.
i
THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES
TRAXSLATIOXS
OF THE
OXFORD LATIN PRIZE POEMS.
TRANSLATIONS
OF THE
OXFORD
LATIN PRIZE POEMS.
FIRST SERIES.
LONDON :
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY A. J. VALPV,
RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET ;
AND SOLU KY ALL BOOKSELLERS.
1831.
PA
9144
DEDICATION.
TO
SIR ROBERT HARRY INGLIS, Bart., D. C. L.
&.C. &c. &c.
ONE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES IN PARLIAMENT
FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD,
THESE TRANSLATIONS ARE,
BY PERMISSION,
MOST RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED,
BY HIS MUCH OBLIGED
AND VERY OBEDIENT SERVANT,
NICHOLAS LEE TORRE.
Leamington, 30th June, 1831.
Si25()G8
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
H. R. H. Phixce LroroLD or Saxe Cobovrg. K.G., D.C. L.
6cc. &c. 3 Cttpies.
H. R. H. Prince William Frederick, Duke of Gloucester,
K. G., D. C. L. Chancellor of the I'niversity of Cam-
bridge. 3 Copies.
Right Honourable Lord Grenville, U. C. L., itc. Chan-
cellor of the I'niversity of Oxford.
Aberdeen, Earl of, 31. A.
Achesoii, Viscount, M.P., B.A.
Abbott, Honourable John Henry, 31. A.
Anlrobus, Sir Edmund, Bart., M. A. 3 Copies.
Acland, Hugh Dyke, Esq., M.A.
Aclaiid, Thomas Dyke, Esq., B. A.
Allardyce, James, Esq., AI.D.
Allen, Jefferys Thomas, Esq., Warden of Dulwich College.
3 Copies.
Arnold, Rev. Thomas, D. D., Head Master of Rugby School.
3 Copies.
Atkins, Rev. Henry, M.A., Prebendary of Chichester
Awdry, Rev. Charles, B.C.L.
vni LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
Buccleugh, the Duke of, M. A.
Beckett, Right Honourable Sir John, Bart., M. P., M. A.
Bligh, Honourable John Duncan, B.C.L.
Boyle, Honourable John, M.P.
Bromhead, Sir Edward Ffrench, Bart., M. A.
Baring, Francis Thornhill, Esq., M.P., M.A. 3 Copies.
Briscoe, John Ivatt, Esq., M.P., M.A.
Brownlow, Charles, Esq., M.P.
Bulwer, Edward Lytton, Esq., M.P,, M.A.
Bridges, Rev. Thomas, D. D., President of Corpus Christi
College, Oxford 3 Copies.
Bliss, Rev. Philip, D.C.L.
Bandinel, Rev. James, D.D. 3 Copies.
Brereton, Rev. John, D. C. L., Master of Bedford School.
2 Copies.
Bailye, Rev. Hugh, M.A,, Canon of Lichfield
Barker, Charles, Esq., M.A., Master of Sutton Coldfield
School
Barter, Rev. Robert, B.C.L.
Bayley, Rev. Arden, ]\LA.
Bayly, Thomas Haines, Esq.
Beckley, Rev. Thomas, M.A. 3 Copies.
Bingham, C.W,, Esq,
Blunt, Rev, John James, B.D.
Bonham, Francis Robert, Esq., M.A. 3 Copies.
Boutflower, Rev. Henry Crewe, M.A.
Boutflower, John, Esq.
Boisragon, Henry, Esq., M.D.
Boyles, Rev. Charles Gower, M.A. 3 Copies.
Bowles, Rev. William Lisle, M.A., Canon of Salisbury
Bramston, Thomas William, Esq., M.A. 3 Copies,
Bridger, William Milton, Esq., M. A.
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. IX
Bruce, John, Esq.
Brownlow, Rev. John, M.A. 3 Copies.
Burlton, Rev. Charles, M. A.
Booker, Rev. Luke, L.L.D.
Carlisle, Earl of, &c.
Canning, Right Honourable Sir Stratford, Bart., M.P., M.A.
Canning, Honourable Charles John
Cholmondeley, Honourable Hugh
Capron, Hasler, Esq., ]\I. A.
Cavendish, William, Esq., I\I. A. 3 Copies.
Curteis, Herbert Barrett, Esq., M.P., JM. A.
Cherry, George Henry, Esq., M.A.
