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pends."—" It is remarkable," cried Mr. Burchell, "that both the poets you mention have equally contributed to introduce a false taste into their respective countries, by loading all their lines with epithet. Men of little genius found them most easily imitated in their defects, and English poetry, like that in the latter empire of Rome, is nothing at present but a combination of luxuriant images, without plot or connexion; a string of epithets that improve the sound, without carrying on the sense. But perhaps, madam, while I thus reprehend others, you'll think it just that I should give them an opportunity to retaliate, and indeed I have made this remark only to have an opportunity of introducing to the company a ballad, which, whatever be its other defects, is, I think, at least free from those I have mentioned."

A BALLAD.

"TURN, gentle hermit of the dale,
And guide my lonely way,
To where yon taper cheers the vale
With hospitable ray.

"For here forlorn and lost I tread,
With fainting steps and slow;
Where wilds, immeasurably spread,
Scem length'ning as I go."
"Forbear, my son," the hermit cries,
"To tempt the dangerous gloom;
For yonder faithless phantom flies
To lure thee to thy doom.

Here to the houseless child of want
My door is open still;

And though my portion is but scant,
I give it with good will.

"Then turn to-night, and freely share

Whate'er my cell bestows; My rushy couch and frugal fare,

My blessing and repose.

"No flocks that range the valley free,

To slaughter I condemn ;
Taught by that Power that pities me,

I learn to pity them:

"But from the mountain's grassy side

A guiltless feast I bring;

A scrip with herbs and fruits supplied, And water from the spring.

"Then, pilgrim, turn, thy cares forego;

All earth born cares are wrong; Man wants but little here below, Nor wants that little long."

• We have introduced this beautiful poem in this place, because it appears to be too intimately connected with the story to be omitted with any propriety, though it is inserted among the rest of the doctor's poetical productions.

Soft as the dew from heaven descends,
His gentle accents fell:
The modest stranger lowly bends,
And follows to the cell.

Far in a wilderness obscure
The lonely mansion lay,
A refuge to the neighb'ring poor
And strangers led astray.

No stores beneath its humble thatch
Required a master's care;
The wicket, opening with a latch
Received the harmless pair.

And now, when busy crowds retire
To take their evening rest,
The hermit trimm'd his little fire,
And cheer'd his pensive guest:

And spread his vegetable store,

And gaily press'd, and smiled;
And, skill'd in legendary lore,

The lingering hours beguiled.
Around in sympathetic mirth
Its tricks the kitten trics,
The cricket chirrups in the hearth,
The crackling faggot flies.

But nothing could a charm impart
To soothe the stranger's woe;
For grief was heavy at his heart,
And tears began to flow.

His rising cares the hermit spied,

With answering care oppress'd:
"And whence, unhappy youth," he cries
"The sorrows of thy breast?
"From better habitations spurn'd,

Reluctant dost thou rove?
Or grieve for friendship unreturn'd,
Or unregarded love?

"Alas! the joys that fortune brings,

Are trifling, and decay;

And those who prize the paltry things,
More trifling still than they.

"And what is friendship but a name,
A charm that lulls to sleep;
A shade that follows wealth or fame,
But leaves the wretch to weep?
"And love is still an emptier sound,
The modern fair one's jest;
On earth unseen, or only found

To warm the turtle's nest.

"For shame, fond youth, thy sorrows hush, And spurn the sex," he said;

But while he spoke, a rising blush
His love-lorn guest betray'd.

Surprised he sees new beauties rise,

Swift mantling to the view;
Like colours o'er the morning skies,

As bright, as transient too.

The bashful look, the rising breast,

Alternate spread alarms:
The lovely stranger stands confest
A maid in all her charms.

"And ah! forgive a stranger rude,

A wretch forlorn," she cried; "Whose feet unhallow'd thus intrude Where heaven and you reside.

"But let a maid thy pity share,

Whom love has taught to stray Who seeks for rest, but finds despair Companion of her way.

"My father lived beside the Tyne,

A wealthy lord was he;

And all his wealth was mark'd as mine, He had but only me.

