Placeme where herb and flower the sun has dried,Or where numb winter's grasp holds sterner sway:Place me where Phœbus sheds a temperate ray,Where first he glows, where rests at eventide.Place me in lowly state, in power and pride,Where lour the skies, or where bland zephyrs playPlace me where blind night rules, or lengthened day,In age mature, or in youth's boiling tide:Place me in heaven, or in the abyss profound,On lofty height, or in low vale obscure,A spirit freed, or to the body bound;Bank'd with the great, or all unknown to fame,I still the same will be! the same endure!And my trilustral sighs still breathe the same!Dacre.
Placeme where herb and flower the sun has dried,Or where numb winter's grasp holds sterner sway:Place me where Phœbus sheds a temperate ray,Where first he glows, where rests at eventide.Place me in lowly state, in power and pride,Where lour the skies, or where bland zephyrs playPlace me where blind night rules, or lengthened day,In age mature, or in youth's boiling tide:Place me in heaven, or in the abyss profound,On lofty height, or in low vale obscure,A spirit freed, or to the body bound;Bank'd with the great, or all unknown to fame,I still the same will be! the same endure!And my trilustral sighs still breathe the same!
Dacre.
Placeme where Phœbus burns each herb, each flower;Or where cold snows, and frost o'ercome his rays:Place me where rolls his car with temp'rate blaze;In climes that feel not, or that feel his power.Place me where fortune may look bright, or lour;Mid murky airs, or where soft zephyr plays:Place me in night, in long or short-lived days,Where age makes sad, or youth gilds ev'ry hour:Place me on mountains high, in vallies drear,In heaven, on earth, in depths unknown to-day;Whether life fosters still, or flies this clay:Place me where fame is distant, where she's near:Still will I love; nor shall those sighs yet cease,Which thrice five years have robb'd this breast of peace.Anon. 1777.
Placeme where Phœbus burns each herb, each flower;Or where cold snows, and frost o'ercome his rays:Place me where rolls his car with temp'rate blaze;In climes that feel not, or that feel his power.Place me where fortune may look bright, or lour;Mid murky airs, or where soft zephyr plays:Place me in night, in long or short-lived days,Where age makes sad, or youth gilds ev'ry hour:Place me on mountains high, in vallies drear,In heaven, on earth, in depths unknown to-day;Whether life fosters still, or flies this clay:Place me where fame is distant, where she's near:Still will I love; nor shall those sighs yet cease,Which thrice five years have robb'd this breast of peace.
Anon. 1777.
Placeme where angry Titan burns the Moor,And thirsty Afric fiery monsters brings,Or where the new-born phœnix spreads her wings,And troops of wond'ring birds her flight adore:Place me by Gange, or Ind's empamper'd shore,Where smiling heavens on earth cause double springs:Place me where Neptune's quire of Syrens sings,Or where, made hoarse through cold, he leaves to roar:Me place where Fortune doth her darlings crown,A wonder or a spark in Envy's eye,Or late outrageous fates upon me frown,And pity wailing, see disaster'd me.Affection's print my mind so deep doth prove,I may forget myself, but not my love.Drummond.
Placeme where angry Titan burns the Moor,And thirsty Afric fiery monsters brings,Or where the new-born phœnix spreads her wings,And troops of wond'ring birds her flight adore:Place me by Gange, or Ind's empamper'd shore,Where smiling heavens on earth cause double springs:Place me where Neptune's quire of Syrens sings,Or where, made hoarse through cold, he leaves to roar:Me place where Fortune doth her darlings crown,A wonder or a spark in Envy's eye,Or late outrageous fates upon me frown,And pity wailing, see disaster'd me.Affection's print my mind so deep doth prove,I may forget myself, but not my love.
Drummond.
O mind, by ardent virtue graced and warm'd.To whom my pen so oft pours forth my heart;Mansion of noble probity, who artA tower of strength 'gainst all assault full arm'd.O rose effulgent, in whose foldings, charm'd,We view with fresh carnation snow take part!O pleasure whence my wing'd ideas startTo that bless'd vision which no eye, unharm'd,Created, may approach—thy name, if rhymeCould bear to Bactra and to Thule's coast,Nile, Tanaïs, and Calpe should resound,And dread Olympus.—But a narrower boundConfines my flight: and thee, our native climeBetween the Alps and Apennine must boast.Capel Lofft.
O mind, by ardent virtue graced and warm'd.To whom my pen so oft pours forth my heart;Mansion of noble probity, who artA tower of strength 'gainst all assault full arm'd.O rose effulgent, in whose foldings, charm'd,We view with fresh carnation snow take part!O pleasure whence my wing'd ideas startTo that bless'd vision which no eye, unharm'd,Created, may approach—thy name, if rhymeCould bear to Bactra and to Thule's coast,Nile, Tanaïs, and Calpe should resound,And dread Olympus.—But a narrower boundConfines my flight: and thee, our native climeBetween the Alps and Apennine must boast.
Capel Lofft.
