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University of Virginia Library

Poems on Several Occasions

By Samuel Boyce

Boyce, Samuel

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I.

II.

AN Occasional PROLOGUE SPOKEN By Mrs. WOFFINGTON,

Written in VAUX-HALL GARDENS.

FORTUNE and the LOVER.

On attending the Lectures of Mr. HENRY WATSON, Surgeon.

SONG.

Address'd to the laudable Association of ANTI-GALLICANS,

On viewing the Curiosities, in the Repository of the late Dr. MEAD.

The PHYSICIANS,

On the intended Academy for the Encouragement of GENIUS,

To the Memory of Mr. WILLIAM BAKER.

The SHEPHERD's Evening.

Written Extempore On a young Lady in Mourning.

On Sight of a young Lady's Picture, executed by a female Artist, from Abroad.

On Sight of the Boat, built by John Rich, Esq;

The 148th PSALM Paraphras'd.

On reading Dr. Hill's Thoughts concerning God and Nature,

The Animal COMEDIANS, A FABLE.

To CONTENTMENT.

For OUR COUNTRY. An ODE,

TO THE Author of the Earl of Essex.

Consolatory Verses to James Steere, Esq; Architect, on the death of his Lady.

Invitation to the CHACE.

The STATUES, A FABLE.

A Parting Dialogue between a Sea Officer and his Lady.

To CELIA in the Country.

To Mrs. Margaret Woffington.

On receiving a Print of the Section of St. PAUL's Cathedral.

The TROUT, A FABLE.

Written extempore, on seeing Mr. GARRICK,

The CONFESSION.

The HAPPY MINUTE.

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106

SONG.

[Young Daphne was the prettiest maid]

I

Young Daphne was the prettiest maid
The eyes of love could see;
And but one fault the charmer had;
'Twas cruelty to me.
No swain that e'er the nymph ador'd,
Was fonder, or was younger;
Yet when her pity I implor'd,
'Twas “Stay a little longer.”

II

It chanc'd I met the blooming fair,
One may-morn in the grove;
When Cupid whisper'd in my ear,
“Now, now's the time for love.”

107

I clasp'd the maid, it wak'd her pride,
“What, did I mean to wrong her?”
Not so, my gentle dear! I cry'd,
But love will stay no longer.

III

Then, kneeling at her feet I swore,
How much I lov'd, how well;
And that my heart, which beat for her,
With her should ever dwell.
Consent stood speaking in the eye,
Of all my care's prolonger;
Yet soft she utter'd, with a sigh,
Oh, stay a little longer.

108

IV

The conflict in her soul I saw,
'Twixt virtue and desire;
Oh, come, I cry'd, let Hymen's law
Give sanction to love's fire.
Ye lovers, guess how great my joys;
Could rapture well prove stronger!
When virtue spoke, in Daphne's voice,
You now shall stay no longer.