 | New Poems by George Crabbe |  |
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David Morris
“Lives yet a Man who to an Office came
“—And dwelt among us—I forget his Name,
“A Man of Business as it seemed, but one
“Whose Call to Duty was—it must be done?
“He loved it not, but looked as if his Place
“Might be convenient, but it brought Disgrace.
“We knew not what could lead him to dispise
“The humble Profits that from Office rise,
“But he contemptuous spoke of Customs and Excise.
“This, at a time when One on whom the Muse
“Show'red her rich Gifts, would not the Boon refuse;
“Yet well might He disdain his Country's Thrift,
“Proud of her Poet, sordid in her Gift.
“Nor this our Stranger seemed the Muse to slight,
“At least if Walks and Solitude invite.
“His business done, he no Companions knew,
“Lonely his House, and his Domestics two,
“A Widow in her 50th Year, a Boy,
“Her Son, both taught and trained for their Employ;
“Silence of her was asked, and of her Youth
“Respect, Obedience and Regard for Truth.
“In Hours of Leisure, when from Duty freed,
“He walked or read, and oft would, walking, read,
“His Haunts the distant Wood, the neighbouring Shore,
“The winding Bank that bounds the Marshy Moor,
“Nor less the River's strong and sweeping flood,
“Bare to the blast, but chos'n for solitude.
“—And dwelt among us—I forget his Name,
“A Man of Business as it seemed, but one
“Whose Call to Duty was—it must be done?
“He loved it not, but looked as if his Place
“Might be convenient, but it brought Disgrace.
“We knew not what could lead him to dispise
“The humble Profits that from Office rise,
“But he contemptuous spoke of Customs and Excise.
“This, at a time when One on whom the Muse
“Show'red her rich Gifts, would not the Boon refuse;
“Yet well might He disdain his Country's Thrift,
“Proud of her Poet, sordid in her Gift.
“Nor this our Stranger seemed the Muse to slight,
“At least if Walks and Solitude invite.
“His business done, he no Companions knew,
“Lonely his House, and his Domestics two,
“A Widow in her 50th Year, a Boy,
“Her Son, both taught and trained for their Employ;
“Silence of her was asked, and of her Youth
“Respect, Obedience and Regard for Truth.
“In Hours of Leisure, when from Duty freed,
“He walked or read, and oft would, walking, read,
“His Haunts the distant Wood, the neighbouring Shore,
“The winding Bank that bounds the Marshy Moor,
“Nor less the River's strong and sweeping flood,
“Bare to the blast, but chos'n for solitude.
“His Books we knew not, but with us were found
“Some who conceived their Tenets were unsound;
“The Care he took that None those Books should find
“Were held as Proof of their pernicious Kind.
“His Sabbaths all to him were Days of Rest,
“He no Religion had, or none profest,
“Seldom at Church, he never found a Seat
“Where Congregations of Dissenters meet;
“Hence as an Atheist they the Man reviled,
“Who at their Censures and their Judgment smiled,
“For well he knew how they the Man condemn,
“The Wretch, who walks not in their Path with them.
“Some who conceived their Tenets were unsound;
“The Care he took that None those Books should find
“Were held as Proof of their pernicious Kind.
“His Sabbaths all to him were Days of Rest,
“He no Religion had, or none profest,
“Seldom at Church, he never found a Seat
“Where Congregations of Dissenters meet;
“Hence as an Atheist they the Man reviled,
“Who at their Censures and their Judgment smiled,
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“The Wretch, who walks not in their Path with them.
“Yet was there Sadness in his Look, like One
“Who evil Things had suffered, feared or done,
“But in his Actions was there nothing traced
“That the Good Subject or the Man disgraced.
“Who evil Things had suffered, feared or done,
“But in his Actions was there nothing traced
“That the Good Subject or the Man disgraced.
“Him in our Walks I met, but neither spoke,
“His Pace was quickened, and severe his Look,
“Nor sought I him, for it appeared to us
“That We had nothing pleasant to discuss.
“Once on the shore, hard by that cheerless Home,
“We met, both musing in the Evening Gloom,
“Nor staid I then, but I perceived he cast
“A Look of Kindness on me as I past,
“Then hurried on, as it appeared, lest I
“Should to a short and muttered Speech reply.
“His Pace was quickened, and severe his Look,
“Nor sought I him, for it appeared to us
“That We had nothing pleasant to discuss.
“Once on the shore, hard by that cheerless Home,
“We met, both musing in the Evening Gloom,
“Nor staid I then, but I perceived he cast
“A Look of Kindness on me as I past,
“Then hurried on, as it appeared, lest I
“Should to a short and muttered Speech reply.
“‘Art thou too thrown upon the Waves to’—sink
“He meant to say, but was content to think,
“Then left me pacing on that wintry Shore,
“Our parting Scene: for him I saw no more—
“He meant to say, but was content to think,
“Then left me pacing on that wintry Shore,
“Our parting Scene: for him I saw no more—
“To me he seemed a Being placed where none
“Could share his feelings, doomed to think alone,
“Above his Fortune, but without the Mind
“That can its Comfort in the humblest find,
“Without Resources, save in Books that fed
“The Ills and Sorrows of his Fortune bred.
“Could share his feelings, doomed to think alone,
“Above his Fortune, but without the Mind
“That can its Comfort in the humblest find,
“Without Resources, save in Books that fed
“The Ills and Sorrows of his Fortune bred.
“He was not One who could his Mind amuse
“With Woods or Waters, vast or pleasant Views,
“Could not on Earth beneath or Heaven above
“Find Ought to stir his Wonder or his Love.
“With Woods or Waters, vast or pleasant Views,
“Could not on Earth beneath or Heaven above
“Find Ought to stir his Wonder or his Love.
“He saw with some Contempt and some Surprise
“Those who on Beetles doat and Butterflies,
“The Moss exploring, Shell-collecting Tribe,
“That Learning stoops to class and to describe,
“Pickers of Lichen from old Walls and Trees
“And weeds cast up, the Refuse of the Seas,
“Fanciers of Fossils, Watchers of the Worm
“Enshrined to see it in its flying Form,
“Gazers on Cliffs and Quarries to behold
“Wrecks of old Worlds and Calculate how old,
“Smellers of Mould and Fungus that display
“Their pois'nous Stems where nobler Plants decay,
“And Florists pleased, with idle taste to see
“The barren Petal where the Fruit should be,
“With all those patient Triflers who acquire
“On easy terms the Fame which they desire.
“Those who on Beetles doat and Butterflies,
“The Moss exploring, Shell-collecting Tribe,
“That Learning stoops to class and to describe,
“Pickers of Lichen from old Walls and Trees
“And weeds cast up, the Refuse of the Seas,
“Fanciers of Fossils, Watchers of the Worm
“Enshrined to see it in its flying Form,
“Gazers on Cliffs and Quarries to behold
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“Smellers of Mould and Fungus that display
“Their pois'nous Stems where nobler Plants decay,
“And Florists pleased, with idle taste to see
“The barren Petal where the Fruit should be,
“With all those patient Triflers who acquire
“On easy terms the Fame which they desire.
“Poor as he was, and, as I much suspect,
“Could tell sad Stories of the World's Neglect,
“Yet has he Kindness to a Sufferer shown,
“And eased their Grief, though burthened with his own.
“Not that the Good alone his Bounty shared;
“For Woes, not Virtues, he his Pittence spared.
“Could tell sad Stories of the World's Neglect,
“Yet has he Kindness to a Sufferer shown,
“And eased their Grief, though burthened with his own.
“Not that the Good alone his Bounty shared;
“For Woes, not Virtues, he his Pittence spared.
