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致考爾德河岸
你們這些蒼白的岩石，你們這些樹木繁茂的懸崖，
笨重地，突出在喧鬧的小溪上；
你們這些陰沉的峭壁，蝰蛇就藏在那裡，
貓頭鷹在那裡睡覺，黑鴉在那裡尖叫；
你們這些可敬的樹榦，張開你們多葉的手臂，
為了遮蔽黑暗，黑暗在下面棲息；
你們這些無名的花朵，你們這些忙碌的翅膀；
你們這些鳴叫的鳥兒，你們這些流淌的溪流。——
說吧，你們這些孤獨與和平的幸福場景，
有沒有一個吟遊詩人在這隱居的海岸上徘徊？
他的筆是否描繪過你的完美?
或者他的繆斯是否曾歌唱過你的美麗？
常常在清晨和寂靜的夜晚，
回聲在樹林間悄悄回蕩；
輕輕地落在波光粼粼的波浪旁，
牧羊人唱著歌，他的歌聲悅耳動聽？
唉！我覺得周圍的岩石都在哭泣，
遠處有一條孤獨的小溪潺潺流淌，
樹木和洞穴發出莊嚴而空洞的聲音，
發出一聲悲傷而憂鬱的聲音——「不。」
黃蜂的復仇：寓言
在一片鳴叫的、繁花盛開的樹林旁，1.
沉思或愛引領她；
孤獨，在夏日正午的陽光下，3.
年輕美麗的珍妮躺著曬太陽。
她的臉頰比玫瑰花更艷麗，
她的嘴唇散發著櫻桃般的氣息和香氣，
穿著寬鬆的絲綢服裝，
她的美麗展現了她所有的魅力。8.
就這樣，她度過了悶熱的時光，9.
在福玻斯的光芒下，
昏昏欲睡的莫菲斯悄悄地爬了過去，11.
在她還沒反應過來之前，她就睡著了。
一隻四處遊盪的黃蜂，活潑、華麗的鄉紳，13.
被空氣的芬芳所吸引，
欣喜若狂地在她嘴唇上飛舞，15.
他想啜飲玫瑰花蕾的露珠，
輕輕地棲息著——啊！他得到了多大的幸福啊！
黃蜂從來沒有吮吸過如此甜美的露珠。
他高興地把小袋子收起來，
探索每一條閃閃發光的小溪：20。
但是，殘酷的命運！醒來的少女，
毫不知情地，不幸地折斷了他的頭
致命的撞擊——「報仇」，他喊道，
然後深深地刺痛，顫抖著死去。
她驚慌失措，跳了起來，25。
抖動著她的長袍——但是，啊！傷口，
根深蒂固，疼痛難忍，
刺痛刺痛著她的心。
她顫抖著——哭泣——但哭泣是徒勞的；
她的嘴唇大張著——極度痛苦；30。
直到毒液刺痛了她的下巴，
她臉上掛著一個閃閃發光的怪物。
那時，快樂、美麗的瓊不再
不適合說話，她尖叫著，撕扯著
她飄動的衣服，心裡發誓，
只要她的嘴唇能恢復，
就不會在任何一個不經意的時刻看到她倒下，37。
在陽光下，或在陰影下，她都顯得不光彩。
你們這些慌亂的花花公子，還有每一個浪子，39。
在周圍閱讀或列出清單的人，
以這隻黃蜂的命運為例，41。
不要在未知的土地上滯留，
否則你們會來得太晚，
張大嘴巴，咆哮，
咒罵你們痛苦而憔悴的命運，
當你們再也無法刺痛的時候。
教堂院子里的思緒
他安息於世間，塵歸塵，唱響她最崇高的歌。
又年輕了，悲傷啊！柔和的力量又回來了1。
我深思地從這塊刻著字的石頭上向你求愛；
你來了！來觀看這凄涼的場景3。
可怕的死亡在那裡安放了他可怕的寶座。
周圍的景色多麼孤獨，多麼莊嚴？5。
我看到遠處，哦！令人分心的景象！
我看到墳墓——簡陋的草丘，7。
他現在躺在那裡，曾經是我靈魂的全部歡樂！
一個更慷慨、更仁慈的年輕人，9。
一個更可愛的朋友，或一顆更勇敢的心；
從未從永恆的心靈中呼吸過任何生命，11。
也沒有犧牲者落入殘酷的墳墓。
但你們這些淚水，請停止，不要這樣不停地流淌，13。
這些騷動仍在繼續，哦！你這顆流血的心；
我想他的陰影在輕聲低語，「等待打擊，15。
我們很快就會見面，再也不會分開。」
這裡矗立著藝術家的墳墓，輝煌壯麗，17。
藝術所能給予的一切輝煌；
但時間會把柱狀穹頂視為灰白，19。
它的驕傲會永存嗎？
不——儘管大理石似乎開始有了生命，21。
雖然這座建築像岩石一樣堅固，但它抬起了頭，
時間的下巴會結束這場大膽的鬥爭，23。
把它和那些不光彩的死者放在一起。
你們這些孤獨的堆，你們這些骨頭，你們這些可怕的槳，說，25。
我必須冰冷地、毫無生氣地躺在塵土中嗎？
這可憐的頭顱必須被腐爛的泥土包裹嗎？27
像你一樣怒目而視嗎？——你低聲回答——「必須的。」
那麼你那轉瞬即逝的歡樂又有什麼用呢，時間啊！29。
當這些真理是確定的時候，你的幸福卻不確定；
願這些場景教會我蔑視這種氣候，31。
尋求那種幸福，那些將持久的歡樂。
這些都是你的戰利品，你這個可怕的君主，死亡！33。
你冷酷地高高地聳立在低矮的火車上；
每一塊雕刻的石頭，每一朵可憐的、低矮的草花環，35。
你的眼睛就像你可怕名聲的戰利品。
但是要知道，驕傲的領主，你的統治將有一個結束，37。雖然現在世上沒有任何東西可以抵擋它的力量；
然而，你卻要倒在更強大的手下，39。
交出你的武器和你的瘦馬。
在那可怕的日子，當從咆哮的雲層中，41。
號角的響亮聲音將震動驚恐的大地，
當這些人和數以百萬計的人從他們的裹屍布中掙扎出來，43。
將醒來，陷入痛苦或無盡的歡樂：
當時間停止流逝，45。
地球和星星在無盡的毀滅中沉沒；
然後天堂的至高之王，用一次勝利的打擊，47。
將把你從存在的邊緣一頭撞倒。
但是，看！悲傷的夜晚展開了她黑色的面紗，49。
寒冷的微風凄涼地吹過草坪；
就這一次，再見；你們這些沉默的人群，再見吧，51。
也許明天黎明前我會和你們團聚。
常常讓我徘徊在這些孤獨的俘虜安息的地方，53。
悲傷而深思，越過深深的墳墓彎道；
這就是那個地方，真理嘆息著告訴我們，55。
我們所有的悲傷或歌聲都在這裡結束。
亞歷山大·威爾遜
生於 1766 年 7 月 6 日
蘇格蘭佩斯利
逝於 1813 年 8 月 23 日（47 歲）
美國賓夕法尼亞州費城
國籍 蘇格蘭裔美國人
科學事業
專業 博物學家
本人簽名
亞歷山大·威爾遜（Alexander Wilson，1766 年 7 月 6 日 - 1813 年 8 月 23 日）是一位蘇格蘭裔美國詩人、鳥類學家、博物學家和插畫家。喬治·奧德將威爾遜稱為「美國鳥類學之父」，他被認為是奧杜邦之前最偉大的美國鳥類學家。
傳記
早年生活
威爾遜於 1766 年 7 月 6 日出生於蘇格蘭佩斯利的一個長老會家庭。老亞歷山大（「桑德斯」）放棄了走私，開始從事編織工作，他做得很好，並通過釀酒來補充收入。美國革命造成了經濟困難，威爾遜的母親瑪麗·麥克納布去世后，他的父親再婚並搬到了奧欽巴西。威爾遜受過一點教育，但花時間放牧牲畜，十三歲時，他跟隨他的姐夫威廉·鄧肯當學徒。他還做了四年的熟練工，在空閑時間打松雞，在蘇格蘭各地兜售商品。
詩歌與移民
在佩斯利做織工時，威爾遜對詩歌產生了濃厚的興趣。他受到了羅伯特·彭斯的方言詩的啟發，後者只比他大七歲。他和佩斯利詩人埃比尼澤·皮肯是密友。
除了民謠和田園詩，威爾遜還寫了諷刺評論，評論了工廠織工的狀況。1792 年，他寫了一首名為《瓦蒂和梅格：改過自新的妻子》的詩，描寫了一對醉漢和他的妻子，這首詩很受歡迎。他創作了一首諷刺詩《鯊魚，或朗磨坊被發現》，其中對一位名叫威廉·夏普的磨坊主進行了嚴厲的個人陳述，導致他被控誹謗。然後他開始勒索夏普，這導致威爾遜被捕。據說他的作品具有煽動性、反英性和誹謗性，他經常惹上麻煩。由於威爾遜很少花時間從事織布行業，他的生活很貧困。1794 年，他決定移民美國。
從教學到鳥類學
19 世紀的邁爾斯敦學校
1794 年 5 月，27 歲的威爾遜帶著侄子離開蘇格蘭，來到特拉華州。他步行到費城，在那裡嘗試從事印刷和編織工作。費城地區的織工機會很少，威爾遜轉而從事教學工作。
1796 年至 1801 年，威爾遜在布里斯托爾鎮（現費城東橡樹巷社區）的邁爾斯敦學校任教五年。 1801 年，他與一名已婚婦女的醜聞迫使他離開。然後，他前往新澤西州短暫任教。
最終，威爾遜在賓夕法尼亞州格雷渡口找到了一份工作，並在附近的金塞辛居住。在那裡，他遇到了著名的博物學家威廉·巴特拉姆，後者鼓勵了威爾遜對鳥類學和繪畫的興趣。
威爾遜決心出版一本北美所有鳥類的插圖集，他四處遊歷，收集和繪畫。他還獲得了訂閱者來資助他的作品，即九卷本的《美國鳥類學》（1808-1814 年）。書中描繪的 268 種鳥類中，有 26 種之前從未被描述過。他描繪的鳥類姿勢的插圖啟發了詹姆斯·奧杜邦和其他插圖畫家和博物學家。
1813 年，威爾遜當選為美國哲學學會會員。
威爾遜 (Wilson) 繪製的克拉克胡桃夾子鳥插圖
死亡
佩斯利修道院的威爾遜雕像
亞歷山大·威爾遜 (1766-1813) 的墓地位於美國賓夕法尼亞州費城格洛里亞·戴 (老瑞典人) 公墓 (2022 年 12 月 17 日)。
