poetic sketchesI DESCRIFTI%*OF AND THE Surrounding Scenery : WITH BY JOHN M'KINLEY, DUNSEVERIC* Kind Nature keeps a school) To teach her sons herself*—— Young. BELFAST : Printed by Joseph Smyths 34, High- Street* 1819, sr?° L* TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE Jane, Counter s©acattne& THE FOLLOWING PAGES ARE GRATEFULLY INSCRIBED, BY Her Ladyship's devoted Servant, THE AUTHOR, TO THE READER. The subsequent sketches were in part written before the appearance of Dr. Drummonds poem on the same subject. I have read that work ; and I am impressed with the conviction, that the sublimity of his conceptions — the grandeur of poetic expression in which they are clothed— will put to silence all competitors, and chill their hopes of arriving at his celebrity. I am sensible, that in treading his footsteps, I have chosen dangerous ground ; and I would earnestly deprecate a comparison, in which I must appear to so great disadvantage* However this may be, the candid critic will admit, that a similarity will occur in the sentiments and expressions of many of the ancient and modern poets, when hap- ly the latter have never had an opportunity of perusing the productions of their antecedents. Such a resemblance may exist without imitation or plagiarism ; for congeni- ality of thought will often produce similarity qf expres- sion. There are ideas that enter into almost every mind; and as many as speak in the same language, will express their admiration of great natural objects, in some degree alike. To such of my readers as have not seen Dr. Drum' mond's poem, these sketches may he novel, at least in their subject-matter ; to those who have, I am silent ; for, in extenuation of the errors that may occur in the following pages, I have only this short apology to offer — that I was only six months at school ; and I am fully aware of the temerity of thus coming before my numerous and respectable patrons, and an enlightened public, with scarce a claim to their indulgence. I have declined attempting to detail the various phi- losophical theories respecting the ivonderful jjhenomena of the Giant's Causeway ; and have confined myself, in the description, to the precincts of its immediate neighbourhood* SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. a Adair H. esq, Loughanmore, 2 Avonmore Rt. Hon. Viscount- Adair Mr P. Dundalk ess, Dublin Alexander Rev J. Belf. Acad. Agnew E. J. esq, Kiilwaughter Alexander W. Surg. R.friland Aveling, Rev. Archdeacon, Alexander J, esq, Crew Drumbo House Annesly Rev. W. Oakley Atkinson Mrs, Forkhiil Atkinson R. esq. Armagh Atkinson A. esq. Killough Atkinson, Miss, Kilkeel Atkinson Mrs, Larne Apsley Miss* Do. Adderley Dr. Kilkeel Allen S. esq. M. D. C.fergus Allen S. esq. Lisconan Acheson Mr J. do. ' Allen Rev. R. Stewartstown Allen Mr J. Killilee Allen Miss, Portaferry Allen Miss, Ballycarry Allen Lt R. N. Buncrana Allen Lt R. N. Rathraelton Allen Miss, Belfast Adams Mr J. Ballywillen Adams Miss, Ballymoney Adams Mr T. Randalstowu Adams Rev M. Connor Adams Mr J. Katesbridge Adams Mr A, Ballybrick Alexander Miss, Ardmillan Auchinleck Mrs, near Down Alingham W. esq., B.shannon Alexander Mr J. Ballymena Alexander Mr N. P. Balleghan Aiken P. esq, Ballymena Agnew Dr. Ballyclare Agnew Mr S. Donegore Anderson R. esq, Bushmills Anderson Mrs R. Do Anderson D., esq. Belfast Anderson Mr J. Ballymoney Anderson Mr R. Carnmoney Anderson Mr G. Banbridge Anderson Mr R,. L.brickland Anderson Miss, Killilee Archer Mr S. Belfast Ash Miss, Magherafelt Averell Capt. R. N. G.dawson Ashe Rev. I. Tamalaght Ashmore Miss, Newry Armstrong Mr W., Lurgan Archbold T. esq. Dundrum Archbold Mr S. Belfast Archbold Mr J., Belfast A SUBSCRIBERS NAMES Aiken Miss, Islandmagee Agar Mrs. Castlewellan Armor Miss, Ballycuttle Armor Mr W. Rathfriland Arnold Rev. S. Warrenpoint Allison Mr J. Drumalla B Bateson Lady, Belvoir Park Bruce Rev. W, D.D. Belfast Batt N. esq. Do. Batt R. esq. Hydepark Burgoyne Sir J. J. Kt. S.bane Brcwnlow Col. Lnrgan Balfour Col. Belfast Brownlow Rev. F. Strabane Bateson R. esq. Foyle, Derry Babington Rev. T. Liscarric Babington W. H.esq, C. magore Bagwell J. esq. Moygannon Bingham Dr. Rostrevor Bingham Mr W. Belf. Acad. Beresford J. C. esq., Fruithill Bingham C. esq. B.gilbert Bingham Mr A., Lismore Bingham Miss, Do. Byrne Miss, Dublin Bailey Miss, Doey Bailey Miss, Do Bellis Mr J. Ballyerton Bayley A. esq., Belfast Bailie Mi K. Belfast Eennet T. <>sq. Macosquin Bennet S. esq. Do. Bell H. H. esq. W.lodge Bell Mr J., Prospect Bell Mr T., Belfast Bell Mr Wm. Do. Bell Mrs John, Beech Park Bell Rev. A., L.L.D. Down Bell Mrs. Belfast Bell Mr J. Cargie Bell, Mr. J, Rathfriland Beers, W. esq., Newcastle Beatty Mr R. M., Ballymena Byrne Mr. C, Dundalk Byrne Mr. P., Do. Beatty, Rev. S., Ahory Borland Rev. P. H., Bann Baron, J. Surgeon B. bridge Boyd E. D. esq., Ballycastle Boyd W. esq., Nath lodge Boyd M. esq., Lurgan Boyd Miss, Do. Boyd J. H. esq., Belfast Boyd D. esq., Monesland Boyd W. esq., Shamrock lodge Boyd Robert esq., Acton Bayd Mr J. Bellisle Boyd Mr F. Moy Boyd R. esq, Armagh Boyd Dr. Colerain Boyd Dr, S.town Boyd Miss, Lisconan Boyd Mr D., Ballybrak* Boyd Miss A., Do. Boyd Mr S., Derry Boyd Miss, Corville Boyd Rev. H, Hill town Boyd Mr A., Capecastle Boyd Mr II., Cairnkirk Boyd Mr pan., Do. Boyd Mr X, M. haley Boyd, Mr J., Knockan Boyd Mr R., Dunadry SUBSCRIBERS NAMES, Blaney Miss, Belfast Booth Mrs. Do. Birnie T. M. esq., D.mining Burden Mr. John, Falls Butler Rev. S. A. M., M.gan Birch Mr. Sam. Armagh Broomfield, Lieut. 87 Regt. Byrne Mr. P. C, A.ghlone Boulger Maj. 97 Staff, Newry Bellingham Mrs., Dundalk Bellingham A. O. esq., P.down Baker Mr. J. R. O., Newry Black T. esq., Forestbrook Black R. esq., Larne Black Mr. G., Bunkershill Black Mrs., Belfast Boyle Mrs. J., Dundalk Boyle Mr. J., Bally ed ward Brady J. esq., Ballycastle Boylan Mr. H., B.lalaght Boylah G. esq., Ardee Brown Rev. J,, Garvagh Brown Rev. J., Aghadowy Brown Mr. S. Magherafelt Brown Rev. W. T.more Brown Miss R., Ballyart Brown Mr. J. Carnside Brown Mr. A., C. glass Brown Mr. J. E., B.macarret Brown Mr. J. G., Muckamore Brown Mr. G., Belfast Browne Mr. W., Newry Brown Mr C, Belfast Brown W. esq., W.town Brown Turner esq. Do. Brown Miss, Ballygera Burke Mr. A. R., Larne Brush G. esq., Dromore Barklie J. esq., TuIIymore Brett, Mr. W. Dundalk Booth Mr. R. Foundry, Derry Blakely Mr. J. Ballymena Beggs Mr. T. Ballyclare Blow Mr. D. M., Belfast Blackadder Mr. J. Belfast Blackwood Mr J. Belfast Brown Mr.. C. Do. Brown Mr J. Do. Black Mr M. Do. Bryson E. Surgeon, Antrim Brady Mr. W. Cubedall Byrne Miss, Lurgan Blacker H. esq., Millburn Balfour Miss, Belfast Brennan Mr. J. jun. Newiy Bullick Mr S., Belfast Bortree Mr. S., Cohonan Boyle H. esq, Dungiven * Boyle J. esq., N. L. vady Boyle Miss, Drumcovet Boyle Mr W., Money more Boyle Miss Ellen, Larne Boyle H. esq., Mascosquin Boal Mr T., B.bentra Boal, Mrs. J., Ballycregy Blair, Miss Charlotte, Larne Blair, Mrs. Bushmills Blair, Mr. David, BalJymaglin Blair Mr. Wm., Money more c Cary G. esq., Cassino Caulfield T. esq. Moy Campbell Rev. V, T . Clough Campbell Mr. T. 7 Belfast SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Campbell Mr. X, B.verdagh Campbell Miss, Ballymoney Campbell Miss, Killead Campbell Mr. J. Cairn Colp Campbell Mr. S., Belfast Caldwell W. esq., Armagh Caldwell Mrs., Dublin Caldwell Miss, Dungannon Caldwell Miss R., C.castle Cameron Mr. G., B.clare Craig Mr. S., Browndod Crowrey Rev. S. A.M. Keenan Curoe Eev. R., Kilkeel Churnside T. Surgeon, P.ferry Church R. esq., Strangford Church Mrs. Do. Cuming J. esq., Killough Close Mr. J., Armagh Crawley C. esq., Bryansford Cumming Mr. H. S., B.mena Gumming Rev., Bailee Cavan Mr. H., Bailee Cultrath Mr. W., Do. Chambers Miss, Bailee Chambers D. esq., M.felt Canning Mr, W., D.gannon Courtney J. Esq, P.glenone Courtney Mr. S., R.town Colli oun Mrs. Strabane Colhoun Mrs., Labadish Crompton Mrs., Derry Cunningham Mr. J., Belfast Cunningham J. esq., Do Cunningham Miss, Lisburn Cunningham J. Esq, Derry Camack W. esq, Do. Carmichael S, esq., Do. Curry J. M. esq., Do, Curry Miss, Ballycastle Coats Rev. E. ; Rostrevor Crea Mr. T. Kingwady Chapman Mr. T., Antrim Clugston Mr. A. Do. Carley Rev. J., Do. Carley Mr. J. Larne Creek Mr. C, Belfast Cressley Mr. J. Do Cochran Mr. J. Coleraine Clinton Rev. T., Dartford Craig Mr. J. Armagh Craig Mr. G. Tanderagee Cherry Mr. John, Richhili Caraher Mr. J., Newry Cavanagh Mr J., Magherafelfe Cooke G. esq., Xewry Cooke R. esq., Do. Cooke Miss A., Do Cooke, Rev. H., Killileagh Cooke Mrs, Ramelton Cooke Mr A., C.niury Cosgrove Mr D. Belfast Crump J. esq., DungannoR Chichester Mr C, Do. Caruth Mr G, C.island Collins J. esq., C.town Collins Mr J., Falls Crawford J. esq, Bloomfield Crawford Rev W. Newgrov* .Crawford Mr B., Lisburn, Cummins Mr E. Belfast Carrol Mrs J. Dundalk Cairns W. esq., C.bellinghai* Cotter Miss, Killough Connel Mr J., C.bore SUBSCRIBERS NAME?. fK Cupples Rev. S. D. D., Lisburn Crommelin N. D. Esq. Carrow- dore Caddel E. esq., R friland Coulter Mr W., Mourne Clark Mr A., Lawin Carson Mr A., D.neil Carson Mr J., Ballyligg Campbell Mr J. Portrush Campbell Mr R., Portaferry Carleton F. esq., Green Park Clibbom J. esq., Banbridge Chesney A. esq. Prospect Chamney H. esq., Inakely Christy J., L.stown Christy J. esq., Stramore Creery Rev. Leslie, T.gee Creery J. esq., Do. Clark Mrs., Ballyroney Clark Mrs., T.robert Clark Mr J., Ballymena Clark T. esq., Belfast i Coulter J. esq., Carnmeen Creelman Miss, Ballyweney Cramsie Miss, Coldou Coffy E. esq., Derry Coleman Mr T., Belfast Cochran Mr M., B.side Cochrane Miss, Armagh Cochrane Rev. J. Lame Ciippage J. esq., Gienbank Cuppage T. esq., Lurgau CairdMrJ., Belfast Carr Rev. W., Do Colman Mr J., R.t>entra * Curell Mr D., Killdrum Cooper Mr J v Claudy Cinnamond Doctor, Da Cuthbert Mr W., M.more Cuddy Mr. Jas, Belfast Cuddy Mrs Coleraine Close Wm. M.D., Belfast Coyle Mr D., Coleraine Caufield Mr J., Do Cowley Mr J., W. point Cromie J. esq., Coleraine Corry Mr J. A. Croneugh. Coulson W. Esq., Lisburn Carey A. Esq., Bangor Cunningham Mr. S., Groomsport Clan ey Mr X, Grenshaw Claney Mr R., Do. Claney Mr A., Bangor Catherwood W., M.D., D.dee. Catherwood J. F. Esq., B.vester Carmichael Mr R., Millisle Carmichael Mr D. Do. Campbell Mr J., Ballyhask Campbell Rev. W^,Ray n. Donegal] most Noble Marchi- oness of Down and Connor Rt. Rer. Lord Bishop of, 6 copies Drummond Rev. W. H. D.D. M.R.I. A. Dublin Dobbs C. E. esq. Dublin Dobbs Rev. R. Carrickfergus Douglass T. esq., G.hall Douglass C. jun. esq., Dervock Douglass Doctor, Lurgan Douglass Mr A., B.bentra Dunn E. esq, Strangforet Dunn Mr J., Belfast B SUBSCRIBERS NAMES Dillon R. esq., Belfast Dawson W. esq. W.bank Dawson Mrs V., R.strevor Davis Rev. J. Banbridge Dawson Mr W., F.vale Dawson Mr S. R., Belfast Dallas Mr H., Colerain Dinnen Mr J., Belfast Duncan Mr R., M.felt k Duxberry Mr C, H.park Darley G. esq. Mountpleasaut Dugall Mr W. Magherafelt Dale Mr J. Dungannon Dare us Mrs, Derry Dysart J. esq. Do Dysart T v r . esq. Do Donaldson Miss, Dungannon Duff Mr J. Cookstown Duncan S. Lieut. R.A., B.castle, Drummond J. L., M.D. Belfast Dunlop A. esq., D.gessan Dunlop Miss, Dunbo Dunlop Mr D. Coleraine Dunlop Mr J., D.hill Dunlop Rev. J. B.shane Dunlop Miss, B.laggan Delap Mr Robert, Belfast Donnelly Mr J. Do Dobbin Rev. H. Lurgan Dobbin L. esq. Armagh Dobbin Mr S. Belfast Doyle Mrs Do Dickson J. esq. Bally mena Dowling Miss, N.cunningham Dean Miss, Dungiven Daniel Mr. W, Belfast. Dalway Mrs, Bellahill Dugan Messrs G. & A. B.mena Dillon Wm, Esq., Lisburn Donaldson, Mr Wm., Belfast Davis Mr S., Bangor Davis Mrs, Belfast Dennison Mr. J., B.vernon. Dornan J. Surgeon, Ballycastle E Ellis H. esq. Innisrush Dickson Rev. W. 3 Rasharkan, 2 Ellis David esq. Fatham DicksonRev.W.S.D.D.Mourne, Ellison Mr J. Finvoy Devlin Rev. P., Rostrevor Echlin J. jun. esq. Portaferry Dickey Mr N. Antrim Eccles S. esq., S.T.C. DubUn Dickey T. jun. esq. Bally mena Elder Mr J. New- York Dickson Mr S. B.narry Dickey J. esq. Holiybrook Dickey Mr J. Rockfield Davison Mr \V*. B.gargy Davison Mrs, Maghera Davison Rev. J. Cookstown English' Mr C. A. Belfast P.H, Evans R. Surgeon, R.N., M.felt Evans J. Surg. R.N. Maghera Elder Rev. M., Killraghts Elder Rev. S. H., B.easton Emerson Mr J,, B Davidson Mr W. Stewartstown Evans Rev. E.J., L.brickland Dorian Rev. J. Dundalk Elliott Mr T. Randalstown Drennan Mr S. Banbridge Edwards Mr G. Burt SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Edwards, Ensign 50th Regt. Fletcher Rev. Wm,, Ballyroney Edwards E. A. Esq., Dungiven Fulton Mr. Thomas, Balleney Ewing Mr Robert, Cotton nit. Ferris Mr. John, Violethill Fullerton Mr. R., Rasharkin Fife Mr, Samuel, B.weney Ferries Mr. Wm., Tober Fleming Mr. John, Magiliigan f. Fleming Rev. Wm., M.gannoa Ferguson Sir Robt. A. Bart, Derry Fleming Mr. John, Browndod Edgar Mr John, B.tibert Egan Rev. John, Dungannon Edgar Edvv. Esq., B.crana Ewart Mr W. Belfast Forde Colonel, Seaford Filgate Colonel, Lisrenny Ferguson Miss, Do. Foster J. esq., Phillipstown Ferguson, Dr., C.wellan Fleming Rev. J. P. C.town Fitzsimmons Mr S., Belfast Finlay Ross Esq., Bangor Finlay Mr J., Balloo Finlay Miss, Cotton FergusonWm. Esq., Thrushfield Fulton Mrs J., Lisbura Ferguson A. Esq., Burt house Fawcett Miss, Bangor Fivey John Esq., L.B.land Fayle Mr. John, Lurgan g. Gosford, Rt. Hon. Earl of Gosford, Rt. Hon. Countess of 6* copies Garret Thos. Esq., Belfast Grimshaw J. Esq., Whitehous© Grimshaw Miss M. A., Do. Grimshaw John Esq., Do. Gray Mr J., Belfast Fisher Mr W., L.kenny Fisher Miss, Maghera Fisher Mr Saml., Drumboy Fone Mr Joseph, Armagh Frazer Miss, Newry Flavell Mr John, Do. Farnan Mr John, Tullymore Fitzgerald Mr John, Doagh Farrell Mr. John, Do. Fitzpatrick Mr. Hu., Seaharbour Gray Basil Esq., Colffraine Forde John Esq., Dundalk Gray Mr. Geo., Newry Farrell, Jas. A. Esq., Larne Gregg D. Esq., Lisburn Ferris Samuel, Surgeon, Do. Gregg Mrs. C , B.menock Forsythe Jas., M.D., Belfast Gray Mr. Robert, D.given Ferris Edw. Edw. esq. Belf.A.I. Gray Mr. Jas., Carnnish Fetherstone Jas. Esq., Beechill Gray Mr. Wm., B.bogey Forsythe Geo. M. D., C.fergus Forsythe Mr. Wm,, Do, Forcade Henry M.D. Belfast Forester, Miss, Cloverhill Ganaby Reading Society Gray Mr. Wm. D.adery Gray Mr. Hugh, Down George Miss, Silverhill StfBSCRIIERS NAMES. Graeey James .Esq., Do. Graeey Alex. Esq. B.hosset Girvin Robert Esq., Roan Gamble Mr. Robt., Bushmills Gamble Mr. Robert, Carry reagh Getty Mrs. Robert, Bundalk Getty Dr., Do. Getty Mr. Wm, Ganaby Getty Mr. John, Regies Getty Miss. Newtonlimavady Getty Mr. John, R.town Gouldsberry Miss J., Alia Gage Mrs., Magilligan Gourley Mr. John, C.town Green Mr. John, Muff Given Mr. Benj., Lisconan Given Mr. Robert, Coleraine Given Mr. Samuel, C.mills Given Mr. Samuel, B. bogey Given Mr. Daniel, Coleraine Given Mrs. S. Flow erli eld Given Mr. Robert, Lisconan Given John Esq., Farlo Greer Rev. James, Finvoy Greer Mrs., Lurgan Greer Richard Esq., Do. Greer Mr. James, Do. Greer Mr. Thos., Ballynarry Greer Dr., Ramelton Greer Mr John, Do. Greer Mr John, Rasharkan v Graves Capt. L. D. M. , C. dawson Greeves Mr Thos. D.gannon Greer Thos. Capt. Staff R. town Gwynne Rev John Bally nure Gwynne Rev. S., Larne Gibson MrNathc, Antrim Gibson Rev. James, Kiilalee Gibson Miss, MagilHgan Gowdy Dr. C.wellan Griffith Mr Benj., Bally monfcf Gordon Mr John, L.more Gelston Mr Wm,, Belfast Gribben Mr. James, Do. Graham Miss, Deny Graham Mr Wm., Do. Gait Wm. Esq., Coleraine Gait Mr John jun^ Do. Gait Mr Robt. Ballycarry Gavins S. J. Esq., Derry Gavin J. H. Esq. Dunboe Gribben Mr Henry Coleraine Gregory Wm. Surgeon, Do. Gillilan Wm. Esq., Randlestown Gawin Mr Andrew, B.claverty Gilmour Mr Jas., Larne Gilmer Mr John jun., Rashee Gilmer Mr Robert, Dervoek Gilmer Mr George, Drumheek Gibbons Mrs R., N.castle Gibbons Riehd, Esq., Annaclare Gawthorne Mr R., Belfast Garvey Mr Henry, Do. Glenny J. G. Esq., Glenville Gillespie Mrs, Derry Gillespie Miss E., T.valley Gardner Mr James, Cappy, Gayer Miss, Belfast Gray Mr J., Do. Glover Mr J., Dunover. H. Heyland Col. Giendarragh Heyland Mrs. Do. Harvey H. Seymour Esq., Lis* . nabeene SUBSCRIBERS XAME8. 1* Harvey Thomas Esq., Derry Halyday Mrs, Kilkeel Harvey Richard Esq., Do. Haslett George esq., Derry Hutchinson A. esq. Stranooum Haslett Rev. Henry, C.reagh Harrison Mrs, Newgrove v Hezlet Robert esq., Coleraine Harrison Rev. Wm., H.wood Hill Lieut. Col. 50th Regt. - Harrington Mr Robt., Armagh Hill Rev. Chas., Rimmon glebe Harrington Mr John, Moy Hill Major, Bellaghy Henderson Mr Wm., Shankill Hill Lancelot esq., Coleraine Henderson Miss, Belfast Hill Miss, Trench Henderson Mr Edward, C.fergusHagan Mr E., Belfast Henderson Mr Samuel, Rye Hancock J. esq., Lisburn Heatly Lieut. 