Classic Poem

Ye walls, for gallantry and knighthood fam'd,
Which oft with sounds of social pleasure rung;
Ye groves and lawns, where Waller's tuneful tongue
To gales and murm'ring streams his love proclaim'd,
And each wild echo Sacharissa nam'd;
Your white cascades, with foamy tumult flung
Down the steep slope, and glades so sweetly sung;
No poet now explores with feet unblam'd.
Yet suffer me to breathe your vernal gales,
A poet, no! but of that gentle train,
Who love to mark in woods and pathless vales
Each rural sweet; and, wand'ring o'er the plain,
Deeds of old prowess and romantic tales
To muse, and hear the nightingale complain.