Classic Poem

Beneath the shelter of a fost'ring shade,
(By Nature form'd for calm Reflection's aid)
Where silver Colne directs his winding way,
And tempts the fervent Angler to his prey,—
A Damsel sat, in pensive thought reclin'd,
And Fancy's soothing dream entranc'd her mind!
A gentle willow o'er the stream was bent,
And lav'd the murm'ring sound its waters sent;
Melodious Birds their simple strains forbear—
(A simpler strain reveal'd the Damsel's care)
And placid twilight now, with smile serene,
Had cast its veil transparent o'er the scene:
“In vain,” she cries, “these rural scenes appear,
“And Nature shews each soft attraction here;
“In vain, ye flow'rs, your tender leaves expand,
“And own the glowing touch of Nature's hand!
“The rural nymphs your beauties may pursue,
“And lab'ring Bees may taste their sweetness too
“Ye desart fields! with verdure cloath'd in vain
“Save for the harmless tenants of the plain;
“My active soul, now pensive and forlorn,
“Views the gay landscape with a senseless scorn
“From gayer scenes, alas! M ELISSA flies,
“Where moving objects once cou'd charm “eyes.—
“Oh Oxford! proud and noble as thou art!
“Thy tow'ring honours still expand my heart.
“That stately scene, which Science shall explore,
“Its charms and wonders I behold no more.
“'Tis not thy art, oh J ERVAIS ! I lament,
“Where fertile Genius all its ardour spent,
“Nor sumptuous edifice, nor tow'r sublime,
“Rich with the spoils of Learning and of Time;
“No! 'tis not these my heavy heart deplores!—
“Tho' Knowledge here might open all her stores,
“Her stately form a deeper gloom wou'd cast,
“And frighted Ignorance view her frowns aghast!
“Tho' Arabic its crooked lines display,
“And bearded students line the solemn way,
“Where comely Bards in canvas look severe,
“And stern Philosophers in ranks appear,
“Or pure Devotion warms the painter's heart,
“And stamps its sacred image on the heart;
“Nor Marlb'rough's gems—nor Theatre, designed
“To swell the noblest feelings of the mind!
“Where Youth its gen'rous ardour shall display,
“And Genius glows by Emulation's ray:
“No—'tis not these my conscious soul inspires,
“And moves my fancy on ecstatic wires.
“No!—It was converse, social and serene,
“Inspir'd each movement of th' attractive scene:
“Perchance, 'twas Vanity the place might deck,
“More pleasing far than Friendship's mildest check
“As glitt'ring snakes in shining ambush lay,
“Where verdure glows and flow'rets blossom gay.

“Oxford adieu!—In Mem'ry's golden hours,
“Oft must she wander to thy halcyon bow'rs,
“Where, silver Charwell, with peculiar pride,
“And slow reluctant grace, thy waters glide!—
“Fair scene of Science, melody and song,
“May Vice and Folly ne'er thy dwellings wrong!
“Rich from thy mine may future Senates rise,
“And gems of worth to charm a nation's eyes!”