Sometimes when he could find a leisure hour
He to that valley took his way, and there
Wrought at the Sheepfold. Meantime Luke
began

To slacken in his duty; and, at length,
He in the dissolute city gave himself
To evil courses: ignominy and shame
Fell on him, so that he was driven at last
To seek a hiding-place beyond the seas.

There is a comfort in the strength of love; 'T will make a thing endurable, which else Would overset the brain, or break the heart: I have conversed with more than one who well 451

Remember the old Man, and what he was Years after he had heard this heavy news. His bodily frame had been from youth to

age

Of an unusual strength. Among the rocks He went, and still looked up to sun and cloud,

And listened to the wind; and, as before,
Performed all kinds of labour for his sheep,
And for the land, his small inheritance. 459
And to that hollow dell from time to time
Did he repair, to build the Fold of which
His flock had need. "T is not forgotten yet
The pity which was then in every heart
For the old Man- and 't is believed by all
That
many and many a day he thither went,
And never lifted up a single stone.
There, by the Sheepfold, sometimes was

he seen

Sitting alone, or with his faithful Dog, Then old, beside him, lying at his feet.

FAIR Star of evening, Splendour of the west, Star of my Country!— on the horizon's brink Thou hangest, stooping, as might seem, to sink

On England's bosom; yet well pleased to rest,

Meanwhile, and be to her a glorious crest Conspicuous to the Nations. Thou, I think, Should'st be my Country's emblem; and should'st wink,

Bright Star! with laughter on her banners, drest

In thy fresh beauty. There! that dusky spot Beneath thee, that is England; there she lies.

Blessings be on you both! one hope, one lot, One life, one glory!— I, with many a fear For my dear Country, many heartfelt sighs, Among men who do not love her, linger here.

"IT IS A BEAUTEOUS EVENING, CALM AND FREE" [Publ. 1807]

It is a beauteous evening, calm and free, The holy time is quiet as a Nun Breathless with adoration; the broad sun Is sinking down in its tranquillity;