When distant far from you; Though pain, 'tis still a pleasing pain, To trace those days and hours again, And sigh again, adieu! 3. My pensive memory lingers o'er The measure of our youth is full, And we may meet-ah! never! 4. As when one parent spring supplies Two streams, which from one fountain rise, Together join'd in vain ; How soon, diverging from their source, 5. Our vital streams of weal or woe, Though near, alas! distinctly flow, Nor mingle as before; Now swift or slow, now black or clear, And both shall quit the shore. 6. Our souls, my Friend! which once supplied Disdaining humbler rural sports, 7. 'Tis mine to waste on love my time, Or vent my reveries in rhyme, Without the aid of Reason; For Sense and Reason (Critics know it) Nor left a thought to seize on. 8. Poor LITTLE! sweet, melodious bard! That he, who sang before all; By dire Reviewers should be branded, 9. And yet, while Beauty's praise is thine, Repine not at thy lot; Thy soothing lays may still be read, And Critics are forgot. IO. Still, I must yield those worthies merit, Bad rhymes, and those who write them; By critic sarcasm to be vext, I really will not fight them; † These Stanzas were written soon after the appearance of a severe critique in a Northern review, on a new publication of the British Anacreon. A Bard (horresco referens) defied his reviewer to mortal combat. If this example becomes prevalent, our periodical censors must be dipt in the river Styx, for what else can secure them from the numerous host of their enraged assailants. II. Perhaps they would do quite as well, He who offends at pert nineteen, Now I must return to you, And sure apologies are due; Accept then my concession; In truth, dear, in fancy's flight, I soar along from left to right, My muse admires digression. 13. I think I said 'twould be your To add one star to royal state; fate May regal smiles attend you; And should a noble Monarch reign, You will not seek his smiles in vain, If worth can recommend you. 14. Yet, since in danger courts abound, From snares may Saints preserve you ; And grant your love or friendship ne'er From any claim a kindred care, But those who best deserve you. 15. Not for a moment may you stray From Truth's secure unerring way, May no delights decoy; O'er roses may your footsteps move, Your tears be tears of joy. 16. Oh! if you wish that happiness Be, still, as you were wont to be, Spotless as you've been known to me, Be, still, as you are now. |