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The Poetical Remains of the late Dr. John Leyden

with Memoirs of his Life, by the Rev. James Morton

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THE MEMORY OF THE PAST.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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26

THE MEMORY OF THE PAST.

Alas, that fancy's pencil still pourtrays
A fairer scene than ever nature drew!
Alas, that ne'er to reason's placid view
Arise the charms of youth's delusive days!
For still the memory of our tender years,
By contrast vain, impairs our present joys;
Of greener fields we dream and purer skies,
And softer tints than ever nature wears.—
Lo! now, to fancy, Teviot's vale appears
Adorn'd with flowers of more enchanting hue
And fairer bloom than ever Eden knew,
With all the charms that infancy endears.
Dear scenes! which grateful memory still employ,
Why should you strive to blast the present joy?