University of Virginia Library


225

LINES.

Bid me the ills of life endure,
Ills that shall rend my heart!
Bid me resign the hope of cure,
And cherish endless smart!
Bid me a weary wand'rer be,
But never bid me part from thee!
Bid me encounter vulgar scorn;
And, hopeless of relief,
Bid me awake each sadden'd morn,
To feed the source of grief!
Bid me from pomp and splendour flee,
But never bid me fly from thee!
Bid me o'er barren deserts rove,
O'er mountains rude and bare;
Bid me the keenest torments prove,
That feeling bosoms share!
Bid me no dawn of comfort see—
I'll bear it all—if blest with thee!