pw!t\5X(J>:>o- ON THE CONSECRATION OF THE NEW CHURCH AT AMBLESroE. xShout ! Loughrigg, from your rugged heights ! Rotha, lift up your voice ! Sing merrily ye mountain streams. And all ye hiUs rejoice ! Ring with a sounding peal, ye Bratha bells — RoU your rich music on ! Through every winding of the sister vale The symphony prolong. LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. Ye children of this favoured vale, A joyful chorus raise ! Pour forth the fervour of your hearts In one loud song" of praise ! A fair and lovely Temple unto God To-day is consecrate ; May the sweet blessing of His grace descend On all who here shall wait Within the portals of its sacred walls : — Then raise your voices high ! 'Till the wild echoes of your native rocks Your gladness testify. LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. ON READING MR. WORDSWORTH'S "PRELUDE." In fond perusal, and with heart alive To tenderest sympathies, by thee instiUed Through verse that shall endure unto the end, I lingered o'er thy " Prelude" — Bard revered ! — Type meet of thy dear native regions, — tracts Of wild and rugged grandeur intersperse d With radiant beauty and sublimity. Oh ! may our thoughts, in peace led on by thee Through Nature to our God, not seldom turn To thy mild presence moving upon earth, In quiet social intercourse and love To all of human kind ; illumining, With the sweet sunsliine of thy daily life. The very scenes it was thy joy to sing. B 2 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. CONISTON. I LOVE the quiet of our mountain home — The lake with varied images imprest, In dream-like softness, on its tremulous breast ; And thee, serene " Old Man," in pride of power Uplifting high thy venerable brow Over the heather-crested Furness FeUs, Proclaiming to the distant hUls of Wales, Of Scotia, and the nearer brotherhood Of Westmorland and Cumbria's rocky peaks, The world of beauty lying at thy feet. And now, abiding in a Yorkshire vale, I think of thee, dear Coniston ! thy woods, Crags, fells, and fir-crowned promontories, instinct With sylvan melody, and voice of mountain streams. Brambam Vicarage. LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. WINDERMERE. Fair queen of English Lakes — beautiful Windermere ! With thy rich glades and hills receding far Into the regions of the setting sun, whose light Refulgent gleams from out thy crystal depths ; An image thou to me of Joy portrayed On memory's purest page. In every change — In smiles or tears, froward and vexed with storms And passions of contending elements, Or in thy garb of graceful loveliness — Thou art to me the same loved Windermere ! And bringest recollections sweet of days Passed with old friends upon thy wooded shores And islands decked with lily of the vale — Fairest of English Lakes — ^bright, joyous Windermere ! LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. I. Let us to the steep liill side, When the clouds are flying — - Dappling the mountain's breast, In light and shadow lying ! 11. Let us dive into the woods When the hazels, learning, Rustle through the Autumn leaves In sun-lit radiance gleaming ! ni. Let us skim the gentle lake When the moon is shining ; And each soft and summer cloud Reveals its "silver lining: ! " LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. IV. Let us gaze upon the scene, Old "Winter's power confessing — The snow is on the mountain top, Clouds from the cold north pressing ; V. Then homeward lovingly retire ; — Around the bright and social fire, Our hearts at ease — what more desire ? Each season brings its blessing. LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. TO AN EAULY SNOW-DROP. Faithful precursor of the floral train, Chaste Snow-drop ! thou hast come to us again, Child of old Christmas ! trusted, without fear. To the kind fostering of the glad New Year : We hail thee, in deep love, the promise bright — To all who read the works of God aright — Of coming Spring, and every new delight The circling year brings round, each in its turn. From the pale jjrimrose to the russet fern. Profusely scattered, ushering in the time Of merry Christmas, glittermg in rime. With wreaths of bright green holly on his brows. Ye snow-drops, and each little flower that blows. Attune our hearts to Him from whom all bounty flows ! LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. TO A SEA-GULL ON