T/ J' \ '-^IK* -J-* "^ ^. • O mO ^ ^,» ♦* ^^ •>? % ^^•nfe "^^^..^^ yj^d'. V>* /^fe\ *<...*^ ^•, THE SORROWS OF LOVE, A POEM, IN THREE BOOKS, THE / SORROWS OF LOVE, A POEM, IN THREE BOOKS. xi EDINBURGH : PRINTED BY MUNDELL & SON; FOR PETER HILL, CROSS. 180I, Entered in Stationers Hall. THE CONTENTS. Book I. / Page I Book II. - - 45 Book III. ' - - 91 Edinburgh, ift May iSoit THE SORROWS OF LOVE. BOOK I. BOOK L THE ARGUMENT. The Subject: proposed. — lafcribed to the Princess of Wales,. — The Poem opens with an account of the refidence and charadler of Leander. — His addrefs to the Queen of Love. — Enlivening inflaence of Love on his views and rural fongs. —Felicity of virtuous Love. — Defcription of his rural bower, and the infcription on it. — His rural employments and lite- rary ftudies. — Pleafures of mental improvement. — His tra- vels, and remarks on men and manners. — Vanity of human purfuits. — Influence of female Beauty on human happinefs and improvement.— Leander's attachment to Fancy. — Ac- count of Lucy, and her rural amufcments in the Grove of Wolga. — Her accidental meeting with Leander produdltve of mutual Love. — His parting addrefs. — Meeting with her again in the arbour, he difclofes his paflion, and, receiving encou- ragement, vows perpetual attachment. — Charader of Lucy. —Her mother's inftrudlions for female condudb. — Leander enamoured of Lucy, renounces the vifions of Romance, in his farewell addrefs to Fancy.-^Bifquietudes and pleafing cares of Love. — Happinefs of Love when fmcere and con- ftant. — Difmal effeds of inconflancy illuftrated by the flory of Charlotte, with which the Book concludes. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. BOOK I. b ROM tender I-.ove what fatal forrows fpring, ~ V/hat haplefs woes, and direfid ills, I fing. The fong, ye Mufe«, aid : — and let the ftrains For ever bloom on fani*d Britannia's plains. Thou, whom the Virtues with each grace adorn, 5 Whofe fprightly charms outfhine the rifing morn, O lovely Garoline ! accept the lay, And rouud the groves thy favouring fmiles difplay t 2 THE SORROWS OF LOVE, Book I. While loftier themes engage thy polifhM ear, The rural forrows gently deign to hear. i o Deep in the fhades of a fequefter'd vale, And far from cares which courtly haunts aflail, His humble bow'r a generous fwain had reared. Where Nature's charms in all their bloom appeared. Around the grove, peace, joy, and plenty fmil'd, 15 While pleas'd Content each labouring toil beguiPd. No anxious cares difturb'd his peaceful breaft ; No raging paflions robb'd his foul of reft. Pleafure, in vain, her tempting joys difplay'd. And their falfe glare. Wealth and Ambition fpread. 20 Calm and ferene revolv'd each paffing day, His only care to fmg the fylvan lay. AUur'd by Science, and at eafe reclin'd. He courted Virtue, and her fv^reets refin'd : Book I. THE SORPvOWS OF LOVE. 3 His glowing heart the charms of Nature fir'd, 25 And Love's dehghts his tuneful fong infpir'd. — Soft as he warbled the melodious ftrain, And fung the pleafures of Love's bhfsful reign, In hil'ning crowds the fhepherds pour'd along, And graceful virgins join'd the raptur'd throng : 30 Peace reign'd, hufh'd were the winds, while ey'ry grove Echo'd the fweets of innoeence and love. Ev'n Nar, enamour'd, flowly roll'd his ftream, And bade his nymphs refound the pleafing theme : The pleafing theme, ye fylvan maids ! refume, 35 And let his lays retain eternal bloom. Begin the fong ; — recall the blifsful fcene ; And fmg his warblings to Love's beauteous Queen. Hail, tender Love ! celeftial Maid ! Whofe gentle fmiles awake dehght j 40 A 2 4 THE SORROWS OF LOVt. Book I. Who fondly cheer'ft life's gloomy fhade, And, ever pleafing, chann'ft the fight : Come, heav'nly goddefs ! leave the flcies, In all thy radiant beauties rife ; And, while thy grateful joys I fing, ^j Come, and thy fair attendants bring. Infpire my breaft, and let my heart With aU thy tender raptures glow ; Pour forth thy fweets, thy genial warmth impart, And, joy diffufmg, foothe each anxious woe. 50 Infpir'd by thee, no cares opprefs, Nor furious paflions fwell the foul ; The heart expands with generous blifs, And hours of tranfport fmiling roll : Fir'd by thy charms, the youthful breaft 55 Scorns the inglorious joys of reft, Book I. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 5 Courts Virtue's toils, a nobler aim. And eager pants for laurell'd fame : While thy mild influence breathes around? What pleafures grace the fylvan bow*r ? Co All Nature fmiles— Joy's cheerful flrains refound, And ev'ry bofom feels thy pleafing pov/'r. But fee ! — the lovely Pow'r defcends, In all the charms of beauty crown'd ; The Graces fmile, Joy gay attends, 6^ And Innocence fhines bright around. Lo ! Guilt retires, v^rith Hate, Difdain, And all the fierce malignant traia ; The vengeful Furies tremblirig ily. While Love ferene delights the eye : 70 Mark ' as the blooming Goddefs fmiies, What lender tiiougnts tlie breail inflame 5 A 3 6 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book L How Pity melts, how Love each care beguiles, And fires to Virtual Exeelkncej and Fame ! Sweet fource of blifs ! celeftial Love ! 75 Propitious hear thy fuppliant's pray'r ; So may'ft thdu ftiine enthron'd above, And ev'ry heav'nly bleffing (hare ! Be thou, and all thy pleafures mine, Thy joys delicious, fweets divine ; So Inflame my heait, my foul infpire, And ev'ry tender pafiion fire ; Thy gentle influence round me fpread, And let each foft affeftion glow ; Teach me to feel, the pitying tear to flied, 85 Difl;refs to foothe, and light the gloom of woe. And ever fir'd by thy bright charms, Lead me to glory, peace, and eafe ; Book I. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 7 Still guard me from Guilt's dire alarms, And give thofe joys which ever pleafe : 90 And. as I tread Life's mazy way, Still let me feel thy gentle fway, While fome fond maid, mild and ferene, Awakes the Mufe's fofteft ftrain. Thus guided by Love's kind controul, 95 While fcenes of pleafure round me rife, Let all my days in peaceful rapture roll, And heav'nly blifs be mine beyond the ildes 1 Thus fung Leander, in the dawn of youth. When all is candour, innocence, and truth. iCo With favouring fmiles the Goddefs ey'd the fwain, And, pleas'd, afTented to his artlefs ftrain. As o'er the flow'rs the balmy zephyr blows. Or darting fun-beams wake the op'ning rofe, A 4 8 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book L So, o'er his breaft the lovely Pow'r difFus'd 105 Her genial warmth, and all her fweets infus'd* The valleys now a brighter form affume. And blooming woodlands breathe a rich perfume ; The flowery meads a lovelier afpeA wear, And fprightly virgins in new charms appear : tic In fairer glow the face of Nature fhines, And all its fhades enlivened Life reiigns. Now nobler objefts roufe his ardent breaft, Eafe he difdains, and fcoms ignoble reft : His bofom glows with Honour's brighteft fires, 1 15 Hope fills his foul, and Fame his heart infpircs. Now Virtue fhines in charms divinely bright, And fcenes of Glory glad his ravifti'd light. Tafte, led by GeniuSj Learning's haunts explores, The Mufes fmile, and Science opes her ftores ; 120 .Book I. THE SORROV/S OF LOVE* 9 3y glory fir*d, at excellence lie aims, Love cheers his toils, and all his foul inflames. To nobler themes he tunes his fylvan reed, And with foft warblings fills the echoing mead. Thrice happy ftate ! where Love with Virtue reigns, And confcious Innocence fure peace maintains ! 126 Within the breaft, no furious tumults fwell, No tempeils rage, nor boift'rous ftorms affail : Peaceful the day revolves, and cahn the night; No cares torment, nor guilty fears affright ; 1 30 No plan is form'd to tempt the midnight gloom, Nor fcheme devis'd to taint bright Virtue's bloom ; No vicious thoughts to mean purfuits inflame ; No criminal paffions fire to deeds of ihame. la ceafelefs joy the fmiling hours roll on, i j j Pleased as they pafs, and pleafing ilill when gone, A 5 fO THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book I. O envied joys ! beyond the reach of woe, Which Love and Innocence alone beftow. Hail, lovely Innocence ! thou pow'r divine, Amid my wand'rings ftill around me fhine ! 140 Whether along the rural meads I ftray, Or through the world's falfe windings urge my way ; O let thy charms ftill cheer my ravifhed view, Enlight my foul, and heartfelt blifs renew. The paths of vice ne'er let me wilder'd range, 145 Nor thy calm peace for Guilt's fad joys exchange ; Far from the haunts of guile, and falfe deceit, Condudl my fteps, and guide my wand'ring feet : My toils ftill cheer, and, when life's trials clofe, Raife me to climes where joy unceafing flows. 150 Thus would he fmg the fweets of virtuous Love, And urge the fwains thefe blifsful fweets to prove. Book I. THE SORROWS OF LOTE. IT The charms of Nature alfo form'd his fong, Which, with pleas'd joy, fond Echo would prolong. Lur'd by his lays the ihepherds fought his bow'r, 155 And, circling round him, haiPd Love's foft'ning pow^r. Deep in a grove this rural feat was plac*d, Which Art adorn'd, and Fancy neatly grac'd ; Trees, fhrubs, and flow'rs, in gay confulion bloomM, And fragrant gales the ambient air perfum'd ; 160 Within this grot no foot unhallowed trode, Thefe fculptur'd verfes guarding the abode. Hail, rural Bow'r ! foft fcene of pure delight, In thy lov'd haunts what pleafures charm the fight ? Here Beauty fhines, and Love benignant reigns, 165 Joy flows around, and Peace adorns the plains. The Graces here for ever pleafing fmile, Content and Mirth the gUding hours beguile ; A 6 12 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book I. Sweet Innocence arrays this calm retreat, To Science facred, and the Mufes' feat. 1 70 Ye fouls ! whom foft humanity infpires. Here glows each virtue which your bofom fires. Each nobler feehng, ev'ry gentler grace, Here grateful join, and focially embrace. Let Vice fly hence with all her kindred train, i '^^ Let her falfe joys ne'er taint this blooming plain : Her fweets around let fmiling Virtue pour. And BHfs divine ftill glad this fylvan bow'r ! Far from the towVing haunts of purpled ftate, And all the cares which glitt'ring pomp await, 1 80 Here he enjoy'd the charms of rural eafe, The fweets of Science, and the joys of Peace. By Wifdom^s lore, and Learning's page refin'd, To mend his heart, and grace his glowing mind, Book I. tHE SORROWS OF LOVE, ^3 With pleas'd delight he rang'd the Mufes' feats, 185 Unlock'd their ftores, and cropp'd their flow'ry fweets. Oh, happy days ! when ev'ry hour that flies, Unveils new charms, and nobler joys defcries ; Wide to the view the opening profpedls rife, And fcenes ftill brighter ftrike the ravifh'd eyes : 190 From blifs to blifs we mount up unconfin'd. While endlefs progrefs waits the boundlefs mind* But, fond to trace the fcenes of adlive life, The world behold, and mark its bufy llrlfe. He quits the rural bow'r,'and fylvan plain, igr And wide expatiates the gay haunts of men. Through flates remote, and large domains he roams, And ranges cities, towns, and courtly domes ; The works of Nature and of Art he views, Obfcrves what Wifdom plans, and Toil purfues ; 200 14 THE SOPvROWS OF LOVE* Book L Their laws, their manners, and their tafte infpeAs, Eyes their improvements, virtues, and defedls ; Each work of genius and of peace furveys, And marks tlie ufeful, and what merits praife. With men he mingles on the bufy fcene, 205 And marks their views, purfuits, and paflions keen. 