Part 28 (2/2)

There in a thicket of dedicated roses, Oft did a priestess, as lovely as a vision, Pouring her soul to the son of Cytherea, Pray him to hover around the slight canoe-boat, And with invisible pilotage to guide it Over the dusk wave, until the nightly sailor s.h.i.+vering with ecstasy sank upon her bosom.

? 1799.

TO ----

I mix in life, and labour to seem free, With common persons pleased and common things, While every thought and action tends to thee, And every impulse from thy influence springs.

? 1796.

EPITAPH ON A BAD MAN

Under this stone does Walter Harcourt lie, Who valued nought that G.o.d or man could give; He lived as if he never thought to die; He died as if he dared not hope to live!

1801.

THE SUICIDE'S ARGUMENT

Ere the birth of my life, if I wish'd it or no, No question was asked me--it could not be so!

If the life was the question, a thing sent to try, And to live on be Yes; what can No be? to die.

NATURE'S ANSWER

Is't returned, as 'twas sent? Is't no worse for the wear?

Think first, what you are! Call to mind what you were!

I gave you innocence, I gave you hope, Gave health, and genius, and an ample scope.

Return you me guilt, lethargy, despair?

Make out the invent'ry; inspect, compare!

Then die--if die you dare!

1811.

THE GOOD, GREAT MAN

<script>