%iso-lat1; %iso-lat2; %iso-num; %iso-pub;]> Poems: Being the Genuine Compositions of Elizabeth Bentley. Bentley, Elizabeth, 1767-1839. Electronic text encoded by Leigh Rios Electronic edition 250Kb University of California, Davis, General Library, Digital Initiatives Program Davis, Calif. 2007 bentepoems

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Davis British Women Romantic Poets Series 92 Managing Editor Charlotte Payne Founding Editor Nancy Kushigian Poems: being the genuine compositions of Elizabeth Bentley. Bentley, Elizabeth, 1767-1839. by Elizabeth Bentley. Taylor and Hessey London Stevenson, Matchett, and Stevenson Norwich Deightons Cambridge 1821

This text was scanned from its original in the Shields Library Kohler Collection, University of California, Davis, Kohler I:93. Another copy available on microfilm as Kohler I:93mf .

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 June 22, 2007 Charlotte Payne ed. Proofed and entered final corrections.

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[Title Page]

POEMS;BEING THEGENUINE COMPOSITIONSOFELIZABETH BENTLEY, OF NORWICH. NORWICH: SOLD BY THE AUTHOR, NEAR THE NORFOLK AND NORWICH HOSPITAL;SOLD ALSO BY MESSRS. TAYLOR AND HESSEY, 93, FLEET-STREET, LONDON; STEVENSON, MATCHETT, AND STEVENSON, NORWICH; MESSRS. DEIGHTONS, CAMBRIDGE; AND ALL OTHER BOOKSELLERS. 1821. STEVENSON, MATCHETT, AND STEVENSON, PRINTERS, NORWICH. TOTHE RIGHT HONOURABLEJOHN LORD WODEHOUSE,OF KIMBERLEY, IN NORFOLK,THE FOLLOWING POEMSARE,WITH HIS LORDSHIP'S PERMISSION,MOST RESPECTFULLYAND GRATEFULLYDEDICATED. SUBSCRIBERS. A AMYOT Mrs. Grosvenor Terrace Amyot Thos. Esq. F. A. S. James-st. Westminster Amyot Mrs. Amyot Miss Cecilia Amyot Miss Jane Amyot Miss Susan Amyot Miss Julia Augusta Amyot R. G. Esq. Amyot Mrs. Anguish Rev. G. 3 copies Athow Rev. J. Hulcot, Bucks Aufrere Mrs. Scarning, 3 copies Alden Mr. Shelton Anonymous, 2 copies Alderson Mrs. Norwich Adams Miss, Norwich. Arnold W. J. Esq. Anonymous (South Town) B Barlow Sir Robert, Chatham, 2 copies Barlow Miss Barlow Miss Caroline Barlow Miss Maria Barlow Capt. Geo. 2 copies Barlow Mrs. G. 2 copies Barlow Rev. W. Barlow Robt. Esq. Byng Hon. Henry, 2 copies Byng Hon. Mrs. H. 2 cop. Byng the Hon. Edmond Byng the Hon. Frederick Byng the Hon. Miss Byng the Hon. Miss B. Byng Miss Cecilia Beevor Sir Thos. Bart. Berney Mrs. Bracon-hall, 10 copies Back Thos. Esq. Bonner Thos. Esq. Chelsea Brooke Miss Norwich Bidwell Mr. H. ditto Barton Miss E. Rougham Burt Mrs. Norwich Bowman Rev. J. ditto Bland M. Esq. F. R. & A. S. 6 copies Buck Mr. organist, Norwich Burrough Rev. Mr. Abbots, near Andover Burrough Mrs. ditto Bedwell Mrs. St. John-st. London Barnham J. Esq. Norwich Bartram Mrs. ditto Brooks Mr. James, ditto Browne John, Esq. ditto Browne Mrs. ditto Browne Mr. Edward, ditto Barlow Mrs. ditto Browne Miss Browne Miss L. Browne Miss B. Bennett Mr. Jas. Norwich Browne Mr. John, ditto Bacon Miss Bacon Mr. S. Browne Mrs. Haldon, Ludham Bassett Mr. H. Norwich Brice E. C. Esq. St. John's college, Cambridge Burt J. T. Esq. Caius-coll. ditto Browne A. Esq. St. John's-college, ditto Borrow Thos. Esq. Chelsea Barton Miss E. Burke Haviland, Esq. Browne Miss, South Town Bidwell Mrs. Norwich Bentham Rev. James Bidwell Mrs. E. Dereham Barry Mrs. Scarning Berney Miss. Scarning Bathurst Rev. Robert Bloom John, Esq. Wells Bond Mrs. Hingham Browne Rev. Wm. Horton, Bucks Beatty Rev. Fred. Pulham Baker Miss Barker Mr. bookseller, Dereham Barker Mr. printer, Bury Buckle Mr. Wm. Norwich Blyth Miss M. A. ditto Bircham Mr. Wm. Booton Bowis T. Esq. Peterborough Bates Mrs. ditto Browne Rev. G. A. Fellow & Tutor of Trinity-coll. Cambridge C Cockburn Dowager Lady, Sparrow Herne, Herts Cockburn Sir James, Bart. Westbourne Green Cockburn Hon. Lady Cockburn Miss Cockburn Sir Geo. G. C. B. Admiralty Cockburn Lady Cullum Sir Thos. Geary, Bart. Cullum Lady Cullum Mrs. Chapman Rev. C. J. Norwich Cole J. H. Esq. ditto Coleman Mrs. do. 2 copies Custance Miss, Hemsby Coppin Mr. Dan. Norwich Coppin Mrs. ditto Carlos Miss, ditto Clover Mr. Norwich Clover Jos. Esq. London Caley John, Esq. F. A. S. 3 copies Caldicott John, Esq. Lakenheath, Suffolk, 2 cop. Christie James, Esq. Christie Mrs. Chalmers A. Esq. F. A. S. Clarke Miss Capel John, Esq. Russell-square Cheeseman Mrs. London Codd Mrs. East Dereham Codd Miss, ditto Cooper Mrs. E. ditto Cooper Mrs. G. ditto Cooper Mrs. M. ditto Cooper Mr. M. ditto Case Philip, Esq. Clowes Edward, Esq. Colby Rev. W. Yarmouth Colby Henry, Esq. ditto Carnac Mrs. Devonshire-street, Portland Place Carnac Thomas, Esq. do. Colk Miss M. E. Cooper T. H. Esq. Cooper Mrs. Cooper Miss Cooper Miss G. M. Cubitt Rev. J. Southrepps Cubitt Mrs. Cubitt Mrs. G. Catfield Cowles Jacob, Esq. Pentonville Carter Mrs. Norwich Currie John, Esq. D Dolben Sir E. Bart, 2 copies Dietrich Mr. Edgeware road D'Oyley Mr. Hempnall Deeker Miss, Norwich Day Mrs. S. jun. ditto De Hague Elisha, Esq. Day Rev. J. I. Yelverton Dunham, Mr. Norwich Dunham Mrs. ditto Day T. S. Esq. ditto Dade Miss, ditto, 2 copies Damant W. C. Esq. Blackheath, 2 copies De Hague J. Esq. London Drake Rev. W. F. Norwich, 2 copies Drake Mrs. Donne Miss, 2 copies Deighton Mr. Cambridge Deighton Mrs. J. J. Deighton Mr. J. Cambridge Disney W. Esq. Elmes, Kingston, 2 copies Disney Mrs. W. 2 copies Ditchell Miss Daniels Mrs. Norwich Drysdale Wm. C. Esq. Burton-street Darton & Harvey Messrs. 6 copies Deers John Esq. Newman street, London E Englefield Sir Henry, Bart. Easton Arthur, Esq. Westminster Eaton Mrs. Bungay Earl Mrs. Norwich Ewen W. C. Esq. Cringleford Edwards Mr. Solicitor, Cambridge Elsey Miss, Hingham F Forster Rich. Esq. Eaton Framingham Mrs. Norwich Finch Mr. ditto, 2 copies Fox Rev. Mr. Mettingham Freeling Francis, Esq. 2 copies Fromanteel D. Esq. Norwich Fitch Mr. Catton Forby Rev. Robert Franklyn Miss Farr Miss A. M. Fisher Jas. Esq. Receipt of Exchequer Foster Mrs. Lambeth Forrest T. Esq. Binfield, 2 copies Forrest Mrs. ditto, 2 copies Forrest Miss, Somerset-pl. 2 copies Forrest Mrs. ditto, 2 copies Fraser Percy, Esq. ditto, 2 copies Fraser Hon. Mrs. 2 copies Fraser Miss Fraser Miss Agnes Fraser Chas. Esq. Fowell Miss, Thetford Fisher Capt. R. N. Yarmouth Fisher Mrs. W. ditto Fisher J. G. Esq. ditto Fisher Mrs. J. G. ditto Forster Miss Fincham F. Esq. London Footman Mr. R. Ipswich Footman Miss Futter Mr. J. Sidley, landvaluer, Undley-hall Flaxman Miss, Syderstone Fox Mrs. Woodton Feist Mr. comedian G Gurney Mrs. Keswick, 2 copies Gurney Miss, do. 2 copies Gurney Hudson, Esq. M. P. F. R. & A. S. 3 copies Gurney Mrs. H. Gurney Mrs. Jos. Norwich 3 copies Gurney Mrs. Henrietta, do. Gurney Miss, Earlham Gilchrist Octavius, Esq. Stamford Gainer G. Esq. Deptford Gates Wm. Esq. Northampton Gates John, Esq. Peterborough Gay Mrs. Norwich Gotterson Mr. S. Harpley Girdlestone Miss, Norwich Gilman Mrs. C. Norwich Grimes Mr. Chas. Gilbert Miss Gedge Mrs. Bury Gedge J. Esq. Jesus-coll. Cambridge Gedge S. Esq. Catharine-hall, ditto Green Chas. Esq. Spalding Greville Chas. C. Esq. Gooch J. Esq. E. Dereham Gooch Mrs. Gilman S. H. L. N. Esq. Hingham Ganning Mrs. Norwich, 2 copies Goodwin Mrs. Gibson Rev. Wm. Colney Gostling F. Esq. Plumstead Grosvenor Chas. Esq. Bedford, 2 copies Groom —, Esq. London Gooch Mrs. Woodton Gowen