^'*ysiN4\Hi 1 Library OF CONGRESS.! 'O'/lCfJl, ^Ae// i UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, f ?\>^53> ^^ fAtwae ^(^^ #SR.; u4m im^. 'S*>"^^a» ^^\^i^^^x ^^#, yM\ vNi'^ S±^S BSSA7S AT POBTRy^ OR A COLLECTION OP FUGITIVE PIECES; WITH THE LIBE OF BY EDWIN AUGU^^TUS ATLEE, M. »• M PHII^AIiELPHIA. ' Poeta nascitui — nonfit,-* This adage of the Roman bard The author fears, perchance may hit Many, besides himself, full hard! If PEDANTS shall his rhymes disdain; Yet those for whom they have been penn'dj May think he has not rhym'd in vain: And thus, he will have gain'd his end. ^Xy " You shall seldom find' a dull fellow of good education, but (if he happen to have any leisure upon his hands) will turn his head to one of these two amusements for all fools oi' eminence— /Jo//V2C3*orjpoe^r7/." Spectator, JSTo. 43. PHILADELPHIA: T. S. MANNING, PRINTEIU 1823. .Eastern District of Pennsylvania^ to ■wii: Be it Remembered, That on the ninth day of February, in the fifty-second year of the Indepen- dence of the United States of America, A. D. 1828, Edxvin Augustus .Mee^ M. D. of the said District, hath deposited in this office the title of a Book, the rig-ht whereof he claims as author, in the words following, to wit : Ussays at Poetry y or a Collection of Fugitive Pieces; ivith the life of Eiigenius Laude Watts. By Edivin Augustus Mlee, M. D, Philadelphia. ' Poeta nascitur — non fit;' This adage of the Roman bard The Author fears, perchance may hit Many, besides himself full hard ! If pedants shall his rhymes disdain ; Yet those for whom they have been penned, Jilay think he has not rhyjn^d in vain : And thus, he -will have gained his end. Cfy " ^^'^^i shall seldom find a dull fellow of good education, but " {if he happen to have any leisure upon his hands) will tur<; " his head to one of these two amusements for all fools of emi- *•' ne?ice— politics or poetry." Spectator, JSTo. 43. In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United Slates, intituled, "An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Chai-ts, and Books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times there- in nrentioned," And also to the Act, entitled " An Act supple- mentary to an Act, entitled " An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned, and extending the benefits there- of to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical iind other prints." D. CJ LB WELL, Clerk of the Eastern District of Pennsylva7ua. ^ PREFACE. In thus obtruding on the literary world, the following essays, the author candidly avows, that a desire to appear in print was not absent. His principal aim, notwithstanding, was, to en- tertain and improve the mind. That portion of the volume which he has chosen to dignify with the title of ^* Poem/' is part of the real biography of an individual now living, with whom the author has been intimate- ly acquainted from childhood. Had it not been for the partial opinions of some of his friends, he should not have exposed, undei' the name of Poetvfj} what good judges A2 vi PREFACE. cannot fail to detect as the work of a tyro: for previously to the commencement of the ^^Life of EuGENius Laude Watts,'^ he had iiot, to his recollection, composed two hundred lines, either in rhyme or blank verse. Several of the Classic Poets of Britain, he liad read in younger life; and although he has not intentionally plagiarised, nor set any one of them before him as a pattern; yet, it will be evident that one figure (page 21) is borrowed from that elegant and most Ingenious Poet, Darwin; it having made on the author's me- mory so indelible an Impression, as that he may have used many of the words, with which it was originally clothed, in that imperishable work, the '' Botanic Garden.'^ It is hov/ever certain, that, of whatever other merit this little , work may be devoid, it possesses originalitij throughout. The extracts, translated into blank verse, sre from an old Latin work, by a Swedish au- # PREFACE. \ii ilior, entitled " I)e Amove et Cultu Bei:^^ the whole of which is, in his humble judgment, of a character truly classical and rich — worthy of the Augustan age of Rome, or of Great Britain. The parts of the volume above specified, to- gether with the *^ Fugitive Pieces/^ were com- posed amid professional and domestic perplexi- ties, in which it has been the author's lot to be engaged, without super'flitous emolument, during the greater portion of his life. He regrets that the distant subscription papers v/ere too late in return, to enable him to publish the names of all subscribers ; and begs it to be understood^ that those who have thus patronized him, arc not at all answerable for any sentiments con- tained in the work. Such as it is, he now pre° sents it, in the hope, that if deemed worthy of a ^' Review,'' it may survive its flagellation^— possibly the jlageilaton CONTENTS, LIFE OF EUGENI17S lAUDE WATTS, BOOK I. Fa^e O' His lineage, early life and school adventiireg, 10 BOOK IF. Narrative of drowning scene, and subsequent re- suscitation; including observations on Divine Providence — the family group, - - 23 to 29 BOOK 111. Visiters, of various characters, to the mansion of his father, with motives as various — Advice to parents relative to Education^ — Presentiment of the death of his mother — He is sent to Carlisle College — His examination — Anecdote of Dr. Kesbit — Gallantries — Illness — Recovery of Eu- genius — and follies consequent— Apostrophe to the Deity, SO to 41 BOOK IV. Vacation — thoughts of home — visit to the family — Examiriation — event. Return to College — oc- currences on the way — caution to the voluptua- ry — Some schemes rendered abortive, - 42 to 4r S CONTEXTS. BOOK V. Page Serious cross occurrences—Disease pervades his father's dwelling — Death of his father — Proof of friendship — Eugenius commences the study of Law — soon forsakes it for Physic — Whiskey Insurrection — Washington — American Eagle, 48 to 50 BOOK VI. March of troops to quell the Insurrection — re- marks on self-preservation — great advantage of uniform, the constituent of a soldier — Gross misconduct of Eugenius — Deer Hunt — serious consequences — Return of the troops — His vene- rable Preceptor retires from practice — and Eu" genius leaves his second home, for Philadelphia- Arrangements — ^derangements — arrival — board- ing-house, = - - - - 56 to 65 BOOK VII. Professor Bartox — Eugenius turns sailor — Capf. Maxwell — Brig Susanna — Various adventures of Eugenius — Bill Harris — Shipwreck — arrival at Bermuda, 66 to 75 BOOK VIII. Sunday — Africans — Alarm of Bill Harris — Ex- emplary conduct of Jack Jidams — narrow escape, of Harris — Picaroon — the brig's danger, and escape — over-ruling Providence — Jamaica — ^im- prudent adventure in the yav/l- — Philanthropy^of an inn-keeperj - - = - - 76 to 86 fl CONTENTS. XI BOOK IX. Tagil. MaxwelPs anxiety for the yawl — its safe return — tlie inn-keeper again — A Ball—Aiternation of state of Eugenius — Remarks on dress — and wealth — Home — the Buss, - - -^ 87 to 94 BOOK X. Eugenius re-assumes medical studies— -but studies little — ventures however foraDipl^nna — is justly rejected — settles in Middletown — Elizabeth- town — Friendship of Tcjctor Celsiis — Portrait of a little Dutch girl — difficulty of procuring the original — unexpected success, - 95 to 102 BOOK XI. Preparations for house-keeping — trial of patience —the Raft— profit and loss — Eugenius removes to Columbia — some secrets, not very favorable to our Hero — Providential chastisement — the necessity, and happy consequences thereof— Eugenius makes a great sacrifice in order to ob- tain Diploma — gains the prize — is supplanted — despairs — his losses — false and true friend- ship, - - - - 100 to 110 BOOK XII. Radical changes — most interesting to that incon- spicuous class of readers who best know them- selves — removal to Philadelphia — finances of Eugenius — Beale — Yorke — Progress of Euge- nius; by some called "-changes," from ''Jleth- odism,^^ through '• Quaker Ism^^^ to '^Swedenbor- ;g'm?zis?ri.""— Concluding remarks on Faiih and Doctrme, - - - 111 to 122 SU CONTENTS. FUGITIVE PIECES. Tage Lines addressed to a Friendj - - - 123 Lines addressed to M. E. H. - - - 125 Lines to my Niece, 127 Impromptu — Madam Cantelo, - - - 129 Impromptu — on a Funeral, - - - - ib. In a copy of the New Testament, - - 130 In a Daughter's Album, . - » - ih. Another, - - 131 Another, = - IB. In the Album of Miss S-n B-d-f-d, - - 132 In the Album of Miss S-h B-d-f-d, - » 135 In a Young Lady's Album, - - - - 134 Translation of a German Hymn, - - - 134 To Miss Mary H-w-1, 136 To Miss Eleanor H-w-1, . - - - ib. Acrostic, 137 '• Thou shalt call his name Jesus." - - 13S Translation of an Extract from a Latin Prose Work, printed in 1745, . - « - 139 ElTGXiNXUS LAUDE WATTS, A POEM. BOOK I. Ye, whom the simple annals of a Man To fame but little known; of life whose span No deed heroic boasts, (nor yet — ''whose blood (" Has crept thro' scoundrels ever since the flood/') Can aught of interest yield: unbend awhile The studious brow; ye may, perchance, beguilcj AVithout injurious tendency, some hours; Not to enervate, but refresh your pow'rs. Truth I shall write — but think me not to blame^ 10 If from your ken 1 hide his real Name, "With the same Art as erst was used by Bacon, To veil the Chymic Fowh\ which oft the earth has shaken. Near where meand'ring; Conostogo laves The Soil luxuriant, with his lisnpid waves. Stands the fair LANCASTER,the well-known pride Of Cities inland; one which claims beside, A portion of that State, to the great Penn By Royal Grant convey'd: once the rude den Of ruder Trib.'s, whose pri(»r native claim 10 Was by him nfMy purchas'd; and his Name Receiving, shall to latest Ages, prove, A Record of the Man, whom all should love. Of Parentage not mean, Eugenius here First Light beheld, and breath'd the vital Air| Here first, in infant Innocence, enjov'd Parental Love, and pleasures unalioy^i. A gen'rous Father's hand the Table spread; C 14 ESSAYS AT POETRY. His num'rous offspring, healthful, shar'd the bread, Earn'd by his labours in his Country's Cause; 30 Dispensing from the Bench her equal Laws. A pious Mother, too, with anxious care. Suppliant for them preferr'd the daily Pray'r; Pointed, and led them in, the heav'nly road, Thro' patient self-denial, unto God. Ah! had the stripling, then, her worth but known^ Ere childhood's tender, heedless years "had flown; What Joys substantial — what unsullied Bliss, Had off, instead of Wretchedness, been his; While, in loose Pleasure well nigh swallow'd up. 40 He drank, inebriated, of fell Circe- s cup! 'Twas here Eugenius first, in Learning's lore. Saw his young Mind evolve its little store; The Earth four annual courses scarce had run, Ere forth to School was sent the hopeful Son; / With shining face, and Satchel at his side, To Madam Anderson's he cheerful hied. Now, this sage dame, in A, B, C, well skill'd. As Fame reports, full well her station fill'd: Save that no frown e'er chill'd with boding fear^ 60 The little urchins rang'd around her Chair; Nor voice terrific thunder'd her conunands; Nor cruel Ferule bruis'd their tender hands. Hers was the novel Flan, her little School, Not by Severity, but Love, to rule. Eugenius soon his A, B, C, acquir'd; Next conn'd his a, b-ab, and still untir'd, Ne'er skipp'd a lesson, nor a task forsook, 'Till thro' the Primer and Big Spelling-Book-| His wond'ring Parents saw. with purest Joy, CO The rapid progress of their darling boy; And, with a view to bring him 0!i the faster, Rf ;ii)lv'd to change the Madam for a Master. The Master choseji, off the youth was sent; But scarce a Twelvemonth under him was spcnt^ Ere the dlead Tyrant he with joy forsook. Nur cast behind5"^one longing, img'ring look! ESSAYS AT POETRY. 13 Successive Pedagogues their art employ'd On young Eugenius, Each in turra annoy'd His'back'and hands, and headland e'en his earSj /O With ferule, rope, and fingers. Oft the Tears In briny floods, his numerous wrongs bespoke; While silent suflfering the vengeful stroke. Severe the chastisement— he knew not why. For, certes, all confessM him a smart boy. First in his class was he, unless disgrac'd By fault, supposed or real: ne'er displac'd By boy superior, or in age or wit; Yet could he ne'er the happy secret hit, Of pleasing those whom mosl he wish'd to please — ■ oO An Art which some could practise at their ease. True, he was forward, and some call'd him proud; Eugenius this, in some degree, allow'd. A Sttle fond of Mischief eke was he, And at a Joke would chuckle merrily. Quite off his guard, sometimes the little fool, Would play his Pranks, and laugh aloud in SchooL Yet conscious of his faults, he freely own'd, W^hen Punishment was just; nor ever shunn'd The merited correction, tho' severe! fO Save when they beat his head, or pull'd his ear— A mode of chastisement quite common then, And practised too by sanctimonious men, Who could demurely pray and preach on Sunday, But ne'er forgot Rattan or Rope on Monday. This fav'rite Plan of pulling, and of banging, Resembled the mild English Law of Hanging; For, whether the Offence was great or small, •One pu-niehment alike awaited all. Various the means one watchful Tutor tried, 100 To wound Eugenius, and take down his pride. Some he acknowledg'd right; but, for the most, He felt them arbitrary and unjust. An instance he has oft been heard to mention, Which, gentle Reader, claims thy kind attention; The Scholars all were order'd to prepare Foi' Exhibition day. and to appear 16 ESSAYS AT POETRY. lii their best bib and tucker; to rehearse Their reading Lessons o'er, in prose and verse j Or shew their skill in figures, or in writing; 110 Or construing Greek and Latin, or reciting: For Master had invited all his Patrons, With all their pretty damsels and their matrons: The vast improvement both to see and hear, Of those committed to his tender care. Eugenius had, for public recitation. A Piece, in common with a near Relation Of the said Tutor, who with partial eyes The rival Youths survey'd; and doom'd the prize. A large red Apple, ere the part was spciken, 120 To his arch fav'rite; for of this, a Token Eugenius publicly received. He first The stage ascended, and his piece rehears'd. Without one fault: for in this noble cause, He honestly confess'd he sought applause; And the rich meed of public approbation AVas the chief object of his emulation. Not that he spurn'd the temptijig luscious Apple-— No — for this too he was resolv'd to grapple. But all! how vain his hopes: too soon he found 130 His pinions clipp'd ; and to the deep profound, Of shame unmerited, with colours furl'd ; He from his short liv'd eminence was hurPd ! For tho', with one accord, the Audience gave Their well-earn'd Plaudits; nought, alas, could save From Tutor's envy. ^ Cease your praise,' he cried, < It ill becomes you, thus to feed his pride! ' Vain in ih" t^xtrcmc, he needs a taking down:' Then to Eugenius, with malicious frown. He turn'd: and bade him re-ascend the stage, 140 And say his Piece again. Ah! sad presage Of subsequent disgrace. At his command The youth confus'd and trembling, took his stand \ But, as th' indignant reader may suppose, Faulter'd from the commencement to the close. Abash'd,. Eugenius to his seat return 'd. While his sly rival for the conquest burn'd: 1ESSAYS AT POETRY. 17 And not in vain — for Tutor had decreed, That, right or wrong, his darling should succeed. "With mincing step, tiptoe, and head erect, 150 The Pet advancM when the glad Tutor beck'd; The Rostrum mounted, and with graceful airj Bow'd to the Gem'men, ogled at the Fair; Then on Eugenius cast a waggish eye. As if all competition to defy. His speech was faulty, and full many a word^ By anxious prompter giv'ii^ was overheard; Yet to the end he ran, he scarce knew haw. And gave the finish with a finish'd bow. Then from the Rostrum gracefully descended, 160 Watching for Praise,— =but few the lad commended. The honest Audience, to their feelings trucj Adjudg'd the prize to young Eugenius due; But Master's mind was previously twisted? Firm therefore in his purpose he persisted; And, spite of Justice, and in Conscience' spite*. Gave the red Apple to th' ungen'rous wight; Whose watry chops had with impatience waited*, Till Appetite and Envy should be sated. Ah! had he for a moment lent an ear, irO To that, whose whispers even he might hearj Confusion's blushes had suftus'd his face. And his wrong'd rival had escap'd disgrace. Eugenius this gross insult could not brooks Full on the Victor an indignant look lie cast; and menac'd with his fist and head, The fate which trembling Tom too plainly read« For he 'd resolv'd, since Justice was denied. To wreak liis vengeance on the fa v 'rite's hide. And naw^e wish'd -for hour of twelve had come? ^80 "When the glad Schoolboys issued forth for home 5 Eugenius eyed his Foe, and following close, O'ertook him: and administered a dose, Which some might name, Cathartic pugilistic-w Weil— 1 '11 e'en call it so to dose the distictio C 2 18 ESSAYS AT POETRY. In vain he pleaded — vain his cry, ** enough!" Eugenius plied him with the wholesome stuff; Till Pity's voice, soft mingling with his cries, Bade him give o'er, and let the coward rise. But short this triumph, for with luckless speed, 190 Some tell-tale bore the tidings of the deed To Master^ s ears; who, busied with a Rule In Algebra, had not yet left the school. Header! If e'er thou 'st seen, or heard, or read, Of the fierce Lion, when arous'd from bed, By hound intrusive, or the huntsman's horn! Or braying of the Ass, at early morn: Then needs it not that I should fill my page, "With how this pedagogue did storm and rage. ^' Haste — ^^hither bring th' audacious scoundrel — haste! SOO " I '11 teach him better. Ah! his back I '11 baste, ^* Till black and blue. What ! would he dare to beat ^' My fav'rite ? Zounds ! and in the open street ! *' Bring him, I say — What means the stupid fool? «« This instant go— or fear this pond'rous Rule !" * I go Sir,' tremblingly, replied the lad ; But prudent fear withheld, and home he sped, Eugenius, satisfied, sought too his home. Musing no little on th' expected doom. When brought to answer to the Judge severe^ £10 That afternoon ; and as the hour drew near. His heart 'gan to misgive him ; and a dread Of vengeance, made liim Vr-ish himself in bed* But how to get there — under what pretext, Was the grand query that his mind perplex'd. So, being in for 't, like all other Fools, Who deviate from Wisdom's wholesome rules 5 The lad, to make the best of it, forsootb. Prefers a Lie, to simple, honest Truth, Pacing up stairs, his chamber now he entersj ^£0 Binds up his head, and to undress he ventures. Not without certain inward checks, pursuant On this his first attempt to play the Truant. Scarce Imd he fix'd himself, with aukward art, ESSAYS AT POETRY. 1^ And Conscience guilty, thus to act his part? When dinner was announc'd. What should he do ? His Father call'd ! And busy Betty too, Vocifeiating loud and oft his name, Sought high and low, till to the bed she came. < Hey day !' cried Betty, ' what a time 1 've had ! ■?.jO «T/) find you out. Why, what's the matter, lad ? ' You 're sick, young Master, eh ! your head aches sorely, «Poor boy! I '11 tell them you 're so very poorly, *You can't come down to dinner — shall I, dear? ^Or shall I run and bring your Father here?' Now Betty had a guess what he was at, And, as the saying is, had « smelt a rat;' So never waiting for his yea or nay, Down stairs she scamper'd, and, without delay, Disclos'd the secret to th' enquiring Father; ;240 While poor Eugenius trembled, and had rather Than two big Apples, he had Rever swerv'd From Truth, and taken what he well deserv'dj At School ; than sufter the severe correction , Which, much he fear'd, awaited his detection. But, ere the muse, in Melpomenic verses. The serious catastrophe rehearses; Leave we, awhile, Eugenius in his chamber, And to the School -room haste, where we remember T' have left the Teacher. Long time sat he waititig, 550 W^ith ' tumid Liver,' to inflict the beating On our young Champion, who, he vainly thought^ W^ould by the faithless Messenger be caught^ But, well foreseeing evil, this young sinner, Chose rather to go home and eat his dinner; Than risk what, he conceivVl, perchance might ceme, Namely, What hones't 'Paddy gave the Drum.' So, Master's patience being so!newkat tir'd. And cool'd the rage which had his bosom fir'd | He deem'd it prudent to detain no longer, S60 But seek his mansion, to allay his hunger. ^^0 ESSAYS AT POETRT. While now the Sage, in generous repast His ChoJer sooths by the rlelights of taste; The Muse, reluctant, to the chamber turns, And at each step the youth's dilemma mourns. Full well the stripling's honourM Sire I knew J In purpose firm, and generous and true; Kind though he was, and merciful ; yet just. And, as a Parent, faithful to his trust. In Chastisement, perhaps somewhat severe, ;iro Yet could he not inflict without a Tear. His steps ascending now Eugenius heard. And now tlie Father's awe-inspiring Word ! 