And shall the venerable halls ye fill
Refuse to echo the sublime decree?
Trust not to partial care a general good;
Transfer not to futurity a work
of urgent need. Your country must complete
Her glorious destiny. Begin e'en now,
Now, when oppression, like th' Egyptian plague
Of darkness, stretch'd o'er guilty Europe, makes
The brightness more conspicuous that invests
The happy island where ye think and act;
Now, when destruction is a prime pursuit,
Show to the wretched nations for what end
The powers of civil polity were given !"
Abruptly here, but with a graceful air,
The sage broke off. No sooner had he ceased
Than, looking forth, the gentle lady said,
"Behold the shades of afternoon have fallen
Upon this flowery slope; and see-beyond-
The lake, though bright, is of a placid blue;
As if preparing for the peace of evening.
How temptingly the landscape shines! The air
Breathes invitation; easy is the walk
To the lake's margin, where a boat lies moor'd
Beneath her sheltering tree." Upon this hint
We rose together: all were pleased, but most
The beauteous girl, whose cheek was flush'd with
joy.
Light as a sunbeam glides along the hills
She vanished, eager to impart the scheme
To her beloved brother and his shy compeer.
Now was there bustle in the vicar's house
And earnest preparation. Forth we went,
And down the vale along the streamlet's edge
Pursued our way, a broken company,
Mute or conversing, single or in pairs.
Thus having reach'd a bridge, that overarch'd
The hasty rivulet where it lay becalm'd
In a deep pool, by happy chance we saw
A twofold image; on a grassy bank
A snow-white ram, and in the crystal flood
Another and the same! Most beautiful,
On the green turf, with his imperial front
Shaggy and bold, and wreathed horns superb,
The breathing creature stood; as beautiful,
Beneath him, show'd his shadowy counterpart.
Each had his glowing mountains, each his sky,
And each seem'd centre of his own fair world:
Antipodes unconscious of each other,
Yet, in partition, with their several spheres,
Blended in perfect stillness, to our sight!
"Ah! what a pity were it to disperse,
Or to disturb, so fair a spectacle
And yet a breath can do it!"
These few words
The lady whisper'd, while we stood and gazed
Gather'd together, all, in still delight,
Not without awe. Thence passing on, she said
In like low voice to my particular ear,
"I love to hear that eloquent old man
Pour forth his meditations, and descant
On human life from infancy to age.
How pure his spirit! in what vivid hues
His mind gives back the various forms of things,
Caught in their fairest, happiest attitude!
While he is speaking, I have power to see
E'en as he sees; but when his voice hath ceased,
Then, with a sigh, sometimes I feel, as now,
That combinations so serene and bright,
Like those reflected in yon quiet pool,
Cannot be lasting in a world like ours,
To great and small disturbances exposed."
More had she said, but sportive shouts were heard
Sent from the jocund hearts of those two boys,
Who, bearing each a basket on his arm,
Down the green field came tripping after us.-
When we had cautiously embark'd, the pair
Now for a prouder service were addrest.
But an inexorable law forbade,
And each resign'd the oar which he had seized.
Whereat, with willing hand I undertook
The needful labour; grateful task!-to me
Pregnant with recollections of the time
When, on thy bosom, spacious Windermere !
A youth, I practised this delightful art;
Toss'd on the waves alone, or 'mid a crew
Of joyous comrades. Now, the reedy marge
Clear'd, with a strenuous arm I dipp'd the oar,
Free from obstruction, and the boat advanced
Through crystal water smoothly as a hawk,
That, disentangled from the shady boughs
Of some thick wood, her place of covert, cleaves
With correspondent wings th' abyss of air.
"Observe," the vicar said, "yon rocky isle
With birch trees fringed; my hand shall guide the
helm,
While thitherward we bend our course; or while
We seek that other, on the western shore,-
Where the bare columns of those lofty firs,
Supporting gracefully a massy dome
Of sombre foliage, seem to imitate
A Grecian temple rising from the deep."
"Turn where we may," said I," we cannot err
In this delicious region." Cultured slopes,
Wild tracts of forest ground, and scatter'd groves,
And mountains bare or clothed with ancient woods
Surrounded us; and, as we held our way
Along the level of the glassy flood,
They ceased not to surround us: change of place,
From kindred features diversely combined,
Producing change of beauty ever new.
Ah! that such beauty, varying in the light
Of living nature, cannot be portray'd
By words, nor by the pencil's silent skill;
But is the property of him alone
Who hath beheld it, noted it with care,
And in his mind recorded it with love!
