Classic Poem

D ear, matchless Maid! O gently condescend,
To read one Billet from thy absent Friend :
Thy Friend! —but that's a cold, a distant Claim,
My Passion sure deserves a tend'rer Name.
Let not these am'rous Lines offend thy View,
If I subscribe me——S TELLA'S Lover too.
Yes, I avow my Flame, nor does my Fair,
Tho' she refuses, bid my Heart despair;
'Twas Virgin Shame those cold Returns supply'd,
Thy Eyes spoke Pity, when thy Tongue deny'd.
But O tho' Love's soft Fires those Glances dart,
I find a wint'ry Coldness round thy Heart .
Tell, I adjure thee! brightest Creature , tell,
Why you distress a Youth who loves so well?
What Cause conceal'd, what hapless Cause destroys:
The wish'd Completion of my virtuous Joys?
Canst thou on Truth more pure bestow thy Charms?
Or e'er be circled by more doating Arms?
What tho' no Wealth thy Lover can bestow,
Sincerer Pleasures still our Lives should know.
The Ring on S TELLA'S snowy Finger plac'd,
The Buckle glitt'ring on her Taper Waist;
The Gem to deck her Ear with sparkling Pride,
The Locket pendant at her graceful Side;
The costly Brussels , and the rich Brocade,
These lend to Happiness but fancy'd Aid.
But, O! more valued Bliss my Fair should prove,
In an indulgent Husband 's fondest Love;
Bless'd in his chearful Trust , his Carriage free ,
Dull to all Joys but what he finds in thee.
Will S TELLA yet, the loveliest Maid, refuse?
And by Delays these happiest Moments lose?
Forbid it Hymen! may her pitying Heart
Melt to my Woes, and take her Lover 's Part—
Adieu, my dearest Wish , my only Joy ,
Born to compleat my Comforts or destroy.
Thy dooming Will my doubtful Fate assures,
Mine is the Hope to sooth, to crown it, Y OURS .