據一份報告稱，威爾遜於 1813 年 8 月 23 日「死於痢疾、勞累過度和長期貧困」。他被埋葬在費城格洛里亞·戴 (老瑞典人) 教堂的墓地里。[9]《美國鳥類學》的最後兩卷由威爾遜的朋友和贊助人喬治·奧德完成，他是威爾遜遺產的執行人。
一幅名為「瑞典路德教會」的圖畫描繪了一位年邁的男子在威爾遜墓前哀悼的場景[11]，由托馬斯·蘇利（Thomas Sully，1783-1872 年）繪製，1828 年由西法斯·G·查爾茲（Cephas G. Childs）和 B. 羅傑斯（B. Rogers）分別雕刻和印刷，並發表在風景畫集《費城風景》（Views of Philadelphia，1827-1830 年）中。
遺產
在佩斯利，威爾遜的雕像豎立在佩斯利修道院的場地上。卡特河岸邊的哈米爾斯急流和瀑布附近有一座紀念碑，紀念威爾遜與這座城市的聯繫。紀念碑上刻著「記住亞歷山大·威爾遜 1766-1813 年。這裡是他童年的遊樂場。」
一種鳴禽屬 Wilsononia（現已過時）由查爾斯·呂西安·波拿巴（Charles Lucien Bonaparte）以威爾遜的名字命名。有幾種鳥類也以威爾遜的名字命名，包括威爾遜海燕、威爾遜鴴、威爾遜瓣蹼鷸、威爾遜鷸和威爾遜鶯。2023 年，美國鳥類學會決定將威爾遜鶯和威爾遜鷸重新命名為威爾遜鶯。
根據一篇關於他生平的文章，威爾遜與詹姆斯·奧杜邦的會面「可能啟發了奧杜邦出版自己的鳥類書籍，他也影響了許多後來的藝術家和鳥類學家」。
《威爾遜鳥類學雜誌》和威爾遜鳥類學會也以他的名字命名。
畫廊
美國鳥類學，第 1 卷，第 1 幅
美國鳥類學插圖
威爾遜鴴 (Charadrius wilsonia)
費城威爾遜墓地的替換墓碑
佩斯利卡特河附近的紀念碑
已出版作品
威爾遜，亞歷山大。無日期。英國的眼淚。一首詩。OCLC：166684875。
威爾遜，亞歷山大。1808–1814。美國鳥類學；或美國鳥類的自然史：插圖，配以從大自然中獲取的原始圖畫雕刻和著色的圖版。
威爾遜，亞歷山大。 1800 年。亞歷山大·威爾遜先生所寫作品列表，現存於費城。[蘇格蘭佩斯利]：安德魯·楊印刷。標題開頭：佩斯利存儲庫。編號 VIII。可能來自 NSTC 的十年版。「美國藍鳥 [A. 威爾遜，詩體]」：第 2-3 頁；「巴爾的摩鳥 [A. 威爾遜，詩體部分]」：第 4 頁。
威爾遜，亞歷山大。1800 年。瓦蒂和梅格：或妻子被重新認領，連同：哈比·桑普森和他的妻子或，一種新的喚起風的方式：唐納德和他的狗：西金特拉織布工變成禁酒主義者：丟失了包裹：約翰·塔姆森的馬車：把它從嘴裡拿出來。蘇格蘭佩斯利：W. 威爾遜。
威爾遜，亞歷山大。 1800 年。《拉布和林根：瓦蒂和梅格的作者在愛丁堡萬神殿講述的故事；其中還添加了《兩隻貓和乳酪的故事》。格拉斯哥：布拉什和里德。
威爾遜，亞歷山大。1801 年。1801 年 3 月 4 日星期三，在賓夕法尼亞州邁爾斯敦向一大群公民發表關於國家自由的力量和價值的演說。費城：H. Maxwell 印刷。重印於早期美國印記。第二系列；編號 1668。
威爾遜，亞歷山大。論文，1806-1813 年。費城：美國哲學學會。本材料與亞歷山大·B·格羅薩特的威爾遜傳記有關。有筆記和信件和文件的副本，包括威爾遜遺囑的副本。有一首威爾遜的詩《最後的願望》，以及 1806 年寫給威廉·巴特拉姆的一封信。
威爾遜，亞歷山大。1814 年。《森林人：一首描述 1804 年秋天步行遊覽尼亞加拉瀑布的詩》。賓夕法尼亞州紐敦：S. Siegfried & J. Wilson。還於 1809/1810 年在《The Port Folio》雜誌上發表。
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- The Foresters: A Poem,
Des**tive of a Pedestrian Journey to the Falls of Niagara
in the Autumn of 1803*
SONS of the city! ye whom crowds and noise*1.
Bereave of peace and Nature』s rural joys,
And ye who love through woods and wilds to range,3.
Who see new charms in each successive change;
Come roam with me Columbia』s forests through,
Where scenes sublime shall meet your wandering view:
Deep shades magnificent, immensely spread;
Lakes, sky-encircled, vast as ocean』s bed;8.
Lone hermit streams that wind through savage woods;
Enormous cataracts swoln with thund』ring floods;
The settler』s* farm with blazing fires o』erspread;
The hunter』s cabin and the Indian』s shed;
The log-built hamlet, deep in wilds embraced;13.
The awful silence of th』 unpeopled waste:
These are the scenes the Muse shall now explore,
Scenes new to song, and paths untrod before.
To Europe』s shores renowned in deathless song,
Must all the honours of the bard belong?18.
And rural Poetry』s enchanting strain
Be only heard beyond th』 Atlantic main?
What though profuse in many a patriot』s praise,
We boast a Barlow』s soul-exalting lays;
An Humphreys, blessed with Homer』s nervous glow;23.
And Freedom』s friend and champion in Freneau;*
Yet Nature『s charms that bloom so lovely here,
Unhailed arrive, unheeded disappear;
While bare bleak heaths and brooks of half a mile
Can rouse the thousand bards of Britain』s isle.28.
There scarce a stream creeps down its narrow bed,
There scarce a hillock lifts its little head,
Or humble hamlet peeps their glades among
But lives and murmurs in immortal song.
Our western world, with all its matchless floods,33.
Our vast transparent lakes and boundless woods,
Stamped with the traits of majesty sublime,
Unhonoured weep the silent lapse of time,
Spread their wild grandeur to th』 unconscious sky,
In sweetest seasons pass unheeded by;38.
While scarce one Muse returns the songs they gave;
Or seeks to snatch their glories from the grave.