'Midft all the ftrugglings of the aftive mind, He fees one leadmg aim ftill urge mankind • In quefl of blifs all ranks and orders rove, And, where they place it, there they eager move. 210 On pleafure fome their anxious wifhes bend. And through her thoufand haunts their fearch extend. While fome on wealth their joys as fondly place, And through eternal toils her treafures trace. Others on grandeur and a mighty name 215 Fix all their blifs, and climb the fleeps of Fame, Book I. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. IJ Purfue Ambition's car through crimfon^ fields, And Glory chace through Misery's des'late wilds. Ah 1 vain the dreams which mortals keen purfue ; Still they allure, and ftill elude the view. 220 Ev'n when at lafl we reach the wiih'd-for prize. It burfts in air, and mocks our wond'ring eyes. And this fond bUfs, this tranfient joy to gain, What toils we combat, and what pangs fuflain ? How wife the few, who, tir'd with life's deceits, 225 Or early taught the choice, contemn its fweets ; Its fmiles and frowns with unconcern behold, And tread the paths which confcious peace unfold ; Pearlefs of change, in fteady hope they move, And patient wait th' eternal joys above. 230 Wide as he ranged the varied realms around, Beauty (hone bright in all its graces crown'd. l6 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Bcok I , Sweet did its fmiles the tendereft cares impart, Steal on the foul, and warm the raptur'd heart : Its kindhng glance de^p pierc'd the glowing breaft, 233 And the heav'd figh its conquVing pow'r confefs'd. By beauty fir'd, each pure afFeftion glows, Soft pity melts, and mild compaffion flows. Its genial ray the feeling bofom warms, And each fierce paffion's furious rage difarms. 240 Love's tender flames in gentler rapture burn, And all its ardours o'er the foul return. Soft roll'd the hours on downy wings away, When Spring awak'd the love-infpiring la/. When op'ning flow'rs diffused their fweet perfume, 245 And bright'ning beauty flufh'd the virgin's bloom : In dazzling crowds the fair unveil'd their charms, Grac'd the gay walks; and rais'd Love's foft/alarmsr Bookl. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. I7 The artlefs maids each fweet attradlion fpread, And with their luftre gladden'd ev'ry fhade. 230 Thefe fcenea of beauty charm'd Le adder's fight, And ev'ry region brighten'd with delight ; Where'er he roamM, they fpread joy's gladfome ray, And Lovers foft fmiles illum'd his wand'ring way. But fond to tafte Life's ev'ry grateful fweet, 255 He woo'd ev'n Fancy in his lone retreat ; Her airy haunts enamour' d would he trace, Range her gay wilds, and her fond vifions chace : His ftudious cares oft would hepleas'd forego, To fhare her joysj and mourn her tales of woe : 260 Oft would her nymphs enchant his fylvan bow'r, ' Breathe foft delight, and wake Love's pleafmg pow'r : Sweet did their names re-echo through the plain ; Sweet bloom'd their charms in the melodious ftrain \ l8 , THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book L With joy he haiPd their gay romantic groves, 265 SmilM as they fang, and Vi^ept their faithlefs loves. I From diftant plains Leander now return'd, With views enlarged, and pplifh'd arts adornM : Retir'd from care, he Hv'd in rural eafe, Belov'd by all, and anxious all to pieafe. 270 The ftorms of Winter had now rolPd away, And balmy zephyrs fan the lengthening day. Her op'ning bloom now genial Spring unveils. Awakes the buds, and paints with flow'rs the vales ; The tuneful warblers fmg on ev'ry fpray, 275 And ch<^erful labour joins their gladfome lay ; The bioflbm'd tree^s their fcented fragrance yield, And gaies of odt>ur fill the daified field : The p.itient f wains their yearly toils renew, And fcatter'd flocks their wonted walks purfue. 280 Book I. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. IQ ^ To tafte the fweets, and breathe the rural air, The fprightly virgins to the vales repair ; On Ro*iA*s banks they crop the purple flow'rs, ' > Sport on its meads, and range its graceful bow'rs. Here Lucy ftray'd, to view the verdant plain, 2R5 Lucy, the glory of the virgin train : Walheim's high groves had rear'd the beauteous maid. Where long her charms had blefs'd the peaceful fhade. Each lovely grace adom'd the blooming fair, Which Beauty gives, or fweetnefs can confer : 290 Reafon controul'd her gay eniighten'd mind, Matur'd by judgment, and by talle refin'd ; Her heart, pure as her form, with virtue glow'd, And Innocence her lovelieil charms beflov/M. Mild v7as the mom, and fweet the fragrant gale, 295 Joy breath' d around, and Mufic cheer 'd the vale. 20 THE SORROWS OF LOVF. Book I. When graceful Lucy, with the rural maids, Sought Wolga's grove, and roam'd the flow'ry fhades. Through fragrant wilds the fportive damfels ftray^ And fill the woodlands with the vocal lay. 300 The warbling birds their cheerful notes reftrain, And liil'ning Echo glad repeats the ftrain ; In rural fports they trace the winding greens. Climb the fteep hill, and hail the brightening icenes. Fatigued at laft, they feek the arbour's (hade, 305 Where woodbines round their breathing fragrance fpread, Where jafmine, rofes, and the lilacs twine, And all the flow'rs of Summer's bloom combine. Here, as the maids enjoy the cool retreat. It chanc'd Leander fought the fylvan feat. 310 He hails the nymphs, and views, with wild furprife, The lovely charms that ftrike his wond'ring eye?. Book I. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 21 Not fo amaz'd the Trojan fwain beheld, When all their charms the goddefles unveiPd ; Not fo enraptur'd flood the fire of men, 315 When blooming Eve fiiH brighten'd Eden's plain, As did the youth, when to his ravifh'd fight The maid appeared in gi*ace and beauty bright. He faw, he lov'd ! — he heaves the tender figh, O'er all his breafl the kindhng tranfports fly : 320 Sweet as fhe fmiles, his heart w4th rapture glows, She fpeaks, and Love his gladden'd foul o'erflows. Nor did the maid, unmov'd, the youth behold, A pleafing langour o'er her bofom roli'd ; His graceful form, and fprightly converfe, charm'd, 325 And her fond heart with Love's foft ardours warm'd. In glad furprife the moments roll along, \nd new-felt joys the happy fcehe prolong % 22 THE SORROWS OF LOYC. Book I. Enamour 'd more, as more he views the fair, He glows with bHfs, and feels his love-lick care ; 33a Each look, each word, increased delight infpires. Love brighter burns, and kindling rapture fires. In pleafing converfe fled the fwift-wing'd hour, When, now refrefti'd, the damfels quit the bow'r ; As round they ftray the gay parterres to view, 335 A while Leander from the maids withdrew. Before they part, he leaves thefe artlefs lines Trac'd by his pencil, and his heart refigns. Should e'er Remembrance, with her bufy train, Wake in your bofom Love's delightful reign ; 240 Should Mem'ry e'er your former joys review, And, Sorrow fled, each pleafing fcene renew ; Amid your blifs let one fond thought arife, In dear remembrance of a lover's fighs. a Book I. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 23 Recall this fcene, think on this bhfsful bow'r, 345 And mufe tranfported o'er this parting hour. Know, lovely maid ! a youth unknown to fame. Once claim'd your heart, and felt Love's tender flame. Unilcill'd in vice, a ftranger to deceit, And nurs'd by Science in her calm retreat, 350 His glowing breaft the generous virtues fir'd, While ev'ry grace his feeling heart infpir'd ; By chance conduced to your gentle arms, He felt the force of your refiftlefs charms : He faw, he lovM, the tender pain carefs'd, 335 And, mildly pleas'd, rever'd your faultlefs breaft. But, whither now ? — while wand'ring on his way, He'll love to hear blifs glads each roUing day. Should chance again conduft him to your fight. His heart will feel its former pleas'd deKght. 360 Should cruel fate his ardent wifh deny. Hear his farewell fpoke with this parting figh : 24 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book I. Let peaceful joy your days for ever crown, Far hence be Grief, and Misery's adverfe frown ; In all its charms may Love around you reign, 365 And Heaven's beft fw^eets ftill grace your blooming plain ! ' Slow rolPd the hours, o'ercaft by Love's alarms, When rifing morn difclos'd her rofy charms. Deep on Leander's foul remains the maid, And back he haftes to gain the grateful fhade. 370 Along the meads he fees the virgins ftray. And with their luftre dim the blaze of day. The charming maid Leander ioyful hails; The fwain fhe welcomes, but her tranfport veils : In varied converfe on they fondly move, 375 And feek, well plcas'd, the facred bow'r of Love. Book 1. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 25 Here, as he breathes his pain, and am'rous care, Her pitying foul relieves him from defpair : With looks of love flie hears his fond requeft, And with thefe accents foothes his gladden'd breaft. 380 Be flill difcreet, each manly grace purfue, Still cheriih Love, and to youi; vows be true ; Seek what is good, at excellence ftill aim, Virtue revere, and court an honeft fame ; Defei-ve my love, ftill fly whate'er allures, 385 The time may come when you may call me yours* But who can paint the mingled joys that roll, In fv/eet confufion, o'er Leander's foul i Before the maid, o'erwhelm'd with blifs, he falls. And fpeaks the feelings gratitude recalls. 39c Thy love to merit, and thy fmiles to fhare, Shall form my fole delight, my only care : B 26 TrtE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book I, No love but thine my heart fhall ever move, To thee I vow, truth, conflancy, and love ! Thus, as they pledge their vows, foft ftrains refound, Sweet odours breathe, and Nature fmiles around. 396 With heartfelt joy they leave Love's facred bow'r, Rejoin the maids, and blefs the happy hour. Among the nymphs in {lately grace fhe moves. As tow'rs the oak above the waving groves. 4C0 Fair was her form, divinely fair her mind, Bleft with each charm, and ev'ry grace refin'd. Her bloom furpafs'd the new-blown rofe's glow, Her heart was fpotlefs as the mountain fnow ; Pure, as the cryftal ftream whofe limpid tide 40J Refledls the flow'rs that paint its daified fide ; Mild, as the fragrance of Aurora's dawn, When vernal fhow'rs bedew the liHed lawn. Book I. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 2'] On Rona's banks the lovely m^id ftill ftrays, And all her beauties to the fw^in difplays. 410 Endear'd by love, and with each other bleft, Peace round them fmiles, and joy delights their breaft. Together oft they pafs the livelong day. Form plans to come, and fing their cares away: New beauties ftill each rifing morn difclofe, 4 1 5 At each fond glance affe6lion brighter glows. In cheerful innocence they haunt the plain, Puirfue their toils, and court the fylvan reign. Her charms in all awake the tender figh, And praifes draw from each admiring eye. 420 Surrounding fwains her favour ftrive to gain, And fing her graces in the w^arbling ftrain. So bright her charms, fo mild her artlefs heart, All eager vie their honours to im^part. Ev'n all the damfels of the virgin train, 42 ? Hail her, the pride and glory of the plain, B 2 Z^ THB SORROWS OF LOVE. Book L Tauglit by maternal care each female grace. Which charms the heart, gr decks the beauteous face, In Virtue's paths her blamelefs courfe flie holds, Courts her fond toils, and all her fweets unfolds. 