For the convenience of unlawful gain, In forest purlieus; and the like are bred, All England through, where nooks and slips of ground, A residence afford them, mid the bloom And gaiety of cultivated fields. -Such (we will hope the lowest in the scale) Do I remember oft-times to have seen 'Mid Buxton's dreary heights. Upon the watch, Till the swift vehicle approach, they stand; Heels over head like Tumblers on a Stage. -Up from the ground they snatch the copper coin, -But, like the Vagrants of the Gypsy tribe, Are profitless to others. Turn we then To earn, by wholesome labour in the field, A sample fairly culled, ye would exclaim, "Is this the whistling Plough-boy whose shrill notes Impart new gladness to the morning air?" 66 Forgive me! if I venture to suspect That many, sweet to hear of in soft verse, The wooden stools, for everlasting use, On which our Fathers sate. And mark his brow! Under whose shaggy canopy are set Two eyes, not dim, but of a healthy stare; Wide, sluggish, blank, and ignorant, and strange; Proclaiming boldly that they never drew A look or motion of intelligence From infant conning of the Christ-cross-row, -What kindly warmth from touch of fostering hand, What penetrating power of sun or breeze, Shall e'er dissolve the crust wherein his soul Sleeps, like a caterpillar sheathed in ice? Of modern ingenuity; no Town Nor crowded City may be taxed with aught To which in after years he may be rouzed. In brief, what liberty of mind is here?" This cheerful sally pleased the mild good Man, To whom the appeal couched in those closing words Was pointedly addressed; and to the thoughts Within his mind, he seemed prepared to give Prompt utterance; but, rising from our seat, With invitation earnestly renewed. -We followed, taking as he led, a Path That gave Not shaped by simple wearing of the foot On rural business passing to and fro Was the commodious Walk; a careful hand Had marked the line, and strewn the surface o'er With pure cerulean gravel, from the heights Fetched by the neighbouring brook.-Across the Vale The stately Fence accompanied our steps; And thus the Pathway, by perennial green Guarded and graced, seemed fashioned to unite, As by a beautiful yet solemn chain, The Pastor's Mansion with the House of Prayer. Like Image of solemnity conjoined With feminine allurement soft and fair The Mansion's self displayed ;—a reverend Pile The low wide windows with their mullions old; The cornice richly fretted, of grey stone; And that smooth slope from which the Dwelling rose, By beds and banks Arcadian of gay flowers And flowering shrubs, protected and adorned. A more than natural vividness of hue, Of yew, in which survived some traces, here And uncouth fancy. From behind the roof |