The Poetical Works of the Rev. George Crabbe with his letters and journals, and his life, by his son. In eight volumes |
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| III, IV, V. |
 | VI, VII. |
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| VIII. |
 | The Poetical Works of the Rev. George Crabbe |  |
“Yes, my dear Richard, thou shalt hear me own
“Follies and frailties thou hast never known;
“Thine was a frailty,—folly, if you please,—
“But mine a flight, a madness, a disease.
“Follies and frailties thou hast never known;
“Thine was a frailty,—folly, if you please,—
“But mine a flight, a madness, a disease.
“Turn with me to my twentieth year, for then
“The lover's frenzy ruled the poet's pen;
“When virgin reams were soil'd with lays of love,
“The flinty hearts of fancied nymphs to move:
“Then was I pleased in lonely ways to tread,
“And muse on tragic tales of lovers dead;
“For all the merit I could then descry
“In man or woman was for love to die.
“The lover's frenzy ruled the poet's pen;
“When virgin reams were soil'd with lays of love,
“The flinty hearts of fancied nymphs to move:
“Then was I pleased in lonely ways to tread,
“And muse on tragic tales of lovers dead;
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“In man or woman was for love to die.
“I mused on charmers chaste, who pledged their truth,
“And left no more the once-accepted youth;
“Though he disloyal, lost, diseased, became,
“The widow'd turtle's was a deathless flame;
“This faith, this feeling, gave my soul delight,
“Truth in the lady, ardour in the knight.
“And left no more the once-accepted youth;
“Though he disloyal, lost, diseased, became,
“The widow'd turtle's was a deathless flame;
“This faith, this feeling, gave my soul delight,
“Truth in the lady, ardour in the knight.
“I built me castles wondrous rich and rare,
“Few castle-builders could with me compare;
“The hall, the palace, rose at my command,
“And these I fill'd with objects great and grand.
“Virtues sublime, that nowhere else would live,
“Glory and pomp, that I alone could give;
“Trophies and thrones by matchless valour gain'd,
“Faith unreproved, and chastity unstain'd;
“With all that soothes the sense and charms the soul,
“Came at my call, and were in my control.
“Few castle-builders could with me compare;
“The hall, the palace, rose at my command,
“And these I fill'd with objects great and grand.
“Virtues sublime, that nowhere else would live,
“Glory and pomp, that I alone could give;
“Trophies and thrones by matchless valour gain'd,
“Faith unreproved, and chastity unstain'd;
“With all that soothes the sense and charms the soul,
“Came at my call, and were in my control.
“And who was I? a slender youth and tall,
“In manner awkward, and with fortune small;
“With visage pale, my motions quick and slow,
“That fall and rising in the spirits show;
“For none could more by outward signs express
“What wise men lock within the mind's recess;
“Had I a mirror set before my view,
“I might have seen what such a form could do;
“Had I within the mirror truth beheld,
“I should have such presuming thoughts repell'd
“But awkward as I was, without the grace
“That gives new beauty to a form or face,
“Still I expected friends most true to prove,
“And grateful, tender, warm, assiduous love.
“In manner awkward, and with fortune small;
“With visage pale, my motions quick and slow,
“That fall and rising in the spirits show;
“For none could more by outward signs express
“What wise men lock within the mind's recess;
“Had I a mirror set before my view,
“I might have seen what such a form could do;
“Had I within the mirror truth beheld,
“I should have such presuming thoughts repell'd
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“That gives new beauty to a form or face,
“Still I expected friends most true to prove,
“And grateful, tender, warm, assiduous love.
“Assured of this, that love's delicious bond
“Would hold me ever faithful, ever fond;
“It seem'd but just that I in love should find
“A kindred heart as constant and as kind.
“Give me, I cried, a beauty; none on earth
“Of higher rank or nobler in her birth;
“Pride of her race, her father's hope and care,
“Yet meek as children of the cottage are;
“Nursed in the court, and there by love pursued,
“But fond of peace, and blest in solitude;
“By rivals honour'd, and by beauties praised,
“Yet all unconscious of the envy raised;
“Suppose her this, and from attendants freed,
“To want my prowess in a time of need,
“When safe and grateful she desires to show
“She feels the debt that she delights to owe,
“And loves the man who saved her in distress—
“So Fancy will'd, nor would compound for less.
“Would hold me ever faithful, ever fond;
“It seem'd but just that I in love should find
“A kindred heart as constant and as kind.
“Give me, I cried, a beauty; none on earth
“Of higher rank or nobler in her birth;
“Pride of her race, her father's hope and care,
“Yet meek as children of the cottage are;
“Nursed in the court, and there by love pursued,
“But fond of peace, and blest in solitude;
“By rivals honour'd, and by beauties praised,
“Yet all unconscious of the envy raised;
“Suppose her this, and from attendants freed,
“To want my prowess in a time of need,
“When safe and grateful she desires to show
“She feels the debt that she delights to owe,
“And loves the man who saved her in distress—
“So Fancy will'd, nor would compound for less.
“This was my dream.—In some auspicious hour,
“In some sweet solitude, in some green bower,
“Whither my fate should lead me, there, unseen,
“I should behold my fancy's gracious queen,
“Singing sweet song! that I should hear awhile,
“Then catch the transient glory of a smile;
“Then at her feet with trembling hope should kneel,
“Such as rapt saints and raptured lovers feel;
“To watch the chaste unfoldings of her heart,
“In joy to meet, in agony to part,
“And then in tender song to soothe my grief,
“And hail, in glorious rhyme, my Lady of the Leaf.
“In some sweet solitude, in some green bower,
“Whither my fate should lead me, there, unseen,
“I should behold my fancy's gracious queen,
“Singing sweet song! that I should hear awhile,
“Then catch the transient glory of a smile;
“Then at her feet with trembling hope should kneel,
“Such as rapt saints and raptured lovers feel;
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“In joy to meet, in agony to part,
“And then in tender song to soothe my grief,
“And hail, in glorious rhyme, my Lady of the Leaf.
