'A warmer couch haft thou to prefs,

Secure from cramping frofts thy feet: And could't thou boaft fo free a breaft, Thou yet might'ft die a death as fweet. My trufty dog-that wistful look

Is all that makes my poor heart heave; But hie thee home-proclaim me dead,

Forget to think-and cease to grieve.' So faying, fhrunk the hapless youth,

Beneath the chilling grafp of death; And, clafping poor Tray's fhaggy neck, Sigh'd gently forth his parting breath! His faithful, fond, fagacious dog,

Hung watchful o'er his master's clay; And many a moan the old fool made,

And many a thing he ftrove to fay.
He paw'd him with his hard-worn foot,
He lick'd him with his fcarce warm
tongue;

His cold nofe ftrove to catch his breath,
As to his clos'd lips clofe it clung.
But not a fign of lurking life,

Thro' all his frame he found to creep;
He knew not what it was to die,

But knew his master did not sleep. For ftill had he his flumbers watch'd, Through many a long and difmal night; And rous'd him from his pallet hard,"

To meet his toil e'er morning light. And well his brain remember'd yet,

He never patter'd tow'rd his bed Or lodg'd his long face on his cheek, But ftraight he stirr'd, or rais'd his head. Yes, he remember'd, and with tears,

His loving mafter's kind replies; When dumbly he contriv'd to fay,

'The cock has crow'd, my maiter rife!' But now the paw, the fcratch, the whine,

+

To howlings chang'd, alone can tell The fufferings of inftinctive love,

When fruitless prov'd its fimple fpell. Great grief affail'd his untaught heart, And quickly laid its victim low! His mafter's cheek, his pillow cold, Their common bed the colder fnow!

CASTLES IN THE AIR.

TO A LADY.

I grant the hills are crown'd with trees,

I grant the fields are fair;
But, after all, one nothing fees.
But what is really there.
True tafte ideal profpects feigns,,
While on poetic wings,

'Bove earth, and all that earth contains, Unbounded fancy fprings.

To dwell on earth, grofs element,

Let groveling fpirits bear;
But I, on nobler plans intent,
Build Caftles in the Air.
No neighbour there can disagree,
Or thwart what I defign;
For there, not only all I fee,
But all I wish, is mine.
No furly landlord's leave I want,

To make, or pull down fences;
Ì build, I furnish, drain, and plant,
Regardless of expences.

One thing, 'tis true, excites my fear,
Nor let it feem furprising;
While minifters, from year to year,
New taxes are devising.

Left Earth being tax'd, as foon it may,
Beyond what Earth can bear,
Our financier a tax fhould lay

On Castles in the Air. Well! with the end the means wou'd fuit, Would he, in these our days,

Ideal plans to execute,

Ideal taxes raise.

ON Tuesday, September 27, the lords commiflioners for opening of the new parliament being feated in their robes, in the houfe of peers, the gentleman ufher of the black rod was fent to require the immediate attendance of the house of commons, to hear the commiffion read. The members of that house attending at the bar, the commiffion was accordingly read; and then the lord chancellor informed them, that it was his majefty's pleasure that they fhould return to their own houfe, to elect a fpeaker; after which they were to at-. tend with their speaker, in order that he might receive his majefty's approbation. The house, accordingly, attended the next day with their fpeaker, Mr. Addington, whom they had elected in a manner that befpoke the high fenfe they entertained of his peculiar fitnefs for that exalted office, and to whom the lord chancellor, with the cuftomary formalities, now announced his majefty's royal approbation. After this, both houfes were adjourned from time to time (while the ceremony of introducing new peers, and fwearing in the members of the houfe of commons was going on) till Thursday October 6, when his majetty went to the houfe of peers, and made the following moft gracious fpeech:

"My Lords and Gentlemen,

It is a peculiar fatisfaction to me, in the prefent conjuncture of affairs, to recur to your advice, after the recent opportunity which has been given for collecting the fenfe of my people, engaged in a difficult and arduous conteft, for the prefervation of all that is moft dear to us.

"I have omitted no endeavours for fetting on foot negotiations to reftore peace to Europe, and to fecure for the future the general tranquillity. The steps which I have taken for this purpose have at length opened the way to an immediate and direct negociation, the iffue of which muft either produce the defirable end of a juft, honourable, and folid peace for us, and for our allies, or must prove, beyond difpute, to what caufe alone the prolongation of the calamities of war must be afcribed.