Suffice it, therefore, if the rural muse
Vouchsafe sweet influence, while her poet speaks
Of trivial occupations well devised,
And unsought pleasures springing up by chance;
As if some friendly genius had ordain'd
That, as the day thus far had been enrich'd
By acquisition of sincere delight,
The same should be continued to its close.
One spirit animating old and young,
A gipsy fire we kindled on the shore
Of the fair isle with birch trees fringed; and there Merrily seated in a ring, partook
The beverage drawn from China's fragrant herb. Launch'd from our hand, the smooth stone skimm❜
With shouts we roused the echoes: stiller sounds
The lovely girl supplied, a simple song,
Whose low tones reach'd not to the distant rocks
To be repeated thence, but gently sank
Into our hearts, and charm'd the peaceful flood.
Rapaciously we gather'd flowery spoils
From land and water; lilies of each hue-
Golden and white, that float upon the waves,
And court the wind; and leaves of that shy plant,
(Her flowers were shed,) the lily of the vale,
That loves the ground, and from the sun withholds
Her pensive beauty, from the breeze her sweets.
Such product and such pastime did the place
And season yield; but, as we re-embarked,
Leaving, in quest of other scenes, the shore
Of that wild spot, the solitary said
In a low voice, yet careless who might hear,
"The fire, that burned so brightly to our wish,
Where is it now? Deserted on the beach,
It seems extinct; nor shall the fanning breeze
Revive its ashes. What care we for this,
Whose ends are gain'd? Behold an emblem here
Of one day's pleasure, and all mortal joys!
And, in this unpremeditated slight
Of that which is no longer needed, see
The common course of human gratitude!"
This plaintive note disturb'd not the repose
Of the still evening. Right across the lake
Our pinnace moves: then, coasting creek and bay,
Glades we behold, and into thickets peep,
Where couch the spotted deer; or raised our eyes
To shaggy steeps on which the careless goat
Browsed by the side of dashing waterfalls.
Thus did the bark, meandering with the shore,
Pursue her voyage, till a natural pier
Of jutting rock invited us to land.
Alert to follow as the pastor led,
We clomb a green hill's side; and as we clomb,
The valley, opening out her bosom, gave
Fair prospect, intercepted less and less,
Of the flat meadows and indented coast
Of the smooth lake, in compass seen, far off.
And yet conspicuous stood the old church tower
In majesty presiding over fields
And habitations, seemingly preserved
From the intrusion of a restless world,
By rocks impassable and mountains huge.
Soft heath this elevated spot supplied,
Vivid as fire-clouds separately poised,
Innumerable multitudes of forms
Scatter'd through half the circle of the sky;
And giving back, and shedding each on each
With prodigal communion, the bright hues
Which from the unapparent fount of glory
They had imbibed, and ceased not to receive.
That which the heavens display'd, the liquid deep
Repeated; but with unity sublime!
While from the grassy mountain's open side
We gazed, in silence hush'd, with eyes intent
On the refulgent spectacle,-diffused
Through earth, sky, water, and all visible space,-
The priest in holy transport thus exclaim'd:
"Eternal Spirit! universal God!
Power inaccessible to human thought,
Save by degrees and steps which thou hast deign'd
To furnish; for this effluence of thyself,
To the infirmity of mortal sense
Vouchsafed; this local transitory type
Of thy paternal splendours, and the pomp
Of those who fill thy courts in highest heaven,
The radiant cherubim ;-accept the thanks
Which we, thy humble creatures, here convened,
Presume to offer; we, who from the breast
Of the frail earth, permitted to behold
The faint reflections only of thy face,
Are yet exalted, and in soul adore!
Such as they are who in thy presence stand
Unsullied, incorruptible, and drink
Imperishable majesty stream'd forth
From thy empyreal throne, th' elect of earth
Shall be divested at th' appointed hour
Of all dishonour-cleansed from mortal stain.
Accomplish, then, their number; and conclude
Time's weary course! Or if, by thy decree,
The consummation that will come by stealth
Be yet far distant, let thy word prevail,
O! let thy word prevail, to take away
The sting of human nature. Spread the law,
As it is written in thy holy book,
Throughout all lands: let every nation hear
The high behest, and every heart obey;
Both for the love of purity, and hope
Which it affords, to such as do thy will
And persevere in good, that they shall rise,
To have a nearer view of thee, in heaven.
And choice of moss-clad stones, whereon we couch'd Father of good! this prayer in bounty grant,
Or sate reclined-admiring quietly
The general aspect of the scene; but each
Not seldom over-anxious to make known
His own discoveries; or to favourite points
Directing notice, merely from a wish
T'impart a joy, imperfect while unshared.
