But 'twas something to see its cliffs once more, As the coffin was lower'd into the ground; One moment's pause,-and they left the dead! His step was feeble, his lip was wan : He knelt him down on the new-raised mound, THE SHADOW. THOMAS GASPEY. FROM "CALTHORPE, or fallen I SAW the black shadow pursuing my track, He seem'd to say angrily, "Close at your back S Flight proved unavailing.-To face him, at last I turn'd, in a petulant whim ; Then shrinking from me, he retreated as fast As ever I bounded from him. Ah, now," exclaim'd Mirth, "henceforth govern'd by me Dismiss weak regret and despair, And banish vain terrors; for do you not see That impudent shadow is Care? Delighting irresolute mortals to chase, Retreat, he comes daringly on; But meet him with laughter, it alters the case, THE RETROSPECT. FROM " POEMS, BY P. M JAMES," 1821. I WOULD not live life o'er again, For all its joys, to share its pain; Life's springs and pastimes tempt me not, To wish its cares again my lot. What though youth's devious course hath been, A chequer'd yet a cheerful scene! Our pleasures to the world are known, Our silent griefs are all our own! 'Tis sweet to view, from sheltering bower, When memory seems to obey the will, She calls them both, her power to show. Else in the eventful vale of life, Are scenes with joy and beauty rife; And forms as lover's fancies fair! These from life's troubles could we take, "Mr. James, (not the celebrated novellist) we understand, adds another to the catalogue of bards belonging to the Society of Friends. Not aiming so high as Bernard Barton, or J. H. Wiffen, he has struck a very musical chord, and seems gifted with those feelings which constitute the poet." TO A FLY LOITERING NEAR A SPIDER'S WEB. WILLIAM REID, FROM THE CITY MUSE." HASTEN, hasten, little fly, Pleasure thus arrays her charms, Rosy nectar's subtle tide Rich in golden channels, glide! 1 Laughing flowers, enwreath the cup! Gather on the thicken'd breath As with man, it is with thee: Then, poor fly, thou liv'st to know 28 |