CONISTON WATER. Welcome, wild ranger of the stormy sea ! To the sweet shores of this fair inland mere. Here, on the jutting point of some lone rock, Fold quietly your restless wings, and stay your flight ; Or light, in peace, on that green firry Isle, On which, two summers since, a kindred pair. Drawn hither by the mystic influence Of Love and Nature, took up their abode ; Then winged their devious way toward the main. In every clime, thy form, bright sea-gull ! cheers The wanderer sailing o'er the trackless deep, And speaks to him of home ; whether 'mid isles Of sunny splendour in the tropic seas The vessel glides, or tossing on the waves That lash the stormy shores of that wild cape, Afric's extremest verge. There wheels on graceful wing The snowy albatross, dropping a curious glance Of his dark liquid eye upon the deck ; 10 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. Then, sinking on the crest of some huge wave ; Then, up again, and wheeling round and round, In ceaseless flight, his wild majestic course. Among the varied followers of his train, Airy and light, the little sea-gull cleaves, With dear familiar wing, the briny air. What marvel, then, that one who oft has shared Your loved companionship on distant seas, Should greet your presence here on Ooniston ? Then, lonely wanderer, fold your wings and rest ! LEAVES FEOM THE LAKE SIDE. 11 IN MEMORY OF A DAY IN THE TROSACHS, WITH T. M. C. ON THE 11th op JULY, 1849. From royal Stirling's haughty towers and town— In glad anticipation — for the day We bent our steps to lovely Loch Acliray ; Traversed the Brig of Allan, and were soon Passing the shady woods of Castled Doune ; The flooded Teith, companion of oui- way, — Eddying and dasliing on right merrily — With beating hearts the Brig of Turk we won. The wilding rose still hung in tresses gay As when the Knight of Snowdown to the chase Urged through the Trosachs' gorge his gallant grey. Foaming and straining in the deadly race. With him we gazed on Katrine's fairy strand, And Ellen waved for us a visionary hand. 12 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. TO MY MOTHER, ON HER BIRTH-DAY, THE FIRST OF MAY. The lark, wild chorister ! from Heaven's dome, Pours forth a flood of melody ; the thrush Warhles a glad reply from brake and bush ; For merry May, in beauty's power, hath come, Filling the vale with joy : the Cuckoo's note Sounds from the mountain side, and soft airs float Rich with the hawthorn blossom's fresh perfume ; Each little bird trills from her leafy home The song of love, and fain would I devote A lay of mine to celebrate for Thee The day on which thy tender infancy First saw the light : long may we fondly note The snows of age press gently on thy brow — Blessing and blessed, as is thy portion now ! LEAVES FKCM THE LAKE SIDE. A SKETCH. A Heron resting in still loneliness Beside the gloomy waters of a Tarn — One of a group encompassed with forms Of ancient rugged mountains, some in light, Some wrapped in darkest shade ; deep silence reigned. The air was sultry ; thick and leaden clouds Rolled down the massive front of Wetherlam ; Anon large plashy rain-drops scattering fell. Then pealed the thunder forth. The tumult ceased : — Meanwliile our homeward path had led us on To where a sharp and sudden turn revealed The glistening expanse of Thurston mere Spread at our feet : the bu'd that erewhile seemed One with the cold grey stone on which it stood, In steady flight, now sailing overhead, 14 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. Pressed onward to a grove of loftj firs, Tinged with the glory of the setting sun. The rivulet danced lightly down the glen ; The soft breeze wafted odours of fresh ilowers, And evening closed around. LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. 15 THE WATER LILY. Victoria Regia ! peerless flower ! thy rule Obtains through distant realms that own the sway Of our loved Island Queen. Far, far away, In dusky Ind, o'er many a quiet pool. The crimson Lotus spreads its blossoms full, And glowing in the light of eastern day, Or mingled in harmonious array With that fair Lily, bright and beautiful. Reposing 'mid broad leaves in silvery sheen Upon the waters of our native land. Long may Britannia's Sceptre, held with hand Beneficent of our most gracious Queen, Its influence shed wherever this sweet floAver L^^folds its beauty on remotest shore ! 