88 THE AUTHOR OF " DARTMOOR. " 



THE JUSTICE OF PROVIDENCE. 



" Thrice happy he 

 Who, in Life's voyage, thus has always met 

 With clear indulgent heav'ns, with fav'ring winds 

 Hope breathing ever, and propelling tides ; 

 And steers him, smoothly, to the port of Death, 

 With pleasing recollections of the past. 

 And rapturous visions of the future. Wise 

 Are all thy ways, though dark, eternal God ; 

 Thou treadest in a path the vulture's eye 

 Has not beheld ! How many who deserve. 

 In Man's imperfect view, a worthier fate. 

 Are doom'd to wander on a stormy main. 

 Through the long day, and doubtful dreary night, 

 Uncheer'd by sun, or moon, or friendly star ! 

 'Till, after many an effort brave, they sink 

 Worn, spent, unnerv'd, despairing to the deep. 

 Closing, triumphant, o'er their heads at last.' 



NATURE. 



" O look upon the face of Nature, — look 

 Upon this flood which with its silv'ry curve 

 Steals round the shooting headlands ; — view the hills. 

 The vales, the babbling brooks which roll adown 

 The flow'ry dells, the sky, the parent Sun 

 Rejoicing over all, and let the hymn 

 Of gratitude arise. There is a song 

 Full-hearted in the sky, a thousand lays 

 Within the greenwood ringing, to inspire 

 The drooping spirits. To the passing breeze 

 Then throw the grim prospective, and enjoy 

 Without an anxious thought the present hour." 



NATURE. 



" To him whom Nature charms. 

 There are exhaustless sources of delight. 

 Whether he cleaves the stream, or walks the field, 

 Ascends the hill to throw his eager glance 

 O'er the wide prospect, or reflecting strays 

 Though the peace loving vales. Across his path 

 The butterfly flies not on golden wing, 

 But straight he hails the wanderer that loves 

 The bright and breezeless June. The buzz of bee 

 Is music to his ear, and oft he stands 

 To mark the busy chemist as he toils 

 Through all the sun-bright hours. No smiling knot 

 Of early primroses, upon the warm 



