ADVERTISEMENT.

THE following poem was written before the " Om. nipresence of the Deity" appeared; it is now for the first time published, and included in the present volume, not from an idea of merit, but from a view of imparting variety to its contents. The reader will of course be candid enough to estimate the poem by a right standard, nor expect a homely subject to be treated in any but a homely style, parvum parva desunt. There is something peculiarly national in the neatness, comfort, and rapidity of our stage coaches; and the author thought, many

of the feeling reflections which a journey in England suggests, might not be inappropriately described in a poetical form. With this brief preface the author leaves the Work to the indulgence of his readers :— happy will he be, if when steam has rendered our present style of travelling almost extinct,—an occasional passenger will be old-fashioned enough to patronize him by taking a place in his "STAGE COACH!"

Bath, April 25th, 1834.

ANALYSIS.

SUNRISE in an obscure village-LOWLAND described— Curate's abode-Breakfast scene before the journey-Coach arrives-Its influence on the villagers, &c.-A respectful apostrophe to the subject Pleasure of a journey from town on a fine day, or of a visit to a secluded friendSchool-boy's love of travel-A coachiman sketched — A farewell at the parsonage-Journey recommenced-Landscape scenery-Park mansions-Country gentlemen—A homely man's feeling on surveying their comforts-Moral scenery on the road-Instruction often derived from a casual acquaintance with passengers - Characters-Politician-Pleasure of a social temper-The quiet demeanour of the curate contrasted with his loquacious friend—A re

trospect of the author's—A sad but interesting passenger is next described-Then, two schoolboys, and their pleasant glee-Its effect on a sailor and an old soldier, who each relate the story of their lives-Arrival at a town where the coach stops for dinner-Comforts of an inn— Scene described-Journey recommenced - Evening scenery-Delight of revisiting the place of our boyish daysSailor's joy on his return home after a long absenceJourney concluded—The passengers part-And the poem concludes with a moral comparison.

THE STAGE COACH.

THE morn is up: in Lowland's eastern sky
Masses of cloud in rich confusion lie;

Awhile they mingle, then apart they glide,
Like painted isles upon a far-off tide,

Till, orb'd with glory, see! the Sun appear,
To light the world, and lead the Day's career.
Now from yon hamlet's moss-grown chimnies rise
Wreaths of blue smoke, that curl along the skies,
And far the stir of village life resounds,

Chiming the morning air with merry sounds.