The sultry heats of summer』s sun were o』er,41.
And ruddy orchards poured their ripened store;
Stripped of their leaves the cherry av』nues stood,43.
While sage October ting』d the yellow wood,
Bestrewed with leaves and nuts the woodland path,
And roused the Katydid* in chattering wrath;
The corn stood topped, there punkins strewed the ground,
And driving clouds of blackbirds wheeled around,48.
Far to the south our warblers had withdrawn;
Slow sailed the thistle-down along the lawn;
High on the hedge-rows, pendant over head,
Th』 embow』ring vines their purple clusters spread.
The buckwheat flails reechoed from the hill,53.
The creaking cider-press was busier still;
Red through the smoky air the wading sun
Sunk into fog ere half the day was done;
The air was mild, the roads embrown』d and dry,
Soft, meek-eyed Indian summer* ruled the sky.58.
Such was the season when equipt we stood
On the green banks of Schuylkill』s winding flood,
Bound on a tour wide northern forests through,
And bade our parting friends a short adieu;
Three cheerful partners, Duncan was the guide,63.
Young, gay, and active, to the forest tried;
A stick and knapsack all his little store,
With these, whole regions Duncan could explore,
Could trace the path to other eyes unseen,
Tell where the panther, deer, or bear had been,68.
The long dull day through swamp and forest roam,
Strike up his fire and find himself at home;
Untie his wallet, taste his frugal store,
And under shelbury bark profoundly snore,
And, soon as morning cheered the forest scene,73.
Resume his knapsack and his path again.
Next Leech advanced, with youthful sails unfurled,
Fresh on his maiden cruise to see the world;
Red o』er his cheek the glow of health was spread,
An oilskin covering glittering round his head;78.
His light fusil across his shoulder thrown,
His neat-slung knapsack full and glistening shone;
Though unknown regions wide before him lay,
He scorned all fear while Wilson shared the way.
He next appeared, with glittering arms supplied,83.
A double gun, a deadly dirk beside,
A knapsack, crammed by Friendship』s generous care,
With cakes and cordials, drams, and dainty fare;
Flasks filled with powder, leathern belts with shot,
Clothes, colours, paper, pencils—and what not.88.
With hope elate, and ardour in his eye,
He viewed the varying scenes approaching nigh,
Prepared and watchful (heedless of repose)
To catch the living manners as they rose;
Th』 exploits, fatigues, and wonders to rehearse,93.
In no inglorious or enfeebled verse;
Nor scene nor character to bring to view
Save what fair Truth from living Nature drew.
Thus each equipt beneath his separate load,
We, fellow-pilgrims, gayly took the road;98.
A road immense; yet promised joys so dear,
That toils, and doubts, and dangers, disappear.
Behind us soon the lessening city flies,
New vallies sink and other hills arise,
Till through old Germantown we lightly trod,103.
That skirts for three long miles the narrow road;
And rising Chesnut-Hill around surveyed,
Wide woods below in vast extent displayed.
Studded with glitt』ring farms; the distant view
Died into mingling clouds and mountains blue;108.
The road was good, the passing scenery gay,
Mile after mile passed unperceived away,
Till in the west the day began to close,
And Spring-house tavern furnished us repose.
Here two long rows of market folks were seen,113.
Ranged front to front, the table placed between,
Where bags of meat and bones, and crusts of bread,
And hunks of bacon all around were spread;
One pint of beer from lip to lip went round,
And scarce a crumb the hungry house-dog found;118.
Torrents of Dutch from every quarter came,
Pigs, calves, and saur-craut the important theme;
While we, on future plans revolving deep,
Discharged our bill, and straight retired to sleep.
The morning star shone early on our bed,123.
Again our march the vigorous Duncan led,
The vault of heaven with constellations hung,
Their myriads twinkling as he cheerly sung,
Beguiling the lone hours. Thus half the day,
O』er hill and dale our stretching journey lay,128.
Through fertile Bucks,* where lofty barns abound,
For wheat, fair Quakers, eggs, and fruit renowned;
Full fields, snug tenements, and fences neat,
Wide-spreading walnuts drooping o』er each gate;
The spring-house peeping from enclustering trees,133.
Gay gardens filled with herbs, and roots and bees,
Where quinces, pears, and clustering grapes were seen,
With pond』rous calabashes hung between;
While orchards, loaded, bending o』er the grass,
Invite to taste and cheer us as we pass.138.
But these too soon give place to prospects drear,
As o』er Northampton』s* barren heights we steer;
Bleak land of stones, deep swamps, and pigmy woods
Where the poor Swabian o』er his drudgery broods;
Toils hard; and when the heats of harvest burn143.
Gleans from the rocks his pittance in return.
Yet though so cursed his soil, his sheaves so few,
All-conquering Industry still bears him through;
Averse to change, pleased patiently to plod
The same dull round his honest father trod.148.
Below his low-roofed hut on yonder green!
There no gay front or proud piazza』s seen:
Let wealthy fools their precious hoards disburse,
No whim can tempt him to untie his purse.
A moss-grown penthouse shades his narrow door,153.
One window joins with patches covered o』er;
Around the garden numerous hives are ranged,
And pendent gourds to fading yellow changed.
Sheds, smoke-house, hog-pens, crowd the miry yard,
Where endless yells from growling pigs are heard.158.
Approach this humble hut: look in, nor fear;
Say, could Ambition find one comfort here?
Yet sweet Content e』en here is sometimes found,
Turning the wheel, or slumb』ring by its sound.
No mirrors dazzle, no rich beds appear,163.
Wide wasting Fashion never entered here.
Those plates of pewter, ranged along the frame,
In ancient days from distant Teuchland came.
That oaken table, so uncouth and low,
Stood where it stands some sixty years ago.168.
In this arm-chair where Hans delights to snore,
His great-grandfather nodded long before.
Thus glows his greasy stove throughout the year,
The torrid zone for ever rages here.
Here, when the shades of weary evening fall,173.
Sits Hans, the lord and sovereign of all;
Das Neue Callender* from the nail unhooks,
His dark brows solemn, and morose his looks,
Beside the lamp, with spectacles on nose,
To-morrow』s weather seeks, its rains or snows,178.
The moon』s eventful signs, th』 auspicious hour
To plant the downward root or rising flower;
Of witch-confounding doctors tells the tale,
Sips his metheglin, or his cider stale.
All other joys for which he ever sighs183.
His dear-loved saur-craut or his pipe supplies.
Abroad at toil ere yet the morning breaks,
Each rugged task his hardy frau partakes;
With brawny arms the struggling ploughshare guides;
Whips up her nags and o』er the furrow strides;188.
Awakes the echoes with her clamorous tongue,
And lends e』en Hans a clout when things go wrong,
Sweeps round her head the loud-resounding flail,
And sweats the sturdiest mower in the vale.
Light beat our hearts with changing prospects gay,193.
As down through Durham vale we bend our way,
And pause, its furnace curious to explore,
Where flames and bellows lately wont to roar,
Now waste and roofless: as its walls we pass
The massive shells lie rusting in the grass.198.
There let them rust, fell messengers of death!
Till injured Liberty be roused to wrath,
In whose right hand may they, though hosts oppose,
Be blasting thunderbolts to all her foes.
The setting sun was sinking in the west,203.
And brightly burnishing the mountain』s breast,
When from afar, as down the steep we hie,
The glittering roofs of Easton caught the eye:
Low in the shelter』d vale, while rude around
Hills piled on hills the dreary prospect bound.208.
Around the mountain』s base, in winding pride,
The rapid Lehigh rolls his amber tide,
To meet old Delaware who moves serene,
While Easton rises on the plains between.
Tired with the day』s long toil we gladly greet213.
The snug stone buildings, and the pavements neat;
The busy townsmen, jabbering Dutch aloud,
The court-house, ferry, hanging signs, and crowd;
At length one waving sign enchained our view,
『Twas Pat』s split-crow, a filthy raven too.218.
Thither for rest and shelter we repair,
And home』s kind decencies, that ne』er were there.
Here might the Muse with justice due record
The wretched fare its scurvy walls afford;
The black wet bread, with rancid butter spread;223.
The beastly drunkards who beside us fed;
The beds with fleas and bugs accursed stored,
Where every seam its tens of thousands poured;
The host』s grim sulkiness, his eager look,
When from our purse his glittering god we took;228.
But nobler themes invite: be these repressed,
The eagle preys not on the carrion』s breast.
(To be continued.)
Long ere the morn had show』d its opening sweets,*231.
We clubbed our arms and pass』d the silent streets;
Slow o』er the pavement limpingly we tread,233.