50th RegU Hancock W. I. esq., Lisburn Haltridge Robt. Esq., CloverhillHaliday, H. esq., Belfast Hackett Mr John, R.melton Hannay George esq., Bangor Hendrick Wm. Esq., L.kenny Harper Mr A. B., Cormick Hamilton Wm. Esq. Killough Hannay Mr J., B.vernon Hamilton James Esq., Corkey Hutchinson Mrs, B.holm Hamilton Mrs E. M. Belfast Hathorn Dr., Donaghadee Hamilton John Esq. Dublin Higgins Mr. P n Bangor Hamilton J. Esq., Crebilly Hill Mr Wm., Moarget Hamilton Wm. Esq., D.crete Hill Mr Arthur, I.magee Hamilton Miss M. J., Tullyown Hillam H. esq., Newry Hamilton Rev. Stewart, StrabaneHope L. M. Belfast Harpur Mr M., Belfast Hogart Mr John, I3ellalaght Hyndman Mr Hugh, Do. - Hogart Miss, Do^ Hamilton Mr Wm., Hydepark Hogart Mr Samuel, Do. Hamilton Mr Robert, Do. Hogart Mr Wm., Croagh Hamilton Mr Edw., Belfast Hogart Mr George, Do. Hamilton S. G. Surgeon, K.keelHull Esq., Donaghadee Hamilton T. Surg., Dlgannon Huey Mrs, Newry Hamilton Wm. Esq., BallymonyHuey Mr Robert, Do. Hartwell Doctor, Down Hudson Edward esq., L.b.land Hart Mrs. Georgina, Ballygard Huston Rev. Francis, Armagh Hart Mr Wm., V. bridge Holmes Mr Nathl., Moy Hay Rev. George, Derry Holmes Mr Wm., I.magee Hay Mr H. Ramsey, B.easton Hyndman Miss Julia, Lurgan Higginson, J. esq. Cfcshendall Hyndman Miss, Killydonly c Henry Mr Nathl., C.town Henry Mr Wm., B.vellan Henry Mr John, Ballyhosset Henry Mr James, Do. Henry Mrs, Do. Henry Mr Wm,, Grange Henry Rev. H., Connor Henry Mrs, Maghera Henry P. Surgeon R. N. Do. Hunter Mrs, Dunluce SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Harshaw Dr., Newry Hamill Miss, Cmoon Haniiil Rev. Saml. A.M. Do. Hamill Miss E. Do. Handeock Mr. W. Rathmullan Hancock Miss, Lisburn Heron J. Surgeon, K.breda Hopkins Capt* S$rangford Hopkins Miss, Do. Hodgson Messrs. R, & J. Belfast Hunter Miss Margaret, D.covett Harlin Mr W. Belfast Hunter Dr., Moy Hunter Walter esq. Hunter Mr J. H[., Belfast Hunter R. esq., L.kenny Hunter Win. esq., Dunmurry Hunter Miss Jane, Do. Hunter Mrs A., Do. Hunter Mr James, Millbrook. Hunter Mr Samuel, Belfast Hunter Miss, B.nagross Hunter Miss, B. warren Hunter Dr., Ramelton Hunter Miss, Corstown Hunter Mr. J. jun., Aghadoey Hanna Mr James, B.w.townr, Harper Mr J., Belfast Hanna Mr Robt. Do. Hanna Rev. J* Lismooney Hanna Mr S. Dunminning, Harkin Mr H. Bally money Hood Mr J. Moyle Hood Mr J. Maghermore Hood Mr J. Manorcunningham Hughes Mr Wm. Cammoney Hughes Mr Franeis, Macosquia Holland Mrs. Heathpark Hutchinson Mrs. B. money Henderson Mr, W. Belfast Hugo Arthur esq., Dungannon Hughes Mr. J. C.reagh Hall Mrs, Arboe Hall Miss J., Do. Hall Mrs, N.water Hall Mr Daniel, Bluff Hall Miss, M.felt Hall Rowley esq., Lisburn Hogg Rev Robert, Armagh Hogg J. esq., Redford Horner Rev. R. N., Dundalk Houghton Joseph esq., Down Hay den Rev. John, Aughanlo© Hazelton Dr. Killileagh Hull Mr E. Magherafelt Hull Miss H. Corsevale Harpur Mr Saml. Moy Harpur Miss E. Do. Hassan Mr P. Ballycastle Hazleton Dr., Killalee Harrison, Miss, Woodville Harding, Mr. J. Belfast Haughton Ben jun. esq. Banford SUBSCRIBERS* tfAMBS. X* i. Killeen Rt. Hon, Lord Visct. Corbator Hall Knox Rev. J., Derry Knox Colonel, Prehend KnowlesMr J. Sheridan, Glasgow Kennedy H. esq. , Cultra Kennedy Rev. C, Maghera Kennedy J. T. esq. Annadale Kennedy Miss, Rathfriland Kennedy Mr; N Ballymoney Kerr Miss, Roslic Kerr Mr. J. Crankill Kerr Miss Banvale Kennedy W. esq. Armagh Kerr Mr J. Kroon Irvine Major, Drum Innes A. esq. Drumantine Irwin Mrs., Wellbrook Irwin W. esq., Drumalla Ingram, Archd. M*D. Maiorris j. Jocelyn Rt. Hon. Lord Visct. Jocelyn Rt. Hon. Viscountess Jephson Rev. J. Mullabrack Johns Alex. esq. Carrickfergus Johnston Miss, Belfast Jameson Mr A. Carrickarede Johnston Miss, B.w.tovvn Johnston Rev. James, C. island Johnston Thos. esq. Do# Johnson Rev. A. D.covert Jennings Charles esq. Newry Johnston W. M.D. Do. Johnston W. esq., P.ferry Johnston Mrs. G-, Dundalk Johnston W. esq., Down Kerr Mrs., Banbridge Keaghy Lieut. R. N. D. Militia Kyd Rev. H., Dungiven Kyd A. esq., Ballymacarret Kirkpatrick Miss, B.lough Kirkpatrick Mr J., Beerhill Kirkpatrick Mr S., Ballycastte Johnston Rev. G.H. M. Bwille, Kirkpatrick Mr. J., Belfast Johnston Mr Robt., B.kwady Kirkpatrick Mr "W., Lame Johnston Mr G. Kells Kilpatrick Mr J. Templeastragh Jackson Mr J. Ballyhymloss Kilpatrick E. esq., Springfield Jones Lieutenant, 14th DragoonsKilpatrick W. esq., Armagh Joyce T. esq., Bortadown Jack Mr. W., Kiltymoris. Jackson Dr., Ballywooley Jackson Mr. J. Bafad Janrison Mr, B., Liswatty- Johnston R. W. esq, B.macarrett Keown J. esq., Tolemore Keown Miss A*, P.ferry Keown Mr R,, B.hornan Kelly Mr J., Bangor Kelly C. esq., Surgeon R. Navy Derry Johnston Mrs T., S.town Kirkwood Mr N., Dunamoy Johnston W. J. esq., Buncrana Kirkwood Mr. T,, Roseland Johnston Mr. J. Boghead Kirkwood Mr. J. Whiteheuse. Johnson Mr W» Antrim Kindell Mr P., Ballymoney SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Kirker Miss, Drumheck L. Lambart Rev. G. Ardee Little Mrs^ Stewartstown Little P. esq., Dungiven Little >Ir J., R. O. Newry Little and Hararaet, Derry Lee Miss, Armagh Leckey J» G. esq., Bushhank Lewis Miss, Bailee .Lewis Mr C. Kirkeel Livingston Rev. S., PJ"erry Lawless J. Esq, Belfast Lepan Monsieur, Belfast Law Mr J. S. Belfast Leake Rev. J., Mullavilly Lutton Mr. J., L.brickland Lutton Dr. Lisburn Lutton C. esq., do Lockart Miss Rathinullan Lockart Mr. S., Banbridge Lamont Mrs, Liverpool Lament Mr Nevin, B.magee Lemon Mr. J., Donaghadee Livingston Mr. \V r . Benvarden Lyons Mr S. Bangor Lindsay T. esq., Loughrea Lindsay J. esq., Maghera Lindsay Mr J. B.gorian Lindsay Mr A. Rathfriland Lynd Mr R., Belfast Lynd Mr W. junr., Larkfield Lamont & Dugan, Belfast Lyons Dr. Lurgan Lion Lieut. Adjut. 50th Regt. Lighton J. W. esq., Dunlodge Lyons W. esq., Birchhill Lowry T. Surgeon D.gannon Lynn Rev. J.,AM.Knockintern Lowry A. esq., Lismenhill Linn Mr J. Ballybentra Latimer J. C. esq. Scarvey Lyle Mrs, Summerseat Lyle Mr F. Carrincoggy Lyle Miss A., do Lyle Miss M. Donnel Lyle Miss, Knoekinbuoy Lyle Miss E. do Lyle A. jun. esq., Armagh Lyle Mr. J., Newry Lyle Mr. J. Belfast Lyle Mr T. do. Lyle S. esq. do Lucas Mr W. B., W.town Law S. esq., Hayzell Bank Law J. esq., Castlewellan Law Miss, Dunmore Law Miss, Bannview Lowry Mr J. do Lawther W. Surgeon T.patrick Lawenes C. esq. Summerseat Leslie Mr J., F.lestry Leslie Miss M. do Lawson C, Belfast Lepper Mr F., Belfast, Lepper Mr C, do Lavens Miss, Millfori Lavens Mr T., do Lavens Mr J. M., do Lorimer Mr J. Carincastle Laughlin Mr \V., Dervock Lithgow D. M.D., Colerain Lithgow Mr J., do Lyons Mrs. S. Dungannon Letham Mr A^ Letham Mr J. do SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Xn* L vie Rev- W. A.M. Fairview Montgomery H. esq., Benvarden Lynch Rev. P. Migilligan Montgomery J. esq., Belfast Letham Mr W, Burt Montgomery Rev. A. Antrim Letham Mr G. Ballybentra Montgomery Miss II. , Larne Luke Miss, Belfast Montgomery Capt. 50th Regt. Lough ead Rev. R., B. money Montgomery Dr. Moneymore Lawrence Miss, Ballykeel Montgomery Mr W. Ray Ledlie G. esq., Floodlodge Montgomery Miss, do Loyd R. esq. Tamnamore Montgomery Mr S. Groomsport Ledlie T. esq., Antrim M'Mullan Rt. Rev. Dr. P. Down Locke Miss L., Dungannon M'Mullan Rev. P. Rasharken Locke Mrs., Dublin M'Mullan Rev. E. Lecale Leech Mr F., Riilraghts Moore Jas. esq. Ballymeney Leech Mr G. Letterkenny M'llveen G. esq. Belfast Lambert J. esq. Jonesville M'Cance J. esq. Falls Lascelles J, esq. Hillpark M ; Neill E. A. esq. Cushendun Lendrick, Mr. T. Drumnavan M'Neale J. esq., Baliycastle Lodge (Masonic) No. 119, Car- M'Neill II. F. esq. do. rareagh, 2 M'Neill A. esq., do No. 150, Kilrea, 8 M'Neill Miss, do No. 180, (Star of Ards) Greyab-M'Leverty Miss M. Glynn bey, 2 M'Cracken Mrs J. Belfast No. 229, Dervock, 2 , Moore J. S. esq, B.divity 2 No. 955, Lisnagunage- 2 Maxwell J. W, esq. Finnabrogue No. 1001, Lisbdnagroagh, 2 Maxwell Rev. W. H. W. point -m. Maxwell Major, 50th Regt. Macartney G. esq., LissanoreMaxwell Mrs W. Beifast Castle M'Gildowny E. esq., Bailycastle Macartney Rev. Dr. Antrim M'Gildowny C. esq,, do Macartney Rev. A.C. Newlodge M-Manus A. esq. Cullybackey M'Naghten E. A. esq. M.P. M'Ardell, Rev A. L.brickland Bairdville M'Cardell Rev. E. M. Dundalk M'Donnell J. M.D. Belfast M'Ardell Mr M. Do. M'DonneirAIex, esq. do. M'Kevett Rev. B. Dundalk M'Donnell Alex. esq. Raghery Miller A. esq., Down M : Donneli Miss, Belfast . Miller Capt. Portaferry Martin R. esq, Kilbroney M'Clelland C esq, Ardmore Sir SXrasCRIBERs' VAMtt* Mitchell Capt. 50th Regt. M'Kinley Mr John Rimmoff Mason Capt. Do. M'Kinley Miss, Colliers-hall MolesworthCapt.R.A. BuncranaM'Kinley Mr John Rasharkeu Moore S. Esq. B.cree M'Kinley Mr P. do, Moore Lt. 71st Regt. C.trumin M'Kinley Miss, Straid Moore Vf, Esq, Moorelodge Mooney Mr. P., Banside Miller J. esq. Rosslodge Martin Mr. W. join. Islandhoe Magowan Rev W. P.norris M'Coy Miss Jane Domain M'Kee Rev. David, Anaghlone M'Mullan Mrs Ballintoy Magee Wm., esq., Lodge M'Mullan Mrs Wm. do. Magee S. esq. Belfast M'Mulkn Mrs Callhome Magee Charles esq. Banbridge Miller J. E. M. D. Deny Murphy Rev. J. I.magee M'Cormick Mr. J. Coolkeney Mulholland J. esq. London M'Cormick Mr R« T:billy M'Culloch Capt A. Bangor M'Corrrick Mr P. Loughgilf MClelland Mr A. B.bridge M'Cune Mr W. D.patrick. M'Comb Mr A. Dundalk. M'Collum Mr J. Do, Ma^rath Mr P. Do* M^Minn Alex. esq. D.adee M'Creedy A. esq. B.roney M* Master Mr A, Charlemont M'Afee Mr J. Aughadoey M'Clean S. esq. Belfast M'Clean W. Surgeon, D.gannonM'Inteer Mr E. Do. M'Conaghy Mr D. B.moy M'Gennis Rev* J. Newry Malcolmson J. Surgeon. B.bridgeM'Culloch Mr B. Kilkeel Morrison Mr W. Dunseveric Murphy Mr R. Do. Morrison Mrs, Courselodge Morrison Dr. Newry M'llroy Dr. Dungannen Mason Miss, D.crombie M'Dowell Mr J. Newry M'Kinley Miss B., Ballinlea M'Kinley Mr George, do. M'Kinley Mr J. Ballymoy M'Kinley Mr. Wm. do. M'Kinley Mr Archd. do. M'Kinley Miss, Armagh M'Kinley Mr John Conagher M'Kinley Miss L. Belfast Magogan Mr J., Capecastle Murphy Mr A., Lurgan Marmion Mr. A., Kilkeel M'Keown Mr J., Infantlodge M'Clelland A., Surgeon, T.agee Murray Mr J. Moy Murray Mr Alex. Annoy Munay Miss, Down Murray Dr., Belfast Magee Mr. John, Belfast Magee Mr James Lurgan Miller Mr D. Burnside Moreison, Mr T Crookedstone SVBSCRIBERS KAMfcS. XV M'llwrath Mr D. Dungonnell M'Dougall Mr T. White-house Molyneaux Mr A. B.harvey M'Bride Miss, Wholestone Murpliy Dr Larne M'Kee J. A.M. Carncastle M'Dowell Miss, Ballyligg Mackay A. esq. Belfast Moore Roger esq, Whitehouse M'Cann Miss E. Belfast M'Adam Mr J. Do. M'Nair Mr Thomas, Belfast M*Nair Mr John, P. burn M'Nair Miss, Donaghadee Matthews- Mr Rr. Belfast Matthews Dr. Cloughmills Matthews, Mr Jhs. Stranocum Matthews Mr James, Dundalk M'Cune Miss, Belfast Mitchell Mr J. Ballymacarrett MiUigan Mr J. Belfast Mulholland Mr C. Belfast Mulholland Mr J. C. mount M'Culloch Mr Thos. Belfast M'Cully Mr R., Newtownards M'Cully Mr W. Cookstown. M'Kittrick Dr. Bangor M'Auly J. W. esq^Glenoak M'llveen S. Surgeon, H.wood M'llroy Mr George, Belfast M'Cormick Mr R. do. M'Kinzie J. esq., do». M'Evoy Mr J. do M'Creedy Mr do* Magoveney Dr. de. M'llheran Miss, Bally alton M'Nown Mr Jas. B. count Maglenon Miss, L.mooney Moore Mr J. Ballywaren Martin Mr. S. T.money M'Knight Mr R., C.aville McAllister Mr S., B.castie M'Keever Miss, do Miller Miss, do Miller Miss C, do Miller Mr C, Antrim Mackay Miss, B.gailach M'IntyKe Mr R.L. Deny Mitchell Mr J. C.Howard M'Munn Mr R.A. L.kenny Moore Mr R. Do. M'Elhinney Miss, Maghremore M'Clure Geo. Surg. R.N. N.ardsM'Ginley, Miss C. Carncraggy Moore Mr J. B.sallagh Moore Mr J. B.groaney Moore Mr Hugh Bangor M' Bride Miss, Grenshaw Macartney Mr George, do. M< Carrel Mr C. Bangor M'Gowan Mr H. B.holm M'Cracken Mr R. Dunover Moffet Mr R. Cultra Miller Mr G. L. Glastry Mitchell Rev. J. Dungiven M'Dugall Mr C. Bo. Moore Mr T. Do. M'llvar Dr. Dungiveu Moodie Mr A. Farlow M'Keever Mr T. R.O. Kilrea May Mr W. Coolmore M'Kinny, Mr J. M.grand Mann Mr P. Cloughwater Moore Mr T, B.mena XVI SiJESCR M'Clurkan Mr J. Belfast Marshall J. Esq. Dunadry Murray Mr II. S. Craigbilly M'Millen Mr J. Browndodd Marshall Mr W. Belfast M'Donnell J. Surgeon, Do. M'Crum S. esq. Do. M'Lenahan Mr \V. Do. Moore Mr W. Larne M'Henry Mr J. Larne M'Dowell Mr A. B.carry M'Skimin Mr S. C.fergus jM'Cammon Mr A. Do. i Munfoad Mr J. W. abbey M'Afee Mr D. Do. Major J. esq Duneybruer Magill Mr M. Ballaly M'Bride Mr W. Clady M'Bride Mr S. MoneyVian M"Comb Mrs. Lisbum M'Cornb Mr W. Whitebouse Manning Mr W. Belfast M Caw Mr Daniel, Straid Mulligan Miss, Derrylough M'Ninch Miss, Dunseveiic M'Murry Mr J. Mountnorris - M'Kee Mr Francis, do. M*Gown Rev, IWm., do. M' Gown Mr John, do. Moore Mr J. Kilraghts Moore Mr L. B.bullion Moore Mr J. Do. M'Clune Mr J. Belfast M'Kee Miss, Dungannon M-Kittrick Mr O. Dundalk M-Kittrick Dr. Loughgall M'Kittrick Mr J. Charlemcnt IBERS NANTES. M'Cormick Mr T. Katesbridge Mulligan Rev. J. L,sligan M-Main Mr V/m. do. M' Curdy Mr A. Desart M'Curdy Mr R. do. M'Curdy Mr James, Cavan M'Curdy J. esq., Migiligan M'Nally Rev. P. Loughgill / M'Nally Mr J. Mount-Druid M'Cunn 3^1 r J., D.minning Murphey Miss, Crana MGown Miss, Outil MCalden Rev. A., Coleraine Macilwain J. M. D. do. M'Kee Mrs. do." MNearry Miss do. Mitchell Mr A. do. Moore Mr D. Lisnagat Major S. esq. T.brisland Major Miss, Criggan M'Clintock W. esq. Derry Moore Rev. "William do. Moore William esq. do. M'lver Mr B. Downpatrick M'llwain Mi\ J. Ballymena M'Kenzie Mr W. Coleraine M Kenzie Mr. Jas. do. M'Ghie Mr J. F. Ballyalton ; M'llwain Rev. J. do. M' Knight Miss, Greenfield I M'Connell Mr J, Kiikeel M'Greavy Rev. Jo dp. 2 M'Neeiy Miss, Giassdrummond M'Kibbin Mrs. Analong Mofret Rev J. Tullamore M'Mailan Mr O. Castlewellan M-Mulian Mr P> do. Murray Mrs. W, Moore Miss, Moorelodge Marshall Mrs., Caledon M'Kean Mr. R., Armagh M'Kean Mr H. do. M'Kew R. esq., do. M' Williams W. esq., do. M 'Williams Mr W. junr., do. M'Kinstry R. esq. do. M'llree Mrs T., Lodge Maywood Miss, Cross-keys Mackay J. esq. jun. Armagh Mackay H. esq., Knockmore MKenzie Mr A., Dunover M'Kinney Mr. T. Ballyvesey SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Dungannon M Key Rev. X, Anaghlone M'Coy Mr D., Gartconey Mllherran Mr N., do. M'llheran Mr A., Ballymena M'lvickar Mr A., do. Moor Rev. D., Markethill 2 Moore Mrs, Glenville M'Kinney Mr. X, CarinafF M'Aferson Mr C, Carinmoan M' Curdy Mr E., Kerracroon M* Arthur Mr G., C.dawson Mac Loskie Mr P., Bellaghy Mullan Mr X, Dungannon M'Nown Mr X, Bishopscourt M'Clenehan Miss E., R.friland Mathewson Mr X, Letterkenny Murphy Mr J., Moarget M'Connell J. esq., Belfast Mains Miss, do. Mains Miss, Tanderagee Mooney Mr X. Belfast M'Connell Mr S., do. Macartney Mr B. W., do. M'Master Mr C. Armagh M-Kenna Rev. J., do. M'Geough W. esq., Dramville M'Geough Dr., Moneymore M'Cormick X esq., C.town M'Cormick Mr J. Tallykeel M'Kenzie Mr X Dunseveric M ; Kenzie Mr N., do. M'Kee Rev. T. Castlewellan M'Veay Mr X, do. Mackay Mr J. Bryansford M'Henry Mrs., Belfast M'Henry Mr D., do. Miller Mr X, do. M' Do well Miss, Springfield M'Conaghy Mrs. B., Carincark M'Farland Mr. J. Billy M'Farland Mr W.X, Aghadoey M'AfTee Dr., Currasheskan M'Mullan Mr P., B. money M'Kage Miss M.A., do M'Creary Mr J., Doagh Madden Mr W., Killrea Madden Rev. B., Toome M'Master Dr., Antrim M-Bride Mr J., Ballyclare M'Cauley Mr J., Loughgili M'Coy Mr X, Castle domain M'Mullan Rev. W., Killmegan Morris F.A. esq., Wood Cottage M'Gregor, Mr D., Coleraine n M'Erlane Mr E., P.glenone Neilson Rev. W. D.D. M.R.Li., M'Clean Mr W., Ballymoney Belfast XVUi SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Nugent A. esq., Portaferry O'Neill Rev. P. Ballycastle Netterville Miss Dunshaughlin O'Neill J. Surgeon Cookstewn Nevin W. M.D., Down Kevin Mr J., Ballyajion Nevin Miss, Caruaff Newburgh Mrs., Deny Norris Miss, Cloeyimn Norris Miss M., do. Newell Mrs,, Rathfriland Newell Mr T\, B.clenden Nimmock Mr J., Colerain Newell Mr W., Dungannon Neilson J.A. M D., Dundalk Nelson Mr Vv r ., N.ards Neilson Dr., do. Nelson Mr T., Islandmagee Nelson Mr J., Larne Nelson Mr R., Cfergus Nicholson Mr R.,Kilkeel Nichols Major, 72d Regiment Nicholson H. esq., Derry , Ncttsam Miss, Maghera Newcomen L. esq., Rockville Tul- O' Connor A. esq., Belfast O'Shaughnessy Mr J., Dundalk O'Farrel Mr P., Newry O'Mullan Mr D., Drumagee O'Hare Rev. T., Newry O'Neill Mrs., Ahoghill O'Flinn Mr D., Tullymore O'Reilly W.P. esq., D.adee 2 Orr Mrs J., Belfast, Orr Mr. W., Ballywalter Orr Dr., Kircubbin Orr Miss, Drurafad Orr Dr., Greyabbey Orr Mr W. r Belfast Orr Mr W., Bally money Orr A. esq., Keeley O'Hara Miss Rock vale O'Hara A, esq., Crebilly O'Hara H. esq., Ballymena Oulton Rev. C. Coldou O'Cain Mr F., Kilcubei* O'Raw W. Surgeon Belfast O' Raw Mr F., Ballymena, O' Dougherty Mr J., Derry O'Neill Hon. John M. P. lymore Lodge O'Hanlon Counsellor W.point Osborne N. esq, Silverwood Ogilvie W. esq , Ardglass castle p Ogilby W. esq., Garva Olpherts Mrs. Armagh Oliver J. esq., do. Oldfield Rev. J., Lurgan O'Neill Lieut. 85d Regt. Owens H. esq., Strabane Owens J. esq., Wholestone Owens J. esq., Tildarg Over en Miss, W. Point Phelps S. esq., Limerick Prentice J. esq., Newry Persse D. esq. Rathmullen Pike J. esq., Woodmount Page W. esq., Dundalk Pax ton W. esq., Rathfriland Parkinson S. esq., Down Perry Mr S. Ballymoney PkknoJl Cap:., Edencottage SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Pries Mr J., Baliinlay P rice Mr J. jun„ do.. Price Miss, do. Price Lieut. R.N., Buncrana Peacock Miss Cuppidale, Peacock Capt., Glenbank Phelps Mr J. Mbyallen, Penny Mr J., Bally mena Pringle Miss, Downpatrlck Patterson Miss Qracefield Patterson W. esq,, do. Pursse Mr H., Ballybrick Peebles & Kinley, D.gannon Z Peebles Mr H. .Belfast Patteson Miss, Cookstown Patterson J. esq., Bally are Park Mr J., Haw Porter Mr H.," Monesland Puxley Miss M. A., Rathfriland Pax ton Miss Aughnacloy Prentice Mrs. A*, Armagh Preston Miss Derry Pusefoy Miss, do. Parker Mr S., Jennyford Palmer Mr W., Belfast Purcell Mr F., N.Limivady Patterson Rev. E., Ramelton Patterson Mr A., do. Porter Rev. R. L., Portnorris Pagh Miss, C. Shanaghan Peoples Mr. X, Letterkenny Park Mr \V., Deny Plunket Rev. T., N.L.vady Phillips Mr 1 J., Dunadery Patterson Mr S., D.patrick, Peebles M r J., JLisclamerty Philson Mr S., Dromardagh Porter Mr E., Belfast* Pollock Mr. J., Eankershill Pollock Mr G. } Hollywood Philson A. esq., Down Patterson T. esq., Grayabbey Patterson Mr G., do Perry Mr R., Ballyclamper Potts Miss, Cappy Pomeroy N. C. esq., Sylvan Vale . Q Quin Mr P., Newry Quail Miss Tobermoney , Quail Mr T., do. Quin Rev. J., Coleraine Quigg Mr B., do. R Ruxton J. F. esq., Ardee Rankin D. esq., Heath field Rice T. esq., Coleraine Rice T. esq., jun., do. Rice Mr N., Dundalk Rice Mr R., Bally clare Ramsey J. esq., Belfast- Ramsey Miss. Cookstown Ramsf$ !!