ODE *. BY MR. R. A. DAVENPORT, YES, I have said that on thy cheek Yes, I must own, from thee away, I never aught of pleasure tasted, There is such a resemblance between the thoughts in this Ode, and some of those in Metastasio's beautiful Canzonet La Liberta, that to prevent any imputation upon him, the Author thinks it necessary solemnly to declare, that at the time it was written, he had neither seen nor heard Metastasio's Canzonet, nor even any transla tion of it. The first knowledge he had of its existence, was from a literary friend, who on reading this Ode, remarked the similarity of thought in the two poems. Two persons with the same feelings, will frequently express themselves in nearly the same manner. Had the Author imitated another writer, he would have thought it a duty to acknowledge, without reserve, his obligations. But now! no more on thee I rave, Peace, health, and friendship's joys neglected: Those days are past; no more thy slave, I rove impassion'd or dejected: I see thee now, nor feel my heart high-beating, Nor think the hours with envious speed are fleeting. Yet still I think that thou art fair, As first when love my breast invaded ; For neither sickness, pain, nor care, Thy beauty's peerless bloom hath faded : Still in each tone, each look, each smile excelling, Why then is fond affection flown? And dost thou ask why thou art slighted! Lady, not form or bloom alone, Or tender voice, my soul delighted: Thy mind as matchless as thy charms believing, 1797. EPIGRAM, FROM THE GERMAN OF LESSING. You hesitate if you shall take a wife: Do as your father did-live single all life. your THE ABORIGINAL BRITONS*. BY THE REV. GEORGE RICHARDS, A. M. FELLOW OF ORIEL COLLEGE, OXFORD. SUBJECT. On the State of the Aboriginal Britons previous to the Refinements introduced by the Romans. THE ARGUMENT. Address to the first Navigators of the South-Seas-Wild state of the country-contrasted with Italy as improved by cultureAboriginal Britons considered as individuals-the Man-the Woman Considered as to their national character-Their domestic state-promiscuous concubinage-ignorance of other countries -description of a day in time of peace, including the most striking circumstances of their domestic economy-Their wars -fondness for war-internal dissentions and their consequences -manner of fighting-behaviour after a defeat-treatment of captives after a victory-Religion-the objects, which give rise to natural religion-Druid Grove-Magic rites, and human sacrifices -Bards-Doctrines-Transmigration and immortality of the soul and its effects-Characteristics of Liberty in the savage state of this island-its extinction in the early stages of our Monarchyits revival and influence in the present civilized state of manners, as producing public security, giving rise to public works, and calling forth the powers of the mind, YE E sons of Albion, who with venturous sails In unknown oceans caught Antarctic gales; Dar'd with bold prow the boisterous main explore, Where never keel had plow'd the wave before; First published in the year 1791. Saw stars unnam'd illumine other skies, A form like this, illustrious souls, of yore Through fleecy clouds the balmy spring-tide smil'd; But all it's sweets were wasted on a wild : In vain mild Autumn shone with mellowing gleam; Rude as the wilds around his sylvan home But you, illustrious Fair Ones*, wont to brave And deem'd, some effluence of the Omniscient mind And flow'd in heavenly wisdom from her tongue. *Inesse enim sanctum quid et providum fœminis putant. Tac. de moribus Germ. ̓Απαντες γαρ της δεισίδαιμονιας αρχηγούς οιονται raç yuvainas. Strabo, 1. 7.-What is said of the ancient German women is applied by Mr. Mason, and our early historians, to our countrywomen of earlier ages. The important offices, which they filled in the Government, so unusual in the Savage State, fully justify this application. |