Withglowing virtue graced, of warm heart known,Sweet Spirit! for whom so many a page I trace,Tower in high worth which foundest well thy base!Centre of honour, perfect, and alone!O blushes! on fresh snow like roses thrown,Wherein I read myself and mend apace;O pleasures! lifting me to that fair faceBrightest of all on which the sun e'er shone.Oh! if so far its sound may reach, your nameOn my fond verse shall travel West and East,From southern Nile to Thule's utmost bound.But such full audience since I may not claim,It shall be heard in that fair land at leastWhich Apennine divides, which Alps and seas surround.Macgregor.
Withglowing virtue graced, of warm heart known,Sweet Spirit! for whom so many a page I trace,Tower in high worth which foundest well thy base!Centre of honour, perfect, and alone!O blushes! on fresh snow like roses thrown,Wherein I read myself and mend apace;O pleasures! lifting me to that fair faceBrightest of all on which the sun e'er shone.Oh! if so far its sound may reach, your nameOn my fond verse shall travel West and East,From southern Nile to Thule's utmost bound.But such full audience since I may not claim,It shall be heard in that fair land at leastWhich Apennine divides, which Alps and seas surround.
Macgregor.
When, with two ardent spurs and a hard rein,Passion, my daily life who rules and leads,From time to time the usual law exceedsThat calm, at least in part, my spirits may gain,It findeth her who, on my forehead plain,The dread and daring of my deep heart reads,And seeth Love, to punish its misdeeds,Lighten her piercing eyes with worse disdain.Wherefore—as one who fears the impending blowOf angry Jove—it back in haste retires,For great fears ever master great desires;But the cold fire and shrinking hopes which soLodge in my heart, transparent as a glass,O'er her sweet face at times make gleams of grace to pass.Macgregor.
When, with two ardent spurs and a hard rein,Passion, my daily life who rules and leads,From time to time the usual law exceedsThat calm, at least in part, my spirits may gain,It findeth her who, on my forehead plain,The dread and daring of my deep heart reads,And seeth Love, to punish its misdeeds,Lighten her piercing eyes with worse disdain.Wherefore—as one who fears the impending blowOf angry Jove—it back in haste retires,For great fears ever master great desires;But the cold fire and shrinking hopes which soLodge in my heart, transparent as a glass,O'er her sweet face at times make gleams of grace to pass.
Macgregor.
Notall the streams that water the bright earth,Not all the trees to which its breast gives birth,Can cooling drop or healing balm impartTo slack the fire which scorches my sad heart,As one fair brook which ever weeps with me,Or, which I praise and sing, as one dear tree.This only help I find amid Love's strife;Wherefore it me behoves to live my lifeIn arms, which else from me too rapid goes.Thus on fresh shore the lovely laurel grows;Who planted it, his high and graceful thought'Neath its sweet shade, to Sorga's murmurs, wrote.Macgregor.
Notall the streams that water the bright earth,Not all the trees to which its breast gives birth,Can cooling drop or healing balm impartTo slack the fire which scorches my sad heart,As one fair brook which ever weeps with me,Or, which I praise and sing, as one dear tree.This only help I find amid Love's strife;Wherefore it me behoves to live my lifeIn arms, which else from me too rapid goes.Thus on fresh shore the lovely laurel grows;Who planted it, his high and graceful thought'Neath its sweet shade, to Sorga's murmurs, wrote.
Macgregor.
NorArne, nor Mincius, nor stately Tiber,Sebethus, nor the flood into whose streamsHe fell who burnt the world with borrow'd beams;Gold-rolling Tagus, Munda, famous Iber,Sorgue, Rhone, Loire, Garron, nor proud-bank'd Seine,Peneus, Phasis, Xanthus, humble Ladon,Nor she whose nymphs excel her who loved Adon,Fair Tamesis, nor Ister large, nor Rhine,Euphrates, Tigris, Indus, Hermus, Gange,Pearly Hydaspes, serpent-like Meander,—The gulf bereft sweet Hero her Leander—Nile, that far, far his hidden head doth range,Have ever had so rare a cause of praiseAs Ora, where this northern Phœnix stays.Drummond.
NorArne, nor Mincius, nor stately Tiber,Sebethus, nor the flood into whose streamsHe fell who burnt the world with borrow'd beams;Gold-rolling Tagus, Munda, famous Iber,Sorgue, Rhone, Loire, Garron, nor proud-bank'd Seine,Peneus, Phasis, Xanthus, humble Ladon,Nor she whose nymphs excel her who loved Adon,Fair Tamesis, nor Ister large, nor Rhine,Euphrates, Tigris, Indus, Hermus, Gange,Pearly Hydaspes, serpent-like Meander,—The gulf bereft sweet Hero her Leander—Nile, that far, far his hidden head doth range,Have ever had so rare a cause of praiseAs Ora, where this northern Phœnix stays.
Drummond.
Fromtime to time more clemency for meIn that sweet smile and angel form I trace;Seem too her lovely faceAnd lustrous eyes at length more kind to be.Yet, if thus honour'd, wherefore do my sighsIn doubt and sorrow flow,Signs that too truly showMy anguish'd desperate life to common eyes?Haply if, where she is, my glance I bend,This harass'd heart to cheer,Methinks that Love I hearPleading my cause, and see him succour lend.Not therefore at an end the strife I deem,Nor in sure rest my heart at last esteem;For Love most burns withinWhen Hope most pricks us on the way to win.Macgregor.