■: II., Kilbride Eussel Mr J., Croagh Rentol A. M.D. M. Cunningham Rooney Mr P., Dundalk Raphael Mr A., Gilgorm Ralston Miss, Glenstall Ralston Mr G., do. Rankin Miss, B.wiilan Perry Mr A., do. Patten A. Surgeon, Tanderagee Ptamadge Mr A., Finvoy Patterson A. esq., Mason lotfge Ritchy Miss, Yew-park XX SUBSCRIBERS Rowan Mr J., Doagh Rainey Mrs J. P.glenone Rea C. esq., Rathmulhn, 2 Robinson Mr H., Glenwhirry Ray Mr J., Ballydonnelly Robinson Mr R., Dervock Ryan Rev. A. H., Armagh Reilly Mr J., Blackwatertown Rux Mr D., do. Rea Mr T., Islandreagh Reford C. esq., Antrim ReidMr J., Belfast Rowan Mr R., do. Redfern Mr J. do. Russell Mrs. Ballylesson Robinson Mr T. Ballyclamper Russell Mr J., Belfast Rea Mrs., do. Russell Mrs., Ballygraney Richardson J. esq., Lisburn Richardson N. esq., do. KAMES. Ross Surgeon B., 50th Regt. Ross Mr H., Belfast Ross Mr R., Doagh Ross Dr. Ballymena Reford Mr J., Belfast Robinson Rev. W. N.T.limivady Reid J. esq., Derry Rutledge F. esq., Clady s Stuart Hon. Mrs, Palace, Armagh Stuart Hon. Mrs A., Woodmount Sewart Colonel, Killymoon Stuart J. esq., Grace hill Stuart Mr R., Ballycastle Stuart Mr A., do. Stuart Mr W., Ballintoy Stuart Miss, do. Stuart Miss E., do. Stuart Miss, Ballintoy demesne Stuart Mr J., Kilmahamack Stuart Mr J., Belfast Richardson Miss J., Cookstown Stuart Mr W., do. Riddle Mr J., Belfast Stuart Miss, Carrickfergus Rankin Mr H. J , B.graney Stuart Rev. C. M., Rockneld Rodgers W. A., En. 44th B.fast Stuart Miss, Kilgren Robinson Mr J., Banbridge Stuart Miss E., do. t Robinson Mrs T., Maghera Reid, Mr T„ Ballygallum Read Miss, Belfast Redmond Miss, Tullamore Reid R. esq., Whitehouse Rowan Dr. Moneyslan Rankin Mr M., N.T.ards Reynolds Mrs. Ballymoney Ross Mrs, Farmhill Ross Miss J., Islandmore Ross Mr J., Ballymoney Stuart Mr W., Islamore Stuart Mr J., Strabane Stuart Rev. H., Derry Stuart Mr B., Ballymoney Stuart Major 30th Regt. Lisburc Stuart Mrs., do Stuart Mr T., Ballylig Stuart Doctor Lisburn Stuart Rev. J., Dungannon Stuart Rev. A. G., Glebe Stuart Miss Dromavooley SUBSCRIBERS NA3HES* Stewart Mr J., Ballygabey Stewart Mr J., Ballyhenwar Stewart A. esq., Belfast Stuart Mr J., Landhead Stuart Miss, Dromreagtt- Stuart J. esq., Newry Stuart Mr J. r Seaport' Stuart Mrs. C. Gardenvale Stuart Mr W., do. Stuart Mr J,, Lochabin Stuart Mr M., Carnrigg Stevens — esq , Armagh Simpson — esq., do. Simpson Mr W., Larne Sinnett Mrs., do. Sulleman Mr J., Templecorraii Savage Rev. J. Farmhill Simpson Mr P., Belfast Smyth Mr J., do. 12 Copies Stevenson Mrs. W., Springfield Stevenson J. esq., Belfast Sinclaire Mrs J., do Searson Mr H., do. Strong C, esq. , Anna's cottage Steen Mr J.. Belfast Sinclaire Mrs W., do] Staples Rev J Molesworth LissanSpence Mr T., Belfast A.I. Savage F. esq., Holly mount Smyth Miss R., Lisburn Savage Mr ■ W., Ballyhornan Shepherd Mr J., Hyde park Sands, S. C, F.T.C., Dublin Smyth Miss Anna's Grove Sharman YV. esq., Warringstown Sterling Mrs Belfast Steen Mr A., Clady Shegog Mr R., do, Stevenson Mr S., Killydonnelly Service Mr J., do. Smyth Miss, Brookfield Suffern Mr G., do Smith J. Surgeon R.N., R.mullenShaw Mr J. jun., do, Scott J. esq., Ballyare Scott N. esq., Rathmelton Stevenson JVIrs Viewport Seott Mr. J., Letterkenny Squire Mrs, M.Cunningham Swan Mr. H., Banbrook Simonton Mr R., do, SandfordMr J., do. Seed Mr T.. do. Sharp Miss, Ballyligg Smyth Miss, Bally narris Sharp Miss, Toberbilly Sober Cornet, 14thLt. D.goons Steele Miss, Bellaghy Sampson Rev. G. V., Glenullen Shiels H. esq., Castledawson Sampson G. esq., Ballycastle Scott G. esq., Armagh Story Mr J., Islandlodge Sherlock Miss> Dunadery Sheriff Miss, Carncastle Shaw Mr. J., A. M., do. Service Mr W^ Ballyligg Stevenson Mrs., Glynn Simpson Mr J., Lislea Stevenson Mr R., Armagh Steele Miss, Banbridge Steele Miss H., do. Seed Miss Ballyculter Smart Mr W., Charlemount xxii subscribers' navvies. Shaw T. esq., Grange Lodge Steele Miss Ardbin Shaw Miss Dewhili Simpson J. esq., Dungannon Simmons Mr R. jun., do. Sinclair Mr J., Ballinastraid Shaw E. esq., Castlecaulfield Shaw Mrs do Schoales Miss Faghan Schoales J. esq., Deny Sergeantson, Ensign 50th Regt. Skip ton Miss, Beech-hill Sproull Miss Ramelton Sproull Mr S., do. Stieglitz Mr H. L., Cookstown Scally Miss, Ballintoy Sinclair Mr J., Moneymore Starrat Mrs Dr., Dombragey Shannon Dr. Magherafelt Soden Miss Maghera Sinclair Mr A. do. Smith Lieut. 44th Regt. Shaw Mr G., Lurgan Shaw J. esq., do. Spence Mr T., Newry Spence Miss dc. Simpkin Mr H. Coleraine Simms Rev. J., Moarget Smyth Mrs, Balinacree Siubbs Rev. J. H., Dundalk Sanson Mr G., Belfast Skilling Mr T., Ballyskeagh Smyth Mrs J., Lisburn ShawR. M.D., Kircubbin Sloan Mr J. C, Donaghadee Strickland Mr J., Bangor Seed Mr W. jun., Belfast Scobie Miss Gl entask Scobie Miss, Park Scott Major, WilLboro Scott C. esq., do. Swan Mr W. Coleraine Swan Miss Gilgorm Swain Lieut. 50th Regt. Smyth Mr. A , Carrickmacross Stott T. esq., Dromore Stratton J. esq., Dundalk Sloan Rev. S. H. Hollywood Smyth Mr J., Moneygannon Steele Miss, Bryansford Smyth Rev. J., Kilmeggan Short Rev, J., Strangford Shaw J. esq., Portaferry Stitt P»Iiss Dunsford Stilt Mr J. jun., do. Swail Miss, Bishopscourt Stockdale Mr J., Cargagh^ Smyth M. H. M.D., Down Scott J. esq., Rathfriland Smith Mr J., Carnbower Smyth Mr J , Belfast Smith Mrs Rockfort Cottage Stevenson esq., Drumcovet Stoney Mr. J., Tanderagee Stennett Rev. B., Dublin T Trail Rev. Archdeacon, Lisburn Trail Rev. R., Mountdruid Tighe Rev. T , Drumgooland Trail W. esq. M-D. Ballylougb Tennent W. esq., Belfast Tennent S. esq., do. Tennent R. esq. Telfair R. sen. esq., do. Thomson R. esq., G.woodpark Thomson T. jun., Cfergus Thomson Mr. B. Springhill Thomson Mr H., Newry Turner E. esq., do. Thomson Dr., Ballymoney Thomson Mr J., do. Thomson Mr A., Greenshiels Taylor Mr. W., Aird Thomson R. esq., Newry Thomson Mr J., Newry Townley Mr E., Dandalk Thomson Rev. S., Clough Trew Mr T., Mountnorris Trew Capt. do. Turton J. M.D., tlo. Tyler H. H. M.D., N.L.vady Thomson Mrs, Pluck Thomson Mr H., Dungiven Tomb MrJ, Kilrea Tomb Mr D., Rathsharkin Thomson Mr J., Bally clough Thomson Mr J., Seaport Todd Miss, Lisconan Todd W T. esq., Buncrana Todd Mrs, Cappy Taylor Mr J., Balinamoney Taylor A. esq., Ballymena Tate Miss M undo ugh Thomson Mr R., Gilford Todd Miss, Priestland Tyrrel G., esq., Banbridge Turner J. esq. Dungannon Twigg Rev. T. Roan Twigg S. esq., do. Turkington Mr. J., Lurgan Turtle Miss Aughagallon Thomson Miss, Lurgan Thomson Dr., Belfast SUBSCRIBERS NAMES, XXI Thomson Mr C, do. Thorpe Mr J., Dunbo ] u Uprichard J. esq., Banvale Urey Miss, Anaghlone Underwood J. esq., Buncrana Verner Col. Churchhill Vaughan Miss A., Villa Vaughan Mr T., Belfast Vance Mr W., do. Vance Mr R., Dungannon Vance T. esq., Beechmount Villars Mr M., Belfast Villars Mr W., Saul Vint Mr W., Belfast w Wray G. A. esq. Crimore Wray J. esq., Bentfield Wray Mrs. Rostrevor White J. esq., Whitehall White Miss, Benvardin Watson Mr J., Ballymena Wilson Miss, Ballycastle Waibliner Miss Gracehill Wright Mr J., Downs Wynne Mr J., Lislea Williamson Mr T., Belfast Wilson Mr J., Tullybann Wakefield T. C.esq., Moyallen Whaley Mr C Tanderagee Waugh Mr D., Banbridge Waugh Miss, W.hill Warren G. esq., Killagan Williams Mr J., Grange Wilson Rev. J., Lecompher Weir Miss, Tamnaghmore 10 XXIV SUBSCRIBERS NAME?, Wilsoii Miss J., Grange Ware Miss, dc. Watts Mr S., Lurgan Wright Mrs., do. Waring Rev. H., Warringstown Whyte Rev. D. r Bailee Wilkinson Mr A., Newry Waterson H. esq., Belfast Wallace R. esq., Newry Woods Lieutenant, Falls Warden Miss Coleraine Wilson Mr W., Bel test Wallace Mrs Carncark Walsh G. Surgeon Baliycastle- Wallace Mr T., Rinrnion Walsh Rev L., Manooth W T ilson Mr J., Ballinacree Workman Mr J., Belfast Woods Surgeon Newry Waugh Mr I., do. Winter Mr J. Dundalk Watson Mr J., do. Walmsley Mr J., Mourne Wallace Mr J. Newtonards Wamsley Miss, Mulertown Wallace Mr J., do. Wemyss Major 50th Regt. White Mr T., Bangor Wilson Mrs Killeague Walker J. M.D., Ballymoney Wilson J. esq,, Drumcroon Walker Lt. R. African rangers Woore T. esq., Derry White Mr J., Bally holm Wallace Miss, Karnaveeny Woods Rev. H., Wocdville Watt J. esq., Rathmelton Wightman Miss, Crawfordsbuni Watt Miss, Clara Wilson J. M.D., Bangor Wallen A. esq., Drumbo Cottage Waugh Mr W., Donaghadee Watson Mr J., Freehall Wilde Rev. R., Armoy Wilson R. esq., Dervock Wallace H. esq. Down Wilson Rev. F., Daisyhill Wills Mr R. Ballyvigas. Wauhope Rev. W. ? Ballymena White J. E. esq. Strangford White Mr N., Antrim White Rev. J., Banhill Wilson Mr D., Dungonnell Wright Mr W. Ballywarren Williamson Mr H., F. manstownWilson Mr J., Ardbim Wallace Rev. W., Ballysavage Weir Mr M., Belfast Wilson Miss, Ttfdarg Weir Mr R., do Wilson Mr W. D., Duuamoy y Wilson Mr W., Rathshee Young Mr N. Coleraine Wilson Mr H. G., do. Young Mr H., Belfast Wilson Mr W. P., Islandmagee Young Mr X, Cookstown Watts Mr J., Gfergus Young Dr. do. Wilson Mr A., do. Young Dr., Ballymoney - Wilson W. esq., Belfast Young Dr. Ballymena TO SUBSCRIBERS, Owing to unforeseen circumstances, the publication of this Volume has been retarded longer than the author expected ; yet still a number of signatures were obtained too late to be inserted in their proper places. In the arrangement of the names alpha' betically, a few inaccuracies unvoidaabhi occurred : the names thus omitted, are also inserted below* a Caldwell Mr J. Ballymoney Aljeo Mr J., Belfast Allen Miss, Dunover Allen Mr J. Ballywalter Armour Mr S., Belfast Adair Mr H., Ballyvernon Agnew Mr J., Groomsport B Boyd H. esq. Newry Boyd Mr W., Grenshaw Boyd Mr R„ Carneyhill Barcroft Miss, Lisburn Brown M>\ J., Bangor Badcock Capt. 14th Dragoons Bell W. J. M.D, Magherafelt Bell Miss, Ballyatwood Byers Miss, Ballyboley Byers Mr R., do, Bangor Reading Society Boden Mr H. Hollywood Blackney Dr., Donaghadee c Casement G., esq., Larne Casement H. esq., Belfast Cummins esq., Armagh Cochran Mr W. Articlave Crai^Mrs., Tildarg Carew Mr J., Loughgill Corcoran MrW., C.Fergus D Dunkin Rer. D. Ballyagrm Dick Mr. S. Ballymoney Dunlop Miss, Coleraine Donnelly Mr J., Portrush £ Eccleson Mr H., Carrickfergus p Fea Rev. J. W., Belfast Freeman Mr P., Tullymore Forrester Mr J., Doagh Fleming Mr T. Strabane 6 Gallagher Miss Ballygallagh Glass Mr A., Glenside Garland Mr J„ Belfast Glen Mr X, Carrareagh Gillchrist Mr H. Sheepland Gillchrist Mr T. jun., Ballydoch Gillen Mr R., Ballintoy demesne H Henderson Mr J. jun. Belfast Hanley R. , esq., Carrickfergus Hill Mrs. Templeastragh xxvi subscribers' names. Hunter Mr H. Ganaby , M'Master Mr J., Calhome Ireland Miss, Falls Ireland Mr R, Belfast Ireland Mr J., do, j Johnston Mrs W. Belfast K King M. esq , Dungiven Keenan Mr J. C, Belfast King Dr., Moy King Mr W., Trimra King Mr L., Castlewellan Kirk Miss, Anaghlone Kirk Mr W., Belfast Kennedy Mr J., Belfast Kennedy Mr J., Blushhall Kidd A. esq., Armagh Killen Rev. W., Doran's rock Klophel Mr W. B-master Derry Kerr Mr W., Clough Water Kennedy M. esq., Orrneau Kean Mr D., Rathfriland Kean A, esq., A.valaugh Kirkpatrick Mr W., Drumons L Leckey Mr A, K.L.vady M'Cullough Mr W., Lurgan Mills Mr S. W., Belfast Kelson J. C. esq., CharlemontS Kelson Mr J., Bally willan Keill Mr J., Ballymoney o Ogle W. esq. Kewry Ogle J. esq., do. Ogle F. esq., do. O'Sheill W. esq. MagiHigaa p Park Rev. R. A. M., B.money Quin Mr. J., Q Belfast Sloan Mr J. E., Belfast Smyth Miss Ardmore Sharp Mr R, Capcastle Sharp Mr A., Drumahhk X Toole Mr W., Belfast Thomson R. H. esq., Mourne Templeton Rev. S* A.M., Finvoy w Wells Mr A. Cavan Wright Mr T., Culbrim White Mr J., Macfinn Martin Rev. A., Bellinagore Mac Mullan Mr. S. W. Belfast Waller A. Esq FerestfieW. Moore Dr., Ballymoney ARGUMENT- Invocation of the Genius of Erin — of the Muses— Giant's Cause- way — Question whence it originated — Vicissitude and annihila- tion general through nature, according to the Newtonian hypo- thesis — View of the distant landscape from Aura mountains— Lissanore castle— Address to Eustace — Knocklaid, Bengore, Pleaskin— Morning — Legend of Ben-an-danan — Odin — The giants changed to stone — Traditions, general and hereditary- — Druids — Effects of superstition more potent, among the vulgar, than the power of revealed religion — Ignis fatuus — Wizards- Fames — Banshees — Shanescastle — Temple- astragh — Fata Mor- gana — Effect of the mermaids' music on the enchanted island- Instinct of fish and sea-fowl — Margy — Dunluce— Benmore— Carrick-a-rede — Dunseveric — Hospitality of the inhabitants of the county of Antrim — Progress of their civilization and im- provement — Renovation essential to preserve the existence of the universe — Renovation eternal — Conclusion* POETIC SKETCHES, Sec. INSCRIBED TO JAMES M f DONNELL, ESQ., M.-D. BELFAST. Genius of Erin ! in my natal clime, Where Drummond's harp awoke to strains sublime, Awake once more ! the magic note prolong, And guide the mazes of descriptive song. O lead, enchantress ! where the muse pervades, By caves and cliffs, by moles and colonnades ; Or borne where ocean's bilftfws darkly roll, When whirlwinds roar, and tempests rend the pole- Pent in wild glen, or on the hill of storm, Still let me hail thy bland celestial form ! Hail, Dalriada, to my soul most deaf, Thou grand romantic region of the sphere ! 3 NOETIC SKETCHES O^ While here, amid thy scenes grotesque and wild, He wends, the Muses' lonely artless child, (Where rocky labyrinths, stupendous steeps, Embattled capes, dark frowning o'er the deeps — Basaltic battlements, and proud arcades, Impending cliffs, and storied colonnades — Where surge-scoop'd antres, thunder-splinter'd spires^ " With all the wonders of volcanic flres," Tramed in the great omnigenous design, Rise at that fiat, O Omnipotent! of thine — ) Descend, seraphic daughters, from on high I O leave your bright pavilion in the sky ! This wonderous fane of nature ye have trod — Now bring again afflatus back from God ; O let that energy to him be given, That flash electric from the fire of heaven ! O thou, whose deep researches can explore Each various stratum of the mineral ore ! Has fiery earthquake, bursting from its spasm, Conflicting upwards, oped the dreadful chasm? In fierce volcano from the centre thrown The lava that produced the pillared stone? Did plastic nature, in the flood of flame, Each hexagon, concave, and convex, frame ? Then, did refrigeration s gelid power Freeze the dense column, pyramid and tower ? THE GIANTS' CAUSEWAY, &C. Now, while thy philosophic eyes expand Through air, through ocean, and the solid land. Let superstition hold its error still — Behold the wonders of creative skill ! Where worlds unnumbered in their orbits wheel. That each attraction or repulsion feel, Their emanations shouldst thou not perceive, Instinctive reason teaches to believe : Then go, like Newton roam the viewless sphere*. And span the starry-girdled hemispheres ; See what immensities of magnitude Plunge in the vortex of vicissitude ! , The grand progression shall be thine to rate. That hastens nature to her final fate ; Until nonentity expand her womb, And vast creation in the void entomb. Ye, who have felt that glow of living flame Whose wing transports through nature's boundless frame, Shoot from above, like halo of the levin, To waft the stayless mind through earth and heaven- Say what creative beauties then arise, Ye favoured few who paint their energies ! Imagination, spread thy airy wing ! Bid glowing Fancy mount, and sky-ward spring ; 10 POETIC SKETCHES OF While the rapt Muse, from Aura's purpled height, Beholds the landscape robed in living light. Here, Lissanore, she hails thy lordly towers, Thy winding vistas and thy rosy bowers ; Thy gardens gemmed with flowers of every die, Where wandering zephyrs breathe their softest sigh ; Thy woodlands, mantled in unfading green ; Blue in the vale thy lake of silver sheen; Where teems young Spring primeval Eden round, And wakes to life and rapture sight and sound ; W T here Summer comes, in fairer blooms arrayed, And brighter beauties, to thine honoured shade; Where fruitful autumn, wreathed with golden grain, Spreads rich luxuriance o'er thy wide domain : Even stormy Winter, brightening through his glooms, Averts his frown from thy perennial blooms. All hail, Macartney ! deign to hear the strains, Thou fair ascendant of these woods and plains ; Within thy halls of hospitable state, O emulate thy predecessor great ! And may thy virtues ray those beams divine, That lit his soul, from wisdom's holy shrine, Whose deeds illustrious, and immortal fame, Devolve on thee, and dignify thy name. Tar from thy " hill of caves," through liquid air, Say, Eustace, have thy visions wandered there? THE GIANTS' CAUSEWAY, &C. 11 Or has thy muse to Danan's cliffs been borne, When burst the gates of summer's golden morn,— When, on the concave of pellucid blue, The god of day his chariot rolls in view ? O'er earth and air, and o'er the watry way, , Beam shoots on beam interminable day, As if the cloudless glories of the sky, Now all unveiled before each mortal eye, Had to the circlet of the welkin given The dazzling regions of expanded Heaven : Where dark Knocklaid rears high his cloudy crest*. Where Bengore bares his diamond-studded breast, Or where, embossed with many a burnished gem, Pleaskin wears his flaming diadem ? There has the king of smiles looked down from noon, To light thy muse through Neptune's grand saloon, Where sea-nymphs wait to waft the fairy hours, To guide the wanderer through their coral bowers; Where thousand gems, from each translucent cave> Ray the cerulean mirror of the wave. Shall her erratick wing emerge again, And bring thy wond'rous day-dream of the main ? Look from these capes, when o'er dark ocean's bedj The sable queen has all her horrors spread : What beams break forth, what lambent lights illume, When bursts the winter storm on midnight's gloom ! 12 POETIC SKETCHES OF When scarce a gleam the billows' path has told, Or round the storm-tost bark is faintly rolled. Save when the lightning shoots its fitful glare, To brush the dreadful visage of Despair — Where, far at sea, o'er liquid mountains driven, That swell infuriate in the scowl of Heaven, The hapless seaman climbs the straining shroud, Above the bolt that vollies in the cloud. Amid the shock of elemental strife, He breathes farewell to all he loved in life: To bless his widowed wife and orphans dear, He wings a prayer beyond the storm's career :— u O were I cast upon some friendly strand, Kear to the precincts of my native land \ I sleep in death, beneath the yawning wave,— Have mercy, Heaven, and e'er I perish, save I" Hard on his bosom beats the frost-barb'd sleet, The foamy spray is dashing round his feet ; — - When lo ! in mercy's garb, along the deep, The angel, Hope, comes from the breeze-swept steep. Illumes his soul with all her radiant forms, To brave the might of congregated storms. As veers his bark, he views the cliffs from far, And owns the guidance of each beacon star ; Turns to the friendly gleam his shattered prore, And hails the rock-bound monarchs of the shore* THE GIANTS' CAUSEWAY. 13 Thus, Danan ! still prevailing legends say, When Scandinavians forced resistless way, Launched from the stormy billows of their coast, And scaled thy steeps, a dark-browed warlike host, Then Finnian squadrons on thy mount stood forth, Against those giant-sorcerers of the north ; Then hosts with hosts in dreadful combat close, And Fion's steel bursts on his mail-clad foes ; Rushed the red torrents in impetuous flood, And died thy hoary cliffs in hostile blood. Triumphant still the sun-burst banners fly — Each shock of Erin's steel was charged with victory I — Till Odin rose : — the God's tremendous form Shook heaven and earth with dire terrific storm ; On roaring whirlwinds, red-winged lightnings hiss 5 His thunders volley through the vast abyss : Then magic's loudest tempest rocked the world, Broke on thy mount, and hell's enchantments hurled^ Then whirled each spell-bound blast with whelming sweep, — Bore kings and hosts and heroes to the deep ; And swept whole cohorts, in their serried might, Far, far below thy altitude of height. Transformed to stone, behold each warrior brave> The guardian champion of his cliff and cave, Bound in the rocky fabric doomed to dwell, Till Heaven shall break the adamantine spell. 