University of Virginia Library

THE DISSAPPOINTMENT.

The Cattle sleek, the gilt Machine
Along the verdant Road,
Moving in sprightly Pomp were seen
To take two Belles abroad.
The one good natur'd Hymen's Care,
Late stole from Dian's grove,
T'other, tho' as her Sister fair,
Yet knew not wedded Love.
Serene and gay they roll'd along
Like Goddesses at ease;
The softly flowing Streams among,
And gently-waving Trees.
This, from whoe'er should meet her Eyes,
Her future Empire plann'd;
That smil'd, content to boast the Prize
She had already gain'd.
But oh! how soon the fairest Scheme
Or pleasing'st Hope is crost!
Behold them at the Park's extreme
Stopp'd short.—The Key was lost.
With Rage, 'till then unknown, inflam'd,
And vex'd the Matron-Fair
Her ever careless Footmen blam'd,
Her Keeper's Over-care.
While the sad Maid in silent Guise,
With gently-sobbing Breast,
And big full overflowing Eyes
Her sob'rer Grief exprest.
Thus when the Sky fierce Lightnings rend,
And Thunders shake the Plain,
The sorrowful soft Clouds descend
In copious Showr's of Rain.
Thus when Cassandra rag'd around
And curst the Foes of Troy,
In Beauteous Sorrow on the Ground
Sate Helen weeping by.
At length cool Reason Passion sway'd
And the reflecting Dame
Smiling, address'd the weeping Maid,
Dear Girl, we're both to blame,
Why should we fret, tho' thus confin'd?
The Prospects round we see,
Sure more should please a thinking Mind,
Than Scandal-raising Tea.
Here then, beneath these verdant Walls,
At leisure let us roam,
'Till the returning Ev'ning calls
To Ease and Joy at Home;
Of your Philosophy, my Dear,
Quoth she, I give you Joy;
And were content—if like you there
My Time I could employ.