So barren sands imbibe the show'r, They whisper trivial things, and small; But, to communicate at all Things serious, deem improper; These samples (for alas ! at last May prove the task, a task indeed, Pursue the theme, and you shall find True friendship has, in short, a grace, That proves it Heav'n-descended: Man's love of woman not so pure, Nor, when sincerest, so secure ON THE LOSS OF THE ROYAL GEORGE. WRITTEN WHEN THE NEWS ARRIVED, SEPTEMBER 1782. OLL for the brave! The brave that are no more! All sunk beneath the wave, Fast by their native shore ! Eight hundred of the brave, Whose courage well was tried, Had made the vessel heel, And laid her on her side. Weigh the vessel up, Once dreaded by our foes! And mingle with our cup The tear that England owes. SONG. HEN all within is peace, WHow Nature seems to smile! Delights that never cease, From morn to dewy eve, With open hand she showers Fresh blessings, to deceive And soothe the silent hours. It is content of heart Gives Nature power to please; The mind that feels no smart, Enlivens all it sees; Can make a wintry sky Seem bright as smiling May, The vast majestic globe, So beauteously array'd Is to a mourner's heart A dreary wild at best; It flutters to depart, THE ROSE. HE rose had been wash'd, just wash'd in a show'r, The plentiful moisture encumber'd the flower, The cup was all fill'd, and the leaves were all wet, To weep for the buds it had left with regret I hastily seized it, unfit as it was And such, I exclaimed, is the pitiless part This elegant rose, had I shaken it less, Might have bloom'd with its owner awhile; And the tear, that is wiped with a little address, May be follow'd perhaps by a smile. ON THE SHORTNESS OF HUMAN LIFE. UNS that set and moons that wane, Stars that orient day subdues, Night at her return renews. Herbs and flowers, the beauteous birth H EPITAPH ON JOHNSON. ERE Johnson lies-a sage by all allow'd, Whose prose was eloquence, by wisdom taught, Whose verse may claim-grave, masculine, and strong, Superior praise to the mere poet's song; Who many a noble gift from Heav'n possess'd, O man, immortal by a double prize, By fame on earth-by glory in the skies! |