REPROOF

But what if One, through grove or flowery meed,

Indulging thus at will the creeping feet

Of a voluptuous indolence, should meet

Thy hovering Shade, Ovenerable Bede!

The saint, the scholar, from a circle freed

Of toil stupendous, in a hallowed seat

Of learning, where thou heard'stthe billows beat

On a wild coast, rough monitors to feed

Perpetual industry.Sublime Recluse!

The recreant soul, that dares to shun the debt

Imposed on human kind, must first forget

Thy diligence, thy unrelaxing use

Of a long life; and, in the hour of death,

The last dear service of thy passing breath!