And wherefore do you lift your eye As if commercing with the sky ?" Now Madge it seems had caught the
Of all the Doctor's eloquence,
And, with kind feelings for her guide, She thus, in measur'd speech, replied: "It is not for myself I sue To Heaven's mercy, 'tis for you. I could well scold you if I dare, And your whims almost make me
You may keep talking on for ever, "Twill never do you good, no never. What is your fending and your prov- ing, [ing. 'Tis nonsense all-I say, keep mov- Do you not hear what pleasures reign Among the crowd on yonder plain ? Quit, my sad Sir, that odious chair, With your grave melancholy air, And join the pastimes of the fair. See 'midst the bustle what is done, Look on the sports and view the fun: Who knows but a good donkey race May plant a smile upon your face. Of this I'm sure that when you see The scene of harmless revelry, And from the happy people hear The untaught joke, the merry jeer, Their honest pleasures will impart Smiles to your sympathising heart. You know the joy your flock will share To view their much-lov'd pastor there. And when you see how they receive it, You'll feel it two-fold, you who give it.
Do as I say, you'll find it right, 'Twill prove a most enliv'ning sight, And save you from a restless night. Keep moving,-quit your studious labours,
Set off and visit all your neighbours.
Yes, with his broad facemirth he'll try The power of hospitality."
On the next morn his breakfast done, With not a cloud to hide the sun, The Doctor did his way pursue, And, in a trotting hour or two Bumpkin's old hall appear'd in view, When soon he saw his hearty host Leaning most idly 'gainst a post, And letting loose loud fits of laughter To see boys bathing in the water; Who with their splash of mud and mire Amus'd the humour of the 'Squire.
Syntax, in sober, solemn state, With Pat behind, drew near the gate: And when he their approach espied, Bill Bumpkin clapp'd his hands and cried:
"My worthy Parson, is it you? The same i'fackins, I've in view. Six months, I think, are gone and past And more since I beheld you last! Whate'er I knew I left at college, And you like none but men of knowledge;
Yet, in plain English I declare I do delight to see you here. I have no learn'd or Latin lingo, But a fresh tap of foaming stingo, Which will make you to jabber Greek, As nat❜rally as pigs can squeak. And, if your heart is out of tune, Will make you long to stride the [friend, "Not quite so high as that my But something which doth that way tend:
Not quite so high," the Doctor said, "But yet some choice enliv'ning aid My slacken'd spirits have in view When I pay my respects to you; For here, I'm sure, that humour gay And the frank smile will crown the day,
He took the Doctor through his grounds,
Display'd his kennel and his hounds, Their diff'rent ages, old and young, Their speed, their noses and their tongue;
Then order'd forth his hunting stud, Dwelt on their merits and their blood; While to their diff'rent feats and more The green-clad huntsman stoutly
He then describ'd some arduous chase That did his Nimrod annals grace; Show'd many a brush that cover'd o'er The purlieus of the kennel door: Nor did a hero ever prize The trophies gain'd in victories, Whose flutt'ring ensigns might display The pride of many a well-fought day,
You, my good-hearted friend, must With more exulting sense of fame,
"New scenes will other thoughts in- You've lost one wife,-then get ano
As sure as that bright sun doth shine, I wish that he had taken mine. Not that I suffer such disaster As to let madam play the master, Nor yet, to let the lady boast
That o'er her lord she rules the roast. I learn'd not, where I went to school," In such a way to play the fool. *Tis true from harshness I refrain, But then I always hold the rein: For he who ventures on a wife, To be the comfort of his life, Should never this advice refuse ;— Take her down in her wedding shoes." -Syntax, his fancy to beguile, Here sunk his laughter in a smile. For it was known to great and small How things went on at Bumpkin-Hall: Nay, 'twas a well-known standing joke Among the neighb'ring country folk, That when the lady's in the way The 'Squire would ne'er say yea or nay, But as her ruling spirit told him, Or with a certain look control'd him : Though now his tongue ne'er seem'd to rest,
And thus his invitation press'd: “Doctor, come here next hunting sea-
[reason: And faith, my friend, I'll show you You shall mount on my Yorkshire grey, And gallop all your cares away." "I doubt not," Syntax smiling said, "Your recipe if 'twere obey'd; It would afford a speedy cure For ev'ry evil I endure! But for my kind physician's sake, I do not wish my neck to break.” They talk'd, when soon the bell's shrill chime
Declar'd it to be dinner time, Nor was it an unwelcome call That bade their footsteps seek the hall;
For though the Doctor's whims pre- vail'd,
His appetite had never fail'd. By madam he was kindly greeted, As, "How d'ye do ?" and, "Pray be seated."
It doth a perfect age appear Since we enjoy'd your presence here; I feel it always as a treasure, And wish I oft'ner felt the pleasure. Bumpkin, I pray you move the dish, And help the Doctor to some fish. Indeed, I hope 'tis in your view To pass with us a day or two. Nay I could wish it might be more, And lengthen'd out unto a score.
Bumpkin, you think not as we dine, That some folks love a glass of wine.' I have not seen you for an hour, Since you have made your charming Tour,
And I shall ask you to display Its hist❜ry in your rapid way.
Husband, I'll bet my life upon it, Our kind guest's plate has nothing on it;
Make haste and give it a supply Of that well-looking pigeon pie. 'Tis a fine match Miss Worthy made: A charming girl, I always said, And does those qualities possess That claim the promis'd happiness. Some may think one thing, some ano-
But is she handsome as her mother? Her mamma's auburn locks, I own, Are better than her daughter's brown,
Although the latter you may see, Dame Nature has bestow'd on me. 'Squire Bumpkin, were it not my
To see how all about me fare,
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