Classic Poem

Once, Love and Fancy on the Wing
Jostled as in their Flight;
Said Fancy “Love, thou poor blind Thing,
“For once I'll set thee right.”

“That Voice, said Love, alas! I know,
“But pr'ythee, Fancy, why
“Shou'd I, by thy Direction go,
“Who in Meanders fly?

“'Tis thou, that injur'd hast my Name,
“Delusive as thou art;
“And when I've light a lambent Flame,
“You've wand'ring set the Heart.

“Through all the Windings of the Brain,
“A Poison you distil;
“Which make my best Endeavours vain,
“And still frustrates my Will.

“Short-sighted Mortals oft mistake
“Thy Impulses, for mine;
“And ev'ry Eye, it's Beauty's make,
“Which for a Moment shine.

“The next new Object, has its Charms,
“Obliterates the past;
“Variety the Sense disarms,
“The fairest is the last.”