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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.

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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211

The HAPPY MINUTE.

As Chloe sat shelter'd, and breath'd the cool air,
While music enliven'd the grove,
Young Damon approach'd and address'd the coy fair,
In all the soft language of love:
But she was so cruel, his suit she deny'd,
And laugh'd as he told her his pain;
And while the poor shepherd sat wooing, she cry'd,
I will die a virgin, fond swain.
Oh, what, says the youth, must thy beauty, so gay
Distract us at once and invite?
Embrace ev'ry rapture, left time make a prey
Of that which was meant for delight.
When age has crept round, and thy charms wrinkled o'er,
What lover for Chloe will sigh?
But still all her answer was, teaze me no more,
I'll never, no never, comply.

212

He swore, by young Cupid, no other he'd prize,
His flame was so strong, and sincere:
Soon softest intelligence shot from her eyes,
And conquer'd his doubt and his fear:
My joys shall be secret! enraptur'd he cry'd,
Ah, Chloe, be gentle and good!
The fair-one grew kinder, and sighing reply'd,
I'd fain die a maid,—if I cou'd.