Classic Poem

Light was my heart, and free from care,
When first I met my conquering fair;
In every glance secure to wound,
She dealt unerring deaths around;
Love in her eye his dart conceal'd,
The magic pierc'd my bosom's shield,
E MILIA'S willing slave I fell,
And bade to Liberty “F AREWELL .”

Now swiftly o'er mine heedless head
The joy-wing'd hours uncounted sped;
While Hope's gay colours cheer'd mine eye,
Ah, fondly deem'd too bright to die!—
But soon arose th' unwelcome day,
That call'd E MILIA hence away:
With sighs I mourn'd the broken spell,
And bade the flatterer Hope “F AREWELL .”
Ah when compell'd from thee to part,
When sorrow rent my bleeding heart,
When o'er thy much-lov'd form I hung,
And anguish trembled on my tongue,
Say, did I mourn with Friendship's tear
The loss of all my soul held dear?
Ah no!—I felt Love's funeral knell
Strike on mine heart the sad “F AREWELL .”

Pulse of mine heart, when, each lorn hour
Of night and day, the plaint I pour,
Wert thou, for Love is Pity's child,
Of Pity's tenderest tear beguil'd,
Love might, as Joy and Hope return,
His wither'd myrtle cease to mourn;
With thee for ever might I dwell,
And never bid thine arms “F AREWELL .”

Then should abide no more with me
Or anxious Hope , or Liberty ;
For Liberty were then from Heaven
A curse, and not a blessing given;
And why, it's dearest wish possest,
Should Hope remain to rack my breast?
But still with Joy that breast should swell,
And bid to Grief a long “F AREWELL .”

How blest thy suppliant's lot, wouldst thou
Accept and trust his faithful vow!
Nor Ill should hurt, nor Folly vex,
Mischance assail, nor Care perplex;
Serenely gay, and free from strife,
We'd pass the noon and eve of life;
Together sink in Death's dark cell,
And gently bid the world “F AREWELL !”