IV. LINES. Left upon a Seat in a Yew-tree, which stands near the Lake of Esthwaite, on a desolate Part of the Shore, commanding a beautiful Prospect. NAY, Traveller! rest. This lonely Yew-tree stands Who he was That piled these stones, and with the mossy sod First covered o'er, and taught this aged Tree With its dark arms to form a circling bower, I well remember. He was one who owned No common soul. In youth by science nursed, Of lofty hopes, he to the world went forth A favoured Being, knowing no desire Which Genius did not hallow, 'gainst the taint Of dissolute tongues, and jealousy, and hate, And scorn, against all enemies prepared, All but neglect. The world, for so it thought, And with the food of pride sustained his soul The stone-chat, or the glancing sand-piper: And on these barren rocks, with fern and heath, Fixing his downcast eye, he many an hour A morbid pleasure nourished, tracing here And, lifting up his head, he then would gaze On the more distant scene, - how lovely 'tis Thou seest, — and he would gaze till it became Would he forget those beings, to whose minds, Warm from the labours of benevolence, The world, and human life, appeared a scene Of kindred loveliness: then he would sigh Till his eye streamed with tears. In this deep vale If Thou be one whose heart the holy forms Stranger! henceforth be warned; and know that pride, Is littleness; that he who feels contempt Which he has never used; that thought with him Is ever on himself doth look on one, The least of Nature's works, one who might move The wise man to that scorn which wisdom holds Unlawful, ever. O be wiser, Thou! Instructed that true knowledge leads to love, Who, in the silent hour of inward thought, V. CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY WARRIOR. WHO is the happy Warrior? Who is he That every Man in arms should wish to be? It is the generous Spirit, who, when brought What knowledge can perform, is diligent to learn; In face of these doth exercise a power Controls them and subdues, transmutes, bereaves Of their bad influence, and their good receives; By objects, which might force the soul to abate Her feeling, rendered more compassionate; Is placable—because occasions rise So often that demand such sacrifice; More skilful in self-knowledge, even more pure, 'Tis he whose law is reason; who depends Who, if he rise to station of command, 1701 |