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Percy, whose valiant deeds, whose deathless fame,
Shed a bright beam on fell rebellion's name,
Till Harry Monmouth, in the glorious strife,
Despoil'd the hero's laurels with his life;
And gave the promise of that god-like day,
When haughty Gallia bow'd to England's sway.
Shed a bright beam on fell rebellion's name,
Till Harry Monmouth, in the glorious strife,
Despoil'd the hero's laurels with his life;
And gave the promise of that god-like day,
When haughty Gallia bow'd to England's sway.
What varied scenes this well-known spot recalls!
What joyous mirth has echoed round its walls,
In those fair hours, when childhood, blithe and gay,
Cast o'er the world his visionary ray;
When rosy health, exulting, spurn'd the ground.
And hope, and life, and nature smil'd around!
Then he, who pleasure can with learning blend,
And in each pupil knows to fix a friend,
First taught, with manly voice and prouder mien,
To tread, with measur'd step, the tragic scene;
How oft with hope elate our bosoms swell'd!
How oft pale fear the rising transports quell'd!
What joyous mirth has echoed round its walls,
In those fair hours, when childhood, blithe and gay,
Cast o'er the world his visionary ray;
When rosy health, exulting, spurn'd the ground.
And hope, and life, and nature smil'd around!
Then he, who pleasure can with learning blend,
And in each pupil knows to fix a friend,
First taught, with manly voice and prouder mien,
To tread, with measur'd step, the tragic scene;
How oft with hope elate our bosoms swell'd!
How oft pale fear the rising transports quell'd!