Chilton, George, Esq., B. A.
Cholmley, Francis, Esq.
Close, Maxwell, Esq.
Cockerell, Samuel Pepys, Esq., M. A. 3 Copies.
Coke, Francis L. D'Ewes, Esq., B.A.
Coker, Rev. John, B. C. L.
Cotes, Peter, Esq. 3 Copies.
Cotes, Rev. Peter, M.A. 3 Cirpies.
Cox, Rev. William Hay ward, M.A. 3 Copies.
Corbett, Panlon, Esq.
Cooke, Rev. George, B.D., Professor of Natural Philosophy
Creyke, Rev. Stephen, M. A. 3 Copies.
Devonshire, the Duke of, &c. &c. K.G.
Downshire, the Marquess of, &c. &c,
Darnley, the Earl of, M.A.
Dartmouth, the Earl of, B.A. 3 Copies.
Dungarvan, Viscount
Dover, Lord, M.A.
X LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
Duncombe, Honourable William, M.A.
Bering, Sir Edward Cholmley, Bart., M.P.
Dowdeswell, John E..Esq., M.P., M.A.
Dawson, Frederick, Esq., M.A. 3 Copies.
Deane, Rev. Henry, B. C. L.
Deedes, George, Esq.
Dering, Rev. C. Edward, M.A.
Dovaston, J. F. M., Esq., M.A.
Downes, Rev. Robert, M.A.
Doyle, Francis Hastings, Esq., B.A.
Drummond, Henry Home, Esq., B.C.L.
Duke, Rev. Edward, M. A.
Duncan, Philip Bury, Esq., M.A.
Estcourt, Thomas G. Bucknall, Esq., M. A., M.P. forthe Uni-
versity of Oxford 3 Copies.
Ebrington, Viscount, M.P., M.A.
Encombe, Viscount, M. P., M. A. 3 Copies.
Egerton, Sir Philip Grey, Bart., B.A. 3 Copies.
East, James Buller, Esq., M.P., M.A.
Eckersall, Rev. Charles, M.A. 3 Copies.
Edwards, Rev. John, M.A.
Ellison, Nathaniel, Esq., M.A.
EUiston, Robert William, Esq, 3 Copies.
Empson, William, Esq., ]\I.A., Professor of Laws, Hailey-
bury College
Erie, William, Esq., B.C.L. 3 Copies.
Erie, Peter, Esq., B. C. L. 3 Copies.
Escott, Rev. William Sweet, B. A.
Fletcher, Sir Henry, B.A.
Fanshawe, Rev. Charles Simon, M.A.
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. XI
Fearon, Rev. Henry, M.A. 3 Copies.
Fletcher, Rev, William Kew, M.A.
Floyer, Rev. Trevor Barnes, JM. A.
Fortescue, William, Esq.
Forster, Edward, Esq. Jun.
Fowle, Rev. Fulwar Craven, I\I. A.
Fowle, Rev. Fulvrar William, 31. A.
Freeman, William Peere Williams, Esq.
Freer, Rev. Richard Lane, M.A,-
Goderich, Viscount, M.A., &c.
Grosvenor, Right Honourable Robert, M.P., M.A.
Glynne, Sir Stephen Richard, Bart., B.A.
Grey, Sir George, Bart., M.A.
Gabell, Rev. Henry Dyson, D.D.
Goddard, Rev. William Stanley, D.D. 3 Copies,
Gilly, Rev. William Stephen, M. A., Prebendary of Durham
Gaskell, Milnes, Esq.
Gladstone, William Ewart, Esq.
Goring, Harry Dent, Esq., B.A.
Grspme, Yarburgh, Esq.
Grant, Rev. Robert, B.C.L.
Graves, J. Samuel, Esq., M.A. 3 Copies.
Gray, Rev. George Robert, M. A.
Greensall, Rev. John, M.A.
Grice, Joseph Hill, Esq., B.A.
Herbert, Honourable and Rev. William, D.C.L.
Heathcote, Sir W illiam, Bart., D.C.L. 3 Copies.
Henniker, Rev. Sir Augustus Brydges, M.A.
Holborne, Sir Thomas William, Bart.
Xll LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
Hope, Henry Thomas, Esq., M. P., M. A,
Hay, Robert William, Esq., M.A.
