at peace within the grave,
To wait thy summons for the awful day.

Scarce had religion brought sweet hope to aid
The virtuous victim in the pangs of death;
When soft a guardian angel gently said,
You'll dwell with me when time extinguish breath.

A few short struggles and the scene was o'er,
Death with his victim flew above the skies;
I shall thro' life her absence oft deplore,
Till recollection from my memory flies.

The humble cottagers their Mistress bore,
To her cold home each face bedew'd with tears;
She to her mansion to return no more,
For death has silenc'd all her hopes and fears.

Oh! had you seen my good and worthy sire,
In sorrow's garment his last duty pay;
To her whose virtues did esteem acquire,
Or ease the troubles of a luckless day.

Two sorrowing sons increas'd the gloomy day.
Who will while life remain her loss deplore;
Till recollection from them fade away,
Or erring Mortals here do sin no more.

Each little Mourner drop'd affection's tear,
When dust on dust the coffin hid from view;
Their youthful sighs denoted their despair,
When they to Grandma' bid a long adieu.

* * * * *

_ALBERT TO HANNAH_.

I've read your letter o'er and o'er again,
Happy to find you faithful do remain,
Besides forgiveness; though too much I fear,
I long have made you victim to despair.
You say two years with fervency I strove
To keep affection, constancy, and love;
But soon as crosses came upon my mind,
Was careless of you and appear'd unkind.
I know my home was neat serene and nice;
But, ah! that home I lost, allured by vice.
Soon as you fled, a different scene in view,
Gone all attention soon as I lost you.
The quick retort was always in my ears,
You've drown'd a virtuous wife in sorrow's tears.
Soon as I found all hopes to meet you fled,
I pray'd I might be numbered with the dead:
Oblivion's aid I oft invoked by drink,
I could not meditate nor dared to think.
You say it cost you tears to write to me,
But they'll disperse when you a convert see.
Long I've invok'd a pardon from above,
To make me worthy of the wife I love:
Return, and till my days are at an end,
I'll prove protector, guardian, and a friend.
The converse delicate; the smile sincere,
Will check the sigh, and stop the rising tear;
Cheerful as