POEMS 171 



And from the rock the clustered columbine, 

 While deep below the brook is seen to stray, 

 O'erhung with alders, briar, and mantling vine, 

 While on th' adjacent banks the glossy laurels shine. 



Here Milton's heavenly themes dehght his soul, 



Or Goldsmith's simple heart-bewitching lays; 



Now drives with Cook around the frozen pole, 



Or follows Bruce with marvel and amaze: 



Perhaps Rome's splendour sadly he surveys. 



Or Britain's scenes of cruelty and kings ; 



Thro' Georgia's groves with gentle Bartram strays, 



Or mounts with Newton on archangels' wings, 



With manly Smollet laughs, with jovial Dibdin sings. 



The air serene, and breathing odours sweet. 

 The sound of falling streams, and humming bees. 

 Wild choirs of songsters round his rural seat. 

 To souls like his have ev'ry pow'r to please. 

 The shades of night with rising sigh he sees 

 Obscure the stream and leafy scenes around. 

 And homeward wending thro' the moon-lit trees. 

 The owl salutes him with her trem'lous sound. 

 And many a flutt'ring bat pursues its mazy round. 



Thus peaceful pass his lonely hours away; 

 Thus, in retirement from his school afifairs. 

 He tastes a bliss unknown to worldings gay, 

 A soothing antidote for all his cares. 

 Adoring Nature's God, he joyous shares 

 With happy millions Freedom's fairest scene. 

 His ev'ning hymn some plaintive Scottish airs, 

 Breath'd from the flute or melting violin. 

 With life-inspiring reels and wanton jigs between. 