J. Esq. Mark Lane Gledstanes J. H. Esq. Regent-street H Harford Hen. Chas. Esq. Caius-coll. Cambridge Hay Rev. Dr. 3 copies Hobhouse Sir Benj. Bart. F. R. & A. S. 3 copies Humfrey Mrs. Wroxham Harvey John, Esq. Thorpe Holmes John, Esq. F. S. A. Retford Herring W. Esq. Norwich Heath Miss, Burlingham Hardwicke Mr. London Hibgame Rev. Edw. Jesus-college, Cambridge High Mr. Rockland Howman Rev. R. F. 3 cop. Hoare Mrs. Hampstead, 3 copies Hardy Mr. Norwich Hird Rev. Dr. 3 copies Hird Mrs. Haslam Mrs. Twickenham Hull Thos. Henry, Esq. Lambeth Haworth Wm. Rose, Esq. Receipt of Exchequer, 2 copies Hulton Mr. Thuxton, near Andover Harrison Mr. Spalding Holditch Mr. Robt. ditto Hodson Miss, Cambridge Hopwood R. G. Esq. 2 copies Hopwood the Hon. Mrs. 2 copies Hickey W. Esq. Manchester buildings Hickey Miss Hickey Miss Sarah Hubbard Thos. Esq. Herbert Hon. Mrs. 2 copies Herbert Miss Hallett C. W. Esq. Milbank row Hallett Mrs. C. Howlett Miss Hudson T. F. Esq. Hudson Rev. P. Hansell Rev. P. Norwich Hansell Miss, ditto Hansell Miss Mary, ditto Harlam Mrs. Herring Thomas, Esq. Aldersgate-street, London Herring Thrower, Esq. Hutchinson Thomas, Esq. Heavitree, Devon, 3 cop. Hawkes H. J. Esq. Spalding Home P. Esq. Rood Lane Hopley Mrs. Lamb's Conduit-street Huitson J. P. Esq. Newman-st. London, 2 copies I Irby Hon. Geo. 3 copies Irby Hon. Mrs. 3 copies Irby Hon. Capt. Boyland-hall Isted George, Esq. Ives J. Esq. Norwich Ives Mrs. ditto Irwin Mrs. Norwich J Johnson the Rev. Maurice, D. D. Prebendary of Lincoln Johnson Mr. J. Godwin Johnson Mr. James Joy Miss, Roughton Joy Miss S. ditto Jollye H. Esq. Jesus-coll. Cambridge K Kett Mrs. Kitson J. Esq. Norwich, 2 copies King W. C. Esq. Ben'et-college, Cambridge Kinton Newbolt, Esq. Lamb's Conduit-street. Kinton Miss, ditto Kitson Mrs. R. Norwich L Lubbock Mrs. Bracondale Lee Miss, Upwell Lockton Miss, London Lucas Mrs. W. Yarmouth Langridge Geo. Esq. Letterman C. J. Esq. London Letterman Miss M Morris Sir John, Bart. 2 copies Morris Hon. Lady, 2 copies Morris Miss Charlotte Morris Miss Caroline Meheux J. Esq. Chelsea Meheux Mrs. Munnings Rev. T. C. Gorgate Munnings Mrs. Mills Rev. Thomas, Peterborough Martindale Mr. J. C. London Hospital Martin Mrs. Norwich Moore Mr. ditto Matchett Mr. Lakenham Matchett Mrs. ditto Matchett Capt. Matchett Mr. J. C. St. John's coll. Camb. Matchett Mr. Wm. Lakenham Marsh Mr. R. Norwich Martin Mrs. Potter Heigham Mortram Mrs. Martineau J. Esq. 3 copies Martineau R. Esq. 3 copies Morgan W. Esq. Camberwell Mudd Mrs. Norwich Mellish Rev. Edward Mellish Mrs. Massey Wm. Esq. Spalding Mabanke John, Esq. Bramley, Guildford, 2 copies Mabanke Mrs. 2 copies Mabanke Miss E. Mabanke Miss M. Maude Mrs. Gt. George-street Maude Miss Maude Capt. R.N. Maude Thos. Esq. Masseur Mr. Wm. Mott J. T. Esq. Mott Mrs. Murray Chas. Knight, Esq. John-street, Bedford-row Maulkin Mrs. Bury Moxon John, Esq. Twickenham Mills R. Esq. N. Elmham Moore Rev. Wm. M. A. Minister of Moulton Chapel, Lincolnshire Mason Major, Necton Hall Mawn Mr. ditto Myers Rev. W. T. A. M. Elmham, Kent Mackenzie James, Esq. Burton-street N Needham M. Esq. Lenton, Notts. Newton Mr. F. Norwich Norgate Mr. St. Stephen's Nichols John, Esq. F. A. S. &c. Nichols Miss Nichols John Bowyer, Esq. F. A. S. Nelson Rev. J. Beeston Nelson Mrs. Noble Rev. Mr. Newton Thos. Esq. Warwick Square Newton Mrs. Nicholson M. Esq. O Opie Mrs. Norwich Ownsworth Mrs. ditto P Pryse Mrs. Norwich Pratt Miss, ditto, 2 copies Partridge Mrs. ditto Pye Miss, ditto Priest Mr. sen. ditto Priest Mrs. ditto Patteson John, Esq. Pinckney Rev. Dr. 3 copies Palmer Miss C. Palmer Miss S. Palgrave Miss M. C. Punnett John, Esq. Clare-hall, Cambridge Penn R. Esq. Richmond Palmer Miss, E. Dereham Pond Miss, E. Dereham Peckover Mrs. Wisbech Peckover Wm. Esq. ditto Prosser Edw. Esq. Lawrence-lane Prince Wm. Esq. Grace-Church-street Pain R. Esq. Brixton Pasbutt C. B. Esq. Bucklesbury Porter G. R. Esq. Bread-street Pell Mrs. P. Gautby, Lincolnshire Plumptre Rev. James, Gransden, Hunts R Ray Mrs. Norwich Robinson J. Esq. Stamford Riseborough Mrs. Norwich Routh Mrs. 3 copies Rand Mr. Norwich Reeve Dr. ditto Reeve Mrs. Rolfe Mrs. London Rolfe Mrs. Robinson Mr. Norwich Rogers Mrs. Anna, ditto Rogers Miss Maria, ditto Rogers Mr. Rouillon Mrs. De, Norwich Robberds J. W. Esq. Norwich Reeves Mrs. Halesworth, 3 copies Rayley John, Esq. Greenwich Ransome Mr. Robert, Colchester Ransome Mr. Jas. Ipswich Robinson Miss Robinson H. C. Esq. Temple Rolfe R. Esq. Doughty-st. Richards Mrs. Chatford, Herts S Smith Sir Jas. E. Norwich Smith Lady, ditto Sheppard Mrs. Amtport, 3 copies Stevenson Mr. Norwich Stevenson Mrs. ditto Stevenson Miss, ditto Stevenson Mr. S. W. ditto Stevenson Mrs. S. W. ditto Scott P. N. Esq. ditto Scott Miss E. Ganning, do. Scott Miss Eliz. Ives, ditto Sutton Robt. Esq. Woodford Sutton Miss, ditto Sutton Miss Mary Ann, do. Sutton Robt. Esq. Clare-hall, Cambridge Sudbury Jas. Esq. Thorpe Slater Miss, Norwich Stannard Rev. C. ditto Seaman Mr. S. Aylsham Squire Mr. Norwich, 2 copies Stone Mr. F. H. ditto Simpson W. Esq. Norwich Simpson Mrs. Storey Mrs. Barton Suckling Miss Shorting Miss Steward Mrs. Worstead Smyth Thos. Esq. East Dereham Smyth Miss, ditto Smyth Miss Louisa, ditto Spurrell Rev. Mr. Thurgarton Walsham Spurden Rev. Mr. North Smith Mrs. Norwich Smith Mrs. J. Peterborough Sheppard Miss Sutton Mrs. R. Brisley Sims Colonel Smith Mrs. St. Clement's Sewell J. Esq. Sewell Mrs. Swift T. Esq. London Smowton Mr. Norwich Scatcherd Jas. Esq. London Scatcherd Mrs. Stacy Mr. John, Norwich, 4 copies S. Mrs. W. Thorpe T Torrington the Dowager Viscountess, 2 copies Torrington the Viscount, 2 copies Torrington the Viscountess, 2 copies Thomas Mrs. 2 copies Thomas Miss Trivett Rev. Wm. Taylor Mr. John, London Titlow Rev. Mr. Norwich Taylor Mr. Fleet-street, 6 copies Tompson Mrs. Chas. Taylor Mrs. A. Norwich Townley Miss Taylor Mr. Richard, Norwich Tomlinson Mr. Wm. ditto Tawell Thos. Esq. Norwich Toll Miss Toll Miss Martha, Woodbridge Thomas Mrs. London Tuck Mr. U Unthank W. Esq. 3 copies W Wodehouse the Right Hon. Lord, 5 copies Wodehouse Lady, 5 copies Wodehouse Ed. Esq. M. P. Windham Mrs. Felbrigg, 2 copies Willins Rev. Mr. Melton White J. M. Esq. Halesworth Wicks Wm. Esq. Aylsham Wicks Mrs. Watts Robt. Esq. Horstead Watts Henry P. Esq. Watts Geo. Warren, Esq. Watts Miss Watts Miss Mary Watts Miss Hannah Wilcockson Miss, Norwich Wiseman Mrs. Lowestoft Wiseman Miss Wiseman Chas. Esq. St. John's-coll. Cambridge Walker Rev Mr. Tilehurst Walker Mrs. Walker Miss Wade Mrs. Norwich, 2 copies Waite Mr. J. N. ditto Woodcocke Mr. Halesworth Wright Miss, Norwich Williams Mrs. ditto Woodfall W. Esq. 3 copies Whiter Rev. Walter Wilmot Mrs. Eardley, Twickenham Wilmot Miss Wilmot Miss E. Wakefield Frs. Esq. Old Bond-street Wood Mr. J. G. London Walker Rev. J. F. Deptford Wheeler Mr. G. Cambridge Wilkinson T. Esq. St. John's-coll. Cambridge Wright Mr. Wm. ditto Watson Hon. and Rev. H. Wilson Mrs. E. Dereham Walker Rev. Henry, Orton, near Peterborough Webster Mrs. ditto Woods Mrs. ditto Wilkinson Rev. W. F. White Rev. Neville White Mrs. Whelar Wm. Esq. Everett-street, London Wilkinson R. C. W. Esq. Trinity-college Woodward J. Esq. Stratford Wild John, Esq. Waite Miss, Boston Y Yelloly Dr. Carrow Abbey PREFACE.

