dl6 INTRODUCTION. 



Should still no fancy prompt return^ 

 Explore the source of Ravensbourne 

 At Keston ; — Holwoqd's manse around, 

 Where sylvan beauties wild abound, 

 Now wander, whither from the strife 

 Of faction — stir of public life, 

 Once oft retir'd that William Pitt, 

 - Much more a statesman than a wit ; 



He who, with Fox, shook senates proud ; 

 Whose voice once echoed long and loud. 

 Oh, had he been less fond of war! 

 What fame exists without a scar ?* 



Now, Lady! having hither brought — 

 Beguil'd you into rural thought, 

 I will not ask your audience long, 

 But list a moment to my song, — 

 A SONG of Birds — their hopes, their fears. 

 Their loves, their pleasures, and their tears; 

 In which, I trust, some seeds of truth 

 Are sown, to serve both age and youth. 

 You, Lady! when that smiling boy'. 

 Of promise bright — his parents' joy, 



* The Right Honourable William Pitt, for many years 

 prime minister of this country, and son of the first Lord. 

 Chatham, mentioned above. Holwood Park and House 

 are on a very elevated, yet well-wooded spot. The mansion 

 has been, I understand, rebuilt since the time Mr. Pitt inha- 

 bited it. It is altogether a very delightful situation, and does 

 credit to ihe taste of the late prime minister as a country resi- 

 dence. There is a public footpath quite through the park. 

 The present occupier is John Ward, Esq. 



