A Vision of Pengwerne and Other Poems

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1841 Excerpt: ... its way to where the streamlet lies, A-worming at the base of some lone hill. Leaning his wrinkled cheek upon his hand, As if unclosing memory's choicest store, The spirit left his eye, within to range, O'er scenes long fled, that now did seem to pour In recollection's ear, each varied deed and change. "Forty long years are passed (quoth he) and fled, With all the early hopes which time has broken, And nought but memory hoards the much lov'd token, Tho' 'tis but one kind look, of her now dead! For oft the stealing thought will doubtless revel And bring before the mind some favourite scene; As if the spirit of the one we mourn, Points to the whispering walk where oft we've been, Where one alone now wanders, grieving and forlorn! "When as a youth I tript the meadows green, A peasant boy,--around my father's cot, Nor thought of once repining at my lot, Tho' in my home-weav'd garment clad, was seen. For the smooth Ivy crept around the door, And the entwining suckle breathed perfume,--While flowers, like bright immortals did impart Their mingling odour on the breath of noon, And blessed with honest joy, my fond and tranquil heart. "But not remaining where the morn of years First broke upon my early pilgrimage, I left my parent's roof, and did engage As servant to a neighbouring squire,--tho' tears Told, when I bid farewell, a parent's love. Yet still they could feel happy then, to know That I was safe ensconced, and free from harm, For they had taught me long to reap, and sow,--Equal to any on the squire's extensive farm. "And there I long enjoyed in servitude, Each passing blessing that contentment brings; While friendship, with its heart entwining strings, Always appeared like honest brotherhood. And bland respect, would follow with her ey...