Halsey, Rev. J. Fitz Moore, M. A. 2 Copies,
Hayward, J. R. Esq. 3 Copies.
Henderson, Gilbert, Esq., M.A. 3 Copies.
Henville, Rev. Charles Brune, B. C. L.
Higgins, Matthew, Esq.
Hildyard, Rev. William, M.A.
Hook, Rev. Walter Farquhar, M.A.
Hoskins, William, Esq., IM. A. 3 Copies.
Howard, Rev. William, B.C.L.
Inglis, Sir Robert Harry, Bart., D. C.L., M. P. for the Uni-
versity of Oxford 15 Copies.
Ingram, Rev. James, D. D., President of Trinity College,
Oxford
Ingham, Joshua, Esq., M.A.
Jeston, Rev. Robert Green, M.A. 3 Copies.
Johnston, Peter, Esq.
Joy, Henry Hall, Esq., M.A.
Kenyon, Lord, M.A. 3 Copies.
Kenyon, Honourable Thomas
Kaye, Sir John Lister, Bart.
Kaye, Rev. Arthur Lister, B.A.
Kerrich, Rev. Walter James, M.A. 3 Copies.
' Kingsmill, William, Esq., B.A.
Kingsmill, Henry, Esq.
Lamb, Honourable George, M. P., M. A.
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. XIU
Lopes, Sir Ralph, Bart., M.P., M.A. 3 Copies.
Labouchere, Henry, Esq., M.P., M.A.
Lefevre, Charles Shaw, Esq., IM.P., M.A.
Laing, Allan Stuart, Esq., j\I. A. 3 Copies.
Lambert, William Charles, Esq., :\LA. 3 Copies.
Latham, Rev. Henry, M.A.
Law, William John, Esq., M.A.
Lee, Rev. William Blackstone, M. A. 3 Copies.
Leigh, Chandos, Esq.
Lettsom, William Nanson, Esq., ^I. A.
Levett, Rev. Thomas, ]\LA.
Lockhart, John Gibson, Esq., B.C.L.
Lloyd, George, Esq.
Lawson, Rev. William Morrell, BL A.
Mountnorris, Earl of, &c. 3 Copies.
Morpeth, Viscount, M.P., M.A.
Mackworth, Sir Digby, Bart. 3 Copies,
Mordaunt, Sir John, Bart., M.A.
Mackinnon, William Alexander, Esq., M. P., M. A.
Milman, Rev. Henry, M.A., Professor of Poetry
Mant, Rev. Walter Bishop, M.A.
Macabe, James, Esq., M.D.
Maclean, Donald, Esq., M.A.
Madan, Rev. Spencer, M.A., Canon of Lichfield
Malcolm, Neill, Esq., M.A.
Mercer, Rev. Thomas Warren, M.A.
Meredith, Rev. Edward, M.A.
Mildmay, Humphry St. John, Esq.
Morrall, Rev. Cyrus, j\L A. 2 Copies.
Mynors, Robert E. Eden, Esq., M. A.
Monro, Rev. Vere, B.A. 3 Copies.
XIV LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
Northumberland, the Duke of, K.G., D.C.L., &c.
Newark, Viscount, M.P., M.A.
Nairne, Rev. Charles, M.A.
Newell, Rev. Thomas Blackman, M.A.
Northcote, Henry Staiford, Esq., B.A.
Ossulston, Lord, B.A.
Oakeley, Rev. Sir Herbert, Bart., M.A.
Ogle, J. Sayer, Esq., B.A.
Palmerston, Viscount, M. A., &c.
Peel, Right Honourable Sir Robert, Bart., M. P., M. A.
3 Copies.
Percy, Honourable Charles Bertie, M.A.
Petit, Lewis Hayes, Esq., M.P., M.A.
Portman, E. Berkeley, Esq,, M.P., M.A.
Praed, Winthrop Mackworth, Esq., M. P., M.A.
Page, Rev. John, D.D.
Parker, Rev. William, M.A.
Parker, Thomas Netherton, Esq., M.A.
Pease, Rev. George, M.A.
Pease, Joseph Robinson, Esq.
Petit, Rev. J. Lewis, M.A.
Pickard, John Trenchard, Esq., D. C. L. 3 Copies.
Pinckney, Philip, Esq. 2 Copies.
Phillips, Rev. AVilliam Spencer, M. A.
Pell, George, Esq.
