University of Virginia Library


75

SONNET V. TO LAURA.

[_]

The attribution of this poem is questionable.

Deep shelter'd in thy native forest green,
Where o'er thy lovely head each peaceful day
And silent night glide undisturb'd away,
And every Shepherd hails thee Rural Queen:
Think'st thou; my Laura, of that youth unseen
Who now, illum'd by Fancy's sacred ray,
To thy bright airy form presents his lay,
Sinking the space that Absence thrusts between?—
Constant as fair I know thee, charming Maid!
Take then these Strains! and O, where'er reclin'd,
By daisied fountain or by quivering shade,
Read them as sports to cheat the hours design'd,
Till, to thy faithful arms again convey'd,
I share each rapture pure and joy refin'd.