Sylvander to Clarinda

5Love, from Clarinda’s heavenly eyes,

6 Transfixed his bosom thro’ and thro’;

7But still in Friendships’ guarded guise,

8 For more the demon fear’d to do.

9That heart, already more than lost,

10 The imp beleaguer’d all perdue;

11For frowning Honour kept his post—

12 To meet that frown, he shrunk to do.

13His pangs the Bard refused to own,

14 Tho’ half he wish’d Clarinda knew;

15But Anguish wrung the unweeting groan—

16 Who blames what frantic Pain must do?

17That heart, where motley follies blend,

18 Was sternly still to Honour true:

19To prove Clarinda’s fondest friend,

20 Was what a lover sure might do.

21The Muse his ready quill employed,

22 No nearer bliss he could pursue;

23That bliss Clarinda cold deny’d—

24 “Send word by Charles how you do!”

25The chill behest disarm’d his muse,

26 Till passion all impatient grew:

27He wrote, and hinted for excuse,

28 ’Twas, ’cause “he’d nothing else to do.”

29But by those hopes I have above!

30 And by those faults I dearly rue!

31The deed, the boldest mark of love,

32 For thee that deed I dare uo do!

33O could the Fates but name the price

34 Would bless me with your charms and you!

35With frantic joy I’d pay it thrice,

36 If human art and power could do!

37Then take, Clarinda, friendship’s hand,

38 (Friendship, at least, I may avow;)

39And lay no more your chill command,—

40 I’ll write whatever I’ve to do.SYLVANDER.

41 Note 1. A grass-widow, Mrs. M’Lehose. [back]