University of Virginia Library

TO A YOUNG LADY.

Could any charm have broke the spell,
That long has chained my humble lyre,
Thy smile had waked the silent shell,
And taught its sweetest notes to swell
With pure poetic fire.
But, oh! its chords are sleeping still,
And e'en thy charms must plead in vain;
This heart has lost its wonted thrill,
Intruding cares its fervors chill,
And check its votive strain.