Fromtime to time more clemency for meIn that sweet smile and angel form I trace;Seem too her lovely faceAnd lustrous eyes at length more kind to be.Yet, if thus honour'd, wherefore do my sighsIn doubt and sorrow flow,Signs that too truly showMy anguish'd desperate life to common eyes?Haply if, where she is, my glance I bend,This harass'd heart to cheer,Methinks that Love I hearPleading my cause, and see him succour lend.Not therefore at an end the strife I deem,Nor in sure rest my heart at last esteem;For Love most burns withinWhen Hope most pricks us on the way to win.
Macgregor.
Fromtime to time less cruelty I traceIn her sweet smile and form divinely fair;Less clouded doth appearThe heaven of her fine eyes and lovely face.What then at last avail to me those sighs,Which from my sorrows flow,And in my semblance showThe life of anguish and despair I lead?If towards her perchance I bend mine eyes,Some solace to bestowUpon my bosom's woe,Methinks Love takes my part, and lends me aid:Yet still I cannot find the conflict stay'd,Nor tranquil is my heart in every state:For, ah! my passion's heatMore strongly glows within as my fond hopes increase.Nott.
Fromtime to time less cruelty I traceIn her sweet smile and form divinely fair;Less clouded doth appearThe heaven of her fine eyes and lovely face.What then at last avail to me those sighs,Which from my sorrows flow,And in my semblance showThe life of anguish and despair I lead?If towards her perchance I bend mine eyes,Some solace to bestowUpon my bosom's woe,Methinks Love takes my part, and lends me aid:Yet still I cannot find the conflict stay'd,Nor tranquil is my heart in every state:For, ah! my passion's heatMore strongly glows within as my fond hopes increase.
Nott.
P.Whatactions fire thee, and what musings fill?Soul! is it peace, or truce, or war eterne?H.Our lot I know not, but, as I discern,Her bright eyes favour not our cherish'd ill.P.What profit, with those eyes if she at willMakes us in summer freeze, in winter burn?H.From him, not her those orbs their movement learn.P.What's he to us, she sees it and is still.H.Sometimes, though mute the tongue, the heart lamentsFondly, and, though the face be calm and bright,Bleeds inly, where no eye beholds its grief.P.Nathless the mind not thus itself contents,Breaking the stagnant woes which there unite,For misery in fine hopes finds no relief.Macgregor.
P.Whatactions fire thee, and what musings fill?Soul! is it peace, or truce, or war eterne?
H.Our lot I know not, but, as I discern,Her bright eyes favour not our cherish'd ill.
P.What profit, with those eyes if she at willMakes us in summer freeze, in winter burn?
H.From him, not her those orbs their movement learn.P.What's he to us, she sees it and is still.H.Sometimes, though mute the tongue, the heart lamentsFondly, and, though the face be calm and bright,Bleeds inly, where no eye beholds its grief.P.Nathless the mind not thus itself contents,Breaking the stagnant woes which there unite,For misery in fine hopes finds no relief.
Macgregor.
P.Whatact, what dream, absorbs thee, O my soul?Say, must we peace, a truce, or warfare hail?H.Our fate I know not; but her eyes unveilThe grief our woe doth in her heart enrol.P.But that is vain, since by her eyes' controlWith nature I no sympathy inhale.H.Yet guiltless she, for Love doth there prevail.P.No balm to me, since she will not condole.H.When man is mute, how oft the spirit grieves,In clamorous woe! how oft the sparkling eyeBelies the inward tear, where none can gaze!P.Yet restless still, the grief the mind conceivesIs not dispell'd, but stagnant seems to lie.The wretched hope not, though hope aid might raise.Wollaston.
P.Whatact, what dream, absorbs thee, O my soul?Say, must we peace, a truce, or warfare hail?H.Our fate I know not; but her eyes unveilThe grief our woe doth in her heart enrol.P.But that is vain, since by her eyes' controlWith nature I no sympathy inhale.H.Yet guiltless she, for Love doth there prevail.P.No balm to me, since she will not condole.H.When man is mute, how oft the spirit grieves,In clamorous woe! how oft the sparkling eyeBelies the inward tear, where none can gaze!P.Yet restless still, the grief the mind conceivesIs not dispell'd, but stagnant seems to lie.The wretched hope not, though hope aid might raise.
Wollaston.
Nowearied mariner to port e'er fledFrom the dark billow, when some tempest's nigh,As from tumultuous gloomy thoughts I fly—Thoughts by the force of goading passion bred:Nor wrathful glance of heaven so surely spedDestruction to man's sight, as does that eyeWithin whose bright black orb Love's DeitySharpens each dart, and tips with gold its head.Enthroned in radiance there he sits, not blind,Quiver'd, and naked, or by shame just veil'd,A live, not fabled boy, with changeful wing;Thence unto me he lends instruction kind,And arts of verse from meaner bards conceal'd,Thus am I taught whate'er of love I write or sing.Nott.
Nowearied mariner to port e'er fledFrom the dark billow, when some tempest's nigh,As from tumultuous gloomy thoughts I fly—Thoughts by the force of goading passion bred:Nor wrathful glance of heaven so surely spedDestruction to man's sight, as does that eyeWithin whose bright black orb Love's DeitySharpens each dart, and tips with gold its head.Enthroned in radiance there he sits, not blind,Quiver'd, and naked, or by shame just veil'd,A live, not fabled boy, with changeful wing;Thence unto me he lends instruction kind,And arts of verse from meaner bards conceal'd,Thus am I taught whate'er of love I write or sing.