Piggott, Simon Eraser, Esq., M.A. 3 Copies.
Poulter, John Sayer, Esq., B.C.L.
Price, Samuel Grove, Esq., M.A.
Price, Uvedale Thomas, Esq., M.A.
Prichard, Rev. Robert, B.D. 3 Copies.
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. XV
Quicke, Rev. Andrew, INI. A.
Quicke, Edward, Esq., B. C. L.
Rutland, the Duke of, K.G., D.C.L., &:c.
Ribblesdale, Lord, M. A. 3 Copies.
Russell ..Robert Greenhill, Esq., M. P., M. A.
Russell, Jesse Watts, Esq., D. C. L.
Raslileigh, Rev. George Cumming, M. A.
Round, John, Esq., D.C.L.
Round, Charles Gray, Esq., M. A.
Rathbone, Rev. John, M. A.
Remington, Rev. E. S., M.A.
Richards, John, Esq.
Risley, Rev. William Cotton, B. C. L.
Roles, Rev. William, M. A.
Roles, James, Esq. Jun,
Roch, Rev. William, M. A. 3 Copies.
Ridding, Rev. Charles Henry, B. C. L. 3 Copies.
St. Alban's, the Duke of, D.C. L., &c.
Sutton, Right Honourable C. Manners, M. P., D. C. L.,
Speaker of the House of Commons
.Seaford, Lord
Sondes, Lord
Stanley, Right Honourable Edward Geoffrey, M.P., M.A.
Scott, Sir Edward Dolman, Bart., M.P.
Smith, Sir Culling Eardley, Bart. 3 Copies.
Shee, Sir Martin Archer, Knight, President of the Royal
Academy
Sanford, E. Ayshford, Esq., M.P.
.Shuttle worth, Rev. Philip Nicholas, D.D., Warden of New
College, Oxford 3 Copies.
XVI LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
Seymour, Rev. J. Hobart, M. A., Prebendary of Gloucester.
3 Copies.
Sibthorp, Rev. Humphrey Waldo, M.A. 3 Copies.
Sheridan, Charles Brinsley, Esq.
Shirley, Rev. W. Augustus, M.A.
Short, Rev. William, M.A.
Sleath, Rev. William Boultbee, D.D., Master of Repton
School
Seymer, Henry, Esq.
Smith, G. J. Philip, Esq., M.A.
Smith, T. Hogan, Esq.
Smithson, Josiah, Esq.
Spurrier, J. W. Esq., M.A.
St. John, Rev. George Frederick, M.A. 3 Copies.
Stanhope, John Spencer, Esq.
Stirling, Walter Frederick, Esq.
Stuart, William, Esq., M.A.
Sutherland, Charles, Esq.
Talbot, Honourable George 3 Copies.
Trefusis, Honourable Charles Rodolph, M.A.
Trevor, Honourable Arthur Hill, M.P„ M. A. 3 Copies.
Tarpley, Rev. K. M. Reid, M.A.
Taylor, Henry, Esq.
Tennant, Henry, Esq., B.C.L. 3 Copies.
Thompson, Rev. Cyprian, M.A.
Thomson, Robert Dalzell, Esq., M. A.
Torre, Rev. Henry, B. A. 6 Copies.
Townsend, Rev. George, M. A., Prebendary of Durham
Turner, Rev. A., M.A.
Twisleton, Rev. Frederick Benjamin, D. C. L, 3 Copies
Tylecote, Rev. Thomas, B. D.
LIST OF SUBSCKIBKRS. XVli
Tyrell, John Tyssen, Esq. 3 Copies.
Valentia, Viscount 3 Copies.
Wortley, Honourable John Stuart, M. P., B. A.
^Velby, Glynne Earle, Esq., M,P. 3 Copies.
Wrightson, William Battie, Esq., M.P., M.A.
Wrangham, Digby Cayley, Esq., JM. P , M. A.
Wrangham, Venerable Archdeacon, M.A.
Wade, Reverend Arthur Savage, D.D.
Walker, Rev. John, B.C. L.
Warry, George, Esq., M.A.
Wallington, Rev. Charles, M.A.
Westcombe, Rev. Thomas, M.A.
Webb, Rev. Richard, M.A.
Whieldon, George, Esq. 3 Copies.
Whitefoord, Rev. Caleb, M.A.
Whitefoord, John, Esq.
