ADVERTISEMENT. DURING the Summer of 1807, the Author visited, for the first time, the beautiful scenery that surrounds Bolton Priory, in Yorkshire; and the Poem of the WHITE DOE, founded upon a Tradition connected with the place, was composed at the close of the same year. IN trellised shed with clustering roses gay, How Una, sad of soul in sad attire, The gentle Una, born of heavenly birth, To seek her Knight went wandering o'er the earth. Ah, then, Beloved! pleasing was the smart, And the tear precious in compassion shed For Her, who, pierced by sorrow's thrilling dart, Did meekly bear the pang unmerited; Meek as that emblem of her lowly heart The milk-white Lamb which in a line she led, And faithful, loyal in her innocence, Like the brave Lion slain in her defence. Notes could we hear as of a faery shell Till, in the bosom of our rustic Cell, We by a lamentable change were taught That "bliss with mortal Man may not abide :”— How nearly joy and sorrow are allied! For us the stream of fiction ceased to flow, But, as soft gales dissolve the dreary snow, It soothed us it beguiled us then, to hear 5 Then, too, this Song of mine once more could please, Even to the inferior Kinds; whom forest trees to whom Heaven A calm and sinless life, with love, hath given. This tragic Story cheered us; for it speaks ; Needful when o'er wide realms the tempest breaks, Hence, not for them unfitted who would bless A happy hour with holier happiness. He serves the Muses erringly and ill, The comprehensive mandate which they give — Yet in this moral Strain a power may live, Beloved Wife! such solace to impart As it hath yielded to thy tender heart. RYDAL MOUNT, WESTMORLAND, |