"To win me from his tender arms,

Unnumber'd suitors came; Who praised me for imputed charms, And felt, or feign'd a flame.

"Each hour a mercenary crowd

With richest proffers strove; Amongst the rest young Edwin bow'd, But never talk'd of love.

"In humble, simplest habit clad,

No wealth nor power had he; Wisdom and worth were all he had,

But these were all to me.

"And when, beside me in the dale,

He carol'd lays of love,
His breath lent fragrance to the gale,
And music to the grove.
"The blossom opening to the day,
The dews of Heaven refined,
Could nought of purity display
To emulate his mind.

"The dew, the blossom on the tree,

With charms inconstant shine; Their charms were his, but woe to me!

Their constancy was mine.

"For still I tried each fickle art, Importunate and vain;

And while his passion touch'd my hear,
I triumphed in his pain:

*Till quite dejected with my scorn,
He left me to my pride;
And sought a solitude forlorn,
In secret, where he died.

"But mine the sorrow, mine the fault,
And well my life shall pay;
I'll seek the solitude he sought,

And stretch me where he lay.
"And there forlorn, despairing, hid,
I'll lay me down and die;
'Twas so for me that Edwin did,
And so for him will L"

"Forbid it, Heaven!" the Hermit cried, And clasp'd her to his breast; The wondering fair one turned to chide'Twas Edwin's self that press'd. "Turn, Angelina, ever dear,

My charmer, turn to see

Thy own, thy long-lost Edwin here,
Restored to love and thee.

"Thus let me hold thee to my heart,

And every care resign;

And shall we never, never part,

My life my all that's mine?

"No, never from this hour to part,
We'll live and love so true;
The sigh that rends thy constant heart,
Shall break thy Edwin's too."

While this ballad was reading, Sophia seemed to mix an air of tenderness with her approbation. But our tranquillity was soon disturbed by the report of a gun just by us, and immediately after a man was seen bursting through the hedge, to take up the game he had killed. This sportsman was the 'Squire's chaplain, who had shot one of the blackbirds that so agreeably entertained us. So loud a report and so near, startled my daughters; and I could perceive that Sophia in her fright had thrown herself into Mr. Burchell's arms for protection. The gentleman came up, and asked pardon for having disturbed us, affirming that he was ig norant of our being so near. He therefore sat down by my youngest daughter, and sportsmanlike, offered her what he had killed that morning. She was going to refuse, but a private look front her mother soon induced her to correct the mistake, and accept his present, though with some reluctance. My wife, as usual, discovered her pride in a whisper, observing, that Sophy had made a conquest of the chaplain, as well as her sister had of the 'Squire. I suspected, however, with more probability, that her affections were placed upon a different object. The chaplain's errand was to inform us, that Mr. Thornhill had provided music and refreshments, and intended that night giving the young ladies a ball by moonlight, on the grassplot before our door. "Nor can I deny," continued he, "but I have an interest in being first to deliver this message, as I expect for my reward to be hon

oured with Miss Sophy's hand as a partner." To ty, that my wife could not avoid discovering the this my girl replied, that she should have no objec- pride of her heart, by assuring me, that though the tion if she could do it with honour: "But here," con- little chit did it so cleverly, all the steps were stolen tinued she, "is a gentleman," looking at Mr. Bur- from herself. The ladies of the town strove hard chell, "who has been my companion in the task to be equally easy, but without success. They for the day, and it is fit he should share in its swam, sprawled, languished, and frisked; but all amusements." Mr. Burchell returned her a com- would not do: the gazers indeed owned that it was pliment for her intentions: but resigned her up to fine; but neighbour Flamborough observed, that the chaplain, adding that he was to go that night Miss Livy's feet seemed as pat to the music as its five miles, being invited to a harvest supper. His echo. After the dance had continued about an refusal appeared to me a little extraordinary; nor hour, the two ladies who were apprehensive of could I conceive how so sensible a girl as my catching cold, moved to break up the ball. One of youngest, could thus prefer a man of broken for-them, I thought, expressed her sentiments upon tunes to one whose expectations were much greater. this occasion in a very coarse manner, when she But as men are most capable of distinguishing observed, that, by the living jingo she was all of a merit in women, so the ladies often form the truest muck of sweat. Upon our return to the house, we judgment of us. The two sexes seem placed as found a very elegant cold supper, which Mr. spies upon each other, and are furnished with dif- Thornhill had ordered to be brought with him. ferent abilities, adapted for mutual inspection. The conversation at this time was more reserved than before. The two ladies threw my girls quite into the shade; for they would talk of nothing but high life, and high-lived company; with other fashionable topics, such as pictures, taste, Shaks

CHAPTER IX.