14 POETIC SKETCHES OF Idols of hell, in superstitions mailed, How have your rites o'er every land prevailed ! What faithless legends, beldames, have ye told. To wake the lemures on the midnight wold ! What formless phantoms yet beset the path, By dreary desert, or by mountain rath, Where sleeps the mighty dead beneath his cairn, Curtained with blooming heath, and waving fern I The mazy windings of the dark defile, The frowning aspect of the mouldering pile, The cromleach circling round its moss-clad stone- Each bodies forth a genus of its own, To stalk abroad, and wheel the dismal round, On earth by sight, or in the air by sound. Thus ignis fatuus Hits across the moor, To mock the brain-sick sense of wandering boor; Swift, as he marks its fleeting beams relume, The fugitive delusion shuts in gloom. Thus, from her crystal palace, wrapt in woe, The shadowy spectre glides of Nenie Roe, And from her white thorn tree that skirts the wood, Shrieks o'er the ruin where Shanescastle stood. Thus flies Dismay from the infernal whoop Of wizard orgie, or of fairy troop ; Each dwarf his moon-struck vision magnifies, To moulded phantom of gigantic size : Or, bowed beneath the agonies of dread, Hears demons hideous howl around his head ; THE GIANTS' CAUSEWAY, &C 1* And even when he his native cot descries, Still Doubt retains her faithless scrutinies. But what had the delirious rustic feared ? A sullen sound, that through the desart veered ; "Twas but some tangled brake by lonely rill, The blast had swept, that sought the haunted hill, — And thus the wildered pilgrim turns to gaze, Where bursts yon ruined fane in living blaze, With such amaze as smote the prophet's sight, When the Lord's angel, robed in holy light, Whose uncreated beam the mount illumed, Burned in the bush, yet left it unconsumed. Will the enthusiast wait the symbol given, To hold mysterious intercourse with Heaven ?— But now the darkness from the landscape rolls ; The fleecy clouds are slumbering -round the poles ; Her chambers in the sky the moon unveils, And through her azure noon the wanderer sails. Mark where yon willow bends to brush the stream— 'Tis Ellen's ghost glides on the lunar beam ! Poor helpless wretch ! 'twas there she wont to rove, When frenzy fired her dream of hopeless love; There would she to the lonely wild complain, Till moony madness burst her burning brain. How could the maniac then her footsteps guide? Plunged in the flood, the desperate suicide 16 Noetic sketches g? Sought rest in death, — but ah ! she sought in vaia j Heaven gave her spectre back to earth again ; And when the midnight winds around conspire, She passes on the blast, a form of nre ; When the moon climbs yon zenith in the sky, Her shade sails on the silver vapour by, Or flits along the glade its wayward road, Till mercy's mandate issues forth from God. What time the setting sun his level sheen Rolls on the sleeping wave and deep serene, Each wondering swain hath heard, from rocky dell, The dulcet notes of mermaid's magic shell ;— 'Twixt sea and sky, poised on the cloudy verge, Hath seen the fairy isle from ocean's depths emerge* Its streamy lawns, its fields of greenest shade, In waving woods and spreading bowers arrayed, The new Morgana to his raptured eyes Floats on the calm, where thousand-tinted die* Streak lofty towers, extended embrasures, Stupendous arches, grand entablatures ; Then shuts in shadows of the silent even, Evanished like a mimic glimpse of Heaven. 'Tis now the opening blush of orient day ; Along the rippling wave the zephyrs play ; The renovating touch of morning's spring The early lark hath hailed on dewy wing« THE GIANTS' CAUSEWAY, &C. 17 Breaks forth the warbling of the vernal wood, The playful gambols of the silver flood,— As now, from winter's dreary bondage free, All nature's children join the jubilee. The fisher now has wended down the steep, Launches his boat, and " trolls the finny deep j" Else from the altitude of beetling cliff, Propels the salmon to the netsman's skiff. While showering pebbles in the wave are hurled, On every side the capturing net is furled ; In vain the captive beats the flaxen maze ; His piercing eye is fixed in fear-struck gaze : No more he threads smooth Lubar's sable sounds^ No more up Banna's roaring cascade bounds, No more along the watery verge he'll glance, Nor curve his Springy tail in liquid dance. Ah ! now they drag him from the fatal lock,— Unpitying, hurl him on the flinty rock : Stretched on the pointed crags he gasping lies, — He pants— the struggling victim throbs, and dies I Now from his eyrie Dhugall downward skims, And o'er the swelling surge elated swims : He marks the course the leader salmon steer, And warns the boatman when the shoal is near. The grateful fisher, conscious of his aid, The severed entrails on the rock has laid : 18 POETIC SKETCHES OF With flap and croak he vindicates his prey, And bears the gory spoil on wing away. Now rous'd from grey Benmore's stupendous height, The soaring eagle wings his rapid flight : Through the expanse of Heaven behold him fly— The sullen pirate of the rock and sky. Around his beak what radiant glories gleam !— - His piercing eye-balls brave the solar beam : Till near the heath-clad ridges of Knocklaid, Swift as a shaft of light from Heaven displayed, Prone down he darts to rob the harmless dam, And from her bosom rends her tender lamb ; Or, fiercely pouncing on the timid hare, ♦He mounts again the boundless realms of air, Wheels to his eyrie's cloudy altitude, And tears the prey to feed his callow brood. Gigantic precipice ! at his command Who first from chaos formed the sea and land, At his omnific mandate thou didst rise, Lifting thy rugged columns to the skies ; From age to age has man beheld thee stand, The proud memorial of th* Almighty hand. The arrowy flash hath smote thy flinty brow, The pealing bolt hath rocked thy base below,— Nor have prevailed ; thy adamantine piers Still brave the tempest's shock, the waste of years ; THE GIANTS' CAUSEWAY, &C, 19 Bat though so long they mock the ocean-gust, j Grey time will scoop the fabric down to dust: Thoa 'midst the world's strong bulwarks shall be riven. And crushed beneath the harbinger of Heaven ! Where Dubh ni Valone, with prophetic eye, Glimpsed on thy visions, dark futurity ! At Bona Margy's roofless mouldering pile The pensive muse shall sadly pause a while t 'Mid gloomy vaults and monumental stones, The frail memento of their heroes' bones, She stoops, the changeful retrospect to trace That shrouds the mighty Dalriadan race, While fancy's eye, from many a heaving moundj Sees deathless warriors from oblivion bound — Sees Sourlebuoy, on Aura's blood-drenched height, Recoil, and rally with resistless might, Lift high the brand his foes had feared to feel, And hurl, omnipotent, the storm of steel i Ah, woe, DunluGe ! for since that fatal day* Thy feudal pride has faded fast away : Yet time has been, when o'er thy proudest tower, High streamed in air the banners of thy power; And when redoubled ranks advanced to shock Each martial fortress round thy sea-girt rock, Thy mail-clad warriors rose, in serried might, And flamed the signal of the coming fight : 20 POETIC SKETCHES OF Then pealed thy cannon o'er the erimsoned wave, And in thy fosse whole cohorts found a grave* Yet mercy reigned with thy victorious lord — The vanquished shared the banquet at his board: While kindness, prompt to every stranger's call, Gave welcome in thy hospitable hall. Then high-strung harps awoke the soul of sound. With dance, and song, and festive music round. Ah ! what avail the joys of wealth and power ? The foot of time has crushed thy firmest tower ; Now on thy ruins slender sea-pinks bloom ; And there, when night hangs down her veil of gloom, The lonely bird of ocean finds its rest, Hushed by the stormy billows of the west, That moan beneath thy dark basaltic walls, While rushing whirlwinds sweep thy roofless halls ; What piercing sounds are borne upon the gales ?->- Tis the Banshee, whose caoine wildly wails Thy valiant sons, englobed by rival hate, Who " set unclouded in the gulfs of fate." —Thy towers, that seemed a vista to the sky, Have bowed to earth, and in broad ruins lie ; Irike that stupendous pile on Shinar's plain, Great was thy fall — never to rise again ! Embodied thought, thou mute soliloquy ! In sad succession, let my spirit fly THE GIANTS* CAUSEWAY, &C. 21 To where Dunkerry, girt with crimson zone, Through thousand chambers mines to worlds un- known; . Where darkness hears the booming echoes roar, And caverned surges rock the pillared sliore. Or where, extended o'er yon dreadful deep, Hangs Reda's serial bridge from steep to steep. There oft the evening fisher, from his skiff, Beholds the genius of the lonely cliff Bound on the breeze, to swell the sea and wind — And flies the coming storm, a port to find. And thou, Dunseveric! round thy time-struck walls, The muse, when life was new, each bliss recalls ; Through memory's twilight each loved scene I find Reflected on the mirror of the mind: When Winter had assumed his surly reign, And bound all nature in a frozen chain, Then have I sat and watched the hoary sire Heap up the fragments of the evening fire ^ And, listening to his legendary tale Of moory mountain, or sequestered vale, Have felt my swelling heart for vengeance bound, When treacherous fury hemmed thy chieftains round ; And retrospection through the darksome years E'en now beholds him, as, with reverend tears 22 POETIC SKETCHES OF Recurring oft to the forgotten brave, He told the spot to find each nameless grave. Long had thy fortress every foe defied, — When Con-a-Goll to high Benbraden's side Summoned thy lord, (he was his kinsman near,) To feast three days, and chase the mountain deer. With hunt, with jocund harp, in wild delight Sped the first two ; but at the dead of night, From where Ben'vanagh frowns o'er Aughanloo, The warning elfin to Benbraden flew ; Awoke the slumbering prince with plaintive wail,- 'Tis fairy Echlin, from Evanagh's vale ! Decoyed, in ancient time, while yet a child, With aerial spell, by wizard of the wild, Among the elves he tends their tiny queen ; And when impending woe, by him foreseen, Threatens his kindred, sadly comes, to show With boding shrieks, the dark approach of woe. What danger waits O'Caghan and his powers, When fairy Echlin haunts Benbraden's towers ? Rolled on the drowsy ear of lingering morn The swelling blast; of shrill-voiced bugle horn ; And many a chieftain now bestrides his steed, That ere yon sun goes down, in death shall bleed. But who thy depths, futurity, may scan ! Mysterious mazes', still unknown to man* THE GIANTS' CAUSEWAY, &C. 23 Roused from his rye-grass lair in Aughanloo, On high the stag his branchy frontlet threw ; Away, away, with foot of air he bounds ! Breaks forth the opening yell of hundred hounds; Through moss and moor, in one promiscuous race, Rakes o'er his devious track the dizzy chace ; Loud on the breeze the din is eastward borne, Of hark and whoop, of clamorous hound and horn ; From cavern and ravine, from hill and dale, Deep-mingling echoes load the buoyant gale. First o'er the ridgy rampart, crag and knoll, He leads the scouring chace, brave Con-a-goll : His fleetest dog, dark, hairy-footed Bran, Pursues the panting stag across the Bann; — Now, desperate of escape, he stands at bay, Till gnawing bloodhounds tug his life away. From Bosca's tower the wily herald hies, Masking a traitor's heart in friendly guise, To bid Benbraden's prince and all his men To Dunlagh's feast, in Cruch-can-acho's glen. " The rise of former feud he did not know, That caused their ancient sires' best blood to flow i Then why should they an aimless strife prolong, Which rose at first, perhaps, from petty wrong ? But, might Benbraden's prince this day accord To share the joy-crowned shell with Bosca's lord, 2£ POETIC SKETCHES OP No longer front to front, but side by side, Their clans should stem the death-red battle's tide-, O'Caghan and Mac Keon, whose line of yore Met never bloodless — meet in blood no more." While yet the seannach waited for reply, The grateful heart of Con-a-goll beat high : He bade his henchman bring the slaughtered deer, Slight tribute to exchange for festive cheer, And bear the antlered prize to Dunlagh's lord, The trophy of the chase, and not the sword ; — u And tell him I, with these my kinsmen, haste To hail his friendship, and to share his feast." That fatal noon, Dunlagh, in vengeful pride, Mustered his sept by Bosea's sable side : Beneath the mantle foroad, of saifiron sheen, Each dastard serf conceals the sharpened skean 5 Waiting the hour when confidence has smiled, When peace on every brow sits reconciled, Upon the fated guests at once to start, And plunge them in each unsuspecting heart. Thus, sultry sunshine clothes the placid air With cheerful smiles — b«t death is lurking there 1 Then meteors, bursting through their shadowy shroud, Break forth in terrors from the flashing cloud, THE GIANTS* CAUSEWAY, &C. 2£ Dark, deep and long was Cruch-can-acho's glen, But far too short to hold five hundred men : On every verge they form a convex row,-— On this the clan Dunlagh, on that the foe* The feast is spread on the enamelled green, And now the cup of peace is circling seen : » But wherefore doth Dunlagh's pale visage lower, Dark as the cloud that holds the gathering shower? Why doth each kerne his mantle's fold cast by, And eye the guests with deadly scrutiny? * Fierce as the herald of the thunder's peal, Their ambushed skeans that dastard host reveal j And swifter than the crashing bolt has sped, Brave Con-a-Goll and all his kin lay dead ! The festal bowl, that half uneniptied stood, The reckless guests have mingled with their blood ; And loud exulting shout, and dying groan, Triumphant told the work of death was done, Benbraden, mourn ! around thy stately king, Mis chiefs no more shall close the jovial ring ! No more, on gladsome plain or mountain free, They wake the greenwood echoes joyously! - ; — Ah, fairy Echlin, from Evanagh's side, Thy bodings all too well are verified ! And there, Dunseveric, lies thy mangled lord I And did no pen the damning deed record ?-— — 4 £6 POETIC SKETCHES OF Shame to the brave ! on Erin's hallowed ground, No righteous sword to wreak the wrong was found ; Shame to the wise — that no indignant page Lays bare in native guilt th' assassin's rage ! The whitening bones bleached ghastly in the blast/ Till earth her leafy mantle o'er them cast : Green is the turf that shrouds their gory bed, And clowns, unconscious, o'er their relics tread. Oblivion, Balriada ! veils that crime, The u blocdiest picture in the book of time F Heroes of Erin ! o'er your silent urns In vain the sorrowing Muse recumbent mourns; Long, long cur hapless country may deplore Her fields made fertile with her children's gore ! Since first the savage Druid left his cell, While nature quaked beneath his guilty spell ; Muttering the impious charm, he darkly stood, To reek his murderous knife in human blood: The death-cry, echoing from the altar stc-ne, Soothed the grim idol on his cloudy throne. But slight the horrors of that darker time, Compared with later years of Christian crime, When tyrants, with repentance late and vain, Piled the grey cairn, or reared the Gothic fane; Mocking high Heaven with false contrition there, They filled the fretted aisle with formal prayer:— THE GIANTS* CAUSEWAY, &C. 27 Yet, righteous Power i forgive their foulest deed, Let vengeance slumber, and let mercy plead; Reserve thy thunders for this age of light, Which wars with open eyes 'gainst truth and right. The first assassin, o'er his sacrifice, Disturbed the air with v deep repentant sighs ; But, when our brethren swell the crimson flood, — Our callous hearts, well pleased, pronounce it good; The only sorrowing tears our eyes afford, Fall when the victim 'scapes the lifted, sword. With fast and prayer we preface causeless war, With grateful hymns surround the conquering car,. As if insulting justice were a spell, Almighty grace to purchase, or to quell.