University of Virginia Library

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226

From PHANOR, A Lover with a small Patrimony,

To CONSTANTIA, His wealthy Mistress, whom he admired before he was apprised of her Fortune, An EPISTLE.

The hand, O ever-charming fair,
Whence this epistle, will declare.
O could it in your breast excite
One soft idea of delight!
Ah why on you did Fortune smile,
Yet sternly frown on me the while?
Why did she wealth refuse to pour
Propitious on my natal hour?

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227

Or, since her bounty here confin'd,
To you why lavishly so kind?
Had you been born a rural maid,
To grace the ivy-mantled shade;
To hear the music-warbling throng,
Or, by your own, excel their song;
Simple in manners and in dress,
Yet doubly charming ne'er the less:
Then had, like me, some youthful swain
Approach'd, nor met with cold disdain,
But welcom'd, in Love's courteous style,
With placid brow, and gracious smile.
Approach'd, and of success secure,
Which Wealth might bribe, but ne'er ensure;
That union of congenial hearts,
Which time cements, and death but parts,
For which not power nor fame atones;
Scarce envy'd monarchs on their thrones:
You, fairest nymph that tript the plain,
And he the kindest fondest swain!
You yielding with a blush of joy,
He clasping charms that never cloy!

O lovely maid (on whose account,
No good would to my wish amount)

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228

Possess'd of beauty, youth, and health,
For once divest yourself of wealth.
Health, youth, and beauty, in their prime,
Should lose in vain resolves no time;
Though Virtue without them may please,
Virtue is still set off by these.
Health, youth, and beauty, one by one,
Are Virtue's outward suits put on;
Becoming, when she leaves the skies,
Thus visible to mortal eyes.
Prudence forbids those charms to fade,
Which blooming come to Virtue's aid;
Without which, she were sure to know
Less admiration still below.
While some would prostitute their charms
To a vile sordid husband's arms;
At the unfeeling shrine of pelf,
Each meanly sacrifice herself;
Affect, for titles, or degree,
Wretched through a long life to be:
Nature doth you with power invest
Of blessing, and of being blest;
True happiness was never sold,
Nor bought by mercenary gold.

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229

Had I a fortune at command,
To make acceptable my hand;
That offer'd hand, did you incline,
That fortune, Charmer, should be thine.
Nor would I challenge, on my part,
Aught as the purchase but your heart.
What you had seen perform'd by me,
May I in turn expect from thee?
Were you less lovely in mine eye,
Riches could ne'er that loss supply.
Worth your regard if me you judge,
Scorn my mere want of pelf to grudge.
Enough already you possess,
Another and yourself to bless;
Some Youth whom merit recommends,
Not mouldy rent-rolls, or court-friends,
Those splendid enemies to love,
When sense and virtue fail to move:
More might in vain parade be spent,
But nought could add to real content.
Left to determine your own state,
Rather be happy, than be great.
Those who have neither choice, nor will,
If such mistake, are pitied still.

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230

But pity's to that maid deny'd,
By no compulsive methods try'd;
From numbers who's allow'd to chuse,
Approve uncensur'd, or refuse.
But O! while others force confines,
Sole mistress of your own designs,
Mistress of that important part,
Where all should first consult the heart;
If constancy and truth can please,
In me, sweet maid, o'erlook not these!
In no bold confidence of style,
If gentle manners court your smile,
O kindly pardon the attempt,
And me from blame pronounce exempt!
Pity a heart sincere, that would
Fix your regard; yet not intrude,
That would, in your's and candour's ears,
Express its wishes, hopes, and—fears;
To you, for friendship form'd and love,
Each thought, each sentiment approve.
That heart, ills fated to endure,
Wounded by you, but you can cure.