P. 49. F. Fattler sculp C. A. Burney del. And, kneeling lick'd the witherd hand, that tied A wreathe of woodbine round his antlers tall. Minstrel Book 2. ver. XXV. Published Oct. 1, 1796, by CDilly, London. XXIV. But he from day to day more anxious grew. The voice still seem'd to vibrate on his ear, Nor durst he hope the Hermit's tale untrue; For Man he seem'd to love, and Heaven to fear; And none speaks false, where there is none to hear. "Yet, can man's gentle heart become so fell! "No more in vain conjecture let me wear "My hours away, but seek the Hermit's cell; << 'Tis he my doubt can clear, perhaps my care dispel." XXV. At early dawn the Youth his journey took, And seated on a mossy stone, he spied A stag sprang from the pasture at his call, And, kneeling, lick'd the wither'd hand, that tied And hung his lofty neck with many a floweret small. E XXVI. And now the hoary Sage arose, and saw The wanderer approaching: innocence Smiled on his glowing cheek, but modest awe Depress'd his eye, that fear'd to give offence. "Who art thou, courteous stranger? and from whence? "Why roam thy steps to this abandon'd dale?" "A shepherd-boy (the Youth replied) far hence (6 My habitation; hear my artless tale; "Nor levity nor falshood shall thine ear assail. XXVII. "Late as I roam'd, intent on Nature's charms, "I reach'd at eve this wilderness profound; "And, leaning where yon oak expands her arms, "Heard these rude cliffs thine awful voice rebound, "(For in thy speech I recognise the sound.) "You mourn'd for ruin'd man, and virtue lost, "And seem'd to feel of keen remorse the wound, "Pondering on former days, by guilt engross'd, "Or in the giddy storm of dissipation toss'd. XXVIII. "But say, in courtly life can craft be learn'd, "O teach a simple Youth this mystery to scan. XXIX. "Or else the lamentable strain disclaim, "And give me back the calm, contented mind; "Which, late, exulting, view'd, in Nature's frame, "Goodness untainted, wisdom unconfined, "Grace, grandeur, and utility combined. "Restore those tranquil days, that saw me still "Well pleased with all, but most with humankind; "When Fancy roam'd through Nature's works at will, "Uncheck'd by cold distrust, and uninform'd of ill.” XXX. "Wouldst thou (the Sage replied) in peace return "And indignation make thine eyes o'erflow, "Be ignorance thy choice, where knowledge leads to wo. XXXI. "But let untender thoughts afar be driven; "Nor venture to arraign the dread decree: "The voice of The Eternal said, Be free; "And this divine prerogative to thee "Does virtue, happiness, and heaven convey; "For virtue is the child of liberty, "And happiness of virtue; nor can they "Be free to keep the path who are not free to stray. |