Inscription Upon A Hermitage.

INSCRIPTION UPON A HERMITAGE.

BY THE SAME.

BENEATH this rural cell Sweet-smiling Peace and calm Content Far from the busy crowd sequester'd dwell. Mortal, approaching near, The hallow'd seat revere, Nor bring the loud tumultuous Passions here; For not for these is meant The sacred silence of the stream, Nor cave prophetic prompting Fancy's dream; If, with presumption rude, Thy daring steps intrude, Know, that with jealous eye Peace and Content will fly; The thoughtful Genius of the lone abode, And Guardian Spirit of this solemn wood, Will sure revenge the sacrilegious wrong; Reflection's tear will then in secret flow, And all the haunted solitude belong To Melancholy's train, Who point the sting of pain With keen remorse, and oft redoubled woe.