Their fair proportions; nor the blinder rage And, if the desolating hand of war Spare them, they shall continue to bestow- An air and mien of dignified pursuit ; Of sweet civility-on rustic wilds. -The Poet, fostering for his native land Such hope, entreats that Servants may abound And by ambition's longings undisturbed ; -And, as on earth it is the doom of Truth To be perpetually attacked by foes For her defence, replenished with a Band Cause should recur, which righteous Heaven avert ! So to declare the conscience satisfied: Nor for their bodies would accept release, But, blessing God and praising him, bequeathed, With their last breath, from out the smouldering flame, The faith which they by diligence had earned, And through illuminating grace received, For their dear Country-men, and all mankind. O high example, constancy divine! Even such a Man (inheriting the zeal And from the sanctity of elder times Not deviating,-a Priest, the like of whom, If multiplied, and in their stations set, Spread true Religion, and her genuine fruits) For mortal Creatures, conquered and secured. That basis laid, those principles of faith Announced, as a preparatory act Of reverence to the spirit of the place; "At morn or eve, in your retired Domain, Perchance you not unfrequently have marked A Visitor-intent upon the task Of prying, low and high, for herbs and flowers: Too delicate employ, as would appear, For One, who, though of drooping mien, had yet, From Nature's kindliness, received a frame Robust as ever rural labour bred." The Solitary answered. "Such a Form Full well I recollect. We often crossed Each other's path; but, as the Intruder seemed Fondly to prize the silence which he kept, And I as willingly did cherish mine, We met, and passed, like shadows. I have heard, Dived into caves, and pierced the matted woods, The Vicar smiled, "Alas! before to-morrow's sun goes down His habitation will be here: for him That open grave is destined." "Died he then Of pain and grief," the Solitary asked, "Believe it not-oh! never could that be!" "He loved," the vicar answered, "deeply loved, Loved fondly, truly, fervently; and pined A high-prized plume which female Beauty wears. She lives another's wishes to complete, |