Eleven years may vastly change : Married and grave, he'll spend his time Forgetting oranges and myrtle, Will drink his port and eat his turtle; And turn his back on thee and Wit. For thee, my friend, whose copious vein Each fair idea quick to seize ; Who knows within so long a space What scenes the present may efface, What course thy stream of life may take, What winds may curl, what storms may shake, What varying colours, gay or grave, Shall tinge by turns the passing wave; Of objects on its banks what swarms— Shall glide before the liquid glass, Let Fancy then and Friendship stray Try not to stop the passing show; A sigh, a farewell, and a tear. TO THE BARON DE STONNE, WITH AIKIN'S ESSAY ON SONG-WRITING. To Gallia's gay and gallant coast Say, Love can hold his torch as high Beneath our heaven deformed with showers, As in her pure and brilliant sky, By vine-clad hills or myrtle bowers: Ask if her damsels bloom more fair; To sing their praise in numbers due. TO THE MISS WEBSTERS, WITH DR. AIKIN'S "WISH," WHICH THEY EXPRESSED A DESIRE TO HAVE A COPY OF. NOT this the Wish in life's first, gayest page, Becomes your opening years and golden prime; When blood begins to creep, when fled is youth, And nature verges toward lethargic rest, Gardens and groves the languid mind may soothe, And fire-side comforts satisfy the breast. For you, quick Fancy spreads her brightest stores, Paints high the colour of each opening joy, Enthusiastic hope to rapture soars, And untried scenes the busy thoughts employ. may her soft enchantment late prolong The fond romance of innocence and youth! No richer cordial dealt by hoary Truth. Nor fear, while you the gaudy dream pursue, While fluttering pulses dance, and scenes are new, Your Wish is transport, and your Hopes are bliss. |