Page:Moral Pieces in Prose and Verse.pdf/205

  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.

 

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, 