My right there is none to dispute; I am lord of the fowl and the brute. Oh, 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. II. I am out of humanity's reach, I must finish my journey alone, Never hear the sweet music of speech; The beasts, that roam over the plain, My form with indifference see; They are so unacquainted with man, Their tameness is shocking to me. III. Society, friendship, and love, Oh, had I the wings of a dove, My sorrows I then might assuage In the ways of religion and truth, Might learn from the wisdom of age, And be cheer'd by the sallies of youth. IV. Religion! what treasure untold Resides in that heavenly word! More precious than silver and gold, But the sound of the church-going bell These vallies and rocks never heard, Ne'er sigh'd at the sound of a knell, Or smil'd when a sabbath appear'd. 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! Compar'd 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. VII. But the sea-fowl is gone to her nest, The beast is laid down in his lair, And mercy, encouraging thought! Gives even affliction a grace, And reconciles man to his lot. ON THE PROMOTION OF EDWARD THURLOW, ESQ. TO THE LORD HIGH CHANCELLORSHIP OF ENGLAND. I. ROUND Thurlow's head, in early youth, And in his sportive days, Fair science pour'd the light of truth, And genius shed his rays. II. See! with united wonder, cried Th' experienc'd and the sage, Ambition in a boy supplied With all the skill of age! III. Discernment, eloquence, and grace, Proclaim him born to sway, The balance in the highest place, And bear the palm away. |