THE ROMANTIC SEAT OF HENRY HOWARD, ESQ.

Reader, if rocks, woods, waters, lawns, and meads,
Or aught of nature's captivating dress,--
If warbling hymns in the Creator's praise,
Pour'd all around from many a balmy brake,
Thy mind can charm; thrice welcome to these shades,
Where peace and mild content for ever dwell.
Now while thy wearied limbs at rest are laid,
In some sequester'd bow'r free from all noise;
Save melodies from many a woodland choir,
Or Eden murm'ring o'er his rocky bed:
Bethink thee, as the waters glide along,
So pass thy days; but never to return.

If e'er the lofty pine attract thine eye,
'Twill lead thy thoughts to Heav'n. In musing mood,
The wide--stretched mountain, the proud oak--crown'd rock,
The wood of many hues, the far--heard stream,
The sportive flock that graze the velvet lawn;
Nay ev'n the grassy turf o'er which we tread,
Green habitation of the insect world,
Each speaks in silent eloquence of God.

Perchance, in quest of rural nook thou stray'st,
A stranger to these much--lov'd scenes; then know,
The virtuous owners of this blest abode,
By justice, charity, and boundless love,
Endearing man to man, examples great,
Give lustre never--fading to the spot.

If in thy bosom beats a patriot's heart,
Indignant at the threats and murd'rous deeds
Of him, thy happy country's high--swol'n foe;
Lo! Howard hails thee, welcome to his seat.
But should cold apathy enslave thy mind,
And thou of England's weal regardless roam'st;
Or feel'st not for thy brethren, Afric's sons,
By Europeans torn from friends and home,
Exil'd for ever for thy luxuries;
Weak votary to pleasure, pride, or pow'r,
Hence, laugh with folly in the noisy town!