“Perhaps he thought, with Justice Shallow's Man,
“Knaves cannot beg as honest paupers can;
“An honest Man in Want can boldly plead,
“When a poor Rogue has of Assistance need.
“But I digress, forgive me, and relate
“Of this Recluse—for you have heard—the Fate,
“From whence his Cares arose, and what the End
“Of him who here had neither Foe nor Friend.
“Yet thou mayst know”—
“Knaves cannot beg as honest paupers can;
“An honest Man in Want can boldly plead,
“When a poor Rogue has of Assistance need.
“But I digress, forgive me, and relate
“Of this Recluse—for you have heard—the Fate,
“From whence his Cares arose, and what the End
“Of him who here had neither Foe nor Friend.
“Yet thou mayst know”—
—“Yea, truly! so incline
“Thine Ear, and I will make my Knowledge thine.
“Thine Ear, and I will make my Knowledge thine.
“Thou know'st the Man, let thy Description pass.
“Such at our Parting David Morris was,
“Or such he seemed, I, too, observed him then,
“A Man retired, apart, estranged from Men,
“But on my Pleasures and my Cares intent,
“I went my Way, nor asked which Way he went,
“Till other Thoughts and better times began
“To make me feel for a diserted Man,
“And then I sought him, for of late I heard
“Of Crimes committed and of Dangers feared.
“His Look was altered, nay, his very Pace
“Appear'd like his, who shuffled in Disgrace;
“I mist the strong, firm Step, the manly Air,
“Betokening all within was firm and fair;
“His half shut Eye was cast upon his feet,
“As if it feared another Eye to meet.
“All looked like Sorrow, and I wished to know
“If I could Comfort to such Mind bestow,
“For I had felt his Grief, and wished that He
“Could feel the Change, which gave such Ease to me.
“Such at our Parting David Morris was,
“Or such he seemed, I, too, observed him then,
“A Man retired, apart, estranged from Men,
“But on my Pleasures and my Cares intent,
“I went my Way, nor asked which Way he went,
“Till other Thoughts and better times began
“To make me feel for a diserted Man,
“And then I sought him, for of late I heard
“Of Crimes committed and of Dangers feared.
“His Look was altered, nay, his very Pace
“Appear'd like his, who shuffled in Disgrace;
“I mist the strong, firm Step, the manly Air,
“Betokening all within was firm and fair;
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“As if it feared another Eye to meet.
“All looked like Sorrow, and I wished to know
“If I could Comfort to such Mind bestow,
“For I had felt his Grief, and wished that He
“Could feel the Change, which gave such Ease to me.
“How much I sought him e'er he would attend,
“And how at Length he knew me as a Friend,
“If told, were tedious; He was loth t'impart
“The latent Evils of an erring heart,
“But he was Man, and suffering; weary grown
“Of his own Thoughts and all that was his own;
“Yet loud and painful was that Burst of Grief
“In that soft Moment when he sought Relief,
“When he my offered hand with Ardour prest,
“And said: ‘My wearied Spirit longs for rest,
“‘Longs these tumultuous feelings to disclose,
“‘And seek through Vice and Misery for repose.’
“And how at Length he knew me as a Friend,
“If told, were tedious; He was loth t'impart
“The latent Evils of an erring heart,
“But he was Man, and suffering; weary grown
“Of his own Thoughts and all that was his own;
“Yet loud and painful was that Burst of Grief
“In that soft Moment when he sought Relief,
“When he my offered hand with Ardour prest,
“And said: ‘My wearied Spirit longs for rest,
“‘Longs these tumultuous feelings to disclose,
“‘And seek through Vice and Misery for repose.’
“Then told his Tale; his Words I cannot give,
“But all his Sufferings in my Memory live!”
“But all his Sufferings in my Memory live!”
“Kezia (Job's fair Daughter had the Name)
“To serve a Lady, from her Village came,
“A Peasant's Daughter, with her Mother's Wealth
“Endowed! much Beauty, Innocence and Health,
“A very Pamela in Face and Heart,
“But not with Pamela's firm mind or Art.
“For this good Lady had a Lord, her Son,
“And he the Heart of fair Kesiah won,
“Not her sole Loss; she hearken'd to the Word,
“Not of her Lady, but her own dear Lord.
“Near Town he placed her in a quiet Seat,
“Where the fond Pair might at his Pleasure meet,
“And there was David born, she gave the Name,
“Thinking of Home, her Father's was the same,
“And there she taught her darling Boy, although
“He must her Failings with his Duties know,
“For still her Virtue with her Fondness strove;
“She, though a Sinner, Sin could not approve,
“But sighed and suffered, was subdued, nor dared
“To speak Reproof against the Fault she shared.
“Her Lord was still her Lover, true and strong
“Was his Affection, and it lasted long.
“To serve a Lady, from her Village came,
“A Peasant's Daughter, with her Mother's Wealth
“Endowed! much Beauty, Innocence and Health,
“A very Pamela in Face and Heart,
“But not with Pamela's firm mind or Art.
“For this good Lady had a Lord, her Son,
“And he the Heart of fair Kesiah won,
“Not her sole Loss; she hearken'd to the Word,
“Not of her Lady, but her own dear Lord.
“Near Town he placed her in a quiet Seat,
“Where the fond Pair might at his Pleasure meet,
“And there was David born, she gave the Name,
“Thinking of Home, her Father's was the same,
“And there she taught her darling Boy, although
“He must her Failings with his Duties know,
“For still her Virtue with her Fondness strove;
“She, though a Sinner, Sin could not approve,
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“To speak Reproof against the Fault she shared.
“Her Lord was still her Lover, true and strong
“Was his Affection, and it lasted long.
“Then little David lived in all the Joy
“And Pride of Life, a gay and happy Boy.
“He knew no Father, but rejoiced to see
“The Grand fine Lord, who came their Guest to be,
“Who in fond Play the lively Child caressed,
“Who Pride and Pleasure in his Look professed,
“And in his little Palm the golden Money prest.
“Ten years had past in Peace, and David knew
“The Praise that was, and that was not, his Due;
“The last his Mother gave, not so my Lord,
“Grown cold, but seldom would the first afford.
“His mother dead, it seemed as if her Son
“Had with some Portion of his Follies done,
“And what was now the least, his dying Love, was One.
“No more the Fondness he display'd before
“Could now be traced; the Lover was no more.
“And when that Passion from the bosom fled,
“More odious Vices found their Place instead,
“For Love, though faulty, still some Good imparts,
“And from the colder Vices guards our hearts;
“Long as he loved, his Soul a Place denied
“To craving Avarice or insulting Pride.
“Long as he loved, some Virtues kept their Place,
“Preserved the Mind, and shielded from Disgrace,
“But now the Days were come, when Love declined
“And grosser Vice usurped the vacant Mind.
“To Scenes of Guilt, by Folly led, he flew,
“And talked of Love as antient Sinners do,
“His boyish trifling and the Part he played,
“E'er Dice were rattled, or e'er Bets were laid,
“While Heaven's Command was held in some Respect,
“And virtue treated only with Neglect.
“And Pride of Life, a gay and happy Boy.
“He knew no Father, but rejoiced to see
“The Grand fine Lord, who came their Guest to be,
“Who in fond Play the lively Child caressed,
“Who Pride and Pleasure in his Look professed,
“And in his little Palm the golden Money prest.
“Ten years had past in Peace, and David knew
“The Praise that was, and that was not, his Due;
“The last his Mother gave, not so my Lord,
“Grown cold, but seldom would the first afford.
“His mother dead, it seemed as if her Son
“Had with some Portion of his Follies done,
“And what was now the least, his dying Love, was One.
“No more the Fondness he display'd before
“Could now be traced; the Lover was no more.
