362 TO THE MEMORY OF THE HALIBUT. (Two nymphs1 adorned with ever" grace That spaniel found for me,) Now wantoned lost in flags and reeds, Now starting into sight, Pursued the swallow o'er the meads It was the time when Ouse displayed With cane extended far I sought But still the prize, though nearly caught, Beau marked my unsuccessful pains But with a cherup clear and strong, I thence withdrew, and followed long My ramble ended, I returned; The floating wreath again discerned, I saw him with that lily cropped Impatient swim to meet My quick approach, and soon he dropped Charmed with the sight, The world, I cried, Shall hear of this thy deed : My dog shall mortify the pride Of man's superior breed; But chief myself I will enjoin, To show a love as prompt as thine TO THE IMMORTAL MEMORY OF THE HALIBUT ON WHICH I DINED THIS DAY, MONDAY, APRIL 26, 1784 1 Sir Robert Gunning's daughters. spawned, Lost in the immensity of ocean's waste? That rocked the deep, thy cradle, thou wast safe- Attached to the firm leaf of some salt weed, Peace, therefore, and good health, and much good fish, As it descends into the billowy gulf, To the same drag that caught thee !-Fare thee well! Thy lot thy brethren of the slimy fin Would envy, could they know that thou wast doomed To feed a bard, and to be praised in verse. GRATITUDE. ADDRESSED TO LADY HESKETH 1786. THIS cap, that so stately appears, She gave it, and gave me beside, The ribbon with which it is tied. These carpets, so soft to the foot, O spare them, ye knights of the boot, 364 MEMORIAL OF ASHLEY COWPER, ESQ. This table and mirror within, Secure from collision and dust, At which I oft shave cheek and chin, This moveable structure of shelves, Has ne'er been revealed to us yet : All these are not half that I owe To One, from our earliest youth Benignity, friendship, and truth; Thus compassed about with the goods I indulge my poetical moods In many such fancies as these ; And fancies I fear they will seem Poets' goods are not often so fine; The poets will swear that I dream, When I sing of the splendour of mine. LINES, COMPOSED FOR A MEMORIAL OF ASHLEY COWPER, ESQ., IMMEDIATELY HIS DEATH, BY HIS NEPHEW WILLIAM OF WESTON. June 1788. FAREWELL! endued with all that could engage AFTER In life's last stage, (O blessings rarely found!) Through every period of this changeful state Unchanged thyself-wise, good, affectionate! Marble may flatter, and lest this should seem O'ercharged with praises on so dear a theme, Although thy worth be more than half supprest, Love shall be satisfied, and veil the rest. SONG ON PEACE. WRITTEN IN THE SUMMER OF 1783, AT THE REQUEST O LADY AUSTEN, WHO GAVE THE SENTIMENT. AIR-"My fond shepherds of late," &c. No longer I follow a sound; I have sought thee in splendour and dress, A humble ambition and hope The voice of true wisdom inspires; Peace may be the lot of the mind SONG. LSO WRITTEN AT THE REQUEST OF LADY AUSTEN. AIR-" The Lass of Pattie's Mill." WHEN all within is peace, How nature seems to smile; From morn to dewy eve, Fresh blessings to deceive, And soothe the silent hours. It is content of heart Gives nature power to please; Can make a wintry sky The vast majestic globe, So beauteously arrayed A dreary wild at best; It flutters to depart, And longs to be at rest. EPITAPH ON JOHNSON. January 1785. HERE Johnson lies, a sage by all allowed, The graceful vehicle of virtuous thought; Whose verse may claim, grave, masculine and strong, Superior praise to the mere poet's song; Who many a noble gift from Heaven possessed, And faith at last, alone worth all the rest. O man, immortal by a double prize, By fame on earth, by glory in the skies! TO MISS C- ON HER BIRTHDAY. 1786. How many between east and west, The day that gave them birth! THE FLATTING-MILL. AN ILLUSTRATION. WHEN a bar of pure silver or ingot of gold |