A TALE.

So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power, but they had no comforter.

HOLY SCRIPTURES.

THE lovely Jeanie, once gay Fortune's child,
A blooming flower in Grandeur's garden smil'd!
And thence, by fell Misfortune harshly torn,
The sport of Envy, and of Pride the scorn,
To solitude in humbler shades she fled,
And earn'd by honest toil her daily bread.

'Twas here that Jamie view'd her blushing youth, And lov'd her with inviolable truth;

No wealth was his, with supercilious pride,
From Reason's path to turn his steps aside;
In humble life he play'd a humble part,
And Nature pour'd her feelings on his heart.
Oft would he mark, with what superior grace,
And noble mien, she fill'd her humble place;
Oft was he near, with an approving smile,
To soothe her cares and mitigate her toil;
And when dark scenes would in her bosom glide,
To cheer her downcast look was all his pride.
Sincerely, thus his generous love was shown,
Nor she disdain'd an equal flame to own;
Their friend's consenting, circumstances kind;
In wedlock's holy band their hands were joined.

Art here might toil in vain to paint their bliss, But what it was, the feeling heart will guess: Joy wing'd their days, love gave the lightsome smile, And cheerful, sooth'd the sultry hours of toil; Two lovely boys through time, enrich'd their lot, And calm Contentment bless'd their lowly cot.