THE numerous Subscribers to this little Volume will perhaps expect to find it introduced by some account of the writer whom their kindness has befriended. It is therefore thought adviseable to reprint from her former publication the simple narrative which she then addressed to a benevolent and lamented patron: "To the Rev. Mr. WALKER, in Norwich.

"REVEREND SIR—In compliance with your request, I write the few particulars of my life, which are as follow:—I was born at Norwich, in the parish of All Saints, in November, 1767, and was the only child of my parents. My father's name was Daniel Bentley, by trade a journeyman cordwainer, who, having received a good education himself, took upon him to teach me reading and spelling, but never gave me the least idea of grammar. Being naturally fond of reading, I used to employ my leisure hours with suchbooks as were in the house; which were chiefly a spelling-book, fable-book, dictionary, and books of arithmetic; and with such little pamphlets as I could borrow of my neighbours. When I was about ten years of age, my father was afflicted with a paralytic stroke, which took from him the use of one side, and disabled him from working at his business; but still retaining the use of his right hand, and his disorder not affecting his mental faculties, he taught me the art of writing, from copies in the spelling-book. My father was now obliged to go about selling garden-stuff for a living, till (a few months before his death) he obtained the place of book-keeper to the London Coach, which then set out from the King's Head, in the Market-place. His lameness continued till his decease, which happened by a second stroke of the same disorder, on the 25th of January, 1783, in the 48th year of his age; I being then about fifteen years old. My father died in the parish of St. Stephen, in which place my mother and I have continued ever since. About two years after my father's death, I discovered in myself an inclination for writing verses, which I had no thought nor desire of being seen; but my mother shewing my first productions to some acquaintances, they encouraged me to proceed. Soon after I purchased a small grammar book, second-hand, from which I attained the art of expressing myself correctly in my native language. My mother's maiden name was Lawrence; her father, when living, kept a cooper's shop in St. Stephen's parish.

"This, Sir, is the short history of my life; from which you will be pleased to select such passages as you may judge proper for the information of the public."

"I remain, with gratitude and respect,"Your obliged Servant, "ELIZABETH BENTLEY." July 23, 1790.