— When martyred Freedom dies, our slaughters ceasg : *tfWe " make a solitude, and call it peace i" Then, though thy roofless halls dismantled stand, Where erst ambitious chiefs held rude command — Yet why,.Dunseveric! should thy sons repine, While humble peace and spotless hearts are thine? Through thy rude soil the smile of peace serene Benignant glows, and beautifies the scene ; No dark marauders, lurking for their prey, Molest the stranger on his nightly way ; No grim assassin lifts the coward knife, From guiltless sleep to drain the stream of life* 28 POETIC SKETCHES 49 Secure of safety, there the simple sage Recounts eacb crime that brands the former age* Far from the ills that cruel war await, From sickening tumults, and intrigues of state, The maddening wheels of faction's blind career JShake not the precincts of his peaceful sphere. A want, or wish, his breast may stimulate To seek redress, or rise o'er humbler fate ; But, what is most to wealth and power denied, With these he is abundantly supplied — Sweet peace of conscience,- — undisturbed repose^— 4 And virtue triumphs o^er his fleeting woes. Patient of labour, and inured to toil, With perseverance stubborn as thy soil, Content he cultivates, for scanty bread, The heath where haply his brave sires have bled. Blithe as the warbler hails the dappled east, ile wakes, and rises from his kindly rest ; Pursues the honest labours of the day, And trusts that Heaven his efforts will repay. And when the darker shade of eve descends, With plodding steps his course he homeward bends. And finds enjoyment in his humble cot, Calmly resigned to all his little lot. O DaJriada ! still thy dales can charm The breast which love and social kindness warm ; the. giants' CAUSEWAY, Si& 29 There every trait of honest nature reigns, Which links each heart in friendship's mystic chains f And wakes thy sons, by sympathy of mind, To share in all the sufferings of mankind. There, lenient pity whispers to bestow ; Each shed finds shelter for some child of woe ; Circling the cheerful hearth at falling even, The guests of chance, by Heaven's direction gives, 'Twere strange the various mingling groupe to trace* From where the beggar holds inherent place. No lone wayfaring stranger passes by Th' inviting latch, when night is on the sky ; The song, the humming wheel, attract his ear; Nor bolts ner bars forbid his entrance kere. The shattered veteran, and the shipwrecked tar, Enlarge, full garrulous, their feats in war ; The tuneless minstrel, and the rhymeless bard, Meet rude unjudging praise, (their best reward !) And, slighted in the rounds of polished ease, Astonished find, at last, their power to please. The love-lorn maniac, soothed to reason there, Forgets a while her visions of despair. Each human woe beneath the spacious sky Is solaced by condoling sympathy ; And all impelled by adverse fate to roam, Blegs, through thy clime, each hospitable home* SO TOETIC SKETCHES OT And chief, Dunseveric, still to memory dear ! On misery's cheek 's ? thine to dry the tear ; The hapless wretch whom wayward fancies chase> Delights to dwell among thy simple race. In crowded towns, the hooting rabble's jest, Deep-rankling fury goads his tortured breast ; But, in thy kindly huts or blithesome plain, The racking fumd sits lighter on his brain. Yet let the Muse retrace thy cultured scene, Where villas, cots, and hamlets intervene : — Yet, yet, the, roof paternal I review, Where first my lips the vital current drew -; And lingering there, each wonted haunt- survey, That strewed with flowers my happier infant way, Ere yet maturer 3'ears of toil began, Or growing cares had told me I was man. There first I felt the raptured thrill of jay, Enchanting Bloomfield ! o'er thy u Farmers Boy (*; Young fancy wooed the Muse to emulate Thy song of rural toils, so simply great. Immortal Burns, the Muse's sweetest child! I met thee first in yonder lonely wild : Next Goldsmith came, with Edwin's artless strain— And who so softly touched the lyre again ? — By Erin's genius raised on deathless wing, Moore wakes the hymn of Heaven on every string ; TH« GIANTS' CAUSEWAY, &C. 51 Bat later on my ear that music came, When to our dales had spread his rising fame. Dull-wandering through the thorny ways of care, I ceaseless turn to bless those fields so fair ; And when sad woes my nightly visions nil, Remembrance wakes me on my native hill. Oft, where the shallow streamlet glides between The sloping primrose bank and daisied green, Bent o'er the glassy margin have I stood, And watched in sportive chase the finny brood. By tufted woodland, or by vocal glade, By blossomed hedge, or spreading hawthorn shade, I brushed with heedless steps, at misty dawn, The liquid diamonds from the glistening lawn ; And evening, crowned with incense-breathing flowers, Oft wooed my devious walk thrqugh twilight bowers, Till, peering o'er the eastward mountain's head, The moon her melancholy splendor shed. At such an hour might sightless Ossian hear The spirits of his kindred hovering near ; In such a landscape, sure, did Spenser dream, By branchy grove, deep glen, and haunted stream And in these dewy dells, so sweet and lone, His " Faery Queen' might fix her leafy throne; — But no 1 the regions of the elfin reign Must seldom hear the human foot profane 32 NOETIC SKETCHES OP While frequent fence, and cottage* skirted glen, Mark these the cultivated haunts of men. Far from the busy field, where rustic Toil With patient ploughshare tills the stubborn soil, Remote in solitude the urchins play, Where heath untrodden clothes the mountain grey. And though the Muse, herself soft Fancy's child, May rove unquestioned o'er their kingdom wild, Yet more she loves to sing the barren hill Enriched by labours persevering skill ; W T here agriculture, with progressive stride, Stalks round the valley, climbs the mountain side, Reclaims the wastes of desolation's reign, And crowns the lichened crags with yellow grain. Misanthropy 1 thy cloudy visage clear, And own thy calumnies refuted here. A milder mood let these blest scenes impart ; Let softer feelings humanize thy heart ; Behold the teeming earth give promise bland, And bless the labours of the human hand 1 Yet not too for exult in mortal might ; Nor let the deeper cause elude thy sight. Refreshing moisture, and expanding heat, With pregnant power thy stinted efforts meet: A thousand springs, beyond our power to trace, •Spread life throughout the vast extent of space, - THE GIANTS' CAUSEWAY, ,<&C 3& Where atoms, through mysterious nature's range, Roll in the wondrous harmony of change. Hail, Renovation ! thou whose plastic care Can worlds on worlds from age to age repair ; In vain the sage thy mystic laws would scan, Or seek to fathom the creative plan. The fool of knowledge casts his eyes abroad,— Soon lost in the immensity of God. r With impious pride, his dark desponding soul Would bound the boundless omnipresent whole : Earth, air, and ocean, and th' ethereal plain, His dream of doubt would bring to nought again.— What spark, O sceptic ! smote from darkling chance, Could kindle sun and moon in heaven's expanse? Could seeds of life, which every form assume, Spring forth at hazard from chaotic gloom ? No ! lit by him who fired yon starry train, And framed each link in being's endless chain, Gave matter motion, and attraction force, Made countless spheres to wheel their mazy coarse, — Lit by that one profound almighty Cause, These fulgent orbs obey his secret laws ; And these organic seeds perform his will, The frame of nature renovating still. Know, dupe of error, denizen of earth, That thou, e'en thou, receiv'st a second birth. 34 POETIC SKETCHES OF Think not, inclosed within the silent urn, Thy vital spirit shall io nought return : — To life or death immortal thou shalt rise, And haply find existence in the skies ; Where life eternal to the just is given, — A heaven >of joys, whose every joy is heaven. Fly, fly, ye shades that haunt his sombre night I Xet revelation's day-star glad his sight : O sweet religion, let thy power controul These doubts Cimmerian that beset his soul ! Pour in upon his heart thy mental day ! Light his bewildered spirit on its way J O thou who reign'st through ocean, earth and sky * Thou, who inhabitest eternity 1 Thou know'st the frailty of our mortal frame,— Graft in our hearts thy ever-during name; And when from perishable dust set free, Give us to share eternal rest in thee ! Bright Faith, arise ! the gathering clouds dispel,— Thy piercing beam* shall burst the gates of hell, Rise on the regions of unfathomed gloom, And break the dismal barriers of the tomb ! Then to thy first almighty Source return, -Whsn hope and fear are past,— and there eternal burif?. NOTES. Page 9w — Let superstition hold its error still. The hypothesis current among the vulgar, is, that the Giants \ Causeway, and Fingal's cave in the island of Stafla, are the ex- tremities of an immense bridge, which formerly extended be- tween these two points, and was constructed by Fion Mae Cumhal and his gigantic associates, (called by the Scandivanians the sons of frost,) to facilitate his progress in a war undertaken against the natives of the opposite coast, in revenge of their fre- quent plundering expeditions into the Dalriadan territories. The bridge being completed, the enemy saw themselves completely at the mercy of these powerful invaders, and their country, in its turn, about to become the theatre of a predatory warfare ; and having no hopes of safety from their own efforts against an ene i my of such extraordinary prowess, they bad recourse to the gods, who were invoked by the Druidical priesthood, with the most powerful spells and incantations, to save them from the im- pending calamity. The Irish bards, who lose no opportunity of mignifying Fion, the hero of their fictions, represent his warlike achievements as tiaving even raised a degree of jealousy in the breasts of the Scan- dinavian deities. From their poetry and traditions it appears that these august personages were not without some apprehensions for their own dominion ; and had their doubts that the ambition o£ Fion might in time aspire to the conquest of the celestial 36 NOTES. abodes. For their own preservation, then> as well as for the wel- fare of their worshippers, they interfered against the earth-born in- truders, and, by a timely, exertion of their power, destroyed the bridge which was to have afforded to Fxon a communication with the hostile coast. Not satisfied with this, they determined, in their wrath, to extinguish at once the power and existence of the Irish giants, and transformed the chief and his whole army to stone. Those of the peasantry who formerly officiated as guides to the Giants' Causeway, could have authenticated and illustrated every part of this wonderful relation, by proofs drawn from the surrounding scenery ; pointing out among the rocks, by name, at every turn, some of our petrified ancestors, whose dimensions are generally such as to justify in the eyes of their degenerate posterity the apprehensions of the hostile deities ; and though the hand of time has removed most of these basaltic evidences, and though the guides of the latter time are somewhat less cir- cumstantial in their details, yet the curious may have ocular de* monstration, even at this day, of the veracity of our traditionary historians. The four brothers, near Bengore, and other person- ages on different parts of the coast, still maintain their stations. The Causeway itself is a sufficient monument of Fion's abili- ties as an engineer ; and his chair is placed in a situation from which he might have a prospect of the work as it went on. His loom, theatre and organ are yet extant, showing that he un- derstood the arts of peace, as well as those of war. Gn the top of the hill above the Causeway is another testimonial, to which we must allow a due weight on the question. It is a pebble of a fathom or two in circumference, which bears the mark of a gigantic thumb and four fingers ; and the beholders must ae* NOTES. 3? knowledge it fortunate for the enemies of Fion, that his transfor- mation took place, (as is plain from the situation of the stone,) before he could launch from his tremendous grasp such a formi- dable weapon. The Irish, in their ancient poetry, treat the deities of the north with very little respect. They use them merely as instru- ments by which to raise the importance and exalt the character of their own mortal heroes, who are ennobled by the notice and enmity of celestial beings. From the frequent allusions to this enmity, we may gather abundant refutation of the opinion, that the Irish, at some period, professed the same religion with their northern neighbours. My reading has been extremely limited, on this, as indeed on most subjects j but I believe the most ingenious and acute inquirers into the manners and religion of the ancient Irish, are of opinion that the sun was the object of their worship. The round towers, or repositories of the sacred fire, so numerous in Ireland, we may therefore suppose to be the reliques of genuine Irish idolatry. One of these may be seen on Ram's Island, Lough Neagh, another at Antrim, a third in the burial-place of Drumbo, county o? Down, and (though last, not least,) a fourth at Armoy, near Lissanore Castle, in the vicinity of the Causeway. The cromlechs, with their sur- rounding circles of earth, we may regard, on the other hand, as remains of the Danish superstition, erected by them during their domination in Ireland. There is a very perfect specimen at Ballylessen, county of Down. It is a circular earthen ridge, enclosing perhaps four acres of ground* with the remains of a cromlech in the centre. Standing by this rude altar, we are strongly impressed with a sense of solitude and seclusion from the world ; for the height of the mound excludes the surrounding country from the view, except where it has been cut, to afford 39* NOTES. an entrance to cattle, and where, in one or two places, the hand of time has partially lowered it. At the first sight of the in- closed plain, with its huge round stones, and circular bank, the beholder is forcibly reminded of " the circle of Loda> and the >arge stones of many virtues ;"• which are uniformly spoken of by the ancient Irish poets, rather as objects of enmity than adoration. One of the grandest of these cromlechs gives name to Mount Druid, the seat of the Rev. Robert Trail, near Ballintoy, Page 9. — Plunge in the vortex of vicissitude. That the sea-coast of the county of Antrim has been thrown into its present shape by some wonderful convulsion of nature, is apparent to every person of common observation. Geologists are unanimous in the opinion, that our shores owe their ex* traordinary conformation to the action of volcanic fire. The slow, but continual and certain transmutation of the elements that compose our terraqueous globe, is eloquently described by Dr. Drummond, in the notes to his poem of the Giant's Cause- way. This constant vicissitude of form is indeed particularly observable on the north-western coast of Ireland. It is evident * In Macpherson's translation of this passage, its peculiar application is lost. The original is as follows : " Air mullach bha crom chruth Loduinn, Is dacha mor nan iomadh buadh." *' On a top (or small height) was the circle of the form (or image,) of Loda, and the large stones of many virtues.'*" Report of the Highland Society, p. 134, MacphersonV translation is too concise to embrace the whole picture : — " On the top was the circle of Loda, the mossy stone of power.' * This is extremely obscure ; while the literal translation can- not fail to strike the reader as exactly descriptive of the crom- lechs of Ireland, >37 ■ NOTES. 39 lliat some previous formation of the matter must have been dis *. arranged, in order to give the shore its present appearance ; and the occasional depression or entire removal of the strata, from the unremitting action of the air and water on the cliffs, ren- der it equally obvious, that the particles which are combined to produce the existing phenomena, will, in the gradation of time, be resolved into other combinations. The arrangement of the different strata, and the minuter features of the mineralogy, afford ample confirmation of this theory ; but it is rather out of my province to enlarge on this part of the subject. In advert- ing to the Newtonian hypothesis, I have used a common poetic license ; and it is evident, that the decay and annihilation ©f matter must be followed by a proportionate renewal and reno- vation, in order to preserve the existence of the universe, M * Hie law of decay,* says Playfair, ■' suffers no exception. The elements of all bodies were once loose and unconnected ; and to the same state nature has appointed that they should all •return. It affords no presumption against the reality of this proeess, that in respect of man it is too slow to be immediately perceived. The utmost portion of it to which our experience can extend, is evanescent in comparison with the whole, and must be regarded as the momentary increment of a vast progres- sion, circumscribed by no other limits than the duration of the world. Time cperforms the office of integrating the infinitesi- mal parts o£ which this progression is made up : it collects them into one sum, and produces from them an amount great* er than any that can be assigned/ M With respect to the general disintegration of the coast, there cannot be any question ; though in some places, where it i* guarded by dykes and basaltic mounds, the detritus is not so ap-4 }*rent. The steps of decay may be distinctly traced in CavehiU and 40 NOTES. the Knockagh, and on the shores of Carrickfergus and Larne* Some of the gigantic columns of Ballygelly already totter to their fall, and the shores to the W. of Garron point exhibit aw- ful proofs of the ravages made by the destroyer. The fall of columns at Fairhead, within the memory of persons now living, has carried away nearly an acre of surface ; and the spectator has only to behold that grand promontory to be convinced that the whole base of it is a mass of ruins. The base of the cliffs at Port NofFer are strewed with a loose debris, and the ground be- neath is sometimes deeply furrowed by the fall of rocky frag- ments from above. The isolated rocks on which the castles of Dunseveric and Dunluce stand, have mouldered from beneath the walls, and in many places have left their foundations exposed and bare. Dr. Davy has observed, in his geological lectures, that at Ben-evanagh, a high basaltic hill in the county of Deny, and at Fairhead, a rapid destruction is going on, by the decompo- sition x>f the alkaline portion of "their basalt. The same eminent philosopher," in opposition to the doctrine of general disintegra- tion, has remarked that '" the highest mountains, capped with eternal snow, are hermetically preserved from the effects of the weather." . But there is more oeauty than truth in the remark. The Skrida of Iceland, and the Avalanche of the Alps, show that even those giant sons of earth will one day bow their heads, and descend from their elevation. The torrents that sweep down their sides, the storms that roar around their brow, and the in- ternal heat of the earth, instruments more effectual than the vinegar and fire of Hannibal, are the agents with which nature is mining their foundations, and working their fall. The her- metical sealing itself, the vast masses of 1*j and snow which seem to shield them from the attacks of the weather, are often their principal destroyers ; for when they become unable to sup- NOTES. 41 port the accumulating matter, they fall by their own gravity, car- rying with them the rocks on which they had reposed, and some* times burying whole villages beneath their ruin." — Brummond. Page 10— While the rapt Muse) from Aura 's purpled height — « Aura mountains command a most beautiful view of the dis- tant landscape. It was there that the last battle was fought be- tween the rival clans of McQuillan and M'Donnell, in which tan?as TO ALMIGHTY GOD, ON THE GLOOMY PROSPECT OF THE HARVEST SEASON. Written in October 1817. Heaven / burst thy sunny gates again / PARODY ON CAMPBELL, Infinite Goodness ! boundless Love ! Who reign'st sftpreme in Heaven above ! O thou, the sinner's friend ! While prostrate worlds before thee bow, let thy tender mere! 33 now To all mankind extend. And cease the unremitting shower, Dispel the clouds that darker lower, And chase away the gloom ; And bid the glorious orb of day Break forth in one unclouded ray And nature re-illume. * We sow the seed in certain hope * O grant us (we to thee look up) The produce of the ground ! Ere spectred famine's meagre form Hurls desolation's blackest storm, A wasting tempest, round ! 50 TUT. INVITATION. Vouchsafe to hear in mercy, Lord I And with a suppliant's hope accord, Nor blast the guilty worm — Who offers at thy shrine a prayer, Imploring thee our land to spare From fate's impending storm ! 