Nott.
Ne'erfrom the black and tempest-troubled brineThe weary mariner fair haven sought,As shelter I from the dark restless thoughtWhereto hot wishes spur me and incline:Nor mortal vision ever light divineDazzled, as mine, in their rare splendour caughtThose matchless orbs, with pride and passion fraught,Where Love aye haunts his darts to gild and fine.Him, blind no more, but quiver'd, there I view,Naked, except so far as shame conceals,A winged boy—no fable—quick and true.What few perceive he thence to me reveals;So read I clearly in her eyes' dear lightWhate'er of love I speak, whate'er I write.Macgregor.
Ne'erfrom the black and tempest-troubled brineThe weary mariner fair haven sought,As shelter I from the dark restless thoughtWhereto hot wishes spur me and incline:Nor mortal vision ever light divineDazzled, as mine, in their rare splendour caughtThose matchless orbs, with pride and passion fraught,Where Love aye haunts his darts to gild and fine.Him, blind no more, but quiver'd, there I view,Naked, except so far as shame conceals,A winged boy—no fable—quick and true.What few perceive he thence to me reveals;So read I clearly in her eyes' dear lightWhate'er of love I speak, whate'er I write.
Macgregor.
Fiercerthan tiger, savager than bear,In human guise an angel form appears,Who between fear and hope, from smiles to tearsSo tortures me that doubt becomes despair.Ere long if she nor welcomes me, nor frees,But, as her wont, between the two retains,By the sweet poison circling through my veins,My life, O Love! will soon be on its lees.No longer can my virtue, worn and frailWith such severe vicissitudes, contend,At once which burn and freeze, make red and pale:By flight it hopes at length its grief to end,As one who, hourly failing, feels death nigh:Powerless he is indeed who cannot even die!Macgregor.
Fiercerthan tiger, savager than bear,In human guise an angel form appears,Who between fear and hope, from smiles to tearsSo tortures me that doubt becomes despair.Ere long if she nor welcomes me, nor frees,But, as her wont, between the two retains,By the sweet poison circling through my veins,My life, O Love! will soon be on its lees.No longer can my virtue, worn and frailWith such severe vicissitudes, contend,At once which burn and freeze, make red and pale:By flight it hopes at length its grief to end,As one who, hourly failing, feels death nigh:Powerless he is indeed who cannot even die!
Macgregor.
Go, my warm sighs, go to that frozen breast,Burst the firm ice, that charity denies;And, if a mortal prayer can reach the skies,Let death or pity give my sorrows rest!Go, softest thoughts! Be all you know express'dOf that unnoticed by her lovely eyes,Though fate and cruelty against me rise,Error at least and hope shall be repress'd.Tell her, though fully you can never tell,That, while her days calm and serenely flow,In darkness and anxiety I dwell;Love guides your flight, my thoughts securely go,Fortune may change, and all may yet be well;If my sun's aspect not deceives my woe.Charlemont.
Go, my warm sighs, go to that frozen breast,Burst the firm ice, that charity denies;And, if a mortal prayer can reach the skies,Let death or pity give my sorrows rest!Go, softest thoughts! Be all you know express'dOf that unnoticed by her lovely eyes,Though fate and cruelty against me rise,Error at least and hope shall be repress'd.Tell her, though fully you can never tell,That, while her days calm and serenely flow,In darkness and anxiety I dwell;Love guides your flight, my thoughts securely go,Fortune may change, and all may yet be well;If my sun's aspect not deceives my woe.
Charlemont.
Go, burning sighs, to her cold bosom go,Its circling ice which hinders pity rend,And if to mortal prayer Heaven e'er attend,Let death or mercy finish soon my woe.Go forth, fond thoughts, and to our lady showThe love to which her bright looks never bend,If still her harshness, or my star offend,We shall at least our hopeless error know.Go, in some chosen moment, gently say,Our state disquieted and dark has been,Even as hers pacific and serene.Go, safe at last, for Love escorts your way:From my sun's face if right the skies I guessWell may my cruel fortune now be less.Macgregor.
Go, burning sighs, to her cold bosom go,Its circling ice which hinders pity rend,And if to mortal prayer Heaven e'er attend,Let death or mercy finish soon my woe.Go forth, fond thoughts, and to our lady showThe love to which her bright looks never bend,If still her harshness, or my star offend,We shall at least our hopeless error know.Go, in some chosen moment, gently say,Our state disquieted and dark has been,Even as hers pacific and serene.Go, safe at last, for Love escorts your way:From my sun's face if right the skies I guessWell may my cruel fortune now be less.
Macgregor.
Thestars, the elements, and Heaven have madeWith blended powers a work beyond compare;All their consenting influence, all their care,To frame one perfect creature lent their aid.Whence Nature views her loveliness display'dWith sun-like radiance sublimely fair:Nor mortal eye can the pure splendour bear:Love, sweetness, in unmeasured grace array'd.The very air illumed by her sweet beamsBreathes purest excellence; and such delightThat all expression far beneath it gleams.No base desire lives in that heavenly light,Honour alone and virtue!—fancy's dreamsNever saw passion rise refined by rays so bright.Capel Lofft.