To this modest recital, little remains to be added, even after the lapse of thirty years. That little, however, is creditable to the subject of it. The profits of the publication alluded to (trifling indeed in amount, though derived from the contributions of almost two thousand subscribers) enabled her for many years, in conjunction with the income arising from a small school, to support the declining age of her mother. Since the death of that parent, her duties have been narrowed, but they have been faithfully performed. Her leisure hours have been naturally devoted her early and favourite pursuit. Her verses on contemporary subjects have frequently contributed to fill the columns of "the Norfolk Chronicle;" and she has in numerous instances performed the melancholy but grateful office of recording the virtues of her deceased friends. Yet, though public favour crowned her first attempts, the modesty of her disposition has never (till urgedto it on the present occasion) permitted her to renew her claims upon it. Once, and once only, did she venture to send to the press, in a separate publication, a small collection of Verses for the use of Children; but it was printed without the aid of subscriptions, and sold at the humble price of a shilling.

Of the compositions now submitted to public indulgence, it may be expected that something should be here said, however briefly. The first, and the most important observation that can be made upon them, is, that they are, in the strict sense of the word, genuine. Though slight inaccuracies of expression have been occasionally, but sparingly, pointed out, not a phrase—not a word—has ever been proposed by way of substitute. The correction has always been left to the Author. In fact, so scrupulous has been the desire to present these Poems ungarbled and untouched, that fewer alterations have been necessary;—certainly fewer than have been suggested in the ordinary case of an author submitting his compositions to the judgment of a friend. Such as they are, they belong exclusively, the blame as well as the credit, to the person whose name is prefixed to them.

It cannot be necessary or proper to forestal thereader's judgment by any detailed criticisms. Still a word or two may be offered for seeming, perhaps for real defects, but which will probably be chiefly so deemed by the numerous admirers of our living poets. In an age that will ever be memorable for more important changes, it is not surprising that our national taste in Poetry should have undergone some alteration. By the favourite writers of the day, our metrical vocabulary has been at least profusely extended, if not always enriched. Phrases of quaint antiquity or provincial homeliness have been combined and contrasted with others of modern or foreign innovation. Even the technical terms of abstruse science have been allowed to mingle with the lispings of the nursery. Nor is it to language alone that this change has been confined. It has been equally apparent in novelties of character and sentiment, of situation and even of morals. To the admirers of this bolder style of poetry (in which it is fair to allow that if much be lost in point of correct taste something is gained on the side of freedom and variety) the verses of Elizabeth Bentley may appear constrained and monotonous. But before it existed, she has learned her humble art from other masters. The minor poems of Milton, the graver compositions of Pope, the moral allegories and descriptive pieces of Thomson and Collins, ofGray and Goldsmith, had supplied her with those models which she felt most desirous to imitate. Her admiration of her beloved poets, has sometimes perhaps betrayed her into resemblances, which might be thought more than accidental by all but those who have attempted verse, and who know how difficult it is to avoid echoing those favourite melodies which are ever dwelling on the ear and memory. But the performances of our Author have nevertheless a distinct character of their own, though nothing can be more simple than their construction or design. A Morning's walk or an Evening's meditation first opens to her view the beauties of nature, and then elevates her mind to the contemplation of "Nature's God." The reflections thus awakened are as unforced as the transition is natural. As her morality is simple, so is her piety unstrained.

There is one class of Poems, for the insertion of which an apology is due from the writer of this Preface. The Author herself, from a sense of their general inferiority in merit, intended to suppress nearly all the verses inscribed to the memory of private individuals; but this design was over-ruled by an opinion that to a numerous class of readers they could not be wholly unacceptable. The friends at least of the persons commemorated may be gratified; and even where no such personal feeling can be excited, a localone may be substituted. Connected by birth with a particular spot, we take what may be called a topographical interest in reviving our recollections of names which we have not only heard in our youth, but which we may have also been taught to esteem and respect. Strangers too, without the aid of such associations, may derive amusement from the exercise of a curiosity similar to that by which the traveller finds himself irresistibly impelled to explore the "uncouth Rhymes and shapeless Sculptures'' of a village church-yard. The feelings which can be thus casually excited will not disdain the heartfelt tributes of Elizabeth Bentley to the memory of her departed friends; and whatever opinion may be formed of the talents of this "honest Chronicler," there are many perhaps who "After their death would wish no other Herald, "No other speaker of their living actions, "To keep their honour from corruption."

It would be ill executing the office which has devolved on the writer of this Preface, if he were to close it without attempting to express the grateful feelings of Elizabeth Bentley towards the friends who have promoted this little undertaking; the completion of which has been delayed by causes for which neither herself nor her Publishers could be responsible. To someof her numerous Subscribers to whom she is personally unknown, she is under great and peculiar obligations; to others, she owes a debt of thankfulness which has been long, very long accumulating; and to all she earnestly desires to convey acknowledgments of their kindness, blended with prayers for their prosperity.

