XXII. GRIEF, thou hast lost an ever-ready Friend From harp or lute, kind influence to compose The throbbing pulse, else troubled without end: Ev'n Joy could tell, Joy craving truce and rest Assiduously, to soothe her aching breast And to a point of just relief. abate The mantling triumphs of a day too blest. XXIII. TO S. H. EXCUSE is needless when with love sincere Of occupation, not by fashion led, Thou turn'st the Wheel that slept with dust o'erspread; My nerves from no such murmur shrink,- tho' near, Soft as the Dorhawk's to a distant ear, When twilight shades bedim the mountain's head. She who was feigned to spin our vital thread Might smile, O Lady! on a task once dear To household virtues. Venerable Art, Torn from the Poor! yet will kind Heaven protect Its own, not left without a guiding chart, If Rulers, trusting with undue respect XXIV. DECAY OF PIETY. OFT have I seen, ere Time had ploughed my cheek, Matrons and Sires who, punctual to the call Of their loved Church, on Fast or Festival Through the long year the House of Prayer would seek: Of Easter winds, unscared, from Hut or Hall I see the places where they once were known, Alas! even then they seemed like fleecy clouds XXV. COMPOSED ON THE EVE OF THE MARRIAGE OF A FRIEND, IN THE VALE OF GRASMERE. WHAT need of clamorous bells, or ribands gay, Will thank you. Faultless does the Maid appear, XXVI. FROM THE ITALIAN OF MICHAEL ANGELO. YES! hope may with my strong desire keep pace, And I be undeluded, unbetrayed; For if of our affections none find grace In sight of Heaven, then, wherefore hath God made As hallows and makes pure all gentle hearts. |