“The sweet shady side
Of a grove in Pall-Mall”
to rural scenery, by a little further perversion, would have preferred the groves of Moloch to the plains of Mamre.
If one would live by nature’s laws,
Regardless of the world’s applause;
And be desirous of a spot
Whereon to build a humble cot,
What situation can compare
With that where purest country air
Dispels the vapours and the spleen,
And makes one wear a healthful mien?
Than in the country tell me where
Men freer are from pining care?
Where can they sounder sleep enjoy,
Or time more harmlessly employ?
Do marble pavements more delight,
Than the green turf that cheers the sight?
Or does the water of the town,
From the New-river head brought down
Taste sweeter than the crystal rills,
That trickle down the verdant hills?
So much are rustic scenes admir’d,
And rural prospects now desir’d,
That in the town one often sees
The houses shaded by tall trees,
Which give them quite a country look,
And fill with envy my lord-duke.
And if a mansion can command
A distant prospect o’er the land
Of Hampstead, or the Surrey hills,
Its site with admiration fills.
Each connoisseur, with wond’ring eyes,
Beholds it, and enraptur’d cries,
“What charming prospect! air how free
“The rus in urbe here we see.”
For nature still will have her way,
Let men do whatsoe’er they may.
And still that pure and genuine taste,
In every mind by Heav’n plac’d,
Will show itself some how in part,
Howe’er corrupted by vile art.
Who know not silver from vile dross,
Will not sustain a heavier loss
Than they who truth and falsehood join,
And know not where to strike the line.
Whoe’er with success is elated,
Will be more wretched when ill-fated;
And things which mortals value most
Cause greatest pain when they are lost.
Let not ambition then destroy
Your happiness and heart-felt joy;
Contentment more true pleasure brings
Than all the wealth and pomp of kings.
FLORAL DIRECTORY.
Yellow Erysemum. Erysemum Barbarea.
Dedicated to St. Richarius.