  forming  art,  imagination-flush'd. 

All  is  the  gift  of  Industry ;  whate'er  B142  Ci-m 

Exalts,  embellishes,  and  renders  life 
150  Delightful.     Pensive  Winter  chear'd  by  him 

Sits  at  the  social  fire,  and  happy  hears 

Th'excluded  tempest  idly  rave  along. 

His  harden'd  fingers  deck  the  gaudy  Spring. 

Without  him  Summer  were  an  arid  waste; 
155  Nor  to  th'autumnal  months  could  thus  transmit 

These  full,  mature,  immeasurable  stores, 

That,  waving  round,  recal  my  wandering  song. 

Soon  as  the  morning  trembles  o'er  the  sky,  B152  C151 

And,  unperceiv'd,  unfolds  the  spreading  day; 
160  Before  the  ripen'd  field  the  reapers  stand, 

In  fair  array;  each  by  the  lass  he  loves, 

To  bear  the  rougher  part,  and  mitigate 

By  nameless  gentle  offices  her  toil. 

At  once  they  stoop,  and  swell  the  lusty  sheaves; 
165  While,  bandied  round  and  round,  the  rural  talk, 

The  rural  scandal,  and  the  rural  jest 

Fly  hearty,  to  deceive  the  tedious  time, 

And  chearly  steal  the  sultry  hours  away. 


B     156  These]  Those         165  While  thro'  their  chearful  Band  the 
rural  Talk         167  Fly  harmless,         168  And  steal  unfelt  the  etc. 
MS  156  BP        165-168  P  ivrites: 

While  through  (the)  their  chearfull  Band  the  Rural  Talk 
With  hearty  Mirth  deceive  the  tedious  Task 
And  rural  Jests  smooth  all  the  Sense  of  Pain 

( follows  something  illegible) 
And  steal  unfelt  the  sultry  Hours  away 
T  retains  the  first  and  the  fourth  lines.  For  the  tivo  middle  verses 
he  restores  text  A  with  harmless  for  hearty,  and  Gambol  for 
scandal.  In  the  first  line  he  corrects  Fs  through  into  thro',  and 
cancels  the  second  1  in  chearfull:  in  the  second  verse  he  puts  an 
s  to  deceive. 


!92  AUTUMN 

Behind  the  master  walks,  builds  up  the  shocks: 
170  And,  conscious,  glancing  oft  this  way  and  that 

His  sated  eye,  feels  his  heart  heave  with  joy. 

The  gleaners  spread  around,  and  here  and  there. 

Spike  after  spike,  their  sparing  harvest  pick. 

Be  not  too  narrow,  husband-men !  but  fling 
175  From  the  full  sheaf,  with  charitable  stealth, 

The  liberal  handful.     Think,  oh  grateful  think! 

How  good  the  God  of  harvest  is  to  you; 

Who  pours  abundance  o'er  your  flowing  fields; 

While  these  unhappy  partners  of  your  kind 
180  Wide-hover  round  you,  like  the  fowls  of  heaven, 

And  ask  their  humble  dole.     The  various  turns 

Of  fortune  ponder;  that  your  sons  may  want 

What  now,  with  hard  reluctance,  faint,  ye  give. 

The  lovely  young  Lavinia  once  had  friends: 
185  And  fortune  smil'd,  deceitful,  on  her  birth. 
For  in  her  helpless  years  depriv'd  of  all, 
Of  every  stay,  save  innocence  and  Heaven, 
She  with  her  widow'd  mother,  feeble,  old, 
And  poor,  liv'd  in  a  cottage,  lost  far  up 
19°  Amid  the  windings  of  a  woody  vale; 
Safe  from  the  cruel,  blasting  arts  of  man; 
Almost  on  Nature's  common  bounty  fed, 
Like  the  gay  birds  that  sung  them  to  repose, 


B     170  glancing  oft  on  every  Side       189,  190  far  retir'd  ||  Among 

the  Windings        For  191: 

By  Solitude  and  deep  surrounding  Shades,  (185) 

But  more  by  bashful  Modesty,  conceal'd, 
Together  thus  they  shunn'd  the  cruel  Scorn 
"Which  Virtue,  sunk  to  Poverty,  would  meet 
From  giddy  Fashion  and  low-minded  Pride: 
Almost  on  Nature's  etc. 
MS  190  Among  P  191  BP,  save  the  last   of  the  five  new  lines 

which  he  gives  thus:    From    the    base   Pride  of  the    malignant 

World 


AUTUMN  193 

Content,  and  careless  of  to-morrow's  fare. 

195  Her  form  was  fresher  than  the  morning-rose, 

When  the  dew  wets  its  leaves;  unstain'd,  and  pure. 
As  is  the  lily,  or  the  mountain  snow. 
The  modest  virtues  mingled  in  her  eyes, 
Still  on  the  ground  deject,  and  darting  all 

200  Their  humid  beams  into  the  blooming  flowers : 
Or  when  the  stories  that  her  mother  told, 
Of  what  her  faithless  fortune  flatter'd  once, 
Thrill'd  in  her  thought,  they,  like  the  dewy  star 
Of  evening,  shone  in  tears.     A  native  grace 

205  Sat  fair-proportion'd  on  her  polish'd  limbs, 
Yeil'd  in  a  simple  robe;  for  loveliness 
Needs  not  the  foreign  aid  of  ornament, 
But  is  when  unadorn'd  adorn'd  the  most. 
Thoughtless  of  beauty,  she  was  Beauty's  self, 

210  Recluse  among  the  woods;  if  city-dames 

Will  deign  their  faith.     And  thus  she  went  compell'd 

By  strong  necessity,  with  as  serene, 

And  pleas'd  a  look  as  patience  can  put  on, 

To  glean  Palsemon's  fields.     The  pride  of  swains 

215  Palsemon  was,  the  generous,  and  the  rich, 


B     199  dejected,  darting  all  201  stories  that]  mournful  Tale 

202  flatter'd  ]  promis'd        206  simple  Kobe,  their  best  Attire,  [| 
Beyond  the  Pomp  of  Dress;  for  Loveliness  210—213  thus 

expatuled : 

Recluse  amid  the  close-embowering  Woods. 
As  in  the  hollow  Breast  of  Appenine  [210! 

Beneath  the  Shelter  of  encircling  Hills, 
A  Myrtle  rises,  far  from  human  Eye, 
And  breathes  its  balmy  Fragrance  o'er  the  Wild ; 
So  flourish'd  blooming,  and  unseen  by  all, 
The  sweet  Lavinia:  till,  at  length,  compell'd  [2151 

By  strong  Necessity's  supreme  Command, 
With  smiling  Patience  in  her  Looks,  she  went 
To  glean  Palemon's  Fields. 
MS  201-213  BP,  with    [209]   deep -embowering  and    [212]  Eyes. 
P  also  deletes  I.  208,  but  T  restores  it. 
Palaestra  LXVI.  13 


194  AUTUM.X 

Who  led  the  rural  life  in  all  its  joy, 

And  elegance,  such  as  Arcadian  song 

Transmits  from  antient,  incorrupted  times; 

When  tyrant  custom  had  not  shackled  man, 
22o  And  free  to  follow  nature  was  the  mode. 

He  then,  his  fancy  with  autumnal  scenes 

Amusing,  chanc'd  beside  his  reaper-train 

To  walk,  when  poor  Lavinia  drew  his  eye; 

Unconscious  of  her  power,  and  turning  quick 
,    With  unaffected  blushes  from  his  gaze. 

He  saw  her  charming,  but  he  saw  not  half 

The  charms  her  downcast  modesty  conceal'd. 

That  very  moment  love  and  chast  desire 

Sprung  in  his  bosom,  to  himself  unknown; 
230  For  still  the  world  prevail'd,  and  its  dread  laugh, 

Which  scarce  the  firm  philosopher  can  scorn, 

Should  his  heart  own  a  gleaner  in  the  field: 

And  thus  in  secret  to  his  soul  he  sigh'd. 

What  pity!  that  so  delicate  a  form,  B238  c= 

235  By  beauty  kindled,  and  harmonious  shap'd, 

Where  sense  sincere,  and  goodness  seem  to  dwell, 

Should  be  devoted  to  the  rude  embrace 

Of  some  indecent  clown?     She  looks,  methinks, 

Of  old  Acasto's  line;  and  to  my  mind 
240  Recalls  that  patron  of  my  happy  life, 

From  whom  my  liberal  fortune  took  its  rise; 

Now  to  the  dust  gone  down;  his  houses,  lands, 

And  once  fair-spreading  family  dissolv'd. 

I've  heard  that,  in  some  waste  obscure  retreat, 
245  Urg'd  by  remembrance  sad,  and  decent  pride, 


B      218  uncorrupted  220  But  free  235.  236  kindled,  where 

enlivening  Sense,  ||  And  more  than  vulgar  Goodness  244 
'Tis  said  that        waste  j  lone 

MS  235,  886  />'/'  (first  exalted  for  enlivening)  839  lino;]  Blood 
P        244.  ('Tis  rumonr'd  that  in  some  obscure  retreat)  T 


AUTUMN  195 

Far  from  those  scenes  which  knew  their  better  days, 
His  aged  widow  and  his  daughter  live; 
Whom  yet  my  fruitless  search  could  never  find. 
Romantic  wish,  would  this  the  daughter  were! 

250  When,  strict  enquiring,  from  herself  he  found  B254  C253 

She  was  the  same,  the  daughter  of  his  friend, 

The  bountiful  Acasto;  who  can  speak 

The  mingling  passion  that  surpriz'd  his  heart, 

And  thro'  his  nerves  in  shivering  transport  ran? 
255  Then  blaz'd  his  smother'd  flame,  avow'd,  and  bold; 

And  as  he  run  her,  ardent,  o'er  and  o'er, 

Love,  gratitude,  and  pity  wept  at  once. 

Confus'd,  and  frighten'd  at  his  sudden  tears, 

Her  rising  beauties  flush'd  a  higher  bloom, 
260  As  thus  Palsemon,  passionate,  and  just, 

Pour'd  out  the  pious  rapture  of  his  soul. 

And  art  thou  then  Acasto's  dear  remains?  B266  C265 

She,  whom  my  restless  gratitude  has  sought 

So  long  in  vain?  oh  yes!  the  very  same, 
265  The  soften'd  image  of  my  noble  friend, 

Alive,  his  every  feature,  every  look, 

More  elegantly  touch'd.     Fairer  than  spring! 

Thou  sole  surviving  blossom  from  the  root, 

That  nourish'd  up  my  fortune,  say,  ah  where, 
270  In  what  unsmiling  desart,  hast  thou  drawn 

The  kindest  aspect  of  delighted  heaven? 

Into  such  beauty  spread?  and  blown  so  white? 

Tho'  poverty's  cold  wind,  and  crushing  rain, 

Beat  keen,  and  heavy,  on  thy  tender  years. 
27s  0  let  me  now,  into  a  richer  soil, 

Transplant  thee  safe!  where  vernal  suns,  and  showers, 


B     252  The]   Of  253   mingled   Passions  256  ran]  view'd 

267    Fairer]    Sweeter  270   unsmiling]    sequester'd  272 

white?]  fair; 

MS  256  (he,  ardent,  ey'd  Her)  T        270  BP 

13* 


196  AUTUMN 

Diffuse  their  warmest,  largest  influence; 

And  of  my  garden  be  the  pride,  and  joy! 

It  ill  befits  thee,  oh  it  ill  befits 
280  Acasto's  daughter,  his,  whose  open  stores, 

Tho'  vast,  were  little  to  his  ampler  heart, 

The  father  of  a  country,  thus  to  pick 

The  very  refuse  of  those  harvest-fields, 

His  bounty  taught  to  gain,  and  right  enjoy. 
285  Then  throw  that  shameful  pittance  from  thy  hand. 

But  ill  apply 'd  to  such  a  rugged  task; 

With  harvest  shining  all  these  fields  are  thine; 

And,  if  my  wishes  may  presume  so  far, 

Their  master  too,  who  then  indeed  were  blest, 
290  To  make  the  daughter  of  Acasto  so. 

Here  ceas'd  the  youth:  yet  still  his  speaking  eye      B295  C294 

Express'd  the  sacred  triumph  of  his  soul, 

With  conscious  virtue,  gratitude,  and  love, 

Above  the  vulgar  joy  divinely  rais'd. 
29s  Nor  waited  he  reply.     Won  by  the  charm 

Of  goodness  irresistible,  and  all 

In  sweet  disorder  lost,  she  blush'd  consent. 

The  news  immediate  to  her  mother  brought, 

While,  pierc'd  with  anxious  thought,  she  pin'd  away 
300  The  lonely  moments  for  Lavinia's  fate; 

Amaz'd,  and  scarce  believing  what  she  heard, 

Joy  seiz'd  her  withered  veins,  and  one  bright  gleam 

Of  setting  life  shone  on  her  evening-hours: 


B      284  Which    from    his    bounteous  Friendship    I  enjoy.  For 

287-90: 

The  Fields,  the  Master,  all,  my  Fair,  are  thine;  [391] 

If  to  the  various  Blessings  which  thy  House 
Has  lavish'd  on  me,  thou  wilt  add  that  Bliss, 
That  dearest  Bliss,  the  Power  of  blessing  Thee! 
C      [293]  Has  on  me  lavish'd, 

MS  284  BP  287-90   HP,   with   showr'd    upon    for   lavish',!    on. 

and  first  sweetest  for  dearest 


AUTUMN  197 

Not  less  enraptur'd  than  the  happy  pair; 
305  Who  flourish'd  long  in  mutual  bliss,  and  rear'd 
A  numerous  offspring,  lovely  like  themselves, 
And  good,  the  grace  of  all  the  country  round. 

Defeating  oft  the  labours  of  the  year,  B312  C31 

The  sultry  south  collects  a  potent  blast. 
310  At  first,  the  groves  are  scarcely  seen  to  stir 

Their  trembling  tops;  and  a  still  murmur  runs 

Along  the  soft-inclining  fields  of  corn. 

But  as  th'aereal  tempest  fuller  swells; 

And  in  one  mighty  stream,  invisible, 
315  Immense,  the  whole  excited  atmosphere, 

Impetuous  rushes  o'er  the  sounding  world; 

Strain'd  to  the  root,  the  stooping  forest  pours 

A  rustling  shower  of  yet  untimely  leaves. 

High-beat,  the  circling  mountains  eddy  in, 
320  From  the  bare  wild,  the  dissipated  storm, 

And  send  it  in  a  torrent  down  the  vale. 

Expos'd,  and  naked,  to  its  utmost  rage, 

Thro'  all  the  sea  of  harvest  rolling  round, 

The  billowy  plain  boils  wide;  nor  can  evade, 
325  Tho'  plyant  to  the  blast,  its  seizing  force; 

Or  whirl'd  in  air,  or  into  vacant  chaff 

Shook  waste.     And  sometimes  too  a  burst  of  rain, 

Swept  from  the  black  horizon,  broad,  descends 

In  one  continuous  flood.     Still  over  head 
330  The  glomerating  tempest  grows,  and  still 

The  deluge  deepens;  till  the  fields  around 

Ly  sunk,  and  flatted,  in  the  sordid  wave. 

Sudden,  the  ditches  swell;  the  meadows  swim. 

Red,  from  the  hills,  innumerable  streams 


B     305  mutual]  tender         324  boils]  floats         330  The  mingling 

Tempest  waves  it's  Gloom,  and  still 
MS  305  tender  Peace  P        324  Wide  shakes  the  billowy  Plain  P. 

Wide  floats  the  billowy  Plain  T 


198  AUTUMN 

335  Tumultuous  roar:  and  high  above  its  banks 

The  river  lift;  before  whose  weighty  rush, 

Iloids.  flocks,  and  harvests,  cottages,  and  swains, 

Roll  mingled  down;  all  that  the  winds  had  spar'd, 

In  one  wild  moment  ruin'd,  the  big  hopes, 
340  And  well-earn'd  treasures  of  the  painful  year. 

Fled  to  some  eminence,  the  husbandman, 

Helpless  beholds  the  miserable  wreck 

Driving  along;  his  drowning  ox  at  once 

Descending,  with  his  labours  scatter'd  round, 
345  He  sees;  and  instant  o'er  his  shivering  thought 

Comes  winter  unprovided,  and  a  train 

Of  clamant  children  dear.     Ye  masters,  then 

Be  mindful  of  the  rough  laborious  hand, 

That  sinks  you  soft  in  elegance,  and  ease; 
350  Be  mindful  of  those  limbs,  in  russet  clad, 

"Whose  toil  to  yours  is  warmth,  and  graceful  pride: 

And  0  be  mindful  of  that  sparing  board, 

Which  covers  your's  with  luxury  profuse, 

Makes  your  glass  sparkle,  and  your  sense  rejoice! 
3ss  Nor  cruelly  demand  what  the  deep  rains, 

And  all-involving  winds  have  swept  away. 

Here  the  rude  clamour  of  the  sportsman's  joy,  b36i  C3 

The  gun  thick-thundering,  and  the  winded  horn, 
Would  tempt  the  muse  to  sing  the  rural  game. 
360  How,  in  his  mid-career,  the  spaniel  struck, 
Stiff,  by  the  tainted  gale,  with  open  nose, 
Out-stretch'd,  and  finely  sensible,  draws  full, 
Fearful,  and  cautious,  on  the  latent  prey; 
As  in  the  sun  the  circling  covey   bask 
65  Their  varied  plumes,  watchful,  and  every  way 
Thro'  the  rough  stubble  turn'd  the  secret  eye. 


B     886   weighty    rush,  ]   rushing   Tide,  358   feat-thundering, 

866  Plumes,  and  watchful  every  way        366  turn 
MS  336  B1J 


AUTUMN  199 

Caught  in  the  meshy  snare,  in  vain  they  beat 

Their  useless  wings,  intangled  more  and  more: 

Nor  on  the  surges  of  the  boundless  air, 
370  Tho'  borne  triumphant,  are  they  safe;  the  gun, 

Glanc'd  just,  and  sudden,  from  the  fowler's  eye, 

O'ertakes  their  sounding  pinions;  and  again, 

Immediate,  brings  them  from  the  towering  wing, 

Dead  to  the  ground;  or  drives  them  else  disperst, 
375  Wounded,  and  wheeling  various,  down  the  wind. 

These  are  not  subjects  for  the  peaceful  muse,  b38o  C379 

Nor  will  she  stain  her  spotless  theme  with  such; 

Then  most  delighted,  when  she  smiling  sees 

The  whole  mix'd  animal  creation  round 
380  Alive,  and  happy.     Tis  not  joy  to  her, 

This  falsely  chearful,  barbarous  game  of  death; 

This  rage  of  pleasure,  which  the  restless  youth 

Awakes,  impatient,  with  the  gleaming  morn; 

When  beasts  of  prey  retire,  that  all  night  long, 
385  Urg'd  by  necessity,  had  roam'd  the  dark; 

As  if  their  conscious  ravage  shun'd  the  light, 

Asham'd.     Not  so  the  steady  tyrant  man, 

Who  with  the  thoughtless  insolence  of  power 

Inflam'd,  beyond  the  most  infuriate  rage 
39°  Of  the  worst  monster  that  e'er  howl'd  the  waste, 

For  sport  alone,  takes  up  the  cruel  tract. 

Amid  the  beamings  of  the  gentle  davs. 


B  368  useless  ]  idle  374  wide-dispers'd,  377  stain  with  sucli 
her  spotless  Song;  378   smiling]   social  385  roam'd] 

rang'd  389  rage]  Wrath  390  howl'd]  roam'd  391 

alone  pursues  the  cruel  Chace, 

MS  367  (they  vainly  beat  P)  T  restores  former  text  After  368  P 
would  insert:  Sad  Captives  never  more  to  taste  the  Joys  ||  Of 
Liberty  without  redemption  lost  (cancelled,  probably  by  P), 
Unhappy  Captives  whom  from  instant  Death  [|  No  Ransom 
shall  redeem,  no  Pity   save  (cancelled  by   T).  374  far  dis- 

pers'd  T        390,  391  BP.  T  deletes  P's  emendations. 


200 


AUTUMN 


Upbraid  us  not,  ye  wolves!  ye  tygers  fell! 
For  hunger  kindles  you,  and  lawless  want; 
395  But  lavish  fed,  in  Nature's  bounty  roll'd, 
To  laugh  at  anguish,  and  rejoice  in  blood, 
Is  what  your  horrid  bosoms  never  knew. 

Poor  is  the  triumph  o'er  the  timid  Hare! 
Shook  from  the  corn,  and  now  to  some  lone  seat 

4°oRetir'd:  the  rushy  fen;  the  ragged  furz, 

Stretch'd  o'er  the  stony  heath;  the  stubble  chapt: 
The  thistly  lawn;  the  thick,  intangled  broom; 
Of  the  same  friendly  hue,  the  wither'd  fern; 
The  fallow  ground  laid  open  to  the  sun, 

405  Concoctive;  and  the  nodding  sandy  bank, 
Hung  o'er  the  mazes  of  the  mountain-brook. 
Vain  is  her  best  precaution;  tho'  she  sits 
Conceal'd,  with  folded  ears;  unsleeping  eyes, 
By  Nature  rais'd  to  take  th'horizon  in; 

410  And  head  couch'd  close  betwixt  her  hairy  feet, 
In  act  to  spring  away.     The  scented  dew 
Betrays  her  early  labyrinth;  and  deep, 
In  scatter'd,  sullen  openings,  far  behind, 
With  every  breeze  she  hears  the  coming  storm. 

415  But  nearer,  and  more  frequent,  as  it  loads 
The  sighing  gale,  she  springs  amaz'd,  and  all 
The  savage  soul  of  game  is  up  at  once: 
The  pack  full-opening,  various;  the  shrill  horn, 
Resounded  from  the  hills;  the  neighing  steed, 

420  Wild  for  the  chace;  and  the  loud  hunter's  shout; 
O'er  a  weak,  harmless,  flying  creature,  all 
Mix'd   in  mad  tumult,  and  discordant  joy. 


B4oa  C40 


B     393  Ye  ravening  Tribes,   upbraid  our   wanton  Kage.  396 

h  J  joy        rejoice]  delight         399  Shook  J  Scar'd  402 

thick-entangled 
C      893  Upbraid,  ye  ravening  Tribes,  our  wanton  Rage, 
MS  31*3  Upbraid  Mankind  P.    T  cancels  this  correction  and  substitutes 

tin-  reading  of  text  B. 


AUTUMN  201 

The  Stag  too,  singled  from  the  herd,  where  long       b427  C426 

He  reign'd  the  branching  monarch  of  the  shades, 
425  Before  the  tempest  drives.     At  first  in  speed, 

He,  sprightly,  puts  his  faith;  and,  fear-arrous'd, 

Gives  all  his  swift,  aereal  soul  to  flight. 

Against  the  breeze  he  darts,  that  way  the  more 

To  leave  the  lessening,  murderous  cry  behind. 
430  Deception  short!  tho'  fleeter  than  the  winds 

Blown  o'er  the  keen-air'd  mountain  by  the  north, 

He  bursts  the  thickets,  glances  thro'  the  glades, 

And  plunges  deep  into  the  wildest  wood. 

If  slow,  yet  sure,  adhesive  to  the  tract 
435  Hot-steaming,  up  behind  him  comes  again 

Th'inhuman  rout,  and  from  the  shady  depth 

Expel  him,  circling  thro'  his  every  shift. 

He  sweeps  the  forest  oft;  and  sobbing  sees 

The  glades,  mild-opening  to  the  golden  day; 
440  Where,  in  kind  contest,  with  his  butting  friends 

He  went  to  struggle,  or  his  loves  enjoy. 

Oft  in  the  full-descending  flood  he  tries 

To  lose  the  scent,  and  lave  his  burning  sides; 

Oft  seeks  the  herd;  the  watchful  herd,  alarm'd, 
445  With  quick  consent,  avoid  th'infectious  maze. 

What  shall  he  do?     His  once  so  vivid  nerves, 

So  full  of  buoyant  soul,  inspire  no  more 

The  fainting  course;  but  wrenching,  breathless  toil, 

Sick,  seizes  on  his  heart:  he  stands  at  bay; 
450  And  puts  his  last,  weak  refuge  in  despair. 

The  big  round  tears  run  down  his  dappled  face; 

He  groans  in  anguish;  while  the  growling  pack, 


B     424  reign'd]  rang'd        434  Track        437  Expels        441  went] 

wont        445  With  selfish  Care  avoid  a  Brother's  Woe.         447, 

448  buoyant  Spirit,   now  no  more   ||   Inspire  the  Course;   but 

fainting  breathless  Toil, 

C     426  fear-arrous'd,  ]  rous'd  by  Fear,         435  come         437  Expel 

MS  445  (see  B)  a  ]  their  T        447,  448  BP,  with  active  for  buoyant 


202  AUTUMN 

Blood-bappy,  hang  at  his  fair,  jutting  chest. 

And  mark  his  beauteous,  checquer'd  sides  with  gore. 

45s  Of  this  enough.     But  if  the  silvan  youth  B459  l\»53 

Whose  fervent  blood  boils  into  violence, 

Must  have  the  chace;  behold,  despising  flight, 

The  rous'd-up  lyon,  resolute,  and  slow. 

Advancing  full  on  the  protended  spear, 
460  And  coward- band,  that  circling  wheel  aloof. 

Slunk  from  the  cavern,  and  the  troubled  wood. 

See  the  grim  wolf;  on  him  his  shaggy  foe 

Vindictive  fix,  for  murder  is  his  trade: 

And  growling  horrid,  as  the  brindled  boar 
465  Grins  near  destruction,  to  the  monster's  heart 

Let  the  dart  lighten  from  the  nervous  arm. 

These  Britain  knows  not;  give,  ye  Britons,  then        b47«  c47° 
Your  sportive  fury,  pityless,  to  pour 
Loose  on  the  sly  destroyer  of  the  flock. 
Him,  from  his  craggy  winding  haunts  uneartlfd. 
Let  all  the  thunder  of  the  chace  pursue. 
Throw  the  broad  ditch  behind  you;  o'er  the  hedge 
High-bound,  resistless;  nor  the  deep  morass 
Refuse,  but  thro'  the  shaking  wilderness 
Pick  your  nice  way;  into  the  perilous  flood 
Bear  fearless,  of  the  raging  instinct  full; 
And  as  you  ride  the  torrent,  to  the  banks 
Your  triumph  sound  sonorous,  running  round, 


470 


B     463  fix,  and  let  the  Ruffian  die:        464  And,  ]  Or,        465  near  J 

fell        469  the  nightly  Robber  of  the  Fold : 
MS  463  BP,  with  Murderer  for  Ruffian  464  BP  465  BP 

467-469: 

.  .  .  not.  Pour,  ye  Britons,  then 
Your  sportive  Fury  on  the  "Wily  Fox 
(The  sly  Destroyer  of  your  harmless  Flock) 
The  nightly  Robber  of  the  sleeping  Flock.     P. 
T  substitutes  prowling  for  Wily.     The   whole  jxissayc  is  deleted, 
probably  by  P.         476  Bear]  (Duck)   T 


AUTUMN  203 

From  rock  to  rock,  in  circling  echo  tost; 
4S0  Then  snatch  the  mountains  by  their  woody  tops; 

Rush  down  the  dangerous  steep;  and  o'er  the  lawn, 

In  fancy  swallowing  up  the  space  between, 

Pour  all  your  speed  into  the  rapid  game. 

For  happy  he!  who  tops  the  wheeling  chace; 
485  Has  every  maze  evolv'd,  and  every  guile 

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

Who  saw  the  villain  seiz'd,  and  dying  hard, 

Without  complaint,  tho'  by  an  hundred  mouths 

At  once  tore,  mercy  less!     Thrice  happy  he! 
49°  At  hour  of  dusk,  while  the  retreating  horn 

Calls  them  to  ghostly  halls  of  grey  renown, 

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

Depending  decent  from  the  roof;  and  spread 

Round  the  drear  walls,  with  antick  figures  fierce, 
495  The  stag's  large  front:  he  then  is  loudest  heard, 

When  the  night  staggers  with  severer  toils; 

And  their  repeated  wonders  shake  de  dome. 

But  first  the  fuel'd  chimney  blazes  wide;  Bso3  Cso2 

The  tankards  foam;  and  the  strong  table  groans 
soo  Beneath  the  smoaking  sirloin,  stretch'd  immense 

From  side  to  side;  on  which,  with  fell  intent, 

They  deep  incision  make,  and  talk  the  while 

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

While  hence  they  borrow  vigour  :  or  amain 
505  Into  the  pasty  plung'd,  at  intervals, 

If  stomach  keen  can  intervals  allow, 


B     480  snatch  ...  by  ]  scale  ...  to  489,  490  Relentless  torn: 

O  glorious  he,  beyond  ||  His  daring  Peers!  when  the  retreating- 
Horn  After  I.  496  one  line  is  inserted:  Toils,  ||  With  Feats 
Thessalian  Centaurs  never  knew,  501  in  which,  with  despe- 
rate Knife, 

MS  480  (climb  .  .  .  to  P)  scale  ...  to  T  489  (Relentless,  torn 
at  once  P)  Torn  unrelenting:    Happy,  Glorious,  he!  T 


204  AUTUMN 

Relating  bow  it  ran.  and  how  it  fell. 

Then  sated  Hunger  bids  his  brother  Thirst 

Produce  the  mighty  bowl;  the  mighty  bowl, 
510  Swell'd  high  with  fiery  juice,  steams  liberal  round 

A  potent  gale,  reviving  as  the  breath 

Of  Maia,  to  the  love-sick  shepherdess, 

On  violets  diffus'd,  while  soft  she  hears 

Her  panting  shepherd  stealing  to  her  arms. 
515  Nor  wanting  is  the  brown  October,  drawn, 

Mature,  and  perfect,  from  his  dark  retreat 

Of  thirty  years;  and  now  his  honest  front 

Flames  in  the  light  refulgent,  not  asham'd 

To  vie  it  with  the  vineyard's  best  produce. 
520  Perhaps  a  while,  amusive,  thoughtful  Whisk 

Walks  gentle  round,  beneath  a  cloud  of  smoak, 

Wreath'd,  fragrant,  from  the  pipe;  or  the  quick  dice, 

In  thunder  leaping  from  the  box,  awake 

The  sounding  gammon:  while  romp-loving  miss 
525  Is  haul'd  about,  in  gallantry  robust. 

At  last  these  puling  idlenesses  laid  Bs3I  Cs3Q 

Aside,  frequent,  and  full,  the  dry  divan 
Close  in  firm  circle;  and  set,  ardent,  in 
For  serious  drinking.  Nor  evasion  sly, 
530  Nor  sober  shift  is  to  the  puking  wretch 
IndulgM  askew;  but  earnest,  brimming  bowls 
Lave  every  soul,  the  table  floating  round, 
And  pavement,  faithless  to  the  fuddled  foot. 


B     507  Relating  all  tlie  Glories  of  the  Chace.  511  reviving] 

delicious,        518—521  not  afraid 

Even  with  the  Vineyard's  best  Produce  to  vie. 
To  cheat  the  thirsty  Moments,  Whisk  a  while 
Walks  his  dull  Round,  beneath  etc. 
531  askew;]  apart; 
C     520  Whist        521  dull  ]  grave 

MS  507  (see  B)  Glories  ]  (Wonders)  T        512  Maia  |  Flora  F      Of 
Love-inspiring  May  to  the  sick  Maid  T       531  (BP)  askance  T 


A  UTUMN  205 

Thus  as  they  swim  in  mutual  swill,  the  talk, 
535  Vociferate  at  once  by  twenty  tongues, 

Reels  fast  from  theme  to  theme;  from  horses,  hounds, 

To  church,  or  mistress,  politicks,  or  ghost, 

In  endless  mazes,  intricate,  perplext. 

Mean-time,  with  sudden  interruption,  loud, 
540  Th'  impatient  catch  bursts  from  the  joyous  heart. 

That  moment  touch'd  is  every  kindred  soul; 

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

The  laugh,  the  slap,  the  jocund  curse  goes  round: 

While,  from  their  slumbers  shook,  the  kenneFd  hounds 
545  Mix  in  the  musick  of  the  day  again. 

As  when  the  tempest,  that  has  vex'd  the  deep 

The  dark  night  long,  falls  murmuring  towards  morn; 

So  their  mirth  gradual  sinks.     Their  feeble  tongues, 

Unable  to  take  up  the  cumbrous  word, 
550  Ly  quite  dissolv'd.     Before  their  maudlin  eyes, 

Seen  dim,  and  blue,  the  double  tapers  dance, 

Like  the  sun  wading  thro'  the  misty  sky. 

Then,  sliding  sweet,  they  drop.     O'ertunrd  above 

Lies  the  wet,  broken  scene;  and  stretch'd  below, 
555  Each  way,  the  drunken  slaughter;  where  astride 

The  lubber  Power  himself  triumphant  sits, 

Slumbrous,  inclining  still  from  side  to  side, 

And  steeps  them,  silent  all,  in  sleep  till  morn. 


B     535  Vociferous  at  once  from         543  go         547,  548  long  with 
fainter  Murmur  falls:  ||   So  gradual  sinks  their  Mirth.  553 

sweet,  ]  soft,        O'erturn'd  ]  Confus'd        After  553  two  lines  are 
inserted:  above, 

Glasses  and  Bottles,  Pipes  and  Gazetteers, 
As  if  the  Table  itself  was  drunk. 
554  Lie  a  stretch'd  ]  wide,  555  Is  heap'd  the  social 

Slaughter:         556  Power  in  filthy  Triumph  sits,  558  And 

steeps  them  drench'd  in  potent  Sleep  till  Morn. 

C      541  every  kindred  ]  each  congenial 

MS  535  BP         547  towards]   at  P         548  BP         550  maudlin] 
(flaggy  T)  maudlin  P 


206  Al'TUMN 

But  if  the  rougher  sex  by  this  red  sport 

560  Are  hurry'd  wild,  let  not  such  horrid  joy 
E'er  stain  the  bosoms  of  the  British  Fair. 
Far  be  the  spirit  of  the  chace  from  them! 
Uncomely  courage,  unbeseeming  skill. 
To  spring  the  fence,  to  rein  the  prancing  steed, 

565  The  cap,  the  whip,  the  masculine  attire. 
In  which  they  roughen  to  the  sense,  and  all 
The  winning  softness  of  their  sex  is  lost. 
Made  up  of  blushes,  tenderness,  and  fears. 
In  them  'tis  graceful  to  dissolve  at  woe; 

57°  With  every  motion,  every  word,  to  wave 
",'uick  o'er  the  kindling  cheek  the  ready  blush: 
And  from  the  smallest  violence  to  shrink. 
Unequal,  then  the  loveliest  in  their  fears; 
And  by  this  silent  adulation,  soft, 

575  To  their  protection  more  engaging  man. 
0  may  their  eyes  no  miserable  sight, 
Save  weeping  lovers,  see!  a  nobler  game, 
Thro'  love's  enchanting  wiles  pursu'd,  yet  fled, 
In  chace  ambiguous.     May  their  tender  limbs 

580  Float  in  the  loose  simplicity  of  dress! 
And  fashion'd  all  to  harmony,  alone, 
Know  they  to  seize  the  captivated  soul. 
In  rapture  warbled  from  the  radiant  lip; 
To  teach  the  lute  to  languish;  with  smooth  step, 


B     After  558  five  lines  are  added: 

Perhaps  some  Doctor,  of  tremendous  Paunch, 
Awful  and  deep,  a  black  Abyss  of  Drink, 
Out-lives  them  all;  and  from  his  bury'd  Flock 
.Retiring,  full  of  Rumination  sad, 
Laments  the  Weakness  of  these  latter  Times. 
559  red  ]  fierce  561  Bosom  568  omitted  583  from 

Love-breathing  Lips; 

C     560  Ate]  Is 

MS  ."..V.i  J; I'  568  P  cancels  the  line.  T  restores  it. 


AUTUMN  207 

Disclosing  motion  in  its  every  charm, 

To  swim  along,  and  swell  the  mazy  dance; 

To  train  the  foliage  o'er  the  snowy  lawn; 

To  play  the  pencil,  turn  th'instructive  page; 

To  give  new  flavour  to  the  fruitful  year, 
59°  And  heighten  Nature's  dainties;  in  their  race 

To  rear  their  graces  into  second  life; 

To  give  society  its  highest  taste; 

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

And  by  submissive  wisdom,  modest  skill, 
595  With  every  kinder,  care-elusive  art, 

To  raise  the  glory,  animate  the  joys, 

And  sweeten  all  the  toils  of  human  life; 

This  be  the  female  dignity,  and  praise. 

Te  swains,  now  hasten  to  the  hazel-bank;  i 

6oo  Where,  down  yon  dale,  the  wildly-winding  brook 
Falls  hoarse  from  steep  to  steep.     In  close  array, 
Fit  for  the  thickets,  and  the  tangling  shrub, 
Te  virgins,  come.     For  you  their  latest  song 
The  woodlands  raise;  the  cluster'd  nut  for  you 
605  The  lover  finds  amid  the  secret  shade; 

Or,  where  they  burnish  on  the  topmost  bough, 
With  active  vigour  crushes  down  the  tree; 
Or  shakes  them  ripe  from  the  resigning  husk, 
A  glossy  shower,  and  of  an  ardent  brown, 
6i°  As  are  the  ringlets  of  Melinda's  hair: 
Melinda  form'd  with  every  grace  compleat, 
Yet  these  neglecting,  above  beauty  wise, 
And  far  transcending  such  a  vulgar  praise. 


