The Second Part of Original Poems :: :: University of Virginia Library

Why beats my Heart when Flora's nigh,
As it would from my Bosom fly?
Whence does this melting Softness rise,
When her my raptur'd Soul espies?
Why, gazing, do I speechless stand,
And tremble when I touch her Hand?
How does a Smile, a Glance, a Word,
Unutterable Joys afford?
Teach me, you learn'd in Nature's Laws,
You who have search'd, and found the Cause,
Why Planets roll, and Tempests blow,
And Seasons change, and Oceans flow:

Whence comes my Flora's boundless Sway?
Why must She rule, and I obey?
What's Love? declare its wond'rous Rise,
Shew how the Soul speaks thro' the Eyes:
Tell why, together, in Excess,
Love's Pains torment, its Pleasures bless.
Vain Dotards! should you Flora view,
To all your boasted Arts adieu,
One Look from her would more than prove,
No Science can account for Love.
A Power supream, o'er all it reigns,
And binds the Universe in Chains.