IV. COMPOSED IN THE YEAR 1802. Farewell, thou little Nook of mountain-ground, Thou rocky corner in the lowest stair Of that magnificent Temple which doth bound One side of our whole Vale with grandeur rare; Sweet Garden-orchard, eminently fair, The loveliest spot that man hath ever found, Farewell!-we leave thee to heaven's peaceful care, Thee, and the Cottage which thou dost surround. Our Boat is safely anchored by the shore, Sunshine and shower be with you, bud and bell! For two months now in vain we shall be sought; We leave you here in solitude to dwell With these our latest gifts of tender thought; Thou, like the morning, in thy saffron coat Bright gowan, and marsh-marygold, farewell! Whom from the borders of the Lake we brought, And placed together near our rocky well. We go for One to whom ye will be dear; Dear Spot! which we have watched with tender heed, Bringing thee chosen plants and blossoms blown Among the distant mountains, flower and weed, Which thou hast taken to thee as thy own, Making all kindness registered and known; Thou for our sakes, though Nature's Child indeed, Fair in thyself and beautiful alone, Hast taken gifts which thou dost little need. And O most constant, yet most fickle Place, Who, being loved, in love no bounds dost know, Help us to tell her tales of years gone by, And this sweet spring the best beloved and best. Joy will be flown in its mortality; Something must stay to tell us of the rest. Here, thronged with primroses, the steep rock's breast Glittered at evening like a starry sky; And in this Bush our Sparrow built her nest, Of which I sung one Song that will not die. O happy Garden! whose seclusion deep V. STANZAS WRITTEN IN MY POCKET-COPY OF THOMSON'S CASTLE OF INDOLENCE. WITHIN Our happy Castle there dwelt One Seek for him, he is fled; and whither none can say. Thus often would he leave our peaceful home, Out of our Valley's limits did he roam : His voice came to us from the neighbouring height: |