Rayless and faint the lesser stars appear,
That gild the gay theatric hemisphere,
When, Venus -like, thy radiant looks display
The rosy promise of a brighter day;
What glowing touches of unrivall'd art,
Illume my spirit, animate my heart,
Call from its ruby source the vital tide,
And o'er my kindling cheek disfuse it wide!
Bold Fancy's falcon-wing, with tow'ring flight
Vainly essays to reach thy dazzling height,
Drooping, she sinks beneath thy ardent blaze,
And, lost in sighing languishment, I gaze!
Yet, fondly, still let me pursue a theme
Fairer than ever blest a Poet's dream,
Catch inspiration from thy sunny eyes,
And, with the soft idea, learn to rise.
Pardon, sweet daughter of the scenic muse,
That Admiration, now, in silence views,
And, damp'd by chill Despair his tuneful fire,
A POLLO slumbers on his golden lyre,
But when, (ye Pow'rs! protract the distant date,)
That angel form submits to frowning Fate,
(Whom, cruel, nor caelestial charms can move,
Nor kisses from the violet lip of Love,)
When heard no more the witching airs you sung,
When mute the melting magic of that tongue,
When fades the living lustre from your eye,
The roses wither, and the lilies fly,
Caught by my strain, each future age shall view
Thy beauteous picture to it's semblance true,
Cull from each line thy genuine talents forth,
Nor wonder, that I paus'd to match thy worth.