“And when that Passion from the bosom fled,
“More odious Vices found their Place instead,
“For Love, though faulty, still some Good imparts,
“And from the colder Vices guards our hearts;
“Long as he loved, his Soul a Place denied
“To craving Avarice or insulting Pride.
“Long as he loved, some Virtues kept their Place,
“Preserved the Mind, and shielded from Disgrace,
“But now the Days were come, when Love declined
“And grosser Vice usurped the vacant Mind.
“To Scenes of Guilt, by Folly led, he flew,
“And talked of Love as antient Sinners do,
“His boyish trifling and the Part he played,
“E'er Dice were rattled, or e'er Bets were laid,
“While Heaven's Command was held in some Respect,
“And virtue treated only with Neglect.
“An humble School was now for David sought,
“To spare at home was poor Keziah taught;
“Contracted was the Bounty of her Lord,
“And poor the Stipend he could now afford.
“To a small Cottage she retired, and dwelt
“With anxious Thought on all she feared and felt.
“To spare at home was poor Keziah taught;
“Contracted was the Bounty of her Lord,
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“To a small Cottage she retired, and dwelt
“With anxious Thought on all she feared and felt.
“David at School looked round in pure Disdain
“Of all he saw, nor could his Wrath restrain;
“Vulgar and rude were all, their chief Employ
“To play the Tyrant o'er the weaker Boy,
“By every Insult Anger to excite,
“Then call the Injured to unequal Fight.
“David beheld with equal Shame and Dread
“Rough Sons of frugal Fathers coarsely bred,
“And hither sent to gain at cheapest Rate
“The useful Learning of the Pen and Slate.
“These vexed his mind, nor less the daily food
“That ev'n his Hunger for a while withstood,
“A Master loud and stern, the Lessons hard,
“And the infernal Gates for ever barred,
“Where might be written in the Prizoner's View:
“‘Who enters here must bid to Hope Adieu,
“‘Stern Radamanthus in this Hall presides,
“‘Where Hunger threatens, and where Woe abides.’
“Of all he saw, nor could his Wrath restrain;
“Vulgar and rude were all, their chief Employ
“To play the Tyrant o'er the weaker Boy,
“By every Insult Anger to excite,
“Then call the Injured to unequal Fight.
“David beheld with equal Shame and Dread
“Rough Sons of frugal Fathers coarsely bred,
“And hither sent to gain at cheapest Rate
“The useful Learning of the Pen and Slate.
“These vexed his mind, nor less the daily food
“That ev'n his Hunger for a while withstood,
“A Master loud and stern, the Lessons hard,
“And the infernal Gates for ever barred,
“Where might be written in the Prizoner's View:
“‘Who enters here must bid to Hope Adieu,
“‘Stern Radamanthus in this Hall presides,
“‘Where Hunger threatens, and where Woe abides.’
“‘O Times of Bliss’, would David now exclaim,
“‘When I for Pleasure called and Pleasure came.’
“‘When I for Pleasure called and Pleasure came.’
“But what of Home, Alas, not Home can now
“The Blessings of his earlier Days allow.
“The fond Mama herself a Change had shown,
“And scarsely knew her David for her own;
“Cold grew her heart, reproachful she became,
“And called her Once-loved Boy her Sin and Shame,
“A Change mysterious to the growing Son,
“That made a Mother's Heart an Heart of Stone.
“She in her dress had studied to be plain,
“And in discarding Vanities was vain.
“There was a Cause, the Pastor of a flock,
“Who charmed his Hearers, when he did not shock,
“Familiar he with every Scripture-Phrase,
“And taught t'instruct, invite, alarm, amaze
“Th' admiring many—the retiring few
“Untaught, [?unspotted] to their Priest withdrew,
“For what of Old they learnt Agreed not with the New.
“Not so Kezia, who believ'd her Case
“Was one that asked her more especial Grace,
“As nervous Patients in their Ails are sure
“No common Skill can their Diseases cure.
“Her Pastor's Doctrines I will not repeat,
“To her they all were precious, savoury, sweet;
“He and his Teaching now alone could please,
“Her Care, her thought, her time she gave to these;
“Her Garden, once her Pride and Her Employ,
“She found it now was sinful to enjoy,
“Her humble Neighbours whom she loved before,
“Save a few Sisters, were esteemed no more;
“What her Friend taught her, that alone was good,
“And not the less, because not understood.
“The Blessings of his earlier Days allow.
“The fond Mama herself a Change had shown,
“And scarsely knew her David for her own;
“Cold grew her heart, reproachful she became,
“And called her Once-loved Boy her Sin and Shame,
“A Change mysterious to the growing Son,
“That made a Mother's Heart an Heart of Stone.
“She in her dress had studied to be plain,
“And in discarding Vanities was vain.
“There was a Cause, the Pastor of a flock,
“Who charmed his Hearers, when he did not shock,
“Familiar he with every Scripture-Phrase,
“And taught t'instruct, invite, alarm, amaze
“Th' admiring many—the retiring few
“Untaught, [?unspotted] to their Priest withdrew,
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“Not so Kezia, who believ'd her Case
“Was one that asked her more especial Grace,
“As nervous Patients in their Ails are sure
“No common Skill can their Diseases cure.
“Her Pastor's Doctrines I will not repeat,
“To her they all were precious, savoury, sweet;
“He and his Teaching now alone could please,
“Her Care, her thought, her time she gave to these;
“Her Garden, once her Pride and Her Employ,
“She found it now was sinful to enjoy,
“Her humble Neighbours whom she loved before,
“Save a few Sisters, were esteemed no more;
“What her Friend taught her, that alone was good,
“And not the less, because not understood.
“Her Son, received with cold repelling Looks,
“And not so studious as to live with Books,
“Soon found the Places where the youthful Mind
“Their Consolation in their Troubles find.
“And not so studious as to live with Books,
“Soon found the Places where the youthful Mind
“Their Consolation in their Troubles find.
“The Mother's Love was in the Zealot lost,
“And its Warm Currant stopt, as in a frost;
“She bad the Follies of the World adieu,
“And with her Follies lost her feelings, too;
“The Parent's feelings, these indeed were dead,
“But new Emotions found a Place instead.
“Meantime, my Lord had grown his Passion's Slave,
“Nor Thought to his forsaken Mistress gave.
“But here on quick Recital I am forced—
“He gamed, was ruined, Wed and was divorced,
“Nurst his Estate, and then returned to find
“Some new Amusements of more frugal kind.
“His Son, not yet a Man, yet past the Boy,
“Began to think how Men their Time enjoy.
“His Mother's House, where he was [?forct] of late,
“Was now a Place where Sectaries debate;
“To his Remonstrance she disdained Reply,
“And bade him from his worldly Pleasures fly,
“But from her stipend was compelled to give
“A part, & he where best he could might live.
“He sought Amusements, sought Companions, read
“In his hired Loft, at frugal tables fed,
“And Clubs frequented, where Men speak and spout,
“Or argue Points on which they learn to doubt.
“Among his Friends an Actor he could Name,
“And had some Thoughts of histrionic Fame,
“But when he heard what Powers the Art required,
“Amid what Gain, he prudently retired.
“Still he must eat, and long before the Day
“Of fresh Supply, the last had slipt Away.
“He had a Father, but was told that now,
“Poor as the Son, he could no more allow,
“The Mother's Pension must for both suffice,
“Thanks to the Law, the Devil and the Dice.
“So said my Lord—yet David dared to try:
“‘He is a Father, and in Need am I.’
“Now David had at his Command, a Pen
“That gave him Credit with discerning Men,
“A Pen, at Once both flexible and strong,
“And fitted for a Sermon or a Song;
“His Friends asserted, it had noble Claims,
“'Twas from a Swan that glided on the Thames,
“It had been tried, and not without Success,
“If Praise were all expected from the Press.
