Classic Poem

WITH THE TRAGEDY OF VENICE PRESERVED .

In tender Otway's moving scenes we find
What pow'r the gods have to your sex assign'd;
Venice was lost if on the brink of fate
A woman had not propt her sinking state:
In the dark danger of that dreadful hour
Vain was her senate's wisdom, vain its pow'r;
But sav'd by Belvidera's charming tears:
Still o'er the subject main her tow'rs she rears,
And stands a great example to mankind
With what a boundless sway you rule the mind,
Skilful the worst or noblest ends to serve,
And strong alike to ruin or preserve.
In wretched Jaffier we with pity view
A mind to honour false to virtue true,
In the wild storm of struggling passions tost
Yet saving innocence tho' fame was lost,
Greatly forgetting what he ow'd his friend —
His country which had wrong'd him to defend.
But she who urg'd him to that pious deed,
Who knew so well the patriot's cause to plead,
Whose conq'ring love her country's safety won,
Was by that fatal love herself undone.
" Hence may we learn what passion fain would hide,
" That Hymen's bands by Prudence should be ty'd.
" Venus in vain the wedded pair would crown
" If angry Fortune on their union frown;
" Soon will the flatt'ring dreams of joy be o'er,
" And cloy'd imagination cheat no more:
" Then waking to the sense of lasting pain
" With mutual tears the bridal couch they stain,
" And that fond love which should afford relief
" Does but augment the anguish of their grief,
" While both could easier their own sorrows bear
" Than the sad knowledge of each other's care. "
May all the joys in Love and Fortune's pow'r
Kindly combine to grace your nuptial hour!
On each glad day may plenty show'r delight,
And warmest rapture bless each welcome night!
May Heav'n that gave you Belvidera's charms
Destine some happier Jaffier to your arms,
Whose bliss misfortune never may allay,
Whose fondness never may thro' care decay,
Whose wealth may place you in the fairest light,
And force each modest beauty into sight!
So shall no anxious want your peace destroy,
No tempest crush the tender buds of joy,
But all your hours in one gay circle move,
Nor Reason ever disagree with Love!