4 THE INVITATION. TO JAMES M'DONNELL, M. D. BELFAST. Written in March* Now spring unfaulds the genial year, And birdies sing sae sweet to hear ; Will you alang our shore appear ? I wish for thee ; ^Twiil mak ilk scene to me mair dear. Thy face to see* sWore Come to our slrore, and dinna fail ; He waits thy coming, Rev. Tr**k Ye'il get frae him a kindly hail, And welcome dear; *He ha§ in stor^what I'll detail— They follow here. '* This Rev. gentleman is an antiquary of great note. With 4 Dr. M'DonnelFs abilities in that department; the public are ae« quainted already. THE INVITATION. 51 When Grose* first felt the sting o' death, What he had gathered, free frae skaith, He did to Rev. Tr**l bequeath, He had nae mair; And then to heaven resign'd his breath, And left him heir. Forbye, he has, what's odd to tell, A splinter o' the bolt that fell, That caused the loud infernal yell O' Michael's foes— That oped the jaws o' burnin hell, Wi? a' its throes. He has a box o' chips and shavins— Frae mither Eve they were the leaving, When she was made to ease the grievin* O' father man ; And coins o' Tubal Cain's — engravins O' the first plan. O* Aaron's rod he has a bud ; O' Adam's apron-bib a dud ; O' Sol'mon's crown the brightest stud, You may be guessin : Mm pBuvns, on captain F. Grose, collector of militarv antiqi! 52 TJ&E INVITATION* O' Jacob's venison, the fud That won the blessin* He keeps the ring, by God's command Which wed the first on Eden's lan's ; Wi' it I hope to join nay han's And wedded be ; Soon may lie publish the blest bans 'Tween her and me, And, tent ye what I now remark- He has the tools built Noah's ark; He'll bring thee ilk sne frae the dark, O' Adam's banes ! And show thee a' the curious wark Wraps his remains* 0' what he has this is a sample ; Sae owre the lave I now maun tramples 1*11 end wi* the most glorious temple, Baith out an' in ; He'll show ilk type, wi' its example, And cure for sin, Will ye na own to this yoursel, (Though few's like y«u I ken fu'well,) That owre ye a' he bears the bell Beneath the moon - ■ o LAMENT. 53 That a* frae him, since Adam fell, Maun crave a boon ? LAMENT FOR ROBERT STUART, Esq, WHO WAS THE AUTHOR^ COMPANION FROM CHILDHOOD, Occasioned by his being pressed for the British Jleet at Greenock* O seraph Hope, of whisper sweet ! Say, will I yet my Robin meet? He haply reefs the shiv'ring sheet When tempests blaw, Or mans some gun amang the fleet- He's press'd awa ! When rolling on the stormy wave, Ye powers aboon, my Robin save Frae danger, and a watery grave, And cannon ba' 'Till, fame him crowns a hero brave, That's press'd awa ! But if, ye powers, ye did decree A watery tomb to close his e'e, Or if, when roarin cannons flee, He's doom'd to fa', Til rn^uro my Robin till I dee, That's press'd awa* 5 2 54 LAMENT. Ye bards wha sing in doIefu' sang, Come mourn wi' me, for I think lang; Mourn, wi* the ills o* the press-gang, Their cruel Jaw That forced my Robin dear alang, That's press'd awa. Wha gangs wi' me at morn a roamin, When simmer's beauties a' are bloomin ? Wha strays wi' me at hour o' gloamin ?•• O ! nane ava ; — Roun' Robin ocean's waves are boomin,. That's press'd awa, O seraph Hope ! I cease to mourn ; Thy whispers bid me sorrow spurn ; For we may meet at Camstron burn,* Or Craigie shaw,f And Robin wi' the spring return That's pressed awa. * A small stream, a favourite haunt of the author's, f A woody covert known by the name of Craigie sbaw } near the birth-place of the author. WINTER. INSCRIBED TO MR. £. The sequent morn shall wake the sylvan quire % Nature will smile, will wear her best attire. * SHENSXONE*- Why dost thou mourn the leafless shade, The lonely desolated glade, Wrapt in a wintry gloom ? What's winter but a cheerless day ?' Spring drooping nature shall array, In renovating bloom. Though whirlwinds rise and tempests rave. Yet earth each embryo stem will save, That lies within her womb : So blooms for thee unfading spring, When thou hast felt death's frost-barbed stingy And winter of the tomb. What though thy woodlands, groves and bowery Bedecked with spotless infant flowers, When spring's young charms are gay, Are fair to see by early dawn, When silver dew-drops gem the lawn, ' Or at the close of day ?j 56 WINTER. And when mild zephyr's softest breeze, Pants on thy flowers, awakes thy. trees, Breathing fresh fragrance round — Tis sweet to hear the birds in song, From bough to bough, thy groves among, Wake spring's harmonious sound. But ah! such prospects as they flow, Are but a momentary glow Of nature's fleeting scene ; Then let thine eye of faith expand?— Behold an everlasting land Above yon blue serene- So may thy soul from earth arise To brighter worlds beyond the skies, That are by Jesus given : Th«re thou shalt take a seraph's wing, And bask in an immortal spring Eternally in Heaven. STANZAS TO MISS ****. As love alone can exquisitely ble$$> hove only feels the marvellous of pain* Opens new veins tf torture in the soul, And wakes the nerve where agonies are born* YOVSGt Yis ! each noble trait was imparted to grace thee, That heaven has vouchsafed to bestow from above; My bliss would be peerless could I but embrace thee, Or press on thy lips the fond kisses of love I Oh ! how can the muse now be mute from expression? How sweet are the numbers when thou art the name I Or how can thy lover refrain from confession, Or cease to implore thee to share in his flame ? 'Tis for thee, the deep sigh that escapes from my bosom ; Thy smile is my transport, thy frown would be fate i No floweret of bliss in my soul e'er will blossom, If thou dost return my affection with hate. Sure thou art congenial to purest sensation,— Then wilt thou in kindness my passion return ? 58 SONG* Ami now as I languish in deepest vexation, Ah ! leave not thy lover thus hopeless to mourn SONG. Air, « Roslin Castle" Oh ! must I bid a last farewell 2 Soft sighs in my sad bosom swell ; Can I dispel my growing fears ? Can I suppress my falling tears ? No lenient balm can hope impart, To heal my wounded bleeding heart ; And every woe } alas ! is mine, When parted from my Caroline, Farewell, ye little birds and flowers I Farewell, ye variegated bowers ! And thou, my native sylvan vale, That witnessed oft my love-sick tale ! Farewell thou stream I strayed along, Responsive to my plaintive song ! A thousand ties I must untwine, Ere I can leave my Caroline h Each varied scene that nature brings, My breast with anguish deeper stings s THE COURTSHIP. 59 Though spring young flowers again bestow, Though summer's countless blossoms blow, The russet plains, the fruitful fields, Nor all the bounty Autumn yields — Dark, as when winter glooms combine, My sorrows for my Caroline ! Oh ! ruthless fate has spoke the word, — Sure all the powers above accord : For ever happy be the fair, While I, her hapless swain, despair i Fate ! let me seek some dismal cave, Then let thy storms around me rave — ■ But still my soul shall be the shrine Where lives thy image, Caroline i THE COURTSHIP- TO 'JENNY* They raise a din, baith out an' in, That I'm in love wi' thee, Jenny ; But let them jeer, an' at us sneer— I wish na' to be free, Jenny* What gars them touch at us sae much* Is ignorance, I ween* Jenny ; 60 TO THE QUEEN OP MAY. The vulgar throng are prone to wrang, Since Adam's fall has been, Jenny. We'll no them heed, but try love's mead, Since we hae got the name Jenny ; My breast does burn, till thine return A kind responsive flame, Jenny. X»et's join our ban's in wedlock ban's, And be mair truly blest, Jenny ; We'll hope for joys, for girls and boys- Let God mak' out the rest, Jenny. TO THE QUEEN OF MAY. Blushing queen, of rosy smile, Hail, all hail, to Erin's isle ! Chaplets of the brightest gem Variegate thy diadem : Nymphs and graces, in thy train, Wanton o'er the green domain. Now the ruddy tints of dawn Tremble on the dewy lawn : All that charm by sight and sound, Wake to life and rapture round— Playful in the silver flood, Warbling in the vernal wood. -Fancy now is upwards borne Through yon radiant gates of morn: TO THE QUEEN OF MAY, 61 On the bright domain below, See what peerless beauties glow ! Mountain robed in purple hue, Lake of smooth celestial blue, Landscape opening fair and wide, Wandering stream from upland side. Lo! creative beauty teems,— - All around an Eden seems. Rapt in ecstacy I gaze, While I thread the fairy maze. Brighter bloom the golden flowers!, Greener verdures tinge the bowers; Softer, from the glade, the grove, Music melts the soul to love. Hills with russet radiance glow, Brooks with sweetest murmur flow : Zephyrs blend their balmy sigh, In hymns of holiest harmony. Fair enchantress ef the grove, Wake, Erato ! sing of love g Breathe thy sighs upon my lyre, Throw soft magic o'er the wire. See ! for thee, in greenest bowers* Sylphs and graces dance the hours ; 6 62 TO THE QUEEN OF MAY. Marshalled thus in meet array, By the flowery-footed May. — Yes ! while rolling seasons move, May is still the month of love. Blushing May, with rosy smile, Hail to Erin\s favoured isle ! Now thine own immortal flower Spreads its bosom to the shower : Now the eye of morn is brightest : Now the shades of eve are lightest : Now the leveret's foot is fleetest : Now the milkmaid's song is sweetest ; Now the redbreast whistles clearest ; Now the tale of love is dearest ; Now the poet's fire is strongest ; Now the grey lark's flight is longest : Fluttering in the dappled sky, He sings his matin minstrelsy. Countless beauties glad thy reign : 0!er each hill, and dale, and plain, Nature feels thy presence uear, Goddess of the blooming year I For Mr. A. G. Thought! reach the last, last silence of a friend* This stone is sacred to a bard, On whom the gales of life blew hard; But virtue was his stay, his guard, And now in heaven Sure her eternal free reward To him is given. Adversity ! thy bitterest blast Could not his radiant soul o'ercast j She shone refulgent to the last, Then flew away, To find, where every pain is past, A brighter day. Come near, ye pensive feeling few, And with your tears this urn bedew ; The soul that once these relics knew Now rests above ; His eye of faith had heaven in view, With stedfast love. 64 EPITAPH. Is there a man of warmest heart, Who could kind sympathy impart? Who could from little take a part, And it bestow, To heal the wound of misery's dart, While tears would flow ? Is there, of firm unchanging mind, Who bears the ills of life resigned — And even to enemies is kind ? Let him draw nigh, And heave, where virtue lies enshrined, The heart-felt sigh. » Misfortune! thy afflicting rod, He felt full sore, yet heavenwards trod ; To drop a tear o'er this green sod His virtues crave ; His part immortal lives with God, And here his grave. WRITTEN IN A SOLITUDE, NEAR BANBRIDGE, Built by J. CUbborn, esq* O ! Solitude in thy sequestered The boon of bliss is granted fancy's child; Here Inspiration wakes her wizzard shell, And touches every wire with magic wild. And here, in sweet devotion's raptured dream, The soul, by sense of sacred presence fired, Shall pour her orisons to him supreme, To grant that peace the faithful have acquired* And thou, of heart benevolent and good, Whose steps the solitary path have trod ; Full oft this lone recess of solitude, Has winged thy meditations to thy God. ^tan?a& TO **#* ##### That goodness, inspired by an angelic feeling, Is pure as its source, and imparted most free ; *Tis kindness that still on the bosom is stealing, 'Tis sympathy's throb, sorrow's poignant sting healing, And such are the feelings awakened in thee, As that, when adversity's glooms are impending, The child of misfortune's distress to relieve, To come as the angel of mercy descending, Thy sigh and thy tear with their miseries blending, The sosl healing balm of benev'lence to give. And orphans shall pray, while the boon, recollection, By goodness divine to their senses are given, Each heart still indulging the pleasing reflection, That thou may'st be found in that happy selection Of those high exalted on earth and in heaven. MM0> WRITTEN ON SEEING THE SITE OF BANCEfeEN CASTLE, In the Barony of Lecale* How cold is the warrior in death's gloomy dwelling, O rath of the valley ! that ^well in thy halls, His arm once so mighty, the foeman repelling, Who dared to besiege thy proud fortined walls. In vain did the hosts in their fury assail thee, Led gloriously on by the valiant Mountjoy ; To submission his forces could never compel thee, For no human power could thy fortress destroy. Now haply, where heroes in anguish lay bleeding, The feet of the warlike steeds wantonly tread ; On the turf that encloses the mighty they're feeding, Depressing the breast of the desolate dead. Thus time, over boundless creation wide wasting. The loftiest kingdoms of earth has destroyed | The fiat's eternal, that empires are hasting To sink; ami be lost in nonentity's fdiii ON HEARING SOME OF MY FAVOURITE AIRS Performed on the Piano Forte* * Ye minstrels angelic, your musical powers, To ecstasy waken my sad pensive soul ; . Refreshing as dew-drops to summer's parch'd flowers i As on my struck ear the sweet melodies stole. In life's vapid moments, O were I but near you, For O, I have oft felt their sense-dulling sting; From despondency's gloom it would free me to hear you Harmoniously touching each magical string. Awaken my muse from her lethargic slumbers, Entranced by the strain which such soft notes in* spire; While graces celestial attune the sweet numbers^ And holiest sounds *hallawaken each wire* THE TRAVELLER BENIGHTED IN MOURNE. a Fragment of an unfinished poem» JSeneath the formless wild he wanders oil From hill to dale, still more and more astray ;— •» While round him night resistless closes fast j And every tempest, howling round his head, Menders the savage wilderness more wild. Then too j they say, through all the burthened air, Long grsans are heard, shrill sounds, and distant sight, That, uttered by the demon of the night, Warn the devoted wretch of woe and death, Thomson. * # * # # # * * * # * * * Day left the stranger on the wintry wold, Where Eve her clouds round Mourne's blue ridges rolled ; And ere the destined hamlet he came near, Night shrouds the wanderer in those mountains drear, Hung round the hemisphere her darkest form. And broke around his head the lurid storm? 7 70 MOURNE. Before his eyes the herald lightnings flash ; Loud o'er his head contending thunders crash ; As if almighty mandate had been given, To crush creation with the bolt of Heaven. So breaks the peal, deep-volleying through the gloom, Tremendous harbinger of final doom ! By cavern and ravine, so dark and deep, He totters on, nor dares to brave the steep ; For, swept along the beetling summits hoar, Hocking the cliffs, the savage whirlwinds roar. In gushing torrents, sheets of sleety rain Burst through the blast, and swell the hurricane. With awe-struck wildness thro' the waste he wend^ And all his soul to sad reflection bends. " Ah, hapless fate, devoted thus to roam, Far from my natal cot, my native home ! Poor wildered pilgrim, stranger of the wild^— » What wayward fortune has my steps beguiled ? Vindictive Fate ! thy victim why pursue?— To resignation happiness is due ; Then let thy thunders burst upon my head, Thy flaming lightnings all their horrors spread \ Be the red bolt of holy vengeance hurled, And let the throe annihilate a world *— MOURNB. 71 Omnipotent ! though to thy fiat blind, Yet in thy mercy I may mercy find." Still the benighted found no shelter near, But chained in resignation every fear :— When lo ! the tempest from the mountain rolls ; The fleecy clouds are slumbering round the poles ; The winds are hushed, and in her noon on high The moon is sailing on the liquid sky. Her silvery radiance bright reflected shone On where a clay-built cottage stood alone : To this he shivering bends his lonely way, — He finds admittance, and is bid to stay. With modest guise the infant groupe retire, To let the bashful stranger share the fire ; The cheerful matron hastes, without appeal, To spread her guest the fragments of a meal ; No churlish kindness taxed the offered fare- Heaven claimed the thanks, that led his footsteps there ; Then wonted tale, and song of artless glee Awoke around the festive jubilee. Oh, Hospitality! thy beauties charm The peasant's breast, with kindness ever warm ; 72 MOURNE. And make his cottage feast more nobly great Than all the revels of the princely fete. * * * ***** Now learn, ye proud, nor more your bosoms steely How Afric's children for the stranger feel ; Ah, hapless Park ! thy fate was once to know What sympathies in savage bosoms glow ! Shame, Europe, shame ! the soul-debasing chain ? The driver's lash, the desolated plain, She owes to thee, — yet still does she extend The swarthy hand, her spoilers to befriend. Untutored feeling there seems more sublime — The generous heart beats true in every clime* But why so far in search of virtue roam ? Her brightest, holiest beam is shed at home : The pilgrim old, his eve of life o'ercast, His white beard floating on a foreign blast, Prays but ta reach the shamroc-sprinkled shore, That all his wanderings may at last be o'er ; And makes, amongst Ierne's bounteous race, His last retreat, his final resting-place. And should he track the circling islet rounds No kinder spot to shield his age is found, Than that which greets the Muse's roving eye, Where Donard's snow-clad summit seeks the sky, MOURNE. 