Remembrance oft shall haunt the shore, When Thames in summer wreaths is drest; And oft suspend the dashing oar, To bid his gentle spirit rest! And, oft as ease and health retire But thou who own'st that earthly bed, Yet lives there one whose heedless eye But thou, lorn stream, whose sullen tide 2 Richmond Church, in which Thomson was buried. And see, the fairy valleys fade; Meek Nature's Child, again adieu! The genial3 meads, assign'd to bless Long, long, thy stone and pointed clay 3 Mr. Thomson resided in the neighbourhood of Richmond some time before his death. VERSES WRITTEN ON A PAPER WHICH CONTAINED A PIECE OF BRIDE-CAKE. YE curious hands, that hid from vulgar eyes, Nor dare a theft, for love and pity's sake! This precious relic, form'd by magic power, The Cyprian queen, at Hymen's fond request, Each nice ingredient chose with happiest art; Fears, sighs, and wishes of th' enamour'd breast, And pains that please, are mixt in every part. With rosy hand the spicy fruit she brought, Ambiguous looks, that scorn and yet relent, Sleep, wayward God! hath sworn, while these remain, And cheerful Hope, so oft invok'd in vain, If, bound by vows to Friendship's gentle side, Sweet Peace, who long hath shunn'd my plaintive day, Consents at length to bring me short delight, Thy careless steps may scare her doves away, And grief with raven note usurp the night. ODE ON THE POPULAR SUPERSTITIONS OF THE HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND; CONSIDERED AS THE SUBJECT OF POETRY. INSCRIBED TO MR. JOHN HOME. HOME, thou return'st from Thames, whose Naiads long Have seen thee lingering with a fond delay, Mid those soft friends, whose hearts, some future day, Shall melt, perhaps, to hear thy tragic song'. Go, not unmindful of that cordial youth2 Whom, long endear'd, thou leav'st by Lavant's side; Together let us wish him lasting truth, And joy untainted, with his destin'd bride. 1 How truly did Collins predict Home's tragic powers! 2 A gentleman of the name of Barrow, who introduced Home to Collins. |