Now, destruction's strife is o'er! The countless host For ever lost! The gulph is clos'd, their cries are heard no more! Thus, while the frowning shepherd pour'd along Gnash'd his teeth, and tore his hair : His watchful train prevent the blow, And call each lenient balm, to soothe his frantie woe. Cease your cares; the body's pain A sweet relief may find; But gums and lenient balms are vain To heal the wounded mind. Come, fair Repentance, from the skies, Behold, obedient to their great command, And let the heart-sent offering rise, Happy king, thy woes are o'er ! Thy GoD shall wound thy soul no more: Meets the pure-returning mind. Softly, softly breathe your numbers, And close his eyes in healing rest! Descend, celestial visions, ye who wait What pow'r can every passion's throe control ? At Wisdom's call she robed yon glittering skies, Attun'd the spheres, and taught consenting orbs to rise. Angels wrapt in wonder stood, And saw that all was fair, and all was good. 'Twas then, ye sons of GOD, in bright array Ye shouted o'er creation's day; Then kindling into joy, The morning stars together sung; Seraphic hymns and loud hosannahs rung. AN IRREGULAR ODE. To E. C. who had recommended the Stoic Philosophy as productive of Fortitude.-Miss Mulso. COME, Epictetus! arm my breast With thy impenetrable steel, No more the wounds of grief to feel, Teach me to mock the tyrant Pain ! A dreadful murderous band; I fly their cruel power in vain : Here lurks Distemper's horrid train, And there the Passions lift their flaming brands; Those with fell rage my helpless body tear, While these, with daring hands, Against the immortal soul their impious weapons rear. Where e'er I turn, fresh evils meet my eyes; Sin, Sorrow, and Disgrace Pursue the human race! There on the bed of sickness Virtue lies! See Friendship bleeding by the sword See baleful Jealousy intrude, And poison all the bliss that love had stor❜d! Of Innocence distrest! Nor let me shrink when Fancy's eye Nor for the numerous wants of misery grieve, No longer let my fleeting joys depend Nor in the gentle counsels of a Friend, Whate'er can please or fill my mind. And her divinest love possess me whole! But, ah! what means this impious pride Is all serene and beauteous there? What mean these chilling damps of fear?— This Godlike all-sufficient mind, Is it not foul, weak, ignorant, and blind? From native earth thy grovelling frame ! Ah! who will cleanse thy heart from spot of sinful blame! But see! what sudden glories from the sky And all the gloomy prospect cheer? That gently bids the forest nod. Hark! thunder breaks the air, and angels speak! "Behold the SAVIOUR of the world! Behold the Lamb of GOD!" Ye sons of pride, behold his aspect meek! See in his train appear Humility and Patience sweet, Repentance, prostrate at his sacred feet, Bedews with tears, and wipes them with her flow ing hair! What scenes now meet my wondering eyes! What hallow'd grave, By mourning maids attended round, Attracts the Saviour's steps? What heartfelt wound |