But soon recovering, every ailment fled.
Forward we march, o』er mountains rude and bare,
No decent farm, and even a cabin rare;
Thick wastes of ground oak* o』er the country spread,
While haggard pines sigh distant overhead.238.
Lo! the Blue Mountain now in front appears,
And high o』er all its lengthen』d ridge uprears;
Th』 inspiring sight redoubled vigour lends,
And soon its steeps each traveller ascends;
Panting we wind aloft, begloom』d in shade,243.
Mid rocks and mouldering logs tumultuous laid
In wild confusion; till the startled eye
Through the cleft mountain meets the pale blue sky
And distant forests; while, sublimely wild,
Tow』rs each tall cliff to heaven』s own portals pil』d.248.
Enormous gap! if Indian tales be true,
Here ancient Delaware once thunder』d through,
And rolled for ages; till some earthquake dread,
Or huge convulsion, shook him from his bed.*
Here under rocks, at distance from the road,253.
Our pond』rous knapsacks cautiously we stow』d,
The mountain』s top determin』d to explore,
And view the tracks already travelled o』er;
As nimble tars the hanging shrouds ascend,
While hands and feet their joint assistance lend;258.
So we, from rock to rock, from steep to steep,
Scal』d these rude piles, suspended o』er the deep,
Through low dwarf underwood with chesnuts crown』d,
Whose crooked limbs with trailing moss were bound.
Eager we brush th』 impending bushes through,263.
Panting for breath and wet with dashing dew;
Cliff after cliff triumphant we attain,
And high at last its loftiest summits gain;
But such a prospect!—such a glorious show!
The world, in boundless landscape, lay below:268.
Vast colour』d forests, to our wandering eyes,
Seem』d soften』d gardens of a thousand dyes.
Long lakes appear』d; but at the increase of day
Assum』d new forms, and roll』d in mist away.*
Scoop』d from the woods unnumber』d spots were seen273.
Embrown』d with culture, or with pasture green;
Some cottage smoke mov』d slow, and dimly white;
But ev』ry hut had dwindled from the sight.
In long trail』d fogs, that all its windings show』d,
For many a league the distant Delaware flow』d;278.
And all beyond seemed to the ravished eye,
One waste of woods, encircling earth and sky!
We gaz』d delighted——then, with short delay,
Descending fix』d our loads and march』d away.
From this rough mountain, northward as we bend,283.
Below us, wide, the woody hills extend;
The same ground-oak o』er all the country lies,
The same burnt pines in lonely prospect rise,
Mute and untenanted; save where the jay
Set up his shrill alarm, and bore away.288.
One solitary hawk that sail』d serene,
Secure, and eying the expanded scene,
High from his zenith, midst the bursting roar,
Dropt at our feet, and flutter』d in his gore;
「Thus falls,」 said Duncan, 「many a son of pride,293.
While buoy』d in thought o』er all the world beside.」
From these dull woods, emerging into day,
We pass where farms their opening fields display;
Barns, fences, cottages, and lawns appear』d,
Where various sounds of human toil were heard;298.
There, round a hut, upon a sloping green,
Gay laughing bands of playful boys were seen;
Soon Books! Aloud, is thunder』d from the door,
And balls and hoops must charm the hours no more;
But frequent tears the blotted leaves assail,303.
And sighs for dear-lov』d liberty prevail.
Thither, by long yet fond remembrance led,
With awe we enter this sequester』d shed;
All eyes are turn』d the strangers to survey,
One tap is heard!—and all the hint obey;308.
Then grave and courteous, rising from his seat,
The decent Master bows with meekness meet,
Invites to sit—looks round with watchful eyes,
And bids, by signs, alternate classes rise;
Hears, reads, instructs, with solemn voice and slow,313.
Deep, busy silence muffling all below;
Slates, pens, and copy-books in order pass,
And peace and industry pervade each class.
Dear to the Muse, to Truth, to Science dear,
Be he who humbly toils and teaches here!318.
His worth, his labours, shall not sleep forgot,
And thus the Muse records them as she ought.
Of all professions that this world has known,
From clowns and cobblers upwards to the throne;
From the grave architect of Greece and Rome,323.
Down to the framer of a farthing broom;
The worst for care and undeserv』d abuse,
The first in real dignity and use,
(If skill』d to teach, and diligent to rule)
Is the learn』d master of a little school.328.
Not he who guides the legs, or skills the clown
To square his fists, and knock his fellow down;
Not he who shows the still more barbarous art
To parry thrusts and pierce the unguarded heart;
But that good man, who, faithful to his charge,333.
Still toils, the opening reason to enlarge;
And leads the growing mind, through every stage,
From humble A, B, C, to God』s own page;
From black, rough pothooks, horrid to the sight,
To fairest lines that float o』er purest white;338.
From numeration, through an opening way,
Till dark annuities seem clear as day;
Pours o』er the mind a flood of mental light,
Expands its wings, and gives it powers for flight,
Till Earth』s remotest bound, and heaven』s bright train343.
He trace, weigh, measure, picture, and explain.
If such his toils, sure honour and regard,
And wealth and fame shall be his dear reward;
Sure every tongue shall utter forth his praise,
And blessings gild the evening of his days?348.
Yes!—Blest indeed, by cold ungrateful scorn,
With study pale, by daily crosses worn,
Despis』d by those who to his labour owe
All that they read, and almost all they know;
Condemn』d, each tedious day, such cares to bear353.
As well might drive e』en Patience to despair;
The partial parent』s taunt—the idler dull—
The blockhead』s dark, impenetrable scull—
The endless round of A, B, C』s whole train,
Repeated o』er ten thousand times in vain.358.
Plac』d on a point, the object of each sneer,
His faults enlarge, his merits disappear;
If mild—」Our lazy master loves his ease,
The boys, at school, do anything they please.「
If rigid—」He』s a cross, hard-hearted wretch,363.
He drives the children stupid with his birch;
My child, with gentle means, will mind a breath;
But frowns and floggings frighten him to death.「
Do as he will, his conduct is arraign』d,
And dear the little that he gets is gain』d;368.
Ev』n that is given him, on the quarter day,
With looks that call it—money thrown away.
Just Heav』n! who knows the unremitting care
And deep solicitude that teachers share,
If such their fate, by Thy divine control,373.
O give them health and fortitude of soul!
Souls that disdain the murderous tongue of Fame,
And strength, to make the sturdiest of them tame;
Grant this, ye powers! to Dominies distrest,
Their sharp-tail』d hickories will do the rest.378.
Again the shades of sober eve appear』d,
Up the dark windings of a Creek we steer』d,
Where, glad to rest, and each in hungry plight,
In Marewine』s humble hut we spent the night.
Our social host piles up a jovial fire,383.
Brings his best cider, still as we desire,
Inspects our arms, with nice inquiring gaze,
And while we eat, his hunting spoils displays:
The skins of wolves and bears, a panther』s jaws,*
His horrid tusks and life-destroying claws;388.
Recounts the toils and terrors of the chase;
And gave us fiddling too, by way of grace;
All which, when bed-time warn』d us to lie down,
We fully paid him for with half a crown.
Refresh』d with sleep, before the peep of day,393.
O』er rising Pocano* we scour away,
Beyond whose top the dismal swamp extends,
Where Tobihanna』s savage stream descends.
Here prostrate woods, in one direction strew』d,
Point out the path the loud tornado rode,398.
When from the black north-east it gathered strong,
Creating ruin as it roar』d along,
Crashing outrageous.* Still with awe-struck mien,
The pilgrim stops, and gazes on the scene.
Huge pines that tower』d for centuries on high,403.
Crush』d by each others ruins prostrate lie,
Black with devouring flames, of branches bare,
Their ragged roots high tilted frown in air;
While shiver』d trunks, like monuments of wrath,
Add deeper horror to the wreck beneath.408.
Cut through this chaos rude, the narrow road,
Alone by solitary traveller trod,
Winds through the wilds of this forlorn domain
Where ruin drear and desolation reign.
Here as we loiter』d on, with restless gaze,413.
Absorb』d in silence, musing and amaze,
The rustling bushes and the snorting sound,
Of startled bruin fix』d us to the ground!*
With levelled guns we momentary stood—
He』s gone! loud crashing through the distant wood;418.
Sad disappointment throbs in every breast,
And vengeance dire is threaten』d on the rest.
And now each passing stump, and bush, and nook,
Is eyed with eager and suspicious look;
But one deep solitude around prevails,423.
And scarce a cricket, eye or ear assails.
Thus many a tedious mile we travell』d o』er,*
Each passing scene more rueful than before;
Till night』s dun glooms descending o』er our path,
We took up lodgings at the Shades of Death.*428.
