George Crabbe

“ But in this world the fondest and the best Are the most tried, most troubled, and distress’d: This is the place for trial, here we prove, And there enjoy, the faithfulness of love. “Nay, were he here in all the pride of youth, 810 With honour, valour, tenderness, and truth, Entirely mine, yet what could I secure, Or who one day of comfort could insure? “No! all is closed on earth, and there is now Nothing to break th’ indissoluble vow; But in that world will be th’ abiding bliss, That pays for every tear and sigh in this.” ”

“ To fleecing beauty his attention paid; His boiling passions were by oaths express’d, And lies he made his profit and his jest. Such was the boy, and such the man had been, But fate or happier fortune changed the scene; A fever seized him; “he should surely die—” He fear’d, and lo! a friend was praying by. 60 With terror moved, this teacher he address’d, And all the errors of his youth confess’d: The good man kindly clear’d the sinner’s way To lively hope, and counsell’d him to pray: Who then resolved, should he from sickness rise, To quit cards, liquors, poaching, oaths, and lies. ”

“ And all around us wonder when they find Such taste and strength, such skill and power combined; There is no mother, Colin, no not one, But envies me so kind, so good a son; 450 By thee supported on this failing side, Weakness itself awakes a parent’s pride; I bless the stroke that was my grief before, And feel such joy that ’tis disease no more; Shielded by thee, my want becomes my wealth— And, soothed by Colin, sickness smiles at health; The old men love thee, they repeat thy praise, And say, like thee were youth in earlier days ”

“ But shall I carry, and to please a foe, A painful secret in my bosom? No! Think not your friend a reptile you may tread Beneath your feet, and say, the worm is dead: I have some feeling, and will not be made The scorn of her whom love cannot persuade. Would not your word, your slightest wish, effect 440 All that I hope, petition, or expect? The power you have, but you the use decline— Proof that you feel not, or you fear not mine. There was a time, when I, a tender maid, Flew at a call, and your desires obey’d; A very mother to the child became, Consoled your sorrow, and conceal’d your shame ”

“ A maid to love, you know there’s promise made; ’Tis not enough, that you design to keep That promise made, nor leave your lass to weep: But you must guard yourself against the sin, And think it such to draw the party in; 110 Nay, the more weak and easy to be won, The viler you who have the mischief done. I am not angry, love; but men should know They cannot always pay the debt they owe Their plighted honour; they may cause the ill They cannot lessen, though they feel a will; For he had truth with love, but love in youth Does wrong, that cannot be repair’d by truth. ”

“ Suffice it then, our hero’s name was clear, For, call John Dighton, and he answer’d, “Here!” But who that name in early life assign’d He never found, he never tried to find; Whether his kindred were to John disgrace, Or John to them, is a disputed case; 20 His infant-state owed nothing to their care— His mind neglected, and his body bare; All his success must on himself depend, He had no money, counsel, guide, or friend; But, in a market-town, an active boy Appear’d, and sought in various ways employ; Who soon, thus cast upon the world, began To show the talents of a thriving man. ”

“ Thought not a lover could the hope enjoy, That must the peace he should promote destroy; Thought not, in fact, that in the world were those, Who to their tenderest friends are worse than foes, Who win the heart, deprive it of its care, Then plant remorse and desolation there. “Ah! cruel he, who can that heart deprive Of all that keeps its energy alive; 670 Can see consign’d to shame the trusting fair, And turn confiding fondness to despair; To watch that time—a name is not assign’d For crime so odious, nor shall learning find. ”

“ Such were the notions of a mind to ill Now prone, but ardent and determined still. Of joy now eager, as before of fame, And screen’d by folly when assail’d by shame, Deeply he sank; obey’d each passion’s call, 370 And used his reason to defend them all. Shall I proceed, and step by step relate The odious progress of a sinner’s fate? No—let me rather hasten to the time (Sure to arrive) when misery waits on crime. With virtue, prudence fled; what Shore possess’d Was sold, was spent, and he was now distress’d; And Want, unwelcome stranger, pale and wan, Met with her haggard looks the hurried man ”

“ John, thou hast made thy wife a Jezebel. See! on her bosom rests the sign of sin, The glaring proof of naughty thoughts within; What? ’tis a cross; come hither—as a friend, 240 Thus from thy neck the shameful badge I rend.” “Rend, if you dare,” said Dighton; “you shall find A man of spirit, though to peace inclined; Call me ungrateful! have I not my pay At all times ready for the expected day?— To share my plenteous board you deign to come, Myself your pupil, and my house your home; And shall the persons who my meat enjoy Talk of my faults, and treat me as a boy? ”

