PR 4839 .K286 S7 I m ■ "mm ■ 1803 TT HI HffiKHH BfflRtt ■ PI ■ iillii* BHaB 1MB LIBRARY OF CONGRESS b. *.^>* .0^ * * © * « \ *0* ^^ 1 * ■ • o. V iV«*» b$ V 4? A iP*^. <*i. • '"** «^ r O 0" A* oil** ^*> ^©6 <5x SOCIETY, A POEM WITH OTHER POEMS. By JAMES KENNEY. 33* Nous naissons, nous vivons pour la societe. A nous-memes hvres dans une solitude, Notre bonheur bientot fait notre inquietude. Boileau. Sat, X, LONDON: Printed by N. Biggs, Cranc-court r Fleet-street, FOR T. N, LONGMAN AND O, REES, FATER« NOSTER-ROW, 1803. 1 r) ■C, 06 CONTENTS. Page Society, Part I. 3 Part II. - - - - - -43 Notes on Part I. ------ 83 on Part II. 92 Ode on the Return of Peace 105 Miscellaneous Poems. Versailles -------- 115 To Two Sisters, imitated from the French - - 121 To a Friend employed in shooting Sparrows - - 125 Old Thomas 129 An Idea for Satirists ..----- 136 The Merchant and the Philosopher - 143 The discontented Rabbit ----- 152 The Castle of Mystery - - - * - - 160 To the Moon - 162 Sonnets. Sonnet I, To a Pig 169 — II. On awakening in the Morning - - 171 PREFACE. The name of Poet is getting fast out of repute. The veneration formerly attached to the title has started so many claimants to it, upon nobet- ter credentials than rhyme or measure, that we have now more writers of Poetry than of Prose. Thus, though we are not without good poets, we have abundantly more bad ones ; and though the former when known fail not to receive the encouragement they merit, yet few will risk the loss of their time, to read a yet unknown Versifier, who is much more likely, according to the chances, to fatigue them with a barren common-place jingle, or perhaps to disgust on vi PREFACE. the other hand with some empirical innovation of style or phraseology to supply the place of legitimate beauty, than to elevate and de- light by the dictates of a rational and sterling genius. In such a season, therefore, when so little is to be expected, if Society be found unworthy, I may fairly claim an acquittal from the charge of presumption in offering it to the world. And I have another claim to this, in common with the rest of the fraternity, in consideration of the blindness which belongs alike to good poets and to bad ones, as to the real value of their works. Virgil would have burnt his Eneid, and Paradise Regained was the darling progeny of the muse of Milton. The only precaution which my tenderness for the public could suggest, . I have taken in submitting my production to a PREFACE. vii man whose criiical judgment it has long and generally acknowledged. Had his report been discouraging (however great the violence to m v vanity) the public may rest assured it should not have been troubled with an appeal from his decision. Let me (before my reader charges me with it) confess to one borrowed thought. I have said the same thing of tea as Cozcper.. I may have many more apparent plagiarisms, for no poem of any length at this stage of literature can be without them, but this is the only one of which I am conscious. Nil dictum quod nun dictum prius is a saving which of all others is not the less true for its antiquity. [ take this opportunity of acknowledging the Ode on tht Return of Peace which has already met the public eye anonymously in the viii PREFACE. Morning Chronicle. One or two other of the smaller poems have also appeared in periodical publications. §> Resigning all his energy of soul To the insiduous languor of his grief, 265 He loved to dream of happiness gone by Divided with his friend, and mem'ry's stores To search with anxious care, for ev'ry hour ark'd there by some event, slight tho' it were. SOCIETY. 21 PART I. Illustrative of his Fidelio's worth ; 270 And wept to think such hours would ne'er recur. Thought else he ne'er admitted 3 and to feast On those uncheck'd, he bade the world adieu, And took retreat from bustle far remov'd, Within the hut of an old fisherman 5 — 275 A solitary spot, and neighbouring that Where stood of late the fatal bark, that bore Fid el 10 to his fate. — There long he lived, The wonder and the pity of his host. Strange habits did he learn : — to books sometimes An hour he gave, but chief the muse he loved, And oft himself invoking her he told In mournful strains his woe : sometimes away Sudden he sallied, and unknown his course, And thro' the day return'd not to partake 2 # 22 SOCIETY. PART I. The fisher's humble board ; nay, very oft, Two days or three he rambled none knew where : And ever at the dusky time of eve His custom was to wander on the beach And muse, and often as the old man mark'd, 2Q0 Long and unmov'd he stood, and fixed his eye With steady gaze, directed to the place Where the big wave his friend in darkness whelm'd — So still, that thro' the gloom he look'd a statue- Stirring his sickly fancy to renew 295 Each circumstance of that disastrous time. Anon with hurried step he moved away, And falt'ring stop'd again 5 directing then As stedfastly his eye upon the ground. v wrung the old man's heart to see him thus, 300 ern as he was, rude-thoughted, and untamed SOCIETY. 