“To dream these dreams I chose a woody scene,
“My guardian-shade, the world and me between;
“A green inclosure, where beside its bound
“A thorny fence beset its beauties round,
“Save where some creature's force had made a way
“For me to pass, and in my kingdom stray:
“Here then I stray'd, then sat me down to call,
“Just as I will'd, my shadowy subjects all!
“Fruits of all minds conceived on every coast,
“Fay, witch, enchanter, devil, demon, ghost;
“And thus with knights and nymphs, in halls and bowers,
“In war and love, I pass'd unnumber'd hours:
“Gross and substantial beings all forgot,
“Ideal glories beam'd around the spot,
“And all that was, with me, of this poor world was not.
“My guardian-shade, the world and me between;
“A green inclosure, where beside its bound
“A thorny fence beset its beauties round,
“Save where some creature's force had made a way
“For me to pass, and in my kingdom stray:
“Here then I stray'd, then sat me down to call,
“Just as I will'd, my shadowy subjects all!
“Fruits of all minds conceived on every coast,
“Fay, witch, enchanter, devil, demon, ghost;
“And thus with knights and nymphs, in halls and bowers,
“In war and love, I pass'd unnumber'd hours:
“Gross and substantial beings all forgot,
“Ideal glories beam'd around the spot,
“And all that was, with me, of this poor world was not.
“Yet in this world there was a single scene,
“That I allow'd with mine to intervene;
“This house, where never yet my feet had stray'd,
“I with respect and timid awe survey'd;
“With pleasing wonder I have oft-times stood,
“To view these turrets rising o'er the wood;
“When Fancy to the halls and chambers flew,
“Large, solemn, silent, that I must not view;
“The moat was then, and then o'er all the ground
“Tall elms and ancient oaks stretch'd far around;
“And where the soil forbad the nobler race,
“Dwarf trees and humbler shrubs had found their place,
“Forbidding man in their close hold to go,
“Haw, gatter, holm, the service and the sloe;
“With tangling weeds that at the bottom grew,
“And climbers all above their feathery branches threw.
“Nor path of man or beast was there espied,
“But there the birds of darkness loved to hide,
“The loathed toad to lodge, and speckled snake to glide.
“That I allow'd with mine to intervene;
“This house, where never yet my feet had stray'd,
“I with respect and timid awe survey'd;
“With pleasing wonder I have oft-times stood,
“To view these turrets rising o'er the wood;
“When Fancy to the halls and chambers flew,
“Large, solemn, silent, that I must not view;
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“Tall elms and ancient oaks stretch'd far around;
“And where the soil forbad the nobler race,
“Dwarf trees and humbler shrubs had found their place,
“Forbidding man in their close hold to go,
“Haw, gatter, holm, the service and the sloe;
“With tangling weeds that at the bottom grew,
“And climbers all above their feathery branches threw.
“Nor path of man or beast was there espied,
“But there the birds of darkness loved to hide,
“The loathed toad to lodge, and speckled snake to glide.
“To me this hall, thus view'd in part, appear'd
“A mansion vast; I wonder'd, and I fear'd:
“There as I wander'd, Fancy's forming eye
“Could gloomy cells and dungeons dark espy;
“Winding through these, I caught the appalling sound
“Of troubled souls, that guilty minds confound,
“Where Murder made its way, and Mischief stalk'd around.
“Above the roof were raised the midnight storms,
“And the wild lights betray'd the shadowy forms.
“With all these flights and fancies, then so dear,
“I reach'd the birthday of my twentieth year;
“And in the evening of a day in June
“Was singing—as I sang—some heavenly tune;
“My native tone, indeed, was harsh and hoarse,
“But he who feels such powers can sing of course—
“Is there a good on earth, or gift divine,
“That Fancy cannot say, Behold! 'tis mine?
“A mansion vast; I wonder'd, and I fear'd:
“There as I wander'd, Fancy's forming eye
“Could gloomy cells and dungeons dark espy;
“Winding through these, I caught the appalling sound
“Of troubled souls, that guilty minds confound,
“Where Murder made its way, and Mischief stalk'd around.
“Above the roof were raised the midnight storms,
“And the wild lights betray'd the shadowy forms.
“With all these flights and fancies, then so dear,
“I reach'd the birthday of my twentieth year;
“And in the evening of a day in June
“Was singing—as I sang—some heavenly tune;
“My native tone, indeed, was harsh and hoarse,
“But he who feels such powers can sing of course—
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“That Fancy cannot say, Behold! 'tis mine?
“So was I singing, when I saw descend,
“From this old seat a lady and her friend;
“Downward they came with steady pace and slow,
“Arm link'd in arm, to bless my world below.
“I knew not yet if they escaped, or chose
“Their own free way,—if they had friends or foes,—
“But near to my dominion drew the pair,
“Link'd arm in arm, and walk'd conversing, there.
“From this old seat a lady and her friend;
“Downward they came with steady pace and slow,
“Arm link'd in arm, to bless my world below.
“I knew not yet if they escaped, or chose
“Their own free way,—if they had friends or foes,—
“But near to my dominion drew the pair,
“Link'd arm in arm, and walk'd conversing, there.
“I saw them ere they came, myself unseen,
“My lofty fence and thorny bound between—
“And one alone, one matchless face I saw,
“And, though at distance, felt delight and awe:
“Fancy and truth adorn'd her; fancy gave
“Much, but not all; truth help'd to make their slave;
“For she was lovely,—all was not the vain
“Or sickly homage of a fever'd brain;
“No! she had beauty, such as they admire
“Whose hope is earthly, and whose love desire;
“Imagination might her aid bestow,
“But she had charms that only truth could show.