Two Ladies of great distinction introduced-Superior finery peare, and the musical glasses. 'Tis true they once ever seems to confer superior breeding.

or twice mortified us sensibly by slipping out an oath; but that appeared to me as the surest symp. MR. BURCHELL had scarcely taken leave, and tom of their distinction (though I am since informSophia consented to dance with the chaplain, when ed that swearing is perfectly unfashionable.) Their my little ones came running out to tell us, that the finery, however, threw a veil over any grossness in 'Squire was come with a crowd of company. Upon their conversation. My daughters seemed to reour return, we found our landlord, with a couple gard their superior accomplishments with envy; of under gentlemen and two young ladies richly and what appeared amiss was ascribed to tip-top dressed, whom he introduced as women of very quality breeding. But the condescension of the great distinction and fashion from town. We hap-ladies was still superior to their other accomplishpened not to have chairs enough for the whole ments. One of them observed, that had Miss company; but Mr. Thornhill immediately propos-Olivia seen a little more of the world, it would ed, that every gentleman should sit in a lady's lap. greatly improve her. To which the other added, This I positively objected to, notwithstanding a that a single winter in town would make her little look of disapprobation from my wife. Moses was Sophia quite another thing. My wife warmly as therefore despatched to borrow a couple of chairs: sented to both; adding, that there was nothing she and as we were in want of ladies to make up a set more ardently wished than to give her girls a single at country dances, the two gentlemen went with winter's polishing. To this I could not help rehim in quest of a couple of partners. Chairs and plying, that their breeding was already superior partners were soon provided. The gentleman re-to their fortune; and that greater refinement would turned with my neighbour Flamborough's rosy (only serve to make their poverty ridiculous, and daughters, flaunting with red top-knots; but an un- give them a taste for pleasures they had no right to lucky circumstance was not adverted to-though possess.-" And what pleasures," cried Mr. Thornthe Miss Flamboroughs were reckoned the very hill, "do they not deserve to possess, who have so best dancers in the parish, and understood the jig much in their power to bestow? As for my part," and round-about to perfection, yet they were total-continued he, "my fortune is pretty large; love, ly unacquainted with country dances. This at liberty, and pleasure, are my maxims; but curse first discomposed us: however, after a little shov-me if a settlement of half my estate could give my ing and dragging, they at last went merrily on. charming Olivia pleasure, it should be hers; and Our music consisted of two fiddles, with a pipe and the only favour I would ask in return would be to tabor. The moon shone bright, Mr. Thornhill add myself to the benefit.” I was not such a stranand my eldest daughter led up the ball, to the great ger to the world as to be ignorant that this was the delight of the spectators; for the neighbours, hear- fashionable cant to disguise the insolence of the Lig what was going forward, came flocking about basest proposal; but I made an effort to suppress us. My girl moved with so much grace and vivaci- my resentment. "Sir," cried I, "the family which

you now condescend to favour with your company, My wife observed, that rising too early would hurt has been bred with as nice a sense of honour as you. her daughters' eyes, that working after dinner Any attempts to injure that, may be attended with would redden their noses, and she convinced me very dangerous consequences. Honour, sir, is our that the hands never looked so white as when they only possession at present, and of that last treasure did nothing. Instead therefore of finishing George's we must be particularly careful.”—I was soon sorry shirts, we now had them new-modelling their old for the warmth with which I had spoken this, when gauzes, or flourishing upon catgut. The poor Miss the young gentleman, grasping my hand, swore Flamboroughs, their former gay companions, were he commended my spirit, though he disapproved cast off as mean acquaintance, and the whole conmy suspicions, "As to your present hint," con- versation ran upon high life and high-lived comtinued he, "I protest nothing was farther from my pany, with pictures, taste, Shakspeare, and the heart than such a thought. No, by all that's musical glasses. tempting, the virtue that will stand a regular siege was never to my taste; for all my amours are carried by a coup-de-main."