23 PART I. To Pity's tender sway 5 for 'twas his fear Madness might lord it in his noble mind, And terrors throng his brain. What power he had Of homely eloquence, he tried, to soothe 305 His anguish, and divert a moment's care : And when the long dull hours of darkness came, The wonted sleep so welcome to his frame With toil oppress' d, concern for his poor guest Would oft defer, while listening he lay, 310 And heard him pace his little chamber round With step irregular. One gloomy night, When the dark storm blew loud, the sea-bird scream'd At intervals, and up the tow 'ring cliff The curling surges climb'd with dreary roar, 315 He heard him quit the hovel (usual then) And, with a sigh, whisp'ring a prayer to Heav'n 24 SOCIETY. PART I. To send him happier moments, sunk to rest. Sad were his dreams,, for heavy was his heart,— Ill-omen' d, boding to the wretched youth 320 Disastrous fate. — Uncheery rose the morn, Retarded long by the yet ling'ring storm, And at its first dim ray, inpatient fled The dismal slumbers of the hoary man. Still of his guest he thought with anxious fear; 325 The hovel he had left, and his return He had not heard ; his vacant bed confirmed His absence still. A kinder couch he'd found On the smooth sand — a bed of sound repose 5 There now he lay, and mighty ocean roar'd 330 His lullaby to everlasting rest. % ort die suspense that pain d his anxious host $ SOCIETY. 25 PART I. As to his toil he loiter'd, slow and sad, Upon the beach Giraldus met his sight ; — Prone at the bottom of the cliff he lay, 335 Forsaken by the waves that lately gave His frenzied soul relief ; there now he slept All pale, and cold, and peaceful as Fidelio ! Self slaughter ! how it shocks the soul at ease ! And at the awful thought, Giraldus too 340 Like thee had shuddered, e'er his treach'rous woe Had tempted him to Solitude. The mind There unreliev'd, inverted on itself, Falls to itself a prey. — Its inward course Through all the nice gradations of its ill, 345 Mysterious theme ! but little suits the muse. The mind's distemper in its various forms, F 26 SOCIETY. ^k I And close alliance with the subject frame, E'en proud Philosophy hath found a task Elusive of her power. — Enough to know 350 Its signs external and its dread effects. To yon drear shades a melancholy maid (1) Oft guides her pensive steps — there taught to seek Religion s shrine, and there her off 'rings take Of gratitude and prayer. Oh error sad ! 355 In that sweet face an hollow eye appears Glaring distraction ; and thy form divine Is shaken with unquiet thoughts. Thou know'st No peace, no heav'nly beams of tranquil joy, Which on her children (as her pastors teach) 360 Religion ever sheds. — Poor slave of terror ! n that lone bower a demon wanders oft, SOCIETY. 27 PART I. The name usurping of the Angel maid To fetter souls like thine. — Her hast thou found, In vassalage to Superstition crouch'd. 305 A fiery scourge she brandishes aloft, And thunders menace in thy tender ears Till horror fill thy soul. — She bids thee come Each day thy torment to renew, and thou Poor slave of terror ! fearst to disobey. 3/0 Curst fiend ! of ignorance and monkish craft Detested progeny ! who maddning taughtst Clement and Ravaillac (2) their damning deeds 5 And hast as lavishly destruction dealt (And twice more terribly, with all thy racks 375 And tortures) as the deity of old ^^ Of Macedonia's Robber — how rejoic'd 28 SOCIETY. «, The wane of thy dominion I behold ! Yet mourning at an evil rising still From thy dominion's wreck. For thy black deeds Dishonouring thy fraudful name, will oft Make infidels of whom thou mak'st not fools. Yet works thy tott'ring power effects so fell ! And canst thou pluck the rose from beauty's cheek, And canst thou dim the lustre of an eye, 385 Once mildly radiant fixing every gaze ? Plant suilenness within a tender breast, For every milder virtue once adored, Heighten' d by each exterior grace, and charm Of affable demeanour ? Wake remorse, 3QQ Keen as the murd'rers, in the spotless heart Which snow-white Innocence had made her throne ? SOCIETY. 29 Deluded maid ! her feeble power defy. Religion dwells mid scenes of social joy. Go, seek her there — an aspect mild she wears 395 And smiling, cheerfulness inspiring round. Duties congenial to thy gentle heart Her lessons teach, expulsive of despair -, And hymns of comfort from her dulcet voice Shall lull to peace thy terror-tortur'd breast. 400 Far — far from virtuous bosoms, be the dream, That on the social smile suspends a bait To snare us to perdition. Is't not strange That stubborn indolence hath e'er been deem'd To God a duty ?— that, delirium-led, (3) 405 Man in the service of his maker erst Wore out his high capacity unmoved,, 30 SOCIETY, PART I. And useless as the rooted weed he made His pillow on the rock ? — or in the cave Himself yet breathing buried — prostrate lay, 410 Constant, as life had ne'er exalted him Above the clay he prest ? — Or wilder yet, Higher exposure of his frenzy, rais'd On column tops, the sport of passing winds, The mockery of the wiser wild-bird flights 415 That merry chirp' d around, attended there On the chill blast, or light'ning's flash his fate, Fixing himself his folly's monument ? But 'twas a martyrdom to spiritual pride, A glorious triumph o'er the fleshly foe, 420 O'er ev'ry vice that riots mid the world ! SOCIETY. 31 PART I. Yes — 'twas the triumph that the Coward earns, Who shuns the field, then boasts the conquest his. 5 Sham' d of such views, ye — nobler devotees ! Generous enthusiasts ! whose brave bosoms felt 425 The mingling glow of piety and love, (Union to humanize a savage soul) We learn to venerate — exalted minds ! Who deem'd that not in vain had Heav'n infus'd Strength in your arms, and valour in your hearts, 430 While might gave law to justice, while the w r eak And virtuous groaned beneath oppression's rod 5 And that if All-beneflcence could wish Man's sufT'rings his approval to deserve, 'Twas those encounter'd suff'rings to relieve. 