And thither let the village swain repair: Book II. Stanza XVIII. THE MINSTREL. Published by R. & WA Bartow NewYork. "O thou, at whose creative smile, yon heaven, In all the pomp of beauty, life, and light, Rose from the abyss: when dark Confusion, driven Melt the hard heart to love and mercy's sway, And cheer the wandering soul, and light him on the way." Silence ensued: and Edwin raised his eyes He said, and turned away; nor did the Sage Of groves, and dying gales, and melancholy rills. N But he from day to day more anxious grew, The voice still seemed to vibrate on his ear, Nor durst he hope the Hermit's tale untrue; For Man he seemed to love, and Heaven to fear; And none speaks false where there is none to hear. "Yet can man's gentle heart become so fell! No more in vain conjecture let me wear My hours away, but seek the Hermit's cell: 'Tis he my doubt can clear, perhaps my care dispel." At early dawn the youth his journey took, An ancient man: his harp lay him beside. And now the hoary Sage arose, and saw The wanderer approaching, innocence Smiled on his glowing cheek, but modest awe Depressed his eye, that feared to give offence. "Who art thou courteous stranger? and from whence ? Why roam thy steps to this sequestered dale?" "A shepherd boy," the youth replied, " far hence My habitation: hear my artless tale; Nor levity nor falsehood shall thine ear assail. "Late as I roamed intent on Nature's charms, I reached at eve this wilderness profound; And, leaning where yon oak expands her arms, Heard these rude cliffs thine awful voice rebound, (For in thy speech I recognize the sound,) You mourned for ruined man, and virtue lost, And seemed to feel of keen remorse the wound, Pondering on former days, by guilt engrossed, Or in the giddy storm of dissipation tossed. "But say, in courtly life can craft be learned, O teach a simple youth this mystery to scan. "Or else the lamentable strain disclaim, Restore those tranquil days, that saw me still Unchecked by cold distrust and uninformed of ill." |