The church which tops the neighbouring hill, the mill, and the brook, all remain the same as when his brother was the officiating clergyman. Mark how gracefully the poem opens : Sweet Auburn! loveliest village of the plain, Where health and plenty cheer'd the labouring swain Where smiling Spring its earliest visit paid, And parting Summer's lingering blooms delayed; Where humble happiness endeared each scene! The sheltered cot, the cultivated farm, The never-failing brook, the busy mill, The decent church that topped the neighbouring hill, How often have I blest the coming day, The matron's glance, that would those looks reprove; These were thy charms, sweet village! sports like these, Now let us con over his tribute to Retirement : O blest Retirement! friend to life's decline, ! Who quits a world where strong temptations try, To spurn imploring famine from the gate : He thus picturesquely portrays the clergyman of the village :- Thus to relieve the wretched was his pride, He watched and wept, he prayed and felt for all: E'en children followed, with endearing wile, |