435 32 SOCIETY. PART I. How sweetly did the Sage of Zurich tell (4) Of all the pleasures of the lonely scene ! How have I hung enchanted o'er his page, And at the joys he pictur'd felt my heart Responsive beat, and softly melt away 440 In mildest transport ! — but it sadden'd more To learn the story of his latter days — To find this Son of Virtue and of Science To Melancholy victim, and by her Depriv'd of ev'ry comfort they bestow, 445 To cheer grey age, to brighten life's last rays. He found her surely in his much-lov'd haunts Of pensive stillness, for in such abodes She most delights to dwell, and there, Pale rumination tracking, artful steals 450 With meek insinuating air at first SOCIETY. 33 PART I. Upon her vot 'lies' hearts : there once possess'd, Too soon her deadly potency they find. Lamented Zimmerman ! his goodness all,, His piety and wisdom, could not start 455 One beam of hope from his dejected eye Beneath her sway. A brilliant star he rose, And shone in lustre thro' his mid-way course, But set in clouds. By unsuspected steps, The gloomy, stubborn, unrelenting fiend, 460 On his great mind insidiously imposed Gradual dominion, all his powers depress'd, Scowl'd on his venerable brow, his tongue Luil'd to mute torpor, whence before had flow'd Refining precept, and instructive truth, 465 And sunk him down despondent to his grave. D 34 SOCIETY. PART I. Tis said seclusion elevates the mind To highest virtue, lifts to views sublime, And wakes the noblest feelings of the heart, 'Tis fancy's work, illusive oft and false. 470 Make but the test (5) — The moralist recluse Will weep at visionary woe, and much Will wonder it should ever want relief : But with wild graces, and romantic charms, Imagination decks his feign'd distress, 475 That ne'er its sad reality adorn. Emerging from his closet let him meet A ragged mendicant, a low born child Of wretchedness, assailing his nice ear With rudest supplication — he will turn 480 Careless, unheeded, undisturb'd away, E'er yet his mind has cool'd of the conceit SOCIETY. 35 PART I. Of his unbounded pity, generous views. A tale of complicated wrong relate That asks him active efforts to redress — 485 He'll sicken at the care-fraught task, an# still Retire to charity of thought, to wish The best to all, and think that wish is virtue. How many at this easy rate have been As active Marlb'rough brave, as Blair devout, Enlight'ning and benevolent as Rum ford. Misguided Sensibility ! and these With pharasaic pride look down on minds Not train'd to virtue indolent as theirs, Like theirs, elate with sentiment alone. 4Q5 One humble friendly heart is worth them all -, One who professing nought is bustling still For general benefit 5 who every day 36 SOCIETY. PART I. A thousand petty services performs Grateful to those he loves,, and making large 500 By small supplies the stock of human bliss. Who forms himself a duty 'mongst mankind, Conscious a duty must belong to all, And justly cheerfully performs it, proof 'Gainst Fortune's rubs, 'gainst Envy's short liv'd spleen $ Who takes the world as 'tis, mends where he can, And where he cannot, can his conscience tell He did not spare the trial 5 grasps the sweets, Few tho' they be, that fall within his reach, Nor proudly spurns them that they are not more ; Enacts the fittest part of human kind : An easy peaceful state of mind he bears, Of greater worth than all the rapt'rous fits SOCIETY. 37 The mawkish sons of sentiment e'er knew. And cynic-snarls may scoff, and Hermits rail 515 At public life contemptuous ; such a man On them too justly may retort the strain ; A greater far, a higher mind than theirs. From pride the meanest vice their conduct springs, From resignation, noblest virtue, his. 520 g>octetp* PART THE SECOND. ANALYSIS OF PART THE SECOND. Power of the sentiment of social love, which even in the digusted Hermit, who withdraws it from mankind, will lead to an affection for brutes and inanimate objects. Pictures of the lonely bird-watcher and of the hay-field group contrasted. Village summer evening and winter evening. Cheering effect of Society on the solitary tra- veller. In a state of captivity or of exile, the loss of Society forms the principal source of suffering. The bed of sickness or death, finds in surrounding Friendship its greatest allevia- tion ; and the hope of renewing social attachments, forms the prominent idea of the happiness of a future existence. A scene of this kind is compared with what may be supposed to be the sufferings of the unhappy adventurer, who in explo- ring unknown regions, is overtaken by death, detached from alt that is dear to him ; — illustrated in the probable fate of Pey rouse. Society the sole resource of age and infirmity. — lis pleasing and beneficial effects upon the student — allusion to the poet Savage, Mrs. Montague's Society, the parties of Yoltati :, and the Literary Society. ANALYSIS OF PART THE SECOND. The beauties of Nature are enjoyed ivith double effect in Society ; and scenes of splendour and festivity derive their sole attraction from the same cause. By combination of his powers, man has attained to those great advances