 | New Poems by George Crabbe |  |
67
Joseph and Jesse
9
“Won by some Damsel's Eye or Cheek,“You may resign your plenteous fare,
“May then your Food together share,
“And each may grudge the Scraps you share.
10
“But now he comes—I see a Friend,“With whom a Wanderer dares to speak.
“I shall not one so good offend;
“The base alone dispise the Weak.
11
“Your Honour knows, in Days of Old“(Mine and Your Honour's are the same)
“That Joseph could a Friend uphold,
“And share his Glory or his Shame.”
12
“I know your Tale—my Debts I own,“But, Joseph, I from this am free,
“The Prowess to some other shown
“Thy erring Memory givest to me.
13
“It is an Error, Friend, but yet“There is a Law that I obey,
“And bear in Mind the general Debt,
“That Want proclaims and Wealth must pay.
14
“Nay! let me not thy Spirit hurt,“I rather would thy Sufferings feel,
“Much rather would thy Griefs divert,
“And with yet greater Pleasure heal.
15
“But, Joseph, come! thy Tale begin,“I'll hear thee, patient to the End,
“As to a Sinner tell thy Sin,
“And speak thy Wants as to a Friend.
16
“Give us thy Story, from the Page“Where Memory doubts what she records
“To this, the still and quiet Age,
“That little to her Stock affords.”
68
17
“Your Honour, Yes! the Wanderer knows“No Author will relate his Tale,
“And so his own Exploits he shows,
“His Story—with your Honour's Ale.
18
“That Story, like a Wooden Leg,“Gives me the Favour to apply
“For Aid—affords me right to beg,
“And shows sufficient Reason why.
19
“The poor have Pride; as I proceed,“Death will come on with threat'ning Stride,
“And what is written—some will read:
“‘Here Joseph Jephson dropt and died.’
20
“So if beyond my year I stay,“Mine is no more this Life forlorn,
“All Wants and Woes are done Away,
“And Joseph's Love, & Jesse's Scorn.
21
“I served a Year at Eldon Hall,“A Servant boy, but blest with health,
“Nor saw the Lord, who ruled us all,
“But Once by Chance, & once by Stealth.
22
“And twice that time it was, before“Appeared that Lady gay and grand,
“But how appear'd I know no more,
“But that I stood as Idiots stand.
23
“Nor wonder at that Awe profound,“That troubled Sense of Fear & Joy,
“For she was Queen of all Around,
“And I the Gard'ner's Helper's Boy.
24
“But then there was an happier Hour,“When that fair Being blest my Sight,
“And deign'd to speak; I want the Power
“To paint my Wonder & Delight.
25
“‘Gather me Roses, my Boy’, she said.“I stood astonished & entranced,
69
“She called—I trembled, and advanced.
26
“‘Dost hear me, Boy?’, she, laughing, cried.“I heard, but felt, with fear profound,
“I knew not what, nor ought replied,
“But knelt upon the new-dug ground.
27
“The Gardener came; the Lady ask'd:“‘Does this dumb Thing to you belong?
“‘Speaks he?’—‘If not too straitly task'd,
“‘He talks or sings the whole day long.’
28
“‘Sings he?’, she said in some Surprise,“That with Emotion fill'd my Heart,
“‘Rise then, my little Man, arise,
“‘And give a Sample of the Art.’
29
“Then on her lovely form I gazed,“& felt I must her Words obey.
“So, like a desperate Thing amazed,
“I shut my Eyes, & sang Away.
30
“‘Johnny Foe and the Gipseys all, Fa la la,“‘They pitched their Tents by Branscomb Hall.
“Now Johnny was strait as a poplar, & tall,
“‘His Hands were white, & his fingers were small, fa la.
“‘My Lady came down! so fair & so free,
“‘yet Johnny, my Jo, I'll gang with thee,
“‘For my Lord is gone &’—
31
‘There, my Child,“‘Enough of this, but thou shalt come
“‘And learn my Songs’, she said, & smil'd,
“‘And chirp Away the Winter's Gloom.’
32
“Twelve Years I lived in Peace & Pride,“When Fortune, her dread Power to prove,
“Became my Foe, my Lady died,
“And my weak heart was pierced by Love.
70
33
“I lost my Friend, but kept my Place“Among my Lord's domestic Train,
“Where saw I Jesse's Angel-Face,
“And never felt my Peace Again.
34
“The Ladies of the Hall, when drest“By Jesse's Hands, were Beauties all,
“But Jesse's Self, it was confest,
“Was still the Pride of Eldon Hall.
35
“And Jesse in her spotless Robe,“With Bosom pure and Looks serene—
“You might have sought throughout ye Globe,
“And not another Jesse seen.
36
“I loved the Maid, to Frenzy loved,“And sought her Smile, that if I found,
“At once it cheer'd me, & reproved,
“At once enlarged, & soothed my Wound.