“My lofty fence and thorny bound between—
“And one alone, one matchless face I saw,
“And, though at distance, felt delight and awe:
“Fancy and truth adorn'd her; fancy gave
“Much, but not all; truth help'd to make their slave;
“For she was lovely,—all was not the vain
“Or sickly homage of a fever'd brain;
“No! she had beauty, such as they admire
“Whose hope is earthly, and whose love desire;
“Imagination might her aid bestow,
“But she had charms that only truth could show.
“Their dress was such as well became the place
“But One superior; hers the air, the grace,
“The condescending looks, that spoke the nobler race.
“Slender she was and tall: her fairy-feet
“Bore her right onward to my shady seat;
“And Oh! I sigh'd that she would nobly dare
“To come, nor let her friend the adventure share;
“But see how I in my dominion reign,
“And never wish to view the world again.
“But One superior; hers the air, the grace,
“The condescending looks, that spoke the nobler race.
“Slender she was and tall: her fairy-feet
“Bore her right onward to my shady seat;
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“To come, nor let her friend the adventure share;
“But see how I in my dominion reign,
“And never wish to view the world again.
“Thus was I musing, seeing with my eyes
“These objects, with my mind her fantasies,
“And chiefly thinking—Is this maid, divine
“As she appears, to be this queen of mine?
“Have I from henceforth beauty in my view,
“Not airy all, but tangible and true?
“Here then I fix, here bound my vagrant views,
“And here devote my heart, my time, my Muse.
“These objects, with my mind her fantasies,
“And chiefly thinking—Is this maid, divine
“As she appears, to be this queen of mine?
“Have I from henceforth beauty in my view,
“Not airy all, but tangible and true?
“Here then I fix, here bound my vagrant views,
“And here devote my heart, my time, my Muse.
“She saw not this, though ladies early trace
“Their beauty's power, the glories of their face;
“Yet knew not this fair creature—could not know—
“That new-born love! that I too soon must show:
“And I was musing—How shall I begin?
“How make approach my unknown way to win,
“And to that heart, as yet untouch'd, make known
“The wound, the wish, the weakness of my own?
“Such is my part, but—Mercy! what alarm?
“Dare aught on earth that sovereign beauty harm?
“Again—the shrieking charmers—how they rend
“The gentle air—The shriekers lack a friend—
“They are my princess and the attendant maid
“In so much danger, and so much afraid!—
“But whence the terror?—Let me haste and see
“What has befallen them who cannot flee—
“Whence can the peril rise? What can that peril be?
“Their beauty's power, the glories of their face;
“Yet knew not this fair creature—could not know—
“That new-born love! that I too soon must show:
“And I was musing—How shall I begin?
“How make approach my unknown way to win,
“And to that heart, as yet untouch'd, make known
“The wound, the wish, the weakness of my own?
“Such is my part, but—Mercy! what alarm?
“Dare aught on earth that sovereign beauty harm?
“Again—the shrieking charmers—how they rend
“The gentle air—The shriekers lack a friend—
“They are my princess and the attendant maid
“In so much danger, and so much afraid!—
“But whence the terror?—Let me haste and see
“What has befallen them who cannot flee—
“Whence can the peril rise? What can that peril be?
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“It soon appear'd, that while this nymph divine
“Moved on, there met her rude uncivil kine,
“Who knew her not—the damsel was not there
“Who kept them—all obedient—in her care;
“Strangers they thus defied and held in scorn,
“And stood in threat'ning posture, hoof and horn;
“While Susan—pail in hand—could stand the while
“And prate with Daniel at a distant stile.
“Moved on, there met her rude uncivil kine,
“Who knew her not—the damsel was not there
“Who kept them—all obedient—in her care;
“Strangers they thus defied and held in scorn,
“And stood in threat'ning posture, hoof and horn;
“While Susan—pail in hand—could stand the while
“And prate with Daniel at a distant stile.
“As feeling prompted, to the place I ran,
“Resolved to save the maids and show the man:
“Was each a cow like that which challenged Guy,
“I had resolved to attack it, and defy
“In mortal combat! to repel or die.
“That was no time to parley—or to say
“I will protect you—fly in peace away!
“Lo! yonder stile—but with an air of grace,
“As I supposed, I pointed to the place
“Resolved to save the maids and show the man:
“Was each a cow like that which challenged Guy,
“I had resolved to attack it, and defy
“In mortal combat! to repel or die.
“That was no time to parley—or to say
“I will protect you—fly in peace away!
“Lo! yonder stile—but with an air of grace,
“As I supposed, I pointed to the place
“The fair ones took me at my sign, and flew,
“Each like a dove, and to the stile withdrew,
“Where safe, at distance, and from terrors free,
“They turn'd to view my beastly foes and me.
“Each like a dove, and to the stile withdrew,
“Where safe, at distance, and from terrors free,
“They turn'd to view my beastly foes and me.
“I now had time my business to behold,
“And did not like it—let the truth be told:
“The cows, though cowards, yet in numbers strong,
“Like other mobs, by might defended wrong;
“In man's own pathway fix'd, they seem'd disposed
“For hostile measure, and in order closed,
“Then halted near me, as I judged, to treat,
“Before we came to triumph or defeat.
“And did not like it—let the truth be told:
“The cows, though cowards, yet in numbers strong,
“Like other mobs, by might defended wrong;
“In man's own pathway fix'd, they seem'd disposed
“For hostile measure, and in order closed,
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“Before we came to triumph or defeat.
“I was in doubt: 't was sore disgrace, I knew,
“To turn my back, and let the cows pursue;
“And should I rashly mortal strife begin,
“'Twas all unknown who might the battle win;
“And yet to wait, and neither fight nor fly,
“Would mirth create,—I could not that deny;
“It look'd as if for safety I would treat,
“Nay, sue for peace—No! rather come defeat!
“‘Look to me, loveliest of thy sex! and give
“‘One cheering glance, and not a cow shall live;
“‘For, lo! this iron bar, this strenuous arm,
“‘And those dear eyes to aid me as a charm.’
