[ CANTO FIRST.]

THE CHASE.

Harp of the North![1] that moldering long hast hung

On the witch-elm[2] that shades St. Fillan’s[3] spring,

And down the fitful breeze thy numbers flung,

Till envious ivy did around thee cling,

Muffling with verdant ringlet every string,—

O minstrel Harp! still must thine accents sleep?

Mid rustling leaves and fountain’s murmuring,

Still must thy sweeter sounds their silence keep,