Lines written at Shurton Bars

Lyrics

&nbsp       &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbspGood verse most good, and bad verse then seems better        &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbspReceiv'd from absent friend by way of Letter.        &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbspFor what so sweet can labour'd lays impart        &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbspAs one rude rhyme warm from a friendly heart?—Anon. Nor travels my meandering eye The starry wilderness on high;        &nbspNor now with curious sight I mark the glow-worm, as I pass, Move with 'green radiance'through the grass,        &nbspAn emerald of light. O ever present to my view! My wafted spirit is with you,        &nbspAnd soothes your boding fears: I see you all oppressed with gloom Sit lonely in that cheerless room—        &nbspAh me! You are in tears! Belovéd Woman! did you fly Chill'd Friendship's dark disliking eye,        &nbspOr Mirth's untimely din? With cruel weight these trifles press A temper sore with tenderness,        &nbspWhen aches the void within. But why with sable wand unblessed Should Fancy rouse within my breast        &nbspDim-visag'd shapes of Dread? Untenanting its beauteous clay My Sara's soul has wing'd its way,        &nbspAnd hovers round my head! I felt it prompt the tender Dream, When slowly sank the day's last gleam;        &nbspYou rous'd each gentler sense, As sighing o'er the Blossom's bloom Meek Evening wakes its soft perfume        &nbspWith viewless influence. And hark, my Love! The sea-breeze moans Through yon reft house! O'er rolling stones        &nbspIn bold ambitious sweep The onward-surging tides supply The silence of the cloudless sky        &nbspWith mimic thunders deep. Dark reddening from the channell'd Isle (Where stands one solitary pile        &nbspUnslated by the blast) The Watchfire, like a sullen star Twinkles to many a dozing Tar        &nbspRude cradled on the mast. Even there—beneath that light-house tower— In the tumultuous evil hour        &nbspEre Peace with Sara came, 45 Time was, I should have thought it sweet To count the echoings of my feet,        &nbspAnd watch the storm-vex'd flame. And there in black soul-jaundic'd fit A sad gloom-pamper'd Man to sit, 50        &nbspAnd listen to the roar: When mountain surges bellowing deep With an uncouth monster-leap        &nbspPlung'd foaming on the shore. Then by the lightning's blaze to mark 55 Some toiling tempest-shatter'd bark;        &nbspHer vain distress-guns hear; And when a second sheet of light Flash'd o'er the blackness of the night—        &nbspTo see no vessel there! But Fancy now more gaily sings; Or if awhile she droop her wings,        &nbspAs skylarks 'mid the corn, On summer fields she grounds her breast: The oblivious poppy o'er her nest        &nbspNods, till returning morn. O mark those smiling tears, that swell The open'd rose! From heaven they fell,        &nbspAnd with the sun-beam blend. Blest visitations from above, Such are the tender woes of Love        &nbspFostering the heart they bend! When stormy Midnight howling round Beats on our roof with clattering sound,        &nbspTo me your arms you'll stretch: Great God! you'll say—To us so kind, O shelter from this loud bleak wind        &nbspThe houseless, friendless wretch! The tears that tremble down your cheek, Shall bathe my kisses chaste and meek        &nbspIn Pity's dew divine; And from your heart the sighs that steal Shall make your rising bosom feel        &nbspThe answering swell of mine! How oft, my Love! with shapings sweet I paint the moment, we shall meet!        &nbspWith eager speed I dart— I seize you in the vacant air, And fancy, with a husband's care        &nbspI press you to my heart! 'Tis said, in Summer's evening hour Flashes the golden-colour'd flower        &nbspA fair electric flame: And so shall flash my love-charg'd eye When all the heart's big ecstasy        &nbspShoots rapid through the frame!