THE REFLECTOR. [No. LIV.] ALFRED, AN EPIC POEM, BY JOSEPH COTTLE. In a deep glen, surrounded by tall rocks TH COTTLE. HE second and third books of this pleasing poem are now to be the subject of our consi deration. They exhibit the British Monarch in great distress-the Danes were ravaging every part of the island-all opposition was useless. ALFRED therefore is about to retire for a while, that he might burst upon his enemies with success, and shine forth in all the effulgence of victory! ALFRED having announced to the troops that he must leave them-and withdraw into solitudeSilent he stood, and with heart-weariness Chanc'd to espy the brook slow murmuring near, Whilst interruptions from the stones that strew'd Its shallow bed, or the thick dancing reeds, Stay'd not its course, for still, with earnest speed, And undiverted, fast it roll'd along, Never to know tranquillity, till mix'd With the great mass of waters. "So must THOU," A voice most sweetly whisper'd-"So must THOU, Toil on, O king! nor vainly hope to gain A quiet, till in death that ocean lost!" The musing prince look'd up-for ODDUNI stood Before him ODDUNE (the Earl of Devon) wishes to accompany Alfred, but he is refused-and then is dismissed to seek the western land." The king, however, addressing ALSWITHA, exclaims— He goes, 'mid death and perils! Heav'n will guard Such worth as his from the night-prowling wolf, Or fiercer Dane. If ever prince should find A man like ODDUNE-let him not rejoice That God hath dealt a crown, but given a friend! ALFRED next meets with SIGBERT, Abbot of Wilton, who raves against the Danes even to a degree of insanity. The monarch checks his lust of revenge, and beautifully reminds him of the peaceable forgiving spirit of the christian religion“with craving appetite, Loud will I call for blood! My very joints He ceas'd-convulsions heav'd his frame, his hands Thy foes to pity." -Cried the wondering monk, "Pity the Danes!" When Alfred spake, "e'en Danes ! For he our master taught, when he said, Tomen more sunk, more lost than Danes themselves, "Father, forgive! they know not what they do!" And thou should'st copy him. For Danes I pray Most ardently, that God would change their hearts, And give me peace. Yet, said the indignant king, If these fierce Normanders-these savage men, Will waste our land, and drench our happy isle With unoffending blood, and seek our lives, And thirst for murder-be our arms absolv'd, And let them perish by the avenging sword! ALFRED having bidden his troops an adieu, proceeds with the Queen ALSWITHA, and their infant child, across the heath to Glastonbury Abbey. With this scene the second book thus charmingly opens "Thou lovely moon!" cried Alfred, as he mov❜d Its native dignity? I know it is! Ayc, in those regions where thou sitt'st enthron'd, In empyrean glory, lovely moon! I feel a sudden and mysterious calm Shoot thro' my frame. This mind will copy thee! Fast as the mists of night, whilst I shall live, When yon bright orb is quench'd!" -The king, As meditating thus on lofty themes, Felt cheer his heart; but soon the busy thoughts Of his own cares, his country's wrongs, rush'd ja, And he was sad. Mournful he saw his child, Who on his father's arms lay wondering At that big lamp on high, whose tranquil beams The full orb'd moon, and leaps with sudden start, Of infant gratulation! ALFRED now throws off his royal mantle-they meet an old cripple, with whom they divide their only loaf, and the following fine compliment is paid to the virtue of humanity -ALFRED turn'd the while, And to the queen thus spake: "Hear, best belov'd! And he who checks their wild luxuriance The name of this aged cripple is NIDOR, and he relates his story to the royal couple with an affecting simplicity. His grand theme is the ravages and cruelties of the Danes. He had been bed-ridden for many years, but the fright into which the enemy had thrown him, caused him to recover his strength, and now he was fleeing for safety. They part at the sight of Glastonbury Abbey. A most interesting conversation takes place between ALFRED and ALSWITHA, respecting their present condition. She wishes much to accompany him, but he positively refuses-the king exclaims It is most hard! but we shall meet again! -Alfred turn'd And wept. ALSWITHA mark'd the tear! a tear, Deep, and for ever fresh, The conclusion of the book is particularly im. pressive-ALSWITHA and her infant are left at Glastonbury Abbey. -ALFRED NOW Beheld his blooming boy-whom thus he spoke, Shall sink within thee, and the passing clouds Receive a father's blessing, may high heaven And chang'd from smiles to tears. "O, fare thee well!" Cried ALFRED, "fare thee well!" Then towards the hall With solemn step he walked. ALFRED then recommends his wife and child to the abbot in a most affectionate manner "When thro' the lofty gateway slow he pass'd!" |