
Then, whilst my Soul dissolv'd in amorous Bliss,
Plann'd idle Schemes of endless Happiness;
Thy Voice, soft soothing, flatter'd my Desire,
Rouz'd every Sense, and fill'd my Breast with Fire.
Thus rapt in Extacy my Moments past,
Ah! Extacy too wonderful to last!
When one curst Hour, one blasting Stroke of Fate,
Down hurl'd me from my Pinnacle of State;
Snatch'd every vain ideal Hope of Bliss,
And whelm'd me deep in Woe's extreme Abyss.
Unfeeling Maid! by such harsh Means to prove
The boundless Influence of Almighty Love!
Had those sad Papers been at first reveal'd,
Or ever from my cheated Sight conceal'd;
One last Farewell, one heart-breaking Adieu,
Had torn my struggling Soul from Love and you:
Or still of happy Ignorance possest,
I had enjoy'd a visionary Rest;

Till shudd'ring with Astonishment and Fear,
Loud nuptial Hymns had pierc'd my'affrighted Ear;
And, as with Lightning blasted, my strange Doom
Had sunk me deep, deep in the Grave's dark Womb.
Think not I seek to interrupt your Joys,
Upbraid your Conduct, or condemn your Choice:
My Happy Rival boasts far nobler Birth,
Vows earlier plighted, and superior Worth;
Propitious Fortune bless'd his Natal Hour,
And Plutus hail'd him in a golden Show'r;
Ten thousand Heifers o'er his Pastures rove:—
My only Wealth was Competence and Love!
No—Could you, pitying as these Lines you see,
Bid me still live to Happiness and Thee;
Could you for me, unmindful of your Vows,
Burst from th' Embraces of your promis'd Spouse;
For me, in some lone Cot consent to dwell,
And bid your Country and your Friends farewell:
Wretch tho' I am, the Prize I'd still forego,
Nor wish such Joys, e'en to my deadliest Foe.
Live, long and happy! nor disturb your Bliss,
With one sad Thought of Colin's Wretchedness:
Or should soft Pity prompt you still to bear
The Memory of a Youth you once held dear;
Still grant me your Esteem, since Love must end,
And tho' the Wife be lost, remain the Friend.

COLIN to DELIA, On the Death of CORYDON. Written at the University.
IF, from these gloomy Walls, these antique Tow'rs,
Where meagre Study wastes the midnight Hours;
Where Pedant Learning sits severe, nor knows
The Anguish of