The blazing fire, where logs on logs were laid,
Through the red hut a cheerful radiance spread;
Large horns of deer the owner』s sports reveal;
The active housewife turns her buzzing wheel;
Prone on the hearth, and basking in the blaze,433.
Three plump but ragged children loitering gaze;
And all our landlord』s odd inquiries o』er,
He dealt out tales and anecdotes in store;
Of panthers trapp』d* —of wounded bears enrag』d,
The wolves and wildcats* he had oft engaged,438.
The noble bucks his rifle had brought down—
How living rattle-snakes he took to town.
His dog』s exploits—the glory of his kind!
Now gash』d by bears, and lame, and almost blind,
Display』d his hat, with bullet-holes o』errun,443.
To prove the many matches he had won.
On powder, rifles, locks and balls enlarg』d,
And a whole broadside on his art discharg』d.
The mother spun, the children snor』d around,
And Sox the landlord still fresh stories found;448.
Our nodding heads the power of sleep confest,
And the kind hunter led us to our rest.
(To be continued.)
Once more the dawn arous』d us to the road:*451.
Our fare discharg』d, we left this lone abode,
And down, through deepening swamps, pursued our way,453.
Where pines and hemlocks quite shut out the day;
Majestic solitudes! all dead and deep!
The green moss matted o』er each mouldering heap;
On every side with watchful looks we spy,
Each rustling leaf attracts our eager eye;458.
Sudden the whirring tribe before us rise!
The woods resound—the fluttering partridge* dies;
Light floating feathers hover on the gale,
And the blue smoke rolls slowly through the vale.
Again, slow stealing o』er the shaded road,463.
Trailing their broad barr』d tails, two pheasants* strode;
The levell』d tube its fiery thunders pour』d,
And deep around the hollow forest roar』d;
Low in the dust the mangled victims lie,
And conscious triumph fills each traveller』s eye.468.
Now thickening rains begin to cloud the air,
Our guns we muffle up—our only care;
Darker and heavier now the tempest lower』d,
And on the rattling leaves incessant pour』d;
The groaning trees in hollow murmurs wav』d;473.
And wild around the rising tempest rav』d.
Below dark, dropping pines we onward tread,
Where Bear Creek grumbles down his gloomy bed,
Through darksome gulfs; where bats for ever skim,
The haunts of howling wolves and panthers grim.478.
At length two hovels through the pines appear,
And from the pelting storm we shelter here.
Two lank, lean dogs pace o』er the loosened floor;
A pouch and rifle hung behind the door;
Shrill through the logs the whistling tempest beats,483.
And the rough woodsman welcomes us to seats.
Before the blazing pile we smoking stand,
Our musquets glittering in the hunter』s hand;
Now pois』d, now levell』d to his curious eye;
Then in the chimney-corner set to dry.488.
Our clear, green powder-flasks were next admired;
Our powder tasted, handled, rubbed, and fir』d;
Touch』d by the spark, lo! sudden blazes soar,
And leave the paper spotless as before.
From foaming Brandywine』s rough shores it came,493.
To sportsmen dear its merit and its name;
Dupont』s* best Eagle, matchless for its power,
Strong, swift, and fatal as the bird it bore.
Like Jove』s dread thunderbolts it with us went,
To pour destruction wheresoever sent.498.
These, as they glisten』d careless by our side,
With many a wishful look the woodsman ey』d.
Thus Bears on beech-nuts, hungry steeds on maize,
Or cats on mice, or hawks on squirrels gaze.
His proffer』d skins of all the forest train,503.
His looks, and empty horn, implored in vain;
Till to a family』s wants we freely gave
What cold, hard-hearted Prudence bade us save.
And now, this treasure on our host bestow』d,
His sun-burn』d visage at the present glow』d;508.
New-moulded bullets quickly he prepar』d,
Survey』d the glistening grain with fix』d regard,
Then charg』d his rifle with the precious store,
And threw the horn his brawny shoulders o』er,
Secured his punk, his matches, purse and steel,513.
The dogs in transport barking at his heel;
Then, in his blanket, bade his wife good-bye,
For three long nights in dreary woods to lie.
Our morsel ended, through the pouring rain,
O』er barren mountains we proceed again;518.
And now Wiomi opened on our view,
And, far beyond, the Alleghany blue,
Immensely stretch』d; upon the plain below,
The painted roofs with gaudy colours glow,
And Susquehanna』s glittering stream is seen523.
Winding in stately pomp through valleys green.
Hail, charming river! pure transparent flood!
Unstain』d by noxious swamps or choaking mud;
Thundering through broken rocks in whirling foam;
Or pleas』d o』er beds of glittering sand to roam;528.
Green be thy banks, sweet forest-wandering stream!
Still may thy waves with finny treasures teem;
The silvery shad and salmon crowd thy shores,
Thy tall woods echoing to the sounding oars;
On thy swol』n bosom floating piles appear,533.
Fill』d with the harvest of our rich frontier:
The pine-brown』d cliffs, thy deep romantic vales,
Where wolves now wander, and the panther wails,
Where, at long intervals, the hut forlorn
Peeps from the verdure of embowering corn,538.
In future times (nor distant far the day)
Shall glow from crowded towns and villas gay;
Unnumber』d keels thy deepen』d course divide;
And airy arches pompously bestride;
The domes of Science and Religion rise,543.
And millions swarm where now a forest lies.
Now up green banks, through level fields of grass,
With heavy hearts the fatal spot we pass,
Where Indian rage prevailed, by murder fir』d,
And warriors brave by savage hands expir』d;548.
Where bloody Butler』s iron-hearted crew
Doom』d to the flames the weak submitting few;
While screams of horror pierc』d the midnight wood,
And the dire axe drank deep of human blood.*
Obscur』d with mud, and drench』d with soaking rain,553.
Through pools of splashing mire we drove amain;
Night darkening round us; when, in lucky hour,
Led by its light we reach』d a cottage door:
There welcom』d in, we bless』d our happy lot,
And all the drudgery of the day forgot.558.
A noble fire its blazing front display』d,
Clean shelves of dazzling pewter round array』d,
Where rows of ruddy apples, rang』d with care,
With grateful fragrance fill』d the balmy air;
Our bard (chief orator in times like these),563.
Though frank, yet diffident, and fond to please,
In broken German jok』d with all around,
Told who we were, from whence, and whither bound;
The cottage group a ready opening made,
And 「welcome friends,」 the little Dutchman said.568.
Well pleas』d our guns and knapsacks we resign』d,
Th』adjoining pump or running stream to find,
There wash』d our boots, and, entering, took our seat,
Stript to the trowsers in the glowing heat.
The mindful matron spread her table near,573.
Smoking with meat, and fill』d with plenteous cheer;
And, supper o』er, brought forth and handed round,
A massy bowl with mellow apples crown』d;
For all our wants a mother』s care express』d,
And press』d us oft, and pick』d us out the best,578.
But Duncan smil』d, and slyly seemed to seek
More tempting fruit in Susan』s glowing cheek,
Where such sweet innocence and meekness lay
As fairly stole our pilot』s heart away:
He tried each art the evening to prolong,583.
And cheer』d the passing moments with a song,
So sadly tender, with such feelings rais』d,
That all but Susan with profusion prais』d;
She from his glance oft turned her glistening eye,
And paid in tears and many a stifled sigh.588.
Thus pass』d the evening charmingly away,
Each pleased and pleasing, innocent and gay,
Till early bed-time summon』d us to part,
And Susan』s glances spoke her captive heart.
Swift flew the night, in soundest sleep enjoyed,593.
By dawn we start and find all hands employed,
The wheel, the cards, by fire-light buzzing go;
The careful mother kneads her massy dough;
Even little Mary at her needle sits,
And while she nurses pussy, nicely knits.598.
Our generous friends, their courtesy bestow』d,
Refus』d all price and pointed out the road;
With kindest wishes bade us all farewell;
What Susan felt, the rising tear could tell.
Blest Hospitality! the poor man』s pride,603.
The stranger』s guardian, comforter, and guide,
Whose cheering voice and sympathetic eye,
Even Angels honour, as they hover nigh;
Confined (in mercy to our wandering race)
To no one country, people, age, or place;608.
But for the homeless and the exil』d lives,
And smiles the sweeter still the more she gives;
O if on earth one spot I e』er can claim,
One humble dwelling, even without a name,
Do thou, blest Spirit! be my partner there,613.
With sons of wo our little all to share;
Beside our fire the pilgrim』s looks to see,
That swim in moisture as he looks on thee;
To hear his tales of wild woods wandering through;
His ardent blessings as he bids adieu;618.
