But not performing what he meant, And made him faster run. 225 Away went Gilpin, and away Went postboy at his heels, 230 The postboy's horse right glad to miss Six gentlemen upon the road Thus seeing Gilpin fly, With postboy scampering in the rear, 235 They rais'd a hue and cry: 'Stop thief!-stop thief!—a highwayman!' Not one of them was mute; And all and each that passed that way Did join in the pursuit. 240 And now the turnpike gates again Flew open in short space : The toll-men thinking, as before, And so he did, and won it too, For he got first to town; Nor stopp'd till where he had got up He did again get down. 245 24 THE SOLITUDE OF ALEXANDER SELKIRK Now let us sing, long live the king, And Gilpin, long live he; And, when he next doth ride abroad, May I be there to see. 250 THE SOLITUDE OF ALEXANDER SELKIRK° WILLIAM COWPER I AM monarch of all I survey, My right there is none to dispute; That sages have seen in thy face? I am out of humanity's reach, I must finish my journey alone, Their tameness is shocking to me. 5 ΙΟ 15 THE SOLITUDE OF ALEXANDER SELKIRK Society, Friendship, and Love, In the ways of religion and truth, Ye winds that have made me your sport, Some cordial, endearing report Of a land I shall visit no more! My friends, do they now and then send A wish or a thought after me? How fleet is a glance of the mind! Compared with the speed of its flight, And the swift-wingèd arrows of light. In a moment I seem to be there; Soon hurries me back to despair. But the sea-fowl is gone to her nest, |