IV.

"Here to the houseless child of want

My door is open still;

"And though my portion is but scant

"I give it with good will.

V.

"Then turn to-night, and freely share

"No flocks that range the valley free, "To slaughter I condemn ;

Taught by that power that pities me, "I learn to pity them:

VII.

But from the mountain's grassy side
"A guiltless feast I bring;

"A scrip with herbs and fruits supply'd,
"And water from the spring,

VIII.

"Then, pilgrim, turn, thy cares forego;

"All earth-born cares are wrong; "Man wants but little here below,

"Nor wants that little long,"

Soft

IX.

Soft as the dew from Heav'n descends,

His gentle accents fell:

The modest stranger lowly bends,

And follows to the cell.

X.

Far in a wilderness obscure

The lonely mansion lay,
A refuge to the neighb'ring poor
And strangers led astray.

XI.

No stores beneath its humble thatch

Requir❜d a master's care;

The wicket, op'ning with a latch,

Receiv'd the harmless pair.

XII.

And now, when busy crowds retire
To take their ev'ning rest,
The Hermit trimm'd his little fire,

And chear'd his pensive guest:

XIII.

And spread his vegetable store,
And gayly press'd, and smil'd;
And skill'd in legendary lore
The ling'ring hours beguil'd.

Around

XIV.

Around in sympathetic mirth

Its tricks the kitten tries,
The cricket chirrups in the hearth,
The crackling faggot flies.

XV.

But nothing could a charm impart
To soothe the stranger's woe;
For grief was heavy at his heart,
And tears began to flow.

XVI.

His rising cares the Hermit spy'd,

With answ'ring care opprest: "And whence, unhappy youth," he cry'd, "The sorrows of thy breast?

XVII.

"From better habitations spurn'd, "Reluctant dost thou rove?

"Or grieve for friendship unreturn'd, "Or unregarded love?

XVIII.

"Alas! the joys that fortune brings,

"Are trifling and decay;

"And those who prize the paltry things,

"More trifling still than they,

"And