B     588  play  ]  guide         tli'instructive  ]  the  tuneful         589  give  ]  lend 

595  gentle  Care-eluding         596  glory,  ]  Virtues,         joys,  ]  Bliss, 

After  596  one  line  is  inserted: 

Even  charm  the  Fains  to  something  more  than  Joy,        [608] 

604  clustring  Nuts        606  Or,  ]  And, 
MS  588  guide  P        595  care-elusive]  (Soul-endearing,  Soul-enjoying) 

Love-securing  T      [608]  Pains  ]  Cares  T        598  praise]  Fame  T 


208  AUTUMN 

Hence  from  the  busy,  joy-resounding  fields,  B626  C625 

615  In  chearful  error,  let  us  tread  the  maze 

Of  Autumn,  unconfin'd;  and  vital  taste 

The  breath  of  orchard  big  with  bending  fruit. 

Obedient  to  the  breeze,  and  beating  ray, 

From  the  deep-loaded  bough  a  mellow  shower, 
620  Incessant  melts  away.     The  juicy  pear 

Lies,  in  a  soft  profusion,  scatter'd  round. 

A  various  sweetness  swells  the  gentle  race, 

In  species  different,  but  in  kind  the  same, 

By  Nature's  all-refining  hand  prepar'd, 
625  Of  temper'd  sun,  and  water,  earth,  and  air, 

In  ever-changing  composition  mixt. 

So  fares  it  with  those  wide-projected  heaps 

Of  apples,  which  the  lusty-handed  year, 

Innumerous,  o'er  the  blushing  orchard  shakes. 
630  A  various  spirit,  fresh,  delicious,  keen, 

Dwells  in  their  gelid  pores;  and,  active,  points 

The  piercing  cyder  for  the  thirsty  tongue: 

Thy  native  theme,  and  boon  inspirer  too, 

Phillips,  facetious  bard,  the  second  thou 
635  Who  nobly  durst,  in  rhyme-unfetter'd  verse, 

With  British  freedom  sing  the  British  song; 

How,  from  Silurian  vats,  high-sparkling  wines 

Foam  in  transparent  floods;  some  strong,  to  cbear 

The  wintry  revels  of  the  labouring  hind; 
640  And  tasteful  some,  to  cool  the  summer-hours. 

In  this  glad  season,  while  his  last,  best  beams  B654  C652 

The  sun  sheds  equal  o'er  the  meeken'd  day; 


B     616   and   taste,    reviv'd,  627  thus  expanded:    Such,   falling 

frequent  thro'  the  chiller  Night,  ||  The  fragrant  Stores,  the  wide- 
projected  Heaps      634  Pomona's  Bard,       641  his  sweetest  Beams 

C     623  omitted 

MS  616  BP  {first  refresh'd)  620  melts  ]  (drops)  P?  627  Such, 
nightly   shook,    the   wide-projected   Heaps    T  634   Plain 

Phillips,  careless  Bard  T 


A  UTUMN  209 

Oh  lose  me  in  the  green,  majestic  walks 
Of,  Dodington!  thy  seat,  serene,  and  plain: 

645  Where  simple  Nature  reigns;  and  every  view, 
Diffusive,  spreads  the  pure  Dorsetian  downs, 
In  boundless  prospect,  yonder  shagg'd  with  wood; 
Here  rich  with  harvest;  and  there  white  with  flocks. 
Mean  time  the  grandeur  of  thy  lofty  dome, 

650  Far-splendid,  seizes  on  the  ravish'd  eye. 
New  beauties  rise  with  each  revolving  day ; 
New  columns  swell;  and  still  the  fresh  spring  finds 
New  plans  to  quicken,  and  new  groves  to  green. 
Full  of  thy  genius  all!  the  muses'  seat; 

655  Where  in  the  secret  bower,  and  winding  walk 
They  twine  the  bay  for  thee.     Here  oft  alone, 
Fir'd  by  the  thirst  of  thy  applause,  I  court 
Th'inspiring  breeze;  and  meditate  the  book 
Of  Nature,  ever-open;  aiming  thence, 

660  Heart-taught  like  thine,  to  learn  the  moral  song. 
And,  as  I  steal  along,  the  sunny  wall, 
Where  Autumn  basks,  with  fruit  empurpled  deep, 
My  theme  still  urges  in  my  vagrant  thought; 
'  Presents  the  downy  peach ;  the  purple  plumb, 

665  With  a  fine  blueish  mist  of  animals 
Clouded;  the  ruddy  nectarine;  and  dark, 
Beneath  his  ample  leaf,  the  luscious  fig. 
The  vine  too  here  her  curling  tendrils  shoots; 


B     643  majestic]  delightful         653  plans  ]  Plants         7<V  656,  657: 
For  virtuous  "Young  and  Thee  they  twine  the  Bay. 
Here  wandering  oft,  fir'd  with  the  restless  Thirst 
Of  thy  Applause,  I  solitary  court 
660  Warm   from  the  Heart,   to   learn  etc.  661   along   the 

663  My    pleasing    Theme    continual    prompts    my    Thought; 

664  purple]  shining 

MS  643    once   delightful  Walks    T         644   plain]    fair    T         660 
thine]  Thee  T  663   My  urgent  Theme  recalls  my  vagrant 

Thought  T 

Palaestra  LXVI.  14 


210  AUTUMN 

Hangs  out  her  clusters,  swelling  to  the  south; 
67o  And  scarcely  wishes  for  a  warmer  sky. 

Turn  we  a  moment  Fancy's  rapid  flight  B685  ( 

To  vigorous  soils,  and  climes  of  fair  extent; 

Where,  by  the  potent  sun  elated  high, 

The  vineyard  heaves  refulgent  on  the  day; 
675  Spreads  o'er  the  vale;  or  up  the  mountain  climbs, 

Profuse;  and  drinks  amid  the  sunny  rocks, 

From  cliff  to  cliff  encreas'd,  the  heighten'd  blaze. 

Low  bend  the  gravid  boughs.     The  clusters  clear, 

Half  thro'  the  foliage  seen,  or  ardent  flame, 
680  Or  shine  transparent;  while  perfection  breathes 

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  field, 
685  Each  fond  for  each  to  cull  th'autumnal  prime, 

Exulting  rove,  and  speak  the  vintage  nigh. 

Then  comes  the  crushing  swain;  the  country  floats. 

And  foams  unbounded  with  the  mashy  flood; 

That  by  degrees  fermented,  and  refin'd, 
690  Round  the  rais'd  nations  pours  the  cup  of  joy : 
"    The  Claret  smooth,  deep  as  the  lip  we  press, 

In  sparkling  fancy,  while  we  drain  the  bowl; 

The  mellow-tasted  Burgundy ;  and  quick, 

As  is  the  wit  it  gives,  the  bright  Champaign. 

695  Xow  by  the  cool,  declining  year  condens'd,  B709  c7o7 

Descend  the  copious  exhalations,  check'd 
As  up  the  middle  sky  unseen  they  stole, 
And  roll  the  doubling  fogs  around  the  hill. 


B     669  swelling  ]  glowing  674  heaves  ]  swells  678  gravid  j 

weighty        691  deep  ]  red         694  bright  ]  gay 

MS  669  BP  670  scarcely  ]  (kindly)  T  674  BP  After  694  P 
suggests:  Here  bring  in  the  Verses  on  Stowe.  (But  T  inserts 
them  after  977.) 


AUTUMN  211 

No  more  the  mountain,  horrid,  vast,  sublime, 
700  Who  pours  a  sweep  of  rivers  from  his  sides: 

And  deep  betwixt  contending  kingdoms  lays 

The  rocky,  long  division;  while  aloft, 

His  piny  top  is,  lessening,  lost  in  air: 

No  more  his  thousand  prospects  fill  the  view 
705  With  great  variety;  but  in  a  night 

Of  gathering  vapour,  from  the  baffled  sense, 

Sink  dark,  and  total.     Nor  alone  immerst; 

The  huge  dusk,  gradual,  swallows  up  the  plain. 

Vanish  the  woods.     The   dim-seen  river  seems 
710  Sullen,  and  slow,  to  rowl  the  misty  wave. 

Even  in  the  height  of  noon  opprest,  the  sun 

Sheds  weak,  and  blunt,  his  wide-refracted  ray; 

Whence  glaring  oft  with  many  a  broaden'd  orb 

He  frights  the  nations.     Indistinct  on  earth, 
715  Seen  thro'  the  turbid  air,  beyond  the  life, 

Objects  appear;  and,  wilder'd,  o'er  the  waste 

The  shepherd  stalks  gigantick.     Till  at  last 

Wreath'd  close  around,  in  deeper  circles  still 

Successive  floating,  sits  the  general  fog 
730  Unbounded  o'er  the  world;  and  mingling  thick, 

A  formless,  gray  confusion  covers  all. 

As  when  of  old  (so  sung  the  Hebrew  bard) 

Light,  uncollected,  thro'  the  Chaos  urg'd 

Its  infant  way;  nor  Order  yet  had  drawn 
725  His  endless  train  forth  from  the  dubious  gloom. 


B  701  deep  ]  high  lays  ]  rears  702—704  thus  contracted:  The 
rocky,  long  Division,  fills  the  View  707   Sinks  dark  and 

dreary.      Thence    expanding   far,  718    close]    dun  719 

floating,]  closing,         725  His  lovely  Train  from  out 

MS  702—4  BP  (first  Eye  for  View).  Before  writing  this,  F  had 
struck  out  from  while  to  immerst  (702—7)  and  filled  up  the  gap 
with  the  words  views  the  Realms,  which  he  then  cancelled  and 
replaced  by:  views  beneath  ||  Their  ample  Circuit  from  his 
piny  Top  ||  Or  stands  the  awfull  Object  of  their  Gaze  (cancelled) 
705  great]  grand  P  707  BP  (first  wide  and  broad  for  far) 

14* 


212 


AUTUMN 


These  roving  mists,  that  constant  now  begin  b73s  c736 

To  smoak  along  the  hill}'  country,  these. 

With  mighty  rains,  the  skilFd  in  nature  say, 

The  mountain-cisterns  fill,  those  grand  reserves 
730  Of  water,  scoop'd  among  the  hollow  rocks; 

Whence  gush  the  streams,  the  ceaseless  fountains  play. 

And  their  unfailing  stores  the  rivers  draw. 

But  is  this  equal  to  the  vast  effect? 

Is  thus  the  Volga  fill'd?  the  rapid  Rhine? 
735  The  broad  Euphrates?  all  th'unnumberd  floods, 

That  large  refresh  the  fair-divided  earth: 

And,  in  the  rage  of  summer,  never  cease 

To  send  a  thundering  torrent  to  the  main? 

What  tho'  the  sun  draws  from  the  steaming  deep     B~  0- 
740  More  than  the  rivers  pour?     How  much  again, 

O'er  the  vext  surge,  in  bitter-driving  showers, 

Frequent  returns,  let  the  wet  sailor  say : 

And  on  the  thirsty  down,  far  from  the  burst 

Of  springs,  how  much,  to  their  reviving  fields, 
-43  And  feeding  flocks,  let  lonely  shepherds  sing. 

But  sure  'tis  no  weak,  variable  cause, 

That  keeps  at  once  ten  thousand  thousand  floods, 

Wide-wandering  o'er  the  world,  so  fresh,  and  clear, 

For  ever  flowing,  and  for  ever  full. 
750  And  thus  some  sages,  deep-exploring,  teach:       jji 


B     728  With  weights*  Rains,  and  melted  Alpine  Snows,  729 

grand  reserves  ]   ample  Stores  730  Rock ;  732  stores  ] 

Wealth        733—749  omitted,  and  750—752  thus  condensed:  Some 

Sages  say,  that,  where  the  numerous  Wave  ||  For  ever  lashes  etc. 

C     728  weightier        730  Rocks; 

MS  728  (see  B)  (and  Alpine  loads  of  Snow)  T        738  a  . . .  torrent  ] 
their   (chrystal)  ample  Tribute  P  746  'Tis,  sure,  no  weak 

nor  variable  Cause  P  For  750—52  T  ivrites: 

Some  Sages  doubt:  they  (scarce  can  This  believe) 

scarcely  This  can  deem 
A  Cause  sufficient  for  the  vast  Effect;  (Verte) 


AUTUMN  213 

That,  where  the  hoarse,  innumerable  wave, 

Eternal,  lashes  the  resounding  shore; 

Suck'd  thro'  the  sandy  Stratum,  every  way, 

The  waters  with  the  sandy  Stratum  rise; 
755  Amid  whose  angles  infinitely  strain'd, 

They  leave  each  saline  particle  behind, 

And  clear,  and  sweeten,  as  they  soak  along. 

Nor  stops  the  restless  fluid,  mounting  still, 

Tho'  here  and  there  in  lowly  plains  it  springs, 
760  But  to  the  mountain  courted  by  the  sand, 

That  leads  it  darkling  on  in  faithful  maze, 

Far  from  the  parent-main,  it  boils  again 

Fresh  into  day ;  and  all  the  glittering  hill 

Is  bright  with  spouting  rills.     The  vital  stream 
765  Hence,  in  its  subterranean  passage,  gains, 

From  the  wash'd  mineral,  that  restoring  power, 

And  salutary  virtue,  which  anew 

Strings  every  nerve,  calls  up  the  kindling  soul 

Into  the  healthful  cheek,  and  joyous  eye: 
77°  And  whence,  the  royal  maid,  Amelia  blooms 

With  new-flush'd  graces;  yet  reserv'd  to  bless, 

Beyond  a  crown,  some  happy  prince;  and  shine, 

In  all  her  mother's  matchless  virtues  drest. 

The  Carolina  of  another  land. 


B     753  Suck'd]  Drill'd        756  They  joyful  leave  their  jaggy  Salts 
behind,  759    Tho'    oft    amid    th'irriguous  Vale   it   springs; 

11  764—774   (The  vital  .  .  .  land.)    omitted.     The  following  lines 
are  inserted  in  their  place : 

But  hence  this  vain 
Amusive  Dream!  why  should  the  Waters  love  (Verte) 

C      759  amidst 

MS  (Sequel)  And  thus,  amusive,  search  another  source 
Amid  the  secret  chambers  of  the  Globe. 
They  teach,  that,  whence  th'innumerable  Wave, 
Eternal,  lashes  etc. 
756    (see    B)    jaggy  ]    drossy    T  758    mounting  ]    rising    T 

768  calls  up]  and  calls  T 


214  AUTUMN 

775  While  Autunm  scatters  his  departing  gleams,  b_838  cs36 

Warn'd  of  approaching  winter,  gather'd,  play 

The  swallow-people;  and  tost  wide  around, 

O'er  the  calm  sky,  in  convolution  swift, 

The  feather'd  eddy  floats.     Rejoycing  once, 
780  Ere  to  their  wintry  slumbers  thev  retire: 


B     (Sequel) 

To  take  so  far  a  Journey  to  the  Hills,  [760] 

"When  the  sweet  Valleys  offer  to  their  Toil 

Inviting  Quiet,  and  a  nearer  Bed? 

Or  if,  by  blind  Ambition  led  astray, 

Thej7  must  aspire;  why  should  they  sudden  stop 

Among  the  broken  Mountain's  rushy  Dells,  [765] 

And,  ere  they  gain  it's  highest  Peak,  desert 

Th'attractive  Sand  that  charm'd  their  Course  so  long? 

Besides,  the  hard  agglomerating  Salts 

The  Spoil  of  Ages,  would  impervious  choak 

Their  secret  Channels;  or,  bjr  slow  Degrees,  [770] 

High  as  the  Hills  protrude  the  swelling  Vales: 

Old  Ocean  too,  suck'd  thro'  the  porous  Globe, 

Had  long  ere  now  forsook  his  horrid  Bed, 

And  brought  Deucalion's  watry  Times  again. 

Say  then,  where  lurk  the  vast  eternal  Springs,         [775]  C773 
That,  like  creating  Nature,  lie  conceal'd 
From  mortal  Eye,  yet  with  their  lavish  Stores 
Refresh  the  Grlobe,  and  all  it's  joyous  Tribes? 
O  thou  pervading  Genius,  given  to  Man, 
To  trace  the  Secrets  of  the  dark  Abyss,  [780J 

O  lay  the  Mountains  bare!  and  wide  display 
Their  hidden  Structure  to  th'astonish'd  View! 
Strip  from  the  branching  Alps  their  piny  Load, 
The  huge  Incumbrance  of  horrific  Woods 
From  Asian  Taurus,  from  Imaiis  stretch'd  [785] 

Athwart  the  roving  Tartar's  sullen  Bounds! 
Give  opening  Hemus  to  my  searching  Eye, 
And  high  "Olympus  pouring  many  a  Stream! 
O  from  the  sounding  Summits  of  the  North, 
The  Dofrine  Hills,  thro'  Scandinavia  roll'd  [790] 

*  The  Mountain  called  by  that  Name  in  the  lesser  Asia. 
775  While]  When 


AUTUMN  215 

In  clusters  clung,  beneath  the  mouldering  bank, 
And  where  the  cavern  sweats,  as  sages  dream. 
Or  rather  into  warmer  climes  conveyM, 
With  other  kindred  birds  of  season,  there 
785  They  twitter  chearful,  till  the  vernant  months 


(Sequel) 

To  farthest  Lapland  and  the  frozen  Main; 

From  lofty  Caucasus,  far-seen  by  Those 

Who  in  the  Caspian  and  black  Euxine  toil; 

From  cold  Eiphean  Rocks,  which  the  wild  Russ 

Believes  the  *stony  Girdle  of  the  World;  [795] 

And  all  the  dreadful  Mountains,  wrapt  in  Storm, 

Whence  wide  Siberia  draws  her  lonely  Floods; 

0  sweep  th'eternal  Snows!     Hung  o'er  the  Deep, 
That  ever  works  beneath  his  sounding  Base, 

Bid  Atlas,  propping  Heaven,  as  Poets  feign,  [800] 

His  subterranean  Wonders  spread!  unveil 
The  miny  Caverns,  blazing  on  the  Day, 
Of  Abyssinia's  Cloud-compelling  Cliffs, 
And  of  the  bending  -j-Mountains  of  the  Moon! 
O'ertopping  all  these  Giant-Sons  of  Earth,  [805] 

Let  the  dire  Andes,  from  the  radiant  Line 
Stretch'd  to  the  stormy  Seas  that  thunder  round 
The  southern  Pole,  their  hideous  Deeps  unfold! 
^Amazing  Scene!  Behold!  the  Glooms  disclose. 

1  see  the  Rivers  in  their  infant  Beds!  [810] 
Deep  deep  I  hear  them,  lab'ring  to  get  free! 

I  see  the  leaning  Strata,  artful  rang'd; 

The  gaping  Fissures  to  receive  the  Rains, 

The  melting  Snows,  and  ever-dripping  Fogs. 

Strow'd  bibulous  above  I  see  the  Sands,  [S15] 

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  stealing  Moisture  they  transmit, 

Retard  it's  Motion,  and  forbid  it's  Waste.  [820] 

*  The  Moscovites  call  the  Eiphean  Mountains  WelLki  Camenypoys,  that  is,  the 

great  stony  Girdle;  because  they  suppose  them  to  encompass  the  whole  Earth. 
t  A.  Range  of  Mountains  in  Africa,  that  surround  almost  all  Monomotapa. 

782  And  where,  unpierc'd  by  Frost,  the  Cavern  sweats.        785 
vernal 


216  AUTUMN 

Invite  them  welcome  back:  for  thronging,  now 
Innumerons  wings  are  in  commotion  all. 

Where  the  Rhine  loses  his  majestic  force  bs5i  J849 

In  Belgian  plains,  won  from  the  raging  deep 
790  By  diligence  amazing,  and  the  strong, 

Unconquerable  hand  of  Liberty, 

The  stork-assembly  meets;  for  many  a  day, 

Consulting  deep,  and  various,  ere  they  take 

Their  plumy  voyage  thro'  the  liquid  sky. 
795  And  now  their  rout  design'd,  their  leaders  chose. 

Their  tribes  adjusted,  clean'd  their  vigorous  wings; 

And  many  a  circle,  many  a  short  essay 

Wheel'd  round  and  round,  in  congregation  full, 

The  figur'd  flight  ascends;  and,  riding  high 
soo  Th'aerial  billows,  mixes  with  the  clouds. 

Or  where  the  northern  ocean,  in  vast  whirls,  bs64  CS62 

Boils  round  the  naked,  melancholy  isles 


B      (Sequel) 

Beneath,  th'incessant  weeping  of  these  Drains, 

I  see  the  rocky  Siphons  stretch'd  immense, 

The  mighty  Reservoirs,  of  hai'den'd  Chalk, 

Or  stiff  compacted  Clay,  capacious  form'd. 

O'erflowing  thence,  the  congregated  Stores,  [825] 

The  crystal  Treasures  of  the  liquid  World, 

Thro'  the  stirr'd  Sands  a  bubbling  Passage  burst; 

And  welling  out,  around  the  middle  Steep, 

Or  from  the  Bottoms  of  the  bosom'd  Hills, 

In  pure  Effusion  flow.     United,  thus,  [830] 

Th' exhaling  Sun,  the  Vapour- burden'd  Air, 

The  gelid  Mountains,  that  to  Rain  condens'd 

These  Vapours  in  continual  Current  draw, 

And  send  them,  o'er  the  fair-divided  Earth, 

In  bounteous  Rivers  to  the  Deep  again,  [835] 

A  social  Commerce  hold,  and  firm  support 

The  full-adjusted  Harmony  of  Things. 
794  plumy  ]  arduous 
MS  794  BP 


AUTUMN  217 

Of  farthest  Thule,  and  th'Atlantic  surge 
Pours  in  among  the  stormy  Hebrides; 
8o5  Who  can  recount  what  transmigrations  there 
Are  annual  made?  what  nations  come  and  go? 
And  how  the  living  clouds  on  clouds  arise? 
Infinite  wings!     till  all  the  plume-dark  air, 
And  white  resounding  shore  are  one  wild  cry. 

sio  Here  the  plain,  harmless  native  his  small  flock,         B873  cs7i 

And  herd  diminutive  of  many  hues, 

Tends  on  the  little  island's  verdant  swell. 

The  shepherd's  sea-girt  reign;  or,  to  the  rocks 

Dire-clinging,  gathers  his  ovarious  food; 
si5  Or  sweeps  the  fishy  shore;  or  treasures  up 

The  plumage,  rising  full,  to  form  the  bed 

Of  luxury.     And  here  a  while  the  muse,  u.  817-844  ex- 

TT.    .    ,  .  ,         ,,        ,  ,  ,  r>anded  from  Su. 

High-hovering  0  er  the  broad  cerulean  scene,  A008-70  (ai- 

Sees  Caledonia,  in  romantic  view :  temtwns  not  m- 

>  1  heated  here). 

820  Her  airy  mountains,  from  the  gelid  main, 

Invested  with  a  keen,  diffusive  sky, 

Breathing  the  soul  acute;  her  forests  huge, 

Incult,  robust,  and  tall,  by  Nature's  hand 

Planted  of  old;  her  azure  lakes  between, 
825  Pour'd  out  extensive,  and  of  watry  wealth 

Full;  winding  deep,  and  green,  her  fertile  vales; 

With  many  a  cool,  translucent,  brimming  flood 

Wash'd  lovely,  from  the  Tweed,  pure  parent-stream, 

To  where  the  north-inflated  tempest  foams 
S30  O'er  Orca,  or  Betubium's  highest  peak. 


B     809  white]  rude        820  gelid]  waving        828  sq. 
.  .  .  Tweed  (pure  Parent-Stream, 
Whose  pastoral  Banks  first  wak'd  my  Doric  Reed,  [892] 

With,  silvan  Jed,  thy  tributary  Brook) 
To  where  etc. 
830  Orca's  or 
C     [892]  wak'd]  heard 
MS  830  Orca's  and  T 


218  AUTUMN 

Nurse  of  a  people,  in  misfortune's  school 
Train'd  up  to  hardy  deeds;  soon  visited 
By  Learning,  when  before  the  Gothic  rage 
She  took  her  western  flight.     A  generous  race, 

835  Of  unsubmitting  spirit,  wise,  and  brave. 
Who  still  thro'  bleeding  ages  struggled  hard. 
To  hold  a  hapless,  undiminish'd  state; 
Too  much  in  vain!     Hence  of  ignoble  bounds 
Impatient,  and  by  tempting  glory  borne 

840  O'er  every  land,  for  every  land  their  life 

Has  flow'd  profuse,  their  piercing  genius  plan'd, 
And  swell'd  the  pomp  of  peace  their  faithful  toil. 
As  from  their  own  clear  north,  in  radiant  streams, 
Bright  over  Europe  bursts  the  boreal  Morn. 

845  Oh  is  there  not  some  patriot,  in  whose  power 

That  best,  that  godlike  luxury  is  plac'd, 
Of  blessing  thousands,  thousands  yet  unborn, 
Thro'  late  posterity?  some,  large  of  soul! 
To  chear  dejected  industry?  to  give 

850  A  double  harvest  to  the  pining  swain? 

And  teach  the  labouring  hand  the  sweets  of  toil? 
How,  by  the  finest  art,  the  native  robe 
To  weave;  how,  white  as  hyperborean  snow, 
To  form  the  lucid  lawn;  with  venturous  oar, 

85s  How  to  dash  wide  the  billow;  nor  look  on, 
Shamefully  passive,  while  Batavian  fleets 
Defraud  us  of  the  glittering,  finny  swarms. 
That  heave  our  friths,  and  croud  upon  our  shores; 
How  all-enlivening  trade  to  rouse,  and  wing 

860  The  prosperous  sail,  from  every  growing  port, 


B     834  generous]  manly        After  836:  hvo  lines  are  inserted: 
(As  well  unhappy  Wallace  can  attest, 
Great  Patriot-Heroe !  ill-requited  Chief!) 
837  hapless,  ]  generous  838  ignoble  ]  unequal 

MS  837  hapless  ]  free  and  T        856  passive  J  careless  P 


AUTUMN  219 

Unchalleng'd,  round  the  sea-in circled  globe; 
And  thus  united  Britain  Britain  make 
Intire,  th'imperial  Mistress  of  the  deep. 

Yes,  there  are  such.     And  full  on  thee,  Argyle,        B931  C929 
865  Her  hope,  her  stay,  her  darling,  and  her  boast, 

From  her  first  patriots,  and  her  heroes  sprung, 

Thy  fond,  imploring  country  turns  her  eye: 

In  thee,  with  all  a  mother's  triumph,  sees 

Her  every  virtue,  every  grace  combin'd, 
870  Her  genius,  wisdom,  her  politest  turn, 

Her  pride  of  honour,  and  her  courage  try'd, 

Calm,  and  intrepid,  in  the  very  throat 

Of  sulphurous  war,  on  Tenier's  dreadful  field, 

While  thick  around  the  deadly  tempest  flew. 
875  And  when  the  trumpet,  kindling  war  no  more, 

Pours  not  the  flaming  squadrons  o'er  the  field: 

But,  fruitful  of  fair  deeds,  and  mutual  faith, 

Kind  peace  unites  the  jarring  world  again; 

Let  a  deep  olive  thro'  thy  laurels  twine. 
880  For,  powerful  as  thy  sword,  from  thy  rich  tongue 

Persuasion  flows,  and  wins  the  high  debate: 

While  mix'd  in  thee  combine  the  charm  of  youth, 

The  force  of  manhood,  and  the  depth  of  age. 

Thee,  Forbes,  too,  whom  every  worth  attends, 
885  As  Truth  sincere,  as  weeping  Friendship  kind, 

Thee,  truly  generous,  and  in  silence  great, 

Thy  country  feels  thro'  her  reviving  arts, 


B     861  Unchalleng'd,  ]  Uninjur'd,  863,  864  And  thus,  in  Soul 

united  as  in  Name,  ||  Bid  Britain  reign  the  Mistress  of  the 
Deep.  870  politest]  engaging  873  Field.  874-79 

replaced  by  the  folloiving  single  line:  Nor  less  the  Palm  of  Peace 
in  wreathes  thy  Brow: 

MS  861  BP  864  Note  by  T:  '(The   late  Duke  of  Argyle)  The 

Duke  of  Argyle  and  Greenwhich,  who  died  879  (Mix'd  with 
thy  Laurels  the  deep  Olive  twines)  T 


220 


AUTUMX 


Plan'd  by  thy  wisdom,  by  thy  soul  infornrd; 
And  seldom  has  she  felt  the  friend  like  thee. 

But  see  the  fading,  many-colour'd  woods,  b952  c95o 

Shade  deepening  over  shade,  the  country  round 
Imbrown;  a  crowded  umbrage,  dust,  and  dun, 
Of  every  hue,  from  wan,  declining  green 
To  sooty  dark.     These  now  the  lonesome  muse, 
s95  Low-whispering,  lead  into  their  leaf-strown  walks, 
And  give  the  Season  in  its  latest  view. 

Mean-time,  light-shadowing  all,  a  sober  calm 

Fleeces  unbounded  aether;  whose  least  wave 

Stands  tremulous,  uncertain  where  to  turn 
9°o  The  gentle  current ;  while  illumin'd  wide, 

The  dewy-skirted  clouds  imbibe  the  sun, 

And  thro'  their  uvid  pores  his  temper'd  force 

Shed  o'er  the  peaceful  world.     Then  is  the  time, 

For  those  whom  Wisdom,  and  whom  Nature  charm, 
9°5  To  steal  themselves  from  the  degenerate  crowd, 

And  soar  above  this  little  scene  of  things; 

To  tread  low-thoughted  vice  beneath  their  feet; 

To  sooth  the  throbbing  passions  into  peace; 

And  woo  lone  Quiet  in  her  silent  walks. 

9'°  Thus  solitary,  and  in  pensive  guise,  B972  C970 

Oft  let  me  wander  o'er  the  russet  mead, 
And  thro'  the  sadden7  d  grove;  where  scarce  is  heard 
One  dying  strain,  to  chear  the  woodman's  toil. 
Haply  some  widow'd  songster  pours  his  plaint 

915  Far,  in  faint  warblings,  thro'  the  tawny  copse. 
While  congregated  thrushes,  linnets,  larks, 
And  each  wild  throat,  whose  artless  strains  so  late 
Swell'd  all  the  music  of  the  swarming  shades, 
Robb'd  of  their  tuneful  souls,  now  shivering  sit 

920  On  the  dead  tree,  a  dull,  despondent  flock ! 


":'- 


B959    C957 

For  11.  897—903 
(world.)  see  TT7.  B 
29—33.(Var 
ons  not  indi 
liere.) 


«.903(Then)- 
transferred  ) 
from  in.  SIC 
45.  (Alterati 
printed  in  itali 


B     889  a  Friend        902  And  thro'  their  lucid  Veil  his  soften'd  Force 


AUTUMN  221 

With  not  a  brightness  waving  o'er  their  plumes, 
And  nought  save  chattering  discord  in  their  note. 
0  let  not,  ainTd  from  some  inhuman  eye, 
The  gun  the  music  of  the  coming  year 
9^5  Destroy;   and  harmless,  unsuspecting  harm, 
Lay  the  weak  tribes,  a  miserable  prey! 
In  mingled  murder,  fluttering  on  the  ground. 

The  pale,  descending  year,  yet  pleasing  still,  B990  c988 

.  ..  ,    .  ,.  ,iir  For    II.  928—970 

A  gentler  mood  inspires;  for  now  the  leaf  SeeWiB45-73 

930  Incessant  rustles  from  the  mournful  grove,  na'/jrf)'  md' 

Oft  starting  such  as,  studious,  walk  below, 

And  slowly  circles  thro'  the  waving  air. 

But  should  a  quicker  breeze  amid  the  boughs 

Sob,  o'er  the  sky  the  leafy  ruin  streams; 
935  Till  choak'd,  and  matted  with  the  dreary  shower, 

The  forest-walks,  at  every  rising  gale, 

Roll  wide  the  wither'd  waste,  and  whistle  bleak. 

Fled  is  the  blasted  verdure  of  the  fields; 

And,  shrunk  into  their  beds,  the  flowery  race 
940  Their  sunny  robes  resign.     Even  what  remain'd 

Of  bolder  fruit  falls  from  the  naked  tree; 

And  woods,  fields,  gardens,  ochards,  all  around 

The  desolated  prospect  thrills  the  soul. 

He  comes!  he  comes!  in  every  breeze  the  Power     B1006  Cioo4 
945  Of  philosophic  Melancholy  comes ! 

His  near  approach  the  sudden-starting  tear, 

The  glowing  cheek,  the  mild  dejected  air, 

The  soften'd  feature,  and  the  beating  heart, 

Peirc'd  deep  with  many  a  secret  pang,  declare. 
950  O'er  all  the  soul  his  sacred  influence  breathes ; 

In  all  the  bosom  triumphs,  all  the  nerves; 

Inflames  imagination;  thro'  the  sense 


B     931  startling        934  ruin  ]  Deluge        941  Fruits        949  secret 

virtuous        951  omitted        952  sense  ]  Breast 
MS  922  save  chattering  ]  but  joyless  P 


222  AUTUMN 

Infuses  every  tenderness:  and  far 

Beyond  dim  earth  exalts  the  swelling  thought. 
955  Ten  thousand  thousand  fleet  ideas,  such 

As  never  mingled  with  the  Vulgar's  dream, 

Crowd  fast  into  the  mind's  creative  eye. 

As  fast  the  correspondent  passions  rise, 

As  varied,  and  as  high:  devotion  rais'd 
960  To  rapture,  and  divine  astonishment. 

The  love  of  Nature  unconfin'd,  and  chief 

Of  humankind;  the  large,  ambitious  wish, 

To  make  them  blest;  the  sigh  for  suffering  worth, 

Lost  in  obscurity;  th'indignant  scorn 
965  Of  mighty  pride;   the  fearless,  great  resolve; 

The  wonder  that  the  dying  patriot  draws, 

Inspiring  glory  thro'  remotest  time; 

Th'arrousing  pant  for  virtue,  and  for  fame; 

The  sympathies  of  love,  and  friendship  dear: 
970  With  all  the  social  offspring  of  the  heart. 

Oh  bear  me  then  to  vast,  embowering  shades !     Bi°32  C1030 

11.  971—77 
To  twilight  groves,  and  visionary  vales!  transf.here 

To  weeping  grottoes,  and  prophetic  glooms! 

Where  angel-forms  athwart  the  solemn  dusk, 

975  Tremendous  siveep,  or  seem  to  sweep  along; 

And  voices  more  than  human,  thro'  the  void 

Deep- sounding,  seize  th'  enthusiastic  ear. 


jrom 


B     956  vulgar  962  Human  Race;  964  the  noble  Scorn, 

965  Tyrant  Pride;  966  which  968  Th'awaken'd  Throb 

for  Virtue,        After  977  the  following  lines  on  Stoive  are  inserted : 

Or  is  this  Gloom  too  much?     Then  lead,  ye  Powers,      C1037 
That  o'er  the  Garden  and  the  rural  Seat  [1040] 

Preside,  which  shining  thro'  the  chearful  Land 
In  countless  Numbers  blest  Britannia  sees; 
0  lead  me  to  the  wide-extended  Walks, 
MS  964,  965  the  (virtuous)  poignant  Scorn,  ||  The  (strong?)  sweet 
Disdain,   mix'd  with  sublime  Humility,  ||  Of  (worldly)   tyrant 
Pride;  T 


AUTUMX  223 


(Sequel) 

The  fair  Majestic  Paradise  of  Stowe! 

Not  Persian  Cyrus,  or  Ionia's  Shore,  [104s] 

E'er  saw  such  silvan  Scenes;  such  various  Art 
By  Genius  £Lr'd,  such  ardent  Genius  tam'd 
By  cool  judicious  Art;  that,  in  the  strife, 
All-beauteous  Nature  fears  to  be  outdone. 
And  there,  O  Pit,  thy  Country's  early  Boast,  [1050] 

There  let  me  sit  beneath  the  shelter'd  Slopes, 
Or  in  that  *Temple  where,  iu  future  Times, 
Thou  well  shalt  merit  a  distinguish'd  Name ; 
And,  with  thy  Converse  blest,  catch  the  last  Smiles 
Of  Autumn  beaming  o'er  tbe  yellow  "Woods.  [1055] 

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  standard  Taste  refine  her  own, 
Correct  her  Pencil  to  the  purest  Truth  [1060} 

Of  Nature,  or,  the  unimpassion'd  Shades 
Forsaking,  raise  it  to  the  human  Mind. 
O  if  hereafter  she,  with  juster  Hand, 
Shall  draw  the  Tragic  Scene,  instruct  Her  thou, 
To  mark  the  vary'd  Movements  of  the  Heart,  [1065] 

What  every  decent  Character  requires, 
And  every  Passion  speaks :  O  thro'  her  Strain 
Breathe  thy  pathetic  Eloquence!  that  moulds 
Th'attentive  Senate,  charms,  persuades,  exalts, 
Of  honest  Zeal  th'indignant  Lightning  throws,  [1070} 

And  shakes  Corruption  on  her  venal  Throne. 
While  thus  we  talk,  and  thro'  Elysian  Vales 
Delighted  rove,  perhaps  a  Sigh  escapes : 
What  pity,  Cobham,  thou  thy  verdant  Files 
Of  order'd  Trees  shouldst  here  inglorious  range,  [1075] 

Instead  of  Squadrons  naming  o'er  the  Field, 
And  long-embattled  Hosts!     When  the  proud  Foe 
The  faithless  vain  Disturber  of  Mankind, 
Insulting  Gaul,  has  rous"d  the  World  to  War; 
When  keen,  once  more,  within  their  Bounds  to  press     [1080] 
Those  polish'd  Robbers,  those  ambitious  Slaves, 
The  British  Youth  would  hail  thy  wise  Command, 
Thy  temper'd  Ardor  and  thy  veteran  Skill. 
*  The  Temple  of  Virtue  in  Stovre-Gardens. 