CONTENTS. ODE to Happiness 1 Ode to Morning 4 Sonnet to Disappointment 5 Ode to Memory 6 Stanzas to a Nightingale singing 8 The Garden.—An Ode 9 To a Redbreast that flew into the House 12 On the Death of the Rev. Dr. Harington 14 The Pleasures of Reading 17 Ode to Independence 18 The Prospect 19 On Eternity 21 The Snowdrop 22 Ode to War 24 Stanzas on the New Year 26 The Pleasures of the Mind 28 The Rural Life 30 The Beauties of Creation 31 To a Time-piece 33 On the Death of Wm. Drake, jun. Esq. 34 Early Seasons 36 The Future World 37 Ode to Music 38 April 40 The Virtues.—An Ode 41 The Sabbath 45 May 46 On seeing the Bath-house at Ditchingham 47 Ode to Mirth 49 The Prospect of Plenty 52 Henry and Anna 53 On the Victory over the Dutch Fleet 56 Ode to Contemplation 58 On the Death of Miss Ives 60 Guardian Angels 61 Ode to Melancholy 62 Invocation to Summer 66 The Rural Walk 68 On Admiral Nelson's Victory over the French Fleet 70 The Midnight Storm 71 Ode to Summer 73 Rural and Friendly Pleasures 76 A Walking Thought 79 Ode to Night 80 On the Return of Peace and Plenty 82 To Admiral Lord Nelson 85 On the Death of a Young Gentleman in the eighth year of his age 87 The Reaper's Hymn 89 The Triumph of Hope 90 Happiness always Future 92 Retirement 94 Song.—The Briton's Resolution 96 The Peasant's Morn 98 The Lot of Content 100 On the Death of the Rev. Mr. Suckling 102 The Gleaner's Prayer 104 An Ode on the approach of Invasion 106 To the Redbreast 109 Balaam's Prayer 110 A Tribute, to Friendship.—To the Memory of Mrs. Suckling 112 An Evening in Harvest 114 On the Death of a Young Gentleman 116 The Pleasures of True Religion 117 On the late Glorious Victories 118 On the Death of the Rev. Mr. Peele 120 The Pleasures of Autumn 121 Lines on the Thanksgiving Day 122 A Morning in August 124 On the Death of a Young Lady 125 The Lord Supreme—(line 13, for thunders read thunder's) 127 On the Death of Jeremiah Ives, Esq. 129 On the Approach of Winter 130 Welcome to Peace 132 On the Death of Mrs. Bosanquet 134 Conclusion of Harvest 135 On the Death of the Hon. Mrs. Fred. Irby 137 The Longest Day 138 On the Death of Mrs. Robinson 139 An Address to Winter 141 On the Death of the Rev. Mr. Walker 142 The Gloomy Day 144 December 145 The Prodigal Son 147 On the Death of Robert Suckling, Esq. 150 The Flattery of Winter 151 Ode to Echo 153 Ode to Silence 154 The Progress of Fear 156 On the Death of Mr. Bassett 158 Ode on the Victory and Death of Lord Nelson 159 On the Death of the Princess Charlotte of Wales 163 On the Death of her Majesty 165 On the first Appearance of Snow 166 On the Death of Dr. Lubbock 167 The Hour of Peace 168 POEMS. ODE TO HAPPINESS. O THOU! who dwell'st in heav'n alone, Whose beams surround th' Omniscient's throne, 'Tis by his just decrees denied, That thou with mortals should'st reside, On earth a constant guest; Yet wilt thou ne'er thy transient visits pay? Yes, oft thou dart'st thy cheering ray To glad the guiltless breast: Oft art thou found where meek Content abides, And blooming Temp'rance o'er the feast presides. When glowing Fancy's votaries view The rising morn's expanding beams, The leaves o'erspread with chrystal dew, E'er yet the earliest sunshine gleams; The feather'd choir on ev'ry spray, Awake to hail th' approaching day; The blushing flow'rets lift their heads, And Nature's hand the field o'erspreads With thousand beauteous dies; Then, Happiness, (if e'er thou'rt seen) A glimpse of thy celestial mien Salutes their ravish'd eyes. Or when the mind in transport reads Sweet Poesy's enchanting page, Who fires the soul in every age, With ardent love to Virtue's noblest deeds; Or when her sister Music's lays The heart to heav'nly raptures raise, Above her mortal state; Such wonders of whose ancient reign Well might the sons of fiction feign, Such magic tales relate. Or when the pencil's pow'rs the thoughts employ, With all the varied scenes of Art, Whose imitative charms impart A momentary joy. Or when we seek the sylvan grove, Where social Converse loves to rove, Firm Friendship, with endearing mien, And Wit, good humoured, bright and keen, Guided by Truth and Sense sublime; Where base Detraction ne'er intrudes, Who with malignant pleasure broods O'er every fancied crime. Here oft thy radiant aspect gleams, Yet not on man's frail race below May'st thou unmix'd thy gifts bestow, But earth-born Care thy step attends; He frowning shades thy brightest beams, And with thy sweetest draught his poison blends. But, most fair form, thy downy wings Shall o'er the raptur'd soul expand, When glowing with that fervent zeal Which true Devotion bids her feel, Responsive to th' Angelic band, Her Maker's praise she sings. Each wayward passion charm'd to rest, E'en here of those delights possest That crown thy native clime; The joys that now in Virtue's bosom rise, Shall reign mature beyond the skies, Nor dread the hand of Time. ODE TO MORNING. HAIL! lovely harbinger of day, To welcome whose returning ray All Nature quits repose: How sweet thro' gilded clouds to trace Thy beauteous joy-inspiring face, Whose tints excel the rose. Fled from thy presence, silent Night, Beneath the moon-beam's softer light, Bids distant regions rest; Now faintly glimmering o'er the sky, The stars retire from human eye, Behind thy radiant vest. A busy hum pervades the air, Thro' peopled cities wakeful Care Pursues his daily toil; Now o'er the plain, yet moist with dew, Rough Labour's sons their steps renew, To till the grateful soil. Thou friend of Fancy, guide to Wealth, Parent of Piety and Health, O! may we ne'er refuse Thy opening beauties to survey, Nor more, to senseless Sloth a prey, Thy early moments lose. That when the last dread Morn shall rise, Shall bid that sleep forsake our eyes, By Death's strong hand imposed, We then may wake to joy and light, Where by the lurid shades of night, Our day shall ne'er be closed. SONNET TO DISAPPOINTMENT. WHEN young Imagination fires the soul With her ideal prospects of delight, And soaring scorns grave Reason's sage controul, Quick thou pursu'st and stop'st her rapid flight. Yet will fond Hope, with self-deluding smiles, The future scene in brightest tints pourtray; The present anxious hour she still beguiles, Again thy cloud o'ershades her flow'ry way. Till taught by years mature Experience views Thy harsh forbidden mien with steady eye; No more the visionary joy pursues, Nor dares on Fancy's flatt'ring dreams rely: Yet Virtue's votaries shall thy pow'r elude, And reach those realms where thou shalt ne'er obtrude. ODE TO MEMORY. O, MEMORY! thou, whose silent hand, With magic influence can command To life each vanish'd hour; 'Tis thine to bid deep Thought survey The former years in due array, And aid Reflection's pow'r. When tranquil Solitude Surrounds, And nought that solemn silence wounds, Which prompts the pensive sigh, Thou bold'st thy retrospective glass, And bid'st our lost delights repass, On musing Fancy's eye: Whate'er of rapture charm'd the breast, When virtuous Friendship's powers imprest Those joys too swiftly fled; Or when the mind with books retired, By ardent Emulation fired, Th' enchanting page has read. What solid bliss thy step pursues, Whene'er the mental sight reviews The moments well employ'd; In vain Distress her poniard wields, Each blameless act a pleasure yields, That ne'er can be destroy'd. E'en griefs that torture whilst they last, A pleasing form assume when past, Thro' thy perspective shown; How must the blest, with joys elate, Review their transient earthly state, Whose ills no more are known! Remorse alone can give thy dart Its keenest point to pierce the heart, When her dark hand she rears; 'Tis then thou bid'st the bosom bleed, When at thy call each guilty deed In Terror's robe appears. How must those minds be rack'd with woe, Who feel thy sting their constant foe, While endless ages roll! Condemn'd to Heav'n's eternal ire, The deathless worm, the quenchless fire, That still corrodes the soul. STANZAS TO A NIGHTINGALE SINGING. SWEET warbler! whose mellifluent strain Thus nightly cheers the lonely plain, Who tun'st thy voice when all are mute, In that wild note what charms combine! What strains of art can equal thine? What pipe or soft enchanting lute? Thou shun'st the glaring eye of day, And lov'st to sound thy plaintive lay Beneath the moon's less splendid beam; Just emblem of the thoughtful mind, Which seeks for pleasures more refin'd Than those in busy Life's gay dream. When Contemplation wondering strays, Her thoughts enrapt in silent praise, The Almighty thro' his works adore, Hark! from thy tongue sweet music thrills, Responsive echoing from the hills, And gives delight unfelt before. Deign near my humble cot to dwell, Thy pensive tale melodious tell, Oft hid beneath yon shady trees; Nature's musician! let mine ear At eve thy tuneful warblings hear, Wafted on Spring's calm dewy breeze. THE GARDEN.—AN ODE. BY Summer's hand profusely drest, Here Nature in her gayest vest, Salutes th' attentive view; What graces this bright spot adorn! Here colours radiant as the morn, There every milder hue. Here glowing red, pale pink, pure white, Ethereal blue and gold unite, Illumed by solar rays; Ten thousand shades of sprightly green Conspire to deck the living scene, Which every tinge displays. New beauties rise yet unsurvey'd; What various shapes, what tints display'd O'er all the blooming train! The leaf to what perfection brought, Of finest silky texture wrought, What slender stems sustain! Each useful herb luxuriant grows, Whilst verdant shrubs in shady rows The warbling race invite, Who grateful sound their melting lays, By Nature taught their songs of praise Inspiring gay delight. How fresh from the reviving show'r, Sweet odours from yon humid bow'r Are borne on every breeze: O Nature, still thy charms prevail, When Art's exhausted efforts fail, Thy simpler dress can please. Thy kind associate Art may shine, But when her touch would rival thine, And paint each flow'r that blows, Tho' she imparts the roseate bloom, Thy hand alone the rich perfume, The glowing life bestows. But when the freezing blast annoys, How soon his breath their charms destroys, Stern messenger of fate! Whoe'er thou art, O child of clay, (The drooping flow'rets seem to say) Here view thy transient state. Here sage Reflection loves to raise Her purest thoughts to sacred praise, Beneath the fragrant shade; Here, as she tastes the varied sweets, With thee, O Wisdom, oft she meets, Whose beauties ne'er shall fade. With thee the pleasing path she treads, On every plant a moral reads, Imprest by hands divine; And as the filmy leaf unfolds, Her grateful eye with joy beholds Creative goodness shine. With Adoration's fervent voice, Ye race of man in him rejoice, Whose gifts your cares beguile; Who o'er the garden, grove, and mead, The flow'r-embroider'd robe has spread, Who bids glad Nature smile. If He, to cheer life's gloomy way, Doth radiant Beauty's heav'nly ray On all his works bestow, What brighter beams of glory still Await those eyes that make his will Their constant light below. TO A REDBREAST,THAT FLEW INTO THE HOUSE, AND SUFFERED ITSELF TO BETAKEN BY THE HAND OF THE AUTHORESS. FEAR not, sweet Bird! thy flutt'ring cease, Nor deem thy freedom fled: Soon shalt thou feel thy glad release; No evil need'st thou dread. The hand that grasps thy downy plumes, Its prize shall soon forego; No heart thy life to thraldom dooms, Nor triumphs in thy woe. Go, guiltless captive, sport in air, New plume thy ruffled wing; To yonder waving spray repair, Thy sprightly warblings sing. In search of spotless pleasures rove, Go seek thy anxious mate, And mid thy brethren of the grove, Th' eventful tale relate. Go, say what fears thy breast alarm'd, Lest Cruelty's fell knife, Th' unfeeling hand of Sport had arm'd, To end thy hapless life. How sudden Anguish fix'd her wound; How thy swoln bosom beat, Lest some sad prison's wiry bound Should all thy joys defeat. Thy glad escape delighted tell, And grant my only boon; Oft near the cottage where I dwell Thy grateful carols tune. When chilly snow conceals the land, And storms pervade the skies, And surly Winter's icy hand Th' accustom'd food denies, With cautious, timid glance no more Athwart the threshold steal, But fearless pass the op'ning door, And pick thy plenteous meal. O come, and Nature's bounty share, A free and welcome guest; No ruthless grasp, nor tangling snare, Shall e'er thy steps molest. ON THE DEATH OF THEREV. DR. H. HARINGTON.∗ WHAT universal sadness glooms around! Oh! is he gone whose worth the heart reveres! That solemn bell's now doubly awful sound, Alas! too soon confirms our anxious fears! How sits pale Grief on each dejected brow! What heartfelt anguish heaves in every breast! Who can forbid the starting tear to flow? Why should the plaints of sorrow be supprest? That gentle mien no more shall glad our eyes, Where beam'd benignant every Christian grace; Too perfect here to dwell, aloft he flies: How short, but ah! how pure his earthly race. Celestial spirit! hast thou left thy clay? Thy virtues to remembrance ever dear, Now bid me breathe in elegiac lay, The mournful tribute of a sigh sincere.