in art or science, which distinguish him in civilized life. Science and the social principle have mutu- ally assisted each other ; and their progress has induced those enlarged sentiments of concern for general happiness, to which we are (in this country particularly) indebted for the many institutions directed to the public benefit. With these considerations a reflection naturally contrasts itself on the degraded condition of the Wild-Boy. Virtuous sentiments gain strength by association ; — — the utility of frequent and early intercourse with the world, by which those fantastic and over-sanguine notions of human life are corrected, which otherwise engender digust and en- nui. — Rousseau's unhappy state of mind, attributed to his solitary disposition. — The minor duties of society, to be learnt only by social habits, A brief recapitulation concludes the poem. 43 SOCIETY. PART IT. Hence from the mournful, solitary view Of Pride, dark-musing and deluding Grief, . To brigher pictures, glowing with the charms Of kind emotion, Sympathy and Love, And virtues that from social union spring. 5 Sweet social love ! of every human breast First, inmost sentiment — when passions dark Thy deadliest foes invade, thou linger' st still. 44 SOCIETY. PART II. Savaged indeed the heart, perverted far That hath forgot thee quite. The self-deern d Sage Immured in surly arrogance, still feels Thy last weak influence guide him to some brute Accustomed to his sight 5 and objects oft Inanimate, a fav rite bush or tree, Will claim the love unchannelTd tow 'rds his kind. 15 Hence the affection the poor pris'ner bore (1) Ev'n to the reptile of his dungeon walls 5 And thus old Quarll of legendary fame Cheer'd with his Beaufidelle (2) his lonely hours, And found the counterfeit of friendship's charms 20 (Itself denied) sole solace of his life. Mark in yon field, where lies the watchful boy To scare the feather'd plunderers : — sad he looks, SOCIETY. 45 PART II. For no companion hears his careless thoughts To change them for his own ; intolerant 25 He feels the mid-day beam, that on the heath Darts withering, tho' no toil his blood ferment. Not so the busy group beyond. Imbrown'd, And melting in the blaze, they sing and chat And wield the rake unheeding. 'Tis the charm 30 Their numbers give, their labour that beguiles. The jest goes round, the jeering compliment Provokes satiric contest, playful sneers -, While many a village anecdote recalTd, Reviving times gone by, the gossip tells, 35 And thro' the live-long day good humour reigns. The lonely boy too, when at eve he meets His play- mates on the sportful green, shall feel A joy compensate to the day's dull task 3 46 SOCIETY. PART II. Amid the merry party he will share 40 The circulating pleasure and be blest. Mean- time (the youth in active pastime bent) The aged clust 'ring at each others' doors, No less enjoy their rustic coterie. Thrice happy meetings ! crown d with purest joys ; Where Nature does what Wisdom fain would teach. Thrice happy circles ! — When the ample bowl Smoaks fever-charged, and with its pois'nous fames Men madd'ning fancy riot happiness, In sad comparison I've pictured scenes 50 Like this, and sighed when all was frenzy round. With keen regret hath mourning mem'ry told Of festivals where joyous spirits flowed From temp' ranee sprung ; where lusty exercise SOCIETY. 47 PART II. Exhausting them bestowed a kind fatigue, 55 And slumbers, light and peaceful, took their turn While yet a lurking ray gleam' d o'er the plain. A ruder season comes. Stern winter reigns -, And darkness more than equal empire holds : The feeble day peeps faintly o'er the waste, 60 And straight reclines. — On the bleak north-breeze flits The quiv'ring fleece, at the lone cottage door, Held scarcely vacant when the hind would view The desolate expanse, intruding thick, And bleaching half the murky robe of night. 65 Each source of pleasure seems in Frost's arrest. But 'tis not so. — Around the glowing blaze, Fed long and amply by the sturdy log, Together throng the tenants of the wild 48 SOCIETY. PART II. And charm the hours away. Enlarging now 70 In simple comment on the village news — Who last in church their wedding banns proclaim'd, Or who hath met mishap 5 or guess the fate Of some unhappy swain who left his home And labour for the wars. Now sayings tell, J 5 Jeering or sage, that condescending dropt From Parson or from Squire, admiring mark'd. Or on the Hamlet's sad traditions dwell, Of ruin'd tower perhaps, or desert spot Mark'd in the neighb'ring forest, where time past Some way-lost man was murder'd for his wealthy And ever since his spirit hov'ring nigh, Hath made the fatal place of fearful note 3 And scares each passenger who knows the tale (Chancing to intercept his nearer way) 85 SOCIETY. 