430 Deep on her foul were Wifdom's laws impreft, And Hill thefe didlates fir'd her glowing breaft. Be wife, be good, each lovely grace attain, Heav'n flill revere, and Innocence retain. With prudence aft, preferve unfuUied fame, 45 j Strive to excel, and court an honour'd name. All 111 contemn, fiy far Temptation's fnare. Keep well thy heart, and w^alk with watchful care. Be pure, be chafte, each modell grace revere ; Thefe crowm the virgin, and each charm endear. 440 Let Caution guide, let Virtue guard the fair, From Art, Deceit, and Pleafure's guileful fnare ; Diftruft mankind, heed not what Flatt'ry fays^ Left grief and infamy confume thy days. Dook I. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 2^ Now, Lucy'^ charms, Leander's lays refouiid, 44J And Lucy's name tht: woodlands echo round* Each rolling day her beauties brighter jfliine. And all the nymphs their radiant fmiles reiign. Ev'n Fancy charms no more, her viiions rly, And her gay virgins mount the dazzling &y. 450 He leaves her haunts, forfakes her airy crew, And to her pleafures fmgs this laft adieu. Too long, O Fancy ! have I own'd thy fway, And thoughtlefs haunted thy rornantic fti e: ms ; To nobler fcenes fair Virtue points the way, 455 Falfe are thy charms, and vain thy goldea dreams ! What now avail the joys I ftrove to gain ! Fled are the hours, and where my anxious toils ? Ob, how I long to range bright Gloiy's plain, Climb her ileep paths, and fhare her e. vted fpoils ! 460 B 2 5^ THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book I. Farewell, gay fcenes !^ — romantic fhades, farewell ! No more, bewilder'd, through your groves Pll ftray ; Heave the foft figh, the mournful tale bewail, Nor follov/ Vice, to fhun her guileful w^ay. Life teems with bhfs, though miseries ftili attend, 465 Why then indulge in Fancy's gilded fcene ? Court Virtue's fmile, and Love's wide wifh extend, Hear Sorrow mourn, and cheer Grief's drooping mien. Joyous I hafte along thofe haunts to roam Where fweets delicious never ceafe to pleafe, 470 To climb the fteep that leads to Fame's gay dorhe, And rife to glory, excellence, and eafe. And you, fair nymphs ! romantic maids !— adieu 1 Whofe charms firft fir'd my heart, and wak'd my fong. I3ook I. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 3I Whofe graces ftill the tendereft thoughts renew, 475 Steal on my foul, and Love's fond cares prolong. In Youth's gay dawn, when from the world retired, I faw you bloom, and pleafure blefs'd the grove ; Sweet did Elois a* fhine, the foul bright We stern *fir'd, Walton* foft fmil'd, and Julia* chann'd to Love. What joys, O Julia ! does thy name impart ? 481 Why heaves my bofom with the tendereft fighs ? I vnfh'd thy charms fhould gi-ace my love's fond heart, And all my Julia in her beauties rife. Adieu, fweet nymphs ! — farewell, my fav'rite maid ! 485 Your names no more fhall grace my fylvan ftrain ; * See thefe charaders beautifully delineated in the fi6titicu-, vritings of MeiTrs. Roufieau, Fielding, Mackenzie, Goethe, <^;c. B 4 $2, THE SORROWS OF LOVE, Bookl. A lovelier maid, in all your charms array 'd, Now fires my heart, and wakes Love's gentleil reign. Sweet as Eloisa blooms each foft delight, Sprightly as Charlotte* glows her gen'rous mind, As Harriet* mild, fhe fhines like Anna bright, 491 Tender as Julia, gentle, always kind. How vain, O Fancy ! ^dl thy flatt'ring dreams ! Where now the vifions valued once fo high ? A lovelier maid ne'er trode thy haunted ftreams, 495 A gentler bread ne'er heav'd th^ pitying figh. Hail, lovely maid ! who fweetly charm'ft my heart. What pleafing tranfports wait thy favoured fmile ? Jnfpire my foul, thy fofteil joys impart. Reign in my breail, and all my cares beguile. 5 CO * See Note on former pagr. Book i. 1HE SORROWS OF LOVE. 33 Come, teiiaer Lo\x ! iufpire my rural ftraiii. And let her name the fmiling vales refound ; X,et Mirth and Joy adorn the bhfsful plahi, And Virtue ihed her blooming iweets around. Come, gentle Peace ! — ye Mufes ! fwift deicend, 505 And charm with Innocence the rolling hour ; Come, fvveet Content ! — ye Graces, mild, attend ( And cheer with Friendfhip my gay vernal bo^v^r. There, foft reclin'd, I'll fmg Love's grateful fway. Fair Science court, and all her ilores unfold ; 510 Fir'd with her charms. 111 tread Fame's glorious way, And, rais'd to bhfs, roll back the age of gold. Charm'd with the beauties of the fmiling maid, Our groves {hall fliine like Fancy's airy bloom, ^5 34 THE SORROWS OF LOYE. Book I, Around us Spring her flow'ry fweets fhall fhed, 515 And blifs divine ftili light life's mazy gloom. — Yet ftill bloom fair, ye airy fcenes, ftill fliine. Enchanting maids, your beauties ftill difplay ; To foothe defpair, let each gay charm combine. And cheer the hopelefs Lover's lonefome way. 520 What if the fcenes, which now fo fweetly fmile, Should with falfe vifions mock my raviftiM fight? Should faithlefs Love with treach'rous arts beguile, And, Hope extinguifh'd, blaft each fond delight ? Should my lov'd maid thefe artful wiles purfue, 525 Should that fond heart, which I adore, deceive ? What fmiling charms couW pleafe my joylefs view ? What dreams but thine, fweet Fancy ! could relieve t Book I. THE SORROWS OF LOVE, 35 To thy gay haunts I then fliould wand'ring ftray, And cheerlefs join thy love-lorn haplefs train ; 530 I'd iiy the wilds where Falfehood winds his way, And Julia's fmile fhould foothe my anxious pain. To Love, now Fancy yields her gentle fway, Hope fweetly fmiles, and Pleafure gilds the day. What though Deceit and Falfehood's treach'rous train, Oft mar the joys of Love's delightful reign ; 53^ Though fad Defpair, and Difappointment's gloom, Cloud each bright fcene, and blail each beauteous bloom ; Though rivals vex, and jealous cares opprefs, And chang'd affeclion roufe unknown diilrefs ; ^40 Though ceafelefs ills, and unexpected woes. Overwhelm the foul, and banifh heart repofe : Yet joys unnumber'd cheer the am'rous fwain, His is foft anguifh and tranfporting pain : E 6 3^ THE SORROWS OF LOVE. ^Bookl. His fair one's fmile each low'ring gloom difpells, 545 Stills ev'ry tumult, and each pang repells. In her fond arms he lofes ev'ry care, And, on her bofom, fmiles at fell defpair. Happy the ftate, wh«n fouls congenial burn With mutual fires, and love for .love return. 550 When each new day Love's growing charms beholds, New blifs imparts, and new delights unfolds. How bleft the fate, when Pmdence guides the flame Which Beauty kindles, and the Loves inflame ; When rob'd in truth, and foftnefs void of art, ^^^ The Lovers feel the tender, confl:ant heart : Then Blifs defcends — Love's fweeteft raptures warm- Peace beams around — and fled is each alarm. But Peace at times the fpotlefs bofom flies,. And her calm joys ev'n Innocence denies. 560 Book I. THE SORROWS OF LOYE. 37 Amid the groves, where Tummel gently flows, Retir'd m peace, the blooming Charlotte rofe. Each comely grace her blamelefs breaft arrayM, And ev'r}^ charm adorn'd the lovely maid. Here fair fhe rofe, far from the world's alarms, ^6^ In Beauty's bloom, and Virtue's graceful charms. Tall as the pines which grace the mountain's iide, Stately (he fhone, of Ran no's maids the pride. So fhines the ev'ning liar with lucid blaze, 'Mid Heav'n's bright orbs that gleam with twinkling rays. Pure was her bofom as her native ftream, j^i Tender and foft as day's departing beam. In her mild looks, bright fhone the feeling heart, Her eyes beam'd love, and fweetnefs void of art. Beyond the rural toils, fhe knew no care ; 'j^^ Beyond the vales, no joys fhe wifh'd to fhare. Pleas' d with the fhades, fhe fought not fam'd renown j Riches fhe fcom'd, nor envied grandeur^s crown. 38 TRE SORROWS OF LOYE. Bcok I. As 'mid the wilds the lily blows unfeen, Or blooms the violet on the defert green, ^So Retir'd fhe liv'd, content, unvex'd with care, By all belov'd, nor gloried Cac was fair. As youth roll'd on, her graces charni'd the fwains, Infpir'd their love, and wak'd their fofteft ftrains. But, void of guile, no proud regard fhe claim'd, 5 85 Nor felt a wifh which Innocence condemned. Mild as the mom, as op'ning fnowdrops fweet, She knew no art, fhe trembled at deceit. Her gentle fmiles ftill cheer'd the drooping breaft, Bade Hope ftill bloom, and lull'd each care to reft. 590 Sweet hours of blifs ! — why fly w4th fatal hafte ? Y/hy fpread delight ? — why vanifn ere we tafte ? jLong had her charms the peaceful bow'rs adorn'd, And, fraught with joy, each fmiling- mom returned > Book I. THE SORROWS OF LOVE., 39 When, at the lail, a treacherous lover came, 595 Before her bow'd, and ovvn'd a tender flame. With fighs and vows, his guileful arts he pliedj And feign'd a paflion v^^hich his foul denied. She heard, fhe pitied, and, to eafe his mind. To Lcve fhe yielded, and her heart refign'd. 6co Her love he gain'd — ^but, dead to Pity's glow, Forfook her charms, and left her plung'd in woe. -• Now grief concealed, her love-lorn heart opprei% Joy fied her foul, and peace forfook her bread. Unfeen, alone, fhe pin'd the livelong day, 6cj And, pierc'd by love, confum'd in cares av\^ay. From her pale cheek, the lovely rofes fled, The lilies droop'd, and ruin round her fpread. Alone, unfeen, fhe fought the fatal grove, Wliere firft her bofom heav'd the %hs of love ^ 610 40 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book I. There, all unheard, (he rais'd her plaintive moan, Which foften'd oaks, and made the hills to groan. Ev'n rocks relented at her forrowing pains, And pitying mountains echa'd to her ftrains. Devoured by cares, {he fled the vernal bow'rs, 615 Forgot the fong, and fhunn'd her favourite flow'rs ; To Love a prey, (he life's foft joys refign'd. And, funk in grief, in fadd'ning forrov^ pin'd. To weep her woes, and foothe her wounded breaft, The nymphs throng'd round her as (he lay diftreft : 620 But, ah ! all-con qu'ring Love who can difarm ? — What balm can heal ? — what pow'r its forrows charm ? Their tears fhe mark'd ; — ah 1 what can tears avail ? And, fighing, thus addrefs'd her laft farewells By Charlotte warned, take heed, ye virgins fair. Of Love take heed, of flattering fwains beware. 626 Book I. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 4I By a falfe heart, here drooping low I lie, By Love confum'd, in bloom of youth I die. Why did I Kften to his artful fighs ? Why heed the anguifli of his ftreaming eyes ? 630 Ah ! had I known, ere Pity mov'd my foul, That Love would rage with fuch uncurbM controul, I'd fteePd my bofom 'gainfl the fatal dart, Nor loft my peace, when I refignM my heart. Ah ! happy days — when Love was yet unknown, 63 J Roll back, ye hours ! — oh ! why for ever flown ? — Vain wifh 1 — Love rends my heart — clouds dim my view. Farewell, lov'd maids ! — ah, fatal Love ! — adieu. She funk — ihe fell — the crimfon fled — Ihe flgh'd. Her eye-lids clos'd — fhe bow'd her head and died. 640 By blooming maids, her fun'ral rites were paid. Her graceful tomb by blooming maids was made ; 42 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book I. By blooming maids, her urn each year is ftrown With fldw'rs that blow where Charlotte moufn*d alone. -For there the Spring Its earlieft fweets unfolds, 645 And Autumn there its lateft blooms, beholds. Oft round her grave the nymphs and fhepherds- range, To plight their loves, and mutual vows exchange : Here flighted fvvains and love-lorn damfels rove, But Guile nor Art dare haunt the hallow'd grove. 