IN vain to me the smiling mornings shine, And redd'ning Phoebus lifts his golden fire: The birds in vain their amorous descant join; Or cheerful fields resume their green attire: These ears, alas! for other notes repine; A different object do these eyes require; My lonely anguish melts no heart but mine ; And in my breast the imperfect joys expire. Yet morning smiles the busy race to cheer, And new-born pleasure brings to happier men: The fields to all their wonted tribute bear: To warm their little loves the birds complain : I fruitless mourn to him that cannot hear, And weep the more, because I weep in vain. ON MRS. JANE CLERKE. LO! where this silent marble weeps, She felt the wound she left behind; Her infant image here below Sits smiling on a father's woe : Whom what awaits, while yet he strays A sigh; an unavailing tear; Till Time shall every grief remove, With life, with memory, and with love. H EPITAPH ON SIR WILLIAM WILLIAMS. HERE, foremost in the dangerous paths of fame, Young Williams fought for England's fair renown; His mind each Muse, each Grace adorn'd his frame, Nor Envy dared to view him with a frown. At Aix, his voluntary sword he drew, There first in blood his infant honour seal'd; From fortune, pleasure, science, love, he flew, And scorn'd repose when Britain took the field. With eyes of flame, and cool undaunted breast, Where melancholy friendship bends, and weeps. AN ODE. HAD I but the torrent's might, With headlong rage and wild affright Upon Deïra's squadrons hurl'd To rush, and sweep them from the world! Too, too secure in youthful pride, To Cattraeth's vale in glitt'ring row Flush'd with mirth and hope they burn: HAVE ye seen the tusky boar, CONAN's name, my lay, rehearse, |