Fate steals along with silent tread, A COMPARISON THE lapse of time and rivers is the same, And a wide ocean swallows both at last. A difference strikes at length the musing heart; ANOTHER ADDRESSED TO A YOUNG LADY SWEET stream, that winds through yonder glade, Silent and chaste she steals along, Far from the world's gay busy throng, VERSES SUPPOSED TO BE WRITTEN BY ALEXANDER SELKIRK DURING HIS SOLITARY ABODE IN THE ISLAND OF JUAN FERNANDEZ I AM monarch of all I survey, My right there is none to dispute, O Solitude! where are the charms Than reign in this horrible place. I must finish my journey alone, Society, friendship, and love, Divinely bestowed upon man, Oh, had I the wings of a dove, How soon would I taste you again! My sorrows I then might assuage In the ways of religion and truth, Might learn from the wisdom of age, And be cheered by the sallies of youth. Religion! what treasure untold Resides in that heavenly word! Or smiled when a sabbath appeared. Ye winds, that have made me your sport, Convey to this desolate shore Some cordial endearing report Of a land I shall visit no more. O tell me I yet have a friend, And the swift-winged arrows of light Soon hurries me back to despair. But the sea-fowl is gone to her nest, And mercy, encouraging thought! And reconciles man to his lot. ON THE PROMOTION OF EDWARD THURLOW, Esq TO THE LORD HIGH CHANCELLORSHIP OF ENGLAND ROUND Thurlow's head in early youth, Fair Science poured the light of truth, "See!" with united wonder cried "Discernment, eloquence, and grace The praise bestowed was just and wise; So the best courser on the plain ODE TO PEACE COME, peace of mind, delightful guest! |