36B
“Soon as these rebel-Passions wake,“'Tis Wisdom's Caution: ‘Be afraid;
“‘The Mastery you must give or take,
“‘You must obey, or be obey'd.’
36C
“They seem at first as Pigmy foes,“Whom We in Folly's Pride Condemn,
“Whom we dispise & not oppose,
“And scorn to be subdued by them.
36D
“They grow, & Danger then appears,“Till by the View alarm'd, At length!
“We meet their force with Coward Fears,
“& Virtue yields at their Strength.
37
“It was a strange, mistaken Love,“That could Contempt & Scorn endure,
“That no Remonstrance could remove,
“That no Indignities could cure.
38
“I pray'd, as Saints & Martyrs pray,“I kneeling wept, and begg'd for Grace,
71
“And angry bade me know my Place.
39
“With lingering Hope & patient Grief,“I watched my Jesse's speaking Eye,
“To catch one Look, however brief,
“As she was gaily dancing by.
40
“Or if my Worn-out Temper fail'd,“And I assumed the Man's Disdain,
“One of her gentle Smiles prevailed
“To call the Rebel back again.
41
“'Twas not the Smile that Maids intend,“When they encourage Lads to woo,
“But One that seem'd to say: ‘My Friend,
“‘Thou art a Fool to love me so.’
42
“But while I strove in Chains so strong,“Doom'd the poor boon of Smiles to crave,
“Impartial Love avenged the Wrong,
“And Jesse felt the Pain she gave.
43
“The Steward's Son, with Songs & Smiles,“Came to the Hall in cursed hour,
“Endued with all his Mother's Wiles,
“And armed with all his Father's Power.
44
“He sang—all Music died in me;“He looked like Pleasure, I like Care;
“He was, what I in vain wd be,
“And I was what the jealous are.
45
“O! who these Feelings can command,“What reason stands ye Shock of such,
“When a gay Rival grasps the Hand,
“That we would give the World to touch?
46
“And who can bear the Passion's Storm,“What Opiate can our Peace restore,
“Who see that Rival clasp the Form
“Of that dear Maid whom we adore?
72
47
“When he, with careless, saucy Glance,“Surveys her, certain to behold
“That he is welcome to advance,
“And plainly reads: ‘You may be bold.’
48
“And thus assured, he acts his part,“A Lesson taught and con'd before,
“While I in silence warn'd the Heart,
“That bleeds in vain to bleed no more.
49
“O! why to Lovers kind and true“Are the mistaken Sex so cold,
“And stoop, as they are wont to do,
“Won by the forward and the bold?
49-50
“I've seen, intent on him alone,“That soft & supplicating Eye,
“When he, unmoved, with heart of Stone,
“Deigns not One look of kind Reply.
“There was a Verse I read to her,
“When she with cruel Spirit strove,
“That seem'd as if it might refer
“To me & to my luckless Love,
“But this in other times was made,
“For cruel Maids in days of Yore,
“By one whom Griefs no more invade,
“Who grieves, & sings, & loves no more.
“When she with cruel Spirit strove,
“That seem'd as if it might refer
“To me & to my luckless Love,
“But this in other times was made,
“For cruel Maids in days of Yore,
“By one whom Griefs no more invade,
“Who grieves, & sings, & loves no more.
“‘Let Man his Love & Duty prove
“‘By all that Man can do,
“‘Let him profess the fondest Love,
“‘And let him prove it true,
“‘Let him be tender! kind, discreet!
“‘& her false Heart adore,
“‘Yet shall he cold Indifference meet,
“‘And sigh in vain for more.
“‘By all that Man can do,
“‘Let him profess the fondest Love,
“‘And let him prove it true,
“‘Let him be tender! kind, discreet!
“‘& her false Heart adore,
“‘Yet shall he cold Indifference meet,
“‘And sigh in vain for more.
“‘But let the dashing Spoiler come,
“‘And to his Idol kneel,
“‘Let him, while Truth & Love are dumb,
“‘With Oaths his Heart conceal;
“‘By fawning Speech & flattering, He
“‘Shall soon his Way explore,
“‘And all shall fond Compliance be,
“‘Till he can ask no more—’
“‘And to his Idol kneel,
“‘Let him, while Truth & Love are dumb,
“‘With Oaths his Heart conceal;
73
“‘Shall soon his Way explore,
“‘And all shall fond Compliance be,
“‘Till he can ask no more—’
(51)
“Of Men who love the artful Maids,“Alas, how wretched is the Lot,
“While He with perfect Ease persuades
“The witless Tribe, who loves them not.
(52)
“Why do we hold the Things so dear,“And so much thought on them bestow?
“Because they to our Eyes appear
“As bright as Heav'n's discolour'd bow.
