Classic Poem

ODE XXIX.

SUPPOSED TO BE WRITTEN BY COLONEL LOVELACE, AFTER HIS CONFINEMENT, WHILE YET IN A STATE OF POVERTY .

I.

Fair charmer, heed not what I say;
This heart, so studious to complain,
When sighing sad, it could not love again,
Breath'd but a false, tho' plaintive lay.

II.

From me Love will not, cannot flee,
That ancient inmate of my breast;
No! — he must be my constant, constant guest,
Long as these eyes can gaze on thee.

III.

When I survey that modest grace,
See Kindness thro' thine eyelid shine,
New tumults move within this breast of mine;
I fall the victim of thy face.

IV.

And what tho' Fortune should deny
On thee her favours to bestow?
Still Love shall give my secret breast to glow;
The Muse forbid thy name to die.