VERSES Supposed to be written by Alexander Selkirk, during his solitary abode in the island of Juan Fernandez. I. I AM monarch of all I survey, My right there is none to dispute; From the centre all round to the sea, I am lord of the fowl and the brute. O Solitude! where are the charms That sages have seen in thy face? Better dwell in the midst of alarms, Than reign in this horrible place. 11. I am out of humanity's reach, I must finish my journey alone, Society, friendship, and love, Divinely bestow'd upon man, How soon would I taste you again! And be cheer'd by the sallies of youth. IV. Religion! what treasure untold V. Ye winds, that have made me your sport, Convey to this desolate shore Some cordial endearing report Of a land, I shall visit no more. My friends, do they now and then send A wish or a thought after me? O tell me I yet have a friend, Though a friend I am never to see. VI. How fleet is a glance of the mind! Compared with the speed of its flight, The tempest itself lags behind, And the swift-winged arrows of light. When I think of my own native land, In a moment I seem to be there; But alas! recollection at hand Soon hurries me back to despair. But the sea-fowl is gone to her nest, And I to my cabin repair. And reconciles man to his lot. ON THE PROMOTION OF EDWARD THURLOW, Esq. ΤΟ THE LORD HIGH CHANCELLORSHIP OF ENGLAND. I. ROUND Thurlow's head in early youth,, Fair Science pour'd the light of truth, II. See! with united wonder cried III. Discernment, eloquence, and grace IV. The praise bestow'd was just and wise; Secure of conquest, where the prize V. So the best courser on the plain ODE TO PEACE. I. COME, peace of mind, delightful guest! II. Where wilt thou dwell, if not with me, For whom, alas! dost thou prepare III. The great, the gay, shall they partake That murmurs through the dewy mead, IV. For thee I panted, thee I prized, Whate'er I loved before; HUMAN FRAILTY. I. WEAK and irresolute is man; The purpose of to-day, II. The bow well bent, and smart the spring, But Passion rudely snaps the string, III. Some foe to his upright intent Virtue engages his assent, But Pleasure wins his heart. IV. 'Tis here the folly of the wise Through all his art we view; And, while his tongue the charge denies, His conscience owns it true. V. Bound on a voyage of awful length And dangers little known, A stranger to superior strength, VI. But oars alone can ne'er prevail, To reach the distant coast; The breath of heaven must swell the sail, Or all the toil is lost. |