His cheerless spouse the coming danger sees, Yet grant them health, 'tis not for us to tell, Whom the smooth stream and smoother sonnet please; A BETROTHED PAIR IN HUMBLE LIFE. Yes, there are real mourners; I have seen Happy he sailed, and great the care she took His messmates smiled at flushings in his cheek, He called his friend, and prefaced with a sigh Yes, I must die-blow on, sweet breeze, blow on! Still long she nursed him; tender thoughts meantime She took some portion of the dread away; "I go," he said, but as he spoke she found His hand more cold, and fluttering was the sound; She placed a decent stone his grave above, For that she wrought, for that forsook her bed, Awake alike to duty and the dead. She would bave grieved had they presumed to spare Here will she come, and on the grave will sit, SONG OF THE CRAZED MAIDEN. Let me not have this gloomy view To cool my burning brow instead; O let the herbs I loved to rear Give to my sense their perfumed breath! The soil a pure and silver sand; There let my maiden form be laid; As innocent, but not so gay. I will not have the churchyard ground Or on my wasted limbs be thrown. With ribs and skulls I will not sleep, In clammy beds of cold blue clay, When those sad marriage rites begin, I cannot these cold truths allow; That man a maiden's grave may trace, But thou, my Lucy, come alone, And let affection find the place! HIS LETTER TO EDMUND BURKE.1 SIR-I am sensible that I need even your talents to apologize for the freedom I now take; but I have a plea which, however, simply urged, will, with a mind like yours, sir, procure me pardon: I am one of those outcasts on the world who are without a friend, without employment, and without bread. Pardon me a short preface. I had a partial father, who gave me a better education than his broken fortune would have allowed; and a better than was necessary, as he could give me that only. I was designed for the profession of physic; but, not having wherewithal to complete the requisite studies, the design but served to convince me of a parent's affection, and the error it had occasioned. In April last, I came to London, with three pounds, and flattered myself this would be sufficient to supply me with the common necessaries of life till my abilities should procure me more; of these I had the highest opinion, and a poetical vanity contributed to my delusion. I knew little of the world, and had read books only. "Mr. Crabbe's journal of his London life, extending over a period of three months, is one of the most affecting documents which ever lent an interest to biography. Arriving in the metropolis in the beginning of 1800, without money, friends, or introductions, he rapidly sank into penury and suffering. His landlord threatened him, and hunger and a jail already stared him in the face. In this emergency, he ventured to solicit the notice of three individuals, eminent for station and influence. He applied to Lord North, Lord Shelburne, and Lord Thurlow, but without success. In a happy moment the name of Burke entered his mind, and he appealed to his sympathy in the following letter. The result is well known. In Burke the happy poet found not only a patron and a friend, but a sagacious adviser and an accomplished critic." Willmott. I wrote, and fancied perfection in my compositions; when I wanted bread, they promised me affluence, and soothed me with dreams of reputation, whilst my appearance subjected me to contempt. Time, reflection, and want have shown me my mistake. I see my trifles in that which I think the true light; and, whilst I deem them such, have yet the opinion that holds them superior to the common run of poetical publications. I had some knowledge of the late Mr. Nassau, the brother of Lord Rochford; in consequence of which, I asked his lordship's permission to inscribe my little work to him. Knowing it to be free from all political allusions and personal abuse, it was no very material point to me to whom it was dedicated. His lordship thought it none to him, and obligingly consented to my request. I was told that a subscription would be the more profitable method for me, and therefore endeavored to circulate copies of the inclosed proposals. I am afraid, sir, I disgust you with this very dull narration, but believe me punished in the misery that occasions it. You will conclude that, during this time, I must have been at more expense than I could afford; indeed, the most parsimonious could not have avoided it. The printer deceived me, and my little business has had every delay. The people with whom I live perceive my situation, and find me to be indigent and without friends. About ten days since, I was compelled to give a note for seven pounds, to avoid an arrest for about double that sum which I owe. I wrote to every friend I had, but my friends are poor likewise; the time of payment approached, and I ventured to represent my case to Lord Rochford. I begged to be credited for this sum till I received it of my subscribers, which I believe will be within one month; but to this letter I had no reply, and I have probably offended by my importunity. Having used every honest means in vain, I yesterday confessed my inability, and obtained, with much entreaty, and as the greatest favor, a week's forbearance, when I am positively told that I must pay the money, or prepare for a prison. You will guess the purpose of so long an introduction. peal to you, sir, as a good, and, let me add, a great man. no other pretensions to your favor than that I am an unhappy one. It is not easy to support the thoughts of confinement; and I am coward enough to dread such an end to my suspense. I ap I have Can you, sir, in any degree, aid me with propriety? Will you ask any demonstrations of my veracity? I have imposed upon myself, but I have been guilty of no other imposition. Let me, if possible, interest your compassion. I know those of rank and fortune are teased with frequent petitions, and are compelled to |