Thestars, the elements, and Heaven have madeWith blended powers a work beyond compare;All their consenting influence, all their care,To frame one perfect creature lent their aid.Whence Nature views her loveliness display'dWith sun-like radiance sublimely fair:Nor mortal eye can the pure splendour bear:Love, sweetness, in unmeasured grace array'd.The very air illumed by her sweet beamsBreathes purest excellence; and such delightThat all expression far beneath it gleams.No base desire lives in that heavenly light,Honour alone and virtue!—fancy's dreamsNever saw passion rise refined by rays so bright.
Capel Lofft.
Thestars, the heaven, the elements, I ween,Put forth their every art and utmost careIn that bright light, as fairest Nature fair,Whose like on earth the sun has nowhere seen;So noble, elegant, unique her mien,Scarce mortal glance to rest on it may dare,Love so much softness and such graces rareShowers from those dazzling and resistless een.The atmosphere, pervaded and made pureBy their sweet rays, kindles with goodness so,Thought cannot equal it nor language show.Here no ill wish, no base desires endure,But honour, virtue. Here, if ever yet,Has lust his death from supreme beauty met.Macgregor.
Thestars, the heaven, the elements, I ween,Put forth their every art and utmost careIn that bright light, as fairest Nature fair,Whose like on earth the sun has nowhere seen;So noble, elegant, unique her mien,Scarce mortal glance to rest on it may dare,Love so much softness and such graces rareShowers from those dazzling and resistless een.The atmosphere, pervaded and made pureBy their sweet rays, kindles with goodness so,Thought cannot equal it nor language show.Here no ill wish, no base desires endure,But honour, virtue. Here, if ever yet,Has lust his death from supreme beauty met.
Macgregor.
HighJove to thunder ne'er was so intent,So resolute great Cæsar ne'er to strike,That pity had not quench'd the ire of both,And from their hands the accustom'd weapons shook.Madonna wept: my Lord decreed that IShould see her then, and there her sorrows hear;So joy, desire should fill me to the brim,Thrilling my very marrow and my bones.Love show'd to me, nay, sculptured on my heart,That sweet and sparkling tear, and those soft wordsWrote with a diamond on its inmost core,Where with his constant and ingenious keysHe still returneth often, to draw thenceTrue tears of mine and long and heavy sighs.Macgregor.
HighJove to thunder ne'er was so intent,So resolute great Cæsar ne'er to strike,That pity had not quench'd the ire of both,And from their hands the accustom'd weapons shook.Madonna wept: my Lord decreed that IShould see her then, and there her sorrows hear;So joy, desire should fill me to the brim,Thrilling my very marrow and my bones.Love show'd to me, nay, sculptured on my heart,That sweet and sparkling tear, and those soft wordsWrote with a diamond on its inmost core,Where with his constant and ingenious keysHe still returneth often, to draw thenceTrue tears of mine and long and heavy sighs.
Macgregor.
Onearth reveal'd the beauties of the skies,Angelic features, it was mine to hail;Features, which wake my mingled joy and wail,While all besides like dreams or shadows flies.And fill'd with tears I saw those two bright eyes,Which oft have turn'd the sun with envy pale;And from those lips I heard—oh! such a tale,As might awake brute Nature's sympathies!Wit, pity, excellence, and grief, and loveWith blended plaint so sweet a concert made,As ne'er was given to mortal ear to prove:And heaven itself such mute attention paid,That not a breath disturb'd the listening grove—Even æther's wildest gales the tuneful charm obey'd.Wrangham.
Onearth reveal'd the beauties of the skies,Angelic features, it was mine to hail;Features, which wake my mingled joy and wail,While all besides like dreams or shadows flies.And fill'd with tears I saw those two bright eyes,Which oft have turn'd the sun with envy pale;And from those lips I heard—oh! such a tale,As might awake brute Nature's sympathies!Wit, pity, excellence, and grief, and loveWith blended plaint so sweet a concert made,As ne'er was given to mortal ear to prove:And heaven itself such mute attention paid,That not a breath disturb'd the listening grove—Even æther's wildest gales the tuneful charm obey'd.
Wrangham.
Yes, I beheld on earth angelic grace,And charms divine which mortals rarely see,Such as both glad and pain the memory;Vain, light, unreal is all else I trace:Tears I saw shower'd from those fine eyes apace,Of which the sun ofttimes might envious be;Accents I heard sigh'd forth so movingly,As to stay floods, or mountains to displace.Love and good sense, firmness, with pity join'dAnd wailful grief, a sweeter concert madeThan ever yet was pour'd on human ear:And heaven unto the music so inclined,That not a leaf was seen to stir the shade;Such melody had fraught the winds, the atmosphere.Nott.
Yes, I beheld on earth angelic grace,And charms divine which mortals rarely see,Such as both glad and pain the memory;Vain, light, unreal is all else I trace:Tears I saw shower'd from those fine eyes apace,Of which the sun ofttimes might envious be;Accents I heard sigh'd forth so movingly,As to stay floods, or mountains to displace.Love and good sense, firmness, with pity join'dAnd wailful grief, a sweeter concert madeThan ever yet was pour'd on human ear:And heaven unto the music so inclined,That not a leaf was seen to stir the shade;Such melody had fraught the winds, the atmosphere.
