University of Virginia Library

For me, as weary of myself I rise,
To seek the rest which wakeful thought denies?
O'er the lov'd mansion as I lonely range,
Condemn'd at ev'ry step to feel the change;
Through each apartment, where so oft my heart
Hath shar'd each grace of nature and of art,

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Where memory marks each object that I see,
And fills the bosom, oh my friend, with thee;
Through each apartment as I pass along,
Pause for relief, and then pursue my song;
For me, who now with midnight taper go,
To lose in sleep's oblivious shade my woe,
No greater good my closing thoughts can bless,
Ere this remember'd, little couch I press,
Than the sweet hope that at this sacred hour
My friend enjoys kind nature's balmy power;
Than the soft wish which on my bended knee,
I offer up, Eliza, warm for thee!
Wife of my friend, alike my faithful care,
Alike the object of each gentle pray'r;
Far distant tho' thou art, thy worth is near,
And my heart seals its blessing with a tear.