BOOK SIXTH. THE CHURCH-YARD AMONG THE MOUNTAINS. ARGUMENT. Poet's Address to the State and Church of England-The Pastor not inferior to the ancient Worthies of the Church-He begins his Narratives with an instance of unrequited Love-Anguish of mind subdued, and how-The lonely Miner-An instance of perseveranceWhich leads by contrast to an example of abused talents, irresolution, and weakness-Solitary, applying this covertly to his own case, asks for an instance of some Stranger, whose dispositions may have led him to end his days here-Pastor, in answer, gives an account of the harmonising influence of Solitude upon two men of opposite principles, who had encountered agitations in public life-The rule by which Peace may be obtained expressed, and where-Solitary hints at an overpowering Fatality-Answer of the Pastor-What subjects he will exclude from his Narratives-Conversation upon this-Instance of an unamiable character, a Female, and why given-Contrasted with this, a meek sufferer, from unguarded and betrayed loveInstance of heavier guilt, and its consequences to the OffenderWith this instance of a Marriage Contract broken is contrasted one of a Widower, evidencing his faithful affection towards his deceased wife by his care of their female Children. HAIL to the crown by Freedom shaped-to gird Whose steps are equity, whose seat is law. Made to the spiritual fabric of her Church; Decent and unreproved. The voice, that greets And O, ye swelling hills, and spacious plains! Besprent from shore to shore with steeple-towers, And spires whose 'silent finger points to heaven;" Nor wanting, at wide intervals, the bulk Of ancient minster lifted above the cloud The Poet, fostering for his native land Such hope, entreats that servants may abound And by ambitious longings undisturbed; Cause should recur, which righteous Heaven avert! Nor for their bodies would accept release; But, blessing God and praising him, bequeathed The faith which they by diligence had earned, Or, through illuminating grace, received, Even such a Man (inheriting the zeal And from the sanctity of elder times Not deviating, a priest, the like of whom If multiplied, and in their stations set, Would o'er the bosom of a joyful land Spread true religion and her genuine fruits) Before me stood that day; on holy ground Fraught with the relics of mortality, Exalting tender themes, by just degrees To lofty raised; and to the highest, last; The head and mighty paramount of truths,Immortal life, in never-fading worlds, For mortal creatures, conquered and secured. That basis laid, those principles of faith "At morn or eve, in your retired domain, Perchance you not unfrequently have marked A Visitor-in quest of herbs and flowers; Too delicate employ, as would appear, For one, who, though of drooping mien, had yet From nature's kindliness received a frame Robust as ever rural labour bred." The Solitary answered: "Such a Form Full well I recollect. We often crossed Each other's path; but, as the Intruder seemed Fondly to prize the silence which he kept, We met, and passed, like shadows. I have heard, Dived into caves, and pierced the matted woods, The Vicar smiled, "Alas! before to-morrow's sun goes down His habitation will be here: for him That open grave is destined." "Died he then Of pain and grief?" the Solitary asked, "Do not believe it; never could that be!" "He loved," the Vicar answered, "deeply loved, That he could brook, and glory in ;-but when Was forced to rend away its only hope; Lost was she, lost; nor could the Sufferer say |