650 In peace, fweet maid, for ever reft ! — and long May thy bright virtues grace the virgin's fong. Thy hallow'd grove may Falfehood ne'er invade, Nor Guilt e'er ftray where fleeps thy facred fliade ! O'er thy green Tomb may Virtue drop the tear, 6^^ And Beauty ftill thy graceful charms revere. While TuMMEL JPiOws, and Ran' no's lake rims pure, May Charlotte's forrov^'s and her name endure ! END OF BOOK I* THE SORROWS OF LOVE. BOOK IL BOOK 11. THE ARGUMENT. The Poem proceeds to fcate the pleafmg efFe<5ls of mutual Love. — Inftability of human enjoyments.— The happinefs of Le- ander interrupted by various changes ; and, as thefe. form a continued feries, the progrefs of the Poem is a delineation of the eife(5bs of Love from its origin through its fubfequent llages.— His addrefs to Hope, in the dawn of Love.— His feelings, when at a diilance, defcribed in his addrefs to Ab* fence. — His return to Wolga, and Song to Succefs. — His un- gracious interview with Lucy. — Account of her infidelity, and approaching nuptials with Mirando.— Leander*s addrefs to Difappointment — Difmal confcquences of hopelefs Love. — His addrefs to Defpair.—- Withdrawing from the fcenes of Love, he gives way to melancholy fadnefs.— Solitary mufmgs. —Momentary dreams of Delight. — Delufions by Night. — His meeting, in the vale of Golconda, with the hermit Alon* zo. — His affecfling ftory.— Concluding with refle<51:ibns on the infelicity of criminal Love, and the pleafurable feelings of a well regulated life, even in the midH of difappointment. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. BOOK II. j\S riiing mom difpells the fhades of night, Cheers drooping nature, and infpires delight ; The fiow'rs, refrefh'd, their fragrant iweets refume, And fields dew-fprinkled breathe a mild perfume ; In warbling ftrains the tuneful birds rejoice, 5 And glad Creation wakes her grateful voice ; Through eaith and air the cheerful notes refound. And joy and gladnefs brighten all around : So Lucy's fmile with joy Leander fires, Charms his fond heart? and Lovers foft cares infpires. ic I 46 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book 11. Through all his breaft the pleafmg paffion fpreads. Cheers ev'ry toil, and fweets delicious fheds. Soft fly the hours, the days in rapture roll, And fcenes of tranfport fwell his ravifh'd foul. When Love is new, and Beauty deigns to fmile, 15 Blifs wide expands, and dreams of joy beguile. Bright fhines the morn, the ev'nings foft decline, And circling feafons all their fweets combine. O, days of bhfs ! too pleafing long to laft ! How fwift they fly — how foon we mourn them pafl: ! 20 Hard fate of man ! — in peace we fmile to day, Indulge fond hope — and op'ning joys furvey. Next day that rolls beholds our pleafures gone. Our profpefts blailed, and our hopes undonCi To generous Love the ardent vow afcends, 25 And all his cares the tuneful Mufe. attends ; Book II. THE SORROWS OF LOTE. 47 But while the hours of pleafing rapture roll, Love's changing fcenes deep pierce Leander's foul. Though fair it blooms, can hope fecure from care, Charm difappointment, or preclude defpair ? 30 Sing then, each varying change, ^ach mournful theme, Which fweet he fung by Rona's blifsful ftream. Love's forrows fing ; — and let the Mufe refound The ftrains which Hope, gay-fmiling, breath'd around. Why ceafes my lay to refound 35 The fweet-blooming charms of the fair ? Does beauty in vain (liine around. To lighten the preiTure of care ? Has fweetnefs forfaken the grove, And the Graces that pleas'd me before ? 40 Does my breaft glow no longer with love ? Do the nymphs appear comely no more ? 4^ THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book 11. Ere now did 1 fing without ait, Their beauties and graces divine ; How gently thefe fteal on the heart, 45 What fweets in their union combine I — Ah me ! — what avaiPd the foft ftrain. Though with Fancy's gay notions it vied i When Lucy appeared on our plain, Tranfported I faw her, and lighM ! 50 In vain Imagination did foar On the wings of youthful delire ; In vain it ranged round evVy fhore, — What nymph to her charms can afpire ? In vain the foft heart did I praife, ^^ And the virtues to beauty conjoined ; She fpoke,— but how mean were the lays Which Fancy's fond vifions defign'd ? Book II. . THE SORROWS ©F LOTE 49 As the dawn of Aurora (he's mild, She's gentle and foft as the dove ; 60 What graces flione forth when fhe fmil'd, By tendernefs form'd, and by love i Her beauties fhine bright as the mom, And fair aa the dew-fprinkied rofe ; Such virtues thefe graces adorn, 6^ I would — 'if I could but difclofe- In the pleafmg amufements of youth, How oft have I carelefsly ftray'd. The heart-throbbing murmurs to foothe. And fmg the gay fong in the (hade ? 70 In innocence roll'd the.fwift days. With joy the vales pleafmgly rung, All Nature bloom' d fair, — for my lays Nought but love and delight ever fung. 50i THE SORROWS OF LOr£. Book IL Now Lucy fhall grace the foft ftrains, 75 And brighten the grottos around ; Her charms fliall be prais'd by the fwains, And her name through the groves fhall refound. The nymphs roiy garlands ihall bring, Their honours to Lucy t' impart ; 80 Her beauties divine they fnall fmg, And the lovelier charms of her heart. Ye (hepherds, come join in the fong, Infpir'd by fond love and dehght, Let Mirth through the vales ghde along, 85 And Pleafure enliven the fight ; The woodlands and flow'ry retreats, Tranfported ihall echo the ftrains ; Delight ihall fpread round all her fweets, When Lucy (hall ihine on our plains. 90 Book II. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. ^l When the fweet-blufliing fmiles of the dawn, The morning's bright beauties unveil ; We exult as they gild the gay lawn, And the day's coming glories we hail. So rejoicing in Love's gentle fway, 95 I'll Hope's plealing vifions carefs. And look forward in joy to the day, Wliich fhall crown all my toils with fuccefs. Thus fung the Swain, when op'ning Love difpIayM Its infant charms, and all its beauties fpread. Ico Sweet did it bloom — its glories fair appear'd, And bright the profpe6ls expeftation rear'd. But doom'd to wander far from Rona's ftream, His abfent Love ftill wak'd the plaintive theme. Happy the man, whom virtuous lore iPifpires, 105 And whofe fond maid each gentler virtue fires : c 2 5^ THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book II, Who mildly liftens to his tender pain, And bids him hope her envied fmile to gain. Her gladdening prefence cheers where'er he goes. Each paflion calms, and fettled peace beflovvs. j i ® Her voice he hears in ev'ry pleafmg found, Her form he fees in ev'ry bloom around. With fond delight Remembrance loves to trace Each fcene departed, and each fprightly grace. Her fmiles enamour'd rife improv'd to view, ii_j And all her charms their radiant bloom renew. Though far remote he hears and fees her ftill. Hangs on her fmile, and waits her facred will. On diftant ftiores, his love Leander fmgs, And with her name, each vale and woodland rings. 120 At morn, at noon, and cv'ning's fetting clofe. His lay refounds, and thus bcguiks his woes. Book 11. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 53 ^Vhat fcenes of delight rife around ? What graces adorn the gay feats ? Ev'iy plain with frefh verdure is Grown'd, 125 And Nature pours forth all her fweets* In beauty aiTay'd are the groves, And the virgins in gracefulnefs (hine, At eafe the fwains warble their loves, And fmile amid pleafures divine. 130 But, alas ! — ^through the meads as I rove, Why burfts from my bofom the figh ? Why ftill do I mufe on the grove, Where Lucy enraptures the eye ? Dear region of bhfs and dehght, ^ 135- Where peace, love, and innocence reign ! Where beauty ftill beams on the fight, And Lucy enhvens each fcene 1 c 3 54 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book II. Ah, Lucy !— thou fweet-fmiling fair, In Love's mildeft graces array'd; 140 How thy prefence difpell'd ev'ry care, How thine abfence bedims ev'i-y fhade ! With delight ev'ry bofom was firM, The gales whifper'd gladnefs and eafe ; Ev'ry fccne gentle tranfports infpir'd, 1 45 ^Twas her fmile that made ev'ry thing pleafe. But, alas ! — here I penfively ftray, For where can fuch pleafures be found ? In vain Fancy fheds her bright ray, It gilds not the gloom that's around.. 150 Though the bow'rs finer views may difclofe, And the meads breathe a richer perfume, Yet give they ferener repofe, — Or fnines there a lovelier bloom i Book 11. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. :>^ Though Love here the heart gently warms, 155 And the damfels in loveh'nefs rove ; Yet to me what avail all their charms ? Can thefe be compar'd with my Love ? In Beauty's bright graces fhe fhines, Her form how enchanting to fee ! 160 How Love all its fweetnefs combines, — She's the firft of the faireft to me ! • The mufic that breathes through the plain With delight ftrikes my liil'ning ear ; Yet fhould fne but raife the foft ftrain, 165 'Tis the fweeteft of tranfport to hear. Though the grottos around be as fair, iVnd as lovely the rural retreats ; Yet in vain they my forrows impair, If Lucy (liine not on the feats. _ 170 C4 5 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book II. While peiifive thefe thoughts I purfue, 0*er my bofom foft Hope flieds a beam ; Thcfe joys Heav'n again may renew, And Lucy again be my theme. Ah; Hope ! — thou fond foother of care, 175 Thou fweet'ner of Misery's fad breaft !~ How thy fmile cheers the gloom of defpair, And kills all my forrows to reft ! Come, ye Swains ! pour your numbers along, All your graces, ye Virgins, combine ; 180 I will join in your mirth-loving fong, And warble my charmer divine. Hafte, ye moments, glide fwiitly away, And reftore me my Lucy again ; Her charms fliall awake my fweet lay, 1 85 And her fmile all my forrows reftrain. Book II. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 57 As feme lone turtle in a gloomy grove, With ceafelefs murmurs moums his abfent love ; So his fond cares the fwain inceffant pours. And with his warblings cheers the lingering hours. 190 On rapid wings the rolling Seafons fly, And Spring again enchants the gladdenM eye. With joy he haftes to Wolga's blifsful grove, And glad explores each well known haunt of love. To Lucy's Bow'r, that fweet retreat, he flies, 195 Where beauty blooms^ and love and pleafure rife. Here as he roams the walks to memory dear, Mufic's foft founds affail his lifl:'ning ear. Sacred to Love, the charming feat he gains, And, as he mufes, fings thefe artlefs fl;rains. 200 'Tis the voice of my Love which I hear, ^Tis her fmile that enhvens the plain ; See the lambkins tranfported give ear, And their mufic the warblers reftrain. c 5' 58 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book II, To yon flow'r-fprinkkd grove (he retires^ 205 For a while from her toils to repofe ; To mark the delights Spring infpires, And their rofebuds the rofes difclofe. *Tvvas here, in this blooming retreat. That her beauties firft burft on my view : 210 Here my vows fhe firft heard me repeat. And bade me to Love ftlll be true. " Take this Rofe in remembrance of me, *' She faid, while I breath'd my foft pain, " As it charms, though pluckM off from the tree, 215 ** Let your love ftill its ardour retam. " See yon murmuring fweet-cooing doves, " What tendernefs glows in their breaft ? — " See yon linnets enlivening their loves, " As they tend their fond charge in the neft. 220 Book II. