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While from its windows gleam'd a steady ray,
To light the traveller on his lonely way.
But thundering from below, a viewless shock
Heaves the strong base, and rends the marble rock:
Quick from its cope the sunward beam declin'd,
Thro' its long arches shriek'd the hollow wind;
The pond'rous columns on the earth were thrown,
The trembling earth return'd a hollow moan;
Sad o'er the spot a mournful cypress hung,
The long grass wav'd, and mossy hillocks sprung.
Yet, round a mouldering arch, a lonely form
Twin'd a damp wreath that trembled in the storm,
Breath'd o'er its leaves, the sighs of gratitude,
And with fond tears the drooping flowers bedew'd.
TO A FRIEND,
Whose correspondence had been interrupted by domestic occupations, and the various cares of a matron.
THUS ancient matrons, high in virtue rais'd,
Whom princes honoured, and whom sages prais'd,
