IV. YARROW VISITED. SEPTEMBER, 1814. (See page 29.) AND is thisYarrow?-This the Stream So faithfully, a waking dream? An image that hath perished! O that some Minstrel's harp were near, And chase this silence from the air, That fills my heart with sadness! Yet why? a silvery current flows With uncontrolled meanderings; Nor have these eyes by greener hills Been soothed, in all my wanderings. And, through her depths, Saint Mary's Lake Is visibly delighted; For not a feature of those hills Is in the mirror slighted. A blue sky bends o'er Yarrow vale, Mild dawn of promise! that excludes All profitless dejection; Though not unwilling here to admit Where was it that the famous Flower His bed perchance was yon smooth mound Delicious is the Lay that sings The path that leads them to the grove, And Pity sanctifies the Verse That paints, by strength of sorrow, The unconquerable strength of love; But thou, that didst appear so fair To fond imagination, Dost rival in the light of day Her delicate creation : Meek loveliness is round thee spread, A softness still and holy; The grace of forest charms decayed, That region left, the vale unfolds Rich groves of lofty stature, With Yarrow winding through the pomp Of cultivated nature; And, rising from those lofty groves, Behold a Ruin hoary! The shattered front of Newark's Towers Renowned in Border story. Fair scenes for childhood's opening bloom, For sportive youth to stray in; For manhood to enjoy his strength, And age to wear away in! Yon cottage seems a bower of bliss, Of tender thoughts, that nestle there,— The brood of chaste affection. How sweet, on this autumnal day, And on my True-love's forehead plant "T were no offence to reason; The sober Hills thus deck their brows To meet the wintry season. I see, Her sunshine plays upon thee! And gladsome notes my lips can breathe, The vapors linger round the Heights, Will dwell with me, to heighten joy, And cheer my mind in sorrow. POEMS DEDICATED TO NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE AND LIBERTY. PART I. I. COMPOSED BY THE SEA-SIDE. NEAR CALAIS, FAIR Star of evening, Splendor of the west, wink, Bright Star! with laughter on her banners, drest |