OSWALDKIRK. 



Sir William Strickland, their relative, Were ia 

 consequence of the ruinous state of the chapel, 

 removed, and for greater security deposited in the 

 parish church yard of Oswaldkirk ; at the eastern 

 extremity of the church. A peculiarly neat saxon 

 arch at the western end, forms the entrance to the 

 chapel ; which, closed as it yet is by an old massy 

 oaken door, is preserved from the fear of desecra- 

 tion, or the unhallowed footstep to which it might 

 otherwise be exposed in a large open pasture. Near 

 this entrance, even the most careless observer must 

 be struck by the singular appearance of a vigorous 

 young ash, of about 15 or 20 years growth, spring- 

 ing from the very foundation of the wall ; but 

 which to the philosophic eye affords matter for 

 deeper and more serious contemplation, destined as 

 it is to spread its youthful honours over the moul- 

 dering pile 



Ev'n now the devastation is begun, 

 And half the business of destruction, done ; 

 Ev'n now methinks, as pondering here I stand, 

 I see thine antique arches strew the land. 

 Vain transitory splendours ! could not all 

 Reprieve the tottering ruin from its fall i 

 Obscure it sinks, nor shall it more impart 

 An hour's instruction to the poor man's heart. 

 Thither no more the peasant shall repair, 

 To sweet oblivion of his weekly care. 

 Amids't thy desert aisles the lapwing flies, 

 And tires their echoes with unvary'd cries. 

 Sunk are thy towers in shapeless ruin all ; 

 And the long grass o'ertops the mouldering wall. 



GOLDSMITH'S DESERTED VILLAGE. 



