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EDWIN AND EMMA.

Far in the windings of a vale,
Fast by a sheltering wood,
The safe retreat of health and peace,
An humble cottage stood.

There beauteous Emma flourish'd fair,
Beneath a mother's eye;
Whose only wish on earth was now
To see her blest and die.

The softest blush that nature spreads,
Gave colour to her cheek;
Such orient colour smiles through heaven,
When May's sweet moreings break.

Nor let the pride of great ones scorn,
This charmer of the plains:
That sun who bids their diamond blaze,
To paint our lily deigns.

Long had she fill'd each youth with love,
Each maiden with despair;
And tho' by all a wonder own'd,
Yet knew not she was fair.