On Seeing W. R. Chetwood Cheerful in a Prison

Say, lov'd Content—fair goddess, say,
Where shall I seek thy soft retreat,
How shall I find thy halcion seat,
Or trace thy secret way?

Love pointed out a pleasing scene,
Where nought but beauty could be found,
With roses and with myrtles crown'd,
And nam'd thee for its queen.

Delusion all!—a specious cheat!
At my approach the roses fade,
I found each fragrance quite decay'd,
And curs'd the fond deceit.

At courts I've try'd where splendor shone,
Where pomp and gilded cares reside,
'Midst endless hurry, endless pride,
But there thou wast unknown.

Yet in the captive's dreary cell,
Lodg'd with a long experienc'd sage,
With the fam'd CHIRON of the stage
The goddess deign'd to dwell.

Integrity, and truth serene,
Had eas'd the labours of his breast,
And lull'd his peaceful heart to rest
'Midst perfidy and pain.

A soul like his, disrob'd of guile,
With native innocence elate,
Above the keenest rage of fate
Can greet her with a smile.