6 Why this mean stratagem — deluded Boy? « Why thus embitter thy fond parents' joy ? ^ Ah ! could thy anxious father have believ'd, 'That by such wiles thou e'er could'st have de ceiv'd ! ^ The cause I know : «eon were the tidings brought? 'To my pain'd ear, of thy disgraceful fault. «xA.dmit, that thy Preceptor's partial eye, 280 *Caus\l him the meed of Justice to deny; ' Were this, my Son, were this sufficient cause, «For thee in turn V infringe Heav'n's righteous Laws ! < What sailh the Record of the Will Divine? ' 'Tis written there :*' Vengeance is only Mine." 'The Prince of Peace — Jehovah's glorious Son, ' Whilst here incarnate pray'd — •* Thy Will be done ! ^Thus too, vindictive Man, he taught to pray, ^Liv'd what be taught; and, suff' ring, led the way^ « And new, enthron'd above the Highest Heav'n, ^^290 ' By Him the sacred Influence is giv'n, «To all who rightly ask, by which to quell, ^ Our warring passions, first deriv'd from hell. 'Yet such the lost condition of our race, ' That this sweet influence of transcendent Grace « By Man is still rejected, whose proud soul ^ Brooks not to bow io its Divine controul z ESSAYS AT POETRY. 21 ^Save a small remnant, who obey the voice ' Of the '" wise Charmer,*' and make Peace their choice. ' Whom Love yet fails by gentle cords to draw, 300 * He deigns to bind by an inferior law: 'To Man he delegates a Pow'r to sway 'The rod of Justice, till that happy day, ^ Shall, in fulfilment of prophetic Lore, 'Resplendent shine, when War shall be no more; < Earth's Kingdoms, useless grown, shall yield the Sword, ' To Him whose Rig-ht it is— -Th' Eternal Word, * But now. reluctant, I the Task assume— * In this uplifted Rod, behold thy doom ! * Conduct like thine, a penalty demands, 310 ' Yet much it grieves me that a Parent's hands * Should cause Eugenius pain' 'Oh! spare thy ' Son !' Th' affrighted youth exclaim'd — ' My fault I own : 50 E'er prostitutes, to make the sinner Saint Nor gives deformity, to feed her Pride^ That Beauty which dame Nature has denied: So should the. just Biographer his pen Employ, to sketch the characters of Men ; Let each, with due degree of light and shade. In Truth's fair Mirror be to view display'd: Let nought in malice be set down ; nor yet Aught, thro' false tenderness, extenuate. Unskilled to flatter, or for pelf or fame., 360 Be this, as we progress, our constant aim; So may the eftorts of an humble Bard, Be crown'd, in after time, with the reward Of approbation, from the Good and Wise — No richer boon he asks— no more substantial prize. ESSAYS AT POETRY. BOOK 11. Our Pilgrimage, whatever some may dream. The impress bears, of Providence Supreme. What the' the paths of Virtue and of Vice Be left to Man's exclusive right of choice; And his own conduct, whether good or evil, iro Make him the Child of God, or of the Devil? Still may the philosophic mental eye. One all disposing Energy descry, Which quickens into life, inspires our breath, Nurtures, and saves from danoer, and from death : Marks the fix'dHerm of life — our beings end— And designates Creation's God our Friend ! Eugenius oft on/ this lov'd theme would dwell. For dangers oft the vent'rous youth befel. These, in their order, shall the Muse relate, 3S0 And shew the Word Divine controuling ruthless Fate. Earth was now parch'd by fiercest solar rav., When, with his Schoolmates, being Holiday, He hied to Conostog()''s well known stream, Where boys repair, to angle and to swim. Beneath the friendly canopy of Trees, Its banks o'erhanging, they reclin'd at ease, Awhile with line and hook essayed their art, Till each concluding he had d«me his part; Thev doff'd their vestments, which with care they laid. ^ 390 Respective, 'neath an Elm's inviting shade; And each, successive, from the flow'ry strand, Sought the cool stream, at their bold Chief's com mand Some, cautious, crept along the grav'ly shore, And duck like, lav'd their bodies o'er and o'er; Some on their hands supported, laid their lengtli Full on the shallow surface, and their streogtli 24 ESSAYS AT POETRY. Of legs, in swimming poise, and movement urg'd: Some, more expert, in the deep current merg'd, Wheel'd, div'd, and splash'd, and all its force defied ; Or floated, motionless, adown the tide. 400 Others, well practis'd; trod the soft profound, With step alternate, as on firmest ground. Luckless Eugeniiis, ever prompt to show, In feats like these, what who but he could do! To evidence his manliness of soul, Backwanis, resolvM to wade to the Deep Hole. (An excavation near the River's centre.) Whither but few were bold enougli to venture: Bant'ring his timid school-mates as they gaz'd, 410 And justly at his rashness Hood amaz'd. While, ever and anon, he sportive cried, 'I sink — 1 perish in the impetuous tide — « Help! or 1 drown.' But. when to aid thejswani, Laugh'd at their folly, and renew M his game, Till to the Hole's deep, treach'rous verge he came. Down sinks the Hero over head and ears. And quick rebounds, with no ideal fears: His strength and courage fail: his natant skill In vain he proves. Again he sinks; and still Oft as he lifts his head above the wave. 420 Urgent implores fieliv'rance from the grave: But frustrate all — 'tis now. alas! too late— His Friends, departing, leave him to his fa^e! Who now cao paint, in lineaments of Truth, The horrors of the soul-desponding youth .^ One desp'rate effort yet. he makes to rise. Surmounts the surface; but his straining eyes No human form heboid. Death's pressure now He feels, and ah ! resistless, sinks below ! E'en there, remembrance keen his mind employs^ 430 His Parents, Brothers, Sisters, — all the joys Of y(»uthful days, now swallowing up in Death^ Press on his view, tlio' stopt the vital breath. i^ ESSAYS AT POETRY. 25 With sad remorse for sins yet unforgiv'n, And most, for sporting thus with life and Heav'n: O'erpow'rd he falls beneath the conflict sore, Prone to the watry Tomb ' To rise no more ?' ' And is he gone ? and does Eugenius sleep ' His last, within the bosom of the deep !' " He lives again," the Muse exulting cries, 440 " Cease then to mourn, and dry your tearful eyes.'^ For Providence omniscient had decreed, That Conostogo * should give up his dead ! Scarce was Eugenius' final struggle o'er. When, on fleet steed, came hast'ning to the shore^ His Father's servant, John, who had espied At distance, his last conflict with the tide ; And, with a noble ardour, scorning danger, Resolv'd if possible, to save the Stranger; For tidings had as yet not reach'd his home, 450 Nor was his fate to the fond Parents known: But John, his task at early noon had done, Expecting to enjoy a little fun, Provided he had leave of his kind Master, Therefore had plied his task a little faster. Permission granted, John soon mounted horse^ And cheerly to the River bent his course ; W^ith rod and line, to catch a mess of Fish, Which he intended for a Sunday Dish. But mark! how Providence mysterious mov'd, 460 To snatch from Fate the creature whom He lov'd ! Down to the earth, the angling rod John cast, And on his faithful steed the current pass'd. Near the Deep Hole a shallow place he found. Where he could touch with ease the pebbly ground: Halting, he cast about his eager eye, If haplv he the fatal spot might spy: Nor sought \n vain. For in the limpid stream. He saw, iiluminM by the solar beam, The corpse ; and plung'd into the yielding wave^ 470 Anxious, tho' late, the unknown youth to save; D 26 ESSAYS AT POETRY. SeizM, in an instant, on his flowing hair, And brought him forth, triumphant, to the Air. Next 'cross his willing horse, the bod^^ cast; Then safe to land convey'd his Prize in haste. There, on the sunny margin of the shore, He rolPd and chaf'cl him, ceaseless, o'er and o'er> Persisting in the earnest, varied strife, To re-enkindle the faint spark of Life. Nor vainly strove — for now with Joy he view'd 480 The lungs slow heaving, and the source of Blood* With wonted stimulus again impell'd, Its labour re-assume. Each Art'ry swell'd By the pulsating impetus, he saw. Obedient to the sympathetic Law, The sluggish Fluid, in succession urge, Thro' devious windings, to their utmost verge: Reflecting thence in centripetal course. Revivified, return it to its Source. ^ Quick, and more quick, the Respiration grew, 490 The Blood, more forceful, round its mazes flew; Sensation, and Re-action, Motion, Thought, And Life, at length, to full perfection brought: Surprize extatic fiU'd the noble b east Of John, when lo! Eugenius lay confess'd. His azure Eyes their yielding curtains drew. And soon his glad Deliv'ier met his view. Aft from long sleep awaking, he enquir'd, "What caus'd the Pains he felt? And much admirM, How there he came — Why naked he should be? 500 And begg'd his Friend to solve llie Mystery. This, with his wonted suavity of tone. And well advised brevity, was done. The dormant Mem'ry, now resum'd its place, And each past circunistduce could clearly trace. His heart, with awful Gratitude o'erjiow'd. And pour'd its huiuble Tribute to nis God ! The kind domestic, too, now doubly dear, Receiv'd his warmest '1 hanks; and the big Tear Of purest Rapture, started from the Eye 510 Of John, while he embrac'd his 'own dear Boj!^ ESSAYS AT POETRY. 27 Phceius had now with cooler, oblique ray, Announced to Nature the declining Day; The Choristers of Air all sought repose, Whisp'ring their vespers at its silent close: When young Eugenius, by his Friend's advice And aid. was reinvested in a trice: Mounted on ready steed, they hasted home, Anticipating much of Joy to come. Safely arriv'd. Eugenius slowly enter'd, 520 Where <^v'ry object dear to him was centred. John followed, and his stand at distance took. Watching his fav'rite with a mingled look Of pure Benignity and Exultation, Tempered with due observance of his Station. The family were now set down, to taste Of fragrant Hyson the serene repast; The Sire, with true devotion in his Face, And heart, had just concluded 'saying Grace;' (For he, tho' neither Priest nor Pharisee, 530 Had still the common Sense of Deity, By Infidel Torpedo unimpaired; And with a grateful Soul,Heav'n's Blessings shar'd* The mild reproof Engenius did not miss. For his long absence: but a Mother's kiss Remov'd at once all apprehensive fear, And to the welcome board he drew his Chair. Th' observant Master, who iu John had seen Somewhat of Mystery, in look and mien ; Now thus address'd him: " Well ! my honest lad, 540 ' What luck to day, in fishing, have you had .P' < Faith, Master, I have caught but one, (said he) * And that 's a noble one, as soon you '11 see; * A deal of pains and trouble too it cost, 'And much I fear'd, l should e'en that have lost. '^ Ami tho' 1 claim it all, yet in despite ^ Of all my claim, to you I yield the Right: ^ For truly it was your's before 1 caught it; ^ iSo fresh and sound, thank God ! to you I 've brouo;ht it.' 08 ESSAYS AT POETRY. « Pray, what are we to learn from all you've said ? 550 'Produce it. Man — or tell us where His laid ! ' Why. Master, dear, 'tis there anent the Table, (Said John) 'I'm telling you no cunning Fable! Thus having rais'd their gen'rai expectation He gave, from first to last, tiie whole narration. Coutiruiing looks and tears Eugenius gave, While to that BKING, who hath Pow'r to save, His humble Praise went forth. Yet mucli, he knew, Was to the genVous John most fairly due: And blushing, begg'd his Father might reward 560 The deed, with special favour and regard. A silent Pause ensued — when, at the word Of venerated Sire, with one accord. The happy Family, on bended knee, Approach'd, in Pray'er and Praise, the UEITY. Let, Pleasure's Sons, contemptuous, gmiie at this I Prav'rless, their abject souls know nought of purest ■'Bliss. Some Years of Pleasure, not unmix'd with Pain, Had gone their rounds, ne'er to revolve again ! W hen our young hero's Sire, now weary grown 570 Of Pomp, exchang'd his residence iH Town, For stiller life, where, ' in alternate Ease ' And Labour,' he his rural Taste might please. Much had be been employ'd, in various ways, In duties arduous; and his choicest days, To his lov'd Country were devoted all. In prompt obedience to his Country's call. A time-worn Mansion was his humble choice, Remote from pageantry and empty noise. A few well cultur'd Acres of rich ground, 580 Did the romantic Edifice surround. ^. A stream of purest Water, at the Door, Thro' conduits from a distant Fount, did pour Its ceaseless bounty, which the wants supplied Of Man, and beast, and fovvlj and serv'd beside, ESSAYS AT POETRY. S9 By well-directed channels from a Ditch, The Mead, and neighb'ring Garden, to enrich, Well-stock'd with various Fruits, an Orchard too, With pendantbouohs, here stood, to charm the view. And tempt the palate. There, a spring-house cool, 590 Of Milk, and Butter, and etcet'ras, full ; Beneath a spreading Weeping Willow stood, And in return for shade, its Roots supplied with Food. Here, when at leisure from Forensic Care, He hop'd, within his Family, to share The sweets of calm Retirement, where the Mind, In Joys domestic, might true solace find. No cultur'd Neighbour, now, with kindred Soul, His converse daily shar'd, or social Bowl ; The honest German, whose untutor'd breast, 600 No wish beyond his fertile Grounds possess'd. Here dwelt, unenvious of the pamper'd Great: His all of life entomb'd in his Estate. Yet neither ennui nor discontent, The Sire assail'd. His placid hours were spent. In wholesome Toil; or whiles, reclin'd at ease, The moral Tale, or fav'rite Book, would please; Or home-made Music's soft enchanting notes. From well -strung Instruments, and vvell-tun'd Thr(?;its: For, Wife and Daughters could the Spinnet play, filO And with symphonious Voices tune the lay: Eugenius too, with voice and Fiddlestring, The Ccmcert join'd, and knew to play and sing. In Joys like. these, their tranquil hours would pass, Enliven'd sometimes by the temp'rate Glass Of sparkling Cider, or the costly juice Of Grape, or Currant for more common use. Nor liv'd th«y to themselves: Their welcome Doo? Was ever open to the sick and poor; Dispensing Raiment, Medicine, and Food, 5^0 They '• learn'd the Luxury of doing Good." D2 ESSAYS AT POETRY. BOOK III. Ere long, their City Friends, both false and true, In crowds came forth, their calm Retreat to view. For Health or Curiosity came some, Others — because they could not stay at Home: Some, for good Living oft their visits paid 5 And some a courting came, as rumor said. A few staunch Friends with purest motives came, "Who, fair or foul, prov'd worthy of the name. And tho' Economy her prudent brow 630 Would sometimes bend, and rather restive grow ; Yet, in behalf of all. Dame Courtesy Most feelingly oppos'd her gentle plea: So that, however low the Host's finances, Civility compell'd him, at all chances. Rather to scrape the bottom of his Coffer, Than what might seem an Insult e'er to offer. This short digression made, we now pursue The Thread of our discourse, and bring to view The subject of our Story. He. meanwhile, 640 At leisure»times, would oft his hours beguile. In visiting among his German neighbours, Learning their Language, joining in their Labours; And at their various Sports was oftimes seen; And many a FaH he got, upon the Green, In wrestling, leaping, running, corner-ball, Till good proficiency he made in all. The rosy Lasses, too. he'd sometimes prance with, And at the FAIR, would condescend to dance with. But, tho' these toils and sports improv'd his body, 650 Yet did they blunt his Appetite for Study. This, with sincere concern, his Parents saw, And tried allurements, his young mind to draw Back, to its wonted Exercise ; but Books Where now encounter'd with unpleasant looks. ESSAYS AT POETRY. SI Here would the Bard a word of Counsel give. Which he entreats his readers to receive: Do ye desire your Offspring should improve? From School be cautious how you these remove. Except for a short season, lest the Mind, 660 Too long drawn off, to trifling be inclin'd: For many a Germ of Genius has been lost, Or on Life's fluctuating Billows toss'd, Unheeded; which, if suffer'd to take Root, In Wisdom's Soil, had yielded precious Fruit 1 Convinc'd of Error in this very case. His Parents sent him to his former place; Where, without hindrance, he might re-assume His studious Habits, for the time to come. Short time elaps'd ere Learning's sweets he tasted, 670 In Classic lore engag'd no moments wasted; But daily more attach 'd to the lov'd spot. His late Husticity he soon forgot. And long had he these golden days enjoy'd. But for one weighty Cause, which now destroyed His usual Peace: A M<)ther, dearly lov'd, Lay ill of Fever, which soon mortal prov'dj And though no tidings of her real state Had reach'd him, yet the Bard shall here relate, How. by a sympathetic Sense inform'd, 680 The youth's well grounded fears were first alarm'd: 'Tvvas Summer. He had taken up his Book For School which then was calPd at six o'clock; When, in an instant, an appaling Thought, Across his unsuspecting Mind was brought, And vihich he promptly to his Aunt express'd: That now, by Death's cold hand, his Mother lay oppress'd I In vain by Argument she kindly strove, The superstitious Notion to remove: Th' impression still indelible remain'd; 690 And having full permission first obtained, $2 ESSAYS AT POETRYe He tarried not for breakfast, but with speed His journey took, lest he should find her dead. Ten Miles he traveled ere he reach'd his home, Then, trembling, sought his sainted Mother's room; And just in time he came, for, as he fear'd, Her Spirit for its flight was now prepar'd. Here, 'midst the Mourners, round her Bed, he stood In silent grief. The num'rous filial brood Bent o-er the faintly animated Clay, TOO Who, in an Husbar-id's arms supported, lay. The Servants, there, with agonizing Sighs, And tears responsive from their streaming eyes; Watch'd her weak struggles for departing: breath, And hopeless, waited the last, awful pause, of Death ! Now to her Efforts a short respite came, And, like th' exhiusted Lamp's expiring Flame j Which, in its lambent — trembling — vivid strife, Drains to the dregs the pabulum of Life : Her Soul, emerging from the dreary shade no Of hov'ring Death, o'er her pale visage play'd. Tho' mute and motionless was now that Tongue, Which oft. mellifluous, Heav'n's high Praises sung; Yet, with new brightness, her dark Eye illum'd, A momentary energy resum'd. Full, on heranguish'd Partner, for a while She look'd all Love ! and gave a parting smile: Then, in succession, on her Children cast Maternal beams — prophetic of her last. But most. Eugenius seem'd her ej^e to stay, 7£0 As if reluctant to be torn away From one, whose after life did much engage Her dying thoughts, as with a sad presage. The Servants, next, the glajice of Love receiv'd J Then, from the lifeless tenement reliev'd, Th' unshackled spirit, mounting, wing'd its way To Realms congenial, in unceasing Day! ESSAYS AT POETRY. S3 Ah! who by sad Experience untaug;ht, Can realize, in sympathetic Thought^ The dreary — aching— void, which now was left, 730 In the domestic Circle, thus bereft! They only who have felt, can know the j^ioom. Their souls o'erspreadinji;, when the gaping Tombj Relentless, clos'd forever on that Form, Doom'd to Corruption, and the nauseous Worm. Two Years had now their mellowing influence shed. Since youn^ Kugenius mourn'd a Mother dead; Years, that in scenes of varied rural life. RolI'd on, uniTsindful of the wayward strife, 'Twixt good and ill, which oft the heedless yoiitli r40 Maintain'd. in wand'ring from the Path of Truth. Yet did he. whiles, in social converse, share His Father's Friendship, mitigate Ids care ; Alleviate the stress of widow'd Woes, That prey'd upon his life, and wrought its earlv close. And now, prepar'd for College, he once more His home for??ook, in Academic lore To renovate his Mind, too long relax'd. By toil corporeal, and by cares perplex'd. Mounted on fav'rite steed, in trav'ling trim, 750 His heart, at parting, fill'd unto the brim ; And having a tried Servant at command too, On sturdy Nag, to carry the Portumnteau: (Not his friend John, who by this time had prov'd Connubial Joys, with one whom long he lov'd; And, with his Master's blessing, had retir'd From service, to a Tenement he hir'd; Where i'rugal industry his wishes crown'd, And care, and weariness, in Love were drown'd,) Accoutred thus, their journey they commenc'd, 760 And soon with haughty Forms the youth dispens'd: For though the Servant, to his station us'dj At firstj familiarity refus'dj C4 ESSAYS AT POETRY. And chose respectfully to trot behind: Yet did Eugenius. in accents kind. Insist upon his riding along-side him. Whatever consequences might betide him. Without more incident than folks in common, When traveling, meet with (neither man nor wo- man, Our Knight and 'Squire attempting to molest) rrO Two days ^ley rode, ere they took up their rest. In Cumberlard's fair Capital, where Knowledge Its seat then held, at Dickinsonian College. Then were the golden days of Science known, And from that Alma Mater many a Son, In purest Classics, and sound Ethics taught, Went forth, with richest, noblest Treasure fraught^- To bless their Country: For a Nesbit then Presided, one of Scotia's choicest men. Here, friendless and unknown, except by Letters 780 Commendatory, to his learned betters; And to simie influential Men in town. Our country-looking hero sat him down. And, soon as might be, enter'd up his name, As candidate for literary Fanie. Kow tho' in Latin tolerably vers'd, Nor ignorant of Greek, he'd ne'er rehears'd^ Nor look'd into a Lesson while at home : So rather unprepar'd the lad had come. But. trusting to his Memory, he went, rDO Obedient to a message that was sent, ' From the shrewd Principal, with trepidation, To stand the usual Examination. At the appointed hour, and wonted place, Master and Candidate met, face to face : Somewhat abash'd and aukvvard was the latter, Who well perceiv'd it was no trifling matter. Enquiry made — where he'd left off* at School? He answer'd ; and pursuant to the Rule, Was told to construe where he last had read, 800 This, with apparent boldness, he essayM : ESSAYS AT POETRY. 