XII. He rejects all employments and places, XIII. In spite of his caution and care, THE EXPIRING SWAN, ON LOSING HER MATE. Written in 1741. Tune "The Dying Swan." WHEN Phoebus coursing to the West, His warmer beams withdrew; Inviting kindly all to rest, And bid the plains adieu ; As then in silence all things lay, Bright Luna's charms display'd, The Goddess deck'd in silver Supply'd the day decay'd. ray, On Thames' delightful crystal stream, A dying Swan complain'd; While sad departing love's her theme, Her mournful throat thus strain'd: "Why have the fates so cruel been? "Philander's loss I mourn; "Was ever I with others seen, "Why am I thus alone. "No; rather, I believe, my dear "If so, my Swan, I'll follow thee, "But first farewell, my sisters dear, "Of Love's kind passion have a care, "Lest you like me complain. "And fare thee well once happy glade! "Alas, to part 1 weep; "Thy rush and ozier oft our shade, "Where murmurs lull'd our sleep. "But, now those balmy joys are fled, "Ye purling streams adieu! "Since then the gay Philander's dead, "Sylvia's no more with you." Thus sung the lily-drooping fair, Her grave she made where rushes are, A LETTER TO THE EDITOR OF THE OLD WOMAN'S MAGAZINE; AND FIRST PUBLISHED IN THAT WORK. WHETHER the petition delivered into the House to prevent the drinking of Gin, is intended really and bona fide to answer that salutary purpose, and not merely to *****. If it be, I am for it with all my heart, for I'm afraid excessive drinking, excessive gaming, and excessive playing the fool, will be the destruction of this nation. MARY MIDNIGHT. |