Son of the learned and justly celebrated Dr. Harington, of Bath; a Minor Canon of Norwich Cathedral, and one of the Ministers of St. Peter's Mancroft, in Norwich, where his character and talent as a preacher were held in high estimation. He died in 1791.

 Each sacred duty anxious to fulfil, Swift to obey whene'er Religion call'd, Thy glowing words enforc'd th' Almighty's will, And freed the wretched mind by guilt enthrall'd. What pious zeal thy fervent bosom fired! Reflection paints those hours—for ever gone, When every heart thy eloquence admired, Nor with less brilliant light thy actions shone. With cold indiff'rence never did'st thou hear Distress and friendless Poverty complain; Whene'er their piercing accents met thine ear, Thy feeling heart ne'er let them plead in vain. Now art thou fled where Grief shall ne'er annoy; A Saviour's hand thy bright reward bestows; A never fading crown of sacred joy, And Glory's deathless beams surround thy brows. But oh! what poignant agony assails Thy lovely widow'd consort's tender frame; In keenest anguish she her loss bewails; What tears of sympathy her sorrows claim! What words, alas! can heal her grief-torn mind? What thoughts can yield her tortur'd breast repose? To Heav'n's all-wise all-gracious will resign'd, Devotion's angel voice shall calm her woes. Hope, led by Faith, shall point to distant years, When thy exalted form her eye shall view, Mid kindred spirits, far above the spheres, And Friendship's joys eternally renew. Here, while on earth she's destin'd yet to stay, Those tender orphans doom'd her loss to share, To guide their steps in Wisdom's sacred way, Now doubly claim her fond maternal care. May Heav'n's all-pow'rful hand protect their youth, (In whom a friend each guiltless bosom finds) May warm Benevolence and spotless Truth, And all their father's virtues grace their minds. Blest shade, farewell, the precepts thou hast taught To ev'ry heart thy mem'ry must endear; Thy fair example lives in every thought, And distant ages shall thy name revere. Great God! submiss before thy throne we bend, And own th' unerring justness of thy will; O! teach us thus our joyful course to end, Thus while we live th' allotted part to fill! THE PLEASURES OF READING. FAR from the busy scenes of life, Remote from clamourous haunts of strife, What bliss salutes the mind! To search the depths of ancient lore, And Learning's mazy paths explore, Where Knowledge dwells with Pleasure join'd. Thro' Poesy's gay walks to rove, To hear the natives of her grove Their magic wild-notes sing; She who conducts o'er fairy ground, Where Fancy's flow'rets blooming round, Present the charms of Spring: To taste the joy those moments yield, In which we range th' instructive field Of Hist'ry's ample page; Who bids Earth's various realms relate, Their strange stupendous turns of fate, To teach the rising age. But when the musing soul surveys, Those charms the Word of Truth displays, 'Tis transport pure, divine! Bright Wisdom's voice each page contains, While Poesy's sublimest strains Breathe thro' the sacred line. ODE TO INDEPENDENCE. THOU, by whose gen'rous mien, whose open brow, Thy unsubdued majestic heart we know; Whose god-like port proclaims thy race divine, Whose smiles in dome or cot true bliss can shed, Where'er thy parents, born of Virtue's line, Frugality and Toil, thy stops have led: True Freedom shall with thee her dwelling find, Who scorns the base subjection of the mind; Not she, the fiend, of mad'ning discord bred, Who falsely boasts to bear th' enrapt'ring name, Who, nurst by Faction, rears her frantic head, To dazzle mortals with her meteor flame. How wretched he who bends a willing slave, To all that can the heav'n-born soul deprave; How happy who thy voice alone obeys, Tho' humble his abode, tho' plain his meal, Who heeds nor smile nor frown Caprice conveys, Nor keen Reproach's pointed sting shall feel. Ah! how unblest the wretch whose downcast eye, Shall ne'er thy animating glance descry; Whose fancy, lured by Hope's enticing strain, Repose and Pleasure shuns, and tranquil Ease, And strives to grasp thy airy form in vain, That mocks his arm, and flits before the breeze. More abject still his lot whom Vice detains A voluntary captive in her chains; Whose slothful mind can unresisting yield To Wealth, to Luxury, or Passion's pow'r; Who shuns thy path for Flatt'ry's painted field, Whose joys precarious scarce survive an hour. Thy nobler spirit to mankind impart, Fix thy due empire o'er the glowing heart; Let the warm wish to gain thy glorious prize, Each gen'rous breast to honest toil excite; Borne on thy tow'ring wing the thoughts shall rise, To range th' unbounded realms of Wisdom's beamy light. THE PROSPECT. WHEN Spring luxuriant scatters new delights, The mountain's verdant slope our steps invites, To crown whose lofty brow o'er-bending trees Wave their thick foliage in the tepid breeze. Beneath their shade may Contemplation stray, Th' extensive scene in all its charms survey; In all the Maker's wisdom, pow'r confest! Yon hawthorn rows in vernal beauty drest, Yon meads, where many a simple wild-flow'r blows, And ev'ry tint of Nature's pencil glows: In sportive innocence the fleecy train, Here leap exulting o'er the grassy plain; The ox from toil released, the herding kine, In silence feed, or 'neath the shade recline: There distant hills, receding from the view, Seem lost in clouds, or tinged with faintest blue; The winding stream with ample circuit flows, And fertile life on plains remote bestows. Yet dim in perspective we there descry The stately bark slow rising on the eye; While here, with heads erect, in snowy pride, Young swans athwart the chrystal surface glide. Yon labouring peasant cheerful tills the fields, For him the teeming earth her bounty yields; For Man in beauty glows th' empurpled Spring, For Man her fruits shall generous Autumn bring; For him yon vessel wafts her golden stores, And products rich of ev'ry clime explores. All nature by its gracious Author giv'n To Man, the earnest of a future Heav'n. O favour'd mortal! to thy Maker raise The grateful incense of eternal praise. ON ETERNITY. ETERNITY! how dread thy sound! It strikes with sacred awe profound; Can I thy theme pursue? What thoughts sublime thy name conveys, What prospects to the mind displays, While Fancy paints the view. Reason in vain thy bounds explores, In vain Imagination soars To thy meridian hour; Millions of ages told in vain, She's still but able to attain The day-dawn of thy pow'r. As well the mind may hope to count Those drops of water's vast amount, That Ocean's caverns swell; Or name those single grains of sand, That mark the bounds of sea and land, As soon Earth's atoms tell. Eternity! how firm thy sway! The soul no sooner quits her clay, Than, to thy regions flown, Her doom's irrevocably fix'd, And bliss or woe shall reign unmix'd, Nor change shall e'er be known. With thee compared a shadowy sleep, Less than a drop amidst the deep, Our longest earthly race; Yet this short now's the time to gain A meed of endless joy or pain, Thro' thy uncounted space. Then what presumptive madness his, Who dares to tempt thy dread abyss, To shun a transient woe! False dictate of a coward mind, Afraid to bear those ills assigned, To try our worth below. THE SNOWDROP. MEEK flow'ret! earliest child of Spring, Her bloomy tribe thy hand shall lead; Thou, first thy welcome boon to bring, From Winter's bondage freed. With new delight our raptur'd eyes Thy modest beauties trace, Earnest of thousand glowing dies, That soon the mead shall grace. Mild emblem of our infant years, Low bends thy tender head; Oft from thy cheek the dew-drop tear On Nature's breast are shed. In spotless purity bedight, Alas! how short thy stay! Soon brighter blossoms charm the sight, And bloom their transient day. Might infant innocence and truth The flow'rs of life adorn! But ah! the beauteous rose of youth Oft bears the wounding thorn. Yet tho' more vivid blossoms boast, A form in brighter beauties drest, Thy earlier charms still please us most, Tho' clad in simple vest. ODE TO WAR. STERN Power! who long in distant lands, Has thunder'd out thy dire commands; And while no lenient thought thy rage restrain'd, Hast urged thy mad destructive course, By Fury drawn and rude resistless Force; And arm'd with iron shield, Too long hast joy'd thy thirsty sword to wield, And hurl thy massy spear with blood distain'd: And while her brazen trumpet Discord rear'd, Whilst appall'd the nations heard, Hast bid its jarring voice resound afar, And vengeful bent on murderous deeds, Hast lash'd thy fiery-breathing steeds, And whirl'd thy dusky car: Behind thee Dread and Horror swift advance, And Death insatiate points his venom'd lance. Where'er thy breath the air pollutes, It blasts the verdure, flow'rs, and fruits That deck'd a fertile land; Thou bid'st pale Famine in thy train appear, With meagre arm her leaden sceptre rear, And dash the horn from Plenty's lib'ral hand. Where'er thy thundering chariot wheels are roll'd, On trembling pinions from thy presence fly, Those natives of a purer sky, Angelic Peace and Commerce rob'd in gold, Nor dares Repose sustain thy threat'ning mien; Unsated yet with human gore, Ah! wilt thou seek Britannia's happier shore, To act thy tragic scene? Avaunt! nor dare approach her hallow'd coast; Yet, if by fate she's doom'd thy shafts to feel, Her patriot sons behold, a dauntless host, Firm to defend her ancient laws, And true to Loyalty's, to Virtue's cause, At Honour's word shall lift th' avenging steel. See frantic Gallia's guilty race, Each Christian nation's vile disgrace, Their hands yet reeking with their Sov'reign's blood; Amid whose land Confusion holds her court, And Vice and Folly with their train resort, And beckon every