University of Virginia Library


101

TO MRS. HOWARD, OF CORBY CASTLE,

ON PRESENTING A VOLUME OF MANUSCRIPT POEMS.

If aught of nature in my humble strain,
Shall unexpected catch your list'ning ear,
Such the reward, I scorn the critic's sneer,
Nor greater prize on earth e'er seek to gain!
Tho' long compell'd o'er distant lands to roam,
In fancy, oft thro' Corby's Bow'rs I range;
And taste the sweets that time can ne'er estrange,
Where nature smiles around my native home.
Each day recalls the scenes of dear delights;
The banks, whose shrubs display a thousand dies;
The distant landscapes; and the wood-crown'd heights,
Where oaks majestic court the liquid skies:
Rocks, woods, and lawns, for ever seem t' inspire
The glow that fills my bosom with desire!