“ She all the secrets of the mansion told; And to invite an equal trust she drew Of every mind a bold and rapid view; 190 But on the widow’d friend with deep disdain, And rancorous envy, dwelt the treacherous Jane.— In vain such arts; without deceit or pride, With a just taste and feeling for her guide, From all contagion Jesse kept apart, Free in her manners, guarded in her heart. Jesse one morn was thoughtful, and her sigh The widow heard as she was passing by; And—“Well!” she said, “is that some distant swain, Or aught with us, that gives your bosom pain? ”

“ I have heard her, when she chanced to come Where I contended for a petty sum, Affirm ’twas painful to behold such care, ‘But Issop’s nature is to pinch and spare:’ Thus all the meanness of the house is mine, And my reward—to scorn her, and to dine. “See next that giddy thing, with neither pride To keep her safe, nor principle to guide: Poor, idle, simple flirt! as sure as fate Her maiden-fame will have an early date. 240 Of her beware; for all who live below Have faults they wish not all the world to know; And she is fond of listening, full of doubt, And stoops to guilt to find an error out. ”

“ For they, so far from following as we lead, Make that a cause why they will not proceed. Man will not follow where a rule is shown, But loves to take a method of his own; Explain the way with all your care and skill, This will he quit, if but to prove he will.— Yet had our Justice honour—and the crowd, Awed by his presence, their respect avow’d. 40 In later years he found his heart incline, More than in youth, to gen’rous food and wine; But no indulgence check’d the powerful love He felt to teach, to argue, and reprove. ”

“ Exclaim’d the man; “Go, serpent! nor remain To sharpen wo by insult and disdain: A nest of harpies was I doom’d to meet; 280 What plots, what combinations of deceit! I see it now—all plann’d, design’d, contrived; Served by that villain—by this fury wived— What fate is mine! What wisdom, virtue, truth, Can stand, if dæmons set their traps for youth? He lose his way! vile dog! he cannot lose The way a villain through his life pursues; And thou, deceiver! thou, afraid to move, And hiding close the serpent in the dove! I saw—but, fated to endure disgrace, 290 Unheeding saw, the fury in thy face ”

“ Meantime a daily guest the man appear’d, Set all his sail, and for his purpose steer’d; Loud and familiar, loving, fierce and free, 870 He overpower’d her soft timidity: Who, weak and vain, and grateful to behold The man was hers, and hers would be the gold— Thus sundry motives, more than I can name, Leagued on his part, and she a wife became. A home was offer’d, but I knew too well What comfort was with married friends to dwell; I was resign’d, and had I felt distress, Again a lover offer’d some redress. Behold, a hero of the buskin hears 880 My loss, and with consoling love appears. ”

“ Through what strange course of misery, vice, deceit, 190 Must wildly wander each unpractised cheat! What shame and grief, what punishment and pain, Sport of fierce passions, must each child sustain— Ere they like him approach their latter end, Without a hope, a comfort, or a friend! But this Orlando felt not; “Rogues,” said he, “Doubtless they are, but merry rogues they be; They wander round the land, and be it true, They break the laws—then let the laws pursue The wanton idlers; for the life they live, 200 Acquit I cannot, but I can forgive.” ”

“ Her father own’d her for his prop and stay, Able to guide, yet willing to obey; Pleased with her learning while discourse could please, And with her love in languor and disease. To every mother were her virtues known, And to their daughters as a pattern shown; 10 Who in her youth had all that age requires, And, with her prudence, all that youth admires. These odious praises made the damsels try Not to obtain such merits, but deny; For, whatsoever wise mammas might say, To guide a daughter this was not the way; From such applause disdain and anger rise, And envy lives where emulation dies. ”

“ Nay, she was sure that, should he now survive, No better husband would be left alive; For him she mourn’d, and then, alone and poor, Sought and found comfort at her lady’s door: 280 Ten years she served, and, mercy her employ, Her tasks were pleasure, and her duty joy. Thus lived the mistress and the maid, design’d Each other’s aid—one cautious, and both kind. Oft at their window, working, they would sigh To see the aged and the sick go by; Like wounded bees, that at their home arrive, Slowly and weak, but labouring for the hive. ”

