University of Virginia Library


49

ELEGY I.

He despairs of obtaining the Smiles of his Mistress.

What are the thunders of the ruthless wind?
And what the billows that tumultuous roll?
Calms to the raging tempest of my mind,—
Rills to the restless surges of my soul.
Intent to please, I vainly urge my toil;
No hopes, alas! the virgin's looks impart:
O tell me, Julia, what can win thy smile?
O speak, and heave the mountain from my heart.
What can I do to win a cruel maid?
The front of Danger willing would I brave:
No coward terror can this heart invade,
Whose chiefest glory is to be thy slave

50

Fate holds no horror while I please my fair;
Then, Julia, bid me my fond passion prove:
All, all thy rigour can command I dare,
But lose thine image, and forget to love.