“To turn my back, and let the cows pursue;
“And should I rashly mortal strife begin,
“'Twas all unknown who might the battle win;
“And yet to wait, and neither fight nor fly,
“Would mirth create,—I could not that deny;
“It look'd as if for safety I would treat,
“Nay, sue for peace—No! rather come defeat!
“‘Look to me, loveliest of thy sex! and give
“‘One cheering glance, and not a cow shall live;
“‘For, lo! this iron bar, this strenuous arm,
“‘And those dear eyes to aid me as a charm.’
“Say, goddess! Victory! say, on man or cow
“Meanest thou now to perch—On neither now—
“For, as I ponder'd, on their way appear'd
“The Amazonian milker of the herd;
“These, at the wonted signals, made a stand,
“And woo'd the nymph of the relieving hand;
“Nor heeded now the man, who felt relief
“Of other kind, and not unmix'd with grief;
“For now he neither should his courage prove,
“Nor in his dying moments boast his love.
“Meanest thou now to perch—On neither now—
“For, as I ponder'd, on their way appear'd
“The Amazonian milker of the herd;
“These, at the wonted signals, made a stand,
“And woo'd the nymph of the relieving hand;
“Nor heeded now the man, who felt relief
“Of other kind, and not unmix'd with grief;
“For now he neither should his courage prove,
“Nor in his dying moments boast his love.
“My sovereign beauty with amazement saw—
“So she declared—the horrid things in awe;
“Well pleased, she witness'd what respect was paid
“By such brute natures—Every cow afraid,
“And kept at distance by the powers of one,
“Who had to her a dangerous service done,
“That prudence had declined, that valour's self might shun.
“So she declared—the horrid things in awe;
“Well pleased, she witness'd what respect was paid
“By such brute natures—Every cow afraid,
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“Who had to her a dangerous service done,
“That prudence had declined, that valour's self might shun.
“So thought the maid, who now, beyond the stile,
“Received her champion with a gracious smile;
“Who now had leisure on those charms to dwell,
“That he could never from his thoughts expel;
“There are, I know, to whom a lover seems,
“Praising his mistress, to relate his dreams;
“But, Richard, looks like those, that angel-face
“Could I no more in sister-angel trace;
“Oh! it was more than fancy! it was more
“Than in my darling views I saw before,
“When I my idol made, and my allegiance swore.
“Received her champion with a gracious smile;
“Who now had leisure on those charms to dwell,
“That he could never from his thoughts expel;
“There are, I know, to whom a lover seems,
“Praising his mistress, to relate his dreams;
“But, Richard, looks like those, that angel-face
“Could I no more in sister-angel trace;
“Oh! it was more than fancy! it was more
“Than in my darling views I saw before,
“When I my idol made, and my allegiance swore.
“Henceforth 'twas bliss upon that face to dwell,
“Till every trace became indelible;
“I blest the cause of that alarm, her fright,
“And all that gave me favour in her sight,
“Who then was kind and grateful, till my mind,
“Pleased and exulting, awe awhile resign'd.
“For in the moment when she feels afraid,
“How kindly speaks the condescending maid:
“She sees her danger near, she wants her lover's aid;
“As fire electric, when discharged, will strike
“All who receive it, and they feel alike,
“So in the shock of danger and surprise
“Our minds are struck, and mix, and sympathise.
“Till every trace became indelible;
“I blest the cause of that alarm, her fright,
“And all that gave me favour in her sight,
“Who then was kind and grateful, till my mind,
“Pleased and exulting, awe awhile resign'd.
“For in the moment when she feels afraid,
“How kindly speaks the condescending maid:
“She sees her danger near, she wants her lover's aid;
“As fire electric, when discharged, will strike
“All who receive it, and they feel alike,
“So in the shock of danger and surprise
“Our minds are struck, and mix, and sympathise.
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“But danger dies, and distance comes between
“My state and that of my all glorious queen;
“Yet much was done—upon my mind a chain
“Was strongly fix'd, and likely to remain;
“Listening, I grew enamour'd of the sound,
“And felt to her my very being bound;
“I blest the scene, nor felt a power to move,
“Lost in the ecstasies of infant love.
“My state and that of my all glorious queen;
“Yet much was done—upon my mind a chain
“Was strongly fix'd, and likely to remain;
“Listening, I grew enamour'd of the sound,
“And felt to her my very being bound;
“I blest the scene, nor felt a power to move,
“Lost in the ecstasies of infant love.
“She saw and smiled; the smile delight convey'd,
“My love encouraged, and my act repaid:
“In that same smile I read the charmer meant
“To give her hero chaste encouragement;
“It spoke, as plainly as a smile can speak,
“‘Seek whom you love, love freely whom you seek.
“My love encouraged, and my act repaid:
“In that same smile I read the charmer meant
“To give her hero chaste encouragement;
“It spoke, as plainly as a smile can speak,
“‘Seek whom you love, love freely whom you seek.
“Thus, when the lovely witch had wrought her charm,
“She took th' attendant maiden by the arm,
“And left me fondly gazing, till no more
“I could the shade of that dear form explore;
“Then to my secret haunt I turn'd again,
“Fire in my heart, and fever in my brain;
“That face of her for ever in my view,
“Whom I was henceforth fated to pursue,
“To hope I knew not what, small hope in what I knew.
“She took th' attendant maiden by the arm,
“And left me fondly gazing, till no more
“I could the shade of that dear form explore;
“Then to my secret haunt I turn'd again,
“Fire in my heart, and fever in my brain;
“That face of her for ever in my view,
“Whom I was henceforth fated to pursue,
“To hope I knew not what, small hope in what I knew.
“O! my dear Richard, what a waste of time
“Gave I not thus to lunacy sublime;
“What days, months, years, (to useful purpose lost)
“Has not this dire infatuation cost?