“And its Warm Currant stopt, as in a frost;
“She bad the Follies of the World adieu,
“And with her Follies lost her feelings, too;
“The Parent's feelings, these indeed were dead,
“But new Emotions found a Place instead.
“Meantime, my Lord had grown his Passion's Slave,
“Nor Thought to his forsaken Mistress gave.
“But here on quick Recital I am forced—
“He gamed, was ruined, Wed and was divorced,
“Nurst his Estate, and then returned to find
“Some new Amusements of more frugal kind.
“His Son, not yet a Man, yet past the Boy,
“Began to think how Men their Time enjoy.
“His Mother's House, where he was [?forct] of late,
“Was now a Place where Sectaries debate;
“To his Remonstrance she disdained Reply,
“And bade him from his worldly Pleasures fly,
“But from her stipend was compelled to give
“A part, & he where best he could might live.
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“In his hired Loft, at frugal tables fed,
“And Clubs frequented, where Men speak and spout,
“Or argue Points on which they learn to doubt.
“Among his Friends an Actor he could Name,
“And had some Thoughts of histrionic Fame,
“But when he heard what Powers the Art required,
“Amid what Gain, he prudently retired.
“Still he must eat, and long before the Day
“Of fresh Supply, the last had slipt Away.
“He had a Father, but was told that now,
“Poor as the Son, he could no more allow,
“The Mother's Pension must for both suffice,
“Thanks to the Law, the Devil and the Dice.
“So said my Lord—yet David dared to try:
“‘He is a Father, and in Need am I.’
“Now David had at his Command, a Pen
“That gave him Credit with discerning Men,
“A Pen, at Once both flexible and strong,
“And fitted for a Sermon or a Song;
“His Friends asserted, it had noble Claims,
“'Twas from a Swan that glided on the Thames,
“It had been tried, and not without Success,
“If Praise were all expected from the Press.
“My Lord one Morning sitting at his Ease,
“Without a Thought to vex him, or to Please,
“Taught by long Habit all such thoughts t'expel,
“As would upon unpleasant Subjects dwell.
“A Letter came, he gazed upon the Seal,
“Felt it, and thought it like a Dun's to feel.
“‘And be it so, still what have I to dread?’
“Courage he called for, broke the Seal, and read.
“Then, as he read, you might discern the While
“Break o'er the Looks the soft and brightening Smile,
“At Length his Gladness rose above Controul:
“‘The Boy writes well, he does, upon my Soul;
“‘A Clever Dog, but what can now be done?
“‘I cannot own the Bastard for a Son.
“‘Cash I have none.’ He said, & said no more,
“But past the Day, as Days had past before.
“Without a Thought to vex him, or to Please,
“Taught by long Habit all such thoughts t'expel,
“As would upon unpleasant Subjects dwell.
“A Letter came, he gazed upon the Seal,
“Felt it, and thought it like a Dun's to feel.
“‘And be it so, still what have I to dread?’
“Courage he called for, broke the Seal, and read.
“Then, as he read, you might discern the While
“Break o'er the Looks the soft and brightening Smile,
“At Length his Gladness rose above Controul:
“‘The Boy writes well, he does, upon my Soul;
“‘A Clever Dog, but what can now be done?
“‘I cannot own the Bastard for a Son.
“‘Cash I have none.’ He said, & said no more,
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“David was sitting in his private Room,
“With one small Candle just to show its Gloom;
“It could not Warmth impart, nor Verse inspire;
“Nor that which was intended for a Fire,
“And had been vainly strugling in the Grate,
“Where twice-burnt Cinders kept their present State
“And would no more rekindle, all the Pain
“Of Puffing Lost! and every Effort vain.
“With one small Candle just to show its Gloom;
“It could not Warmth impart, nor Verse inspire;
“Nor that which was intended for a Fire,
“And had been vainly strugling in the Grate,
“Where twice-burnt Cinders kept their present State
“And would no more rekindle, all the Pain
“Of Puffing Lost! and every Effort vain.
“Then at his Door a gentle Tap was heard,
“So soft that nothing hostile could be feared.
“So he arose, and let the Stranger in,
“Who lost no Time his Business to begin:
“So soft that nothing hostile could be feared.
“So he arose, and let the Stranger in,
“Who lost no Time his Business to begin:
“‘My Lord, although you have no Claim—attend,
“‘And hear my Message—still would be your Friend,
“‘He from your Language judges you may take
“‘Orders and preach—Will you a Parson make?
“‘That done’—But David in Alarm replied:
“‘It cannot be, I am not qualified.’
“‘You may be soon, Come, all such Scruples leave.’
“‘Nay, but I cannot certain Things receive
“‘As true.’—‘What then? you can at least comply.’
“‘What, and so stain my Conscience with a Lye?’
“‘Young Man, your Letters other things foretold,
“‘And other Notions, What I here behold.
“‘Think Once Again, for, if I thus return,
“‘You'll no more live than yonder Fire will burn.’
“‘And hear my Message—still would be your Friend,
“‘He from your Language judges you may take
“‘Orders and preach—Will you a Parson make?
“‘That done’—But David in Alarm replied:
“‘It cannot be, I am not qualified.’
“‘You may be soon, Come, all such Scruples leave.’
“‘Nay, but I cannot certain Things receive
“‘As true.’—‘What then? you can at least comply.’
“‘What, and so stain my Conscience with a Lye?’
“‘Young Man, your Letters other things foretold,
“‘And other Notions, What I here behold.
“‘Think Once Again, for, if I thus return,
“‘You'll no more live than yonder Fire will burn.’
“Poor David briefly on the Subject mused,
“Then deeply sighed, but steadily refused,
“In part by Conscience led, yet thinking, too,
“There must be something that my Lord wd do.
“Then deeply sighed, but steadily refused,
“In part by Conscience led, yet thinking, too,
“There must be something that my Lord wd do.
“The Man unwilling from the Door retired,
“And much condemned the Rashness he admired.
“And much condemned the Rashness he admired.
“All Hope was vain, No other Message came,
“The Days rolled on, Another and the same.
“David, as various Thoughts intruded, wept,
“Or laugh'd, or read, or wrote, or sang, or slept.
“Then to his Mother's House would he repair;
“He went, and found his Mother's Master there,
“Who in her Zeal or in her Weakness gave
“Power to her Guide to treat her as a Slave.
“He was no more the gentle Guide and Friend,
“Who to her Fears and Scruples would attend;
“His Cares of such domestic kind were closed,
“On whom an hundred Consciences reposed.
“Yet to her Son in loving Words he spoke,
“And gently tried to bring him to the Yoke,
“But David boldly to his Speech replied,
“Opposed his Arguments, his Facts denied,
“And held in utter Scorn his Mother's Friend & Guide;
“His Rights demanded, as a Man assured—
“They were by Law protected and secured.
“The Pastor smoothly spoke: ‘Let Anger cease,
“‘Son of my Spouse, and let us rest in Peace.’
“‘Give me’, said David, ‘what is mine, & live
“‘In Peace, but War should you refuse to give.’
“The Pastor mused upon the strong Demand,
“Then placed the Sum in David's ready Hand,
“Who to his Home return'd, and look'd around,
“In Sadness wrapt, in Solitude profound.
“The Days rolled on, Another and the same.
“David, as various Thoughts intruded, wept,
“Or laugh'd, or read, or wrote, or sang, or slept.
“Then to his Mother's House would he repair;
“He went, and found his Mother's Master there,
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“Power to her Guide to treat her as a Slave.
“He was no more the gentle Guide and Friend,
“Who to her Fears and Scruples would attend;
“His Cares of such domestic kind were closed,
“On whom an hundred Consciences reposed.