224  AUTUMN 

And  now  the  western  sun  withdraws  the  day;      Bio84  C1082 

And  humid  evening,  gliding  o'er  the  sky,  transpire  fro; 

98o  In  her  chill  progress,  to  the  ground  condens'd  WL  B8°-96\ 

TW ascending  vapour  throws.     Where  waters  ooze, 

Where  marshes  stagnate,  and  where  rivers  wind, 

Cluster  the  rolling  fogs,  and  swim  along 

The  dusky-mantled  lawn.     Mean-while  the  moon, 
985   Full-orb  d,  and  breaking  thro'  the  scatter' d  clouds. 

Shews  her  broad  visage  in  the  crimson'd  east. 

Tum'd  to  the  sun  direct,  her  spotted  disk, 

(Where  mountains  rise,  umbrageous  dales  descend, 

And  oceans  roll,  as  optic  tube  descries) 
99°   A  lesser  earth,  gives  all  his  blaze  again. 

Void  of  its  flame,  and  sheds  a  softer  dag. 

Now  thro'  the  passing  cloud  she  seems  to  stoop, 

Now  up  the  pure  cerulean  rides  sublime. 

Wide  the  pale  deluge  floats;  and  streaming  mild 
995    O'er  the  sky'd  mountain  to  the  shadowy  vale, 

While  rocks,  and  floods  reflect  the  quivering  gleam, 

The  whole  air  whitens  with  a  boundless  tide 

Of  silver  radiance,  trembling  round  the  world. 

But  when,  half  blotted  from  the  sky,  her  light,  bho5  Cno3 
1000  Fainting,  permits  the  starry  fires  to  burn, 

With  keener  lustre  thro'  the  depth  of  heaven; 

Or  quite  extinct,  her  deaden'd  orb  appears, 

And  scarce  appears,  of  sickly,  beamless  white: 

Oft  in  this  season,  silent  from  the  north  u.  1004-33 

1005  A  blaze  of  meteors  shoots,  ensweeping  first  fnmSu.Aioi 


The  lower  skies,  then  all  at  once  converge 
High  to  the  crown  of  heaven,  and  all  at  once 


?5. 


B     978  The  Western  Sun  withdraws  the  shorten'd  Day;  981 

The  Vapours  throws.  Where  creeping  Waters  ooze,  988,  989 
brackets  omitted:  descries,        990  lesser]  smaller        his]  its 

MS  981  Throws  the  (damp)  close  (?)  Vapour.  Where  still  Waters 
ooze  T  (cancelled) 


AUTUMN  225 

Relapsing  quick,  as  quickly  reascend, 

And  mix,  and  thwart,  extinguish,  and  renew, 

1010  All  aether  coursing  in  a  maze  of  light. 
,.- 

From  look  to  look,  contagious  thro'  the  crowd,  Bm?  Cms 

The  Pannic  runs,  and  into  wonderous  shapes 

Th'appearance  throws:  armies  in  meet  array, 

Throng  with  aerial  spears,  and  steeds  of  fire ; 
iois  Till  the  long  lines  of  full-extended  war 

In  bleeding  fight  commixt,  the  sanguine  flood 

Rowls  a  broad  slaughter  o'er  the  plains  of  heaven. 

As  thus  they  scan  the  visionary  scene, 

On  all  sides  swells  the  superstitious  din, 
1020  Incontinent;  and  busy  frenzy  talks 

Of  blood  and  battle;  cities  over-turn'd, 

And,  late  at  night,  in  swallowing  earthquake  sunk, 

Or  painted  hideous  with  ascending  flame; 

Of  sallow  famine,  inundation,  storm;  2  lines  omitted 

1025  Of  pestilence,  and  every  great  distress; 

Empires  subvers'd,  when  ruling  fate  has  struck 

Th'unalterable  hour:  even  Nature's  self 

Is  deem'd  to  totter  on  the  brink  of  time. 

Not  so  the  man  of  philosophic  eye, 
«o3o  And  inspect  sage;  the  waving  brightness  he 

Curious  surveys,  inquisitive  to  know 

The  causes,  and  materials,  yet  unfix'd, 

Of  this  appearance  beautiful,  and  new. 

Now  black,  and  deep,  the  night  begins  to  fall,  bh4o  Ch3s 

1035  A  solid  shade,  immense.     Sunk  in  the  gloom 
Magnificent,  and  vast,  are  heaven  and  earth. 
Order  confounded  lies;  all  beauty  void; 


B     1014  Throng'd  1023  Or  hideous  wrapt  in  fierce  ascending 

Flame;  1035  A  Shade  immense.     Sunk  in  the  quenching 

Gloom, 

MS  1020  Fancy   T  1023  Or  (hideous  wrapt  in   all)  blazing 

dreadfull  (in)  with  consuming  Flame  P  1035  Sunk]  Wrapt  T 
Palaestra  LXVI.  15 


226  AUTUMN 

Distinction  lost;  and  gay  variety 

One  universal  blot :  such  the  fair  power 
io4o  Of  Light,  to  kindle,  and  create  the  whole. 

Drear  is  the  state  of  the  benighted  wretch, 

Who  then,  bewilder'd,  wanders  thro'  the  dark. 

Full  of  pale  fancies,  and  chimeras  huge; 

;Nor  visited  by  one  directive  ray, 
1045  From  cottage  streaming,  or  from  airy  hall. 

Perhaps  impatient  as  he  stumbles  on, 

Struck  from  the  root  of  slimy  rushes,  blue,  k.  io47-6o 

The  wild-fire  scatters  round,  or  gather'd  trails  sZ^aioot-H 

A  length  of  flame  deceitful  o'er  the  moss; 
1050  Whither  decoy' d  by  the  fantastic  blaze, 

Now  sunk  and  now  reneiv'd,  he's  quite  absorpt, 

Rider  and  horse,  into  the  miry  gulph: 

While  still,  from  day  to  day,  his  inning  wife, 

And  plaintive  children  his  return  await, 
1055  In  ivild  conjecture  lost.     At  other  times, 

Sent  by  the  better  Genius  of  the  night, 

Innoxious,  gleaming  on  the  horse's  mane, 

The  meteor  sits;  and  shews  the  narrow  path, 

That  winding  leads  thro'  pits  of  death,  or  else 
1060  Instructs  him  how  to  take  the  dangerous  ford. 

The  lengtheivd  night  elaps'd,  the  morning  shines  bh67  Ch65 
Serene,  in  all  her  dewy  beauty  bright, 
Unfolding  fair  the  last  autumnal  day. 
And  now  the  mounting  sun  dispels  the  fog; 
1065  The  rigid  hoar-frost  melts  before  his  beam, 
And  hung  on  every  spray,  on  every  blade 
Of  grass,  the  myriad  dew-drops  twinkle  round. 

Ah  see  where  robb'd,  and  murder'd,  in  that  pit.  bh74  0117a 
Lies  the  still  heaving  hive;  at  evening  snatch'd, 
io7o  Beneath  the  cloud  of  guilt-concealing  night, 


B     1051  sunk]  lost        he  sinks  absorpt,         1052  into]  amid 


A  UTUMN  227 

And  whelm'd  o'er  sulphur:  while,  undreaming  ill, 
The  happy  people,  in  their  waxen  cells. 
Sat  tending  public  cares,  and  planning  schemes 
Of  temperance,  for  winter  poor;  rejoic'd 

1075  To  mark,  full-flowing  round,  their  copious  stores. 
Sudden  the  dark,  oppressive  steam  ascends; 
And,  us'd  to  milder  scents,  the  tender  race, 
By  thousands,  tumbles  from  their  honey'd  domes, 
Convolv'd,  and  agonizing  in  the  dust. 

1080  And  was  it  then  for  this  ye  roam'd  the  spring, 
Intent  from  flower  to  flower?    for  this  ye  toil'd 
Ceaseless  the  burning  summer-heats  away? 
For  this  in  autumn  search'd  the  blooming  waste, 
Xor  lost  one  sunny  gleam  ?    for  this  sad  fate  ? 

1085  0  man!    tyrannic  lord!    how  long,  bow  long, 
Shall  prostrate  nature  groan  beneath  your  rage, 
Awaiting  renovation?     When  oblig'd, 
Must  you  destroy?     Of  their  ambrosial^food 
Can  you  not  borrow?  and  in  just  return, 

1090  Afford  them  shelter  from  the  wintry  Avinds; 
Or,  as  the  sharp  year  pinches,  with  their  own 
Again  regale  them  on  some  smiling  day? 
Hard  by,  the  stony  bottom  of  their  town 
Looks  desolate,  and  wild;  with  here  and  there 

1095  A  helpless  number,  who  the  ruin'd  state 
Survive,  lamenting  weak,  cast  out  to  death. 
Thus  a  proud  city,  populous,  and  rich, 
Full  of  the  works  of  peace,  and  high  in  joy, 
At  theatre,  or  feast,  or  sunk  in  sleep, 

1100  (As  late,  Palermo,  was  thy  fate)  is  seiz'd 

By  some  dread  earthquake,  and  convulsive  hurl'd. 


B     1071  whelm'd  ]  fix"d         not  dreaming         1080  you         1081  you 

1093  Hard  by,  ]  See  where 
MS  1071  not  dreaming  P  (T?   ToveyJ  1083  waste]  Heath    T 

1087  When]  Still  P        1093  BP 

15* 


22g  AUTUMN 

Sheer  from  the  black  foundation,  stench-involv'd, 
Into  a  gulph  of  blue,  sulphureous  flame. 

Hence  every  harsher  sight!    for  now  the  day,  b««o  c*M 

«o5  O'er  heaven  and  earth  diffus'd,  grows  warm,  and  high, 
Infinite  splendor!  wide  investing  all. 
How  still  the  breeze!  save  what  the  filmy  threads 
Of  dew  evaporate  brushes  from  the  plain. 
How  clear  the  cloudless  sky!  how  deeply  ting'd 
mo  With  a  peculiar  blue!  th'sethereal  arch 

How  swell' d  immense!  amid  whose  azure  thron'd 
The  radiant  sun  how  gay!  how  calm  below 
The  gilded  earth!  the  harvest-treasures  all 
Now  gather'd  in,  beyond  the  rage  of  storms, 
ins  Sure  to  the  swain;  the  circling  fence  shut  up; 
And  instant  Winter  bid  to  do  his  worst. 
While  loose  to  festive  joy,  the  country  round 
Laughs  with  the  loud  sincerity  of  mirth, 
Care  shook  away.     The  toil-invigorate  youth, 
mo  Not  needing  the  melodious  impulse  much, 
Leaps,  wildly  graceful,  in  the  lively  dance. 
Her  every  charm  abroad,  the  village-toast, 
Young,  buxom,  warm,  in  native  beauty  rich, 
Darts  not-unmeaning  looks;  and,  where  her  eye 
Has  Points  an  approving  smile,  with  double  force, 
The  cudgel  rattles,  and  the  struggle  twists. 
Age  too  shines  out;  and,  garrulous,  recounts 
The  feats  of  youth.     Thus  they  rejoyce;  nor  think 
That,  with  to-morrow's  sun,  their  annual  toil 
1130  Begins  again  the  never-ceasing  round. 


1116  And  instant  Winter's  utmost  Rage  defy'd.  1119,  1120 
Shook  to  the  Wind  their  Cares.  The  Toil-strung  Youth  ||  By 
the   quick   Sense    of  Music   taught    alone,  1126    and   the 

Wrestler  twines. 
i  1102  Sheer  ]  Ev'n  P        1116  BP        1126  BP 


AUTUMN  229 

Oh  knew  he  but  his  happiness,  of  men  B1237  Ci23s 

The  happiest  he!  who  far  from  public  rage, 

Deep  in  the  vale,  with  a  choice  few  retir'd, 

Drinks  the  pure  pleasures  of  the  rural  Life. 
1135  What  tho'  the  dome  be  wanting,  whose  proud  gate 

Each  morning  vomits  out  the  sneaking  crowd  / 

Of  flatterers  false,  and  in  their  turn  abus'd, 

Vile  intercourse !     What  tho'  the  glittering  robe, 

Of  every  hue  reflected  light  can  give, 
1140  Or  floating  loose,  or  stiff  with  mazy  gold, 

The  pride  and  gaze  of  fools!  oppress  him  not. 

What  tho'  from  utmost  land,  and  sea,  purvey'd, 

For  him  each  rarer,  tributary  life 

Bleeds  not,  and  his  insatiate  table  heaps 
"45  With  luxury,  and  death.     What  tho'  his  wine 

Flows  not  from  brighter  gems;  nor  sunk  in  beds, 

Oft  of  gay  care,  he  tosses  out  the  night; 

Or,  thoughtless,  sleeps  at  best  in  idle  state. 

What  tho'  depriv'd  of  these  fantastic  joys, 
"5°  That  still  amuse  the  wanton,  still  deceive; 

A  face  of  pleasure,  but  a  heart  of  pain; 

Their  hollow  moments  undelighted  all. 

Sure  peace  is  his;  a  solid  life,  estrang'd 

To  disappointment,  and  fallacious  hope; 
1155  Rich  in  content,  in  Nature's  bounty  rich, 

In  herbs,  and  fruits;  whatever  greens  the  Spring, 

When  heaven  descends  in  showers;  or  bends  the  bough, 

When  Summer  reddens,  and  when  Autumn  beams; 

Or  in  the  Wintry  glebe  whatever  lies 
«6o  Conceal'd,  and  fattens  with  the  richest  sap; 

These  are  not  wanting;  nor  the  milky  drove, 

Luxuriant,  spread  o'er  all  the  lowing  vale; 


B     1145   wine  ]  Bowl  1146   Flames   not   with    costly   Juice; 

1148  Or  melts  the  thoughtless  Hours  in  idle  State?        1149  What 
tho'  he  knows  not  those 


230  AUTUMN 

Nor  bleating  mountains;  nor  the  chide  of  streams, 
And  hum  of  bees,  inviting  sleep  sincere 

n65  Into  the  guiltless  breast,  beneath  the  shade, 
Or  thrown  at  large  amid  the  fragrant  hay : 
Nor  aught  beside  of  prospect,  grove,  or  song. 
Dim  grottoes,  gleaming  lakes,  and  fountain  clear. 
Here  too  lives  simple  truth;  plain  innocence; 

1170  Unsully'd  beauty;  sound,  unbroken  youth, 
Patient  of  labour,  with  a  little  pleas'd; 
Health  ever-blooming;  unambitious  toil; 
Calm  contemplation,  and  Poetic  ease. 

Let  others  brave  the  flood,  in  quest  of  gain, 

1175  And  beat,  for  joyless  months,  the  gloomy  wave. 
Let  such  as  deem  it  glory  to  destroy, 
Rush  into  blood;  the  sack  of  cities  seek; 
Unpierc'd,  exulting  in  the  widow's  wail, 
The  virgin's  shriek,  and.  infant's  trembling  cry. 

n8o  Let  some  far-distant  from  their  native  soil, 
Drg'd,  or  by  want,  or  harden'd  avarice, 
Find  other  lands  beneath  another  sun. 
Let  This  thro'  cities  work  his  ardent  way, 
By  legal  outrage,  and  establish'd  guile, 

1185  The  social  sense  extinct;  and  That  ferment 
Mad  into  tumult  the  seditious  herd, 
Or  melt  them  down  to  slavery.     Let  These 
Insnare  the  wretched  in  the  toils  of  law, 
Fomenting  discord,  and  perplexing  right, 

1190  An  iron  race !  and  Those  of  fairer  front, 
But  equal  inhumanity,  in  courts, 
And  slippery  pomp  delight,  in  dark  cabals; 
Wreathe  the  deep  bow,  diffuse  the  lying  smile. 
And  tread  the  weary  labyrinth  of  state. 


B     1167  besides  1169  lives]   dwells  1183  ardent]  eager 

1192  Delusive  Pomp,  and  dark  Cabals,  delight; 
MS  1183  eager  P  (T  Tovey) 


AUTUMN  231 

1195  While  He,  from  all  the  stormy  passions  free, 
That  restless  men  involve,  hears,  and  but  hears, 
At  distance  safe,  the  human  tempest  roar, 
Wrapt  close  in  conscious  peace.     The  fall  of  kings, 
The  rage  of  nations,  and  the  crush  of  states 

1200  Move  not  the  man,  who,  from  the  world  escap'd, 
In  still  retreats,  and  flowery  solitudes, 
To  Nature's  voice  attends,  from  day  to  day, 
And  month  to  month,  thro'  the  revolving  Tear; 
Admiring,  sees  her  in  her  every  shape; 

1205  Feels  all  her  fine  emotions  at  his  heart; 

Takes  what  she  liberal  gives,  nor  thinks  of  more. 
He,  when  young  Spring  protrudes  the  bursting  gems, 
Marks  the  first  bud,  and  sucks  the  healthful  gale 
Into  his  freshen'd  soul;  her  genial  hours 

1210  He  quite  enjoys;  and  not  a  beauty  blows, 
And  not  an  opening  blossom  breathes  in  vain. 
In  Summer  he,  beneath  the  living  shade, 
Such  as  from  frigid  Tempe  wont  to  fall, 
Or  Haeinus  cool,  reads  what  the  muse,  of  these 

1215  Perhaps,  has  in  immortal  numbers  sung; 
Or  what  she  dictates  writes;  and,  oft  an  eye 
Shot  round,  rejoyces  in  the  vigorous  year. 
When  Autumn's  yellow  lustre  gilds  the  world, 
And  tempts  the  sickled  swain  into  the  field. 

1220  Seiz'd  by  the  general  joy,  his  heart  distends 
With  gentle  throws;  and  thro'  the  tepid  gleams 
Deep-musing,  then  the  best  exerts  his  song. 
Even  Winter  wild  to  him  is  full  of  bliss. 
The  mighty  tempest,  and  the  hoary  waste, 

1225  Abrupt,  and  deep,  stretch'd  o'er  the  bury'd  earth, 
Awake  to  solemn  thought.     At  night  the  skies, 


B  1202,  1203  from  Month  to  Month,  ||  And  Day  to  Day,  1205 
fine  ]  sweet  1210  quite  ]  full  1213  from  ]  o'er         fall,  ] 

wave,         1222  the]  he 

MS  1205  fine  ]  (kind)  T 


232  AUTUMN 

Disclos'd,  and  kindled,  by  refining  frost, 

Pour  every  lustre  on  th'astonish'd  eye. 

A  friend,  a  book,  the  stealing  hours  secure, 
1230  And  mark  them  down  for  wisdom.     With  swift  wing, 

O'er  land,  and  sea,  imagination  roams; 

Or  truth,  divinely  breaking  on  his  mind, 

Elates  his  being,  and  unfolds  his  powers; 

Or  in  his  breast  heroic  virtue  burns. 
1235  The  touch  of  love,  and  kindred  too  he  feels, 

The  modest  eye,  whose  beams  on  his  alone 

Extatic  shine;  the  little,  strong  embrace 

Of  prattling  children,  twin'd  around  his  neck, 

And  emulous  to  please  him,  calling  forth 
1240  The  fond  parental  soul.     Nor  purpose  gay, 

Amusement,  dance,  or  song,  he  sternly  scorns; 

For  happiness,  and  true  philosophy 

Still  are,  and  have  been  of  the  smiling  kind. 

This  is  the  life  which  those  who  fret  in  guilt, 
1245  And  guilty  cities,  never  knew;  the  life, 

Led  by  primaeval  ages,  incorrupt, 

When  God  himself,  and  Angels  dwelt  with  men! 

Oh  Nature!  all-sufficient!  over  all!  B1354  C135 

Enrich  me  with  the  knowledge  of  thy  works! 
1250  Snatch  me  to  heaven;  thy  rolling  wonders  there, 

World  beyond  world,  in  infinite  extent, 

Profusely  scatter'd  o'er  the  void  immense, 

Shew  me;  their  motions,  periods,  and  their  laws. 

Give  me  to  scan;  thro'  the  disclosing  deep 
125s  Light  my  blind  way:  the  mineral  Strata  there; 

Thrust,  blooming,  thence  the  vegetable  world; 


B     1228  astonish'd]  exalted  1235  of  Kindred  too  and  Love 

1243  Are  of  the  social  still,  and  smiling  Kind.  1246  un- 

corrupt,  1247  When  Angels  dwelt,  and  God  himself,  with 

Man! 

C     1252  void  ]  blue 


AUTUMN  233 

O'er  that  the  rising  system,  more  complex, 

Of  animals;  and  higher  still,  the  mind, 

The  varied  scene  of  quick-compounded  thought, 

1260  And  where  the  mixing  passions  endless  shift; 
These  ever  open  to  my  ravish'd  eye; 
A  search,  the  flight  of  time  can  ne'er  exhaust! 
But  if  to  that  unequal;  if  the  blood, 
In  sluggish  streams  about  my  heart,  forbids 

1265  That  best  ambition;  under  closing  shades, 
Inglorious,  lay  me  by  the  lowly  brook, 
And  whisper  to  my  dreams.     From  Thee  begin, 
Dwell  all  on  Thee,  with  Thee  conclude  my  song; 
And  let  me  never,  never  stray  from  Thee! 


B     1264  forbid 


-s®* 


WINTER. 

A 

POEM. 


By  JAMES  THOMSON,  A.  M. 


-, Rapidus  Sol 

Nondum  Hyemem  contingit  Equis.     Jam  praeterit  sestas. 

VIRG. 

Glacialis  Hyems  canos  liirsuta  Capillos. 

OVID. 


LONDON: 

Printed  for  J.  Millan,  at  Locke's-Head,  in  Shug-Lane,  near  the  Upper 
End  of  the  Hay-Market;  and  Sold  by  J.  Roberts,  in  Warwick- 
Lane,  and  N.  Blandford,  at  the  London-Gazette,  Charing-Cross. 


MDCCXXVI. 

[Price  One  Shilling.] 


To  the  Right  Honourable 
Sir  Spencer  Compton.1) 

Sir, 

ihe  Author  of  the  following  Poem  begs  Leave  to  in- 
scribe this  his  first  Performance  to  your  Name,  and  Patro- 
nage. Unknown  Himself,  and  only  introduced  by  the  Muse, 
He  yet  ventures  to  approach  You,  with  a  modest  Chearful- 
ness:  For,  whoever  attempts  to  excel  in  any  Generous  Art, 
tho'  he  comes  alone,  and  unregarded  by  the  World,  may 
hope  for  your  Notice,  and  Esteem.  Happy !  if  I  can,  in  any 
Degree,  merit  this  Good  Fortune:  as  every  Ornament,  and 
Grace,  of  Polite  Learning  is  yours,  your  single  Approbation 
will  be  my  Fame. 

I  Dare  not  indulge  my  Heart,  by  dwelling  on  your 
Public  Character;  on  that  exalted  Honour,  and  Integrity 
which  distinguish  You,  in  that  August  Assembly,  where 
You  preside ;  that  unshaken  Loyalty  to  Your  Sovereign,  that 
disinterested  Concern  for  his  People,  which  shine  out,  uni- 
ted, in  all  your  Behaviour,  and  finish  the  Patriot.  I  am 
conscious  of  my  Want  of  Strength,  and  Skill  for  so  delicate 
an  Undertaking:  And  yet,  as  the  Shepherd,  in  his  Cottage, 
may  feel  and  acknowledge  the  Influence  of  the  Sun  with  as 


a)  This  epistolary  dedication  (the  authorship  of  which  was  claimed 
by  Thomson's  friend  Malloch,  alias  Mallet)  is  found  only  in  the  editions 
prior  to  the  quarto  of  1730.  In  the  quarto,  and  in  some  of  the  later 
editions,  the  title-page  of  "Winter"  bears  this  dedication:  Winter. 
Inscribed  to  the  Right  Honourable  the  Lord  Wilmington. 


238  WINTER 

lively  a  Gratitude,  as  the  Great  Man,  in  his  Palace,  even 
I  may  be  allowed  to  publish  my  Sense  of  those  Blessings, 
which,  from  so  many  powerful  Yertues,  are  derived  to  the 
Nation  they  adorn. 

I  conclude  with  saying,  that  your  fine  Discernment  and 
Humanity,  in  your  Private  Capacity,  are  so  conspicuous, 
that,  if  this  Address  is  not  received  with  some  Indulgence, 
it  will  be  a  severe  Conviction,  that  what  I  have  written  has 
not  the  least  Share  of  Merit. 

I  am, 
With  the  Profoundest  Respect, 
Sir, 
Your  most  devoted, 
and  most  faithful, 
Humble  Servant, 

James  Thomson. 


WINTER  239 


The  Preface.1) 

1  am  neither  ignorant,  nor  concern'd,  how  much  One 
may  suffer  in  the  Opinion  of  several  Persons  of  great  Gra- 
vity,  and   Character,   by   the  Study,  and  Pursuit,  of  Poetry. 

Altho'  there  may  seem  to  be  some  Appearance  of 
Reason  for  the  present  Contempt  of  it,  as  managed  by  the 
most  part  of  our  modern  Writers,  yet  that  any  Man  should, 
seriously,  declare  against  that  Divine  Art  is,  really,  amazing. 
It  is  declaring  against  the  most  charming  Power  of  Ima- 
gination, the  most  exalting  Force  of  Thought,  the  most 
affecting  Touch  of  Sentiment;  in  a  Word,  against  the  very 
Soul  of  all  Learning,  and  Politeness.  It  is  affronting  the 
universal  Taste  of  Mankind,  and  declaring  against  what  has 
charmed  the  listening  World  from  Moses  down  to  Milton. 
In  fine,  it  is,  even,  declaring  against  the  sublimest  Passages 
of  the  inspired  Writings  themselves,  and  what  seems  to  be 
the  peculiar  Language  of  Heaven. 

The  Truth  of  the  Case  is  this:  These  weak-sighted 
Gentlemen  cannot  bear  the  strong  Light  of  Poetry,  and  the 
finer,  and  more  amusing,  Scene  of  Things  it  displays;  but 
must  Those,  therefore,  whom  Heaven  has  blessed  with  the 
discerning  Eye  shut  it,  to  keep  them  Company. 

It  is  pleasant  enough,  however,  to  observe,  frequently, 
in  these  Enemies  of  Poetry,  an  aukward  Imitation  of  it. 
They  sometimes,  have  their  little  Brightnesses,  when  the 
opening  Glooms  will  permit.  Nay,  I  have  seen  their  Hea- 
viness, on  some  Occasions,  deign  to  turn  friskish,  and  witty, 
in  which  they  make  just  such  another  Figure  as  ^Esop's  Ass, 
when  he  began  to  fawn.  To  compleat  the  Absurdity,  They 
would,  even,  in  their  Efforts  against  Poetry,  fain  be  poetical: 


J)  This  "Preface''  and  the  three  appended  poems  are  found  only 
in  the  editions  which  give  the  second  text  of  "Winter"  (1726,  June). 


240  WINTER 

like  those  Gentlemen  that  reason  with  a  great  deal  of  Zeal, 
and  Severity,  against  Reason. 

That  there  are  frequent,  and  notorious,  Abuses  of  Poetry 
is  as  true  as  that  the  best  Things  are  most  liable  to  that 
Misfortune;  but  is  there  no  End  of  that  clamorous  Argument 
against  the  Use  of  Things  from  the  Abuse  of  them?  And 
yet,  I  hope,  that  no  Man,  who  has  the  least  Sense  of  Shame 
in  Him,  will  fall  into  it  after  the  present,  sulphureous, 
Attacker  of  the  Stage. 

To  insist  no  further  on  this  Head,  let  Poetry,  once 
more,  be  restored  to  her  antient  Truth,  and  Purity;  let  Her 
be  inspired  from  Heaven,  and,  in  Return,  her  Incense  ascend 
thither;  Let  Her  exchange  Her  low,  venal,  trifling,  Subjects 
for  such  as  are  fair,  useful,  and  magnificent;  and,  let  Her 
execute  these  so  as,  at  once,  to  please,  instruct,  surprize, 
and  astonish:  and  then,  of  Necessity,  the  most  inveterate 
Ignorance,  and  Prejudice,  shall  be  struck  Dumb;  and  Poets, 
yet,  become  the  Delight  and  Wonder,  of  Mankind. 

But  this  happy  Period  is  not  to  be  expected,  till  some 
long-wished,  illustrious  Man,  of  equal  Power,  and  Beneficence, 
rise  on  the  wintry  World  of  Letters:  One  of  a  genuine, 
and  unbounded,  Greatness,  and  Generosity,  of  Mind;  who, 
far,  above  all  the  Pomp,  and  Pride,  of  Fortune,  scorns  the 
little  addressful,  Flatterer;  peirces  thro'  the  disguised,  desig- 
ning, Villain;  discountenances  all  the  reigning  Fopperies  of 
a  tasteless  Age:  and  who,  stretching  his  Views  into  late 
Futurity,  has  the  true  Interest  of  Virtue,  Learning,  and 
Mankind,  intirely,  at  Heart  —  A  Character  so  nobly  desirable! 
that  to  an  honest  Heart,  it  is,  almost,  incredible  so  few 
should  have  the  Ambition  to  deserve  it. 

Nothing  can  have  a  better  Influence  towards  the  Revi- 
val of  Poetry  than  the  chusing  of  great,  and  serious,  Sub- 
jects; such  as,  at  once,  amuse  the  Fancy,  enlighten  the 
Head,  and  warm  the  Heart.  These  give  a  Weight,  and 
Dignity,  to  the  Poem:  Nor  is  the  Pleasure,  I  should  say 
Rapture,  both  the  Writer,  and  the  Reader,  feels,  unwarranted 


WINTER  241 

by  Reason,  or  followed  by  repentant  Disgust.    To  be  able  to 
write  on  a  dry,  barren.  Theme,  is  looked  upon,  by  some,  as 
the  Sign  of  a  happy,  fruitful,  Genius  —  fruitful  indeed!  — 
like  one  of  the  pendant  Gardens  in  Cheapside,  water'd,  every 
Morning,    by    the   Hand    of   the    Alderman,    Himself.      And 
what  are  we  commonly  entertain'd  with,  on  these  Occasions, 
save  forced,  unaffecting,  Fancies;  little,  glittering  Prettinesses;    " 
mixed  Turns^of  Wit,   and  Expression;   which   are  as  widely! 
different  from  Native  Poetry,  as  Buffoonery  is  from  the  Per-[ 
fection  of  human  Thinking?    A  Genius  fired  with  the  Charms 
of  Truth,   and  Nature,    is  tuned    to    a  sublimer  Pitch,    and 
scorns  to  associate  with  such  Subjects. 

I  cannot  more  emphatically  recommend  this  Poetical 
Ambition  than  by  the  four  following  Lines  from  Mr.  Hill's 
Poem,  called,  the  Judgment  Day,  which  is  so  singular  an 
Instance  of  it. 

For  Me,  suffice  it  to  have  taught  my  Muse, 

The  tuneful  Triflings  of  her  Tribe  to  shun; 

And  rais'd  her  "Warmth  such  Heavenly  Themes  to  chuse, 

As,  in  past  Ages,  the  best  Garlands  won. 

I  know  no  Subject  more  elevating,  more  amusing;  A 
more  ready  to  awake  the  poetical  Enthusiasm,  the  philo- 
sophical Reflection,  and  the  moral  Sentiment,  than  the 
"Works  of  Nature.  Where  can  we  meet  such  Variety,  such 
Beauty,  such  Magnificence?  All  that  enlarges,  and  transports, 
the  Soul?  What  more  inspiring  than  a  calm,  wide,  Survey 
of  Them?  In  every  Dress  Nature  is  greatly  charming! 
whether  she  puts  on  the  Crimson  Robes  of  the  Morning! 
the  strong  Effulgence  of  Noon!  the  sober  Suit  of  the  Even- 
ing! or  the  deep  Sables  of  Blackness,  and  Tempest!  How 
gay  looks  the  Spring!  how  glorious  the  Summer!  how 
pleasing  the  Autumn!  and  how  venerable  the  Winter!  — 
But  there  is  no  thinking  of  these  Things  without  breaking 
out  into  Poetry;  which  is,  by  the  bye,  a  plain,  and  un- 
deniable, Argument  of  their  superior  Excellence. 

For  this  Reason   the  best,   both  Antient,   and  Modern, 

Palaestra  LXVI.  16 


242  WINTER 

Poets  have  been  passionately  fond  of  Retirement,  and  Soli- 
tude. The  wild  romantic  Country  was  their  Delight.  And 
they  seem  never  to  have  been  more  happy,  than  when  lost 
in  unfrequented  Fields,  far  from  the  little,  busy,  World, 
they  were  at  Leisure,  to  meditate,  and  sing  the  Works  of 
Nature. 

The  Book  of  Job,  that  noble,  and  antient,  Poem,  which, 
even,  strikes  so  forcibly  thro'  a  mangling  Translation,  is 
crowned  with  a  Description  of  the  grand  Works  of  Nature; 
and  that,  too,  from  the  Mouth  of  their  Almighty  Author. 

It  was  this  Devotion  to  the  Works  of  Nature  that,  in 
his  Georgicks,  inspired  the  rural  Yirgil  to  write  so  inimit- 
ably; and  who  can  forbear  joining  with  him  in  this  De- 
claration of  his,  which  has  been  the  Rapture  of  Ages. 

Me  vero  primum  dulces  ante  omnia  Musae, 
Quarum  Sacra  fero  ingenti  perculsus  Amore, 
Accipiant;  Ccelique  Vias  et  Sidera  monstrent, 
Defectus  solis  varios,  Lunseque  labores: 
Unde  tremor  Terris:  qua  vi  Maria  alta  tumescant 
Obicibus  ruptis,  rursusque  in  seipsa  residant : 
Quid  tantum  Oceano  properent  se  tingere  soles 
Hyberni:  vel  quee  tardis  Mora  Noctibus  obstat. 
Sin,  has  ne  possim  Naturee  accedere  Partes, 
Frigidus  obstiterit  circum  Prgecordia  sanguis; 
Kura  mihi  et  rigui  placeant  in  valibus  amnis 
Flumina  amem  silvasque  inglorius.  

Which  may  be  Englished  thus. 
Me  may  tbe  Muses,  my  supreme  Delight! 
Whose  Priest  I  am,  smit  with  immense  Desire, 
Snatch  to  their  Care;  the  Starry  Tracts  disclose, 
The  Sun's  Distress,  the  Labours  of  the  Moon: 
Whence  the  Earth  quakes:  and  by  what  Force  the  Deeps 
Heave  at  tbe  Pocks,  then  on  Themselves  reflow: 
Why  Winter-Suns  to  plunge  in  Ocean  speed: 
And  what  retards  the  lazy  Summer-Night. 
But,  least  I  should  these  mystic-Truths  attain, 
If  the  cold  Current  freezes  round  my  Heart, 
Tbe  Country  Me,  the  brookj^  Vales  may  please 
Mid  Woods,  and  Streams,  unknown.  


WINTER  243 

I  cannot  put  an  End  to  this  Preface,  without  taking 
the  Freedom  to  offer  my  most  sincere,  and  grateful,  Acknow- 
ledgments to  all  those  Gentlemen  who  have  given  my  first 
Performance  so  favourable  a  Reception. 

It  is  with  the  best  Pleasure,  and  a  rising  Ambition, 
that  I  reflect  on  the  Honour  Mr.  Hill  has  done  me,  in  re- 
commending my  Poem  to  the  World,  after  a  manner  so 
peculiar  to  Himself;  than  whom,  none  approves,  and  obliges, 
with  a  nobler,  and  more  unreserving,  Promptitude  of  Soul. 
His  Favours  are  the  very  smiles  of  Humanity;  graceful,  and 
easy;  flowing  from,  and  to,  the  Heart.  This  agreeable  Train 
of  Thought  awakens  naturally  in  my  Mind  all  the  other 
Parts  of  his  great,  and  amiable,  Character,  which  I  know 
not  well  how  to  quit,  and  yet  dare  not  here  pursue. 

Every  Reader,  who  has  a  Heart  to  be  moved,  must  feel 
the  most  gentle  Power  of  Poetry,  in  the  Lines,  with  which 
Mira  has  graced  my  Poem. 

It  perhaps,  might  be  reckoned  Vanity,  in  me,  to  say 
how  richly  I  value  the  Approbation  of  a  Gentleman  of  Mr. 
Malloch's  fine,  and  exact  Taste,  so  justly  dear,  and  valuable, 
to  all  those  that  have  the  Happiness  of  knowing  Him;  and 
who,  to  say  no  more  of  Him,  will  abundantly  make  good, 
to  the  World,  the  early  Promise,  his  admired  Piece  of  Wil- 
liam and  Margaret  has  given. 

I  only  wish  my  Description  of  the  various  Appearance 
of  Nature  in  Winter,  and,  as  I  purpose,  in  the  other  Seasons, 
may  have  the  good  Fortune,  to  give  the  Reader  some  of 
that  true  Pleasure,  which  They,  in  their  agreeable  Succession, 
are,  always,  sure  to  inspire  into  my  Heart. 


