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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 | Works of the Hon. and Very Rev. William Herbert |  |
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WRITTEN IN 1805.
Fairest! if by night or day,Ne'er in wish from thee to stray,
Nor in hours of lonely leisure
Ever woo a sweeter pleasure,
Than to bid the anxious thought
Dwell on thee, with rapture fraught;
If to deem the breath of youth,
Perfumed by thy fragrant mouth,
Fresher, than the gale, which blows
O'er the dew-besprinkled rose;
If to hold, that who might rest
Pillow'd on that gentle breast,
Were more than Eastern monarchs blest;
If to worship thee, and swear
None are sweet or good or fair,
That each graceful shape is rude,
Near thy perfect image view'd;
If to deem thy cheerful smile
Rich with charms that might beguile
E'en the latest pang of death,
Be the surest pledge of faith:
Think not, that, when doom'd to part
From that treasure of my heart,
These fond thoughts can cease to cherish
Hours of bliss, that quickly perish;
Or, when billows swell between,
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For to me nor tuneful measure,
Social jest or dearer pleasure,
Joyous seem, when far from thee;
In whose nature sweet and free
All the gentlest virtues vie,
Beauty, mirth, and modesty.
When I miss thy lovely form,
Beauty loses every charm;
Friendship lacks its dearest tie,
Music all its melody.
Still, where'er thy footsteps stray,
Secret vows will win their way;
Ardent wishes born of youth,
Nursed by faith and constant truth;
And, across the bounding sea,
Wing their anxious flight to thee.
| Works of the Hon. and Very Rev. William Herbert | |