The sloping land recedes into the clouds; Of hedge-row beauties numberless, square tower, Groves, heaths, and smoking villages, remote. COWPER [From "The Task."] FROM The Deserted Village. NEAR yonder copse, where once the garden smiled, Nor e'er had changed, nor wished to change his place, By doctrines fashioned to the varying hour; His house was known to all the vagrant train, Sat by his fire, and talked the night away; Shouldered his crutch, and showed how fields were won. Thus to relieve the wretched was his pride, He watched and wept, he prayed and felt for all; Beside the bed where parting life was laid, At church, with meek and unaffected grace, Truth from his lips prevailed with double sway, And plucked his gown to share the good man's smile. Swells from the vale, and midway leaves the storm, GOLDSMITH.-[From "The Deserted Village."] Adam and Eve in Paradise. Two of far nobler shape, erect and tall, |