To Florio

For blooming happiness young Florio sighs;
And yonder, see, the lovely stranger wait!
Desire, impatient, sparkles in his eyes,
Till wealth conduct her smiling to his gate.

Here, Florio, take this glass, and look again;
You'll find 'tis distance makes her seem so fair.
She must be yours, — nor shall you sigh in vain—
Not blooming happiness, but wrinkled care:

Companion of your life; for heaven ordains
That care with riches is a constant guest;
Yet fond, mistaking mortals court her chains,
And think her tyrant sway will make them blest

But upward point that glass of truth, and see
A fairer guest, descending from the sky,
Celestial hope! 'tis she, my friend, 'tis she
Who never pains the heart, or cheats the eye.

Kind hope, she rules the mind with sweet control;
Her voice is harmony! propitious fair!
She calms, inspires, and animates the soul,
And wins a smile from gloomy frowning care.

Care plants a thorny forest on the plain,
And teazing, bids you trace that forest o'er
In search of happiness, but still in vain
Your weary steps the mazy wild explore.

Celestial hope relieves your anxious mind,
While through the gloom the dear supporter guides
Your doubtful way, and whispers, "You shall find
"(Though distant far) where happiness resides.

See, the shades open! — now direct your eye,
"A beam of glory points her bright abode,
M Beyond the reach of care, above the sky:
"This glass, this faithful glass will shew the road."