Classic Poem

When fair Amelia's artless smiles,
At first my youthful bosom fir'd;
I look'd and sigh'd from day to day,
But durst not say that I admir'd.

Yet what my tongue could not reveal,
True love's expressive looks betray'd,
Tir'd with restraint, at length I own'd
My passion to the lovely maid.

You should have told me this before,
'Tis now too late, she said, and sigh'd,
Last night arriv'd a lover gay,
My father means me for his bride.

When next my wand'ring heart was caught
By bright Eliza's sparkling eyes,
Quickly I sought the beauteous maid,
My wishes told without disguise.

Damon, she said, 'tis all in vain
To urge your proffer'd vows of love,
Go woo some other willing maid,
Your suit I never can approve;

The fav'rite lamb of all my flock,
A playful wanton, chanc'd to stray,
Young Stephen brought the wand'rer back,
Rut ah! he stole my heart away.

Of ev'ry sweet attractive charm,
Of ev'ry mental grace possest,
Young Chloe only wanted wealth,
To make the fondest lover blest.

Av'rice and passion in my breast,
A doubtful struggle long maintain'd,
But pow'rful love at length prevail'd,
And there alone triumphant reign'd.

'Twas on the lovely first of May,
I met young Chloe in the grove,
Attended by a beauteous train,
She seem'd the smiling Queen of love;

With eager haste I took her hand,
Wilt thou, fair shepherdess, be mine,
Wilt thou my ardent flame return,
My heart, my wealth, shall all be thine.

Frowning, she snatch'd her snowy hand,
And turn'd her blushing face away,
Your heart and wealth I both resign,
To be my Colin's bride to-day.