And  scribble— not  for  pudding,  but  for  praise.
These  careless  lines,  if  any  virgin  hears.
Perhaps,  in  pity  to  my  joyless  years,
She  may  consent  a  generous  flame  to  own  ;
And  I  no  longer  sigh  the  nights  alone.
But  should  the  fair,  affected,  vain,  or  nice.
Scream  with  the  fears  inspired  by  frogs  or  mice ;
Cry, "  Save  us,  heaven  I  a  spectre,  not  a  man  !"
Her  hartshorn  snatch  or  interpose  her  fan :
If  I  my  tender  overture  repeat ;
Oh  !  may  my  vows  her  kind  reception  meet !
May  she  new  graces  on  my  form  bestow,
And  with  tall  honours  dignify  my  brow  !


ODE  TO  AURORA,  ON  MELISSA'S  BIRTH-DAY.
I  !
■  I


Of  time  and  nature  eldest  bom.
Emerge,  thou  roey-finger'd  mom.
Emerge,  in  purest  dress  array'd.
And  chase  from  Heaven  night's  envious  shade

That  I  once  more  may,  pleased,  survey.
And  hail  Melissa's  natal  day.
Of  time  and  nature  eldest  bom.
Emerge,  thou  roey-finger'd  mom  ;
In  order  at  the  eastern  gate
The  Hours  to  draw  thy  chariot  wait ;
Whilst  zephyr,  on  his  balmy  wings.
Mild  nature*s  fragrant  tribute  brings.
With  odours  sweet  to  strew  thy  way,
I  And  grace  the  bland  revolving  day.
But  as  thou  lead'st  the  radiant  sphere.
That  gilds  its  birth,  and  marks  the  year.
And  as  his  stronger  glories  rise,
Diffused  around  th'  expanded  dues.
Till  clothed  with  beams  serenely  bright.
All  Heaven's  vast  concave  flames  with  light ;
So,  when,  through  life's  protracted  day,
Melissa  still  pursues  her  way,
Her  virtue^  with  thy  splendour  vie.
Increasing  to  the  mental  eye  :
Though  less  conspicuous,  not  less  dear.
Long  may  they  Bion's  prospect  cheer  ;
So  shall  his  heart  no  more  repine,
Bless'd  with  her  rays,  though  robb'd  of  thine.