Whateley, W'illiam, Esq., M.A. 3 Copies.
Wise, Rev. Henry, M. A.
Wise, Henry Christopher, Esq., B. A.
Williams, Rev. David, D.C.L., Head Master of Winchester
College 3 Copies.
Williams, Philip, Esq., D. C.L., Vinerian Professor of Law,
Oxford 3 Copies.
Williams, William Rosser, Esq., D.C.L.
Williams, Rev. Robert, M.A.
Williams, George, Esq. 6 Copies.
Wigram, Rev. Joseph Cotton, M.A. 3 Copies.
Wickham, Rev. Edward, M.A. '2 Copies.
Wickham, W. J.. Esq. 3 Copies.
Wickham, W. N., Esq.
b
^VIIl LIST OF SUBSCRIBF.ns.
Wickham, Frederick, Esq.
Wyatt, Rev. William Robert, M.A.
Wynyard, Rev, Montague John, B. D.
Young, Rev. Richard, fll. A.
Young, 'Rev. William, B. A.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
Tlie Pilgrimage to Mecca
.
1
Mary Queen of Scots
.
19
Marius amidst the Ruins of Cartha
ge
35
The Drama
.
51
The British Fleet .
.
71
The Establishment of Colonies
on
the
Western
Coast of Africa
.
91
The Rhine
•
111
The Religion of Brahma
.
129
Byzantium
.
151
Mai la
,
17.)
THE
PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA.
TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN PRIZE POEM
RECITED IX THE THEATRE AT OXFORD,
A. D. 1789.
BY
THE LATE RIGHT HON. GEORGE CANNING,
OF CHRIST CHURCH ;
AFTERWARDS SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS,
CHANCEI.I-OK OF THE EXCHEtJUER,
AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY.
THE
PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA.
What holy rites Mohammed's laws ordain ;
What various duties bind his faithful train ;
What pious zeal his scatter'd tribes unites
In Hx'd observance of these holy rites ;
At Mecca's shrine what votive crowds surround
With annual pomp the consecrated ground ;
The Muse shall tell : — revolving years succeed,
And Time still venerates Mohammed's creed.
Nor faint the glory shed o'er Mecca's brow :
Land of the Prophet ! dear to fame art thou.
Here first in peace his infant hopes were known ;
Here fix'd the Chief his temple and his throne :
4 PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA.
Though from thy gates opposing factions here
With stern defiance drove the gifted Seer,
Yet, sacred city of his love ! 'twas thine
To heap the earliest incense on his shrine ;
To own the terrors of his conquering blade,
And hail with joy the Exile thou hadst made.
Yes — thou art known to fame ! to thee, 'tis said,
A voice divine the wand'ring Abraham led :
Within thy courts, at his command restored,
Blazed the pure altars of Creation's Lord.
And hence thy race, for ancient faith renown'd.
Surpassing favour with Mohammed found ;
His seat of empire hence thy walls became.
And shared for sanctity Mohammed's fame.
Nor strange that hence, with pious gifts array'd,
Thy shrine revered the Moslem tribes invade ;
Such duteous zeal the Prophet's laws demand.
And fabled raptures of his promised land.
PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA. 5
For woe to him, who ne'er with awe profound
At Mecca's shrine hath kiss'd the holy ground :
For him, denied celestial joys to share,
No blooming Houris shall his couch prepare;
But his the doom, where countless horrors reign,
To feel a dark eternity of pain ;
Of deep remorse the bitter tear to shed,
Each hope of Paradise for ever fled.
Behold ! one impulse every heart enthralls ;
Wide spreads the fervour 'mid Byzantiura'swalls: —
Where, proudly soaring, frown from Europe's coast
Her regal tow'rs o'er Asia's subject host.
With mingling crowds behold the darken'd lands.
And the wild tumult of assembling bands !
So vast the force, 'twould seem, with ire renew'd,
His warrior train Byzantium's Lord review'd ;
From Catharine's sway his captured forts to claim,
And dare to vindicate his tarnish'd fame.
6 PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA.
Nor less the force, on sandy plains array'd.
Where Memphis once her native kings obey'd ;
Where still, in mournful grandeur o'er the waste.
Gigantic Ruin tells of glory past ;
And, 'mid the relics of her brighter day,
The haughty satrap holds despotic sway.