mind averse from good: Untainted by their subtlest arts, Britannia's sons, whose honest hearts Glow with a patriot Monarch's love, Shall deem the foes of Truth their own, And favour'd from above, Shall daunt Rebellion's legions with their awful frown; Bright Vict'ry shall attend the brave, And o'er their heads her golden banners wave; Returning, the triumphant band Shall view with joy their native land; Their deeds proclaim'd by fair Renown, Eager she waits each hero's brow to crown; And while her hands the laurel chaplet twine, Swift from on high Meek Peace shall fly, And bid her olive in the wreath combine. Then terror-striking War, Shalt thou from earth be banish'd far, Nor more beneath the realms of day be seen, On Concord frowning as thy greatest foe, Reluctant to thy native darkness go, And hide thy horrid mien; Or fix thy sole domain, On some wide desart plain, Where human eye shall ne'er thy form survey; Where wolves and tygers nightly prowl, Direct the hunger-prompted howl, And seize the quivering prey. March, 1793. STANZAS ON THE NEW YEAR. HAIL, infant Year! my waking eye With rapture meets thy dawn; Hope, fairest offspring of the sky, Illumes thy cloudless morn. Vexation hence! and sullen cares, Ye gloomy tribe adieu! Hide ye behind the former years, Nor dare molest the new. Hope's magic song has oft deceiv'd, And Time reveal'd the cheat, Yet shall the Syren be believ'd, Her promise yet be sweet. Hence! leaden-handed Sloth, away, My mind disowns thy pow'r; Some active duty claims each day, Some virtue asks each hour. Folly avaunt! nor let my heart Obey thy light controul; But thou, celestial Wisdom dart Thy radiance o'er my soul. How many an eye that hail'd the sun, When last the year he led, Has, ere his annual course was run, Been closed amid the dead. Great Father! from whose throne above Each perfect gift descends; Oh! grant thy servant grace t' improve The years thy mercy lends. So when thy wisdom gives command, That time to me shall cease, May my rapt Soul her wings expand In realms of endless peace. THE PLEASURES OF THE MIND. IN Life's first dawn, ere Reason's ray Rising sheds the promis'd day, Gay Novelty officious flies, With mantle dipt in heav'nly dies; Trifles than morning clouds more light, Deck'd by his hand allure the sight; Each object by his touch some grace assumes, In youthful beauty all creation blooms. Infancy delights to stray Where smiling meads their charms display, To make each simple flow'r her own, That liberal Nature's hand has sown; The trembling harebell ting'd with blue, The glossy kingcup's yellow hue, Or snowy daisy tipt with red, Springing spontaneous on their grassy bed; The flaunting butterfly to chace. Or Evening's flitting shadows trace; Or seek the spot (yet never found) Where the rainbow meets the ground. Fond passions next the soul inspire, She glows with Friendship's gen'rous fire; Now on fairy land she treads, And now th' etherial pinion spreads, To soar from earth her pow'r she tries, As Hope's ideal pleasures rise; Young Fancy bids her seek some silent stream, Where tufted trees exclude the mid-day beam; Where scenes by Nature's brightest pencil drawn, Th' enamel'd banks adorn: Or range some pathless desert o'er, Where human foot ne'er prest before; When whirling winds the sandy surface sweep, Or boisterous rouse the boiling deep; When clouds meet clouds in tempest driv'n, And livid flame illumes the vault of heav'n, The heart exults with awful rapture warm, And glories in the grandeur of the storm. The mind now feels firm Reason's sway, Empress of Life's meridian day; Imagination's airy dream is o'er, Gay dazzling Novelty enchants no more; Wisdom comes with step sedate, Calmer pleasures round her wait, Hope no more deludes the eye, With promis'd bliss, not found beneath the sky; Each thought refines, the heart content can share Her lot of happiness tho' mix'd with care. When summon'd by the sacred word Of Heav'n's creating Lord, The soul forsakes her vehicle of clay, And seeks her native realms of day, Then shall earth's sublimest joys Vanish like Childhood's glittering toys; Eternal transports in the breast shall glow, At God's right hand, where purest pleasures flow. THE RURAL LIFE. HOW happy in his reed-roof'd cot, The rural peasant's humble lot, Who with the soaring lark foregoes, At early dawn his sweet repose: Round his abode the cultur'd soil Speaks his unremitted toil; The spicy garden's varied blooms Scent the breeze with rich perfumes; The corn-field clad in waving gold, The lowing kine, the bleating fold: His hut two sister nymphs frequent, Ruddy Health and meek Content, Led by Industry their friend, On Temp'rance steps these nymphs attend. Thus unmolested glide his days, His little wealth he pleas'd surveys; Of Nature's simplest gifts possest, Envy ne'er haunts his peaceful breast, Not wishing Fortune's ampler stores, With grateful heart he God adores. The faithful partner of his cares, At eve the frugal meal prepares; His children's artless bosoms burn To greet with smiles his wish'd return. To tranquil rest he sinks serene, Till morn renews the pleasing scene. ON THE BEAUTIES OF CREATION. AH! what enchanting scenes the eye beholds, When Spring her tender buds unfolds, To meet the rising blush of morn, And smiling green invests the thorn; Nature her joy-inspiring aspect wears, Beauty in magic robe appears; Deck'd with each hue bright Fancy can create, She sways the meads in purple state. When Summer with refulgent fervour glows, In blooming pride each vivid flow'ret blows, To form the fragrant bow'r; When evening twilight sheds a fainter gleam, And quivering moon-beams gild the silent stream, Still shall Creation's charms engage The mind with Contemplation sage, To pass the pensive hour. When Plenty Autumn's step attends, And bids her Nature's stores unfold, The vine beneath the ripening cluster bends, The trees their ruddy tints display, The crimson'd fruit adorns each spray, By early Spring foretold. Nor deem the reign of Beauty o'er, When Earth her snowy mantle wears; Tho' painted blooms delight no more, Nor aught of smiling green appears, Nature in spotless raiment drest, Unsullied purity displays; To imitate her dove-like vest, Elaborate Art in vain essays. While keen-eyed Frost's congealing hand His pearly gems profusely pours; Rais'd by his all-commanding wand, On sparkling glass see a fresh landscape tow'rs. Each season brings some yet unseen delight; Whatever realm our ken beholds, Each spot some native charm unfolds; Or shall we fly from Earth's domains, To what the watry world contains, E'en there new beauties strike th' astonished sight. Or shall our eye th' etherial vault survey, Where radiant spheres unnumber'd roll? What raptures must possess the soul! What gratitude to Him whose word those orbs obey! To Him whose goodness hath assign'd This beauteous globe to man's frail race; But ah! what Seraph's tongue shall dare repeat Th' eternal splendours of that hallow'd place, Where God Omnipotent hath fix'd his seat? Light inaccessible to mortal mind: In vain the daring thought would soar! In vain! lost in Perfection's dazzling ray, She seeks concealment in her cell of clay, Content at humblest distance to adore. TO A TIME PIECE. THOU silent monitor, whose powers Can thus with truth display, How swiftly glide the fleeting hours That form Life's transient day. Thy hand yet points the lapse of time, Tho' undiscern'd its pace; From morn when gain'd meridian's prime, How short appears the space! Thus unperceiv'd our moments steal, And when Life's noon is o'er, Taught by their loss their worth we feel, Tho' lightly prized before. So well may every child of clay His hour of grace employ, That Death may close our mortal day, To bring a morn of joy. ON THE DEATH OFWILLIAM DRAKE, JUN. ESQ. Late MEMBER for AMERSHAM, BUCKS. HOW does the voice of woe, in accents wild, To wound the list'ning ear sad sounds repeat! Where Happiness of late serenely smiled, Now pensive Sorrow seeks her mournful seat. And does my honour'd Patron live no more? Scarce can my heart the grief-fraught tale believe; Too sure! the reign of dread suspense is o'er, And flatt'ring Hope no longer dares deceive. Th' etherial spirit, clogg'd with mortal clay, No purer heights of virtue could attain; Swift at th' Almighty's word she wing'd her way, In native realms, to join th' angelic train. He lives! he lives! above yon ambient sky! His soul, but lent, a span, to dwell below, A bright example beam'd on every eye, Now call'd where Joy's exhaustless fountains flow. Fain would my muse her last sad tribute pay, But ah! what words, what language shall I find! The silent tear alone can force its way, Alone can speak the anguish of my mind. Long shall this tear of gratitude be shed, The sigh be heav'd to worth departed due; While Virtue wails her fav'rite vot'ry fled, While Mem'ry's eye his gen'rous deeds shall view. Oh! to each honour'd mourner's grief-torn heart, Now doom'd Affliction's poignant shaft to feel; Could but my verse one soothing sound impart, Till lenient Time the wounds of woe shall heal! But, lo! Religion's voice divinely sweet, Shall o'er the mind her balmy accents pour; Him now you mourn (she cries) your soul shall meet, Where Faith and Hope on angel pinions soar. Each Christian grace that did his life adorn, Dejected speaks, while sorrowing o'er his bier, "Ah! son of Piety from earth withdrawn, "Long shall the feeling heart thy name revere!" Supreme Creator! Heav'n's Almighty Lord! Ne'er be thy sacred will by man withstood! Say, shall weak mortals murmur at thy word, That calls thy servants to their blest abode? No! may our hearts by fair Example fired, The same unspotted path on earth pursue; With ardent steps, by heav'nly zeal inspired, Attain th' eternal meed to Virtue due!