“To this fair vision I, a bounded slave,
“Time, duty, credit, honour, comfort, gave;
“Gave all—and waited for the glorious things
“That hope expects, but fortune never brings.
“Gave I not thus to lunacy sublime;
“What days, months, years, (to useful purpose lost)
“Has not this dire infatuation cost?
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“Time, duty, credit, honour, comfort, gave;
“Gave all—and waited for the glorious things
“That hope expects, but fortune never brings.
“Yet let me own, while I my fault reprove,
“There is one blessing still affix'd to love—
“To love like mine—for, as my soul it drew
“From Reason's path, it shunn'd Dishonour's too;
“It made my taste refined, my feelings nice,
“And placed an angel in the way of vice.
“There is one blessing still affix'd to love—
“To love like mine—for, as my soul it drew
“From Reason's path, it shunn'd Dishonour's too;
“It made my taste refined, my feelings nice,
“And placed an angel in the way of vice.
“This angel now, whom I no longer view'd,
“Far from this scene her destined way pursued;
“No more that mansion held a form so fair,
“She was away, and beauty was not there.
“Far from this scene her destined way pursued;
“No more that mansion held a form so fair,
“She was away, and beauty was not there.
“Such, my dear Richard, was my early flame,
“My youthful frenzy—give it either name;
“It was the withering bane of many a year,
“That pass'd away in causeless hope and fear;
“The hopes, the fears, that every dream could kill,
“Or make alive, and lead my passive will.
“My youthful frenzy—give it either name;
“It was the withering bane of many a year,
“That pass'd away in causeless hope and fear;
“The hopes, the fears, that every dream could kill,
“Or make alive, and lead my passive will.
“At length I learnt one name my angel bore,
“And Rosabella I must now adore;
“Yet knew but this—and not the favour'd place
“That held the angel or th' angelic race;
“Nor where, admired, the sweet enchantress dwelt,
“But I had lost her—that, indeed, I felt.
“And Rosabella I must now adore;
“Yet knew but this—and not the favour'd place
“That held the angel or th' angelic race;
“Nor where, admired, the sweet enchantress dwelt,
“But I had lost her—that, indeed, I felt.
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“Yet, would I say, she will at length be mine!
“Did ever hero hope or love resign?
“Though men oppose, and fortune bids despair,
“She will in time her mischief well repair,
“And I, at last, shall wed this fairest of the fair!
“Did ever hero hope or love resign?
“Though men oppose, and fortune bids despair,
“She will in time her mischief well repair,
“And I, at last, shall wed this fairest of the fair!
“My thrifty uncle, now return'd, began
“To stir within me what remain'd of man;
“My powerful frenzy painted to the life,
“And ask'd me if I took a dream to wife?
“Debate ensued, and though not well content,
“Upon a visit to his house I went:
“He, the most saving of mankind, had still
“Some kindred feeling; he would guide my will,
“And teach me wisdom—so affection wrought,
“That he to save me from destruction sought:
“To him destruction, the most awful curse
“Of Misery's children, was—an empty purse!
“He his own books approved, and thought the pen
“A useful instrument for trading men;
“But judged a quill was never to be slit
“Except to make it for a merchant fit:
“He, when inform'd how men of taste could write,
“Look'd on his ledger with supreme delight;
“Then would he laugh, and, with insulting joy,
“Tell me aloud, ‘that's poetry, my boy;
“‘These are your golden numbers—them repeat,
“‘The more you have, the more you'll find them sweet—
“‘Their numbers move all hearts—no matter for their feet.
“‘Sir, when a man composes in this style,
“‘What is to him a critic's frown or smile?
“‘What is the puppy's censure or applause
“‘To the good man who on his banker draws,
“‘Buys an estate, and writes upon the grounds,
“‘‘Pay to A. B. a hundred thousand pounds?”
“‘Thus, my dear nephew, thus your talents prove;
“‘Leave verse to poets, and the poor to love.’
“To stir within me what remain'd of man;
“My powerful frenzy painted to the life,
“And ask'd me if I took a dream to wife?
“Debate ensued, and though not well content,
“Upon a visit to his house I went:
“He, the most saving of mankind, had still
“Some kindred feeling; he would guide my will,
“And teach me wisdom—so affection wrought,
“That he to save me from destruction sought:
“To him destruction, the most awful curse
“Of Misery's children, was—an empty purse!
“He his own books approved, and thought the pen
“A useful instrument for trading men;
“But judged a quill was never to be slit
“Except to make it for a merchant fit:
“He, when inform'd how men of taste could write,
“Look'd on his ledger with supreme delight;
“Then would he laugh, and, with insulting joy,
“Tell me aloud, ‘that's poetry, my boy;
“‘These are your golden numbers—them repeat,
“‘The more you have, the more you'll find them sweet—
“‘Their numbers move all hearts—no matter for their feet.
“‘Sir, when a man composes in this style,
“‘What is to him a critic's frown or smile?
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“‘To the good man who on his banker draws,
“‘Buys an estate, and writes upon the grounds,
“‘‘Pay to A. B. a hundred thousand pounds?”
“‘Thus, my dear nephew, thus your talents prove;
“‘Leave verse to poets, and the poor to love.’
“Some months I suffer'd thus, compell'd to sit
“And hear a wealthy kinsman aim at wit;
“Yet there was something in his nature good,
“And he had feeling for the tie of blood:
“So while I languish'd for my absent maid
“I some observance to my uncle paid.”
“And hear a wealthy kinsman aim at wit;
“Yet there was something in his nature good,
“And he had feeling for the tie of blood:
“So while I languish'd for my absent maid
“I some observance to my uncle paid.”
“Had you inquired?” said Richard.
“I had placed
“Inquirers round, but nothing could be traced;
“Of every reasoning creature at this Hall,
“And tenant near it, I applied to all—
“Tell me if she—and I described her well—
“Dwelt long a guest, or where retired to dwell?
“But no! such lady they remember'd not—
“They saw that face, strange beings! and forgot.
