Thy belt of straw and ivy buds, But could youth last, and love still breed, Sir Walter Raleigh. THE DOG AND THE WATER LILY. A TRUE TALE. THE HE noon was shady, and soft airs When 'scap'd from literary cares, I wander'd on his side. My spaniel, prettiest of its race, And high in pedigree, (Two nymphs, adorn'd with ev'ry grace, That spaniel gave to me.) Now wanton'd, lost in flags and reeds, Now starting into sight; Pursu'd the swallows o'er the meads With scarce a slower flight. It was the time when Ouse display'd His lilies newly blown, Their beauties I intent survey'd, With cane extended, far I sought But still the prize, tho' nearly caught, Beau mark'd my unsuccessful pains, But with a chirrup, clear and strong, I thence withdrew, and follow'd long My ramble ended, I return'd, The floating flow'r again discern'd, I saw him, with that lily cropt, My quick approach, and soon he dropt Charm'd with the sight, the world, I cried, But chief myself I will enjoin, To shew a love as prompt as thine Cowper. VERSES ENGRAVED UPON A HUNTING HORN. LEAVE, studious youth, the cloisters grey, Health in the woodlands now abounds, Hear, from this horn, th' inspiring lay, Each vale shall lengthen out the sounds. And thou, oh Dian! with thy train, So thy recesses, unenjoy'd, No beast goat-footed shall come near; Nor by Acteon thou annoy'd, When bathing in the fountain clear. ON RETIREMENT. 'Tis weak and worldly to conclude The wise and good will always own, Withdrawn and pensive while I move, When from the world retir'd apart, Think'st thou to treat almighty pow'r My Eden then be my abode, They who below their heav'n fore-date, Weekly Amusement. VERSES Supposed to be written by Alexander Selkirk, during his solitary abode in the Island of Juan Fernandez. I AM monarch of all I survey, My right there is none to dispute, Oh solitude! where are the charms That sages have seen in thy face? I am out of humanity's reach, I must finish my journey alone, |