THE HERMIT.* -I may assert eternal Providence, And justify the ways of God to man. MILTON. FAR in a wild, unknown to public view, From youth to age a rev'rend Hermit grew; The moss his bed-the cave his humble cell, His food the fruits, his drink the crystal well. Remote from man with God he passed his days, Prayer all his business, all his pleasure praise. A life so sacred, such serene repose; Seem'd heav'n itself, till one suggestion rose; That vice should triumph, virtue vice obey; This sprung some doubt of Providence's sway. His hopes no more a certain prospect boast, And all the tenour of his soul is lost. * Little children are desired to consider this pleas ing and beautiful Poem, not as a real fact, but a beautiful allegory of the ways of the Almighty with his Creatures. |