55 But, whether by fatality or no, He open'd on a Speech of Cicero. Just at the Threshold stood S. P. Q. R. A host of Capitals, which made him stare, As much, as if what those Initials stood for Had met his view. — * Why what 's the ninny gudf* for! e devious feet had press'd forbiihlen ground. Dying, or penitent, their language, this: ^* The path of wisdom, is the path of bliss I" The morn had now the busy world illum'd, When academic studies were resum'd; And at the hour, Eugenius sought the college, 1310 Where numbers flockM again, to drink in know- ledge : ESSAYS AT POETRY. 47 But oft his mind, in restless mood would roam, "Wide from his studies, 'midst the scenes of home. Most for his venerable sire he griev'd, By acts of studied baseness twice deceiv'd; And oft the retrospect would wound him sore, And wring the promise, that he 'd sin no more ; For tho' by pleasure's syren voice seduc'd, Th' infatuate youth his better sense abus'dj Yet oft, reproving truth's convictive word, 1220 (Swift messenger of Heav'n) Eugenius heard. Then, with the blush of shame, and tear of sorrow. Would he resolve to mend his way — to-morrow— But ever, as the promis'd morrow came, < Resolv'd, and re-resolv'd'— and liv'd the same. Things thus went on, nor likely to be better^ Till he receiv'd the long-expected letter, In answer to the one, by Harry sent ; But found, alas! no cash contain'd within 't. In lieu, he found a mixture of reproof 1230 And counsel, more than he then thought enough j With positive refusal e'er to pay His debts of honour to his latest day: Refusal irreversible — he knew ! So deeply pond'ring what 'twere best to do; Concluded, on his creditors to call, And without hesitation, tell them — all, And, tho' a minor, faithfully engage To pay them, soon as he arriv'd at age. These, knowing it their interest to agree, 1240 E'en made a virtue of necessity: And he, as in the sequel we record, Not only kept — but more than kept — his word. This done, with heart elate he sought his roouij "Where his lov'd Violin dispers'd what gloom Yet thinly vapour'd o'er his flexile mind ; And, in a song, gave sorrow to the wind J 48 ESSAYS AT POETRY, BOOK V. Time, now, on gilded plumage wingVl his fiiglit. And objects to his view again were bright: Save that, at intervals, a transient shade 1250 His sky obscur'd, and secret fears betray'd. Still, from his sports and studies, ever new. Our alchemist some sweet elixir drew, *Gaiiist adverse gales, bis mind to fortify. Tho' fickle fortune frown'd, his pulse beat high With hope, that other days might change his lot. !Nor vv^ere his studies in his sports forgot : Anxious he stretch'd toward the wish'd-for goa!. With all the vigour of an, ardent soul; In glad anticipation hail'd the day, 1260 Wnett a diploma he should bear away ; And to his doubting sire delighted prove, His claim, in some degree, to reconciled love. But ah! these blissful visions soon were o'er^ For now, as oft had been his lot before ; Events quite unforeseen recalPd Kim home, And marr^l his prospects for the time to come 1 Disease, his father's mansion had assail'd, And with unwonted violence prevaiTd. (The country round, its baneful influence shard.: 1270 Without respect of persons : none were spar'd* Who breath'd the miasmatic atmosphere :) But he, who was the bond of union there, Was now, to cares judicial, call'd away, Nor was expected till a distant day. Eugenius sad intelligence receiv'd, And, tho' his studies to suspend, he griev'd; Yet could he not a needless moment waste, But hurried home, to succour the distress'd. And not more welcome to the thirsty hart, 1£80 Bv hounds pursu'd^ and writhing with the smart ESSAYS AT POETRY. 4D Of archer's weapon — is the cooling stream ; Or, to the lover, the Eljsian dream, Than was Eugenius. But why time employ^ Or readers weary, to describe the joy, Which lighted up each pallid kindred face^ In momertary hectic, when the embrace Of love fraternal, in succession, pass'd, Warm, and more warm, as he approach'd the last I E'en could the Bard command a Cowper's pen, 1£90 With his angelic muse inspir'd— what then ? He, in whose soul emotions human live. Can, without these, the native col'ring give ; Which, to the solitary stoic breast. Were * pearls to swine' — or labour lost at best. Here, with assiduous tenderness, his hours Were all devoted, save when nature's pow'rs. By daily care, and nightly vigils tir'd. Or aliment or '-balmy sleep," requir'd. Nor vain his anxious hopes and efforts prov'dj 1300 Amaz'd, he saw the kindred whom he lov'dj By arm Omnipotent to health restor'd ; And with warm gratitude that God ador'd. Who wounds and heals, who 'bringeth to the grave.' And whose prerogative it is — to save ! Now was Eugenius, in his turn, to bow Beneath the spreading epideoiic's blowo Erewhile, solicitude for others' weal Had kept disease at bay, like coat of steel : But — tliis remov'd — the prey defenceless stood^ 3:310 And sick'ning. trembled as the foe pursu'd. A wint'ry earthquake follow'd in the train, Which, with relentless fury, shook his frame | Next, to delirium urg'd, solstitial heat Or parch'd with thirst — or delug'd him with sweats Then, leaving him his sad estate to mourn^ Prepar'd their forces for a fresh return. Successive visits, on alternate days, For two whole weeks, the fierce destroyer pays ^ F 50 ESSAYS AT POETRY. Till youthful stamina, with aid of art, 1320 Compel the hideous daemon to depart. Nature, enfeebled by the tedious strife, Gradual returns to renovated life ; And, health and wonted energies renew'd, In silent praise he own'd the Sov'reign God, "Whose gracious Will ensures us length of day» : And all whose works demand his creature's praise. Ah ! what true bliss, ingratitude foregoes ! The independent mind but little knows Of pure delight — who sees not God in all 1330 The chastisements, which fro ward man befal. Prone, by inheritance, to leave the way, By Providence assign'd ; and thoughtless stray. In paths seductive — all which downward lead The wand'rer, to the chambers of the dead : What, but affliction, can his course arrest, Or force the child of folly to be — bless'd ! How sweetly doth the Psalmist, Israel's king. By sufF'rings taught, afflictions praises sing! See the great monarch bow beneath the rod, 1340 In deep contrition, hear him cry — 'My GodI Just are thy judgments, mixt with mercy— all. Behold thy servant David prostrate fall ! 'Tis love that chastens, whensoe'er 1 stray; Thy friendly rod restores me to the way Of life and peace ; and shall my staff become? E'en thro' the vale of death's terrific gloom 1' A MUTUAL joy the happy household feel. And looks, and words, and acts, the joy reveal. Forth from their prison'd home they venture now. 1350 Nature's fair face, adorn'd by art. to view: And all, a- suited best the sex or age. Are seen in toil or pastime to engage ; Till cautious prudence, like a faithful friend, Points them to home, ere ev'ning damps descend; ESSAYS AT POETRY. 51 There to await them stands the sweet repast Of China's shrub imperial— to the taste, With cream, and *' gusty sucker" grateful made; And e'en the tempting loaf of wheaten bread, And butler from the springhouse, fresh and cool ; 1360 With other wholesome viands to the full. One guest yet fail'd, without whom they seem'd lost— Their absent father — many a wish he cost, And longing look, till he should safe return. — But here, alas, — frail * Man is made to mourn.' ' And short, and fugitive, are earthly joys ! Some secret thorn each blooming hope annoys | And, with each wound, is this memento giv'n, «Man! seek not here thy rest — 'tis found in Heav'n.' THEinsatiate plague their honour'd sire pursu'd, L 370 While from his home he sought his country's good. E'en on the judgment seat, in evil hour, He felt, and strove against, the baneful pow'r. Anxious, his circuit's toilsome task to closcj And in home's bosom to enjoy repose ; His jaded, sinking faculties, he urg'd Beyond re -action, till completely merg'd In one asthenic chaos, he gave o'er — Ne'er to resume forensic labours more! Now at his quiet rural home arriv'd, 1380 With mournful welcome was the sage receiv'd. And ah ! with boding fears Eugenius heard, His trembling father's slow, prophetic word, Wliile, on his arm sustain'd, with faithless feet The stairs ascending, to his last retreat ! — < Hear me, Eugenius, — Ne'er again shall I * These steps ascend. My mandate is— to die : * Sentence is pass'd — nought can avert the doom J * Haste — lead me to my solitary room, * For much my feeble frame desires repose • 1390 ^ And oh ! that there my life, in peace may close ! m ESSAYS AT POETRY* ^I fear not death. I know that God is juslj < And in forgiving mercy, humbly trust ; <^To boast, I dare not : this, my only plea — • ^ And 'tis enough — that Jesus died for — me !' Fault'ring.yet firm, he spake — then sought his bed. And, in five suff'ring days, was numbered with the dead I Thus was the shepherd smitten, and the sheep Left, their sad orphan state to feel and weep. Keenly they felt — and long, and sore, they wept : £400 While sympathy, in friends of sunshine, slept. The parasitic crowd now bent aloof; Scarce was the door saluted by one hoof, Of all the fawning herd, who erst were seen, To court their favour with obsequious mein ! Adversity now mark'd them for their own, And young Eugenius was her chosen son. Torn from the lap of science, at a time When most he burn'd her rugged steep to climb; He sank beneath necessity's controul, i410 Which chill'd the genial current of his soul; And all his dreams of future glory fled, Ev'n while it beam'd around his hapless head! Yet oft, at intervals, a glimpse he caught : And, like the child, th' illusive rainbow sought; Still as he follow'd the ideal good, The phantom mock'd>iind he in vain pursu'd. The heritage paternal, well adjusted, Thro' aid of faithful men, by law entrusted, Who to administer had volunteer'd ; i420 Eugenius to his native town repair'd. (His debts all paid, his portion now was scant. And calPd for industry to keep from want.) There with a wortjiy jurisprudent plac'd. He for six months the crowded office grac'd : But Blackstone for Eugenius had no charms, He found more solace in a fair nymph's arms. ESSAYS AT POETRY. 55 Who dwelt beneath the sage attorney's roof; And for whose sake he tarried, long enough. A prudent resolution therefore took, 1430 And law. for physic, hastily forsook : But not without regret to leave his friend* Whose gen'rous heart had proffer'd to extend, Without remuneration, all the aid, His studies to complete ; had he but staid. Nor e'er, in after life, did Hopkins' name Fail to awaken gratitude's pure flame; And, as he view'd him rising at the bar, To eminence unrivall'd, as a star Of brightest lustre, amidst numbers bright; 1440 His soul enjoy'd a filial delight. Two sons of ^sculapius flourish'd then, Well skillM in their profession. Both were men Whom sire Hippocrates, of deathless name, Migiit not have blush'd, in fellowship to claim; Brave, gen'rous Hand, and philosophic Kuhn, This was Germaniums — that, Hihernici's son : He, with a noble and paternal care, Caus'd his young pupil, without stint, to share The lib'ral comforts of the bed and board; 1450 His mind with medical instruction stor'd : Taught him, the various simples to compound. Led him, when prudent, in his visits round, Dispensing healing aid; nor fail'd to shew, In bed-side lectures, how the Protean foe Was best detected— and how., best assail'd : AntI oft his favour'd skill o'er death prevail'd. And tho' he mov'd in an exalted sphere; To ey'ry child of want, he bow'd his ear. No office for the sick, with him too mean— X460 His greatness in humility was seen ! Oft has he left the brilliant, social hall, Forgone its pleasures at affliction's call ; And, with that hand, long us'd the sword to wieldj In what the world misnomers, glory's field; F2 »J4 ESSAYS AT POETRY. His well taught skill chirurgical would prove, Temper'd alike with fortitude and love. With him, the youth scarce one short year had spent ; When discord's sons, on deeds of mischief bent, Rebellious, rose against their country's laws, 1470 Basely pretending liberty the cause ! Theirs was, the Whiskey Insurrection, nam'd, But soon, with promptitude unthought of, tam'd. For he, Columbia's darling Son and Sire, Wlio taught her to defy Britania^s ire. Assert her Independence, with the word Of thunder, back'd by the resistless sword 5 Who " caus'd the storm of horrid war to cease," By Heav'ns permission ; and had sway'd in peace, The brightest sceptre, that e'er grac'd the hand 14B0 Of mortal ruler, o'er fair freedom's land ; Who late, with honours ripe, had humbly laid His civic crown aside — for Vernon's shade: Still felt the Hame of patriot love to glow, . And, at his country's call, arose to crush the foe^ To prostrate fell rebellion to the ground — Transfix the hydra with a deadly wound ; And teach posterity, that freedom^s cause Then suffers most^\vhen freemen break her laws. Forth, from the plough, once more in armour clad, 1490 In all his wonted majesty array'd ; His country's bulwark — in himself a host— See ! Washington advancing to the post Of chief command ! while hundreds, at his word^ Haste to unsheathe the long-quiescent sword. From east and west, from north and south thej come : Hark ! the war-breathing trumpet and the drum. With concert fife, throughout each state, invite Vet'ran and youth to wage the vengeful fights // ESSAYS AT POETRY. 53 Columbia's Eagle, from his forest-throne, 1.?00 Eyes the bright armour, glittering in the sun; Shakes his dark plumes; low bends his hoary crest, As if t' enquire— Who dar'd disturb his rest? Soon his keen glance the well-known chief espies, While troops of freemen, rallying round him, rise! His jealous spirit, kindling at the sight. Re-nerves his sinewy wings for distant flight. Spurning his lofty nest, he soars along, The woods re-echoing with his shrill war-song; On weil-pois'd pinions cleaves the yielding air; 1510 Till o'er the tented tield arriv'd — and there— Awhile, on balance, motionless remains. Save that his snowy neck he downward strains ; Next, wheels, in reconnoit'ring circuits, rounds Successive, nearing to the martial ground — Now, at the Hero's feet, majestic, lights, Flaps his broad wings, the envied smile invites; Soon feels the welcome hand to stroke his crestj And smoothe the plumage of his noble breast; Perches, contented, on the thund'ring gun ; 15:20 And Heav'n enjoys, in guarding Freedom's Sox! \ 56 ESSAYS AT POETRY. BOOK VI. The troops of Pennsylvania, on were led By ardent Mifflin, then her lawful head. Well skill'tl in arms — in eloquence as \vcU, 'Tvvas his, the youthful bosom to enswell With love of martial glory, and inspire To deeds of valour, worthy of each sire. Nor vain his eloquence: each free-born soul, Felt but the common flame that warm'd the whole. Eugenius, yet a minor, cios'd his book, T530 Besought his kind preceptor, with a look That baffled all denial, for permission, T' equip and arm, for this fam'd expedition. And having, of his guardian, leave obtain'd, (With ease, for that they both now held command,) Behold the youth, from life to death transform'd, And, late the healer, strut, the soldier arm'd ! Now for ^Farewell,' to sweet-hearts and to friends. Slow, to the vv'est, the new-born army tends. Thro' rain, and mud, and sleet, and drifting snov/p 1540 Onward they move, and burn to meet the foe; Save a few weaklings, whose misgiving mind Fear'd death at ev'ry step — in ev'ry wind : These, having march'd some twenty miles or morej Return M to peace and safety as before; This, sure, was prudent — ^if it was not brave^ ^lan, true to nature, seeks, his life to savej And ev'n in battle, he who runs away. May fight if so he please, another day! Yet still, there want not men, reputed wisCj, S550 W^ho scruple not to charge to cowardice, The just conclusions of such men of sense^ As follow nature's law of self-defence i lESSAYS AT POETRY. To waive digression, and ' sub judice^ Leave this dispute, and those who chose to stay? The busy Bard, in duty bound, must face To the right, and march, into his proper place. Thro' many a staring village did they pass. And many a smile they got fr7)m many a lass; For, Reader, be this secret to thee known : 1560 As ' Saints in crape, are two-fold saints in lawn,' So men, tho' bold enough a fort to storm, Are still but men — without their uniform. This makes them twice as brave, to female viewj Which, when encamp'd, or on a march, will do. Eugenius was not without good conceit. That he would fight the foe, were they to meet His comrades too, all thought he was good stuflj But, be this as it might — there wanted proof. Still, with light heart, his duty he perform'd ; lofO It matter'd little, how it rain'd or storm'd; Or whether in his tent, or mounting guard, A soldier's duty was to him not hard. Let him but have his rations and a fci^ng, Content was his companion, all day long, And all night too; for aye his sleep was sounds Whether on straw, or on the bare, moist ground. The morning gun scarce ever caught him napping, Kor did he ne'ed the reveille drum's tapping, To rouse him from his slumber, soft and sweet: 1530 But up, and dress'd was he, all clean and neat, T'enjo)' the early concert, loud and shrill, Reverberating o'er, from hill to hill; And, thro' the undulating air around. Commingling into one harmonious sound. March follow^s marcli, in bloodless enterprize, No foe appears : but ^v^vy dastard Hies, As loyalty advances- — save a few, rhat know not where to llee, or what to do: 58 ESSAYS AT POETRY. These are securM, and under proper guard, 1590 Sent to receive their merited reward. Thus ended the campaign, with toil replete. And thus rebellion sufFer'd a defeat. By simply — marching a few thousand men To Pittsburg — and then — marching back again! But think not that Eugenius, all this while A blank remain'd — Oft he 'd the hours beguile With mimic song, or trick, or merry jest, To drown what else might seem but toil, at best. In short, he sometimes sacred things would handle, 1600 And pray — and preach — and sing — in very scan- dal Of holy office, till all in a roar. He 'd set the camp ! But oft for this felt sore ! Yea, when in after life, borne dow^i with grief, For past transgression, he besought relief From bitter pangs, of that pure Source of GooDj Thro' His immaculate Redeeming Blood : How were these follies set in black array, Till Grace, relenting, wash'd their stains away! One serious trick upon himself, the Bard lOiO Must now relate, as from his mouth he heard: It chanc'd, one afternoon, when homeward bound. The snow two inches deep upon the ground, That, as the troops were marching, at slow rate, Thro' roads of slush and mud ; as driv'n by fate, A Deer, affrighted, rush'd athwart the ranks, Without leave ask^d, or e'er returning thanks. Eugenius, who, the night before, had stood On guard, and in his musket kept the load; At once pursued with inconsiderate haste, 1620 Far. thro' the pathless wood, in nimble chace. Awhile he track'd his game — thro' clogging snow, But stopp'd at length, nor knew which course to go. For now he reach'd a wide extended plain, IVhere not a remnant of the snow was seen. ESSAYS AT POETRY. 