The poetical works of John Nicholson ... Carefully edited from the original editions, with additional notes and a sketch of his life and writings. By W. G. Hird |
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A FRAGMENT. |
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 | The poetical works of John Nicholson |  |
A FRAGMENT.
ALCASTO.Banish the wealthless virgin from thy thoughts!
Or eminence and wealth are from thee far
As from the beggar is the monarch's crown.
REGINALD.
Break nature's laws, and send me to the world
In my worst suit, no king in miniature,
Stamped on rich ore, to be my passport through,
I'll love her still! Our passions now are mixed,
As are the waters of two meeting rills.
Ours is superior love, as rarely found
As is the phœnix burning on her nest.
I saw and loved her when she rowed along,
The lake unruffled, save with her white skiff.
Had she been absent there, I could have seen,
Upon the bosom of the polished lake,
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Tinged with the lustre of the setting sun;
But all I now remember seemed a sky,
And she like Dian on th' inverted arch,
Skimming in modest majesty along—
With her she took my heart: and can your wealth,
Your honours, influence, or wide estates,
Purchase a form as fair, a richer skiff;
Give to another nymph that voice I heard,
Teach Myra's song, and make such echoes join?
Do these—her image I will strive t' efface,
Though painted on the canvas of my heart.
ALCASTO.
Is not Romilia more lovely far,
Possessing wealth, and modesty, and wit;
So virtuous, that the night's unhealthy wind
Blasts not her cheeks to make her blushes fade?
REGINALD.
Know you my Myra's worth? Has Slander spoke!
No—earth's three darkest demons all are mute.
She takes her soft guitar, and sings so sweet,
That gloomy, callous-hearted Envy weeps,
Shrinks to the shades where meagre Malice sits;
But both are charmed, their vices lose, and gaze
Upon her beauty, and return to praise.
[OMITTED]
| The poetical works of John Nicholson | |