Philomela :: :: University of Virginia Library

Yes, Thou who know'st all, dost Thou know I love thee,
And that I set no Idol up above thee?
To thy unerring Censure I appeal,
Thou who know'st All Things, surely this canst tell?
I love thee more than Life, or Interest;
Nor hast thou any Rival in my Breast?
I love thee so, that I would calmly bear
The Mocks of Fools, and bless my happy Ear,
Let me from thee but one kind whisper hear?
I love thee so, that for a Smile of thine,
Might this, and all the brighter Worlds be mine;
I would not pause, but with a noble Scorn,
At the unequel slighted Offer spurn?
Yes, I to Fools these trifles can resign,
Nor envy them the World, whilst thou art mine;

I love thee as my Center, and can find
No Point but thee to stay my doubtful Mind;
Potent and uncontroul'd its Motions were,
Till fixt in thee, its only congruous Sphere.
Urg'd with a thousand specious Baits, I stood,
Displeas'd, and sighing for some distant Good,
To calm its genuine Dictates—but betwixt
Them all, remain'd suspended and unfixt.
I love the so, 'tis more than Death to be,
My Life, my Love, my All, depriv'd of Thee;
'Tis Hell, 'tis Horror, Shades and Darkness then,
Till thou unveil'st thy Heavenly Face agen;
I love thee so, I'd kiss the Dart should free,
My flutt'ring Soul, and send her up to thee;
O would'st thou break her Chain, with what Delight
She'd spread her Wings, and bid the World Good-night!
Scarce for my bright Conductors would I stay,
But lead thy flaming Ministers the Way,
In their known Passage to eternal Day.

And yet the Climes of Light would scarce seem fair,
Unless I met my bright Redeemer there;
Unless I there, cou'd view his charming Face,
And cope all Heaven in his sweet Embrace.