Poems

Front matter

Qass.

Book

POEMS

Preface

IT may be true that my compositions are too unimportant to need a formal introduction : but it will be universally admitted that, to render the building complete, whether it be a mansion or a cottage, an entrance door is indispensable; and in this light I consider the nature of a Preface.

I have produced a mere simple shed, where the wanderer may condescend to retire from the splendid feast in the palace of genius. The repast may be humble, but I will venture to avow that it has nothing offensive to virtue or morality. It contains no mental poison; and I devoutly wish as much could be truly said of every work in the present day. 1 have reason to expect that my name may pass down the stream of Time without being recorded in the literary annals of my country; but I would much rather sink for ever in the deep waters of oblivion than raise up a gloomy Temple of Fame on the base of Infidelity !

Vlll PREFACE.

I deem it right to explain the motives which have led to my present appearance before the public; and if I am chargeable with egotism I can only plead the impossibility of avoiding it.

About thirteen years ago, I published a very small volume which introduced me to the notice of the late amiable Mr. Hayley, who resided in the neighbourhood of my native village. From that period to the day of his death I was honored with the friendship of that excellent man, whose affectionate zeal for my welfare I shall never forget. His solicitude for my prosperity in Life, and for my domestic comfort, had all the tenderness of parental regard. — But, removed by the decree of Providence, he has left me to execute, without the advantage of his superior aid, a task which he had kindly offered to perform with his own hand. He was to have written the Preface upon which I am at this moment engaged, and which, in that case, would have had the benefit of his own elegant critical remarks. The remembrance of this increases in my mind the consciousness of my own incapacity.

PREFACE. IX

The very small volume, to which I have alluded, having been sold off, a second impression was speedily published with extensive additions, under the guidance of my venerable friend. Confiding in the correctness of his judgment, I felt somewhat secure against the severity of criticism; and I was not disappointed. My adventure was favorably noticed by several periodical works of the time ; and I was encouraged by my generous adviser to print a very hasty composition on The Fall of Badqjoz, which was well received, both by my friends at home and by the noble Commander while he was in Spain. This was followed by another martial attempt, (even more hastily composed than the former) on The Battle of Fittoria, which was also favorably received; and they are now re-published, in their original forms, preceded by their respective dedications.

For many months before his departure from the scenes of earth, my lamented friend had advised me to collect my Poems and re-print them in a single volume, with the addition of some new

X PREFACE.,

productions: how little did either of us anticipate the melancholy fact that one of these would be upon the subject of his own death ! — I gave him a promise that I would follow his advice; and I now perform the sacred engagement.

Among other compositions, besides the Tribute of Gratitude, is one of considerable length which I have called The Tomh of Love. The interesting ground-work of this romantic tale will be found in a very pleasing "Historical Account of the Island of Madeira" published by Mr. Hopkins in 1819.

Having stated all that appears necessary, (perhaps more than the occasion requires,) I submit my volume to the judgment of the Public; and I will candidly acknowledge that I feel some

anxiety for its fate.

W. H.

Contents

Page

Description of the Turret , 7

The Turret : written on my return from a visit to that delightful

II. And if the chilling frown of coldness reigns

Around the scene where artless childhood plays, In reason form'd, the op'ning mind disdains

To bear the harsh rebuke, the scornful gaze, — But longs to see the face that beams with joy, When trifling sports delight the prattling boy : Then can the little heart on kindness rest, And friendship's rapture charms the infant breast I

III. In Life's mysterious road, that thro' the vale

Of dark uncertainty conveys the mind, Our highest pleasures are but light and frail!

Yet, lovely Friendship! if we may but find Thy cheering sunbeams thro' the valley steal To light our way — what happiness we feel ! Thy rays unveil'd — the pow^r of darkness driven, We taste of future joy — we taste of Heav'n !

IV. O come, great blessing of the human heart !

Come and be mine ! — for ever let me know The sacred truth thy language can impart!

The sacred warmth thy presence can bestow ! The breast would freeze in Apathy's embrace, And prove, perhaps, Humanity's disgrace; But touch'd by thee — inspir'd by thy controul - Sweet Love and Pity melt the grateful soul !

When heavy troubles rise, and gloomy Care

Spreads o'er the morn of Hope the sable cloud ; When manly ardour sinks to deep despair,

And pale Misfortune brings her giant crowd Of human woes — O then, to chase away The startling fears that weakness would display, Man looks on Friendship with dejected eyes, Leans on her breast, and on her pow'r relies.

c

VI She smiles and soothes him : with congenial pain

She feels the torture of his wearied mind, Yet smiles and soothes him : lovely Hope again

Breaks through the cloud, and troubles fall behind 1 Anxiety and Grief no more are seen To mark the pallid cheek : with look serene Man rears his brow above the vale of woe, And smiles on all the little cares below.

VII. When blooming Joy, in rosy dimple drest

And gay Prosperity, of lively form, Give sweet enchantment to the feeling breast

That once endured Misfortune's pelting storm; Vain is our joy — prosperity is vain — If, safely landed from the dangerous main, We meet no friend upon the sunny strand To greet the smile —to press the prorTer'd handl