16* 


244  WINTER 


To  Mr.  Thomson, 

Doubtful  to  what  Patron  he  should  address  his  Poem,  call'd, 
Winter. 

Some  Peers,  perhaps,  have  Skill  to  judge,  'tis  true: 
Yet  no  mean  Prospect  bounds  the  Muse's  View. 
Firm  in  your  native  Strength,  thus  nobly  shewn, 
Slight  such  delusive  Props,  and  stand  alone. 
Fruitless  Dependance  oft  has  found  too  late, 
That  Greatness  rarely  dwells  among  the  Great. 
Patrons  are  Nature's  Nobles,  not  the  State's, 
And  Wit's,  a  Title  no  Broad  Seal  creates: 
Even  Kings,  from  whose  high  Source  all  Honours  flow, 
Are  poor  in  Power,  when  they  wou'd  Souls  bestow. 

Heedless  of  Fortune,  then  look  down  on  State, 
Balanc'd,  within,  by  Reason's  conscious  Weight: 
Divinely  proud  of  independant  Will, 
Prince  of  your  Passions,  live  their  Sovereign  still. 
He  who  stoops,  safe  beneath  a  Patron's  Shade, 
Shines  like  the  Moon,  but  by  another's  Aid: 
Free  Truth  shou'd,  open,  and  unbyas'd  steer, 
Strong,  as  Heaven's  Heat,  and  as  its  Brightness  clear. 

O,  swell  not  then,  the  Bosoms  of  the  Vain, 
With  false  Conceit  that  you  Protection  gain : 
Poets,  like  you,  their  own  Protectors  stand, 
Plac'd  above  Aid  from  Pride's  inferior  Hand. 
Time,  that  devours  the  Lord's  unlasting  Name, 
Shall  lend  Her  soundless  Depth,  to  float  your  Fame. 

On  Verse  like  yours  no  Smiles,  from  Power,  expect, 
Born  with  a  Worth  that  doom'd  you  to  Neglect: 
Yet,  wou'd  your  Wit,  be  nois'd,  reflect  no  more; 
Let  the  smooth  Veil  of  Flattery  silk  j'ou  o'er: 
Aptly  attach'd,  the  Court's  soft  Climate  try, 
Learn  your  Pen's  Duty  from  your  Patron's  Eye. 
Ductile  of  Soul,  each  pliant  Purpose  wind, 
And  tracing  Interest  close,  leave  Doubt  behind; 
Then  shall  your  Name  strike  loud,  the  Publick  Ear; 
For  through  Good-fortune,  Virtue's  self  shines  clear. 


WINTER  245 

But,  in  defiance  of  our  Taste,  to  charm! 
And  Fancy's  Force  with  Judgment's  Caution  arm  ! 
Disturb,  with  busy  Thought,  so  lull'd  an  Age! 
And  plant  strong  Meanings  o'er  the  peaceful  Page! 
Impregnate  Sound,  with  Sense!  teach  Nature  Art! 
And  warm  even  Winter,  till  it  thaws  the  Heart! 
How  cou'd  you  thus,  your  Country's  Rules  transgress, 
Yet  think  of  Patrons,  and  presume  Success? 

A.  HILL. 


To  Mr.  Thomson, 

On  bis  Blooming  Winter. 

Oh  gaudy  Summer,  veil  thy  blushing  Head, 
Dull  is  thy  Sun,  and  all  thy  Beauties  dead: 
From  thy  short  Nights,  and  noisy,  mirthful,  Day, 
My  kindling  Thoughts,  disdainful,  turn  away. 

Majestic  Winter  with  his  Floods  appears, 
And  o'er  the  World  his  awful  Terrors  rears; 
From  North  to  South,  his  Train  dispreading,  slow. 
Blue  Frost,  bleak  Bain,  and  fleec3T-footed  Snow. 

In  Thee,  sad  Winter,  I  a  Kindred  find, 
Far  more  related  to  poor  human  Kind; 
To  Thee  niy  gently-drooping  Head  I  bend, 
Thy  Sigh  my  Sister,  and  thy  Tear  my  Friend: 
On  Thee  I  muse,  and  in  thy  hastening  Sun, 
See  Life  expiring  e'er  'tis  well  begun. 

Thy  sickening  Ray,  and  venerable  Gloom, 
Show  Life's  last  Scene,  the  solitary  Tomb; 
But  thou  art  safe,  so  shaded  by  the  Bays, 
Immortal  in  the  noblest  Poet's  Praise; 
From  Time  and  Death,  He  will  thy  Beauties  save; 
Oh  may  such  Numbers  weep  o'er  Mira's  Grave! 
Secure,  and  glorious,  would  her  Ashes  lie, 
Till  Nature  fade  —  and  all  the  Seasons  die. 

MIRA. 


264  WIXTER 


To  Mr.  Thomson, 

On  his  publishing  the  Second  Edition  of  his  Poem,  call'd, 
Winter. 

Charni'd,  and  instructed,  by  thy  powerful  Song, 
I  have,  unjust,  with-held  my  Thanks  too  long: 
This  Debt  of  Gratitude,  at  length,  receive, 
Warmly  sincere,  'tis  all  thy  Friend  can  give. 

Thy  Worth  new  lights  the  Poet's  darkened  Name, 
And  shows  it,  blazing,  in  the  brightest  Fame. 
Thro'  all  thy  various  Winter,  full  are  found 
Magnificence  of  Thought,  and  Pomp  of  Sound, 
Clear  Depth  of  Sense,  Expression's  lightening  Grace, 
And  Goodness,  eminent  in  Power,  and  Place! 
For  this,  the  Wise,  the  Knowing  Few,  commend 
With  zealous  Joy  —  for  Thou  art  Vertue's  Friend: 
Even  Age,  and  Truth  severe,  in  reading  Thee, 
That  Heaven  inspires  the  Muse,  convinc'd,  agree. 

Thus  I  dare  sing  of  Merit,  faintly  known, 
Friendless  —  supported  by  its  self  alone: 
For  Those,  whose  aided  Will  could  lift  thee  high. 
In  Fortune,  see  not  with  Discernment's  Eye. 
Nor  Place,  nor  Power,  bestows  the  Sight  refin'd; 
And  Wealth  enlarges  not  the  narrow  Mind. 

How  couldst  thou  think  of  such,  and  write  so  well? 
Or  hope  Eeward,  by  daring  to  excell? 
Unskilful  of  the  Age!  untaught  to  gain, 
Those  Favours,  which  the  fawning  Base  obtain! 
A  thousand,  shameful,  Arts,  to  thee  unknown, 
Falshood,  and  Flattery,  must  be  first  thy  own. 
If  thy  lov'd  Country  lingers  in  thy  Breast, 
Thou  must  drive  out  th' unprofitable  Guest: 
Extinguish  each  bright  Aim,  that  kindles  there, 
And  center  in  thy  self  thy  every  Care. 

But  hence  that  Vileness  —  pleas'd  to  charm  Mankind, 
Cast  each  low  Thought  of  Interest  far  behind: 
Neglected  into  noble  Scorn  —  away 
From  that  worn  Patb,  where  vulgar  Poets  stray: 


WINTER  247 

Inglorious  Herd!  profuse  of  venal  Lays! 

And  by  the  Pride  despis'd,  they  stoop  to  praise! 

Thou,  careless  of  the  Statesman's  Smile,  or  Frown, 

Tread  that  strait  Way,  that  leads  to  fair  Renown. 

By  Vertue  guided,  and  by  Glory  fix'd, 

And,  by  reluctant  Envy,  slow  admir'd, 

Dare  to  do  well;  and  in  thy  boundless  Mind, 

Embrace  the  general  Welfare  of  thy  Kind: 

Enrich  them  with  the  Treasures  of  thy  Thought, 

What  Heaven  approves,  and  what  the  Muse  has  taught. 

Where  thy  Power  fails,  unable  to  go  on, 

Ambitious,  greatly  will  the  Good  undone. 

So  shall  thy  Name,  thro'  Ages,  brightening  shine, 

And  distant  Praise,  from  Worth  unborn,  be  thine: 

So  shalt  thou,  happy!  merit  Heaven's  Regard, 

And  find  a  glorious,  tho'  a  late  Reward. 

D.  MALLOCH. 


The  Argument.1) 

The  subject  proposed.  Address  to  Lord  Wilmington. 
First  approach  of  Winter.  According  to  the  natural  order2) 
of  the  season,  various  storms  described.  Rain.  Wind.  Snow. 
The  driving  of  the  snows:  a  man  perishing  among  them. 
A  short  digression  into  Russia.  The  wolves  in  Italy.3)  A 
winter-evening  described,  as  spent  by  philosophers;  by  the 
country  people;  in  the  city.  Frost.  Its  effects4)  within  the 
polar  circle.  A  thaw.  The  whole  concluding  with  philo- 
sophical5) reflections  on  a  future  state. 


*)  Appears  for  the  first  time  in  the  quarto.  In  the  editions  of 
1744  and  1746  the  following  variations  occur:  2)  Course  3)  perish- 
ing among  them;  whence  Reflections  on  the  Want  and  Miseries 
of  Human  Life.  The  Wolves  descending  from  the  Alps  and  Apen- 
nines. A  Winter -Evening  etc.  4)  Frost.  A  View  of  Winter 
within         5)  moral. 

^ 


WINTER. 
POEM. 

Text  A  (1726,  March)  with  the  variations  of  text  B  (1726,  June). 

SEE!     Winter  comes,  to  rule  the  varied  Tear,     bi  Ci  Ei 

Sullen,  and  sad;  with  all  his  rising  Train, 

Vapours,  and  Clouds,  and  Storms:  Be  these  my  Theme, 

These,  that  exalt  the  Soul  to  solemn  Thought, 
5  And  heavenly  musing.     Welcome  kindred  Glooms! 

Wish'd,  wint'ry,  Horrors,  hail!  —  With  frequent  Foot, 

Pleas'd,  have  I,  in  my  cheerful  Morn  of  Life, 

When,  nurs'd  by  careless  Solitude,  I  liv'd, 

And  sung  of  Nature  with  unceasing  Joy, 
io  Pleas'd,  have  I  wander'd  thro'  your  rough  Domains; 

Trod  the  pure,  virgin.  Snows,  my  self  as  pure: 

Heard  the  Winds  roar,  and  the  big  Torrent  burst: 

Or  seen  the  deep,  fermenting,  Tempest  brew'd, 

In  the  red,  evening,  Sky.  —  Thus  pass'd  the  Time, 
is  Till,  thro1  the  opening  Chambers  of  the  South, 

Look'd  out  the  joyous  Spring,  look'd  out,  and  smil'd. 

Thee  too,  Inspirer  of  the  toiling  Swain !  Bl7  c~  E~    . 

r  °  U.  17- 1  ii' omitted 

.bair  Autumn,  yellow  rob'd!     I'll  sing  of  thee,  from  c.  ForU. 

Of  thy  last,  temper'd,  Days,  and  sunny  Calms;  asm-ms.] 


B     19  temper'd,  ]  equal,        sunnjr  ]  clouded 


WINTER  A  249 

20  When  all  the  golden  Hours  are  on  the  Wing, 
Attending  thy  Retreat,  and  round  thy  Wain, 
Slow-rolling,  onward  to  the  Southern  Sky. 

Behold!  the  well-pois'd  Hornet,  hovering,  hangs,        B23  c- 
With  quivering  Pinions,  in  the  genial  Blaze; 

25  Flys  off,  in  airy  Circles:  then  returns, 
And  hums,  and  dances  to  the  beating  Ray. 
Nor  shall  the  Man,  that,  musing,  walks  alone, 
And,  heedless,  strays  within  his  radiant  Lists, 
Go  unchastis'd  away  ....  Sometimes,  a  Fleece 

3°  Of  Clouds,  wide-scattering,  with  a  lucid  Veil, 
Soft,  shadow  o'er  th'unruffled  Face  of  Heaven; 
And,  thro'  their  dewy  Sluices,  shed  the  Sun, 
With  temper'd  Influence  down.     Then  is  the  Time, 
For  those,  whom  Wisdom,  and  whom  Nature  charm, 

35  To  steal  themselves  from  the  degenerate  Croud, 
And  soar  above  this  little  Scene  of  Things: 
To  tread  low-thoughted  Vice  beneath  their  Feet: 

.     To  lay  their  Passions  in  a  gentle  Calm, 
And  woo  lone  Quiet,  in  her  silent  Walks. 

40  Now,  solitary,  and  in  pensive  Guise,  b4o  c- 

Oft,  let  me  wander  o'er  the  russet  Mead, 
Or  thro'  the  pining  Grove;  where  scarce  is  heard 
One  dying  Strain,  to  chear  the  Woodman's  Toil: 
Sad  Philomel,  perchance,  pours  forth  her  Plaint, 

45  Far,  thro'  the  withering  Copse.     Mean  while,  the  Leaves, 
That,  late,  the  Forest  clad  with  lively  Green, 
Nipt  by  the  drizzly  Night,  and  Sallow-hu'd, 
Fall,  wavering,  thro'  the  Air;  or  shower  amain, 
Urg'd  by  the  Breeze,  that  sobs  amid  the  Boughs. 

5°  Then  listening  Hares  forsake  the  rusling  Woods, 
And,  starting  at  the  frequent  Noise,  escape 


B     23  Behold!]  Mark,  how  31  Soft,]  Light,  38  To  sooth 

the  throbbing  Passions  into  Peace,        44  Haply,  some  widdow'd 
Songster  pours  bis  Plaint, 


250  WINTER  A 

To  the  rough  Stubble,  and  the  rushy  Fen. 

Then  Woodcocks,  o'er  the  fluctuating  Main, 
I  That  glimmers  to  the  Glimpses  of  the  Moon, 
55  Stretch  their  long  Voyage  to  the  woodland  Glade : 

Where,  wheeling  with  uncertain  Flight,  they  mock 

The  nimble  Fowler's  Aim.  —  Now  Nature  droops; 

Languish  the  living  Herbs,  with  pale  Decay: 

And  all  the  various  Family  of  Flowers 
60  Their  sunny  Robes  resign.     The  falling  Fruits, 

Thro'  the  still  Night,  forsake  the  Parent-Bough, 

That,  in  the  first,  grey,  Glances  of  the  Dawn, 

Looks  wild,  and  wonders  at  the  wintry  Waste. 

The  Tear,  yet  pleasing,  but  declining  fast,  B64  c- 

65  Soft,  o'er  the  secret  Soul,  in  gentle  Gales, 

A  Philosophic  Melancholly  breathes, 

And  bears  the  swelling  Thought  aloft  to  Heaven. 

Then  forming  Fancy  rouses  to  conceive, 

What  never  mingled  with  the  Vulgar's  Dream: 
70  Then  wake  the  tender  Pang,  the  pitying  Tear, 

The  Sigh  for  suffering  Worth,  the  Wish  prefer'd 

For  Humankind,  the  Joy  to  see  them  bless'd, 

And  all  the  Social  Off-spring  of  the  Heart! 

Oh!  bear  me  then  to  high,  embowering,  Shades;     b?4  c-  e- 
75  To  twilight  Groves,  and  visionary  Vales ; 

To  weeping  Grottos,  and  to  hoary  Caves; 

Where  Angel-Forms  are  seen,  and  Voices  heard, 

Sigh'd  in  low  Whispers,  that  abstract  the  Soul, 

From  outward  Sense,  far  into  Worlds  remote. 
80  Now,  when  the  Western  Sun  withdraws  the  Day,   uso  c- 

And  humid  Evening,  gliding  o'er  the  Sky, 

In  her  chill  Progress,  checks  the  straggling  Beams, 

And  robs  them  of  their  gather'd,  vapoury,  Prey, 

Where  Marshes  stagnate,  and  where  Rivers  wind, 


76  and  prophetick  Glooms;  83  And  their  moist  Captives 

frees;  where  Waters  ooze, 


WINTER  A  251 

85  Cluster  the  rolling  Fogs,  and  swim  along 
The  dusky-mantled  Lawn:  then  slow  descend, 
Once  more  to  mingle  with  their  Watry  Friends. 

The  vivid  Stars  shine  out,  in  radiant  Files;  bss  c—  e- 

And  boundless  Ether  glows,  till  the  fair  Moon 
9°  Shows  her  broad  Visage,  in  the  crimson'd  East; 

Now,  stooping,  seems  to  kiss  the  passing  Cloud: 

Now,  o'er  the  pure  Cerulean,  rides  sublime. 

Wide  the  pale  Deluge  floats,  with  silver  Waves, 

O'er  the  sky'd  Mountain,  to  the  low-laid  Yale; 
95  From  the  white  Rocks,  with  dim  Reflexion,  gleams, 

And  faintly  glitters  thro'  the  waving  Shades. 

All  Night,  abundant  Dews,  unnoted,  fall,  B97  C—  e— 

And,  at  Return  of  Morning,  silver  o'er 
The  Face  of  Mother-Earth;  from  every  Branch 
»°°  Depending,  tremble  the  translucent  Gems, 
And,  quivering,  seem  to  fall  away,  yet  cling, 
And  sparkle  in  the  Sun,  whose  rising  Eye, 
With  Fogs  bedim'd,  portends  a  beauteous  Day. 

Now,  giddy  Youth,  whom  headlong  Passions  fire,      bio4  c-  e- 
105  Rouse  the  wild  Game,  and  stain  the  guiltless  Grove, 

With  Violence,  and  Death;  yet  call  it  Sport, 

To  scatter  Ruin  thro'  the  Realms  of  Love, 

And  Peace,  that  thinks  no  111:    But  These,  the  Muse, 

Whose  Charity,  unlimited,  extends 
"o  As  wide  as  Nature  works,  disdains  to  sing, 

Returning  to  her  nobler  Theme  in  view  — 

For  see!  where  Winter  comes,  himself,  confest,  Bu2  c73  E72 

Striding  the  gloomy  Blast.     First  Rains  obscure 
Drive  thro'  the  mingling  Skies,  with  Tempest  foul; 
"5  Beat  on  the  Mountain's  Brow,  and  shake  the  Woods, 


B     88  radiant]  brightening        98  That,  lighted  by  the  Morning's 
Ray,  impearl  101  quivering,  ]  twinkling,  104  giddy  ] 

roving         112  Winter!  who  rides  along  the  darken'd  Air, 


252  WINTER  A 

That,  sounding,  wave  below.     The  dreary  Plain 
Lies  overwhelm'd,  and  lost.     The  bellying  Clouds 
Combine,  and  deepening  into  Night,  shut  up 
The  Day's  fair  Face.     The  Wanderers  of  Heaven, 

120  Each  to  his  Home,  retire;  save  those  that  love 
To  take  their  Pastime  in  the  troubled  Air, 
And,  skimming,  flutter  round  the  dimply  Flood. 
The  Cattle,  from  th'untasted  Fields,  return, 
And  ask,  with  meaning  Low,  their  wonted  Stalls; 

125  Or  ruminate  in  the  contiguous  Shade: 

Thither,  the  houshold,  feathery,  People  croud, 
The  crested  Cock,  with  all  bis  female  Train, 
Pensive  and  wet.     Mean  while,  the  Cottage-Swain 
Hangs  o'er  th'enlivening  Blaze,  and,  taleful,  there, 

130  Recounts  his  simple  Frolic:  Much  he  talks. 

And  much  he  laughs,  nor  recks  the  Storm  that  blows 
Without,  and  rattles  on  his  humble  Roof. 

At  last,  the  muddy  Deluge  pours  along,  bi33  C95  e94 

Resistless,  roaring;  dreadful  down  it  comes 
135  From  the  chapt  Mountain,  and  the  mossy  Wild, 

Tumbling  thro'  Rocks  abrupt,  and  sounding  far: 

Then  o'er  the  sanded  Valley,  floating,  spreads, 

Calm,  sluggish,  silent;  till  again  constraint, 

Betwixt  two  meeting  Hills,  it  bursts  a  Way, 
mo  Where  Rocks,  and  Woods  o'er  hang  the  turbid  Stream. 

There  gathering  triple  Force,  rapid,  and  deep, 

It  boils,  and  wheels,  and  foams,  and  thunders  thro'. 

Nature!  great  Parent!  whose  directing  Hand         B143  Cio7  Eio 
Rolls  round  the  Seasons  of  the  changeful  Tear, 
145  How  mighty !  how  majestick  are  thy  Works ! 
With  what  a  pleasing  Dread  they  swell  the  Soul, 
That  sees,  astonish'd !  and,  astonish'd  sings ! 
You  too,  ye  Winds !  that  now  begin  to  blow, 


B     116  The  dreary]  Th'unsightly        122  And,]  Or,        139  away, 


WINTER  A  253 

With  boisterous  Sweep,  I  raise  my  Voice  to  you. 
150  Where  are  your  Stores,  ye  viewless  Beings!  say? 
Where  your  aerial  Magazines  reserv'd, 
Against  the  Day  of  Tempest  perilous? 
In  what  untravel'd  Country  of  the  Air, 
Hush'd  in  deep  Silence,  sleep  you,  when  'tis  calm? 

155  Late,  in  the  louring  Sky,  red,  fiery,  Streaks  B155C119E1.3 

Begin  to  flush  about;  the  reeling  Clouds 

Stagger  with  dizzy  Aim,  as  doubting  yet 

Which  Master  to  obey:  while  rising,  slow, 

Sad,  in  the  Leaden-colour'd  East,  the  Moon 
160  Wears  a  bleak  Circle  round  her  sully'd  Orb. 

Then  issues  forth  the  Storm,  with  loud  Control, 

And  the  thin  Fabrick  of  the  pillar'd  Air 

O'erturns,  at  once.     Prone,  on  th'uncertain  Main, 

Descends  th'  Etherial  Force,  and  plows  its  Waves, 
165  With  dreadful  Rift:  from  the  mid-Deep,  appears, 

Surge  after  Surge,  the  rising,  wat'ry,  War. 

Whitening,  the  angry  Billows  rowl  immense, 

And  roar  their  Terrors,  through  the  shuddering  Soul 

Of  feeble  Man,  amidst  their  Fury  caught, 
170  And,  dash'd  upon  his  Fate :  Then,  o'er  the  Cliff, 

Where  dwells  the  Sea-Mew,  unconfin'd,  they  fly, 

And,  hurrying,  swallow  up  the  steril  Shore. 

The  Mountain  growls;  and  all  its  sturdy  Sons  B174C158E175 

Stoop  to  the  Bottom  of  the  Rocks  they  shade: 
175  Lone,  on  its  Midnight-Side,  and  all  aghast, 
The  dark,  way-faring,  Stranger,  breathless,  toils, 


159  Sad,  ]  Blank,         160  bleak  ]  wan        161  loud  ]  mad        163 
th'uncertain]  the  passive         165 — 168  thus  expanded: 
In  frightful  Furrows:    From  the  brawling  deep, 
Heav'd  to  the  Clouds,  the  watry  Tumult  comes. 
Rumbling,  the  Wind-swoln  Billows,  rowl,  immense,  [167] 

And,  on  th'evanish'd  Vessel,  bursting  fierce, 
Their  Terrors  thunder,  thro'  the  prostrate  Soul 


254  WINTER  A 

And  climbs  against  the  Blast  — 

Low,  waves  the  rooted  Forest,  vex'd,  and  sheds 

What  of  its  leafy  Honours  yet  remains. 
180  Thus,  struggling  thro'  the  dissipated  Grove, 

The  whirling  Tempest  raves  along  the  Plain; 

And,  on  the  Cottage  thacht,  or  lordly  Dome, 

Keen-fastening,  shakes  'em  to  the  solid  Base. 

Sleep,  frighted,  flies ;  the  hollow  Chimney  howls, 
iss  The  Windows  rattle,  and  the  Hinges  creak. 

Then,  too,  they  say,  thro'  all  the  burthen'd  Air,    Bi87  C173  Eil 
Long  Groans  are  heard,  shrill  Sounds,  and  distant  Sighs, 
That,  murmur'd  by  the  Demon  of  the  Night, 
Warn  the  devoted  Wretch  of  Woe,  and  Death! 
190  Wild  Uproar  lords  it  wide :  the  Clouds  commixt, 
With  Stars,  swift-gliding,  sweep  along  the  Sky. 
All  Nature  reels.  —  But  hark !    The  Almighty  speaks : 
Instant,  the  chidden  Storm  begins  to  pant, 
And  dies,  at  once,  into  a  noiseless  Calm. 

195  As  yet,  'tis  Midnight's  Reign ;  the  weary  Clouds,  B198  Cis4  E*oa 

Slow-meeting,  mingle  into  solid  Gloom: 

Now,  while  the  drousy  World  lies  lost  in  Sleep, 

Let  me  associate  with  the  low-brow'd  Night, 

And  Contemplation,  her  sedate  Compeer; 
200  Let  me  shake  off  th'intrusive  Cares  of  Day, 

And  lay  the  medling  Senses  all  aside. 

And  now,  ye  lying  Vanities  of  Life !  B205  0191  E209 

You  ever-tempting,   ever-cheating  Train! 
Where  are  you  now?  and  what  is  your  Amount? 


B     190  Wild  ]  Huge        192-194  thus  amplified: 

All  Nature  reels  —  Till  Nature's  King,  who  oft, 

Amid  tempestuous  Darkness  dwells,  alone, 

And,  on  the  Wings  of  the  careering  Wind,  [195] 

Walks  dreadfully  serene,  commands  a  Calm; 

And,  strait,  Earth,  Sea,  and  Air,  are  hush'd,  at  once. 


WINTER  A  255 

205  Vexation,  Disappointment,  and  Remorse. 

Sad,  sickening,  Thought!  and  yet,  deluded  Man, 

A  Scene  of  wild,  disjointed,  Visions  past, 

And  broken  Slumbers,   rises,  still  resolv'd, 

With  new-flush'd  Hopes,  to  run  your  giddy  Round. 

2xo  Father  of  Light,  and  Life!  thou  Good  Supreme!        B213  C199  e?i7 

0!  teach  me  what  is  Good!  teach  me  thy  self! 

Save  me  from  Folly,  Vanity  and  Vice, 

From  every  low  Pursuit!  and  feed  my  Soul, 

With  Knowledge,  conscious  Peace,  and  Vertue  pure, 
215  Sacred,  substantial,  never-fading  Bliss ! 

Lo !  from  the  livid  East,  or  piercing  North,  B219  C205  E223 

Thick  Clouds  ascend,  in  whose  capacious  Womb, 

A  vapoury  Deluge  lies,  to  Snow  congeal'd : 

Heavy,  they  roll  their  fleecy  World  along; 
220  And  the  Sky  saddens  with  th'impending  Storm. 

Thro'  the  hush'd  Air,  the  whitening  Shower  descends, 

At  first,  thin- wavering;  till,  at  last,  the  Flakes 

Fall  broad,  and  wide,  and  fast,  dimming  the  Day, 
-With  a  continual  Flow.     See!  sudden,  hoar'd, 
225  The  Woods  beneath  the  stainless  Burden  bow, 

Blackning,  along  the  mazy  Stream  it  melts; 

Earth's  universal  Face,  deep-hid,  and  chill, 

Is  all  one,  dazzling,  Waste.     The  Labourer-Ox 

Stands  cover'd  o'er  with  Snow,  and  then  demands 
230  The  Fruit  of  all  his  Toil.     The  Fowls  of  Heaven, 

Tam'd  by  the  cruel  Season,  croud  around 

The  winnowing  Store,  and  claim  the  little  Boon, 


207  wild,]  crude,        216  Lo!]  Dun,        224-227: 
.  .  .  Flow.     Blackening,  they  melt, 
Along  the  mazy  Stream.     The  leafless  Woods 
Bow  their  hoar  Heads.     And  e'er  the  languid  Sun, 
Faint,  from  the  West,  emit  his  evening  Bay,  [230] 

Earth's  universal  Face,  etc.  as  I.  227. 


256  WINTER  A 

That  Providence  allows.     The  foodless  Wilds 
Pour  forth  their  brown  Inhabitants;  the  Hare, 

235  Tho'  timorous  of  Heart,  and  hard  beset 

By  Death,  in  various  Forms,  dark  Snares,  and  Dogs, 
And  more  unpitying  Men,  the  Garden  seeks, 
Urg'd  on  by  fearless  Want.     The  bleating  Kind 
Eye  the  bleak  Heavens,  and  next,  the  glistening  Earth, 

240  With  Looks  of  dumb  Despair ;  then  sad,  dispers'd, 
Dig,  for  the  wither'd  Herb,  thro'  Heaps  of  Snow. 

Now,  Shepherds,  to  your  helpless  Charge  be  kind ;  b256  c23s 
Baffle  the  raging  Tear,  and  fill  their  Penns 
With  Food,  at  will:  lodge  them  below  the  Blast, 

245  And  watch  them  strict;  for  from  the  bellowing  East, 
In  this  dire  Season,  oft  the  Whirlwind's  Wing 
Sweeps  up  the  Burthen  of  whole  wintry  Plains, 
In  one  fierce  Blast,  and  o'er  th'unhappy  Flocks, 
Lodged  in  the  Hollow  of  two  neighbouring  Hills, 

250  The  billowy  Tempest  whelms;  till,  upwards  urg'd, 
The  Valley  to  a  shining  Mountain  swells, 
That  curls  its  Wreaths  amid  the  freezing  Sky. 


233  ...  allows.     The  Red-Breast,  sole, 

Wisely  regardful  of  th'embroiling  Sky, 

In  joyless  Fields,  and  thorny  Thickets,  leaves 

His  shivering  Fellows,  and  to  trusted  Man  [240] 

His  annual  Visit  pays:  New  to  the  Dome, 

Against  the  Window  beats;  then,  brisk,  alights 

On  the  warm  Hearth,  and,  hopping  o'er  the  Floor, 

Eyes  all  the  smiling  Family,  askance, 

And  pecks,  and  starts,  and  wonders  where  he  is:  [245] 

Till,  more  familiar  grown,  the  Table-Crumbs 

Attract  his  slender  Feet.     The  foodless  Wilds 

etc.  as  after  I.  233. 
244  Blast,  ]  Storm,  249  Lodged  ]  Hid  After  I.  252  the 

following  39  lines  are  inserted: 

In  Russia's  wide,  immeasurable,  Moors,  C365 

Where  Winter  keeps  his  unrejoicing  Court, 

And  in  his  airy  Hall,  the  loud  Misrule 

Of  driving  Tempest  is  for  ever  heard:  [270] 


WINTER  A  2 ft  7 

Now,  all  amid  the  Rigours  of  the  Year,  b3o6  o,o7  k424 

In  the  wild   Depth  of  Winter,  while  without 
255  The  ceaseless  Winds  blow  keen,  be  my  Retreat 
A  rural,  shelter'd,  solitary,  Scene; 


(Sequel) 

Seen,  by  the  wilder'd  Traveller,  who  roams,  c'370  E827 

Guideless,  the  Yew-clad,  stony,  Wastes,  the  Bear, 

Rough  Tenant  of  these  Shades!  shaggy  with  Ice, 

And  dangling  Snow,  stalks  thro'  the  Woods,  forlorn. 

Slow-pac*d,  and  sowrer,  as  the  Storms  increase,  [275] 

He  makes  his  Bed  beneath  th 'inclement  Wreath, 

And  scorning  the  Complainings  of  Distress, 

Hardens  his  Heart  against  assailing  Want. 

Or  from  the  cloudy  Alps,  and  Appenine,  C381  E389 

Capt  with  grey  Mists,  and  everlasting  Snows,  [280] 

Where  Nature  in  stupendous  Ruin  lyes; 
And  from  the  leaning  Rock,  on  either  Side, 
Gush  out  those  Streams  that  classic  Song  renowns: 
Cruel  as  Death!  and  hungry  as  the  Grave! 
Burning  for  Blood!  bony,  and  ghaunt,  and  grim!  [285] 

Assembling  Wolves,  in  torrent  Troops,  descend, 
And  spread  wide- wasting  Desolation  round. 
Nought  may  their  Course  withstand.     They  bear  along, 
Keen,  as  the  North- Wind  sweeps  the  gloss3T  Snow. 
All  is  their  Prize.     They  fasten  on  the  Steed,  [290] 

Press  him  to  Earth,  and  pierce  his  mighty  Heart. 
Nor  can  the  Bull  his  awful  Front  defend, 
Or  shake  the  murdering  Savages  away. 
Rapacious,  at  the  Mother's  Throat  they  fly, 
And  tear  the  screaming  Infant  from  her  Breast.  [295] 

The  God- like  Pace  of  Man  avails  him  Nought. 
Even  Beauty,  Force  Divine!  at  whose  bright  Glance, 
The  generous  Lyon  stands  in  soften'd  Gaze, 
Here  bleeds  a  hapless,  undistinguish'd,  Prey. 
But  if,  apprized  of  the  severe  Attack,  [300] 

The  Country  be  shut  up;  lur"d  by  the  Scent, 
On  Church-Yards  drear  (Inhuman  to  relate!) 
The  disappointed  Prowlers  fall,  and  dig 
The  shrowded  Body  from  the  Tomb,  o'er  which, 
Mix'd  with  foul  Shades,  and  frighted  Ghosts,  they  howl.  [305] 
255  keen.  ]  Ice, 
Palaestra  LXVI.  17 


258  WINTER  A 

Where  ruddy  Fire,  and  beaming  Tapers  join 
To  chase  the  chearless  Gloom :  there  let  me  sit, 
And  hold  high  Converse  with  the  mighty  Dead, 

a6o  Sages  of  ancient  Time,  as  Gods  rever'd, 
As  Gods  beneficent,  who  blest  Mankind, 
With  Arts,  and  Arms,  and  humaniz'd  a  World. 
Rous'd  at  th'inspiring  Thought  —  I  throw  aside 
The  long-liv'd  Volume,  and,  deep-musing,  hail 

265  The  sacred  Shades,  that,  slowly-rising,  pass 
Before  my  wondering  Eyes  —  First,  Socrates, 
Truth's  early  Champion,  Martyr  for  his  God: 
Solon,  the  next,  who  built  his  Commonweal, 
On  Equity's  firm  Base:  Lycurgus,  then, 

270  Severely  good,  and  him  of  rugged  Rome, 
Numa,  who  soften'd  her  rapacious  Sons. 
Cimon,  sweet-soul'd,  and  Aristides  just. 
Unconquer'd  Cato,  virtuous  in  Extreme; 
With  that  attemper'd  *Heroe,  mild,  and  firm, 

275  Who  wept  the  Brother,  while  the  Tyrant  bled. 
Scipio,  the  humane  Warriour,  gently  brave, 
Fair  Learning's  Friend;  who  early  sought  the  Shade, 
To  dwell,  with  Innocence,  and  Truth,  retir'd. 
And,  equal  to  the  best,  the  Theban,  He 

280  Who,  single,  rais'd  his  Country  into  Fame. 

Thousands  behind,  the  Boast  of  Greece  and  Rome, 
Whom  Vertue  owns,  the  Tribute  of  a  Verse 
Demand,  but  who  can  count  the  Stars  of  Heaven? 
Who  sing  their  Influence  on  this  lower  World? 

385  But  see  who  yonder  comes!  nor  comes  alone, 
With  sober  State,  and  of  majestic  Mien, 
The  Sister  Muses  in  his  Train  —  Tis  He! 
Maro!  the  best  of  Poets,  and  of  Men! 
Great  Homer  too  appears,  of  daring  Wing! 

390  Parent  of  Song!  and  equal,  by  his  Side, 
*  Timoleon 

B     L.  273  is  placed  after  1. 275        288  Maro !  the  Glory  of  the  Poet's  Art ! 


WINTER  A  259 

The  British  Muse,  join'd  Hand  in  Hand,  they  walk, 
Darkling,  nor  miss  their  Way  to  Fame's  Ascent. 

Society  divine!     Immortal  Minds!  B346C455E541 

Still  visit  thus  my  Nights,  for  you  reserv'd, 
295  And  mount  my  soaring  Soul  to  Deeds  like  yours. 

Silence!  thou  lonely  Power!  the  Door  be  thine: 

See,  on  the  hallow'd  Hour,  that  none  intrude, 

Save  Lycidas,  the  Friend,  with  Sense  refin'd, 

Learning  digested  well,  exalted  Faith, 
300  Unstudy'd  Wit,  and  Humour  ever  gay. 

Clear  Frost  succeeds,  and  thro'  the  blew  Serene,       B354C550E691 

For  Sight  too  fine,  th'^Etherial  Nitre  flies, 

To  bake  the  Glebe,  and  bind  the  slip'ry  Flood. 

This  of  the  wintry  Season  is  the  Prime; 
305  Pure  are  the  Days,  and  lustrous  are  the  Nights, 

Brighten'd  with  starry  Worlds,  till  then  unseen. 

Mean  while,  the  Orient,  darkly  red,  breathes  forth 

An  Icy  Gale,  that,  in  its  mid  Career, 

Arrests  the  bickering  Stream.     The  nightly  Sky, 
310  And  all  her  glowing  Constellations  pour 

Their  rigid  Influence  down:  It  freezes  on 

Till  Morn,  late-rising,  o'er  the  drooping  World, 

Lifts  her  pale  Eye,  unjoyous:  then  appears 

The  various  Labour  of  the  silent  Night, 
3«5  The  pendant  Isicle,  the  Frost-Work  fair, 

Where  thousand  Figures  rise,  the  crusted  Snow, 

Tho'  white,  made  whiter,  by  the  fining  North. 

