[ADDRESSED TO MISS STAPLETON] SHE came--she is gone--we have met-- And meet perhaps never again; The sun of that moment is set, And seems to have risen in vain. Catharina has fled like a dream-- (So vanishes pleasure, alas!) But has left a regret and esteem, That will not so suddenly pass. The last evening ramble we made, Catharina. Maria, and I. Our progress was often delayed By the nightingale warbling nigh. We paused under many a tree, And much she was charmed with a tone Less sweet to Maria and me. Who bad witnessed so lately her own. My numbers that day she had sung, And gave them a grace so divine, As only her musical tongue Could infuse into numbers of mine. The longer I heard, I esteemed The work of my fancy the more, And e'en to myself never secmed So tuneful a poct before. Though the pleasures of London exceed In number the days of the year. Catharina, did nothing impede, Would feel herself happier here; For the close-weven arches of limes On the banks of our river, I know Are sweeter to her many times Than all that the city can show. So it is, when the mind is endued With a well-judging taste from above, Then, whether embellished or rude, 'Tis nature alone that we love. The achievements of art may amuse, May even our wonder excite, But groves, hills, and valleys diffuse A lasting, a sacred delight. Since then in the rural recess Catharina alone can rejoice, May it still be her lot to possess The scene of her sensible choice! To inhabit a mansion remote From the clatter of street-pacing steeds, And by Philomel's annual note To measure the life that she leads. With her book, and her voice, and her lyre, To wing all her moments at home, And with scenes that new rapture inspire As oft as it suits her to roam. She will have just the life she prefers, With little to wish or to fear, And ours will be pleasant as hers, Might we view her enjoying it here. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SHE WEEPS OVER RAHOON by JAMES JOYCE YOUNG SAMMY'S FIRST WILD OATS by GEORGE SANTAYANA REMEMBRANCE by JOHN HENRY BONER THE FUNERAL by WALTER JOHN DE LA MARE THE BENCH OF BOORS by HERMAN MELVILLE 23RD STREET RUNS INTO HEAVEN by KENNETH PATCHEN SUMMER. THE SECOND PASTORAL, OR ALEXIS by ALEXANDER POPE |