“Yet to her Son in loving Words he spoke,
“And gently tried to bring him to the Yoke,
“But David boldly to his Speech replied,
“Opposed his Arguments, his Facts denied,
“And held in utter Scorn his Mother's Friend & Guide;
“His Rights demanded, as a Man assured—
“They were by Law protected and secured.
“The Pastor smoothly spoke: ‘Let Anger cease,
“‘Son of my Spouse, and let us rest in Peace.’
“‘Give me’, said David, ‘what is mine, & live
“‘In Peace, but War should you refuse to give.’
“The Pastor mused upon the strong Demand,
“Then placed the Sum in David's ready Hand,
“Who to his Home return'd, and look'd around,
“In Sadness wrapt, in Solitude profound.
“Months past and years were gone, & David yet
“Was vexed with Cares and Troubles, Want and Debt;
“He wrote for Money, and he read for Ease,
“But dull the Amusement, and but small the Fees.
“One Friend he had, it seem'd by Fortune sent;
“So Heaven's good Gifts are misnamed Accident.
“Like him, the Friend much fairer days had seen,
“But more experienced in the cloudy been.
“Patient, but yet without Religion's Aid,
“And not by Gusts of Wrath and Passion swayed,
“Both would at Fortune rail, and Evil speak,
“And yet her Favours, like her Favourites, seek.
“Was vexed with Cares and Troubles, Want and Debt;
“He wrote for Money, and he read for Ease,
“But dull the Amusement, and but small the Fees.
“One Friend he had, it seem'd by Fortune sent;
“So Heaven's good Gifts are misnamed Accident.
“Like him, the Friend much fairer days had seen,
“But more experienced in the cloudy been.
“Patient, but yet without Religion's Aid,
“And not by Gusts of Wrath and Passion swayed,
“Both would at Fortune rail, and Evil speak,
“And yet her Favours, like her Favourites, seek.
“Such were the Friends, & when together, they
“Have soothed the Ills of many a troubled Day;
“In social Converse sad, and dwelling long
“On Subjects dubious, & in Language strong,
“As he, who sang the Fall of Man, has placed
“In their vast Hall the Host from Glory chased,
“Where some, apart, discoursed in sad debate
“How could accord Free will and fore-fixed fate,
“When all were blest, how Evil could begin,
“Or how an Act decreed! was held a Sin,
“How heaven-born Minds should be in Error tost,
“And found no End in wandering Mazes lost,
“It seem'd some Respite on such themes to dwell,
“And sweet their Converse, though their Seat was Hell.
“So this sad Pair—‘What Good’, they asked, ‘can rise
“‘From Man's Distresses, Wants and Miseries?
“‘How is it thus, that what we warmly love
“‘And fondly seek! should our Distruction prove?
“‘Is there a Power above, who feels it right
“‘To give the Wish, and mock the Appetite?
“‘To tempt with Pleasure Man's aspiring Soul,
“‘And then by Laws restrain him, and Controul?
“‘Is it his Pleasure that, in Reasoning thus,
“‘We nothing solve, & all that we discuss
“‘Proves that he is, not what he is to us?
“‘Is he a Father? why his Children vex?
“‘Is he a Guide, why puzzle and perplex?
“‘A Friend! Why friendless do we then complain?
“‘A King, and Wretches groan beneath his Reign?
“Have soothed the Ills of many a troubled Day;
“In social Converse sad, and dwelling long
“On Subjects dubious, & in Language strong,
“As he, who sang the Fall of Man, has placed
“In their vast Hall the Host from Glory chased,
136
“How could accord Free will and fore-fixed fate,
“When all were blest, how Evil could begin,
“Or how an Act decreed! was held a Sin,
“How heaven-born Minds should be in Error tost,
“And found no End in wandering Mazes lost,
“It seem'd some Respite on such themes to dwell,
“And sweet their Converse, though their Seat was Hell.
“So this sad Pair—‘What Good’, they asked, ‘can rise
“‘From Man's Distresses, Wants and Miseries?
“‘How is it thus, that what we warmly love
“‘And fondly seek! should our Distruction prove?
“‘Is there a Power above, who feels it right
“‘To give the Wish, and mock the Appetite?
“‘To tempt with Pleasure Man's aspiring Soul,
“‘And then by Laws restrain him, and Controul?
“‘Is it his Pleasure that, in Reasoning thus,
“‘We nothing solve, & all that we discuss
“‘Proves that he is, not what he is to us?
“‘Is he a Father? why his Children vex?
“‘Is he a Guide, why puzzle and perplex?
“‘A Friend! Why friendless do we then complain?
“‘A King, and Wretches groan beneath his Reign?
“‘And whence comes Evil?’ Such the fruitful themes
“Of nervous Men with melancholy Dreams,
“Who, when their Wants demand their utmost Care,
“Ask Why they want, and swell the Load they bear.—
“Of nervous Men with melancholy Dreams,
“Who, when their Wants demand their utmost Care,
“Ask Why they want, and swell the Load they bear.—
“Yet oft the Friends had happier Hours: the Page
“Of deathless Poets would their Griefs assuage;
“For them, came Falstaff, & with him a Tribe,
“That but One Mind could form, One Pen describe;
“Hal, Harry, Henry lived in either Name,
“The Gay, the brave, the noble Imp of Fame;
“Lear, Hamlet and Macbeth, What living three
“So marked, so known, so much alive can be?
“Ev'n as familiar Names, & Men we daily see—
“So past the Hours, not cheerful, but they cast
“A softening Shade on Sorrow as they past;
“They brought not Pleasure, but from Care they took
“His Load of Troubles & his threat'ning Look,
“And though, when parted, they confest his Powers,
“They felt it less for these enlivening Hours.
“Of deathless Poets would their Griefs assuage;
“For them, came Falstaff, & with him a Tribe,
“That but One Mind could form, One Pen describe;
“Hal, Harry, Henry lived in either Name,
“The Gay, the brave, the noble Imp of Fame;
“Lear, Hamlet and Macbeth, What living three
“So marked, so known, so much alive can be?
“Ev'n as familiar Names, & Men we daily see—
“So past the Hours, not cheerful, but they cast
“A softening Shade on Sorrow as they past;
“They brought not Pleasure, but from Care they took
137
“And though, when parted, they confest his Powers,
“They felt it less for these enlivening Hours.
“From crowded streets their Morning Walk they took,
“And made the Prospect in the Fields their Book,
“But there Alas! they did not read aright,
“But let their Doubt prevail o'er their Delight.
“All they behold, but themes for Doubt afford:
“‘Why toils the Peasant, & why feasts the Lord?
“‘Why Flocks & Herds are feeding calmly round,
“‘And We in anxious Cares & Griefs abound?
“‘The Time with them without a Care is spent,
“‘While we the future dread! the past lament,
“‘Alone unhappy in a World, where all
“‘Yield to his Power, or answer to his Call.’
“Not pure the Bliss that in such Converse past,
“Nor long the Comfort was decreed to last;
“Fortune the reasoning Pair asunder drove,
“Averse from Friendship, as is [?] to Love.
“Deserted now was David in his Need,
“Alone, in Care, too full of thought to read,
“No Friend at hand, no Consolation near,
“The Evenings of a troubled Day to chear,
“To speak consoling Words, or Words of Grief to hear.
“And made the Prospect in the Fields their Book,
“But there Alas! they did not read aright,
“But let their Doubt prevail o'er their Delight.
“All they behold, but themes for Doubt afford:
“‘Why toils the Peasant, & why feasts the Lord?
“‘Why Flocks & Herds are feeding calmly round,
“‘And We in anxious Cares & Griefs abound?
“‘The Time with them without a Care is spent,
“‘While we the future dread! the past lament,
“‘Alone unhappy in a World, where all
“‘Yield to his Power, or answer to his Call.’
