VERSES,
WRITTEN ON VISITING THE SAND-BANKS
ON THE SHORES OF LAKE ONTARIO, NEAR HALLOWELL,
1828.
“So
wondrous wild, the whole might seem
The
scenery of a fairy dream.”
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Here
Nature, in some playful hour,
Has fondly piled those hills
of sand, [Page 145]
Which seem the frolick of her power,
Or effort of some magic
hand.
Far o’er the wide extended shore,
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The
hills in conic structure rise,
And seem as never trod before,
Save by the playmates of
the skies.
And while the wave’s reflected shade
Is flung along each rising
mound,
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I watch
the curling figures made,
Which half proclaim, ’tis
fairy ground.
Here Oberon, and Mab his queen,
Have colonised their infant
train,
From Scotland’s hills, and Erin’s green,
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Where
many a happy day they’ve lain.
But joy be theirs—I will not bring
One recollection to their
view, [Page 146]
Or of their harp touch one soft string,
Or thoughts of other days
renew.
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Enough for me to gaze upon
The wild fruit*
nodding on every hill,
Where thou, most generous Oberon,
May’st sport and skip
at pleasure’s will.
Then fare thee well—still light and free
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As
summer-winds that fan the lake,
On, onward to eternity,
May grief nor care thee
overtake.
My journey’s far—I seek a bower,
Secluded from oppression’s
rod,
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Where
in devotion’s happiest hour
No man can tax
the praise of God. [Page 147]
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*
This is a sort of wild cherry, which grows on a
very small shrub, that seems planted by the hand
of Nature, as a kind of ornament to enhance the
curiosity of these great mountains of sand. They
are very numerous, and by no means unpleasant to
the taste. They are generally in season about the
middle of August—at which time, the people,
for many miles round the country, assemble in parties
of pleasure, for the purpose of gathering fruit,
and visiting the romantic scenery.—These great
piles of sand run nearly parallel between the beautiful
waters of Ontario and the West Lake: they are certainly
a wild curiosity, and not unworthy the observation
of a traveller. The kind attention of Mr. JONES
rendered my journey through that part of the country
very agreeable, and added much to the pleasure of
such a romantic visit. [back] |
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