73 All hail, ye patrons of the hapless bard, From whom e'en weakest merit meets reward ! Where lonely Hilltown looks o'er silver Ban, That laves Rathfriland, winds through Moneyslan^ See classic Boyd, and philanthropic Tighe, Disclaim the pride of scornful scrutiny- Protect and patronize the rustic lay, And usher drooping genius into day ! Where blest Moyallen's lovely mansions rise, A peaceful race appear in simple guise ; Foes to no sect, their lives serenely glide, Unscathed by fell Ambition's maddening pride ; O may his minions ne'er their homes annoy, But virtue's sunshine beam a cloudless joy ! May Peace sit smiling on their temple fair, And Penn's meek spirit still be cherished there f And you, ye friendly sons of fair Kilkeel, Whose generous bosoms for the- stranger feel ; Should adverse fate impel him to explore Your hamlet rising on bleak Mourne's shore, Tb your kind mansions should he chance to come, Each wears the apect of his native homer 74 MOURNE* Though stern oppression's adamantine brand Has oft, my Erin ! smote thy sainted land, Yet, oh my country ! still thy sons are brave, On the embattled plain, and blood stained wave. Thy daughters, blooming as the blush of morn, Thy hills, thy dales and cottages adorn : They meet the stranger with benignant smile, And greet hira welcome to the holy isle. NOTES This unfinished poem, (the completion of which would have retarded the publication of the work, already too long delayed,) was intended as a slight tribute of gratitude to the inhabitants of Mourne, among whom the author experienced the hospitality he has attempted to describe. Page 67 — Ah, hapless Park f — The enterprising and unfortunate Mungo Park, whose re-J searches in the interior of Africa occupied so much attention, re- lates, that his passage across the Niger being interdicted by the king of Bambarra, he was obliged to retrace his steps, and seek, shelter in an obscure village at a considerable distance, until he should undergo an examination. Arriving there, he found, to his great mortification, that the fears and prejudices of the in- habitants had effectually closed the doors against him. Disheartened at this reception, he passed the remainder of the day under the shade of a tree, without any refreshment what- ever. The wind rose, and the atmosphere threatened a heavy rain : the wild beasts, too, were so numerous in the neighbour- hood, that, about sunset, he was preparing to pass the night in the top of the tree, and had turned his horse loose, to graze at liberty, when a poor woman, returning from the labours of the field, stopped to observe him. Perceiving that he was weary OEptgram, WRITTEN ON PASSING THROUGH THE VILLAGE OF EDEN, BELOW CARRieKFERGUS, Where there is a clumsy representation of our Jirst parents on the showboard of a public house* It has been matter of conjecture, And cause of many a learned lecture, Whether 'twas orange, pine, or pear, Our father Man got from his fair, Which robbed them both of present peace, And plunged in woe their fallen race* — But why in darkness should we rove, And seek the fruit front grove to grove ? Yonder in Eden, as you pass, Behold it in the luscious glass ! 9 Twas neither orange, pear, nor pine,— It was a cluster from the vine. TO A REDBREAST, Who Jleto in at the author s tvindotv one morning, during a heavy Jail of snotv. O. Robin, but you're sair forlorn ! Your plumes wi' winter war are torn ; The warld's white wi* snaw this rnorn, And yet drifts thick ;— I hae a pickle groats o' corn, For you to pick. Let na mishap your spirits daunt ;— » I've been mysel aft times in want; But yet my cot the needy haunt, Tho' unco bare \ And let my meal be e'er sne scant, I gie a share* And Robin, I'll provide far thee> Till spring wi' blossoms dress the tree, And ope the floweret on the lee \ — ■ Then let you gang Back to the grove, whare bonnilie Ye'll sing your sang* THE STORM. WRITTEN ON THE NIGHT OF SUNDAY, NOV. IS, 1815* monarch ef the winds, admit my prayer / ^ SHENSTONE. His is the storm the whirlwind and the shower, The blazing lightning, and the thunder* s power ; When fate in darkness stalks her dismal round- When oceans whelm, and earthquakes rock the grounds DRUMMOXIh Clouds and thick darkness load the air— - Save when the lurid light Illumes, with short and fitful glare, The labouring womb of night. And following fast Athwart the blast* Deep muttering thunders rear ; Then, closing round, the dun profound Seems darker than before. The wind, in its resistless course, Flings down the scattering hail IThe mountain floods collect their fcHfc&> And deluge all the vale* THE STORM. 81 Saw ye that flash which lit the poles ?— Yon redder sheeted levin ? List to the peal ! — now, now it rolls, The angry voice of Heaven ! But why should fear my soul deform, Though gloom the night o'ercast ? Lord, need I dread the raging storm, When thou hast winged the blast ? Nor am I now by thee forgot.; # I feel thy mercies move ; For e'er the storm assails my cot, Its: force thou dost reprove. O what am I, that thou -should'st free My drooping soul from fear! While thousands cry aloud to thee, And various deaths appear ; Where swelling waves of ocean's flood The hapless bark assail; And tempests blow, in angry mood. A horror-breathing gale. , 82 THE STORM. Before their eyes, from pole to pole, Thy flaming lightnings flash — Loud o'er their heads thy thunders roll, With fierce contending crash. Amid this elemental strife, Though thy red bolts be hurl'd ; x By land and sea save every life- — From tempest's wreck, a world. Thy guidance be their pilot's skill, Round faithless shores that steer ; Nor yet thy wrath on them fulfil, That far at ocean veer. On lashing surge, and rifted steep, Cast down a look of peace ; Lull every stormy blast asleep^ And bid the tempest cease. OK THE PROTRACTED RAINS, Itt MAY AND JUNE, 1811. While, all around, the swelling rains Deluge the fields and verdant plains, O mankind, cease to mourn ! For Sol's all cheering glorious beam*, Shall dry again the muddy streams, And in bright glory burn. Though sheets of drenching rain descend, And thickening clouds above impend, To wrap our fields in gloom, The great first Cause of every thing, In his good time, shall wake the spring With fresh reviving bloom. Then, doubting mankind, cease to fear, Although the earth seems cold and drear, Nor dread a grievous dearth ; 84? ON THE RAINS. For he who is the seasons* head Shall bless again with store of bread, — ■ With plenty crown the earth. Nature must change in various forms — To day be calm —to morrow storms, — And shall in future be : There's nought within this earthly frame, That can for aye remain the same, Save Heaven's unchanged decree. But that shall firm unshaken stand, When vivid lightnings burn the land r And nature melts away ; When the loud trumpet's startling blast Shall summon all the good, at last. To an eternal dav. SONG, Air— « When silent Time? Cauld dreary winter's gane awa ; Nae mair his surly tempests blaw ; And melted are the wreaths of snaw : — Then wilt thou gang wi me, To see the spreading woodbine bowers, To see the bonnie opening flowers, Sae fresh, when wat wi* vernal showers. An' a' in bloom, like thee ? 'Tis fair to see the moon o* spring; 'Tis sweet to hear the birdies sing, And lightly flit on wanton wing, To court us to the grove : And now the gowden flower o' May, The primrose, and the daisy gay, Bloom ilka place we chance to stray, Inviting us to love. 86 SONG, Nor lambkins sporting on the lee, Nor birdies singing bonnilie, Nor nature's sel,- compares wi* thee. When drest in a* her pride : O* a' the beauties on the green, Thou art the fairest to be seen, O' Nature and o' women queen ; — O gin thou wert my bride! Then wilt thou to my vow give ear P By a' aboon, I loe thee dear ! For thee I drap the silent tear, And feel lhe heaving throe : O gie nae mair my bosom pain, Nor brand thy victim wi* disdain, Nor let me tell thee aye in vain, My hopeless, cherished woe, O let thy heart responsive beat ! Gie me thy hand ! — sic rapture sweet Will mak' my saul wi' bliss replete i And grant me but thy love, And by the brightness o' thine e'e, And by the power that reigns on hie, I'll loe thee dearly till I die, And never learn to rove! OH MR. J. B. LEAVING THE ISLAND OF RATHLIN* Where he had been en a shooting party. Oj a' ye various muirlan' brooch! O, a' ye skimmers o* the flood! O, a* ye warblers o* the wood, Come f join my strain; Nae mair he'll come to spill your blood— Awa he's gane. Ye maukins, ye nae mair need peep About your holes, or secret keep ; Nae raair wiVnoiseless foot he'll creep About your den ; Ye a' may now in safety sleep — Awa he's gane* Nae mair ye need his pathway shun ; Nae mair ye'll thole his wanton fun ; SB ON ME. J. B. Nae mair ye'll hear his roarin' gun Alang the plain; Nae mair before his hounds yell run — Awa he's gane. O, ye may wish, baith ane and a ? , Him and his gun to keep awa ! For if ae blink o' you he saw, On bush or vane, Or hi the air, ye're sure to fa — He ne'er missed ane» How the Kenramer kernes wad jump,* To hear the cliffs' wild echoes thump, As on ilk blue basaltic lump, Smote his wee bullets. That in the wave, wi' noisy plump, Brought showers o' pullets i But they may wanton at their will, And rest secure, and fear nae ill ; * The inhabitants of Rathlin are not less noted for simplicity, than hospitality ; but the people of Kenramer are observed to be of a more independent spirit, and to have less intercourse with strangers, than those who live upon the other end of the island* LEAVING RATHLttt. 89 A* lasting sleep has laid him still, And stapt his breath ; He felt it waur than poacher's bill— The shaft o' death. Now, pussie, ye may scud, at morn, Across the rigs o' brairded corn ; Ye'll hear nae mair his swelling horn, Or growling strife, That aft your trembling kind has torn, And robbed.©' life.. Yet, when the storm begoud to blaw, Mufflin the plains wi' wreaths o* snaw, Lest Luath's fang or lusty paw Your lives sud wrang, He tied him up ayont the wa, Wi' leathern whang. When winter frosts bound nature's frame, And farmers fed the nowte at hame, Though he was licensed for the game, Ye ate his kail ; — ■ At you he ne'er took deadly aim, Wi pouther an' hail* 90 ON MR, J. B. &C. And you that haunt the cliff and cave— Ye divers o' the swellin wave ! Ye may your glossy pinions lave, — 111 list your cry, When wintry tempests wildly rave 'Twixt rock and sky. TO MR. J. B. On the authors return from a nightly excursion* Yestreen, ye ken, the scene was mild ; — The Muse, sweet Fancy's darling child, My steps out owre the knowes beguiled, Whar heather bells Purpled the various rural wild, And dewy dells. Calm fell the night o'er Inisfail ; The lift was drest in azure veil ; The streamers danced on Lochindael,* WT gleamin' glance ; And stars begemmed, with lustre pale, The blue expanse. The moon her silver horns did fill ; The grey mist slept on Croagh hill ; * A bay in the Highlands of Scotland, visible from the neigh a bourhood of the Causeway 92 TO MR. J. B. No breath disturbed the solemn still, Sae fair and clear > Sweetly the sound of fountain rill Boiled, on my ear. It was about the time o' night, When deils and ghaists, and mony a sprighir Haunt sightless round, dull sauls to fright WT deadly fear — O' sic I got an unco sight, — Ye'll quake to hear. Fu* loud I heard an eldritch mourn! Fear whispered through my saul to turn ; Wi* that a voice cried, " bring his urn, He comes wi* speed ; Before he ferries owre this burn, We'll knock him dead!" And what was't but a fairy train, That there had held their midnight reign ! They stapt their coursing o'er the plain, 'Neath the moonlight,— --Quo'-ane, " to end his life wi' pain Wad shaw our spite." XO MR. J. B 93 Guess ye the fright I now was in ; 'Twas needless for me back to rin ; So I begun to pray, my sin, God to forgie' : My guilt— a* cares, I left behin' — But how to die! Then ilka sprite my ears did fill Wi' cries, — " we'll bring him to the hill, And when we amber dews distil At mornin' grey, While gentle zephyrs fragrance spill, We'll catch his lay/' While ithers cried, " awa to hell Tak him, to see the deil himsel, And teach him there Agrippa's spell, Wi' a' its harms, And bring him back— he'll fortunes tell, And practise charms" But ane, mair friendly than the rest, Said " God is God frae east to west : The bard has prayed within his breast — His prayer sincere 9 9* TO MR. J. B. Has reached to heaven, and you had best, Deils, lea' him here.* 1 But now the moon her beams did shroud ; The fairy elves rose in a crowd; They filled the air wi' yells sae loud, The deik wi' flame, That ere I could the sight becloud, I was athanae. About these dreams -o* superstition, I wish and wait for your decision ; Whether these fragile shades o' vision Hae here existence, Cut aff frae Heaven, an* bliss Elysian, At sic a distance. TO MISS J- L, To thee, with breast of warmest glow, Heaven did a precious gem bestow, Bright as thy radiant eyes, To be esteemed by thee most dear, With purest love, and soul sincere,— 'Tis wisdom — sacred prize! O do not at the blessing spurn ! That monitor which bids thee turn From every idle toy ; For vanity's fantastic train* Would taint thy heart, thy soul would stain, And every charm destroy. " Each fancy of the vulgar throng Maddens to lead thy footsteps wrong," Cries Wisdom's warning voice : O^hear the call which makes thee blest ! Let lier inspire thy gentle breast, And be thy happy choice* 96 TO MTSS J. L. 'Tis she will every vice controul, And form tlie bias of thy soul To virtue and to love ; . G seek her, while in early prime ! No distant date sums up the time When thou must hence remove. Then humbly for her guidance look 5 Peruse each lesson of her book, And kneel before her shrine ; Nor seek her walks in solitude — For wisdom teaches to be good, Her ways are all divine. Thus, through the circling hours of day, Thy conscience shall be always gay ; — When locked in sleep by night, Celestial joys, in blisful dreams, Shall glad thy soul, till morning beams Return with glorious light. Seest thou how fast May's golden flower Drops and decays, in mead and bower> By time's malignant frown ? TO MISS J. L. 97. Behold the full blown rose of June ! Its beauty shall be faded soon, A likeness of thine own. Now beauty's rosebud paints thy cheek ; O let this teach thee to be meek i— » How fleeting is its bloom ! Thus dims the brightness of thine eye, Thus fades thy cheek of rosy die, And withers in the tomb. 9...S HYMN, Composed in a melancholy state of mind. Whence this lingering melancholy, These fond longings of the mind ? Whence these sighs, that show my folly, Seeking comfort from the wind ? W T hat is fame, that some have courted ? 'Tis a bubble on the stream ; 'Tis a fabric unsupported— 'Tis a pleasing, passing dream. Nature's bounteous God hath given Sober intellectual sense : — Thank, my soul, indulgent Heaven, For this blessed competence ; Yet, O yet, it often clambers, (Lord ! with sighs I now confess) Imagination's airy chambers, Seeking tastes of happiness. HYMK,. 29 Where, O where's its only centre ?. Where, O Jesus, but in thee? On thy merits now I venture, Point of bliss and gravity. Joined by faith, my radius vector,. Lit by thee from pole to pole, Love, that's sweeter far than nectar, Now propels my circling soul. THE MAN IN THE MOON. Written en seeing the poem of " Woman and ther Moon^ in the Belfast News- Letter. . One night as I strayed on the verge of the ocean, The pale beams of Cynthia played on the flood ; The man in the moon seemed in dreadful emotion ! All nature was hushed, and I motionless stood. He lift up his hand, to my great consternation, And swore by the stars that were blinking on high, . 100 THE MAN IN THE MOON. To wreak out his ire on this cold blooded nation, Which nought that is lovely in woman can spy. " The moon is my parent," he cried out like thunder, " The clown, even, knows that my sire is the sun : Go visit the muses, and tell them I wonder And shrink at the sight of the deed they have done. w They've slighted the woman^yet none to defend her ! I'll rescue the blooming and generous fair ; Command them to bring forth to light the offender^ Confessing his crime, — for my arm is made bare. " Forages fair Luna has claimed the attention And gilded the path of the dark sons of earth ; , And so lovely woman, I glory to mention, Has caught the affections of noblest worth. " 'Tis true, the moon changes — but 'tis for the better : She faithfully sends down her new borrowed ray ; And so would the woman, if man would not fret her,. While gladly she shines in her own milky way. u How dreary and gloomy when Luna's not shining, To lead on the way, and. to lighten the path ! THE MAN, IN THE MOON. 10i And oft have I witness'd distress and repining, When woman's fair charms were beclouded by death/' With that the night-bell woke my senses allured ; The dark fleeting clouds hid the orb from my sight $r To see her again I could not be assured, And so bade the man in the moon a good night* Enigma. There is a thing, with dangling head, Whose wit and brains took wing and fled, And left a changeling's in their stead ; Bray tell its name. There is a thing which oft you pass, With apish look, as dumb 's an ass, At which you peep through optic glass, Pray guess its name* There is a thing, for aught I know, Dropt from the moon some time ago j 102 ENIGMA, Twa* there a puppet in a show ; Pray guess its name. There is a thing, with magpie hop, Would make a scarecrow for the crop,. Would make a sign for barber's shop ; Pray guess its name. There is a thing, half man, half maid,— Half man ! 'tis nothing but a shade, By taylors and staymakers made ; Pray tell its name. There is a thing* with neck and waist Like grey-hound, or some other beast, Which by these marks is easy traced :-• Pray guess its name* TO THE REV. ARCHDEACON ******* Tf man has got a power to chuse, To do or good, or ill refuse, "Would any turn aside to evil, Xured by temptations of the devil ? Then why? what need of Heaven's mandate, When none is doomed to hell by fate ? 'Tis vain ; no hell for man hath burned, He of himself to virtue turned. Tis said, in Adam all have fell, And all for sin deserve but hell. Of these extremes, which is the middle* -Perhaps you'll find, and solve the riddle* But be it rightly understood, Man of himself doth nought that's goodo When man doth evil, wouldst thou blame Him, or the Power that should reclaim ? Should man take either of the roads, Know, ^ach impelling power is God's. TO DEATH, '"Many are the ways that lead to thy grim cave" One bustling and one da?icing into death?* Thou king of terrors ! mortal foe, That day and night goes to and fro, Fell cause of every pain and woe ! Saint, sinner, sage, Have got from thee a deadly throe In every age. At first, the serpent's subtle wile Did mother Eve with fruit beguHe* '-While she, with an assenting smile, Began to sin, And thou, O Death! approved the while, And so came in. SO DEATft. 105 Now, since the righteous Abel's blood, Thou hast the race of man withstood, And dealt thy blows in furious mood, • With noisome clamour ; And but Elijah, since the flood, Escaped thy tremor* Since that first righteous blood was shed, The joy of earth 's for ever fled ; Thy storm has roared round every head ; Thy ruthless dart, With fateful certainty, has sped To every heart. When Sampson sought thy chambers drear, His boasted strength thou didst not fear ; Thou sat'st on fell Goliath's spear, That giant foe, Till valour's son to him drew near, And cast him low. At Gibeath thou didst thrice advance ; In Ephraim's wood thy steed did prance ; For thee was lighted heaven's expanse, With lengthened day s 10 106 TO DEATH. Till Joshua's sword and pointed lance His foes should slay. Before the walls of far-famed Troy, Thou didst thy murderous hands employ ; When Hector did whole ranks destroy, Thou then wert near ; His reeking blade thou saw'st with joy, And crusted *pear. Now fare ye weel — I'm in your power, Which costs me mony a weary glower ; I dread that soon ye'll knock me owre, Wi' coward blow, And grim distorted o'er me lower, My direst foe. Through rolling time, each circling year, Thou art the cause of many a tear ; The ties of love and friendship dear Thou rend'st in twain ; I hare no other things to fear, But thy grim trafe, A sacrifice was made by thee, Of God the Sen, on Calvary } TO DEATH. 