And the Lady prayed in heaviness But slowly did her succour come, Oh! there is never sorrow of heart If but to God we turn, and ask 1808. GOLD AND SILVER FISHES, IN A VASE. THE soaring lark is blest as proud For something more that dull content, Yet might your glassy prison seem Type of a sunny human breast How beautiful! Yet none knows why Fays, Genii of gigantic size! When the fierce orbs abate their glare ;- Whate'er ye seem, whate'er ye are➡ Cold though your nature be, 'tis pure ; From all that haughtier kinds endure Ah! not alone by colours bright Are Ye to heaven allied, When, like essential Forms of light, For day-dreams soft as e'er beguiled Accept, mute Captives! thanks and praise; And may this tribute prove 'That gentle admirations raise Delight resembling love. 1829. LIBERTY. (SEQUEL TO THE ABOVE.) Addressed to a friend; the gold and silver Fishes having been removed to a pool in the pleasureground of Rydal Mount. "The liberty of a people consists in being governed by laws which they have made for themselves, under whatever form it be of government. The liberty of a private man, in being master of his own time and actions, as far as may consist with the laws of God and of his country. Of this latter we are here to discourse."-COWLEY. THOSE breathing Tokens of your kind regard, |