University of Virginia Library

VERSES

On hearing a Lady sing to her two Daughters who were dancing a minuet.

Ye feeling few, who joys refin'd can prove,
And taste the elegant delights of love,
Who oft, when scenes of heart-felt bliss appear,
Heave the soft sigh, and shed the silent tear,
See what alone might vice itself controul,
And wake to virtuous extasy the soul!
See the fond Parent with officious care
To measur'd motion form her darling pair!
Her voice attempering leads th' obedient pace,
Guides the just air, and moulds the infant grace,
While as they move unbidden beauties rise,
Bloom on their cheeks, and lighten in their eyes.
And Thou, whom realms unkind beyond the main
From such an Offspring, such a Spouse detain,
How would thy throbbing heart at once unite
The Husband's love, the Father's fond delight,
To see such beauties in one groupe combine,
And all the Mother in the Daughters shine!
For Me meanwhile, who, tho' to thee unknown,
Can in thy kindred virtues love thy own,
Can the fond Husband in the Wife admire,
And in the Children venerate the Sire,
Enough such charms with silent joy to praise,
Retire at distance, and with reverence gaze.