Tales

That all men would be cowards if they dare, Some men we know have courage to declare; And this the life of many a hero shows, That, like the tide, man's courage ebbs and flows:...

Minutely trace man's life; year after year, Through all his days let all his deeds appear, And then though some may in that life be strange, Yet there appears no vast nor sudden...

Gwyn was a farmer, whom the farmers all, Who dwelt around, "the Gentleman" would call; Whether in pure humility or pride, They only knew, and they would not decide. Far differen...

Love will expire--the gay, the happy dream Will turn to scorn, indiff'rence, or esteem: Some favour'd pairs, in this exchange, are blest, Nor sigh for raptures in a state of res...

A Borough-Bailiff, who to law was train'd, A wife and sons in decent state maintain'd, He had his way in life's rough ocean steer'd And many a rock and coast of danger clear'd;...

Yes, faith, it is my cousin's duty to make a curtsy, and say, "Father, as it please you;" but for all that, cousin, let him be a handsome fellow, or else make another curtsy, an...

To Farmer Moss, in Langar Vale, came down, His only daughter, from her school in town; A tender, timid maid! who knew not how To pass a pig-sty, or to face a cow: Smiling she ca...

There was a worthy, but a simple Pair, Who nursed a Daughter, fairest of the fair: Sons they had lost, and she alone remain'd, Heir to the kindness they had all obtain'd, Heir t...

Of a fair town where Doctor Rack was guide, His only daughter was the boast and pride - Wise Arabella, yet not wise alone, She like a bright and polish'd brilliant shone; Her fa...

It is the Soul that sees: the outward eyes Present the object, but the Mind descries; And thence delight, disgust, or cool indiff'rence rise: When minds are joyful, then we look...

Genius! thou gift of Heav'n! thou light divine! Amid what dangers art thou doom'd to shine! Oft will the body's weakness check thy force, Oft damp thy vigour, and impede thy cou...

'Squire Thomas flatter'd long a wealthy Aunt, Who left him all that she could give or grant; Ten years he tried, with all his craft and skill, To fix the sovereign lady's varyin...

A Vicar died and left his Daughter poor - It hurt her not, she was not rich before: Her humble share of worldly goods she sold, Paid every debt, and then her fortune told; And f...

A serious Toyman in the city dwelt, Who much concern for his religion felt; Reading, he changed his tenets, read again, And various questions could with skill maintain; Papist a...

A wealthy Lord of far-extended land Had all that pleased him placed at his command; Widow'd of late, but finding much relief In the world's comforts, he dismiss'd his grief; He...

Anna was young and lovely--in her eye The glance of beauty, in her cheek the dye: Her shape was slender, and her features small, But graceful, easy, unaffected all: The livelies...

She hath a tear for pity, and a hand Open as day for melting charity; Yet, notwithstanding, being incensed, is flint: Her temper, therefore, must be well observed. SHAKESPEARE,...

Counter and Clubb were men in trade, whose pains, Credit, and prudence, brought them constant gains; Partners and punctual, every friend agreed Counter and Clubb were men who mu...

Some to our Hero have a hero's name Denied, because no father's he could claim; Nor could his mother with precision state A full fair claim to her certificate; On her own word t...

Than old George Fletcher, on the British coast Dwelt not a seaman who had more to boast: Kind, simple and sincere--he seldom spoke, But sometimes sang and chorus'd--"Hearts of O...

An honest man was Farmer Jones, and true; He did by all as all by him should do; Grave, cautious, careful, fond of gain was he, Yet famed for rustic hospitality: Left with his c...

{2} The reader will perceive, in these and the preceding verses, allusions to the state of France, as that country was circumstanced some years since, rather than as it appears...