1763 "KITTY'S FAKEWELL" 139 



afterwards, on November 1st, 1763, composed his 

 now well-known verses ** On Selborne Hanger, a 

 Winter Piece " which he dedicated *' To the Miss 

 Battles," wherein he celebrated 



..." The scene that late with rapture rang, 

 Where Delphy danced and gentle Anna sang, 

 And on her stump reclined the musing Kitty sate." 



The occasion of the departure of these ladies also 

 called forth the following lines by Gilbert White, 

 now printed for the first time : — 



"KITTY'S FAREWELL TO THE STUMP BENEATH 

 THE HERMITAGE. 



" Kitty, a grateful Girl, in doleful dump, 

 On the steep cliff deplor'd her favourite stump. 

 * Shall I no more (the melting Maiden cries,) 

 With thy siveet scenes delight my feasting eyes : 

 Say, shall no more thy nearer views engage. 

 The crouded Tent and swelling Hermitage ; 

 Shall the cowl'd Sage no more my sight beguile. 

 So stout, yet so decrepit all the while ; 

 Wond'rous old man, in whom at once combine 

 The hoary Hermit, and the young Divine 1 

 In dapper hat adorn'd, and pastoral dress, 

 Must I forget each Sister Shepherdess ; 

 While amorous swains, bending with anxious care, 

 Down the loose slope conduct their sliding Fair? 

 Delightful stump ! on thy rough lap reclin'd. 

 How shall I paint the transports of my mind 1 

 Words are but vain : come then the starting tear, 

 And soften'd feature, speak my love. sincere.'" 



The Garden Kalendar records — 



" July 28. Drank tea twenty of us at the Hermitage ; the 

 Miss Battles and the Mulso family contributed much to our 



