The church which tops the neighbouring hill, the mill, and the brook, all remain the same as when his brother was the officiating clergyman. Mark how gracefully the poem opens : Sweet Auburn! loveliest village of the plain, Where health and plenty cheer'd the labouring swain The sheltered cot, the cultivated farm, The decent church that topped the neighbouring hill, How often have I blest the coming day, The matron's glance, that would those looks reprove; These were thy charms, sweet village! sports like these, Now let us con over his tribute to Retirement : O blest Retirement! friend to life's decline, Who quits a world where strong temptations try, He thus picturesquely portrays the clergyman of the village : Thus to relieve the wretched was his pride, He watched and wept, he prayed and felt for all: E'en children followed, with endearing wile, |