University of Virginia Library


liii

TO MRS. ROBINSON.

BY THE REVEREND B. BERESFORD.

Full many a conflict hath my bosom prov'd,
To chase thy image from its dwelling there;
Full many a sorrow, many a tender care,
For thy dear sake I've suffer'd, best belov'd;
For, since thy beauties did my heart invade,
Oft have I strove my liberty to gain;
Oft, in soft solace to my am'rous pain,
For balm, to heal the wounds which love has made,
I court the muses; to assuage my grief
Court sage philosophy; for vain relief,
In quest of joy, I rove from fair to fair;
Vain other charms, and vain philosophy!
My vagrant heart must still return to thee,
And one dear smile is worth an age of care!