But we could have borne all this, had not a fortune-telling gipsy come to raise us into perfect sublimity. The tawny sibyl no sooner appeared, than The two ladies, who affected to be ignorant of my girls came running to me for a shilling a-piece the rest, seemed highly displeased with this last to cross her hand with silver. To say the truth, stroke of freedom, and began a very discreet and I was tired of being always wise, and could not serious dialogue upon virtue; in this my wife, the help gratifying their request, because I loved to see chaplain, and I, soon joined: and the 'Squire him- them happy. I gave each of them a shilling; self was at last brought to confess a sense of sor-though for the honour of the family it must be obrow for his former excesses. We talked of the served, that they never went without money them. pleasures of temperance, and of the sunshine in selves, as my wife always generously let them have the mind unpolluted with guilt. I was so well a guinca each, to keep in their pockets, but with pleased, that my little ones were kept up beyond strict injunctions never to change it. After they the usual time to be edified by so much good con-had been closeted up with the fortune-teller for versation. Mr. Thornhill even went beyond me, some time, I knew by their looks, upon their reand demanded if I had any objection to giving turning, that they had been promised something prayers. I joyfully embraced the proposal; and in great.-"Well, my girls, how have you sped? Tell this manner the night was passed in a most comme, Livy, has the fortune-teller given thee a pennyfortable way, till at last the company began to think worth?”—“I protest, papa," says the girl, “I be of returning. The ladies seemed very unwilling lieve she deals with somebody that's not right; for to part with my daughters, for whom they had con- she positively declared, that I am to be married to ceived a particular affection, and joined in a re- a 'squire in less than a twelvemonth!"-“Well, quest to have the pleasure of their company home. now Sophy, my child," said I, "and what sort of The 'Squire seconded the proposal, and my wife a husband are you to have?" "Sir," replied she, added her entreaties; the girls too looked upon me "I am to have a lord soon after my sister has maras if they wished me to go. In this perplexity Iried the 'squire." "How!" cried I, "is that all made two or three excuses, which my daughters you are to have for your two shillings? Only a as readily removed: so that at last I was obliged lord and a 'squire for two shillings! You fools, I to give a peremptory refusal; for which we had no-could have promised you a prince and a nabob for thing but sullen looks and short answers the whole half the money." day ensuing.

CHAPTER X.

The family endeavours to cope with their betters.-The miseries of the poor when they attempt to appear above their circumstances.

This curiosity of theirs, however, was attended with very serious effects: we now began to think ourselves designed by the stars to something exalted, and already anticipated our future grandeur.

It has been a thousand times observed, and I must observe it once more, that the hours we pass with happy prospects in view, are more pleasing than those crowned with fruition. In the first I NOW began to find, that all my long and pain-case, we cook the dish to our own appetite; in the ful lectures upon temperance, simplicity and con- latter, nature cooks it for us. It is impossible to tentment, were entirely disregarded. The dis-repeat the train of agreeable reveries we called up tinctions lately paid us by our betters awaked that for our entertainment. We looked upon our for pride which I had laid asleep, but not removed, tunes as once more rising; and as the whole parish Our windows, again, as formerly, were filled with asserted that the 'Squire was in love with my washes for the neck and face. The sun was daughter, she was actually so with him; for they dreaded as an enemy to the skin without doors, persuaded her into the passion. In this agreeable and the fire as a spoiler of the complexion within. interval, my wife had the most lucky dreams in the

