The minds of those who love a beauteous scene,
And wish to spend a day in bliss serene.
For there this stream just flows as if by stealth
Through splendid parks--past gardens formed by wealth!
I oft look back to those most gladsome hours
Spent, while a schoolboy, in those garden bowers;
Where tall box-trees are trimmed to various shapes--
Old women--pitchers--or, it may be--_apes!_
Where plants and beauteous flowers are ever found,
To breathe out fragrance all the garden round.

'Tis time for me to curb my vagrant Muse;
A subject waits my pen she well may choose.
Now aid me, O my God! who dwell'st above,
While I attempt to sing Redeeming Love!
Nor let one line, or word, be writ by me
Not in accordance with that Mystery!
May I, to profit fellow-sinners, strive,
And good from this for my own soul derive.




BOOK IV.


THE ARGUMENT.--Address to the Sacred Scriptures, glancing briefly at
their various excellencies. WILLIAM becomes a Christian. His reception
into a Church. Different view of things after Conversion. Voice of
Nature heard in God's praise. Wonders why _Man_ is so backward in