49 PARTII. To rout circuitous. Or haply bent On manual frolick, minded of the time Of custom'd gambols, by surrounding slips Of prickly evergreen, that now bedeck The lowly walls, with many a crafty prank, 90 And many a romp, and many a ravish'd kiss "Neath the pale misletoe now lawful made, They free their hearts of all the care they owu In mirthful revelry, uncheck'd and loud. The traveller that destin'd far from home g.i Unknown and cheerless journeys, while fatigue His limbs invade, and heavy thoughts his heart $ Perchance o'er desart wide, or tangled wild, Where lurks the ruthless robber — timid, slow, And melancholy wastes the weary way. 100 50 SOCIETY. PART II. But should a social spirit passing near Invite him to acquaintance, with remark Of how the weather goes, or how the times, Full briskly then the moments glide away Quick by discourse dismiss'd 5 which prompting soon To nearer confidence, the heart expands, The bosom lighten*, danger and fatigue Disperse, and oft the journey ends too soon. As the green bough of sturdiest tree when torn From its companion-branches droops and dies, 11G The captive so, from fellowship cut off, Finds in his thraldom thence its bitterest woe, And when he sighs for freedom, sighs for friends. The exile and the lonely wanderer thus Feel but enlarged captivity. In vain 115 SOCIETY. 51 PART II. Mid nature's beauties, or the stores of thought, They woo relief -, short the relief they fmd, Much oft'ner boasted in poetic song, Than tasted, while remembrance intervenes Of friends afar, perhaps for ever lost. 120 Go, seek the dismal chamber where Diseaee Reclines with pallid cheek, and wasted form ; Where thro' the half-closed shutter sadly creeps A feeble ray, that scarce a twilight sheds $ And all around distressing signs appear 125 Of fruitless remedies. — Mark then how sweet To lift the languid eye upon a friend ! To feel upon the flutt'ring pulse the grasp Of one beloved ! — it beats with firmer force, The languid eye beams momentary joy, 130 32 SOCIETY. And Sickness, cheated by the smiling scene, Awhile forgets her pain-inflicting task. E'en at the closing hour, the mournful group Surrounding, the departing soul protect From half its horrors. — Hopes to renovate 135 With the fond weeping circle those sweet ties That gave this meaner life its only joys, Indissolubly, dwell upon the mind $ The fleeting spirit strengthens with the thought, Tor gloomy fears the heart beats slow to peace With every good, and every grateful wish, And blessings murmur on the latest breath. Say ye, whose tender bosoms deeply take (Too deeply often for your peace) the stamp Of friendship and of love — why when the hand 145 SOCIETY. 53 PART II. Of Death, promiscuously fatal, bear Untimely from your hearts, and from your hopes, Beings who held the foremost place in both, Whose care was yours, and whom in active mood Imagination fond y parts assign'd 150 In all your visions of unstasted joy — Why still some silent moments do you seek To contemplate the dreary blank thus made In all your worldly hope ! — why drop your tears 155. In soft complacency ? why do your hearts Luxuriate in sorrow ? In your prayers, Nightly invoking on their uniodged souls Angelic peace, why mingle throbs that yield Sweet comfort to your hearts ? Dark is the view 160 To Reason's eye beyond the grave's dread confine, And Faith can give it neither mode nor form 54 SOCIETY. PART II. To fix your errant expectation. Thus Fancy will picture it from pleasures known, And with these objects of your sorrow first 1 65 Renew' d communion on her canvas starts. Hence trie soft joy that tempers every sigh. Affection tells, the scene however fair, Unblest with them were vacant of delight. His lot far other, whom his fate confronts 170 From home remote, from kindred and from friends. Think on the man (ambition's worthiest aim ^ Claiming a wreath humanity might weave, And justice grant the homage she denies. The blood-wash' d laurels of th' invader's brow) 175 Who roves thro' climes unvisited before, In spite of danger various-form' d, to wrest SOCIETY. 55 PART II. Nature's yet hidden secrets — proofs anew Of God's omnipotence and wisdom vast, Afar should death arrest his wandering course. 180 Long Science linger'd on the Gallic shore,, And watch'd and wept, and wept and watch'd in vair, To hail once more her long lost brave Peyrouse. He came not. — Time his wonted round ran on, And flatt'ring hope now promised him no more. 1 $5 Ah ! then what bodings flock upon her thought ! He perishes deserted — captive made Of wanton barbarism ; or a helpless prey Fall'n to the hungry lion $ or, perchance, The breeze of pestilence has reach'd his heart, igo And way-worn on the pathless waste he sinks To rise no more. Oh direst agony ! 56 SOCIETY. No friend, no relative, no fellow man To pity and relieve ! No anxious aid, No solace, no compassion soothes his soul — The parching beam of day respects him not, The night-blast sweeps regardless o'er his head. He mourns his many hazards vainly run, His labours profitless — None nigh to reap, And bear his dear acquirements to the world, 200 To hear and cherish his last parting prayer. •To Heav'n he Tolls his dim death- stricken eye His doom t' avert — in vain — he groans, he dies. The forest leaves waft with 'ring o'er his corse, Deep-toned the prowling wolf his requiem howls, Pass to the weary and deserted couch Of grey Infirmity $ the wreck of health SOCIETY. 57 PART II. And strength, in Nature's stealing progress borne To piteous helplessness. Ungrateful Youth Its cheerful smiles denying him, his mind 210 Dwells undiverted on the view of death, Approaching with delib'rate pace, as loth To seize a prey so fair,, so long resisting. Bear with his childishness, and let him taste A social hour 5 thine ear awhile allow 215 To his garrulity, his fav rite tales Of earlier times, when he was young and gay. 