That rapturous moment ne'er shall I forget,
When these particular interests were effaced
From every mind! Already had the sun,
6inking with less than ordinary state,
Attain'd his western bound; but rays of light-
Now suddenly diverging from the orb
Retired behind the mountain tops or veil'd
By the dense air-shot upwards to the crown
Of the blue firmament-aloft and wide:
And multitudes of little floating clouds,
Ere we, who saw, of change were conscious, pierced
Through their ethereal texture, had become
In mercy grant it to thy wretched sons.
Then, nor till then, shall persecution cease,
And cruel wars expire. The way is mark'd,
The guide appointed, and the ransom paid.
Alas! the nations, who of yore received
These tidings, and in Christian temples meet
The sacred truth t' acknowledge, linger still;
Preferring bonds and darkness to a state
Of holy freedom, by redeeming love
Proffer'd to all, while yet on earth detain❜d.
"So fare the many; and the thoughtful few,
Who in the anguish of their souls bewail
This dire perverseness, cannot choose but ask,
Shall it endure? Shall enmity and strife,
Falsehood and guile, be left to sow their seed
And the kind never perish? Is the hope
Fallacious, or shall righteousness obtain
A peaceable dominion, wide as earth,
And ne'er to fail? Shall that blest day arrive
When they, whose choice or lot it is to dwell
In crowded cities, without fear shall live
Studious of mutual benefit; and he,
For you, in presence of this little band
Gather'd together on the green hill side,
Your pastor is imbolden'd to prefer
Vocal thanksgivings to th' Eternal King;
Whom morning wakes, among sweet dews and Whose love, whose counsel, whose commands have
Of every clime, to till the lonely field,
Be happy in himself? The law of faith,
Your very poorest rich in peace of thought
And in good works; and him, who is endow'd
Working through love, such conquest shall it gain, With scantiest knowledge, master of all truth
Such triumph over sin and guilt achieve?
Almighty Lord, thy further grace impart !
And with that help the wonder shall be seen
Fulfill'd, the hope accomplish'd: and thy praise
Be sung with transport and unceasing joy.
"Once," and with mild demeanour, as he spake,
On us the venerable pastor turn'd
His beaming eye that had been raised to heaven,
"Once, while the name, Jehovah, was a sound
Within the circuit of the seagirt isle
Unheard, the savage nations bow'd the head
To gods delighting in remorseless deeds;
Gods which themselves had fashion'd, to promote
Ill purposes, and flatter foul desires.
Then, in the bosom of yon mountain cove,
To those inventions of corrupted man
Mysterious rites were solemnized: and there,
Amid impending rocks and gloomy woods,
Of those terrific idols, some received
Such dismal service, that the loudest voice
Of the swoln cataracts (which now are heard
Soft murmuring) was too weak to overcome,
Though aided by wild winds, the groans
shrieks
Of human victims, offer'd up t' appease
Or to propitiate. And, if living eyes
Had visionary faculties to see
The thing that hath been as the thing that is,
Aghast we might behold this crystal mere
Bedimm'd with smoke, in wreaths voluminous,
Flung from the body of devouring fires,
To Taranis erected on the heights
By priestly hands, for sacrifice perform'd
Exultingly, in view of open day
And full assemblage of a barbarous host;
Or to Andates, female power! who gave
(For so they fancied) glorious victory.
A few rude monuments of mountain stone
Survive ;
all else is swept away. How bright
Th' appearances of things! From such, how
changed
Th' existing worship! and with those compared,
The worshippers how innocent and blest!
So wide the difference, a willing mind,
At this affecting hour, might almost think
That Paradise, the lost abode of man,
Was raised again: and to a happy few,
In its original beauty, here restored.
Whence but from Thee, the true and only God,
And from the faith derived through Him who bled
Upon the cross, this marvellous advance
Of good from evil; as if one extreme
Were left-the other gain'd?-O ye, who come
To kneel devoutly in yon leverend pile,
Call'd to such office by the peaceful sound
Of Sabbath bells; and ye, who sleep in earth,
All cares forgotten, round its hallow'd walls.
Which the salvation of his soul requires.
Conscious of that abundant favour shower'd
On you, the children of my humble care,
And this dear land, our country while on earth
We sojourn, have I lifted up my soul,
Joy giving voice to fervent gratitude.