Then let the selfish hug their gold divine,
Ten thousand dearer pleasures shall be mine.
The morning fogs that o』er the country lay,
Dispersing, promised a delightful day,
Clear, warm, serene; the sun』s resplendent beams,623.
Plays on the rocks, and from the river gleams,
The cheerful robins* chattering round us fly,
And crested wood-cocks* hammer from on high.
Poor Duncan』s sober looks, and glistening eye,
His broken sentences, and half-fetch』d sigh,628.
His frequent backward gaze, and anxious mien,
While Susan』s sheltered cottage could be seen,
Betray』d the thoughts that hover』d through his breast,
The fruitful source of many a rallying jest;
At length his song the echoing forest hail』d,633.
And laughing Comus over Love prevailed.
By Susquehanna』s shores we journey on,
Hemmed in by mountains over mountains thrown,
Whose vast declivities rich scenes display
Of green pines mix』d with yellow foliage gay;638.
Each gradual winding opening to the sight
New towering heaps of more majestic height,
Grey with projecting rocks; along whose steeps
The sailing eagle* many a circle sweeps.
Few huts appear』d; the wretched few we spied643.
Seem』d caves where Sloth and Poverty reside;
The ragged owners happier far to hear
Men, boys, and dogs arouse the bounding deer;
In fluttering rags, with scarce a hat or shoe,
Down the rough steep the roaring chase pursue.648.
To tree the bear; the midnight wolf to watch;
Minx, otters, possums, or racoons to catch;
The bloodly panther boldly to destroy,
Their highest glory and their greatest joy.
While round each hut the richest soil is seen,653.
Bleak squalid wretchedness is found within,
Filth, want, and ignorance from sire to son,
The sad attendants of the dog and gun;
As sage Experience long ago has said,
A good amusement, but a wretched trade.658.
『Twas now deep noon, the winding pathway led
Beneath tall maples near the river』s bed,
Where moss-grown logs in mouldering ruins lay,
And spice and dogwood fring』d the narrow way;
The scarlet berries clustering hung around,663.
And mix』d with yellow leaves bestrew』d the ground;
There glistening lay, extended o』er the path,
With steadfast, piercing eye, and gathering wrath,
A large grim rattle-snake, of monstrous size,
Three times three feet his length enormous lies;668.
His pointed scales in regular rows engraved;
His yellow sides with wreaths of dusky waved;
Fix』d to the spot, with staring eyes, we stood!
He, slowly moving, sought th』 adjoining wood;
Conscious of deadly power, he seemed to say,673.
「Pass on; in peace let each pursue his way.」
But when th』 uplifted musket met his view,
Sudden in sounding coils his form he threw!
Fierce from the centre rose his flatten』d head,
With quivering tongue and eyes of fiery red,678.
And jaws extended vast, where threatening lay
The fangs of death in horrible array;
While pois』d above, invisible to view,
His whizzing tail in swift vibration flew.
Back sprung our bard! and, aiming to let fly,683.
Glanc』d o』er the deadly tube his vengeful eye;
And now destruction seem』d at once decreed;
But Duncan』s pleading check』d the barbarous deed;
「O spare the brave!」 our generous pilot cried,
「Let Mercy, sir! let Justice now decide;688.
This noble foe, so terrible to sight,
Though armed with death, yet ne』er provokes the fight;
Stern, yet magnanimous, he forms his den
Far from the noisy, dangerous haunts of men.
Th』 unconscious foot that presses him he spares,693.
And what was harmless meant forgiving bears;
But dare his life—Behold, he rises brave,
To guard that being bounteous Nature gave.
We are th』 aggressors here; the Hero he;
Honour the brave defence of one to three!」698.
He spoke. Three cheers the voice of Mercy hail』d;
And heav』n』s most glorious attribute prevail』d.
Here, in deep glens, we groves of shellbarks found,*701.
And brought their thousands rattling to the ground.
Here clustering grapes on bending saplings grew,703.
And down the loaded vines we labouring drew;
The luscious fruit our vigorous toil repaid,
And Bacchus』 honours crown』d us in the shade.
Now Keeler』s Ferry heartily we hail,
And o』er the clear expanse serenely sail;708.
High up th』 adjacent banks again we go,
The lessen』d river winding deep below;
Here rocky masses from the cliffs we tore,
And down the mountain made them bounding roar
Through tops of crashing pines, with whistling sound,713.
Dashing the thundering waves in foam around.
Now night drew on, dull owls began to scream,
We cross』d Tunkhannoc』s slow and silent stream;
Lodg』d at a famish』d inn that near it stood,
Of all things destitute save fire and wood;718.
Old Squares, the owner, indolent and poor,
His house unshingled and without a door;
No meat, or drink, or bread, or liquor there,
As Afric』s wilds, of every comfort bare;
But Duncan』s load across his cudgel cast,723.
Fruits, birds, and beasts, bespeak a rich repast;
While Leech』s knapsac loaves of bread supplied,
And mine a cordial for the heart beside;
So, sans delay, all hands at once begin,
Some pick the pheasants, some the squirrels skin,728.
Soon o』er the fire our crackling nostrums brawl,
And soon like hungry wolves to work we fall,
Hew down the wheaten loaf, o』er whose thick side
The ample sheets of yellow butter glide
While piles of bones, like polish』d ivory, rise,733.
And the starv』d boors look on with wild surprise.
Such bless』d comforts health and hunger bring,
The hunter feasts more nobly than the king,
Whose sated appetite, by luxury cloy』d,
Even the richest sauces satiate unenjoy』d.738.
The table clear』d, our Journal we survey,
And minute down the wanderings of the day;
For fresh materials at our host inquire,
Who broil』d his brawny limbs before the fire.
「What Township』s this, old daddy?」 「Why—hm—well;743.
Township? The dickens, sir, if I can tell;
Its Pennsylvania though. Right, daddy Squares.
Who are your nearest neighbours?」 Why, the bears.
「No mill or school-house near you?」 Yes, we』ve one
Beyond the church a piece, on Panther』s Run.748.
「Is church far distant, daddy?」 Why—hm—no;
Down Susquehanna, twenty miles or so.
「You go to preaching, then?」 Besure, that』s clear;
We go to mill and meeting twice a-year.
「No curiosities about?」 Why—yes,753.
You』ve brought a few of them yourselves, I guess.
「What, dollars?」 Aye, and fippennybits I swear
Are downright rarities among us here.
Thus pass』d the evening, till the time of bed,
When to a kennel we at last were led;758.
There, slumbering, shivered till the dawn of day,
Then curs』d this scurvy cave and march』d away.
Before us now in huge extension rise
Dark wood-clad mountains of enormous size;
Surrounding fogs their towering summits hide,763.
And sailing clouds, in silent grandeur, glide
Around their airy cliffs. These we survey
As dull forebodings of a cheerless day.
Up steeps immense with labouring steps we bend,
Then down in hollow gulfs for miles descend,768.
Buried in depth of woods, obscure and dark,
Where pheasants drum, and angry squirrels bark;
With these (though rain in streaming torrents pour』d)
Our pilot』s pack abundantly we stor』d;
And when, at length, the driving tempest clear』d,773.
And through the woods a distant hut appeared,
There, though the sour inhospitable clown
Returned our smiles with many a surly frown,
Compelled by Hunger, that imperious lord,
We cooked our game and shar』d our little hoard;778.
And left the savage boor, whose looks convey』d
Dark hate and murder every move they made.
Still through rude wilds with silent steps we steer,
Intent on game, all eager eye and ear;
Each opening turn, each dark recess survey,783.
Each mouldering heap that round tumultuous lay,
As o』er those Alpine steeps we slowly past;
But all was silent, solitary, vast!
No sound of distant farm assail』d the ear;
No rising smoke; no opening fields appear;788.
But each high summit gain』d, the eye was shown
Hills pil』d on hills in dreary prospect thrown.
So, from the mast, when boisterous tempests roar,
And the tost vessel labours far from shore,
The toil-worn sailor all around him spies793.
One sea of mountains mingling with the skies.
At length with vast descent we winding go,
And see the river gliding deep below;
And up the vale, suspended o』er the path,
A sign-board waving o』er the hut beneath;798.
The straggling characters, with soot portrayed,
Defy』d awhile all efforts that we made;
At length we spelt this precious piece of lore,
Pat Dougherty』s Hotel and Drygood store.
Blest tidings! welcome to the wandering wight,803.
As shelter』d harbours in a stormy night;
And thou, sweet Muse! in lofty numbers tell
The matchless comforts of this log hotel.
Here streams of smoke the entering stranger greet;
Here man and beast with equal honors meet;808.
