(Such it may seem) if I thy crown have borne, Thy royal mantle worn: I was their natural guardian; and 't is just That now I should restore what hath been held in trust." Awhile the astonished Artegal stood mute, Of war, had I returned to claim my right; "I do not blame thee," Elidure replied; And thou from all disquietude be free. At this blest moment led me, if I speak "Were this same spear which in my hand I grasp Odious to me the pomp of regal court, And joyless sylvan sport, While thou art roving, wretched and forlorn, Thy couch the dewy earth, thy roof the forest thorn!" Then Artegal thus spake: "I only sought Full soon this generous purpose thou mayst rue, undo. "Who, when a crown is fixed upon his head, Would balance claim with claim, and right with right? But thou - I know not how inspired, how led— Wouldst change the course of things in all men's sight! And this for one who cannot imitate Thy virtue, who may hate : For, if, by such strange sacrifice restored, He reign, thou still must be his king, and sovereign lord; "Lifted in magnanimity above Aught that my feeble nature could perform, I, Brother! only should be king in name, And govern to my shame; A shadow in a hated land, while all Of glad or willing service to thy share would fall." "Believe it not," said Elidure; “respect Attends on goodness with dominion decked, That, in the gracious opening of thy reign, "And what if o'er that bright unbosoming Are vanished; gladness ceases in the groves, coves. "But is that gloom dissolved? how passing clear Seems the wide world, far brighter than before! Even so thy latent worth will reappear, Gladdening the people's heart from shore to shore; For youthful faults ripe virtues shall atone; Reseated on thy throne, Proof shalt thou furnish that misfortune, pain, And sorrow have confirmed thy native right to reign. "But, not to overlook what thou mayst know, Dismiss thy followers; - let them calmly wait As I already have in thought devised; And which, with caution due, may soon be realized." The story tells what courses were pursued, Then to his people cried, "Receive your lord, stored!" The people answered with a loud acclaim: Earth's noblest penitent; from bondage freed - thenceforth unable to subvert Or shake his high desert. Long did he reign; and when he died, the tear Thus was a Brother by a Brother saved; And, from this triumph of affection pure, III. 1815. TO A BUTTERFLY. I'VE watched you now a full half-hour I know not if you sleep or feed. How motionless! - not frozen seas - More motionless! - and then What joy awaits you, when the breeze This plot of orchard-ground is ours; |