 | Landscapes in verse |  |
Ah me! with what a leaden pace the hours
Lag on, retarding with their cumbrous wings,
When first divided from the nymph we love!
Yet fleeter than the trackless lightning's flame,
Speed the quick minutes when we court their stay;
And ere th'impassion'd vow, at morning seal'd
On fair Cleone's lip, can be enshrin'd
Upon my heart, Love's faithful register,
The warning watch-bell from yon jealous tower,
Tolls out the parting knell. But now, alas!
Ah! that his pinion faster than the light
Could post to our next meeting!—Surly Time
Across his shoulder hangs the vacant scythe
Upon his idle crutch suspended leans,
And with the lingering step of stooping age
Lengthens each flagging moment to a year!
Lag on, retarding with their cumbrous wings,
When first divided from the nymph we love!
Yet fleeter than the trackless lightning's flame,
Speed the quick minutes when we court their stay;
9
On fair Cleone's lip, can be enshrin'd
Upon my heart, Love's faithful register,
The warning watch-bell from yon jealous tower,
Tolls out the parting knell. But now, alas!
Ah! that his pinion faster than the light
Could post to our next meeting!—Surly Time
Across his shoulder hangs the vacant scythe
Upon his idle crutch suspended leans,
And with the lingering step of stooping age
Lengthens each flagging moment to a year!
| Landscapes in verse | |