Drawn for Valentine by the L. D. S.

Though 'gainst me Love and Destiny conspire,
Though I must waste in an unpitied fire,
By the same Deity, severe as fair,
Commanded adoration and despair;
Though I am mark'd for sacrifice, to tell
The growing age what dangerous glories dwell
In this bright dawn, who, when she spreads her rays,
Will challenge every heart, and every praise;
Yet she who to all hope forbids my claim,
By Fortune's taught indulgence to my flame.
Great Queen of Chance! unjustly we exclude
Thy power an interest in beatitude,
Who, with mysterious judgement, dost dispense
The bounties of unerring Providence,
Whilst we, to whom the causes are unknown,
Would style that blindness thine, which is our own;
As kind in justice to thyself as me,
Thou hast redeem'd thy name and votary;
Nor will I prize this less for being thine,
Nor longer at my destiny repine:
Counsel and choice are things below thy state;
Fortune relieves the cruelties of Fate.