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The complete poetical works of Thomas Campbell

Oxford edition: Edited, with notes by J. Logie Robertson

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SONG ‘WHEN LOVE CAME FIRST’

[_]

(Written in 1829)

When Love came first to Earth, the Spring
Spread rosebeds to receive him;
And back he vowed his flight he'd wing
To Heaven, if she should leave him.

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But Spring departing saw his faith
Pledged to the next new comer—
He revelled in the warmer breath
And richer bowers of Summer.
Then sportive Autumn claimed by rights
An Archer for her lover:
And even in Winter's dark cold nights
A charm he could discover.
Her routs and balls and fireside joy
For this time were his reasons:
In short, Young Love's a gallant boy
That likes all times and seasons.