16 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. THE WINTER NOSEGAY. Most pleasing task is it for maiden fair, When the keen blast rides high upon the hUls, And locked in icy bondage sleep the rUls, To form, with ready hand and skilful care, A Winter Nosegay, culled from buds that he With shining berries mixt — ^haply one flower Of blue-eyed periwinkle, a rich dower — In deep recesses of the shrubbery. Such tasks are not in vaia ; they foster seeds Of heaven-exalted Charity and Love, Sweet femmine graces, gladdening the earth — Fruitful ui happy thoughts and bounteous deeds That rise, as incense, to the skies above. And shed their lustre round the Christmas hearth. LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. 17 TO M. S. ON HER BIRTHDAY, 16th NOVEMBER. Regardless of cold winds and gathering snows — Countless as stars, and as serenely bright Each beaded floweret twinkling into light — The clustered Laurustinus softly throws A halo o'er the year's decline, and blows Emblem of constant and abiding worth. So thou, my Sister ! in thy race, on earth Fulfilling a blest mission, at the close Of each succeeding Autumn stand'st renewed In fairest graces of the mind and heart, And in aU virtues that true peace impart : — Most truly hapj)y as most truly good — Following the footsteps of the Saints above ; — By steadfast faith sustained in gentle deeds of love. 18 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. TO AN OLD FAVOURITE. Robin ! thou hast indeed a pretty seat, On the bright laurustinus' topmost twig ; — There stay awhile ! it is a very treat To watch thee look around so proud and big, As if grim Winter had not in his power To move, with dread alarms, thy ruddy breast. Now, whUe the Sun shines on thee, take thy rest — Or fly away ! but should dark tempests lour. Then come to us again ! Thou wast the friend of man. And art so still, if ancient faith holds good ! Old benefits must ne'er forgotten be ! And wheresoe'er or when we meet with thee. We'll think of the lost children in the wood, And shield and shelter thee as best we can. LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. 19 TO C. E. B. Health and the choicest blessings of God's hand Attend thee, maiden ! from the sunny fields Of Kent descended, in our mountain land Henceforth to bloom. May He who safely shields The lamb from wildest fury of the blast. Keep thee unscathed amid the storms of life — A loving, loved, serene and happy wife — And take thee gently to himself at last ! May fondest Memory with Hope still blend To gUd the bright strong river of thy love ! And we, who hail thee Cousin ! Sister 1 Friend ! — Rejoicing in thy happiness — will move The Lord of Life to bless, through every age, Thee and the Partner of thy Pilgrimage. LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. THE CROCUS. Now doth the Crocus lift from out the sod Her g'olden cup, telling of Spring's bright hours ; Telling of myriads of Summer flowers ; TeUing of hope revived; telling of God: — TelUug to those who bow beneath the rod Of his severest chastisement, " tlie snows Of Winter past, sweetly shall bloom the rose ;" Telling that all our care shall vanish at his nod. And telleth not this little radiant iiower. The great and glorious mystery of our faith ? The body rescued from the grave's dread power Shall live again — as Revelation sayeth. A type from Nature's volume to explain — The dead, redeemed in Clu'ist, shall rise again. LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. 21 AFTER A DROUGHT. Once more the dashing streams and floods are out, Mingling their music with the voice of Spring ; The baffling breezes bear, on scattered wing, Sea birds, that, wearied of the troubled rout And desolation of their own domain, Seek, mid our mountains, strands where wildly break The crystal waves of many a lovely lake, Then back to Ocean wend their way again. These winged wanderers afford a link In the mind's intercourse with earlier days, Leading us, not unlovingly, to think Of the white cliffs, broad leas, and pebbly bays. Where Kentish shores advance into the deep, And seem, for England's weal, a jealous watch to keep. 22 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. SUMMER EVENINGS. I LOVE to mark, when June's soft evenings creep Into the silent shadowy hours of night, The wild duck lead in interrupted flight Her venturous brood, brushing the limpid deep ; To note at intervals with sudden leap Tlie silver trout in magic circles break The mirrored surface of the slumbering lake, While through the twilight sky the pale stars shyly peep. All hail to thee Winander ! gemmed with isles. And joyous as a lady in the flush Of virgin beauty, radiant with smiles : — All hail to thee thou sovereign mere ! but hush — 'Twas Coniston that first inspired my song. And to her wilder charms these memories belong LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. 