“Inquirers round, but nothing could be traced;
“Of every reasoning creature at this Hall,
“And tenant near it, I applied to all—
“Tell me if she—and I described her well—
“Dwelt long a guest, or where retired to dwell?
“But no! such lady they remember'd not—
“They saw that face, strange beings! and forgot.
“Nor was inquiry all; but I pursued
“My soul's first wish, with hope's vast strength endued:
“I cross'd the seas, I went where strangers go,
“And gazed on crowds as one who dreads a foe,
“Or seeks a friend; and, when I sought in vain,
“Fled to fresh crowds, and hoped, and gazed again.”
“My soul's first wish, with hope's vast strength endued:
“I cross'd the seas, I went where strangers go,
“And gazed on crowds as one who dreads a foe,
“Or seeks a friend; and, when I sought in vain,
“Fled to fresh crowds, and hoped, and gazed again.”
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“It was a strong possession”—“Strong and strange,
“I felt the evil, yet desired not change:
“Years now had flown, nor was the passion cured,
“But hope had life, and so was life endured;
“The mind's disease, with all its strength, stole on,
“Till youth, and health, and all but love were gone.
“And there were seasons, Richard, horrid hours
“Of mental suffering! they o'erthrew my powers,
“And made my mind unsteady—I have still,
“At times, a feeling of that nameless ill,
“That is not madness—I could always tell
“My mind was wandering—knew it was not well;
“Felt all my loss of time, the shameful waste
“Of talents perish'd, and of parts disgraced:
“But though my mind was sane, there was a void—
“My understanding seem'd in part destroy'd;
“I thought I was not of my species one,
“But unconnected! injured and undone.
“I felt the evil, yet desired not change:
“Years now had flown, nor was the passion cured,
“But hope had life, and so was life endured;
“The mind's disease, with all its strength, stole on,
“Till youth, and health, and all but love were gone.
“And there were seasons, Richard, horrid hours
“Of mental suffering! they o'erthrew my powers,
“And made my mind unsteady—I have still,
“At times, a feeling of that nameless ill,
“That is not madness—I could always tell
“My mind was wandering—knew it was not well;
“Felt all my loss of time, the shameful waste
“Of talents perish'd, and of parts disgraced:
“But though my mind was sane, there was a void—
“My understanding seem'd in part destroy'd;
“I thought I was not of my species one,
“But unconnected! injured and undone.
“While in this state, once more my uncle pray'd
“That I would hear—I heard, and I obey'd;
“For I was thankful that a being broke
“On this my sadness, or an interest took
“In my poor life—but, at his mansion, rest
“Came with its halcyon stillness to my breast:
“Slowly there enter'd in my mind concern
“For things about me—I would something learn,
“And to my uncle listen; who, with joy,
“Found that ev'n yet I could my powers employ
“Till I could feel new hopes my mind possess,
“Of ease at least, if not of happiness:
“Till, not contented, not in discontent,
“As my good uncle counsell'd, on I went;
“Conscious of youth's great error—nay, the crime
“Of manhood now—a dreary waste of time!
“Conscious of that account which I must give
“How life had passed with me—I strove to live.
“That I would hear—I heard, and I obey'd;
“For I was thankful that a being broke
“On this my sadness, or an interest took
“In my poor life—but, at his mansion, rest
“Came with its halcyon stillness to my breast:
“Slowly there enter'd in my mind concern
“For things about me—I would something learn,
“And to my uncle listen; who, with joy,
“Found that ev'n yet I could my powers employ
“Till I could feel new hopes my mind possess,
“Of ease at least, if not of happiness:
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“As my good uncle counsell'd, on I went;
“Conscious of youth's great error—nay, the crime
“Of manhood now—a dreary waste of time!
“Conscious of that account which I must give
“How life had passed with me—I strove to live.
“Had I, like others, my first hope attain'd,
“I must, at least, a certainty have gain'd;
“Had I, like others, lost the hope of youth,
“Another hope had promised greater truth;
“But I in baseless hopes, and groundless views,
“Was fated time, and peace, and health to lose,
“Impell'd to seek, for ever doom'd to fail,
“Is—I distress you—let me end my tale.
“I must, at least, a certainty have gain'd;
“Had I, like others, lost the hope of youth,
“Another hope had promised greater truth;
“But I in baseless hopes, and groundless views,
“Was fated time, and peace, and health to lose,
“Impell'd to seek, for ever doom'd to fail,
“Is—I distress you—let me end my tale.
“Something one day occurr'd about a bill
“That was not drawn with true mercantile skill,
“And I was ask'd and authorised to go
“To seek the firm of Clutterbuck and Co.;
“Their hour was past—but when I urged the case,
“There was a youth who named a second place;
“Where, on occasions of important kind,
“I might the man of occupation find
“In his retirement, where he found repose
“From the vexations that in business rose.
“I found, though not with ease, this private seat
“Of soothing quiet, Wisdom's still retreat.
“That was not drawn with true mercantile skill,
“And I was ask'd and authorised to go
“To seek the firm of Clutterbuck and Co.;
“Their hour was past—but when I urged the case,
“There was a youth who named a second place;
“Where, on occasions of important kind,
“I might the man of occupation find
“In his retirement, where he found repose
“From the vexations that in business rose.
“I found, though not with ease, this private seat
“Of soothing quiet, Wisdom's still retreat.
“The house was good, but not so pure and clean
“As I had houses of retirement seen;
“Yet men, I knew, of meditation deep,
“Love not their maidens should their studies sweep;
“His room I saw, and must acknowledge, there
“Were not the signs of cleanliness or care:
“A female servant, void of female grace,
“Loose in attire, proceeded to the place;
“She stared intrusive on my slender frame,
“And boldly ask'd my business and my name.
