University of Virginia Library

LAVINIA.

Softly through the check'ring trees,
Cynthia pours her mellow light;
While the gently-whisp'ring breeze,
Moves the genius of the night.
Spring-born May has spread her flow'rs,
Flora laughs in every grove;
Lightly dance the sportive hours,
And Nature's pulse beats high to love.
List! the ev'ning warbler's throat,
Yonder by the tinkling rill;
Sweet she trills her vesper note,
And echo answers, “whip-poor-will!”
Come, my fair, enjoy the scene,
Down the green walk let us stray;
Duller soul may doze within,
Come, Lavinia, come away!
How sweet at such an hour as this,
The zest of social bliss to prove;
To snatch unblam'd the melting kiss,
Warm from the conscious lip of love!
W.