Poems on Several Occasions :: :: University of Virginia Library

Blow, blow, thou Summer-Breeze,
O gently fan the Trees,
That form yon fragrant Bow'r;
Where Sylvia, loveliest Maid!
On Nature's Carpet laid,
Enjoys the Ev'ning Hour.

II

Hence, hence, ye Objects foul,
The Beetle, Bat, and Owl,
The Hagworm, Neute, and Toad;
But Fairy-Elves, unseen,
May gambol o'er the Green,
And circle her Abode.

III

Breathe, breathe thy Incence, May;
Ye Flow'rs, your homage pay,
To One more fair and sweet:
Ye op'ning Rose-Buds, shade,
With fragrant Twine, her Head,
Ye Lillies, kiss her Feet.

IV

Shed, shed thy sweetest Beams,
In particolour'd Streams,
Thou Fount of Heat and Light!
No, no, withdraw thy Ray,
Her Eyes effuse a Day,
As mild, as warm, as bright.

V

Flow, flow, thou Crystal-Rill,
With tinkling gurgles fill
The Mazes of the Grove:
And if thy murmuring Stream
Invite my Love to dream,
O may She dream of Love!

VI

Sing, sing ye feather'd Quires,
And melt to soft Desires
Her too obdurate Breast:
Then, in that tender Hour,
I'll steal into her Bow'r,
And teach Her—to be blest.