On  blithsome  Frolics  bent,  the  youthful  Swains,        b372 
While  every  Work  of  Man  is  laid  at  Rest, 
320  Rush  o'er  the  watry  Plains,  and,  shuddering,  view 
The  fearful  Deeps  below:  or  with  the  Gun, 
And  faithful  Spaniel,  range  the  ravag'd  Fields, 

B     306  Brighten'd  ]  Radiant  316  thousand]  fancy'd  After 

I.  317  one  line  is  added:   North,  ||  And  Gem-besprinkled  in  the 
Hid-Day  Beam. 

17* 


260  WINTER  A 

And,  adding  to  the  Ruins  of  the  Tear, 
Distress  the  Feathery,  or  the  Footed  Game. 

325  But  hark!  the  nightly  Winds,  with  hollow  Voice,  B379  c7oi 

Blow,  blustering,  from  the  South  —  the  Frost  subdu'd, 
Gradual,  resolves  into  a  weeping  Thaw. 
Spotted,  the  Mountains  shine:  loose  Sleet  descends, 
And  floods  the  Country  round:  the  Rivers  swell, 

33°  Impatient  for  the  Day  .  .  .  Those  sullen  Seas, 
That  wash  th'ungenial  Pole,  will  rest  no  more, 
Beneath  the  Shackles  of  the  mighty  North; 
But,  rousing  all  their  Waves,  resistless  heave  — 
And  hark!  —  the  lengthening  Roar,  continuous,  runs 

335  Athwart  the  rifted  Main ;  at  once,  it  bursts, 
And  piles  a  thousand  Mountains  to  the  Clouds! 
Ill  fares  the  Bark,  the  Wretches'  last  Resort, 
That,  lost  amid  the  floating  Fragments,  moors 
Beneath  the  Shelter  of  an  Icy  Isle; 

340  While  Night  o'erwhelms  the  Sea,  and  Horror  looks 
More  horrible.     Can  human  Hearts  endure 
Th'assembled  Mischiefs,  that  besiege  them  round: 
Unlistening  Hunger,  fainting  Weariness, 
The  Roar  of  Winds,  and  Waves,  the  Crush  of  Ice, 

345  Now,  ceasing,  now,  renew'd,  with  louder  Rage, 
And  bellowing  round  the  Main:  Nations  remote, 
Shook  from  their  Midnight-Slumbers,  deem  they  hear 
Portentous  Thunder,  in  the  troubled  Sky. 
More  to  embroil  the  Deep,  Leviathan, 

350  And  his  unweildy  Train,  in  horrid  Sport, 


325  Muttering,  the  Winds,  at  Eve,  with  hoarser  Voice,         327 
weeping]  trickling        330  .  .  .  Day.    Broke  from  the  Hills, 

O'er  Rocks  and  Woods,  in  broad,  brown,  Cataracts 

A  thousand,  Snow-fed,  Torrents  shoot,  at  once; 

And,  where  they  rush,  the  wide- resounding  Plain 

Is  left  one  slimy  Waste.     Those  sullen  Seas, 

etc.  as  after  I.  330. 
348  troubled  J  gelid 


WINTER  A  261 

Tempest  the  loosen 'd  Brine:  while,  thro'  the  Gloom, 
Far,  from  the  dire,  unhospitable  Shore, 
The  Lyon's  Rage,  the  Wolf's  sad  Howl  is  heard, 
And  all  the  fell  Society  of  Night. 
355  Yet,  Providence,  that  ever-waking  Eye 

Looks  down,  with  Pity,  on  the  fruitless  Toil 
Of  Mortals,  lost  to  Hope,  and  lights  them  safe, 
Thro'  all  this  dreary  Labyrinth  of  Fate. 

Tis  done!  —  Dread  Winter  has  subdu'd  the  Year,  B417  C737 Ek»4 
360  And  reigns,  tremendous,  o'er  the  desart  Plains! 

How  dead  the  Vegetable  Kingdom  lies! 

How  dumb  the  Tuneful!     Horror  wide  extends 

His  solitary  Empire.  —  Now,  fond  Man! 

Behold  thy  pictur'd  Life:  Pass  some  few  Tears, 
365  Thy  flow'ring  Spring,  Thy  short-liv'd  Summer's  Strength, 

Thy  sober  Autumn,  fading  into  Age, 

And  pale,  concluding,  Winter  shuts  thy  Scene, 

And  shrouds  Thee  in  the  Grave  —  where  now,  are  fled 

Those  Dreams  of  Greatness?  those  unsolid  Hopes 
370  Of  Happiness?  those  Longings  after  Fame? 

Those  restless  Cares?  those  busy,  bustling  Days? 

Those  Nights  of  secret  Guilt?  those  veering  Thoughts, 

Flutt'ring  'twixt  Good,  and  111,  that  shar'd  thy  Life? 

All,  now,  are  vanish'd!     Vertue,  sole,  survives, 
375  Immortal,  Mankind's  never-failing  Friend, 

His  Guide  to  Happiness  on  high  —  and  see! 

'Tis  come,  the  Glorious  Morn!  the  second  Birth 

Of  Heaven,  and  Earth!  —  awakening  Nature  hears 

Th'  Almighty  Trumpet's  Voice,  and  starts  to  Life, 
380  Renew'd,  unfading.     Now,  th'  Eternal  Scheme. 

That  Dark  Perplexity,  that  Mystic  Maze, 

Which  Sight  cou'd  never  trace,  nor  Heart  conceive, 

To  Reason's  Eye,  refin'd,  clears  up  apace. 


353,  354  At  once,    is  heard,   th'united.  hungry,  Howl,  ||  Of  all 
the  fell  etc. 


262  WINTER  A 

Angels,  and  Men,  astonish'd,  pause  —  and  dread 

385  To  travel  thro'  the  Depths  of  Providence, 
Untry'd,  unbounded.     Ye  vain  Learned !  see, 
And,  prostrate  in  the  Dust,  adore  that  Power, 
And  Goodness,  oft  arraign'd.     See  now  the  Cause, 
Why  conscious  Worth,  oppress'd,  in  secret  long 

390  Mourn'd,  unregarded:  Why  the  Good  Man's  Share 
In  Life,  was  Gall,  and  Bitterness  of  Soul: 
Why  the  lone  Widow  and  her  Orphans,  pin'd, 
In  starving  Solitude;  while  Luxury, 
In  Palaces,  lay  prompting  her  low  Thought, 

395  To  form  unreal  Wants:  why  Heaven-born  Faith, 
And  Charity,  prime  Grace!  wore  the  red  Marks 
Of  Persecution's  Scourge:  Why  licens'd  Pain, 
That  cruel  Spoiler,  that  embosom'd  Foe, 
Imbitter'd  all  our  Bliss.     Ye  Good  Distrest! 

400  Ye  Noble  Few !  that,  here,  unbending,  stand 
Beneath  Life's  Pressures  .  .  .  yet  a  little  while, 
And  all  your  Woes  are  past.     Time  swiftly  fleets, 
And  wish'd  Eternity,  approaching,  brings 
Life  undecaying,  Love  without  Allay, 

405  Pure  flowing  Joy,  and  Happiness  sincere. 


*&■ 


WINTER, 


Text  (C)  =  ed.  1730,  4to.     The  variations    from  B  are  indicated  by 

means  of  italics.     D  =  ed.  1730,  8vo.     The  MS.  notes  were  made  on 

the  latter  text. 


SEE  Winter  comes,  to  rule  the  varied  year,  bi  di 

Sullen,  and  sad,  with  all  his  rising  train, 

Vapours,  and  Clouds,  and  Storms.     Be  these  my  theme. 

These,  that  exalt  the  soul  to  solemn  thought, 
5  And  heavenly  musing.     Welcome,  kindred  glooms! 

Cogenial  horrors,  hail!     With  frequent  foot, 

Pleas'd  have  I,  in  my  chearful  morn  of  life, 

When  nurs'd  by  careless  Solitude  I  liv'd, 

And  sung  of  Nature  with  unceasing  joy, 
io  Pleas'd  have  I  wander'd  thro'  your  rough  domain  ; 

Trod  the  pure  virgin-snows,  my  self  as  pure; 

Heard  the  winds  roar,  and  the  big  torrent  burst; 

Or  seen  the  deep,  fermenting  tempest  brew'd 

In  the  red  evening-sky.     Thus  pass'd  the  time, 
15  Till  thro'  the  lucid  chambers  of  the  south 

Look'd  out  the  joyous  Spring,  look'd  out,  and  smil'd. 

To  thee,  the  patron  of  her  first  essay,  b—  D17 

The  muse,  0   Wilmington!  renews  her  song. 
Since  has  she  rounded  the  revolving   Year: 
»o  Skim'd  the  gay  Spring;  on  eagle-pinions  borne, 
Attempted  tJtro'  the  Summer-blaze  to  rise; 


MS  14  led  J  jjale   T 


WINTER. 


Text  (E)  =  ed.  1744.     (Variations  from  D  in  italics.)     F  =  ed.  1746. 
The  numbering  of  the  lines  in  E  and  F  is  the  same. 


SEE,  Winter  comes,  to  rule  the  vary'd  Year, 

Sullen,  and  sad,  with  all  his  rising  Train; 

Vapours,  and  Clouds,  and  Storms.     Be  these  my  Theme, 

These,  that  exalt  the  Soul  to  solemn  Thought, 
s  And  heavenly  Musing.     Welcome,  kindred  Glooms ! 

Cogenial  Horrors,  hail !  with  frequent  Foot, 

Pleas'd  have  I,  in  my  chearful  Morn  of  Life, 

When  nurs'd  by  careless  Solitude  I  liv'd, 

And  sung  of  Nature  with  unceasing  Joy, 
io  Pleas'd  have  I  wander'd  thro'  your  rough  Domain; 

Trod  the  pure  Virgin-Snows,  myself  as  pure; 

Heard  the  Winds  roar,  and  the  big  Torrent  burst; 

Or  seen  the  deep  fermenting  Tempest  brewM, 

In  the  grim  Evening-Sky.     Thus  pass'd  the  Time, 
15  Till  thro'  the  lucid  Chambers  of  the  South 

Look'd  out  the  joyous  Spring,  look'd  out.  and  smil'd. 

To  Thee,  the  Patron  of  her  first  Essay. 
The  Muse,  0  Wilmington  !  renews  her  Song. 
Since  has  she  rounded  the  revolving  Year: 
20  Skim'd  the  gay  Spring;  on  Eagle- Pinions  borne, 
Attempted  thro'  the  Summer-Blaze  to  rise; 


F     17  her]  this 


266  WINTER  C 

Then  swept  o'er  Autumn  with  the  shadowy  gale; 

And  now  among  the  wintry  clouds  again, 

Roll'd  in  the  doubling  storm,  she  tries  to  soar; 
25  To  swell  her  note  with  all  the  rushing  winds; 

To  suit  her  sounding  cadence  to  the  floods; 

As  is  her  theme,  her  numbers  wildly  great: 

Thrice  happy!  could  she  fill  thy  judging  ear 

With  bold  description,  and  with  manly  thought. 
3°fFor  thee  the  Graces  smooth;  thy  softer  thoughts 
\JThe  Muses  tune;  nor  art  thou  skill'd  alone 

In  awful  schemes,  the  management  of  states, 

And  how  to  make  a  mighty  people  thrive: 

But  equal  goodness;  sound  integrity; 
35  A  firm,  unshaken,  uncorrupted  soul, 

Amid  a  sliding  age;  and  burning  strong, 

Not  vainly  blazing,  for  thy  country's  weal, 

A  steady  spirit,  regularly  free; 

These,  each  exalting  each,  the  statesman  light 
40  Into  the  patriot;  and,  the  publick  hope 

And  eye  to  thee  converting,  bid  the  muse 

Record  what  envy  dares  not  fiattery  call. 

When  Scorpio  gives  to  Capricorn  the  sway,  b-  d43 

And  fierce  Aquarius  fouls  th'  inverted  year; 
45  Retiring  to  the  verge  of  heaven,  the  sun 

Scarce  spreads  o'er  cether  the  dejected  day. 

Faint  are  his  gleams;  and  ineffectual  shoot 

His  struggling  rays,  in  horizontal  lines, 

Thro'  the  thick  air;  as  at  dull  distance  seen, 
5°  Weak,  wan,  and  broad,  he  skirts  the  southern  sky ; 

And,  soon  descending,  to  the  long  dark  night, 

Wide-shading  all,  the  prostrate  world  resigns. 

Nor  is  the  night  unwish'd;  ivhile  vital  heat, 

Light,  life,  and  joy  the  dubious  day  forsake. 


WINTER  E  267 

Then  swept  o'er  Autumn  with  the  shadowy  Gale; 

And  now  among  the  Wintry  Clouds  again. 

Roll'd  in  the  doubling  Storm,  she  tries  to  soar; 
's  To  swell  her  Note  with  all  the  rushing  Winds; 

To  suit  her  sounding  Cadence  to  the  Floods; 

As  is  her  Theme,  her  Numbers  wildly  great: 

Thrice  happy!  could  she  fill  thy  judging  Ear 

With  bold  Description,  and  with  manly  Thought. 
3°  Nor  art  thou  skill' d  in  awful  Schemes  alone. 

And  how  to  make  a  mighty  People  thrive: 

But  equal  Goodness,  sound  Integrity, 

A  firm  unshaken  uncorrupted  Soul 

Amid  a  sliding  Age,  and  burning  strong, 
35  Not  vainly  blazing  for  thy  Country's  Weal, 

A  steady  Spirit  regularly  free; 

These,  each  exalting  each,  the  Statesman  light 

Into  the  Patriot;  These,  the  publick  Hope 

And  Eye  to  thee  converting,  bid  the  Muse 
40  Record  what  Envy  dares  not  Flattery  call. 


Now  when  the  chearless  Empire  of  the  Sky 
To  Capricorn  the  Centaur-Archer  yields, 
And  fierce  Aquarius  stains  th'in verted  Year; 
Hung  o'er  the  farthest  Verge  of  Heaven,  the  Sun 

45  Scarce  spreads  o'er  Ether  the  dejected  Day. 
Faint  are  his  Gleams,  and  ineffectual  shoot 
His  struggling  Rays,  in  horizontal  Lines, 
Thro'  the  thick  Air;  as  cloath'd  in  cloudy  Storm, 
Weak,  wan,  and  broad,  he  skirts  the  Southern  Sky 

50  And,  soon  descending,  to  the  long  dark  Night, 
Wide-shading  All,  the  prostrate  World  resigns. 
Nor  is  the  Night  unwish'd;  while  vital  Heat, 
Light,  Life,  and  Joy,  the  dubious  Day  forsake. 


MS  30  P       38  P 


268  WINTER  C 

55  Mean-time,  in  sable  cincture,  shadows  vast, 

Deep-tiny' d.  and  damp,  and  congregated  clouds, 

And  all  the  vapoury  turbulence  of  heaven 

Involve  the  face  of  things.     Thus   Winter  falls, 

A  heavy  gloom  oppressive  o'er  the  world, 
60  Thro'  nature  shedding  influence  malign, 

And  rouzes  all  the  seeds  of  dark  disease. 

The  soul  of  man  dies  in  him,  loathing  life, 

And  black  with  horrid  views.     The  cattle  droop 

The  conscious  head;  and  o'er  the  furrow' d  land, 
65  Bed  from  the  plow,  the  dun  discolour  d  flocks, 

Untended  spreading,  crop  the  wholesome  root. 

Along  the  woods,  along  the  moorish  fens, 

Sighs  the  sad  genius  of  the  coming  storm; 

And  up  among  the  loose,  disjointed  cliffs, 
7°  And  fractur'd  mountains  wild,  the  braiding  brook, 

And  cave,  presageful,  send  a  hollow  moan, 

Resounding  long  in  listening  Fancy's  ear. 

Then  comes  the  Father  of  the  tempest  forth,  B112  D73 

Striding  the  gloomy  blast.     First  rains  obscure 
-5  Drive  thro'  the  mingling  skies,  with  vapour  vile; 

Dash  on  the  mountain's  brow,  and  shake  the  woods. 

That  grumbling  wave  below.     TVunsightly  plain 

Lies  a  brown  deluge;  as  the  low-bent  clouds 

Pour  flood  on  food,  yet  unexhausted  still 
80  Combine,  and  deepening  into  night  shut  up 

The  day's  fair  face.     The  wanderers  of  heaven, 

Each  to  his  home,  retire;  save  those  that  love 

To  take  their  pastime  in  the  troubled  air, 

Or  skimming  flutter  round  the  dimply  pool. 
85  The  cattle  from  tlvuntasted  fields  return, 


MS  58  -  63  T  cancels  Thus  Winter  .  .  .  horrid  views,  but  then  writes 
Stet.  65  Red]  Brown  T  74  (Striding  the  Blast.    First 

joyless  &c)    T  81   (The  Day's  fair    Circle.      Struck,    the 

Fowls  &c.)  T 


WINTER  E  269 

Mean-time,  in  sable  Cincture,  Shadows  vast, 

55  Deep-ting'd  and  damp,  and  congregated  Clouds, 
And  all  the  vapoury  Turbulence  of  Heaven 
Involve  the  Face  of  Things.     Thus  Winter  falls, 
A  heavy  Gloom  oppressive  o'er  the  World, 
Thro'  Nature  shedding  Influence  malign, 

60  And  rouses  up  the  Seeds  of  dark  Disease. 
The  Soul  of  Man  dies  in  him,  loathing   Life, 
And  black  with  more  than  melancholy  Views. 
The  Cattle  droop;  and  o'er  the  furrow \1  Land. 
Fresh  from  the  Plow,  the  dun  discolour'd  Flocks, 

65  Untended  spreading,  crop  the  wholesome  Root. 
Along  the  Woods,  along  the  moorish  Fens, 
Sighs  the  sad  Genius  of  the  coming  Storm; 
And  up  among  the  loose  disjointed  Cliffs, 
And  fractur'd  Mountains  wild,  the  brawling  Brook 

70  And  Cave,  presageful,  send  a  hollow  Moan, 
Resounding  long  in  listening  Fancy's  Ear. 

Then  comes  the  Father  of  the  Tempest  forth, 
Wrapt  in  black  Glooms.     First  joyless  Rains  obscure 
Diive  thro'  the  mingling  Skies  with  Vapour  foul; 

75  Dash  on  Mountain's  Brow,  and  shake  the  Woods, 
That  grumbling  wave  below.     Th'unsightly  Plain 
Lies  a  brown  Deluge;  as  the  low-bent  Clouds 
Pour  Flood  on  Flood,  yet  unexhausted  still 
Combine,  and  deepening  into  Night  shut  up 

so  The  Day's  fair  Face.     The  Wanderers  of  Heaven, 
Each  to  his  Home,  retire;  save  Those  that  love 
To  take  their  Pastime  in  the  troubled  Air, 
Or  skimming  flutter  round  the  dimply   Pool. 
The  Cattle  from  th'untasted  Fields  return, 


270  WINTER  C 

And  ask,  with  meaning  lowe,  their  wonted  stalls, 
Or  ruminate  in  the  contiguous  shade. 
Thither  the  houshold,  feathery  people  crowd, 
The  crested  cock,  with  all  his  female  train, 
90  Pensive,  and  wet.     Mean-while  the  cottage-swain 
Hangs  o'er  th'enlivening  blaze,  and  taleful  there 
Recounts  his  simple  frolick:  much  he  talks, 
And  much  he  laughs,  nor  recks  the  storm  that  blows 
Without,  and  rattles  on  his  humble  roof. 

95  Wide  o'er  the  brim,  with  many  a  torrent  swell 'd,  Bi33  d95 

And  the  mix'd  ruins  of  its  banks  o'erspread, 

At  last  the  rouz'd-up  river  pours  along, 

Resistless,  roaring;  dreadful  down  it  comes 

From  the  chapt  mountain,  and  the  mossy  wild, 
100  Tumbling  thro'  rocks  abrupt,  and  sounding  far: 

Then  o'er  the  sanded  valley  floating  spreads, 

Calm,  sluggish,  silent;  till  again  constrain'd, 

Betwixt  two  meeting  hills  it  bursts  a  way, 

Where  rocks,  and  woods  o'erhang  the  turbid  stream ; 
105  There  gathering  triple  force,  rapid,  and  deep, 

It  boils,  and  wheels,  and  foams,  and  thunders  thro'. 

Nature!  great  parent!  whose  continual  hand  B143  D107 

Rolls  round  the  seasons  of  the  changeful  year, 

How  mighty,  how  majestic  are  thy  works! 
no  With  what  a  pleasing  dread  they  swell  the  soul ! 

That  sees  astonish'd!  and  astonish'd  sings! 

Ye  too,  ye  winds!  that  now  begin  to  blow, 

With  boisterous  sweep,  I  raise  my  voice  to  you. 

Where  are  your  stores,  ye  subtile  beings!  say, 
"5  Where  your  aerial  magazines  reserv'd, 

Against  the  day  of  tempest  perilous? 

In  what  far-distant  region  of  the  sky, 

Hush'd  in  dead  silence,  sleep  you  when  'tis  calm? 


[S  99  chapt  J  cleft  77  (in  pencil) 


WINTER  E  271 

85  And  ask,  with  meaning  Lowe,  their  wonted  Stalls, 
Or  ruminate  in  the  contiguous  Shade. 
Thither  the  houshold  feathery  People  croud, 
The  crested  Cock,  with  all  his  female  Train, 
Pensive,  and  dripping;  while  the  Cottage- Hind 

90  Hangs  o'er  th'enlivening  Blaze,  and  taleful  there 
Recounts  his  simple  Frolick:  much  he  talks, 
And  much  he  laughs,  nor  recks  the  Storm  that  blows 
Without,  and  rattles  on  his  humble  Roof. 

Wide  o'er  the  Brim,  with  many  a  Torrent  swell'd, 
95  And  the  mix'd  Ruin  of  it's  Banks  o'erspread, 
At  last  the  rous'd-up  River  pours  along: 
Resistless,  roaring,  dreadful,  down  it  comes, 
From  the  rude  Mountain,  and  the  mossy  Wild, 
Tumbling  thro'  Rocks  abrupt,  and  sounding  far; 
100  Then  o'er  the  sanded  Valley  floating  spreads, 
Calm,  sluggish,  silent;  till  again  constrain'd, 
Between  two  meeting  Hills  it  bursts  a  Way, 
Where  Rocks  and  Woods  o'erhang  the  turbid  Stream; 
There  gathering  triple  Force,  rapid,  and  deep, 
105  It  boils,  and  wheels,  and  foams,  and  thunders  thro'. 

Nature!  great  Parent!  whose  unceasing  Hand 
Rolls  round  the  Seasons  of  the  changeful  Tear, 
How  mighty,  how  majestic,  are  thy  Works! 
With  what  a  pleasing  Dread  they  swell  the  Soul! 

no  That  sees  astonish'd!  and  astonish'd  sings! 
Te  too,  ye  Winds!  that  now  begin  to  blow, 
With  boisterous  Sweep,  I  raise  my  Voice  to  you. 
Where  are  your  Stores,  ye  powerful  Beings!  say, 
Where  your  aerial  Magazines  reserv'd, 

"5  To  swell  the  brooding   Terrors  of  the  Storm. 
In  what  far-distant  Region  of  the  Sky, 
Hush'd  in  dead  Silence,  sleep  you  when  'tis  calm? 

F     117  dead]  deep 
MS  89  dripping  P 


272  WINTER  C 


Late  in  the  lowring  sky,  red,  fiery  streaks  bi5s  d»jJ 

i2o  Begin  to  flush  about;  the  reeling  clouds 

Stagger  with  dizzy  poise,  as  doubting  yet 

Which  master  to  obey:  while  rising  slow, 

Blank,  in  the  leaden-colour'd  east,  the  moon 

Wears  a  wan  circle  round  her  sully'd  orb. 
125  The  stars  obtuse  emit  a  shivering  ray; 

Snatctid  in  short  eddies  plays  the  fluttering  straw; 


Loud  shrieks  the  soaring  hern;  and,  skreaming  ivild, 
The  circling  sea-fowl  rise;  while  from  the  shore, 
Eat  into  caverns  by  the  restless  wave, 
130  And  forest-rustling  mountain,  comes  a  voice, 
That  sol  nan- sounding  bids  the  world  prepare. 


MS  125    obtuse]   blunted    T?   (in  pencil)  obtuse   emit]   faint- 

gleaming  shed  T?  (in  pencil)         shivering  ]  quivering  P? 


WINTER  E  273 

When  from  the  palid  Sky  the  Sun  descends, 

With  many  a  Spot,  thai  o'er  his  glaring  Orb 

120  Uncertain  wanders,  stain' d •  red  fiery  Streaks 
Begin  to  flush  around.     The  reeling  Clouds 
Stagger  with  dizzy  Poise,  as  doubting  yet 
Which  Master  to  obey:  while  rising  slow. 
Blank,  in  the  leaden-colour'd  East,  the  Moon 

us  Wears  a  wan  Circle  round  her  blunted  Horns. 
Seen  thro'  the  turbid  fluctuating  Air, 
The  Stars  obtuse  emit  a  shivering  Ray; 
Or  frequent  seem  to  shoot  athwart  the  Gloom, 
And  lotoj  behind  them  trail  the  whitening  Blaze. 

130  Snatch'd  in  short  Eddies,  plays  the  wither'd  Leaf; 
And  on  the  Flood  the  dancing  Feather  fouls. 
With  broaden' d  Nostrils  to  the  Sky  upturn' d} 
The  conscious  Heifer  snuffs  the  stormy  Gale. 
Even  as  the  Matron,  at  her  nightly  Task, 

135  With  pensive  Labour  draws  the  flaxen    Thread, 
The  wasted  Taper  and  tin-  crackling  Flame 
Foretel  the  Blast.     But  chief  the  plumy  Race, 
The  Tenants  of  the  Sky,  it's  Changes  speak. 
Retiring  from  the  Downs,  where  all  Day  long 

mo  They  pick'd  their  scanty  /-'arc,  a  blackening  Train 
Of  clamorous  Rooks  thick-urge  their  weary  Flight, 
And  seek  the  closing  Shelter  of  the  Grove. 
Assiduous,  in  his  Bower,  the  wailing  Owl 
Plies  his  sad  Sony.     The  Cormorant  on  high 

M5  Wheels  from  the  Deep,   and  screams  along  the  Land. 
Loud  shrieks  the  soaring  Hern;  and  with   wild    Wing 
The  circling  Sea-Fowl  cleave  the  flaky  Clouds. 
Ocean,  unequal  press'd,   with   broken   Tide 
And  blind  Commotion  heaves;  while  from  the  Shore, 

153  Eat  into  Caverns  by  the  restless  Wave, 

And  Forest-rustling  Mountain,  comes  a  Voice, 
That  solemn-sounding  bids  the  World  prepare. 


Palaestra  LXVL 


18 


274  WINTER  C 

Then  issues  forth  the  storm,  with  rnad  controul, 
And  the  thin  fabrick  of  the  pillar'd  air 
O'erturns  at  once.     Prone,  on  the  passive  main, 

135  Descends  th'ethereal  force,  and   with  strong  gust 
Turns  from  the  bottom  the  discolour' d  deep. 
Thro'  the  loud  night,  that  bids  the  waves  arise, 
Lasht  into  foam,  the  fierce,  conflicting  brine 
Seems,  as  it  sparkles,  all  around  to  burn. 

140  Mean-time  whole  oceans,  heaving  to  the  clouds, 
And  in  broad  billoivs  rolling  gather'd  seas, 
Surge  over  surge,  burst  in  a  general  roar, 
And  anchor'd  navies  from  their  stations  drive, 
Wild  as  the  winds  athwart  the  howling  waste 

ms  Of  mighty  waters.     Now  the  hilly  wave 

Straining  they  scale,  and  now  impetuous  shoot 
Into  the  secret  chambers  of  the  deep, 
The  full-blown  Baltick  thundering  o'er  their  head. 
Emerging  thence  again,  before  the  breath 

150  Of  all-exerted  heaven  they  wing  their  course, 
And  dart  on  distant  coasts;  if  some  sharp  rock, 
Or  sand  insidious  break  not  their  career, 
And  in  loose  fragments  fling  them  floating  round. 
Nor  raging  here  alone  unrein' d  at  sea, 

155  To  land  the  tempest  bears;  and  o'er  the  cliff, 
Where  screams  the  sea-mew,  foaming  unconfin'd, 
Fierce  swallows  up  the  long-resounding  shore. 

The  mountain  growls;  and  all  its  sturdy  sons  1 

Stoop  to  the  bottom  of  the  rocks  they  shade. 
160  Lone  on  its  midnight  side,  and  all  aghast, 

MS  134  (Hurls  into  Kuins.     On  the  &c.)   T        140—142: 
Meantime  o?er  all  the  rough,  tempestuous  Flood 
The  Billows  swell'd,  amazing  (P?  suggests  tremendous),  to 

the  Clouds, 
Surge  over  &c.   T 
152  sand  insidious  ]  Shoal,  dire-lurking,   T     insidious  P         158 
groans  and  all  his  P        Bellows  the  Mountain;  and  his  T 


WINTER  E  275 

Then  issues  forth  the  Storm  with  sudden  Burst, 
And  hurls  the  ivhole  precipitated  Air, 

155  Doivn,  in  a  Torrent.     On  the  passive  Main 
Descends  th'etherial  Force,  and  with  strong  Oust 
Turns  from  it's  Bottom  the  discolour'd  Deep. 
Thro'  the  black  Night  that  sits  immense  around, 
Lash'd  into  Foam,  the  fierce  conflicting  Brine 

160  Seems  o'er  a  thousand  raging   Waves  to  burn; 
Meantime  the  Mountain-Billows,  to  the  Clouds 
In  dreadful  Tumult  sivelVd,  Surge  above  Surge, 
Burst  into  Chaos  with  tremendous  Roar, 
And  anchor'd  Navies  from  their  Stations  drive, 

165  Wild  as  the  Winds  across  the  howling  Waste 
Of  mighty  Waters:  now  th 'inflated  Wave 
Straining  they  scale,  and  now  impetuous  shoot 
Into  the  secret  Chambers  of  the  Deep, 
The  ivintry  Baltick  thundering  o'er  their  Heads. 

170  Emerging  thence  again,  before  the  Breath 

Of  full-exerted  Heaven  they  wing  their  Course, 
And  dart  on  distant  Coasts;  if  some  sharp  Rock, 
Or  Shoal  insidious  break  not  their  Career, 
And  in  loose  Fragments  fling  them  floating  round. 


175  Nor  less  at  Land  the  loosen  d  Tempest  reigns. 

The  Mountain  thunders;  and  it's  sturdy  Sons 
Stoop  to  the  Bottom  of  the  Rocks  tbey  shade. 
Lone  to  the  midnight  Steep,  and  all  aghast, 


F     178  to]  on 

MS  158  P         169  wintry  P?         171  P? 

18* 


276  WINTER  C 

The  dark,  way-faring  stranger  breathless  toils, 

And,  often  falling,  climbs  against  the  blast. 

Low  waves  the  rooted  forest,  vex'd,  and  sheds 

What  of  its  tarnish' d  honours  yet  remain; 
165  Dash'd  down,  and  scatter' d,  by  the  tearing  wind's 

Assiduous  fury,  its  gigantic  limbs. 

Thus  struggling  thro'  the  dissipated  grove, 

The  whirling  tempest  raves  along  the  plain; 

And  on  the  cottage  thatcht,  or  lordly  roof, 
170  Keen-fastening,  shakes  them  to  the  solid  base. 

Sleep  frighted  flies;  and  round  the  rocking  dome, 

For  entrance  eager,  howls  the  savage  blast. 

Then  too,  they  say,  thro'  all  the  burthen'd  air 

Long  groans  are  heard,  shrill  sounds,  and  distant  sighs, 
175  That,  utter' d  by  the  demon  of  the  night, 

Warn  the  devoted  wretch  of  woe,  and  death. 

Huge  Uproar  lords  it  wide.     The  clouds  commixt     bi9i  D177 
With  stars  swift-gliding  sweep  along  the  sky. 
All  nature  reels.     Till  nature's  King,  who  oft 
180  Amid  tempestuous  darkness  dwells  alone, 
And  on  the  wings  of  the  careering  wind 
Walks  dreadfully  serene,  commands  a  calm; 
Then  straight  air,  sea,  and  earth  are  hush'd  at  once. 

As  yet  'tis  midnight  ivaste.     The  weary  clouds,         bi98  D184 
185  Slow-meeting,  mingle  into  solid  gloom. 

Now,  while  the  drowsy  world  lies  lost  in  sleep, 

Let  me  associate  with  the  serious  Night, 

And  Contemplation  her  sedate  compeer; 

Let  me  shake  off  th'intrusive  cares  of  day, 
190  And  lay  the  meddling  senses  all  aside. 

And  now,  ye  lying  Vanities  of  life!  B205  Digij 

Ye  ever-tempting,  ever-cheating  train ! 
Where  are  you  now?  and   what  is  your  amount? 


MS  1H3  (Earth  Sea  and  Air)  Air  Earth  and  Sea  T 


WINTER  E  277 

The  dark  way-faring  Stranger  breathless  toils. 
180  And,  often  falling,  climbs  against  the  Blast. 

Low  waves  the  rooted  Forest,  vex'd,  and  sheds 

What  of  it's  tarnish'd  Honours  yet  remain ; 

Dash'd  down,  and  scatter'd,  by  the  tearing  Wind's 

Assiduous  Fury,  it's  gigantic  Limbs. 
185  Thus  struggling  thro'  the  dissipated  Grove 

The  whirling  Tempest  raves  along  the  Plain; 

And  on  the  Cottage  thatch'd,  or  lordly  Roof, 

Keen-fastening,  shakes  them  to  the  solid  Base. 

Sleep  frighted  flies;  and  round  the  rocking  Dome, 
190  For  Entrance  eager,  howls  the  savage  Blast. 

Then  too,  they  say,  thro'  all  the  burthen'd  Air, 

Long  Groans  are  heard,  shrill  Sounds,   and  distant  Sighs, 

That,  utter'd  by  the  Demon  of  the  Night, 

Warn  the  devoted  Wretch  of  Woe  and  Death. 

195  Huge  Uproar  lords  it  wide.     The  Clouds  commix'd 

With  Stars  swift-gliding  sweep  along  the  Sky. 
All  Nature  reels.     Till  Nature's  King,  who  oft 
Amid  tempestuous  Darkness  dwells  alone, 
And  on  the  Wings  of  the  careering  Wind 

200  Walks  dreadfully  serene,  commands  a  Calm; 

Then  straight  Air  Sea  and  Earth  are  hush'd  at  once. 

As  yet  'tis  Midnight  deep.     The  weary  Clouds. 
Slow-meeting,  mingle  into  solid  Gloom. 
Now,  while  the  drowsy  World  lies  lost  in  Sleep, 
2°s  Let  me  associate  with  the  serious  Night, 
And  Contemplation  her  sedate  Compeer; 
Let  me  shake  off  th'intrusive  Cares  of  Day, 
And  lay  the  meddling  Senses  all  aside. 

Where  now,  ye  lying  Vanities  of  Life! 
210  Ye  ever-tempting  ever-cheating  Train  ! 

Where  are  vou  now?  and  what  is  vour  Amount? 


278  WJNTER  C 

Vexation,  disappointment,  and  remorse. 
19s  Sad,  sickening  thought!     And  yet  deluded  man, 
A  scene  of  crude  disjointed  visions  past, 
And  broken  slumbers,  rises  still  resolv'd, 
With  new-flush'd  hopes  to  run  the  giddy  round. 

Father  of  light,  and  life!  thou  Good  supreme!  B213  D19J 

200  0  teach  me  what  is  good!  teach  me  thy  self! 
Save  me  from  folly,  vanity,  and  vice, 
From  every  low  pursuit!  and  feed  my  soul 
With  knowledge,  conscious  peace,  and  virtue  pure, 
Sacred,  substantial,  never-fading  bliss! 

205  The  keener  Tempests  come:  and  fuming  dun  B219  0205] 

From  all  the  livid  east,  or  piercing  north, 

Thick  clouds  ascend;  in  whose  capacious  womb 

A  vapoury  deluge  lies,  to  snow  congeal'd. 

Heavy  they  roll  their  fleecy  world  along; 
210  And  the  sky  saddens  with  the  gather' d  storm. 

Thro'  the  hush'd  air  the  whitening  shower  descends, 

At  first  thin-wavering;  till  at  last  the  flakes 

Fall  broad,  and  wide,  and  fast,  dimming  the  day, 

With  a  continual  flow.     Sudden  the  fields 
215  Put  on  their  winter-robe,  of  purest  white. 

'Tis  brightness  all;  save  where  the  new  snow  melts, 

Along  the  mazy  stream.     The  leafless  woods 

Bow  their  hoar  heads.     And,  ere  the  languid  sun 

Faint  from  the  west  emits  his  evening  ray, 
220  Earth's  universal  face,  deep-hid,  and  chill, 

Is  one  wild,  dazzling  waste.     The  labourer-ox 

Stands  cover'd  o'er  with  snow,  and  then  demands 

The  fruit  of  all  his  toil.     The  fowls  of  heaven, 

Tam'd  by  the  cruel  season,  crowd  around 
22S  The  winnowing  store,  and  claim  the  little  boon 

MS  214  With  Flow  continual.  Swift,  the  cherish'd  Fields  T  223,  224 
(With  meaning  Lowe  the  Fruit  of  all  his  Toil  ||  Well-earn'd)  T 
(His  well-earn'd  Stall.     Meantime  the  Fowls  of  Heaven)  T 


WINTER  E  279 

Vexation,  Disappointment,  and  Remorse. 
Sad,  sickening  Thought!  and  yet  deluded  Man, 
A  Scene  of  crude  disjointed  Visions  past, 
sis  And  broken  Slumbers,  rises  still  resolv'd, 

With  new-flush'd  Hopes,  to  run  the  giddy  Round. 