How dense the mass ! from Afric's sultry shore
Their zealot tribes unpeopled cities pour ;
From Nile's green banks, where fruitful harvests
teem ;
From Barca's land, unbless'd by culture's beam ;
From barren fields, that Nature's smiles forsake,
Where Mareotis spreads its stagnant lake ;
From plains that once Gyrene's splendour crown'd ;
From Acre's walls, in glory's page renown'd.
They come — Mohammed's flock : from shores sur-
vey'd
By Albion's flag on Calpe's rock display 'd ;
PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA. 7
From Tunis, raised on Byrsa's wreck — they come ;
And leave in Tripoli their native home.
Slow moves the phalanx deeply wedged ; and
loud
Exulting sounds proclaim the pious crowd.
And now Arsinoe's stately towers are seen.
Beloved resort of Egypt's peerless Queen ;
Xow lofty Moriah's sacred hill they tread ;
Now pause awhile, by Sinai's mountain led :
Here, as with Israel's woes he sank depress'd.
Here Amrara's son th' Almighty presence bless'd ;
Here, while to Jethro's herds his care was
giv'n,
Th' afflicted Pastor knew the voice of Ileav'n ;
Saw, as the holy ground with awe he trod,
Reveal'd in flame the glory of his God :
Yet, while the radiance Horeb's brow illumed,
No eye beheld tho burning bush consumed.
8 PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA.
Onward the phalanx moves : yet fear demands
Augmented force 'mid Egypt's trackless sands ;
Forbids a scatter'd and defenceless train
Too boldly haste the Holy Land to gain ;
Till to their view, in martial pride display'd,
The Sultan's troops confirm securer aid.
They come — their course along the hills they hold —
Their glitt'ring arms succeeding files unfold,
And join th' expectant throng : from all her shores
Her warrior sons collected Asia pours.
Known by his turban green of high command.
The haughty Chief arrays the straggling band :
Proud of his pure descent and ancient line ;
Proud of the gifts he bears to Mecca's shrine ;
For all their wants his watchful care provides,
His pow'r protects them, and his counsel guides.
Lo ! where the chosen guards, in awe profound,
With closing ranks their Sultan's gifts surround, —
PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA. 9
Where tapestried wonders, to the sight unroU'd,
Mix their rich splendour with the beaming gold,
To music's sounds where denser squadrons move.
And tow'ring lances form a leafless grove, —
Bright with the lustre of the solar rays.
The Crescent standard all its pride displays.
Thou, Salem, favour'd once of Heaven ! hast seen
Oft in thy courts the wand'ring tribes convene :
Oft, though in scorn the name of Christ they mock.
Thy sacred walls detain Mohammed's flock.
Yes — memory there forbids his race, unmoved,
Each spot to traverse, of the Lord beloved ;
And purer thoughts the Moslem's heart can till
On Salem's plain, and Sion's holy hill.
The march resumed, a thousand ills dismay;
A thousand perils mark the pilgrim's way :
Yet droops he not, till, far from man's abode.
O'er the long desert lifs the trackless road ;
10 PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA.
Till o'er the sandy plain's far-stretch'd expanse
The shudd'ring eye extends a hopeless glance.
No flow'ry herbage cheers the aching sight ;
No welcome shades a short repose invite ;
No smiling culture clothes the arid plain
With grassy verdure, or the yellow grain ;
O'er the parch'd earth no gathering clouds diffuse
The genial influence of their fostering dews :
But o'er the redden'd skies and blistering sands
The orb of day his fiercest beams expands ;
Pours on th' unshelter'd tribes his fiery rays,
And pining Nature withers in the blaze.
Sad is the wanderer's lot, remote from home,
Condemn'd Arabia's desert sands to roam —
Condemn'd, without a friend, without a guide.
To meet that mimic sea's resistless tide.
Oft at the whirlwind's desolating blast
O'erwhelming clouds involve the sultry waste ;
PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA. 11
And, mocking Hope's bright vision. Death demands
Full many a victim 'mid the drifting sands.
Oft on their march along the wide domain
The mounted Arab leads a lawless train,
Athirst for spoil ; — and oft, as evening fades,
Some peaceful tent the wily chief invades ;
With open conflict oft infests the way,
And scatters terror in the blaze of day.
Onward they press; — and if perchance be found
Some gurgling rill which shady palms surround.
