The Poetical Works of The Rev. Samuel Bishop :: :: University of Virginia Library

“Home's Home, however homely,” Wisdom says—
And certain is the fact, tho' coarse the phrase.—
To prove it, if it need a proof at all,
Mark what a train attends the Muse's call;
And as she leads th' ideal group along,
Let your own feelings realize the song.

Clear then the stage!—No scenery we require,
Save the snug circle, round her Parlour Fire:—
And enter, marshall'd in procession fair,
Each happier Influence, that predominates there.

First Love, by friendship mellow'd into bliss,
Lights the glad glow, and sanctifies the kiss,

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When fondly welcom'd to the accustom'd seat,
In sweet complacence, Wife and Husband meet;
Look mutual pleasure, mutual purpose share,
Repose from labours, but unite in care.

Ambition—does Ambition there reside?
Yes!—when the Boy, in manly mood, astride,
Of headstrong prowess innocently vain,
Canters, the jockey of his Father's cane.
—While Emulation, in the Daughter's heart,
Bears a more mild, tho' not less powerful part;
With zeal to shine her fluttering bosom warms;
And in the romp, the future house-wife forms.

Or both, perchance, to graver sport incline,
And Art and Genius in their pastime join;
This the cramp riddle's puzzling knot invents;
That rears aloft the card-built tenements.

Think how Joy animates, intense, tho' meek,
The fading roses on their Grandame's cheek;

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When proud the frolic progeny to survey,
She feels, and owns, an interest in their play;
Adopts each wish, their wayward whims unfold;
And tells, at every call, the story ten-times told.

Good-humour'd Dignity endears, meanwhile,
The narrative Grandsire's venerable style,
If, haply, feats atchiev'd in prime of youth,
Or pristine anecdote, or historic truth,
Or maxim shrewd, or admonition bland,
Affectionate attention's ear command.

To such Society, so form'd, so blest,
Time, Thought, Remembrance, all impart a zest:
And Expectation, day by day, more bright,
Round every prospect throws increasing light;
The simplest comforts act with strongest force:
Whate'er can give them, can improve, of course.

All this is Common-Place, you'll tell me—true!
What pity 'tis not Common Fashion too!—

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Roam as we will, plain sense, at last, will find,
'Tis only seeking—what we left behind.
—If Individual Good engage our hope,
Domestic Virtues give the largest scope;
If plans of Public Eminence we trace,
Domestic Virtues are it's surest base.—

Would great example make these truths more clear?
The greatest of examples shall appear.
—Is there a Man, whom general suffrage owns
An Honor to the Majesty of Thrones?
—Is there a Man, whom general Love's acclaim
Greets with each noblest, and each dearest name?—
He, midst the Glare of State, and Pomp of Power,
Courts the soft sympathies of the Family Hour;
Not less illustrious at his own Fire-side,
By private Merit's Sterling standard try'd,
Than, when the cares from Royal Worth that spring,
Call forth the People's Father, and the King.