Classic Poem

In the mid-day of summer, and far from the shade,
Beneath a steep rock, a young shepherd was laid;
The roses of beauty had paled on his face,
Yet each look was expressive, each motion was grace.
Thus flow'd his soft numbers;—and strange that a swain,
With such eyes, and such numbers, should languish in vain!

Ye fierce beams of noon, on my bosom that dart,
How languid your heat to the flames in my heart!
The breezes attemper the fervours of day,
But what can my passion for Chloris allay?
Not the wild breath of Anger its fires can assuage,
Not the ice of Indifference extinguish its rage.

That frozen indifference unpitied I mourn,
Neglected I leave her, unmark'd I return;
No sigh for my pain, and no smile for my joy,
No transport can melt her, no anger annoy;
Yet still, self-supported, tho' hopeless my flame,
Like the lamp monumental, 'tis ever the same.