Some grassy spot inviting brief delay, —
Impending dangers still forbid to stay :
By the cool waters of the mossy glade,
'Mid the calm freshness of the palmy shade,
They fear to linger ; onward still they press.
Till Mecca's tow'rs their sight enraptured bless.
Yet, ere the goal, rcvoal'd to view, they gain.
Those cherish'd scones awhile their steps detain,
12 • PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA.
Where, first victorious o'er opposing foes,
On Beder's height Mohammed's banner rose.
Dear is the spot, and kindling memory there
Portrays the Prophet's might, the foe's despair :
There shall the pilgrim oft, with proud delight.
Relate the terrors of that awful fight ;
Tell how the Moslem's scanty force, assaild
By countless hosts, in Allah's name prevail'd ;
How, 'mid the battle's rage, to frenzy driv'n,
The routed squadrons own'd the cause of Heaven :
For there, 'tis said, refulgent to the view.
His flaming sword seraphic Gabriel drew ;
The Prophet's band to deathless glory led.
Celestial radiance beaming o'er his head.
Soon as their longing eyes, from Beder's height.
Of Mecca's temple gain the promised sight.
To errors past awaken'd thoughts return.
And sinful breasts with harrowing anguish burn ;
PILQRIMAGE TO MECCA. 13
The Stings of conscience and remorse they feel,
And gushing tears their penitence reveal.
No more shall now the splendid vest be worn.
The brow no more shall clustering locks adorn ;
In the pure stream their toil-worn limbs they lave,
And wear the sable garments of the grave.
The hour arrives : in Sorrow's mournful guise,
'Mid the low murmur of repentant sighs.
The phalanx moves ; and Mecca's holy fane
In marshall'd ranks receives th' adoring train.
Lo ! fifty portals op'ning wide declare
The dazzling glories of that house of prayer :
In solid brass a hundred columns shine.
And silver chains each tow'ring shaft entwine.
Yet, while from golden lamps th' unheeded ray
Mocks the full brilliance of meridian day.
While circling splendour fails with awe to move.
The sacred Kaaba claims the pilgrim's love.
14 PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA.
Yet think not there hath pomp a charm bestow'd ;
No worthless splendour decks the plain abode,
The Prophet's dwelling ; — woe to all that dare
False vows to breathe or thoughts irreverent there ;
Woe to the wretch, from Mercy's mansion driv'n,
That dares to doubt the fabled work of Heav'n !
Oft as assembling hosts the fane invest.
Those darken'd walls the pilgrim's zeal attest ;
And pious hands, as annual rites enjoin.
Replace the sable vesture of the shrine.
Such holy gift, in fair Damascus wrought,
To Mecca first imperial Omar brought ;
Such, ere invading hordes their pow'r subdued.
Year after year Egyptian kings renew'd :
Now falls the task on Othman's race alone.
And swells the grandeur of the Sultan's throne.
Stretch 'd on the holy ground, with loud acclaim,
Thrice call the pious crowds on Allah's name :
PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA. la
Allah il Allah ! whose divine commaud
From chaos bade creation's charms expand ;
Allah il Allah ! to whose sovereign nod
Creation bows, — the true, the only God ! —
Then, on the ground still humbly stretch'd, they raise
The song of gladness in 3Ioharamed's praise ;
Tell how the Lord with mighty arm upheld
His chosen Prophet 'mid the battle-field ;
From foes and perils gave his soul release,
And crown'd his labours with perpetual peace.
'Twas thine, they cry, illustrious Chief! to soar,
AVhere seraph hosts th' Eternal Word adore ;
In Heaven's pure streams to wash thy sins away,
And earth revisit, cleansed from error's clay ;
'Twas thine to taste the bliss without alloy,
To mark the bright futurity of joy ;
And teach thy flock delights in llcav'n prepared.
For Moslem faith the triumph and reward.
16 PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA.
There, 'mid luxuriant shades, in tranquil rest.
Shall the green swards by weary limbs be press'd ;
There, 'raid the spacious hall, or cool retreat,
Ambrosial feasts th' awaken'd sense shall greet ;
And, from the eager lip withheld no more.
Their purple tide nectareous vines shall pour :
And there, the Houri, bright angelic maid,
In rosy smiles of innocence array 'd.
The bounteous minister of bliss shall prove.
And breathe around a paradise of love.
Such are the fix'd rewards, the promised joys.
To strike the sense, Mohammed's creed employs ;