Page:A poetic survey round Birmingham - James Bisset - 1800.pdf/16

14 The busy, intent on gain , Their vesels load — and ply the rattling crane. The boatmen sit at ease, their pipes they smoak, Or, with each other, crack a harmles joke; Whilst some the sluices ope—the waters flow In torrents, rushing, to the locks below, Where, by the hedge-row masts, in numbers glide, Boats, carts and coaches, pasing side by side.

Just o'er the -exact north east, Behold a pile, which marks the owner's taste; Where Elegance and neatness both unite, And Duddeston in splendor greets your sight. On this side see , And village—close by yonder mill.

More to the East are seen, majestic trees, That court the freshnes of each gentle breeze; Whose spreading branches, thick, umbrageous fall, Retir’d amidst their foliage-lies : A rural spot, where tradesmen oft repair For relaxation, and to breathe fresh air: The beauties of the place attractive prove, To those who quiet and retirement love; There, freed from toils and labours of the day, Mechanics with their wives, or sweethearts, stray;