 | Miscellanies (1785) |  |
241
VERSES WRITTEN IN THE MOMENTS OF WAITING AN INTERVIEW.
I
Tender tremours touch the bosom,As the gentle hour moves by;
Expectation, almost weeping,
Tip-toe stands in either eye.
II
Ah! what precious preturbationsHaunt the fancy of a friend!
Half an hour, of watchful waiting,
Seems a period without end.
III
When the clouds hang dark and heavy,Disappointment o'er me low'rs;
But as fairer fleeces favour,
Hope bestows her promis'd flow'rs.
242
IV
Soon again soft fears assail me,Since the visit is delay'd;
Then—ah then!—'tis apprehension,
Of a thousand things afraid.
V
Haply sickness may detain her—Thus Imagination cries:
Haply pain, or haply peril—
Then this bosom bleeding lies.
VI
Ev'ry step that strikes the pavement,Ev'ry summons at the door;
Ev'ry sound of passing coaches,
Warm and chill these pulses more.
VII
Now I dread th' excusing message,Now I dread some dire disease;
Too much wind, or too much sunshine,
Robs alike this breast of ease.
243
VIII
Heav'n must make a morn on purpose,To compose the gentle heart;
Zephyr's bland must fan the season,
Airs their softest balm impart;
IX
Not a breath too much or little,Not too hot or cold a ray;
Must impede the Expectation,
When 'tis meeting day.
X
Yet, perchance, these lovely flutt'rings,Beauteous fears, and kind distress,
Do but serve the more to heighten
Tender Henry's happiness.
XI
When the fair indeed approaches,Every rosy terror's o'er;
After little scatter'd cloudings,
Sunbeams only bless us more.
| Miscellanies (1785) | |