Ah self-deceived! Could I prophetic say The rest might then seem privileged to play; Observe the dappled foresters, how light Had we their wisdom, should we, often warn'd, Sad waste! for which no after-thrift atones. Learn then, ye living! by the mouths be taught for you. ON A SIMILAR OCCASION, FOR THE YEAR 1789. -Placidâque ibi demum morte quievit. VIRG. There calm at length he breathed his soul away. "O MOST delightful hour by man Experienced here below, The hour that terminates his span, His folly and his woe! "Worlds should not bribe me back to tread Again life's dreary waste, To see again my day o'erspread 66 My home henceforth is in the skies, Earth, seas, and sun, adieu! All heaven unfolded to my eyes, I have no sight for you." So spake Aspasio, firm possess'd Then breathed his soul into its rest, The bosom of his God. He was a man among the few Sincere on virtue's side; And all his strength from Scripture drew, To hourly use applied. That rule he prized, by that he fear'd, Nor ever frown'd, or sad appear'd, But when his heart had roved. For he was frail as thou or I, But when he felt it, heaved a sigh, Such lived Aspasio; and at last His joys be mine, each reader cries, They shall be yours, my verse replies, Then suddenly regain the prize, O Queen of Albion, queen of isles! Of grandeur that ensures respect; HYMN, FOR THE USE OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL AT OLNEY. HEAR, Lord, the song of praise and prayer, In heaven thy dwelling place, From infants made the public care, And taught to seek thy face. Thanks for thy word, and for thy day, Thanks that we hear,-but O impart To each desires sincere, That we may listen with our heart, For if vain thoughts the minds engage Of older far than we, What hope, that, at our heedless age, Our minds should e'er be free? Much hope, if thou our spirits take Wisdom and bliss thy word bestows, And be thy mercies shower'd on those |