Father  of  Light  and  Life!  thou  Good  supreme! 
0  teach  me  what  is  good!  teach  me  Thyself! 
Save  me  from  Folly,  Vanity,  and   Vice, 
"o  From  every  low  Pursuit!  and  feed  my  Soul 

With  Knowledge,  conscious  Peace,  and  Virtue  pure, 
Sacred,  substantial,  never-fading  Bliss! 

The  keener  Tempests  come:  and  fuming  dun 
From  all  the  livid  East,  or  piercing  North, 

223  Thick  Clouds  ascend;  in  whose  capacious  Womb 
A  vapoury  Deluge  lies,  to  Snow  congeal'd. 
Heavy  they  roll  their  fleecy  World  along; 
And  the  Sky  saddens  with  the  gather'd  Storm. 
Thro'  the  hush'd  Air  the  whitening  Shower  descends, 

230  At  first  thin-wavering;  till  at  last  the  Flakes 
Fall  broad,  and  wide,  and  fast,  dimming  the  Day, 
With  a  continual  Flow.     The  cherish'd  Fields 
Put  on  their  Winter-Robe,  of  purest  White. 
'Tis  Brightness  all;  save  where  the  new  Snow  melts, 

235  Along  the  mazy  Current.     Low,  the  Woods 
Bow  their  hoar  Head;  and,  ere  the  languid  Sun 
Faint  from  the  West  emits  his  Evening-Ray, 
Earth's  universal  Face,  deep-hid,  and  chill. 
Is  one  wild  dazzling  Waste,  that  buries  wide 

240  The   Works  of  Man.     Droopiny,  the  Labourer-Ox 
Stands  cover'd  o'er  with  Snow,  and  then  demands 
The  Fruit  of  all  his  Toil.     The  Fowls  of  Heaven, 
Tam'd  by  the  cruel  Season,  croud  around 
The  winnowing  Store,  and  claim  the  little  Boon 


MS  239  that  (covers  all)  buries  deep   T        240  Men   T 


280  WINTER  C 

That  Providence  allows.     The  Red-breast  sole, 

Wisely  regardful  of  th'enibroiling  sky, 

In  joyless  fields,  and  thorny  thickets,  leaves 

His  shivering  fellows,  and  to  trusted  man 
330  His  annual  visit  pays.     The  foodless  wilds  6  lines  omitted 

Pour  forth  their  brown  inhabitants.     The  hare, 

Tho'  timorous  of  heart,  and  hard  beset 

By  death  in  various  forms,  dark  snares,  and  dogs, 

And  more  unpi tying  men,  the  garden  seeks, 
335  Urg'd  on  by  fearless  want.     The  bleating  kind 

Eye  the  bleak  heaven,  and  next  the  glistening  earth, 

With  looks  of  dumb  despair;  then  sad,  dispers'd, 

Dig  for  the  wither'd  herb  thro'  heaps  of  snow. 


Now,  shepherds,  to  your  helpless  charge  be  kind,      b256  D245 
Baffle  the  raging  year,  and  fill  their  pens 
With  food  at  will;  lodge  them  below  the  storm, 
And  watch  them  strict:  for  from  the  bellowing  east, 


D     230  Between  pays  and  The  foodless  the  6  lines  tvhich  were  omited 
from  C  are  reinserUd: 

New  to  the  dome  [330] 

Against  the  window  beats,  then  brisk  alights 
On  the  warm  hearth,  and  hopping  o'er  the  floor 
Eyes  all  the  smiling  Family  askance. 
And  pecks,  and  starts,  and  wonders  where  he  is ; 
Till,  more  familiar  grown,  the  table-crumbs  [235] 

Attract  his  slender  feet. 

The   addition   of  these  verses  constitutes   the    only   difference 
between  D  and  C. 
MS  241  With  plenteous  Food.     P 


WINTER  E  281 

245  Which  Providence  assigns  them.     One  alone, 
The  Red-Breast,  sacred  to  the  houshold  Gods, 

Wisely  regardful  of  th'embroiling  Sky, 

In  joyless  Fields,  and  thorny  Thickets,  leaves 

His  shivering  Nates,  and  pays  to  trusted  Man 

250  His  annual  Visit.     Half-afraid,  he  first 

Against  the  Window  beats;  then,  brisk,  alights 

On  the  warm  Hearth;  then,  hopping  o'er  the  Floor, 

Eyes  all  the  smiling  Family  askance, 

And  pecks,  and  starts,  and  wonders  where  he  is: 

255  Till  more  familiar  grown,  the  Table-Crumbs 
Attract  his  slender  Feet.     The  foodless  Wilds 
Pour  forth  their  brown  Inhabitants.     The  Hare, 
Tho'  timorous  of  Heart,  and  hard  beset 
By  Death  in   various  Forms,  dark  Snares,  and  Dogs, 

260  And  more  unpitying  Men,  the  Garden  seeks, 
Urg'd  on  by  fearless  Want.     The  bleating  Kind 
Eye  the  bleak  Heaven,  and  next  the  glistening  Earth, 
With  Looks  of  dumb  Despair;  then,  sad-dispers'd, 
Dig  for  the  wither'd  Herb  thro'  Heaps  of  Snow. 

265  Now,  Shepherds,  to  your  helpless  Charge  be  kind, 

Baffle  the  raging  Tear,  and  fill  their  Pens 
With  Food  at  Will;  lodge  them  below  the  Storm, 
And  watch  them  strict:  for  from  the  bellowing  East, 


282  WINTER  C 

In  this  dire  season,  oft  the  whirlwind's  wing 
Sweeps  up  the  burthen  of  whole  wintry  plains 
245  In  one  wide  waft,  and  o'er  the  hapless  flocks, 
Hid  in  the  hollow  of  two  neighbouring  hills, 
The  billowy  tempest  whelms;  till  upwards  urg'd, 
The  valley  to  a  shining  mountain  swells, 
Tipt  with  a  wreath,  high-curling  in  the  sky. 

250  As  thus  the  snows  arise;  and  foul,  and  fierce,         b—  D256 

All  winter  drives  along  the  darken'*/  air; 

In  his  own  loose-revolving  fields,  the  swain 

Disaster' d  stands;  sees  other  hills  ascend 

Of  unknown  joyless  broiv;  and  other  scenes, 
25s  Of  horrid  prospect,  shag  the  trackless  plain: 

Nor  finds  the  river,  nor  the  forest,  hid 

Beneath  the  white  abrupt;  hut  wanders  on 

From  hill  to  dale,  still  more  and  more  astray: 

Impatient  fiouncing  thro'  the  drifted  heaps, 
260  Stung  with  the  thoughts  of  home;  the  thoughts   of  home 

Bush  on  his  nerves,  and  call  their  vigour  forth 

In  many  a  vain  effort.     How  sinks  his  soul! 

What  black  despair,  what  horror  fills  his  heart! 

When  for  the  dusky  spot,  that  fancy  feign 'd 
265  His  tufted  cottage  rising  thro'  the  snow, 

He  meets  the  roughness  of  the  middle  waste, 

Far  from  the  tract,  and  blest  abode  of  man: 

While  round  him  night  resistless  closes  fast, 

And  every  tempest,  howling  o'er  his  head, 
270  Benders  the  savage  wilderness  more  wild. 

Then  throng  the  busy  shapes  into  his  mind, 

Of  cover'd  pits,  unfathomably  deep, 

A  dire  descent!  beyond  the  power  of  frost, 

Of  faithless  bogs;  of  precipices  huge. 
275  Smooth' d  up  with  snow;  and,  what  is  hind  unknown, 

What  water,  of  the  still  unfrozen  eye, 


WINTER  E  283 

In  this  dire  Season,  oft  the  Whirlwind's  Wing 
270  Sweeps  up  the  Burthen  of  whole  wintry   Plains 
In  one  wide  Waft,  and  o'er  the  hapless  Flocks, 
Hid  in  the  Hollow  of  two  neighbouring  Hills, 
The  billowy  Tempest  whelms;  till,  upward  urg'd, 
The  Valley  to  a  shining  Mountain  swells, 
275  Tipt  with  a  Wreath,  high-curling  in  the  Sky. 

As  thus  the  Snows  arise;  and  foul,  and  fierce, 
All  Winter  drives  along  the  darken'd  Air; 
In  his  own  loose-revolving  Fields,  the  Swain 
Disaster' d  stands;  sees  other  Hills  ascend, 

280  Of  unknown  joyless  Brow;  and  other  Scenes, 
Of, horrid  Prospect,  shag  the  trackless  Plain: 
Nor  finds  the  River,  nor  the  Forest,  hid 
Beneath  the  formless  Wild-  but  wanders  on 
From  Hill  to  Dale,  still  more  and   more  astray: 

285  Impatient  flouncing  thro'  the  drifted  Heaps, 

Stung  with  the  Thoughts  of  Home;  the  Thoughts  of  Home 
Rush  on  his  Nerves,  and  call  their  Vigour  forth 
In  many  a  vain  Attempt.     How  sinks  his  Soul! 
What  black  Despair,  what  Honor  fills  his  Heart! 

290  When  for  the  dusky  Spot,  which  Fancy  feign 'd 
His  tufted  Cottage  rising  thro'  the  Snow, 
He  meets  the  Roughness  of  the  middle  Waste, 
Far  from  the  Track,  and  blest  Abode  of  Man : 
While  round  him  Night  resistless  closes  fast, 

295  And  every  Tempest,  howling  o'er  his  Head, 
Renders  the  savage  Wilderness  more  wild. 
Then  throng  the  busy  Shapes  into  his  Mind, 
Of  cover'd  Pits,  unfathomably  deep, 
A  dire  Descent!  beyond  the  Power  of  Frost, 

300  Of  faithless  Bogs;  of  Precipices  huge, 

Smooth'd  up  with  Snow;  and,  what  is  Land  unknown, 
What  Water,  of  the  still  unfrozen  Spring, 

MS  302  P 


284  WINTER  C 

In  the  loose  marsh,  or  solitary  lake, 
Where  the  fresh  fountain  from  the  bottom  boils. 
These  check  his  fearful  steps;  and  down  he  sinks 
280  Beneath  the  shelter  of  the  shapeless  drift, 
Thinking  o'er  all  the  bitterness  of  death, 
Mixt  ivith  the  tender  anguish  nature  shoots 
Thro'  the  wrung  bosom  of  the  dying  man. 
His  wife,  his  children,  and  his  friends  unseen. 

285  In  vain  for  him  th' officious  wife  prepares 
The  fire  fair-blazing,  and  the  vestment  warm; 
In  vain  his  little  children,  peeping  out 

Into  the  mingling  rack,  demand  their  sire, 

With  tears  of  artless  innocence.     Alas! 
290  Nor  wife,  nor  children  more  shall  he  behold, 

Nor  friends,  nor  sacred  home.     On  every  nerve, 

The  deadly  ivinter  seizes;  shuts  up  sense; 

And,  o'er  his  stronger  vitals  creeping  cold, 

Lays  him  along  the  snows,  a  stiffen'd  corse, 
295  Unstretch'd,  and  bleaching  in  the  northern  blast. 

Ah  little  think  the  gay  licentious  proud,  b-  d3o2 

Whom  pleasure,  power,  and  affluence  surround; 

They,  who  their  thoughtless  hours  in  giddy  mirth, 

And  wanton,  often  cruel,  riot  waste; 
3°o  Ah  little  think  they,  while  they  dance  along, 

How  many  feel  this  very  moment,  death 

And  all  the  sad  variety  of  pain. 

How  many  sink  in  the  devouring  food, 

Or  more  devouring  flame.     How  many  bleed, 
305  By  shameful  variance  betwixt  man  and  man. 

How  many  pine  in  want,  and  dungeon  glooms; 

Shut  from  the  common  air,  and  common  use 

Of  their  own  limbs.     Ho/r  many  drink  tin-  cup 

Of  baleful  grief,  or  eat  the  bitter  bread 
310  Of  misery.     Sore  pierc'd  by  wintry  winds, 


WINTER  E  285 

In  the  loose  Marsh  or  solitary  Lake, 

Where  the  fresh  Fountain  from  the  Bottom  boils. 

305  These  chock  his  fearful  Steps;  and  down  he  sinks 
Beneath  the  Shelter  of  the  shapeless  Drift, 
Thinking  o'er  all  the  Bitterness  of  Death, 
Mix'd  with  the  tender  Anguish  Nature  shoots 
Thro'  the  wrung  Bosom  of  the  dying  Man, 

310  His  Wife,  his  Children,  and  his  Friends  unseen. 
In  vain  for  him  th 'officious  Wife  prepares 
The  Fire  fair-blazing,  and  the  Vestment  warm: 
In  vain  his  little  Children,  peeping  out 
Into  the  mingling  Storm,  demand  their  Sire, 

315  With  Tears  of  artless  Innocence.     Alas! 

Nor  Wife,  nor  Children,  more  shall  he  behold, 
Nor  Friends,  nor  sacred  Home.     On  every  Nerve 
The  deadly  Winter  seizes;  shuts  up  Sense; 
And,  o'er  his  inmost  Vitals  creeping  cold, 

320  Lays  him  along  the  Snows,  a  stiffen'd  Corse, 

Stretchd'   out,  and  bleaching  in  the  northern  Blast. 

Ah  little  think  the  gay  licentious  Proud, 

Whom  Pleasure,  Power,  and  Affluence  surround; 

They,  who  their  thoughtless  Hours  in  giddy  Mirth, 
325  And  wanton,  often  cruel,  Riot  waste; 

Ah  little  think  they,  while  they  dance  along, 

How  many  feel  this  very  Moment,  Death 

And  all  the  sad  Variety  of  Pain! 

How  many  sink  in  the  devouring  Flood, 
330  Or  more  devouring  Flame.     How  many  bleed, 

By  shameful  Variance  betwixt  Man  and  Man. 

How  many  pine  in  Want,  and  Dungeon  Glooms; 

Shut  from  the  common  Air,  and  common  Use 

Of  their  own  Limbs.     How  many  drink  the  Cup 
335  Of  baleful  Grief,  or  eat  the  bitter  Bread 

Of  Misery.     Sore  pierc'd  by  wintry  Winds, 


MS  314  P?  (T  or  P  Tovey)        321  P  (T  or  P  Toveyj 


286  WINTER  C 

How  many  shrink  into  the  sordid  hut 

Of  ch earless  poverty.     How  many  shake 

With  all  the  fiercer  tortures  of  the  mind, 

Unbounded  passion,  madness,  guilt,  remorse; 
315  Whence  tumbled  headlong  from  the  height  of  life, 

They  furnish  matter  for  the  tragic  muse. 

Even  in  the  vale,  where   Wisdom  loves  to  dwell, 

With  Friendship,  Peace,  and  Contemplation  join'd, 

How  many,  rackt  with  honest  passions,  droop 
32°  In  deep  retir'd  distress.     How  many  stand 

Around  the  death-bed  of  their  dearest  friends, 

Like  wailing  pensive  ghosts  awaiting  theirs, 

And  point  the  parting  pang.     Thought  but  fond  man 

Of  these,  and  all  the  thousand  nameless  ills, 
325  That  one  incessant  struggle  render  life, 

One  scene  of  toil,  of  anguish,  and  of  fate, 

Vice  in  his  high  career  would  stand  appalVd, 

And  heedless  rambling  impulse  learn  to  think; 

The  conscious  heart  of  Charity  would  warm, 
330  And  his  wide  wish  Benevolence  dilate; 

The  social  tear  would  rise,  the  social  sigh; 

And  into  clear  perfection,  gradual  bliss, 

Refining  still,  the  social  passions  work. 

And  here  can  I  forget  the  generous  few,  b— D340 

335  Wlio,  touch'd  with  human  woe,  redressive  sought 

Into  the  horrors  of  the  gloomy  jail? 

Unpitied,  and  unheard,  where  Misery  moans; 

Where  Sickness  pines;  where  Thirst  and  Hunger  burn, 

And  poor  Misfortune  feels  the  lash  of  Vice. 
340  While  in  the  land  of  liberty,  the  land 

Whose  every  street,  and  public  meeting  glows 

With  open  freedom,  little  tyrants  rag'd: 

Snatch'd  the  lean  morsel  from  the  starving  mouth; 

MS  334  And  j  But  T  (in  pencil) 


WINTER  K  287 

How  many  shrink  into  the  sordid  Hut 
Of  chearless  Poverty.     How   many  shake 
With  all  the  fiercer  Tortures  of  the  Mind, 

340  Unbounded  Passion,  Madness,  Guilt,  Remorse; 
Whence  tumbled  headlong  from  the  Height  of  Life, 
They  furnish  Matter  for  the  Tragic  Muse. 
Even  in  the  Vale,  where  Wisdom  loves  to  dwell, 
With  Friendship,  Peace,  and  Contemplation  join'd, 

345  How  many,  rack'd  with  honest  Passions,  droop 
In  deep  retir'd  Distress.     How  many  stand 
Around  the  Death-Bed  of  their  dearest  Friends, 
And  point  the  parting  Anguish.     Thought  fond  Man         1 
Of  these,  and  all  the  thousand  nameless  Ills, 

350  That  one  incessant  Struggle  render  Life, 
One  Scene  of  Toil,  of  Suffering,  and  of  Kate, 
Vice  in  his  high  Career  would  stand  appall'd, 
And  heedless  rambling  Impulse  learn  to  think; 
The  conscious  Heart  of  Charity  would  warm, 

355  And  her  wide  Wish  Benevolence  dilate; 
The  social  Tear  would  rise,  the  social  Sigh ; 
And  into  clear  Perfection,  gradual  Bliss, 
Refining  still,  the  social  Passions  work. 


And  here  can  I  forget  the  generous  *Band, 
360  Who,  touch'd  with  human  Woe,  redressive  search'd 
Into  the  Horrors  of  the  gloomy  Jail? 
Unpity'd,  and  unheard,  where  Misery  moans; 
Where  Sickness  pines;  where  Thirst  and  Hunger  burn, 
And  poor  Misfortune  feels  the  Lash  of  Vice. 
365  While  in  the  Land  of  Liberty,  the  Land 
Whose  every  Street  and  public  Meeting  glow 
With  open  Freedom,  little  Tyrants  rag'd: 
Snatch'd  the  lean  Morsel  from  the  starving  Mouth; 

*  The  Jail-Committee,  in  the  Year  1729. 


288  WINTER  C 

Tore  from  cold,   wintry  limbs  the  tatter' d  robe; 
345  Even  robb'd  them  of  the  last  of  comforts,  sleep; 

The  free-born  Briton  to  the  dungeon   chained, 

Or,  as  the  lust  of  cruelty  prevail'd, 

At  pleasure  mark'd  him  with  inglorious  stripes; 

And  crush'd  out  lives,  by  various  nameless  ways, 
350  That  for  their  country  would  have  toil'd,  or  bled. 

Hail  patriot-band!  who,  scorning  secret  scorn, 

When  Justice,  and  when  Mercy  led  the  way, 

Drag'd  the  detected  monsters  into  light. 

Wrench' d  from  their  hand  Oppression's  iron  rod, 
355  And  bud  the  cruel  feel  the  pains  they  gave. 

Yet  stop  not  here,  let  all  the  haul  rejoice, 

And  make  the  blessing  unconjin'd,  as  great. 

Much  still  untouch 7/  remains;  in  this  rank  age, 

Much  is  the  patriot's  weeding  hand  requir'd. 
360  The  toils  of  law  (what  dark  insidious  men 

Have  cumbrous  added  to  perplex  the  truth, 

And  lengthen  simple  justice  into  trade j 

Oh  glorious  (cere  the  day.'  that  saw  these  broke, 

And  every  man   within  the  reach   of  right. 

365  Yet  more  outragious  is  the  season  still,  B267  d37i 

A  deeper  horror,   in  Siberian   wilds; 

Where  Winter  keeps  his  unrejoicing  court,  Cf.  E895 

And  in  his  airy  hall  the  loud  misrule 

Of  driving  tempest  is  for  ever  heard. 
370  There  thro'  the  ragged  woods  absorpt  in  snow,  Cf.  es27 

Sole  tenant  of  these  shades,  the  shaggy  hem-. 

With  dangling  ice  all  horrid,  stalks  forlorn', 

Slow-pac'd,  and  sowrer  as  the  storms  increase. 

He  makes  his  bed  beneath  the  drifted  snow; 
375  And,  scorning  the  complainings  of  distress, 

Hardens  his  heart  against  assailing  want. 

While  tempted  vigorous  o'er  the  marble  waste,  ".  377-30 

On  sleds  reclin'd,  the  furry  Russian  sits; 


WINTER  E  239 

Tore  from  cold  wintry  Limbs  the  tatter d   Weed; 

37°  Even  robb'd  them  of  the  last  of  Comforts,  Sleep; 
The  free-born  Briton  to  the  Dungeon  chain'd, 
Or,  as  the  Lust  of  Cruelty  prevail'd, 
At  pleasure  mark'd  him  with  inglorious  Stripes: 
And  crushVl  out  Lives,  by  secret  barbarous  Ways, 

375  That  for  their  Country  would  have  toil'd,  or  bled. 
0  great  Design!  if  executed  well, 
With  patient  Care,  and  Wisdom-temper' d  Zeal. 
Ye  Smis  of  Mercy!  yet  resume  the  Searcli ; 
Drag  forth  tin'  legal  Monsters  into  Light, 

380  Wrench  from  their  Hands  Oppression's  iron  Rod, 
And  bid  the  Cruel  feel  the  Pains  they  give. 
Much  still  untouch'd  remains;  in  this  rank  Age,  2  linu 

Much  in  the  Patriot's  weeding  Hand  requir'd. 
The  Toils  of  Law,  (what  dark  insidious  Men 

385  Have  cumbrous  added  to  perplex  the  Truth, 
And  lengthen  simple  Justice  into  Trade) 
How  glorious  were  the  Day!  that  saw  These  broke, 
And  every  Man  within  the  Reach  of  Right. 


Palaestra  LXVI.  19 


290  WINTER  C 

And,  by  his  rain-deer  drawn,  behind  him  throws 
380  A  shining  kingdom  in  a  winter's  day. 

Or  from  the  cloudy  Alps,  and  Appenine, 

Capt  with  grey  mists,  and  everlasting  snows; 

Where  nature  in  stupendous  ruin  lies, 

And  from  the  leaning  rock,  on  either  side, 
385  Gush  out  those  streams  that  classic  song  renowns : 

Cruel  as  death,  and  hungry  as  the  grave! 

Burning  for  blood!  bony,  and  ghaunt,  and  grim! 

Assembling  wolves  in  torrent  troops  descend; 

And,  pouring  o'er  the  country,  bear  along, 
390  Keen  as  the  north-wind  sweeps  the  glossy  snow. 

All  is  their  prize.     They  fasten  on  the  steed, 

Press  him  to  earth,  and  pierce  his  mighty  heart. 

Nor  can  the  bull  his  awful  front  defend. 

Or  shake  the  murdering  savages  away. 
395  Rapacious,  at  the  mother's  throat  they  fly, 

And  tear  the  screaming  infant  from  her  breast. 

The  god-like  face  of  man  avails  him  nought. 

Even  beauty,  force  divine !  at  whose  bright  glance 

The  generous  lyon  stands  in  soften'd  gaze, 
400  Here  bleeds,  a  hapless,  undistinguish'd  prey. 

But  if,  appriz'd  of  the  severe  attack, 

The  country  be  shut  up,  lur'd  by  the  scent 

On  church-yards  drear  (inhuman  to  relate !) 

The  disappointed  prowlers  fall,  and  dig 
405  The  shrowded  body  from  the  tomb;  o'er  which, 

Mix'd  with  foul  shades,  and  frighted  ghosts,  they  howl. 


MS  381  Or]  (Now)  P        382  Capt  with]  Wrapt  in  T 


WINTER  E  293 


By  wintry  Famine  rous'd,  from  all  the  Trad 
390  Of  horrid  Mountains  which  the  shining  Alps, 
And  wavy  Appenines,  and  Pyrenees, 
Branch  out  stupendous  into  distant  Lands; 

Cruel  as  Death,  and  hungry  as  the  Grave! 
Burning  for  Blood !  bony,  and  ghaunt,  and  grim 

395  Assembling  Wolves  in  raging  Troops  descend; 
And,  pouring  o'er  the  Country,  bear  along, 
Keen  as  the  North-Wind  sweeps  the  glossy  Snow. 
All  is  their  Prize.     They  fasten  on  the  Steed, 
Press  him  to  Earth,  and  pierce  his  mighty  Heart. 

400  Nor  can  the  Bull  his  awful  Front  defend, 
Or  shake  the  murdering  Savages  away. 
Rapacious,  at  the  Mother's  Throat  they  fly, 
And  tear  the  screaming  Infant  from  her  Breast. 
The  godlike  Face  of  Man  avails  him  nought. 

405  Even  Beauty,  Force  divine !  at  whose  bright  Glance 
The  generous  Lion  stands  in  soften'd  Gaze, 
Here  bleeds,  a  hapless  undistinguish'd  Prey. 
But  if,  appriz'd  of  the  severe  Attack, 
The  Country  be  shut  up,  lur'd  by  the  Scent, 

410  On  Church- Yards  drear  (inhuman  to  relate !) 
The  disappointed  Prowlers  fall,  and  dig 
The  shrouded  Body  from  the  Grave;  o'er  which, 
MixVl   with  foul  Shades,   and  frighted  Ghosts,   they  howl. 

Among  those  hilly  Regions,  where  embraced 
♦»:  In  peaceful  Vales  tin-  happy  Grisons  dwell; 
Oft,  rushing  sudden  from  the  loaded  Cliffs, 
Mountains  of  Snow  their  (fathering   Terrors  roll. 
From  Steep  to  Steep,  loud-thunderi ng .  doum  tliey  come, 
A  wintry  Mast,    in  din    Commotion  all; 
420  And  Herds,  and  Flocks,  and   Travellers,  and  Swains, 

19* 


292  WINTER  C 


Now,  all  amid  the  rigours  of  the  year,  b3o6  D413 

la  the  wild  depth  of  Winter,  while  without 

The  ceaseless  winds  blow  ice,  be  my  retreat, 
410  Between  the  groaning  forest  and  the  shore^ 

Beat  hij  a  boundless  multitude  of  /raves. 

A  rural,  shelter'd.  solitary,  scene; 

Where  ruddy  fire  and  beaming  tapers  join. 

To  chase  the  chearless  gloom.     There  let  me  sit, 
415  And  hold  high  converse  with  the  mighty  dead: 

Sages  of  antient  time,  as  gods  rever'd. 

As  gods  beneficent,  who  blest  mankind 

With  arts,  and  arms,  and  humanized  a  world. 

Rous'd  at  th 'inspiring  thought,  I  throw  aside 
420  The  long-liv'd  volume;  and.  deep-musing,  hail 

The  sacred  shades,  that  slowly-rising  pass 

Before  my  wondering  eyes.  —  First  Socrates, 

Whose  simple  question  to  the  Jut '< led  heart 

Stole  unperceiv'd,  and  from  the  maze  of  thought 
42.  Evolv'd  the  secret  truth  —  a  god-like  man! 

Solon  the  next,  who  built  his  common-weal 

On  equity's  wide  base.     Lycurgus  then, 

Severely  good;  and  him  of  rugged  Rome. 

Numa,  who  soften'd  her  rapacious  sons. 
430  Cimon  sweet-soul'd,  and  Aristides  just; 

With  that  *attemper'd  Hero,  mild,  and  firm. 

Who  wept  the  brother  while  the  tyrant  bled. 

Unconquer'd  Cato,  virtuous  in  extreme. 

Scipio,  the  humane  warrior,  gently  brave: 
Who  soon  the  race  of  spotless  glory  ran, 

And,  warm  in  youth,  to  the  poetic  shade, 
With  friendship,  and  philosophy,  retir'd. 

*  Timoleon. 


WINTER  E  293 

And  sometimes  whole  Brigades  of  marching  Troops, 
Or  Hamlets  sleeping  in  the  Dead  of  Night, 
Are  deep  beneath  the  smothering  Ruin  whelm' d. 

Now,  all  amid  the  Rigours  of  the  Year, 
425  In  the  wild  Depth  of  Winter,  while  without 

The  ceaseless  Winds  blow  Ice,  be  my  Retreat, 

Between  the  groaning  Forest  and  the  Shore', 

Beat  by  a  boundless  Multitude  of  Waves, 

A  rural,  shelter'd,  solitary,  Scene; 
430  Where  ruddy  Fire  and  beaming  Tapers  join, 

To  chear  the  Gloom.     There  studious  let  me  sit, 

And  hold  high  Converse  with  the  mighty  Bead  : 

Sages  of  antient  Time,  as  Gods  rever'd, 

As  Gods  beneficent,  who  blest  Mankind 
435  With  Arts,  and  Arms,  and  humaniz'd  a  World. 

Rous'd  at  th'inspiring  Thought,  I  throw  aside 

The  long-iiv'd  Volume;  and,  deep-musing,  hail 

The  sacred  Shades,  that  slowly-rising  pass 

Before  my  wondering  Eyes.     First  Socrates, 
440  Who  firmly  good  in  a  corrupted  State, 

Against  the  Rage  of  Tyrants  single  stood, 

Invincible!  calm  Reason's  holy  Law, 

That  Voice  of  God  within  th'attentive  Mind, 

Obeying,  /earless,  or  in  Life,  or  Death: 
us  Great  Moral  Teacher!      Wisest,  of  Mankind! 

Solon  the  next,  who  built  his  Common- Weal 

On  Equity's  wide  Base:  by  tender  Lines 

A  lively  People  curbing,  yet  undamp'd 

Preserving  still  that  quick  peculiar  Fire, 


F     428  a]  the 

MS  439  sq.  F  gives  the  " might y  dead"  in  the  foil,  order:  Socrates, 
Solon,  Lycurgus,  Numa,  Fabricius,  Scipio,  Cato,  Brutus.  Cimon, 
Timoleon,  Pelopidas,  and  Epaminondas.  440—45  P,  with  the 
foil,  variants :  calm]  pure  holy]  sacred  th'attentive ]  the 
spotless  447— 49  P,  with  the  foil,  variants :  tender]  gentle 
nndamp'd]  unquenchd         quick  peculiar]  native,  generous 


294  WINTER  C 

And.  equal  to  the  best,  the  fTheban  twain, 
Who,  single  rais'd  their  country  into  fame. 
440  Thousands  behind,  the  boast  of  Greece  and  Rome, 
Whom  Virtue  owns,  the  tribute  of  a  verse 
Demand ;  but  who  can  count  the  stars  of  heaven  ? 
Who  sing  their  influence  on  this  lower  world? 

f  Pelopidas,  and  Epaminondas. 


WINTER  E  29", 

♦so  Whence  in  the  laurel'd  Field  of  finer  Arts. 

And  of  /'old  Freedom,  they  unequal* d  shone, 

The  Pride  of  smiling  Greece,  and  Human-kind. 

Lycurgus  then,  who  bow'd  beneath  the  Force  Cf.Cm 

Of  strictest  Discipline,  severely  wise, 
45s  All  human  Passions.     Following  Him,  I  see, 

As  at   Thermopylae  he  glorious  fell 

The  firm  *Devoted  Chief,  who  proved  by  Deeds 

Th<-  hardest   Lesson  which  the  other  taught. 

Then  Aristides  lifts  his  honest  Front; 
•*6°  Spotless  of  Heart,  to  whom  th 'unflattering   Voice 

Of  Freedom  gave  the  noblest  Name  of  .lust  ,• 

In  pure  majestic  Poverty  rever'd  ; 

Who,  even  his  Glory  to  his  Country's  Weal 

Submitting,  swell'd  a  haughty  ^Rival's  Fame. 
4"?  Rear'd  by  his  Care,  of  softer  Ray,  appears 

Cimon  sweet-soul'd;  whose  Genius,  rising  strong,  Cf.Cw 

Shook  off  the  Load  of  young  Debauch  ;  abroad 

The  Scourge  of  Persian  Pride,  at  home  the  Friend 

Of  every  Worth  and  even/  splendid  Art; 
47°  Modest,  and  simple,   in  the  Pomp  of  Wealth. 

Then  the  last  Worthies  of  dec/ in ing  Greece, 

Late-call'd  to  Glory,  in  unequal   Times, 

Pensive,  appear.     The  fair  Corinthian  Boast, 

Timoleon,  temper'd  happy,  mild,  and  firm,  Cf.  C431 

475  "Who  wept  the  Brother  while  the  Tyrant  bled. 

And,  equal  to  the  Best,  the  **Thebao  Pair,  Cf.  C438 

Whose  Virtues,  in  heroic  Concord  join'd, 

Their  Country  rais'd  to  Freedom,  Empire,  Fame. 

He  too,  with   whom  Athenian  Honour  sun/,-. 
*8°  And  left  a  Mass  of  sordid  Lees  behind, 

*  Leonidas.         f  Themistodes.         **  Pelopidas,  and  Epami- 

nondas. 


MS  453-55  (Passions)  P,  bid  first  Grand  for  wise.  476—78  P. 

who   had   first   written:    Theban;    He  ||  who    single   rais'd    his 
Country  into  Fame. 


296 


WINTER  C 


WINTER  E  297 

Phocion  the  Good;  in  public  Life  sere  re. 

To  Virtue  still  inexorably  firm  ; 

But  when,  beneath  his  low  illustrious  Roof, 

Sweet  Peace  and  happy   Wisdom  smoothed  his  Brow, 
485  Not  Friendship  softer  was,  nor  Love  more  kind. 

And  He,  the  last  of  old   Lycurgus'  Sons. 

The  generous  Victim  to  Had  rain   Attempt, 

To  save  a  rotten  State,  Agis,  who  scnv 

Keen  Sparta's  self  to  servile  Avarice  sunk. 
490  The  two  Achaian  Heroes  close  the   Train. 

Aratus,  who  a  while  relum'd  the  Soul 

Of  fondly-lingering  Libert;/  in  Greece; 

And  He  her  Darling  <is  her  latest  Hope, 

The  gallant  Philopemon;  who  to  Arms 
495  Turn'd  the  luxurious  Pomp  he  could  not  cure; 

Or  toiling  in  Iris  Farm,  a  simple  Strain; 

Or,  bold  and  skilful,  thundering  in  the  Field. 
Of  rougher  Front,  a  mighty  People  come! 

A  Race  of  Heroes !  in  those  virtuous  Times 
500  Which  knew  no  Stain,  save  that  with  partial  Flaim 

Their  dearest  Country  they  too  fondly  lov'd. 

Her  better  Founder  first,  the  Light  of  Ii'ome, 

Nuraa,  who  soften'd  her  rapacious  Sons.  Cf.  C429 

Servius  the  King,  who  laid  the  solid  Base 
505  On  which  o'er  Earth  the  vast  Republic  spread. 

Then  the  great  Consuls  venerable  rise. 

The  *Public  Father  who  the  Private  quell'd, 

As  on  the  dread  Tribunal  sternly  sad. 

He,  whom  his  thankless  Country  coidd  not  lose, 
510  Camillus,  only  vengeful  to  her  Foes. 

Fabricius,  Scorner  of  all-con<piering  Gold; 

And  Cincinnatus,  awful  from  the  Plow. 

Thy  f willing  Victim,  Carthage,  bursting  loose 
*  Marcus  Junius  Brutus.         t  Regulus. 

MS  502   After  Passions   (see  I.  455)  P  writes:    Next    the   Light   of 
Rome  etc.        511  P 


298  WINTER  C 


But  see  who  yonder  comes !  in  sober  state,  B338  d4?o 

445  Fair,  mild,  and  strong,  as  is  a  vernal  sun: 

'Tis  Phoebus  self,  or  else  the  Mantuan  swain! 

Great  Homer  too  appears,  of  daring  wing, 

Parent  of  song !  and  equal  by  his  side, 

The  British  muse;  join'd  hand  in  hand  they  walk, 
450  Darkling,  full  up  the  middle  steep  to  fame. 

Nor  absent  are  those  tuneful  shades,  I  ween, 

Taught  by  the  Graces,  whose  inchoating  touch 

Shakes  every  passion  from  the  various  string; 

Nor  those,  who  solemnize  the  moral  scene. 

455         First  of  your  hind!  Society  divine!  b.^6  d46i 

Still  visit  thus  my  nights,  for  you  reserv'd, 
And  mount  my  soaring  soul  to  deeds  like  yours. 


WINTER  E  299 

From  all  that  pleading  Nature  could  oppose. 
*    From  a  whole  City's  Tears,  by  rigid  Faith 

Imperious  call'd,  and  Honour's  dire  Command. 

Scipio,  the  gentle  Chief,  humanely  brave,  Cf  c* 

Who  soon  the  Race  of  spotless  Glory  ran, 

And,  warm  in  Youth,  to  the  Poetic  Shade 
5^°  With  Friendship  and  Philosophy  retir'd. 