59 The fierce northwest had stripp'd the surface bare^ "Whirling its fleecy cov'ring high in air. Around its border, with chagrin he pac'd. But not a vestige of the deer he trac'd : Till, vex'd and weary, he his folly mourn'd; 1630 And fain would to his comrades have return'd. Eager he listen'd for the distant sound Of drum or fife: But silence reign'd profound ! In vain, to measure back his steps he sought, Lost in the mazes which himself had wrought. Approaching night his youthful heart appaPd : Verging despondence, loud and oft he call'd ; If haply some one, hunting late, might hear; But vain his hope — no human foot was near : Weary and hungry, friendless and alone, 1640 Without defence, except his trusty gun ; Venting his sorrows in the listless air; He wrapp'd him in the mantle of despair. But, as kind Providence had will'd it, lo! Just o'er the top of a deep mound of snow, AppearM a light, dim shining from afar; Hope sprang afresh : he knew 'twas not a star : For storm -fraught clouds had veil'd the blue e.\ panse; Which gave Eugenius courage to advance. Cautious he stepp'd, lest in the treach'rous v/avc 1650 Of snow, high drifted, he migh't find- a grave* His course he varied, to the left or right, Or forward ; watching wishfully the light. A straw-thatch'd cabin he cspi'd, at length, When rallying his small remains of strength ; His tott'ririg limbs the humbU' threshold gain'd : He knock'd, and kind aduiittance soon obtained. The aged host, somewhat alarm'd appear'd, When' first Eugenius enter 'd — for he fear'd, ^o good intention could, thus late, have brougliu 1660 A warlike stranger; and himself bethought. To seize a rifle, in his own defence ; But the youth's manner held him in suspense : Go ESSAYS AT POETRY. And when his artless narrative he heard, Suspicion vanishM. Promptly he preparM Such simple banquet as he had in store ; And bade him welcome — Could a prince do more: To it he went, with appetite full keen, And quaff-d the grog, and stripp'd the platter clean ; Grateful to bounteous Heav'n, and to his host, 1670 He rose refresh'd — and soon in sleep was lost. The ruddy morn now ushers in apace. And darkness, fleeing, seeks a hiding place : His horn the huntsman winds; the unkenneiM hound, Symphonious ululates, and snufFs the ground. Now lost Eugenius, with new vigor brac'd, Leaps from his humble couch ; and clad in haste. Comes forth, accoutred, to salute his host, And, thankful for his care, enquire the cost. The gen'rous woodsman, with a placid air, 1680 Replies: * No mercenary soul dwells here: < Welcome thou hast been to the bed and board, * And 1 can yet a breakfast well afford. < Then be content with but a short delay ; 'And to the camp my son shall lead the way. < Last night, they pitch'd eight miles southeast- ward hence, That much allowance for lee-way was made, 2100 And strict attention to the log-line })aid. The unsuspecting crew were lock'd in sleepj Save those whose turn it was the watch to keep* Eugenius and the mate were of this number^ The former on the hencoop, fighting slumber. When on a sUdden there was felt ajar, As if old Neptune, in his Conchshell car, By fleet sea-coursers drawn, had, with his trident; Struck Susan on the nose, or close aside on 't 5 And, not content with fetching her one blow, SI 10 In anger mythologic, hove down two! Kow, what could have induc'd the wat'ry kingj To perpetrate this most outrageous thing, Might puzzle Homer, that great poem maker^ To tell; or Virgil, his great Imitator !- Eugenius, who was half asleep, 'tis sure, Knew not the cause. To him all was obscure ; But, being thrown some feet from where he sat^ He knew 'twas not a dream ; and ask'd the matCj Who, just recover'd from a plump on deck, 2120 Now terrifi'd, sang out, — ' The brig 's a wreck ! < We 're gone ! all 's over ! she has struck a rock^ ' Haste — call the captain — say, the brig has struck! < Then call all hands, and quickly sound the pump j « She cannot weather such another thump!' The sense of danger so tremendous, near, Had now inspir'd Eugenius too with fear : He hasted to obey the mate's commands, Knock'd up the captain — then rous'd out all hands ; Sounded the pump, which now, for ev'ry minute 2130 Show'd a full inch of water rising in it. Th' affrighted crew, unable to command^ The leak, by efforts of each lab'ring hand 5 In hopeless hope beheld the dawning day ; O'er the horizon cast its potent ray ; W^hich to their half averted view disclos'd. The fate to which the brig now stood espos'd ; H r4 ESSAYS AT POETRY. Anil fully, to their anxious minds explain'd. The injury Susanna had sustain'd. They now perceiv'd what caus'd the double shock : Q140 The brig upon a point of rock had struck ; Rebounding then, had broke the point away, Sev'ring her stem not far from the bob-stay^: Thus, unawares, herself had introduc'd Where other ne'er had been — whence to be loos'd. Her master would her price have freely offered. To any who to rescue her had profFer'd. To stop the leak, was not within their powV, Her freight consisting of beef, pork, and flour. To man the pumps, was now their only hope.. 2150 If possible, awhile to keep her up ; Till Providence, to sufF'ring mortals kind, Should with relief rejoice each anxious mind. Judge, reader, if they had not cause to fear: Rocks all around them — not a vessel near : No exit, save where entrance had been forc'J, Unless for them the wind had been revers'd. Yet, altho' not revers'd, it pleas'd that Mixd, Who walks the sea, and rides upon the wind ; His well-known voice to utter — *' Peace! be still!"' £160 They trembling heard, and prompt obey-d His will. While half were lab'ring, half short respite caught. Of fifteen minutes : Thus they ceaseless wrought By turns, with little sustenance — no sleep. Two days and nights upon the briny deep; Till, on the third, their strength and spirits fail'd; When lo ! their ensign of distress prevail'd Upon a distant whale-boat, to draw near, And for their safe deliverance to prepare. The master along side was quickly seen, £170 Who, with a gen'rous and intrepid mien, The deck ascended, took the captain's hand^ And ask'd permission to assume command. ESSAYS AT POETRY. TS This done— he causM the vessel to be tow'd, Out from the prison, with her precious load ; Thro' the same narrow door at which she enterM| Terrific — but where all of hope was centerM. Thence, in a zig;£ag course, for many a league, Thro' reefs Bermudian, he convey 'd the brig, Safe to St. George's Bay, The crew, now spent, ^180 With toil, the pilot's men assistance lent; Till from Bermuda, hands could be brought down^ To warp the brig up to the distant town. In search of these the gen'rous pilot went. And in an hour, eight Africans were sent: At sight of whom all hands were overjoy'd ; And soon their brawney muscles were employ'J, Part plied the pumps, and part, well skill'd in towing. Synchronous with the foreman's music rowing; The vessel to the port, triumphant bore, iU90 And lash'd her to the long-expected shore! Meanwhile Eugenius and his shipmates, all. Had yielded to sweet sleep's imperious call 5 And, in the twink'ling of an eye, forgot, On Morpheus^ lap, the rigor of their lot. The night had now her sable awning clos'J Around, and weary man to rest dispos'd. Maxwell, with his sweet partner, left the deck, Thankful to have escap'd the threaten'd wreck; And sought a suitable hotel on shore, -1^200 Tir'd nature and sunk spirits to restore-. re ESSAYS AT POETRY. ^^^ BOOKVIII. Resurgent from his azure-curtain'd bed, Fring'd with Aurora's richest tints of red ; And spangled o'er with many a twinkling star. See ! giant Sol, to run his course prepare ! The earth, rejoicing, hails his quick'ning raj'', And man, responsive, greets a sabbath day: Not hallow'd here, as erst in ages gone. This consecrated day ! The glorious sun, (Could crime obscure his radiance) here might hide JS210 His face in clouds, or 'neath the wavy tide ! Each lustful lord of western India's clime — Spendthrift alike of wealth, and health, and time; Reason and conscience exil'd from his breast; Makes this day sev'nfold viler than the rest. Yet Afric's sons — the beasts of burden here — Freed from the lash awhile, prefer their pray'r 5 Waft their deep woes, in sighs, unto their God, And groans, which pierce compassion's blest abode. Too soon Eugenius saw the day return — £220 Too soon for him, this else propitious morn ! While neighb'ring ships' crews all were gay and trim For Sunday, 'twas not Sabbath day to him. Susanna's crew, still doom'd to toil and sweat, Reluctant, leave their lethean retreat ; And, to the word obedient, slow prepare To hoise her bulky contents to the air; And safe transfer them from the deck, to land,. While gazing hundreds line the busy strand. ESSAYS AT POETRY. 77 This needful labour 'twere in vain to shun, i2230 No skill the leak could stop, till this were done. The tackle fix'd, one seaman's * Yo ahe oh !' Resounds, while pond'rous hogsheads, rising slow From their deep beds, where full five weeks they 'd lain, X^nmov'd, amid the dashings of the main ; tShew their huge forms, and creaking, roll along The deck — resistless of the sailor's song. Barrels and kegs of meal, pork, beef and butter, Bounce from the hold, and in promiscuous clutter. Strewing the deck, hop briskly as they go, ;2:240 While Harris cheerily sings — « Yo — heave — ohi' Ah ! poor Bill Harris! This ill-fated tar Soon sings •• another-guess' — The ship of war, Bellona, now at anchor meets his sight, A gun-shot distant — clear as black and white ! My patrons recollect, this was the ship, "Whose admiral, Murray, Bill had giv'n the slips "What wonder, then, he should aback be struck. At such a glaring instance of bad luck ? The sudden tack in Bill, the captain spied, 2250 From aft, and quickly brought him along side ; Enquir'd the cause, and bade him nothing fear, That ev'n a Murray should not touch him there. Forthwith a hiding-place below was made, Where, for two weeks, Bill was'securely fed; Here, for the present, we shall leave him moor'd. And, ere we close, the sequel may record. Jack Jldams next the foreman's station fill'd, While to his ' yo — heave — oh." each seaman toil'dp Reader, if curious thou art, to know, 2260 Who this Jack Jidams was, ere on we go; The Bard will briefly tell thee: He was one. Whom Pennsylvania call'd h^r native son; Of birth obscure — but of a noble mind, I'rue was he to his trust, and brave, and kind^ rS ESSAYS AT POETRY^ And — strange to tell ! — ^he never tasted grog. Nor swore, nor mess'd with any jolly dog. In all things provident, he sav'd his pelf, Hard earn'd ; but think not 'twas for love of self. No — that a widow'd mother, who was poor, ^SrO Might share the comforts of his little store. Thus steadily, for two whole days, they wrought Until the leak clear within view was brought ; When measures soon were taken to repair The brig, and fit her with the utmost care, For weathering the dangers of the ocean. Should J^ep again to vex her take a notion. Meanwhile, what cargo had been put ashore, Was well exchang'd for gold ; and all, or morCy Had met a ready market, at high rate, f2S80 But for instructions, which were fix'd as fate : By these, Jamaica was the destin'd port; And Maxwell knew he 'd have to answer for 'tj if, varying from his orders, he should dare, E'en from best motives, seek a mart elsewhere. Two weeks elaps'd ere Susan was rigg'd up; Meanwhile Bill Harris now and then would pop His head on deck; and warily look round, To see if Murray^ s spies were near his ground : Till, on the eve of getting under weigh, 2S90 He sv^ore he 'd have one jolly holiday ! So, with Eugenius, ready at his call. He steer'd for town, whatever might befal 5 And hearing of an inn, well fam'd for sport, In juggling, sleight of hand, and all such sort; They bore away for 't, and right merrily. Plied grog, and so forth, till the close of day. Grown bold, now Bill two British seamen hail'd^ And, tho' Eugenius warn'd him, naught prevail'd^ A skirmish «oon ensu'd, when the shrill call S300 Of boatswain's pipe, resounded thro' the hallj ESSAYS AT POETR?. T9 Prophetic of poor Bill's impending fate. If now he fail'd to make good his retreat : For one was the young Murray, in disguise, Who Harris knew, and deem'd him lawful prize, Eugenius, finding all his efforts vain, To save his comrade — sought the brig again : For prudence whisper'd, that he too might share A birth on board the British ship of war. But, what was his surprise, and cordial joy, \5310 To hear Bill soon sing out: ''The brig, ahojl' *' Help me aboard ! here 's Murray^s men in chase ! " Quick — let me down into my hiding-place !" Promptly to aid him did Eugenius fly. And lodg'd him safe from every stranger's eye. Scarce was he moor'd, ere his pursuers came, Hail'd the old brig — en-fiuir'd the captain's name? And eagerly demanded, if he knew, That there was one of the Bellona^s crew Secreted with him ? whom they came to take ; 23^0 And hop'd he 'd suffer them strict search to make. With mien polite, and language unreserv'd, Maxwell on deck receiv'd them. Wine was serv'dj And free permission granted them, to search Throughout the brig, for Bill's well cover'd lurch. But all in vain : Nought had they, for their trou- ble! In truth, they saw too much — for they saw double ! Thus much for Harris now: perchance his name Again may grace the Poem; and his fame With that of our Eugenius, travel down, x!330 Thro' Time's long vista, till immortal grown! And why not — gentle readers? Things as strange Have come about: Dame Fortune 's fond of change ; Frem Genius oft withholds the meed of merit^ Aad gives it to mere numscuUs to icherit* m ESSAYS AT POETRY. Bavius and M^vius— -maugre all their lead — Thro' Virgil's spleen, are rescirtl from the dead; So too, some cis-atlantic's Pope's critique. May grant your Bardie — an immortal kick! But of this more anon. Jamaicans isle 2340 x\waits the brig, and claims the seaman's toil. Her anchor v/eigh'd, and flapping canvas spread. To the fresh breeze; Susanna leaves her bed: Her issue staunch'd, and heal'd her broken nose, Once more the furrow'd main advent'rous plows Some days uninterruptedly she jogs, Save that her sides old Neptune sometimes flogs ; Indignant at her lazy, snail-like course, Surpass'd by ev'n a go-to-meeting horse. But dangers worse than shipwreck now appear! yS50 Fleet in pursuit, is spi'd a privateer. With all sails set, and twice twelve sweeps beside. Full mann'd, advancing o'er the billowy tide: Till vnthin hailing distance closely brought, Her bow-gun sent the brig a whizzing shot, Of awful import full. Maxwell alone Seem'd cool and dauntless: he with manly tone, Order'd the sails aback, to meet that fate. Which seem'd inevitable: But the mate. In happy moment — as by Heaven mov'd, 3';60 Propos'd a desp'rate scheme — but half approv "d; This was, a warlike attitude to shew. To put about, and meet the bloody foe ! ^ We 're gone,' said Maxwell, 'you may use your pleasure, (■ I fear not for myself'— this — this dear treasure-!' (Clasping his lovely consort to his breast,) ^ Were she but safe, 1 'd hazard all the rest.' As one in apathy Eugenius stood^ Of terror void, as sculptur'd stone or wood| Himself forgotten, Maxwell's tender wife i2370 Most cUim'd his fears: To guard her valued life ESSAYS AT POETRY. 8! Was his chief hope. Both were to him endear'dj Bj ties of purest friendship — both rever'd; Yet the suspended balance most inclin'd, To woman's worth witli helplessness combin'd. But not by human arm, deliv'rance came— 'Twas wrought, thro' simple means, by Pow'r Supreme. Prompt, at the word, the brig her broadside threw, Menacing what she would — but could not— -do c For, all the instrumeuts of death on board, 1>80 Were, two horse-pistols and a rusty sword ! E'en less had done: The panic-stricken fee Made oil as speedily as lie could go; Leaving his prize triumphant to proceed, And wonder at her own advent'rous deed! And more at her escape — so like a dream — ■ Hopeless— yet realiz'd, thro' aid of Him, Who, by the rustling of a leaf alone, Hath conq'ring hosts into confusion thrown! Yet did the foe, like old Apollyon 'oOO Altho' repuls'd, return and follow on. At cautious distance, under shade of night. Directed by the binnacle's faint light; Which, while it serv'd the brig her course to steer, Caus'd her small crew renew'd alarm and fear: For lo I ere the next morning peep of day. The privateer close on her starboard lay. Eugenius, at the helm, had first espied The fell destroyer dodging alongside; And forthwith gave three knocks upon the deck, '400 The Captain from his slumber to awake. Maxwell in haste ascended, somewhat fir'd At being rous'd ; and of the cause enquir'd. This, by Eugenius, in low voice, was shewn, For to the rest he 'd not yet made it kRpwii, n ESSAYS AT POETRY. No TIME was lost : all hands were order'd out And Maxwell thunder'd his commands about; As if preparing a tremendous blow, That should annihilate the daring foe. This second stratagem successful prov'd ; .^410 Again th' impending danger was remov'd; And ere 'twas light enough, a face to see, Fear caus'd the wary plunderer to flee, No more Susanna's quiet to molest: Such was of Providence the high behest! On ! there 's a cherub guarding land and deep, »« Whose eyes nor slumber know, nor eyelids, sleep;" Who hears, with equal ear, the cries of all. From humble tar, to lofty admiral : Whose word resistless, legions can controul, 14:20 Ev'n by a " sparrow," hurl a '' hero's" soul From its strong fortress, and whose blasting breath. Doom all his glory to ignoble death ! Thus rescued — for her port, she bore away, Encount'ring nought her wonted speed to stay; Save that, while cruizing o'er the Atlantic main. A British ship of war, the Sovereign, Espied, and with her thunder brought her too, Enquir'd her destiny — o'erhaul'd her crew. Then left her safe her voyage to pursue. } 2430 Jamaica's isle now looms upon the sight, And fills Eugenius' bosom with delight: More near, more clear, her oval surface now, Her verdant vale, that skirts the rugged brow ; Where mount o'er mount in steep progression rise. Till lost the cloud -cap'd forest in the skies. Along her northern coast Susanna rode. Where trading towns, like neighb'ring bee-hives^ stow'd. ESSAYS AT POETRY, 8? At tempting distance from the dashing Main^ Vie with each other for commercial gain, In fragrant spices, coffee, and of cane 7440 The luscious extract — all the price of blood. And tears of man — the image of his God ! Of man, by man enslav'd, whose only crime. An ebon skin ! adapted to his clime, "With equal wisdom and paternal care Of Heav'n, as his, who boasts a skin more fair For these are barter'd, what the teeming soil. Of surplus yields to freemen's honest toil ! And now the brig, within three leagues of shore Had run ; 'twas at the hour of six, or more, :3450 After meridian, and the orb of day Was hast'ning down his purpled western way: The crew, with anxious gaze beheld the strand : But cautious Maxwell fear'd as y«t to land ; Lest hidden rock, or dang'rous shoal unseen. Might risk Susanna's precious freight again. Besides, what added somewhat to his fears. Was, that he had not for some twenty years, Touch'd at Jamaica, therefore scarcely knew, Whether the harbour nearest to the viev/, ?2460 Were Rio Bono nam'd, or Martha Brae$ Nor could he know till next returning day: For of the two, the latter he preferr'd. But here Eugenius hazarded a word : * Suppose the yawl were sent ashore to know? « There 's time sufficient: I for one will go ! « Who, (cries the captain) ventures next, my boys? *I, sir!' the hardy Harris prompt replies, And soon the needful complement of four, Their service volunteer'd, to row ashore. 1470 Forthwith the pigmy sea boat is rig'd up; All take of apple jack a hearty sup; And, swallowing a luncheon, leap aboard, And dip their feath'ring oars with one accord. 84 ESSAYS AT POETRY. The wave, full fathom high, they skim along, Encourag'd by the cockswain's cheering sono. Now mounting on the mimic sea, and now Their nodding caps but just discern'd below. The yawl, long while swung trp, for want of use. Gallops the trackless sea, like colt let loose; 2480 Rejoicing in her element to lave. And roll her sides upon the soft, green wave. At length the dusky ev'ning lowers down, And threatens darkness ere they reach the town. Some jutting points of land next intervene, And from their view the wish'd-for harbour skreen. Their strength ill husbanded, and ardor fail ; Glad w ould they barter oars for one tight sail ! But they are in for 't, and full well they know. J That more than wishing yet remains to do — ' 2490 They breathe — and then their dubious course i pursue. ^ Benighted now, they ply the random oar. And at each stroke, they sigh to reach the sliore. Th' obstructing points now doubled, there appears A lonely light which with fresh vigour cheers. ' Yet half an hour, my comrades, bear a hand ! « We 'II soon run up the yawl upon the strand : ^ Hurra I hurra!' the vet'ran Harris cries, •Hurra! again,' each one in turn replies, ' Heave, and away she goes' — But soon the shod, 2500 Of luckless yawl against a coral rock : Their hope reverses — paralyzes pow'r, And mocks the effort of each laboring oar ! As on a pivot, wheels the gidily boat, No fulcrum near to prize her from the spot. Thus balanc'd, all' await the threat'ning doom. All are enshrouded in terrific gloom — E'en fearless Harris dreads a wat'ry tomb! But why should narrow -sighted man despair When Deity avers, that not one hair, 2510 Unnumber'd decks the helmet of the mind 5 Kor leaf unheeded trembles to the wind I } ESSAYS AT POETRY. 