23- FURNESS ABBEY. Sat, Monks of Furness ! what were your dismay. Could ye, uprisen from your graves, behold The sanctuary where, in days of old. Ye moved in companies to chaunt and pray ? Could ye but hear those reverend cloisters gray Resounding with the engine's startling scream ; The quiet and composure of a dream, Changed for the clang of fuU-blown revelry ! 'Tis true the ivyed walls their place retain ; The ruined arch and column still are there ; The sculptured knight and pious dame, but where The peace that hovered round the sacred fane ? Where the seclusion, wild yet calm and still, That hallowed the deep shades of Bekang's-GhyU ? 24 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. I. I SAW a Wild Swan sailing onwardly — That day by the still waters deep beg-uiled ; — I heard the Cuckoo's clear repeated cry, In tones as weirdly mystical as wild. II. I saw a Trout high leaping from the flood That gleamed in azure light beneath the sky ; I heard a Pheasant crowing from the wood That peers into the lake so witchingly. III. I saw a Heron, flapping heavily On dark grey pinion, slowly move ; I heard the Stock-dove, cooing mournfully, With lowly murmured plaints fill all the grove. LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. 25 I saw the Hawthorn spray all clothed with white — Its perfume delicate upon the gale ; — I heard the Blackbird's thrilling note invite Soft answer from each warbler of the vale. Such are the sights and sounds that charm the eye, Or please the ear, and win the heart to love Each fair inhabitant of earth or sky, And all that in the waters live and move. 26 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. TO M. M. S., A TALE OF A SUMMER'S DAY. Minnie ! you now are far away from us, And I would fain to your remembrance bring The pleasures of a day, one of those passed On Coniston together ; then the time The stately fox-glove in her pride looks forth, Claiming the meed of highest praise, for grace And majesty of mien, mid all the train Of Flora's wildings scattered through the groves : When water-lilies set in greenest shade Spread their fair blossoms on the sunny tide. The day I now recall, the mountains old Shewed through a glimmering haze, and the calm lake In one broad mirror, stretched its wide expanse. Reflecting all the witchery of the scene. Save the soft murmur of the restless bee. And never-ceasing hum of insect wings, All the charmed heavens and all the earth was still. LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. 27 Yen and I, then, with other two who shared The rich enjoyments of this summer time, With silent oar, pushed from the eastern bank, And steered to where a mountain-cradled brook Mingles its waters with the unconscious mere. On either hand we marked an easy line Of glittering beach, formed of deposit borne In hurrying particles, by the wild stream, From a mine's mouth, deep seated in the breast Of that bold mountain, rearing its stern front, — The venerable guardian of the vale. The cattle, straying from the neighbouring meads. Had here assembled, and now seemed as fixed In the cool waters solacing their limbs : Quiet and motionless they stood in knots, Here groups of cows, and there the younger kine. We gazed in mute enjoyment of the scene ; Slowly then turned away, skirting the shore, But had not far rowed onward in our course Toward the upper confines of the lake. When, suddenly, a splashing and a noise Of scampering footsteps made us look around. And there we saw that fair and beauteous herd 28 LEAVES FROM THE LAKK SIDE. — That late, composed as statuary, basked In the cool freshness of the crystal mere — Rushing- with frantic plunging, to the brink, And scattered o'er the fields. What could it mean ? What had so rudely broken their repose ? We looked again, much wondering, and descried A dark spot moving in towards