So thought he I'll step into a gaming-house,
And that will do as well;

But just before he could get to the door

A wonderful chance befell.

57.

For all on a sudden, in a dark place, He came upon General

's burning face;

And it struck him with such consternation, That home in a hurry his way did he take, Because he thought by a slight mistake

'T was the general conflagration.

INSCRIPTIONS.

THE three utilities of Poetry: the praise of Virtue and Goodness, the memory of things remarkable, and to invigorate the Affections.

Welsh Triad.

1.

FOR A COLUMN AT NEWBURY.

CALLEST thou thyself a Patriot?.. On this field
Did Falkland fall, the blameless and the brave,
Beneath the banners of that Charles whom thou
Abhorrest for a Tyrant. Dost thou boast
Of loyalty? The field is not far off

Where in rebellious arms against his King
Hambden was kill'd, that Hambden at whose name
The heart of many an honest Englishman
Beats with congenial pride. Both uncorrupt,
Friends to their common country both, they fought,
They died in adverse armies. Traveller!
If with thy neighbour thou shouldst not accord,
Remember these, our famous countrymen,
And quell all angry and injurious thoughts.
Bristol, 1796.

II.

FOR A CAVERN THAT OVERLOOKS THE RIVER

AVON.

ENTER this cavern, Stranger! Here awhile
Respiring from the long and steep ascent,
Thou may'st be glad of rest, and haply too
Of shade, if from the summer's westering sun
Shelter'd beneath this beetling vault of rock.
Round the rude portal clasping its rough arms
The antique ivy spreads a canopy,

From whose grey blossoms the wild bees collect
In autumn their last store. The Muses love
This spot; believe a Poet who hath felt
Their visitation here. The tide below
Rising or refluent scarcely sends its sound
Of waters up; and from the heights beyond
Where the high-hanging forest waves and sways,
Varying before the wind its verdant hues,

The voice is music here. Here thou may'st feel
How good, how lovely, Nature! And when hence
Returning to the city's crowded streets,

Thy sickening eye at every step revolts

From scenes of vice and wretchedness, reflect
That Man creates the evil he endures.

Bristol, 1796.