[Wm. Drake, jun. Esq. in 1781, married Rachael Elizabeth, one of the daughters of Jer. Ives, Esq. of the Town Close, Norwich; and died in 1795]

 EARLY SEASONS. UNUSUALLY alert, young Spring Is stretching wide her purple wing, To renovate the Earth; Already o'er our wint'ry Isle She sheds her joy-diffusing smile, And gives her flow'rets birth. For see, instead of snowy vest, In robes of green the meadows drest, Invite the browsing steed; Luxuriant crops of sweetest grass Shall well repay the patient ass, The sheep shall richly feed. The days of gloom already fled, E'en January's frosted head, A verdant chaplet wears; Chang'd for the ice-drops sparkling gem, See, infant buds adorn the stem, Th' expanding leaf appears. Ah! Eurus, stay thy chilly breath, Nor doom those tender germs to death, Lest famish'd man should pine; Let him not Summer's fruits deplore, Nor wail for Autumn's blasted store, But bless the hand divine. THE FUTURE WORLD. WHERE'ER our pilgrim footsteps stray, Affliction's poignant shafts are hurl'd, But angel Hope still chears our way, She whispers, "there's a future world." When Death has aim'd some fatal stroke, Or parting Friendship sighs—farewell! When fond Affection's ties are broke, The thoughts with tender sorrow dwell On bliss far fled, till Faith's clear eye Darts to that world beyond the sky. When want or woe the breast assails, Or keen unkindness wounds the soul, When every earthly comfort fails, Then as the magnet seeks the pole, So points the soul to heav'nly joys, Where want, nor woe, nor grief, nor pain, Nor Time nor Death her bliss destroys, But pure unfading transports reign; In vain o'er earth for happiness we roam, She rests alone in our eternal home. ODE TO MUSIC. O MUSIC! soul-enchanting nymph, advance, Thro' magic maze to guide the measur'd dance, Or aid the tremulous voice, When fired with Nature's charms Creation's sons rejoice. O! let thy own melodious lays, That still revibrate on my raptur'd ear, With notes majestic, soft, and clear, Awake my lyre to sound thy praise. Let Nature's offspring, gracefully array'd, Without fantastic Folly's aid, Simplicity, whose spotless hand Leads true Sublimity of attic mien, Firm, bold, expressive, ardent, yet serene; And Poesy, thy sister ever dear, (Ye twin descendants of the ethereal sphere, With innate charms