the shore — A black and shaggy head — now on the beach Old Rover stood and shook his dripping form. We could not choose but laugh, and all the woods And all the hills awakened to our glee. I cannot tell ; but, Minnie ! still I think That something may be gathered from this tale ; And if, in future days, you ever feel, Through careless hap or unintentional slight, The smooth and fau- composure of the mind Disturbed or broken in upon, then think Of Rover's freak upon the summer lake. LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE, 29 IN MEMORY OF E. L. L. I SAW two lilies floating side by side, Within the deep recesses of a bay ; Both lovely seemed upon the summer tide, But one was slowly vanisliing away ; The fading form upon the lake's calm breast Seemed like a well-loved friend slow sinking into rest. I thought of thee, Eliza ! with the bloom Of health and beauty on thy youthful cheek ; I thought of thee slow sinking to the tomb, Thy gentle spirit so confiding, meek. Content to flee away and be at rest With angels fair in mansions of the blest. And thou art gone ! no more shall that sweet smile Illume thy earthly home, and loving friends Shall mourn thee for awhile — and yet awhile ; But hope looks up where natural sorrow ends We must not all too long repine at thy release. Thy paths were Virtue's paths and thy last end M'as peace. 30 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. ON THE TERRACE AT RYDAL MOUNT. Silent and slow the droj^ping walnut leaves Fall on the terrace-walk ; the cawing rooks Babble aloft, and Rotha's voice below Murmurs deep music to the answering brooks That down the solemn mountains lightly flow. Stirred by such influences, Fancy weaves A tissue of heart-mysteries that grow Of memories old, and hope that oft deceives. Brightly as gleams that ray of heavenly light, Touching with golden beam a shadowy sail On Windermere, so let glad thoughts prevail, And dissipate all shapes of woe and night. Here Wordsworth used to wander at his will, Here let us fondly dream his spirit watches still. LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. 31 ON THE DEATH OF THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON. Why gathers that dark cloud on Albion's brow, Hanging in gloom o'er Dover's ancient keep ? What is it bids the tear of manhood flow, And why do Britain's daughters sadly weep ? Why, drooping, waves her flag upon the deep ? The mighty Orb of Wellington hath set ! Therefore these signs, a nation's stern regret For him, her aged Chieftain fallen asleep. Our loved Sovereign, in her Highland home, Mourneth the brave, firm champion of her throne And venerated counsellor, now gone Up to those gates M^here all, who trusting come. Shall enter in to glory — their reward, Promised, through intercession of our Lord. 3-2 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. IN MEMORY OF "THE GREAT DUKE." The great, the noble, and the wise, Hath sunk into the tomb ; Ever, as incense, out the gloom Shall his great virtues rise. Lo ! England sorrowing o'er her noblest son . England shall mourn, for many and many a day, Her loss in him for ever past away, Her soldier Wellington ! The memory of his deeds shall never die The memory of his transcendent worth Shall shed its light in glory o'er the earth, To all posterity. LEAVES FBOM THE LAKE SIDE. 33 Wise at the Council ; mighty in the Field ; Victoria felt, and marked, with royal pride, His honesty and truth, and at her side, When faction raised its head, he stood her shield. Honour's bright star he ever kept in sight. From youth to manhood, manhood up to age ; And ever, through a lengthened pilgrimage, His Country's welfare and his Sovereign's right Were graven on his heart ; each selfish aim Of interest or glory cast aside, He won a height of greatness that defied Detraction's subtlest breath to touch his fame. Honoured he lived, how deep lamented died ! A grateful country bore him to his grave ; And now, twin-heroes of the land and wave, Nelson and Wellington rest side by side. 34 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. THOUGHTS ON A MOUNTAIN CHURCHYARD. A FITTING resting place is there, For the Christian departed in godly fear, With a loving trust in his Saviour dear ! All beauteous forms around it lie ; Mountains aspiring to the sky ; Above — the bright starred canopy. The glistening lake ; the moonlight pale ; Shadows of clouds that slowly sail, Lig'htly borne on the passing gale. That soft low murmuring from the hills — The unceasing song of the virgin rUls — The heart with a quiet rapture fiUs ; LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. 