Nott.
Thatever-painful, ever-honour'd daySo left her living image on my heartBeyond or lover's wit or poet's art,That oft to it will doting memory stray.A gentle pity softening her bright mien,Her sorrow there so sweet and sad was heard,Doubt in the gazer's bosom almost stirr'dGoddess or mortal, which made heaven serene.Fine gold her hair, her face as sunlit snow,Her brows and lashes jet, twin stars her eyne,Whence the young archer oft took fatal aim;Each loving lip—whence, utterance sweet and lowHer pent grief found—a rose which rare pearls line,Her tears of crystal and her sighs of flame.Macgregor.
Thatever-painful, ever-honour'd daySo left her living image on my heartBeyond or lover's wit or poet's art,That oft to it will doting memory stray.A gentle pity softening her bright mien,Her sorrow there so sweet and sad was heard,Doubt in the gazer's bosom almost stirr'dGoddess or mortal, which made heaven serene.Fine gold her hair, her face as sunlit snow,Her brows and lashes jet, twin stars her eyne,Whence the young archer oft took fatal aim;Each loving lip—whence, utterance sweet and lowHer pent grief found—a rose which rare pearls line,Her tears of crystal and her sighs of flame.
Macgregor.
Thatever-honour'd, yet too bitter day,Her image hath so graven in my breast,That only memory can return it dress'dIn living charms, no genius could portray:Her air such graceful sadness did display,Her plaintive, soft laments my ear so bless'd,I ask'd if mortal, or a heavenly guest,Did thus the threatening clouds in smiles array.Her locks were gold, her cheeks were breathing snow,Her brows with ebon arch'd—bright stars her eyes,Wherein Love nestled, thence his dart to aim:Her teeth were pearls—the rose's softest glowDwelt on that mouth, whence woke to speech grief's sighsHer tears were crystal—and her breath was flame.Wollaston.
Thatever-honour'd, yet too bitter day,Her image hath so graven in my breast,That only memory can return it dress'dIn living charms, no genius could portray:Her air such graceful sadness did display,Her plaintive, soft laments my ear so bless'd,I ask'd if mortal, or a heavenly guest,Did thus the threatening clouds in smiles array.Her locks were gold, her cheeks were breathing snow,Her brows with ebon arch'd—bright stars her eyes,Wherein Love nestled, thence his dart to aim:Her teeth were pearls—the rose's softest glowDwelt on that mouth, whence woke to speech grief's sighsHer tears were crystal—and her breath was flame.
Wollaston.
Where'erI rest or turn my weary eyes,To ease the longings which allure them still,Love pictures my bright lady at his will,That ever my desire may verdant rise.Deep pity she with graceful grief applies—Warm feelings ever gentle bosoms fill—While captived equally my fond ears thrillWith her sweet accents and seraphic sighs.Love and fair Truth were both allied to tellThe charms I saw were in the world alone,That 'neath the stars their like was never known.Nor ever words so dear and tender fellOn listening ear: nor tears so pure and brightFrom such fine eyes e'er sparkled in the light.Macgregor.
Where'erI rest or turn my weary eyes,To ease the longings which allure them still,Love pictures my bright lady at his will,That ever my desire may verdant rise.Deep pity she with graceful grief applies—Warm feelings ever gentle bosoms fill—While captived equally my fond ears thrillWith her sweet accents and seraphic sighs.Love and fair Truth were both allied to tellThe charms I saw were in the world alone,That 'neath the stars their like was never known.Nor ever words so dear and tender fellOn listening ear: nor tears so pure and brightFrom such fine eyes e'er sparkled in the light.
Macgregor.
Sayfrom what part of heaven 'twas Nature drew,From what idea, that so perfect mouldTo form such features, bidding us behold,In charms below, what she above could do?What fountain-nymph, what dryad-maid e'er threwUpon the wind such tresses of pure gold?What heart such numerous virtues can unfold?Although the chiefest all my fond hopes slew.He for celestial charms may look in vain,Who has not seen my fair one's radiant eyes,And felt their glances pleasingly beguile.How Love can heal his wounds, then wound again,He only knows, who knows how sweet her sighs,How sweet her converse, and how sweet her smile.Nott.
Sayfrom what part of heaven 'twas Nature drew,From what idea, that so perfect mouldTo form such features, bidding us behold,In charms below, what she above could do?What fountain-nymph, what dryad-maid e'er threwUpon the wind such tresses of pure gold?What heart such numerous virtues can unfold?Although the chiefest all my fond hopes slew.He for celestial charms may look in vain,Who has not seen my fair one's radiant eyes,And felt their glances pleasingly beguile.How Love can heal his wounds, then wound again,He only knows, who knows how sweet her sighs,How sweet her converse, and how sweet her smile.
Nott.
