THE HERMIT

OF WARKWORTH.

THE

HERMIT OF WARKWORTH,

BY THE REV. DR. PERCY.

PART I.

DARK

RK was the night, and wild the ftorm,

And loud the torrent's roar;

And loud the fea was heard to dash

Against the diftant shore.

Mufing on man's weak baplefs ftate

The lonely Hermit lay;

When, lo! he heard a female voice

Lament in fore dismay.

With hofpitable hafte he rofe,

And, wak'd his fleeping fire;

And, fnatching up a lighted brand,
Forth hied the reverend fire.

All fad beneath a neighbouring tree
A beauteous maid he found,

Who beat her breast, and with her tears
Bedew'd the moffy ground.

O weep not, lady, weep not so,
Nor let vain fears alarm;

My little cell fhall fhelter thee,

And keep thee safe from harm.

It is not for myself I weep,

Nor for myfelf I fear;

But for my dear and only friend,

Who lately left me here: