Classic Poem

My youthful compeer once was rosy Health
She led me forth beside the sparkling rills;
But Love by Fortune ruled came but by stealth,
And while my feet were bounding o'er the hills
This heart was heavy with a load of care;
Mine eyes turned inward on a shadowed mind:
That Lake was bright — but Henry was not there:
In vain does Nature smile when Love's unkind.

Youth shed around me his ethereal light;
Seen through those beams this face awhile seemed fair;
If not of heavenly mould 'twas soft and bright,
As Earth illumined may with Heaven compare:
But then I cried O flowers of fleeting bloom
Thy lavish blossoms lead to wan decay;
O couldst thou wither now and life resume
In Henry's sight to flourish fresh and gay!

Now Love is mine — his bounteous feast hath spread —
" Come taste" he cries " I give thee Angel's food:
Such balmy fruits of such a glowing red
The touch of innocence in Eden wood".
Alas while Love this richest banquet brought
Youth stole away and Health with eye askance
Froze every glad desire and genial thought
And left me gazing in a joyless trance.

With heart unblest I feed on viands rare
And tears are mingled with nectarous draught:
Return sweet Health and bless my dainty fare
What gales of happiness thy pinions waft!
But if thy coming sends Love's face away
And if ye two can never end your strife
Then Love though joyless I with thee must stay
To part now from thee were to part from Life.