Works of the Hon. and Very Rev. William Herbert ... Excepting those on botany and natural history. With additions and corrections by the author |
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THE KISS; |
 | Works of the Hon. and Very Rev. William Herbert |  |
THE KISS;
A RIDDLE.
1799.
Daughter of Gentleness, and pledge of Love,
With viewless step and fragrant breath I rove;
From cheek to cheek, from lip to lip, I stray;
And the fine nerves my thrilling touch obey.
Born at the blissful call of young Desire,
I live one moment, and the next expire.
Though warm to touch, though lovely as the day,
No eye can trace me, and no hand delay.
Scared from Revenge, and Hatred's lowering eye,
From Anger's fierce antipathy, I fly;
But with the tender solace of a friend
O'er pale Affliction's couch I fondly bend,
Or with the sweetness of a mother's smile
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And, when fell Passion from the soul retires,
The cherub Peace my sacred seal requires.
But thou, chaste nymph, who seek'st my hidden name,
Know, that my breath can stir a fatal flame!
By that moist lip, warm cheek, and sparkling eye,
By all the charms, which on that bosom lie,
Though Love invite and Beauty call, beware!
Nor trust the tempting poison, that I bear!
| Works of the Hon. and Very Rev. William Herbert | |