“As I had houses of retirement seen;
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“Love not their maidens should their studies sweep;
“His room I saw, and must acknowledge, there
“Were not the signs of cleanliness or care:
“A female servant, void of female grace,
“Loose in attire, proceeded to the place;
“She stared intrusive on my slender frame,
“And boldly ask'd my business and my name.
“I gave them both; and, left to be amused,
“Well as I might, the parlour I perused.
“The shutters half unclosed, the curtains fell
“Half down, and rested on the window-sill,
“And thus, confusedly, made the room half visible:
“Late as it was, the little parlour bore
“Some tell-tale tokens of the night before;
“There were strange sights and scents about the room,
“Of food high season'd, and of strong perfume;
“Two unmatch'd sofas ample rents display'd,
“Carpet and curtains were alike decay'd;
“A large old mirror, with once-gilded frame,
“Reflected prints that I forbear to name,
“Such as a youth might purchase—but, in truth,
“Not a sedate or sober-minded youth:
“The cinders yet were sleeping in the grate,
“Warm from the fire, continued large and late,
“As left by careless folk, in their neglected state;
“The chairs in haste seem'd whirl'd about the room,
“As when the sons of riot hurry home,
“And leave the troubled place to solitude and gloom.
“Well as I might, the parlour I perused.
“The shutters half unclosed, the curtains fell
“Half down, and rested on the window-sill,
“And thus, confusedly, made the room half visible:
“Late as it was, the little parlour bore
“Some tell-tale tokens of the night before;
“There were strange sights and scents about the room,
“Of food high season'd, and of strong perfume;
“Two unmatch'd sofas ample rents display'd,
“Carpet and curtains were alike decay'd;
“A large old mirror, with once-gilded frame,
“Reflected prints that I forbear to name,
“Such as a youth might purchase—but, in truth,
“Not a sedate or sober-minded youth:
“The cinders yet were sleeping in the grate,
“Warm from the fire, continued large and late,
“As left by careless folk, in their neglected state;
“The chairs in haste seem'd whirl'd about the room,
“As when the sons of riot hurry home,
“And leave the troubled place to solitude and gloom.
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“All this, for I had ample time, I saw,
“And prudence question'd—should we not withdraw?
“For he who makes me thus on business wait,
“Is not for business in a proper state;
“But man there was not, was not he for whom
“To this convenient lodging I was come;
“No! but a lady's voice was heard to call
“On my attention—and she had it all;
“For, lo! she enters, speaking ere in sight,
“‘Monsieur! I shall not want the chair to-night—
“‘Where shall I see him?’—This dear hour atones
“For all affection's hopeless sighs and groans—
“Then turning to me—‘Art thou come at last?
“‘A thousand welcomes—be forgot the past;
“‘Forgotten all the grief that absence brings,
“‘Fear that torments, and jealousy that stings—
“‘All that is cold, injurious, and unkind,
“‘Be it for ever banish'd from the mind;
“‘And in that mind, and in that heart be now
“‘The soft endearment, and the binding vow.’
“And prudence question'd—should we not withdraw?
“For he who makes me thus on business wait,
“Is not for business in a proper state;
“But man there was not, was not he for whom
“To this convenient lodging I was come;
“No! but a lady's voice was heard to call
“On my attention—and she had it all;
“For, lo! she enters, speaking ere in sight,
“‘Monsieur! I shall not want the chair to-night—
“‘Where shall I see him?’—This dear hour atones
“For all affection's hopeless sighs and groans—
“Then turning to me—‘Art thou come at last?
“‘A thousand welcomes—be forgot the past;
“‘Forgotten all the grief that absence brings,
“‘Fear that torments, and jealousy that stings—
“‘All that is cold, injurious, and unkind,
“‘Be it for ever banish'd from the mind;
“‘And in that mind, and in that heart be now
“‘The soft endearment, and the binding vow.’
“She spoke—and o'er the practised features threw
“The looks that reason charm, and strength subdue
“The looks that reason charm, and strength subdue
“Will you not ask, how I beheld that face,
“Or read that mind, and read it in that place?
“I have tried, Richard, oft-times, and in vain,
“To trace my thoughts, and to review their train—
“If train there were—that meadow, grove, and stile,
“The fright, th' escape, her sweetness and her smile;
“Years since elapsed, and hope, from year to year,
“To find her free—and then to find her here!
“Or read that mind, and read it in that place?
“I have tried, Richard, oft-times, and in vain,
“To trace my thoughts, and to review their train—
“If train there were—that meadow, grove, and stile,
“The fright, th' escape, her sweetness and her smile;
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“To find her free—and then to find her here!
“But is it she?—O! yes; the rose is dead,
‘All beauty, fragrance, freshness, glory fled:
“But yet 't is she—the same and not the same—
“Who to my bower a heavenly being came;
“Who waked my soul's first thought of real bliss,
“Whom long I sought, and now I find her—this.
‘All beauty, fragrance, freshness, glory fled:
“But yet 't is she—the same and not the same—
“Who to my bower a heavenly being came;
“Who waked my soul's first thought of real bliss,
“Whom long I sought, and now I find her—this.
“I cannot paint her—something I had seen
“So pale and slim, and tawdry and unclean;
“With haggard looks, of vice and woe the prey,
“Laughing in languor, miserably gay:
“Her face, where face appear'd, was amply spread,
“By art's coarse pencil, with ill-chosen red,
“The flower's fictitious bloom, the blushing of the dead:
“But still the features were the same, and strange
“My view of both—the sameness and the change,
“That fixed me gazing and my eye enchain'd,
“Although so little of herself remain'd;
“It is the creature whom I loved, and yet
“Is far unlike her—Would I could forget
“The angel or her fall; the once adored
“Or now despised! the worshipp'd or deplored!
