In this cold abstinence from evil deeds, And these inevitable charities, Wherewith to satisfy the human soul? No man is dear to man; the poorest poor When they can know and feel that they have been, Of some small blessings; have been kind to such That we have all of us one human heart. Sits by her fire, and builds her hope in heaven. Then let him pass, a blessing on his head! 2 —Then let him pass, a blessing on his head! Of highway side, and with the little birds As in the eye of Nature he has lived, So in the eye of Nature let him die! ANIMAL TRANQUILLITY AND DECAY. Comp. 1798. Pub. 1798. [If I recollect right, these verses were an overflow from the Old Cumberland Beggar."] In the edition of 1798 this Poem was called, "Old Man travelling; animal tranquillity and decay."-Ed. THE little hedgerow birds, That peck along the road, regard him not. A man who does not move with pain, but moves 1 Added in edition 1798. ---I asked him whither he was bound, and what "Sir! I am going many miles to take A last leave of my son, a mariner, Who from a sea-fight has been brought to Falmouth, he replied That he was going many miles to take &c. 1800 to 1805. |