THE

HERMIT.

BALLAD.

I.

"TURN, gentle Hermit of the dale,
"And guide my lonely way,
"To where yon taper chears the vale
"With hospitable ray.

For here forlorn and lost 1 tread, "With fainting steps and slow; "Where wilds, immeasurably spread, "Seem length'ning as I go."

III.

"Forbear, my son," the Hermit cries,
"To tempt the dangerous gloom;
"For yonder faithless phantom flies
"To lure thee to thy doom.
C 2

"Here

IV.

"Here to the houseless child of want

My door is open still;

"And though my portion is but scant, "I give it with good will.

V.

"Then turn to-night, and freely share "Whate'er my cell bestows;

My rushy couch and frugal fare,

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My blessing and repose.

VI.

"No flocks that range the valley free,

To slaughter I condemn;

Taught by that Power that pities me,

"I learn to pity them:

VII.

"But from the mountain's grassy side

"A guiltless feast I bring;

"A scrip with herbs and fruits supply'd,

"And water from the spring.

VIII.

"Then, pilgrim, turn, thy cares forego;
"All earth-born cares are wrong;
"Man wants but little here below,

"Nor wants that little long."

Soft

IX.

Soft as the dew from Heav'n descends,

His gentle accents fell:

The modest stranger lowly bends.

And follows to the cell.

X.

Far in a wilderness obscure

The lonely mansion lay,
A refuge to the neighb'ring poor
And strangers led astray.

XI.

No stores beneath its humble thatch

Requir'd a master's care;

The wicket, op'ning with a latch,
Receiv'd the harmless pair.

XII.

And now, when busy crowds retire
To take their ev'ning rest,
The Hermit trimm'd his little fire,
And chear'd his pensive guest :

XIII.

And spread his vegetable store,
And gayly press'd, and smil'd;

And skill'd in legendary lore

The ling'ring hours beguil'd.

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