The cow loud bawling fills the spatter』d door;
The sow and pigs grunt social round the floor;
Dogs, cats, and ducks in mingling groups appear,
And all that Filth can boast of, riots here.
Happy the hungry souls who hither speed!813.
Here, like cameleons, they may freely feed;
Here champ, with vigorous jaws, the empty air,
Without a bottom find one broken chair;
On dirty benches snore the night away,
And rise like thieves upon their judgment day.818.
Ye threadbare pilgrims! halt as ye pass by,
This gorgeous store will all your wants supply;
Three long tobacco-pipes the shelf adorns;
Two rusty penknives fit to saw your corns;
One rag of calico in musty folds;823.
A stick of liquorice-ball for coughs and colds;
And one half keg of brandy, glorious cheer!
Arrives from Philadelphia once a year.
What boundless wealth! what can they wish for more
Who such a tavern meet, and such a store?828.
To crown the whole—defil』d from ear to ear,
Behold the majesty of clouts appear!
The ragged lord of all this costly scene,
Whose hands and face old ocean scarce could clean;
Whose sun-burnt legs and arms and shoulders bore833.
What once was coat and trowsers—such no more!
But shapeless fragments, gash』d with holes profound,
And rag-form』d fringes dangling all around.
Bent o』er a tub that once tobacco knew,
And still from whence the dear effluvia flew,838.
Pat grumbling stood; and while he eager view』d
Each nook and seam, the scanty gleanings chew』d;
His busy mouth such savoury joys exprest
That scarce our stifled laughter we supprest.
On this foul mass of misery as we gaz』d,843.
The man of rags his brandy loudly prais』d;
Leech sought the door, disgusted with the scene,
And Duncan follow』d, grasping hard his cane;
Our Bard alone, with pleasure in his face,
Silent surveyed the wonders of the place,848.
In whose vile groups he but a picture saw,
That all might marvel at; but few could draw.
Though long and rough the road before us rose,
And toil and evening urged us to repose,
Yet were the forest glooms at once prefer』d853.
To this vile Hottentot』s most beastly herd.
So thence, up towering steeps again we scale,
And trace the depths of many a darksome vale;
While oft some oak』s huge, antiquated form,
That through long ages had defy』d the storm;858.
Whose hollow trunk had lodg』d the skulking bear,
While owls and possums found concealment there,
Rose, like the ruins of some reverend pile,
While moss and lichens its hoar arms defile;
Great in distress it mouldering drops away,863.
Time』s mournful monitor of life』s decay.
Night』s shades at last descend—the stars appear—
Dull, barking dogs proclaim the village near;
Soon Wihaloosing round us we survey,
And finish』d here the labours of the day.868.
The inn was silent, not a mortal there,
Before the fire each plants his crazy chair,
When slow downstairs a cautious step was heard,
And Job, the landlord, soberly appear』d;
Begg』d our excuse—bewail』d his luckless lot,873.
Wife in the straw, and every thing forgot;
So finding honest Job so hard bestead,
We skinned our squirrels, supp』d, and went to bed.
The morning dawn』d, again we took the road,
Each musquet shoulder』d o』er the lighten』d load,878.
Through Wihaloosing』s plains we gaily pass,
Midst matted fields of rank luxuriant grass.
Here Nature bounteous to excess has been;
Yet loitering hunters scarce a living glean;
Blest with a soil that, even in winter gay,883.
Would all their toils a hundred-fold repay,
Few cultur』d fields of yellow grain appear;
Rich fenceless pastures, rot unheeded here.
Huge from the vale the towering walnuts grow,
And wave o』er wretched huts that lie below.888.
No blossom』d orchards scent their opening May;
No bleating flocks upon their pastures play;
The wolves, say they, would soon our flocks destroy;
And planting orchards is a poor employ.
The hungry traveller, dining on this plain,893.
May ask for fowls, and wish for eggs in vain;
And while he dines upon a flitch of bear,
To wolves and foxes leave more gentle fare.
Now down through hoary woods we scour along,
Rousing the echoes with our jovial song,898.
Through paths where late the skulking Indian trod,
Smear』d with the infant』s and the mother』s blood.
Their haunts no more; far to the setting day
In western woods their prowling parties stray,
Where vast Superior laves his drifted shores;903.
Or loud Niagara』s thundering torrent roars;
Gaul』s exil』d royalists. a pensive train,
Here raise the hut and clear the rough domain;
The wayworn pilgrim to their fires receive,
Supply his wants; but at his tidings grieve;908.
Afflicting news! forever on the wing,
A ruined country and a murdered king!
Peace to their lone retreats, while sheltered here;
May these deep shades to them be doubly dear;
And Power』s proud worshippers, wherever placed,913.
Who saw such grandeur ruined and defaced,
By deeds of virtue to themselves secure
Those inborn joys, that, spite of kings, endure,
Though thrones and states from their foundations part;
The precious balsam of a blameless heart.918.
(To be continued.)
All day up winding solitudes we past,*919.
Steep hung o』er steep, as if at random cast;
Through every opening, towering groups were seen921.
Pil』d to the clouds, with horrid gulfs between;
Thus (as the bard of old creation sings,
『Mongst other marvellous scenes and mighty things),
When squabbling angels rais』d in heav』n a rout,
And hills, uprooted, flew like hail about,926.
Thus look』d, in those tremendous days of yore,
Their field of battle when the fight was o』er,
Impending cliffs, with ruin』d woods o』ergrown,
And mountains headlong over mountains thrown.
One vast pre-eminent ascent we scal』d,931.
And high at last its level summit hail』d,
There, as we trod along fatigued and slow,
Through parting woods the clouds appear』d below,
And lo! at once before our ravish』d view,
A scene appear』d astonishing and new.936.
Close on the brink of an abyss we stood,
Conceal』d till now by the impending wood,
Below, at dreadful depth, the river lay,
Shrunk to a brook 『midst little fields of hay;
From right to left, where』er the prospect led,941.
The reddening forest like a carpet spread,
Beyond, immense, to the horizon』s close,
Huge amphitheatres of mountains rose.
Charm』d with this spot, our knapsacs we resign』d,
And here, like gods, in airy regions din』d;946.
Like gods of old the cordial cup we quaff』d,
Sung songs to Liberty, and jok』d and laugh』d;
Huzza』d aloud—then listening from on high
If haply slumbering Echo would reply,
A long dead pause ensued——at once the sound951.
In tenfold shouts from distant hills rebound;
Not Polyphemus』 self e』er louder roar』d,
When burning goads his monstrous visage gor』d.
Huzza, huzza! the echoing mountains cry;
Huzza, huzza! more distant hills reply;956.
And still more distant, till the faint huzza,
In lessening shouts, successive, died away.
Surpriz』d, astonish』d! heedless of our meal
We seiz』d our muskets for a nobler peal;
Fill』d their dark bowels with the glistening grain,961.
And, facing, pointed to the extended scene;
Then at the word their fiery thunders pour』d,
That through the wide expanse impetuous roar』d.
Deep silence hung———The loud returning roar
From bellowing mountains thunders o』er and o』er;966.
Peal after peal successive bursts away,
And rolls tremendous o』er the face of day;
From hill to hill the loud responses fly,
And in the vast horizon lessening die.*
Thus from Olympus, o』er a prostrate world,971.
The fabl』d Jove his bolts imperious hurl』d;
Earth heard, and echoed back the peals profound,
And heaven』s exalted regions shook around.
With deep reluctance, ne』er to be forgot,
And many a lingering look, we left this spot,976.
Since call』d Olympus, worthier of the name
Than that so blazon』d by the trump of fame.
Ye souls! whom Nature』s glorious works delight,
Who chance to pass o』er this stupendous height,
Here turn aside; and if serene the day,981.
This cliff sublime will all your toils repay,
Here regions wide your ravish』d eye will meet,
Hills, rivers, forests, lying at your feet:
Here to Columbia make your muskets roar,
While heaven』s artillery thunders back encore.986.
『Twas now dull twilight, trudging on we keep,
Where giddy Breakneck nods above the steep;
And down the darkening forest slowly steer,
Where woods, receding, show』d a dwelling near,
A painted frame, tall barracks filled with hay,991.
Clean white-wash』d railings rais』d along the way,
Young poplars, mix』d with weeping willows green,
Rose o』er the gate, and fring』d the walk within;
An air of neatness, gracing all around,
Bespoke that courtesy we quickly found;996.
The aged Judge, in grave apparel dress』d,
To cushion』d chairs invites each weary guest;
O』er the rich carpet bids the table rise,
With all the sweets that India』s clime supplies;
And supper served with elegance, the glass1001.
