The Works of William Mason :: :: University of Virginia Library

133

SONNET XII. TO A GRAVEL WALK, RELATIVE TO THE PRECEDING SUBJECT.

Smooth, simple Path! whose undulating line,
With sidelong tufts of flow'ry fragrance crown'd,
“Plain in its neatness,” spans my garden ground;
What, though two acres thy brief course confine,
Yet sun and shade, and hill and dale are thine,
And use with beauty here more surely found,
Than where, to spread the picturesque around,
Cart ruts and quarry holes their charms combine!
Here, as thou lead'st my step through lawn or grove,
Liberal though limited, restrain'd though free,
Fearless of dew, or dirt, or dust, I rove,
And own those comforts, all deriv'd from thee!
Take then, smooth Path, this tribute of my love,
Thou emblem pure of legal liberty!

Aston, Nov. 27, 1795.

First published 1797.

A phrase that Milton uses to express simplex munditiis. See his translation of Hor. Ode V. Lib. I. Mr. T. Warton, in his edition of Milton's Poems, criticises the expression. It is however Milton's, and, if it does not fully express Horace's meaning, seems to serve my purpose perfectly.

See Mr. Price's Description of a Picturesque Lane.