University of Virginia Library

Search this document 
1 occurrence of how lovely art thou
[Clear Hits]
  

expand section 
expand section 
expand section 
collapse section 
 I. 
 II. 
 III. 
 IV. 
 V. 
 VI. 
 VII. 
 VIII. 
 IX. 
 X. 
SONG the Tenth.
 XI. 
expand section 

1 occurrence of how lovely art thou
[Clear Hits]

SONG the Tenth.

I

How blest has my time been, what days have I known,
Since wedlock's soft bondage made Jesse my own!
So joyful my heart is, so easy my chain,
That freedom is tasteless, and roving a pain.

II

Through walks, grown with woodbines, as often we stray,
Around us our boys and girls frolic and play;
How pleasing their sport is the wanton ones see,
And borrow their looks from my Jesse and me.

196

III

To try her sweet temper sometimes am I seen
In revels all day with the nymphs of the green;
Though painful my absence, my doubts she beguiles,
And meets me at night with compliance and smiles.

IV

What though on her cheek the rose loses its hue,
Her ease and good-humour bloom all the year through;
Time still as he flies brings increase to her truth,
And gives to her mind what he steals from her youth.

V

Ye shepherds so gay, who make love to ensnare,
And cheat with false vows the too credulous fair,
In search of true pleasure how vainly you roam!
To hold it for life, you must find it at home.