Sivut kuvina
PDF
ePub
[blocks in formation]
[graphic]

XXIV.

But he from day to day more anxious grew. The voice still seem'd to vibrate on his ear. Nor durst he hope the Hermits tale untrue; For man he seem'd 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."

XXV..

At early dawn the Youth his journey took,

And many a mountain pass'd, and valley wide,
Then reach'd the wild; where, in a flowery nook,
And seated on a mossy stone, he spied

An ancient man: his harp lay him beside.
A stag sprang from the pasture at his call,
And, kneeling, lick'd the wither'd hand that tied
A wreathe of woodbine round his antlers tall,
And hung his lofty neck with many a flowret small.

XXVI.

And now the hoary Sage arose, and saw

The wanderer approaching: innocence

Smiled on his glowing cheek, but modest awe Depress'd his eye, that fear'd to give offence. "Who art thou, courteous stranger? and from whence? "Why roam thy steps to this sequester'd dale?" "A shepherd-boy (the Youth replied) far hence "My habitation; hear my artless tale;

"Nor levity nor falsehood shall thine ear assail.

XXVII.

"Late as I roam'd, intent on Nature's charms, "I reach'd 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 recognise the sound.)

"You mourn'd for ruin'd man, and virtue lost, "And seem'd to feel of keen remorse the wound, "Pondering on former days by guilt engross'd, "Or in the giddy storm of dissipation toss'd.

XXVIII.

"But say, in courtly life can craft be learn'd, "Where knowledge opens, and exalts the soul? "Where Fortune lavishes her gifts unearn'd, "Can selfishness the liberal heart control? "Is glory there achiev'd by arts, as foul "As those that felons, fiends, and furies plan? 66 Spiders ensnare, snakes poison, tygers prowl; "Love is the godlike attribute of man. "O teach a simple youth this mystery to scan.

[ocr errors]

XXIX.

"Or else the lamentable strain disclaim,

"And give me back the calm, contented mind;

"Which, late, exulting, view'd in Nature's frame, "Goodness untainted, wisdom unconfined,

"Grace, grandeur, and utility combined.

"Restore those tranquil days, that saw me still

"Well pleased with all, but most with humankind;

"When Fancy roam'd through Nature's works at will,

Uncheck'd by cold distrust, and uninform'd of ill."

« EdellinenJatka »