“ He who with noble indignation glow’d When vice had triumph? who his tear bestow’d On injured merit? he who would possess 340 Power, but to aid the children of distress; Who has such joy in generous actions shown, And so sincere, they might be call’d his own; Knight, hero, patriot, martyr! on whose tongue, And potent arm, a nation’s welfare hung; He who to public misery brought relief, And soothed the anguish of domestic grief? Where now this virtue’s fervour, spirit, zeal? Who felt so warmly, has he ceased to feel? ”

“ Life’s common burden daily lighter grew; And even Frederick lessen’d in my view. Cold and repulsive as he once appear’d, 480 He was by every generous act endear’d; And, above all, that he with ardour fill’d My soul for truth—a love by him instill’d; Till my mamma grew jealous of a maid To whom an husband such attention paid: Not grossly jealous, but it gave her pain, And she observed, “He made her daughter vain; And what his help to one who must not look To gain her bread by poring on a book?” This was distress; but this, and all beside, 490 Was lost in grief—my kinder parent died ”

“ She wrote a billet, and a novel read, And with her fame her vanity was fed; Each word, each look, each action was a cause For flattering wonder, and for fond applause; She rode or danced, and ever glanced around, Seeking for praise, and smiling when she found. The yielding pair to her petitions gave 20 An humble friend to be a civil slave; Who for a poor support herself resign’d To the base toil of a dependent mind. By nature cold, our heiress stoop’d to art, To gain the credit of a tender heart; Hence at her door must suppliant paupers stand, To bless the bounty of her beauteous hand. ”

“ To all things yielding, and by all things sway’d, To all obedient, and by all obey’d; The source of pleasures, noble and refined, And the great empress of the Poet’s mind. Here led by thee, fair Fancy, I behold The mighty heroes, and the bards of old! For here the Muses sacred vigils keep, And all the busy cares of being sleep; No monarch covets war, nor dreams of fame, No subject bleeds to raise his tyrant’s name, No proud great man, or man that would be great, Drives modest merit from its proper state, Nor rapine reaps the good by labour sown, Nor envy blasts a laurel, but her own. ”

“ The school we name a world,—for vice and pain, Fraud and contention, there begin to reign; And much, in fact, this lesser world can show Of grief and crime that in the greater grow. “You saw,” said George, “in that still-hated school How the meek suffer, how the haughty rule; There soft, ingenuous, gentle minds endure Ills that ease, time, and friendship fail to cure; 10 There the best hearts, and those, who shrink from sin, Find some seducing imp to draw them in, Who takes infernal pleasure to impart The strongest poison to the purest heart. ”

“ Beauty she justly weigh’d, was never blind To her own interest, and she read mankind: She view’d my person with approving glance, And judged the way my fortune to advance; Taught me betimes that person to improve, 40 And make a lawful merchandize of love; Bade me my temper in subjection keep, And not permit my vigilance to sleep; I was not one, a miss, who might presume Now to be crazed by mirth, now sunk in gloom; Nor to be fretful, vapourish, or give way To spleen and anger, as the wealthy may; But I must please, and all I felt of pride, Contempt, and hatred, I must cast aside. ”

“ Thou wert wont to seize On passing themes, and make the trifles please. Thy Muse has many a pleasant fancy bred, And clothed in lively manner!—--is she dead?” “Not dead but sick, and I too weary grow Of reaping nothing from the things I sow. What is the pleasure—thou perhaps canst say— Of playing tunes, if none can hear thee play? Timid and proud, the world I cannot court, Nor show my labours for the critic’s sport. Hast thou the courage, Richard? hast thou tried An Author’s perils? hast thou felt his pride? For vain the efforts, and they quickly tire, If we alone our precious things admire.” ”

“ And Arabella still preserved her name Untouch’d, and shone with undisputed fame; Her very notice some respect would cause, And her esteem was honour and applause. Men she avoided—not in childish fear, As if she thought some savage foe was near; 50 Not as a prude, who hides that man should seek, Or who by silence hints that they should speak; But with discretion all the sex she view’d, Ere yet engaged, pursuing, or pursued; Ere love had made her to his vices blind, Or hid the favourite’s failings from her mind. Thus was the picture of the man portray’d, By merit destined for so rare a maid ”

