ON A MISCHIEVOUS BULL, WHICH THE OWNER OF HIM SOLD AT THE AUTHOR'S INSTANCE. Go-Thou art all unfit to share The pleasures of this place With such as it's old tenants are, Creatures of gentler race. The squirrel here his hoard provides, Aware of wintry storms, And wood-peckers explore the sides Of rugged oaks for worms; The sheep here smooths the knotted thorn With frictions of her fleece; And here I wander eve and morn, Like her, a friend to peace. 10 Ah-I could pity thee exil'd From this secure retreat I would not lose it to be styl'd But thou canst taste no calm delight; Thy magnanimity in fight, Thy prowess-therefore go. I care not whether east or north, The angry muse thus sings thee forth, And claps the gate behind thee. ANNUS MEMORABILIS, 1789. WRITTEN IN COMMEMORATION OF HIS MAJESTY'S HAPPY RECOVERY I ransack'd, for a theme of song, Through tomes of fable and of dream, But none I found, or found them shar'd Already by some happier bard. To modern times, with Truth to guide 10 Deeds of unperishing renown, Our fathers' triumphs, and our own. Thus, as the bee, from bank to bow'r, But rests on none, till that be found, Till, settling on the current year, I found the far-sought treasure near. A theme for poetry divine, A theme t' ennoble even mine, In memorable eighty nine. The spring of eighty nine shall be An æra cherish'd long by me, Which joyful I will oft record, And thankful at my frugal board; 20 30 For then the clouds of eighty eight, That threaten'd England's trembling state With loss of what she least could spare, Her sov'reign's tutelary care, One breath of Heav'n, that cried-Restore! Chas'd, never to assemble more; And far the richest crown on Earth, If valued by it's wearer's worth, The symbol of a righteous reign, Sat fast on George's brows again. Such joy and peace as can be known Who losing, or supposing lost The good on Earth they valu'd most, All hope of happiness below, Then suddenly regain the prize, And flash thanksgivings to the skies! 41 50 |