Classic Poem

SONG IN DIALOGUE .

THYRSIS .

Delia! how long must I despair,
And tax you with disdain,
Still to my tender love severe,
Untouch'd when I complain?

DEL . When men of equal merit love us,
And do with equal ardour sue,
Thyrsis! you know but one must move us.
Can I be your's and Strephon's too?

My eyes view both with mighty pleasure,
Impartial to your high desert;
To both alike esteem I measure;
To one alone can give my heart.

THYR . Mysterious guide of inclination,
Tell me, Tyrant! why am I,
With equal merit, equal passion,
Thus the victim chosen to die?
Why am I
The victim chosen to die?

DEL . On Fate alone depends success,
And fancy reason over-rules,
Or why should virtue ever miss
Reward, so often giv'n to fools?

'Tis not the valiant nor the witty,
But who alone is born to please:
Love does predestinate our pity;
We chuse but whom he first decrees.