University of Virginia Library

SONG TO SAPPHO.

At length, O fairest nymph, farewell,
Let sighs alone my passion tell;
With tears I quit thy arms:
Adieu each eve of pure delight;
Adieu each morn with rapture bright;
Adieu thy brighter charms!

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Where'er by Fate condemn'd to stray,
Where Phœbus pours the golden day,
Or sleeps beneath the wave,
Thine image will my path pursue,
And ever present on my view,
Detain me still a slave.
In vain I roam—I strive in vain
To break, O beauteous maid, thy chain!
Yet why my fetters part?
Ev'n now thy sighs, my sighs approve;
Ev'n now thy love, returns my love,
And yields me heart for heart!