Classic Poem

I.

The sprightly eye, the rosy cheek,
The dimpled chin, and look so meek,
The nameless grace and air ;
The ruby lip in sweetness drest,
The softly-swelling angel breast —
All these adorn my fair !

II.

See! what unnumber'd beauties rove.
Around each feature of my love,
And sire my rapt'rous soul !
Ten thousand sweets her looks disclose ;
At ev'ry look my bosom glows,
And yields to love's control.

III.

JusTheav'ns ! why gave ye charms like these,
With ev'ry graceful art to please,
To her whom rigid fate,
Permits me not my pain to tell,
And makes me sacred truth conceal
From one I wish my mate.

IV.

Curse on the sordid thirst of gold !
When tend'rest passions all are sold
To win the world's applause ;
When, for desire, and love, and joy,
Low interest shall our hours employ,
And gain th'ignoble cause.