VISIT TO A FAVOURITE FIELD. THE poplars are fell'd, and adieu to the fhade, And the whispering found of the cool colonnade; The winds play no longer, and fing in their leaves, Nor the Oufe, on its surface, their image receives. Twelve years had elaps'd fince I laft took a view Of my favourite field, and the place where they grew; When, behold, on their fides, in the grafs they were laid, And I fate on the trees under which I had ftray'd. The blackbird has fought out another retreat, Where the hazels afford him a screen from the heat; And the fcene where his notes have oft charm'd me before, Shall refound with his fmooth-flowing ditty ne more. My fugitive years are all hafting away, The change both my heart and my fancy employs; FROM THE ANNUAL BILL OF MORTALITY, NORTHAMPTON. -Placidiq; ibi demum morte quievit. Virg. Then calm at length he breath'd his foul away. On moft delightful hour by man 46 Experienc'd here below; "The hour that terminates his fpan, "His folly and his woe. "Worlds fhould not bribe me back to tread "Again life's dreary wafte; "To fee my days again o'erspread "With all the gloomy past. "My home, henceforth, is in the skies, "Earth, feas, and fun adieu; "All heaven unfolded to my eyes, "I have no fight for you." Thus fpake Afpatio, firm poffeft Then breath'd his foul into its reft, He was a man among the few Sincere on Virtue's fide, And all his ftrength from fcripture drew, To hourly use apply'd. That rule he priz'd, by that he fear'd, He hated, hop'd, and lov'd, Nor ever frown'd, or fad appear'd, But when his heart had rov'd. For he was frail as thou or I, And evil felt within, But when he felt it, heav'd a figh, Such liv'd Afpatio, and at last, Call'd up from earth to heav'n, The gulph of death triumphant pafs'd, By gales of bleffing driven. His joys be MINE, each reader cries, They shall be yours, my verse replies, THE DIVERTING HISTORY OF JOHN GILPIN; SHOWING HOW HE WENT FARTHER THAN HE INTENDED, AND CAME SAFE HOME AGAIN. JOHN GILPIN was a citizen Of credit and renown, A train-band captain eke was he of famous London town. John Gilpin's fpoufe faid to her dear- These twice ten tedious years, yet we To-morrow is our wedding-day, All in a chaife and pair. |