86^ At this dark juncture, helpless and alone, Help, unexpected, comes, when hope is gone s For human voices now salute the ear. Traversing darkness, and dispelling fear: The source invisible, or so obscure, 'Tis just like twilight moving along shore. In form and size of Droger. Oft they hail Th' approaching phantom, and at length prevail. 2520 For now the trading boat, whose cautious crew Had fear'd to answer, ventur'd to come too ; And timely the desired aid extend — When soon their terrors and their labours end ! Hunger, and thirst, and weariness, demand^ That instant they secure the boat on land ; And stagger to an open inn, hard by, "W here their imperious wants they may supply, Arriv'd, they enter, and next overhaul Their pockets, where the needful cash ran small. ^530 None but Eugenius had a single sous, And what, with fifty cents, could four men do ? Why, they could drown their cares in lethean rum^ And go on tick for eatables to come. This was concluded on, and down they sat, And swigg'd, and talk'd of something good to eat. But, ere 'twas order'd, they inform'd the host^ Of their true state, and that whatever cost They might be at, they could not then repay 5 But thought the captain would be in, next day, ^540 And, doubtless, would remunerate in full. For what they so much needed. But with coo!. Unfeeling manner, and contemptuous tone, He bade them pay the reck'ning, and be gone 5 Or lie on the piazza, if they chose, But not within his house to shew their nose. • Damn your piazza and yourself!' said Billj, "Who by this time had had of rum his fill, * Eugenius! pay the churl, and let 's be off — *> I '11 mark ^ou, honest landsman — that 's enoagh!^ 1 86 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 2550 Eugenius, disappointed, paid the score. And with his comrades, spurn'd th' inhospitabU; door. With sleep beset, they to the yawl repaired, Capsiz'd her, and by props one side uprearM ; Thus meanly shelter'd from the noxious air, They revelPd, till daylight, on — Sancho's fare. ESSAYS AT POETRY. ^7 BOOK IX. OFTliad the 2LIIK10US Ma^welL restless, stepp'd Susanna's deck — and constant vigil kept; Till ev'ry beam of day had sunk and gone ; And long, and oft, the brig lay oflf and on, :'560 With light at yard-arm; till exhausted hope, Succumbing, in despair he gave them up: But, ere the day had scor'd the hour of ten, His straining eyes beheld the vent'rous men, Striving, with remnant strength, the waves among, To urge the lilliputian boat along. Instant he bore toward the precious speck. And hail'd the weary mariners on deck ! To numerous questions Bill made one reply : ^ My noble captain, ask us by and bye ; 1570 * But let 's have something for our stomachs now, * An't please your honor — any thing — a cow — * With apple jack for gravy, if you please; < And then we Ml sing, ' the dangers of the seas :^ « Not that I 'd give a saucy answer — oh no ! ^ But we 've all had enough of Rio BonoJ' <«Tir'd nature's sweet restorers," beef and bread. And " gusty" rum, and welcome hammock bed, Had now made full amends for recent waste ; When Bill amus'd the captain, to some taste, ? 580 With all the haps and hazards that befel: All which, the Bard hath just essay 'd to telL Eugenius pond'ring sat, till all was o'er, Resolv'd, such folly to repeat no more ! The brig, meanwhile, progressing on her way. Had safely made the port of Martha Brae. But no encouragement her bulk to break; Here off'ring, Maxwell had his mart to seek. 88 ESSAYS AT POETRY. Where late Eugenius, Bill and Co. had far'd So hospitably, as just now we 've heard. £590 Here, at convenient hour arriv'd, and moor'd. Enquiring planters soon appear'd on board ; Of these, the over-prudent host was one, Who by Biugenius and his friends was known. And not a little was the man surpriz'd, To find himself so quickly recognized ; And not a little were his feelings bruis'd, When to Eugenius he was introduc'd : Who fail'd not to commend him in a jest, For his humanity to tars distress'd. f2600 Bill, from the forecastle, espied * the lark,' And itch'd to plant between his eyes, a mark ; But soon th' unmanly sentiment he curb'd, And Stevenson departed, undisturb'd: Yet not ere full apology he made. And mark'd respect unto Eugenius paid 5 By formal invitation to a ball, Next ev'ning, at his richly furnish'd hall. This was accepted — Numine magistri— • And claims some little room i' the history : ^610 Check shirt and canvas trowsers now were seen. To yield to long tacks, brushM up nice and clean. His coat of blue, with gilded buttons shone; W^hite kerseymere his vest, as soft as down ; Tight pantaloons, silk hose and pumps, adorn'd His agile limbs, in neat proportion turn'd ; His face and hands, by slush and soap made fair; And nicely queu'd and powder'd was his hair. A beaver his tarpaulin hat supplanted. And Maxwell's purse supply'd the cash he wanted. £620 Thus rigg'd, and with full freight of self-conceit. He sallied forth, to try the skill of feet; And charm the nymph — most favour'd of them ail! Whose partner he should be, at the said ball. ESSAYS AT POETRY. m Essay we now, imprimis, to pourtray, In lines of beauty, (as we artists say,) The splendor of the scene that met his view; And of the dramatis personag too : A spacious room, about six fathoms square, With windows well disposed for current air, '130 Lofty, and furnish'd — ev'n to fulsome waste— » With dainties suited to West Indian taste; Was the elysium whither now he hied, Brave Maxwell, and his lady, side by side. Some twenty planters with their twenty dames, (The Poet would — but can't recal their names,) Array 'd in all the elegance and show, That haughty lordlings wring from human woe : Were usherM in, and in due time made known, To the three strangers, almost one by one. 2640 "What bowing, scraping, curt'sying, was there! What screw'd-up features — ^attitudes most rare! The ceremony o'er, each honourM guest, On chair or sofa sought some moments' rest; While wine, and punch, and gin, came on apacCj By Ethiopian's borne, in native grace. Like beauty, unadorn'd ; where ev'ry part, Shone, undisguis'd by sempstress' subtle art: Save that each Venus, round her ebon waist, W^re skirted girdle, in Circassian taste ! 2650 Now tamborins and banjoes silence bi^ak. And loud the spirit-stirring fiddles squeak! Forth from their seats, the music-quicken'd host. Elated spring — and in the dance are toss'd ! A sprightly dame, Eugenius leads along, Than whom less fair might claim the deathless song Of Pindar Wolcott, or of Pander Moore, Who could begrime a saint, or deify a w — e. CoTiLxioNs, c< untry dances, jigs^ and reels, Successive, call'd forth some new sleight of heeiss 12 90 ESSAYS AT POETRY. S660 Till wearied nature, satiate and sore, Th' orchestra silenc'd, and resign'd the floor. Some gallantries, of course, at length ensu'd, Which our fastidious Yankees might deem rude; And which our hero, when by years matuf'd. Chose rather to suppress, than to record. Thus pass'd the night of toilsome joy away; And not less toilsome was the coming day : For, after his short nap, it so turn'd out, That the gay landsman had to put about; S670 Resume tarpaulin, and his shipmates aid, Susanna's freight to land, and to re-lade. Less soft, forsooth, than his late partner's hand Were butter kegs and barrels; whilst to land, Waist deep, he roll'd them: and to4iis nice ear., Less musical, the voice of wharfinger, Of merchant, or of mate ; than violin. Or banjoe sweet, or tinkling tamborin ! T' obey the orders of the mate on board. Or beck, ashore, of many a petty lord ; S680 Was now his duty : and tho' 'gainst the grain, 'Twere folly, or to flinch, or to complain. Alternate, thus, his sports and labours lasted. Some weeks; and frequently th' extremes he tasted. Of hauteur and politeness, in excess, Strictly proportion'd to his varied dress. Pope, when he wrote this line, must have been mellow : c- Worth makes the man, and want of it, the- fdlow''-^ Or, folks of old lackM sense, if we may guess By that fam'd Poet's Essay: since 'tis dress ; 0590 Nem. con. that now doth constitute the man; Let Pennsylvania gainsay, if she can J ESSAYS AT POETRY. 91 True— in the infancy of this proud state, When saucy rebels railM with causeless hate, Against 'great George the king;' and madly thought. Equality of rights but cheaply bought With blood, — =and that the only Loud of all Ne'er ordain'd man his fellow to enthrall ; Some would-be wise ones were of Papers conceit. And trampled dress and sceptres under feet 1 ';2rOO Such was old Ben the printer^ and a few, W^ho, like himself, had nothing else to do : But, as great Horace said (my brother chanter!) Those days are over — ' Tempora mutantur.' — Worth, now retiring, yields to nobler wealth, And seats of honour are obtain'd— by stealth ! Hail ! patent, labour-saving, men-inach"nies 1 Wliose gilded genius scorns all simple means. By plodding honesty, and merit stale, Of old employ 'd'—Ye self-created — hail ! 2710 Who, skipper like, can vault into the air, From putrid source — e'en to the envied chair Of government; or war's wild vent'rous car The lonely footman needs must sometimes whistle. Or step aside to pluck — if but a thistle; Thus, care beguiling, he his wearying load Forgets awhile, then fresh resumes the road : And thus do we, and take Eugenius up, WHiere we just left him — sipping of the cup Of bitter-sweet — the medicated potion ; :2r^0 Which mankind, ev'ry where, on land and ocean. Loath and desire by turns; yet cannot want J Indigenous to ev'ry soil, the plant; Which, to decoction or expression, yields Its tonic virtues. Ev'n in sterile fields, The poor may gather, for domestic use, A quantum s?i^c?'if"-without abuse. d^ ESSAYS AT POETRY. Now — simile aside — we briefly say, The hour arrived, for liorne to bear away: Sweet home ! The storm-worn sailor's polar starl :w"30 The patriot soldier's requiem, When war His breath exhausted, lays the clarion by. And turns from human carnage with a sigh ! For now, secure within Susanna's hull West India's luscious produce, to the full Was stow'd ; and sweethearts duly kiss'dj and paid All landlord'^s scores; and pond'rous anchor weigh 'd ; Propitious breezes wafted her along. Her white wings flapping to the spriteful song, i)f Harris, who well skiiPd in Dibdin's lore, ";40 Oft Erin's wild, sweet, melody would pour, Through ' words as fitly spoken' as e'er Bard Compos'd, or patriot Briton ever heard ! Few were the incidents requiring note, Till Providence convoy 'd her to the spot, Whence boreas blew her, some five months before. And tiU^ with bounding bosoms, hail'd the shore I Expectant here, their friends were ready rang'd, And now the warm embrace was interchanged ; And odd salute, and cordial shake, went round ; ilToO Whilst with the can of flip their joys were crown'd. Maxwell's belov'd, now hasted to impart New life unto her aged mother's heart; Which oft with palpitating fears had' beat: For of no common love was her's the seat. Eugenius, by permission, rigg'd him up. And, pledging Harris in another sup Of lively flip ; betook him to the spot, (Which, it is hop'd, the reader han't forgot) Where prudent aunty, and her smiling niece, -2700 Were still presiding o'er th' abode of peace. ESSAYS^^T POETRY, 93 Here, 'twould have tickled some to see the fus;?^ Eugenius made ; for, sailor like, a buss, He needs must have from both ; and sore the. trial ! But auntj, finding he M have no denial; E'en suffer'd patiently, in innocence : Then mildly reprehended the offence. Not so did cousin — she with smirking air, A corner occupied, and rais'd a chair Defensive; but soon yielding to the foe, 2770 Impress'd a kiss — while mumbling, ' let me go !' But diff 'rent the effect on each, he reads, As wonted calm unto this storm succeeds: Aunty — scarce willing to believe the fact; Cousin — not loath, another to have smack'd, Sooner than let him off to sea again. But, Bardie I why tell tales ? Thy pen refrain 5 Lest some indignant maiden pull thy hair. Or — what were quite as bad — thy Poem tear : Thy unique Poem ! which hath cost such pains, SrSO And rack'd, so oft, thy scantiness of brains : That — once this Herculean labour o'er — Thou scarce will venture on a Foem more ! To all the num'rous queries now propos'd, Eugenius to them, in detail, disclos'd, Whatever most convenient he deem'd ; Or what to him most entertaining seem'd : Till the late hour arriv'd, when downy bed. Invited to repose, his weary head. Not half so sweet as on matrass, his rest ; '■2790 From habit he had learn'd to love it be^t : Some sleep, at broken intervals, he 'd catch, And, as at sea, bounce out, at ev'ry watch; But finding his mistake, return again : Thus did the habit, for some nights, remain. When settlement, at length, was fluly made "W ith Jlaxivell; and the balance to him paid ; (For he had overdrawn his wages, some !) Eugenius visited his native home. 94 ESSAYS AT POETRY. Enjoy'd the scenes of Lancaster once more; f!800 Tracing his well known haunts of pleasure o'er. His listening friends, with wonder heard the tale Of his adventures — How he 'd seen a whale ! And all about the shipwreck ; and much more, Than some had ever heard or seen before : Yea, more than some believ'd ; for when he came To tell about the Privateer—^ For shame !' Said one — ' Eugenius ! that 's a lie ! ' 1 can't, nor won't believe it.' * No, nor I,' Repeated two or three — « Believe, or no : 2810 'I tell you,' said Eugenius, ' 'twas e'en so. « Had 1 the log-book here, I 'd prove it too. Now, gentle reader! think not that the youth Turn'd fool, because they doubted of its truth; Since, to himself miraculous it seem'd; As to the captive Israelite, redeem'd* ,.} ESSAYS AT POETRY. BOOK X, To OTHER theme, the muse her vot'ry bend,-^ He bows obsequious, as her aid she lends; Re-dips his pen, re-" rolls his frenzied eye," Gazes at nothings flitting thro' the sky 5 28£0 'Till fancy, all creative, give the form And feature to imagination warm, Or faithful mem'ry, by electric spark Reviv'd, bid facts, long moulding in the dark% Come forth successive, and in order stand, While cuU'd and coupled by his skilful hand* Eugenius now the fair Hygeia lures To wonted toils; but long the youth demurs ; For ocean'' s bosom heaving with the storm, And seaman's hardship, pleasure, and alarm, ^830 His youthful heart had willing captive made^ And cast all terrene objects far in shade. But friends entreated, and he lent an ear^ Cast off the sailor, not without a tear; Resum'd the student's unattractive gown^ And with his last preceptor sat him down. Here, o'er his books, in dull, reluctant mood, He forc'd upon his mind the tasteless food, By Haller, Cullen and Monro prepar'd. Those sons of science, by the wise rever'd ; 2840 "Who better knew than did Eugeniirs, the7i^ The sterling value of those first of men : Or whiles, but seldom, would the youth appear At lectures, fVistar^ Kuhn, or Rush^ to hear. But nought his heart engag'd with more delight^ Than did the orgies of the sons of night. Barton, his wand'rin^ view'd with jealous eye, Oft urg'd him with fresh ardour to applj 96 ESSAYS AT POETRY. His vacillating energies, and strove To wean him from each dissipating love. 2850 But vain his care: the self-deluded youth, Regardless of each monitory truth. Thus taught, or from experience learn'd before. Gave the loose rein to appetite impure. Yet did his vanity indulge the hope, That the professors all, would take him up For honours diplomatic, when the spring, I^ow hast'ning on, the candidates should bring : Of this the Dean he notified, who star'd. Well knowing what would be the just award ; S8G0 For, in those days, nor private pique, nor fee. Avail 'd to hinder, or procure, Degree. Than vanity, one other motive, too, Potent alike, impell'd him thus to do; For funds, diminish'd, and the source near dry. Refused his wants factitious to supply ; In unexpected hour, Eugenius' name Was by the Dean announc'd, whose messagf' came, Like summons by a bailiff, much too soon^ Requiring him, at four that afternoon, £8rO To meet the Faculty^ in dread array Assembled to decide his destiny. Improvident Eugenius I had he known, Two days before, how matters would have goti*^^ . He, surely, the precaution would have taken. To stand somewhat preparM— and sav'd his bacon- At least from so much sweating, smoking, roast As left the wight no ground at all for boasting : For (unless fame be given up to lying) The simpleton with Wescott had been vying, S880 During two revolutions of the earth. Without remission, in lascivious mirth. In brief, the Bard, as bound in truth," must say Eugenius came oif, second best, that day, ESSAYS AT POETRY. §? Yet \Titli kind counsel of the Dean sincere. To bend his mind to study, one more year. This counsel of the friendly Dean, he kneWj Was such as well applied—and felt it too-" But the dire goddess, hight, Necessity, Who in her visits was by far too free ; '■'^GO Gave him a jog, and urg'd him to reject Th' advice of JVoodhouse, but with due respect j And seek a distant village, as the field, ^ Svhere labours medical, support might yield. Soon as affairs were righted, he withdrew West of the city, Middletown to view ; If haply, there, he might put up his plate. And as M. D, Vv'ithout diploma, wait Mis- fortune's mother^s call, who thrice, 'tis saitlj Knocks at man's door, whatever be his grade, S910 A vacant pffice, near the centre square, Was treated for, and soon he anchor'd there. Anchored! Well said ! This leads the Bard awaj; For a few moments, just in time, to say, That had Eugenius ventur'd out again, With Maxwell, to be toss'd by wind and maio^ Or to more ruthless picaroon expos'd, This nonpareil performance might have clos'dj Void of that incident, which he Ibresees, Must, ultimately, all his patrons please ! ^2920 Hem ! — " Vanity of vanities !"• — with face Of hypocritic sanctity and grace, Exclaims some " one of us,^^ whose prudish minil^ W^ithin the boundaries of self confin'd ; Or placing Elwood as the pink of merit; Shuns this, with true *• vex-a-ti-on of spirit,'^ But, let the Bard his moral not forget, While squirting thus his verjuice in a pet; He meant t' impress those readers who have sens©; With one more proof of benign Providence, 3930 Here, for six months, successfully he spedj, When a designing quack, to weaving bred^ K. 96 ESSAVS at poetry. Jealous of rivalship so near his stand, (Some eight miles off) Eugenius* ruin plannM Pretending to retire from the toils Of practice, with sufficiency of spoils ; His friendly aid he to Eugenius ofter'd, And introduction to his patrons proffer'd. The unsuspecting youth, by guile o'ercome. Consented to vacate his little room, 2940 At Middletown, and seek the inviting village. Where Textor Celsus, had grown rich by pillage: The quack, meanwhile, on friendship pure des- canted, I And soon gave proof, for he the dupe supplanted. But ere to Middletown we bid adieu. The Bard presents his patrons with the clevv Of finest texture, in the plaided life Of young Eugenius: for his futui-e wife, By Providence allotted, there he saw, And lov'd — obedient to celestial law. S950 ' Twas not the beauty of her form or face. Tho', as to these, few did the maid surpass: Kor was it splendid talents, or attire Which prompted thus Eugenius to admire: In simple innocence, the lovely maid, Was with its correspondent neatness clad, Unconscious of her charms, just blooming forth In virgin sweetness, claiming all their worth From innate purity of thought, and will, Heav'n-born, and defecate of ev'ry guile. 2960 In infant years an orphan's haplej«s lot W^as hers: But one who oft the cottage sought. Of widowhood and lone adversity, With heart and hand of pure benignity; Found the •' shorn lamb," and in his bosom bore. Nurtur'd, and taught in Heav'nly wisdom's lore. Of learning she partook but scanty share. Yet deem'd sufficient for her future sphere Of usefulness, but as the housewife neat »She shoae iinmatch'd — in all tilings here, complete. ESSAYS AT POETRY. 