Thespia XIII: Dear, Anxious Maid! whose apprehensive love

Dear, Anxious Maid! whose apprehensive love
Hath form'd of tender fears a numerous train;
These looks of fond solicitude remove!
Fled is the gloomy progeny of Pain.

Fled is each sullen image from my mind,
O'er its corporeal yoke-mate brooding dull;
The thoughts of thee alone are left behind,
Of thee in every part, my soul is full.

Warm to my breast the vital spirits flow,
Kindle anew each strong affection there,
The mutual ardour, corresponding glow,
And grateful tumult which I scarce can bear.

Such as I feel, when from thy speaking eye
Dart unrestrain'd the beams of melting love,
While meek Sincerity stands smiling by,
And Innocence displays her wings above.

Such as I feel, when to Myself I vow
The sacred trust inviolably sure;
Guarded by steady Faith, which scorns to bow,
Whose ties the purest energies secure.

Reserve, and distant coyness, tutor'd arts,
Let these be goads to vitiated desire!
Nature's true colours charm untainted hearts,
Love begets love, creates, and feeds the fire.

Ambition's Sons, who climb her airy way!
What feelings can you boast compared with mine!
On you Content ne'er shed her tranquil ray,
Tho' in th' external glare of pomp You shine.

This eve, more real joy my breast inspired,
Than you can in a thousand ages know;
Joy which reflection can behold untired,
Amid whose blooms, no thorns of anguish grow.

Thou too reflect unblamed, my darling Fair,
And pleasure in thy generous heart be found!
Thy confidence, meets confidence sincere,
Thy truth, with undissembled truth is crown'd.

This night may Sleep unfold his gentlest wing!
The softest plume upon thy eye-lids lay!
Delightful be thy dreams as laughing Spring!
Enchanting as the first-born gales of May!

Ye level Meads, ye winding Streams be seen!
Your fringed sides with bending osiers graced!
Let Us exulting tread your margin green!
Mix the warm sigh, embrace, and be embraced!

Impart the secret dictates of our soul!
The wish, the passion, unreserved and free!
Conscious that equal choice can ne'er controul,
That perfect love, is perfect liberty.