Inwhat celestial sphere—what realm of thought,Dwelt the bright model from which Nature drewThat fair and beauteous face, in which we viewHer utmost power, on earth, divinely wrought?What sylvan queen—what nymph by fountain sought,Upon the breeze such golden tresses threw?When did such virtues one sole breast imbue?Though with my death her chief perfection's fraught.For heavenly beauty he in vain inquires,Who ne'er beheld her eyes' celestial stain,Where'er she turns around their brilliant fires:He knows not how Love wounds, and heals again,Who knows not how she sweetly smiles, respiresThe sweetest sighs, and speaks in sweetest strain!Anon.
Inwhat celestial sphere—what realm of thought,Dwelt the bright model from which Nature drewThat fair and beauteous face, in which we viewHer utmost power, on earth, divinely wrought?What sylvan queen—what nymph by fountain sought,Upon the breeze such golden tresses threw?When did such virtues one sole breast imbue?Though with my death her chief perfection's fraught.For heavenly beauty he in vain inquires,Who ne'er beheld her eyes' celestial stain,Where'er she turns around their brilliant fires:He knows not how Love wounds, and heals again,Who knows not how she sweetly smiles, respiresThe sweetest sighs, and speaks in sweetest strain!
Anon.
Asone who sees a thing incredible,In mutual marvel Love and I combine,Confessing, when she speaks or smiles divine,None but herself can be her parallel.Where the fine arches of that fair brow swellSo sparkle forth those twin true stars of mine,Than whom no safer brighter beacons shineHis course to guide who'd wisely love and well.What miracle is this, when, as a flower,She sits on the rich grass, or to her breast,Snow-white and soft, some fresh green shrub is press'dAnd oh! how sweet, in some fair April hour,To see her pass, alone, in pure thought there,Weaving fresh garlands in her own bright hair.Macgregor.
Asone who sees a thing incredible,In mutual marvel Love and I combine,Confessing, when she speaks or smiles divine,None but herself can be her parallel.Where the fine arches of that fair brow swellSo sparkle forth those twin true stars of mine,Than whom no safer brighter beacons shineHis course to guide who'd wisely love and well.What miracle is this, when, as a flower,She sits on the rich grass, or to her breast,Snow-white and soft, some fresh green shrub is press'dAnd oh! how sweet, in some fair April hour,To see her pass, alone, in pure thought there,Weaving fresh garlands in her own bright hair.
Macgregor.
O scatter'dsteps! O vague and busy thoughts!O firm-set memory! O fierce desire!O passion powerful! O failing heart!O eyes of mine, not eyes, but fountains now!O leaf, which honourest illustrious brows,Sole sign of double valour, and best crown!O painful life, O error oft and sweet!That make me search the lone plains and hard hills.O beauteous face! where Love together placedThe spurs and curb, to strive with which is vain,They prick and turn me so at his sole will.O gentle amorous souls, if such there be!And you, O naked spirits of mere dust,Tarry and see how great my suffering is!Macgregor.
O scatter'dsteps! O vague and busy thoughts!O firm-set memory! O fierce desire!O passion powerful! O failing heart!O eyes of mine, not eyes, but fountains now!O leaf, which honourest illustrious brows,Sole sign of double valour, and best crown!O painful life, O error oft and sweet!That make me search the lone plains and hard hills.O beauteous face! where Love together placedThe spurs and curb, to strive with which is vain,They prick and turn me so at his sole will.O gentle amorous souls, if such there be!And you, O naked spirits of mere dust,Tarry and see how great my suffering is!
Macgregor.
Gay, joyous blooms, and herbage glad with showers,O'er which my pensive fair is wont to stray!Thou plain, that listest her melodious lay,As her fair feet imprint thy waste of flowers!Ye shrubs so trim; ye green, unfolding bowers;Ye violets clad in amorous, pale array;Thou shadowy grove, gilded by beauty's ray,Whose top made proud majestically towers!O pleasant country! O translucent stream,Bathing her lovely face, her eyes so clear,And catching of their living light the beam!I envy ye her actions chaste and dear:No rock shall stud thy waters, but shall learnHenceforth with passion strong as mine to burn.Nott.
Gay, joyous blooms, and herbage glad with showers,O'er which my pensive fair is wont to stray!Thou plain, that listest her melodious lay,As her fair feet imprint thy waste of flowers!Ye shrubs so trim; ye green, unfolding bowers;Ye violets clad in amorous, pale array;Thou shadowy grove, gilded by beauty's ray,Whose top made proud majestically towers!O pleasant country! O translucent stream,Bathing her lovely face, her eyes so clear,And catching of their living light the beam!I envy ye her actions chaste and dear:No rock shall stud thy waters, but shall learnHenceforth with passion strong as mine to burn.
Nott.
O brightand happy flowers and herbage blest,On which my lady treads!—O favour'd plain,That hears her accents sweet, and can retainThe traces by her fairy steps impress'd!—Pure shrubs, with tender verdure newly dress'd,—Pale amorous violets,—leafy woods, whose reignThy sun's bright rays transpierce, and thus sustainYour lofty stature, and umbrageous crest;—O thou, fair country, and thou, crystal stream,Which bathes her countenance and sparkling eyes,Stealing fresh lustre from their living beam;How do I envy thee these precious ties!Thy rocky shores will soon be taught to gleamWith the same flame that burns in all my sighs.Wrottesley.