These barren rocks, your stern inheritance;
These fertile fields, that recompense your pains;
The shadowy vale, the sunny mountain top;
Woods waving in the wind their lofty heads,
Or hush'd; the roaring waters, and the still;
They see the offering of my lifted hands-
They hear my lips present their sacrifice-
They know if I be silent, morn or even :
For, though in whispers speaking, the full heart
Will find a vent; and thought is praise to Him,
Audible praise, to Thee, Omniscient Mind,
From whom all gifts descend, all blessings flow!"
This vesper service closed, without delay,
From that exalted station to the plain
Descending, we pursued our homeward course,
In mute composure, o'er the shadowy lake,
Beneath a faded sky. No trace remain'd
Of those celestial splendours; gray the vault,
Pure, cloudless ether; and the star of eve
Was wanting; but inferior lights appear'd
Faintly, too faint almost for sight; and some
Above the darken'd hills stood boldly forth
In twinkling lustre, ere the boat attain'd
Her mooring place; where to the sheltering tree
Our youthful voyagers bound fast her prow,
With prompt yet careful hands. This done, wa
The dewy fields; but ere the vicar's door
Was reach'd, the solitary check'd his steps;
Then, intermingling thanks, on each bestow'd
A farewell salutation,—and, the like
Receiving, took the slender path that leads
To the one cottage in the lonely dell;
But turn'd not without welcome promise given,
That he would share the pleasures and pursuits
Of yet another summer's day, consumed
In wandering with us through the valleys fair,
And o'er the mountain wastes. "Another sun,"
Said he, "shall shine upon us ere we part,-
Another sun, and peradventure more;
If time, with free consent, is yours to give,-
And season favours."
To enfeebled power,
From this communion with uninjured minds,
What renovation had been brought; and what
Degree of healing to a wounded spirit,
Dejected, and habitually disposed
To seek, in degradation of the kind,
Excuse and solace for her own defects;
How far those erring notions were reform'd;
And whether aught, of tendency as good
And pure, from further intercourse ensued; This (if delightful hopes, as heretofore, Inspire the serious song, and gentle hearts Cherish, and lofty minds approve the past)My future labours may not leave untold.
THE ARMENIAN LADY'S LOVE.
Leading such companion, I that gilded dome, Yon minarets, would gladly leave for his worst home."
"Feeling tunes your voice, fair princess!
And your brow is free from scorn,
Else these words would come like mockery
Sharper than the pointed thorn."
"Whence the undeserved mistrust? Too wide apart
The subject of the following poem is from the Orlandus of Our faith hath been,-0, would that eyes could see the author's friend, Kenelm Henry Digby; and the liberty is taken of inscribing it to him as an acknowledgement, however unworthy, of pleasure and instruction derived from his numerous and valuable writings, illustrative of the piety and chivalry of the olden time.
You have heard "a Spanish lady
How she wooed an English man ;'
Hear now of a fair Armenian,
Daughter of the proud soldàn;
How she loved a Christian slave, and told her pain By word, look, deed, with hope that he might love again.
"Pluck that rose, it moves my liking,"
Said she, lifting up her veil;
"Pluck it for me, gentle gardener,
Ere it wither and grow pale."
"Princess fair, I till the ground, but may not take From twig or bed an humbler flower, e'en for your sake."
"Grieved am I, submissive Christian!
To behold thy captive state;
Women in your land may pity
(May they not?) th' unfortunate."
"Yes, kind lady! otherwise man could not bear Life, which to every one that breathes is full of care."
"Worse han idle is compassion,
If it end in tears and sighs;
Thee from bondage would I rescue
And from vile indignities;
Nurtured, as thy mien bespeaks, in high degree, Look up-and help a hand that longs to set thee free."
"Lady, dread the wish, nor venture
In such peril to engage;
Think how it would stir against you
Your most loving father's rage;
Sad deliverance would it be, and yoked with shame,
Should troubles overflow on her from whom it
"Generous Frank! the just in effort
Are of inward peace secure ;
Hardships fc: the brave encounter'd,
E'en the feeblest may endure:
If Almighty Grace through me thy chains unbind, My father for slave's work may seek a slave in mind."
"Princess, at this burst of goodness,
My long frozen heart grows warm!"
"Yet you make all courage fruitless,
Me to save from chance of harm;
See, in Percy's Reliques, that fine old ballad, "The Spanish Lady's Love;" from which poem the form of stanza, as suitable to dialogue, is adopted.
"Tempt me not, I pray; my doom is These base implements to wield; Rusty lance, I ne'er shall grasp thee, Ne'er assoil my cobwebb'd shield! Never see my native land, nor castle towers, Nor her who thinking of me there counts widow'i hours."
"Prisoner! pardon youthful fancies;
Wedded? If you can, say no!-
Blessed is and be your consort;
Hopes I cherished let them go!
