Of business roused, or pleasure, ere their time, May roll in chariots, or provoke the hoofs Of the fleet coursers they bestride, to raise 100 From earth the dust of morning, slow to rise; And they, if blest with health and hearts at ease, 105 Shall lack not their enjoyment:-but how faint thoughts 109 Pleasant as roses in the thickets blown, Mount slowly, sun! that we may journey long, By this dark hill protected from thy beams! Such is the summer pilgrim's frequent wish; But quickly from among our morning thoughts 'Twas chased away: for, toward the western side 115 Of the broad vale, casting a casual glance, 120 Which the bright season favours.-Tabor and pipe In purpose join to hasten or reprove 125 129 That gay assemblage. Round them and above, 135 141 144 Said I, "The music and the sprightly scene Invite us; shall we quit our road, and join These festive matins ?"—He replied, “Not loth To linger I would here with you partake, Not one hour merely, but till evening's close, The simple pastimes of the day and place. By the fleet Racers, ere the sun be set, The turf of yon large pasture will be skimmed; There, too, the lusty Wrestlers shall contend: But know we not that he, who intermits The appointed task and duties of the day, Untunes full oft the pleasures of the day; Checking the finer spirits that refuse To flow, when purposes are lightly changed? A length of journey yet remains untraced: Let us proceed." Then, pointing with his staff Raised toward those craggy summits, his intent He thus imparted: 150 "In a spot that lies 155 Among yon mountain fastnesses concealed, You will receive, before the hour of noon, Good recompense, I hope, for this day's toil, From sight of One who lives secluded there, Lonesome and lost: of whom, and whose past life, 160 (Not to forestall such knowledge as may be More faithfully collected from himself) This brief communication shall suffice. "Though now sojourning there, he, like myself, 165 Sprang from a stock of lowly parentage Such grateful promises his youth displayed: 170 And straight, incited by a curious mind Of Chaplain to a military troop 175 Cheered by the Highland bagpipe, as they marched In plaided vest, his fellow-countrymen. 180 And force of native inclination made Where Fortune led:-and Fortune, who oft proves 185 The careless wanderer's friend, to him made known A blooming Lady-a conspicuous flower, Admired for beauty, for her sweetness praised; Whom he had sensibility to love, Ambition to attempt, and skill to win. 190 For this fair Bride, most rich in gifts of mind, Nor sparingly endowed with worldly wealth, His office he relinquished; and retired From the world's notice to a rural home. Youth's season yet with him was scarcely past, And she was in youth's prime. How free their love, 194 201 How full their joy! 'Till, pitiable doom! 205 216 But now, 210 मै As vanity and fondness for applause, And new and shapeless wishes, would allow. 225 "That righteous cause (such power hath freedom) bound, 230 For one hostility, in friendly league, A proud and most presumptuous confidence 235 The strongest did not easily escape; 240 And He, what wonder! took a mortal taint. 245 How shall I trace the change, how bear to tell That he broke faith with them whom he had laid In earth's dark chambers, with a Christian's hope! An infidel contempt of holy writ Stole by degrees upon his mind; and hence 250 255 |