THE HERMIT

OF WARKWORTH.

Dark

was the night, and wild the storm, And loud the torrent's roar; And loud the sea was heard to dash

Against the distant shore.

Musing on man's weak bapless ftate

The lonely Hermit lay;
When, lo! he heard a female voice

With hofpitable hafte he rose,

And, wak'd his sleeping fire;
And, snatching up a lighted brand,

Forth hied the reverend fire.

All fad beneath a neighbouring tree

A beauteous maid he found,
Who beat her breast, and with her tears

Bedew'd the moffy ground.

O weep not, lady, weep not so,

Nor let vain fears alarm;
My little cell ihall shelter thee,

And keep thee safe from harm.

It is not for myself I weep,

Nor for myself I fear ;
But for my dear and only friend,

Who lately left me here :