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CHAPTER 1st.
The Life and Poetical Works of James Woodhouse |  |
HIMLEY.
Near, on the left, let Himley's woods appear;
To Health, propitious, and to Friendship, dear!
Sweet, hospitable Seat of Dudley Ward;
Who deign'd to countenance our humble Bard!
His feudal Baron, but his friendly Lord!
Not shunn'd for Tyranny, or Pride abhorr'd—
With whom Crispinus, erst, those woods explor'd,
And shared the honours of His noble board.
But, ah! with Him, he'll share the feast no more!
Nor labyrinthine shades, with pride, explore!
His kindnesses are clos'd! His Sun long set!
Still grateful Crispin recognis'd the debt;
Not grasping, and forgetting, like a Clown,
But prais'd that Patron while his own went down—
Meantime to merit, and His memory, just,
This motto penn'd when He was laid in dust.
To Health, propitious, and to Friendship, dear!
Sweet, hospitable Seat of Dudley Ward;
Who deign'd to countenance our humble Bard!
His feudal Baron, but his friendly Lord!
Not shunn'd for Tyranny, or Pride abhorr'd—
With whom Crispinus, erst, those woods explor'd,
And shared the honours of His noble board.
But, ah! with Him, he'll share the feast no more!
Nor labyrinthine shades, with pride, explore!
His kindnesses are clos'd! His Sun long set!
Still grateful Crispin recognis'd the debt;
Not grasping, and forgetting, like a Clown,
But prais'd that Patron while his own went down—
Meantime to merit, and His memory, just,
This motto penn'd when He was laid in dust.
“His views were virtuous, and his failings, few—
“He gave to Justice all to Justice due.
“His reasoning was too high, too large His Soul,
“To measure merit by a parchment roll.
“His elevated Mind could condescend
“To mark low Worth—but more, become its Friend.
“He pledg'd no promise, but, with bosom warm,
“Remember'd still, still faithful to perform.
“No fame sollicited—no flattery sought—
“Begg'd no applause—no panegyric bought—
“Spent no false praise on idolizing lay,
“Nor hung out baits, to tempt, and then betray.
“Suborn'd no babbler—no defamer fear'd—
“But, promptly, Reason, Truth, and Conscience, heard—
“Felt what all feel, who act upright part,
“The pure approval of an honest heart!”
“He gave to Justice all to Justice due.
“His reasoning was too high, too large His Soul,
“To measure merit by a parchment roll.
“His elevated Mind could condescend
“To mark low Worth—but more, become its Friend.
“He pledg'd no promise, but, with bosom warm,
“Remember'd still, still faithful to perform.
“No fame sollicited—no flattery sought—
“Begg'd no applause—no panegyric bought—
“Spent no false praise on idolizing lay,
“Nor hung out baits, to tempt, and then betray.
“Suborn'd no babbler—no defamer fear'd—
“But, promptly, Reason, Truth, and Conscience, heard—
“Felt what all feel, who act upright part,
“The pure approval of an honest heart!”
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CHAPTER 1st.
The Life and Poetical Works of James Woodhouse | |