The Poetical Works of Thomas Chatterton :: :: University of Virginia Library

Stay, curious traveller, and pass not by,
Until this handsome pile astound thine eye.
Whole rocks on rocks with iron joined survey,
And oaks with oaks commingled ordered lie.
This mighty pile, that keeps the winds at bay,
Fire-lightning and the murky storm defy,
That shoots aloft into the realms of day,
Shall be the record of the builder's fame for aye.

II

Thou seest this mastery of a human hand,
The pride of Bristol and the Western land;
Yet are the builder's virtues much more great,
Greater than can by Rowlie's pen be scanned.
Thou seest the saints and kings in stony state,
That seemed with breath and human soul dispand;

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As 'pared to us appear these men of slate,
Such is great Canynge's mind when 'pared to God elate.

III

Well mayst thou be astounded; view it well,
Go not from hence before thou see thy fill,
And learn the builder's virtues and his name;
Of this tall spire in every country tell,
And with thy tale the lazy rich men shame;
Shew how the glorious Canynge did excel,
How he, good man, a friend for kings became,
And glorious paved at once the way to heaven and fame.