“So pale and slim, and tawdry and unclean;
“With haggard looks, of vice and woe the prey,
“Laughing in languor, miserably gay:
“Her face, where face appear'd, was amply spread,
“By art's coarse pencil, with ill-chosen red,
“The flower's fictitious bloom, the blushing of the dead:
“But still the features were the same, and strange
“My view of both—the sameness and the change,
“That fixed me gazing and my eye enchain'd,
“Although so little of herself remain'd;
“It is the creature whom I loved, and yet
“Is far unlike her—Would I could forget
“The angel or her fall; the once adored
“Or now despised! the worshipp'd or deplored!
“‘O! Rosabella!’ I prepared to say,
“‘Whom I have loved,’ but prudence whisper'd nay.
“And folly grew ashamed—discretion had her day.
“She gave her hand; which, as I lightly press'd,
“The cold but ardent grasp my soul oppress'd;
“The ruin'd girl disturb'd me, and my eyes
“Look'd, I conceive, both sorrow and surprise.
“I spoke my business—‘He,’ she answer'd, ‘comes
“‘And lodges here—he has the backward rooms—
“‘He now is absent, and I chanced to hear
“‘Will not before to-morrow eve appear,
“‘And may be longer absent—O! the night
“‘When you preserved me in that horrid fright;
“‘A thousand, thousand times, asleep, awake,
“‘I thought of what you ventured for my sake—
“‘Now have you thought—yet tell me so—deceive
“‘Your Rosabella, willing to believe?
“‘O! there is something in love's first-born pain
“‘Sweeter than bliss—it never comes again—
“‘But has your heart been faithful?’—Here my pride
“To anger rising, her attempt defied—
“‘My faith must childish in your sight appear,
“‘Who have been faithful—to how many, dear?’
“‘Whom I have loved,’ but prudence whisper'd nay.
“And folly grew ashamed—discretion had her day.
“She gave her hand; which, as I lightly press'd,
“The cold but ardent grasp my soul oppress'd;
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“Look'd, I conceive, both sorrow and surprise.
“I spoke my business—‘He,’ she answer'd, ‘comes
“‘And lodges here—he has the backward rooms—
“‘He now is absent, and I chanced to hear
“‘Will not before to-morrow eve appear,
“‘And may be longer absent—O! the night
“‘When you preserved me in that horrid fright;
“‘A thousand, thousand times, asleep, awake,
“‘I thought of what you ventured for my sake—
“‘Now have you thought—yet tell me so—deceive
“‘Your Rosabella, willing to believe?
“‘O! there is something in love's first-born pain
“‘Sweeter than bliss—it never comes again—
“‘But has your heart been faithful?’—Here my pride
“To anger rising, her attempt defied—
“‘My faith must childish in your sight appear,
“‘Who have been faithful—to how many, dear?’
“If words had fail'd, a look explain'd their style,
“She could not blush assent, but she could smile:
“Good heaven! I thought, have I rejected fame,
“Credit, and wealth, for one who smiles at shame?
“She could not blush assent, but she could smile:
“Good heaven! I thought, have I rejected fame,
“Credit, and wealth, for one who smiles at shame?
“She saw me thoughtful—saw it, as I guess'd,
“With some concern, though nothing she express'd.
“‘Come, my dear friend, discard that look of care,
“‘All things were made to be, as all things are;
“‘All to seek pleasure as the end design'd,
“‘The only good in matter or in mind;
“‘So was I taught by one, who gave me all
“‘That my experienced heart can wisdom call.
“With some concern, though nothing she express'd.
“‘Come, my dear friend, discard that look of care,
“‘All things were made to be, as all things are;
“‘All to seek pleasure as the end design'd,
“‘The only good in matter or in mind;
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“‘That my experienced heart can wisdom call.
“‘I saw thee young, love's soft obedient slave,
“‘And many a sigh to my young lover gave;
“‘And I had, spite of cowardice or cow,
“‘Return'd thy passion, and exchanged my vow;
“‘But while I thought to bait the amorous hook,
“‘One set for me my eager fancy took;
“‘There was a crafty eye, that far could see,
“‘And through my failings fascinated me:
“‘Mine was a childish wish, to please my boy;
“‘His a design, his wishes to enjoy.
“‘O! we have both about the world been tost,
“‘Thy gain I know not—I, they cry, am lost;
“‘So let the wise ones talk; they talk in vain,
“‘And are mistaken both in loss and gain;
“‘'Tis gain to get whatever life affords,
“‘'Tis loss to spend our time in empty words.
“‘And many a sigh to my young lover gave;
“‘And I had, spite of cowardice or cow,
“‘Return'd thy passion, and exchanged my vow;
“‘But while I thought to bait the amorous hook,
“‘One set for me my eager fancy took;
“‘There was a crafty eye, that far could see,
“‘And through my failings fascinated me:
“‘Mine was a childish wish, to please my boy;
“‘His a design, his wishes to enjoy.
“‘O! we have both about the world been tost,
“‘Thy gain I know not—I, they cry, am lost;
“‘So let the wise ones talk; they talk in vain,
“‘And are mistaken both in loss and gain;
“‘'Tis gain to get whatever life affords,
“‘'Tis loss to spend our time in empty words.
“‘I was a girl, and thou a boy wert then,
“‘Nor aught of women knew, nor I of men;
“‘But I have traffick'd in the world, and thou,
“‘Doubtless, canst boast of thy experience now;
“‘Let us the knowledge we have gain'd produce,
“‘And kindly turn it to our common use.’
“‘Nor aught of women knew, nor I of men;
“‘But I have traffick'd in the world, and thou,
“‘Doubtless, canst boast of thy experience now;
“‘Let us the knowledge we have gain'd produce,
“‘And kindly turn it to our common use.’
“Thus spoke the siren in voluptuous style,
“While I stood gazing and perplex'd the while,
“Chain'd by that voice, confounded by that smile.
“And then she sang, and changed from grave to gay,
“Till all reproach and anger died away.
“While I stood gazing and perplex'd the while,
“Chain'd by that voice, confounded by that smile.
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“Till all reproach and anger died away.
| The Poetical Works of the Rev. George Crabbe | |