The Poetical Works of John Langhorne :: :: University of Virginia Library

Let others seek the lying aids of art,
And bribe the passions to betray the heart;
Truth, sacred Truth, and Faith unskill'd to feign,
Fill my fond breast, and prompt my artless strain.

Say, did thy lover, in some happier hour,
Each ardent thought, in wild profusion pour?
With eager fondness on thy beauty gaze,
And talk with all the ecstasy of praise?
The heart sincere its pleasing tumult prov'd;
All, all declar'd that Theodosius lov'd.

Let raptur'd Fancy on that moment dwell,
When thy dear vows in trembling accents fell;
When Love acknowledg'd wak'd the tender sigh,
Swell'd thy full breast, and fill'd thy melting eye.

O! blest for ever be th' auspicious day,
Dance all its hours in pleasure's golden ray!
Pale sorrow's gloom from every eye depart!
And laughing joy glide lightly thro' the heart!

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Let village-maids their festive brows adorn,
And with fresh garlands meet the smiling morn;
Each happy swain, by faithful Love repaid,
Pour his warm vows, and court his village maid.

Yet shall the scene to ravish'd memory rise;
Constantia present yet shall meet these eyes;
On her fair arm her beauteous head reclin'd,
Her locks flung careless to the sportful wind.
While Love, and Fear, contending in her face,
Flush every rose, and heighten every grace.

O, never, while of life and hope possest,
May this dear image quit my faithful breast!
The painful hours of absence to beguile,
May thus Constantia look, Constantia smile!