'Twill make him happy, stir his sluggish blood To brisker circulation, and perhaps Defer the hour when it must flow no more. 220 This is the only pleasure age can know ; Nor surely less the pleasure to bestow it. 58 SOCIETY. PART II. Of late my worldly callings drew me oft Where such a man dozed out his eve of life. A man of bustle had he been, and chose 225 Life's busiest cares : his active spirits yet Scarce ninety pilfering years had plundered out ; And thus his heavy fate more heavy seem'd. His energies decaying, he resigned His interests to the kindred next his heart, 233 And sought repose. Sole on his interests bent. His kindred soon forgot their source. Neglect Repaid their benefactor, or when nigh, Contempt was smirking in each -face, and sneers For errors of his fast-decaying sense 235 And wasted memory. The old man felt His mortifying lot, and drooped apace. Yet when the zephyr breath' d, and the bright sun SOCIETY. 59 PART II. Shone gaily forth, he hobbled to his door And cheery gazed upon the world : and oft 240 He stopt (for much acquaintance had he made) A passer by, to ask how fared his health And what the news. In ruder times he sat Unjoyous in an old arm-chair. When I appear'd, He rose ('twas all he could) and shook my hand. He gladden'd at my sight, for well he knew I scorn' d him not, but had a willing ear For his discourse. He told me his complaints E'en that was comfort — told me how his friends No more delighted in his sight ; and thence, 250 A natural step, reverted to his days Of youth and happiness : then tidings ask'd Of how the world went now. Unsparing I Freely the wish'd intelligence supplied, 60 SOCIETY. PART II. 'Till smiles would play upon his wrinkled cheeks. And all his cares, and all his woes seem'd nought. And when the hour of separation came, He grieved it was so soon, in warmest phrase Talk'd of what thanks he was in debt to me That I had done him so much charity, 260 Then with his palsied hand again shook mine And bade me soon return. Ye coxcomb host ! who vacant hearted dance The giddy round of folly, own no joy Save where the taper blazes, where the crowd 265 Of fashion thickens, and the buzz runs round Of simpering salutation, or discourse Vapid and frivolous — Forgive the muse If here she would invite you from the throng, SOCIETY. 61 PART II. Sometimes to pass an hour., a weary hour, 270 (For weary hours will evermore be found In time thus spent) to some sad sufFring friend 5 To lend thy spirits to dispel the gloom Of drooping sickness, or decaying age, And try a pleasure that the heart approves. 275 Perplex'd with study, when th' exploring mind Follows appearances with anxious eye To their deep source in undiscover'd truth, Till the brain ache exhausted with its toil, What sweet relief to burst upon the world ! 280 To saunter on the promenade, or join A cheerful few, with whom the heart delights In friendly pastime to unbend 5 perchance Where beauty smiles, and with the fragrant cups 62 SOCIETY. PART II. Of sober yet exhilarating tea 285 Inspired, to playful raillery invites ; Or music ever-charming, copious source Of blameless entertainment, drives dull time So swift we lose the measure of his pace. In some sad corner comfortless and drear, 290 Thro' the long day by poverty confined, Poor fortune-goaded Savage, (4) suffering long The curse of Genius, the unfailing woes Its pride entails, its scorn of prosp'rous paths Of vulgar tread, would often steal away 2Q5 By favour of the friendly night, to join The social throng, and from its magic charms Still found for Fortune's wounds a soothing balm. And what the higher joys that Genius oft SOCIETY. 63 So arrogantly boasts ? — A fame deserved 300 Tis true is pleasure, and of fair account : But woe to him who builds his first delight Upon renown 5 — a poor vexatious hope ! The breath of envy to the humbler mind Innoxious, vain, is pestilence to him. 305 An honest fame a target is for fools, And 'tis an ever anxious careful task To guard it from their shafts. And often spleen, And foul-mouth' d rancour to the contest call'd, No less than the unmerited assault 310 Degrade the just defence. Thus vainly bent, Protecting what will still be insecure, Oft is the heart to much enjoyment steel'd As 'neath its care : and (cheated of its hope) The social feelings lose their pleasing power, 315 64 SOCIETY. Then who would found his bliss on such desires ? The kind affections Sympathy awakes, By Virtue guided, give a surer joy. And ye whose craving minds unworthy deem All pleasures save of Knowledge, ev'ry hour 320 Mi spent but at her shrine, go mingle where The vot'ries of Instruction meet, and pass In converse tasteful, various, unconstrain'd, An hour that lightens yet improves the mind. Thus Montague with elegant delight 325 Enliven' d her fair circles • (5) such the charms In that convention which together drew The various Gar rick, Johnson sternly wise, Poor Oliver, and all the fav 'rite Sons Of Genius, to refresh their fainting minds 330 With classic mirth, from all then* closet toils. SOCIETY. 05 PART II. Th' enlighten'd Lord of Ferney's chosen shade (6) Sought not its charms to feed unsocial thoughts, And whine amid its bowers. His gate unclos'd At Friendship's summons 5 merit ever there 335 A welcome found, and thus from Nature's charms A twenty- fold enjoyment would he draw Mid these to see them shar'd. 