IN GREAT BRITAIN. 257 



Thus, gently -blended many a human thought 

 With those that peace and solitude supplied, 

 Till in our hearts the moving kindness wrought 

 With gradual influence, like a flowing tide, 

 And for the lovely sound of human voice we sigh'd. 



And hark ! a laugh, with voices blended, stole 

 Across the water, echoing from the shore I 

 And during pauses short, the beating oar 

 Brings the glad music closer to the souL 

 We leave our tent j and lo ! a lovely sight 

 Glides like a living creature through the air, 

 For air the water seems thus passing bright, 

 A living creature beautiful and fair ; 

 Nearer it glides ; and now the radiant glow 

 That on its radiant shadow seems to float, 

 Turns to a virgin band, a glorious shew, 

 Rowing with happy smiles a little boat. 

 Towards the tent their lingering course they steer, 

 And cheerful now upon the shore they stand, 

 In maiden bashfulness, yet free from fear, 

 And by our side, gay-moving hand in hand, 

 Into our Tent they go, a beauteous sister-band ! 



Scarce from our hearts had gone the sweet surprise, 

 Which this glad troop of rural maids awoke j 

 Scarce had a more familiar kindness broke 

 From the mild lustre of their smiling eyes, 

 Ere the Tent seem'd encircled by the sound 

 Of many voices ; in an instant stood 

 Men, women, children, all the circle round, 

 And with a friendly joy the strangers view'd. 



?2 