“Not pure the Bliss that in such Converse past,
“Nor long the Comfort was decreed to last;
“Fortune the reasoning Pair asunder drove,
“Averse from Friendship, as is [?] to Love.
“Deserted now was David in his Need,
“Alone, in Care, too full of thought to read,
“No Friend at hand, no Consolation near,
“The Evenings of a troubled Day to chear,
“To speak consoling Words, or Words of Grief to hear.
“If to his Mother he for Comfort went,
“She in her Zeal conjured him to repent,
“Told him that Heaven alone deserv'd his Care,
“And in her Zeal Affection wished him there,
“Yet had her Sorrow, too, and she confest
“That of all Husbands Saints were not the best,
“His keen reproaches cut her to the Soul,
“His pevish Temper & his stern Controul,
“Then, too, his Love for that which he declared
“Was Dirt & Trash beneath a Man's Regard.
“‘I gave’, she cried, ‘and he disdain'd the pelf,
“‘& now he keeps, each shilling to himself.
“‘From me all Hopes of better times are flown,
“‘But you, my Son, have Comfort of your Own.
“‘Farewell’, she sighed, & David, from her Door
“Withdrawing, saw his Mother's face no more.
“Now what Resource, Friends none, Books few and dull,
“Void of Enjoyments, Of Reflections full,
“Through many an unknown Street, in many a day,
“Has he past on, unmindful of his Way,
“Without a Purpose, glad of all Events
“That could engage him, all those Accidents
“That London Crowds produce, the Fray, the Fire,
“All that could make him from himself retire,
“Trifles that made him in his passing stop,
“Books on the Stall, or Pictures in the Shop,
“And Suppliants, such as in their Look & Tone
“Made him exclaim: ‘I suffer not alone’,
“Lanes, Allies, Streets, where dwellings poor & mean,
“And Vice and squallid Poverty are seen,
“And what the fairer Streets, that hide the Woes
“That narrow Lanes and wretched Courts disclose—
“Thus to his Home he, musing, sought his Way;
“So past his Days & so past many a Day.
“She in her Zeal conjured him to repent,
“Told him that Heaven alone deserv'd his Care,
“And in her Zeal Affection wished him there,
“Yet had her Sorrow, too, and she confest
“That of all Husbands Saints were not the best,
“His keen reproaches cut her to the Soul,
“His pevish Temper & his stern Controul,
“Then, too, his Love for that which he declared
“Was Dirt & Trash beneath a Man's Regard.
“‘I gave’, she cried, ‘and he disdain'd the pelf,
“‘& now he keeps, each shilling to himself.
“‘From me all Hopes of better times are flown,
“‘But you, my Son, have Comfort of your Own.
“‘Farewell’, she sighed, & David, from her Door
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“Now what Resource, Friends none, Books few and dull,
“Void of Enjoyments, Of Reflections full,
“Through many an unknown Street, in many a day,
“Has he past on, unmindful of his Way,
“Without a Purpose, glad of all Events
“That could engage him, all those Accidents
“That London Crowds produce, the Fray, the Fire,
“All that could make him from himself retire,
“Trifles that made him in his passing stop,
“Books on the Stall, or Pictures in the Shop,
“And Suppliants, such as in their Look & Tone
“Made him exclaim: ‘I suffer not alone’,
“Lanes, Allies, Streets, where dwellings poor & mean,
“And Vice and squallid Poverty are seen,
“And what the fairer Streets, that hide the Woes
“That narrow Lanes and wretched Courts disclose—
“Thus to his Home he, musing, sought his Way;
“So past his Days & so past many a Day.
“But Want is urgent; he was now inclin'd
“To wish for that which he of late Resigned.
“‘Why should I doubt? I have not Faith, confest,
“‘But I can read a Sermon with the Rest,
“‘And may their Doctrines & their Creeds receive;
“‘Hunger at least is willing to believe.’
“To wish for that which he of late Resigned.
“‘Why should I doubt? I have not Faith, confest,
“‘But I can read a Sermon with the Rest,
“‘And may their Doctrines & their Creeds receive;
“‘Hunger at least is willing to believe.’
“He then employed his smoothest, finest Pen,
“And wrote Consent! Alas! 'twas fruitless then.
“Long he expected, but at length his Door
“Admitted him who found his Way before.
“Gravely he spoke, reproving, “Tis your fate,
“‘Young Man, like Others, to be wise too late.
“‘The Time is past, the Living filled, my Lord
“‘Nought in the Shape of Money can afford,
“‘But What of that, an happier time may come,
“‘There's Corn in Egypt, why then starve at home?
“‘You're not, I judge’, & cast his Eyes around,
“‘To ought I see by Tyes of fondness bound.
“‘There is a Sea-port, where the King maintains
“‘Some trusty Servants, how this Book explains,
“‘Each in his Office, 'tis a pleasant Thing,
“‘And in that Station you may serve your King;
“‘There you may Life in Ease & Comfort spend,
“‘And in your Turn to higher Place ascend,
“‘But this on One Condition, you no more
“‘May his Good Lordship for his Aid implore.
“‘You cannot doubt, be wise and speak the Word.
“‘I wait your Answer, my Return my Lord.’
“And wrote Consent! Alas! 'twas fruitless then.
“Long he expected, but at length his Door
“Admitted him who found his Way before.
“Gravely he spoke, reproving, “Tis your fate,
“‘Young Man, like Others, to be wise too late.
“‘The Time is past, the Living filled, my Lord
“‘Nought in the Shape of Money can afford,
“‘But What of that, an happier time may come,
“‘There's Corn in Egypt, why then starve at home?
“‘You're not, I judge’, & cast his Eyes around,
“‘To ought I see by Tyes of fondness bound.
“‘There is a Sea-port, where the King maintains
“‘Some trusty Servants, how this Book explains,
139
“‘And in that Station you may serve your King;
“‘There you may Life in Ease & Comfort spend,
“‘And in your Turn to higher Place ascend,
“‘But this on One Condition, you no more
“‘May his Good Lordship for his Aid implore.
“‘You cannot doubt, be wise and speak the Word.
“‘I wait your Answer, my Return my Lord.’
“‘'Tis not a Father's Gift’, the Youth replied,
“‘It suits my Fortune, but it hurts my Pride.
“‘If not with Joy, the Offer I receive.’
“‘And you do wisely, so I take my Leave.’
“‘It suits my Fortune, but it hurts my Pride.
“‘If not with Joy, the Offer I receive.’
“‘And you do wisely, so I take my Leave.’
“The Man of Business to his Patron went,
“And David, murmuring, to this Port was sent.
“And David, murmuring, to this Port was sent.
“Here you beheld him, as, from Day to Day,
“To and from yonder House he walked his Way,
“Then to the Shore in the receding tide,
“Or by the Cliff, or at the River's Side,
“Always Alone, nor they, whom Business made
“Companions, dare his Privacies invade.
“Nor Man alone he shunned! nor ever proved
“To Woman false or true: he never loved;
“'Twas not his Fate the favourite Nymph to see,
“With whom he wished the favourite Swain to be;
“This Pride and Poverty forbade, his Pride
“Union with those in humble State denied,
“And Want his prouder Wish; The untaught Fair
“Filled him with Scorn, th' accomplished with Dispair.
“No second Friend he sought, but strove to shun
“The Man who seemed desirous to be One.
“Hence our Repulses, hence the feeling shown
“For your Estate—he thought upon his Own.
“You left him thus, and it would please me well,
“Had I no more, or better things to tell.”—
“To and from yonder House he walked his Way,
“Then to the Shore in the receding tide,
“Or by the Cliff, or at the River's Side,
“Always Alone, nor they, whom Business made
“Companions, dare his Privacies invade.
