THE FORESTERS. 57 



Approaching near, it opes in dread display, 

 Diffusing round the effulgency of day ; 

 Where, glad to view each other's looks again, 

 We stand contemplating this furious scene ; 

 Here piles of logs like furnaces appear, 

 The rows of underbrush rage far and near ; 

 Huge tow'ring oaks amid this sea of fire, 

 Descend in thunders, and in flames expire ; 

 Or, blazing high, with burning gaps imprest, 

 Rain showers of fire, infectious on the rest, 

 Loud roar the flames, the crackling branches fly, 

 -And black behind the smoky ruins lie. 



Thus some fair city, pride of many an age, 

 Gleams with the light of war's devouring rage, 

 Through its high domes the flaming torrents pour, 

 And naked turrets o'er the burnings lour ; 

 The midnight sky reflects the dreadful blaze, 

 The foe at distance, with enjoyment gaze, 

 Exalt to find their vengeance well employed, 

 The works of ages in one night destroyed. 

 So looked the woodman, who behind us stood, 

 Begrimmed with soot, in tattered garments rude, 

 On pitchfork leaning, hailed with " How d'ye do!" 

 And looked like Lucifer just risen to view; 

 At Duncan's voice, advancing, stood amazed, 

 And each on other for a moment gazed, 

 "What Johnny!" "Duncan!" "Bless my heart so 



near! 

 M How Mad our folks will be to see you here ! " 

 Kind invitations now were not forgot, 