I fhall immediately fend a perfon to Paris with full powers to treat for this object, and it is my anxious with that this measure may lead to the restoration of general peace but you must be fenfible that nothing can fo much contribute to give

effect to this defire, as your manifetting

that we poffefs both the determination and the refources to oppofe, with increated activity and energy, the further efforts with which we may have to contend,

You will feel this peculiarly neceffary at a moment when the enemy has openly manifefted the intention of attempting a descent on thefe kingdoms.-it cannot be doubted what would be the iffye of fuch an enterprize; but it befits your wildom to neglect no precautions that may either preclude the attempt, or fecure the speedieft means of turning it to the confufion and ruin of the enemy.

In reviewing the events of the year, you will have obferved that, by the skill and exertions of my navy, our extensive and increafing commerce has been protected to a degree almott beyond example, and the fleets of the enemy have, for the greatest part of the year, been blocked up in their own ports.

The operations in the Eaft and West Indies have been highly honourable to the British arms, and productive of great national advantage; and the valour and good conduct of my forces, both by fea and land, have been eminently confpi

cuous.

• The fortune of war, on the continent has been more various, and the progress of the French armies threatened, at one period, the utmoft danger to all Europe; but from the honourable and dignified perfeverance of my ally the emperor, and from the intrepidity, difcipline, and invincible spirit of the Auftrian forces, under the aufpicious conduct of the archduke Charles, fuch a turn has lately been given to the courfe of the war, as may infpire a well-grounded confidence that the final refult of the campaign will prove more difaftrous to the enemy than its commencement and progrefs for a time were favourable to their hopes.

The apparently hoftile difpofitions and conduct of the court of Madrid have led to difcuffions of which I am not yet enabled to acquaint you with the final refult; but I am confident that whatever may be their iffue, I fhall have given to Europe a further proof of my moderation and forbearance; and I can have no doubt of your determination to defend, against every aggreffion, the dignity, rights, and interefts of the British empire.

Gentlemen of the Houfe of Commons,

I rely on your zeal and public fpirit for fuch fupplies as you may think neceffary for the fervice of the year. It is a great fatisfaction to me to obferve that, notwithstanding the temporary embarralsments which have been experienced, the ftate of the commerce, manufactures, and. revenue of the country, proves the real extent and folidity of our resources, and furnishes you fuch means as must be equal to any exertions which the prefent crifis may require.

· My Lords, and Gentlemen.

The diftreffes which were in the laft year experienced from the scarcity of corn, are now, by the bleffing of God, happily removed, and an abundant harveft affords the pleafing profpect of relief in that important article to the labouring claffes of the community. Our internal tranquillity has also continued undisturbed :-The general attachment of my people to the British conftitution has appeared on every occafion, and the endeavours of thofe who wifhed to introduce anarchy and confufion into this country, have been repreffed by the energy and wifdom of the laws.

To defeat all the defigns of our enemies, to restore to my people the bleffings of a fecure and honourable peace, to maintain inviolate their religion, laws, and liberty, and to deliver down unimpaired to the lateft pofterity the glory and -happiness of these kingdoms, is the conftant with of my heart, and the uniform end of all my actions.-In every meafure that can conduce to thefe objects, I am confident of receiving the firm, zealous, and affectionate fupport of my parliament. His majesty having retired, the addrefs was moved by Earl Bathurst, and feconded by lord Offory; who commented on the various topics of his majesty's fpeech, in the usual stile of observations, on fuch occafions. The peace, the hope of which was held forth in the speech, their lordfhips took occafion to express their hope and conviction, would, if concluded, be confiftent with the honour, independence, and true intereft of the country: to fuch a peace only, could it be expected that parliament would consent.

Earl Fitzwilliam regretted that a difference of opinion fhould appear on fuch an occasion; but his fentiments were so adverfe to fuch a line of policy as that now recommended from the throne, and fupported by the addrefs, that he could not refrain from expreffing his difapprobation

of it. The first objection that struck him was a marked dereliction of the principles on which the war was commenced. Thefe he conceived to be different from thofe on which all former wars were founded. Our exertions, he imagined, were to be directed against the bateful and destructive fyftem of the French principles. Nor were thele exertions to be relaxed until thofe were obliterated, and this country ob viously fecured again their influence. But, in the prefent relative fituation of the countries, this felicity was in vain to be looked for.

