6 THR FORESTERS. 



Next Leech advanced, with youthful sails unfurled, 

 Fresh on his maiden cruise to see the world ; 

 Red o'er his cheek the glow of health was spread, 

 An oilskin covering glittered round his head ; 

 His light fuzil across his shoulder thrown, 

 His neat-slung knapsack full and glistening shone ; 

 Though unknown regions wide before him lay, 

 He scorned all fear while Wilson shared the way. 

 He next appeared, with glittering arms supplied, 

 A double gun, a deadly dirk beside, 

 A knapsack crammed by Friendship's generous care, 

 With cakes and cordials, drams, and dainty fare; 

 Flasks filled with powder, leathern belts with shot ; 

 Clothes, colors, paper, pencils — and what not. 

 With hope elate and ardor in his eye, 

 He viewed the varying scenes approaching nigh, 

 Prepared and watchful (headless of repose) 

 To catch the living manners as they rose ; 

 Th' exploits, fatigues, and wonders to rehearse, 

 In no inglorious or enfeebled verse ; 

 Nor scene nor character to bring to view 

 Save what fair Truth from living Nature drew. 



Thus each equipt beneath his separate load, 

 We, fellow pilgrims, gaily took the road, 

 A road immense ; yet promised joys so dear, 

 That toils and doubts, and dangers, disappear. 

 Behind us soon the lessening city flies, 

 New vallies sink and other hills arise, 

 Till through old Germantown we lightly trod, 

 That skirts for three long miles the narrow road : 



