VERSES. WRITTEN IN FRIAR'S-CARSE HERMITAGE, ON NITH-SIDE THOU whom chance may hither lead, Be thou clad in russet weed, Be thou deck'd in silken stole, Grave these counsels on thy soul Life is but a day at most, Fear not clouds will always low'r. As youth and love, with sprightly dance, Pleasure with her siren air May delude the thoughtless pair; As thy day grows warm and high, Life's meridian flaming nigh, Dost thou spurn the humble vale? Life's proud summits wouldst thou scale? Check thy climbing step, elate, Evils lurk in felon wait; Soar around each cliffy hold, While cheerful peace, with linnet song, Chants the lowly dells among. As the shades of evening close, On all thou'st seen, and heard, and wrought; Thus resign'd and quiet, creep Stranger, go! Heaven be thy guide' Quod the Beadsman of Nith-side A PRAYER, UNDER THE PRESSURE OF VIOLENT ANGUISH O THOU great Being! what thou art Yet sure I am, that known to Thee Thy creature here before Thee stands, Yet sure those ills that wring my soul Sure Thou, Almighty, canst not act O, free my weary eyes from tears, But if I must afflicted be, To suit some wise design; Then man my soul with firm resolves A PRAYER, IN THE PROSPECT OF DEATH. O THOU, unknown, Almighty Cause In whose dread presence, ere an hour, If I have wander'd in those paths Thou know'st that Thou hast formed me Where human weakness has come short, Or frailty stept aside, Do Thou, All Good! — for such Thou art, In shades of darkness hide. Where with intention I have err'd, But, Thou art good! and goodness still STANZAS, ON THE SAME OCCASION. I. WHY am I loth to leave this earthly scene? Or death's unlovely, dreary, dark abode? II. Fain would I say, "Forgive my foul offence'" Again exalt the brute, and sink the man; Who act so counter heav'nly mercy's plan? Who sin so oft have mourn'd, yet to temptation ran? O Thou, great Governor of all below, If I may dare a lifted eye to Thee, Thy nod can make the tempest cease to blow, |