Handmaid's privilege would leave my purpose free,
Without another link to my felicity."
"Wedded love with loyal Christians,
Lady, is a mystery rare;
Body, heart, and soul in union,
Make one being of a pair."
"Humble love in me would look for no return, Soft as a guiding star that cheers, but cannot burn.” "Gracious Allah! by such title
Do I dare to thank the God,
Him, who thus exalts thy spirit,
Flower of an unchristian sod!
Or hast thou put off wings which thou in heaven dost wear?
What have I seen, and heard, or dreamt? where am I? where?"
With accordant steps, or gathering
Forest fruit with social hands;
Or whispering like two reeds that in the cold moonbeam
Bend with the breeze their heads, beside a crystal stream.
On a friendly deck reposing,
They at length for Venice steer;
There, when they had closed their voyage,
One, who daily on the pier
Watch'd for tidings from the east, beheld his lord, Fell down and clasp'd his knees for joy, not uttering word.
Mutual was the sudden transport;
Breathless questions follow'd fast,
Years contracting to a moment,
Each word greedier than the last;
'Hie thee to the countess, friend! return with speed,
And of this stranger speak by whom her lord was freed.
"Say that I, who might have languish'd,
Droop'd, and pined till life was spent,
Now before the gates of Stolberg
My deliverer would present
For a crowning recompense, the precious grace
Of her who in my heart still holds her ancient place.
"Make it known that my companion
Is of royal Eastern blood,
Thirsting after all perfection,
Innocent, and meek, and good,
Though with misbelievers bred; but that dark night Will Holy Church disperse by beams of gospel light."
Swiftly went that gray-hair'd servant,
Soon return'd a trusty page
Charged with greetings, benedictions,
Thanks and praises, each a gage
For a sunny thought to cheer the stranger's way,
Her virtuous scruples to remove, her fears allay.
Fancy (while, to banners floating
High on Stolberg's castle walls,
Deafening noise of welcome mounted,
Trumpets, drums, and atabols)
The devout embraces still, while such tears fell
As made a meeting seem most like a dear farewell.
Through a haze of human nature,
Glorified by heavenly light,
Look'd the beautiful deliverer
On that overpowering sight,
While across her virgin cheek pure blushes stray'd,
For every terder sacrifice her heart had made.
On the ground the weeping countess
Knelt, and kiss'd the stranger's hand;
Act of soul-devoted homage,
Pledge of an eternal band:
Nor did aught of future days that kiss belie,
Which, with a generous shout, the crowd did ratify.
Constant to the fair Armenian,
Gentle pleasures round her moved,
Like a tutelary spirit
Reverenced, like a sister loved.
Christian meekness smooth'd for all the path of life. Who loving most, should wiseliest love, their only strife.
Mute memento of that union
In a Saxon church survives,
Where a cross-legg'd knight lies sculptured
As between two wedded wives-
Figures with armorial signs of race and birth,
And the vain rank the pilgrims bore while yet on
earth.
THE SOMNAMBULIST.
LIST, ye who pass by Lyulph's tower*
At eve;
how softly then
Doth Aira force, that torrent hoarse,
Speak from the woody glen!
Fit music for a solemn vale!
And holier seems the ground
To him who catches on the gale
The spirit of a mournful tale,
Embodied in the sound.
Not far from that fair site whereon
The pleasure house is rear'd,
As story says, in antique days,
A stern-brow'd house appear'd;
Foil to a jewel rich in light,
There set, and guarded well;
Cage for a bird of plumage bright,
Sweet-voiced, nor wishing for a flight
Beyond her native dell.
To win this bright bird from her cage,
To make this gem their own,
Came barons bold, with store of gold,
And knights of high renown;
But one she prized, and only one;
Sir Eglamore was he;
Full happy season, when was known,
Ye dales and hills! to you alone
Their mutual loyalty-
Known chiefly, Aira! to thy glen,
Thy brook, and bowers of holly; Where passion caught what nature taught, That all but love is folly;
Where fact with fancy stoop'd to play,
Doubt came not, nor regret;
To trouble hours that wing'd their way,
As if through an immortal day
Whose sun could never set.
But in old times love dwelt not long
Sequester'd with repose;
Best throve the fire of chaste desire,
Fann'd by the breath of foes.
"A conquering lance is beauty's test,
And proves the lover true;"
So spake Sir Eglamore, and press'd
The drooping Emma to his breast,
And look'd a blind adieu.
A pleasure house built by the late Duke of Norfolk upon the banks of Ullswater. Force is the word used in the Lake District for waterfall.
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