99 '^70 Num'rous the suitors of the damsel were, ^ But none, as he, approved. With jealous care Her guardian kinsman plac'd his hedge around: All thought her habitation holy ground. Eugenius might have chosen, it would seem, Some loftier object of a lover's dream; And so. mayhap, he would, if to the voice O^ pride ho M listen'd, ere he made his choice; But Providence, Vv'hose fav'ring hand unseea Had oft dispos'd his fate, by land and main, *80 DesignM her for him, and had told him so — And soon Eugenius thought, slxil] felt it, true; Yet did the youth's convivial habits prove, At length, some barrier to his schemes of love: For oft would tidings reach her patron's ear, Which chang'd his confidence to boding fear; And rival jealousies would oft contrive. False coloring to each busy tale to give : Ev'n hinfl were current that designs impure Had been by him avow'd, and that his lure 390 Was deeply laid, his, victim to decoy From virtue, and to blast each budding joy! Rous'd to distrust, and e'en antipathy. Her foster father warn'd the youth away ; Remov'd hh jewel to a distance thence, And turn'd their halcyon bliss, to sorrowing suspense. INo tie remain'd unsev'red now, and soon Eugenius, un reluctant, left his room At gloomy Jliddletown, and eastward came. To mend his fortune, where the man of fame, :)00 Notic'd above, by title of full meaning. Had harvested, and left for him a gleaning. Hail ! village of Elizabeth, all hail ! Thy hills, thy huts, thy barns and inns, prevail. With potent charm, o'er the enraptur'd Bard, To sound thy name abroad — else never heard-^ too ESSAYS AT POETRY, Now, with EuGENius, shall thy fame descend Secure, thro' time — e'en to the world's last end t Yea, dipping thence — if Symmes be in the right, Astound each quizzing cctitrdd trogloclytp ; 6010 Glide thro' the tunnel op'ning to the verge, And with new laurels to thy source emerge ! Here, midst Germania's plodding sons and daughters, He sold advice, and medicated waters, And pills, and powders ; mended legs and arms. And heal'd, or tried to heal, most other harms : E'en took Liicina'^s post, and many a wight, With true teutonic phiz, he brought to light. All this was well enough, and well requited, So far as thanks went — but when he recited, 3020 In black and white, the nature of his trade, And that his bounty must needs be repaid. In ** money current with the merchant," then. Dear! what a pother made these honest men, And honest women too, for such were there. And to their int'rest true, unto a hair. In short Eugenius found great lack of pelf, — He wrought some months for nought, and found himself. Nor would he at this rate have serv'd so long. But for one cause, which now, in deathless song? G030 Commemoration claims — 'Twas said above, That the dear object of Eugenius' love, Had from his presence, thro' distrust, been hurried: But happily, she was not dead, nor buried. Now, be it known, that when a month or two, They separate had been ; a fam'd review, Of soldiery there was at Hummelstoivn, (For Euphony the Bard notes this town down^) Whither Eugenius, with a chosen band Of infantry repair'd, and at command^ ESSAYS AT POETRY. 10! 3040 In station of o. fugleman was plac'd, Where well his part he play'd, from first to last. So, after the fatigue and dust of war. He with a friend did to an inn repair. And soak'd, with wine, theirwhistles to some tunc. Till Mars by potent Cupid was outdone. Each did his sweetheart toast, in bumper flowing. And each with love's extatic flame now glowing, Pledg'd to the other his most sacred word, (Tho' none stood by, the contract to record) 50 That whencoe'er the blissful time should come, When either, for a bride should leave his home. The other, — be the notice but one day, Or distance e'er so great — without delay. Would, as the groomsman, bear him company. This compact, solemn and sincere, now clos'd^ The parties paid their bill, march'd home, and doz'd : But all remembrance of it, clean escap'd From noddle of Eugenius, while he napp'd; And possibly had ne'er come back again, '3060 But for a few effusions from the pen Of his said friend, who bore it well in mind, And begg'd that he forthwith might cast behind All other cares and bus'ness, and attend. Some eighty miles oft', as his right-hand friend. Eugenius was at first a'heap with wonder, As one in winter, from a clap of thunder; But recollection hurried back apace. And for excuse, left him no skulking place: So, as next day was fix'd upon to start, S070 He strove to take the thing in merry part; And, though quite unprepar'd, he mounted horse, And 'gainst north-west and will, pursu'd hi^ course, As trusty squire unto his ardent knight. 'Twas in the depth of winter, when their flight They took, and keener winter never blew ; But each to his engagement firm and true, K2 102 ESSAYS AT POETRY. Full in the teeth of blust'ring boreas rode 5 ^Til!, on the second night, the warm abode Of the fair Dulcinea met their view, 3080 And soon receivM them to its comforts too. Nor were the comforts to Eugenius small, E'en one suffic'd to make amends for all : For now, to his blest vision, stood confess'd His little JEWEL, who, it seems, was press'dj As bride^s maid for the hymeneal season ; This gives our patrons, for his]oy the reason. One busy day was yet to intervene, Ere magistrate should bind in one, the twain. And ev'ry moment did each well employ, G090 In preparation for the hour of joy ; Which hour arriv'd, and savv the blissful pair Wedded for life. So we '11 e'en leave f/iem thcre^ And to Eugenius direct our view, Become at once a marriage madbrain too ! And now, altho' not quite in wedding trim, (As to his vestments) pleas'd him wiih a whim. That edge-wise he suggested, when alone With Margareta, viz: to eke the fun Some little, e'en to compass hymen's altar, SlOO A second time, with the first couple's halter. This proposition, unexpected quite, Caus'd the young innocent a sleepless night, And what increas'd her restlessness the more^ W^as, that Eugenius had fix'd the hour. Of ten, next morning, for her yea or nay; Determin'd, if refus'd, to haste away. And ne'er again the proposition stake ! So, but short time had she the choice to make. Short though it was, the reader well may guess, SllO That the hour brought the gladsome answer — Yes ; Then ere of next revolving day the close, That bond united both, which death alone could louse. ESSAYS AT POETRY. 1-03 BOOK XL These recent, hasty movements, in the lump. Deserve no better name, than, hop, step, jump: Nor thought, nor means, in short, scarce any thing But love and courage, did Eugenius bring. To proffer as his fair one's marriage portion ; These twain werej^ under Providence, his fortune. One blissful week fulliird, he left his bride, 3120 Sj ed back, a Uttle cottage to providp. And furnish, in a style to suit his parse. Which, to say truth, did not command the horse He call'd his own ; for he was not yet paid for; However — he was next to bought— agreed fori And, in like manner, trusting for tlie how, He purchas'd and brought home, a little cow, First having well prepar'd a little stable, For making hoise and cow quite comfortable. Thus, tho' his little wife then wore no silk, 3130 He hop'd there would not lack good bread aiul milk. All these in order set, his wishfol mind To her now turns, whom he had left behind 5 Without whose presence his abode to grace, Neat as it was, 'twere but. an empty space. But ah ! his ardent wish was now controui'd, For Susquehannah^s torrents, strong and bold, By rains long pourM from the surcharged sky, Had spread a barrier more than high-bank high; Whelming, in gulphs impassable, the road, 3140 Thro' which he needs must pass to her abode. Sev'n tedious, lonely weeks, a widower's lot Was his, ere priviieg'd to reach the spot Where his young bride sat, draining out the cup«« Heart-sickening — of long deferred hope.. 104 ESSAYS AT POETRY. But anxious doubts, at length, were all dispellM, And each fond bosom with new rapture swell'd. No long delay succeeds, for soon the raft, (A clumsy, broad, unseemly kind of craft, ComposM of floating logs, lash'd side by side, 3150 On which some rough board platforms, long and wide, Were pinn'd secure, while a huge pond'rous oar, Grac'd stem and stern, each thirty feet or more) The advent'rous pair was ready to receive, With what small knick-knacks their good friends should give, And bear adown the rapid, dang'rous current Of the majestic river, without warrant. Or e'en much hope, of landing safe and sound, To tenant their awaiting holy ground. Yet, down came raft, like porpoise, tumbling o'er 3160 Weaves, drift-wood, rocks, and whirlpools near the shore. Till, coaxM by oarsmen's artifice, she popp'd ^Gainst a soft shelving headland, and was stopp'd, Just where 'twas most convenient to debark, And the tir'd voyagers forsook their ark; And, bag and baggage with themselves well stow'd, In rustic vehicle, they trac'd the road Which to their long-expectant cottage leads. Where balmy rest, anxiety succeeds. Muitum in jparvo each now finds to do, 3ir0 And each prepares the duty to pursue Which Providence allots : But tho' nor care Nor industry were wanting, yet the fare Daily procur'd, was but a pittance scant Of food and raiment, just next door to want. Thus, having fully tested skill and pay, 'Mongst thankless sharpers, he but stretch'd his stay. Till, debts and credits balanc'd, he might find Elsewhere, what suited more his wants and mind. ESSAYS AT POETRY. 105 And such, when eighteen months had gone their round, 3180 He, in the village of Columbia found, There, 'midst his Friends, his prospects 'gan t© brighten^ And, day by day, his load of debt, to lighten : For, be it known, that pleasure had drawn dry His patrimonial fund, ere wedlock's tie, And heap'd a thousand dollars on his back, O'er and above his means. From this sad wreck He now, with some few intermissions, strove Industriously to rise : But latent love Of scenes convivial, would at times obtrude, 3190 And lure from scenes of duty, and its good; Till the soft, warning voice of friend, or wife Would win him back to solid joys of life. At times, by strong potations overcome. He 'd stagger from the gaming table home ; Or, drown'd in lethean stupor, was convey'd. Unconscious, to his long-forsaken bed. Then, justice, honour, or some higher cause— Teacher Divine !*tvvas Thou, whose saving lawSj Alas! too oft were by Eugenius spurn'd, < 200 Would plead prevailing; and the wand'rerturn'd. Alternate, thus, for four long years, he led His vacillating dance, and oft his head And heart ach'd, sore ; but nought, with per- manence. Arrested his career, till Providence Smote a lov'd child with sickness unto death, And seal'd conviction with hin parting breath. Awe-struck he stood— -then cry'd — '^Thy Will be done" — "To save the father, hast Thou snatch'd the son," And, what but dispensation harsh, as this, i2i0 Harsh only in appearance, could suffice The wild voluptuary to restrain ? Ne'er, needlesslyj the God of Love gives pain» 106 ESSAYS AT POETRY. Eugenius, with some libertines, that night Onwhich his darling babe expir'd, in spite Of conscience, had his character disgrac'd By deeds, whose mem'ry ne'er could be effac'd. Would that the Bard might blot them with a tear; But truth demands a record of them here; Tho' Heaven's recording angel may have thrown 32PjO His mantle o'er them, as if never known. . — A handful of the excellent of earth, Not such as worldlings deem of noble birth, But heav'n-born soul?, by self-aegation taught To warn the sinner of the sinner's lot, Had, at an hospitable house, conven'd. In hope froni rabble insult to be screened, While 0i]i''ring vesper sacrifice of pray'r,, And praise; or gathering with a shepherd's care Such as were straying from the fold of rest, 3£30 Or, if need were, compelling to be blest. Scarce had their pious service been commenc'd When Satan, ever at the good incens'd, Hiss'd our Eugenius, and some others, on. And, *• Methodist," was warrant for their fun. Dark was the night, the rain in torrents feU, When each, well prim'd, and hors'd, and full as well By evil instigated, hurried through Darkness, and mud, and qualms of conscience too; 'Till to the consecrated ground arrived, 3240 There, promptly, schemes of mischief they con- triv'd, And executed too, with all the skill Of those whom Suoty driveth at his will. Some sought the still-house, some the oven sought, And to their comrades spoil from either brought^ Eugenius, while the zealous preacher roar'd, And a poor Magdalen was near hitu floor'd, Mounting on sturdy peasant's shoulders, bavvl'd For " mercy" on her^ or for " fair play" call'd ; ESSAYS AT POETRY. lOf Or while the multitude in throngs press'd in, 3i?50 To see and hear their quondam mate in sin ; He 'd snuft' out lights, and please him uith tliC sport, Of blind -bu if, as they fell pell mell — in short— Of massy milii-pots he upset a score, Then splash'd amid their contents on the floor; While Satan quoting Scripture, cryM "how funny ! ^»' See here," '^tlie land thatjioivs with milk and honey P Yet this quotation from the Sacred "Word, Tho' by an evil spirit, like a sword, * Pierc'd to the slumbVing conscience, and a voice 3£60 Now heard — distinctly 'mid surrounding noise — 'Twas from an aged matron — and in terms Of truth, which brought their consequent alarms — «^JV*f> Christian^ surely^ could have done this deed ! " Oh! may he ne^er these wasted blesdngs needP' Eugenius, while the matron he admir'd, Ponder'd, and biush'd, and tremblingly retired; His comrades sought, and soon prevail'd upon^ To cease their folly, and with him begone. Now hors'd anew, these advocates for sin, 3^270 The darkness round resembling that within. Reckless of danger, at full speed, defi'd Trees, gullies, hills, or logs, or aught beside. Oft in the race, Eugenius had his knees Abraded by the close besetting trees; At length, his stumbling palfrey brought him too, That is, the rider o'er his head he threw. But, tho' the fall was harmless, he was left Alone, and of all human aid bereft. And fear'd, that e'en his faithful steed had fied : 3280 But, groping in the dark, he felt a head More sound and solid far, than was his own, 'Twas that of hi;^ staunch friendj who, like a 108 ESSAYS AT POETRY. Unmov'cl had stood to witness the disaster. And, patient, wait the rising of his master, Who, gath'ring himself up, to mount essay *d. And did so, after some few efforts made ; Owning in secret, that it serv'd him right, And that he 'd ne-er transgress^ as on that night. Nor did he, for as has before been said, S290 His favorite child was number'd with the dead Ere the next memorable, gloomy morn Eclips'd the splendour of young Cynthia's horii. He now became reflection's docile son, Now reformation was in truth begun : Tho' of the glorious Pow'r Divine, who wrougl In secret, he as yet but little thought, And much less knew. His bottle first was cast Into full dereliction ; thus the waste Of time and substance, at one stroke was savM, 3300 Which tliis had oft occasion'd. Having brav'd This foe, almost invincible, he next A minor foe assailM, who with pretext Of innocent indulgence, oft had led Him captive, from his duties, board and bed. In patriotism's garb; at ball and muster Eugenius was wont to strut and bluster, And rarely left the ground till dance or song Had lengthen'd out the night, if ere so long. This pseudo-patriotic enemy, 5310 Without much trouble, he soon caus'd to flee: Then follow'd steady habits at his heels. The worth of which none knows, save him who feels. Things brighten'd on, as time his flight ad vanc'd, And his kind friends his character enhanc'd, By magistrate's commission, from the seal Of great M*Kean, then mover of the wheel Of government; (than whom as judge supreme, Learii'd in the laws, aad^st e'en to extreme , . ESSAYS AT POETRY. 109 Not Blacjcstone, Mansfield, Hale nor Coke was greater : SS^IO Nor could the state require or find a better,) In time, by industry, a house he rear'd. And dwelt respected there, if not rever'd. Yet was there, to his comfort, one alloy ; The Bard reminds his patrons, that the bo'j^ Had, years agone, ivithout diploma won, His duties as practitioner, begun ; Now, tho' respectable he was without it. Yet, on reflecting seriously about it, — So near a-kin to that vile thing — a ^uack 3330 He chose not to remain; but turn'd his back On present prospects of emolument, Against all prudent counsellors' consent; And to the University repair'd, With firm resolve, to bring thence a reward, In parchment, sign'd, and seal'd by the same men, — Worthy of trust — who had refus'd him the Ho Great was the sacrifice Eugenius made, Dear was the price for reputation paid, By five long months of absence from his home^ 3340 And by expenditures, which years to come, In gloomy prospect to his anxious mind, Might not redeem, should fortune e'en prove kind To crown his present effort with success, And, at Commencement, with diploma bless. Yet undismay'd, he the ordeal pass'd, And, grateful, bore away the prize at last. But ah ! the current of Eugenius' life Few gentle rippiiugs shew'd. New scenes ot strife With hidden rocks and adverse winds, await 3350 His much desir'd return — hurried— but now too late. A rival, one whose skill, though not profound^ Prevail'd to fix hira on the vantage grouudj L ilO ESSAYS AT POETRY. Had (and by methods too, more sly than ere Eugenius practised, or had been aware,) Reduc'd the standard of his hope, as low As hope, without a change of name, could go.— Short time did he enjoy his own dear dwelling; Fearful of debt, he soon resolv'd on selling At public auction, what had cost the labour S360 Of years. ' Twas knock'd off to a wealthy neigh- bour. For some six hundreds less than it had cost; And the rich purchaser, who made his boast Of a good spec upon his kinsman poor, Refus'd to grant him a spare pannel^d door^ Without a quid pro quo; such avarice Eugenius could not gratify, as this. In short — a tenement, some ten feet high. Just then for sale, and located near by. He purchas'd with his small remains of pelf, S3T0 ^nd pleased friends most as most he helped himself. For many, now, whose words were sweet as honey, Fled, when he ask'd of them— a loan of money. But one whose visage too forbidding seem'd Forjudging him humane, yet whose breast teem'd With *'milk of human kindness,''' lent him all He ask'd for, and ne'er pester'd him with call For reimbursement, till his debtor poor Inform'd him, he was ready to restore His timely bounty — This, until much press'dj S580 He took not back — but dropped the interest. Christian ! whate'er be thy sectarian name, Out do this, if thou canst: if not, go do the same. Prove thus thy Faith by works of Charity^ And when a fellow man is seen by thee, Dee/per descending as he struggles more^ iiend him thy hand — release him — but be sure To do it as a Man; nor ask a/ee, . For what a JYeufoundland would do for thee, And feel repaid, to see thee, rescued, stand^—^ 3390 Doubly repaid, to lick thy grateful hando ESSAYS AT POETRY. Ul BOOK XIL i^Pioivup-^plow up^thy hearths long fallowed ground P^ Were words, which now, with clear and awful sound, Eiigenius heard,— and Providence took care To furnish with a keen, overturning share. Adversity already had begun To loose the stubborn soil ; and now the *< Sun Of Righteousness," with heat and light divine, Shone in, with pow'r destructive, tho' benign. And hidden sins of nature, or of deed, ^400 Or long matur'd, or potent in the seed, Successive, were beheld, and felt, and mourn'dj And cast into the oven to be burn'd. Yet not without an instrument of clay, Was '« Bartimseus" brought to see the days A venerable sage, who bore the mark, In dress and countenance, of patriarch. Or some war-worn apostle of the Lamb, To where Eugenius dwelt on errand came. Of love celestial, and his flag of peace UO Was meekly wav'd beneath a copse of trees, « Gainst one of which, whose boujj;hs extended far. His temporary pulpit stood — a chair — From which, to the assembly rang'd around, His gospel trump he blew — with certain sound. Eugenius listen'd with attentive ear, Elated now with hope, now sunk with fear; Whilst Wesleyan Osborne, reason'd, threatened, woo'd, And won the wand'rer — who confessM his God; And straightway, fearless of contempt or loss, 1^20 EiiroPd himself— a Soldier of the Cross. 