'Twould glad his heart At even-tide to see his table full, And from his teeming mind, exhaustless source, 340 To pour his various knowledge, or diffuse With attic merriment the smile around. Fancy delighted dwells on scenes like these, Instructive as convivial : often there Truth, by the lonely student sought in vain, 345 From thought to thought opposed, collision sharp, Resistless flashes forth with double charms. SOCIETY. PART II. And Wisdom ever consecrates the feast Where Genius recreates, and Wit presides. Such the repasts in Tully's honour' d bowers, (7) 350 And such their charms, that his exalted mind That death could brave, yet met with broken heart The harder fate that tore him from his friends. Sweet is the face of Nature, sweet to trace Her fair variety — where lifts the rock 355 Its rude majestic head, and by its frown Obscured, the dark wave roars j or where the stream Of gentler current murmurs thro' the grove - y Where spreads the cloudy forest -, where the hut Finds shelter in the vale, whence mountains vast 3(50 Ascend, or humbler hills the flocks supply. SOCIETY. 67 PART II. Ennobling views ! attesting that great power Whence all took being, waking thro' the soul An awful admiration^ pious joy. But with the great ideas thus inspired, 305 Yet this associate — that some loved friend Attends thy steps, and thine emotion shares, A thousand fresh delights the prospect yields Contributed by friendship - 3 each in each New joy excites, and still that joy partakes ; 3/0 Like the bright flame opposing mirrors share When each to each a heighten' d lustre adds, Which still reflected back augments its own. Whence but from social sentiment derive The many fond pursuits, that bear the name 375 Of pleasure, their attraction ? In the dance, 68 SOCIETY. When active mirth invites, the gala's glare/ The spectacle or fete, within the breast Es potent sentiment is reigning still, And these illusive and seducing forms 380 But modes of its affection. Ask the heart If in the humble circle, where no pomp Or GstentatiorTaid, it hath not felt As high, as grateful joy, as e'er 'bestow'd Th' imposing glitter of the festive scene. 385 Yet farther winds my theme 5 — -yet other views, And views of wider import, claim the song. To what atchievements hath not man attain'd Ey union of his powers ? For gen'ral gcod Fn league united, individual zeal 3pO SOCIETY. tk) PART II. Is twice encreas'd. Then emulation spurs To deeds of diligence else hopeless deem'd j Inviting then the mazy windings seem To distant truth, but darkly yet discern'd j Unwearying then the toilsome path of Art. 3Q5 I know there are who mourn,, or feign to mourn, That e'er fair Science, and her sister Art, Taught man the worth of that celestial gift That marks him lord of beings. (8) Groveling thought! A time there has been when this sister-twain 400 Were not 5 but can a human spirit look Backward on such a time, or when they knew But infant power, and think its lapse a woe ? When that bright heavenly spark, our proudest boast, Glowed unrefined,, War lorded, and it served 405 70 SOCIETY. FART II. Only to kindle vengeance for the field Of rapine or of wrath ? when ev'ry care In ev'ry breast, by self alone was bounded, Blind to the grateful truth that tells self good Is best promoted in the good of all ? 410 Or when all orders of this hither world Were lord and servant, master and his slaves ? When wrong was weakness, right evinced alone By strength of arm, or hardiness of nerve, • Fire or the sword the only test of both ? 415 Shame on the thought ! what phantasy can urge, Save the poor pride of singly standing forth, Champion of paradox, to such belief ? What wild perversion hinder ye who read Tales of such times, to wonder and exult ? 420 SOCIETY. 71 PAItTII. Blest change ! when men, combining to be free, Philosophy invited to their aid, And order, social safety, public good, Grew terms of custom. — Then the tatter'd wretch, Tho' but a crust his labour's recompence, 425 Might, thus reflecting, the poor morsel raise To daintiest relish. €( This, at least, is mine. " Of this no tyrant can an atom claim, " The labour mine that bought it. I for this, " At liberty and unsuspected toii'd 3 430 ** No despot fear'd, no scourge, no scorn endured " From one but joint inheritor with me f< Of earth and the free air." n SOCIETY. PART II. Confined at first The social principles, and devious work'd ; But soon extending wrought sublimest ends. 435 Conspiring now in each enlighten' d view Man humaniz'd apace : and all around The patriot Briton now may contemplate Each lib'ral purpose, each refining wish Hail'd gladly, and with stedfastness upheld. 440 Calamity in every form beholds Some generous hearts connected in her cause, And sighs not hopeless. Indigent disease, Poor feeble age, and friendless infancy, The sacred woes of genius, and the wounds 445 Of fortune blindly dealt, respected all, Have all their corp rate ministry of aid. Even the contrite slave of vice mav find SOCIETY. 