35 Whilst Faith, with Hope's fond tremblings, Steals o'er the Spirit ; on angel wings, Leading it up to heavenly things. Be it for us, when life is past, — Each earth-born sin and sorrow cast On Him who died to heal our woes — Gently to sink in such repose At last ! D 2 36 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. LONDON BY MOONLIGHT. On Reading in the St. James's Chronicle, Extracts headed "London BY Moonlight," by Lieut. Blackmore, R N., Sub-Treasxtrbb of THE "London Female Dormitory and Industrial Institution," 20, Clarendon Square. With what a chastened ruthful mien dost thou, Oh gentle moon ! in sUrer light, look down Upon the broad ways of the Mighty Town ! There haply wander, sad and careworn, now When sounds of Christmas mirth on aU sides flow, A fallen Sisterhood, who nightly roam — Outcasts from innocence and joys of home — In aspect gay, hearts stricken deep with woe. Extend thy hand, fair Charity — assuage Their many griefs ; in pity lend thy aid To snatch them from the cold and withering shade Of Poverty and Vice ; their steps engage In happier paths, and lead them to explore The ways of Virtue and to Sin no moee. LEAVES FEOM THE LAKE SIDE. 37 TO "UNDINE." It seems as if some spirit of the mere, Enchanter bold, hath raised for " Undine " This harbour — a safe refuge from the gale ! Here may she Hoat secure, 'tiU o'er the vale, — Showering her richest gifts with gracious mien- Spring, robed in sunny vesture, shaU appear. As when Adventurer on the Arctic Main, Held for a season chained with frozen band Amid stern forms of nature, grouped around In aspect terrible, — loud crashing sound Of labouring ice-fields heard on every hand — Released, hath sped to fairer scenes again : Will we, " Undine," the reign of Winter o'er. Together seek old haunts oft visited before. 38 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE, THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY. In February's name is heard tlie sound That tells of snow-falls, alternate with beams Shot from the glancing coronet of Spriag. Within its days, first the deep woodlands ring With natural melody, and happy di-eams Of young and budding love first prompt the pen To trace the tale — oft told of gods and men — Wherein fair words and flattering tropes abound. Then live St. Valentine ! and vive I' Amour ! Ever whilst birds shall warble ; flowers blow ; And over hill and vale their influence throw — Let merry maids still blush, and boys adore ! Thrice happy they who loving, live to teU They've lov'd as wisely as they have lov'd well. 1 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. 39 SONG. Two barks rode lightly o'er the waves On Thurston's gleammg waters; The first was mann'd by fisher-knaves ; And fairest of Eve's daughters — Two laughing maids of Cumberland, Intent on sport and merry. Sweet Sisters, link'd in love's blest band, Guided the second wherry. The barks so gay upon the bay Were soon drawn close together ; Nor wish'd the boys for sunnier joys, Nor car'd for fish or weather : They laugh'd, they sang, the woodlands rang With notes of the fair Sisters ; But friends must part — ^be still my heart ! And rowing will leave blisters. 40 LEAVES EROM THE LAKE SIDE. These fisher-knaves had danc'd the waves Of many a distant clime. Where the dark ocean nightly laves, And breathes the fragrant lime ; And yet they say. that far away, And lifted o'er the waters, They never knew so rare a crew As those Fair Cumbrian Daughters. LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE, " ' ;" 41 I. A WILD yet delicate array, Those purple Crocus flowers, That, straggling o'er the walk, would say, " A happy lot is ours — II. " Glad daughters of the year's first pride— A troop of Nymphs — we come In our most choice attire, a Bride To greet within her home. iii.^ " A home where fairest Charity Shall dwell an honoured guest ; And meek-eyed Faith and Constancy Shall find a place of rest : 42 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. " Where quiet thoughts, content, with love, Shall lead the sunny hours — Until, transplanted she shall bloom 'Mid ever-living flowers." LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. 