How happy here should I, And one dear she, live, and embracing die? [From "The Inconstant."] I NEVER yet could see that face Colour or shape, good limbs, or face, In motion or in speech a grace; If tall, the name of proper slays; If fair, she's pleasant as the light; The fat like plenty fills my heart, The lean with love makes me too so; Thus with unwearied wings I flee Through all Love's gardens and his fields; And, like the wise industrious bee, Honour. SHE loves, and she confesses too; What's this, ye gods! what can it be? Bold Honour stands up in the gate, Have I o'ercome all real foes, And shall this phantom me oppose? Noisy nothing! stalking shade! But I shall find out counter-charms, Sure I shall rid myself of thee And obscurer secresy. Unlike to every other sprite, BALLAD. The Chronicle. MARGARITA first possess'd, But when a while the wanton maid With my restless heart had play'd, Martha soon did it resign To the beauteous Catharine. Eliza till this hour might reign, Fundamental laws she broke, And still new favourites she chose, Mary then, and gentle Ann, Both to reign at once began, Alternately they sway'd: And sometimes Mary was the fair, Another Mary then arose, 1. Had not Rebecca set me free. When fair Rebecca set me free, "Twas then a golden time with me; For the gracious princess died And Judith reigned in her stead. One month, three days, and half an hour, And so Susanna took her place. But when Isabella came, She beat out Susan by the bye. But in her place I then obey'd To whom ensued a vacancy: Bless me from such an anarchy ! VOL. III. |