University of Virginia Library

Blest in her talents, in her love more blest,
Lucilio deem'd the jewel, he possest,
Above all price; and, in sequester'd life,
Soothing his mournful friend, and duteous wife,
He chiefly hop'd to shield their tender health,
From melancholy's dark, invasive stealth,
Since love and virtue (tho' a heavenly pair)
May vainly struggle, in her subtle snare.
That his fine art had wond'rous power he knew;
But from experience he perceiv'd it true,
That its delights, too eagerly pursued,
Strengthen the foe, he hop'd to have subdued.
His firm, and generous mind conceiv'd a thought,
By nature dictated, with kindness fraught,
That much avail'd him in his friendly hope.—
O lovely childhood! under Heaven's wide cope,
There is no sight, of such benignant grace
The gathering clouds of mental gloom to chace,
As thy sweet gambols, in a female form,
Radiant with innocence, with pleasure warm,
And rich in charms, that every moment rise
From speaking limbs, and heart-expressing eyes.
The sprightly Marcellina, soon convey'd
By watchful Theodore's continual aid,
At kind Lucilio's provident request,
Seem'd of the secret scene an angel-guest.
This playful child had influence so sweet,
In Buon-Retiro's unfrequented seat,
With pleasure might the sylvan muses tell,
How light she bounded thro' each lonely dell;
How she, enamour'd of the sculptur'd fawn,
Soon gain'd a living favourite of the lawn,
Fed from her hand, and, in a silken string,
Taught, by her pipe, to kneel, to dance, to spring!
How cheer'd Venusia doted on the child;
How sad Manfredi, thro' his lattice, smil'd,
And view'd, unseen, the sportive girl below,
Day after day, forgetful of his woe;
This, and much more of Marcellina's power
With mirth to chequer the sequester'd hour,
The poet, fond of childhood, might rehearse;
But Venice calls, and claims his moral verse.