“ Love will expire; the gay, the happy dream Will turn to scorn, indiff’rence, or esteem. Some favour’d pairs, in this exchange, are bless’d, Nor sigh for raptures in a state of rest; Others, ill match’d, with minds unpair’d, repent At once the deed, and know no more content; From joy to anguish they, in haste, decline, And with their fondness, their esteem resign. More luckless still their fate, who are the prey Of long-protracted hope and dull delay; 10 ’Mid plans of bliss the heavy hours pass on, Till love is wither’d, and till joy is gone. ”

“ Reason, through anguish, shall her throne forsake, And strength of mind but stronger madness make. 30 When Edward Shore had reach’d his twentieth year, He felt his bosom light, his conscience clear; Applause at school the youthful hero gain’d, And trials there with manly strength sustain’d; With prospects bright upon the world he came, Pure love of virtue, strong desire of fame; Men watch’d the way his lofty mind would take, And all foretold the progress he would make. Boast of these friends, to older men a guide, Proud of his parts, but gracious in his pride ”

“ No sight but misery, and no sound but woes; Your nobler faith, in loftier style convey’d, Shall be with praise and admiration paid. On points like these your hearers all admire A preacher’s depth, and nothing more require; Shall we a studious youth to college send, 210 That every clown his words may comprehend? ’Tis for your glory, when your hearers own Your learning matchless, but the sense unknown. “Thus honour gain’d, learn now to gain a friend, And the sure way is—never to offend; For, James, consider—what your neighbours do Is their own business, and concerns not you. ”

“ Pious when most of worldly prospects fond, When they best pleased her she could look beyond; Had the young priest a faithful lover died, Something had been her bosom to divide; Now Heaven had all, for in her holiest views 270 She saw the matron whom she fear’d to lose; While from her parent the dejected maid Forced the unpleasant thought, or thinking pray’d. Surprised, the mother saw the languid frame, And felt indignant, yet forbore to blame. Once with a frown she cried, “And do you mean To die of love—the folly of fifteen?” ”

“ The playful quarrels in which lovers fall, Serve to one end—each lover is a child, Quick to resent and to be reconciled; And then their peace brings kindness that remains, And so the lover from the quarrel gains. 150 When he has fault that she reproves, his fear And grief assure her she was too severe: And that brings kindness—when he bears an ill, } Or disappointment, and is calm and still, } She feels his own obedient to her will:} And that brings kindness—and what kindness brings I cannot tell you;—these were trying things. ”

“ When men in health against physicians rail, They should consider that their nerves may fail; Who calls a lawyer rogue, may find, too late, On one of these depends his whole estate; Nay, when the world can nothing more produce, The priest, th’ insulted priest, may have his use. Ease, health, and comfort, lift a man so high, These powers are dwarfs that he can scarcely spy; 320 Pain, sickness, languor, keep a man so low, That these neglected dwarfs to giants grow. Happy is he who through the medium sees Of clear good sense—but Gwyn was not of these. ”

“ Here force deals death around, while fools applaud, And caution watches o’er the lips of fraud; Whate’er the world can show, here scorn derides, And here suspicion whispers what it hides— The secret thought, the counsel of the breast, The coming news, and the expected jest.... High panegyric, in exalted style, That smiles for ever, and provokes a smile, And Satire, with her fav’rite handmaids by— Here loud abuse, there simpering irony.... All now display’d, without a mask are known, And every vice in nature, but our own. ”

“ Still thought the wife upon her absent friend, With all that must upon her truth depend: “There is no being in the world beside, 170 Who can discover what that friend will hide; Who knew the fact, knew not my name or state, Who these can tell cannot the fact relate; But thou, Eliza, canst the whole impart, And all my safety is thy generous heart.” Mix’d with these fears—but light and transient these— Fled years of peace, prosperity, and ease; So tranquil all that scarce a gloomy day For days of gloom unmix’d prepared the way. ”

“ When Conscience all her stings and terror deals, Not as truth dictates, but as fancy feels; And thus within our hero’s troubled breast, 280 Crime was less torture than the odious test. New forms, new measures, he must now embrace, With sad conviction that they warr’d with grace; To his new church no former friend would come, They scarce preferr’d her to the church of Rome. But, thinking much, and weighing guilt and gain, Conscience and he commuted for her pain; Then promised Fulham to retain his creed, And their peculiar paupers still to feed ”