This cap to my cousin I owe; She gave it, and gave me beside, The ribbon with which it is tied. 2 This wheel-footed studying chair, 3 These carpets so soft to the foot, Secure from collision and dust; 4 This moveable structure of shelves, For its beauty admired and its use, And hope in due time, to behold 5 This china, that decks the alcove, Which here people call a buffet ; But what the gods call it above Has ne'er been reveal'd to us yet: 6 All these are not half that I owe Benignity, friendship, and truth; Much less could he alter her mind. 7 Thus compass'd about with the goods. 1786. I indulge my poetical moods In many such fancies as these; When I sing of the splendour of mine. LINES COMPOSED FOR A MEMORIAL OF ASHLEY COWPER, ESQ. IMMEDIATELY AFTER HIS DEATH, BY HIS NEPHEW WILLIAM OF WESTON. 1 FAREWELL! endued with all that could engage All hearts to love thee, both in youth and age! In prime of life, for sprightliness enroll'd Among the gay, yet virtuous as the old 2 In life's last stage (O blessings rarely found!), Pleasant as youth with all its blossoms crown'd; Through every period of this changeful state Unchanged thyself-wise, good, affectionate! 3 Marble may flatter, and lest this should seem O'ercharged with praises on so dear a themeAlthough thy worth be more than half supprest, Love shall be satisfied, and veil the rest. June 1788. ON THE QUEEN'S VISIT TO LONDON, THE NIGHT OF THE 17TH OF MARCH 1789. 1 WHEN, long sequester'd from his throne, By right of worth, not blood alone, 2 Then loyalty, with all his lamps 3 'Twas hard to tell, of streets or squares These most resembling cluster'd stars, 4 Bright shone the roofs, the domes, the spires; To hang their momentary fires 5 So, fire with water to compare, 6 Had all the pageants of the world And all the banners been unfurl'd 7 For no such sight had England's Queen Forsaken her retreat, Where George, recover'd, made a scene 8 Yet glad she came that night to prove, A witness undescried, How much the object of her love 9 Darkness the skies had mantled o'er In aid of her design— Darkness, O Queen! ne'er call'd before To veil a deed of thine! 10 On borrow'd wheels away she flies, 11 Arrived, a night like noon she secs, And hears the million hum; As all by instinct, like the bees, Had known their sovereign come. 12 Pleased she beheld, aloft portray'd Emblems of health and heavenly aid 13 Unlike the enigmatic line, So difficult to spell, Which shook Belshazzar at his wine, 14 Soon watery grew her eyes and dim, 15 It was a scene in every part And seem'd by some magician's art 16 But other magic there, she knew, To raise such wonders in her view, 17 That cordial thought her spirit cheer'd, And, through the cumbrous throng, Not else unworthy to be fear'd, Convey'd her calm along. 18 So, ancient poets say, serene The sea-maid rides the waves; |