112 ESSAYS AT POETRY. Then were the stones of bigotry and pride Hurl'd at him from without, on ev'ry side, By all, except one family of Friends, Reproachfully call'd "^wafcers," by those fiends Of lust infernal, who first tack'd this word Appellative, to servants of the Lord, The greatest, wisest, holiest, bravest, best, That England e'er prod uc'd«— sweet be their rest! While Fox, and Barclay, Pennington, and Penn, S430 All eulogy of verse, far — far transcend ; The Bard engraves, with feelings of delight, On memory, the much — the iong-lov'd name of— Wright I Now hedg'd, amid the humble, little flock Of Methodists despis'd, he sought the "rock «' Higher than he" — and, in gradation found, His feet releas'd from Nature's miry ground; And thought him bless'd, these Israelites among% While pouring from the heart, the Lamb's new song! Soon,"— and Eugenius ever thought, too soon— 6440 A leader he was made — e'er yet his moon From the great source of Light celestial, Did the first quarter of her aspect fill. Still onward hurried, an exhorter next He stood, when three months old: and took his text As Treacher licenc'd, when one rapid year Had circumscrib'd sol's ardent, lucid sphere. Through all these stations, in the humble sense Of human frailty, and without offence ^ forethought i or to God, or fellow man; D450 He strove his work to end, as he began: And wond'ring, saw his little labours bless'd, By gath'ring sinners to the pool of rest. And now arriv'd a time, wherein to prove Eugenius' faith, and fortitude, and love. ESSAYS AT POETRY. IIS By his superior was appointment made "For him to preach, — it dare not be gainsaid— At the identical, foremention'd place, Where he h\ espos'd himself to such disgrace Two years before: but seeing he must go, (oO He ventur'd thither, trembling, sad, and slow; And found in waiting an assembled crowcf, Of whom, on seeing him, some wept aloud For very joy, that Jesu's pow'r had reach'd One who had scoff 'd him, but whom now lie preach 'd. Deeply abas'd, he from the sacred Book A subject, to his state adapted took; * Twas that of the returning prodigals Emblem of love redeeming, free to all Who see and feel, acknowledge and abhor, 3470 The lusts which led them from their home afar, — = Their Fatlier'^s House — true house of joy, where Bread Of Life abounds, and where the lost and dead, Quicken'd, are rais'd, embrac'd, array'd, and fed I Few hearts were there, untouched by fire diving, Few eyes, which did not with a lustre shine Of softer brilliancy, than ere was seen On diadem of Solomon, or Sheba's queen. This humbling heav'n-favour'd service o'er, The cordial gratulaiions of the poor, J480 And of the rich ; the aged and the young. Who knew to speak in the true Hebrew tongue Were wavM in thankful sacrifice of song. Often and varied as these labours were, Labours, become delights, jo^t was the care Of family, and sick, a duty still, Which, well he knew, 'twas just he should fulfil. But family increas'd, while business fail'd, And tho' 'mid penury, sweet peace prevail'd, Yet, as his change of life, had chang'd his friendsj 3490 (A circumstance which ev'ry change at^endsj L2 ] tU ESSAYS AT POETRY. Especially, from life of sin, to good ;) He found himself compell'd, in search of food, For wife and little ones, and self, to leave Friends, who could counsel, more than custom give. And now, to the metropolis, once more He bends his thoughts. — 'Tis easy for the poor To make their out-fit, settle their accounts, And pocket, of their profits, all amounts; So was it with Eugenius: all his stock S500 Of household goods and house, with key and lock, Of horse and saddle, and of saddle-bags, Of gally-pots, of phials, and of rags; Outstanding debts— (and some stood out so long, That in they would not come, for threat or song,) Barely sufficed to clear off ev'ry score. And leave— how much think ye? — an hundred? more Than sixty dollars less, with some few duds Of bedding, some few hams, and such like goods. These, on a day appointed, were well stow'd 5510 Into a farmer's wagon ; and the load Of precious live stock — wife, and children three. Snug as their boding hearts would let them be. Was plac'd o'er all; then all, a long farewell Reciprocated. — Pray, what next befel? Why, next, they enter'd on the road, due east. For Philadelphia, with their backs due west; But, entering and progressing on a road, Are two ; and thirdly, reaching an abode Anticipated, shrewdly some suspect, G5S0 Is both the end^ and cause, in the e;ffect. Thus reason'd Paul, on subjects high above Things earthly: ' twas of Heav'n-derived Love In act, by men on earth, call'd Charity: *' And now abide," (said he substantially), *' Faith, Hope, and Charity, these three" in onCj ^v chose yet move to save himself. And found some outside 'Fritml^ suspicious grow, When he '' chang'd" '•' thee and thou^'^'' for viilgav And turning down the upright cape on coat, "^^ He preach'd from Bible, and — ah ! sang hij \ note ! r Thus turning to his filthy like a poor shoat! I SrSO Filth, which not all the Water, Bread and Wine Of his new f angled Churchy — did all combine- Could ever v/ash av/ay !— •" What takes olt THINE ?' ^ He saw, — or thought he saw — (to him the same) That all of Faith was but an empty name -, Of Charity destructive— that each sect. The Decalogue o'erlooking, thro' neglect Of duties social, had the true key-stone Lost, and impos'^d upon the world its own ; That, the true characters, long since defac'd SrSO By rubbish, were forgotten, and each g'wess'rf ^* And the deluded followers received As truth, what none could ever have believed. Namely, the One creating End to be Either a monster, personally three, JSach self-existent, and each co-eternalJ Deducing thence, doctrines, if not infernal^ Yet palpably at variance with sense Common to all — the gift of Providence: Hence the Socinian faith, and that of Arians^ 5740 Hence all the tenets of all Trinitarians, (More properly tripersonal divines) As from one centre flow, in still diverging linesj ESSAYS AT POETRY. l:^t Or, that the Substance of all substances Was nought but " spirit," rather, if you pleasCj A mere " ens rationis,^^ about whom Nought can we predicate till daj of doom ; Hence Atheism, open or conceal'd, Hence the despite of heav'ns own Truth reveaPd^ In that Most Holy record of the Word, S750 Which treats supremely, of the only Lord Jehovah Jesus, from Eternity Creator; but in time and *' flesh" to be Redeemer ; and now glorified, the One, - In whom concentred, as a glorious Sun Are Love and Wisdom and their Energy, Uncreate three in one, and one in threes Thus constituting the God Man, who now Reigns Potentate : to Him let men and angelr^ bow ! He saw, moreover, with re-lumin'd eye, 3760 Jerusalem descending from on high. And fixing, on the spot where Babylon, (Fall'n — faWn — fall'nI) had maintain-d hev throne: That New Jerusalem, by John foreseen, In vision clear — no veil of flesh between — By Jesus promis'd — by His Word foretold — • That Word by which He fram'd the worlds of ' old— That Word, of which Creation testifies — Whose Holy Transcript, the anointed eyes, And ready pen, of Swedenborg, the man 3770 Divinely taught, and qualified — again Hath open'd, by the Key from Heav'n let down. New-burnish'd, for alas! 'twas rusty grown; This Key, by Correspondenle of each ward^ Unlocks the Treasure-house of IsraePs Lord) Each chamber enters, can with ease unfold To view interior^ the vast stores of gold^ M 123 ESSAYS AT POETRY. And silver; precious stones, and wine, And oil, and corn ; and silk, and linen fine. And chariots, with their harness — in a word — GTSO What mortal eye ne'er saw, ear never heard ! Strange ! that all Christendom should not unite. Bj means of Truth's own Key^ to bring to light. Those heav'nlj treasures! and more strangej that all, Should join to vilify, and to miscall A Herald, Vv'ho the olive-branch extends. And from all infidel attempts, defends. With shield impregnable, that Citadel Of Truth Divine, which scorns the hosts of he;' Did all but love the Truth, as they profess, Gr90 And self, and sect, and " orthodoxy" less ; The scales, incrusted from their eyes should fall, Jesus be hail'd Jehovah, Lord of all ! The Muse might long on circumstantials dwells But ill it suits each circumstance to tell ; Enough, if from his life, the useful pages Be copied, for the good of after ages. " Of after agesP' — some may sneering, cry: '* Yes — after ages" — doth the Bard reply : ^' Foets, like Critics, all have vanity P G800 Yet e'en these Extracts, much the author fears. May cost some blushes, for they cost Eugenius tears. ESSAYS AT POETRY» 123 XINSS WRITTEN ZN 1818, Addressed to a Friend^ -who had frequently requested some Verses from the Author. Not one of the Nine has for years been to teaze me 5 Old Pegasus leaves me to foot it along ; — Then bow, mj kind friend, can I now hope to please thee By aught I can scribble in form of a song ? A song' — did I say? this wont do for a plain man, I dare not attempt one, lest Friends should all know it. And to stamp the thing high, would but prove me a vcdn man, For sure, no pretensions have I as a poet. But what shall^ write of? This merits enquiry-— Shall wit, or shall beauty, or love be my theme? I could jingle on these long enough to out-tire thee. And yet after all, I should write but a dream ! That ' wit is a feather,' can't well be contested; That beauty is only skin deep, His allow'd; As to love — the poor fool that with love is infested, (I mean what 's so call'd) has no cause to be proud. Let my theme, then, be Friendship. When pure, such as thine is. It has claims of a nature 1 cannot withstand: It can rouse all the fire poetic that mine is, And force me to rhyme by its potent command. On this foot-ball of earth, altho' friendship 's a stranger, It may yet be discover'd by those who have eyes; But^ as with the heavenly babe in the manger, Few stoop low enough to obtain the rich prize. 124 ESSAYS AT POETRY. Than the finest of gold, is true friendship more precious. Than the phcenix (if e'er it existed) more rare: Than beauty, array'd in her robe ostentatious. And vying with snow, more exquisitely fair. As sweet to the trav'ler, when thirsty and weary. The cup of cool water, and shady alcove ; So sweet to the mind, so refreshing and cheery, In this vale of sorrow, the friend whom we love: Whose heart, void of guile, is blest sympathy's mansion, Whose mind, not uncultur'd, with knowledge is fraught ; And with wisdom divine, in progressive expansion. Receiving the truth which by JESUS is taught. With a friend such as this, let the world frown or flatter, Let Satan annoy, or our passions rebel Against reason's mild sway, 'tis no very great matter— For sympathy's magic will break ev'^y spell. J]- so great be the pow'r of friendship that's human, (And such between David and Jonathan reign'd, Exceeding the tender affection of woman) How unspeakably precious is Christ as a friend ! Behold him, in all our afflictions partaking, The man of great sorrows, acquainted with grief; Ne'er changing his purpose, nor ever forsaking His friends when most needy, or asking relief. With the voice, and the look, and the smile of com passion. He wooes his frail creatures, he bids them draw nigh ; Their offences forgives and without reservation. Bestows his best gifts on the needy that cry: ESSAYS AT POETRY. 125 Yea, Himself he bestows; and to rapt'roiis communion^ The soul, once most abject, he deigns to exalt; To redeem by bis Word, and in mystical union. To the Father present, without blemish or fault. iJl for friendship like this, let our praises ascend, As sweet incense before him, whilst here we sojourn; Soon — soon shall he cause all our sorrows to end, And transplant us to — where there is no room to UNiJ^S ADDRESSISD TO M, S. K. 1821. Poets, dear Mary, are a set Of beings nondescript; Who write just when they please, and else Had quite as lieve be whipt: Poets, I mean, of Nature's make — Not rhymers, such as I, Who with my 13aedalean wings, In vain essay to fly, Where heav'n-born genius lightly soars, E'en to Parnassus' top; i^luch less, beyond, as well thou know'st Did Milton, Young, and Pope; And some few more, whom I could name^ And fain would emulate ; But for one reason — worth a score— » Mine 's a Saturnine pate. Remember, too, the adage trite^ Vir. one good volunteer. Is better far than any two, Impel'd by force or fearj M 2 126 ESSAYS AT POETRY. Or ivorried into what they do, NVhether to work or /ight ; Or, — what is oftimes full as hard- Poetic lines to write. Now, it may be, my friend may say, < So far, so good, what next ? ^ Come, Doctor, to the point, I pray: « 'Tis time to take thy text.' Well — to the point then, Mary dear. Which text of all thy three (Religion, Friendship, Love) suits best ? Leav'st thou the choice to me ? If so. Religion I shall choose: Best gift of Heav'n to man ! His only sure preservative. Since time his course began: 'Twas this which bound him to his God, When first in Eden plac'd ; This warn'd him of the noxious fruit, . And bade him — ' not to taste.' This was his life^ while firm in faith, His will obedient prov'd ; But fled when duty he forsook, And things inferior lov'd. This, hov'ring o'er us, tho' unseen, Our hapless state now views ; And '» waiting to be gracious," still Our wand'ring steps pursues. Whispers, and knocks, and wooes, and stiives Conviction to impress ; Nor leaves till it has clearly shewn The wish, and pow^r to bless. ESSAYS AT POETRY. 1^ Thrice happy they, who hear and Hve, Their cov'nant to renew ! And, humbly penitent, enquire — \ * What would'st thou have me do?' These shall on earth tlieir Eden find. And, (ev'ry sin forgiv'n) Fulfil, in peace, their task assign'd 5 Then, joyful, enter HEAV'N. TO M? NXEOS. What shall T write for my dear little niece ? How can I send the girl pouting away ! What shall [ bring as an offering of peace ? Tell me, ye Muses, do tell me, I pray ! None of your ladyships grant me an ear! None with a subject my noddle inspire ! Hence then, ye gypsies — I want j^ou not here — ■ March — to the tune of your own antique lyre ! Long might I court, ye still might prove coy: Better the fruitless attempt to give o'er; Now, independent, my wits I '11 employ — Never — no — never— make suit to you more! Stay! If ye come of your own free accord, Vex'd as I was, ye may enter my cot. Nay — I recall the precipitate word — Room will be wanting for all — I forgot. And since so closely together ye band, Loth should I be e'er to part you — shy lasses; So I '11 proceed, take what first comes to hand; Fix the fleet notion, as by me it passes. fas ESSAYS AT POETRY. j\ow-"I Ve got hold on 't — and shan't let it gOj 'Till with a 7iame, and abode I invest it; Feaiiess if even a Critic should know ! Home is my theme — I have frankly confess'd iu Mark the daring sons of ocean, Flow they brave the billowy foam ! What cahns the wave's tumultuous motion Like the witching thought of Home? 10 those who face the foe in battle, What brightens war's terrific gloom. When thund'ring Deaths promiscuous rattle: But remembrance sweet of Home ? Yonder see the peaceful peasant: What but hope of bliss to come, Mitigates his toil incessant? Centered are his joys in Home. Dear the relatives who lately Op'd for thee their kindred dome; But far dearer they who wait thee — Long to bid thee, ' welcome Home !' Various although the grade and station, Wheresoe'er we dwell, or roam ; v?avage or civilizM the nation: The happiest spot on earth, is Home, Ev'n when our earth, to earth returning. Seeks the confines of the tomb 5 Mfope anticipates the morning, When our souls shall rest at Home ! ESSAYS AT POETRY. 1S9 IMPROMPTU, On reading Madam Cantelo's advertisement ^ in Poulsovh Paper. Madam Cantelo, from Broadway, New York, Who has not her fellow in Corsets to work. Gives notice to ricketty belles, That she brings them a parcel — neat, tasty and strong, (Her stay but three days — ah ! would it were long !) And by wholesale and retail she sells. Then haste to her wareroom, young misses and dames, Delay not a moment to give in your names, Lest yc all at your leisure should rue it: For if your lank sides need her coopering arts, Do let her repair them before she departs; Perhaps there 's none else that can do it I SIMPAOMPTir, On seeing the po7npQus Funeral, cf a great man. Fictitious woe, in fashionable black. Hung round the hearse in graceful negligence; While from the heads of relatives and friends, And priests, and sextons, hirelings and slaves; Ficw'd streams of sorrow^ — aye, some yrads in length! 130 ESSAYS AT POETRY. x. JSTEW FE^R—XS25. ** I WISH thee a happy New Year." Asks Eleanor, what means the phrase ? Could I wish her a round of 'good cheer,' For three hundred and sixty -five days, With the surplus sis hours — T would not; And if rightly her mind I have guess'd. She would spurn it as ne'er worth a groat, And had rather be sad, than thus bless'd, ESSAYS AT POETRY. 137, No. The checquer of sunshine and shade, Is best suited to pilgrims on earth ; And bj contrast, well knows the dear maid. Are we taught of each blessing the worth. Who, the bliss of forgiveness e'er knew, 'Till repentance had open'd the way? Enhanceth not darkness the view, Of the morn, and efFalgence of day ? Be my wish, then, the wish of her soul, As frequent, as warm, as sincere — That still nearer the Christian's bright goal, .*he may be e'er the close of New Year. AN ACROSTIC. Extol the Great Redeemer's Name ! Mortals, with all your ransom'd pow'rs; And let your grateful songs proclaim None other Lord nor God but yours. Unceasing acts of humble praise, Each moment of your life demands ; I^oud, and more loud, your voices raise. Give glory with your hearts and hands J Oh ! what an evidence of love, 3[)oth JESUS give to sinful man ! What could the GOD of Nature move, In flesh to dwell ? Mysterious Plan! To dwell in frail mortality? Hark ! 'Twas that Man, thro^ Death^ might live, Unbounded Grace ! Blest Mystery ! ISinn^rs ! The saving Truth receive ! N 2 ISe ESSAYS AT POETRY. ^^ Thou shalt call his name JESUS/' When from the realms of bliss, on Mercy's wings. The God of Love to earth his visit made ; The morning stars — those first-born sons of light, FillM the dmnains of Meav'n with shouts and songs ! To them, (the vail, now drawn, in part, aside, Which hid from view th' Almighty's great design, In the creation of their brother, man,) Was shewn, in prospect bright, his restoration^ From the sad fall^ o'er which th' angelic hosts, Ev'n in celestial mansions, oft had wept. Their glowing bosoms now new raptures felt; And from the plenitude of grateful joy. Burst forth this Anthem : Glory in the highest, Be to JEHOVAH giv'n ; On earth be peace. And to lost man, good-will." Thrice blessed day ! Let man responsive sing, in joyful strains, «To us a son is born, a child is giv'n." Mysterious birth — Oh, gift unspeakable ! The Mighty God — in infant weakness cloth'd — The Everlasting Fatheu — child of days! Crown'^d — while in swaddling-bands — The Prince of Peace. TRANSLATION, IN 1824, Of an Extract from a Latin Prose Work, printed in the year 1745. OF THE ORZaXN OF THE EARTH. Sages of yore, whose minds were more retir'd From their gross bodies, and thus nearer Heav'ii; O'er nature's inmost works intently por'd, Spied, in the revolutions of their times, That ages past were nobler than their own; And that in those, Justice and Purity, With their attendant virtues, sway'd the world: ESSAYS AT POETRY. 159 Hence this tradition, that the Gods themselves. Did from their starry thrones to earth descend. And dwelt in social intercourse with men: As if the highest [{eav'n had bow'd itself To these inferior regions; and had pour'd Its own supreme beatitudes on ail, Ev'n to the. utmost verge of air or earth. In honour of these gods, the antients nam'd Those favoured ages, Saturnine and Golden. The earth, they taught, was with delicious fiow'rs^ And fruits, of heavenly culture, then adoru'd; And that this universe the aspect wore, Of one continued paradise or garden ; Yea, that the four divisions of the year. In one collected, form'd perpetual spring; Cool'd by perennial zephyrs of its own. Which, while they temper'd ether's ardent heat, Fill'd all that dwelt thereon with gladsomeness. With scenery thus wrought, the wise of old Open'd the theatre of this our orb : Doubtless, because in ev'ry of her sports. Her births, her products, whether quick or dead j The express image they could contemplate. Of order thus consummate: for they saw That nothing was without its spring and fioic* T"^ Without its infancy and innocence. Representations of particulars. Are, of the gen'ral but so many mirrors^ And, vice versa; for particulars, From generals themselves a place obtain. Convinced of this perpetual law of nature. Into primeval times they trac'd it back; Inferring that the like estates, of spring And infancy, were common to them all. Attempt we thus our universe to scan In ail these various singulars reflected ; 140 ESSAYS AT POETRY, And, by analogy, from these evolve. Of times and ages the fix'd destinies. But ah ! how vain all human enquiry. Void of the fav'ring influence of Him — The Deity Supreme ! from whom alone, Fountain and sun of wisdom infinite, Flow triitlifii as rays, to our intelligence ! Therefore to HinJ^in deep humility. We bow, and supplicate his gracious aid. Around the centre of this universe, In ceaseless circuits doth our globe revolve; Tracing, as in an orbit, her vast course. Throughout the constellated zodiac. Each revolution round the glorious sun Back to the point from vv'hich her course she sped iier Year is nam'd. Rolling on oblique axis, ^Upward toward the north inclin'd, and downward Tow'rd its opposite: diverging thus, From the great equidial circle moves ; And thus, at each degree, in ev'ry place, The varied aspect of the sun she views. And hence the four divisions of the year, Spring, summer, autumn, winter, are deriv'd. But other revolution she performs, As of a wheel upon its axis turn'd ; Extending through th' equator to the poles: And thus the vast circumference graduates. Of this, each part, or grade, is callM a day. In each degree, the rise and altitude, And setting of the orb of light, are seen 5 And thus, ai>;ain, each day's quaternary. Of MORN, meridian, EVENING, and NIGHT, With HouRb on each attendant, as their days? jVleasure the times of times of ev'ry year. Hence the four intervals of mimic years, Jii these diurnal intervals we trace ; ESSAYS AT POETRY. 