 | Poems on Several Occasions |  |
To Marinda, at Parting.
Think it not strange, that I profess a Love
To one so finish'd, and so form'd to move:
In my fond Heart a tender Friendship grew,
Ere yet I could your pleasing Image view:
The deep Impression in my Soul was made,
When first I listen'd in the Jess'min Shade;
I mark'd the graceful Musick of your Tongue,
And on your Words my whole Attention hung.
So ripe a Judgment, such a Flow of Wit,
So much Discretion too commanding it,
In one so young, till now I never knew:
What Praise what Honour to such Worth is due?
Each flying Hour does unknown Charms unbind,
And opens more the Beauties of your Mind.
Your Conversation gives a solid Joy,
Which Absence will too cruelly destroy:
For Scenes of Happiness are always short,
And we in vain the fleeting Pleasure court.
Since adverse Fortune hurries you away,
And I in vain must wish your longer Stay,
Allow me thus my new Distress to paint,
Nor be offended at the kind Complaint.
To one so finish'd, and so form'd to move:
In my fond Heart a tender Friendship grew,
Ere yet I could your pleasing Image view:
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When first I listen'd in the Jess'min Shade;
I mark'd the graceful Musick of your Tongue,
And on your Words my whole Attention hung.
So ripe a Judgment, such a Flow of Wit,
So much Discretion too commanding it,
In one so young, till now I never knew:
What Praise what Honour to such Worth is due?
Each flying Hour does unknown Charms unbind,
And opens more the Beauties of your Mind.
Your Conversation gives a solid Joy,
Which Absence will too cruelly destroy:
For Scenes of Happiness are always short,
And we in vain the fleeting Pleasure court.
Since adverse Fortune hurries you away,
And I in vain must wish your longer Stay,
14
Nor be offended at the kind Complaint.
Why, O ye Pow'rs, that govern human Thought,
Was dear Marinda to my Knowledge brought?
Or, when disclos'd, why must I lose her Sight?
O transient Pleasure! O too short Delight!
Alas, how quick the joyous Moments pass!
While those of Sorrow clog the lazy Glass.
But since we can't reverse the Will of Fate,
Nor give our Woes, nor give our Joys a Date;
I will at least suspend my present Care,
And for your Safety offer up a Pray'r.
Was dear Marinda to my Knowledge brought?
Or, when disclos'd, why must I lose her Sight?
O transient Pleasure! O too short Delight!
Alas, how quick the joyous Moments pass!
While those of Sorrow clog the lazy Glass.
But since we can't reverse the Will of Fate,
Nor give our Woes, nor give our Joys a Date;
I will at least suspend my present Care,
And for your Safety offer up a Pray'r.
May friendly Angels their soft Wings display
And be your Guard in ev'ry dang'rous Way:
May all your future Life be blest with Peace,
And ev'ry Day the Springs of Joy encrease;
In ev'ry State may you most happy be,
And tho' far distant often think on me.
And be your Guard in ev'ry dang'rous Way:
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And ev'ry Day the Springs of Joy encrease;
In ev'ry State may you most happy be,
And tho' far distant often think on me.
| Poems on Several Occasions | |