ANOTHER WINTRY PROSPECT.
The joys which summer lately gave,
Autumnal winds have swept away;
And Sol, in haste his steeds to lave,
Flings to the earth the shorten’d day.
Then let us leave these naked plains,
And to the crowded town repair;
Here frightful desolation reigns,
But happier scenes await us there.
When winter with tremendous ire
Shall Heaven’s enchanting face deform,
The sheltering roof, the social fire,
Shall shield us from the raging storm.
And then affection’s brightened chain,
From long forgetfulness restor’d;
Shall join our parted friends again
Around the hospitable board.
And oft to cheat the tedious hours,
Shall knowledge spread “her ample page,”
And from her undecaying bowers
Produce the fruits of every age.
But when with every comfort blest,
That peace and plenty can bestow,
Shall pity never be a guest,
Nor lead us to the house of woe?
Oh yes—we’ll seek the dreary cell,
Where helpless penury retires;
Affliction’s morbid glooms dispel,
And kindle Hope’s extinguish’d fires.
Grateful for every blessing sent,
We’ll strive that blessing to impart;
And with the balsam of content
Restore to joy the wounded heart.
Thus every pleasure sweetly shar’d
A more delightful form shall wear,
And Virtue’s Heavenly smiles reward
The deeds which her own impress bear.
Then Winter, seal old Hudson’s tides,
Haspedoc’s rapid course arrest;
And where their streams triumphant glide,
Be thy restricting powers confest.
We then, from all intrusion free,
Will consolation find in this,
That thy severe, though kind decree,
Confines us to ourselves and bliss.
MONIMIA.
New-York, Nov. 9th, 1796.
The quoted words “her ample page” are from Gray’s Elegy.