141 Spying ill the viorn^ and siiinmer in wid-daij^ 111 ev*ni)2g, autumn^ winter in tlie night. Lip:r as this orb tetraqueous seeks the sun. So tends the moon unto her centre, (•■':? rf/'i ; And. J!) her circuit, two opposin;; poiuts. Or NODES, upon the equinoctial cuts; While through her proper zodiac she dances. And at each minute chanj;es place and aspect. According as she nears to either pole; Reflecti?i2, thus her ever-varjing light. These circuits are her jears, bj us naniM months. In her behold again the effigy Of course, and times, and of vicissitudes, Flowing from these, as from inferior causes; Like to the times and changes in our earth, Huge, pond'rous bodies, beside these, there arc^ Wand'ring about the common fount of light, Within this solar universe, call VI planets^* These in like manner, round their centre whirl. At various distances; these all describe, In harmony, their vast peripheries : And all enjoy their years, and times, and spaces. Immense in mass, they too, like our earth. Their axes to their sev'ral polea erect ; And bend. In boundless zodiacs^ their courses. Hence all the changing seasons too are theirs: All have their spring time, summer^ autumn, wirrler. Borne to'), round proper axes, as in wlieels, Each planet sees, at ev'ry grade, her sun Arise at tuont^ and set at eventide; Hence luiduai/. nighty and intermediate grades, Of lights and shades, proportionate, are theirs. Round these are Satellites, which, like our mo{)n. The light of ev'ry changing disk reflect;— That which, at fiirthest distance from the sun 142 ESSAYS AT POETRY. Projected, traverses ethereal space. Lest it should hesitate, and doubt its way; Is furnish'd with a luminous retinue; Which, as one lunar mirror^ girds it round. Collects the wearied solar rays; and pours The lucid treasure full into its face. Round the grand syste'.n, where the solar oixn His planets, and attendant moons, revolve; Innumerable sfars the heav'ns illume; These are the fancied constellations twelve^ "Whose sections form the zodiacal signs. And fix the visible immensity. On thrones immoveable they sit,;is suns, And o'er their several realms their light diftuse; For each his proper universe controuls, Greater or less, proportioned to the pow'r, And quantity, of light in which he dwells. These in celestial bands each other press. And, thro' concatenations endless twine The sphere celestial; and thro' boundless orbits. Compose one Form, the model of «/^ forms; Where, in sweet concord, one and all conspire, T' impart stability and strength to all. From union thence resulting, the complex Of universes, Firmament is nam'd; For, m this grand confederated body, No member boasts of aught he calls his own| Save this, that from the great community He feels the inilux ; and again restores it. From his own orb, into the common stock. Hence all received and reflected lights, They lock not up within their selfish spheres | But pour them forth around, on ef ry orb, Ev'n to the opuke bodies of our world ; Their aid imparting, whensoe'er the sun Forsakes oul- hemisphere and lets in niglit. ESSAYS AT POETRY. H: Withiu the precincts of this universe, 'Tls said, vast bodies circumcurrent move 5 Which to the sun, as to a centre, tending. Mature with ages, and obtain a place. Sol, as a venerable parent, views The distant efforts of his racing sons. For ages striving to attain the goal ; Consults their common, and their separate, good i And, altho' distant, with perpetual care Is present with them, lights them with his raySj And from his bosom cherishes with warmth 5 Gives each a gaudy vestment ev'rj year ; With food perennial nurtures ; and the life Of all prolongs, and crowns them with his light. But while these various functions of his office^ As primogenitor f the sun performs ; Whence, in the nature of causation, springs That, which the destinies of worlds evolves—* Of worlds, from their primordial existence? From Mind — ^responds the radiant orb, — from Mi.NB And heav'n-taught reason owns the silent truth ! In order, first this earth we contemplate. Ere yet she bursts the confines of her egg; Next in her infancy, her flow'r of youth. And lastly, trace her through her destinies*, As these, with others, in the mirror vast. Of universal nature, we behold. In all things coinciding; we infer. By consequents, from antecedents drawn^ (rroof incontestible) her origin To be from series the self-same deriv'd. Time, therefore, was, as tho' it ne'er had been* When erst the bodies of this universe, The teeming sun as mighty embryos bore ' And, in succession, hurl'd them into air. This truth is, without demonstration, clear. Of these vast bodies^ pond^rgus and inert^ 244 ESSAYS AT POETRY, Neither gestation in their burning focus, Nor vet the subsequent expulsive pow'r; Cou](1 ever froai themselves have been deriv\l : Eut exhahitions like the Sun himself, And fron him ilovving and deriving virtue, Are but, at best, his idtiinate eifects. Ilenre learn we, that at first the source of Light. Was, bv his ovvn eiTulgent Ilalitus, (And this excited by eradiation, And thence thrown out on all sides) overspread. Thene, from all parts, in fulness confluent, As by refructioru sought their wonted rest. Still more and more condens'd, the subtle fluid;?. A nebulous circumference became : Which, like unto an albugineous mass, Clos'd in the Sun himself; and form'd, at length. Tke Mighty Ovum of the Universe. That then in time,, the intercepted rays, And spiracles upon its surfiice, clos'd, A crust or shell contracted; which the sunj Glowing and tumid at th' appointed hour, Burst; and those pondrous masses, seen dispers'd Throughout this universe, sent whirling forth: A glorious prT^gen}'' of lights, which stilly Drawn by his iove, admire and obey ! Alike in all things, whether in the greatj Or lesser subjects of this mundane sphere; In either ef the kingdoms of this earth, Whether viviparous, from seed, or egg, They be pro For these but figure the grand universal. And emulate it in their little spheres. This crusted arch immense, when wide disploding'^ Forth leapt in air those massy wanderers; Aping, in this vast universe, our earth. Somcy yet unformed, nor yet in ether hung. Or clasp the skirts of their great gesitorj ESSAYS AT POETRY. 143 Defying ev'ry force to pluck them thence 5 Or fringe his lap, or sparkle o'er his bosom. Soon as the Sun his folding doors had clos'd. He, from the plenitude of tumid fount, Thro' gaping mouths, into the boundless void Of space, his igneous halitus diffus'd ; With co-extending pow?rs and virtues fraught^ To neighb'ring and ulterior distances. To each an Mmosphere and Space he gave. Hence Ether sprang, \vhich now around the Sun^ And round these bodies simultaneous thrown; Like swathing bands aerial, wrap'd them in : And next with spheres conforming with their motions^ In nice exactitude surrounded each; In each periphery a vortex plac'd, Which in perpetual circles drew them on; And by their means the common centre turn'do Then first these melted masses, fluid yet. From this concourse of centripetal pow'rs; rheir present form orbicular put on. These new made orbs, yet void of gravity, Since only at th^ir centres borne and whirl'd, By circumfuyed ether; repent first,' Then step by step, infantile, round the sun. Their course attempted ; next in mazy dance. Of swift and measured circuits, nimbly tripp'd ; And years, and days, and times, then first assum'd. While in their pristine seasons, round and round. These globes in short, impetuous course were dragg'd^ Forming their annual peripheries; True to prescribed rotatory laws, Of all celestial bodies; further outward. Into circumferences more extended. In form of current wreath they cast themselves 3 And thus by spiral sallies from their centre, And from the fervid bosom of their parents s O 146 ESSAYS AT POETRY. With gentle pace, and cautious, they withdrew ; Then, as if wean'd, a sep'rate course pursued. Of these, each balanced in his proper sphere^ With gravity to mass proportinate ; From natal centre swift or slow receded.-™ The brethern separated thus, each one With giv'n velocity in space arose. His volutations wid'ning more and more, Thro' grades ethereal, to his utmost bound. Some too, their little orbs^ or more or less^ Away from the paternal court decoy'd. Into their circling spheres, as Satellites, Or servants. One alone our earth withdrew As bondmaid, Luna nam'd. Her office ^tis. The sun's bright image on her glass to catchy And nightly on her mistress to reflect. Thus, where, and howsoe'er, themselves they turn 5 Their actions and their movements all are seen. As present v/ith their common genitor. Our orb, about the sun, in ceaseless rounds. And periwinkle spires, perennial mov'd 5 The better to present to him each point Of her fair form, yet nude and delicate ; That so, at ev'ry turn, the vital warmth Of his parental breath, she might receive. As yet she was not earth ; but like some bare And shoreless water, a vast fluid heap Of principles, of inert nature, form'd, Gather'd, and bound by rays of neighb'ring heat^ From sol's intensely ardent focus driv'n ; And from her inmost deep with fervour boil'd* At length these principles, or elements Of gross and inert nature, coalesced Into new secondaries, wat'ry, saline. Earthy, and the like ; lastly, from theso Sprang infinite varieties of forms. ESSAYS AT POETRY 147 Numberless duties, changes numberless. This orb was doom'd to suffer, and perform 5 Which, as eificient causes in herself. Should, in continuous series, educe Common effects. This order of successives. And ceaseless continuity of cause 5 Is that which gives perfection to our earths Two principles of nature had existed. And flourish'd now; active and passive thesCp That filPd the universe, and of its pow'rs And principles, the atmosphere was Ether; But this the passive, gather'd into one ; Gave ferm to globes, suspended them ; and pois'd Within the vortex of the active pow'rs. Now was the marriage of these principles 5 That from their junction there might be deriv'dl A new and intermediate atmosphere ; Which nearest to the orb should move, and catch The solar fires, and modify their heat; In just proportion to its varying state. Its density and column. This, brought forthj Was air, which from its origin deriv'd What most resembled ether, in all modes 5 And in additi©n,as possessing wei^/i^. Could cause itself, and earth, to gravitate. This atmospheric fruit of ties connubialj Between the subtile principles, exhal'd From this orb's bosom, and th' etherial spirit | Gave to that heat which from the igneous fount Flow'd out, incipient temp'rature. When firsts Our liquid orb a filmy tunic wore. More dense becoming, as the affluence Of subemergent particles increas'd, From her yet fervid central furnace throwno Thus deck'd as with a gorgeous robCj this orb^ In comeliness and beauty exquisite. 148 ESSAYS AT POETRY. Her first appearance as of earth put on. For smooth and even v/as her surface then, From spot, declivity or valley free; A sphere interminable, water'd o'er With rivulets and streams from thermals deep : Transmitting the warm life thro' all her frame. A dewy cloud encompass'd, which, embued With the fresh atmosphere, her bosom press'd ; And by its constant cooling influence cheer'd. In beauty thus array 'd, the virgin earth Like a new ovum seem'd; save that her surface With num'rous ovula was studded o'er: These Were collections of the tender germs Of future kingdoms; whose components since. In triple order rang'd, by us are nam'd, ^Mineral, Vegetable^ Jinimal. These germs or seeds were yet promiscuoiiSj The rudiments of one within the other; For in the min'ral, as a matrix, lay The vegetable ; and in this was wrapp'd, As in its nurse's lap, the animal. Each in due order was in time evoiv'd : And thus the present did the past contain, And both conceal'd the future; for in series Continued, each was in the next enfolded. Hence sprang; the ratio of vicissitudes, In this our earth ; v/here each to other yok'd. In view of consequents, commenceth still, While antecedents are in turn forgot. And, as within her orbit she progress'd. Receding from her centre; she involv'd New pow'rs, whence USES in their order flo^v'd. ESSAYS AT POETRY. 140. TRJJYSLATIOJ^ FROM THE SAME LATIN WORK, OF PAllil.l>SSI2> Unclad as yet, and unadorn'd, the eartli In years encreas'd ; and as a virgin purCj Hasted to blossom in maturity. Whilst yet in her interior rev(dution, The borders of the sun she iseerri'd to graze 5 So swiftly did she traverse through her timeS; That ages she perform'd in miniature ; Which, measured by the spaces of our times^ Scarce equalled in extent so many months. Each revolution was a solar year^ Each turn upon her axis form'd a day. Yet still those times, like spaces, she encreas'dj While in a spiral mode, diverging round, Her revolutions still she amplified. Time therefore was, when, as it were a speckj Around the sun she travers'd — Then, ^'re long, Press'd on the orbit of that wandhnng star, Which at this day moves nearest to the sun^ Next of that beauteous planet, Venus nam'd, Which ushers in the morn, and crowns the eve. And thus no space was found, from solar centre^ To that circumference where now she moves 5 Unintercepted in her mazy rounds. Or where her circling footsteps had not been. Thus, thro' successive evolutions borne Continuous; the earth her bounds enlarg'd, Her years increasing, till at length arriv'd To bloom of virgin age ; and to the goal Then iirst prescrib'd, and never since transgress'd^ Her circuits, nor contracted nor enlarg'dj 130 ESSAYS AT POETRY, A certain medium now were doomM to hold ^; Namely, that the four seasons of the year, Should each so closely on the other presSj Its bounds invading ; as if each in turn, Did change into and subrogate the other, Like spokes upon the swiftly moving wheel ; So, when short «pring to shorter summer yielded^ That, to fleet autumn's brief authority, By winter seizM ; his oflice it became, To render back to spring the varying year— To spring — tho' oft forsaken, not divorc'd. Thus times quarternary, altho' distinct; By swift alternate influx coalesc'd, Forming a unit'— a perpetual spring. For so contracted was the space of each. That summer's ardent heat could not inflame, Or aggravate, the milder warmth of spring ; Kor autumn's — much less winter's — pow'r annul* Thus with variety and hindrance bland, Did each the other gratefully assuage. For ling'ring and delay were first induc'd By cold and shade, saddening the face of things; But the quJ*>U alternation brnkp the spell, And all was chang'd into delightfulness. Thus, by their contiguity made one, There seem'd a vernal firmament serene, Attemper'd sweetly by the welcome cold. Ev'n days, like years, by sudden changes toCj The ills of diuturnity dispell'd; Boon as Aurora had the morn unveil'd. Midday approach'd, and led it down to eve; Thence, thro' some moments of the night detain'd- Safe to Aurora brought the morn again. The genial warmth of day, the cold ne'er marr'd^ But tempering by alternation mild, And grateful ; as with int'rest sent it back, Enrich'd into her sister's glowing bosom= ESSAYS AT POETRY. 151 Thus, all of space and time, greatest and leasts Conspir'd to hasten earth's florescent age ; And introduce her to perennial spring. Nor times and spaces only lent their aid| E'en stars celestial, atmospheres, and earth Herself, harmoniously their forces join'd, To crown the orb, in this her lasting station, With such a spring°resembling temp'rature. The stars of Heav^7i, hast'ning their rise and setting. Their light sent forth into the dubious shade Nocturnal ; and with splendour unremitted. The shrouding darkness scatter'd from her disk; And qualified the atmospheres themselves, As apt recipients of the warming beams Of Sol, descended, soon again to rise. The moon^ now nearer to her mighty sire, On his bright countenance^ enraptur'd, gaz'd; And, thro' the fulness of reflected light, Her influence shed upon earth's middle sphere 3 And thus that warmth prepar'd it to receive. Which his returning beams should bless withaL The nearest atmosphere itself, or air, Now quicken'd by abundant light and heat; And warm 'd by dews prolific, from the lap Of earth exhal'd 5 breath'd forth its pow'r benign-=« No raging wind yet blew — nor had as jet Coesias or Boreas^ with tempestuous storm. Shook the affrighted air. No baneful fogs Eclips'd the splendour of the sun and stars. Serene was all ; save that at intervals. The zephyrs fann'd the murm'ring winds to sleep. Ev'n Earth herself, with blessings thus begirt. And, from the surface to her deep recess. Glowing with genial warmth; the tribute pour'd^ Of her collected influent delights, Back to the bosoms of her num'rous friends, Thiis^ to the recent earth, as to a centre^ 152 ESSAYS AT POETRY, 'Twould seem as if, in one perpetual spring, All Heav'n had come down ; and were rejoicing in licr, the sole blest object of their loTe! SUBSCRIBERS' M-AMSS. A Samuel Ashton J. Albright Enoch Allen William R. Atlee, esq. Samuel C. Atkinson Edwin P. Atlee, M. D. Robert E. Arundel, esq. John L. Atlee, M. D. Lan John Adams caster Nathan Atherton A. V. Ashmore J, Barnes, M. D. B Thomas Barnes William Baker John Y. Black William Baker, druggist, Isaac Bewley 6 copies James Bolton Anthony Bullock Maria Burd Sarah Bedford Mier.s Buscli Susan Bedford John Butler Isaac Bedford John Brock John Bouvier, esq« John Brooks J.W. Condy, esq, William Conrad Rev. M. M. Carll Peter Conrad, 2 copies Samuel Cresson Caleb F. Clark Benjamin C. Cooper Amos Cleaver Joseph Cobb, 2 copies subscribers' names* William Drysdale David Davis Hugh Downing Thomas Dunn, M. D. William Diehl M. Dubbs Griffith Edwards, jun. Joseph Evans David Ellis D Elisabeth Davis William P. Dewees, M. D, Benedict Dorsey, 2 copies Elizabeth Damish, Baltl» more E Alfred Elwes, Surgeon U* S. Army, 15 copies Mary Earl Nathaniel Fowle, 6 copies Alexander Greaves James Gilmer, 2 copies James Gray Edward Garrigues George F. Garretson Pliilip Garrett John Hart Reuben Hanse John Hanson Thomas Hopkins Samuel Hempel Susan Haworth Uriah Hunt G A. C. Garrison, N. J. Elizabeth Gray, Baltimore George A. Graham, esq, George Glentworth John K, Graham H Rev John Hargrove, Bal= timore, 14 copies John Hallowell, esq. 2 co= pies Judith Higson, Baltimore Wm. Hubble do. John Hunt do« SUBSCRIBERS^ NAME8. B, Jones, jun. J. Jones John King Mrs. Keyser Samuel Kling Josiah W. Leeds Samuel C. Lewis John Long John Moore, M. D. Elias Mayer Thomas M'Clintock Benjamin Moore Ann M'Crea T. S. Manning Martha Jefteries K Daniel M. Keim, Reading John Kenworthey L George Laws James Laws M Joseph E. M'llhennj George M'CIellan, M, D, Mary E. M-Collom Nicholas Montserrat, Bal- timore Gabriel O'Brien, midship- Davis Orum, 4 copies man U. S. Navy Samuel H. Perkins, esq, Sarah Pearce Bettle Paul Thomas W. Pryor Ann Potts Henry Porter Abner Prince Thomas L. Plowman Joseph Parr, 2 copies Peterson and M'Kiniey, :? copies Joseph Parrish, M. D. 3 copies Abraham L. Pennock, 5 copies A. S. Van Pelt STJBSCHIEERS^ NAMES. Eev, M. B. Roche Samuel H. Robbins Frederick Roberts J. Rosseau, M. D. William Rovoudt Charles Remington James Remington James -Robb R John Robbins Edward Roberts, 2 copies Thomas Ridgway James P. Reading, Balti- more Martha Riley, Baltimore R. Renshaw, jun. Thomas Smith Anna Stokes Joseph Smith Coleman Sellers Charles Schneider G. Stroble Joseph Starr Jacob Tripler, 2 copies Henry Troth Samuel Sellers, 3 copies James Sellers Peai'son Serrill Nathan Shoemaker, M. D. Nathan Smith, Mantua, 2 copies T Zebulon Thomas Alexander Varian Isaac Wayne, esq. Francis Wade William Woods Emmor T. Weaver Mr. Williams John Williams Henry W. Valleau W William Widdifield Joseph White Lemuel G. White, Profes- sor of Elocution Joseph Warner James Webster. ^^^*^L^ NW\^V A.; / ^^ 9^VH^ sr> --^^ _jK>7S^^ kif> "^asT - _jK) yW' ^^^fc^^r> v'^Kad Dl) '*^ >-SSfc a(.^?>:3^_ ^MM^^ ^;:^s>s^% mh ^«>^