 | Miscellaneous Poetry (1806) |  |
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A RIDDLE.
1799.
From Tweed's rude bank to Georgia's spicy shades,
Where'er her powerful charm fair Venus spreads,
With viewless steps and gentle breath I rove,
Daughter of Peace, and pledge of tender Love.
From cheek to cheek, from lip to lip, I stray;
And the fine nerves my thrilling touch obey.
Born on the blooming face of young Desire,
I live one moment, and the next expire.
Though warm to touch, though lovely as the day,
No eye can trace me, and no hand delay.
From dark Revenge, and Anger's savage eye,
From Hatred's lowering frown, I swiftly fly;
But with the tender solace of a friend
O'er pale Affliction's couch I fondly bend,
89
Of half its pang the bleeding heart beguile;
And, when fierce Passion from the soul retires,
The cherub Peace my sacred seal requires.
But thou, chaste nymph, who seek'st my hidden name,
Know, that my breath can stir a fatal flame!
By that moist lip, warm cheek, and sparkling eye,
By all the charms, which on that bosom lie,
Though Love invite and Beauty call, beware!
Nor trust the tempting poison, that I bear!
| Miscellaneous Poetry (1806) | |