Tully,  whose  powerful  Eloquence  a  while 

Restrained  the  rapid  Fate  of  rushing  Rome. 

Unconquer'd  Cato,  virtuous  in  Extreme.  Cf.  C433 

And  Thou:  unhappy  Unit  us.  kind  of  Hearty 
5-?  Whose  steady  Arm,  by  awful  Virtue  urg'd, 

Lifted  the  Roman  Steel  against  thy  Friend. 

Thousands,  besides,  the  Tribute  of  a  Verse  Cf.  C440 

Demand  ;  but  who  can  count  the  Stars  of  Heaven  ? 

"Who  sing  their  Influence  on  this  lower  World  ? 

530  Behold,  who  yonder  comes!  in  sober  State, 

Fair,  mild,  and  strong,  as  is  a  vernal  Sun : 

'Tis  Phoebus'  self,  or  else  the  Mantuan  Swain  ! 

Great  Homer  too  appears,  of  daring  Wing, 

Parent  of  Song!  and  equal  by  his  Side, 
535  The  British  Muse;  join'd  hand  in  hand  they  walk, 

Darkling,  full  up  the  middle  Steep  to  Fame. 

Nor  absent  are  those  Shades,  trims,'  skilful  Hand 

Pathetic  drew  th' impassion' d  Heart,  and  charm'd 

Transported  Athens  ivith  the  moral  Scene: 
540  Nor  Those  who.  tuneful,  wak'd  th' enchanting  Lyre. 

First  of  your  Kind !  Society  divine ! 
Still  visit  thus  my  Nights,  for  you  reserv*d. 
And  mount  my  soaring  Soul  to   Thoughts  like  yours. 


F     537  Hand]  Touch 

MS  517  P  524—26  P,  with  Thou  too  for  And  Thou,  and  the 

Friend  for  thy  Friend.  538  drew  ]  traced  T         540  Lyre  ] 

(String)  T 


300  WINTER  C 

Silence,  thou  lonely  power!  the  door  be  thine 
See  on  the  hallovrd  hour  that  none  intrude, 

460  Save  Lycidas  the  friend,  with  sense  refin'd, 
Learning  digested  well,  exalted  faith, 
Unstudy'd  wit,  and  humour  ever  gay. 
Or  from  the  muses'  hill  will  Pope  descend, 
To  raise  the  sacred  hour,  to  make  it  smile, 

465  And  with  the  social  spirit  warm  the  heart : 
For  tho'  not  sweeter  his  own  Homer  sings, 
Yet  is  his  life  the  more  endearing  son;/. 


Thus  in  some  deep  retirement  would   I  pass  B-  DM 

The  winter-glooms,  with  friends  of  carious  turn, 
^0  Or  blithe,  or  solemn,  as  the  theme  inspir'd: 
With  them  would  search,  if  this  unbounded  framt 
Of  nature  cose  from  unproductive  night, 


MS  470  blithe  J  gay  T 


WINTER  E  301 

Silence,  thou  lonely  Power!  the  Door  be  thine: 
545  See  on  the  hallow'd  Hour  that  none  intrude, 
Save  a  few  chosen   Friends,  that  sometimes  deign 
To  bless  my  humblt    Eoof,  with  Sense  refin'd. 
Learning  digested  well,  exalted  Faith, 
Unstudy'd  Wit.  and  Humour  ever  gay. 
Or  from  the  Muses'  Hill  will   Pope  descend. 
To  raise  the  sacred  Hour,  to  bid  it  smile, 
And  with  the  social   Spirit  warm  the  Heart: 
For  tho*  not  sweeter  his  own  Homer  sings, 
Yet  is  his  Life  the  more  endearing  Song. 

555  Where  art  Thou,  Hammond?  Thou  the  darling  Pride, 

The  Friend  and  Lover  of  the  tuneful  Throng! 
Ah  why,  dear    Youth,  in  all  the  blooming  Prime 
Of  vernal  Genius,  where  disclosing  fast 
Each  active  Worth  each  manly  Virtue  lay, 

560  Why  wert  thou  ravish' d  from  our  Hope  so  soon? 
What  now  avails  that  noble   Thirst  of  Fame, 
Which  stung  thy  fervent  Breast?     That  treasur'd  Store 
Of  Knowledge,  early  gain'd?     'That  eager  Zeal 
To  serve  thy  Country,  glowing  in  the  To  ml 

565  Of  youthful  Patriots,  who  sustain  her  Name? 
What  now,  alas!  that  Life-diffusing  Charm 
Of  sprightly    Wit?    'That  Rapture  for  the  Musi, 
That  Heart  of  Friendship,  and  that  Soul  of  Joy, 
Which  hade  with  softest  Light  thy   Virtues  smile? 

570  Ali!  only  shew'd,  to  check-  oar  fond  Pursuits, 

And   teach    our  humbled   Hopes   that    Life    is    rain! 

Thus  in  some  deep  Retirement  would  I  pass 
The  Winter-Glooms,  with  Friends  of  pliant  Soul, 
Or  blithe,  or  solemn,  as  the  Theme  inspir'd: 
575  With  them  would  search,  if  Nature's  boundless  Frame 
II 'as  call'd,  late-rising  from  the   Void  of  Night. 

F     546  that]  who 

MS  547  Roof  ]  (Cell)  T        575,  576  P 


302  WINTER  C 

Or  sprung  eternal  from  th'eternal  Cause, 

Its  springs,  its  laws,  its  progress  and  its  end. 

475  Hence  larger  prospects  of  the  beauteous  whole 
Would  gradual  open  on  our  opening  minds; 
Ami  each  diffusive  harmony  unite, 
In  full  perfection,  to  th' astonish' d  eye. 
Thence  would  ice  plump    into  flic  moral  world  ; 

480  Which,  tho'  more  seemingly  perplex'd,  mores  on 
In  higher  order ;  fitted,  and  impelVd, 
By  Wisdom's  finest  hand,  and  issuing  all 
In  universal  good.     Historic  truth 
Should  next  conduct  us  thro'  the  deeps  of  time: 

485  Point  us  how  empire  gretc,   revolv'd,  and  fell, 
In  scatter' d  states;  what  makes  the  nations  smile. 
Improves  their  soil,  and  gives  them  double  suns; 
And  why  they  pine  beneath  the  brightest  shies. 
In  nature's  richest  lap.     As  thus  we  taWd, 

490  Our  hearts  would  burn  within  us,  /could  inhale 
That  portion   of  divinity,   that   ray 
Of  purest  heaven,  which  lights  the  glorious  flame 
Of  patriots,  and  of  heroes.     But  if  doom' d, 
In  powerless  humble  fortune,  to  repress 

495  These  ardent  risings  oj  the  kindling  soul; 
Then,  even  superior  to  ambition,  we 
Would  learn  the  private  virtues;  how  to  glide 
Thro'   shinies  and  plains^   along  the  smoothest   stream 
Of  rural  life:  or  snatch'd  away  by  hope. 
Thro'  the  dim  spaces  of  futurity, 

With  earnest    eye    anticipate    those    scenes 

Of  happiness,   and  wonder ;  where  the  mind, 

In  endless  growth  and.  infinite  ascent, 

Rises  from  state  to  state,  and  world  to  world. 


MS  479  plunge  ]  (search)    P  (dive)   T        Then    would    we    try    to 
(scan)   grasp    the    moral    World    T  480    (Which,    tho'    it 

spreads)  T 


WINTER  E  303 

Or  sprung  eternal  from  th'eternal   Mind, 

It's  Springs,  it's  Laws,  it's  Progress,  and  it's  End. 

Hence  larger  Prospects  of  the  beauteous  Whole 

580  Would,  gradual,  open  on  our  opening  Minds; 
And  each  diffusive  Harmony  unite, 
In  full  Perfection,  to  th'astonish'd  Eye. 
Then  would  we  try  to  scan  the  moral  World, 
Which,  tho'  to  us  it  seems  embroil'd,   moves  on 

585  In  higher  Order;  fitted,  and  impell'd, 
By  Wisdom's  finest  Hand,  and  issuing  all 
In  general  Good.     The  stuje  Historic  Musi 
Should  next  conduct  us  thro'  the  Deeps  of  Time : 
Shew  us  how  Empire  grew,  declin'd,  and  fell, 

590  In  scatter'd  States ;  what  makes  the  Nations  smile. 
Improves  their  Soil,  and  gives  them  double  Suns ; 
And  why  they  pine  beneath  the  brightest  Skies. 
In  Nature's  richest  Lap.     As  thus  we  talkd, 
Our  Hearts  would  burn  within  us,  would  inhale 

595  That  Portion  of  Divinity,  that  Ray 

Of  purest  Heaven,  which  lights  the  public  Soul 
Of  Patriots,  and  of  Heroes.     But  if  doom'd, 
In  powerless  humble  Fortune,  to  repress 
These  ardent  Risings  of  the  kindling  Soul; 

600  Then,  even  superior  to  Ambition,  we 

Would  learn  the  private  Virtues  ;  how  to  glide 
Thro'  Shades  and  Plains,  along  the  smoothest  Stream 
Of  rural  Life:  or  snatch'd  away  by  Hope, 
Thro'  the  dim  Spaces  of  Futurity. 

605  With  earnest  Eye  anticipate  those  Scenes 
Of  Happiness,  and  Wonder ;  where  the  Mind, 
In  endless  Growth  and  infinite  Ascent 
Rises  from  State  to  State,  and  World  to  World. 


F     578  Springs.  ]  Life, 


304  WINTER  C 

-  And  when  with  these  the  serious  soul  is  foil'd, 
We,  shifting  for  relief  would  play  the  shapes 
Of  frolic  fancy ;  and  incessant  form 
Unnumbered  pictures,  fleeting  o'er  the  brain. 
Yet  rapid  still  renew'd,  and  pour'd  immense 
i    Into  the  mind,  unbounded  without  spaa  : 
The  great,  the  new,  the  beautiful;  or  mix'd, 
Burlesque,  and  odd,  the  risible  and  gay; 
Whence  vivid    Wit,  and  Humour,  droll  of  face, 
Call  laughter  forth,  deep-shaking  every  nerve. 

5*5  Mean-time  the  village  rouzes  up  the  fire; 

Whilt    well  attested,  and  as  well  believ'd, 
Heard  solemn,  goes  the  goblin-story  round  ,• 
Till  superstitious  horror  creeps  o'er  all. 
Or,  frequent  in  the  sounding  hall,  they  wake 

520  The  rural  gambol.     Rustic  mirth  (joes  round: 
The  simple  joke  that  takes  the  shepherd's  heart, 
Easily  pleas'd;  the  long  loud  laugh,  sincere; 
The  kiss,  snatch' d  hasty  from  th<   sidelong  moid. 
On  purpose  guardless,  or  pretending  sleep; 

52=  The  leap,  Ute  slap,  the  haul;  and,  shook  to   notes 
Of  native  music,  the  respondent  dance. 

Thus  jocund    fleets    with    them    the    irinter-nii/ht. 


MS  After  I.  514  P  remarks:  Here  the  Verses  on  Hammond.  &  L<1 
Chesterfield  Ac.  These  words  are  cancelled,  probably  by  the 
writer  himself.  The  lines  referred  to  are  not  in  the  MS.  copy. 
515  the  fair,  impartial  Laugh.     (See  C  54V.) 

But  from  the  Town,  the  rude  untuueful  Range 

Of  prowling  Men.  return,  my  rural  Muse 

To  where  the  Village  rouzes  up  the  Fire; 

While  well-attested  &c     T  (cancelled) 
After  527: 

Clear  Frost  succeeds;  &c 

rowls  the  mighty  Flood.     T 


(See  C550  and  E690.) 


WINTER  K  305 

But  when  with  These  the  serious  Thought  is  foil'd, 

We,  shifting  for  Relief,  would  play  the  Shapes 

Of  frolic  Fancy;  and  incessant  form 

Those  rapid  Pictures,  that  assembled   Train 

Of  fleet  Ideas,  never  join'd  before, 

Whence  lively  Wit  excites  to  ga/y  Surprize; 

Or  Folly-painting  Humour,  grave  himself, 

Calls  Laughter  forth,  deep-shaking  every  Nerve. 


Mean-time  the  Village  rouzes  up  the  Fire; 
While  well  attested,  and  as  well  believ'd, 
Heard  solemn,  goes  the  Goblin-Story  round ; 

620  Till  superstitious  Horror  creeps  o'er  all. 

Or,  frequent  in  the  sounding  Hall,  they  wake 
The  rural  Gambol.     Rustic  Mirth  goes  round : 
The  simple  Joke  that  takes  the  Shepherd's  Heart, 
Easily  pleas'd ;  the  long  loud  Laugh,  sincere; 

625  The  Kiss,  snatch'd  hasty  from  the  sidelong  Maid, 
On  purpose  guardless,  or  pretending  Sleep ; 
The  Leap,  the  Slap,  the  Haul;  and,  shook  to  Notes 
Of  native  Music,  the  respondent  Dance. 
Thus  jocund  fleets  with  them  the  Winter-Night. 


Palaestra  LXVI.  20 


306  WINTER  C 

T/tr  city  swarms  interne.     The  pubiiek  haunt, 
Full  of  each  theme,  and  warm  with  mixt  discourse, 

53°  Hums  indistinct.     The  sons  of  Hot  flow 

Down  the  loose  stream  of  false  inchahted  'joy-j 
To  swift  destruction.     On  the  rankled  sou/ 
The  gaming  fury  falls;  and  in  one  gulph 
Of  total  ruin,  honour,   virtue,  iii-ace, 

535  Friends,  families,  and  fortune  headlong  sink. 
Rises  the  dance  along  the  lighted  dona, 
Mix'd,  and  evolv'd,  a  thousand  sprightly  ways. 
The  glittering  court  effuses  every  pomp  ; 
The  circle  deepens;  ruin'd  from  radiant  eyes, 

540  A  soft  effulgence  o'er  the  pa/aee  waves: 
While,  thick  as  insects  in  thh  swmmer-?shine, 
The  fop,  light-flattering,  spreads  his  mealy  wings. 

Dread  o'er  the  seem    the  ghost  of  Hamlet  stalh 
Othello  rages;  poor  Monimia  mourns; 

545  And   Befridera  pours   her   son/    in    lore. 
Assenting  terror  shakes;  the  silent  tear 
Steads   o'er   the   cheek:   or   else   the   comic  Muse 
Holds  to  the  world  the  picture  of  itself. 
And  raises  sly  the  fair  impartial  laugh. 


MS  After  549  P  writes:  Here  the  Verses  upon  Hammond,  ov:  L 
Chesterfield.  TJiese  words  are  cancelled,  probablg  by  T.  In  E 
the  lines  on  Chesterfield  are,  indeed,  inserted  here,  but  the  lines  on 
Hammond  follow  those  on  Pope  (E555—71). 


WINTER  E  :;07 

The  City  swarms  intense.     The  public  Haunt, 
Full  of  each  Theme,  and  warm  with  mixt  Discourse. 
Hums  indistinct.     The  Sons  of  Riot  flow 
Down  the  loose  Stream  of  false  inchanted  Joy, 
To  swift  Destruction.     On  the  rankled  Soul 

635  The  gaming  Fury  falls ;  and  in  one  Gulph 
Of  total  Ruin,  Honour,  Virtue,  Peace, 
Friends,  Families,  and  Fortune,  headlong  sink. 
Up-springs  the  Dance  along  the  lighted  Dome, 
Mix'd,  and  evolv'd,  a  thousand  sprightly  ways. 

640  Xhe  glittering  Court  effuses  every  Pomp ; 

The  Circle  deepens:  beam'd  from  gaudy  Robes, 
Tapers,  and  sparkling  (Jons,  <ni<l  radiant  Eyes, 
A  soft  Effulgence  o'er  the  Palace  waves: 
While,  a  gay  Insect  in  his  Summer-shine, 

6«  The  Fop,  light-fluttering,  spreads  his  mealy  Wings. 

Dread  o'er  the  Scene,  the  Ghost  of  Hamlet  stalks; 
Othello  rages;  poor  Monimia  mourns; 
And  Belvidera  pours  her  Soul  in  Love. 
Deep-thrilling  Terror  shakes;  the  comely  Tear 
650  Steals  o'er  the  Cheek :  or  else  the  Comic  Muse 
Holds  to  the  World  a  Picture  of  itself, 
And  raises  sly  the  fair  impartial  Laugh. 
Sometimes  she  lifts  her  Strain,  and  paints  the  Scenes 
Of  beauteous  Life;  whatever  can  deck  Mankind, 
:    Or  charm  the  Heart,  in  generous  *Bevil  shew'd. 

0  Thou,  whose   Wisdom,  solid  ijet  refin'd, 
Whose  Patriot-Virtues,  and  consummate  Skill 
To  touch   the  finer  Springs  that  move  the   World, 
Join'd  to  whate'er  the  Graces  can  bestow, 
660  And  all  Apollo's  animating   Fire, 

Give  Thee,  with  pleasing   Dignity,  to  shine 

'■■  A  Character  in  the  Conscious  Lovers,  written  by  Sir  Richard 
Steele. 

F     649  Terror  alarms  the  Breast: 


308 


WINTER  C 


Clear  frost  succeeds;  and  thro'  the  blue  serene, 
For  sight  too  fine,  th'ethereal  nitre  flies: 


MS  550  P  asks:   Quere,  Does  not  there  want  a  better  connection 
here  (cancelled  by  T,  who  takes  the  hint). 


WINTER  E  309 

At  once  the  Guardian,  Ornament,  <nul  Joy, 

Of  polish' d  Life;  permit  the  Rural  Mime, 
0  Chesterfield,  to  grace  with  Thee  Iter  Song! 

665  Ere  to  the  Shades  again  she  humbly  flies, 
Indulge  her  fond  Ambition,  in  thy   Train, 
(For  every  Muse  has  in  thy  Train  a.  Place) 
To  marl:  thy  various  full-accomplish' 'd  Mind: 
To  mark  that  Spirit,  which,  with  British  Scorn, 

"7«  Rejects  tit' Allurements  of  corrupted  Power; 
That  elegant  Politeness,  which  excels 
Even  in  the  Judgement  of  presumptuous  France, 
The  boasted  Manners  of  her  shining  Court; 
That  Wit,  the  vivid  Energy  of  Sense, 

675  The  Truth  of  Nature,  which,  with  Attic  Point, 
And  kind  well-temper' d  Satire,  smoothly  keen, 
Steals  through  the  Soul,  and  without  Pain  corrects. 
Or,  rising  thence  with  yet  a  brighter  Flame, 
0  let  me  hail  Thee  on  some  glorious  Day, 

6S°  When  to  the  listening  Senate,  ardent,  croud 
Britannia's  Sons  to  hear  her  pleaded  Cause. 
Then  drest  by  Thee,  more  amiably  fair, 
Truth  the  soft  Robe  of  mild  Persuasion   /rears: 
Thou  to  assenting  Reason  giv'st  ago  in 

6Ss  Her    own  enlighten' d  Thoughts;  call'd  from  the  Heart, 
Tit' obedient  Passions  on  thy  Voice  attend; 
And  even  reluctant  Party  feels  a  while 
Thy  gracious  Power:  as  thro'  the  vary'd  Maze 
Of  Eloquence,  now  smooth,  now  quick,  now  strong, 

690  prQf()Uncl  and  clear,  you  roll  the  copious  Flood. 

To  thy  lov'd  Haunt  return,  my  happy  Muse: 
For  now,  behold,  the  joyous  Winter-Days, 
Frosty,  succeed;  and  thro'  the  blue  Serene, 
For  Sight  too  fine,  th'etherial  Niter  flies: 


310  WINTER  C 

Killing  infectious  damps,  and  the  spent  air 

Storing  afresh  with  elemental  life, 

('lose  crowds  the  shining  atmosphere}  and  binds 
555  Our  strengthened  bodies  in  its  cold  embrace. 

Constringent;  feeds,  and  animates  our  blood; 

Refines  our  spirits,  thro'  the  new-strung  nerves, 

In  swifter  sallies  darting  to  tin-  /train; 

Where  sits  the  son  I,  intense,  collected,  cool, 
560  Bright  as  the  skies,  and  as  the  season  keen. 

All  nature  feels  the  renovating  force 

Of  Winter,  only  to  the  thoughtless  eye 

In  desolation  seen.     The  vacant  glebe 

Draws  in  abundant  vegetable  son/, 
565  And  gathers  vigour  for  the  coining  gear. 

A  stronger  glow  sits  on  the  lively  cheek 

Of  ruddy  fire:  and  Incident  along 

The  'purer  rivers  flow;  their  sullen  deeps. 

Amazing,  open  to  the  sJtepJierd's  gaze, 
570  And  murmur  hoarser  at   the  fixing  frost. 

What  art  thou.  Frost?  and.  whence  are  thy  keen  stores  b—  D; 

Deriv'd,  thou  secret  all-invading  Power, 

Whom  even  th'illusive  fluid  cannot  fly? 

Is  not  thy  potent  energy,   unseen, 
575  Myriads  of  little  salts,  or  hook'd,  or  shap'd 

Like  double  wedges,  and  diffus'd  immense 

Thro'  water,  earth   and  ether?     Hence  at  eve, 

Steam'd  eager  from   the  red  horizon   round, 

With  the  still  rage  of  Winter  deep  soffits' d, 
580  An  icy  gale,  oft  shifting,  o'er  the  pool  <■'/■  a3o 

Breathes  a  blue  film,   and  in  its  mid  career 

Arrests  the  bickering  stream.     The  loosen'd  ice, 

Let  down  the  flood,  and  half -dissolved  by  day, 

Rustles   no   more ;   but   to   the   sedyy   bank 

585  Fast  grows,  or  gathers  round  the  pointed  stone, 
MS  569  Amazing]  Delightful  T 


WINTER  E  311 

69s  Killing  infectious  Damps,  and  the  spent  Air 

Storing  afresh  with  elemental   Life. 

Close  crouds  the  shining  Atmosphere:  and  binds 

Our  strengthen'd  Bodies  in  it's  cold  Embrace, 

Constringent:  feeds,  and  animates  our  Blood: 
700  Refines  our  Spirits,  thro'  the  new-strung  Nerves, 

In  swifter  Sallies  darting  to  the  Brain; 

Where  sits  the  Soul,  intense,  collected,  cool, 

Bright  as  the  Skies,  and  as  the  Season  keen. 

All  Nature  feels  the  renovating  Force 
705  Of  Winter,  only  to  the  thoughtless  Eye 

In  Bttiit  seen.     The  Frost-concocted  Glebe 

Draws  in  abundant  vegetable  Soul, 

And  gathers  Vigour  for  the  coming  Year. 

A  stronger  Glow  sits  on  the  lively  Cheek 
710  Of  ruddy  Fire:  and  luculent  along 

The  purer  Rivers  flow;  their  sullen  Deeps, 

Transparent)  open  to  the  Shepherd's  Gaze, 

And  murmur  hoarser  at  the  fixing  Frost. 

What  art  thou,  Frost?  and  whence  are  thy  keen  Stores 

715  Deriv'd,  thou  secret  all-invading  Power, 
Whom  even  th'illusive  Fluid  cannot  fly? 
Is  not  thy  potent  Energy,  unseen. 
Myriads  of  little  Salts,  or  hook'd,  or  shap*d 
Like  double  Wedges,  and  diffused  immense 

720 Thro'  Water,  Earth,  and  Ether?     Hence  at  Eve, 
Steam'd  eager  from  the  red  Horizon  round, 
With  the  fierce  Rage  of  Winter  deep  suffus'd. 
An  icy  Gale,  oft  shifting,  o"er  the  Pool 
Breathes  a  blue  Film,  and  in  it's  mid  Career 

725  Arrests  the  bickering  Stream.     The  loosen 'd  Ice. 
Let  down  the  Flood,  and  half  dissolv'd  by  Day, 
Rustles  no  more;  but  to  the  sedgy  Bank 
Fast  grows,  or  gathers  round  the  pointed  Stone, 


312  WINTER  C 

A  crystal  pavement,  by  the  breath  of  hearen 

Cemented  Jinn;  fill  seiz'd  from  shore  to  shore, 

The  whole  detruded  river  growls  below. 

Loud  rings  the  frozen  earth,  and  hard  reflects 
59°  A  double  noise;  while,  at  his  evening-watch, 

lite  village-dog  deters  the  nightly  thief; 

The  heifer  loivs;  the  distant  water-fall 

Swells  in  the  breeze;  and,  with   the  hasty  tread 

Of  traveller,  the  many  sounding  plain 
595  Shakes  from  afar.      The  full  ethereal  round, 

Infinite  worlds  disclosing  to  the  view, 

Shines  out  intensely  keen;  and,  all  one  cope 

Of  starry  (/fitter,  glows  from  pole  to  pole. 

From  pole  to  pole  the  rigid  influence  falls, 
6oo  Thro'  the  still  night,  incessant,  heavy,  strong, 

And  seizes  nature  fast.     It  freezes  on;  Cf.  a3h 

Till  morn,  late  rising  o'er  the  drooping  world, 

Lifts  her  pale  eye  unjoyous.     Then  appears 

The  various  labour  of  the  silent  night: 
605  Prone  from  the  dripping  eave,  and  dumb  cascade, 

Whose  idle  torrents  only  seem  to  roar, 

The  pendant  isicle;  the  frost-work  fair,  Cf  A3J 

Where  transient  hues,  and  fancy'd  figures  rise; 

The  liquid  kingdom  all  to  so/id  turn'd; 
610  Wide-spouted  o'er  the  brow,  the  frozen  brook, 

A  livid  tract,  cold-gleaming  on  the  mom; 

The  forest  bent  beneath  the  plumy  ware; 

And  by  the  frost  refin'd  the  whiter  snow, 

Incrusted  hard,  and  sounding  to  the  tread 
615  Of  early  shepherd,  as  he  pensive  seeks 

His  pining  flock,  or  from   the  mountain-top, 

Pleas'd  with  the  slippery  surface,  swift  descends. 

On  blithesome  frolicks  bent,  the  youthful  swains,       B      1Wj 
While  every  work  of  man  is  laid  at  rest, 

M8  594  many  sounding  ]  (shrill-resounding)  shrilly-sounding  T 


WINTER  E  313 

A  crystal  Pavement,  by  the  Breath  of  Heaven 
73"  Cemented  firm ;  till,  seiz'd  from  Shore  to  Shore, 

The  whole  imprison' d  River  growls  below. 

Loud  rings  the  frozen  Earth,  and  hard  reflects 

A  double  Noise;  while,  at  his  evening  Watch, 

The  village  Dog  deters  the  nightly  Thief; 
735  The  Heifer  lows;  the  distant  Water-fall 

Swells  in  the  Breeze;  and,  with  the  hasty  Tread 

Of  Traveller,  the  hollow-sounding  Plain 

Shakes  from  afar.     The  full  ethereal  Round, 

Infinite  Worlds  disclosing  to  the  View, 
740  Shines  out  intensely  keen;  and,  all  one  Cope 

Of  starry  Glitter,  glows  from  Pole  to  Pole. 

From  Pole  to  Pole  the  rigid  Influence  falls, 

Thro'  the  still  Night,  incessant,  heavy,  strong, 

And  seizes  Nature  fast.     It  freezes  on; 
745  Till  Morn,  late-rising  o'er  the  drooping  World, 

Lifts  her  pale  Eye  unjoyous.     Then  appears 

The  various  Labour  of  the  silent  Night: 

Prone  from  the  dripping  Eave,  and  dumb  Cascade, 

Whose  idle  Torrents  only  seem  to  roar, 
750  The  pendant  Icicle;  the  Frost- Work  fair. 

Where  transient  Hues,  and  fancy'd  Figures  rise: 

Wide-spouted  o'er  the  Hill,  the  frozen  Brook,  1  m»  omitted 

A  livid  Tract,  cold-gleaming  on  the  Morn : 

The  Forest  bent  beneath  the  plumy  Wave; 
755  And  by  the  Frost  refin'd  the  whiter  Snow, 

Incrusted  hard,  and  sounding  to  the  Tread 

Of  early  Shepherd,  as  he  pensive  seeks 

His  pining  Flock,  or  from  the  Mountain-top, 

Pleas'd  with  the  slippery  Surface,  swift  descends. 

760  On  blithsome  Frolicks  bent,  the  youthful  Swains, 

While  *every  Work  of  Man  is  laid  at  rest, 


314  WINTER  C 

620  Fond  o'er  the  rivet  rush,  and  shuddering  view 
The  doubtful  deeps  below.     Or  where  the  lake 
And  long  csmal  the  cerule  plain  extend. 
The  city  pours  her  thousands,  swarming  <>//, 
From  every  quarter:  and,  with  him  who  slides; 

625  Or  skating  sweeps,  swift  as  the  winds,  along, 
In  circling  poise;  or  else  disorder' d  falls, 
His  feet,  illuded,  sprawling  to  the  sky, 
While  the  laugh  rages  round;  from  end  to  end, 
Encreasing  still,  resounds  the  crowded  scene. 


630  Pure,  quick,  and  sportful,  is  the  wholesome  day. 

But  soon  elaps'd.     The  horizontal  sun, 
Broad  o'er  the  south,  hangs  at  his  utmost  noon; 
And,  inffectual,  strikes  the  gelid  cliff. 
The  mountain  still  his  azure  gloss  maintains, 

635  Nor  feels  the  feeble  touch.     Perhaps  the  vale 
Relents  a   while  to  the  refected  rag; 
Or  from  the  forest  falls  the  cluster* d  snow, 
Myriads  of  gems,  that,  by  the  breeze  diffused, 
Gay-twinkle  thro'  the  gleam.     Heard  thick  around, 


winter  e  ;;ir. 

Fond  o'er  the  River  croud,  in  various  Sport 
And  Ueiwlri/  dissoli-'d;  irhcrc  mixing  glad, 
Happiest  of  all  the  Train!  the  rapturd  Hoy 

j6   Lushes  the  whirling  Top.     Or,  where  the  Rhine 
Branch' d  out  in  many  a  long  Co  mil  extends, 
From  ever;/  Province  swarming,  void  of  Core, 
Batorio  rushes  forth ;  and  as  they  sweep, 
On  sounding  Skates,  a  thousand  different    Ways, 

77    ///  circling  Poise,  swift  as  the  Winds,  along, 
The  then  gay  Land  is  madden' d  all  to  Joy. 
Nor  less  the  northern  Courts,  ivide  o'er  the  Snow, 
Pour  a  new  Pomp.     Eager,  on  rapid  Sleds, 
Their  vigorous   Youth   in  bold  Contention  wheel 

775  The  long-resounding  Course.     Meantime,  to  raise 
The  manly  Strife,  with  highly-blooming  Charms, 
Flush'd  by  the  Season,  Scandinavia's  Dames, 
Or  Russia's  buxom  Daughters  glow  around. 

Pure,  quick,  and  sportful,  is  the  wholesome  Day; 

780  But  soon  elaps'd.     The  horizontal  Sun, 

Broad  o'er  the  South,  hangs  at  his  utmost  Noon; 
And,  ineffectual,  strikes  the  gelid  Cliff. 
His  azure  Gloss  the  Mountain  still  maintains. 
Nor  feels  the  feeble  Touch.     Perhaps  the  Vale 

7S5  Relents  a  while  to  the  reflected  Ray; 

Or  from  the  Forest  falls  the  cluster'd  Snow, 
Myriads  of  Gems,  that  in  the  waving  Gleam 
Gay-twinkle  as  they  scatter.     Thick  around 


MS  763—78  (The  variations  are  all  by  T):  763  Revelry]  Jollity 
After  I.  763  he  had  first  added:  Even  w*h  his  Master,  Partner 
of  his  Play,  768  The  rous'd  Batavians  rush;  771  Gay 

only  then ;  (and  all  a  Scene  of  Joy)  and  madden'd  all  with  Joy 
772  The  northern  Courts,  along  the  harden'd  Snow,  773  (On 
rapid  Sleds  they)  Hung  o*er  the  rapid  Sled  774  bold  ]  Rued 
775—78  Meantime  around,  ||  Their  Charms  exalted  by  the 
(pointing)  healthful  Year,  ||  Kindling  the  Strife,  fair  Scandinavia's 
Dames  ||  And  Russia's  buxom  Daughters  glowing  shine. 


316  WINTER  C 

640  Thunders  the  sport  of  those,  who,  with  the  gun,  Cf.  a3=i 

And  dog  impatient  bounding  at  the  shot, 

Worse  than  the  season,  desolate  the  fields; 

And,  adding  to  the  ruins  of  the  year, 

Distress  the  footed,  or  the  feather' d  game. 
645  But  what  is  this?  these  infant  tempests  what?         b—  D65x 

The  mockery  of  Winter:  should  our  eye 

Astonish' d  shoot  into  the  frozen  zone; 

Where  more  than  half  the  joyless  year  is  night; 

And,  failing  gradual,  life  at  last  goes  out.  Cf.  E86o 


WINTER  E 

Thunders  the  Sport  of  Those,  who  with  the  Gun, 

79°  And  Dog  impatient  bounding  at  the  Shot, 
Worse  than  the  Season,  desolate  the  Fields; 
And,  adding  to  the  Ruins  of  the  Year, 
Distress  the  footed  or  the  feather'd  Game. 

But  what  is  This?    Our  infant  Winter  sinks, 

795  Divested  of  his  Grandeur,  should  our  Eye 
Astonish'd  shoot  into  the  Frigid  Zone; 
Where,  for  relentless  Months,  continual  Night, 
Holds  o'er  the  glittering   Waste  her  starry  Reign. 
There,  thro'  the  Prison  of  unbounded   Wilds. 

800  Barr'd  by  the  Hand  of  Nature  from  Escape, 
Wide-roams  the  Russian  Exile.     Nought  around 
Strikes  his  sad  Eye,  but  Desarts  lost  in  Snow; 
And  heavy-loaded  Groves;  and  solid  Floods, 
That  stretch,  athwart  the  solitary  Vast, 

805  Their  icy  Horrors  to  the  frozen  Main; 

And  chearless  Towns  far-distant,  never  bless 'd, 
Save  when  it's  annual  Course  the  Caravan 
Bends  to  the  golden  Coast  of  rich  *Cathay. 
With  Neivs  of  Human-kind.     Yet  there  Life  glows; 

810  Yet  cherish' d  there,  beneath  the  shining  Waste, 
The  furry  Nations  harbour:  tipt  with  Jet, 
Fair  Ermines,  spotless  as  the  Snows  they  press; 
Sables,  of  glossy  Black;  and,  dark-embrown'  d , 
Or  beauteous  freakt  ivith  many  a  mingled  Hue, 

815  Thousands  besides,  the  costly  Pride  of  Courts. 
There,  warm  together  press'd,  the  trooping  Deer 
Sleep  on  the  new-fallen  Snows;  and,  scarce  his  Head 
Rais'd  o'er  the  heapy   Wreath,  the  branching  Elk 
Lies  slumbering  sullen  in  the  white  Abyss. 

820  Nor  Dogs,  nor  Toils,  he  wants;  nor  with  the  Dread 
*  The  old  Name  of  China. 

F     808  (Note)  for  China. 

820,  821  The  ruthless  Hunter  wants  nor  Dogs  nor  Toils, 
Nor  with  the  Dread  of  sounding  Bows  he  drives 


318  WINTER  C 


WINTER  E  318 

Of  sounding  Huns  the  ruthless  Hunter  drives 
The  fearful-flying  Raa  ;  with  ponderous  Clubs, 
As  weak  against  the  Mountain-Heaps  they  push 
Their  beating  Breast  in  rain,  and  piteous  bray, 

825  He  lays  thru/  quivering  on  th'ensanguin'd  Snows, 
And  with  loud  Shouts  rejoicing  bears  them  home. 
There  thro'  the  piny  Forest  half-absorpt,  '       Cf.  <•■;■• 

Bough  Tenant  of  these  Shades,  the  shapeless  Bear, 
With  dangling  Ice  all  horrid,  stalks  forlorn; 

330  Slow-pac'd,  and  sourer  as  the  Storms  increase. 
He  makes  his  Bed  beneath  th'inclement   Drift, 
And,  with  stern   Patience,  scorning  weak  Complaint, 
Hardens  his  Heart  against  assailing  Want. 

Wide  o'er  the  spacious  Regions  of  the  North, 
835  That  see  Bootes  urge  his  tardy    Wain, 

A  boisterous  Race,  by  frosty  *(  'aurus  pierc'd, 

Who  little  Pleasure  know  and  fear  no  Pain, 

Prolific  swarm.     They  once  relum'd  the  Flame 

Of  lost  Mankind  in  polish'd  Slavery  sunk, 
840  Drove  martial  ''Horde  on  Horde,   with   dreadful  Sweep 

Resistless  rushing  o'er  th' enfeebled  South, 

And  gave  the  vanquish'd   World  another  Form. 

Sot  such  the  Sons  of  Lapland:  wisely  They 

Despise  tli  insensate  barbarous  Trade  of  War; 
345  They  ask  no  more  than  simple  Nature  gives, 

They  love  their  Mountains  and  enjoy  their  Storms. 

No  false  Desires,  no  Pride-created    Wonts, 

Disturb  the  peaceful  Current  of  their  Days; 

And  thro'  the  restless  ever-tortured  Maze 
850  Of  Pleasure,  or  Ambition,  hid  it  rage. 

Their  Rain-Deer  form  their  Riches.     These  their  Tents, 

Their  Robes,  their  Beds,  and  "II  their  homely    Wealth 

*  The  North- West   Wind. 

f  The  wandering  Scythian-Clans. 


