Divine communion, carefully enjoy'd, Or sought with energy, must fill the void. It's happiest seasons, and a peaceful close, 750 Not knowing thee, we reap with bleeding hands That scorns afflictions mercifully meant, Those humours tart as wine upon the fret, Which idleness and weariness beget; 760 These, and a thousand plagues, that haunt the breast, Fond of the phantom of an earthly rest, VOL. I. X Divine communion chases, as the day Drives to their dens th' obedient beasts of prey. To seek that peace a tyrant's frown denies. Hear him, o'erwhelm'd with sorrow, yet rejoice; Unnumber'd pleasures harmlessly pursu'd; 770 780 To study culture, and with artful toil To meliorate and tame the stubborn soil; To give dissimilar yet fruitful lands The grain, or herb, or plant, that each demands; To cherish virtue in an humble state, And share the joys your bounty may create; 790 In colour these, and those delight the smell, Or lay the landscape on the snowy sheet- Me poetry (or rather notes that aim Employs, shut out from more important views, 800 Content if thus sequester'd I may raise A monitor's, though not a poet's praise, 808 THE YEARLY DISTRESS, OR, TITHING TIME AT STOCK IN ESSEX. VERSES ADDRESSED TO A COUNTRY CLERGYMAN COMPLAINING OF THE DISAGREEABLENESS OF THE DAY ANNUALLY APPOINTED FOR RECEIving the DUES AT THE PARSONAGE. COME, ponder well, for 'tis no jest, The troubles of a worthy priest The priest he merry is and blithe But oh! it cuts him like a sithe, When tithing-time draws near. |