  To my friend JAMES CROSTON, ESQ., F.S.A., on the completion of his "Historic Sites of Lancashire and Cheshire." At length is done thy voluntary task, Thy pleasant work, fruition of thy will, Which in the past doth find its fondest lore. As o'er the meads, the wilds, the plains, the woods, Which form the glowing landscape 'neath our eye, Our vision rests in well-pleased rhapsody, How few remains are seen to tell the tale Of deeds on which the memory doth dwell; How few the relics that are strewn abroad Of castled valour and the Church's pride: A ruined keep, with now-defenceless walls! A beauteous vision of the pomp that once In glorious fanes paid homage unto God! The ivy clustering o'er the mouldering walls Doth hold together what alone remains Of graceful arch, proud pinnacle, and pier That mark where once man's noblest work had stood. Nor these alone Time's saddest work reveal, Mildewed and torn, rotting in damp recess The records of their history remain, Until some reverent hand doth bring them forth, And give their wondrous tale unto the world. Thine own, my friend, oft seeks their soilÈd page, And from their blurred and faded writing tries To fill again the mind-restorÈd walls With all the motley crowds that gave them life. Long may thy pen its pleasant work pursue, Resuscitate the mighty men of old, Again enact the noble deeds that once Made history, and living interest gave To the sad monuments of earlier time. JOHN LEIGH. THE MANOR HOUSE, |
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