“Nor Man alone he shunned! nor ever proved
“To Woman false or true: he never loved;
“'Twas not his Fate the favourite Nymph to see,
“With whom he wished the favourite Swain to be;
“This Pride and Poverty forbade, his Pride
“Union with those in humble State denied,
“And Want his prouder Wish; The untaught Fair
“Filled him with Scorn, th' accomplished with Dispair.
“No second Friend he sought, but strove to shun
“The Man who seemed desirous to be One.
“Hence our Repulses, hence the feeling shown
“For your Estate—he thought upon his Own.
“You left him thus, and it would please me well,
“Had I no more, or better things to tell.”—
“So lived the Man, his Days moved slowly on,
“Although his Years seemed swift when they were gone.
“Still was he poor, and found his Efforts vain
“An higher Station by his Care to gain.
“Another gained it, though he laboured less;
“Interest, not Merit, there insured Success.
“So David spoke, and from the Time began
“To loose the Glory of a moral Man;
“He grew Remiss, His duties were declined,
“Indulged his Senses, & debased his Mind.
“He saw how Gain was made, and owned no Law
“That bad him shun the Evil Acts he saw;
“Then, overcome, he took a bolder View
“Of what he could, as others round him, do;
“If Conscience murmured, and his Spirits failed,
“These Wine inflamed, & over that prevailed.
“He now desired Support, & Men were found,
“With whom the Troubles of his Life were drowned.
“For self-approval of an happier time
“Came Self-Indulgence, Cause & Nurse of Crime.
“He to his Mother wrote, for Money prest,
“A small Assistance to a Son distressed,
“But her stern Husband, who the Letter read,
“Returned it, thereon Writing: ‘She is dead.’
“This griev'd not David; when his Virtue leaves
“The Heart, it rarely for a Mother grieves;
“The kind Affections from the Man depart,
“And Vice, that first corrupts, makes hard the heart.
“Him Fear and Want possessed, & with them came
“The Dread of Justice, now an aweful Name,
“And if his Crime had not the deepest Stain,
“He never could his former Peace regain.
“There was a Way, but he had learn'd to treat
“The Sinner's Hope, Religion, as a Cheat
“Imposed on Man—And though forbad to write,
“A Father's feelings he would now excite;
“His Mother dead, he placed in that his Trust
“Some Sparks of Love would kindle from her Dust.
“Alas! in vain, & when such Hope was fled,
“Wrath and resentment kindled there instead.
“Again he tried, to certain Misery doomed;
“He now a bold & thret'ning Style assumed,
“Insanely Angry, for he thought to Awe
“Th' unyielding Peer! without a Fear of Law,
“For who would pierce him with a deeper Wound,
“Whom Want had made distressed, & Grief unsound?
“But Others, too, had Craft, an unknown Hand
“Gave in few words a Threat & a Command:
“‘Be warned, be wise, & dare no more Offend,
“‘Or loose your All, your Office & your Friend.’
“Although his Years seemed swift when they were gone.
“Still was he poor, and found his Efforts vain
“An higher Station by his Care to gain.
“Another gained it, though he laboured less;
140
“So David spoke, and from the Time began
“To loose the Glory of a moral Man;
“He grew Remiss, His duties were declined,
“Indulged his Senses, & debased his Mind.
“He saw how Gain was made, and owned no Law
“That bad him shun the Evil Acts he saw;
“Then, overcome, he took a bolder View
“Of what he could, as others round him, do;
“If Conscience murmured, and his Spirits failed,
“These Wine inflamed, & over that prevailed.
“He now desired Support, & Men were found,
“With whom the Troubles of his Life were drowned.
“For self-approval of an happier time
“Came Self-Indulgence, Cause & Nurse of Crime.
“He to his Mother wrote, for Money prest,
“A small Assistance to a Son distressed,
“But her stern Husband, who the Letter read,
“Returned it, thereon Writing: ‘She is dead.’
“This griev'd not David; when his Virtue leaves
“The Heart, it rarely for a Mother grieves;
“The kind Affections from the Man depart,
“And Vice, that first corrupts, makes hard the heart.
“Him Fear and Want possessed, & with them came
“The Dread of Justice, now an aweful Name,
“And if his Crime had not the deepest Stain,
“He never could his former Peace regain.
“There was a Way, but he had learn'd to treat
“The Sinner's Hope, Religion, as a Cheat
“Imposed on Man—And though forbad to write,
“A Father's feelings he would now excite;
“His Mother dead, he placed in that his Trust
“Some Sparks of Love would kindle from her Dust.
“Alas! in vain, & when such Hope was fled,
“Wrath and resentment kindled there instead.
“Again he tried, to certain Misery doomed;
“He now a bold & thret'ning Style assumed,
“Insanely Angry, for he thought to Awe
“Th' unyielding Peer! without a Fear of Law,
141
“Whom Want had made distressed, & Grief unsound?
“But Others, too, had Craft, an unknown Hand
“Gave in few words a Threat & a Command:
“‘Be warned, be wise, & dare no more Offend,
“‘Or loose your All, your Office & your Friend.’
“Hope now forsook him, Hope of happier Time,
“That was some Check, a moral Check on Crime;
“His Walks abridged, he now but little read,
“Drank when he could, & sleepless groaned in Bed;
“His Dress, his Person showed exteme Neglect,
“A want of Self-Esteem & Self-Respect;
“He for his Office had not time to spare,
“And pleaded Want of Health for Want of Care.
“The Books he read were of injurious Sort
“That make of Man's great Duties, themes for Sport,
“Or such as told him he had nought to fear
“And nought to hope! Existence ended here;
“Or such as painted Scenes of guilty Bliss
“As the sole Good in such a World as this,
“And, calling Vice by Pleasure's softer Name,
“Inflamed the Passions, & forgot the Shame.
“That was some Check, a moral Check on Crime;
“His Walks abridged, he now but little read,
“Drank when he could, & sleepless groaned in Bed;
“His Dress, his Person showed exteme Neglect,
“A want of Self-Esteem & Self-Respect;
“He for his Office had not time to spare,
“And pleaded Want of Health for Want of Care.
“The Books he read were of injurious Sort
“That make of Man's great Duties, themes for Sport,
“Or such as told him he had nought to fear
“And nought to hope! Existence ended here;
“Or such as painted Scenes of guilty Bliss
“As the sole Good in such a World as this,
“And, calling Vice by Pleasure's softer Name,
“Inflamed the Passions, & forgot the Shame.
“Still such Dilusions lost their power to charm,
“The Sting of Guilt & Want of Grief disarm,
“They had no Power the racking thoughts t'expell,
“And to the wounded Spirit say: ‘Be well.’—
“The Sting of Guilt & Want of Grief disarm,
“They had no Power the racking thoughts t'expell,
“And to the wounded Spirit say: ‘Be well.’—
“'Twas at this Time my Knowledge of the Man
“And my Compassion for his State began.
“This I related with my Wish to raise
“His fallen Mind by Views of brighter Days;
“To me the Symptoms of his Case were known,
“Signs of Disease that Once had been my own.
“I strove to soothe him, Chose him Books, and read,
“But his Desire and Love of Truth were fled.
“He neither granted nor denied the Proof
“Of Man's true State! but would reply: ‘Enough!
“‘It may be so! but all is dark to me.
“‘I've neither Power to argue, nor t'agree.’
“Yet he could sometimes speak in cheerful Style,
“And small Events would cause a transcient Smile,
“But an attempt his wayward Mind to guide
“Disturbed his Temper and provoked his Pride.
“He talked of Death, but, as it then appear'd,
“There were in him no Symptoms to be feared.