world, which she took care to tell us every morning | be twenty times more genteel than such a paltry with great solemnity and exactness. It was one conveyance, as Blackberry was wall-eyed, and the night a coffin and cross-bones, the sign of an ap- colt wanted a tail: that they had never been broke proaching wedding; at another time she imagined to the rein, but had a hundred vicious tricks; and her daughters' pockets filled with farthings, a cer- that we had but one saddle and pillion in the tain sign of their being shortly stuffed with gold. whole house. All these objections, however, were The girls themselves had their omens. They felt overruled; so that I was obliged to comply. The strange kisses on their lips; they saw rings in the next morning I perceived them not a little busy in candle, purses bounced from the fire, and true collecting such materials as might be necessary for love-knots lurked in the bottom of every tea-cup. the expedition; but as I found it would be a busiTowards the end of the week we received a card ness of time, I walked on to the church before, and from the town ladies; in which with their compli- they promised speedily to follow. I waited near ments, they hoped to see all our family at church an hour in the reading-desk for their arrival; but the Sunday following. All Saturday morning, I not finding them come as expected, I was obliged could perceive, in consequence of this, my wife and to begin, and went through the service, not without daughters in close conference together, and now some uneasiness at finding them absent. This was and then glancing at me with looks that betrayed increased when all was finished, and no appear. a latent plot. To be sincere, I had strong suspi-ance of the family. I therefore walked back by cions that some absurd proposal was preparing for the horse-way, which was five miles round, though appearing with splendour the next day. In the the foot-way was but two, and when got about half evening they began their operations in a very regu-way home, perceived the procession marching lar manner, and my wife undertook to conduct the slowly forward towards the church; my son, my siege. After tea, when I seemed in spirits, she wife, and the two little ones, exalted upon one began thus: "I fancy, Charles, my dear, we horse, and my two daughters upon the other. I shall have a great deal of good company at our demanded the cause of their delay; but I soon found church to-morrow."-"Perhaps we may, my dear," by their looks they had met with a thousand misreturned I, "though you need be under no uneasi- fortunes on the road. The horses had at first reness about that, you shall have a sermon whether fused to move from the door, till Mr. Burchell was there be or not."—"That is what I expect," re-kind enough to beat them forward for about two turned she; "but 1 think, my dear, we ought to hundred yards with his cudgel. Next, the straps appear there as decently as possible, for who knows of my wife's pillion broke down, and they were what may happen?" "Your precautions,” replied obliged to stop to repair them before they could 1, "are highly commendable. A decent behaviour proceed. After that, one of the horses took it into and appearance in church is what charms me. We his head to stand still, and neither blows nor enshould be devout and humble, cheerful and serene." treaties could prevail with him to proceed. He was "Yes," cried she, "I know that: but I mean we just recovering from this dismal situation when I should go there in as proper a manner as possible; found them; but perceiving every thing safe, I own not altogether like the scrubs about us." "You their present mortification did not much displease are quite right, my dear," returned I, "and I was me, as it would give me many opportunities of fugoing to make the very same proposal. The ture triumph, and teach my daughters more he proper manner of going is, to go there as early as mility. possible, to have time for meditation before the service begins."-" Phoo, Charles," interrupted she, "all that is very true; but not what I would be at. I mean we should go there genteelly. You know the church is two miles off, and I protest 1 don't like to see my daughters trudging up to their pew all blowzed and red with walking, and looking MICHAELMAS eve happening on the next day, for all the world as if they had been winners at a we were invited to burn nuts and play tricks at smock-race. Now, my dear, my proposal is this: neighbour Flamborough's. Our late mortificathere are our two plough horses, the colt that has tions had humbled us a little, or it is probable we been in our family these nine years, and his com- might have rejected such an invitation with conpanion Blackberry, that has scarcely done an earth- tempt: however, we suffered ourselves to be happy. ly thing for this month past. They are both grown Our honest neighbour's goose and dumplings were fat and lazy. Why should not they do something fine, and the lamb's wool, even in the opinion of my as well as we? And let me tell you, when Moses wife, who was a connoisseur, was excellent. It is has trimmed them a little, they will cut a very tole- true, his manner of telling stories was not quite so rable figure." well. They were very long, and very dull, and all To this proposal I objected, that walking would about himself, and we had laughed at them ten

CHAPTER XI.

The family still resolve to hold up their heads.

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