Poetical remains (1872) :: :: University of Virginia Library

Ye, before whose genial breath
Hovering Death,
Girt with troops of pale diseases,
Quits th'usurp'd domain of air;
Where, oh! where,
Linger ye, propitious breezes?

Hither, where my languid maid
Wooes your aid,
Come, with balmy spirit blowing;
Gentle harbingers of Spring,
Hither bring
Health in rosy beauty glowing.

Bright-eyed Joy to Youth allied
At her side,
While with giddy gesture after
Trip gay sport of wilder glance,
Jest, and Dance,
Dimpled Smiles, and sleek-browed Laughter.

Joy-born Mirth shall lead the train,
Soon again
Her each sprightlier Love shall follow;
All who from the brow defy,
All who lie
In the dimple's treacherous hollow.

So my song your praise shall tell;
So my shell
Pour to you the liquid measures;
Soft, as when your downy wings
Fan the strings,
Murmuring sweetly pensive pleasures.

Ah! no such reward ye seek
O'er that cheek,

Blushing if she meets my gazes;
O'er those beaming orbs of love,
Free to rove,
Little ye regard my praises.

Yet, if to my sober ear
Ever dear
Sound your voices, sadly sighing,
Where from lonely shades my grief
Courts relief,
To your airy woe replying:

As in fondly frolic-play,
Boldly gay,
Thus around her charms ye hover,
Oh! in whisper'd sighs reveal
What I feel,
What to you alone discover.