73 PART II. A refuge, — to escape the savage hunt Of desperation, ever in the train 450 Of ruthless infamy, a way prepar'd Conducting to repentance and atonement. Ye, woods of Hamelin, were witness once Of man, mere man, bare, insulate, unknown ! The Wild Boy (9) wander d long amid your shades, Inconscious, save of life 5 to vegetate His only wish or care 5 unmov d his heart, And dark in idiot vacancy his mind. What was to you his mould celestial then — His high capacious powers ? Ye mark'd them not, To you of undistinguished class he seem'd — Prone on the glebe, a brother of the herd. 74 SOCIETY. PART II. Ah ! little thought he, he had that within Might aid to emulate e'en Nature's works, The wonders of his God — To seeming life 465 By the creative pencil's power transform The mimic canvass — all but breath impart To change the shapeless marble into man ; The floods new-channel ; from the quarry lift Broad cupolas, and tow'ring pyramids, 4/0 To parallel the mountains, and with them To pierce the clouds, and mingle with the storm ! Shared difficulty sinks to ease : the wise Still a new wisdom from the wise may learn, •** And one brave hero fans another's fire." 4^5 * Iliad, SOCIETY. 75 PART II. When rides destruction on the tempest's wing, The Sailor whistles, and his messmate's heart Grows stronger at the animating sound. Each great emotion nascent in the breast At virtue's call, all-potent sympathy 430 Matures, and to enthusiasm warms. When in the crowded theatre declaims Brave Roll a to his injured countrymen, Tells of their rights by lawless power attack'd, Their lands, their sacred liberties at stake, 485 By treach'rous robbers menaced, how each heart Catches his noble fury ! what a glow (Far other than the closet Roll a wakes) Spreads thro' each breast of patriotic zeal ! So with the wild-wind's blast extends the flame 4QQ Which closely pent would smoulder and expire. 76 SOCIETY. PART II. The closet forms half-sages and half-fools. Forget not this, ye studious, and complete By social intercourse, familiar, free, Your wisdom from the volume of the world. 495 A wide, exhaustless study there begins. Open betimes, read, unremitting turn The interesting pages : there survey, And mark, the infinitely various shades Of man in various forms 5 of manners each, 500 Of habits, passions, sentiments distinct. Then with attentive mind their dirT 'rence trace, And moral truth deducted from your search Your labours shall reward — sound maxims form'd Safe, on the view of Nature as she is. 505 A sound philosophy ye thus secure. The solitary fool may idly scheme SOCIETY. His great chimeras : often at a breath, The plainest wight school 1 d in the busy world, The corner-stone, the hypothetic base, 5 1 Of his bright theories will shake at once, And down the splendid superstructure falls. The world unmark'd, to treacherous Fancy's dreams The mind resign'd, in visionary hopes Refines its expectations and its views 515 Of this short state of frailty, and of care j And many a thorn thick scatter'd o'er the path The fend imagination strew'd with flowers, A deeper wound implants upon the heart Uaguarded thus. — To such an one, alas ! How soon the weld appears a joyless wild. Soon as Experience with her steady hand 78 SOCIETY. PART II. Withdraws the pictured curtain Fancy drew Before the sad reality of things, Tis dreary all. In vain are beings sought 525 High-minded, delicate in thought and deed, Responsive to his fancy-born desires : And save when quiet undisturb'd permits Recurrence to his self-created scenes, Dejection, spleen, his tedious hours exhaust, 530 Alike the world tormenting, and himself. 5 Twas thus that in the moody Rousseau sprung That singleness of heart, that turn'd his eye Suspicious on his friends as on his foes, Slackening affection's ties about his heart, 535 Estranging it from those that lov'd him most ; Each dearest friend offended in his turn, SOCIETY. 79 PART II. Till all mankind grew hateful : Soon, too soon Finding no interesting passion fill The dreary void the social ones had left 540 Within his breast, listless he found his life, Grew weary, sad, and wretched past relief. Familiarized with motley-colour'd life, Taught to hope humbly, and on juster scale To estimate this nether state of man, 545 We learn with temperance to meet its ills. And what tho' blundering fortune oft exalt The undeserving ? What tho folly boast Of title oft and wealth, and vice may thrive > Folly is folly ever, — vice but vice 5 550 And men of worth, in worth both rich and great. Should view them still without an envious thought, SO SOCIETY. Should smile at ease, superior smile at fools With fortune drunk. A fool is ever sport, And surely greatest far when stilted thus. 555 When Pierrot in a Pantomime we see Assume my Lord's attire > affect his air, We laugh the more to see him so misplac'd. Neglect not then th 9 important book of man. There farther those sweet duties may be learnt, 560 The charm of cultivated life ; there learnt, To harmonize the various tastes of men, What for the general good must be forborne, What of compliance each must grant to all. Society is man's appointed state, 565 Source of his high pre-eminence of rank SOCIETY. 81 In the great scale of being : there his mind Finds fittest field of exercise : his heart Most to his honour, most to his delight, Its passions there may guide : Some hours reserv'd Sacred to inward scrutiny, and some Claim' d by devotion, (few to minds who deem To Heav'n their duty best by actions shewn) There most of fleeting earthly joys he'll taste, There most may merit those that never end, 575 S3 NOTES ON PART THE FIRST, Note 1, p. 26. nouilll, Kcenig and Maupertuis." NOTES 97 TO PART II. Note 7> P- 66 " Such the repasts in Tully's honour'd bowers cc And such their charms that his exalted mind A V TTT* A -£MZ>^ "W~ *^K&\ ^ov* *P*. :- \ < I Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 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