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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ODE TO THE RIVER TEIGN by JOHN CODRINGTON BAMPFYLDE

First Line: OH THOU! THE GUARDIAN OF EACH FLOWERET PALE
Last Line: ENSHROUD ME, FAR FROM MEN, IN DEEP REPOSE.
Subject(s): TEIGN, RIVER (GREAT BRITAIN);
OH thou! the guardian of each floweret pale
That decks thy lonely brim; whether thy car
Hoarse murmuring from afar,
Foams down the dark and solitary vale;
Or through yon meads thy peaceful current roves,
Where, mid the pendent umbrage pleased to stray,
Thou shunn'st the noontide ray
Which gilds the' encircling majesty of groves;
Hail, holy sire! whilst keen remorse corrodes,
Sicken'd with pleasure's pangs, this aching heart,
Thy freshening streams impart;
And take, oh, take me to thy bless'd abodes!
But if led on by Heaven's decree to' explore
The depths and shoals of fortune, once again
I trust the faithless main,
Torn from thy desert caves and solemn roar;
Give me at length, from storms secure, and woes
Of latest age, to lose the silent hours,
And in thy awful bowers
Enshroud me, far from men, in deep repose.



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