O brightand happy flowers and herbage blest,On which my lady treads!—O favour'd plain,That hears her accents sweet, and can retainThe traces by her fairy steps impress'd!—Pure shrubs, with tender verdure newly dress'd,—Pale amorous violets,—leafy woods, whose reignThy sun's bright rays transpierce, and thus sustainYour lofty stature, and umbrageous crest;—O thou, fair country, and thou, crystal stream,Which bathes her countenance and sparkling eyes,Stealing fresh lustre from their living beam;How do I envy thee these precious ties!Thy rocky shores will soon be taught to gleamWith the same flame that burns in all my sighs.
Wrottesley.
Love, thou who seest each secret thought display'd,And the sad steps I take, with thee sole guide;This throbbing breast, to thee thrown open wide,To others' prying barr'd, thine eyes pervade.Thou know'st what efforts, following thee, I made,While still from height to height thy pinions glide;Nor deign'st one pitying look to turn asideOn him who, fainting, treads a trackless glade.I mark from far the mildly-beaming rayTo which thou goad'st me through the devious maze;Alas! I want thy wings, to speed my way—Henceforth, a distant homager, I'll gaze,Content by silent longings to decay,So that my sighs for her in her no anger raise.Wrangham.
Love, thou who seest each secret thought display'd,And the sad steps I take, with thee sole guide;This throbbing breast, to thee thrown open wide,To others' prying barr'd, thine eyes pervade.Thou know'st what efforts, following thee, I made,While still from height to height thy pinions glide;Nor deign'st one pitying look to turn asideOn him who, fainting, treads a trackless glade.I mark from far the mildly-beaming rayTo which thou goad'st me through the devious maze;Alas! I want thy wings, to speed my way—Henceforth, a distant homager, I'll gaze,Content by silent longings to decay,So that my sighs for her in her no anger raise.
Wrangham.
O Love, that seest my heart without disguise,And those hard toils from thee which I sustain,Look to my inmost thought; behold the painTo thee unveil'd, hid from all other eyes.Thou know'st for thee this breast what suffering tries;Me still from day to day o'er hill and plainThou chasest; heedless still, while I complainAs to my wearied steps new thorns arise.True, I discern far off the cheering lightTo which, through trackless wilds, thou urgest me:But wings like thine to bear me to delightI want:—Yet from these pangs I would not flee,Finding this only favour in her sight,That not displeased my love and death she see.Capel Lofft.
O Love, that seest my heart without disguise,And those hard toils from thee which I sustain,Look to my inmost thought; behold the painTo thee unveil'd, hid from all other eyes.Thou know'st for thee this breast what suffering tries;Me still from day to day o'er hill and plainThou chasest; heedless still, while I complainAs to my wearied steps new thorns arise.True, I discern far off the cheering lightTo which, through trackless wilds, thou urgest me:But wings like thine to bear me to delightI want:—Yet from these pangs I would not flee,Finding this only favour in her sight,That not displeased my love and death she see.
Capel Lofft.
O'erearth and sky her lone watch silence keeps,And bird and beast in stirless slumber lie,Her starry chariot Night conducts on high,And in its bed the waveless ocean sleeps.I wake, muse, burn, and weep; of all my painThe one sweet cause appears before me still;War is my lot, which grief and anger fill,And thinking but of her some rest I gain.Thus from one bright and living fountain flowsThe bitter and the sweet on which I feed;One hand alone can harm me or can heal:And thus my martyrdom no limit knows,A thousand deaths and lives each day I feel,So distant are the paths to peace which lead.Macgregor.
O'erearth and sky her lone watch silence keeps,And bird and beast in stirless slumber lie,Her starry chariot Night conducts on high,And in its bed the waveless ocean sleeps.I wake, muse, burn, and weep; of all my painThe one sweet cause appears before me still;War is my lot, which grief and anger fill,And thinking but of her some rest I gain.Thus from one bright and living fountain flowsThe bitter and the sweet on which I feed;One hand alone can harm me or can heal:And thus my martyrdom no limit knows,A thousand deaths and lives each day I feel,So distant are the paths to peace which lead.
Macgregor.
'Tisnow the hour when midnight silence reignsO'er earth and sea, and whispering Zephyr diesWithin his rocky cell; and Morpheus chainsEach beast that roams the wood, and bird that wings the skies.More blest those rangers of the earth and air,Whom night awhile relieves from toil and pain;Condemn'd to tears and sighs, and wasting care.To me the circling sun descends in vain!Ah me! that mingling miseries and joys,Too near allied, from one sad fountain flow!The magic hand that comforts and annoysCan hope, and fell despair, and life, and death bestow!Too great the bliss to find in death relief:Fate has not yet fill'd up the measure of my grief.Woodhouselee.
'Tisnow the hour when midnight silence reignsO'er earth and sea, and whispering Zephyr diesWithin his rocky cell; and Morpheus chainsEach beast that roams the wood, and bird that wings the skies.More blest those rangers of the earth and air,Whom night awhile relieves from toil and pain;Condemn'd to tears and sighs, and wasting care.To me the circling sun descends in vain!Ah me! that mingling miseries and joys,Too near allied, from one sad fountain flow!The magic hand that comforts and annoysCan hope, and fell despair, and life, and death bestow!Too great the bliss to find in death relief:Fate has not yet fill'd up the measure of my grief.
Woodhouselee.