43 THE CAMP AT CHOBHAM. See o'er the tented plain, in serried line, The pride of Britain's soldiery arrayed ; The tough Dragoon, tall Guardsman, and in plaid — Stalwart and firm as Caledonia's pine — With kilt and sable plume, the martial Scot. There, deep embrowned with toil and tropic sun Albion's and Erin's cohorts give to shine The bayonets round which still freshly twine Laurels, in many a hard-fought contest won ; And hurlers of the shell and death-winged shot. Proud gleam their ranks to-day ! for she they love. Our Island Queen, delighting not in war. Hath cheered them with her presence, thus to prove England's Defenders — her peculiar care. 44 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. THE REVIEW AT SPITHEAD. A (JALA day for England ! see her pride Of stately War-ships coursing o'er the deep, Where the bright glistening surges constant sweep Between the mainland and that favoured isle Where England's Ocean's Queen is wont awhile The cares of Sovereignty to lay aside. Old memories of Trafalgar and the Nile Crowd round a Nation's heart, as o'er the tide Exultant peals the mimic battle's roar. Telling of triumphs gained in days of yore ; And round the Royal Fleet the Royal Bark doth glide. Reverberating thunders wake the shore. Respondent to the Captain of our Hosts Whose voice of warning lives — Albion guard well your Coasts ! LEAVES FEOM THE LAKE SIDE. 45 Hills, I would paint ye ! woods and gushing streams ! But that I lack the limner's magic art To seize and fix those hues that oft impart To Nature's forms the witchery of dreams. Still as I gaze, fair intermitted beams Of ever-changing light around ye throw A richness and a variableness that glow From dawn tUl twilight's last and faintest gleams. Once more, on this serene autumnal day, I have snatched the pencil, and again have tried, Vainly, that power — to me full sure denied. But why let envious plainings haunt my lay ? Since I may not to Art's glad fanes aspire ; Yet may I still rejoice — 'tis given me to admire. 46 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. WATER PAEK. Pleasant little Water Park, How can I compare ye, With your pleasant darkling woods, Fittest haunt for fairy ? Pleasant are ye in the time When the blade is springiag, And from out the merry copse The blackbird's note comes ringing. Then, when on the budding spray The throstle sings divinely. And clear and free from bush and tree The chaffinch trills as finely ; Pleasant it is to bend our steps Wherever fancy leads us, Through the wood or by the lake, To revel with the breezes : LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. To cross the pretty rustic bridg-e, And linger by the hour, Up where the shady summer-house Rises, an ivy bower ; There take our stand, and whilst we yiew The mountains grand and hoary. Confess that " here they best appear, In all their sunset glory." Or wander to the hamlet near, To see " Auld Elsie Penny ; " I will maintain, with my good name. As rare a dame as any ; And thus to while away the day. Through all its golden hours. Our hearts as free as bird or bee, And happy as the flowers. And when the leaf is almost shed, In dark and drear November, We draw around the cottage hearth, Look forward, or remember 48 "< LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. The days of sunny happiness, We long have passed together, At pleasant little Water Park, In fair or rainy weather. And when old Winter in his garb Of frost and snow comes telling, 'Tis time for us to pack and leave Our little favourite dwelling We take our way across the hills, Amid other scenes to dwell, 'TUl Spring shall broaden o'er the land And reUlume the fell. LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. 