F     848  Days;]  Time; 


320  WINTER  C 


WINTER  E  321 

Supply,  their  wholesome  Fare,  and  chearful  Cups. 

Obsequious  at  their  Call,  the  docile   THbt 

Yield  to  the  Sled  their  Necks,  and  whirl  them  swift 

O'er  Hill  and  Dale,  heap'd  into  one  Expanse 

Of  marbled  Snow,  or  far  as  Eye  can  sweep 

With  a  hi  in   Crust  of  hi   unbounded  glaz'd. 

By  dancing  Meteors  then,  that  ceaseless  shake 

A   waving  Blaze  refracted  o'er  thi    Heavens, 

And  vivid  Moons,  and  Stars  thai  keener  play 

With  doubled  Uuster  from  the  radiant    Waste, 

Even  in  the  Depth  of  Polar  Night,  they  find 

A   wondrous  Day:  enough  to  light  the  Chace, 

Or  guide  their  daring  Steps  to  Finland-Fairs. 

Wish'd  Spring  returns;  and  from  the  hazy  Smith, 

While  </i in  Aurora  slowly  moves  before, 

The  welcome  Sun,  just  verging  up  at  first, 

By  small  Degrees  extends  the  swelling  Curve; 

Till  seen  at  last  for  gay  rejoicing  Months, 

Still  round  uikI  round,  his  spiral  Course  he  winds, 

And  as  he  nearly  dips  his  flaming  Orb, 

Wheels  up  again,  and  reascends  the  Ski/. 

In  that  glad  Season,  from  the  Lakes  and  Floods, 

Whin   *pure  Niemi's  fairy  Mountains  rise, 

And  f ring' d  with  Roses  tTenglio  rolls  his  Stream, 

They  draw  the  copious  Fry.      With  these,  at  Eve, 

The;/  chearful-loaded  to  their   Tents  repair; 

Where,  all  Day  long  in  useful  Cures  employ'd, 

*  M.  de  Maupertuis.  in  his  Book  on  the  Figure  of  the  Earth, 
after  having  described  the  beautiful  Lake  and  Mountain  of  Niemi 
in  Lapland,  says  —  "From  this  Height  we  had  Occasion  several 
times  to  see  those  Vapours  rise  from  the  Lake  which  the  People 
of  the  Country  call  Halfios,  and  which  they  deem  to  be  the  guardian 
Spirits  of  the  Mountains.  We  had  been  frighted  with  Stories  of 
Bears  that  haunted  this  Place,  but  saw  none.  It  seeni'd  rather  a 
Place  of  Resort  for  Fairies  and  Genii  than  Bears". 

f  The  same  Author  observes  —  "I  was  surprized  to  see  upon 
the  Banks  of  this  River  (the  Tenglio),  Roses  of  as  lively  a  Red 
as  any  that  are  in  our  Gardens". 

TaUestra  LXVI.  21 


322 


WIXTER  C 


WINTER  E  323 

t*o  Their  kind  unblemish'd   Wives  tht    Fire  prepare. 

Thrice  happy  Race!  by  Poverty  secur'd 

From  legal  Plunder  and  rapacious  Power: 

In  whom  fell  Interest  m  m  r  yet  has  sown 

The  Seeds  of  Vice;  whose  spotless  Swains  ne'er  knew 
885  Injurious  Deed,  nor,  blasted  by  ih>    Breath 

Of  faithless  Love,  their  blooming  Daughters    Woe. 

still  pressing  on}  beyond  Torino's  Lake, 

And  Hecla  flaming  thro'  a    Waste  of  Snow, 

And  farthest  Greenland,  to  the  Pole  itself, 
890  Where  failing  gradual  Life  at  length  goes  out,  Cf.  C649 

The  Mas,   expands  her  solitary  Flight; 

And,  hovering  o'er  the  wild  stupendous  Scene, 

Beholds  new  Seas  beneath  *  another  Sky. 

Thron'd  in  his  Palace  of  cerulean  [ce, 
895  Here  Winter  holds  his  unrejoicing  Court:  Cf.  Ba 

And  thro'  his  airy  Hall  the  loud  Misrule 

Of  driving  Tempest  is  for  ever  heard : 

Here  the  grim   Tyrant  meditates  his   Wrath; 

Here  onus  his   Winds  with  all-subduing  Frost; 

Moulds  his  fierce  Hail,  and  treasures  up  his  Snows, 

With  which  he  now  oppresses  half  the  Globe. 

Thence  winding  eastward  to  the   Tartar's  Const, 
She  sweeps  the  howling  Margin  of  the  Main; 

*  The  other  Hemisphere. 

MS  For  887-91  the  following  cancelled  draught  in  T's  hand: 
Still  farther  on,  even  to  the  Pole  itself, 
"Where  failing  gradual  Life  (at  last)  at  Length  goes  out. 
The  Muse,  sole  Creature  there  alive  (?J,  expand 
A  (dar)  fearless  Wing 

The  Muse  (expands)  directs  her  solitary  (Way)  Flight 
Then  T  writes  text  E  ivith  the  following  partlg  corrected  variations: 
891  expands]  directs         892  stupendous]  (tremendous)         894 
Thron'd  ]  (High)  cerulean  ]    (eternal)  899    arms  ]  wings 

901   Globe.]  (World)  902    winding]    curving)  903    the 

howling]  (along  the) 

21* 


324  WINTER  C 

650  There  undissolving,  from  the  first  of  time, 
Snows  steel/  on  snows  amazing  to  the  sky; 
And  icy  mountains  there,  on  mountains  pil'd, 
Seem  to  the  shivering  sailor  from  afar, 
Shapeless,   and  white,  an   atmosphere  of  clouds. 

655  Projected  huge,  and  horrid,  o'er  the  main, 
Alps  frown  on  Alps;  or  rushing  hideous  down, 
As  if  old  Chaos  was  again  return'd, 
Shake  the  firm  pole,  and  make  an  ocean  boil. 
Whence  heap'd  abrupt  atony  the  howling  shore, 

660  And  into  various  shapes  (as  fancy  leans) 

Work'd  by  the  wave,  the  crystal  pillars  heave, 
Swells  the   blue  portico,  the  gothic   dome 
Shoots  fretted  up;  and  birds,  and  beasts,  and  men, 
Rise  into  mimic  life,  and  sink  by  turns. 

665  The  restless  deep  itself  cannot  resist 
The  binding  Jury;  but,  in  (til  its  rage 
Of  tempest  taken   by  the  boundless  frost, 
Is  many  a  fathom  to  the  bottom  chain'd, 
And  bid  to  roar  no  more:  a  bleak  expanse, 

670  Shag'd  o'er  with   wavy  rods,  chearless,  and  void 
Of  every  life,  that  from   the  dreary  months 
Flies  conscious  southward.     Miserable  they! 
Who,  here  entangled  in  the  gathering  ice, 
Take  their  last  look  of  the  descending  sun; 

675  While,  full  of  death,  and  fierce  with  tenfold  frost, 
The  tony  tony  night,  incumbent  o'er  their  head, 
Falls  horrible.     Such   was  the  *Briton's  fate, 
As  with  first  prow,  (What  have  not  Britons  dar'df) 
He  for  the  passage  sought,  attempted  since 

680  So  much  in  vain,  and  seeming  to  be  shut 
By  jealous  nature  with  eternal  bars. 
In  these  fell  regions,  in  Arzina  caught, 
And  to  the  stony  deep  his  idle  ship 

*  Sir  Hugh  Willoughby,  sent  out  by  Queen  Elizabeth  to  discover 
the  North-east  Passage. 


WINTER  E  325 

Where  undissolving,  from  the  First  of  Time, 
Snows  swell  on  Snows  amazing  to  the  Sky; 
And  icy  Mountains,  high  on   Mountains  pil'd. 
Seem  to  the  shivering  Sailor  from  afar, 
Shapeless  and  white,  an   Atmosphere  of  Clouds. 
Projected  huge,  and  horrid,  o'er  the  Sun/' . 
Alps  frown  on  Alps;  or  rushing  hideous  down. 
As  if  old  Chaos  was  again  return'd, 
Wide-rend  the  Deep,  and  shake  the  solid  Pole. 


Ocean  itself  no  longer  <-an  resist 

The  binding  Fury;  but,  in  all  it's  Rage 

9'5  Of  Tempest  taken  by  the  boundless  Frost, 
Is  many  a  Fathom  to  the  Bottom  chain'd. 
And  bid  to  roar  no  more:  a  bleak  Expanse, 
Shagg'd  o'er  with  wavy  Rocks,  chearless,  and  void 
Of  every  Life,  that  from  the  dreary  Months 

92°  Flies  conscious  southward.     Miserable  they! 
Who,  here  entangled  in  the  gathering  Ice, 
Take  their  last  Look  of  the  descending  Sun; 
While,  full  of  Death,  and  fierce  with  tenfold  Frost. 
The  long  long  Night,  incumbent  o'er  their  Heads, 

92s  Falls  horrible.     Such  was  the  *Briton's  Fate, 

As  with  first  Prow,  (What  have  not  Britons  dar'd!) 
He  for  the  Passage  sought,  attempted  since 
So  much  in  vain,  and  seeming  to  be  shut 
By  jealous  Nature  with  eternal  Bars. 

93-  In  these  fell  Regions,  in  Arzina  caught, 
And  to  the  stony  Deep  his  idle  Ship 

*  Sir  Hugh  Willoughby,  sent  by  Queen  Elizabeth  to  discover 
the  North-East  Passage. 


326  WINTER  C 

Im mediate  seal'd,  he  with  his  hapless  crew, 
685  Each  full  exerted  at  his  several  task. 
Froze  into  statues;  to  the  cordage  glued 
The  sailor,  and  the  />/'/<>/  to  the  helm. 

Hard  by  these  shores,  the  last  of  mankind  live;     b-  D694 

And,  scarce  enliven 'd  by  the  distant  sun, 
69o  (That  rears  and  ripens  man,  as  well  as  plants) 

Here  Human  Nature  just  begins  to  dawn. 

Deep  from  the  piercing  season  sunk  in  caves, 

Here  by  dull  fires,  and  with   unjoyous  chear, 

They  wear  the  tedious  gloom.      Immers'd  in  furs, 
695  Ly  the  gross  race.     Nor  sprightly  jest,  nor  song, 

Nor  tenderness  they  know;  nor  ought  of  life, 

Beyond  the  kindred  bears  that  stalk  -without. 

Till  long-expected  morning  tooks  at  length 

Faint  on  their  fields  (where    Winter  reigns  alone) 
7oo  And  calls  the  quiver'd  savage  to  the  chace. 


MS  688  mankind]  (Mortals)  T        Then  T  writes  afresh: 

Hard  by  (these  Shores)  this  Coast,  where  wedg'd  within 

the  Main 
Lies  icy  Oby,  live  the  last  of  Men; 
And,  scarce  &c. 
695  Ly  ]  Sleep  T        699  o'er  the  Fields  T 


WINTER  E  327 

Immediate  seal'd,  he  with  his  hapless  Grew, 
Each  full  exerted  at  his  several  Task, 
Froze  into  Statues;  to  the  Cordage  glued 
The  Sailor,  and  the  Pilot  to  the  Holm. 

Hard  by  these  Shores,  where  scarct  his  freezing  Stream 
Rolls  the  wild  Oby,  live  the  Last  of  Men; 

And,  //«//'-enliven'd  by  the  distant  Sun. 
That  rears  and  ripens  Man,  as  well  as   Plants, 
940  Here  Human  Nature  wears  it's  rudest  Form. 
Deep  from  the  piercing  Season  sunk  in  Caves, 
Here  by  dull  Fires,  and  with  unjoyous  Chear, 
They  waste  the  tedious  Gloom.     Immers'd  in  Furs, 
Doze  the  gross  Race.     Nor  sprightly  Jest,  nor  Song, 
Nor  Tenderness  they  know;  nor  aught  of  Life. 
Beyond  the  kindred  Bears  that  stalk  without. 
Till  Morn  at  length,  her  Roses  drooping  all, 
Sheds  a  long  Twilight  brightening  o'er  their  Fields, 
And  calls  the  quiver'd  Savage  to  the  Chace. 

950  What  cannot  activi   Government  perform, 

New-moulding  Muni'    Wide-stretching  from  these  Shores, 

A  People  savage  from  remotest  Time, 

A  /u/i/>   neglected  Empin    One  vast  Mind, 

By  Heaven  inspir'd,  from  Gothic  Darkness  call'd. 

955  Immortal  Peter!     First  of  Monarchs!     He 

His  stubborn  Country  tam'd,  Iter  Pocks,  her  Fens, 
Her  Floods,  her  Seas,  her  ill-submitting  Sows; 
And  while  the  fierce  Barbarian  he  subdu'd, 
To  more  exalted  Soul  he  raised  the  Man. 

960  Ye  Shades  of  antient   Heroes,  ye  who  toil'd 
Thro'  lour/  successive  Ages  to  build  up 
A  lab'ring  Plan  of  State,  behold  at  once 
The   Wonder  done!  behold  the  matchless  Prince! 
Who  left  his  native  Throne,  where  reign'd  till  then 

965  A  mighty  Shadow  of  unreal  Power; 

MS  943  P? 


328  WINTER  C 


Muttering,  the  winds  at  eve,  with  hoarser  voice 
Blow  blustering  from  the  south.     The  frost  subdu'd,         B397  d7o; 
Gradual,  resolves  into  a  trickling  thaw. 
Spotted  the  mountains  shine;  loose  sleet  descends. 

705  And  floods  the  country  round.     The  rivers  swell. 
Impatient  for  the  day.     Broke  from  the  hills, 
O'er  rocks  and  woods,  in  broad  brown  cataracts. 
A  thousand  snow-fed  torrents  shoot  at  once; 
And,  where  they  rush,  the  wide-resounding  plain 

710  Is  left  one  slimy  waste.     Those  sullen  seas, 
That  wash  th'ungenial  pole,  will  rest  no  more 
Beneath  the  shackles  of  the  mighty  north : 
But,  rousing  all  their  waves,  resistless  heave  — 
And  hark!  the  lengthening  roar  continuous  runs 


WINTER,  E 

Who  greatly  spurn'd  the  slothful  Pomp  of  Courts; 
And  roaming  every  Cand,  in  every  I 'or/, 
His  Scepter  laid  aside,  with  glorious  Hand 
Unweary'd  plying  the  mechanic  Tool, 

970  Gather' d  the  Seeds  of  Trod,-,  of  useful  Arts, 
Of  Civil   Wisdom,  mid  of  Martial  Skill. 
Charg'd  with  the  Stores  of  Europe  home  he  hois'! 
Then  Cities  rise  amid  th'illumin'd   Waste;  y 

O'er  joyless  Desarts  smiles  the  rural  Reign; 

975  Far-distant  Flood  to  Flood  is  social  join'd; 
Th' astonish' d   En. rim    hears  tin    Hal  fir   roar; 
Proud  Navies  ride  on  Seas  that  never  foam'd 
With   daring   Keel  before;  and  Armies  stretch 
Each    Wini  their  dazzling  Files,  repressing  here 

980  The  frantic  Alexander  of  the   North, 

And  awing  there  stem  Othman's  shrinking  Sons. 
Sloth  flies  the  Laud,  and  Ignorance,  and   Vice, 
(if  old    Dishonour  proud:   if  glows   around. 
Taught  by  the  Royal  Hand  that  rous'd  the   Whole, 

9S5  One  Scene  of  Arts,  of  Arms,  of  rising   Trade: 
For  what  his    Wisdom  plann'd,  and   I 'oner  enforc'd, 
More  potent  still,   his  great    Example  sheie'd. 

Muttering,  the  Winds  at  Eve,  with  blunted  Point, 
Blow  hollow-blustering  from   the  South.      Snh, 1 11' d, 

990  The  Frost  resolves  into  a  trickling  Thaw. 

Spotted  the  Mountains  shine;  loose  Sleet  descends, 
And  floods  the  Country  round.     The  Rivers  swell, 
Of  Bonds  impatient.     Sudden  from  the  Hills, 
O'er  Rocks  and  Woods,  in  broad  brown  Cataracts, 

995  A  thousand  snow-fed  Torrents  shoot  at  once; 
And,  where  they  rush,  the  wide-resounding  Plain 
Is  left  one  slimy  Waste.     Those  sullen  Seas, 
That  wash  th'ungenial  Pole,  will  rest  no  more 
Beneath  the  Shackles  of  the  mighty  North; 
1000  But.  rousing  all  their  Waves,  resistless  heave  — 
And  hark !  the  lengthening  Roar  continuous  runs 


/ 


330  WINTER  C 

715  Athwart  the  rifted  main :  at  once  it  bursts, 

And  piles  a  thousand  mountains  to  the  clouds. 

Ill  fares  the  bark,  the  wretch's  last  resort, 

That,  lost  amid  the  floating  fragments,  moors 

Beneath  the  shelter  of  an  icy  isle, 
720  While  night  o'erwhelms  the  sea,  and  horror  looks 

More  horrible.     Can  human  force  endure 

Th'assembled  mischiefs  that  besiege  them  round  : 

Heart-gnawing  hunger,  fainting  weariness, 

The  roar  of  winds  and  waves,  the  crush  of  ice, 
725  Now  ceasing,  now  renew'd  with  louder  rage, 

And  in  dire  echoes  bellowing  round  the  main.  2  lines  a 

More  to  embroil  the  deep,  Leviathan, 

And  his  unweildy  train,  in  horrid  sport, 

Tempest  the  loosen'd  brine:  while  thro'  the  gloom, 
730  Far,  from  the  bleak  inhospitable  shore. 

Loading  the  winds,  is  heard  the  hungry  howl 

Of  famish' d  monsters,  there  awaiting  wrecks. 

Yet  Providence,  that  ever-waking  eye, 

Looks  down  with  pity  on  the  fruitless  toil 
735  Of  mortals  lost  to  hope,  and  lights  them  safe, 

Thro'  all  this  dreary  labyrinth  of  fate. 

'Tis  done !  —  dread  Winter  has  subdu'd  the  year,    b4i7  i> 

And  reigns  tremendous  o'er  the  desart  plains. 

How  dead  the  vegetable  kingdom  lies! 
740  How  dumb  the  tuneful !     Horror  wide  extends 

His  solitary  empire.     Here,  fond  man ! 

Behold  thy  pictar'd  life;  pass  some  few  years, 

Thy  flowering  Spring,  thy  Summer'*  ardent  strength. 

Thy  sober  Autumn  fading  into  age, 
745  And  pale  concluding  Winter  comes  at  last, 

And  shuts  the  scene.     Ah!  whither  now  are  fled. 

Those  dreams  of  greatness?  those  unsolid  hopes 

Of  happiness?  those  longings  after  fame? 


WINTER  K  33] 

Atliwart  the   rifted    Veep:  at  once  it   bursts, 

And  piles  a  thousand   Mountains  to  the  Clouds. 

Ill  fares  the  Bark  with  trembling   Wretches  charg'd, 

ioo5  That,  tost  amid  the  floating  Fragments,  moors 
Beneath  the  Shelter  of  an  icy  Isle, 
While  Night  o'erwhelms  the  Sea,  and   Borror  look- 
More  horrible.     Can   human    Force  endure 
Unassembled  Mischiefs  that  besiege  them  round? 

1010  Heart-gnawing  Hunger,  fainting  Weariness, 

The  Roar  of  Winds  and  Waves,  the  Crush  of  [ce, 
Now  ceasing,  now  renew \\  with  loader  Rage, 
And  in  dire  Echoes  bellowing  round  the  Main. 
More  to  embroil  the  Deep,  Leviathan 

1015  And  his  unwieldy  Train,  in  dreadful  Sport, 

Tempest  the  loosen'd  Brine,  while  thro'  the  (iloom. 
Far,  from  the1  bleak  inhospitable  Shore, 
Loading  the  Winds,  is  heard  the  hungry  Howl 
Of  famish'd  Monsters,  there  awaiting  Wrecks. 

1020  Yet  Providence,  that  ever-waking  Eye, 
Looks  down  with  Pity  on  the  feeble  Toil 
Of  Mortals  lost  to  Hope,  and  lights  them  safe. 
Thro'  all  this  dreary  Labyrinth  of  Fate. 

Tis  done!  —  dread  Winter  spreads  his  latest  Glooms, 

1025  And  reigns  tremendous  o'er  the  conquer' d  Year. 
How  dead  the  Vegetable  Kingdom  lies! 
How  dumb  the  tuneful !     Horror  wide  extends 
His  melancholy  Empire.     Here,  fond  Man! 
Behold  thy  pictur'd  Life;  pass  some  few  Years, 

1030  Thy  flowering  Spring;  thy  Summer's  ardent  Strength, 
Thy  sober  Autumn  fading  into  Age, 
And  pale  concluding  Winter  comes  at  last, 
And  shuts  the  Scene.     Ah !  whither  now  are  fled. 
Those  Dreams  of  Greatness?  those  unsolid  Hopes 

1035  Of  Happiness?  those  Longings  after  Fame? 

F      1028/29  His  desolate  Domain.     Behold,  fond  Man! 
See  here  thy  etc. 


332  WINTER  C 

Those  restless  cares?  those  busy  bustling  days? 

750  Those  gay-spent,  festive  nights?  those  veering  thoughts, 
Lost  between  good  and  ill,  that  shar'd  thy  life? 
All  now  are  vanish'd!     Virtue  sole  survives, 
Immortal,  mankind's  never-failing  friend, 
His  guide  to  happiness  on  high.  —  And  see! 

755 'Tis  come,  the  glorious  morn!  the  second  birth 
Of  heaven,  and  earth!     Awakening  nature  hears 
The  new-creating  word,  and  starts  to  life, 
In  every  heighten' 'd  form,  from  pain  and  death 
For  ever  free.      The  great  eternal  scheme, 

760  Involving  all,  and  in  a  perfect  whole 
Uniting,  as  the  prospect  aider  spreads, 
To  reason's  eye  refin'd  clears  up  apace. 
Ye  vainly  /rise!  ye  blind  presuming!  now, 
Confounded  in  the  dust,  adore  that  Power, 

765  And   Wisdom  oft  arraign'd:  see  now  the  cause. 
Why  unassuming  Worth  in  secret  liv'd, 
And  dy'd}  neglected:  why  the  good  man's  share 
In  life  was  gall,  and  bitterness  of  soul: 
Why  the  lone  widow,  and  her  orphans  pin'd, 

770  In  starving  solitude ;  while  Luxury, 

In  palaces,  lay  prompting  his  low  thought, 
To  form  unreal  wants:  why  heaven-born   Truth. 
And  Moderation  fair,  wore  the  red  marks 
Of  Superstition's  scourge:  why  licens'd  Pain, 

775  That  cruel  spoiler,  that  embosom'd  foe, 
Imbitter'd  all  our  bliss.     Ye  good  distrest! 
Te  noble  few!  who  here  unbending  stand 
Beneath  life's  pressure,  yet  a  little  while, 
And  /chat  you   reckon   evil  is  no  more; 

780  The  storms  of  Wintry  time  will  quickly  pass, 
And  one  unbounded  Spring  encircle  all. 


^gv.- 


WINTER  /•:  33.3 

Those  restless  Cares V  those  busy   bustling  Days? 

Those  gay-spent,  festive  Nights?  those  veering  Thoughts, 

Lost  between  Good  and   III.  that  shar'd  thy  Life? 

All  now  are  vanislfd !     Virtue  sole  survives. 
1040  Immortal,  never-failing  Friend  <>/'  Mmi. 

His  Guide  to  Eappiness  od  high.  —  And  see! 

Tis  come,  the  glorious  Morn!  the  second  Birth 

Of  Heaven,  and   Earth!     Awakening  Nature  hears 

The  new-creating  Word,  and  starts  to  Life, 
1045  In  every  heighten'd   Form,  from    Pain  and   Death 

For  ever  free.     The  great  eternal  Scheme, 

Involving  All.  and  in  a  perfect  Whole 

Uniting,  as  the  Prospect  wider  spreads, 

To  Reason's  Eye  refin'd  clears  up  apace. 
low  Ye  vainly  wise!  ye  blind  Presumptuous!  now, 

Confounded  in  the  Dust,  adore  that  Power. 

And  Wisdom  of  arraigivd :  see  now  the  Cause, 

Why  unassuming  Worth  in  secret  liv'd, 

And  dy'd,  neglected:  why  the  good  Man's  Share 
1055  In  Life  was  Gall  and   Bitterness  of  Soul: 

Why  the  lone  Widow,  and  her  Orphans  pin'd, 

In  starving  Solitude;  while  Luxury, 

In  Palaces,  lay  straining  her  low  Thought, 

To  form  unreal  Wants:  why  Heaven-born  Truth. 
1060  And  Moderation  fair,  wore  the  red  Marks 

Of  Superstition's  Scourge:  why  licens'd  Pain, 

That  cruel  Spoiler,  that  embosom'd  Foe, 

Imbitter'd  all  our  Bliss.     Te  good  Distrest! 

Ye  noble  Few !  who  here  unbending  stand 
1065  Beneath  Life's  Pressure,  yet  a  little  While, 

And  what  your  hounded  View,  which  <ml>j  saw 

A   little  Part,  deem'd  Evil  is  no  more: 

The  Storms  of  Wintry  Time  will  quickly  pass, 

And  one  unbounded  Spring  encircle  All. 


F      1065  yet  bear  up  a  While, 


A 

HYMN. 


The  text  is  that  of  1730.     B  =  eel.  1744.     The  text  of  1746  is  the 
same  as  that  of  B.     The  MS.  notes  are  earlier  than  B. 


THESE,  as  they  change,  Almighty  Father!  these, 
Are  but  the  varied  God.     The  rolling  Tear 
Is  full  of  thee.     Forth  in  the  pleasing  Spring 
Thy  Beauty  walks,  thy  Tenderness  and  Love. 

5  Wide-flush  the  fields;  the  softening  air  is  balm; 
Echo  the  mountains  round;  the  forests  live; 
And  every  sense,  and  every  heart  is  joy. 
Then  comes  thy  Glory  in  the  Summer-months, 
With  light,  and  heat,  severe.     Prone,  then  thy  sun 

i°  Shoots  full  perfection  thro'  the  swelling  year. 
And  oft  thy  voice  in  awful  thunder  speaks; 
And  oft  at  dawn,  deep  noon,  or  falling  eve, 
By  brooks  and  groves,  in  hollow-whispering  gales. 
A  yellow-floating  pomp,  thy  Bounty  shines 

15  In  Autumn  unconfin'd.     Thrown  from  thy  lap, 
Profuse  o'er  nature,  falls  the  lucid  shower 
Of  beamy  fruits;  and,  in  a  radiant  stream, 

B     6  the  Forest  smiles;         9  and  Heat  refulgent.     Then  thy  Sun 
11  awful]  dreadful         14—18  thus  contracted: 

Thy  Bounty  shines  in  Autumn  unconfin'd. 
And  spreads  a  common  Feast  for  all  that  lives. 


A  HYMN 

Into  the  stores  of  steril  Winter  poms. 
In    Winter  dreadful  Thou!   with  clouds  and   storms 
-    Around  Thee  thrown,  tempest  o'er  tempest  roll'd. 
Horrible  blackness!     On  the  whirlwind's  wing. 
Riding  sublime,  Thou  bid'st  the  world  be  low, 
And  humblest  nature  with  tliv   northern  blast. 

Mysterious  round!   what  skill,   what  force  divine,        e 
25  Deep-felt,  in  these  appear!     A  simple  train, 

Yet  so  harmonious  mix'd,  bo  fitly  join'd, 

One  following  one  in  such  inchanting  sort. 

Shade,  unperceiv'd,  so  softening  into  shade, 

And  all  so  forming  such  a  perfect  whole, 
30  That,  as  they'still  succeed,  they  ravish  still. 

But  wandering  oft,  with  brute  unconscious  gaze, 

Man  marks  Thee  not,  marks  not  the  mighty  hand. 

That,  ever-busy,  wheels  the  silent  spheres; 

Works  in  the  secret  deep;  shoots,  steaming,  thence 
35  The  fair  profusion  that  o'erspreads  the  Spring: 

Flings  from  the  sun  direct  the  flaming  Day; 

Feeds  every  creature;  hurls  the  Tempest  forth: 

And,  as  on  earth  this  grateful  change  revolves, 

With  transport  touches  all  the  springs  of  life. 

40  Nature,  attend;  join  every  living  soul,  b3? 

Beneath  the  spacious  temple  of  the  sky. 

In  adoration  join:  and,  ardent,  raise 

An  universal  Hymn!     To  Him,  ye  gales, 

Breathe  soft;  whose  spirit  teaches  you  to  breathe. 
45  Oh  talk  of  Him  in  solitary  glooms! 

Where,  o'er  the  rock,  the  scarcely-waving  pine 


19    dreadful]    awful  21    Horrible    blackness!]    Majestic- 

Darkness!  22  be  low,]  adore,  26,  27  Yet  so  delightful 

mix'd,  with  such  kind  Art,  [|  Such  Beauty  and  Beneficence 
combin'd;  29  such  a  perfect]  an  harmonious  32  not  Thee. 
43  One  general  Song!     To  Him,  ye  vocal  Gales,  44  Spirit 

in  your  Freshness  breathes: 


336  A  HYMX 

Fills  the  brown  void  with  a  religious  awe. 

And  ye,  whose  bolder  note  is  heard  afar, 

Who  shake  th'astonish'd  world,  lift  high  to  heaven 

50  Th'impetuous  song,  and  say  from  whom  you  rage. 
His  praise,  ye  brooks,  attune,  ye  trembling  rills: 
And  let  me  catch  it  as  I  muse  along. 
Ye  headlong  torrents,  rapid,  and  profound; 
Ye  softer  floods,  that  lead  the  humid  maze 

55  Along  the  vale:  and  thou,  majestic  main, 
A  secret  world  of  wonders  in  thyself, 
Sound  his  tremendous  praise;  whose  greater  voice 
Or  bids  you  roar,  or  bids  your  roarings  fall. 
Roll  up  your  incense,  herbs,  and  fruits,  and  flowers. 

60  In  mingled  clouds  to  Him;  whose  sun  elates, 
Whose  hand  perfumes  you,  and  whose  pencil  paints. 
Ye  forests,  bend;  ye  harvests,  wave  to  Him: 
Breathe  your  still  song  into  the  reaper's  heart, 
Homeward,  rejoycing  with  the  joyous  moon. 

65  Ye  that  keep  watch  in  heaven,  as  earth  asleep 
Unconscious  lies,  effuse  your  mildest  beams, 
Ye  Constellations,  while  your  angels  strike. 
Amid  the  spangled  sky,  the  silver  lyre. 
Great  source  of  day!  best  image  here  below 

70  Of  thy  creator,  ever  darting  wide, 
From  world  to  world,  the  vital  ocean  round, 
On  nature  write  with  every  beam  his  praise. 
The  thunder  rolls:  be  hush'd  the  prostrate  world; 
While  cloud  to  cloud  returns  the  dreadful  hymn. 

75  Bleat  out  afresh,  ye  hills;  ye  mossy  rocks, 
Retain  the  sound:  the  broad  responsive  low, 
Ye  vallies.  raise:  for  the  great  Shepherd  reigns; 


B  47  void  ]  Shade  57  tremendous  ]  stupendous  59  Roll  up  J 
Soft-roll         60  elates,  ]  exalts,         61  hand  ]  Breath  64  As 

home  he  goes  beneath  the  joyous  Moon.  70  darting]  pouring 
74  dreadful  ]  solemn 

MS  62  bend;]  bow;  T 


i  HYMN  337 

And  yet  again  the  golden  age  returns. 

Wildest  of  creatures,  be  not  silent  here; 
so  But,  hymning  horrid,  let  the  desart  roar. 

Ye  woodlands  all,  awake:  a  general  song 

Burst  from  the  groves;  and  when  the  restless  day. 

Expiring,  lays  the  warbling  world  asleep, 

Sweetest  of  birds!  sweet  philomela,  charm 
85  The  listening  shades;  and  thro'  the  midnight  hour, 

Trilling,  prolong  the  wildly-luscious  note; 

That  night,  as  well  as  day,  may  vouch  his  praise. 

Ye  chief,  for  whom  the  whole  creation  smiles; 

At  once  the  head,  the  heart,  and  mouth  of  all, 
90  Crown  the  great  Hymn!     In  swarming  cities  vast, 

Concourse  of  men,  to  the  deep  organ  join 

The  long-resounding  voice,  oft-breaking  clear, 

At  solemn  pauses,  thro'  the  swelling  base; 

And,  as  each  mingling  flame  encreases  each, 
95  In  one  united  ardor  rise  to  heaven. 

Or  if  you  rather  chuse  the  rural  shade, 

To  find  a  fane  in  every  sacred  grove; 

There  let  the  shepherd's  flute,  the  virgin's  chaunt, 

The  prompting  seraph,  and  the  poet's  lyre, 
100  Still  sing  the  God  of  Seasons,  as  they  roll. 

For  me,  when  I  forget  the  darling  theme, 

Whether  the  Blossom  blows,  the  Summer-ray 

Russets  the  plain,  delicious  Autumn  gleams; 

Or  Winter  rises  in  the  reddening  east; 
'05  Be  my  tongue  mute,  may  fancy  paint  no  more, 

And,  dead  to  joy,  forget  my  heart  to  beat. 


B     78  And   his  unsuffering  Kingdom   yet  will   come.  79,  80 

omitted  81  general]  boundless  85—87  thus  condensed: 

The  listening  Shades,  and  teach  the  Night  his  Praise.  89 

mouth  ]  Tongue  91  Concourse  of  men,  ]  Assembled  Men, 

97  To  ]  And  98  chaunt,  ]  Lay,  103  delicious  ]  inspiring 

104  reddening  ]  blackening 

MS  78  (see  B)  unsuffering  1  mild  bloodless   T        will  ]  shall  T 
Palaestra  LXVI.  22 


338  ^  HYMN 

Should  fate  command  me  to  the  farthest  verge 
Of  the  green  earth,  to  hostile  barbarous  climes, 
Rivers  unknown  to  song;  where  first  the  sun 

no  Grilds  Indian  mountains,  or  his  setting  beam 
Flames  on  th'Atlantic  isles;  'tis  nought  to  rue; 
Since  God  is  ever  present,  ever  felt, 
In  the  void  waste,  as  in  the  city  full; 
Rolls  the  same  kindred  Seasons  round  the  world, 

"5  In  all  apparent,  wise,  and  good  in  all; 
Since  He  sustains,  and  animates  the  whole; 
From  seeming  evil  still  educes  good, 
And  better  thence  again,  and  better  still, 
In  infinite  progression.  —  But  I  lose 

izo  Myself  in  Him,  in  light  ineffable! 

Come  then,  expressive  Silence,  muse  his  praise. 


B     108  hostile]  distant        114 — 116  thus  expanded; 

And  where  He  vital  spreads  there  must  be  Joy. 
When  even  at  last  the  solemn  Hour  shall  come, 
And  wing  my  mystic  Flight  to  future  Worlds, 
I  chearful  will  obey,  There,  with  new  Powers,  I  no] 

Will  rising  Wonders  sing:  I  cannot  go 
Where  Universal  Love  not  smiles  around. 
Sustaining  all  yon  Orbs  and  all  their  Sons, 
117  educing 
MS  [108]  solemn  Mandate  comes,  |j  And  my  dark  Plight  I  wing  to 
future  Worlds  etc.  T        [112]  Where  Universal  Goodness  does 
not  reign  T. 


The  End. 


ADDENDA 


Page  17  D  247  living]  lively 

„      20  D  ;29]  it's;  his 

,.      23  D  407  ye  done; 

„      26  D  [452]  beetling]  beetle 

„      26  I.  1  from  bottom:  Comma  after  Song 

„      39  I.  719  Comma  after  Duck 

,.      68  I.  48 -East:  after  dappled 

„      75  D  201  o'er]  round 

„  179  D  1756  or]  nor 

,.  181  D  After  I.  1786  is  inserted:  Train;  ||  To  Reason   then,   de- 
ducing Truth  from  Truth; 

„  185  Eclcl.  1744  and  1746  read  Address'd  for  Address  {I.  2). 

„  197  C  330  waves  ]  weaves 

,.  205  C  543  go 

even  after  Table  (I.  7  from  bottom) 

,.  224  C  939  And  oceans  roll.  ]  And  Caverns  deep. 

„  224  C  990  its  ]  his 

„  229  I.  1141  Comma  after  pride 

,.  252  I.  128         „  „      Pensive 

„  258  /.  290  ..  and 

„  262  7.  392         ,.  ..      Widow 

,,  269  I.  75  the  before  Mountain's. 


CORRIGENDA 


Page  20  I.  1  from  bottom:  read  never-cloyd  (hyphen!) 
„      52  I.  1060  read  shows  for  shews 
,.      65  I.  58  read  Limps  for  Simps 
,.    105  I.  205  ought  to  be  printed  in  ordinary  type  and  supplied  with 

the  reference  uCf.  A  622". 
„    211  I.  9  from  bottom:  Delete  comma  afhr  rocky 
,.    252  I.  140  read  o'erhang  for  o'er  hang. 


///  the  MS.  notes  at  the  bottom  of  the  text  ' P'  (=  Pope)  is  to 
be  replaced  by  '£'  (=  Lyttelton).    See  pp.    VII —IX. 


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