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Poems by the Late Reverend Dr. Thomas Blacklock

Together with an Essay on the Education of the Blind. To Which is Prefixed A New Account of the Life and Writings of the Author

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To a little Girl whom I had offended:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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To a little Girl whom I had offended:

An ODE.

[_]

Written at Twelve Years of Age.

How long shall I attempt in vain
Thy smiles, my angel, to regain?
I'll kiss your hand, I'll weep, I'll kneel:
Will nought, fair tyrant, reconcile?

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That goldfinch, with her painted wings,
Which gayly looks, and sweetly sings;
That, and if aught I have more fine,
All, all my charmer, shall be thine.
When next Mamma shall prove severe,
I'll interpose, and save my dear.
Soften, my fair, those angry eyes,
Nor tear thy heart with broken sighs:
Think, while that tender breast they strain,
For thee what anguish I sustain.
Should but thy fair companions view,
How ill that frown becomes thy brow;
With fear and grief in ev'ry eye,
Each would to each, astonish'd, cry,
Heav'ns! where is all her sweetness flown!
How strange a figure now she's grown!
Run, Nancy, let us run, lest we
Grow pettish, aukward things, as she.
'Tis done, 'tis done; my cherub smiles,
My griefs suspends, my fears beguiles:
How the quick pleasure heaves my breast!
Ah! still be kind, and I'll be blest!