Whose powers shed round him in the common strife, A constant influence, a peculiar grace; But who, if he be called upon to face Some awful moment to which heaven has join'd With sudden brightness like a Man inspired; Come when it will, is equal to the need: He who, though thus endued as with a sense And faculty for storm and turbulence, Is yet a Soul whose master bias leans To home-felt pleasures and to gentle scenes; It is his darling passion to approve; More brave for this, that he hath much to love: "Tis, finally, the Man, who, lifted high, Conspicuous object in a Nation's eye, Who, not content that former worth stand fast, Looks forward, persevering to the last, From well to better, daily self-surpast: Who, whether praise of him must walk the earth For ever, and to noble deeds give birth, Or He must go to dust without his fame, Finds comfort in himself and in his cause; The above Verses were written soon after tidings had been received of the Death of Lord Nelson, which event directed the Author's thoughts to the subject. His respect for the memory of his great fellow-countryman induces him to mention this; though he is well aware that the Verses musi suffer from any connection in the Reader's mind with a Name so illustrious. THE HORN OF EGREMONT CASTLE. When the Brothers reach'd the gateway, Eustace pointed with his lance To the Horn which there was hanging; Horn of the inheritance. Horn it was which none could sound, No one upon living ground, Save He who came as nightful Heir To Egremont's Domains and Castle fair. Heirs from ages without record Had the House of Lucie born, Who of right had claim'd the Lordship Each at the appointed hour Tried the Horn, it own'd his power; He was acknowledged: and the blast Which good Sir Eustace sounded was the last. With his lance Sir Eustace pointed, And to Hubert thus said he, "What I speak this Horn shall witness "For thy better memory. "Hear, then, and neglect me not! "At this time, and on this spot, "The words are utter'd from my heart, "As my last earnest prayer ere we depart |