Classic Poem

To Mira

By the remembrance of our secret joys,
And all the hallow'd mysteries of love;
Thy blooming beauties, and unsully'd fame,
The rolling river, and the conscious grove;

Forgive my fears, from too fond passion sprung,
Nor blame thy lover, if he dares complain —
The wonted favours you deny me now,
Are they not lavish'd on a richer swain?

When prideful F LORIO exulting boasts,
His lowing herds, that blacken all the lea,
Numbers his boundless stores; is he receiv'd,
Or heard with cold civility, like me?

Shook by disease, you late desponding lay,
Wan was your cheek, and hollow was your eye;
Relenting heav'n beheld my pious grief;
A lover's grief is grateful to the sky:

Straight on your cheek the faded roses bloom'd,
Your wither'd eye-balls sudden moisture lar'd;
And shall another riot on these charms,
Possess these beauties which my piety sav'd?

Think not, false maid! A LEXIS , unaveng'd,
Will bear the pangs of ill-requited love;
O! timely shun the blasting curse of heav'n;
An injur'd lover has a friend above.

Why check that tear, repress that swelling sigh?
Hail, happy omens of my future bliss!
Flow, quicker flow, ye sweet repentant tears!
Ye cannot flow so fast as I can kiss.