POETRY. ^61 



Our Poet read. — " It is in truth," said he, 

 Correct in part, but what is this to me ? 

 I love a foolish Abigail ! in base 

 And sordid office ! fear not such disgrace ; 

 Am I so blind?" Or thou wouldst surely see 

 That lady's fall, if she should stoop to thee ! 

 " The cases differ." ' True ! for what surprise 

 Could from thy marriage with the Maid arise ? 

 But through the island would the shame be spread. 

 Should the fair Mistress deign with thee to wed.' 



John saw not this ; and many a week had pass'd, ^ 

 While the vain Beauty held her victim fast ; 

 The Noble Friend still condescension show'd. 

 And, as before, with praises overflow'd ; 

 But his grave Lady took a silent view 

 Of all that pass'd, and smiling, pitied too. 



Cold grew the foggy morn, the day was brief. 

 Loose on the cherry hung the crimson leaf; 

 The dew dwelt ever on the herb ; the woods 

 Roar'd with strong blasts, with mighty showers the floods ; 

 All green was vanish'd, save of pine and yew. 

 That still display'd their melancholy hue ; 

 Save the green holly with its berries red. 

 And the green moss that o'er the gravel spread. 



To public views my Lord must soon attend ; 

 And soon the ladies — would they leave their friend ? 

 The time was fix'd — approach'd — was near — was come ; 

 The trying time that fill d his soul with gloom; 

 Thoughtful our Poet in the morning rose, 

 And cried, " One hour my fortune will disclose ; 

 Terrific hour ! from thee have I to date 

 Life's loftier views, or my degraded state ; 

 For now to be what I have been before. 

 Is so to fall, that I can rise no more." 



The morning meal was past ; and all around 

 The mansion rang with each discordant sound ; 

 Haste was in every foot, and every look 

 The trav'ler's joy for London-journey spoke : 

 Not so our Youth ; whose feelings at the noise 

 Of preparation, had no touch of joys ; 

 He pensive stood, and saw each carriage drawn, 

 With lackies mounted, ready on the lawn : 

 Vol. LIV. 2 O The 