The principle on which the prefent government of France feemed to act, militated against all order, and law; nay, against the very existence of civilized fo ciety; and he must regret that fuch a fyftem was now recognised by the language of the throne, and that it was propofed to be countenanced by the proceedings of that house. He would enter his protest against fuch a proceeding, even were he fingle on the occafion. [His lordfhip's fingle proteft, grounded on the ob jections here ftated, appeared accordingly foon after.] Then expreffing his convic tion that no peace could be lafting and fecure while the prefent fyftem of France exifted, his lordship concluded with propofing the following amendment:

That this house, strongly impreffed with the juftice and neceffity of the prefent war, carried on for the maintenance of civil and moral order in the world, and for securing the balance of power in Europe, and the independence of all states, will continue to give his majesty a vigorous fupport in afferting the general caufe of his majesty and his allies, and for preferving the good faith, dignity and honour of the crown, in full affurance that no teps fhall be taken inconfittent with those principles, or with the future fafety and profperity of these kingdoms: and should the apparently hoftile difpofitions of the court of Madrid, inftigated by the intrigues and menaces of the common enemy, put his majesty under the neceffity of repelling force by force, his majefty may rely on the determination of this house to give his majefty the most ample fupport in defending, againft every aggreffion, the " dignity, rights and interests of the British empire.'

The earl of Guilford expreffed his approbation of that part of the address, which ftated the negociation for peace: but defired that it might not be understood, that he was pledged to all @nclusions that

might be drawn from aggreeing to the addrefs, particularly as related to the efficacy or propriety of certain bills (the treafon and fedition bills) paffed in the latt parliament.

Lord Grenville obferved, as to what had fallen from a noble earl, that whatever opinions were given by his majesty's minifters, respecting the reftoration of monarchy in France, they had never yet declared that, in no cafe, they would not treat, or even make peace with her, under a republican form of government. He did not think that the negociation would derogate from the honour or independence of Great-Britain, or its allies; but he trufted that by fuch means, or by the fubfequent measures which fhould be taken by minifters, they would arrive at a juft, permanent, and honourable peace.

After fome further debate, earl Fitzwilliam's amendment was negatived without a divifion.

IN the house of commons, lord Morpeth rose to move an address to his majesty. Among other obfervations on the speech, he remarked, that the prefent profpect of peace must be grateful to all parties; and that there now exifted in France a government of fuch stability and permanence, as might with fafety be treated with. That fuch a peace only as was honourable and permanent would, he trufted, be concluded; and that should the French refufe to agree to such a peace, the energy of the country would be united against them.

Sir William Lowther, in a fhort speech, feconded the motion: which was accordingly read by the speaker.

Mr. Fox, in a fpeech of fome length, declared the grounds of the affent which he propofed that day to give to the addrefs. He fet out with declaring his perfect approbation of that part of the speech which itated the opening a negociation for peace, a ftep which he had always recommended. I will not (faid Mr. Fox) fay one word about the particular and the fit time for fuch a measure, all times appearing to me to be equally wife and falutary for endeavouring to restore to the people the bleffings of peace. Nor will I recollect, much less retaliate, the perfonal invectives that were thrown out against myfelf; that an attempt to negociate with fuch a people, was to lay his majefty's crown at their feet, and that it was a degradation of the honour and dignity of Great-Britain: that to propole to open a negociation was in fact to fue for peace, and that fuch conduct was neither dignified nor political.

Such was the language of the laft parliament, and fuch was the animadverfion made on the advice which I then gave. I will content myself with repeating what I then faid, that to propose a negociation is not to fue for peace. It is at every moment dignified and proper to strive to restore the bleffings of peace and it is certainly one thing to propofe a negociation in which terms are to be fairly and manfully difcuffed, and another to fue to your enemy for peace.

He who objects to this diftinction, is not animated by that feeling which ought ever to be uppermoft in the mind of a ftatefman-an anxious defire of fhortening the calamity of war, and of paving the way, by every practicable means, to that defirable end. He ought ever, therefore, to make it manifeft in his conduct, that no career of conqueft, and no reverse of fortune, can divert him from that single object-a negociation for peace, in preference to any other object. I repeat, therefore, that I most perfectly and entirely approve of the prefent measure, and fhall not now mix my affent to that part of the address, with any observations on the tardy and protracted manner in which it has been at length refolved upon.'

