Classic Poem

Young Damon, and Chloe were mutually fond,
They kiss'd and they toy'd all the day;
Kind Hymen consented to finish the rest,
And join them for ever and aye.
Some fiend interfer'd, and the rites were delay'd,
By a circumstance few would suppose;
For thoughtless young Damon one day as he play'd,
Presented to Kitty — — a rose.

Alarm'd at the gift, Chloe rated the youth,
Fill'd with jealousy, rage, and disdain;
She call'd him false hearted, persidious and base,
And instantly quitted the plain.
He endeavour'd his innocence vainly to prove,
No words could her passion compose;
Such presents she said, were sure emblems of love,
And Kitty accepted — — the rose.

To the church, or the wake, or wherever she went,
He followed in hopes of relief;
Obdurate the fair one regardless beheld
The type of his penitence — grief.
Tho' seldom if ever, she deign'd a reply,
'T was only to add to his woes!
" No art shall e'er win me again to comply,
" Remember young Damon, the — — rose. "

For ever refus'd, when he knew that his heart
To Chloe was virtuous and true,
He thought was too much: — So neglected the fair,
Another more kind to pursue.
This treatment at length so afflicted the maid,
She sought him her mind to compose,
He gladly consented, and soon they were wed,
And Chloe ne'er thinks of — the rose.