Poems :: :: University of Virginia Library

“Tho' detestible the place;
“Mean the lodgings, small and base:
“Tho' the crouded hoy pours forth
“Company of little worth:
“Coach or chariot, tho' there's none
“Rattling thro' the fishing town:”

Yet Maria, yet my fair,
Happiness shall find us here.
Happiness our friend shall be;
Ubiquarian Deity!
There's the rapture! in the mind
Dwells the goddess, unconfin'd:
Place she scorns; delighted best,
When enthron'd within the breast!

Ha—Maria—then I've found
Whence it comes that I am crown'd
With such sweet serenity
When accompanied by thee!

167

Thou thyself art happiness!
—From thy constant aim to bless,
From thy studious zeal to please,
Chearful, unaffected ease,
Smiling brow, and gentle tongue,
I have known and felt it long.
And I must—I must be blest,
For thou reignest in my breast!

Whether then upon the strand
Arm-in-arm we wond'ring stand,
And the world of waters see,
Dread Creator, full of Thee:
Whether on the sands we rove,
And talk of Clementina's love ,
Dropping, for the pious fair,
Now and then a tender tear:
Whether o'er the fertile isle
Pleasing rides our time beguile:
Whether to the rooms we stray,
Bright assemblage of the gay,
Where, in social converse join'd,
Mirth exhilarates the mind:
—Every scene shall sure supply
An exuberance of joy;
For our constant friend shall be
Heart-enthron'd Felicity!

There's the rapture!—Thus, my fair,
Happiness is ev'ry-where.

This is supposed to come from the mouth of the objector, but in reality is far from the truth; since the company is very agreeable, and the carriages and horses so numerous here, that there is not room enough for either; many being obliged to send them to Ramsgate, and elsewhere. 1762.

Reading Sir Charles Grandison at this time.