XIV.

TO SLEEP.

Smile, as I bow me to thy shrine, O Sleep!
Weary am I, through climbing labour's hill-
Veil up my senses !-not that I may kill

Scorpions of conscience 'neath thy shadows deep,
But that, from thy calm influence, I may reap
Peace and refreshment, as thy balms instil
Strength to my frame, and all my being fill

With joy, that thou thy watch didst safely keep. Samaritan of life! with pitying smile,

When tired nature fails upon the road,

Thou giv'st thy blessing to the sons of toil, Loos'ning the bandage of their wearying load: Though gold may win it not by chaffering wile, Unasked upon contentment 'tis bestowed.

XV.

TO A LADY.

Nay, not the laurel leaves! they're not design'd

For bard that's noteless.

Cull the cowslip pale—

The snow-bell'd lily of the humble vale

The violet that scents the April wind—

The wild clematis with its arms entwined

Around the hedge-rose blushing in the morn, And golden furze-bloom with its speary thornThis, this, the wreath alone my brow shall bind. All these are transient in their simple reign; They cheer awhile some solitary spot;

Few prize their beauty-thousands never deign
To cast a thought upon their humble lot:
Save in thy memory, thus my wild-born strain
Exists a moment, fades, and is forgot.

XVI.

THE VALE OF THE MEDWAY.

Vale of the Medway! Now the vernal ray
Openeth thy blossoms to th' admiring view,
No more at eventide may I pursue

The flowery path along thy winding way;
Fated to labour on from day to day

'Mid scenes that keep the Muses far aloof,—
Where the streets echo to the clattering hoof,
The rattling omnibus and rumbling dray.
Vale of the Medway! where the lily's bell
Gives out its perfume to the dewy night,

While to the strain of amorous Philomel

Upon the waters dance the moonbeams bright; Ever, as Spring returns, will memory dwell

Upon thy beauties with renewed delight.

XVII.

ADDRESSED TO MY SISTER ON HER MARRIAGE.

1.

On thee, who heark'ning to the voice of love,
To friendship's whisper, and to duty's call,
May the most choice connubial blessings fall
That e'er were shed on mortal from above!
May no misgiving of thy heart reprove

The choice thou'st made-nor memory recal Glimpses of happier hours nor scenes, than all The future ones in which thou'lt live and move. If as a sister, thou wast ever kind

As daughter, dutiful-as friend, most true; When with these sacred names a wife 's combined, Wilt thou not bless us in that title too?

We feel thou wilt; and to this hope are joined The prayers of all who love thee-no mean few.

XVIII.

2.

Not in symmetric form nor beauteous face,
In learning, birth, nor wealth's equalities,
In custom's bond, nor law's formalities,
Can those who marry firm reliance place :
To clothe the passions with a gentler grace
Enwove from mutual sensibilities,

Regardless if the world or hears or sees;

Hence wedded hearts their failless joys must trace. May this be thine adornment! He who takes

And calls thee his entirely, robs not me

Of one of thine affections, but awakes

Another chord of kindly sympathy:

So may each morn of life that on thee breaks

Find thee more blest with him, and him with thee.