?ART I.] CHILDHOOD. 



When I was first to school reluctant borne ; 



Severe I thought the dame, though oft she trj'd 



To soothe my swelling spirits when I sigh'd ; 



And oft, when harshly she reproved, I wept, 



To ray lone corner brokenhearted crept, 



And thought of tender home, where anger never kept. 



Bat soon inured to alphabetic toils, 

 Alert I met the dame with jocund smiles ; 

 First at the form, my task for ever true, 

 A little favourite rapidly I grew : 

 And oft she stroked my head with fond delight, 

 Held me a pattern to the dunce's sight ; 

 And as she gave my diligence its praise, 

 Talk'd of the honours of my future days. 



Oh, had the venerable matron thought 

 Of all the ills by talent often brought ; 

 Could she have seen me when revolving years 

 Had brought me deeper in the vale of tears. 

 Then had she wept, and wish'd my wayward fate 

 Had been a lowlier, an unletter'd state; 

 Wish'd that, remote from worldly woes and strife, 

 Unknown, unheard, I might have pass'd through life. 



Where in the busy scene, by peace unblest, 



Shall the poor wanderer find a place of rest? 



A lonely mariner on the stormy main. 



Without a hope, the calms of peace to gain ; 



Long toss'd by tempests o'er the world's wide shore, 



When shall his spirit rest, to toil no more ? 



Not till the light foam of the sea shall lave 



The sandy surface of his unwept grave. 



Childhood, to thee I turn, from life's alarms, 



Serenest season of jx^rpetual calms, — 



Turn with delight, and bid the passions cease, 



And joy to think with thee I tasted peace. 



Sweet reign of innocence, when no crime defiles, 



But each new object brings attendant smiles ; 



When future evils never haunt the sight. 



