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Freedom's Offering,

A Collection of Poems.
  
  
  

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12

Love.

Oh, what an impulsive truant, Love, thou art!
Thou at first subdues, then inspirates the heart;
Flashes with kindling hope, then fills with fear,
Excites alarm, then soothes the crushing care.
Oh, gentle passion! cease thy terrors, pray!
Dispel the darkness, let break forth the day!
Pour forth thy soul in one impulsive gush;
Drive back cold form, and bring the gentle blush.
At once so gentle, yet so cruel, thou!
Low at thy feet with hope instinctive bow,
The small, the great, the peasant and the king,
All in one common train their tribute bring.