OSWALDK1RK. 



Recovering, and mistated setting right ; 

 Desp'rate attempt, till trees shall speak again ! 

 But since, although well qualified by age 

 To teach, no spirit dwells in thee, nor voice 

 May be expected from thee ; seated here 

 On thy distorted root, with hearer none^ 

 Or prompter, save the scene, I will perform. 

 Myself the oracle, and will discourse 

 In mine own ear, such matter as I may. 



Cowper's Yardley Oak. 



Not far from the site of the old mansion are the 

 remains of a neat chapel, the roof of which is toler- 

 ably perfect, and the windows, on the south and 

 east, in good preservation, and remarkable for their 

 beauty and tasteful execution. In the interior a 

 part of the underdrawing remains as a vestige of 

 fading beauty : but the pulpit and seats have been 

 long removed, and in consequence the old custom 

 of the rector of Oswaldkirk, preaching here once a 

 year (according to the bequest of Lady Chomley,) 

 has been discontinued, and a sermon at the parish 

 church substituted in its stead. The floor has been 

 composed of black and white flags arranged alter- 

 nately, and forming lines in a diamond pattern, 

 which have contributed much to the appearance of 

 the chapel. The space within the altar rails has 

 been raised some feet above the level of the floor, 

 for the purpose of forming a family vault, which is 

 entered by a door and steps from the body of the 

 chapel. This vault was explored about 5 years ago, 

 and there were then discovered 5 leaden coffins, of 

 the Chomley family ; which, under the direction of 



