Poems on Several Occasions :: :: University of Virginia Library

Leave, wanton Bee, those Blossoms leave,
Thou buzzing Harbinger of Spring,
To Stella fly, and sweeter Spoils
Shall load thy Thigh, and gild thy Wing.

II

Her Cheeks, her Lips with Roses swell,
Not Paphian Roses deeper glow;
And Lillies o'er her Bosom spread
Their spotless Sweets, and balmy Snow.

III

Then, grateful for the Sacred Dews,
Invite her, humming round, to Rest;
Soft Dreams may tune her Soul to Love,
Tho' Coldness arm her waking Breast.

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IV

But if She still obdurate prove,
O shoot thy Sting.—The little Smart
May teach her then to pity me
Transfix'd with Love's and Beauty's Dart.

V

Ah no, forbear, to sting forbear;
Go, fly unto thy Hive again.
Much rather let me dye for Her,
Than She endure the least of Pain.

VI

Go, fly unto thy Hive again,
With more than Hybla-Honey blest:
For Pope's sweet Lips prepare the Dew,
Or else for Love a Nectar-Feast.