SYLVAN SHADES 
 
 ** Here I can sit alone, unseen of any, 
 
 And, to the nigchtingale's complainingr notes. 
 Tune my distresses, and record my woes.'* 
 
 SHAKSPEARE. 
 
 *TIS evening, and the sun's bright beams are fading in 
 the west; 
 
 •Tie now when charming Nature is in all her beauty drest; 
 
 Now all above and all below presents a placid scene,— 
 
 Above is the etherial blue— below the verdant green. 
 
 Now is the time to haunt the grove, enchanting notes to 
 hear: 
 
 Though some may fly from solitude, to me it is most dear. 
 
 There I can take a retrospect of life’s uncertain maze; 
 
 And, though my spirit be o’ercast, can hope for brighter 
 days. 
 
 There I can view the stately oak — my native country’s 
 pride, — 
 
 On which, to conquer on the main, her gallant sailors ride. 
 
 There I can hear the nightingale, the bird of sweetest lay. 
 
 Pour forth her soft and plaintive notes, to hail the close 
 of day. 
 
 ’Tis there the tender, anxious dove coo’s fondly o’er its 
 mate. 
 
 And gives an emblem how to love, when in the wedded 
 state. 
 
 There I can muse on those dear friends whom death hath 
 from me torn ; 
 
 But, as my loss may be their gain„ I quickly cease to 
 mourn. 
 
 There I can view the num’rous shades of dark and lighter 
 
 And banish all my gloomy thoughts, enraptured with the 
 scene. 
 
 Then let me stray to sylvan shades, when placid eve draws 
 near ; 
 
 Though some may fly from solitude, to me it is most dear. 
 
 CHARLES CLARK. 
 
 GREAT TOTHAM, ESSEX. 
 
 Gh-eoi Totkam: Prmted at Charles Clark*s Private Press*