Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO CHARLES BURNEY, by FRANCES (FANNY) BURNEY


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO CHARLES BURNEY, by                    
First Line: Oh author of my being! - far more dear / to me than light
Last Line: Accept the tribute -- but forget the lay.
Alternate Author Name(s): D'arblay, Madame
Subject(s): Fathers


OH author of my being! -- far more dear
To me than light, than nourishment, or rest,
Hygieia's blessings, Rapture's burning tear,
Or the life-blood that mantles in my breast!

If in my heart the love of Virtue glows,
'Twas planted there by an unerring rule;
From thy example the pure flame arose,
Thy life, my precept -- thy good works, my school.

Could my weak powers thy numerous virtues trace,
By filial love each fear should be repressed;
The blush of Incapacity I'd chase,
And stand, recorder of thy worth, confessed:

But since my niggard stars that gift refuse,
Concealment is the only boon I claim;
Obscure be still the unsuccessful Muse,
Who cannot raise, but would not sink, your fame.

Oh! of my life at once the source and joy!
If e'er thy eyes these feeble lines survey,
Let not their folly their intent destroy;
Accept the tribute -- but forget the lay.





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