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 59 ** Were our love as fincere and as true, " Life's forrows would ceafe to diftrefs ; *' Ev'n age its pail joys would renew, ^^ And death would but w^t us to blifs,'* With deceit the falfe charmers may teem j 225 But fhe knows not the arts that impofe ; Her foul is as pure as the ftream, That pi6lures the ilcy as it flows. In her bofom fuch tendemefs reigns. The leaft wound Hie trembles to give, 230 She melts at the fuff'rer's pains, And haftes the opprefs'd to rdieve. Thefe flow'rs for my Love are deiign'd. Sweet emblems of beauty's fair bloom ; It fhall fade, — but the charms of her mind 235 Shall graces ftill brighter affume. c 6 60 TfiE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book 11. In joy the hours rife to my fight, When like thefe on her bofom I'll reft, In her love tafte the fweets of delight, And repofe all my cares in her breaft. 240 Her prefence fhall cheer ev^ry toil, And life all its joys fhall: combine,. For with Lucy around me to fmile. All its hoiTors the gloom iTiall refign. Inclosed in the arms of my love, 245 And fecur'd by the Guardian of men, The tempeft around me may rove. But its rage (hall aflail us in vain. How vain are your dreams, ye fond fwains ! Who Life's fleeting pleafures purfue ? 250 Who fcorn what compenfates your pains, And chace wh'^t eludes ftill your view ? Book II. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 6l Here delight undifturb'd cannot ftay, Though bkffings unnumber'd abound, X^Hiile the moments of bhfs fpeed away, 255 Let us tafte the fweets Heaven pours around. But fee — my lov'd charmer appears, How gi'aceful in beauty fhe fhmes ! With her fmile the bright feafon fhe cheers, And Nature's gay profpefts refines. 260 She comes to rcmoTe ev'ry figh. My bofoni exults at her voice ! To her prefence tranfported I fly — May. bhfs ilill around her rejoice ! How blind are mortals to the plans of Fate ? 265 What varying changes mark this tranfient flate ! When crown' d with blifs, we deem no danger nigh. Till ruin comes, and wakes the hopelefs figh. 62 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. BookIL While with full fpeed Leander fought the bowV, Ah ! little thought he of the changeful hour 1 270 That Love's fond hopes that day would overthrow^ End all his joys, and be the firll of woe. In charms refulgetit Lucy moves along. With nymphs furroundcd and a fparkling throng : With cuftom'd joy he hails the much-lov'd fair, 275 And ardent longs her gracious fmiles to fhare. With looks confus'd, fhe fees the fwain advance, And deigns to hail him, but with eyes afkance ; That gladdening fmile which wont his foul to cheer, Its fweetnefs loft, and frownM with look fevere* 280 Amaz'd he ftands, and marks the fplendid train. Her air diforder'd, and her altered mien.. A feftive crowd far diftant bright appears. And fliouts of mirth affail his wond'ring ears. Book II. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 63 When, lo ! a fwain before him glitt'ring ftands, 285 Who grafps her hand, and all her care commands ; He fees her lean enamour'd on his arm, Breathe tender love, and fpread each fmiling charm. The Heav'ns that moment low'r, fhades veil the iky, And black'ning tempelts force the nymphs to fly. 29'?) All Nature mourns, wild howhngs fill the vale, While fad Lkander learns the faithlefs tale. To grace the dance, the fprightly maid had gone^ Where, bright v^^ith fplendour, gay Mirando fhone. Struck with her charms, the courtier lowly bow'd, 295 Implof'd her pity, and his flame avow'd. Unmindful of her vows, fhe heard his pray'r. And gave confent his dazzling pomp to fhare. To courtly haunts they haften to depart, To feal their nuptials, and their loves impart. 300 64 THE SORROWS OF LOYE. Book IL Around the maids in feftive crowds convene, To bid farewell — ^and cheer the parting fcene. At this fad tale, deep anguifli fJis his breaft, Speechlefs he Hands, confounded and opprell. The faithlefs tale fain would he difbelieve, 305 Diftruft his eyes, and his fad thoughts deceive. Arous'd at laft, he quits, with bleeding heart. The difmal fcene, where each look points a dart. Of paft delight the once-lov'd haunt he leaves. Withdraws in filence, and, unpitied, grieves. 310 The gladd'ning fcenes the menials* cares employ, And fwains unfeeling join the gen'ral joy. Soft as he mourns, the woodland warblings rife, And turtles coo refponfive to his fighs. Lone as he roams, the pitying lambkins gaze, 31^ The flowrets droop— the fragrant bloom decays. Book II. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 6j 'Mid Joy's loud fhouts, the dillant lowings found, And fadd'ning Melancholy reigns around* At ev'ning's clofc, he fecks the fiknt fhadgs, And pours his forrows to the echoing glades. 320 Slow as the fun declines, which in the mom Beheld him bleft, now wretched and forlorn, To difappointed Love, he breathes thefe ftrains. And foothes his bofom, as he mourns his pains. Now, ye fwains ! ceafe the fweet-flowing lay, 323 Soft joy fmiles no more in the fhade ; Ye lambkins, now carelcfsly ftray, With LvcY all pleafure is fied ! Ah ! vain are my hopes of delight. And the profpefts of blifs fo divine ; 330 Fond hopes which enchanted my fight ! Could fweets fo ti-anfporting be mine ? 66 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book il. *Twas madnefs thefc vifions to prize. Could I hope for her love-breathing fmile ? O, ye fwains, Love's delufions defpife, 335 They ravifh at laft to beguile. But fo fair, fo accompHfh'd a maid^ Unmov'd I could never behold, Her charms fuch high pleafurcs difplay'd, I preferred them to treafures of gold. 340 In fweetnefs fo mild did flie ihine, Who could dream e'er of falfehood or aft ? Yet a paflion fo tender as mine, Ne'er breath'd from a tenderer heart. On the language of fmooth polifh'd guile, 345 My pafiion could never rely ; It glanc'd in the foul-melting fmile. It fpoke in the heart-heaving figh. Book IL THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 67 Oft I mufe on the dawn of my love, When her charms firft enraptur'd my viev/, 350 Oft I paint the fweet fcene in the grove, And ev'ry paft pleafure renew. Tranfported I cherifh'd the flame. The moments ran fmiling along ; The vales fweetly echo'd her name, ^§^ And her fmile ftill enliven'd the fong. 'Twas but lately I ftray'd o'er the lawn, And Nature in beauty was crown'd | The linnets faluted the dawn. And peace, love, and joy fhone around. 360 Now all is in fadnefs array' d. And horror environs the plain : Sweet pleafures ! — oh, where are you fled ? Ye days of delight, roll again 1 8 THE SOilJR.OWS OF LOTE. Eook 11. But ceafe thefe lov'd fcenes to review, 365 Mufe no longer on Love's foft alarms ; 'Tis in vain — the fond maid I purfuc, And LucVj though faithfcfs, ftill charnis/ Ah, Love ! — ^now delufive and vain, What delights did thy raptures infpire, 37© Though remembrance awakes the fad pain, The fad pain ftill I love to admire. The thoughts of paft joys fo divine, Shall foothe while they raife my fad moan ; The wilds fhall their horrors refign, 375 - As I mufe on the days that are gone. The flow'rs which I rear'd for my love, The violet, carnation, and rofe. The bow'rs and the fweet-breathing grove, As they bloom, fhall diminifh my woes, ySo Book II. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 69 Ye wilds ! — to your glooms I will fly, And my heart- moving forrows refound, Where no fair faithlefs maid fhaU come nigh, Nor Love fpread its tumults around. For the groves blifs no more can impart, 385 Nor is Hope now in fweetnefs arrayM ; Joy cheers now no more my fad heart, All pleafure with Lucy is fl^d ! No more the rural cares awake delight. Fled is each joy tliat charm 'd Leander's fight ; 30c Alone, in cheerlefs folitude, he roves, Deferts the hamlets, and frequents the groves. The nymphs and fwains who heave the pitying figh, He now beholds with a fufpicious eye. No more he feeks the bow'rs, or haunts the plain, 395 Trims the neat garden, or regards the ftrain. yO THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book 11* He fcorns the rural joys and fylvan fports, Forfakes the fhepherds and their gay reforts. The fragrant fhrubs no pruning care receive, No grateful dews the fading plants relieve. 400 The flocks, untended, range at large the plain, And lambkins feek the tuneful lays in vain. Encumb'ring fhades the mofly bow'rs inclofc, And fpreading brambles choke the beauteous rofe. The graceful arbours lofe their balmy fweets, 405 And flaunting briers climb the woodbine feats. O'erfpreading weeds the pebbled walks deform> The tender (hoots fall blafted by the fliorm : The lovely blooms, o'erwhelm'd, all wither'd lie. The flow'rs, unheeded, bend their heads, and die. 410 Ev'n all the arts of poKfli'd life ftand fl:ill, Improving elegance, and works of fl^ill, All lie deferted, all unfinifli'd {land, The fad remains of Love's all-conqu'ring hand. Book II. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 7I Far fr6ra the haunts of men he wand'ring llrays, 415 Through mazy wilds, and defert's lonefome ways. To baniih care, each foothing plan he tries, But Peace, though courted, ftill before him flies. His woes he warbles to the dcfert air, While rocks rcfound thefe wailings of defpair. 420 \far from the haunts of deceit, I wander in fearch of repofe, But where is the peaceful retreat, That can foothe into filence my woes ? Diftrefs human art can remove, .425 And Time ev'r)^ grief can difami, But, alas ! — the fad fon*ows of Love No mortal invention can charm ! ^ Ah ! — fatal delufion of Love ! While keen its fond paths we purfue, 430 ^2 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book II. We ne'er dream that bewilderM we rove, And bid all enjoyment adieu. Oh, deem not your blifs too fecure. Ye, vi^ho Love's winding mazes do tread, We fcarce reach the charms which allure, 435 Ere the dream that enchants us is fled ! Through the des'late wilds as I ftray, Can I ceafe my hard fate to bemoan ? While each bird that warbles its lay Reminds me of days that are gone. 440 The flow'rs that unheeded do rife, The vales that the echos renew, The mountains that fwell to the fl 2 ^6 THE SORROWS OF LOVH. Bock II. Where v/id'ning flreams, through vales roll far below, 495 Or raging feas in thundering billows flow. The awful grandeur of the fcenes fubhme. Exalts the foul, and finks the ills of time. Here, raised on high, he un'concern'd furveys The empty vanities the world difplays, 500 The cares of Wealth — Ambition's ceafelefs toils, Pleafure's vain dreams — and Love's infidious wiles. His woe-worn breaft its long-loll peace regains,- And Joy a while alleviates all his pains ; But when defcending, he refumes his toils, 505 Anguifh returns, and Sorrow back recoils. Still to his view, Love's faded fcenes arife. Still they enchant, and ftill awake his fighs. At times, amidft the mufings of defpair. Enlivening vifions cheer the gloom of care. 510 Book II. