XXII. GRIEF, thou hast lost an ever-ready Friend Her froward mood, and softliest reprehend; And Love a Charmer's voice, that used to lend, More efficaciously than aught that flows From harp or lute, kind influence to compose Assiduously, to soothe her aching breast And to a point of just relief. - abate The mantling triumphs of a day too blest. XXIII. TO S. H. EXCUSE is needless when with love sincere Of occupation, not by fashion led, Thou turn'st the Wheel that slept with dust o'erspread; My nerves from no such murmur shrink,- tho' near, Soft as the Dorhawk's to a distant ear, When twilight shades bedim the mountain's head. She who was feigned to spin our vital thread Might smile, O Lady! on a task once dear To household virtues. Venerable Art, Torn from the Poor! yet will kind Heaven protect If Rulers, trusting with undue respect XXIV. DECAY OF PIETY. OFT have I seen, ere Time had ploughed my cheek, Of Easter winds, unscared, from Hut or Hall I see the places where they once were known, Alas! even then they seemed like fleecy clouds XXV. COMPOSED ON THE EVE OF THE MARRIAGE OF A FRIEND, IN THE VALE OF GRASMERE. WHAT need of clamorous bells, or ribands gay, Yet no proud gladness would the Bride display XXVI. FROM THE ITALIAN OF MICHAEL ANGELO. YES! hope may with my strong desire keep pace, And I be undeluded, unbetrayed; For if of our affections none find grace In sight of Heaven, then, wherefore hath God made Love cannot have, than that in loving thee As hallows and makes pure all gentle hearts. Of outward change, there blooms a deathless flower, |