Page:Scenes in my Native Land.pdf/287

Rh Even though her clarion swelled from pole to pole. Without the virtues that do bring the tear Into the loving eye, when life is o'er, That life itself were but a gift abused.

Among the ornaments of the beautiful city of New-Haven, is the residence bearing the name of Sachem's Wood. It is situated on an eminence, terminating a broad avenue of stately elms, adorned by pleasant and tasteful habitations. It is a spacious edifice, distinguished by classic elegance, and studiously adapted to internal comfort. It commands an extensive prospect, and is surrounded by a large domain, in whose arrangement the simple and grand features of nature have been carefully preserved. It is characterized by the fine wood in its rear, and the magnificent forest trees by which it is overshadowed, especially by its noble oaks, some of which bear the antiquity of centuries.

It was erected by the late James A. Hillhouse, on a portion of his paternal inheritance. Seldom has it been the lot of a poet to dwell in such an abode. He has thus simply described it, and also expressed his attachment to the scenes of his nativity, in the poem entitled "Sachem's Wood."

Here, from this bench, the gazer sees Towers, and white steeples o'er the trees, Mansions that peep from leafy bowers, And villas, blooming close by ours.