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 7^ To his fond heart the dreams of blifs return, And Love's bright ilames in blazing fury burn. In all her charms, he lees his Lucy fmiie, Regard his pafiion, and his woes beguile. His foul fhe calms, — (he breathes the tendereft love, 5 15 Joy fwells his breaft, and Peace gleams from above. On filkeit wings the pleafing moments fly, And fcenes of rapture charm his joykfa t ye. While Night around her fable curtain throws, And funk in flumber mortals tafle repofe, 52a Dreams of delight Ileal on his fleeplefs foul, And back again the hours of tranfport roll. While future woes their difmal (hades unveil, And darkening ills with whelming cares affail. Through pathlefs wilds he feems with her to ftray, 525 Deep whirlpools crofs, and fhun the light of day. »3 78 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book Ir, Her luring form, which ftill he fttives to clafp, Still leads him on, and -ftill eludes his grafp. Rude cliffs he climbs, and precipices fteep, Till, headlong plungM^ he wakes his woes to weep. 53c Swift as thefe vifions fly, fad Sorrow reigns, And rankhng Care its penfive gloom regains. Departed fcenes ftill bright before him rife. And filent Anguifli heaves its reftlefs fighs. Sad as he roam'd Golconda's dreary vale, ^^^ His wajidMngs reach'd a Hermit's lonely cell. Far in the wilds, with cliffs o'erhung, it ftood, By hills immur'd, amidft a fhelt'ring wood. Here, far from man, and to the world unknown, Alois zo liv'd, untended, and alone. 540 In Life's gay morn, the toils of ftate he bore. In fplendour fhone, and Fame's bright laurels wore 5 Book II. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 79 Yet here in folitude, and muiing praife, He pafs'd the evening of his better days. Life ccasM to tempt, its dazzling dreams were o'er, 545 The World allured, and Pleafure charm'd no more. With gaze fedate, the Sage the wand'rer views, Salutes him kindly, and difcourfe enfues. With fimple fare, he feafts* his welcomed gueft, Difpells his cares, and cheers his grief-worn breaft. 550 Pleas'd with each other, each his tale recites. Dwells on the paft— and mourns long-loft delights. In varied converfe rolPd the hours away, When rifmg ftars announc'd departed day. On beds of heath they feek ferene repofe, r j- ^ And lofe in fleep their pleafures and their woes. So THE SORROWS OF LOVE, Book II. Soon as Aurora wak'd the rofy dawn, And tuneful warblings fillM the defert lawn. The hymn of praife the pious Sage refounds. And with the Sun refumes his daily rounds. 560 A while he refts, to point L bander's way, To charm the paft, and light Life's future day* Before they part, a deep-felt figh he heaves. And, with his blefSng, thefe inftrudlions lcave«« Farewell, my fon ! Life's deftin'd courfe renew, 5 6j But cautious tread, and Wifdom's path purfue, Falfe is the world, its joys and cares are vain, Diftruft its fmiles, its threat'ning frowns difdain. Beyond it look to a ferener fky, To fcenes more lafting bend your longing eye. 579 Short is the vale of life, endure a while. And endlefs joys fuall crown bright Virtue's toil. Book II. THE SORROV/S OF LOVE. 8l Seduc'd by Vice, I wanderM long aftray. And, deaf to Wifdom, bow'd to Folly's fway. Defire to fatiate, each mean art I prizM, 575 And, loH to Virtue, inward peace defpis'd. With eager glance I chas'd each fleeting fhade. And keen purfued where furious paffion led. With mad career I fcaPd Ambition's ileep, Trac'd Glory's fields, and brav'd the fwelling deep, 580 For know, my fon, beneath this ruflet Hole, A warrior flands/ who dar'd proud ftates controul ; Who courts once trode, and long in grandeur flione. Though now forgot, deferted, and unknown. From ancient kings my noble lineage fprung, C85 With whofe fam'd deeds exulting Europe rung. In early life I fought the fields of fame, And, rich with honours, gain'd a mighty name. »5 82 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book II. My glowing breail, my King, my Country fir'd, I rul'd his councils, and his arms infpir'd. 590 O'er rebel lands, I rolPd the thund^ng war, And, crown'd with laurels, foar'd on Glory's car. With pow'r, with wealth, with thoufands at command, What weak reftraint my pleafure could withftand ? T^ increafe my treafures, and each wifh complete, 595 I fcorn'd no art, nor guile, nor falfe deceit. Each fcene of -joy I roam'd without controul, Revell'd in blifs, and drain'd the poifon'd bowl : At large the wilds of guilty Love I rangM, Broke through each tie, and human blifs derang'd, 600 To feeling dead, I Virtue dar'd defile, Ravage fweet Innocence, and Beauty foik Ah !— deeds of horror— *once my chief delight^ How bleeds Remembrance at your guilty fight ? Book 11. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 85 Ev'n now, with dread, thefe fcenes recur to view, 605 Torture my foul, and anguifh'd woe renew. Still to this hour they roufe the groaning figh, And, in this defert, cloud my peaceful iky. What tears have falPn to wafh their guilt away, Propitiate Heaven, and threaten'd wrath delay. 610 But fighs noa* tears can guilty de^ds efface, Nor mould'ring Time their deep-fixM mem'ry raze. From Heav'n, each morn, forgivenefs I requeft, And Peace defcends to calm my wounded breafc. Thus warn'd, my fon — feek not in Vice to find 615 That heartfelt joy which glads the virtuous mind. In Life's rough path, avoid Guilt's tempting fnare, Ponder each ftep, and watch with jealous care ^ O guard your heart, each vicious thought fubdue, Live luidefil'd, and Heav'n ftill keep in view. 620 D 6 84 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book II. Go then in peace — for that bright World prepare. And rife from earthy eternal joys to fhare. Thus fpake the Sage, in filence then withdrew. And left the fwain his wanderings to purfue. With thoughtful ftcps he pafs'd the dreary clime, 62^ And oft revolv'd the varying fcenes of Tim.e ; The paft returns — and as its changes rife, He pours thefe breathings to the darkening fldes. Ah ! — little know we of our future fate ! How dark the profpefts of our prefent ftate ? 650 From what in life our chief dchght we deem, Our greateft Woes, and faddeft miseries ftream. Love once fo fair, nc(w blafts my pleafing joys, And all the hopes I fondly reared deftroys» Book II. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Jtf In ev'ry dream of Blifs it form'd a part ; 6^^ Now it is fled, and forrow wrings my heart. Yet, what tliis mis'ry to the tortur'd breaft. Which guilt confounds, and robs of midnight reft ? Say, ye who tread the flowery paths of fin. And Pleafure chafe through guilt and madd'ning din, 640 What IS your joy? — your ftarts cf feeming blifs? Ev'n when each wifn is crowned with full fuccefs ?— When feftive Lux'iy fpread the fumptuous feaft. With precious fweets and perfumes of the Eaft ; When fparkling wine the golden goblets crown'd, 645 And warbling Mufic breath'd her melting found ; When, deck'd with rofes, loofe-rob'd Pleafure fmil'd. And tempting^ Love to crim'nal blifs beguil'd. Was not enjoyment in a moment o'er, Fled was the banquet, and deUght no more ? 650 86 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book IL I Ev^n at the laft, did not your guilty joy Sting as a ferpent — as a fnake deftroy ? Say, ye who range the wilds of guilty love, And Joy purfue, where wand'ring paffions rove ; Who ileal like thieves through night-veiPd fliades for prey, Diffolve each tie — with artful wiles betray, 6^(i And, luring Virtue to your guileful fnare, In ruin plunge the trembling fhrinking fair*. What are your ftoPn dehghts— your boafted joys — But fhades of blifs which ev'ry breath deftroys ? 66(c> Ah ! — poor rewards for fuch inceffant toil, Virtue to blaft — and Innocence defpoil ! What can compenfate fame and virtue gone ? Or foothe the woes of Innocence undone ? Can fcenes of guilt the tortur'd bofom heal, 665 Silence remorfe — or vengeful fears conceal i Book IL THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 87 Can aught avail to lull fad cares to reft, Or charm that peace v>rhich files the guilty breaft ? No ! — Guilt ftill ftings — ftill vv^akes the anguifti'd figh — And from its pangs we vain attempt to fly. 670 Happy the man who keeps the narrow road, That leads to blifs, and Glory's bright abode : Who ne'er declines to Vice's winding way, Nor wanders far from Virtue's gentle fway. Evils may rife around, and mis'ries reign, 675 For Virtue here muft varied woes fuftain ; Our hopes may die — our" fv/eeteft pleafures fade. And dark'ning gloom o'er ev'ry profpeft fpread 5 But confcious Virtue bids each tumult ceafe, Infpires Contentment, and eternal Peace, 680 Soothes ev'ry forrow — ^lightens ev'ry toil, And bids bright Hope for ever round us fmile, END OF BOOK U* THE SORROWS OF LOVE. BOOK III. BOOK III. T-HE ARGUMENT, The Poem proceeds to defcribe the fatal effe^s of Love on Lc- ander.— Comparifon of his prefent flate with that of his ear- lier days.— Renouncing Love as the fource of his woes^ he ^ fmgs a farewell to its cares.— Amidft his folitary wanderings he meets upon the fea-fhore with Phoebe, who gives an ac- count of her love with Edwin, and his unhappy fhipwreck. — .Mufing on the unfortunate of other times, and difcjaim- ing the confolati^ns of Fancy, he fmgs a tender farewell to Lucy.— Relinquifning the vanities of Life, he contemplates futurity. — In the Groves of Morna, he meets with Matilda, the Maid of Selma. — Her flory, and fongs of hopelefs Love. — Leander returns to his native plains ; and, determined to withftand the Sorrows of Love, bids farewell to the World^ in his addrefs to the Ruins of Time,— Conclufion, THE SORROWS OF LOVE. BOOK III. As Philomela, in fome filent grove, With piteous waiUngs mourns her ravifti'd love, « The livelong night fhe fmgs her plaintive ftrain, Artft diftant vales refound her forrowing pain : So, mid the wilds, Leander cheerlefs ftrays, 5 And to the woodlands pours hi« mournful lays. Ah ! what avail the honours once he bore, The fame he gain'd, and graceful charms he wore ; Though once he fhone the foremoft in the throng", The firft in fcience, as the firft in fong ; 10 2 92 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book IIL Fallen are his laurels, and his glories gone, Forgot his graces, and his hopes undone ! Hard fete of man, from fufF'rings ne'er relieved, Still charm'd with blifs, and ftill with bhfs deceived ! Ah ! tyrant Love, why fooneil fire the hearty 15 Where glows each virtue, and each manly art ? Why fpread thy fmiling beauties to the view, Infpire fond hope — and then its bloflbms ftrew ? Why bid delufive charms Life's fcenes adorn. And leave thy votaries defolate to mourn ; 20 In defert wilds their miseries to deplore, Their profpedls blafled, and their joys no more ? To fad Le ANDER ev'ry fcenc is cbang'd, Each fond purfuit, and cv'ry haunt he ranged ; Ev'n dewy Eve, and Morning's bright'ning rays, 25 No trace retain of joys of former days. Book III. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 93 Thrice happy days ! — when with thelark he rofe, Heedlefs of cares, aiid unconcernM for woes. His cheerful lyre enchanted ev'ry grove, And filled the valleys with the fongs of Love. 30 When birds their warblings ceas'd at clofe of day, His pipe renew'd the fweet melodious lay. Pleas'd Philomela liften'd as he fung, And all the groves with ftrains of rapture rung. Charm'd with the fong, the fun-beams grieved to fly, 35 And Hefper lingered to afcend the iky. The glowing liars their twinkling rays delay'd. And Night, unwilling, drew her darkening fhade. 