“‘Temperance & Care’, I said, ‘will Health restore.’
“‘For what?’, said he, ‘My comforts live no more,
“‘And when our Dwelling we no longer love,
“‘What Law on Earth forbids us to remove?’
“To this I answer'd from my common Place:
“‘Who quits his Post is sure to meet Disgrace.’
“‘Disgrace with Whom?’ said David, ‘shall the Dread
“‘Of babling Malice pain the happy Dead?
“‘Will Spencer sang, ‘When weary Mortals die,
“‘Let none ask How, or whence, or where, or Why.’’
“Smiling he spoke, and earnest I replied:
“‘The Poet's Verse is not the Sinner's Guide.’
“And thus we parted—‘Think not I forget’,
“He said, ‘your Kindness, 'tis One pleasing Debt,
“‘And proves there's Love in Man.’—My Leave I took,
“And left poor David to his Bed and Book.
“And my Compassion for his State began.
“This I related with my Wish to raise
“His fallen Mind by Views of brighter Days;
“To me the Symptoms of his Case were known,
“Signs of Disease that Once had been my own.
“I strove to soothe him, Chose him Books, and read,
“But his Desire and Love of Truth were fled.
“He neither granted nor denied the Proof
“Of Man's true State! but would reply: ‘Enough!
“‘It may be so! but all is dark to me.
“‘I've neither Power to argue, nor t'agree.’
“Yet he could sometimes speak in cheerful Style,
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“But an attempt his wayward Mind to guide
“Disturbed his Temper and provoked his Pride.
“He talked of Death, but, as it then appear'd,
“There were in him no Symptoms to be feared.
“‘Temperance & Care’, I said, ‘will Health restore.’
“‘For what?’, said he, ‘My comforts live no more,
“‘And when our Dwelling we no longer love,
“‘What Law on Earth forbids us to remove?’
“To this I answer'd from my common Place:
“‘Who quits his Post is sure to meet Disgrace.’
“‘Disgrace with Whom?’ said David, ‘shall the Dread
“‘Of babling Malice pain the happy Dead?
“‘Will Spencer sang, ‘When weary Mortals die,
“‘Let none ask How, or whence, or where, or Why.’’
“Smiling he spoke, and earnest I replied:
“‘The Poet's Verse is not the Sinner's Guide.’
“And thus we parted—‘Think not I forget’,
“He said, ‘your Kindness, 'tis One pleasing Debt,
“‘And proves there's Love in Man.’—My Leave I took,
“And left poor David to his Bed and Book.
“Yet thought I much, for I before had grieved
“For what I doubted, nay, for what believed,
“For my Belief was clouded, and my Doubt
“Made cold, Belief, Devotion undevout,
“And kept me with perturbed & anxious Mind,
“Seeking for Rest, but not with Hope to find,
“Till One dear Friend, the Friend of all his Race,
“Led me to see the Truth, & to embrace.
“‘Him will I seek, & he will soon impart
“‘Light to this Mind & Comfort to this Heart.
“‘He knows the Doubter's Reasoning, knows the Way
“‘Their Doubts to solve, their Troubles to allay,
“‘He will this Darkness from the Soul dispel,
“‘And frustrate all the Powers of Sin & Hell.
“‘Him will poor David for his Guide receive,
“‘Will first oppose, then feel his force, & grieve
“‘For his past Life, then tremble, then believe.’
“For what I doubted, nay, for what believed,
“For my Belief was clouded, and my Doubt
“Made cold, Belief, Devotion undevout,
“And kept me with perturbed & anxious Mind,
“Seeking for Rest, but not with Hope to find,
“Till One dear Friend, the Friend of all his Race,
“Led me to see the Truth, & to embrace.
“‘Him will I seek, & he will soon impart
“‘Light to this Mind & Comfort to this Heart.
“‘He knows the Doubter's Reasoning, knows the Way
“‘Their Doubts to solve, their Troubles to allay,
“‘He will this Darkness from the Soul dispel,
“‘And frustrate all the Powers of Sin & Hell.
“‘Him will poor David for his Guide receive,
“‘Will first oppose, then feel his force, & grieve
“‘For his past Life, then tremble, then believe.’
“Thoughtful, in Hope, & pleased with Our Intent,
“I and my Friend to that poor Dwelling went,
“And there we found him, stretched upon his Bed,
“Dying, and, e'er we could approach him, dead.
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“And there we found him, stretched upon his Bed,
“Dying, and, e'er we could approach him, dead.
“Th' accursed Julep had its purpose wrought,
“But O what Drug could give the Peace he sought?
“Th' eternal Peace—Can ought that Souls depress,
“The Body's Sufferings & the Mind's Distress,
“That Want of Self-respect that Sinners loose,
“And every Grief that Poverty persues,
“Can those persuade impatient Man to fly
“From all he knows An unknown State to try,
“And in disdain of Life, resolve uncalled to die?
“He long had felt the cruel World's Disdain,
“Long had familiar grown with Grief and Pain,
“And he could bear them: Time might these amend,
“With Hope his Comforter & God his Friend,
“But could he know, or could his Mind conceive,
“What Sinners dread! and, while they dread, believe?
“That there is Suffering in a State to come,
“Where none can alter, nought avert the Doom?
“Then would th' affrightened Spirit humbly wait,
“Nor dare th' appointed Hour anticipate,
“Would bear all Ills that he could not prevent,
“Nor dare the Deed which no Man can repent.
“But O what Drug could give the Peace he sought?
“Th' eternal Peace—Can ought that Souls depress,
“The Body's Sufferings & the Mind's Distress,
“That Want of Self-respect that Sinners loose,
“And every Grief that Poverty persues,
“Can those persuade impatient Man to fly
“From all he knows An unknown State to try,
“And in disdain of Life, resolve uncalled to die?
“He long had felt the cruel World's Disdain,
“Long had familiar grown with Grief and Pain,
“And he could bear them: Time might these amend,
“With Hope his Comforter & God his Friend,
“But could he know, or could his Mind conceive,
“What Sinners dread! and, while they dread, believe?
“That there is Suffering in a State to come,
“Where none can alter, nought avert the Doom?
“Then would th' affrightened Spirit humbly wait,
“Nor dare th' appointed Hour anticipate,
“Would bear all Ills that he could not prevent,
“Nor dare the Deed which no Man can repent.
“Behold the Christian Suffering, feels not he
“In his Distress a Longing to be free,
“Has he not Nerves that tremble, Limbs that shake,
“And Grief for those who suffer for his Sake,
“Is there not Sorrow in that feeling heart,
“That blends with Comfort, when Believers part?
“Patient, he waits for the appointed Time,
“His Soul submissive, & his Views sublime;
“In the dark Hour, if Pain, nay, Fears increase,
“And break tumultuous on the Bosom's peace,
“He looks to him, who in this mortal Strife
“With Pain and Anguish gave for Man his Life,
“To him he looks, that pure and spotless One,
“Patient, by Faith prepared his Race to run,
“And in his Saviour's Words exclaims: ‘Thy Will be done.’”
“In his Distress a Longing to be free,
“Has he not Nerves that tremble, Limbs that shake,
“And Grief for those who suffer for his Sake,
“Is there not Sorrow in that feeling heart,
“That blends with Comfort, when Believers part?
“Patient, he waits for the appointed Time,
“His Soul submissive, & his Views sublime;
“In the dark Hour, if Pain, nay, Fears increase,
“And break tumultuous on the Bosom's peace,
“He looks to him, who in this mortal Strife
“With Pain and Anguish gave for Man his Life,
“To him he looks, that pure and spotless One,
“Patient, by Faith prepared his Race to run,
“And in his Saviour's Words exclaims: ‘Thy Will be done.’”
| New Poems by George Crabbe | |