" O ye who taught me first to know 66 Bright Virtue's sacred flame, "To whom far more than life I owe, "Who more than duty claim "Ah! let me dry each tender tear, "And ev'ry doubt destroy, Dispel at once each anxious fear, "And call you back to joy. "And thou, my Henry, dearer far "Than fortune's richest prize, "I know thy heart—and thou canst dare "Her treasures to despise : prove "A purer bliss that heart shall In transport lost, and freed from fears, And blushing dried the falling tears, Her Henry, fixed in silent gaze, "O Heaven, accept my humble praise !?' At length, entranced, he cried. "To all my storms and dangers past, "If joys like these succeed, 66 My utmost wish is crowned at last,. "Then rise, ye raging tempests, rise, "Ecstatic bliss his heart shall prove "Sweet Hope o'er every morn shall shed "Shall cheer each closing day. "Far from Ambition's train remov'd, "And Pleasure's giddy throng, "Our blameless hours, by Heaven approv'd, · "Shall gently glide along. "O may I catch that sacred fire "Which animates thy breast! "Like thee to noblest heights aspire, "Like thee be truly blest! "Thus shall the pleasing charm of love 66 Bright Virtue's force increase; "Thus ev'ry changing scene shall prove The road to lasting peace; "And thus, thro' life, our hearts shall know "A more than mortal joy, "Beyond what fortune can bestow, "Or time or death destroy." THE THREE WARNINGS.-Mrs. Thrale. THE tree of deepest root is found This great affection to believe, When sports went round, and all were gay, And looking grave-" You must," says he, 66 My thoughts on other matters go, "This is my wedding-day, you know.” His reasons could not well be stronger ;, Yet calling up a serious look, His hour-glass trembled while he spoke- "To give you time for preparation, "Well pleased the world will leave.” What next the hero of our tale befell, He chaffered then; he bought and sold; Nor thought of death as near: His friends not false, his wife no shrew, But while he viewed his wealth increase, Old Time, whose haste no mortal spares, Brought on his eightieth year. And now one night, in musing mood, The unwelcome messenger of fate Half killed with anger and surprise, 66 "'Tis six and forty years at least, "And you are now fourscore!" "So much the worse," the clown rejoin'd, "To spare the aged would be kind; "Beside, you promised me Three Warnings, "Which I have looked for nights and mornings.” I know," cries Death, "that at the best, "I seldom am a welcome guest; "But don't be captious, friend, at least :"I little thought you'd still be able "To stump about your farm and stable: "Your years have run to a great length : "I wish you joy, though, of your strength!""Hold," says the farmer, "not so fast! "I have been lame these four years past." "And no great wonder," Death replies ; "However, you still keep your eyes; "And sure to see one's loves and friends "For legs and arms must make amends." |