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Poems on Several Occasions

In Two Volumes. By Mr. Joseph Mitchell

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To OPHELIA, With the Power of Beauty.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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To OPHELIA, With the Power of Beauty.

A POEM.

Thou, at whose Feet my Muse her Labour lays,
To whom my Heart its first Devotion pays,
Peruse this Paper, that, impartial, tells
How much a Lady, like your self, excels:
How, vainly, other Pow'rs appear in Arms
Against the Force of Beauty's conquering Charms.

227

If small Engagement, in my Verse, you find,
Condemn my Muse, but to my Heart be kind.
Lines faintly tell the Pain a Lover feels,
When ev'ry Passion to his Charmer kneels.
Poorly our Art the Force of Nature shows!
Like native Life, what dead Resemblance glows?
Think, Madam, tho' Adorers round you press,
None loves you more,—and Love deserves Success.
No higher Merit I presume to boast:
If That is worthless, my Ambition's lost.
Howe'er your Pleasure shall pronounce my Fate,
'Twill be my Pride, your humble Slave to wait:
Happy enough, if I am blest to see
Those Eyes, that conquer Thousands, shine on Me.
But, shou'd you, gracious, my Address regard,
And, by your Love, at length, my Pains reward,

228

No favour'd Beauty, to the Muses known,
Shou'd e'er receive more Homage than your own.
Yet ill cou'd Verse your Heav'n of Charms display!
As well might Paint outshine the God of Day.