This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

72

And though this hand no more can guide
The friendly pen, till pain subside,
Yet, gentle one, at thy request,
The thoughts within this heart compressed,
In simple, mournful strains, shall flow,
On pleasures past and present woe.
Yet must thy gentle heart prepare
To hear the tones of deep despair;
Though lightly touched my grief shall be,
Thou much loved friend of infancy!

When morning life in brightness bloomed,
And pleasure each young heart illumed,
Hope's joyous accents then were borne
On the soft breath of balmy morn:
And virtue's pure, seraphic voice
Bade youth in her loved power rejoice;
While friends and kindred sweetly smiled,
And every transient care beguiled.
The ardent, young, and glowing mind
O'er pleasure's flowery scenes reclined,—
O'er fairy tale and vision pored
With fancy's glowing beauties stored.
The poet's page of ancient name
Charmed with its bright, bewitching flame;—
And history's calm and learned lore
Was added to the mental store.
While each a varying picture wrought
To charm the soul, or guide the thought,