(53)
“To swains why is that Bow so bright,“In Lovers why that fierce Desire?
“Because they cannot see what slight
“And vapoury Things they both admire.
52
“Yet Jesse, save in Love, was just“In all her Duties—doom'd to prove
“That Wisdom may, like Folly, trust,
“If ever Wisdom stoops to love.
53
“But will the Youth, who wins that Heart,“Receive, possess it as a prize?
“O! no, but act a Traytor's part,
“He will insult it, and dispise.
54
“And can she, who was once so pure,“His Prayer admit, his Vow receive?
“Can she such Freedoms long endure?
“And all he feigns of Love believe?
55
“Yes, Tales from him are all believed,“And every Vow with Smiles repaid;
“It seems her Joy to be deceived,
“As 'tis her Fate to be betrayed.
56
“But can she with her spotless Fame,“With all that Light and Joy in Life,
74
“A Parent known, & not a Wife?
57
“She will not—yet we all perceive“The faded Cheek, the sunken Eye,
“The fruitless Effort not to grieve,
“The useless Trial not to sigh.
58
“Pity, that Pride would not endure,“That Passion could so far prevail.
“I know the Angel's thoughts were pure,
“But ah! the Woman's heart was frail.
59
“I saw, and Love was griev'd to see,“A Change! I would that she could trust
“The Secret of her Soul to me.
“To One! the time is near, she must.
60
“But still she laught to hide the Fear,“That neither Look nor Laughter hid,
“And oft she fled to drop the Tear,
“That trembled on the soft Eye-Lid.
61
“I've seen her meet her Lover's Eye“—Robber will best his Crime express—
“What Grief did she not then imply,
“And he what insolent Success!
62
“I watch'd them in the silent Night,“I saw her in Distraction kneel,
“I could have kill'd him at the Sight,
“Who would not! ev'n appear to feel.
63
“Methought she said, ‘I will not live,“‘If you an husband's Name deny.’
“‘No! that’, said He, ‘I must not give,
“‘But here is What will Comfort buy.’
64
“She threw it from her in Disdain,“Then clasp'd his Knee, & sobbing pray'd,
“Till finding Tears and Prayers in vain,
“‘Go,’, she exclaim'd, & He obey'd!
75
65
“Coldly obeyed! And then in still“And solemn Manner with her Grief
“Conferred she, warring with her Will;
“She Found, or seem'd to find, Relief.
66
“More calm from that sad night she grew,“Nor Joy nor Grief nor Fear exprest,
“And but that I her Secret knew,
“I had believ'd her Soul at Rest.
67
“But my strong Love was yet awake,“And watch'd the dear lost Girl to see
“If I might some Occasion take
“To turn her for Resource to me.
68
“The Time is come! with Looks aghast“She totters by! amaz'd, in Pain.
“O! shield her, Heav'n, till all be past,
“And she can be herself Again.
69
“The Houshold, save a useless few,“Were then in Town, and for the rest,
“The old and sick their Will persue,
“And went and came, as pleased them best.
70
“And where is Jesse? is she placed“With some poor Friend?—for she has some.
“I try, but she cannot be traced;
“I wait—and she again is come.
71
“Yet a few days, & she once more“Seem'd in distress, but not in Pain;
“Sedate but wretched, as before,
“Was she, Nor seen to Smile Again.
72
“Watchful I wait, and soon appears“The slender form, the easy pace,
“The Cheek, though pale, unstain'd by tears,
“Serene though sad the beauteous face.
73
“O! Jesse, what wert thou about,“What didst thou, dost thou not indure?—
76
“But none in me—for I was sure.
74
“He, too, is fled—What Fate is thine!“Could I that secret Grief remove,
“What would I not of Life resign,
“Or Life itself! so much I love?
75
“Nor comes he more: but Jesse seems“In Meditation lost! profound
“Looks, as in some bewildering Dream,
“And listens to some distant Sound.
76
“‘She feels’, I said, ‘as Mothers feel.“‘Some Cottage holds her Infant Guest,
“‘And there her weary Spirits steal,
“‘And there her troubled Soul has Rest.’
77
“My Lord returned, and all was Joy“And Gladness in that noble Pile,
“Were laughing every Man & Boy,
“Ev'n Jesse try'd, but fail'd, to Smile.
78
“I loved her yet, ‘Hear, Jesse, hear.“‘Must I in vain my Wish persue?
“‘True! though to me thou art severe,
“‘And though thou lov'st another, true.
79
“‘Nay, hear me, for I will be heard,“‘Will not my present View resign.
“‘Thee have thy Sorrows more indear'd,
“‘Thy Frailty has not vanquished mine.
80
“‘Yes! thou art frail, thou know'st it well.“‘Know him who could thy Heart betray,
“‘He, who could thy fond pleas repell,
“‘And turn from those dear Tears away.
