The Poetical Works of The Rev. Samuel Bishop :: :: University of Virginia Library

The day declin'd; the year was clos'd;—
Beside his forge, tir'd Labour doz'd:—
A Golden Buckle, meant to deck
At morn's return my Mary's neck,
(Tribute mere justice long'd to pay,)
Half finish'd, on his anvil lay.

Benighted, (how, it matters not,)
Love, Truth, and Time, approach'd the spot:
They saw th' imperfect toy; they knew
Where, and from whom, and when, 'twas due.

“What pity things should thus stand still,
“Till yon dull Drudge hath slept his fill!
“Suppose,” the three companions cry'd,
“Ourselves our joint exertions try'd.”

The project pleas'd—so said, so done—
And each his several part begun.

From every Charm, that grac'd the Dame,
Some hint of decoration came.

For Bloom, that heaven's own painting shows;
For Features, where high Feeling glows;
For Looks, that more than language speak;
For Sweetness, dimpling Humour's cheek;
For Dignity, by Neatness drest;
Where still, whatever is, is best;
For Powers, that call the captive eye,
From all nymphs else, when She is by;
Yet make us, when she is not near,
Ev'n for her sake, her sex revere;

For Softness, and for Strength of mind;
Sense, ripe tho' rapid, keen tho' kind;
For Liberal Purpose, and prompt Skill
That liberal purpose to fulfill;
For Friendly Zeal's aspiring blaze;
For Generous Joy in honest praise;
For all, that can exalt thro' life,
The Woman, or endear the Wife;—
Love, whose quick sight no facts evade,
A separate Pearl in order laid.

Truth, pearl by pearl exactly told,
Arrang'd them in the circling Gold;
Announc'd their weight, from first to last;
And set them close; and clinch'd them fast.

Time, o'er the whole a Polish threw,
Which brighter still, and brighter grew.

The work thus wrought, with equal haste,
The Workmen on this Collar plac'd;

Then bade the fondest husband bear
The present, to the worthiest fair;
Bade him salute with cordial lay,
Her natal, and her bridal day;
And, his own suffrage to approve,
Appeal to Time, and Truth, and Love!