TO
MISS SUSAN B——S.
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There
was a time I loved to gaze
Upon thine eyes of deepest
blue,
And fancied all their beaming rays,
Were but thy pure soul shining
through.
But fancy often points a way,
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Which
calm reflection disapproves,
And reason brings a choicer lay,
Than what the poet often
loves.
Yet—while the wildness of my song
Has freely caught thy list’ning
ear,
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’Twas
rapture ever to prolong
Such notes as thou wert
pleased to hear.
And, SUSAN! I have thought that heart
Was but the steady home
of love— [Page 190]
A home that only could impart
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Such
bliss as angels taste above.
Thy truth and candour—dare I say?—
’Mong females rarely
to be found,
Were but the beings of a day,
As void as echo’s
mimic sound.
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To blame, or even to accuse
The shifting movements of
thy soul,
Is not adapted to the muse—
She feels an honest self-control—
For, oh! such notes suit not my lyre—
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It
loves to yield its gentle string
In unison with joy’s desire,
Brought forth on Zephyr’s
airy wing.
The object of thy wav’ring care
Seems purely worthy to be
thine, [Page 191]
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True
Cambrian-like—then let him share
The bliss I seek not to
be mine.
A scarlet coat has many a charm,
Both fish, and
female hearts to gain—*
Attractive powers!—then dread no harm,
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The
son of Mars will guard from pain!
Let talent hide her modest head—
Let worth from scenes like
this retire—
Let genius never dare to tread
The field where woman stands
umpire!
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Unless in scarlet they be dressed—
Instead of bays, a waving
feather—
Then doubtless they will be caressed,
And Su and they
shall fly together. [Page 192]
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* It is a well known fact, that
not only silly girls are very fond of a red coat,
but even mackerel are caught by the foulest bait
when covered with scarlet. [back]
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