49 THE HOLLY. Oh ! what a jolly bush is the old Holly bush, Cheering our path when the last leaf is gone ; Lifting its merry face in every haunted place. Ruddy and graceful, fresh, gallant and strong. Hurrah ! for the Holly, the old Christmas Holly ! Friend of our boyhood, our manhood, and age ; Long may its berries bright, shed their rich ruddy light, England's own plant and our prized heritage. From its home on the rock, it laughs at the shock Of the storm-king in wild fury charging ; Or throws a light glance on the streams as they dance On their way to the lake's silent margin : And it gives to each nook such a bright pleasant look That we've v/ondered what could have come o'er us, When we've sighed for the flowers of the summer's gay hours, ^Vliile neglecting the good set before us. D 50 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. I Who does not remember, in cold bleak December, When Christmas hath crowned the dark waning year, The loud burst of joy with which, maiden or boy. We have hailed, in delight, the Holly-branch dear ? Then live the green Holly ! the old Christmas Holly ! Friend of our childhood, our manhood, and age — Long may its berries bright, shed their rich ruddy light Winter's brave banner, our prized heritage ! LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. 51 TO A. D. The soiig I now would sing, Should be a merry thing — And not unmeet To chaunt imto a maiden. Nor sin nor sorrow laden, — Passing sweet ! I'd sing of snowdrop bells. Whose fairy music tells A wond'rous tale Of freshest April showers. With breath of banded flowers On the gale. I'd sing of the young rose. That, ever as it blcwo, In fragrance vies 52 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. With each fair bud or bell — The chHd of field or fell; Of summer skies ; Of the music and the loves Of the ever-changing groves ; Of the song Of the lark, whose matins rise To the deep and quiet skies. Clear and strong. I'd sing of brightest joy ; Of peace without alloy ; And whisperings Of angels bearing balm —A soft and holy calm — On their wings. LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. 53 AFTER THE DECLARATION OF WAR. A LXiLL of deep expectance fills the land, Prelusive of the coming thunder-break — The first dread shock of War ! Two nations take, Urged by one impulse, their indignant stand ; Resolved, united as one gallant band, To crush the Despot's pride ; on him to wreak Their vengeance dire, whose curse it is to break The fair white wand of Peace. As, hand in hand, England and France their rival banners wave. All enmities forgotten, may they prove — Constant as foes — still constant in their love : Pledged, through aU future years, the world to save From the red scourge of the Oppressor's might. And, in fair Freedom's name, the wronged to right. 54 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. AT SCARBOROUGH, ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE QUEEN's CORONATION. Hark ! to the sound of merry pealing bells, And deep-voiced music of the surging sea, Commingled in a two-fold harmony. In tones, whose silvery sweetness heavenward swells The one — ^with festive utterance — loudly tells The day on which Victoria first was seen, In virgin panoply, a crowned Queen : Deep seated in her people's love she dwells ! The distant murmur of the restless sea Speaks of a grander presence, nobly sings — In anthems audible— the King of kings, Who ruleth over all eternally ! These sounds, prophetically mingling, seem To cheer us as a spirit — Hope's glad beam ! LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE. 55 TO M. R., AFTER RETURNING FROM YORKSHIRE AND THE COAST. We have travelled into Yorkshire, and have seen Ripon's gray towers ; the Abbey old of Fountains ; And, though we left the glory of the mountains. Fields rich with corn, and meadows softly green Were there to meet us ; and the steady sheen Of friendship's lamp was with us on our way, Lighting our steps so well and lovingly. We may not soon forget these days, I ween ! The freshness of life's morning — childhood's days. When, in light mood, we traversed merrily Fair gleaming sands in not less favoured bays — Came to us there, in whisperings from the sea. Old friends to welcome us ; such scenes to view ; Mary ! in truth, the hours appeared too few. 56 LEAVES FROM THE LAKE SIDE, IN MEMORY OF J. W. F. H. A LITTLE cross arrests the wandering gaze Of all who linger in the pleasant shade And quietude of Grasmere's green Church-yard ; Memorial of a Boy, from earliest years Led by the loving hand of sweet solicitude. Of tender frame, his gentle spirit drew Deep draughts of pure deHght from music's strains. When winds arose, and, sighing through the trees, Wailed out a plaintive song, with wondering snule, He raised his placid cheek, and listened to The long low murmuring of the sweeping breeze. The blessed sunbeams hover o'er the turf That grows upon his grave ! He lives, we trust. In Heaven with Angel- Spirits of the Just.