University of Virginia Library

A SONG.

The smile of the maid I adore,
I have sought, but have sought it in vain;
Hope, lull me with flatt'ry no more—
Fate dooms me to sigh and complain.
When she meets me, the radiance of morn
Breaks forth and enlivens my eye:
When she leaves me, I wander forlorn,
And Night's shadows descend on my sigh.
O Venus! how cruel thine art,
That bids us such beauty behold!
In thee, how unkind to impart,
To such beauty, a heart that is cold.
Why fill'd is her eye with thy fire?
Why giv'n was the voice of thy dove;
The bosom and lip of desire,
That will frown on the kisses of Love?