In sober circuit was allowed to pass.
The reverend sire, with sons and grandsons round,
Ruddy as health, by summer suns embrown』d,
Inquires our road and news with modest mien,
Tells of the countries he himself had seen;1006.
His Indian battles, midnight ambuscades;
Wounds and captivity in forest glades,
And with such winning, interesting store,
Of wild-wood tales and literary lore,
Beguiled the evening and engaged each heart,1011.
That though sleep summoned, we were loth to part;
And ev』n in bed reposed, the listening ear
Seem』d still the accents of the sage to hear.
The morning came; ye gods! how quickly hies
To weary folks the hour when they must rise!1016.
Groping around we fix our various load,
And full equipp』d forth issue to the road;
Inured to toil, the woods slide swiftly past;
O』er many an opening farm our eyes we cast.
Here rich flat meadows most luxuriant lie,1021.
Some glowing orchards gladly we espy,
Full-loaded peach trees drooping hung around,
Their mellow fruit thick scatter』d o』er the ground;
Six cents procured us a sufficient store,
Our napkins crammed and pockets running o』er;1026.
Delicious fare! Nor did we prize them less
Than Jews did manna in the wilderness.
Still journeying on, the river』s brink we keep,
And pass the Narrow『s high and dangerous steep,
That to the clouds like towering Atlas soars1031.
While deep below the parted river roars,
Beyond its eastern stream, on level lands,
There Athens (once Tioga) straggling stands;
Unlike that Athens known in days of old,
Where Learning found more worshippers than gold,1036.
Here waste, unfinished, their sole school-house lies,
While pompous taverns all around it rise.
Now to the left the ranging mountains bend,
And level plains before us wide extend,
Where rising lone, old Spanish-Hill,* appears,1041.
The post of war in ancient unknown years;
Its steep and rounding sides with woods embrowned,
Its level top with old entrenchments crowned;
Five hundred paces thrice we measure o』er
Ere all their circling boundaries we explore;1046.
Now overgrown with woods, alone it stands,
And looks abroad o』er open fertile lands.
Here on the works we ruminating lay,
Till sudden darkness muffled up the day;
The threatening storm soon drove us to the plain,1051.
And on we wandered through the woods again.
For many a mile through forests deep we pass』d,
Till girdled trees rose to the view at last;
The fence and field successively appear,
And jumbling cow-bells speak some cottage near;1056.
Anon the sounding axe, the yelping dogs,
The ploughman』s voice, the sight of snorting hogs,
And sudden opening on the ravish』d eye,
Green fields, green meadows, gardens, orchards, lie
In rich profusion round the cottage neat,1061.
Log-built; but Peace and Industry』s retreat.
Here down green glades, the glittering streams descend;
Here loaded peach trees o』er the fences bend;
Deep flow』ry pastures clothe the steeps around,
Where herds repose, and playful coursers bound.1066.
The groaning cider-press is busy heard,
The fowls loud cackling swarm about the yard,
The snowy geese harangue their numerous brood,
The flapping flail re-echoes through the wood,
And all around that meets the eye or ear,1071.
Proclaims the power that spreads its influence here.
Hail Rural Industry! man』s sturdiest friend,
To thee each virtue must with reverence bend,
To thee what heart denies spontaneous praise,
From gloomy woods such glorious scenes to raise!1076.
Great giver of God』s gifts to man below!
Through whose rough hand all human blessings flow,
Here, as in ancient and illustrious Rome,
May chiefs and heroes cheer thy humble home;
The wise, the brave, from public broils retreat,1081.
To walk with heaven and thee through arbours sweet,
To share thy toils; thy little plans inspire,
And joke at night around thy glowing fire.
Still, near thy hut, upon the flowery green,
May Temperance, Hope, and Cheerfulness be seen;1086.
Health, Plenty, Innocence, thy temples crown,
And Peace each night embosom thee in down,
And still, where』er thy humble roofs arise,
In northern climes, or under burning skies,
May guardian Liberty thy fields enclose,1091.
Befriend thy friends, and baffle all thy foes.
Cheered with the rural sweets on every side,
Slow through this charming vale we gaily glide,
Delightful spot! from stormy winds secured,
By mountains sheltered and in wilds immured;1096.
Still as we pass rich level fields appear,
Chemung』s huge barns and fertile farms draw near,
How changed those scenes from what so late they were!
Ere Freedom』s banners waved triumphant here!
While o』er our coasts a powerful foe prevailed,1101.
Here from behind the savages assailed;
In bloody bands ransacked our weak frontier,
Fire, rapine, murder, marked their fell career.
Amid his corn the gasping planter fell,
Deep sunk the axe, and direful rose the yell;1106.
The midnight cottage, wrapt in sweet repose,
In flaming ruins with the morning rose;
There slaughtered corses, babes and fathers lay,
The naked mothers driven mid fiends away.
To thee, brave Sullivan! who scourged this crew,1111.
Thy country』s gratitude shall still be due;
And future ages on these summits rear
Honours to him who planted freedom here.
We pause to mark amid this valley green
How changed the tenant, how improved the scene!1116.
Where wretched wigwams late like kennels stood,
Where bark-canoes stole skulking o』er the flood,
Where mangled prisoners groaned, and hatchets glared,
And blood-stained savages the fire prepar』d,
There glittering towns and villages extend,1121.
There floating granaries in fleets descend,
There ploughmen chant, and mowers sweep the soil,
And taverns shine, and rosy damsels smile;
Thanks to the brave, who through these forests bore
Columbia』s vengeance on the sons of gore;1126.
Who drove them howling through th』 affrighted waste,
Till British regions sheltered them at last.
Here, on the heights, where, suddenly array』d,
These hordes their last despairing effort made,
Where still the mould』ring breastwork meets the view,1131.
From whose defence as suddenly they flew,*
Here, on th』 approach of night, we lodgings found,
And buried all our toils in sleep profound.
(To be continued.)
The lingering night still hung in drowsy gloom,*1135.
Must』ring our loads, we pace the darken』d room,
With tedious groping, find at last the door,1137.
And down the narrow stair our way explore;
Dull fogs and darkness o』er the country lay;
But guiding fences pointed out the way.
In cheerful chat we march』d along, till morn,
On dewy wings from eastern regions borne,1142.
Rose on the world, and, o』er the landscape gay,
『Midst songs of joyous birds, led on the day.
Two whirring pheasants swept across our path,
And swift as lightning flew the fiery death.
A cloud of quails in rising tumult soar;1147.
Destruction follows with resounding roar.
From bough to bough the scampering squirrels bound;
But soon, in smoky thunders, bite the ground;
Life』s gushing streams, their sable furs defile,
And Duncan』s stick sustains the bloody spoil.1152.
Thus up Tioga』s side we thundering steer』d,
Till Newton, glittering on its banks, appear』d;
Where opening hills, retiring, wide display,
On level plains a city rising gay;
Rang』d on the northern bank, so smooth and green,1157.
Rich busy stores and waving signs are seen;
With crowding boats that here for freight attend,
And deeply loaded to the sea descend.
Here, when soft Spring dissolves the wastes of snows,
And wide, and deep, the roaring river flows,1162.
Huge loaded arks* rush down the boiling tide,
And winding through wild woods triumphant ride,
Hills, towering steeps and precipices high,
Rich plains and hanging rocks behind them fly;
The watchful pilot every eddy eyes,1167.
As down the torrent』s foaming course he flies;
Views with stern look, the frightful falls disclose,
And down th』 outrageous breakers headlong goes;
A thousand toils, a thousand dangers past,
Columbia』s* harbour shelters them at last.1172.
With lingering steps the busy streets we trace,
Pleas』d with the prospect of this growing place;
Though now so gay, scarce fifteen years have flown
Since two log huts were all that it could own;
Since waving reeds and scrubby ground-oak grew1177.
Where stores and taverns now arrest the view.
Around the tree where panthers lurk』d for prey,
Now evening groups of laughing children play;
And churches neat, their pious crowds enclose
Where Indian fires and midnight yells arose.1182.
So wonder-working is the hand of Toil,
When Heav』n has blest and Freedom guards the soil,
And streams so vast their powerful aid bestow
To float down plenty wheresoe』er they flow.
Now to the North, through open plains, we wind,1187.
And leave the river』s bending course behind;
And now, where level lengthening meadows spread,
Through hazel thickets rapidly we tread,
Here, when descending rain in torrents pour,
And the broad meadows float from shore to shore,1192.
In two wide routes their waters seek the main;
Part through St.Lawrence meets the sea again,
Part to the south pursues its wandering way,
And rolls to Chesapeake』s capacious
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