University of Virginia Library


53

EXTEMPORE LINES TO THE AUTHOR'S WIFE.

December, 1793.
Heaven's blessing on my dearest love!
O may she joys unvaried prove
Thro' all the changes of the year;
Whether December's blast austere
Shake our lone cottage, as the blaze
Illumes its walls with cheering rays;
Or whether May's delicious green
Soften the little garden-scene;
Or fervid August, 'mid the bower
Cool with its fruits the roseate hour;
Or calm we pass, afar from strife,
The October of a private life;
Or yet our quiet we retain
When wintry storms come round again!