And fearless plunge into the deathful surge, MARY, with heavy heart and deep drawn sighs, Their pious work attends; with fearful eye, Full many a pale and ghastly corse she view'd; For the unpitying storm, not one, alas! Had spar'd, their melancholy tale to tell. 180 High on the sands was stretch'd a youthful form; Supine he lay, still graceful e'en in death; 185 MARY approach'd, on pious cares intent, Presents the image graven on her heart, And WILLIAM's form-alas! too well she knew: 190 Down senseless sunk the maid upon his corse : At length by tender care again to life, But not to Reason, woke-REASON had fled! And left-alas! for ever left, a form Fairer than e'er before on earth she knew. 195 Sweet wreck of beauty! sacred be thy haunts, Who with thy song would mix her plaintive lay 200 Appears thy WILLIAM rising from the wave, To clasp with shadowy arms his love-lorn maid: 205 Then like the moon thro' chilly wintry clouds, Thy palid face a momentary gleam Of gladness wears, but soon, too soon! it fades, More mournful melting on the ear of NIGHT. 210 Ere long the scene will close-sweet blighted flower O'erloaded with Misfortune's baleful dews, Down to the grave thy drooping head will sink; And o'er thy hillock green, the village maids, 215 With pious care shall plant the lily pale And weeping snowdrop-PITY's softest tears Shall bid them yearly bloom, whilst thy chaste soul, In thine own angel form, shall take its flight To meet her WILLIAM, where the Tempest's wing 220 No more shall sweep-nor howling voice be heard, But joys immortal crown their faithful loves. The Argument. ADDRESS to ContemplatioN.—A more cheerful subject proposed.—The Mount described in a calm.—Pilchard fishery• -Address to the MUSE.-The MINER going to work.-Solitary scenes.-Their effect on his mind.—Appearance of his lanthorn at a distance.-Descent into the mine.-Address to HOPE.-The MINER's dream.—Address to HOPE continued. CONTEMPLATION. CANTO THE THIRD. ENOUGH of horror and of woe, the Muse The Mount, which late to Fancy's ranging eye, While Cynthia mounting o'er the Druid hills, 5 10 |