107 Yes ! by the eye of faith I see His blood was shed, But, by that blood, captivity Is captive led. All that have been, or e'er shall be, Must fall at last a prey to thee ; But our High Priest, to set us free, Bore all thy pain : Now where's thy sting, thy victory ? He broke thy chain, A WINTER NIGHT IN THE NORTH OF IRELAND.. When surly winter 'gins to blaw, An robe himsel wi* frost and snaw ; See roun* the ingle, in a raw, The rural folks Sit down and pass the time awa, In cracks and jokes* The grey haired couple cozey sit, Weel pleased to hear the youngsters 1 wit ; /The guidman maks and coals the split, And mends the fire, And snuffs and smokes as he thinks fit, Like ony squire.- The bleezin fire o f sod and peer, Gars some sit back, and ithers sweat, And thaws the amaist frozen feet O' rustic Will, Wha* scoured the muirs, through snaw and sleet, His e'e to fill. A WINTER NIGH*. 10$ The winsome matron at the wheel, Wi' canny e'e keeks at the chiel She thinks wad fit her Jenny weel ; An sighs to see Her careless smile, her heart o' steel, And scornfu* e'e. The waefu' cause she needna spier, Why Will, wi* a' his weel got gear, Meets nae return but aye a sneer, Frae foolish Jean, For she remembers wi* a tear, Wha comes between. Their cotter's son, a canny blade, Right skilful* in the wooin trade, Set a' his gins, and gript the maid Fair by the heart ; Nor frae him could they keep the jade, Wi' a' their art. The rustic smokes, and talks o' lear, Or how folk may mak muckle mair, By risin early, takin care, An spendin nane ; 10.„2 1 10 A WINTER NIGHT* Nor fails to please the runkled pair, Into the bane* They talk o' houses, Ian' and kye, When this ane calves, an that ane's dry, And how folk's hurried, that maun buy Baith milk an' butter ; For plash o' tea, it's waur than whye, — It's but het water. Hibernia has her frien's and foes ; They sing her joys — grieve owre her woes ; Nor bring the matter to a close, Till they declare They'd ring the villain by the nose, Wad rug her haiF. The kirk disputes 'bout points o' faith. Melchizedeck, or Jeptha's aith ; The witch o' Endor, or the claith That Israel wore, When journeying through the vale beneath, To Canaan's- shore.- — These mystic points, hid in the dark, Set a' their noddles quick to wark ; A WINTER NIGHT. Ill And in a wheef they do a dark, Waurs blacker coats,, Wha lie asleep, and winna bark Without the groats.. Neist tales o' ghaists an magic spell — O' witches lowin out o' hell, And tricks o' Nickie-ben himsel', Gae roun and roun,. Till ilka youngster thinks, pell mell He's comin down. But time, that flies though we sit still, Brings roun' the hour, that sorry Will Maun cross the eerie glen, or rill O' murmurin lay : The auld son puts him owre the hill, And points* the way> Now Will's awa> the lassie's glad, The supper's past, they haste to bed ; But balmy sleep awa is fled, A' Jean can dae; An thoughts o' Will rin in her head, That mak her pray. 112 A WINTER NIGHT. " Ye powers aboon, instruct me now, Whether I should to Tam stan' true, Or tak the man that's het an' fou, Baith butt an ben ; I lea', I lea' it a' to you, — I dinna ken : Perhaps 'tis right in thy decree, That Will should woo, nor let me be, Wi' gear an cracks catch heart an e'e, And then my han*; A's dark, a's dark — I canna see — I'm at a stanV* Wi' that a rap is hafflins gi'en Upon the pane, — wjeel kend by Jean ; She quats her prayers, and opes her een, Scaur'd wi' the knock- And tremblin lets in Tam, his lane, At twal' o'clock. Blue wi' the cauld, — nipt wi' the frost, Poor shiverin Tarn is nearly lost ; But wait, — the greeshagh out is tossed Between his legs, Which thaws his bluid, and sairs to roast The beef an' eggs. A WINTER NIGHT. 11$ The night slips owre — nae time to lose; He enters quickly on his views ; An smilin Jenny hears o' news Unheard before ; Ye 11 tak your Tam, — or now refuse For evermore." He spurns at fear, and cares, and toil; He's young, he's strong — has heaven's smile ; A cog o' meal, a cruise o* oil, He hopes to hae, Though this should burn, and parritch boil, Baith night and day. The lassie, now put to her pinch, Maun steady Stan', or quickly flinch : Her time is short, — 'tis but an inch ; Quick as a shot, The nail she'll either draw or clinch, Just on the spot. " Since it is sae, I now resign ; I will be yours, and you'll be mine ; Sure as my arms I notv entwine Aroun' my love, My steady heart will ne'er decline, Nor faithless prove." 1 14 A WINTER NIGHT, Thrice happy mutual loving pair, Unconscious of mad carking care ! Ye view the side that's bright and fair, And taste the sweet ; Nor think the warld's entanglin' snare May mak ye greet. Now Luna, shapet like a crown^ Behint a hill was sliduV down ; Nor maun she rin anither roun', Or cock her horn. Till by her light, frae Hymens town They baith return. A distant sound strikes on the ear, The clarion voice o' Chanticleer ; Wakes wi' the dawn the lassie's fear, An Tarn maun stride ; And, limpet-like, he's ikico sweer, To lea' her side. The kye now routin i' the byre, Call forth the carefu' waukrife sire, While Jenny rakes the scattered fire, — Lies down her lane £ An Tam glides hame, wi* strong desire For night again* PARAPHRASE ON REVELATION, i. 7. To call the nations to his bar, In flames of fire the Lord doth come ; The trumpet sounds "prepare, prepare! Awake ye nations ! time is done ; The conqueror of the grave draws nigh, And death itself begins to die." Lowly upon an ass he rode, . And wept o'er blind Jerusalem ; But lo ! he comes in yonder cloud, To judge the numerous sons of men ; And those who pierced his hands and feet Shall see him throned in awful state. Yea ! every eye shall then behold Th' incarnate God, enthroned in fire ; Though like a slave he once was sold, And crucified at man's desire. Though like the lamb he suffered here^ As Judah's lion he'll appear* 116 PARAPJfRASE, Before him lambent lightnings glare, While twice ten thousand thunders roar ; And all hearts fail through guilty fear, That never feared his name before. Their Jknees wax feeble — lift the head- Seek after death, but death is fled. Prom every circle to its pole, Tremendous earthquakes shake the sphere ; And nature groans and writhes her soul, To view her dissolution near. And then resounds the dreadful cry " The judge! the judge is drawing nigh ■!" The wicked, seized with guilty dread, Now wail because of him, and mourn : For them his precious blood was shed, And they rejected it with scorn. All kindreds wail, who lived in mirth, And hid their talents in the earrti. Ah 1 see, in that dread awful hour, The wicked starting from the grave, Immortalized, to die no more, And black as hell's dark yawning cave ! At their reward they now arrive, Where life b dead, and deathY alive* PARAPHRASE. 117 The rich, the poor, the great, the small, The mighty -and ignoble, cry — " O rocks and mountains, on us fall, And hide us from his piercing eye! The Hay of wrath, the day of doom, Alas! alas! is come, is come" His flaming eyes now dart a look, And boundless worlds are set on flame; Yea, heaven and earth expire in smoke, And place is found no more for them. They melt, dissolve, — his look obey — Groan their last groan, and pass away. The right edas— those who loved him here ? And for his sake would life forego, Then bid farewell to every fear, To sin, and everlasting woe. With songs to Ziion they return, No more to weep, or wail, or mourn; Their bodies, raised by power divine, Blooming as youth with Eden's bloom,— Brilliant as yonder sun they shine, And to the new Jerusalem come 11 118 PARAPHRASE, Lovely as angels they appear, And Jesus feeds and leads them there. But O ! the glories of that place What tongue can tell, or heart can know? Where rivers of redeeming grace, Like Jordan, swell and overflow! Where all, in whitest robes arrayed, Drink at salvation's fountain head* O may we wash our robes below, By faith, in Jesus' .precious blood, Not only clean, but white as snow, Like those before the throne of God. That when he comes in clouds again, Our spulsmay cry-*-even so, Amen! TO MR. H**** M********. There is in my bosom a festering sorrow, That chills every scion of hope in its bloom ; But e'er I from mankind one sympathy borrow, Death shroud me eternally up in the tomb ! But yet not in vain has my bosom confided In one, with whose friendship no falseiiODds en- twine ; And one I have found, in whose heart, undivided, Some feelings awaken, responsive to mine. , TO MR. H. M. 119 Ye souls, with the tenderest sympathies fashioned, Where softness and firmness have blended their seed, For the crimes and the sorrows of others impassioned, Ah, ye are the victims that live bat to bleed ! What anguish is theirs, who, by nature exalted, Are stamped with the nobler endowments of mind ! By cold-hearted malice and envy assaulted, While scorpion-stinged calumny stabs them behind. But be it my lot, from all mankind estranged, To live and to die still unknowing, unknown — They seek bliss in vain, who the nations have ranged, Destroying that peace which would else be their own. In my heart rude Adversity's rank weeds have stifled Each rosebud of joy, and defaced its young form ; The gusts of affliction life's summer have rifled — No bloom to survive from the wreck of the storm* But what though the night-cloud should scowl for a : season, And seem to envelope the bard in its gloom ? Through the tempest his soul shall be guided by reason, And for him the flowerets of Eden shall bloom. 120 TO MR. H. M. Though oft.al.most driven by misfortune tQ madness* I'll patiently bear, and no longer repine : For often the mild-beaming eve-star of gladness Hath glanced on a bosom as woful as mine. The seaman, long tost on the storm-ruffled billow,^ When moored in the haven, how happy and blest ! So I, when my wanderings are past, on my pillow, Shall feel more delight in t the sweetness of rest. By day, when the sun-beam, shall gild the grey mountain, Remembrance shall wake on my own native wild, And at night, when the moon will have silvered the fountaio— Thy friendship, bestowed on the Muse's lone child, O friend of my heart ! my, rapt fancy enfolds thee, When darkness and woe on her vision are driven ;. Despairing, forsaken, — with joy she beholds thee, The last beam of bliss which she borrows from heaven, TO GEO. A. WRAY, Esq. Let Adulation tune the venal reed, And prostitute, with sly insidious art; The flame that lights to every nobler deed, And nerves the generous purpose of the heart : TO a. A. WRAt, ESQ. 121 Small is the triumph numbers can impart, When song would raise a tyrant's guilty fame ; But when the tear of gratitude will start, Shall envious scorn the heart-felt rapture blame, Which gives its dearest meed, a tribute to thy name The jarring numbers of my rustic song Were early rolled discordant on thine ear ; Uncouthly came the measure from my tongue, — Yet kindly still didst thou vouchsafe to hear ; And if one spark of genuine nature there Smote in collision on the waking wires, Thine was the tone, to feeling ever dear* Which lights the soul with warmest, purest fires,-— That intellectual thrill which Heaven itself inspires* Though fate forbade that thy excursive eye Should scan the errors of my latter page, Still let me hope to find protection high, And trust the clement virtue of the age. Yet if perchance the angry critic's rage, All harshly just, should scorn my feeble lay, O let this truth his zealous wrath assuage — No line is found, to weaken virtue's sway, Or lead the youthful mind from her bright path astray* 11. m2 OS HEARING A DISCOURSE DELIVERED B¥ WILLIAM NEILSON, D.D.>I.R.I.A, IN THE IRISH, FROM THESE WORDS * u But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, — -I will have mercy, and not sa- crifice ; for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance" — Mathew. Sweet as that glorious anthem of the sky, Which poured from heaven seraphic harmony, And woke the shepherds, on that hallowed morn> When the meek man of sacrifice was born — Thy voice, which doth the gracious tidings bring, That mercy yet expands her healing wing ! His love unsearchable, O who may trace, W T ho found on spacious earth no resting-place ! The Son, contracted to incarnate span, Though very God, became a perfect man ; Laid down for us his starry diadem, And came — the blessed babe of Bethlehem ! The virgin mother watched ; the holy child Slept in the manger, lonely, dark and wild ; ON. HEARING A SERMONV... 120i The wandering world, in error's guilty maze, Heard not the cherub legion's song of praise, Nor knew what high and gracious ransom lay,-. In loved Judea On that glorious day, r When rose salvation's day-star, beaming bright, Whose radiance pointed tojthe infant Lights Behold ,-the sufferer, from his mother's womb Beset with, troubles, travelling to the. tomb! His houseless head found no kind shelter here, For in his tribe he was a wanderer. Bowed in Gethsemane, he wept and prayed,— Was by perfidious traitor's kiss betrayed, Accused, found guilty, buffeted; reviled?— ■-- No yet was wrath infinite reconciled : The hamefal tree was by the victim borne, Galled v ith derisive wreath of pointed thorn ; The gre& ? the humble mighty man of woe, Bore the embodied sins of all below; By him he l^d preserved was thrice denied,— With meanesknalefactors crucified. His nerves with sharpest nails were rudely torn, —For us, for us, these agonies were borne ! With hig last groan our sins were all forgiven,-?* His fallen seed,were raised to life in heaven. 124 ON HEARING A SERMON. O ever glorious light of gospel day, Which sheds o'er earth a clear and fadeless ray I Well might the holy prophet lift his voice, To bid the howling wilderness rejoice I The season ripens in the womb of time, That frees mankind from misery and crime ; The lowly vales rise level to the plain ; The steepy mountains bow their heads again ; Each crooked path, a straight extending way, Prepares the boundless triumph* of that day, When once again the S^« of God appears, With his millennium of unclouded years : Or when with power descending from above, He lifts from earth the chosen of his love. Not as when from the splendors of the sky The mighty victor came, for man to die ; Descended from his Father's starry throne, And trod the wine-press of his wrath alone I No — when his might o'ershadows earth agai»> The trump shall sound from yon ethereal .^lain ; Louder than Heaven's red boh the blast shall roll, And rock the prostrate world from pole to pole. All hail to thee, in whose sweet accents bland Flows the primeval language of our land ! ON HEARING A SERMON. 125 And thine be that afflatus given to him Whose lips were touched with fire of seraphim — Gr as that holier Spirit, which was given In flaming tongues, borne on the breath of Heaven, — To hasten that bright period of his word, When earth's remotest tribe shall know the Lord ! And hark ! the gospel trumpet sounds abroad^ To bring the weary wanderers back to God I O will ye now obey the gracious call, And turn, and live, in him who died for all ?...-. So, whenye cease to draw your vital breath, And slumber in the cold embrace of death, Eternal day-spring shall more bright illume Your dreary night, — the grave's unfathomed gloom. When the last thunder shakes creation's framo — The glance of God sets countless worlds on flam^rr- When death and hell, with one tremendous groan, Cast forth their dead before : the judgment throne,—^ When all, in " terror-mingled trust," await The fiat of inexorable fate— O may his mercy, boundless as his love, Make you his ransomed denizens above H THE^END. CONTENTS. Poetic Sketches of the Giants' Causeway, &c. Notes to do. ... 55 Ejaculatory Stansas ... ... 40 The Invitation.— (To Dr M'Donnell, Belfast) ... 50 Lament for Robert Stuart, esq. ... 53 Winter 55 Stanzas to Miss ***** 57 Song 58 The Courtship, 59 To the Queen of May 60 Epitaph for Mr. A. G 63 Lines written in Mr. Clibborn's Hermitage, ... 65 Stanzas to — — — ... ... ... ... ... 66 Lines written at Bangreen ... ... ... ... 67 On hearing a Piano Forte ... ... ... ... 68 The Traveller benighted in Mourne ... ... 69 Notes to do. ... ... 15 Epigram ... * 78 To a Redbreast 79 The Storm ... .~ 80 On the protracted Rains in 1811 ... •.. ..« 85 CONTIKTS, Song .*• ... ~ 85 On Mr. J. B. leaving RatMin 87 To Mr. J. B 91 To Miss J. Ls ... 95 Hymn ... ... '•■*.. ... 98 The Man in the Moon 99 Enigma ... ... ... ... ... ... 101 To the Rev. Archdeacon—— » 10o To Death ..♦ 104 A Winter Night in the North of Ireland ... 108 Paraphrase of Rev. i. 7 ... ... 115 To Mr. H. M. ... 118 To Geo. A. Wray, esq. ... 121 On hearing Dr. Nelson preach a Sermon in Irish 125. The following additional Subscribers have been rf reived* Brown Mr J. W. Grenshaw Murphy S. esq. Rathfriland Cooch Mr J. Larne M'Cartin Capfc Portaferry Douglas Miss, Cloughorr M'Curdy Miss, Cloughfinn X)ickey Miss, Banside NeilJ, Dr. Coleraine Falls Rev. W. Aughnacloy Read, Mr T. M. Knockbreda Falloon, Rev. M. Ballylessen Ross Mr J. Belfast Groves Mr R. Drumnagee Smyth T.^sq. Rathmullen Hutchinson — esq, Glasgow Segrove J., A. M. Carrickfergus Johnston R. esq Glynn Starr Mr P. Royal Artillery Kyle Mr. A. Dungiven Simpson Mr. J. Drumnidra Kirkpatrick Mr S. Ballymoney Tegg Major J. Liscarbrey lafferty Mr. W. Dungiven In?the argument to the Sketches of the Causeway, line £ from the bottom, for Margy — Dunluce — Benmore, read Bcnmore-* %fargy — Du rdu ce. Page 19, line 4 from the bottom, for redoubled, read redoubted. Page 22, line 16, for woe, read fate. Page 27, line 7 from the bottom, for peace read 'joy's. Page 42, line 4 from the 'bottom, in a few copies, for ur read 0«r. J^qge 64, line 4 from the bottom, in some of the copies, for to kfave a sigh, read to drop a tear. /The author has to apologize to the public for the imperfect state in which these latter pieces appear, owing to some unlucky circumstances, which, however, would be uninteresting to the reader.— But for the number of pages promised in the prospec- tus, they would, with the exception of one or two, have been en- tirely suppressed; Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: April 2009 PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVATION 111 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township, PA 1 6066 (724)779-2111