81
“‘Still dear to me, and I would hide“‘My Jesse from Reproach & Shame,
“‘Where she might long in Peace abide,
“‘And bear a Wife's respected Name.
77
82
“‘And for thy Sin, for I must speak“‘In very plainess, we will pray,
“‘Will of our God his Mercy seek,
“‘And weep my Jesse's Crime Away.’—
83
“She turn'd in haste, her Look was wild.“‘What knowst thou, Man? what canst thou know?’
“‘Say, Jesse! Where that hidden Child?
“‘Show me the Place—for thou canst shew.
84
“‘Then will I close thy secret hide,“‘And guard securely as my own,
“‘But Jesse must in me confide,
“‘And I must know what can be known.
85
“‘Doth not a Love so strong & pure“‘Insure thy Safety?—Come, declare.
“‘I of the Fact itself am sure!
“‘Then what remains I well may share.’
86
“Then Jesse looked around in Dread!“And fixt at length on me her Eye—
“‘Why, Joseph, wouldst thou see the dead?
“‘It was our Fate—that one must die.
87
“‘Do! let him rest—Enough for thee,“‘Thou canst command his Mother's Life.
“‘Strange Love is thine! but can it be?
“‘Would'st thou a Murderess for thy Wife?
88
“‘Why that Surprise? that sudden Start,“‘That Idiot-Stare! that deep drawn breath?
“‘O! fool am I to act this part,
“‘And give my Self doom'd Soul to death!
89
“‘But 'tis a Lye! I am beguil'd.“‘Insidious as thou wert to pry
“‘Into my Ways—there was no Child,
“‘'Twas Fancy's Murder, Terror's Lye!
90
“‘O turn not, Joseph, spare me, spare.“‘Speak! promise that you will forget
78
“And felt her Crime, & feel it yet.
91-92
“I felt Amazement at her Guilt,“Her Crime with Terror struck my brain;
“By her an Infant's blood was spilt,
“But 'twas my Heart endur'd the Pain.
“So much I lov'd that from that Time
“I felt what I could not controul,
“A Sense of Guilt for Jesse's Crime;
“Her Error reached her Lover's Soul.
“I felt what I could not controul,
“A Sense of Guilt for Jesse's Crime;
“Her Error reached her Lover's Soul.
“Her Pains & Griefs were such to me,
“Her Sorrows were my Bosom's Wound,
“And if I from her Guilt was free,
“The Terror of that Guilt I found.
“Her Sorrows were my Bosom's Wound,
“And if I from her Guilt was free,
“The Terror of that Guilt I found.
“And now a Cloud comes o'er my Mind;
“Or Thoughts distract my Troubled Brain,
“I seek ye Clue I cannot find,
“Or find, but soon to loose again.
“Or Thoughts distract my Troubled Brain,
“I seek ye Clue I cannot find,
“Or find, but soon to loose again.
“This is the very Truth I say,
“& then the Instant it is found,
“It dances from my Sight away,
“Like [?] on ye mossy Ground.
“& then the Instant it is found,
“It dances from my Sight away,
“Like [?] on ye mossy Ground.
93
“Facts, real Truths, from Memory slide,“Or mix with Dreams, I know not how,
“And then I wander in the wide,
“Strange World! 'tis all my Business now.
94
“Jesse was tried, and was proclaimed“Not guilty!—but it would not give
“Rest to her Spirit! all asham'd,
“She loath'd her Life: she would not live.
95
“Such their Report, who judged her Crime!“Believing what they could not see!
“But Truth it is that from the Time
“She wanders through the World like me.
79
96
“I've met her in my Walks! ‘O! stay.’“I said, in vain! Without Reply,
“On, On, she went her destined Way,
“Doomed to appear and pass me by.
97
“'Tis strange, but Time has no Effect“On her! but ever I behold
“A Form light, airy and Erect,
“A lovely face, but stony Cold.
98
“Our meeting is like that of Foes,“And such our parting; that pale face
“Puts on Reproof, and then she goes,
“I know not where, nor can I trace.
99
“Of one thing would I learn the Truth“If Truth to Mortals may be told,
“Why Jesse thus appears in Youth!
“When I your Honour sees am old?
100
“Thrice have I seen her, once of late,“Yet how mysterious does it seem!
“For hers is that peculiar Fate,
“Her Life and Death! are like a Dream.
101
“What years have past since this Event,“For Deeds of other Kind began—
“What time in Wandering have I spent,
“Another Life, another Man.
102
“But Jesse lives”“Cease, Joseph, cease.
“Let us the needful Aid bestow,
“And let thy troubled Mind have Peace;
“We've all our Jesses, high & low.
103
“Our Passions on our Virtues prey,“And when the Conflict is extreme,
“Our Reason in the Strife gives Way,
“And then our Life is but a Dream.”
| New Poems by George Crabbe | |