The cordial greetings of the soul Were visible in every face; Affection, void of all controul, Govern'd with a resistless grace. 'Twas good to see the honest strife, _Which_ should contribute most to please; And hear the long-recounted life, Of infant tricks, and happy days. But now, as at some nobler places, Amongst the Leaders 'twas decreed Time to begin the DICKY RACES; More fam'd for laughter than for speed. _Recollections._ RICHARD look'd on with wond'rous glee, And prais'd the Lad who ehanc'd to win; 'KATE, wan't I such a one as he? 'As like him, ay, as pin to pin? 'Full _Fifty_ years are pass'd away 'Since I rode this same ground about: 'Lord! I was lively as the day! 'I won the High-lows out and out! 'I'm surely growing young again: 'I feel myself so kedge and plump. 'From head to foot I've not one pain; 'Nay, hang me if I cou'd 'nt jump.' Thus spoke the ALE in RICHARD'S pate, A very little made him mellow; But still he lov'd his faithful KATE, Who whisper'd thus, 'My good old fellow, _The Departure._ 'Remember what you promis'd me: 'And see, the Sun is getting low; 'The Children want an hour ye see 'To talk a bit before we go.' Like youthful Lover most complying He turn'd, and chuckt her by the chin: Then all across the green grass hieing, Right merry faces, all akin, Their farewell quart, beneath a That droop'd its branches from above, Awak'd the pure felicity That waits upon PARENTAL LOVE. KATE view'd her blooming Daughters round, And Sons, who shook her wither'd hand; Her features spoke what joy she found; But utterance had made a stand. _An old Man's Joy._ The Children toppled on the green, And bowl'd their _fairings_ down the hill; Richard with pride beheld the scene, Nor could he for his life sit still. A Father's uncheck'd feelings gave A tenderness to all he said; 'My Boys, how proud am I to have 'My name thus round the Country spread! 'Through all my days I've labour'd hard, 'And could of pains and Crosses tell; 'But this is Labour's great reward, 'To meet ye thus, and see ye well. 'My good old Partner, when at home, 'Sometimes with wishes mingles tears; 'Goody, says I, let what wool come, 'We've nothing for them but our pray'rs. _Old Man's Joy continued._ 'May you be all as old as I, 'And see you? Sons to manhood grow; 'And, many a time before you die, 'Be just as pleas'd as I am now.' Then, (raising still his Mug and Voice,) 'An Old Man's weakness don't despise! 'I love you well, my Girls and Boys; 'GOD bless you all;'--so said his eyes---- For, as he spoke, a big round drop Fell bounding on his ample sleeve; A witness which he could not stop, A witness which all hearts believe. Thou, FILIAL PIETY, wert there; And round the ring, benignly bright, Dwelt in the luscious half-shed tear, And in the parting word--_Good Night_. _The Return home._ With thankful Hearts and strengthen'd Love, The poor old PAIR, supremely blest, Saw the Sun sink behind the grove, And gain'd once more their lowly rest.