WRITTEN

AT

SOUTHAMPTON.

SMOOTH went our boat upon the summer seas,
Leaving (for so it seem'd) the world behind,
Its sounds of mingl'd uproar: we, reclin'd
Upon the sunny deck, heard but the breeze
That o'er us whispering pass'd, or idly play'd
With the lithe flag aloft.-A woodland scene

On either side drew its slope line of green,
And hung the water's shining edge with shade.
Above the woods, NETLEY! thy ruins pale

Peer'd, as we pass'd; and VECTA's* azure hue Beyond the misty castle† met the view;

Where in mid channel hung the scarce-seen sail. So all was calm and sunshine as we went Cheerily o'er the briny element.

VOL. I.

* Isle of Wight.

+ Kelshot Castle.

G

82

WRITTEN AT SOUTHAMPTON.

Oh! were this little boat to us the world,
As thus we wander'd far from sounds of care,

Circled with friends and gentle maidens fair, Whilst morning airs the waving pennant curl'd; How sweet were life's long voyage, till in

peace

We gain'd that haven still, where all things cease!

VERSES

ON THE

BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION

OF

THE PHILANTHROPIC SOCIETY,

FOR

PROTECTING AND EDUCATING

THE

CHILDREN OF VAGRANTS AND CRIMINALS.

ADVERTISEMENT.

The PHILANTHROPIC SOCIETY was instituted in

Sept. 1788, FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRIMES, by seeking out, and training up to virtue and industry, the Children of the most abject and criminal among the vagrant and profligate Poor; by these means more effectually to alleviate human misery, and to oppose the progress of vice.