5f et that fond theme, which form'd his fweeteil ftrain, Delightful Love— now wakes unceafing pain. 40 From this fad fource, his deep-felt forrows flow, His faded pleafures, and his hopelefs woe. 94 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book III. The onceJov'd theme no more attradls his lay, For, pierc'd by Love, he pines In grief away : Its joys no more he wifhes to regain, 45 Its power he fcorns, and hates its tyrant reign. The vows he once preferr'd he now reclaims, And all its cares in this farewell difclaims. When early Spring her balmy fweets unfolds, And op'ning flow'rs their fragrant bloffoms rear, 50 Th' exulting heart beats high, and pleas 'd beholds The coming beauties of the blooming year. Soft glow'd my bofom in Life's early day, When Love around me breathM his tender fighs, I felt his pow'r, I fought to own his fway, ^^ And bright'ning Hope bade all her glories rife. Book III. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 9^ Charm'd with delufive blifs, I thoughtiefs ftrayM, And idly traversed Fancy's winding ftreams i I ftill purfued the fleeting, tranfient fhade, Till Lucy came, and banifh'd Fancy's dreams. 60 Glad I fubmitted to her gentle reign, In charms ftill loveUer feem'd each mom to rife ; With fiatt'ring hope fhe artful footh'd my pain, Faithlefs fhe left me, and the vifion flies ! — Ah, Love ! — it was not thus thou once didft charm 65 My credulous heart with fcenes of future woe ; Far nobler hopes did my fond bofom warm — Far nobler joys thou faid'ft thou would'ft beftow. Through Love's gay wilds I fought not free to range ; To roll in joys that flow not from the heart j 70 §6 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book III, Grandeur I fcorn'd, and Glory's varying change ; I fought the fweets Love only could impart. Ah, cruel Love ! — what pangs thy flatt'ries wait 1 With luring wiles thou fpread'ft thy fatal fnare, To bhfs thou point'fl: — while mortals find too late, 75 Thy fmiles are death — thy joys lead to defpair. Forgot for ever be thy tyrant reign ! In deep oblivion fleep thy fancied joys ! Thofe reftlefs cares, O Mem'ry, ne'er retain, Efface^ each fcene that now my bhfs deftroys. 80 Oh ! — bring me back the fmiling halcyon days. Which fpent in innocence did ever pleafe ! When free from care, and pafs^d in harmlefs plays, The Morning rofe, and Evening fet in peace. Book III. THE SORROWS OF LOYE. 97 But, ah ! — the winged hours no trace retam, 85 Time cannot flop — nor rolling years return 1 Pleafures once paft can never bloom again, Nor miseries gone, rife from their peaceful urn 1 Hard is your fate, ye gen'rous feeling few, Who fadly groan beneath this treach'rous foe ; 90 Your fetters burft, to falfe Love bid adieu, And from your heads his rofy garlands throw. The form that charms does not for ever pleafe, To hours of love unkind difguft fucceeds ; Affeftion changes, foon do raptures ceafe ; ^ j For lading blifs from mortals ftill recedes* 1 Love may amufe you with each fond alarm,, x\qd Hope enchant with many a golden dream ; ijB THE SORROV/S OF LOVE. Book 111. But foon fhall difappointment break the charm — Defpair fnali plunge you in its whelming llream. icc Short is the paffage through this wretched vale, Patient endure — dehght at lail fhall bloom ; O feek not in dark lowering (hades to veil The few fad days affignM us as our doom ! Swift as a dream Life's fleeting pleafures fly ; 105 No trace behind Time's winged footfteps leave ; Riches forfakc — ^honours forgotten lie^ Friendfhip betrays — and Love's fond fmiles deceive. Ah, faithlefs Love ; — thy empire I difown ! How hail thou marr'd enjoyment's fcanty ftore ? no Blafted by thee, my pleafing joys are flown, Hope, drooping, fades, and blifs delights no more# Book III. THE SORROWS OF LOVfe, 99 To me no more Mirth's cheering ilrains refound, Nor circling Seafons fpread their beauteous bloom ; Life charms no more — Night darkens all around, 115 And grim Defpair oft points to yonder tomb. ' But bright beyond it fhines a lovelier fcene, There Blifs in ceafelefs bloom for ever blows ; There, Love's fond joys, v^^hich ne'er rife here ferene^ Unfading fmile, and boundlefs fweets difclofe. 1 20 In thefe bright regions Guile is never found, Nor V /• "--'^ '""-^Ifehood fpread their tempting toil : Peace ever reigr.s, aie ftrams of Joy refound. And Truth and Innocence for ever fmile. To Love divine their hallowed hearts they raife, 1 2^ An;d all its fweets infpirc their grateful ilrain ; F 2 ICO THE SORROWS OF LOVE, Book III. In heav'niy Love they pafs their endlefs days, And round them ftill eternal pleafures reign. Thus fang the fwain far in a lonefome glade, Where drooping willows formed a mournful (hade. 130 Sad as he ftrays, he marks Time's filent flow, Revolves its changes, and its varied woe. Still courting peace, he roams from plain to plain. When full before him rofe the fpacious main. The rifing fummit of a hill he gains, 135 And from its tow^r furveys the winding plains. Here as he views the fea-fliores ftretch'd below, A maid appears in weeds of fable woe. Onward fhe came, with fadd'ning grief opprefsM, Tears filPd her eye, and fighs o'erpower'd her breaft. 140 Oft was her view fixM on the rolling deep, Silent flie gaz'd, and oft fhe turned to weep. Book III. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. lOl By Pity movM, Lean»e«. halls the fair, And ftrives to foothe the throbbing pangs of care. Thefe fighs> fweet maid, befpeak deep-rooted woe, 145 And thefe lov'd fcenes make ail your forfows flow. From yon wild waves, you wait a friend's return. Dear to your foul, whofe abfence fad you mourn ; Or, haply here, thefe tender walks recall A parent gone — or brother's early fall. 150 But, ah ! — ^lov'd maid, weep not Life's fleeting joySj Ills here abound — and ruin ftill deftroys. Time's rolling years may yet your blifs renew, Light Sorrow's gloom — and bid Hope bloom anew. Ah ! — courteous fwain, replied the furrowing fair, 155 Loft joys I mourn, which Time can ne'er repair. From me, yon waves all that I valued tore, My Love is gone — and Hope can charm no more I lOZ THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book III. You weep, and haply know what lovers feel, Hear then the woes my fighs in vain conceal. 1 60 Yon blooming groves my infant days beheld, Where Fortune fmiPd, and all her charms unveil'd j My father's only child, my mother's care. Each joy was mine which mortals wifh to (hare. Beyond that vale, a ftately villa lies, 165 Where Edwin fhone, for whom thefe forrows rife. Dear was the youth — of ev'ry grace pofTefs'd, Which ftrikes the eye, or fires the blamelefs breafl. In early years, together oft we came. Our toils, our lludies, and our fports, the fame. 47c As up we grew, a tender palTion mov'd Our artlefs hearts, and ere we knew, we lov'd. Beneath yon oak, v/hich tops the waving grove, Our vows we pledg'd, and promis'd conftant love. Book III. THE SORROVv'S OF LOVE. 10$ On ev'ry tree he carv'd my much-lov'd name, 175 And ev'ry vale rung with my riling fame. Our loves we breathed oft by this murmuring rill. And fung our cares along that winding hill. Oft from yon {Icy-topt tow'r we view'd the fliores, Ey'd the rich fails — nor envied India's ftores* 180 When fudden ftorms the wandering fhlps befet, We mourn'd their lot, and blefs'd our happier fate. Ah i — httle thought we that thefe tender fears Were but the prelude to an age of tears ! Swift flew the days of youth-, and manhood came, 1 85 Which rousM his bofom to afpirc at fame. With Science' (lores he graced his opening mind, Improved his genius, and his heart refin'd. ThoU;;-!. dear •^^- ^ '^■-:, the vales now pleas'd no more, He long'd for g^orv on a diftant ihore. 1 90 E 4. IC4 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book IIL I faw his ardour, and his choice approved : My fmile arous'd him, and each doubt removed. With eager glow he fought the tnartial field, The foe to humble, and his country fhield. My hand he grafpM, and as he faid adieu, 195 Renev/'d his vows, and bade me ftill be true. With laurels crown'd, expeft his fond return. And ceafe his flay with fruitlefs tears to mourn. I faw hini go — his bofom heav'd a figh. And oft on me he turn'd his tearful eye. 2 CO He joins the fleet, the joyous crew fet fail, The llreamers fly, and zephyrs fwell the gale. Each warrior longs to fignalize his name. And ardent pants to tread the fields of fame. But, ah ! — how foon do Hope's fond dreams decay ! 205 Scarce had they reach'd the Ocean's boundlefs fway, When, lo ! — dark-gath'ring clouds involve the fl With notes melodious ev'ry arbour rings. Again, fhe wakes the fadly-pleafmg lay ;— The melting flrains in echoing grots decay* Book III. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. 119 Love forms her fong — of faitlilefs Love (he fingn, 435 And oft to view her joys departed brings. Sad as fhe fmgs, her bofom ceafelefs fighs, And burlling groans at ev'ry paufe arife. Come, Fancy, com.e, — recall, by Mem'ry's aid, Scenes that are pafc — and joys for ever fied. 440 Roll back the hours with Blifs enchanting crownM, When Pleafure bloom'd, and Peace urew'd rofes round. Oh ! bid the dreams of flattering Hope arife, R.aife her high tov/'rs, and paint her golden iliies. Sweet— fond deceiver ! was thy foothing ftrain, 445 Still warbling joy — ilill charming future pain. But, ah ! — no more thy vificns cheer mj fight, Love clouds the fcene — and blafts each fond delight. Ah, Love ! — hov/ pleafing thy deceitful fmilc ! We dream of bhfs — nor think thou canft beguile. 450 120 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. BookllL Thy wiles deceiv'd, thy falfehood pierc'd my heart, And joy nor hope can one fond charm impart. Reviv'd by Springs all Nature blooms anew, But Love's loft joys no vernal gales renew. I figh alone — difrob'd of blifs, I mourn ; 455 Life's charms are fled, its joys can ne'er return. Condemn 'd to tears, I pine in wafting care, Each hour that rolls but darkens fad defpair. Here, as fhe ceas'd, fhe rais'd her ftreaming eyes, And fees Leander melted at her fighs. 465 Sudden fhe ftarts — in hafte fhe flies his fi^ht, And leaves him fpeechlefs as he views her flight. 'Twas Selma's maid — the pride of Morna's grove, Whofe fmile to win a thoufand lovers ftrove. In youth her charms a gentle fwain had fir'd, 465 Who gain'd her heart — and Love's foft cares infpir'd. z Book III. THE SORROWS OF LOTE» I2| Graceful they rofe, in ev'ry charm they grew, Joy fmiPd around, and Time in rapture flew. But, ah ! — delufive dream-— another came,— The maid was left to weep her hopelefs flame. 470 Corroding grief confum'd her lovely bloom, Her cheerful foul aflum'd a mournful gloom. Increafing woe its painful forrows fpread, And wild diforder feiz'd the haplefs maid. To foothe her cares ftie feeks the filent fliades, 475 Flies far from man, and haunts the lonely glades. Mov'd at Matilda's woes, he leaves the grove, And fad deplores the fatal wiles of Love, Wide o'er the wafte, he treads the pathlefs dale, Or feeks the windings of the lonely vale : 48^ With joy beholds the tumbhng cat'rafts gkam, \nd marks the mazes of the murm'ring ftream. 122 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book IIL Throxigh tracklefs wilds he feeks his devious way, Where love-lorn fhepherds never wand'ring dray. Alone he climbs the mountains tow'ring brow, 4S5 And views the haunts where falfehood roams below. Soft as the wild notes from afar refound, And brightening Nature fpreads her charms around, Calm Contemplation lulls his cares to reft, And gentle Peace infpires his languid breafl. , 490 Aloft he raifes his exalted eye, And views the climics that fhine beyond the /Ivv. With joy he hails that ever-blooming fcenc, Where all is peace, and pleafure fmiles ferene ; Where, freed by death, the children of defpair, 495 Forget in blifs their forrows and their care. The maid of Selma, and her piteous woes, Oft ftrike Leander as he wand'ring goes.. Book III. THE SORROWS OF LOTE. I23 To view tills vi6ilm of deceitful Lore, He feeks again the bow'rs of Morna^s grove. 