4
Methought from the battle-field dreadful array,
For, if I had roam'd on a deſolate track,
Till nature and ſunſhine diſcloſ'd the ſweet way
To the houſe of my father, that welcom'd me back.
I flew to the pleaſant fields, travell’d ſo oft,
In life's morning march, when my boſom was young,
I heard my own mountain-goats bleating aloft,
And well knew the ſtrain that the corn-reapers ſung.
Then pledg'd we the wine cup, and fondly we ſwore
From my houſe and my weeping friends never to part:
My little ones kiſs'd me a hundred times o'er,
And my wife ſobb'd aloud in the fulneſs of heart,
Stay! ſtay with us! reſt! thou art weary and worn
And fain was the war broken ſoldier to ſtay;
But ſorrow return'd with the dawning of morn,
And the voice in my dreaming ear melted away.
THE GIRL OF MY HEART.
I Have parks, I have grounds,
I have deers, I have hounds,
And for ſporting a neat little cottage;
I have youth, I have wealth:
I have ſtrength. I have health,
Yet I mope like a beau in his dotage.
