POEMS

COMPOSED OR SUGGESTED DURING A TOUR IN THE SUMMER OF 1833

IX. TO A FRIEND

ON THE BANKS OF THE DERWENT

          PASTOR and Patriot!--at whose bidding rise
          These modest walls, amid a flock that need,
          For one who comes to watch them and to feed,
          A fixed Abode--keep down presageful sighs.
          Threats, which the unthinking only can despise,
          Perplex the Church; but be thou firm,--be true
          To thy first hope, and this good work pursue,
          Poor as thou art. A welcome sacrifice
          Dost Thou prepare, whose sign will be the smoke
          Of thy new hearth; and sooner shall its wreaths,            10
          Mounting while earth her morning incense breathes,
          From wandering fiends of air receive a yoke,
          And straightway cease to aspire, than God disdain
          This humble tribute as ill-timed or vain.