500 Scarce had he reached the arbour's peaceful ftiade, When full to view appeared the beauteous maid. Penfive flie leans upon a turf-built urn, Which fragrant flow'rs of fweeteil bloom adorn. Bright wreaths of rofes deck her graceful brow, ^c^ And purple violets fcatter^d He below. Around the feats the myrtles rear their fhade, The birch and willows wave their drooping head. A range of limes foft murm'ring fpreads around, And deep beneath the gurgling flreamlets found. 510 Unfeen-, Leander had beheld the fair, Afraid to wake the anguifh of defpair. When funk with woe, (he tunes the plaintive lyre, And founds melodious heav'nly joys infpire. F 2 1^4 ^^^ SORROWS OF LOVE. Book IIL The foothing notes each forrow lull to reft, 515 And banifh mis'ry from the woe-worn breaft. Again flie wakes the fweet enchanting ftrain, And with thefe lays confoles her wretched pain. Ah I — ^lovely Hope, how foon thy beauties fade ! Fall'n are thy bloffoms, and thy fweets decay 'd ! — 520 Where tender Love in mildeft glory fmil'd, Sad ruins reign — and defolations wild. The morn of life, v/hich rofe ferenely bright, Now florms o'ercloud, and veil with fhades of night. Ye hours of Blifs ! — ah ! — whither are ye fled ? ^2^ Dear fcenes, return — your fweet illufions fpread. But, ah ! — departed years who can reftore ? Joys that are gone to mortals rife no more ! Ah ! — faithlefs Love, by me too fondly prefs'd, Fled are thy vifions, and thy dreams fo blefl ! 530 Book III. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. . I25 Erewhile ar6und me (hone each fair delight, Love gayly fmiPd— and pleafure charm'd my fight. Ah !— happy days ! — your altered change I mourn, Falfe is my Love — and Blifs can ne'er return. Love fmilea no more — yet ftill I own his fway, ^^^ His darts ftill pierce me — and my pow'rs decay. Dark fnades around me rife where'er I turn ; Peace fiies far off, and reits on yonder urn. Ah 1 — filent Grave ! — thou peaceful bed of reft. Where fleep in peace th' oppreftbr and th' oppreft ! — 54.0 There friends and foes — the falfe and faithful lie, And in oblivion lofe each painful figh. Love wounds no more — nor mis'ries ever vex. Care never pains, nor ftrugglings e'er perplex. Oh — lonefome Grave ! — when fliall my wand'rings end, And all my fufF'rings to thy fhades defcend ? 546 ^ 3 5 26 THE SORROWS OF LOV£. Book IIL Forgot my forrows and my joys fhall lie, And gloomy darknefs leai my fiumJo'ring eye 1 ' Yet Night eternal fliall not always reign ; The Day fhall dawn that gilds Death's dark domain, ^^o Bright from the tomb the mouldering duft fliall rife, To endlefs joys in climes beyond the fkies. Roll on, ye hours, that ever-glorious morn. Which wakes the flumb'rings of the peaceful urn. Your bright'ning fmiles, celeftial dawn, difplay, ^^^ Retire each fhade, and rife eternal day ! Then faithlefs Love fhall blifs no more beguile. But one bright fcene of ceafelefs joys fhall fmile ! Sweet as Ihe fung thefe joy-infpiring ftrains, Celeftial Mufic fill'd the vocal plains. 560 Charm'd with the lay the fwain tranfported ftands, Peace foft defcends, and Blifs around expands. Book III. THE SORROWS OF LOYE, I27 Rous'd by his fighs, the lovely mourner views The pitying fcranger, and her grief renews. Soft as he weeps, her bofom heaves vnth pain, 565 But all he does to foothe her is in valn» She mark^ his car^ — ^btit tears unceafmg flow, And burfting fighs befpeak her poignant woe. She views the fwain— the portrait — and the urn, And on her foul the gathering glooms return. 5 70 With eyes uprais'd, (he views the happy fhore, Where forrow reigns, and mortals weep no more. Away (he haftes Adieu ! — fhe only faid, And hid her woes in Selma's op'ning (hade. Angels of grace ! — your wings around her fpread, 573; Calm her torn foul-— and peace celcftial ftied : Guard her through Hfe — then waft her to thofe plains, Where Joy ftill blooms — and Love eternal reigns 1 F 4 _ 128 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book III. Deep on Leander's foul, the woes remain Of Selma^s maid, and oft h^ mourns her pain. 580 But fond to view the fcenes of happier days, He leaves the groves where fad Matilda ftrays. The vales he feeks where firll the lyre he ftrung, And thofe bright flreams where Love's fond cares he fung. But, ah ! — how chang'd — what defolations reign ? 585 FalPn are the cots, and gloom o'crfpreads the plain. The fmiUng meads no grateful charms adorn. No brightening beauties grace the blurtiing morn. Watte lie the fields — ^the flocks wide range alone, Fled are the fhepherds, and the virgins gone. 590 Deep in the vale he feeks his humble bow'r, And patient waits Life's laft concluding hour. On Life's paft fcenes he mufes as a dream. Forgets his cares, and wakes the heav'nly theme. Book III. THE SORROWS OF LOYE. 129 With Man no more at variance, nor with Love, 595 He foars on high to fcenes of blifs above. His lateft lays Time's ruin'd joys deplore, The vales refound them, and he fings no more. In radiant charms the fmiles of Morn arife, And bright a while Day's op'ning glories fiiinc 5 6co But low'ring fiiades foon dim the cloudlefs Ikies, Night fpreads her gloom, and veils each ray divine. So Life's gay mom in beauty (hines ferene, And fmiling Hope her lovely bloffoms fpreads ; But foon — too foon fad forrov/ clouds the fcene, C05 And pleafure gone, we mourn the blackening (hades. The varied Seafons circle round in hafle ; To Summer's bloom the flow'ry Spring gives way,. And Autumn yields to Winter's howling waile, When Nature fades, and all her charms decay. -610 l$0 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book III. So days and years in varying change fucceed, And fwift conclude Life's fhort contracted fpan : Childhood foon flies — Youth rolls with winged fpeed, And Age confumes the full grown ftrength of man. Delight foon withers like the rofe that fades i 615 With joys to come, Hope cheers each anxious toil : Blifs fweetly blows — wide op'ning Pleafure fpreads, And Life's gay charms in fiiining glory fmile. But, ah ! — fad Difappointment blafts our joys. On eagle's wings our beft-Iov'd pleafures fly : 620 Each fmiling hope all-conqu'ring Time deflroys, And ruin fpreads on all that charms the eye. Nor is it age that ends our fleeting days 5— - ' The darts of fate inceflant round us fly : While beauty fades, youth falls, and ftrength decays ; — Ev'n fmiling Innocence but blooms to die ! 626 Book III. THE SORROWS OT LOV£. I3I All ranks and ages fiiare one gen'ral fate ; Wealth, pow^r, nor grandeur can avert the doom : The young, the old — friends^ foes — the good, the great — > All lie promifcuous in the lonely tomb. 630 But, ah ! — Time triumphs not o'er man alone j Change and deftruAion wide^ their ruins fpread : All creatures fall — the oaks, for years that faone, Demoiifh'd lie like fummer fiow'rs that fade. Proud cities — ftates — and pow'rful empires fhare, 635' The wafteful change that fweeps this earthly ball : Art's ftrongeil monuments diffolve in air ; — Ev'n Nature's works wax old, and mould'ring fall ! Wide-raging Ruin (hall this great globe afiail, And all the fky's deep-fix*d foundations raze ; 640 The fun — moon — ftars, (Kali all extinguifli'd fail, And Heav'n and Earth in one wide ruin blaze. 152 THE SORROWS or LOTE. Book IIL Then Time fhall ceafe — and from its mouldering tomb, In heightened channs new Heav'ns and Earth fhall rife *^ Thera ccafekft blifi in andlift fffiilei fhall bloom, 645 And day eternal glad the cloudlefs Ikics* Then figh no more, though pleafures fwiftly fade, Nor mourn, though woes with conftant cares moleft : Here ills may rage, and toils and miseries fpread, But all our fuff'rings in the grave fhall reft. 650 Rage on, ye Ills ! — ye MIs'ries ! round us fly ; Time fhall deftroy you as the joys we mourn ; In one fad ruin, good and ill fhall lie. But lafting Blifs fhall flouriih from the urn. Hafte, then, ye ruln'd fcenes 1 — your fury pour — 655 O'er all my joys your defolations fhed ; I wait my deilin'd ills — I hail the hour, That lays me proftrate with the filent dead^ Book III. THE SORROWS OF LOVE. ^3S In hope I look to diftant brighter climes. Where nobler fcenes and purer joys abound ; 660 Where pains fhall ceafe, and toils and hateful crimes, And Love ne'er fpread his forrowing cares around. Farewell, ye fcenes of Time — ye vain deiires ! Dreams of delight which wak'd the conftant Ugh ; To nobler fcenes my panting foul afpires — 66; On higher joys I bend my longing eye. Adieu, ye Swains — ^ye lovely Maids, adieu ! Adieu, ye vales — fweet fcenes of happier days I Adieu, ye Groves — ^ye Bow'rs Hill charm the view- Farewell, falfe Love — farewell my mournful lays 1 67© Ceafe, then, the fong : — ye Nymphs, the theme retain, And let the vales refound the plaintive fti-ain ; While o'er the feas Britannia rules fupreme. And Love and Beauty haunt the fylvan ftream. 134 THE SORROWS OF LOVE. Book III, Enough that in thefe fad difaftrous times, 675 When War and Difcord walle furrounding climes : When mighty George, thro' Europe's* wide domains, Refills the ftorm, and ancient lav/s maintains ; Of haughty France reftrains th' impetuous rage, And ftems the downfall of a threaten'd age ; 683 Erefts his flag on Rome's devoted tow'rs — O'er Egypt's rayag'd ftiores his thunder pours ; Purfues the foe through Judah's pleafant land. And wide o'er India fpreads his conqu'ring hand ^ 6R4 When his proud fails fweep Spain and Holland's fleets, Crufti Denmark's pride, and fliake the Northern feats s Enough for me, that fafe on Scotia's plains, I tune the reed, and fmg the rural fl;rainSr * It may be unneccflary to remark, that thefe lines allude tcr the very brilliant and unexampled vi6lories, which, by the blef- ling of Divine Providence, have attended the arms of the Britifh empire, during the prefenc ever-memorable war, from its com« mencement down to the ifl of May i8ci. Book III. THE SOR.ROWS OF LOVE. I35 Strong in the aid of Hcav'n, great George, purfue The road to Fame; — th' afpiring Gaul fubdue : 690 Set defolate Europe free — ^break Slavery's chain; And wide o'er all let fettled Order reign. Let Vice, Impiety, and Error ceafe, And clcanfe the Temples of the Prince of Peace ; O'er Asia's plains the light of hfe extend, 69.5, Heal Afric's v/oes, and her long forrows end ; O'er India, Eaft and Weft, the joys entwine Of focial Blifs, juft Laws, and Hope divine. Then long fhall Britain reign : — Difcord fhall ceafc. And round the World ftiall bloom the fweets of Peace ! ' THE END. Printed hy Mundell & Son, 7 Royal Bank We, Ed'in. S, W 19 **'\ -Wss j-'X. ••^•■" **^^--. V % V^P-/ J5»^'X "-^^JW' <^^ \. ' '-^ ♦ ^ ^.^ ^^ {y Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process ^ 4V ♦ dTKi^^i^'^ ^^ttt <3L^ Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide *^«1^ • I^P'I^^**' cD Cp^ Treatment Date: March 2009 ,s*=^V \^^^P/ 1^^'^ PreservationTechnologies ^ ^f» **»^^^^4 . 'v '^ A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVATION C>^ *■«>♦** -<% ^ 111 Thomson Park Drive «*''*♦ *^b V 0»» ^ Cranberry Township, PA 16066 yv -Ik-' /% -^Wsy^z-s .•» v^ .4^ L^«?ft .1 %* ^>^ ' * ^ *>^ -^^ Xv^\,^w^^^^'^.•^ ^ t"»* '^. ^^. •