Mr. Fox, then proceeded to ftate fome objections to particular phrafes in the fpeech; and declared, that by voting for the addrefs, he did not mean to pledge his afsent to the strict truth and propriety of them, as they might be interpreted. It was faid, that his majesty had ufed every endeavour to open a negociation. As far as might relate to the time elapfed fince the last parliament, Mr. Fox was inclined to take this affertion upon trust. He praifed the moderation of the terms in which the fpeech was couched, and was glad that nothing was repeated as to the juttice or neceffity of the war, or of its being undertaken in the cause of religion, humanity, and focial order-fuch expreffions had only ferved, when used, to irritate and exasperate. As to the reflections on the flourishing ftate of our manufactures, trade, and commerce, and the fufficiency of our resources, these might form the fubject of future difcuffion. But there was one part of the speech which Mr. Fox thought required peculiar animadverfion. It is (faid Mr. Fox) that part in which we are made to rejoice in the general tranquillity of the country, a fentiment in which I heartily concur, for tranquillity at all times is a most desirable thing; but when we proceed further, and

hear this tranquillity afcribed to the wif dom and energy of the laws, infinuating that the laws which were paffed in the latt fellion of the laft parliament, have fecured to us this tranquillity, and triumphed over anarchy and confufion, I muft enter my folemn protest against the whole of this affertion, and againtb all fuch affertions. I have never been convinced, that there were any perfons in this country, defirous of anarchy and confufion, or at least that there were any number of fuch perfons in this country worthy of the attention of his majefty, or of this houfe; but I muft folemnly proteft against the infinuation, that it is to the energy of thofe laws that we are indebted for the general tranquillity that is fard to have reigned; general tran quillity arifing out of the obedience which a rational people cheerfully pay to good laws must always be a fubject of real rejoicing; but, if it is meant to be faid, that general tranquillity has fprung out of the two laws of the last feffion of the Jaft parliament laws which ought to be the object of our terror and abhorrence, and which are calculated to excite thefe feelings, I cannot rejoice in any such tranquillity.

Should I be afked, have thefe laws produced tranquillity? I anfwer, No: it is not in the nature of fuch laws to pro duce tranquillity Such laws may pro duce a forced quiet, which I confider as a real alarm. Do we rejoice in fuch a tranquillity, where difcuffion is to be Rifled, and men are to brood in fecret over the grievances which they feel?-No: fuch a tranquillity alarms me more than tumult. It is a tranquillity which every man, who loves freedom'ought to see with pain every man, who loves order, ought to fee with terror. To the conftitution no man can feel a stronger attachment than myfelf: but I will not fport with the word conftitution; I will not ufe the word without explaining it:My attachment is to the conftitution under which I was born under which I was bred-not to that of the laft parliament, which did more to maim and disfigure the ancient conftitution of England than any former par liament that ever fat within thefe walls. Let me then, be clearly understood, that I do not join in this infinuation of praife upon these abominable laws, nor afcribe to them effects to which I believe them to be inapplicable. Much as I wifh for a general approbation of the measure of endeavouring to procure peace to this country, yet I fhould think it was pur.

chafed at too dear a rate, if coupled with the approbation of these abhorrent laws; and I have thought it my duty to lay fo much, that my vote might not be mifinterpreted into an acquiefcence of this part of the addrefs.

I am one of thofe,' continued Mr. Fox, who think that the whole fyftem of our foreign politics, on which this war was undertaken, has been equally faulty. They have run on together in a parallel progrefs, and have produced all the varied calamities which the people have been doomed to fuffer. I think, there fore, that whatever may be the result of the negociation which his majesty has been at length advised to open, whether it shall produce, as I hope it will, the blessing of a fpeedy and a permanent peace, or that its object shall be fruftrated, and that we thall be obliged to continue the war, still it will be the duty of this houfe feriously to re-confider the fyftem which has pro duced thefe evils, and to devife the means of preventing fuch evils in future. Peaces I own, to be our great object the first, the chief thing to be porfued, and, if poffible, to be obtained-But whether peace itself, without fuch a review and fuch a change of fyltem as may protect us in future from fuch calamities, can reftoré us to our former condition, may be a matter of doubt. Peace would certainly be beneficial even accompanied by the bad fyftem that has lately been introduced. Peace might enable the people a little longer to endure the evils with which that fyftem is fraught; it might render it a little lefs pernicious on account of the ad vantages which would flow from the revival of industry and trade; and therefore, at all events, let us have peace! Peace at all events! But let it be thoroughly understood, that in the one cafe it would only be a palliative in the other it would be a remedy. Peace, without a change in domeftic politicks, might enable the people to bear a little longer their burdens, but peace with fuch a change would not only fet them free, but keep them fo Peace, therefore, shall have my cordial fupport; and every measure, like the pre fent, that leads to the desirable event, or that makes an opening toward it, ought to be received, with unanimity, by all defcriptions of men.'

Mr. Fox continued by making some further obfervations on the language of the fpeech. He applauded lord Mor peth's expreffion as to the ftability of the French government; and objected-parti